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Revamp Your Restaurant's Bottom Line with Our Cost-Reduction Services: Optimize Operations, Attract More Customers, and Defend Against Fraud Risk
At our business cost reduction services company, we specialize in helping restaurants save money and increase profits.
Our top-rated restaurant solution is designed to "optimize your operations, attract customers, and reduce credit card fees and fraud risk".
"With our expert team on your side, you can look forward to a more efficient and effective operation, lower costs, and increased profits." One of the key benefits of our solution is that we help you optimize your operations.
This means that we analyze your current processes and identify areas where you can reduce waste and streamline your operations.
By doing this, we help you save money on materials, labor, and other expenses. Another important aspect of our restaurant solution is that we "help you attract customers".
We achieve this by providing marketing support, including "online advertising and social media campaigns".
We also help you improve your menu and dining experience, so that your customers will keep coming back for more. Reducing credit card fecu and fraud risk is yet another important aspect of our solution.
We work with top payment processing companies to ensure that you are getting the best possible rates and that your transactions are securely processed.
This helps you avoid costly chargebacks, refunds, and other issues that can eat into your profits. In addition to these benefits, our restaurant solution also offers long-term support to help you achieve sustainable success.
We provide ongoing assistance with waste removal, inventory management, and other business areas to ensure that you are always operating efficiently and cost-effectively. When you work with us, you can rest assured that you are getting "the best business cost reduction services in the industry".
Our expert team has years of experience helping businesses of all sizes and industries save money and boost profits.
So if you're ready to take your restaurant to the next level, schedule a FREE appointment with us today! - Brian Plain
We specialize in business cost-reduction for businesses in Marlborough Massachusetts, contact Brian Plain today to learn more.
#help you attract customers#business#marlborough#boston#cambridge#ma#massachusetts#brian plain#catalytic consulting inc#cost reduction firm#Revamp Your Restaurant's Bottom Line with Our Cost-Reduction Services Optimize Operations#Attract More Customers#Defend Against Fraud Risk#Optimize Operations#restaurant owners solutions#cost-reduction#cost-reduction strategies#cost-reduction company#cost-reduction for businesses#local cost-reduction for businesses#cost-reduction for businesses in Marlborough Massachusetts#business cost-reduction for businesses in Marlborough Massachusetts
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The primary means of âdetermining the proper recovery periodâ is by conducting a cost segregation study. https://www.costsegregationirs.com/
#component depreciation#o'connor tax reduction experts#residential cost segregation calculator#cost segregation analysis#cost segregation company
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Energy Efficiency in India: Challenges and Future Potential
Energy efficiency is an essential aspect of sustainable development, particularly for a rapidly developing country like India. Energy efficiency measures can reduce energy consumption, save costs, and help India achieve its climate goals. In this blog post, we will discuss the current status of energy efficiency in India, its potential, and the challenges faced in its implementation.
Current Status of Energy Efficiency in India India has taken several initiatives to promote energy efficiency in recent years. The government has launched several programs and policies, including the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, the Perform,
Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, and the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal agency responsible for promoting energy efficiency in India. The agency has implemented several programs and initiatives to promote energy efficiency in various sectors, including industry, buildings, and appliances. The BEE has also launched the star rating system for appliances, which provides consumers with information on the energy efficiency of appliances.
India has made significant progress in energy efficiency in recent years. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Indiaâs energy intensity (energy consumed per unit of GDP) improved by 6.5% in 2020, the largest improvement among all major economies. The country has also achieved significant energy savings through the implementation of energy efficiency measures. For example, the PAT scheme has resulted in energy savings of over 11 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) in the industrial sector alone.
Potential for Energy Efficiency in India Despite the progress made, there is still significant potential for energy efficiency in India. The countryâs energy intensity is still high compared to other countries, indicating that there is room for improvement. According to the BEE, the potential for energy savings in India is estimated to be around 23% in the industrial sector, 17% in the buildings sector, and 9% in the agriculture sector.
The potential for energy efficiency in India is significant, particularly in the buildings sector. Buildings account for around 30% of Indiaâs electricity consumption, and there is a significant potential for energy savings through the adoption of energy-efficient building designs and technologies. The ECBC, launched by the government in 2007, is aimed at promoting energy efficiency in buildings through the adoption of energy-efficient building designs and technologies.
Challenges Faced in Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures Despite the potential for energy efficiency in India, there are several challenges in its implementation. One of the significant challenges is the lack of awareness and knowledge about energy efficiency measures among consumers and businesses. Many consumers are not aware of the benefits of energy efficiency, and there is a lack of incentives to adopt energy-efficient measures.
Another challenge is the lack of financing for energy efficiency projects. Energy efficiency measures often require significant upfront investments, and businesses may not have the financial resources to implement them. There is a need for innovative financing mechanisms, such as energy service companies (ESCOs), to promote the adoption of energy-efficient measures.
Finally, there is a lack of enforcement of energy efficiency regulations in India. The ECBC, for example, is not mandatory, and many builders do not comply with its provisions. There is a need for stricter enforcement of energy efficiency regulations to ensure that energy-efficient measures are adopted.
The Way Forward Despite the challenges, there are several opportunities to promote energy efficiency in India. The government can take several measures to promote energy efficiency, including providing incentives to consumers and businesses to adopt energy-efficient measures, providing financing for energy efficiency projects, and strengthening enforcement of energy efficiency regulations.
Businesses can also play a significant role in promoting energy efficiency. By adopting energy-efficient measures, businesses can reduce their energy consumption and save costs. Businesses can also contribute to Indiaâs sustainable development by reducing their carbon footprint and helping the country achieve its climate goals.
Consumers also have a crucial role to play in promoting energy efficiency. By adopting energy-efficient appliances and building designs, consumers can reduce their energy consumption and save costs. The star rating system for appliances launched by the BEE provides consumers with information on the energy efficiency of appliances, allowing them to make informed choices.
In addition to promoting energy efficiency in existing buildings and appliances, there is a need to focus on energy-efficient designs for new buildings and appliances. The adoption of energy-efficient building designs and technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption in the long run. Similarly, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in appliances can also result in Green energy and ecology theme design, vector illustration. significant energy savings.
Conclusion Energy efficiency is an essential aspect of sustainable development, particularly for a rapidly developing country like India. Despite the progress made, there is still significant potential for energy efficiency in India. There are several challenges in the implementation of energy efficiency measures, including a lack of awareness, financing, and enforcement of regulations.
To promote energy efficiency in India, there is a need for a comprehensive approach that involves the government, businesses, and consumers. The government can take several measures to promote energy efficiency, including providing incentives, financing, and enforcing regulations. Businesses and consumers can also play a significant role in promoting energy efficiency by adopting energy-efficient measures and technologies.
Energy efficiency is not just about reducing energy consumption and saving costs; it is also about contributing to Indiaâs sustainable development by reducing carbon emissions and achieving its climate goals. By promoting energy efficiency, India can achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future while ensuring economic growth and development.
