#HR recruitment presentations

[shivam-blogs]

Creating Powerful Online Hiring Strategy Decks: Key Elements for Attracting Top Talent

In today’s competitive job market, companies must go beyond traditional recruitment methods to attract and retain top talent. Online hiring strategy decks serve as a crucial tool for engaging candidates, showcasing company culture, and effectively communicating job roles. Whether you’re an HR professional, recruiter, or business leader, leveraging a well-structured hiring deck can make a significant difference in your recruitment process.

This guide will explore the key elements of a compelling online hiring strategy deck, best practices for its design, and how expert services like INK PPT Design Agency can help refine your HR recruitment presentations to stand out in the digital hiring landscape.

The Role of Online Hiring Strategy Decks in Modern Recruitment

An online hiring strategy deck is more than just a slideshow—it’s a storytelling tool that provides a structured, engaging, and visually appealing way to communicate with potential hires. These decks help businesses:

Highlight their employer brand and company culture.

Clearly define job roles and expectations.

Engage and persuade candidates with compelling visuals.

Differentiate themselves from competitors.

Given the rise of remote work and global hiring, digital-first approaches in recruitment have become a necessity. A well-designed hiring deck can enhance communication between recruiters and candidates, offering a seamless experience from the initial outreach to onboarding.

Key Elements of an Effective Online Hiring Strategy Deck

1. Company Overview and Employer Branding

Before diving into job specifics, a hiring strategy deck should introduce candidates to the company’s mission, vision, and values. Strong employer branding fosters an emotional connection and helps candidates determine if they align with the company’s culture.

Essential components:

A compelling company mission statement.

Key achievements, milestones, and future goals.

Company culture highlights (e.g., employee testimonials, work environment images).

2. Job Role Breakdown and Expectations

Candidates need a clear understanding of what the job entails. This section should outline responsibilities, required skills, and growth opportunities within the company.

Best practices:

Use bullet points for clarity.

Highlight career progression paths.

Differentiate must-have qualifications from preferred qualifications.

3. Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

Salary transparency is increasingly valued by job seekers. Clearly communicate compensation packages, benefits, and additional perks.

What to include:

Salary range (if possible).

Healthcare and retirement plans.

Remote work flexibility and professional development programs.

4. Hiring Process and Timeline

An effective hiring deck should clearly define the steps involved in the recruitment process to set expectations early.

Suggested structure:

Application submission details.

Interview stages (number of rounds, format, and key stakeholders).

Expected hiring decision timeline.

5. Company Culture and Work Environment

Showcasing company culture is essential for attracting candidates who align with organizational values.

Ways to highlight culture:

Employee testimonials and case studies.

Day-in-the-life videos or snapshots of team activities.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.

6. Call to Action and Contact Information

End your deck with a strong call to action, guiding candidates on their next steps.

Examples:

"Apply now via our career portal."

"Schedule a call with our hiring team."

"Follow us on LinkedIn for more opportunities."

Design Best Practices for Online Hiring Strategy Decks

Creating an impactful deck isn’t just about content; visual design plays a key role in engagement. Here are some essential design principles:

1. Use a Clean and Professional Layout

Avoid cluttered slides—stick to minimal text per slide.

Utilize bullet points and visuals for readability.

2. Maintain Consistent Branding

Incorporate company colors, fonts, and logo.

Ensure brand tone and voice are uniform throughout.

3. Leverage High-Quality Visuals

Use real employee photos instead of stock images for authenticity.

Incorporate infographics to simplify complex data.

4. Keep Text Concise and Action-Oriented

Use powerful headlines and subheadings.

Highlight key takeaways in bold or with icons.

How INK PPT Design Agency Can Enhance Your HR Recruitment Presentations

Creating a compelling online hiring strategy deck requires a balance of persuasive content, strategic messaging, and high-quality visuals. INK PPT Design Agency specializes in designing professional, engaging HR recruitment presentations that captivate top talent. Their services include:

Custom-designed hiring decks tailored to your employer brand.

Storytelling-driven presentations that enhance engagement.

High-quality visual enhancements to elevate the candidate experience.

Google Slides and PowerPoint customizations for seamless integration into existing HR workflows.

By partnering with INK PPT, businesses can streamline their recruitment efforts, improve candidate engagement, and ultimately attract top-tier talent.

Conclusion

In the evolving landscape of digital recruitment, online hiring strategy decks serve as powerful tools for attracting top talent. By structuring a compelling presentation that effectively communicates company culture, job expectations, and hiring processes, organizations can differentiate themselves in the competitive job market.

With the right content strategy, engaging visuals, and expert design support from agencies like INK PPT Design Agency, businesses can elevate their HR recruitment presentations and secure the best candidates for their teams.

Ready to enhance your hiring strategy deck? Start designing with expert insights today!

[myinkppt]

Custom Applicant Onboarding Slide Designs Streamline onboarding with visually appealing slides. Perfect for welcoming new hires and explaining company policies effectively.

[studioeisa]

THAT’S SHOWBIZ, BABY! 💼 AN SVT COLLABORATION

Welcome to the high-stakes world of rival medial moguls, The Carat Company and Sebong Corporation. From HR nightmares to boardroom powerplays, the lights are on and the cameras are rolling; our writers are taking you behind the scenes of the industry’s fiercest (and pettiest) workplace battles. Talent Managers Tara (@diamonddaze01) and Kae (@studioeisa) are proud to present: That’s Showbiz, Baby!

[TAG LIST] ✨ Book a conference room now to get exclusive access to every deal closed, memo leaked, and steamy office romance as it drops.  

[HR NOTICE] 🔞 Some files in this archive are strictly 18+ and may contain NSFW material. Please review 📊 Key Deliverables and 📝 Meeting minutes for individual content warnings before entering a conference room.

📺 THE CARAT COMPANY.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 1: routine romance 🤝 Booked by @studioeisa, on behalf of talent recruiter!seungcheol and freelancer!reader. 📋 Agenda: you have a routine. a foolproof, tried and tested daily schedule. when the hell did choi seungcheol become part of it? 📊 Key Deliverables: humor, romance, pinch of angst. 📝 Meeting minutes: profanity, mentions of food. slowburn -ish, meet ugly, coffee shop romance, feelings realization/denial, seungcheol is a flirty bastard, discussions of freelancing/corporate life.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 2: Touching Yourself 🤝 Booked by  @straylightdream, on behalf of actor!jeonghan and f!reader. 📋 Agenda: After a stressful day on set leaves him wondering if being an actor is really what he wants, he calls you. One phone call leads to both you crossing lines you never imagined you would cross. 📊 Key Deliverables: smut, friends to lovers, mutual pining, romance, comfort, angst. 📝 Meeting minutes: depression, anxiety, jeonghan is really going through it, severe stress from a job, alcohol consumption, crying, lots of emotions, mentions menstrual cycles.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 3: stars in the night sky 🤝 Booked by @simpxxstan, on behalf of actor!jeonghan and reader. 📋 Agenda: yoon jeonghan has not a care in the world throughout the day - he’s the prince, it’s his time to reign. a million autographs every day, an unending echo of fanchants, and jeonghan knows he’s the most desired man in the country right now. but when the flashlights dim, the curtains are drawn, and the monsters step out of the dark, there’s only one hand he wants to hold. only one pair of eyes make his heart smile, only one voice lulls him into sleep every night, only one scent he desires to drown in, only one touch that lets him find himself again. 📊 Key Deliverables: co-workers to lovers, grumpy x sunshine trope, angst, smut, light fluff. 📝 Meeting minutes: smut warnings to be added later (mdni!), bickering and verbal banter, no private space, anxiety and panic attacks, online bullying, trolling, breakdown of self-confidence, nightmares, lots of angst really, casual flirting, more warnings to be added later.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 4: Please, Block Me 🤝 Booked by @okiedokrie, on behalf of social media manager!joshua and reader. 📋 Agenda: Joshua Hong, 29, Social Media Manager. Forced to learn whatever meme lingo the kids are saying these days. Got harassed by the Social Media Manager of Queen Quesadilla when he used to work for King Taco; he quit. He works for The Carat Company now, where unfortunately, you followed. 📊 Key Deliverables: TBA. 📝 Meeting minutes: TBA.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 5: Typo and Error 🤝 Booked by @gotta-winwin, on behalf of social media manager!joshua and actress!reader. 📋 Agenda: Joshua loves his job as social media manager for The Carat Company, except for one thing: the actress he’s in charge of. you hate his guts, and Joshua swears he returns those feelings with vigor, and yet… forced to work in close proximity, Joshua’s forced to reckon with the idea that just maybe, despite all the animosity, he’s still madly in love with you. 📊 Key Deliverables: fluff, crack, slight angst. 📝 Meeting minutes: light swearing, mutual pining, oblivious idiots in love, enemies to lovers(?), heavy denial of feelings, discussions of fame/film industry.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 6: Too Far 🤝 Booked by @lovetaroandtaemin, on behalf of Intern!Jun and Secretary!Reader. 📋 Agenda: When your friend suggested letting the new intern in your company's legal department move in with you, you had your doubts. As time went on, though, the two of you grew closer than you ever could have anticipated. The only problem was that you were certain that he didn't see you the same way you saw him. 📊 Key Deliverables: Angst, Fluff, Smut. Roommates to lovers 📝 Meeting minutes: Jun is a loser with jealousy problems, profanity, LOTS of suggestive/NSFW content that Will Be Determined Later, both of these fuckers need to work on their communication skills. 

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 7: company benefits 🤝 Booked by @studioeisa, on behalf of social media intern!junhui and copywriter!reader. 📋 Agenda: you can't really call wen junhui your ex-boyfriend. it was more of a friends with benefits situation—except you only got ghosted, while he got an internship at your recommendation. people always say to not bite the hand that feeds you; it looks like jun didn't get the memo. 📊 Key Deliverables: smut, romance, angst with a happy ending. 📝 Meeting minutes: profanity, mentions of food & alcohol consumption, job loss. ex-situationship, forced proximity, so much tension..., nepotism!!!, marketing terms, soonyoung gets his own warning.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 8: Be My Tigress? 🤝 Booked by @svtiddiess on behalf of Marketing Manager!Hoshi and Assistant Manager!Reader. 📋 Agenda: After moving halfway across the world to Korea, you landed a job as an Assistant Manager at Carat Company, a media company known for television production, music management, and digital content creation. Your boss, Soonyoung—though he insists everyone call him Hoshi—turned out to be an absolute whirlwind of chaos. From tiger-themed stationery and tiger-themed office décor to a full-on tiger fursuit, his relentless dedication to his so-called "tiger agenda" has left you questioning your sanity on more than one occasion. (Seriously, what even is a horanghae??) As you adjust to your new life and career, one question keeps nagging at you: how has he not been fired yet? No, really—why hasn't anyone reported this insane man to HR? 📊 Key Deliverables: crack, fluff, slightest of angst, smut, office romance. 📝 Meeting minutes: Tiger agenda is strong in this one, Hoshi is very unserious (and a diva), unrealistic workplace environment, multiple sex scenes, HR pls don't fire Hoshi. 

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 9: Beyond the Transcripts 🤝 Booked by @joonsytip, on behalf of CEO!wonwoo and Head of Legal!Reader. 📋 Agenda: Jeon Wonwoo, the calmest and untainted CEO to ever exist, gets his world shaken up when he finds you again, as the legal department head at his own company and your only registered family is a little guy who resembles him a bit too much. Alternatively, you are smooth in onboarding Wonwoo into your son's life but problems arise when he tries to slide back into yours. 📊 Key Deliverables: angst, smut, fluff, exes to co-parents to lovers. 📝 Meeting minutes: themes of co parenting, mentions of past difficult pregnancy, misogynistic slurs being used at workplace, minor accident.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 10: Prologue To ??? 🤝 Booked by @chugging-antiseptic-dye, on behalf of HR Manager!Jihoon and Operations Manager!Reader. 📋 Agenda: You did not know HR manager Jihoon. You did not want to know HR manager Jihoon. However when fate throws you and an unconscious body to make his acquaintance, you realize that still water truly holds its depths. And maybe diving in head first was not the best decision. Yet, what else could you do? The show must go on. 📊 Key Deliverables: Horror,  Murder Mystery, Paranormal, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Urban, Angst, Hurt/Comfort. 📝 Meeting minutes: POV Switching, Amnesia, Blood, Gore, Grief/Mourning, Injury, Kidnapping, Morally Grey Characters, Mentions of Death/ Murder, Body Horror, Descriptions of Injury, Nightmares, Substance Abuse, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Coworkers to maybe lovers, Ambiguous Open Ending.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 11: Emails I Can't Send 🤝 Booked by @diamonddaze01, on behalf of  Managing Director of HR! Jihoon and Planning and Recruitment Specialist! Reader. 📋 Agenda: Jihoon has always been clear: work is work, and co-workers are co-workers. Boundaries keep things clean. Professional. Predictable. As Managing Director of HR at The Carat Company, that's exactly how he likes it. But when a too-charming, too-bright former Sebong Corp employee joins his team, Jihoon is forced to confront the one boundary he may no longer be able to hold: the one between you and him. 📊 Key Deliverables: humor, fluff, angst with a happy ending. 📝 Meeting minutes: epistolary, suggestive for sure, consumption of alcohol.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

📺 SEBONG CORPORATION.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 1: An Alluring Score 🤝 Booked by @seoloquent, on behalf of Artists and Repertoire Representative!DK and Conductor!Reader. 📋 Agenda: Willing to risk everything, his career included, Seokmin knew you had to be the one in charge of Sebong Corp’s newest feature film’s score soundtrack. The only issue was, you had no physical proof of experience. Despite the doubts coming from executives, your family, and even yourself, Seokmin resolved to help you prove everyone wrong, and showcase your alluring score to the world. 📊 Key Deliverables: fluff, humor, slight angst, strangers to lovers. 📝 Meeting minutes: seokmin has a slight issue with boundaries (could be a little annoying), depictions of misogyny, grief, mentions of death (not important character), inaccurate representation of film industry (I did as much research as I could!). 

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 2: LoserBoy vs. HaterGirl 🤝 Booked by @gyubakeries, on behalf of Social Media Intern!Mingyu and IT Specialist!Reader. 📋 Agenda: When Kim Mingyu, the new addition to the Social Media department of Sebong Corp. shows up at your office, requesting you to feature in one of the 'promotional tiktoks' he's been assigned to film, you tell yourself that it'll be your last interaction with the puppy-faced, hyper-energetic intern. A few months, twenty tiktoks, and a diabetes-inducing amount of sugar, you can't quite remember exactly why you had wanted to stay away from him in the first place. 📊 Key Deliverables: comedy, romance, light angst, one-sided enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, pining, a dash of slowburn. 📝 Meeting minutes: sexual content, mingyu being a teensy bit annoying, a lot of obliviousness.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 3: HR Meets Heart 🤝 Booked by @soo0hee, on behalf of HR Manager!Minghao and afab!reader. 📋 Agenda: When you didn't get the promotion you were licking your fingers for, you weren't at all amused. When it was the one person you were sure was out for your every last nerve to get said promotion, you were even less amused. Now stuck with a new boss you loathed you were sure you'd go insane — but what if it's in a different way then you thought.... 📊 Key Deliverables: fluff, enemies to lovers. 📝 Meeting minutes: suggestive, language, alcohol.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 4: Mr. Boo: Coffee, Campaigns, and Confessions 🤝 Booked by @smiley-pansy, on behalf of Marketing Manager!Seungkwan and Brand & Promotions Coordinator!Reader. 📋 Agenda: You and Seungkwan work behind the scenes at Sebong Corporation, a bustling movie production company. When you're assigned to co-lead the marketing campaign for Eclipse Rising—the studio’s most high-profile release yet—your already-close working relationship takes center stage. Through morning coffee runs, chaotic brainstorming sessions, late-night strategy meetings, and a surprisingly sweet team-building retreat, your friendship deepens into something more. 📊 Key Deliverables: fluff, slight crack, coworkers-to-lovers, (attempt at) comedy. 📝 Meeting minutes: light swearing, adorable idiots in love.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 5: damage control 🤝 Booked by @vampsol, on behalf of and actor!vernon and reader. 📋 Agenda: Hansol Vernon Chwe is one of the most frustrating clients to have on the payroll yet one of the biggest and brightest stars on cable television. He's reckless, carefree, and always dancing to the beat of his own drum. And it is up to you, his new assistant, to hold onto the reigns in time for the press run and upcoming premiere of his hit show's second season. No matter what it takes, or how hard you fall for him in the process. 📊 Key Deliverables: TBA. 📝 Meeting minutes: TBA.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 6: homemade dynamite 🤝 Booked by @miniseokminnies, on behalf of actor!vernon and fem!director!reader. 📋 Agenda: Vernon Chwe is a serious actor. That’s how his company, Sebong Corporation, markets him at least. He couldn’t be less interested in that strategy, he’d much rather focus on projects that inspire him. When an email from you, an indie film director that’s been on his radar, comes through his inbox he practically jumps at the opportunity. Trust him on this, okay? It’ll turn out amazing, he’ll make sure of it. 📊 Key Deliverables: fluff, smut, strangers to co workers to lovers. 📝 Meeting minutes: Vernon causing problems for his boss, deeply inappropriate use of a lake, semi public sex, angst if you squint, feelings of being lost. 

