Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Diiiiing!

Ugh, is it morning already? My jarring alarm blasts me out of a deep sleep, but my bed is just so unfairly cozy that I hit snooze and burrow back under the covers. After two more snooze cycles…

DIIIIIIIING!

Duty calls and I know I can't put it off any longer. This eco-warrior needs her fuel before facing another day battling the forces of evil (aka Mr. Han's impossible project deadlines). I zombie-shuffle out of bed and into the kitchen, pouring myself a giant vat of coffee. Ah, sweet caffeine, work your magic! Now I'm ready to save the planet...just as soon as I find my glasses. Where did I leave those things last night? I paw around the coffee table and bedside cabinets, but no luck. Not exactly rocking the whole Clark Kent vibe when I can't see two feet in front of me! I might be able to save the world, but I can't even find my own glasses. Some superhero I am!

I paw through the kitchen cabinets one more time and open the fridge in desperation. There, between the milk carton and a container of leftover kimchi, are my missing glasses. Of all the ridiculous places…I put them in the fridge?

Last night, fueled by my fifth cup of too-strong coffee, I was working furiously on calculations for the new biodegradable polymer that I've named Pak-sol. Maybe, when putting the milk back to the fridge, I had mindlessly tossed my glasses in as well. 

I grab my chilled glasses and sit down to a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries from my balcony garden. After breakfast, I brush my teeth with my bamboo toothbrush and get dressed in a breathable, organic cotton blouse, and a pair of recycled polyester trousers. I add a spritz of lavender oil, then pack up my hemp bag. 

Even though I didn't get enough sleep last night, I'm buzzing with excitement. When poring over calculations and tweaking molecular bonds last night, I finally cracked the formula for Pak-sol! I can't wait to test it out in the lab today. 

I skip down the stairs, passing the landlord, and give him a chipper "Good morning!" Bless that guy, he doesn't even bat an eye at my occasional dumpster-diving for recyclables. As long as the rent check clears, he's happy to host me in this prime location—that's how I'm able to bike to work.

Rolling my trusty bike outside, I take a deep breath. The morning air is alive with scents that make my stomach growl—crispy bindaetteok sizzling on hot griddles, street toast loaded with shredded cabbage and that magical ketchup-sugar drizzle that shouldn't work but totally does, and oh my gourd, freshly roasted coffee beans from the corner cafe. It's like the city is offering up a special morning brew, just for me.

My bike wheels crunch over the gravel as I pedal, weaving between early risers shuffling sleepily along the sidewalk. A taxi zips past, its horn momentarily drowning out the excited chatter of a gaggle of school kids in uniform waiting at the bus stop. I breathe deep again, filling my lungs with crisp morning air. Today is going to be a good day, I can feel it.

I'm a little winded when I arrive at the office building, but no way am I taking the elevator up just five floors. That's nothing for a stair-climbing champ like me! I bound up energetically, taking the steps two at a time. My quads will be feeling that burn tomorrow but it's worth it to avoid unnecessary electricity usage. 

Then I hear it—the unmistakable roar of my boss, Mr. Han, reverberating down the hall. Did someone forget to compose their coffee grounds again?

"Ki-hoon! How many times do I have to tell you—no single-use beverage cups!"

I glance back to see Ki-hoon, one of our new interns, shrinking under our CEO’s glare. The crumpled cup in his hand has Mr. Han giving it the stink-eye usually reserved for incompetent, bumbling fools. If cups could sweat nervously, this one would be a puddle.

"We are trying to save the planet here. Is it so hard to bring a reusable mug? Honestly!" 

Ki-hoon stammers an apology as Mr. Han stalks away, irritation rolling off him in waves.

I bite my lip to hide a smile. Our boss means well, but his zeal can be a bit much at times. Speak of the devil—he seems to sense me standing nearby and suddenly turns around.

I back up a step out of self-preservation, and quickly hold up my 100% cruelty-free hemp bag a little higher. See, no baby seals were clubbed for this eco-friendly accessory! My bag and I are totally innocent, so please direct your planet-saving wrath elsewhere, boss man.

He breaks into a smile. "Yuna! Just the person I wanted to see. How is our new bioplastic coming along?"

I grin and nod eagerly. "I think I may have cracked it! I was up all night working on the polymer calculations. I tweaked the starch and cellulose ratios and added a dash of non-toxic plasticizers. If my calculations are correct, this new formula should yield a bioplastic that's fully biodegradable yet also affordable to mass produce."

"Let me know the moment it's ready. I want to get this into production testing ASAP. Think you can have some prototypes ready within the week?" 

"Absolutely, Han Sajang-nim! I'll get the lab prepped for synthesis right away. With a bit of luck, we might even beat that deadline."

"Excellent. I'll be looking forward to the results."

