FRAGILE - Hierarchy

• 007 •

It was Saturday, and Ellie was at work in the bakery. After what had happened last night, she didn't want to make a big deal out of it. She knew that, at the end of the day, Rian would surely go back to Jae-i, so she tried to shake off her thoughts and focus on her tasks.

As she waited quietly for customers, her boss, Mrs. Kim, emerged from her office and approached her. "Are you available for tonight?" Mrs. Kim asked.

Ellie nodded her head. "Yes, why?"

"We are going to attend the school anniversary, and they want our bakery to serve at the event," Mrs. Kim explained, looking at Ellie with a mix of excitement and confusion. "Isn't that the school where you study? Why weren't you invited?"

Ellie looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Scholarship students don't usually get invited to those kinds of events," she said softly.

Mrs. Kim placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. We won't be wearing aprons there; we'll be socializing. I'm the boss, remember?"

The bakery had indeed gained a strong reputation in the community, known for its delicious pastries and warm atmosphere.

Mrs. Kim laughed, making Ellie chuckle to herself as she started arranging and looking for the cakes they were going to bake. "What cake are we going to make?" she asked, causing her boss to chuckle again.

"Nope, we're going shopping. Let the others do the work," Mrs. Kim said, pulling Ellie by the arm.

"Shopping?" Ellie echoed, surprised but not particularly excited.

"Yes, you need a proper dress for tonight. We can't have you attending in your work clothes," Mrs. Kim insisted.

Mrs. Kim led her out of the bakery. They drove to a nearby boutique known for its elegant dresses. As they entered the shop, Ellie couldn't help but feel a bit out of place among the racks of beautiful garments.

Mrs. Kim, however, was in her element. She quickly started browsing through the dresses, pulling out a few options and holding them up to Ellie. "Try these on," she said with a warm smile.

Ellie took the dresses into the fitting room, trying each one on. After a few attempts, she stepped out in a stunning, deep blue dress that fit her perfectly. Mrs. Kim's eyes lit up when she saw Ellie.

"That's the one," Mrs. Kim said, clapping her hands together. "You look beautiful, Ellie."

Ellie blushed, looking at herself in the mirror. She hardly recognized the girl staring back at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Kim."

Mrs. Kim waved off her thanks. "Nonsense. You deserve it. Now let's get you some shoes to match."

After picking out a pair of elegant shoes, they returned to the bakery, where the staff had already prepared everything for the evening.

As evening fell, Mrs. Kim drove Ellie to a luxury hotel in a sleek limousine. Ellie couldn't help but wonder how her boss could afford such a vehicle, but she didn't ask. She felt more apprehensive than excited about the event ahead.

When they arrived, the limousine pulled up in front of the grand entrance. Flashes of camera lights greeted them, and Ellie instinctively shrank back, trying to hide behind Mrs. Kim. Sensing her discomfort, Mrs. Kim stopped and gently pulled her to the side.

"Don't be shy, Ellie. Show them how beautiful you look in that dress," she said with a reassuring smile. "Tonight, I'm not just your boss; I'm your fairy godmother."