Read more: https://zenithenergy.com/energy-efficiency-in-india-challenges-potential-and-the-way-forward/
#green energy water#cost reduction#Net zero energy#net zero energy solutions#net zero energy technology#green energy#renewable energy#energy solutions#esco renewable energy#Energy Audit#Energy Services Company
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Navigating the Financial Impact of EPA Emission Standards: Strategic Insights for Trucking Companies
Renee Williams, CEO & PresidentFreightRevCon, a Freight Revenue Consultants, LLC. company The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyâs (EPA) new emission standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks represent a landmark move toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving public health. With these standards set to roll out from 2027 through 2032, they are projected to cut greenhouse gasâŚ
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#automation in trucking#business#carbon pollution#cash flow management#commercial credits#Electric Trucks#emission compliance#EPA emission standards#EPA regulations#financial challenges#fleet upgrades#Freight#freight industry#Freight Revenue Consultants#fuel savings#greenhouse gas emissions#heavy-duty trucks#hydrogen-powered trucks#Inflation Reduction Act#logistics#medium-duty trucks#operational efficiency.#small carriers#small trucking companies#strategic cash planning#Transportation#Trucking#trucking industry#trucking industry costs#trucking infrastructure
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Solar panel savings for companies
Solar panel savings for companies
Harnessing Solar Energy: A Game-Changer for Businesses
In today's fast-paced world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance their profitability, reduce operating costs, and build a reputation for corporate responsibility. One solution that addresses all these goals is solar energy. By transitioning to solar power, businesses can unlock a multitude of benefits that go beyond just reducing their electricity bills. Here's why more and more companies are making the switch to solar energy. Commercial solar installation
1.Significant Cost Savings
The most immediate and obvious benefit of solar energy for businesses is the reduction in energy costs. Traditional electricity prices are volatile and often on the rise. Solar energy benefits for businesses By installing solar panels, companies can generate their own electricity, significantly lowering their reliance on the grid and stabilizing energy costs. In many cases, the savings on electricity bills can be substantial, allowing businesses to recoup their initial investment in just a few years.
2. Return on Investment (ROI)
While the upfront costs of installing solar panels can be high, the long-term financial benefits are undeniable. Solar energy systems typically come with warranties of 25 years or more, and once the system is paid off, the electricity it generates is virtually free. Business solar power solutions additionally, many governments offer tax credits, rebates, and other incentives to businesses that invest in renewable energy, further enhancing the ROI.
3. Environmental Impact and Corporate Social Responsibility
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the businesses they support. By adopting solar energy, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Corporate renewable energy This not only helps the environment but also strengthens a company's brand image. Customers and clients are more likely to engage with businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices, giving companies a competitive edge in the market. Solar panel savings for companies
4. Energy Independence and Reliability
Relying on traditional energy sources can leave businesses vulnerable to price hikes, supply shortages, and power outages. Solar energy provides a level of energy independence that can protect businesses from these risks. With solar power, companies can generate a portion, if not all, of their electricity needs on-site, ensuring a more reliable energy supply. Some businesses also choose to pair solar panels with battery storage systems, allowing them to store excess energy for use during peak hours or outages.
5. Increased Property Value
Commercial properties equipped with solar energy systems often see an increase in property value. Potential buyers or tenants recognize the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits of solar energy, making such properties more attractive. Green energy for businesses This can be a significant advantage for businesses that own their premises, providing an additional financial incentive to go solar. Green energy for businesses
6. Job Creation and Economic Growth
Investing in solar energy can also contribute to the broader economy. Commercial solar panel benefits The solar industry is a major job creator, with opportunities ranging from manufacturing to installation to maintenance. By supporting the growth of this industry, businesses help foster economic development while contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Solar energy tax incentives
7. Compliance with Regulatory Standards
As governments worldwide ramp up efforts to combat climate change, regulations surrounding energy use and emissions are becoming stricter. Businesses that proactively adopt solar energy are better positioned to comply with current and future regulations, avoiding potential fines or penalties. Solar power ROI for businesses Moreover, businesses that exceed regulatory requirements may be eligible for additional incentives or recognition.
8. Long-Term Sustainability
Finally, solar energy is a renewable resource, meaning it will never run out. Sustainable business practices As fossil fuels become scarcer and more expensive, businesses that rely on solar power will be better prepared for the future. This long-term sustainability ensures that companies can continue to operate efficiently and profitably, regardless of the challenges posed by energy markets.
Conclusion
The shift to solar energy is not just a trendâit's a strategic decision that offers numerous benefits for businesses. From significant cost savings and a strong ROI to environmental responsibility and enhanced brand reputation, the advantages of going solar are clear. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, businesses that invest in solar energy today will be the ones leading the way tomorrow.
Commercial solar installation, solar energy benefits for businesses, Business solar power solutions, corporate renewable energy, Solar panel savings for companies, Green energy for businesses, Commercial solar panel benefits, Solar energy tax incentives, Solar power ROI for businesses, Sustainable business practices, Energy cost reduction with solar, Solar investment for companies, Corporate sustainability initiatives, Solar power for large enterprises, Renewable energy adoption in business
#Commercial solar installation#solar energy benefits for businesses#Business solar power solutions#corporate renewable energy#Solar panel savings for companies#Green energy for businesses#Commercial solar panel benefits#Solar energy tax incentives#Solar power ROI for businesses#Sustainable business practices#Energy cost reduction with solar#Solar investment for companies#Corporate sustainability initiatives#Solar power for large enterprises#Renewable energy adoption in business
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Distilled Giants: Why We Must Rethink Small AI Development
New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/distilled-giants-why-we-must-rethink-small-ai-development/
Distilled Giants: Why We Must Rethink Small AI Development
In recent years, the race to develop increasingly larger AI models has captivated the tech industry. These models, with their billions of parameters, promise groundbreaking advancements in various fields, from natural language processing to image recognition. However, this relentless pursuit of size comes with significant drawbacks in the form of high costs and significant environmental impact. While small AI offers a promising alternative, providing efficiency and lower energy use, the current approach to building it still requires substantial resources. As we pursue small and more sustainable AI, exploring new strategies that address these limitations effectively is crucial.
Small AI: A Sustainable Solution to High Costs and Energy Demands
Developing and maintaining large AI models is an expensive endeavor. Estimates suggest that training GPT-3 costs over $4 million, with more advanced models potentially reaching high-single-digit millions. These costs, including necessary hardware, storage, computational power, and human resources, are prohibitive for many organizations, particularly smaller enterprises and research institutions. This financial barrier creates an uneven playing field, limiting access to cutting-edge AI technology and hindering innovation.
Moreover, the energy demands associated with training large AI models are staggering. For example, training a large language model like GPT-3 is estimated to consume nearly 1,300 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricityâequivalent to the annual power consumption of 130 U.S. homes. Despite this substantial training cost, each ChatGPT request incurs an inference cost of 2.9 watt-hours. The IEA estimates that the collective energy demand of AI, data centers, and cryptocurrency accounted for nearly 2 percent of global energy demand. This demand is projected to double by 2026, approaching the total electricity consumption of Japan. The high energy consumption not only increases operational costs but also contributes to the carbon footprint, worsening the environmental crisis. To put it in perspective, researchers estimate that training a single large AI model can emit over 626,000 pounds of CO2, equivalent to the emissions of five cars over their lifetimes.
