The next day Melissa was still glowing from her date with Taemin, who drove her to work. You dressed yourself with care. With a darkgreen satin mini dress, black gold chain belt and gold flats, your make up tastefully done that made your honey brown eyes pop and your hair were in glossy blonde waves.

Traffic was, like the previous morning, very congested. You were chatting candidly about your mentors and the charismatic Clive as well as the subtle office politics and the game you've tested, and you're confident that you'll find the bugs and glitches.

Melissa grinned, "Clive seems low-key impressed with you." She said with a lopsided smirk.

Your eyes widen as you look at her incredulously. "What! He seems mesmerized with you. Don't be funny, Mel; I can't afford to be embroiled in office gossip."

Melissa giggled as she saw your scrunched-up nose. "His sexy eyes always darted to you. It seems you look more visually attractive in your golden hair. Mmm, our little mochi will have stiff competition.'

You just scoffed, "My life is already complicated by so-called an army that is watching me with hawk eyes."

She just smirked inwardly. She truly hoped the starstruck interns would leave her friend alone, but everyone seemed energized by Ruby's presence, and it won't be long before more interns and management become aware of Ruby's association with Jimin.

BTS is now super famous. They're globally reknown, and everyone wants to know about their dating life or the identities of the famous elusive and faceless Bells. Almost three months ago there were rumors that Jungkook, the maknae, found his soulmate; he was implicated in a dating scandal in Jeju Island with a friend of Ruby, but it wasn't confirmed.

According to Ruby, her model friend told her she and the maknae are only close friends. End of story. The meltdown was instant from ARMY. But BigHit didn't deny or confirm anything yet. Even if the dating pics were authentic from Dispatch.

You both walked calmly into Netmarble's headquarters, where the sleek, modern, open-plan office was full of energy. Staff and interns were bustling around the reception. Those who werealready acquainted and found new connections moved to the elevators to their departments.

The atmosphere was relaxing, and the chatter was exciting. Melissa and Ruby were enthusiastically greeted by new friends. Adalyn was standing with a tall Chinese guy watching something on his phone.

Adalyn notices the two of you, excuses herself, and runs up to you with a wide grin. Her hair was in a very high ponytail.

"Hey guys, I was a little earlier today. WWorkingon my character costumes, but I just can't get the color codes perfected." She breathlessly state. You and Melissa greeted her and linked your arms with her as you walked to an elevator. You were acutely aware of the stares in your direction, which flared up your anxiety.

Back in your departments, you, Adalyn, and Melissa greeted each other and slipped into your stations. Your mentor grinned as she saw you and greeted you friendly. You smile and take out your cute notebook, mobile gaming console, and cute whimsical glitter pen with colorful feathers at the end.

The area felt high-tech and cutting-edge because the white and yellow walls were accented with electric blue, and there were rows of dual-monitor desks filled with mentors and interns, adorned with colorful VR headsets. You look around at the glass enclosure lounge across from your desk, plush sofas with giant screens streaming live bug reports.

Your eyes dart to the windows that went all the way to the floor and looked out over the busy streets near Gangnam Station. The neon-lit high-end shopfronts, upscale restaurants and cafes, and the nearby Hyundai department store made the city even more colorful and filled with energy.

Seo-ron chuckled as she took off her headphones; her smile was bright as she looked at you on your mobile game. You were waiting for your computer to log in.

"So, Ruby. Did you find any bugs and attempt to fix them? " She asked with raised eyes.

You smile softly and show her what you were working on.

Your mentor leaned over your desk, watching you analyze the game Seven Knights 2 you'dbeen testing and trying to fix the previous night.

"Look at this, Rubina," she said, impressed, pointing at your screen. "You caught a bug in the chain skill combo system-omg! a rare infinite loop. Do you know experienced programmers and even the game designers couldn't find this in months...you even fixed the character that is still in fighting mode but nowhere visible in the game!" she gasped in shock as she called out to another programmer, the Benny Blanco look-alike, Melissa's mentor, who was hovering over two programmers' monitors animating and explaining something.

"Mr. Kim...come check this out. Rubina locked in two bugs-" he was excitedly gesturing at the monitor in front of you.

He quickly left everything, and his chubby body found his way to your workstation. You felt the numerous eyes on you, and his calculating eyes were fixed on the game as Seo-ron explained with exaggerated gestures about the fixes.

Ruby bit your lip nervously. "I... just noticed it during testing... last night. I hope I didn't break or change anything."

"Just noticed it?" He said with a huge grin, his glasses reflected the sunlight, "Genius, Rubina! That's what you are." He turned and got the attention of all the intern programmers in your section. "Everyone, take note. Rubina is sharp, fast, and precise. She found two bugs and successfully fixed it. Well done, girl."

