Wild Hearts

Suhyun 'Sunny' Park

I hated my employee life. I hated my colleagues for voting me as the head of designs. I hated how my happy-go-lucky, light-hearted and go with the flow job has turned into 'I wanna resign and find a different job' kind of motivation.

But then, I always go back. I have bills to pay, apartment fees, online shopping craze and food- porn hobbies. I need money to survive in this concrete jungle.

Ugh! I miss my parents. If they're here with me, they always make me feel like I can conquer anything and everything. Sometimes, thinking about them, makes my mind wander back to Jeju, South Korea. My hometown. A peaceful, nature-loving sceneries, ocean breeze-scent city whom I loved the most. I wanna go home so bad.

But then again...

I need money to do that.

And in order for me to get the money that I want...I need to please this demanding, stone-hearted, Mr. 100% perfect boss.

My eyes significantly threw a close look on the sheets that he laid on top of the table.

The first one has a pink fur with a big magician's hat on his head and wore a tuxedo. He has a briefcase hanging on his back. I wonder what's inside that briefcase. No clues given on the photo. Anyways, moving on to the second one. Another bunny wearing a sailor's suit with a fishing rod on its back. Why a sailor suit? It kinda reminded me of Pop-Eye. And the last photo was a bunny wearing a varsity shirt and has a basket ball stuck on its back.

My brows met in confusion. I do not understand the meaning behind all of the designs.

I heard Jared cleared his throat. I straightened myself and lifted my head. I caught his green eyes staring at mine. He had a serious mood running around him.

"So, which of these samples do you prefer?"

I clasped my hands. I was not so sure if I even like the designs. I mean, they were good but in reality, it sucks. I did not feel any certain connection on the photos. This, right here, was something I did not expect.

You see, the game was kind of inspired by the Mad Hatter. Alice in Wonderland. A quest down the rabbit hole and having a moment to befriend characters that can improve your choosen route. And, Mad Hatter is someone that has an elegant, perceptive and blistering mind and movement.

I pictured him with atypical costume, probably multi-colored or even heroic. He has this item that can unleash other characters' true intentions.

The main character (which was the bunny) is a character of resilience, bravery and intelligence. Not some kind of dumb and pre-historic art style. Jared is my boss, alright, but I do not approve of this idea that he was trying to feed me. I'll stand to my own design. Whether he likes it or whatever it is.

I gathered all my courage and breathed in and out. I looked straight at his jewel-like eyes and composed myself. "Um, Jared, you see, I don't think any of these designs will capture the interest of the people slash gamers." I exclaimed. I was examining every expression his face made. He was staring directly at me, giving me a stone mood. Yet, I continued. This is my concept. My own idea. I should protect it.

"I think these designs does not match what the game is about." I continued.

Jared leaned his back against the leather seat, "The game is for kids. Why do you think these pictures won't suit the concept? We all agreed that I'll pick the design since none of you can create an excellent one!"

I stilled at the tone of his voice. There was a hint of disappointment. Frustration. Even anger.

I tried to calm myself. Since the time I aired out my own thoughts, I knew he did not understand what I meant by 'child-friendly'.