Amid these challenges, Small AI provides a practical solution. It is designed to be more efficient and scalable, requiring much less data and computational power. This reduces the overall costs and makes advanced AI technology more accessible to smaller organizations and research teams. Moreover, small AI models have lower energy demands, which helps cut operational costs and reduces their environmental impact. By utilizing optimized algorithms and methods such as transfer learning, small AI can achieve high performance with fewer resources. This approach not only makes AI more affordable but also supports sustainability by minimizing both energy consumption and carbon emissions.
How Small AI Models Are Built Today
Recognizing the advantages of small AI, major tech companies like Google, OpenAI, and Meta have increasingly focused on developing compact models. This shift has led to the evolution of models such as Gemini Flash, GPT-4o Mini, and Llama 7B. These smaller models are primarily developed using a technique called knowledge distillation.
At its core, distillation involves transferring the knowledge of a large, complex model into a smaller, more efficient version. In this process, a âteacherâ modelâlarge AI modelâis trained on extensive datasets to learn intricate patterns and nuances. This model then generates predictions or âsoft labelsâ that encapsulate its deep understanding.
The âstudentâ model, which is small AI model, is trained to replicate these soft labels. By mimicking the teacherâs behavior, the student model captures much of its knowledge and performance while operating with significantly fewer parameters.
Why We Need to Go Beyond Distilling Large AI
While the distillation of large AI into small, more manageable versions has become a popular approach for building small AI, there are several compelling reasons why this approach might not be a solution for all challenges in large AI development.
Continued Dependency on Large Models: While distillation creates smaller, more efficient AI models and improves computational and energy efficiency at inference time, it still heavily relies on training large AI models initially. This means building small AI models still requires significant computational resources and energy, leading to high costs and environmental impact even before distillation occurs. The need to repeatedly train large models for distillation shifts the resource burden rather than eliminating it. Although distillation aims to reduce the size and expense of AI models, it doesnât eliminate the substantial initial costs associated with training the large âteacherâ models. These upfront expenses can be especially challenging for smaller organizations and research groups. Furthermore, the environmental impact of training these large models can negate some of the benefits of using smaller, more efficient models, as the carbon footprint from the initial training phase remains considerable.
Limited Innovation Scope: Relying on distillation may limit innovation by focusing on replicating existing large models rather than exploring new approaches. This can slow down the development of novel AI architectures or methods that could provide better solutions for specific problems. The reliance on large AI restricts small AI development in the hands of a few resource-rich companies. As a result, the benefits of small AI are not evenly distributed, which can hinder broader technological advancement and limit opportunities for innovation.
Generalization and Adaptation Challenges: Small AI models created through distillation often struggle with new, unseen data. This happens because the distillation process may not fully capture the larger modelâs ability to generalize. As a result, while these smaller models may perform well on familiar tasks, they often encounter difficulties when facing new situations. Moreover, adapting distilled models to new modalities or datasets often involves retraining or fine-tuning the larger model first. This iterative process can be complex and resource-intensive, making it challenging to quickly adapt small AI models to rapidly evolving technological needs or novel applications.
The Bottom Line
While distilling large AI models into smaller ones might seem like a practical solution, it continues to rely on the high costs of training large models. To genuinely progress in small AI, we need to explore more innovative and sustainable practices. This means creating models designed for specific applications, improving training methods to be more cost- and energy-efficient, and focusing on environmental sustainability. By pursuing these strategies, we can advance AI development in a way that is both responsible and beneficial for industry and the planet.
#000#ai#AI cost reduction#AI development#AI environmental impact#ai model#AI models#AI scalability#Algorithms#applications#approach#Artificial Intelligence#barrier#Behavior#Building#Capture#carbon#carbon emissions#carbon footprint#Carbon footprint of AI#Cars#chatGPT#CO2#Collective#Compact AI models#Companies#cryptocurrency#cutting#data#Data Centers
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As we step into 2024, the economic scenario further emphasizes the need for effective strategies to reduce infrastructure costs in IT. In this blog, weâll explore proven methodologies to achieve a 15 to 20% cost advantage over competitors, focusing on the crucial aspect of reducing IT infrastructure costs.
#Reduce IT Infrastructure Costs#reduce infrastructure costs#reduce infrastructure costs in IT#Cloud applications development company#reduce it infrastructure costs US#reduce development time#IT Infrastructure#IT standardisation#IT infrastructure cost reduction techniques
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Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #37
Oct 4-11 2024
President Biden announced a new EPA rule that will require all lead pipes in America's drinking water systems to be replace with-in 10 years. This builds on the $15 billion the Biden-Harris Administration has already invested in replacing lead pipes nation wide. The administration's focus on this issue has allowed local governments to greatly execrate their lead pipe replacement plans, before Biden took office the city of Milwaukee's timeline for replacing its lead pipes was 60 years, they're now on track to do it in 10. The EPA says there's no safe level of lead in the human body.
Vice President Harris announced she plans to expand Medicare to cover home health care. Currently those who need long term care, are covered by Medicaid, the health program for the poor so have to spend all their savings before they can qualify. This change would allow more seniors to stay in their homes and offer support to caregiving family members. Medicare also covers the disabled thus proving a game changer for the disabled Americans and their families. The Vice President also endorsed expanding Medicare to cover the costs of hearing and vision care.
Medicare released a preliminary list of 101 generic drugs which it would cover that would cost no more than $2 for a month for enrollees. People have long lobbied to allow Medicare to pay for generic drugs which has been resisted by drug companies. Thanks to President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, and in line with a Biden Executive Order Medicare is now working on bring low cost generic drugs to seniors. The list targets some of the most common prescriptions thus will bring savings to the most people.
Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden announced that the Biden-Harris Administration had blown past its goal of hiring 250,000 student support staff for 2024. The joint effort by the Department of Education, AmeriCorps and Everyone Graduates Center managed to hire 320,000 tutors, mentors, student success coaches, postsecondary transition coaches, and student support coordinators nationwide, its goal for the end of 2025.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $420 million to help get rid of lead paint and other lead hazards from homes. HUD estimates that over 3 million households that have children under the age of 6 live with lead hazards. HUDs grants will go to all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico with particular focus on low income housing.
#Thanks Biden#Joe Biden#kamala harris#drug prices#medicare#lead#lead poisoning#students#politics#US politics#American politics
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Starkid is one of the absolute best arguments for supprting independent art. The fact that the shows you're invested in can't get canceled by Big Daddy Streaming, the quality is always amazing, the love of the cast and crew doesn't get squeezed out by surprise budget reductions, the fact that since crowd funding provides almost all costs up front (plus the presence of voluntary digital ticket/in person tickets for additional funding), the fan base can access the full material for whatever cost they can contribute (even if you can give nothing monetarily, you will still get a professionally shot version of the material eventually, without surprise fees or password crackdowns, AND with captions/completely accesible regardless of location). The same goes for Tin Can Bros, Shipwrecked, and all the other associated theater and web series companies loosely connected to Starkid. Like, I cannot believe the amazing content provided to us at the same level as Broadway or streaming services with billion dollars at hand, with almost none of the catches that come with others. Like, I cannot believe that we get all of this right at our hands.