You smiled and said, "Just call me Ruby."

You blushed bright red as you heard hollers and claps from your peers. Melissa left her workstation and ran up to yours and hugged you from the back. Sea-ron and Mr. Kim were talking rustily in Korean. Sae-Ron pressed some buttons and sent the sscreenshot totheir supervisor. Whenever a bug is found, it must be recorded immediately. She wrote your name on a form with a wide smile. Proud that her mentor found it first, and not only one but two.

"Not bad, Ruby," Mr. Kim said, eyes scanning your code. "You fixed the chain skill loop faster than we expected. Well done; if that bug had reached production, it would've caused dozens of client crashes...and we can't have that. You have sharp eyes."

You got flustered as Melissa giggled behind you. "Thanks... just doing my part... of this awesome team."

Melissa nudged you teasingly. "See? Told you you'd impress them...your skills are legendary."

You smile as you notice subtle glances from other staff and interns alike-some curious, some clearly recognizing your aura. You just kept your head down, exhilarated but cautious of all the attention.

The first part of the morning was intense. Interns were conversing with their mentors. The sound of the servers was quiet in the background. Monitors and screens were lit up. There was new energy in your department. Calvin also made his rounds and was pleasantly surprised by your fixes.

His eyes held some glint that made you a little unsettled. Does he know your identity?

At lunchtime you, Adalyn, and Melissa strolled happily out of the programmers' work office and took the escalator downstairs to the cafeteria because the elevators were filled with employees and interns who rushed to get a place in the cafeteria.

Break time is very relaxing. Some interns were hyped up with their phones or mobile gaming systems, watching and playing games at the nearby gaming lounges. You and your friends want to just relax with your food and get yourself later in one of those cozy game lounges in your department office and work or play games.

Marco and Vinash joined you in the cafeteria and recounted their busy morning so far. Vinash complained that his mentor is so insecure. He found a bug, or it looked like one, but his mentor just dismissed it. Marco just looked satisfied because his mentor is very laid-back and makes him play more games than actually guiding him in his work.

You and Melissa told them how lucky you are to have more competent programmers who actually listen to your opinions and help you. Melissa just smirked and said that Mr. Kim hates her guts, but he could see a passion for games. She even found the cheat codes for in-game money, which you all wanted to get from her.

Adalyn sighed and told them she just felt stuck because her costumes didn't look near as amazing as her Japanese counterparts, who were very artistically skilled in cartooning. You all encourage her to research the Asian gaming costume designs.

You all enjoyed Korean fried chicken and Korean sodas and milky drinks. You came to love matcha and milk teas.

When you were done eating, Vinash led you to the gaming lounge near the cafeteria. It was an open-plan lounge. Staff and interns with visors and headphones were deeply indulged in whatever game they were testing or playing. There was a lot of chatting and giggling going on. Some were on vintage arcade gaming machines just to relax a bit. The foreign gamers were more energetic than the more demure Asian peers, whose eyes were fixed and determined.

Melissa chuckled as you all take a space. "Omg! It looked like a practical exam in here. They are so focused and serious."

You nodded. "And we should too."

Marco chuckled, "They must relax more;jeez, this place is so awesome. Enjoy while you can. We might not get the permanent jobs here."

You looked around and just nodded as you logged in to your game app. A huge smile enters your face. Unbeknownst to you, Melissa and Adalyn saw more interns' eyes on you with that curiosity that made your stomach flip. Your hope is about the bug fixes and not about your secret friendship with BTS's Jimin. Thinking about hikes, you missed him, and you wwondered howtheir performances went and how the hyungs took the secret.

But not long after you were all in deep playing mode, the QA supervisor, Yoon, who had heard rumors about your identity and the fact that you're the first intern to have found two bugs in the game, made her presence felt. She wasn't as friendly as you initially thought.

She strode in with two intern girls, whom you recognized as those ARMY fans Moka and Haerin, to where your group was seated enjoying the new game. She was dressed in a black graphic t-shirt, black skinny jeans, combat boots, and a long reddish jersey that fell to her ankles. Her black hair was in a low side ponytail.

Marco and Vinash saw them first, and all of you gave a slight head bow. Her eyes were locked on you with an undefined emotion, then they darted to Melissa with a mocking smile.

Her eyebrows lifted high as she looked at you.

"Admiring coding skills won't make you a bit untouchable here, girls," she said sharply to you, Melissa, and Adalyn in perfect English. Her tone filled with irritation, "And even being somewhat famous doesn't guarantee you a permanent spot at Netmarble.