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 8: Entertaining Pleasures 🤝 Booked by @bitchlessdino, on behalf of Entertainment CEO!Chan and afab!TV Producer!Reader. 📋 Agenda: Chan didn't think he had what it takes and motivation to be a CEO when he rather be the one on stage. It wasn't until he met the most obnoxious TV producer he's ever met that he was committed to being the best goddamn Entertainment CEO they and Carat Company has ever seen. 📊 Key Deliverables: fluff, comedy, smut, enemies to fwbs, fwb to ??? 📝 Meeting minutes: cocky!chan, undermining!reader, poor use of filming/modeling sets and their equipment, lowkey exhibitionism. 

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

🗓️ CONFERENCE ROOM 7: On Your Side 🤝 Booked by @chanranghaeys, on behalf of ceo!lee chan and cfo!fem!reader. 📋 Agenda: Being seatmates with Chan for your senior year back in arts high school changed your life forever. Being estranged and distant friends with Dino, celebrated idol-slash-actor, messed with your head—and your heart. Being the Chief Financial Officer and right hand of Sebong Corporation’s newest CEO, Mr. Lee Chan turned you both into people that barely knew each other. But would you both be willing to stick it through to the end, claiming to be on each other’s side? 📊 Key Deliverables: high school friends to estranged friends to office colleagues to enemies to ??? 📝 Meeting minutes: puppy love and high school crushes, borderline office romance, mutual pining but they’re adamant to antagonize each other.

Read the teaser here. Read the full fic here.

[rottenpumpkin13]

Things Found On The SOLDIER Bulletin Board Before It Got Banned

Also known among the operatives as "Exhibit A in HR's Case Against Us" and "Why Lazard drinks"

• An old timey style wanted poster of Sephiroth.

• A Shinra Crypto Pyramid Scheme Recruitment Poster: "Get rich! Ask me how!" flyer definitely not put up by Genesis.

• A candid, casual shot of Angeal in a towel, with a sticky note on it that reads "This man's physique is impeccable and we should all strive to look like him - Kunsel"

• An unofficial and deeply Inappropriate SOLDIER length ranking. A full infographic-style chart titled "Who's Really First Class?" — featuring stylized silhouettes, pixelated measurements, very unscientific bar graphs, with one bar labeled "??? (Sephiroth)" that pierced through the top of the page and kept going onto the wall behind.

• A heavily redacted mission report re-titled "How To Get Bitches In Wall Market" By Roche. Accompanied by a pinned photo of Roche, Zack, Kunsel and Cloud in front of the Honeybee Inn doing a thumbs up. Entire paragraphs blacked out with Sharpie by Lazard.

• A sign reading: "STOP SCREAMING IN THE AIR DUCTS." Below it: a list of times screams were heard, organized by pitch. "3:12 AM – Zack: "YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME ALIVE," 4:47 AM – Genesis: operatic shriek followed by "What an ADORABLE rat!",, "2:16 PM – Kunsel: 🎶 Vent mann, he's in the vents 🎶 Who's gonna tell 'im he can't be in the vents? 🎶

• A complaint letter written entirely in Wingdings. No one could decipher what it said, but Sephiroth pinned it dead center with his sword and left it there for a week. Genesis claimed it translated to "STOP LEAVING RAW EGGS IN THE SHOWERS. THE HOT WATER IS COOKING THEM."

• "Kunsel Knows" Weekly Gossip Column. Typed, laminated, and mysteriously accurate. This week's headline: "Rufus and Tseng: Covert Lovers?" Kunsel denies authorship every time while distributing fresh copies.

• A photo labeled "Sephiroth, age 6." Except it was clearly taken recently. Featured a photo of Sephiroth happily filling a coloring page while eating animal crackers.

• A prayer candle with Lazard's face on it nailed to the bulletin board. Taped under the header: "Our Administrative Savior, Deliver Us From Overtime." Lit regularly by Angeal. Burned through the wall once. No one confessed.

• "Sign Up for the Shirtless Sparring Tournament!" flyer sponsored unofficially by Zack. Angeal's name was written 42 times all in different handwriting by different people. Among them was noticeably Sephiroth's handwriting 12 times.

• An updated Lost and Found photo collage of strange things retrieved from the training room. Notable entries included: A weaponized tree branch with "property of Sephiroth" carved into it, an Angeal body pillow, a molotov cocktail, a Genesis-themed rubber duck, Cloud Strife looking confused, and a suspicious flashlight.

• A flyer titled: "Genesis Says He Can Fly Now, Come Watch at Noon"

• A very official-looking memo from HR titled "You Are Not Allowed To Challenge Sephiroth To Arm Wrestling, Ever Again."

• A letter addressed to Lazard written entirely in glitter pen that read only: "You can't fire us all. ❤️"

• A laminated page titled "Forbidden Moves Banned From Sparring" Included: A photo of Sephiroth and Genesis beating each other with makeshift marker swords.

• Two photos pinned side by side: one of Sephiroth and the other of ex-turk Vincent Valentine. People would gather around while Kunsel divulged his theories using a presentation pointer stick.

[senseandaccountability]

“It takes the wrong sort to put the world right.”

A huge problem for me with the tone of the narrative is that outside a very carefully curated playthrough experience with preconceived ideas of and love for Solas, Veilguard is probably the least compassionate game I’ve played in forever, while spouting out lines about how everyone can find a new path in life because our nature isn’t written in stone, our fates are our own, as well as plenty of HR department lines about working together as a team.

“It takes the wrong sort to put the world right.” The game says that, but it definitely doesn’t mean it. At least I don’t feel it. You are so very rarely challenged in your idea of who this wrong sort is and what they could bring to the table. Davrin speaks of the Wardens recruiting at the Gallows but you meet only adorable, righteous and charming ones. The Crows aren’t the wrong sort anymore, they’re just adorably Antivan upper class. And so on and so forth. Rook certainly isn’t the wrong sort either, they’re mentally around 19 years old and stumbling their way through the world like some romance novel protag. In one of the most thematically shallow plots, Rook gets thrown into a prison of regret fit to hold a god but unlike Solas, Rook doesn’t do regrets or guilt because Rook isn’t that complex. Rook hasn’t been allowed to feel any guilt for three acts, just how are they meant to be stuck in a regret prison?  

Compare with Origins where you yourself could be just that wrong sort that would put the world right. ALL of my Origins PCs would get stuck in Solas’s prison due to the weight of their own fuckups. If not during the game events where you could make shitty moves en masse, then because of their origin stories. Brosca and Tabris would get out of there through sheer fury alone - fuck you, I am a wreck because YOU MADE ME ONE, WORLD OF THEDAS - but the nobles would stew. Amell would loop in some guilt trip regarding blood magic and Jowan and whatnot.

Compare with Origins where Loghain is a piece of shit for most of the narrative. He actively wants to kill you and your Order, it’s nothing personal (okay, a little personal) but he just needs you gone. If you want to, you can hack and slash your way through some release there and just have him executed. BUT the game also challenges you on that idea. It presents a very pragmatic alternative that comes with a very plausible downside (you lose Alistair). It presents not excuses but explanations - do with them what you will. Loghain has people in his corner through the entire trilogy, arguing his case. Cauthrien FALLS TO HER KNEES before you, pleading to spare his life. Threnn in DAI will stan him for the rest of her life. Anora tells you stories about the man behind the name.  And Arl Eamon’s world view and idea of Loghain is shown to be more than a little self-serving when faced with the politics of the Landsmeet. Things around Loghain blur. In the Ostagar DLC they allow things to blur even further when Loghain’s pragmatism is countered by Wynne’s player character-moralism (ie “someone died, it’s always wrong if someone died even if that death prevented 9000000 deaths you KILLED someone!!!!!111”). Origins tells me - or hints at - why Loghain became the wrong sort, shows me ways in which he is also the right sort and leaves me wondering about him. Because the game is gritty and dark and weird but also yes, compassionate. If you execute him, Anora will mourn him because she loves him regardless. If you have him join the Wardens she will sit with him while he recovers because he is undeniably an asshole but he’s also her father who braided her hair and showed her the world. A good narrative never, ever forgets that.  Veilguard feels so different here, maybe it's just me. I'm pretty sure I'm almost done being salty now, I just... feel a lot about narratives.

[ak-vintage]

From the Ground Up - Prologue

Pairing: DBF!Joel Miller x OFC ("Reader" Format/Second Person POV)

Series Summary: After getting laid off from your job, you are forced to move back in with your parents until you can get back on your feet. You can't help but feel like you have started your life over again at square one, but when your dad's best friend offers his help in the form of a job at his burgeoning construction business, you learn that maybe there is more than one path to the life of your dreams.

Chapter Summary: You receive news that throws your carefully-planned life into a tailspin, and you are forced to ask for help.

Chapter Tags/Warnings: Angst. Complex family dynamics.

Read on AO3 | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

When the news broke, it came in the form of a pre-recorded video call.

You joined the 30-minute meeting from your desk, headphones cupped securely over your ears and the report you were currently refining open on your second monitor. It was intended to be a quarterly business review, something you didn’t have to actively participate in but that you enjoyed running in the background while you worked on other tasks. You preferred to stay informed, to be able to go to your one-on-ones with your manager with a nugget or two to discuss to show that you had, in fact, been paying attention.

Instead, however, as the webinar link loaded and the video share flared to life, rather than the CFO’s balding face staring back at you, you were met with the static, faraway gazes of both the CEO and the head of HR. The chat was disabled, the Q&A box turned gray. There was no way for you, or anyone else in the call, to interact with the presenters.

You felt your stomach drop, something cold and sickening settling deep in your gut, and like a car accident on the freeway, or an oncoming freight train, you found you could not look away as the video began to play.

“…we regret to inform you…”

“…not a decision we make lightly…”

“…two months of severance will be paid out on…”

“…lose access to company systems following this call…”

“…look for further communication to your personal email addresses on file…”

The 30-minute call ended after only 10, the screen going black and then disconnecting automatically, and just like that, you and about 150 other people found yourselves unceremoniously unemployed.

The following 15 minutes passed in a humiliated blur. Frantic glances around the office floor, trying to sus out who had also met the business end of the unfeeling corporate axe and who had somehow managed to avoid it. Pitying stares from your teammates whose employment was still secure, the ones who got the alternative meeting invite and were told in a different pre-recorded message that they were safe. Trembling hands and pricking eyes as you stood to start gathering your belongings. Cool, dispassionate instructions from the building security guards who hovered while you packed, waiting to escort you and the other unfortunates from your desks to the parking deck.

The whole thing could hardly have been believed if you hadn’t lived it yourself. You had never been naïve enough to buy into the insipid “we’re like family” philosophy your employer boasted on all of its recruitment materials, but this level of callousness stung more than you cared to admit. You had never had a place of work make you feel quite so small before. You felt like a spectacle, like a criminal, and it made your heart race anxiously in your chest the entire way out of the building.

When a security guard held out his hand and demanded you surrender your employee badge, it was only the anger and betrayal simmering just under the surface of your skin that prevented a tear from leaking down your cheek.

So you polished up your resume. You applied for unemployment benefits. You signed up for job alerts from all the major online job boards. You sent out countless applications, responded to numerous dead-end cold calls from recruiters. You checked your email almost compulsively, kept the sound on your phone turned on at all hours. You did everything right. And still, endless weeks passed with hardly a whisper.

For the first few months of your unemployment, the severance package was a lifesaver. You stayed on top of your rent, paid the remainder of your bills without issue, and even managed to sneak a little into savings. After that ran dry, you were forced to tap into those savings to make ends meet. The unemployment checks simply weren’t enough on their own – not in Dallas, not in this economy, and for a while, your rainy-day fund provided exactly the kind of emergency cushion it was designed for. Until that, too, started to grow lean and meager.  It was then that you started to question whether it was time to ask for help.

At first, the thought of calling your parents didn’t even cross your mind. Your mother didn’t know the first thing about the household finances; she had been living with carte blanche from your father for decades and hadn’t earned a paycheck of her own since before you were born. And your father… Well. He was a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” sort of man. Not the type of person you would prefer to consider asking for a handout.

Instead, over boxes of Tex Mex takeout and reruns of your favorite sitcom, you asked your boyfriend how he would feel about moving in together.

The two of you had discussed it a handful of times in the past, but only in the abstract – couching every conversation on the topic with “someday” just to be clear that you didn’t mean right now, you didn’t mean soon, you meant some hypothetical future date that could be months or even years down the line. Perhaps had circumstances been different, you would have contented herself with continuing to broach the topic as theoretical, but the reality was that you were quickly running out of options. The two of you had been together for nearly 10 months and had yet to encounter any major obstacles that would have had you questioning the relationship’s long-term potential. It was a logical step, you thought, even given the extenuating circumstances.

Except…perhaps it wasn’t. If Jacob’s deer-in-the-headlights stare and stammering reply were any indication, perhaps the suggestion that the two of you move in together was absurd.

His apartment was too small for two people, he insisted. And finding a new one, in this market? Out of the question. Plus, he liked his neighborhood, liked his building. It was the perfect distance from his office, and you knew how much he hated dealing with the city traffic; would you really ask him to give up such an easy commute?

And really, wasn’t 10 months a little soon to be talking about living together? He thought you both enjoyed your independence, both preferred having your own spaces. Couldn’t you just find a cheaper place for now? Surely your unemployment checks weren’t that small. Were you sure you weren’t being just a bit too frivolous with your money right now? Did you really need to rush into something as serious as moving in together?

Needless to say, you dropped the subject.

You made it two more weeks before you overdrew your account for the first time. Another two more weeks, and you were dodging emails from your landlord about being behind on rent. Every night as you lay in bed, tracing patterns in the ceiling plaster as you begged for sleep, the weight of it all felt like a physical thing, pressing on your chest, stifling your breath. Rent, utilities, car payments, student loans, insurance, credit card minimums…all of it in the red, all of it more than you could manage without the income that you had built your life around. You were not an extravagant person; you had planned it all, budgeted it all down to the penny. And despite your best efforts, you simply could not thrift and save enough to make up for the sudden loss of 50 percent of your income.

So you did the one thing there was left to try – opened the one door that you had kept firmly closed throughout this entire ordeal. Late one night, an eviction threat you had found taped to your apartment door crumpled in your palm, you picked up your phone and punched in a number you knew by heart.

“…Kathryn?” The man’s voice on the other end of the connection was low, gruff, half-asleep as he mumbled into the receiver. “You okay? D’you know what time it is?”

You swallowed your answering sigh, the sound morphing into something more like a hiccup as unwanted tears started to catch in the web of your eyelashes. “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry to worry you. I’m okay.”

“That’s good, that’s good. What’s goin’ on then, kiddo? You need somethin’?”

Letting your eyes fall shut, you took a moment to gather yourself, to collect the words of the question you had been praying you would never have to ask. Those trapped tears fell then, and you heard the gentle splat of the water hitting the paper in your hand, surely leaving blurred ink in its wake.

“Dad, I… I need help. Is it okay if I move back home?”

[edenesth]

Still You

Pairing: ex-bf!Wooyoung x fem!reader (featuring Yunho)

AU: office au (exes to lovers)

Word Count: 15k

Summary: Wooyoung and you unexpectedly cross paths as colleagues in a prestigious design firm. Years after a painful breakup, you're forced to confront your unresolved feelings while working together on a crucial project. Will you rekindle your romance and build a new future together?

ATEEZ Masterlist

Dreamscape Inc.

The most prestigious design firm in Seoul.

You've dreamed of working here for as long as you can remember.

The sleek glass doors of the office parted with a soft whoosh, welcoming you into the polished lobby of your new workplace. The buzz of corporate life swirled around you, the air filled with excitement and the scent of fresh ambition.

Moving through the sea of strangers, your heart raced with a combination of anticipation and trepidation. You were excited to begin this new journey as a graphic designer in this firm.

With each step, the memories of your high school years felt like they belonged to a different lifetime.

But as you approached the elevator, your heart clenched, and your breath caught in your throat. There, just a few feet away, was a sight that you had never expected to encounter again.

His name echoed in your mind, a name you hadn't spoken in years.

Jung Wooyoung.

Your first love and ex-boyfriend.

Time stood still as your eyes locked onto his figure, frozen in disbelief. He stood there, as if conjured from your deepest memories, with a casual elegance that hadn't faded with the years. His dark hair, still tousled in that way you remembered so well, framed a face that had haunted your dreams for six long years.

For a heartbeat, you thought it might be a trick of the light, a mirage in your mind, but it was him—undeniably him.

His gaze was intense, his eyes penetrating yours with an intensity that felt like a thousand emotions, a million words unspoken. His once-familiar features were etched with the passage of time, but they were unmistakably Wooyoung.

Your heart, which had been pounding with anticipation a moment ago, seemed to seize, and for a split second, you felt it might stop entirely. A rush of memories flooded your mind—laughter in the hallways, stolen kisses in the park, and bitter goodbyes.

The joy, the pain, the love—all of it came rushing back.

The world around you faded into a blur, and it was just him and you, standing there in that dimly lit lobby.

"Oh hey, you're early!"

As you reluctantly tore your gaze away from the spot where your ex stood just moments ago, Yunho's cheerful voice brought you back to the present. He was the friendly HR recruiter who had interviewed you prior to your acceptance of this job.

Yunho extended a friendly hand and a warm smile, which you returned, feeling grateful for the timely interruption, "Welcome to Dreamscape Inc.," He said with genuine enthusiasm, "Alrighty, let us get on with your orientation then!"

You nodded, trying to shake off the lingering traces of shock and nostalgia, "Yes, thank you, Yunho."

As you stepped into the elevator with Yunho, you couldn't help but steal a quick glance back toward the lobby, hoping against hope to catch another glimpse of Wooyoung. But he had vanished into thin air, leaving you with an overwhelming sense of loss and confusion.

The recruiter noticed your distracted gaze and leaned closer, his voice lowering slightly, "Is everything alright?"

You hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a fragment of the truth, "I just... saw someone I used to know. It took me by surprise," His eyes held a knowing glint, "Ah, Seoul can be a small world sometimes. You never know who you might run into."

As the elevator doors closed and the car began its ascent, you wondered about the twist of fate that had brought you face-to-face with Wooyoung again. You knew it wasn't a mere coincidence, and deep inside, a sense of anticipation mixed with apprehension churned.

During the orientation, you did your best to push any thoughts of Wooyoung out of your mind.

The day was filled with introductions to company policies, team-building exercises, and discussions about upcoming projects. You tried to immerse yourself in the whirlwind of information, reminding yourself that you were on the cusp of your dream job at your dream workplace.

The past should stay in the past, and now, you should be focusing on your present and the promising future ahead.

As the hours passed, you met your new colleagues, exchanged contact information, and began forming the foundation of your professional network. The friendly and vibrant atmosphere at Dreamscape reassured you that you had made the right choice in joining this company.

Yunho proved to be a valuable guide throughout the orientation.

He introduced you to key team members and offered valuable insights into the company's culture and values. His cheerful demeanour and genuine support helped ease your anxieties.

Amidst the introductions and team-building activities, you made a conscious effort to concentrate on the present moment. You were determined to prove yourself as a talented graphic designer and to make a name for yourself in this competitive field.

As the day came to a close and the orientation concluded, you felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about your new position.

You were more than ready to embark on this journey of personal and professional growth. Thoughts of Wooyoung, though still lingering in the back of your mind, were overshadowed by the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.

The past may have resurfaced unexpectedly, but you were determined to keep it at bay, focusing on the bright future that awaited you at Dreamscape.

A week had passed since you started working here, and life within the bustling design firm had settled into a rhythm of its own.

Thankfully, there were no signs of Wooyoung anywhere.

Perhaps he had been here merely as a client representing another company, or perhaps he belonged to a completely different department or division. Whatever the case, you were relieved not to have to work with him.

The thought of navigating a professional relationship with your ex-boyfriend, with whom you hadn't parted on good terms, was a scenario you didn't even want to entertain.

Things had been progressing smoothly in your new role, and you were already forming strong bonds with your colleagues. The camaraderie and support within your team helped you adapt to the fast-paced environment.

Work had yet to become overwhelming, allowing you to dive into projects with enthusiasm and creative energy.

Your days were filled with brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and collaborative efforts that fueled your passion for graphic design. As you engaged with your coworkers, you appreciated the vibrant atmosphere at Dreamscape, where creativity thrived, and ideas flowed freely.

In the evenings, you often found yourself attending team outings or joining colleagues for dinner and drinks, building not only professional relationships but also friendships that promised to extend beyond the office walls.

Life at the firm was becoming increasingly fulfilling, and you were reminded of the aspirations you had once shared with Wooyoung during your high school years. It was a bittersweet realisation that the dreams you had held back then were now taking shape in a different context, without him.

As the days turned into weeks, you grew more confident in your abilities and more at ease in your new environment.

The past, though it had momentarily resurfaced, felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the opportunities that the present had to offer. You were on a path of professional growth, and the future was filled with promise.

With how smoothly things had been going, you were quite certain that you might never have to worry about the possibility of seeing or even having to think about your ex-boyfriend again.

Or so you thought.

As you sat enjoying your lunch break with Yunho and your colleagues, Jongho and Yeosang, in the bustling cafeteria, the excited voices of female colleagues from another department caught your attention. Their animated gushing and giggles filled the air, drawing the curiosity of your group.

With raised eyebrows, you exchanged knowing glances with your friends, wondering what could possibly have them so enthralled. Yunho, always the playful one, leaned in with a sly grin, "Well, well, well, it seems like I have some insider information." He teased, enjoying the intrigue he had sparked.

Jongho and Yeosang exchanged amused looks, their curiosity piqued, "Come on, Yunho hyung, spill the beans! What's got everyone so worked up?" The youngest prodded, feigning impatience.

The recruiter leaned in closer, lowering his voice for dramatic effect, "You know the new architect who recently joined our firm? The one who's causing quite a stir?"

Your heart skipped a beat as dread crept in.

Could this really be happening?

It was your ex's dream to become an architect, and you couldn't shake the fear that this popular architect was none other than Jung Wooyoung.

As Yunho negotiated a price with Jongho and Yeosang in exchange for the juicy intel, your mind raced with uncertainty and anxiety. The memories of your past with Wooyoung, the unresolved emotions, and the complicated history that still lingered between you both suddenly flooded your thoughts.

You tried to keep a composed facade, concealing the turmoil within.

The mere possibility that you might have to face Wooyoung again, not as a distant memory but as a colleague, sent shivers down your spine. You wondered if fate was testing you, forcing you to confront a past you had worked so hard to put behind you.

As the suspense mounted, Yunho finally leaned in to reveal the architect's name, and your heart hung in the balance, waiting for the name that could either confirm or alleviate your fears. The name hung in the air for what felt like an eternity before Yunho finally uttered it.

"It's Jung Wooyoung."

A gasp escaped your lips, though you tried desperately to stifle it. Your worst fears had been realised. The architect who had become the talk of the company, the one everyone was gushing about, was indeed your ex-boyfriend.

A flashback to eight years ago swept over you like a tidal wave, transporting you back to a time when your dreams were intertwined, and the world was full of promise.

The stars shimmered above like countless diamonds scattered across the vast canvas of the night sky. You and Wooyoung lay together on a soft, grassy field, your heads nestled on a shared pillow of dreams and ambitions.

His strong arm cradled your shoulders, and your head rested gently on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat provided a comforting backdrop to your conversation, as if the universe itself were whispering its approval.

You spoke of your dreams, your voice filled with the unwavering determination that only youth could bring.

"I want to become a graphic designer," You said, your eyes tracing the constellations above, "I want to bring stories to life through art, to create something that moves people."

He brushed his fingers gently against your cheek, his touch sending a shiver down your spine.

"And I," He replied, his voice filled with conviction, "I want to be an architect. I want to design buildings that stand as a testament to human creativity and innovation, structures that inspire awe and admiration."

In that moment, under the canopy of stars, you shared not only your dreams but also your hearts. The world felt like an open canvas, waiting for you both to paint it with your aspirations and love. The possibilities seemed endless, and you believed that together, you could conquer anything.

But as time went by, dreams shifted and paths diverged.

The bond that had once been unbreakable was severed, and the scars of your past had taken time to heal.

Now, as you faced the prospect of working alongside the person who had once been your confidant and soulmate, you wondered if destiny was conspiring to reunite you and him.

Back in the present, Yunho noticed your reaction to the revelation about the new employee. He didn't pry or say anything to prevent Jongho and Yeosang from noticing your unease. Instead, he tactfully steered the conversation in a different direction, allowing you some space to collect your thoughts.

You stayed quiet for the rest of the lunch break as your colleagues continued to discuss Wooyoung's fame in the industry and expressed their admiration for his joining the company. It seemed that everyone was thrilled to have such a renowned architect on board.

You found it increasingly difficult to focus on their conversation, your mind a swirl of conflicting emotions.

After lunch, Yunho, understanding the need for a private conversation, walked with you towards your workspace. He looked at you with genuine concern in his eyes and finally broached the subject, "You know, I noticed your reaction during lunch, especially when we talked about Jung Wooyoung. Was he the person you mentioned seeing on your first day?"

You hesitated, feeling a mixture of gratitude for his concern and the anxiety of having to reveal your personal history with Wooyoung. Taking a deep breath, you decided to be honest, "Yes, Yunho. He's... he's my ex-boyfriend from high school."

He nodded understandingly, his expression sympathetic, "I see. That must be quite a shock to run into him again after all these years."

You nodded, your voice barely above a whisper, "It is. We didn't exactly part on good terms, and I didn't expect to see him here, of all places."

Yunho placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, "I understand it might be difficult for you. If you ever need to talk or if there's anything I can do to make things easier, please don't hesitate to let me know." His genuine concern touched you, and you felt grateful for the support of a friend in this unexpected and emotionally charged situation.

In the days that followed the revelation of Wooyoung's presence in Dreamscape, you were trapped in a constant state of anxiety.

The fear of bumping into him in the hallway or, worse, having to work alongside him weighed heavily on your mind. It felt like an emotional rollercoaster, with every corner turned, you wondered if you'd run into the past you had tried so hard to leave behind.

During this challenging time, Yunho became your confidant and your pillar of support. After all, he was the only one in the company who was aware of your shared history with Wooyoung. The two of you often found solace during your breaks in the pantry, sharing coffee and conversation as a way to alleviate your worries.

On one of those breaks, you couldn't contain your distress any longer.

You sighed deeply and pressed your head into your hands, shoulders slumping with the weight of your anxiety, "What am I going to do when I eventually see him, Yunho?" You confessed, your voice trembling with uncertainty.

Yunho, sitting beside you, instantly shifted to comfort mode.

He gently rubbed your back, a gesture meant to provide comfort in your moment of vulnerability, "I understand how difficult this must be for you," He said, his tone filled with empathy, "But remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here to support you, and we'll get through this together."

You looked up at him, gratitude shimmering in your eyes.

His unwavering friendship and understanding were a source of strength in the midst of your turmoil. With him by your side, you felt a glimmer of hope that you could face the looming reunion with Wooyoung, no matter how daunting it might seem.

And as if the universe had conspired to test your resolve, fate finally decided to bring your past into your present.

It was a moment you had been dreading since the day you found out he worked in the same company, and the timing couldn't have been more uncomfortable. Of course, he chose this particular moment when you and Yunho were so close to make his appearance.

The first indication of his presence came with the sudden clearing of his throat, a loud and deliberate sound that sliced through the air.

Your heart skipped a beat, dread gnawing at your insides.

Wooyoung stood there, just a few feet away, his expression unreadable but his eyes betraying a mixture of emotions. It was clear that the sight of you and Yunho together hurt him more than he had expected. Even after all these years, the thought of you being with someone other than him still held the power to inflict pain.

You swallowed hard, your voice failing you in that moment of unexpected confrontation. Yunho, sensing the tension in the air, also turned to face Wooyoung, surprised.

For what felt like an eternity, no one spoke, the weight of the past and the complexity of the present hanging heavily in the air. The reunion you had both feared and secretly hoped for had arrived, but it was nothing like you had imagined.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

As Wooyoung's voice broke the silence, Yunho slowly pulled his hand away from your back, the comforting touch dissipating like a fading dream. His discomfort mirrored your own, but he was quick to step in, attempting to diffuse the palpable tension in the air.

Yunho let out a slightly nervous laugh, his eyes flickering between you and Wooyoung as he tried to avoid an awkward confrontation.

"Oh, no, not at all," He said with a light chuckle, "We were just discussing some work-related matters. By the way, have you two met?" He then introduced you to each other, acting as if he wasn't aware of your past with the architect.

You and Wooyoung exchanged a polite nod and pleasantries, both of you carefully concealing the history that lay between you. It was an unusual scenario, having to pretend that you were mere acquaintances meeting for the first time, but it seemed like the safest course of action.

Wooyoung's gaze, however, remained intense, as if he was trying to read something in your eyes, searching for a hint of recognition or acknowledgement. But you kept your expression neutral, mirroring his façade of polite professionalism.

As the conversation shifted to work-related topics, you wondered how long this charade could last and what it would mean for your relationship with Wooyoung moving forward. The past was no longer a distant memory but a living presence in your everyday life, and you had to navigate these uncharted waters with care.

For your sake, Yunho kept the conversation short, wrapping it up quickly and informing Wooyoung that you had an important meeting to rush to. It was a graceful exit strategy, and you appreciated his efforts to spare you from the awkward encounter.

With a polite nod, you and Yunho left the pantry, his hand resting lightly on the small of your back as he guided you out. As you walked away, you felt Wooyoung's gaze following your every step. His eyes bore into your back, and you sensed the weight of his unspoken words, the longing that hung in the air.

Once you were out of earshot, Wooyoung let out a quiet sigh, his heart clenching uncomfortably.

The desire to have a proper conversation with you, to ask how you had been for the last six years, to tell you how beautiful you still looked—it all weighed heavily on him. He missed you more than you could ever know, and he regretted the way things had ended between you two all those years ago.

As he watched you and Yunho disappear around the corner, Wooyoung wondered if fate had given him a second chance, a shot at redemption. But he also knew that healing the wounds of the past wouldn't be easy, and he would have to tread carefully to earn your trust once more.

Seven years ago, you had been on the cusp of adulthood, filled with dreams and aspirations for the future.

You and Wooyoung, once inseparable, had shared hopes of achieving those dreams together. But there was an undeniable change in him during your final year in high school, a growing distance that had puzzled and hurt you deeply.

The two of you had been so close, sharing laughter, dreams, and countless secrets. It was a bond that you had believed was unbreakable, forged through years of trust and shared experiences. But as time passed, his warmth and affection started to wane, replaced by an unsettling aloofness.

At first, you had brushed it off, thinking it was just the inevitable growing pains of young love. But the chasm between you continued to widen, bit by bit, like a silent storm on the horizon. You couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when it had all begun to unravel, but you knew something had changed.

It wasn't until graduation day, a day that should have been filled with celebration and joy, that the truth came crashing down.

Wooyoung had taken you aside, away from the cheering crowd and the tearful farewells of your classmates. His eyes, once so warm and full of affection, were distant and cold. The contrast was stark, and it sent a shiver down your spine as you braced yourself for what was to come.

He cleared his throat, the sound hollow in the otherwise bustling background, "Listen," He began, his voice tinged with an unfamiliar detachment, "I think we should break up."

Your heart seemed to stop, the world around you growing hazy as the weight of his words sank in, "Break up?" You repeated the words, your voice barely above a whisper.

His gaze remained fixed on the ground, avoiding your eyes, "Yeah," He replied, his tone lacking the tenderness that had once been so characteristic of him, "I think it's for the best."

A wave of confusion and pain washed over you.

This wasn't the Wooyoung you had known for years, the one who had held you close on countless nights and whispered promises of a shared future. It felt as if a stranger had replaced the person you loved.

"But why?" You managed to find your voice, your heartache now mingling with a growing sense of betrayal.

He sighed, a heavy, burdensome sound, "Look, what we had... it was just puppy love. We're young, and we'll both move on easily. Trust me, it's better this way."

The words stung like a thousand cuts, each syllable a painful reminder of the love that had once bloomed between you, now discarded as if it were nothing more than a passing fancy.

You struggled to hold back tears, your chest tight with the pain of rejection and abandonment.

He never explained why he had grown distant or why he believed it was best to part ways. You were left with a gaping wound in your heart, the questions and doubts haunting you for years to come. You had assumed that he no longer loved you, that perhaps he was just falling out of love with you and didn't know how else to break it to you.

It was a moment etched into your memory, a wound that had never fully healed, and now, as you faced the possibility of a new beginning with Wooyoung at Dreamscape, it cast a long shadow over the uncertain future that lay ahead.

And just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, fate had a knack for throwing curveballs your way.

As you settled into your role and joined a new project team, the shock came when you realised that Wooyoung, of all people, was your project manager. The tension in the room was palpable, and the air seemed to crackle with unresolved emotions.

You did your best to act nonchalant and remain professional as you extended your hand toward him, a forced smile on your lips, "Thank you for welcoming me onto your team, Wooyoung." You said, the words carrying an undertone of politeness and nothing more.

He, too, played his part, shaking your hand and responding with a polite, "Of course, it's good to have you on board."

But beneath the veneer of professionalism, you both understood the complexities of the situation. The unspoken history between you hung in the air like a fragile secret, and you were acutely aware of the need to keep it hidden from your colleagues.

The potential controversy that could arise from your past relationship was something neither of you wanted to invite into your already complicated professional lives.

As the days passed and you and your ex-boyfriend were forced to work closely together on the project, you both made a conscious effort to push all personal feelings aside and focus solely on the task at hand. The office became a battleground of professionalism, where emotions were carefully masked and the past was buried deep.

But for Wooyoung, the facade of indifference and professionalism was a double-edged sword.

He couldn't help but wish that you would at least show some sign of emotion, whether it be unhappiness or anger. At least that would mean you acknowledged the shared history between you both. Instead, your ability to pretend as though there was absolutely nothing between you seemed to hurt him more than he would admit.

In quiet moments, when you both were reviewing project details or in meetings with colleagues, he found himself stealing glances in your direction, searching for any hint of the past in your eyes. He longed for a flicker of recognition, a sign that you remembered the love and pain you had once shared.

But your composure remained unbroken, and it drove a deeper wedge between you.

The silence between you both was deafening, filled with the words left unspoken and the emotions suppressed. It was a silent struggle, each of you grappling with the ghosts of your past and the desire for closure or resolution.

One afternoon, as the project team gathered in a meeting room to discuss the progress so far, Wooyoung was busy fighting an internal battle to keep his emotions in check. It was a challenging day with tight deadlines, and the room buzzed with the collective effort to meet them.

His attention, however, was fixated on you and Jongho.

You both worked exceptionally close together, huddled over a design, reviewing it meticulously. Jongho, known for his professionalism and respectfulness, offered his insights and ideas in a considerate manner, never overstepping boundaries.

But to Wooyoung, it felt like a dagger through his heart.

Irrational jealousy gnawed at him, and his chest tightened uncomfortably at the sight of you working closely with another person, even though he knew it was purely professional. It was a jealousy born of a deep longing and a desire to be the one by your side, sharing those moments of collaboration and connection.

As he observed you and Jongho, his thoughts swirled with frustration and regret. He wished, more than anything, that you would ask him why he had chosen to break up with you all those years ago. At least then, he would finally get the chance to explain his side of the story, to offer the apology he knew you deserved.