#starkid#npmd#nerdy prudes must die#tin can bros#shipwrecked#netflix#indepedent art RULES#it is a miracle we get this level of content it's amazing#twisted#spies are forever#two of mt favorite musicals of all time came from them#hatchetfield#jon matteson#lauren lopez#joey richter#angela giarratana#mariah rose faith#accessibility#feeling burnt out by ofmd and shadow and bone news#independent art
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"Cody Two Bears, a member of the Sioux tribe in North Dakota, founded Indigenized Energy, a native-led energy company with a unique mission â installing solar farms for tribal nations in the United States.
This initiative arises from the historical reliance of Native Americans on the U.S. government for power, a paradigm that is gradually shifting.
The spark for Two Bears' vision ignited during the Standing Rock protests in 2016, where he witnessed the arrest of a fellow protester during efforts to prevent the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred tribal land.
Disturbed by the status quo, Two Bears decided to channel his activism into action and create tangible change.
His company, Indigenized Energy, addresses a critical issue faced by many reservations: poverty and lack of access to basic power.
Reservations are among the poorest communities in the country, and in some, like the Navajo Nation, many homes lack electricity.
Even in regions where the land has been exploited for coal and uranium, residents face obstacles to accessing power.
Renewable energy, specifically solar power, is a beacon of hope for tribes seeking to overcome these challenges.
Not only does it present an environmentally sustainable option, but it has become the most cost-effective form of energy globally, thanks in part to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Tribal nations can receive tax subsidies of up to 30% for solar and wind farms, along with grants for electrification, climate resiliency, and energy generation.
And Indigenized Energy is not focused solely on installing solar farms â it also emphasizes community empowerment through education and skill development.
In collaboration with organizations like Red Cloud Renewable, efforts are underway to train Indigenous tribal members for jobs in the renewable energy sector.
The program provides free training to individuals, with a focus on solar installation skills.
Graduates, ranging from late teens to late 50s, receive pre-apprenticeship certification, and the organization is planning to launch additional programs to support graduates with career services such as resume building and interview coaching...
The adoption of solar power by Native communities signifies progress toward sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic self-determination, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.
These initiatives are part of a broader movement toward "energy sovereignty," wherein tribes strive to have control over their own power sources.
This movement represents not only an economic opportunity and a source of jobs for these communities but also a means of reclaiming control over their land and resources, signifying a departure from historical exploitation and an embrace of sustainable practices deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures."
-via Good Good Good, December 10, 2023
#indigenous#native americans#first nations#indigenous rights#tribal sovereignty#solar energy#solar power#solar panels#renewable energy#green energy#sioux#sioux nation#sustainability#climate hope#electrification#united states#hope#good news
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I PUT A SPELL ON YOU.
Hyunjin x reader. (s,a)
Synopsis: New to the company, you're determined to prove yourself even if it means competing against Hyunjin, your arrogant and hostile rival. But when your ambition pushes you toward using a spell to sway the odds in your favor, you find yourself caught between power and love. (15,9k words)
Author's note: Indulged myself by toying with Hyunjin with some magick in this fic. Happy Halloween, witches!
đ§ I PUT A SPELL ON YOU Playlist
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Neither the story, the characters nor the spells are real (but if it works, do tell me though!)
âWith fire in my veins and steel in my spine. Today the world bends, and all power is mine.â
The words slip from your lips like a quiet command, filling the room as you light the small candle on your vanity. Its flame flickers in the dim light of the early morning, casting soft shadows across your reflection.
You watch the fire dance as you crush the herbs between your fingers, feeling the energy settle into your bones with each breath. You repeat the mantra, slower this time, letting it sink into your very core. âToday the world bends, and all power is mine.â
It feels like a promiseâone you fully intend to keep.
The scent of lavender and sage rises as you sprinkle the herbs into a dish, swirling the smoke in the air. You close your eyes and let your fingers trace the edge of your almanac, waiting for its familiar warmth to guide you. When you flip to todayâs date, the message is clear: wear something red.
You open your wardrobe, pulling out the deep crimson blouse that almost seems to glow under the morning light. Red for confidence, for strength. Exactly what youâll need for today.
As you slip it on, you can already feel the shift. Power hums in the air around you, and your reflection in the mirror sharpens, the red drawing out the determination in your eyes.
The meeting ahead is important, but you donât yet know just how much the day will reveal. Still, you trust your instinctsâand your rituals. They havenât failed you yet. You blow out the candle, the smoke rising in delicate wisps as you stand tall.
One last look in the mirror, and youâre ready. Your mantra echoes in your mind as you step out the door, each word a steady beat in time with your footsteps.
Today, the world will bend.
-
The conference room buzzes with quiet conversation as everyone settles into their seats. You stand at the head of the table, your hands resting confidently on the smooth surface in front of you. The energy you built this morning pulses beneath your skin, steady and strong. Youâre ready.
Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Hyunjin, casually leaning back in his chair as though he already owns the room. Youâve disliked him from the first time you met himâsomething about his aloof demeanor, the way he carries himself like heâs always two steps ahead of everyone else. His attitude grates on you, but what really gets under your skin is the way he looks down on you, constantly dismissing your ideas and diminishing your work in front of others.
Itâs like a game to himâcutting you down just as youâre about to make a point, always with that slight smirk like heâs amused by your attempts to be taken seriously. His work ethic is just as frustrating; heâs undeniably skilled, but he puts in the bare minimum, skating by on charm and reputation. Yet somehow, heâs respected, and you canât deny that his presence at the company casts a long shadow.
Taking a breath, you begin your presentation. âAs you can see, this project will not only streamline our current workflow but also cut costs by nearly 15% in the first quarter alone. The long-term benefits will put us ahead of our competitors inââ
âThatâs optimistic,â Hyunjinâs voice cuts through the room like a cold wind.
He leans back in his chair, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on you. âYou really think a 15% cost reduction is realistic with the current resources we have?â
You maintain your composure, turning to face him directly. âYes, I do,â you reply smoothly. âWith the proper allocation of assets and a focus on efficient labor, itâs more than achievable.â
Hyunjin scoffs under his breath, loud enough for everyone to hear. âEfficient labor? So, youâre suggesting we push the current team even harder? Thatâs a quick way to burn everyone out, donât you think?â
You feel the familiar prickle of frustration, but you keep your voice even. âNot harderâsmarter. We can shift responsibilities and use automation in key areas to reduce manual tasks.â
Hyunjin doesnât back down, his tone almost condescending. âSure, but thatâs easier said than done. Youâre new here, maybe you donât realize how complicated things actually are in practice. These arenât numbers on a spreadsheet. This is reality.â
The room goes still, the weight of his words settling over the meeting like a cloud. You meet his gaze head-on, refusing to let him intimidate you. âIâm well aware of the complexities, Hyunjin. Thatâs why this proposal is focused on practical steps, not just theory. Iâve spent weeks analyzing the data and tailoring this plan specifically to address the challenges we face.â
He opens his mouth to respond, but before he can get another word in, one of the senior executives clears his throat, shifting in his chair.
âLetâs hear the rest of the proposal,â he says, nodding in your direction. âIâm interested in seeing how this plays out.â
You offer a polite smile and return to your presentation, feeling Hyunjinâs eyes on you the entire time. You know heâs not finished yet.
