The Intern

It was that time again for your monthly intern evaluations, something you and Kim Bora were in charge of, but also never looked forward to. It seemed that whenever your company didn’t want to deal with something, they threw the task at the two of you to complete instead.

There were five interns employed underneath you, and while most of them showed constant progress and exemplary work ethic, there was one who was quite the opposite - Lee Gahyeon.

Gahyeon was nothing but a constant stream of frustrations. She always came in late, refused to finish her work on time and properly, talked back to your team and clients, and had a general sense of apathy when it came to working. If it wasn’t such a hassle to replace her during such a busy time, you would have gotten rid of her already. Evaluations for the other interns went swimmingly as expected, and when it was Gahyeon’s turn a sense of dread filled the office.

“Miss Yoohyeon, please send in Miss Gahyeon, please.”

“Right away, sir.”

You sat behind a dark mahogany desk in a small office that generally used for interviews and various appointments, Bora sat to your right, both reluctant as ever for you last evaluation to start.

“This is going to be fun,“ Bora said sarcastically, playing around with a pen nervously.

Your final intern Gahyeon arrived in black & white, a cream-colored jacket that barely covered up a short crop top that showed her bare midriff, a tight black mini skirt and black heels.

“Here we go,” you muttered under your breath.

“Please sit down. Before we start, I’ll have you know that outfit is not appropriate,” Bora reprimanded, trying to mask her already annoyed tone.

“But I like it? I look damn good in it,” she said nonchalantly, oblivious to any notion that she had broken any rules.

“This is a business, not a fashion show. It is unprofessional to be showing that much skin. This is a professional workplace Gahyeon, and we expect you to dress like it. This is your last warning, next time we’ll send you home to change.”

Gahyeon pouted and immediately changed the subject. “Is this when I ask for a raise?” she asked, the abruptness was comical.

“A raise?” you asked incredulously, trying to stifle a laugh.

“Yes! I’d like to have more money,” she responded, without even thinking.

“A raise? You barely work as it is, Gahyeon,” you scoffed, with obvious frustration in your voice.

“I don’t understand?” Gahyeon’s response was earnest.

Bora couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

“Gahyeon, even on a good day you manage to get as little as possible done. You clock in after the rest of the interns get here, you take longer lunch breaks, and on multiple occasions we’ve seen you hang up on clients. If anything we should pay you less,” she said, her tone becoming louder.

“It’s not my fault our clients are assholes. They deserve to be hung up on,” Gahyeon said, crossing her arms.

You and Bora looked at each other in dismay. “Even if that were to case it is unacceptable to treat them like that,” you firmly said.

Bora looked sternly at the unmindful intern. ”Miss Gahyeon, all of your colleagues seem to have no problem with this job, but for the past three months ever since you were hired, you’ve been nothing but trouble.”

Gahyeon had a shocked look on her face.”Trouble? B-but I do a lot for this company. I help create revenue.”

Bora couldn’t help but let out a loud chuckle. “You create problems. And quite frankly you’re lucky you lasted this long.”

“Gahyeon, I hate to do this, but I believe it’s in our best interest if we let you go,” you said without any hesitation.

“Let me go?” Gahyeon said, tilting her head with a puzzled look.

“It means you’re fired,” Bora said.

“No, no you can’t fire me. I belong here,” she said, suddenly panicking.

“And what makes you think that? You do nothing but create more work for the two of us, and we’re swamped as it is already,” you said.

“Because I’m a part of this company just as much as anyone else. It took me forever to get this job and I can’t have it taken away from me for some bullshit reason.”

“Bullshit reason? Gahyeon, the only reason you have this job is the connections with your father and the donations he gave to our company. If it weren’t for him you wouldn’t have made it through the first round of interviews.”

You and Bora got up from behind the desk, gathering your belongings and preparing to leave, Gahyeon stayed put.

“I’m sorry, Miss Gahyeon, but we’ve made our decision. You’ll have time to say your goodbyes and clean out your desk. After that you’ll be escorted out of the building,” Bora said, without a trace of regret in her words.

“No, w-wait. This is a huge mistake. I need this job.”

“Why are you interested in working all of a sudden? Just ask your dad for another one,” you said.

“He doesn’t talk to me anymore. We had a falling out.”

“Well I don’t blame him, to be honest. But that’s not our concern,” Bora said.

“I’d stop talking to someone if they were such a spoiled brat. We wish you the best in your next endeavors, Miss Gahyeon. Don’t bother asking for a referral,” you said, your words were harsh but true.

“A brat…?” Gahyeon asked, cocking her head to one side.

“Yes, I won’t sugar coat it. You’re nothing but a brat who doesn’t do what she’s supposed to. Now if you’ll excuse us-”

“You’re right. I am a brat.” Gahyeon stood up and blocked the door.

You exchanged confused glances with Bora.

“A spoiled…rotten… brat. One that needs to be punished.”

“That’s not part of our job description. Now we really have to get going, we’re behind already,” you said, impatiently waiting for her to move out of the way.

“No, you can’t leave. Not yet. Like you said…I’m a huge brat and I deserve my punishment.”

“Gahyeon, this is not appropriate,” Bora huffed.

“Well, it’s a good thing that you just fired me right? Now give me what I deserve.”

“Should I call security?” Bora asked.

You paused. “No. I want to see where this goes.”

Gahyeon’s sparkling eyes had formed a union of innocence and desire.