But the walls between you both remained stubbornly intact.

The past was a fragile subject, one that neither of you dared to breach. It was a tormenting silence, filled with unspoken words and the desire for resolution, that hung heavily in the room.

Hours later, when you stepped out of the meeting room alone, heading towards the printer to retrieve a few documents, Wooyoung saw it as his chance to finally speak with you. He understood that it wasn't the most professional setting for such a conversation, but he also knew that opportunities like this were rare and precious.

Determined to seize the moment, he discreetly followed you through the quiet corners of the office, his footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway. When he finally caught up to you, his presence was as sudden as a whispered secret.

You turned, and the surprise on your face was palpable as you realised you were alone with him, far away from the prying eyes of your colleagues. The awkwardness in the air was thick, a stark reminder of the emotional chasm that had grown between you over the years.

Your eyes met briefly, but you immediately looked away, unable to sustain the intensity of the gaze. The silence hung heavy, and it was a stark contrast to the joyful moments you had once shared together.

Wooyoung felt a tightening in his chest as he watched you, noticing how uncomfortable and guarded you appeared.

He missed the days when your smile would light up a room and when you would beam with joy in his presence. The realisation hit him like a wave; he had played a significant role in creating this distance between you both, and there was no one else to blame but himself.

With a deep breath, he knew he had to break the silence, to bridge the gap that had grown between you. But the words remained trapped on his lips, the weight of his unspoken apologies and regrets weighing him down.

Desperate to put some distance between you and your ex, you swiftly collected the papers from the printer, your heart pounding loudly in nervousness. Every instinct told you to walk away, to leave this uncomfortable situation behind, but fate had other plans.

As you moved to exit the area, he intentionally positioned himself in your path, blocking your way.

Your heart sank, and your mind raced with questions.

What could he possibly want from you now, after all these years? He was the one who had left you, who had chosen to end what you once shared. So, why was he suddenly resurfacing in your life?

Sighing deeply, you mustered all the politeness you could, your voice tinged with impatience, "Wooyoung, please, move aside."

But to your surprise and growing discomfort, he refused to budge.

When you attempted to push past him, he shocked you by grabbing your shoulders, his grip firm but not aggressive, making you look into his eyes. His gaze bore into yours, and the intensity of his words sent a shiver down your spine.

"Are you going to act like this forever?" He asked, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and vulnerability, "Like nothing ever happened between us?"

The anger surged within you, a tempest threatening to break free from its confines. With great effort, you fought to keep it in check, a silent reminder that you were at work.

Your jaw clenched, and you met his gaze with a steely resolve.

In a quiet but firm tone, you asked, "How dare you ask me that? Did you forget that you were the one who insisted on there being nothing between us? Don't start acting like I was the one who hurt you."

Pain was etched across Wooyoung's face as he attempted to reach for your hand, a desperate plea for understanding.

His fingers brushed the air as you pulled away, stepping back to put some physical and emotional distance between you both. The tears welling in his eyes were painful to witness, but in that moment, you couldn't bring yourself to comfort him. After all, he was the one who had left you wounded and wondering for years.

With a voice that trembled with regret and sorrow, he began to apologise, his words coming out in a broken tone. He wanted to seize this opportunity to finally reveal why he had grown distant and the circumstances that led to your heartbreaking breakup.

But before he could say more, fate intervened.

Unbeknownst to both of you, Yunho had been passing by and had spotted you cornered by your ex. The uncomfortable expression on your face did not go unnoticed, and Yunho contemplated for a moment before deciding to come to your rescue.

The recruiter approached with a sense of urgency, his voice carrying a tone of concern as he called out your name.

"Hey, I've been looking for you regarding that claim you submitted." He said, creating a plausible excuse related to HR matters. His presence was a welcome distraction, breaking the tense atmosphere that had enveloped you and Wooyoung.

You breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Yunho's timely intervention. It provided you with an excuse to disengage from the emotionally charged conversation and averted a potentially painful confrontation.

Wooyoung stood there, a mix of frustration and regret swirling within him, as he watched you follow Yunho down the hallway. He cursed himself under his breath, the bitter taste of missed opportunity gnawing at him once again. He knew he had failed to provide you with the explanation and closure you deserved.

With a heavy sigh, he retreated to the bathroom, needing a moment to collect himself. He couldn't shake the feeling of bitterness at your absence, his regret weighing him down as he replayed the missed chance over and over in his mind.

When he returned to the meeting room, he found Jongho still there, diligently working on the project. The expression on his face must have revealed his inner turmoil because the youngest looked up and asked, "Everything okay?"

Wooyoung nodded, forcing a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Yeah, just some personal matters to attend to." He replied, though he felt a pang of jealousy at how close you seemed to be growing to Yunho.

He knew he had no right to be upset about it.

After all, he was no longer your boyfriend; he was just the douchebag who had hurt you when all you wanted was to be with him.

As he returned to work, he couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled within him. The encounter with you had opened old wounds and stirred up emotions he had long tried to bury. Now, as he faced the consequences of his past actions, he wondered if there was any hope for redemption and forgiveness at all.

In the days that followed, Wooyoung tried his hardest to find opportunities to speak with you alone. The weight of the unresolved conversation gnawed at him. He knew he had a lot to answer for, and he was determined to make amends.

But it quickly became evident that you were adamant about avoiding him like the plague. You kept your interactions with him strictly professional, speaking to him only when necessary and making a hasty escape from his presence the moment your involvement was no longer required.

It was clear that you had no interest in rekindling any form of personal connection with him.

Recognising the boundaries you had set, he decided to respect your wishes. He understood that he had hurt you deeply, and he had no right to force himself back into your life. The pain of your separation had been his doing, and he couldn't change the past. So, he gave you the space you needed, even if it meant leaving you alone.

As he watched you from a distance, he felt a profound sense of regret and sorrow.

He knew he had made mistakes, and he couldn't undo the past. But perhaps, in time, he could find a way to make amends and rebuild the bridges he had burned. Until then, he would continue to silently bear the weight of his past actions, hoping for a chance at redemption.

Weeks turned into months, and the distance between you remained.

The workplace had its own rhythm, and you both settled into your roles within the company, maintaining a professional demeanour in each other's presence.

He had resigned himself to the fact that you had moved on, and he had no choice but to respect your boundaries. He watched as you thrived in your role, your talent as a graphic designer shining through in your work. It was clear that you had found your place within the company and were flourishing.

In his own way, Wooyoung tried to do the same.

He dedicated himself to his role as an architect, pouring his energy into designing innovative structures and contributing to the company's success. Despite his professional accomplishments, there was an emptiness that lingered, a sense of unfinished business that weighed on his heart.

While you both had managed to coexist in the same workplace without any overt conflicts, there were moments when your paths crossed, and the unspoken history hung heavily in the air.

Each encounter was a reminder of the past, of the love and pain you had once shared.

As time passed, you sometimes wondered if there would ever be a chance for the two of you to find closure. The thought of reopening old wounds was daunting, but you couldn't deny the curiosity about what Wooyoung might have to say after all these years.

The team-building activity at the famous creek retreat on the outskirts of the city had everyone away from the office for a couple of days. It was a chance to bond with colleagues and build better working relationships, but for you and Wooyoung, it meant being stuck in the same van during the journey to the location.

By this point, you had both grown accustomed to each other's presence and the unspoken tension between you.

Wooyoung occupied the front passenger seat, while you ended up sandwiched between Yeosang and Jongho in the middle row. The initial jokes and laughter that had filled the van gradually faded, leaving a comfortable silence in its wake.

As the rhythmic hum of the van's engine filled the air, you succumbed to weariness, your head hanging uncomfortably as you drifted into an unplanned nap.

But your ex couldn't just sit by and do nothing when he noticed your head drooping uncomfortably.

He threw a disapproving glare at Yeosang, who was still awake beside you, gesturing for him to help you find a more comfortable position. Yeosang obeyed instantly, and carefully adjusted your head, allowing you to rest more comfortably.

In a gentle and almost instinctive gesture, Wooyoung removed his own jacket and carefully draped it over your hunched figure.

It was a small act of care and warmth, a reminder of the time when he used to take care of you in more ways than one. In that moment, as you slept soundly, he allowed himself to reminisce about the past and the love that had once bound you together.

The van journey continued, the landscape outside passing by in a blur, while inside, a sense of nostalgia and longing hung in the air, and for Wooyoung, a quiet longing to care for you, even if it was only in these fleeting moments when you were unaware.

Excitement bubbled within you as the van finally arrived at the retreat, and the sight of Yunho waiting for everyone only heightened your anticipation. You rushed up to him with giddy enthusiasm, your energy infectious as you exchanged a high-five with the tall recruiter.

Yunho, always the gentleman, made a move to grab your luggage from the trunk, his intention to help you take it to your room clear in his actions. He smiled warmly, ready to assist you in any way he could. But just as his hand was about to reach your luggage, something unexpected happened.

Wooyoung, who had been observing from a distance, suddenly stepped in and swiftly grabbed your luggage, his actions asserting his presence with a possessive undertone.

You froze, a mix of surprise and discomfort washing over you as you realised what was happening.

It was evident that your ex's possessiveness was beginning to surface, and he muttered under his breath, "I'll do it. She's in my team after all; I should be the one to take care of her."

The unexpected tension between Wooyoung and Yunho escalated as both men refused to back down. You had thought Yunho would step aside amicably, given his typically easygoing nature. But he surprised everyone by firmly gripping the luggage, refusing to let it go.

"No, it's fine," Yunho asserted with a determined look, "I am the one who recruited her, after all. By right, I should be the one taking care of her better than anyone."

The atmosphere grew increasingly charged as the two men seemed locked in a silent standoff, each wanting to assert their claim over the situation and their desire to take care of you.

Sensing the tension, Jongho and Yeosang quickly stepped forward to diffuse the situation.

Jongho, with a playful grin, stepped between Wooyoung and Yunho, pushing them apart gently. He then grabbed your luggage with a confident air, "Oh, step aside, you two. I should be the one to handle the heavy lifting. After all, I'm the youngest and strongest here."

With that, the tension in the air began to dissipate, and you chuckled at the unexpected turn of events.

It seemed that your colleagues had a knack for turning potentially awkward situations into light-hearted moments, reminding everyone that this team-building retreat was meant for bonding and camaraderie.

Wooyoung, realising the embarrassment of his own actions at that moment, decided to feign nonchalance, offering a brief, somewhat awkward smile before he hurried off to settle down in his own room. It was clear that the situation had caught him off guard, and he needed some time to collect his thoughts.

Yunho, on the other hand, walked you to your room.

The earlier tension now replaced by a more relaxed atmosphere.

As you both made your way, you couldn't help but ask Yunho why he had fought back against Wooyoung's attempt to help you with your luggage. He seemed to be struggling to find the right words, and there was a moment of silence before he finally replied.

"I just... wanted to protect you from him."

He admitted, his voice tinged with sincerity. It was a straightforward response, but there was a hint of something more beneath the surface.

You assured him that Wooyoung would never do anything to hurt you, your words meant to put his concerns to rest. But instead of feeling reassured, Yunho felt slightly bitter. It was as if your defence of your ex-boyfriend had struck a chord with him.

Unbeknownst to Yunho, his feelings for you might have been a little more than platonic.

The protective instinct he had shown earlier had surprised even him, leaving him to grapple with emotions he hadn't fully understood or acknowledged. As he stood with you outside your room, a sense of inner turmoil lingered, and the retreat had already taken an unexpected turn for him, one that would leave him questioning his own feelings in the days to come.

The day at the retreat continued with a series of team-building activities and games designed to strengthen your teamwork and bond with your colleagues.

Unfortunately, you found yourself paired with Wooyoung for most of the day, given that you were in the same team. But it was through these games that you began to let your guard down around him, even if it's only just a bit.

As the two of you were selected to represent your team in a treasure hunt, you felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The task ahead required you both to focus solely on the challenge at hand, putting aside any personal history or unresolved feelings.

With a shared goal in mind, you and Wooyoung worked together closely, determined to solve the puzzles and riddles that would lead you closer to the treasure. There was a surprising ease to your interaction and a sense of teamwork that transcended the complicated past you shared.

As you ventured through the retreat grounds, following clues with him, you realised that, for the first time in a long while, you were able to enjoy each other's company without the weight of your history hanging over you. The laughter and excitement that accompanied each discovery allowed you to momentarily forget the tension that had defined your interactions at work.

The treasure hunt had eventually taken you along a winding trail through the retreat's serene surroundings, and as you both took a well-deserved break on one of the wooden benches along the path, a sense of ease settled over you both.

He flashed a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with a hint of the playful banter you had once shared.

"You know," He said with mock seriousness, "I thought a decade apart might have improved your riddle-solving abilities, but I guess some things never change."

You scoffed at his comment, leaning back on the wooden bench.

"Oh please," You retorted, a twinkle in your eye, "You should talk, Mr. Impatient. You've always been so quick to jump to conclusions. Remember that time we got stuck in that escape room and you nearly dismantled the whole place trying to find the way out?"

Wooyoung's laughter rang out, and he shook his head, clearly recalling the memory.

"Okay, fair point," He conceded, his expression softening as he allowed himself to reminisce about the past, "But in my defence, I was just trying to impress you with my problem-solving skills."

As your laughter filled the air, he stared at you as if you were the most captivating sight he had ever seen. At that moment, the realisation hit him like a lightning bolt: he missed you like crazy, and he regretted walking away from you all those years ago.

The years apart had allowed Wooyoung to mature and reflect on his actions, and he now understood the depth of his feelings for you.

As he watched you laugh and joke with him, he wondered if there was a chance to make amends, to rebuild what had been lost, and to finally give voice to the apologies and explanations he owed you.

Your ex contemplated using the moment of levity to broach a more serious conversation, to finally address the unresolved issues from your past. He opened his mouth to speak, ready to say those words that had been lingering on his mind for so long, "Listen, I—"

But before he could utter another word, his attempt was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected presence of Yunho.

The recruiter had a knack for appearing at just the wrong times, and this instance was no exception. The recruiter approached you both, his expression was carefully neutral, though an undercurrent of unease flickered in his eyes as he observed the two of you conversing like old friends.

With a teasing grin, Yunho playfully chided, "Excuse me, are you actually slacking off right now?" You immediately sprang to your own defence, "As if! We were just taking a short break!"

The banter between you two becoming second nature.

But Wooyoung's reaction to your interaction with Yunho was far from casual. He couldn't hide his irritation, and his patience had run thin.

In a bold move, he wrapped his fingers around your wrist, a possessive gesture that sent a clear message, "Thank you for your concern, but we have a journey to continue on." With a gentle yet firm tug, he pulled you away from the taller male.

As he led you down the path, his grip on your wrist gradually loosened, and he found himself grappling with the tension that had resurfaced in the wake of Yunho's interruption.

It seemed that the conversation he had hoped to have with you would have to wait for another time, and the retreat had once again taken an unexpected turn, leaving all three of you with unanswered questions and unspoken feelings.

Walking alongside Wooyoung, you were aware of the tension between him and Yunho that had been growing throughout the day, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.

It felt like their constant battles were, in some way, a result of your presence and the unresolved emotions between you and your ex. You wished you could find a way to alleviate the tension and make things easier for everyone involved.

At the same time, you couldn't deny the unexpected warmth that had enveloped you since rekindling your friendship with Wooyoung.

The day had reminded you of how much you missed his goofy personality and his ability to make you laugh. It was a feeling you hadn't fully realised until now, and you wondered how different things might have been if only you had remained friends all these years.

As evening fell and the group gathered for dinner, the atmosphere had mellowed, and you all enjoyed hotpot together.

Wooyoung made it a point to sit beside you, and as he cooked, he paid special attention to preparing your favourite food just the way you liked them. It was a gesture that felt oddly familiar, and for a moment, it transported you back in time. You smiled as you watched him, reminded of how he used to take charge of your meals because he was the better cook between the two of you.

At this moment, with the delicious aroma of the hotpot filling the air and his playful banter accompanying it, it felt as though you were back in those simpler times, a time when your bond was unburdened by the weight of the past.

As the complex dynamics between you, Wooyoung, and Yunho continued to unfold, it became apparent to the rest of your colleagues that something unusual was happening.

Yeosang had taken the opportunity to fill Jongho in on the events that transpired during the car ride to the retreat, explaining how Wooyoung had taken special care of you when you were asleep and how he had displayed a level of familiarity with you that was hard to ignore.

Jongho nodded thoughtfully as he absorbed this information.

"I always thought there was something different about the way Wooyoung hyung looked at her," He remarked, his brow furrowing slightly, "It's almost like they knew each other before coming to work here. And I'm pretty sure Yunho hyung knows something we don't."

Your colleagues might not have the full story, but they were observant enough to sense that there was more to the interactions between the three of you than met the eye.

As the days at the retreat unfolded, Yunho observed the interactions between you and Wooyoung with a quiet demeanour.

He fought hard to maintain a neutral expression, not wanting to reveal any signs of his inner turmoil. Despite his efforts, he couldn't deceive Jongho and Yeosang, who were growing increasingly perceptive to the underlying tension.

The two exchanged knowing glances whenever they noticed Yunho observing the two of you closely. They had their own suspicions about the complicated dynamics at play but chose to remain silent, not wanting to intrude on a situation that seemed to be filled with unspoken emotions and unresolved history.

On one of the restless nights during the retreat, you found yourself tossing and turning in your room, unable to find the peace needed to fall asleep. Frustration mounting, you made the impulsive decision to take a quiet walk around the safe surroundings of the retreat.