But neither are you.
-
The meeting ends smoothly enough, despite Hyunjin's interruptions. As everyone filters out of the conference room, you begin gathering your materials, ready to head back to your desk when a voice stops you.
âCould you and Hyunjin come to my office for a moment?â The senior executive, Mr. Campbellâs tone is firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
You exchange a quick glance with Hyunjin, who only raises an eyebrow in response. His expression is unreadable, but you can feel the shift in the airâthe weight of something important about to happen. You follow the executive down the hall, Hyunjin walking beside you in silence.
The office is spacious, lined with awards and framed company accomplishments. Your superior gestures for both of you to sit before taking a seat behind his large mahogany desk. He steeples his fingers, his gaze flicking between the two of you.
âIâll get straight to the point,â he says. âThereâs a vacancy for a high-ranking position thatâs going to be announced later this week. Weâve been watching both of you closely, and I wanted to inform you first that youâre the top two candidates for this role.â
Your heart skips a beat, but you manage to keep your face neutral. This is hugeâexactly the kind of opportunity youâve been working toward. But as you glance at Hyunjin, you can already feel the tension building. His jaw tightens slightly, though his expression remains as unreadable as ever.
âThe final decision will be based on your upcoming performances,â the executive continues. âI expect you both to bring your A-game. This is a competitive process, and weâll be monitoring everything closely. May the best candidate win.â
You nod, thanking him for the opportunity, and rise from your seat. Hyunjin follows you out of the office, his silence lingering until the door clicks shut behind you. As soon as you step into the hallway, his demeanor shifts.
âSo, this is what you were after all along,â he says, his voice low and edged with disdain. âYouâve barely been here a few months, and now you think you deserve this position?â He scoffs, his eyes narrowing. âYou must be really full of yourself if you think you can beat me. Iâve been here far longer, and trust me, no amount of numbers on a spreadsheet is going to change that.â
You feel a sharp sting in your chest, but you refuse to let it show. His words are meant to break your spirit, to make you doubt yourself. But you wonât give him the satisfaction.
âMaybe,â you reply, your voice steady. âBut if this company values talent over seniority, then I like my chances.â
His lips curl into a condescending smile. âYouâre really naive if you think thatâs all it takes. You donât know how things work here.â He steps closer, his eyes dark with hostility. âYouâre out of your league, and once you fall on your face, donât expect me to help you back up.â
His words hang heavy in the air, the venom in his tone unmistakable. But instead of shrinking under his gaze, you feel the fire rise in youâthe same fire that fueled you through your morning ritual.
âWeâll see,â you say quietly, holding his stare. âIâve survived worse.â
Hyunjin lets out a cold laugh before turning on his heel and walking away. His retreating figure is a reminder of the uphill battle ahead, but you stand firm, determined not to let him shake you. If anything, his hostility has only made your resolve stronger.
As he disappears around the corner, you take a deep breath, silently repeating the mantra thatâs carried you through the day so far.
"Today, the world bends, and all power is mine."
-
The day began just like any other, with you sitting at your vanity, surrounded by the soft glow of morning light filtering through the window. The familiar scent of herbs lingered in the air from the small candles youâd lit, their flames dancing in time with your whispered words. You opened your well-worn almanac, fingers tracing over the delicate pages until you landed on todayâs entry.
âBeware of the one who blocks your path to success,â it read in bold, almost ominous text.
A knowing smirk tugged at the corners of your lips. You didnât need the stars to tell you who that was.
There was only one person in your wayâHyunjin.
The office buzzes with its usual hum of activity as you make your way down the hall toward your superiorâs office. Today is importantâa follow-up meeting regarding the project you proposed yesterday. Youâve spent the last few hours refining the details, ensuring that every aspect is airtight.
As you approach the door, your steps falter slightly when you see it cracked open. Through the small gap, you spot Hyunjin, casually leaning against your superiorâs desk, wearing that same self-assured smirk. Heâs laughing at something, his tone light, too friendly.
Of course, Hyunjin is here. What a joy!
You pause just outside the door, watching as Hyunjin straightens up and extends a hand to shake your superiorâs. His easy charm is on full display, and itâs clear heâs not just discussing workâheâs playing the game, trying to get in his good graces. Sucking up, as usual.
Hyunjin turns to leave, and thatâs when he spots you standing in the hallway. His gaze lingers on you for a moment before his lips curl into a mocking grin. Itâs the kind of smile that speaks volumes without a wordâhe thinks heâs already won, that youâre wasting your time even being here. As he saunters past, he doesnât bother hiding the look of satisfaction on his face.
âGood luck in there,â he murmurs as he brushes past you, his voice dripping with condescension.
You hold your ground, refusing to let him get under your skin, but the heat rises in your chest. Heâs playing dirty, and he wants you to know it. You can feel the smugness radiating off him as he disappears down the hall, but you wonât let him see you falter.
Taking a deep breath, you knock on the door and step into your superiorâs office, trying to push the encounter from your mind. Thereâs work to be done.
Your superior glances up from his desk, offering you a polite nod. âAh, there you are. Come in. Letâs hear how the projectâs progressing.â
You straighten your posture, clearing your mind of Hyunjinâs arrogant grin. This is your moment, not his.
âIâve made some adjustments based on our discussion yesterday,â you say confidently, handing over the updated report. âIâm confident these changes will address the concerns raised and improve overall feasibility.â
As he flips through the report, you remain focused, determined to show that youâre not just capableâyouâre the best candidate for that position. Hyunjin may think he can charm his way into the role, but youâll let your work speak for itself.
-
As the day winds down and you gather your things to leave the office, your mind lingers on the undeniable presence of Hyunjin in the workplace. Thereâs no denying his stunning appearanceâsharp jawline, dark, intense eyes, and a physique that seems almost unfairly perfect. Youâve overheard enough conversations in the break room to know that half the women in the office canât help but swoon when he walks by. His smile alone is enough to make them forget his sharp words and ruthless behavior.
But you know better.
His good looks are nothing more than a maskâa distraction from the truth beneath the surface. Heâs charming, sure, but itâs a hollow charm, one that hides his low attitude and arrogance. He uses that exterior to get what he wants, and it works. It always works. Youâve seen it happen too many timesâpeople falling for his act, completely oblivious to the venom that lies just beneath the surface.
The elevator doors ding open, and as you step inside, youâre immediately greeted by the sight of Hyunjin. Heâs standing near the back, casually leaning against the wall with a girl by his side, one of the junior employees whoâs practically hanging on his every word. His hand brushes lightly against her arm, and she giggles at something he says, her eyes wide with adoration. You resist the urge to roll your eyes.
Typical.
Hyunjin doesnât even acknowledge your presence as you step into the elevator, his focus entirely on the girl. Heâs all smiles and flirty comments, leaning closer to her as if the rest of the world doesnât exist. Meanwhile, you stay quiet, standing in the opposite corner, watching the entire display unfold. Itâs sickening, reallyâhow easily he can turn it on and off, like a switch. And the girl, clearly oblivious to his true nature, laps it all up.
As you stand in the elevator, that earlier warning from the almanac feels more present than ever. Of course, Hyunjin has found his way into your path again, trying to overshadow you with his presence. You watch him now, flirting effortlessly with the girl at his side, but your mind linger on the almanac's words. It's as if the universe has planned this momentâHyunjin, here, in your way yet again.