Mr. Han gives me a pat on the shoulder and walks away, leaving me with a little flutter in my chest. I used to have the tiniest crush on him, back when he was interviewing new employees for Green Genius. He has a movie-star jawline, clear skin, and a wardrobe that puts my collection of lab coats to shame. And it's obvious he's fit—not like those guys who live at the gym taking mirror selfies, but more like someone who actually enjoys running without posting about it on social media every five seconds. But the ring on his left hand is a firm reminder that he's a married man. Anyway, his tendency to micromanage would probably give my mom some serious competition in the nagging department.

I continue down the hall, but a glimpse of Soo-jin's workspace makes me pause. Her boy band merch collection has conquered her workspace, every surface precariously stacked with posters, plushies, and enough sparkly merch to rival a jewelry store display. Confusingly impressive, even with the questionable sustainability of it all.

Her face lights up when she spots me watching. "Here!" She dangles a hot pink earbud in front of me. "You need this in your life!"

"Oh, that's okay, I'm not really into boy bands..."

"But AXIOM isn't just any boy band! These guys can sing. Like, really sing. None of that processed autotuned stuff. And sure, they're gorgeous, but that's just a bonus. These guys are actual artists. Please? Just one song?"

I reluctantly take the offered earbud and pop it in. She's right—the harmonies are velvety and smooth, the melody catchy. I find myself nodding along. 

Just then, a voice interrupts us. “Yeah, keep fantasizing about those pretty boys. Maybe one day they'll descend from their posters and magically fall in love with you.” 

I turn to see Hyun-woo from Marketing sauntering up, his features contorted into a look of smug superiority, the kind of expression that screams, I'm better than you and your silly obsessions. "Why pine after idols who don't know you exist? You should pay attention to someone right here, just as good looking and charming."

I'm about to snap back at him when Soo-jin beats me to it. 

"Please, like you haven't got a stash of dirty magazines hidden under your desk," she retorts, eyes flashing. "What I choose to enjoy is none of your business."

Hyun-woo turns red. "How dare you!" he sputters. "I would never-"

But Soo-jin is already standing, rising to her full and impressive 175 cm height. In heels, she can look down at his 176 cm. 

"AXIOM helps me balance more than just spreadsheets!" She jabs a finger at Hyun-woo's chest. "Their songs keep me focused during tax season, their faces brighten up audit days, and guess what? Han Sajang-nim totally approves! He knows that my love for AXIOM directly translates into top-notch work. That's what I call a winning formula, unlike someone who needed Daddy's help to get through the door."

For once, Hyun-woo makes the smart choice and retreats without a word. I'm secretly cheering—finally, someone put him in his place! Though if I tried that, I'd probably just end up talking to his necktie. The struggles of being 150 cm in a tall person's world.

I'm about to thank Soo-jin for her epic verbal smackdown when she slips back into her seat. In less time than it takes to blink, the righteous defender vanishes, replaced by a starry-eyed fan clutching a heart-shaped plushie. Pop goes the earbud, and she melts into her chair, eyes glued to a poster. Did one of those guys wink?

I decide to head off in case Soo-jin suddenly turns around and tries to make me a member of AXIOM' fandom—which, I'm sure, is large enough already, so I take off, heading straight for my lab (AKA my plant-tastic plant-etarium of genius). 

A minute later I stumble into R&D, squinting against the glare of what must be the cleanest surfaces in the entire building. You know that smell hospitals have? This is like that, only slightly less likely to give you a panic attack. 

Then BAM! Like a mad scientist ninja, Professor Baek pops up, wielding two tubes of toothpaste. "Quick, pick a flavor!" 

Baek used to be Mr. Han's chemistry professor, and somehow Han Sajang-nim lured him away from the university. Plants are my thing, not chemicals, so his knowledge is super valuable. Plus, he's totally chill, even though he's old enough to play the 'respect your elders' card. He treats me like a real teammate, which, honestly, feels awesome. The guy is practically a big kid in a lab coat—his excitement is totally contagious.

"Option one..." He holds up a toothpaste labeled 'Arctic Fresh Blast'. “Ultra-sustainable—recycled packaging, ethically sourced peppermint, the whole package. Downside? It'll cost us an arm and a leg to make." 

He then shows the competitor, 'Sunrise Citrus Sizzle'. "Option two. Hits the budget sweet spot, looks cheery... and it doesn't remind you of a bathroom cleaner. However, there’s an ingredient in it that might not sit well with our eco-conscious consumers.

I study the tubes, trying to channel my inner marketing guru. Eco-chic sells, but can we afford to alienate the penny-pinchers? I'm about to weigh in when another voice slices in.

"Wait, why is this an either-or thing?" It's Jae-sung, another member of R&D,  who's in his forties—making him the perfect middleman between Baek's old-school wisdom and my generation's save-the-world enthusiasm. "What about that coconut charcoal formula you showed off last week? Remember? Super sustainable AND we already bought supplies in bulk."

Baek winces, the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth. "Look, coconut... It's a personal issue. My ex-wife was obsessed with the stuff. Scented candles, that weird oil on her hair... she even used flakes of it in her cookies for some reason!"

Jae-sung and I exchange confused glances.

