Page 52 of The Name Drop

“She has to be. She works twice as hard as anyone else at Haneul and she still has to fight to be taken seriously,” Jessica says. There’s a tightness in my chest as I listen to Jessica defend my sister. I’m usually the only voice that speaks up about how Hee-Jin gets screwed over at work.

“You know, I’ve noticed you’ve been going through some of that same shit as well,” I say.

Jessica looks quickly up to meet my eyes. “You did? I’m not one to whine or complain about things. I just want to focus and do well at my job. But it does suck, I’m not gonna lie. I thought working for a Korean company would be easier. But it’s harder than I expected. Maybe this is how it is at all companies, who knows.”

“Well, you’re killing it. And my sister is always saying how smart you are. Maybe working for a woman-owned company in the future might help.”

“Or holding male-run companies accountable for misogyny in the workplace could also help,” she counters.

“Touché,” I say.

“Okay, enough work talk. We’re both looking, um,hothot,” she says with a giggle. “So let’s go have some fun.”

18

elijah

The high of seeingHamiltonis like no other. By the time the curtain closes, I’m equal parts inspired and wrecked. My sister had gotten us the most incredible Orchestra Center seats, and both Jessica and I were mesmerized throughout the entire show. I didn’t shed any tears like she had. But I was close. The entire night so far has been magical.

I wonder if moving to New York City is an option for my future. I could go to school out here. Hell, I’d even be willing to work part-time at Haneul while taking classes if my dad would agree to the move. There’s just something so energizing about the city. I don’t feel like I have to have all the answers. I don’t feel like I have to pretend to be someone, because here, I can be just anyone. The expectation of who Elijah Ri is expected to be—wealthy chaebol, obedient son, future CEO—doesn’t exist here on the streets of New York like it does in Seoul.

“I was thinking it would be really cool to live in New York,” Jessica says. “I know it’s incredibly expensive and life can be hard here. But there’s something about the hustle and bustle that’s addictive. I might apply to NYU next year.” We’re about two blocks away from the restaurant, the streets crowded with people coming out of theaters. I have to lean into Jessica as someone tries to get past me on the busy sidewalk. But I remain close as we continue to walk, my shoulder brushing hers every now and again.

“You’re reading my mind,” I reply.

“Really? Is that something you’d want to do? Oh my god, it would be so cool if we both ended up here,” she says, eyes dancing with excitement.

Without thinking, I place my hand at the small of her back, gently guiding her to the inside of the sidewalk so I can walk closest to the curb and the cars driving by.

She drops her head, tucking the longer bangs that have escaped from her ponytail behind her ear, her mouth forming a small smile.

We reach the restaurant, and just as I open the door for Jessica, my phone rings. It’s a restricted number, and who would be calling me this late? Without thinking about it, I answer.

“Hello?”

“Elijah.”

The voice is cold, stern, emotionless, but heavy.

My blood goes cold.

Fuck. My dad.

“Uh, Appa, I can’t talk right now,” I start to say.

“How many times do I have to tell you to not say ‘uh’ at the start of a sentence. It makes you sound uncertain and weak.”

I want to scream that Iamuncertain. I’m uncertain why he’s calling me. I’m uncertain why I let him get to me. I’m uncertain about my future and who I am and who I want to be.

Uh, uh, uh.

“Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. Listen, Dad...”

“Elijah, I need a word with you about this hackathon you’re leading.”

All the hairs on the back of my neck stand at full alert. I nod to Jessica to go inside without me. “I’ll be right there,” I mouth to her. She gives me an uneasy smile, but nods and makes her way to the hostess stand.

“What about it? It’s not a big deal. Just a small thing that I’m working on with the interns. Not even something you need to think twice about.” I hate downplaying the event and all the planning we’ve put into it, but I’m desperately hoping he isn’t trying to sabotage it in some way. How does he even know about it?

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