The night was serene, and the cool breeze provided a momentary respite from the turmoil of your thoughts.

As you wandered through the moonlit paths, you stumbled upon Wooyoung, sitting alone on one of the benches, gazing up at the vast night sky. His silhouette seemed so familiar yet distant, and you hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to disturb his solitude.

Just as you turned to leave, he softly called out to you, "Stay with me." His voice carried a pleading whisper. Unable to resist the pull, you retraced your steps and settled down beside him.

Your heart skipped a beat when you felt him lean his head gently on your shoulder. In the silence of the night, the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of crickets. You could sense the tension and emotions swirling around the two of you.

Breaking the silence, he asked the simple question that had been on his mind, his voice barely above a whisper, "Why are you here?"

You sighed softly, your gaze fixed on the starry sky, "I couldn't sleep," You admitted, your voice equally hushed. He nodded, "Yeah, I'm here for the same reason," You furrowed your brows at the revelation, "Why can't you sleep? You've never been one to suffer from insomnia."

A moment passed before he finally confessed, "Because I can't stop thinking about you."

Your heart raced as Wooyoung moved to take your hands in his, gently turning you to face him. The vulnerability in his eyes was undeniable, and it was clear that he had been waiting for this moment, a moment free from interruptions or distractions.

The weight of unspoken words hung heavily in the air, and you knew that this was the time to finally have that conversation.

He began by addressing the question that had haunted you both for years, "I want to talk about why I grew distant and why I eventually broke up with you back then."

You nodded, your eyes locked onto his, urging him to continue.

He took a deep breath before delving into his past, a past filled with insecurities and misguided advice.

"I spoke to my brother about my dreams, about wanting to become an architect," He explained, his voice tinged with regret, "At the time, my brother was heartbroken from his own breakup, and he... he told me that love would only hold me back from reaching my full potential."

His confession hit you like a wave of emotions.

It was the answer you had longed for, the missing piece of the puzzle that had haunted your memories for years. You listened intently as he continued, his voice trembling with the weight of his confession.

"He told me that if I wanted to be successful in the future, I would have to... to get rid of you."

The revelation was bittersweet.

It was painful to hear that his decision to distance himself from you had been influenced by such misguided advice, but it also provided a semblance of closure, a glimpse into the reasons behind his actions all those years ago.

As you absorbed his words, you felt a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and, surprisingly, a glimmer of understanding.

Wooyoung's voice was filled with genuine remorse as he continued, "I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am for everything, for believing my brother's words and letting them dictate my actions. I was such a fool."

You listened intently, your own emotions swirling as he spoke.

"Wooyoung, it was so hard for me too," You admitted softly, "I couldn't understand why you were pulling away, why you seemed so distant. It felt like you were slipping through my fingers."

He lowered his head, his voice trembling as he continued, "I know, and I regret it more than anything. I never wanted to hurt you, but I thought it was the right thing to do at the time."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you reached out to gently touch his cheek, "We were both so young and confused," You whispered, "And we made mistakes. But it's in the past now."

He nodded, his gaze meeting yours once more, "It's taken me so long to realise how wrong I was," He admitted, his voice heavy with regret, "I should have fought for us, not pushed you away."

You gave him a small, understanding smile, "Sometimes we have to go through pain and regrets to truly appreciate what we had. I've learned from it too."

As the night breeze rustled the leaves around you, he took a deep breath, his eyes locked on yours, "Thank you for listening, for giving me a chance to explain," With a heartfelt sigh, you replied, "And thank you for being honest with me. It means a lot."

The weight of the past began to lift, replaced by a sense of understanding and a glimmer of hope for the future.

In that quiet moment beneath the starlit sky, you both realised that perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance to heal old wounds and build something new together.

After the retreat, life at work settled into a new rhythm.

The weight of the past that had lingered between you and Wooyoung had finally been lifted, and you found yourselves getting along better than ever. The resolution of your past issues created a sense of understanding between you, allowing you both to focus on the present and the potential for a future together.

But Wooyoung knew that winning you back wasn't going to be easy, even with your forgiveness.

He understood that the presence of Yunho, who had inserted himself into your life in various ways, posed a strong competition. Observing Yunho's efforts to be close to you, your ex realised that he needed to step up his game if he didn't want to lose you to his rival.

Wooyoung was determined to show you that he had changed, that he was ready to make amends for the past and fight for a second chance at love. He knew it wouldn't be a simple task, but he was willing to put in the effort, knowing that you were worth every ounce of it.

As the days went by, he subtly began to make his presence felt in your life once more, finding opportunities to spend time with you and rekindle the connection that had once been so strong. He was committed to proving to you that he was ready to be the partner you deserved, hoping that you would see the changes in him and consider giving your relationship another chance.

The weeks leading up to the project deadline had turned into a gruelling and relentless cycle for you and your team. The pressure was relentless, and you had all been caught in a never-ending loop of work, eat, and sleep—or lack thereof.

As a perfectionist, you held yourself to incredibly high standards. You constantly pushed the boundaries of your abilities, striving for perfection in every detail of your work.

This relentless pursuit of excellence had taken a toll on your well-being, particularly your sleep. Your colleagues might have been unaware of the extent of your exhaustion, but you were all too aware of the sacrifices you were making.

One afternoon, during the usual lunch break, the office was quiet and empty as everyone else headed to the cafeteria to grab a meal and a moment of respite.

But you were too exhausted to join them.

Instead, you found yourself unable to stay awake at your desk. The fatigue was overwhelming, and your body finally gave in to the exhaustion that had been building for weeks.

Your head gently slumped onto your folded arms, and your eyes closed as you succumbed to sleep. The hum of the office's air conditioning and the soft ticking of the clock on the wall provided a soothing background to your unintended nap.

Meanwhile, Yunho thought it was unusual not to see you at the cafeteria, especially during these high-pressure days leading up to the project deadline. Concern crept into his mind as he realised that he hadn't seen you taking a break or grabbing a bite to eat like everyone else.

Furrowing his brows, he decided to check around the office, his worry growing as he found no trace of you at your usual spots. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something might be wrong. Maybe you were feeling unwell, or perhaps the stress had finally taken its toll on you.

As he made his way through the quiet office, his steps grew lighter, and his anxiety turned into relief when he finally spotted you.

Yunho's heart swelled with affection and concern as he gazed down at you, fast asleep at your desk. He found you incredibly adorable, even in the midst of exhaustion. However, that adoration was mixed with a deep sense of worry as he realised just how overworked you must be to skip meals and resort to catching sleep at the office.

Kneeling beside you, he couldn't resist the urge to gently push a few stray strands of hair away from your face, his fingers brushing softly against your cheek. He wished he could take away the burden of stress that seemed to weigh you down.

But as he hovered over you, lost in his thoughts, he was abruptly pulled from his reverie when Wooyoung's voice cut through the silence of the office.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Yunho quickly stood up, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught in such an intimate moment. He cleared his throat, struggling to find an explanation, "I... I was just checking on her. She looked really tired, and I wanted to make sure she was okay."

Wooyoung's expression remained guarded, his eyes fixed on Yunho as if he were assessing his intentions. It was clear that the rivalry between them had not dissipated, and the taller male's actions had not gone unnoticed.

Yunho felt a pang of guilt and self-doubt, wondering whether his concern for you was genuine or if it was fueled by something more complicated. He stepped back, allowing Wooyoung to take the lead, unsure of how to navigate the complex web of emotions that seemed to entangle the three of you.

Flustered, Yunho made a hasty exit from the scene.

He needed a moment to collect himself, to sort through the whirlwind of feelings that had been stirred by the sight of you asleep at your desk. It was undeniable that his concern for you went beyond the boundaries of a typical colleague's care.

As Yunho retreated, Wooyoung took a few steps closer to your desk, his gaze softening as he watched you sleep. The stress and exhaustion that had etched lines of weariness on your face tugged at his heartstrings. He wanted nothing more than to take care of you, to make sure you were comfortable and at ease.

With a tender touch, Wooyoung reached for a container, your favourite meal inside, that he had prepared earlier in the morning. He placed it gently by the side of your desk, ensuring you had something delicious to eat once you woke up.

Then, he unfastened his blazer and carefully draped it over your hunched figure before pressing a small kiss onto your temple. His actions were driven by a desire to keep you warm and snug, to shield you from the chilly air of the office. Watching you sleep so peacefully, he smiled softly.

Beneath that smile lurked a sense of jealousy within him.

Seeing Yunho's concern for you triggered a surge of possessiveness and insecurity that he found hard to ignore. He knew he needed to address these emotions, but for now, his priority was making sure you were taken care of, even if it meant he had to battle his inner demons silently.

After lunch, Yeosang's gentle touch and voice roused you from your slumber, bringing you back to the bustling reality of the office.

As your eyes fluttered open, you immediately noticed Wooyoung's blazer draped over you, providing warmth and comfort. It was a gesture that touched your heart deeply, and a small, contented smile tugged at your lips.

Your gaze shifted to the container of food on your desk, and recognition washed over you. It was unmistakably Wooyoung's signature meal, one he had always lovingly prepared for you during your high school days. The rush of nostalgia and fond memories that accompanied the sight of the familiar dish made your heart flutter.

It was as if he had reached through time to the days when you were a giddy high school girl in love.

But it wasn't just the meal that stirred your emotions.

As you turned your attention to the meeting room, your heart skipped a beat when you locked eyes with your ex-boyfriend.

He looked incredibly handsome, his features refined by the years that had passed since high school. The sight of him reignited a spark of attraction and reminded you of why you had fallen so deeply in love with him all those years ago.

In that moment, the boundaries that had kept your emotions in check began to blur. You couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for something beautiful to blossom between you and Wooyoung once again.

The day of the final presentation had finally arrived.

It was a crucial moment for your project, and the team had gathered early at the office to prepare for the important meeting with key stakeholders. The atmosphere was tense as everyone fine-tuned their speeches and went over the final details. However, you noticed that Wooyoung was conspicuously absent.

Concern gnawed at you, as this was unlike him.

He was usually punctual and responsible, and even if he were running late, he would have sent a message to keep the team informed. But this time, there was no word from him, and none of your colleagues had heard from him either.

As the minutes ticked by, your worry deepened.

You tried calling him repeatedly, only to be met with his voicemail each time. It was as though he had vanished, and the lack of communication sent a shiver of anxiety down your spine.

Your colleagues attempted to reassure you, telling you that he would likely show up soon and that there was probably a reasonable explanation for his absence. Still, you couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss, and your heart sank with every unanswered call.

The postponement of the meeting due to Wooyoung's absence only added to your growing anxiety.

His presence was vital as the project manager, and the fact that he hadn't shown up without any explanation left you deeply worried and on the verge of an emotional breakdown.

Unable to contain your concern any longer, you rushed to Yunho, desperately seeking any information that could help you reach Wooyoung. You needed to find him, to ensure he was safe and to understand why he had disappeared on such an important day.

The recruiter tried to calm you as he quickly accessed the company database to search for your ex's personal details. It was a race against time to locate him, and you clung to the hope that you could reach him soon.

Once Yunho found his home address, you wasted no time.

You packed your belongings in a rush, informing your concerned colleagues that you were going to check on him.

Yunho, worried for your safety given your fragile emotional state, volunteered to accompany you. You agreed, grateful for his support as you went on your mission to find Wooyoung.

The tension in the car was palpable as you and Yunho raced towards Wooyoung's house, your hearts heavy with worry and fear for his safety. But what you encountered on the way was something you never could have anticipated.

As your car approached an accident site at the side of the road, your heart seemed to stop when you recognised the mangled remains of an oddly familiar car.

No... no, it can't be.

Panic surged through you, and you screamed at Yunho to stop the car immediately. He slammed on the brakes, and without a second thought, you flung the car door open and sprinted towards the accident scene.

The crash site was chaos personified, with flashing red and blue lights illuminating the area.

As you approached, your heart pounded in your chest like a drum, and the weight of impending dread pressed down on you like a suffocating blanket.

Tears rolled down your cheeks, blurring your vision, as you attempted to rush past the stern-faced authorities who had already cordoned off the area. Their expressions were unyielding, their voices firm as they insisted on maintaining control of the situation.

"Please, let me through! That's my... my friend's car!"

You cried, your voice cracking with anguish, desperate to get closer to Wooyoung. The police officers held their ground, their solemn expressions a stark contrast to your frantic demeanour.

Your desperation reached a fever pitch as you continued to shout his name, your voice carrying your love, fear, and regret, "Wooyoung! Wooyoung, please be okay! God, I... I love you, okay?!" The words tumbled from your lips, heavy with raw emotion and filled with the agony of knowing you might lose him forever.

But the authorities were unyielding, firmly keeping you at bay, their unspoken message clear: they were doing their best to handle the situation, and your presence was only complicating matters further.

The seconds felt like hours as you stood there, helpless and terrified, hoping against hope that Wooyoung would somehow be okay.

In that moment of heart-wrenching despair, Yunho quickly gathered you into his arms, holding you tightly as your legs gave way beneath you. You clung to him, your sobs wracking your body as you repeated the painful words like a mantra, "I've lost him... I've lost him again..."

Yunho held you close, his own heart heavy with the knowledge that, despite his feelings, in the end, it would always be Wooyoung who occupied the most significant place in your heart. He silently accepted this truth, providing you with a comforting presence as you grieved the possibility of losing someone you still deeply loved.

An authority figure eventually approached you two, asking if you knew the victim.

When you confirmed that you were friends with the victim, a sense of relief washed over her face. She quickly informed you that Wooyoung was in the ambulance receiving immediate medical care, and you clung to that sliver of hope like a drowning person clutching a lifebuoy.

With Yunho's support, they guided you towards the ambulance.

Your heart continued to race with anxiety, a relentless drumbeat of fear echoing in your chest. The relief of knowing he was alive was shadowed by the uncertainty of how badly he might be hurt.

Tears streamed down your face the moment you laid eyes on Wooyoung in the back of the ambulance.

The sight of him, battered and bruised, was almost too much to bear. His face bore a couple of bruises, and you reached out to gently touch his hand, relieved that he was conscious and responsive.

The doctor provided some reassurance, explaining that he had sustained a few broken bones and injuries, but overall, he was in stable condition. But they still needed to transport him to the hospital for a more thorough examination to rule out any internal injuries or bleeding.

Your heart remained heavy, but a glimmer of hope flickered within you as you knew he had made it through the worst part.

As the ambulance set off for the hospital with Wooyoung inside, Yunho quickly contacted someone from work to update everyone about the accident. You sat in the back of the ambulance, clutching Wooyoung's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

The realisation hit you like a wave – your feelings for him had never truly faded; they had only been buried beneath the surface.

Now, more than ever, you were determined to stay by his side, to support him through his recovery, and to make up for the lost time. The events of the day had rekindled your love for him, stronger than ever before, and you couldn't imagine ever letting him go again.

"Do you know how scared I was, Jung Wooyoung? Don't you dare do that to me again, you hear me?" You whispered in a broken voice.

Despite the pain he must have been in, he smiled and nodded. His hand in yours was a reassuring anchor in the midst of this chaotic situation as he tightened his grip, giving you a comforting squeeze.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. This morning, as I was rushing to work, I hadn't been alert enough to realise a reckless driver was approaching from the side, he ignored the red light and ran straight into my car."

As he explained the accident, your worry for him only intensified, but he managed to inject a bit of humour into the conversation, teasing you about your emotional outburst. Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but you smiled back at him.

"Yeah, well, maybe it's about time I said it out loud," You replied, your voice filled with sincerity, "I do love you, Wooyoung. I never stopped, even when I thought I had. It's still you that I want, it will always be you. And I... I don't ever want to lose you again."

"You won't have to. I'm not going anywhere this time, I promise." His eyes locked onto yours, and the two of you shared a moment of understanding, the unspoken feelings finally out in the open.

Wooyoung's heart swelled with joy, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. For years, he had carried the weight of regret and longing for you, unsure if he would ever hear those three words from your lips again.

Now, as he looked into your eyes and heard you say that you loved him, it was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his chest.

A radiant smile spread across his bruised face, and his eyes sparkled with happiness. It was a smile that spoke of relief, of hope, and of a love that had endured despite the years of separation and heartache. In that moment, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he was willing to face them, because he had the love of his life by his side once again.

The final meeting for the project was a bittersweet moment.

Wooyoung, with his cast on his arm, sat next to you, and the shareholders expressed their relief and sympathy for what had happened to him. The mood in the room was one of gratitude that he had come out of the accident relatively unscathed.

You couldn't help but steal glances at him throughout the meeting, your heart filled with love and concern for his well-being.

As the presentation concluded successfully, you exchanged a subtle, reassuring smile with your boyfriend. It was a silent acknowledgement of the challenges you had overcome together, not just in the project but in your personal lives as well.

The future felt uncertain, but you both knew one thing for sure: you were determined to face it together, hand in hand, and this time, nothing would tear you apart.

The dinner celebration later that night was filled with laughter.

Your colleagues chatted and celebrated the successful completion of the project, unaware of the quiet exchange happening beneath the table. Wooyoung's caring looks and subtle touches spoke volumes, and he couldn't resist the urge to hold your hand, even as you shot him a warning look with wide eyes.

You both knew the importance of keeping your rekindled relationship discreet at work, fearing any potential conflicts of interest. But, at that moment, as your fingers intertwined under the table, you smiled at each other, knowing that your love had found its way back, and this time, it would be even stronger.

Yunho, ever the understanding friend, had come to terms with the reality of your relationship with Wooyoung. He genuinely wished the best for you, even if it meant he had to let go of any romantic hopes he might have had.