This is a very competitive place, and over 40 interns are vying for a place in the most sought-after game company here. So, don't celebrate too soon." She added with a sharp jab.

You quickly caught on that she was referring to you, and you exchanged a discreet glance with Melissa, silently asking, "Does she know?"

Melissa's eyes flash dangerously, "Excuse me, madam! We are all working hard towards that goal. Nobody got in here through nepotism or knowing people in high places."

She folded her arms and smirked, "I've heard about you. You are very talkative and forward. Know your place. Supervisors can vote against you here. And Rubina Wallace, remember identities don't stay hidden for long," she said curtly, and with her young lackey, she walked past you. Moka and Haerin wave discreetly at you.

You all looked at each other flabbergasted.

Adalyn scoffed, her olive green eyes shocked. "What just happened!"

Melissa snorts, "She heard that our department intern got the first bug; now she has Ruby in her sights."

You sigh deeply, "Gosh, just great!"

Marco grinned, "Wow, people are jealous of an intern. Interesting."

Melissa furrowed her brows, "She sounded threatening."

Adalyn nodded, "Let's ignore her. I think she heard how Calvin admired Ruby's skills. It's her own insecurities that exposed her. So let's keep ourselves out of her jealous ways."

You could feel your heart race erratically. What did you do to tthis,Ms. Yoon? You're not interested in Calvin even if he is so hot or, like Melissa says, the new sexy flavor in town.

You are already nervous of the subtle looks you are getting from local interns. You hope you will still be safe and protected here, because you want to learn as much as possible.

An hour later you all got back to your workstation; Melissa gave you a side hug and told you not to worry about Ms. Yoon. But you can't shake the feeling that she must've heard about you and Jimin from her overzealous interns. It made you feel so unsettled because you don't want the Korean news hounds to find you. And Jimin already has too much to worry about. He must focus on his rigorous schedule in the USA.

When you placed your tote bag under your workbench, your eyes looked on your desk? Your sharp gaze noticed personal items that were not on your desk where you left them: your cute whimsical pen, your personal metallic pink iPod charger, and even a packet of multicolored tissues you left.

You looked frantically around as Sae-ron looked flabbergasted at you, your breath labored. She just came from the coffee station and found you opening drawers, looking under mouse pads, behind your computer, and inside your tote bag.

"What's wrong?" She asks with furrowed brows, taking a sip from her brown paper cup.

You looked haunted. "I don't know; did you see my pen, iPod charger, and some tissues on my workbench? I...I can't find it." Your pen was a gift from Melissa, and your iPod was given as a gift by a senior at your dorm when you helped her with assignment info.

Sae-Ron shook her head. "I just came back from a short mentor meeting. Are you sure!"

"Yes," you uttered, frustrated. "I accidentally left my charger just here. I remember taking it out of my tote bag to find my phone first. I messed this morning with coffee, and I took a tissue to wipe. Now it's just...gone."

Then you saw a note on your black leather chair. You didn't see it, as you were too frantically searching for the items. You took the note with shaking fingers. It was a yellow Post-it note. Maybe it fell from the computer or desk. Your eyes scan the note with an unreadable expression, not to alert Sae-ron, who was looking around for the items, and her breath painfully hitched.

"We know you're BTS's Jimin's Red."

You quickly throw it in your tote bag, just as Sae-ron turns to you, noticing your pale expression.

"Ruby, if something's wrong, please, you have to speak up. You don't have to carry it alone. Someone is definitely targeting you. " Maybe a jealous intern, Ms Yoon or those saesang, She scanned the area, but everyone was focused on. Their monitors.

You nodded solemnly. "I don't know who will take such cheap things..." You trailed off. You know people can get money thinking your association with the famous idol will let them cash it. But...tissues. That must be some stupid fan.

Sae-ron shook her head. "Don't worry, I'm going to discreetly inform Calvin, and I know someone in the security department. I'll investigate also. Just relax. I have your back." She patted your shoulder as you quietly slid into your seat.

You will not let anyone distract you from your intern projects. You'll concentrate and do even better in finding those bugs. But your heart was racing. Someone is watching you from afar. Someone that is adamant to expose you, and it might be more than one.

You quickly send Melissa a text with trembling fingers. You told her everything.

She was livid.

You: "What if it's serious, Mel? These saesangs are dangerous?"

Melissa: "We figure it out. Together, just relax and be calm. Don't give them the satisfaction that the note rattled you."

You: I'm scared, Mel.

Melissa: Don't be. Well, catch them, and management will deal with it."

You sighed deeply as you carried on with your work.

Sae-ron had her visors on and looked at you. "Are you okay?"

You gave her a small smile and nod. "Yeah".

You inhaled deeply and start working on what you love most.