When the elevator finally reaches the parking basement, the doors slide open, and Hyunjin steps out with the girl still by his side. You follow a few steps behind, trying to ignore the gnawing irritation bubbling in your chest.
âWait here,â Hyunjin says to the girl, flashing her a smile that makes her cheeks flush. She nods eagerly, waiting near his sleek black car.
As you walk past, hoping to leave without another encounter, Hyunjinâs voice stops you in your tracks.
âGoing somewhere?â His tone is smooth, but laced with that familiar edge of condescension.
You pause, turning slowly to face him. His expression is smug, as if heâs enjoying every second of this.
âI have somewhere to be, Hyunjin,â you say flatly, already tired of the exchange.
He steps closer, his gaze narrowing slightly as he looks down at you. âYou know, you should really think about backing off while you still can. This position? Itâs not for you.â His voice drops, dripping with mock concern. âYou donât have what it takes to compete with someone like me.â
His words are meant to sting, and they doâbut not in the way he expects. They only fuel your determination, solidifying the decision youâve already made.
âI guess weâll see about that,â you reply coldly, refusing to let him rattle you.
Hyunjinâs lips curl into a sneer, and for a brief moment, you can see the hostility beneath the charming exterior he puts on for the others. He pops the gum heâs been chewing out of his mouth and spits it carelessly on the ground near your feet, giving you a final, disdainful look.
âSee you around,â he mutters before turning away, walking back to the girl whoâs waiting by his car, completely dismissing you.
You stand there for a moment, watching as he leans casually against his car, resuming his flirtations with the girl. Your fingers curl into a fist at your side, and you glance down at the gum he spat out.
Something inside you snaps. You canât take any more of this.
Without a second thought, you crouch down and pick up the discarded gum, wrapping it in a tissue and slipping it into your bag. Thereâs a plan forming in your mind, but youâre not ready to think about it yet.
All you know is that Hyunjinâs going to regret crossing you, one way or another.
-
Itâs the perfect night to cast a spell and the waxing moon is great for increasing and bringing in things.
The flickering candlelight casts shadows against the walls, filling the room with a sense of mystery. On your desk lies the worn book of spells, its pages marked and folded from use.
Tonight, itâs time to change things.
Hyunjinâs gumâthe one he spat out so arrogantly earlierâsits in a tissue beside you. Itâs a small token, but it holds enough of his essence for the spell. His arrogance, his condescending behavior, all captured in that one careless act.
You gather the rest of the ingredients, placing them carefully on the table:
Lavender petals: for calmness, to ease his aggression and soften his temper.
Chamomile leaves: to create peace between the two of you and to cleanse away his negativity.
Honey: to sweeten his attitude, to turn his harshness into something kinder.
A strand of your hair: to ensure the spell keeps him from acting against you.
Finally, you add the gum, the key to linking the spell to Hyunjin. You position the ingredients around a white candle, symbolizing clarity and transformation, and light it. The flame flickers brightly, and the atmosphere in the room begins to shift, the energy growing heavier, more focused.
With everything set, you hover over the book of spells, reading the words aloud in a low, steady voice:
"By this gum of arrogance and thorn of strife, I turn your heart from scorn to life.
By lavender's calm and honey's grace, let kindness bloom in every space."
You sprinkle the lavender petals and chamomile leaves over the gum, watching them fall like whispers of peace onto the small token. Your hair and the honey are next, binding the spell with your own energy and a touch of sweetness.
"No longer shall you wound with word, your bitterness no more heard.
From this day forth, your spirit will mend, a decent heart you shall extend."
The candleâs flame flickers, the air growing warmer as the spell settles into the room. You feel the shift, the moment the magic takes hold. Hyunjinâs biting words, his sharp demeanorâtheyâll change. The spell will soften him, make him the kind of person who no longer seeks to diminish you or others.
A quiet smile touches your lips. The spell is complete, and you know its effect will be permanent. Tomorrow, the tides will begin to turn. Heâll change, and in time, perhaps the world will see him differently. But youâyouâll know why.
With the spell done, you blow out the candle, the smoke curling into the air like the last breath of tension leaving your space. You feel lighter, more in control.
For a moment, you allow yourself to feel the quiet thrill of victory. But this is just the beginning. The almanac has been rightâsomeone is standing in your way, but now you are removing that obstacle, one spell at a time.
-
The next day at the office feels like any other.
The buzz of conversations, the soft hum of printers, and the click of keyboards fill the air. You go about your morning routine with a steady resolve, eyes catching Hyunjin briefly in the hallway. He walks past, offering nothing but his usual unreadable expression. No smirks, no scoffs, nothing out of the ordinary.
For a moment, you wonder if the spell worked. Maybe it wasnât strong enough, maybe his attitude is just too deeply ingrained. But you brush the thought aside, knowing that change takes time.
The meeting arrives before you expect it. As you take your seat, you notice Hyunjin already sitting across the table, his eyes focused on the papers in front of him. Thereâs no dismissive glance, no thinly veiled sneer like there usually is when you walk into the room. You push down the flicker of hope and focus on the task at hand.
Today, you're presenting your revised project, the one you've poured your energy into perfecting after last time. With calm confidence, you begin walking through the slides, laying out the details and improvements with precision.
Everything is going smoothly. The board members listen intently, a few of them nodding in agreement as you go over the main points. But then, out of the corner of your eye, you catch Hyunjin shifting in his seat. Your stomach tightens. You know whatâs coming. He always finds something to undermine, always has a sharp comment ready to tear down your work.
You glance his way as you near the end of your presentation, half-expecting him to cut in, but he doesnât. No interruptions. No dismissive interjections. You continue, slightly thrown but determined to finish strong.
As you wrap up, the room falls silent. You know itâs time for feedback, and just as you're preparing for the usual barrage of critique, Hyunjin raises his hand.
This is it. Heâs going to tear your project apart, find something trivial to pick at in front of everyone.
But instead, Hyunjin speaks calmly, his voice steady, almost considerate. "I just want to say," he begins, "this is a solid project. The revisions make it stronger, and I think it could be really beneficial for the company."
You blink, stunned. Did he just⌠compliment you?
For a second, you canât quite believe what youâre hearing. You expect a catch, a hidden jab somewhere in his words, but thereâs none. His expression is neutralâserious even. The room murmurs in agreement, the board looking impressed by his input.
And thatâs when it hits you. The spell worked.
The shift in the room feels surreal. Hyunjin, the one who usually thrives on belittling your work, is praising it instead. You force yourself to remain composed, nodding politely as the meeting concludes. But inside, a sense of triumph is rising.
As everyone begins to gather their things, your gaze lingers on Hyunjin. He stands, collects his notes, and walks out without another word.
A small, victorious smile pulls at the corner of your lips. You did it. The spell worked perfectly and this is only the beginning.
-
The days that follow feel differentâlighter, easier. Thereâs no tension bubbling beneath the surface when you walk into meetings, no second-guessing whether youâll be cut off mid-sentence. Hyunjinâs sharp words have disappeared, replaced by a silence that almost feels like respect. For the first time since you started at the company, you feel like you can breathe.
