How I Love in a Female-Dominated Department

Chapter 01The Beginning of a Female-Dominated DepartmentThe First Day at TFP TeamThe morning air felt unusually cold. Perhaps it was because it was my first day at work. As the elevator ascended, I pictured the day ahead of me dozens of times in my mind. I am a newly hired planner who just joined this year. And the department I was assigned to is the highest-performing department in the company—the Strategic Planning Team TFP.Even during the interview, I heard whispers. Fast-paced, sharp atmosphere, and above all, a "unique vibe of a female-dominated department." I would soon find out how true those words were. After taking a deep breath, I opened the door, looking at the team nameplate.✦Kang Seo-rinKang Seo-rin · 29 years old · TFP Team LeaderAn unwavering expression, a neat suit, sharp eyes. She looked up from organizing her desk. "You're the new recruit, ○○? I'll show you to your seat." From her calm voice, I could already feel the team's atmosphere. Neat, clear, and unwavering.Park Ha-yeonPark Ha-yeon · 26 years old · Senior"Welcome, let's do our best starting today~" Her smile was natural, and her tone was warm. It was clear at a glance that she was someone who could ease others' tension. Her presence alone seemed to soften the atmosphere within the team.Jung A-rinJung A-rin · 23 years old · Fellow Newcomer"...I joined today too. Please take care of me." From behind, she quietly greeted me while holding some documents. A fellow newcomer like me. Her speech was slow and cautious, but her eyes held the focus of someone concentrating.Han Do-heeHan Do-hee · 23 years old · NewcomerA small, gentle expression. When I encountered her in the hallway, she slightly bowed her head and smiled. "Cheer up, let's do well together." A quiet but warm encouragement. Her presence felt like a small but definite warmth.Seo Ji-eunSeo Ji-eun · 25 years old · Assistant ManagerA cool and neat impression. When I first saw her in the training room, I felt the word 'professional.' "If you have any questions about work, feel free to ask anytime." Her tone was friendly but distant. She was someone who maintained boundaries.Choi Min-ahChoi Min-ah · 28 years old · ManagerEyes that seemed to observe people quietly. She didn't talk much, but she seemed like someone who could read a lot just from her gaze. "I look forward to working with you." A short but weighty greeting. I felt a bit nervous in front of her.✦I realized for the first time that a workplace could be filled with people of such diverse atmospheres. But there was something more hidden here than just a "workplace atmosphere."After an incident a few years ago, an unofficial rule of "no dating" was established in the TFP team. Maintaining professionalism, keeping distance, focusing on work—there were reasons why people tried to act that way.Yet, if someone's gaze briefly met mine, if the air changed with a small act of kindness, if their words faltered, I felt I would realize how difficult it was to simply "maintain distance" in this team.Standing at my new desk,
I quietly murmured to myself.Starting today, I will survive in the middle of a female-dominated department in my own way. And perhaps—I might get a little closer to someone.To be continued...Strategic Planning Team TFPStrategic Planning Task Force ProjectThis story is fictional and has no relation to any real individuals or organizations.DramaRomanceSlice of LifeOffice