He knew that in your eyes, he had always been a close friend and colleague. Nothing more, nothing less.

One afternoon in the office pantry, the recruiter smiled to himself as he discreetly observed the two of you sharing a quiet moment in the pantry, thinking no one else was around. Wooyoung held your hand, and in a daring move, he stole a quick, playful kiss, prompting you to smack his arm in a half-hearted warning.

It was a glimpse of the love and happiness that had found its way back into both of your lives, and Yunho was content knowing that you were where you truly belonged.

A few months passed since Wooyoung's cast had been removed and he had fully recovered, you both found yourselves in a comfortable and loving routine. Although you travelled to work together, you would part ways to enter your respective offices, with your boyfriend taking every opportunity to sneak a kiss onto your face before playfully running away, dodging your affectionate smacks.

The sun streamed through the car windows as you both drove to work together, the atmosphere light and easy. As you approached the office building, he glanced over at you, a playful glint in his eyes.

"You know, babe," He began, his voice warm and teasing, "I've been thinking. We've been keeping our relationship under wraps at work for a while now. And, well, I was wondering if maybe it's time we let everyone know."

You turned to look at him, eyebrows raised in surprise, "Are you serious, Woo?"

He nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "Yeah, I mean, we're in different departments anyway. It's not like we're working closely together every day. Plus, I think it's about time our colleagues knew how lucky I am to have you."

You smiled at his words, your heart warming.

"I agree," You replied, reaching over to give his hand a reassuring squeeze, "I think it's a great idea. Let's do it."

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with happiness, "That's my girl. I can't wait to show everyone how amazing you are."

On that memorable morning, the meeting room was filled with an air of curiosity as Wooyoung called your closest colleagues together. You stood nervously at his side, your fingers intertwined with his, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The glances and smiles exchanged between your colleagues only added to your jitters.

With a deep breath, your boyfriend finally spoke up, his voice laced with affection as he raised your intertwined hands, "We thought you guys deserved to know, we're together."

Instead of the expected gasps or exclamations of surprise, mischievous grins and playful amusement greeted his announcement. Yeosang, always quick with a witty remark, responded first, "Okay, and?"

Your brow furrowed in confusion as you glanced around the room, wondering why everyone seemed so unfazed.

Jongho chimed in with a smirk, teasing Wooyoung mercilessly, "Yeah, we know. Literally everyone knows you two are together. You haven't exactly been subtle at all, you know, especially you, Wooyoung hyung."

Your boyfriend's laughter filled the room, and you couldn't help but join in, your cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. You exchanged a sheepish look with him, realising that your relationship had been far less discreet than you thought.

Yeosang playfully rolled his eyes, "Seriously, guys, we've known for ages. You don't have to announce it like it's breaking news."

Jongho continued teasing, "Yeah, and Wooyoung hyung, you've been practically broadcasting it with that lovestruck look on your face every time you're around her."

Wooyoung's grin widened as he glanced at you, affection clear in his eyes, "Well, I can't help it. She's pretty amazing."

Everyone groaned loudly at that, all prepared to witness more public displays of affection at work now that you were both openly together. Pulling you close to him, your boyfriend knew there was one more thing you both needed to do.

With the decision to revisit your hometown and properly introduce each other to your families, the two of you planned a weekend trip back to Ilsan. It was a significant step in your relationship, a journey that held the promise of deeper commitment.

As you packed your bags and prepared for the trip, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.

This symbolised a beautiful chapter in your relationship, one where you would bridge the gap between your pasts and your future, and where the bonds between you and your families would grow stronger, just as your love had.

As the car journeyed back to Ilsan, the town where your shared childhood memories were embedded, a sense of nostalgia washed over both of you. You gazed out the window, watching familiar landmarks pass by like scenes from an old movie. Wooyoung took notice of the emotions welling up in your eyes as you relived those cherished moments from your past.

Unable to resist, he gently reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours. Your eyes met his, and he felt a profound connection to you, one that spanned years and countless memories. Leaning in, he pressed a tender kiss onto the back of your knuckles, his way of silently acknowledging the shared history you both carried.

The journey back to your hometown was a trip down memory lane, a testament to the enduring love you held for each other and the promise of a bright future together.

Visiting Wooyoung's family was a heartwarming experience.

His parents welcomed you with open arms, their smiles radiating warmth and genuine happiness. They had always liked you, even during your younger years, and seeing you back together with their son filled their hearts with joy. They believed that you and Wooyoung made a sweet and perfect couple.

His brother, however, carried a heavy burden of guilt.

He took the two of you aside, his voice filled with remorse as he offered a sincere apology for his role in breaking you apart all those years ago. As you and Wooyoung exchanged a knowing look, you both forgave him wholeheartedly.

You understood that sometimes, people make mistakes, and those mistakes can lead to valuable lessons for everyone involved.

It was a moment of closure and healing for all of you.

Wooyoung's visit to your parents' house, however, was accompanied by a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

He knew he had deeply hurt you in the past, and the possibility of your parents' disapproval loomed large in his mind. He was prepared to work tirelessly to earn their trust back.

Much to his surprise and relief, your parents welcomed him with open arms. It was a gesture of acceptance he hadn't expected so readily. As he sat down with them, he couldn't help but express his gratitude and curiosity.

"I'm truly grateful for your acceptance," He began, his voice filled with sincerity, "But I have to admit, after everything I put your daughter through, I didn't expect this. Why are you so willing to accept me back into her life?"

Your mother sent him a warm and understanding smile.

"It's clear to us how happy she is with you, Wooyoung-ah. That happiness means the world to us as her parents. Besides, we believe that people can change and grow. We all make mistakes when we're young and foolish, but it's the choices we make now that define us. You have a chance to redeem yourself, and as long as you make our daughter happy and treat her well, that's what truly matters to us."

He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and relief, knowing that he was given a second chance not only with you but also with your supportive and forgiving parents.

It was a moment of redemption and hope for a brighter future together.

After years of deliberately avoiding the annual school reunions to spare yourselves the potential heartache of seeing each other again, this year was different.

You both had finally agreed that it was time to attend the gathering, now that you had found your way back into each other's lives.

In previous years, you had both stayed away from the event, each for your own reasons. It was simply too painful to confront the memories of your past, the love that had once blossomed, and the heartbreak that had followed. But now, after rekindling your relationship, you feel ready to face those memories together.

The decision to attend the reunion was a significant step, one that reflected your newfound confidence in your love and your willingness to embrace your shared history. It was a declaration to yourselves and to everyone who knew you that your bond had not only endured but had also grown stronger over time.

As you both made your way to the reunion, you couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nostalgia.

It was a chance to reconnect with old friends, relive cherished memories, and show the world that sometimes, love could find its way back, even when all hope seemed lost.

Walking hand in hand into the school reunion together was a statement that no one expected. Your presence together was a surprise to all your old classmates. While you and Wooyoung had been a couple for most of your school years, everyone knew about your painful breakup on graduation day.

The sight of you two together again caught everyone off guard.

Whispers and surprised glances followed you both as you entered the venue. Old friends and classmates couldn't help but comment on how you had reunited, expressing their astonishment at seeing you as a couple once more.

You navigated through the crowd, greeting old friends and engaging in conversations. All the while, there was an undeniable aura of curiosity and intrigue surrounding your relationship.

As the two of you mingled around, you couldn't escape the teasing and playful jabs that came your way. Some of your friends had been firmly on your side during the painful breakup years ago, and now, they couldn't resist taking a few indirect jabs at Wooyoung for the hurt he had caused you.

Amid the laughter and nostalgia, they warned him not to hurt you again, albeit in a lighthearted tone. Before you had a chance to come to his defence, Wooyoung took the initiative to address the elephant in the room.

Surrounded by the chatter of your old friends, he took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on you, and then addressed the group with a touch of nervousness in his voice, "I know you've probably all heard about what happened between us back then, and there's no denying that I messed up big time. I hurt her, and for that, I can't apologise enough."

Your friends and classmates exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others waited to hear what he had to say next.

"But today, I want to make a promise, not just to her but to all of you who care about her. I promise that I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to her, showing her the love and respect she deserves." As he spoke, you could see the sincerity in his eyes, and the surprise on the faces of your friends gradually turned into admiration.

"Well, you better keep that promise, Wooyoung. We're all watching, you know!" One of your friends chimed in playfully.

Your boyfriend smiled, "I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

Another friend added with a smirk, "That's a good start, Wooyoung. Just remember, actions speak louder than words!"

The atmosphere lightened up as everyone joined in with their friendly banter. Wooyoung's heartfelt promise had not only taken you by surprise but had also won over your friends, showing them that he was genuinely committed to making things right.

As you looked at him, your heart swelled with a mix of emotions—forgiveness, hope, and the overwhelming feeling that your love story was finally on the path it was meant to follow.

The reunion had been a whirlwind of laughter, reminiscing, and catching up with old friends.

As the centre of attention, you and Wooyoung found yourselves in the spotlight, surrounded by friends eager to hear your stories and experiences since graduation. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces again, but it also felt overwhelming at times.

In search of a brief escape from the lively atmosphere, you gently tugged his hand, leading him toward a balcony just a few steps away from the bustling hall. The night air was cool and refreshing against your skin, providing a welcome respite from the warmth of the gathering.

Wooyoung willingly followed you, his eyes never leaving your face.

The quietude outside offered a stark contrast to the animated conversations and laughter inside. Out here, the distant sounds of the city were a soothing backdrop to your thoughts.

He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close from behind, his chin resting on your shoulder as you both looked out over the town. You took the chance to speak your mind, still touched by his promise, "You know, what you said back there meant a lot to me, Woo."

"Get used to it, babe. There will be plenty more cheesy words where that came from. I plan to annoy you with them for the rest of your life." You laughed softly, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the love in his words.

"I can't wait for you to annoy me forever."

He finally turned you around in his arms, his gaze softening as he looked into your eyes. His voice was tender as he spoke, "I love you, babe. More than anything."

Before you could respond, his lips found yours in a sweet, gentle kiss. The world around you seemed to fade away as you melted into each other's embrace. It was a kiss filled with all the words you couldn't express, a promise of love, forgiveness, and a future together. The years of longing, the pain of separation, and the joy of rediscovery were all encapsulated in that single kiss.

Tears welled up in your eyes, but they were tears of happiness, gratitude, and the overwhelming feeling that, finally, you were exactly where you were meant to be.

Laughter and catcalls from your friends inside the hall pulled you both back to reality. They hadn't been too discreet about watching your balcony rendezvous.

"Hey, lovebirds! Save the show for later!"

With shared laughter, you pulled away, your hearts full of happiness and gratitude. As you returned to your friends, you couldn't help but feel that your love had come full circle and that this time, it was stronger and more enduring than ever before.

The two of you wore genuine smiles as you demonstrated that love could indeed find its way back, even after years of separation.

Your presence together spoke volumes, reminding everyone that sometimes, love could be rekindled, and old flames could burn brighter than ever before.

I'm realising that my oneshots are gradually getting longer and longer lmao. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this one!

This took me quite some time to finish. I worked on this bit by bit in between breaks from my assignments and thesis, so I do apologise if certain parts might've appeared somewhat awkward(?).

As always, thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts! <3

Tag list: @aurasblue @marievllr-abg @itsvxlentine @minghaoslatina

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[callmebrycelee]

9-1-1: FLASHBACK

Summer is officially in full swing. When I think of summer, I think of the summer blockbuster. Movies like Independence Day, Spider-Man 2 and my personal favorite, Jurassic Park all came out during the summer and made a big splash with viewer. 9-1-1 generally gives us at least one episode per season that feels on par with these summer blockbuster films. For today’s edition of 911: Flashback, I will be reacting to the season two second episode “7.1” which originally aired September 24, 2018 on FOX. The episode was written by Zachary Reiter and directed by Bradley Buecker. So, no more wasting time. Let’s get to shaking!

Recap

In our first scene of the episode, we meet several characters that will play a major role in both this episode and the one that follows. We see a family of four arrive at the Hollywood Palm Hotel. We then pan over to a wealthy woman (played by Earlene Davis) complaining to a worker about her dog not being allowed inside the hotel. Next, we see a basketball coach (played by Vincent Ventresca) walking with his team. On their way downstairs to have breakfast, the coach pulls his star player, Jeff Pickens (played by Mike Gray) aside to tell him a recruiter from Duke University is coming to see him when they get back home. We then head downstairs where our family of four is waiting to check into their room. The dad (played by Eric Nenninger) informs his wife and kids that their rooms are still being cleaned and suggests they grab breakfast. The camera moves over to a young woman named Ali Martin (played by Tiffany Dupont) who is waiting in the lobby. She gets a text message saying her interviewer is currently stuck on a call and wants her to come up to his hotel room. Ali takes the elevator to the eleventh floor and walks to the room 1101. She’s greeted by a berobed man named Harlow (played by Brian Howe) and ushered inside the lux penthouse suite. Ali appears to be extremely uncomfortable as she takes in her surroundings. Harlow leers lasciviously at Ali and asks her to show him what she’s got. Ali immediately launches into her presentation while Harlow pretends to be interested in her designs. Harlow’s phone starts to ring. Ali asks if he’s going to answer it but he shrugs her off and says it’s probably his wife. Back downstairs, the coach and his team hit the breakfast buffet while the family of four discuss what they want to do while visiting Los Angeles. The daughter, whose name is Kat (played by Nev Scharrel), announces that she needs to use the restroom. Both parents give her permission to go alone. Meanwhile, the entitled rich woman from earlier is complaining about her eggs to another hotel worker. Her dog starts barking and runs off. Back at the penthouse, Harlow asks Ali if she wants some coffee. She declines and he asks her if she wants a mimosa … in the shower. Ali, offended by the proposition, grabs her things and goes to leave. She threatens to report Harlow to HR and the board of directors at their company. Harlow tells her that HR is terrified of him and that he handpicked every member on the board. He then tells Ali that if she makes a complaint against him, he will destroy her.  Back in the lobby, Jen finds the rich lady’s dog who is hiding under a counter. Then the ground starts shaking and the dad, whose name is Brian, jumps up to go look for his daughter. The hotel lobby descends into chaos and glasses start falling from the shelves and people begin scrambling to safety. One of the columns breaks and the floor begins to collapse. Brian tries to get to Kat but the building starts to break apart. Upstairs, the penthouse room tilts, causing Ali and Harlow to slide across the floor. Ali grabs onto a column while Harlow lands face first on the window which is not overlooking the ground below. Back downstairs, the ceiling collapses. Jeff shields his coach from the debris. When the shaking stops and the dust clears, Brian calls out for his daughter. She doesn’t answer. Meanwhile, back upstairs, Ali holds on for dear life while a section of the wall pins Harlow against the glass. The camera pans out and we see the hotel leaning at a 45-degree angle while all the buildings around it remain upright. Now that’s how you do an opening scene!

After the title card, we rewind back to two hours before the earthquake. Eddie drops off his son off at school. Maddie arrives for her first day at the call center. She’s paired with veteran dispatcher Josh Russo. She takes her first call, which doesn’t go well because she’s too focused on looking for the answers in her notes. Josh takes over the call and is able to dispatch an ambulance to the victim’s location. He asks Maddie to hand over her notes which he promptly tosses in the trash. He then tells her the only thing she needs to do the job effectively is her listening skills. Next, we see a maroon-haired youth being pursued by two LAPD officers. He successfully eludes them only to end up being caught by Sergeant Athena Grant. The kid, whose name is Marvin (played by Julian Works) is a repeat offender and is taken into custody by Athena. While driving along the freeway, the earthquake hits. Athena manages to stop the police cruiser just in time as the road in front of her collapses. We see the dispatch center lose power and Eddie nearly gets crushed by a fallen beam at the firehouse. Thankfully, everyone is safe. The backup generator at dispatch kicks on and the calls start pouring in. The 118 go out to start looking for people who need help. On the truck, Buck can see that Eddie is texting someone, looking concerned. Eddie tells Buck that he has a 7-year-old son named Christopher. Buck assures Eddie that Christopher is fine.

The 118 arrive at the hotel and are aghast at what they see. Brian and his wife are being led away from the hotel by two officers. Hen hears Brian yell at one of the officers about his daughter Kat being trapped inside the hotel. Bobby’s unable to get in touch with Athena and Hen can’t reach Karen or Denny. Chief Miranda Williams (played by Romi Dias) brief Bobby and the others about the situation. According to the manager of Hollywood Palm, the hotel was between checkout and check-in when the quake hit which means they were light on guests. The plan is to start looking for any survivors still inside the hotel. Chief Williams warns that an aftershock could cause the hotel to fully collapse in on itself which means they have to work fast. We learn the earthquake was a 7.1 which is worse than the Northridge earthquake of 1994 which was on a 6.7. Bobby tells his team not to worry about the things they can’t control and focus on one task at a time. A police officer directs Bobby and the others over to where the penthouse is leaning. Bobby says someone will need to get to the room from inside. Buck suggests he and Eddie enter the hotel from the outside via the fourth floor, which will cut the distance in half. The two of them climb a ladder up to the fourth floor and break open a window leading into a hotel room. Buck tells Eddie that after Northridge, FEMA spent $200 million dollars retrofitting every school in Los Angeles. He assures Eddie that Christopher is in the safest place he could be. The two of them then crawl through the window.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Michael and May arrive at Harry’s school. They find Harry on the playground. Michael hugs his son, but Harry tells him he’s excited because due to all the damage to his school he won’t have to go back there for a very long time. Michael tells him that he shouldn’t be happy about that because a lot of people have gotten hurt. Michael then tries to contact Athena but he can’t get through. Harry asks where his mom is and Michael tells him that she’s working. Speaking of Athena, we see her taking charge of the situation on the freeway. She directs people to move their vehicles while she checks to see if there are people who need help. She comes across a man who is trapped inside his car. The man tells her he can smell gas. Athena goes to her police cruiser to grab a crowbar and a fire extinguisher. The man’s car catches fire and Athena uses the extinguisher to put out the flames. The extinguisher runs out, but the fire is still going. The car explodes and the man panics. Athena tells a construction worker she needs something bigger to put out the flames. She sees a cement truck and asks the worker where the keys are. He tells her someone else has them and they’re on the other side helping out. Athena releases Marvin, temporarily, from custody and directs him to hotwire the cement truck. He then drives the truck over to the man’s car and uses the cement to extinguish the flames. When the flames are fully put out, Athena tells the man to hang on – help is coming. Athena puts Marvin back in custody and tells him she will write a letter on his behalf to give to the judge. She then thanks him for his assistance.