You heard a notification from your phone. Your heart started to flutter as you read the text. It was your adorable stud-muffin.

"Hey baby, I love you soooo much.🥰😍 I wish you're here with me, save in my arms. Miss you lots!

You quickly text back.
You: I miss you too darling, can't wait to see you. Enjoy America.😍😘

Jimin: I'll text you tonight. Don't go sleep to early okay. Love you.

You :Can't wait🥰

By 4 p.m., you and Sae-Ron were debugging another part of Seven Knights 2, which she's been working on separately. You help her with the coding and finding the the bugs where some avatars overlap each other and attack the wrong targets. You quickly fixed it, and Sae-ron looked at you with wide eyes.

"Ruby, they better employ you after your graduation, and you must come back and work for us...my word , you are skilled." She gave you a pointed look. A deep sparkle was visible in her eyes.

You just grinned as you finally told her what Ms. Yoon told you.
She was visibly shocked at the revelation, "Yoon was always insecure, especially when it comes to Calvin. She still has feelings for him even if they broke up a long time ago. "

You snort, "Well, I didn't come here to grab a man. I'm here to learn programming from the best, and I don't have time for Kdramas. Calvin is a very charming guy, but that's how far my interest goes.'

Sae-Ron giggles, "I'm glad you feel like that. Calvin is a great friend, and he loved to make people feel special and welcome."

Just then, Calvin waltzes in, greeting the interns and programmers. When he saw you and Sae-Ron, he smirked and came standing behind your chair, peering at the monitors. You and Sae-ron both look up at his glowing eyes. He look so pleased with himself.

Sae-ron chuckles, "Don't you have work to do..."

Calvin grinned, his blue eyes flickered to your amused ones. "Well, I'm the intern liaison for the week. So, my job is to make sure our talented interns are well taken care of and settled in. And as an incentive, Rubina has been awarded a little gift card." He waggled his brows.

Yo and your mentor look at each other with surprise.
expression.

You looked at Calvin's wide smirk. "Why me?"

Calvin patted you lightly on your shoulder. "Your programmer supervisor told me to present it to you. He is still in an executive meeting."

Sae-ron clapped her hands in excitement and exclaimed, "Oh my goodness! It's an incentive for finding the bugs. Congrats, Ruby. Your name is on the most promising list of interns of 2019."

Your eyes widen. "Really..." Wow, you thought. Netmarble is watching the interns progress. A warmth flow through you for getting recognition after that sparky unfriendly remarks of Ms Yoon.

Calvin grinned and took out a little white envelope with the company logo in gold and handed it to you. Your hands were trembling as you took it, wo during what it might be.

"Thank you so much, I appreciate it," you murmur softly. Still dazed at the validation of your skills.

Calvin grinned. "And I'm summoned as part of another incentive to take you and some friends of your choice to a Korean BBQ dinner. Are you game?"

You laugh softly, "Why not? We haven't visited any BBQ restaurants yet. Sae-Ron, do you like to join us? I'll ask Melissa, Adalyn, Marco, Mikoto, and Vishan. Those are my new friends."

Calvin shrugged, "Fine with me..."

Sae-ron grinned. "That will be awesome. My soulmate will be working late on a case, so I'll be free. Thank you for the invite."

You quickly message the chat group that Melissa set up the previous day. There were lots of excited emojis and everyone was game. They loved to join you and Calvin.

Calvin winked at you. "Tell them to wait for me in the foyer. I'm going to get the little company bus. I can drop you off at your home after our dinner."

You shook your head. "Melissa and I came with our own car. We'll follow the minibus."

Calvin smirked, "No problem. We can leave now." He quickly greeted. You so that he can go and get the mini staff bus.

Melissa, Adalyn, Mikoto, and your two new guy friends all look super excited to join you. You all grabbed your bags and greeted your other intern peers, who were a little envious; others were happy for your incentive and wished they could go with you.

Your friends were so excited, and you, Melissa, Adalyn, and Sae-Ron, got in your SUV. Mikoto was fine to be with the boys, as she was already friends with them, and she had a cute little crush on Vinash. So, you want to give her that little moment to be in his presence.

The drive to the restaurant was relaxing as you all got to know each other better.

You were all hyped up as you followed Calvin and Sae-Ron into the upmarket Palsaik Korean BBQ.

A/n
Someone is targeting Ruby.

Thank you to all the loyal readers, commenters and voters. Please give it a star if you like this chapter.

1. Do you think Calvin is interested in Ruby  ,romantically or professionally?

2. What was your favourite scene?

3. What do you think might be in her envelope?

4. Do you think Ruby regret coming to South Korea?

5. What do you think about Ms Yoon?