Itâs strange, almost surreal, watching Hyunjin go about his day without a trace of his old attitude. The way he treats others has changed, too. No more dismissive remarks or smug glances in the hallways. Heâs... decent. Civil, even.
And the best part? Youâre responsible for it. That thought alone brings a sense of satisfaction each time you cross paths with him.
Itâs mid-afternoon when youâre in your office, sorting through emails and papers scattered across your desk, when you hear a soft knock at the door. You glance up, surprised to see Hyunjin standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe. Heâs not scowling or sneering like he used toâinstead, thereâs something almost playful in his expression.
âGot a minute?â he asks, and without waiting for a response, he steps inside, closing the door behind him.
You donât say anything at first, just watch as he moves closer, stopping at your desk. He picks up your pen, twirling it between his fingers with a lazy, practiced ease, and leans against the edge of your desk, his body language relaxed and confident. A smile tugs at his lipsâone of those flirty, boyish smiles that makes you wonder how this is the same man who used to make your work life hell.
âI wanted to say Iâm sorry,â he begins, glancing down at the pen heâs still playing with before looking back at you. âFor how Iâve been... you know, before. I wasnât exactly nice.â
Itâs an understatement, but you donât point that out. Instead, you tilt your head, studying him. His tone is genuine, his eyes softened in a way that makes it hard to reconcile this version of Hyunjin with the one from just a week ago.
âThanks,â you reply, keeping your voice steady.
Inside, though, thereâs a thrill that courses through you. The spell is working better than you could have hoped. Not only has his attitude changed, but heâs... charming. And somehow, knowing that youâre the one responsible for this transformation makes him even more appealing.
Hyunjin sets the pen down and straightens up slightly, still leaning close enough to your desk that thereâs a noticeable intimacy in the space between you.
âIâm having a party this weekend,â he says, his voice dropping to something a bit more personal. âFor my birthday. I was thinking maybe you could come? We could... start over, you know? Clear the slate.â
Thereâs a playful lilt to his words, and the smile he gives youâgenuine, flirtatious, and more than a little temptingâmakes it hard to say no.
You pause, pretending to think it over, though the answer is already on the tip of your tongue. Part of you is drawn to this new Hyunjin, this man who stands before you with easy confidence and charm. But more than that, thereâs a secret satisfaction in knowing that youâve shaped him into this. Heâs the product of your power, your spell, and now heâs the one extending an olive branch.
âAlright,â you say finally, giving him a small smile of your own. âIâll be there.â
His grin widens, a mix of relief and something elseâsomething almost victoriousâas he pushes himself off your desk and heads for the door. âGreat. Iâll see you there, then.â
And just like that, heâs gone, leaving your office with a soft click of the door. You sit there for a moment, still processing the interaction, the way his smile lingered in the air after he left.
As you turn back to your work, thereâs a warmth that spreads through you. This new version of Hyunjin is more than just tolerableâheâs almost magnetic. And knowing that you hold the strings to this transformation? Thatâs what makes it all the more intoxicating.
-
The almanac had been clearâtonight, you were to wear black. A color of power and mystery, it would amplify your presence, drawing attention without you even needing to ask for it. The reflection that stares back at you feels different from your usual self; thereâs something more commanding in the way you look, as if the energy of the spell is already settling into your bones.
Your fingers hover over a necklace before picking it up, the cool metal brushing against your skin as you clasp it around your neck. Itâs the final touch, and now itâs time to finish the ritual. You take a deep breath, closing your eyes, and murmur the words of the spell youâve prepared for the night.
"By the light of the stars and shadows of the moon. Let my aura bloom and hearts swoon.
Let the eyes that see be drawn to me. And in their gaze, Iâll hold the key."
The words roll off your tongue, soft and smooth, filling the air around you. You can almost feel the shift in the atmosphere as the spell takes hold, as if the room itself bends to acknowledge the shift in your energy.
When you open your eyes again, your reflection almost seems to shimmer in the low light, your aura radiating confidence and allure. You smile, knowing the spell will work.
With one last glance at yourself, you grab your bag and head out the door.
-
The party is already in full swing by the time you arrive. The music pulses through the air, the hum of laughter and conversation mingling in a heady mix.
Itâs easy to spot Hyunjinâhe stands out effortlessly, even in a crowded room. Dressed in a crisp white button-down that contrasts sharply with his dark jeans, the fabric clings to his frame in all the right places. The sleeves are rolled up just below his elbows, revealing his toned forearms, and a thin silver chain glints against his collarbone, catching the light every time he moves. His hair, perfectly styled, falls slightly into his eyes, giving him a disheveled yet polished look that only adds to his magnetic charm.
Hyunjin is the center of attention, as always.
Thereâs something about the way he moves, all confidence and ease, like heâs completely aware of how good he looks and the effect it has on everyone around him. But tonight, youâre not intimidated by his presence. Youâve come prepared, more than equipped to handle the night.
As you make your way through the crowd, you catch Hyunjinâs eye. His gaze locks on you, and for the first time, it feels like he truly sees you. His eyes roam from your face down to your dress and back up again, taking in every detail of your appearance.
Thereâs a flicker of surprise in his expression before it shifts into something elseâsomething more flirtatious. He saunters over to you, drink in hand, his lips curling into that familiar, boyish grin.
âYou made it,â he says, his voice smooth, and he offers you the glass. âHere, have a drink.â
You accept it, letting your fingers brush against his as you take the glass. The brief touch sends a spark through you, though you keep your face calm.
âOf course. Wouldnât miss it,â you reply, your tone light but with an edge of confidence. You can see the way his eyes linger on you, his usual cockiness tempered by something elseâa genuine appreciation of the way you look tonight.
He steps a little closer, his voice dropping lower. âYou look⌠different tonight. In a good way.â
You smile, meeting his gaze without flinching. âI could say the same about you.â
The tension between you is palpable now, his flirty demeanor mixed with a new kind of curiosity. But just as you feel the moment tightening between you, the night shifts. Someone calls his name from across the room, and with an apologetic smile, Hyunjin excuses himself.
âIâll catch up with you later,â he says, before disappearing back into the crowd.
Later, you find yourself lingering near the edge of the room, sipping on your drink and watching the party unfold. Youâve had a few conversations here and there, exchanged a few pleasantries, but your eyes keep drifting back to Hyunjin.
However, thereâs something that twists uncomfortably in your chest when you spot him across the room, laughing and dancing with someone else. Sheâs pretty, of course, all smiles and soft touches as she dances close to him. Heâs leaning into it, laughing with her, his hand resting on her waist, and for some reason, it feels... unfair. Youâre the one who changed him, who made him this version of himself thatâs drawing people in. And yet, here he is, giving his attention to someone else.
You watch them for a moment longer, feeling a flicker of something dark and possessive tug at the edges of your thoughts.
It wasnât supposed to bother you, seeing him like thisâafter all, your goal was never romantic. And yet, thereâs an undeniable sting in knowing that someone else is reaping the rewards of the spell you cast. You grip your glass tighter, eyes narrowing slightly as the music thrums on, louder in your ears now.
Itâs not jealousy, you tell yourself. Itâs control. You made this happen, and he should be yours to manageânot hers.