Back at the hotel, Bobby, Chimney and Hen head inside the hotel from the ground floor. They find the mean rich lady trapped under a piece of ceiling – dead. The three of them come across Jeff and his coach. Jeff’s legs are pinned under a large chunk of ceiling. Bobby tells the coach he has to leave but assures him he will look after Jeff. Hen accesses Jeff for injuries and reports that his tibia and femur are crushed. Thankfully no major arteries were severed. Bobby tells Jeff they have two options when it comes to extracting him. Either they amputate his leg – which Jeff is vehemently against – or they will have to use an airbag to lift the wall off of him which could compromise the integrity of the structure around them. Bobby tells him they will go with the airbag. Meanwhile, upstairs, Buck and Eddie work quickly to reach the eleventh floor where Ali and Harlow are trapped. Back downstairs, Bobby, Hen, and Chimney manage to extract Jeff and get him safely out of the building. Meanwhile, Buck and Eddie reach the eleventh floor. They make it to room 1101. Buck throws Ali a rope and tells her to secure herself. Next, Bobby, Hen, and Chimney try looking for Kat. Upstairs, the glass that Harlow is pinned against starts to slowly crack. An aftershock hits causing the building to collapse even more. Hen gets separated from the others and trapped behind a lot of debris. Back in the penthouse the glass finally shatters, and Harlow goes splat against the ground below. Ali falls out of the building, but Eddie is able to grab her while Buck holds onto her rope.

Observations

This episode marks the first appearance of fan-favorite Christopher Diaz played by Gavin McHugh.

This episode marks the first appearance of Captain Miranda Williams. Captain Williams will turn up again in season four and in season six.

This episode marks the first appearance of Ali Martin. Ali will go on to be a love interest for Buck in future episodes.

In this episode we meet a character named Jeff Pickens. We will see Jeff again in an episode from season six.

Hen meets a fellow firefighter named Russell Byrd (played by TJ Linnard). Russell is from the 221 station.

Buck reveals that Maddie is currently living with him in Abby’s apartment.

The entitled woman who we see complaining about pretty much everything is seen wearing red heels. When Bobby, Chimney, and Hen find her, only her red shoes can be seen. This is an allusion to the movie The Wizard of Oz.

The earthquake in this episode is stronger than the one in Northridge, however, there appears to be way less damage.

9-1-1 Lore

Eddie tells Buck he is raising Christopher on his own and says that Christopher’s mom is not in the picture.

The character Marvin is played by Julian Work. Julian will go on to play firefighter Mateo Chavez in the 9-1-1 spin-off, 9-1-1: Lone Star. We will learn that Marvin and Mateo are first cousins with a very interesting backstory.

Well, we’ve come to the end of my 911: Flashback reaction. This is one of my favorite episodes of the series and one of my favorite disaster episodes. This episode is so action-packed, and the effects are well done. I do think it’s funny that none of the other buildings around the hotel appeared to be damaged. In future season, the show will do a much better job of making the damage from the natural disaster feel more widespread. Overall, I think this is an episode that 9-1-1 fans often come back to on a rewatch. We see further developments in the Buck/Eddie friendship, and we see Maddie hitting it off with her future bestie Josh. I like that we got to see the civilian perspective from Michael’s POV. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be away from a loved one during a natural disaster and unable to communicate with them. At least with Bobby and Athena, they can distract themselves by focusing on the task at hand. I hope you will join me for the next edition of 911: Flashback when I cover the next episode which is the conclusion to our 7.1 earthquake arc. Until next time …

[reidsrambles]

Your writing is amazing!!!!

Thank you so much! Any feedback on my writing seriously means the world to me. I do hope to write a full romance novel one day, so this entire fanfiction endeavour is largely to improve my writing!

As a thank you to you and to anyone who follows me or has read my last (aka, my first) fic, I'm going to share the first 1,000 or so words of my next fic, which will most likely be relatively long and in multiple parts. Because this piece is unfinished, this content contained in this preview is subject to change.

Preview (unnamed, release date TBD)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader General synopsis: You and your best friend Penelope Garcia work together as technical analysts for the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. You and Spencer Reid have developed a romantic relationship since you've started there, but you both have decided to keep it to yourselves in order to avoid external influence from the team and additional complications at work. Unexpected events threaten the sacred secrecy of your relationship and you fear for the future and for the relationships you and Spencer have with your team. CWs (preview): Reader recalls, on page, being shamed for her creative outfit choices in the past. Words (preview): 956

[This preview is entirely SFW, but the finished work will be 18+ NSFW, so keep that in mind. The CWs listed are for the preview only. CWs and TWs for the final story will be posted whenever that is.]

Penelope Garcia finally shows herself at 10:08 a.m. As usual, she rolls into your shared office with the force of a tornado.

“Alrighty, Miss Y/N, we need to discuss the plans for your birthday party soon. I need a guest list because I need to figure out how much food I’m ordering and where we’re going to have it, since your apartment is pretty small and mine is only marginally bigger. I already asked him, and Rossi did say we could have it at his house, so that’ll probably be the best option.”

Before she takes her seat, she takes notice of your scowl and crossed arms, and her face falls. “Wait, what did I say wrong?”

“First of all, Penn, my birthday isn’t for another two months, and I told you that I’m fine with it just being you, me, and the team. Secondly, where have you been!? I’ve been here since nine, and it’s now…” you check your non-existent watch for dramatic effect, “past ten. You didn’t answer any of my calls or texts. Penelope Garcia, unreachable? I assumed that you were, quite literally, dead.”

“Two months is extremely soon when party-planning, I shall have you know! Wait, did I not tell you about that meeting I had with Hotch this morning?” she asks, genuinely puzzled.

Your curiosity is piqued. “No, but spill! Meeting with Hotch? What about?”

Penelope takes her seat, and you slide your swivel chair over to hers. Elbows on your knees and chin resting on your fists, you await her update like an excited child.

“It’s nothing that exciting, unfortunately, my sexy, salacious sidekick.”

“Don’t make me call HR again, Garcia,” you whisper. You give her a quick peck on the cheek and roll yourself back to your desk, only a few feet away, to resume working.

She drops a bomb as if it’s nothing. “Strauss wanted an update on how the team was doing, having two technical analysts. That’s all it was.”

The FBI hired you to work as a technical analyst with the Behavioral Analysis Unit just shy of your 25th birthday. You and your best friend Penelope Garcia met while she was presenting on behalf of the FBI at your then-school and her alma mater, Caltech. You were just starting your final year of undergrad in computer science, but you were unsure of where you wanted to go after that. The presentation was on the various technology careers within the FBI, of which technical analysts are one. You guessed that it made sense to try to recruit from one of the world’s most prestigious universities. She confidently marched up to the microphone wearing a bright pink pencil skirt, pink tweed jacket, and a cat ear headband, and you immediately knew you had to talk to her after the presentation, regardless of what she said up there.

You were always the one, even in high school, who had to match your outfits and accessories to a specific theme or color. You always dressed a bit more out there, and people have specifically chosen to bring it up to you before. In your first term of university, one professor mentioned your outfit as an example of how not to dress in a professional workplace. She was a woman, too. It probably wouldn't have hurt so badly coming from a male professor, but being shamed by a female professor did a number on your self-esteem.

Thankfully, your mom has always been your number one fan and biggest cheerleader. When you cried to her about your experience in class, she gave you the pep talk of a lifetime about how the world needs more people who are authentically themselves to bring color to the lives of the boring. She said you'd be the best computer scientist and look amazing while doing it. Mom's the oil painter, and your dad is an accountant, so the advice was very on par for her but extremely meaningful as well. Seeing another colorful, authentic woman, let alone one with a job at the FBI—which you had always viewed as a stuck-up, cold, and refined place to work—was immensely inspiring.

In addition to talking about technical analysts, she discussed the careers of digital forensic examiners, IT specialists, and computer scientists. She seemed so normal and down to earth, and you felt so excited by her presentation that you were actually taking notes. After her presentation, you headed over to see if you could speak with her. Before you could even start, she loudly gasped and began complimenting your outfit. You were wearing a lemon print sundress that day (since it was so hot), and you paired that with your lemon wedge purse, lemon slice necklace, and a matching yellow headband. Your gray backpack stood out like a sore thumb, but unfortunately, your laptop didn’t fit in your small citrus purse.

Penelope gave you her card, and you two became fast friends, and later, best friends. She really took you under her wing and literally became the older sister you never had. You knew you wanted to utilize your skill set to help fight crime, and right after you finished your masters, Penelope convinced her boss to hire you to work under her. Her cave was cozy with the amount of equipment she had in there, but being her best friend, she made room for you. Penelope had told you about how amazing her team was, but you had no clue what you were truly in for at the BAU.

“So after being here for two whole years, Strauss wanted to know if I was needed or if I could be cut from the team? That’s your idea of ‘no biggie’?” you ask, exasperated.

AO3 | Tumblr | Masterlist | Add yourself to my tag list

[careerlogichrservices]

How to Answer Top 5 Tricky Interview Questions.

Navigating job interviews can be challenging, especially when faced with tricky questions designed to test your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and character. Whether you’re a fresher or a seasoned professional, understanding how to handle these curveballs is essential to make a lasting impression. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five tricky interview questions and how to answer them with confidence. And if you’re job-hunting in Mumbai, the Careerlogic Hr Best Hr Consultant in Malad can be instrumental in securing the right opportunities.

1. “Tell me about yourself.

This question might seem straightforward, but it’s a classic opportunity for interviewers to gauge your personality, priorities, and alignment with the role.

How to Answer:

Structure your response using the Present-Past-Future formula:

Present: Briefly introduce your current role and responsibilities.

Past: Highlight a significant achievement or experience relevant to the position.

Future: State how this role aligns with your career aspirations.

Example: “I’m currently a Customer Service Executive, focusing on client services. Previously, I worked with a Careerlogic Hr Services which is best placement agencies located in Malad where I have recruited 50 to top companies within 3 months. I’m excited to bring my expertise to your team and contribute to innovative customer services.”

2. “What is your biggest weakness?”

The key here is to show self-awareness without jeopardizing your candidacy.

How to Answer: Choose a genuine weakness but emphasize how you’re working to improve it. Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist.”

Example: “I’ve found that I sometimes take on too many tasks at once, which can affect my focus. To address this, I’ve started using project management tools and prioritizing tasks to stay more organized.”

3. “Why should we hire you?”

This question is a chance to sell yourself and highlight your unique value.

How to Answer:

Align your skills and experiences with the job requirements.

Showcase your enthusiasm and commitment.

Example: “With five years of experience in customer service associate and a track record of delivering scalable solutions, I’m confident in my ability to meet your team’s goals. I’m particularly excited about your company’s focus on innovation and would love to contribute to groundbreaking service.”

4. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Employers want to know if you have realistic career goals and how this role fits into them.

How to Answer: Focus on professional growth relevant to the position.

Example: “In five years, I see myself taking on more leadership responsibilities, managing a team, and contributing to strategic decision-making within the organization. This role aligns perfectly with that path as it offers the opportunity to hone my skills and grow with the company.”

5. “How do you handle failure?”

This question evaluates your resilience and ability to learn from mistakes.

How to Answer:

Share a specific example of a failure.

Emphasize what you learned and how you improved.

Example: “In my previous role, I led a campaign that didn’t perform as expected. I realized we hadn’t done enough audience research. Since then, I’ve prioritized thorough analysis before every project, which has significantly improved outcomes.”

Bonus Tip: Partner with Top Placement Consultant Agencies near me

Job interviews can be intimidating, but preparation and guidance make a significant difference. Partnering with professionals, like the best placement agencies in Malad, can give you a competitive edge. These agencies provide valuable insights into industry expectations, help refine your resume, and connect you with top employers.

Final Thoughts

Tricky interview questions are opportunities to showcase your thought process and adaptability. By preparing structured and authentic answers, you can navigate these challenges with ease. Remember, the right support system, such as the Best Hr Recruitment Agencies in Malad, can amplify your chances of landing your dream job. Good luck

#Consultant #interviewtips #quetions #interivewcrack #careerlogic

[myinkppt]

Recruitment Process Presentations: Elevating Your Hiring Game with Engaging Decks

In today’s competitive job market, organizations face increasing pressure to streamline their recruitment processes while simultaneously engaging potential candidates. Recruitment process presentations have emerged as a vital tool for effectively showcasing an organization’s hiring strategy, attracting top talent, and fostering transparency. This blog delves into the importance of these presentations, explores how HR recruitment presentations can be optimized, and highlights best practices for crafting compelling decks tailored for talent management, digital recruitment, and online hiring strategies.

The Role of Recruitment Process Presentations

Recruitment process presentations serve multiple purposes:

Educating Internal Stakeholders: These presentations are a valuable tool for HR teams to communicate hiring strategies, workflows, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to managers and executives.

Attracting Candidates: Clear and visually appealing decks can create a strong impression on prospective hires, particularly during job fairs, virtual recruitment events, or initial interviews.

Building Employer Branding: When aligned with an organization’s branding, these presentations help convey company culture, values, and career growth opportunities.

Streamlining Processes: By documenting and visually organizing recruitment stages, teams can identify inefficiencies and create better workflows.

Key Elements of HR Recruitment Presentations

Crafting an effective recruitment presentation begins with understanding the needs of your audience—whether they are hiring managers, potential candidates, or executives. Here’s a breakdown of essential elements:

1. Introduction to the Recruitment Process

Overview of the Recruitment Funnel: Highlight key stages such as sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding.

Goals and Objectives: State your primary goals, such as reducing time-to-hire, improving candidate experience, or increasing diversity in hiring.

2. Talent Management Insights

Strategic Workforce Planning: Use slides to explain how your recruitment aligns with the broader talent management strategy.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP): Showcase what makes your company a great place to work, including benefits, work-life balance, and career development opportunities.

3. Visual Representation of the Process

Use flowcharts, infographics, or timelines to depict the recruitment journey. Visuals not only enhance engagement but also simplify complex processes for all stakeholders.

4. Data-Driven Insights

Present metrics like application conversion rates, cost-per-hire, or time-to-hire. These insights demonstrate the efficiency of your recruitment process and areas for improvement.

5. Tools and Technology

Highlight digital platforms or applicant tracking systems (ATS) that facilitate online hiring and recruitment.

Talent Management Presentation Design Tips

The effectiveness of recruitment presentations heavily depends on their design. To create impactful decks, consider the following design tips:

1. Prioritize Clarity and Simplicity

Avoid cluttered slides by using concise text, bullet points, and clean layouts. Stick to one key message per slide to maintain focus.

2. Use a Professional Template

Invest in a branded template that aligns with your organization’s identity. A professional design enhances credibility and leaves a lasting impression.

3. Leverage Visual Storytelling

Integrate visuals such as images, icons, and videos to support your narrative. A well-designed slide deck with visual elements can evoke emotions and keep the audience engaged.

4. Focus on Accessibility

Ensure your presentation is accessible by using readable fonts, high-contrast colors, and alt-text for images. This ensures inclusivity for all audience members.

5. Incorporate Interactive Elements

If you’re presenting live, include interactive features like polls or Q&A sessions. In digital recruitment presentations, embed clickable links or videos to enhance engagement.

Digital Recruitment Presentations: The Future of Hiring

Digital recruitment has revolutionized traditional hiring practices, enabling organizations to attract talent globally, reduce costs, and streamline operations. Digital recruitment presentations play a pivotal role in:

1. Showcasing Employer Branding

An engaging deck can highlight a company’s digital-first approach, demonstrating innovation and appeal to tech-savvy candidates.

2. Highlighting Virtual Recruitment Strategies

Explain online hiring practices, such as virtual interviews or AI-powered screening tools.

Outline steps for remote onboarding to reassure candidates about the company’s preparedness for remote or hybrid work environments.

3. Enhancing Candidate Experience

Digital recruitment presentations can be shared as interactive PDFs or videos, providing candidates with an immersive experience of the company’s culture and expectations.

Crafting an Online Hiring Strategy Deck

An online hiring strategy deck must address key aspects of digital recruitment to resonate with today’s job seekers:

1. The Power of Social Media Recruiting

Include statistics on your company’s social media engagement.

Highlight success stories of hires made through LinkedIn, Instagram, or niche platforms.

2. Sourcing Through Job Portals and Referrals

List partnerships with leading job boards or platforms.

Explain how your referral program incentivizes current employees to recommend top talent.

3. AI and Automation

Provide insights into how AI-powered tools are used for screening resumes or matching candidates to job descriptions.

4. Focus on Candidate Communication

Share examples of personalized messaging or automated email follow-ups.

Highlight tools like chatbots for 24/7 candidate engagement.

