AAE -- Twists of Fate

Part 1 -- Chapter 22

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

The control room holds a quiet tension as the countdown clock blinks the final seconds of the News At Nine. Hyung-Chul stands near the master console, watching through the double-paned soundproof glass. Beside him in a black pin-striped pantsuit, Joo-Hee shifts the strap of her leather Balmain bag higher on her shoulder, her lips curved in a knowing smile.

The newsroom glows under the bright studio lights. Young-Mi and the male anchor are poised at the news desk, looking straight at Camera 1.

He wraps the final segment. "...That's the news for tonight."

"Thank you for joining us. Good night." She delivers the sign-off.

They bow their heads in unison as the theme swells. The ON AIR light goes out.

The closing credits roll across the broadcast screens. Chairs creak as the technical directors slouch back. Live feed monitors go dark as the operators shut off their cameras.

Clutching a printout, the assistant PD announces to the room, "The Insta-poll ratings are up four points, and retention hit ninety-two -- our highest yet for this season."

A wave of applause breaks out across the room.

Hyung-Chul turns to Joo-Hee. "How does it feel to be outdone by your protégée on her debut?"

"Satisfying," she replies. "We made the right choice." Her eyes dip for a second, her smile flattening. "Still, I wonder if Sun-Mi would have done better."

Hyung-Chul’s expression tightens, his jaw clenching. A faint shadow crosses his eyes before he forces it back.

Joo-Hee lowers her voice. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said her name in front of you."

"It's all right, Joo-Hee. I can't expect you to walk on eggshells."

Sun-Dal joins them with a wide grin. He nods toward the studio where Young-Mi is removing her IFB earpiece. "What do you think?"

"Her delivery's warmer," Hyung-Chul notes. "She connects better with the audience."

"Since the 'incident', Young-Mi's changed," Joo-Hee observes. "I expected some pushback when I introduced her as the new Team Leader this morning. But Young-Mi surprised everyone. Instead, she spoke about how much she owed to Sun-Mi -- her vision for the News. There wasn't a dry eye in the room."

"It's not just her attitude, it's her appearance, too," Sun-Dal enthuses. "She looks, er..." He glances warily at Joo-Hee. "...flawless."

"Flawless?" Joo-Hee gives him a sideways look, amused. "You can say 'stunning' when it's a strict assessment. I won't bite. Especially with the effort I spent this weekend to achieve that look."

Sun-Dal laughs. "All right. Stunning. But I was thinking 'gorgeous' to be honest."

Joo-Hee rolls her eyes, but doesn't disagree.

Hyung-Chul's attention shifts to the studio entrance. "Here she comes."

The door opens. Young-Mi strides into the control room. Heads turn toward the sharp tocks of her heels on the hollow raised floor. Her tailored navy Dior suit skims a willowy waist and curving hips. The tapered skirt's back vent snaps open with each step, flashing brief glimpses of thigh above legs elongated by steep 120mm stilettos. Head held high, a practiced smile curves her lips as she precariously struts past the consoles, her steady gaze fixed on Hyung-Chul.

She bows slightly. "Director. Manager Kim... Senior."

Joo-Hee gives a small nod. Sun-Dal’s grin returns, broader this time.

Hyung-Chul acknowledges Young-Mi with a brief incline of his head. "Excellent work, Announcer Huh."

"Thank you. I was nervous."

"You didn't show it."

Young-Mi levels her eyes at Joo-Hee. "It was Senior's encouragement that gave me confidence."

"It certainly paid off, with dividends," Hyung-Chul replies.

The PD stands. "Good job tonight. You all worked hard. First round's on me."

The staff quickly clear their stations and troop out after him.

Hyung-Chul waits until the last footstep departs. "Why don't we go to the club for a drink to celebrate?"

Sun-Dal exchanges a glance with Joo-Hee. "Sorry -- we already made plans. We'll leave you two to celebrate."

They exit together. The door closes behind them with a dull click. The control room is still, with just the glow of monitors and the soft whir of cooling fans.

Young-Mi smiles wryly. "Since they got engaged, Senior Joo-Hee seems much happier."

"Envious?" Hyung-Chul asks.

She nods. "She found her Prince. Doesn't every woman dream of that?"

Hyung-Chul gestures toward the door. "Come on. Let's get that drink."

Young-Mi doesn't move. She stares at the floor. "Director... I'll understand if you'd rather not celebrate with me."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"It must be difficult, me being the one who's... taken Sun-Mi's place." She lifts her eyes, shining with tears. "How can you celebrate my success when it came at her expense?"

He reaches forward and pats Young-Mi's shoulder lightly. "Announcer Huh, cheer up."

"Whenever I think of Sun-M--" She chokes back a sob. "How close she was to seeing her dreams come true... I can't help myself. People saw us only as rivals. But our feelings went much deeper."

Her voice breaks. "Every time I see her desk -- empty -- it hits me how much I miss her."

Hyung-Chul pulls out a folded handkerchief from his breast pocket and presses it into her hand. "Here."

She takes the cloth, blotting at her eyes.

"How can you look at me, and not see who Sun-Mi could have been? You have every right to resent me."

"But I don't," he assures her. "And I have something to say..."

She looks up through her damp lashes.

"Now that we'll be working more closely together," he continues, "I'd like a clean start between us."

Young-Mi nods. "I'd like that too."

They step out into the corridor. The building is quiet. In the atrium, Young-Mi's footsteps echo in the expansive, glass-ceiling space.

"I'll meet you at the club," she says.

"Why don't we go together?" he counters. "I'll drive."

"I need to go down to Makeup, then to the Announcers' Office. I don't want to make you wait."

"It's no bother. This time of night, you won't find an empty parking space for blocks. As a club member, I have valet privileges."

She laughs softly. "In that case, Director, you win."

They arrive at the lift lobby. Young-Mi presses the call button. Doors slide open with a soft chime.

"I'll be at the main entrance with the car," Hyung-Chul tells her. "Fifteen minutes?"

Young-Mi steps into the lift car and presses the door open button, turning to face him.

"More like twenty. Or perhaps twenty-five." A playful smile touches her lips. "A News Anchor should always look her best. And an Executive Director would accept nothing less."

He chuckles. "Take your time. I'm in no hurry."

"Director..." She lowers her gaze. "You don't have to do this for me. But I do appreciate it."

"Look at me, Young-Mi," he says firmly.

She looks up again, blinking. "Yes?"

"It's the least I can do, to welcome you to the leadership team."

She releases the button. The doors begin to slide shut. They look at each other until the gap narrows to a sliver.

As the lift descends, a victorious smirk twists Young-Mi's mouth.

Just a week ago, she was a shadow in the brilliance of Sun-Mi's rising star. The star is hers now. Sun-Mi is merely an afterthought -- and soon a fading memory.