00. Neapolitan Hotel
I walked slowly in front of a familiar hotel. I couldn't remember when or where I had started walking toward this hotel.
''Where am I?''
By the time I came to my senses, I had arrived at an unfamiliar hotel.
Although it was called a hotel, it was actually quite small. The exterior looked like someone's mansion from the European Middle Ages.
Neapolitan Hotel,
If it weren't for that strange sign, I wouldn't have known this was a hotel.
''Why the hell am I here?''
I stopped in front of the hotel, which was like a gate, and spoke. I absentmindedly lowered my head and saw that I had two pieces of paper in my hand. I had had them for some time, but I didn't know how long.
''Oh, I came here to work part-time.''
I just remembered now.
I came to interview today for a job as a hotelier at this hotel. Although it was only a short-term, three-month position, the pay was quite lucrative, so I applied without hesitation.
''I didn't know I would get accepted in the first round of documents...''
I read the terms and conditions and the notice carefully again, unconsciously, as if my body was remembering something, as if I was possessed by something.
''Should I run away...''
I sighed deeply.
''under...''
It was clearly early afternoon, but for some reason the sky was dark. It was a setting that perfectly suited the name Neapolitan.
I finally found the doorknob and gently knocked on it.
Beans- Beans-
A faint, almost embarrassingly small sound echoed through the air. Just as I was beginning to wonder if I could even hear it, the door opened.
''...hello.''
A handsome man came out through the open door.
The man had pale skin, but perhaps because of his red lips, he didn't look lifeless. Perhaps it was his glasses, or perhaps it was his aura, that made him seem quite intelligent. His sharp, piercing eyes, paired with his black horn-rimmed glasses, were the epitome of a nerd.
''Come in.''
Oh, I was so taken by his appearance that I forgot to say hello.
''Oh... hello...?''
I said hello belatedly, but it was already very late.
Following him into the hotel, I was astonished. It had an old-world feel, like I'd entered a fantasy world. Perhaps that's why the objects looked worn and the way they were gathered together felt eerie.
"My name is Jeon Won-woo, and I am the manager here. Please feel free to call me by my name."
''Ah... yes!! Please take care of me! My name is...''
My name?
''Shh,''
Jeon Won-woo quickly covered my mouth. Embarrassed, I could only blink at him. The most absurd part, in fact, was that he'd momentarily forgotten my own name.
Yeo Ju-yeon
How could you forget that name?
''You must never say your name here. And this...''
Jeon Won-woo handed me a piece of paper.
The large sheet of paper with the "Code of Conduct" written on it felt like it had been written on an old typewriter. A typewriter? I was skeptical, but as I gazed at the museum-like objects before me, I simply nodded.
''Please read it slowly as you go.''
I followed him and started reading through the code of conduct, starting from number 1.
So, he opened his mouth to read the 11th rule.
''Please do not violate the above rules of conduct.''
Reading up to the last 12, I was confused. Numbers 11 and 12 are opposite situations, so what should I protect?
''We have arrived.''
By the time I was about to ask him a question, I arrived at a door that had the number 100 written on it.
Is it already starting? I haven't even heard that I passed yet? But did I even say I came for an interview in the first place?
"Congratulations. You will be working here as a hotelier at the Neapolitan Hotel."
"Huh...? Still having an interview..."
''It's okay. You can do it.''
Jeon Won-woo spoke to me with a certain conviction. His voice was unwavering, his eyes unwavering, as if he were telling an age-old truth.
''Oh, are you going to give up?''
''Oh, no!! I will work hard!!''
He said with a faint smile.
"Okay. It's late today, so I'll start work tomorrow. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Knock twice before you open the door. Even if you hear voices outside, always knock twice before you open the door. After 10 o'clock, no matter what, stay out of your room."
''Yes, I will keep that in mind.''
Jeon Won-woo said as he handed me the keys.
"Please rest for today. I'll bring you a light dinner. I'll give you the hotel manual tomorrow, so please don't do anything or touch it. This is my advice and request to you."
''Okay, just a moment!!''
I grabbed him urgently and asked.
''Can I call you by your name?''
''sure.''
''Why are you...''
Can I tell you my name?
I swallowed my words and hesitated before opening my mouth again.
''What are you going to call me?''
''hmm...''
He made a face that said he hadn't even thought of it. He quickly wiped away his bewildered expression and began to ponder with a rather serious expression.
''What should I call you?''
At that time, there was a name that passed through my head.
''...Baekyoung.''
I don't know why that name came to mind, but I feel like I have to be called by that name this time.
''Baekyoung... that's a good name.''