7. The Man From Nightmare

I've been working at CreaGo for two years now, as the most reliable admin in the place. My duties are related to all the trivial things, which are not too crucial, but if I'm not there, well... there will be a lot of protests. I prepare meeting materials, meeting rooms, drinks for meetings, photocopies, pantry stock, inter-departmental memos, plus if there are outdoor activities.

Besides working at CreaGo, I also help Zetta, my best friend who is now a national class model. To be precise, I became her back dancer even though I kept my face covered, to hide my identity. Zetta is famous for her beautiful face, and because she's good at making TikTok videos related to cover dancing. There, I acted as her back dancer. There's one of the most famous videos. That's what made her super famous. Not bad... I can get some pocket money from her.

As a replacement, my best friend Zetta, who was beautiful from birth, became the company's brand ambassador. If there's an off-air event, she'll fill in for free! For example, a new book launching event. Rama, who is now the arch-editor, also helped me a lot. He is also the one who allowed me to occupy the empty room near the lower parking lot. Since I got a strict prohibition from my mom to riding a motorcycle. Yep... I've got an accident again, and fallen off the bike a few times, everyone closest to me has concluded that I'm not a good match for motorcycles.

Today I have a book launching event. Me, Zetta, Rama, and Edo are going to another city. Ms. Claudia, the main manager, currently walked into Rama's room, where those of us who are going to the venue are gathered for a briefing.

"Duh... how come all the important people are leaving anyway! I'm alone in the office..." complained Ms. Claudia spoiled she did it to get Rama's attention because she is originally very strict and stern with other employees. It's no secret that Ms. Claudia has a huge crush on Rama. It's called a crush, isn't it?

"There are more than twenty people in the office right now... it doesn't look like you will be alone at all!" said Edo sarcastically.

"Hish...! I was talking to Rama!"

"Agreed..." Rama raised his eyebrows, without turning around. He is busy writing down the draft of today's program.

"Ish... today there's a new senior technician... coming in today for work for the first time... He said at nine o'clock!"

"Oh... I just found out. What's... And why is that, ma'am?"

"He's also a shareholder of this company, about 30 percent of the shares. That's big! He's an expert in computers, programs, digital art... anything to do with cables and computers, he's got it!"

"Wow... I think he's really smart." I said. So I was amazed that someone could do everything. Because as far as I know, programs and technicians are different majors, let alone art and digital art. So I concluded that he is a smart person. A genius?

"Yes. Plus he's a shareholder too. He came back from Germany a week ago and immediately wanted to join. He said we have a red report card in technology. That's why he stepped in."

I now understand why Ms. Clau was upset. It's not just anyone who wants to come. I looked at Rama... I hope he still decided to send us to the venue. I don't want to be in the office for a creepy moment like this.

"Nope. The launch can't be postponed. We're still going. Anyways... you're already experienced and you're still afraid to face new people! Duh...show him who is the boss!" Rama snapped. I immediately looked down.

Different indeed, Rama ... Could be very savage! The only one who can talk like that to Mrs. Clau is Rama.

Then Rama looked at all of us, me, Edo, and Zetta. "We're leaving now!" I cheered in my heart! Yay... And the event in the venue will last for two days! Ehehehe.

We did our duty for the launching very well. Everything went smoothly, the launching event was successful and satisfying. This was the most nerve-wracking day. Entering the office again. I've gotten texts from my friends, Rita and Pina. Both of them complained about how creepy the office is now. The new employee is a super killer, more killer than Ms. Claudia!

Zetta went back to her activities, her class is in the morning, and I was taken by Rama to the office. We went home from the venue at dawn and only arrived at the office at eight o'clock.

" ... are you coming in today?" I asked anxiously.

"Yea. Why Edo came in too?" he replied calmly. Indeed, we had dropped off Edo first after dropping off Zetta.  

"I'm scared. They said the senior technician is fierce!"

He chuckled.

"Fierce who, me or him?"

"Should I ask Rita? Who's fiercer?" I opened my cell phone, ready to ask.

"No need..hahaha... they'll say it's me. Because I'm fierce with others, you're the only one who gets the privilege of being nice, because of Zetta."

"You better change your clothes first. Have a rest..."

"Hem... that's all right. I'm going to get some breakfast too... when I'm done I'll go upstairs."

"Cool... come out of the car!" well I was kicked out.

I went into the three by four meters room, which has its own bathroom in it. I took a shower, got dressed, and looked for breakfast. Eat quietly... gather energy and peace of mind.

After everything was done, I went upstairs. Absentee entry...and greeted everyone whose faces were stiff. Wow... this is really like a horror movie. I quickly went to the pantry. Checking the stock there, if it's empty I have to quickly go to the warehouse to refill it.

In the pantry, I found Ms. Claudia. She was stirring her coffee repeatedly. There were times... And maybe she stirred more than ten times?

"Mam, it's taking so long to stir! Do you want to make dalgona?" I asked cautiously.

"Duh! Lili!! I'm too lazy to go to my room... Two days in a row I protested from top to bottom... Got a mental breakdown." yep... this wasn't a dream. Ms. Claudia is venting. The top manager is venting! This signaled an emergency!

"Waah... I'm really scared. Good thing I don't have to deal with him directly!" I said thanks to myself.

"Eh! Who said that!! He asked for coffee! It's a double-shot espresso with no sugar! He asked me to make it earlier! I made it yesterday...huhuh... now there's you! You give this... to him! He asked for a double shot espresso, no sugar!" Ms. Claudia handed me the glass she had been stirring.

"That's right. If you don't use sugar, why stir it?" I asked.

"I read the verse of the prayer. Let all the negative energy come out." Ms. Claudia said curtly. Then she left the pantry. It's funny... but on the other hand, it scares me.

I grabbed the tray, ready to deliver the coffee to the owner. I knew the room he is using, the room right next to Ms. Claudia.

I arrived at the door. Knocked twice and opened the door.

"Excuse me, sir, I'll deliver the coffee. Double espresso without sugar, sir. Here..." I didn't dare to look at the face of the new employee who was said to be a real horror. I bowed and placed the coffee on his table.

"I'm the admin here, if you need coffee later, or need to give memos or prepare for meetings. Please tell me... I'm Lili, sir. Hello." I occasionally glanced at the new employee. His hair is straight but tended to be messy, he wore glasses with oval-shaped frames, it is obvious that he is not a teenager, his style is old-fashioned and stiff. His shirt is also rolled up, no tie. He is staring seriously at his laptop screen, with his head half bowed.

But as soon as I said my name, he looked up. Looking straight into my face. He is surprised..and I am more surprised to see him.

He... he's my nightmare from the past! The man who made me feel like I was cursed with all these misfortunes. All this time I thought, because of that forced kiss, it was like a trigger for all the bad moments in my life. Starting from my father dying, I dropped out of college, got into accidents repeatedly, and fell off the motorcycle. All my misfortunes... I blamed it on him. Mr. Harold.