5. Data Analytics in Recruitment

Explain how data is used to refine sourcing strategies, reduce bias, or predict hiring success.

Best Practices for Recruitment Process Presentations

1. Tailor Content to Your Audience

Different stakeholders have unique priorities. For instance, hiring managers may want detailed workflows, while candidates prefer culture-focused slides.

2. Keep It Concise

A recruitment presentation should be long enough to convey your message but short enough to maintain interest. Aim for 10-15 slides for a live presentation.

3. Use Real-World Examples

Incorporate case studies or testimonials to build credibility. For instance, demonstrate how a revamped hiring strategy led to measurable improvements.

4. Focus on Metrics and ROI

For internal stakeholders, emphasize how the recruitment process impacts company goals, such as reducing turnover or improving productivity.

5. Regularly Update Your Decks

Keep your presentations relevant by incorporating the latest hiring trends, technology updates, and company achievements.

Conclusion

Recruitment process presentations are more than just slides; they are strategic tools that can transform how organizations attract and manage talent. Whether you’re designing HR recruitment presentations for internal teams or creating digital recruitment presentations to engage online audiences, focusing on clear communication, visual appeal, and data-driven insights is key. Investing in high-quality, well-structured decks not only enhances the recruitment process but also strengthens employer branding and sets your organization apart in a competitive hiring landscape. As recruitment evolves, leveraging talent management presentation design will be essential for organizations aiming to attract and retain the best talent in an increasingly digital world.

[hydrangeyes]

Snowball Fight

So if you don't know, Yes this already existed, my old account was deleted (accident but I can tell I won't be getting it back), and am reposting my old x male reader works!

I don't know if I saved all of them but here is one that was saved to my AO3 account.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a barely edited rambly cliché, empty brain hrs, I’ll edit this out if there isn’t any. Anyway, I’ve been called in early for work so this will be hella late.

Hawks x Male reader, demon quirk (it’s not that important)

headcanon that keigo does not like cold weather, that yeah cool air on his wings are great but ice cold about to make icicles cold? hard pass.

--------------------------------------------------

It was a crisp freezing cold Christmas week. Monday to be exact. Everything was covered in snow and the few brave (or stupid) souls out that afternoon were running about last minute Christmas shopping. It was this upcoming  thursday after all.

And thank whoever up there Keigo found himself off for the holidays, because he did not like the cold weather. See his wings can keep him warm but his wings themselves couldn’t take how harsh the winter air gets in the sky. So he’s been dubbed “useless unless it’s an emergency”. After all, it’s not like there’s gloves for every individual feather.

Letting out a bored sigh, he thinks about what he can do right now, not going to his apartment was one. Days off were a blessing but how empty his place was around this time made him antsy. A thought to call- no. Just pick up a bucket of chicken and go home, not think about- a dull wack to the back of his head sends him tumbling forward.

“P-pfft!! Hahahaha!!!” A familiar laugh coming from behind him. Keigo straightens turning with a fake smile. There behind him was his current avoidance. Y/n L/n, a good friend turned benefits that well…He was catching feelings for.  They started out as work buddies, Enji asking him to test a new recruit with a ‘demon’ like quirk.

And boy was he a beast. A tall 6’0, tight but soft muscles, hooded f/c eyes, and black hair styled up to reveal an undershave. Y/n’ whole look fit his sharp teeth, horned head, magic quirk. To be honest, hawks was a little bit surprised that y/n was a hero. Given he looked more on the villain side, he was surprised y/n got this far.

But after the test it didn’t take long for them to start up a casual friendship. Keigo smiled a little at the thought. Y/n was easy going and fun to be around. He didn’t expect anything from him and that just broke down a lot of the reservation keigo had. To say it took long for him to catch some type of feelings from their fuck friends arrangement, would be a fat lie.

It was fun and had him dazed easily. But it was the softness after and the hang outs that felt like dates that made him feel like he needed to run.

Which was his current problem. Having all avoided the man for a few weeks now to figure out what to do with these new emotions. Keigo felt guilty about it but well he was never taught how to handle these types of emotions…. In a good, healthy way at least.

“So much for being the quickest baby bird.” Y/n teases once he’s close enough. Snapping back to the present Keigo huffs pretending to be annoyed, his growing blush at the closeness kind of giving him away. “Mah, what has you so distracted?” Y/n asks, chuckling as Keigo gets redder. Scowling slightly, Keigo picks up a handful of snow and quickly packs it with a swing.

Y/n yelps as it hits his face. And seeing Y/n with such a surprised expression sends Keigo into a snort of laughter. Y/n blinks looking at his friend laughing up a storm, his wings drooping in the release of tension and grins. Good, he missed his idiot.

“Oh it’s on.” Y/n said, starting a mini snowball fight war, that grew as fans and kids joined in. Keigo can’t exactly say when he’s felt this light and happy (outside of learning he was gonna meet endeavor as an equal). As it got darker, things started to slow and with some pictures taken and left alone to catch their breaths.  It ended with just him and Y/n.

Let out one more breath before slinging an arm over Keigo’s shoulders, this was not where he was trying to go with looking for Keigo but- Y/n hums as Keigo presses into him freely as the wind starts to pick up. -This was perfect.

“Hey. My place?” Y/n mumbles hopefully

Suddenly Keigo couldn’t help but want to be working rather than having to answer that.  Adrenaline came back and he pulled away a bit unsure. Y/n sighs feeling the tension come back.

“What did I do?” Keigo quickly looks up at in confused “Wha-”

“Look I know when someone is avoiding me. So I’m guessing you want to break this whole arrangement off or something?” Y/n say as calmly as he could, but there was an edge of defeat in his tone. Keigo felt his wings ruffle and try to curl around the both of them. It was old, dark, and too public (they were in a park the back of his mind whispered). 

He would at least have this conversation somewhere warm and private. “Can we talk…at your place?” his eyes focused on y/n’s shoulder. “Yeah.” Y/n mumbles back, with a flick of his hand opening a portal to his living room and shuffling them in. Keigo shivers at the shift in temperatures kicking off his boots and plopping onto the couch, as y/n does the same with his shoes following after.

“Than-”

Y/n leans down pressing a kiss to keigo’s lips. Balancing himself with one hand on the couch a bit hunched over. He kept his body relaxed just in case keigo wanted to push him away. But he didn’t, instead gripping his coat and using it to tug him closer, deepening the kiss.

(Watch as my writing changes now that I found mood music, at least to me it does)

“I love you. I fell in love with you and I’m terrified” Keigo whispers softly, the words ringing through the nearly empty apartment. Keigo chuckles wetly as he felt himself tremble but he held on and nipped at y/n’s bottom lip. Y/n stares down at him, eyes unmoving breath escalating. 

“Heh…heheheh-” Y/n sucks in a breath as euphoria courses through him in a wave and he knocks keigo back full onto the couch kissing him recklessly. “My sweet, beautiful keigo.. I love you too. And there is nothing you need to be scared of.” Y/n whispers back at a startled keigo.

Both gave each other shaky smiles, neither able to articulate the sheer happiness they were feeling. So with another boost of adrenaline, Y/n leans down to start his journey loving every bit of Keigo freely.

[deftlyhumblewyrm]

Affordable Yet Effective: The Value of Expert HR Consultation in Perth

Introduction

In present day quickly-paced commercial enterprise ecosystem, potent human useful resource management is obligatory for the entire achievement of any organisation. With the complexities of labor laws, worker relations, and organizational architecture, many providers are turning to HR Consulting in Perth to navigate these challenges. But why should always you consider trained consultation? This article explores the Affordable Yet Effective: The Value of Expert HR Consultation in Perth and the way it's going to give organizations with the worthy equipment to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

What is HR Consulting? Understanding HR Consulting Services

HR Consulting services are designed to aid firms optimize their human supplies practices. These companies quilt more than a few spaces consisting of recruitment, compliance with hard work rules, employee classes and construction, performance control, and strategic planning.

Key Components of HR Consulting Recruitment & Staffing: Finding the excellent talent is necessary for enlargement. Employee Relations: Navigating office conflicts appropriately. Compliance: Ensuring adherence to employment regulations. Training & Development: Enhancing employee skills for enhanced performance. Performance Management: Evaluating and bettering worker outputs. Why Choose Professional HR Consulting?

Engaging in seasoned HR consulting allows for firms to tap into specialised information with no the overhead expenditures related to hiring full-time HR group. This flexibility permits businesses to adapt briskly to converting instances when keeping operational potency.

The Benefits of Hiring Expert HR Consultants in Perth Cost-Effectiveness of Expert Consultation

One key abilities of making use of Affordable HR Consulting Perth is can charge savings. By outsourcing your human resources functions, which you can regulate charges at the same time as getting access to proficient assistance tailored in your precise necessities.

Comparative Costs: In-House vs. Outsourced HR

| Category | In-House HR | Outsourced HR | |------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Staff Salaries | High (Full-time salaries) | Variable (Pay-per-service) | | Training Costs | Ongoing funding | Included in provider quotes | | Software & Tools | Significant capital outlay | Access thru consultants | | Compliance Risks | Higher owing to lack of information | Lower thanks to educated counsel |

Accessing Specialized Knowledge

When you engage with a official https://medium.com/@tyrelaaikq/national-establishments-would-be-offering-broader-expertise-however-may-want-to-lack-personalized-a0af211e87a9?source=your_stories_page-------------------------------------------- HR consulting corporation, you profit get right of entry to to consultants who stay up-to-date on modern-day trends and laws within human instruments.

Areas of Expertise Include: Labor Law Compliance Employee Engagement Strategies Change Management Talent Acquisition Techniques Finding Reliable HR Consulting Firms in Perth

[jadedbirch]

I've decided since I'm already suffering this week, I need to keep on suffering. So I'm now watching this other MASTERPIECE that the Brits have deemed fit to gift us with during the pandemic.

This one boasts what is possibly the most British d'Artagnan I have ever seen? For some reason, it's told entirely in flashback.

Also, we're now pronouncing de Treville's name as.... wait for it ..... de TrevilLAY. That's right, Monsieur de TrevilLAY, who apparently traveled forward in time to serve Louis XIV, who has not yet been born.

The rest of my dying sobs under the cut!

Everything is very Choice! The font is really Celtic/Viking flavored. All the scenes seem to take place indoors because I guess this is very low budget.

Anyways, take a shot each time they say TrevilLAY. Just kidding, you would be dead in the first 5 minutes. Also, every conversation for some reason is much longer than it needs to be. Kept in mind, the entire masterpiece is only 1 hr 25 min long.

For some reason, Milady is a Spanish vixen with a very heavy accent.

Btw, here's the extremely historically accurate M. de TrevilLAY himself:

And these are our Dear Assholes:

Left to right, we have Aramis, Athos, and Porthos. At least these three are authentic assholes, which already makes this (rather long winded and boring) movie more fun for me than the French 2023 version!

Rochefort is here! For some reason he has a pronounced lisp, but I'm happy to see that unlike other adaptations featuring him, he has BOTH EYES in this version. The French 2023 version didn't even HAVE a Rochefort (rude).

d'Artagnan is a glorious idiot in this movie, like, so very dumb, he makes Chris O'Donnell's d'Art look like a genius.

OMG we're almost an hour into the movie and he hasn't even fought the duel with the 3 assholes yet! At this point, it's obvious the duel will never take place because it would have to be OUTSIDE, and, as I've mentioned, all the scenes take place INDOORS. 🤦🏻‍♀️

So the "plot" is that Milady has to seduce d'Art into coming to see Evil Lispy Rochefort so that Rochefort can recruit him to be the Cardinal's Double Agent.

In the meantime, apparently Athos and Porthos both have mistresses 😱😱😱 El Scandalo! TrevilLAY! Also Aramis now owes Porthos a crown because obviously they use British currency in France.

The extras in this movie are truly top notch! They just stand there and GLOWER. Not to spoiler the PLOT, but d'Artagnan is using cabbage as a weapon for purely British reasons.

Milady is TRULY PATHETIC in this version. I have no idea if she even knows Athos. She's basically like a combination of Constance and Milady in this? She's apparently FORCED into working for Evil Rochefort for Reasons, and now she's off on a dangerous mission in England, which we shall never know about because the movie is almost over 👀👀.

By the way, this

is the only fountain in Paris, and also how we're told that we're back in the "present" with Old d'Artagnan, since remember this is all told in flashback. And we must return to the pointless premise of the movie, which is that a young idiot (who looks like Tiny Thor) challenges Old d'Artagnan to a duel to prove himself worthy of being a musketeer.

Anyways, that's all they apparently had time for? It's incredibly pointless and I have no idea why they made this movie, other than maybe someone was really bored during the pandemic.

Lord help me, but I loved this stupid shit, if only because I am going to LOLSOB about M. de TrevilLAY forever and ever.

Grade: D+ as a movie, F- as an adaptation, A++ time stupidly spent

[georgegraphys]

Why I personally think that Mercedes is doing a great job by not poaching too much "outside talents" from other teams and is possibly more focused on developing the new fresh talents and preparing for an early generational turnover

I'm not saying poaching is entirely bad but sometimes poaching employees from other companies (esp long term ones) came with monetary or other beneficial things that come with the offer. As an employee, of course you'd take it but that doesn't necessarily mean that the concerned employee actually has the motivation or the commitment to work there. And letting new people suddenly jump up the corporate ladder when they're poached, often doesn't work well with the employees who've worked there before because aside from new beneficial knowledge the new employee brought, they will also bring different work ethics to the team and they'll also struggle a bit to get a grip on the company's goals, habits and environment as they went there probably for other benefits, and if they continue to fail to adapt, that'll be a problem for their work too and how they handle everything.

But when you let employees climb up the hierarchial corporate ladder naturally (e.g. Shov from being a race engineer to trackside engineering director), by the time they're at the upper level management, they're going to have that grip that knows where the company's direction and goal is heading. They know what they're doing and what they're going to do. They know the culture. They know how they must act. And their loyalty grows as the team progresses each year. That loyalty will become their work drive and make them sometimes the better employees. Because at work, you can't only have the knowledge but you have to have the commitment, to be in the same direction as the company's goals and the loyalty.

If we're talking about ethics, it is ethical and fine to poach employees but IMO, poaching too much of an upper level management employee (that is a bunch of old guys too) is definitely not a good thing because you're kinda not letting the old ones progress naturally up the corporate ladders. And these things are short-term too like poaching is fine but if you don't invest in your current and fresh talents in your employee roster, then it'll always be for a short time. Employee A from Company B comes to Company A, is 56, leads the team for 4 years, builds work ethics and habits, retires. Hired employee B from Company C, is 49, has a different vision and leadership than employee A, team work ethics change, need time to adapt to the new work ethics, employee A retires, is replaced again with employee C with a new work ethics and diff commitments, adapt again, retires again, hire again anddddd the hellish cycle goes on.

While allowing fresher talents to grow and learn from the current upper level management, allows new innovations and ideas. It's not always about recruitment in HR, it's also about retaining employees. Employees that naturally went up the corporate ladder, imo, will always somehow be the better employee as they will always have the grip, commitment and investment on the company's direction in the present or future

[uniglofinancial]

Why Partnering with an Employer of Record Company is a Smart Move for Global Expansion

Expanding into new international markets presents immense opportunities—but it also comes with legal, administrative, and HR challenges. This is where an Employer of Record Company becomes a powerful ally. These specialized service providers help businesses legally hire and manage international employees without setting up a local entity, ensuring compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and employment standards.

Uniglo Financial delivers expert Payroll, Accounting, and Compliance solutions tailored for contractors, recruitment agencies, and end clients across the UK and EMEA region.

In this article, we will explore how an Employer of Record Company can simplify global hiring, save time, reduce risk, and help businesses stay focused on growth.

What is an Employer of Record Company?

An Employer of Record Company (EOR) is a third-party organization that acts as the official employer for a worker in a foreign country on behalf of another business. While the original company controls the employee’s tasks and responsibilities, the EOR handles legal employment duties such as onboarding, payroll, tax filing, compliance, benefits, and termination processes. This model allows companies to enter global markets quickly and legally—without the burden of establishing foreign subsidiaries.

Benefits of Using an Employer of Record Company

1. Fast Market Entry: Setting up a legal entity in a new country can take months. An Employer of Record Company can help you hire talent and begin operations in days, significantly accelerating your expansion timeline.

2. Legal Compliance: Every country has different labor laws, tax codes, and employment regulations. An EOR ensures compliance with local laws, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues.

3. Cost-Effective Expansion: Avoid the high costs associated with opening a branch office or hiring legal consultants. EOR services allow you to test new markets with lower investment.

4. Streamlined Payroll and HR Management: Managing payroll across multiple countries is complex. An Employer of Record Company ensures timely salary payments, proper tax deductions, and benefit administration according to local laws.

5. Reduced Administrative Burden: Companies can offload employment-related paperwork and processes to the EOR, freeing up internal resources for strategic initiatives.

Who Should Use an Employer of Record Company?

Startups and SMEs looking to hire international talent without setting up entities abroad.

Global enterprises entering new markets for short- or long-term projects.

Remote-first companies that want to build distributed teams across borders.

Recruitment agencies managing cross-border placements for their clients.

Choosing the Right Employer of Record Company

Not all EOR providers offer the same level of service or support. Look for an Employer of Record Company that:

Has experience in your target countries.

Offers transparent pricing.

Provides a robust platform for HR and payroll.

Maintains a strong legal and compliance team.

Conclusion

Global hiring doesn’t have to be complicated. An Employer of Record Company offers a flexible, compliant, and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes looking to expand internationally. By handling employment logistics, EORs allow companies to focus on growth, innovation, and managing their global workforce more effectively.