"But… Professor," I start cautiously, "that's not the coconut's fault."

"Besides," Jae-sung interjects, "coconut's hot right now. Trendy ingredients mean sales."

Baek folds his arms, a stubborn glint in his eyes. "Very well. Unleash the trendy toothpaste if you must. I’ll just be over here perfecting a non-coconut alternative for those of us with taste."

With a nod at the squabbling duo (Jae-sung is now attempting to win Baek over with tales of coconut-free piña coladas), I ease back down at my workstation.  

"Hello, my pretties," I coo, patting the sleek metal table where my setup gleams under the grow lights. Spinny—my ever-faithful centrifuge—whirs in greeting, while Pip, my go-to pipette, waits like the precision tool it is. Flasky—my reliable flask—sits quietly, awaiting its next experiment. This is where I belong.

Time to see how Pak-sol fares under stress! If these tests pan out, we might just revolutionize how packaging is used without adding to the landfill nightmare.

Hours slip by like grains of sand. The whir of Spinny blends with the soft clicks of my timer. Sometimes I get those looks when I talk to my gear, but to me, they're not impersonal tools. They're part of the process, partners in the endless experiments. 

The readings start rolling in. There's a thrill in this part, seeing if today's adjustments did the trick. Pak-sol is so temperamental—an extra pinch of this, a longer blast of heat that, and everything changes. Each result a potential breakthrough, or another setback to dissect. My mind races, jotting down notes so fast, Spinny might as well be on fire.

Suddenly, there's a gentle tap on my shoulder. I startle, blinking against the harsh lab lights. Baek stands there, a hint of his usual amusement crinkling his eyes. "Everyone's cleared out for the day. Remember? Home?"

His words land like a stack of overdue reports. Home. A glance at the clock confirms the impossible—an entire afternoon has vanished in a puff of scientific fervor!  Sheepishly, I start gathering my supplies. 

Oh my gourd, I can’t believe I lost track of time again! This always happens when I get in the zone with my experiments. One minute it's mid-morning, the next thing I know, the sun has set and everyone else has gone home. I’m not saying we don’t work hard—our meetings can occasionally stretch into the night, but our hours are pretty reasonable for Seoul. Mr. Han’s postgraduate stint in the U.S. gave him the audacity to believe in work-life balance.

I hurry to pack up my notes and prototypes, ready to head out for the day. Grow lamps off, specimens labeled and tucked away, centrifuge powered down...

"Ready to roll?" Professor Baek asks, appearing beside me. 

I'm about to say yes when I do a double take. Wait a minute, something looks different about him. What is he wearing...is that a crushed velvet suit jacket? With some sort of ascot around his neck? What in the name of sustainable fabrics is happening here?

"So, Yuna," he says with an impish grin. "What do you think of this little number for my big date tonight?"

He does a dramatic twirl, like he's on a fashion runway. A sequined handkerchief falls out of his pocket. Okay, I did NOT need to know he owns anything sequined.

"Um, you look very...dapper?" I offer weakly. Part of me wants to jokingly ask if he has raided the drama club's costume closet. But he seems so eager for my opinion that I don't have the heart.

"You really think so?" Baek preens as we exit the lab. "I want to impress my date tonight. We met on Silver Foxes—you know, that dating app for seniors? We're meeting for dinner at this trendy tapas place."  

"Oooh, sounds thrilling!" I say. "You'll have to tell me all about it tomorrow. The Spanish appetizers, I mean, not any other...details. Anyway, I hope you’ll have fun on your date!”

Before I can comment further, someone rises from a cubicle. Soo-jin—she hasn't went home yet? "Ooh, who's got a hot date?" she trills in a sing-song voice. 

Baek puffs out his chest. "Moi!" 

Her eyes widen as she takes in his...unique attire. "Wow, Professor, look at you! Who knew you had such swag? I figured Yuna here would have a date before you."

"Hey!" I protest. Just because I spend more time with my seedlings than real people doesn't mean I'm a total social outcast. 

Soo-jin giggles. "Relax, I'm just teasing. But Professor, you go rock that crushed velvet! Show that Silver Fox lady your wild side!"

Before this conversation can get any weirder, Mr. Han's stern voice cuts in. "Why are you all still here? Lights are only to be turned on for work, not gossip. Do you want me to do another presentation on energy conservation?"

We all shake our heads quickly. The last meeting on office sustainability clocked in at three hours. No one needs a repeat of that snoozefest.

As Soo-jin and I head downstairs, she nudges me playfully. "So, be honest. You're not seeing anyone, right? Want me to set you up? You can’t lose to Professor Baek!”

I laugh, waving her off. "Thanks, but I've got a hot date with my TV tonight. Maybe next time!"

Truthfully, I'm happy being single right now. Sure, it might be nice to meet someone eventually, but I'm in no hurry—I just graduated last year! For now, my research keeps me plenty busy. Who needs romance when you've got the thrill of discovering revolutionary new bioplastics? My seedlings give me all the unconditional love I need.