But as you stand there, the realization settles uncomfortably in your mindâtonightâs spell wasnât enough. Youâve managed to blend in, to attract a few glances, but Hyunjin... Hyunjinâs attention is still scattered, still caught up in everything else but you. It stings more than you care to admit, watching him charm someone else so easily, so effortlessly, while you stand on the sidelines.
As he laughs with the girl, you take a sip of your drink, silently vowing that the next time, youâll make sure he sees you. Because tonightâs spell isnât enoughâ maybe it is for everyone else, but not for Hyunjin.
-
The nights have become your sacred time, and every evening, you follow the ritual laid out in the pages of the witchcraft book.
Standing naked beneath the pale moonlight, you let it bathe your skin, a soft glow that you imagine sinking deep into your pores. The night air is cool, crisp against your bare skin as you lift your hands to the sky, eyes closed, repeating the words that youâve come to memorize.
"Moonlight, grant me your grace and beauty. Let my aura shine with endless clarity.
Let their eyes linger, their hearts bend. And in my light, their admiration send."
Each night, you let the moonlight cleanse you, as if itâs washing away any imperfections, any remnants of invisibility. The spell takes days to weave its magic, but you can feel it slowly starting to work.
Each morning, you add a new mantra to your routine, a chant whispered with the dawn, meant to wrap your aura in allure and desirability.
"With every step I take, theyâll see me.
With every breath I draw, theyâll want me.
Let their gaze never stray. Let my beauty lead the way."
The ritual is precise, meticulous, and youâre patient as you wait for the results. You donât want Hyunjinâs attention in a fleeting wayâyou want it anchored to you, undeniable, a pull he canât resist. It takes time, but you start to notice subtle changes. The lingering gazes in the hallway, the way people stop mid-conversation when you walk by. Itâs working.
And then, one day, it happens.
Youâre on your way down to the lobby after a long day when the elevator doors open, and Hyunjin steps in. For a moment, your heart skips a beat, but you compose yourself, standing straighter.
The doors close, and thereâs a brief silence as the elevator descends.
âHey,â Hyunjin says casually, leaning against the wall, his eyes flicking toward you. âHowâs your day been?â
You glance at him, careful to keep your expression neutral, even as your pulse quickens. âBusy,â you reply. âBut good. Yours?â
âSame,â he says with a shrug, his voice relaxed. âMeetings, deadlines, the usual stuff. But, you know, the weekâs almost over.â He smiles slightly, and for a moment, his eyes linger on you in a way that feels... different. More attentive.
Thereâs a brief pause before he speaks again, his tone a little more playful this time. âGot any plans for Friday night?â
You feel your breath catch for a second, but you donât let it show. Instead, you lie smoothly, âI actually have plans with someone else.â
The words come out easily, but youâre not sure why you feel the need to say it. Perhaps itâs a reflex, a way to gauge his reaction.
Hyunjin raises an eyebrow, but the easy smile doesnât falter. âIs that so? Well, in case you change your mind,â he says, his tone almost teasing, âIâll be at The Velvet Room with some friends. You know, just in case your plans... fall through.â
The elevator dings as it reaches the ground floor, and the doors slide open. Hyunjin steps out first, giving you one last glance over his shoulder.
âSee you around,â he says with a wink, before disappearing into the crowd.
-
Thereâs something magnetic about the idea of seeing Hyunjin again in a different setting, where the rules of the office donât apply.
You dress carefully, choosing an outfit that compliments the aura youâve been building. The almanac suggests wearing silver tonightâanother color of power, elegance, and mystique. You glance at your reflection, satisfied with the way the fabric drapes perfectly, enhancing the effect of the spell.
Before leaving, you whisper your mantra once again, letting the words sink in, fortifying your confidence. Then, with one last look in the mirror, you head out the door.
The Velvet Room buzzes with energy, the dim lights casting shadows over the crowd. Hyunjinâs gaze finds yours across the room, and a spark ignites between you, pulling him in your direction. His expression is unreadable, but there's something in the way his eyes hold yoursâcuriosity, maybe, or something deeper.
He strides toward you, his presence commanding attention as always. His fitted leather jacket hugs his frame perfectly, and the dark shirt underneath emphasizes the sharp lines of his jaw and collarbone.
When he reaches you, the smirk playing on his lips is familiar, but there's something softer behind it tonight.
âI see your plans changed after all,â he says, voice low enough that it sends a shiver down your spine.
âGuess they did,â you reply, keeping your tone light, though your heart races in your chest.
Hyunjin glances around the busy bar before leaning in closer, his breath warm against your ear. âIâve got a private booth for us. Come with me.â
Without waiting for a response, he takes your hand and leads you through the throng of people, guiding you toward the back of the room. Once you reach the secluded booth, he holds the door open for you, and you step inside, the noise from the bar muffled as the door closes behind you.
Inside, the lighting is softer, more intimate. Hyunjin settles across from you, his long legs stretching out as he leans back comfortably. He orders drinks, and the tension between you crackles in the air, though neither of you addresses it right away.
âSo,â he starts, his eyes glinting with mischief, âyouâre enjoying your newfound peace at work now that Iâve stopped giving you a hard time?â
You raise an eyebrow at him, swirling the drink in your glass. âYou think thatâs the only reason Iâm enjoying work more?â
Hyunjin chuckles softly, the sound rich and low. âWell, I canât imagine itâs because of anything else. Youâve hated my guts since day one.â
Heâs not wrong, and you donât bother denying it. âYou made it easy,â you reply, lips curving into a smirk of your own. âYou were unbearable.â
His smile fades just a touch, replaced by something more genuine. âIâm trying to change that, you know. I owe you an apology for how Iâve been.â
You take a sip of your drink, watching him over the rim of your glass. âWhat brought this sudden change of heart?â
Hyunjin shrugs, but his gaze never leaves yours. âI donât know. Maybe I got tired of being an asshole. Maybe itâs... you.â
His words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. The flirty banter melts into something more charged, more intimate. You lean forward, resting your elbows on the table as you meet his eyes head-on.
âSo youâre saying I changed you?â you ask, your voice teasing, but your heart pounds at the truth behind your question.
Hyunjinâs lips curl into that familiar smirk again, but thereâs a glint of warmth in his eyes. âMaybe you did.â
The silence stretches between you, but itâs not uncomfortable. Itâs thick with anticipation. Hyunjinâs fingers brush the rim of his glass before he sets it aside, leaning forward just enough that the space between you shrinks.
âYou know,â he says softly, his voice dropping lower, âIâve been thinking about this moment for a while now.â
Your pulse quickens, heat rising to your cheeks. âOh? And what moment is that?â
âThis,â he replies simply, before his hand reaches for yours, pulling you gently but firmly toward him.
Youâre not sure who moves first, but suddenly, his lips are on yours. The kiss starts soft, exploratory, but it quickly deepens as you lean into him. His hand cups the back of your neck, drawing you closer, and before you know it, youâre sliding over the seat to sit next to him, his body pressed against yours.
The taste of him lingers on your lipsâwhiskey and something else, something uniquely Hyunjin. His fingers thread through your hair as he tilts your head, his kiss becoming more urgent, more intense. You kiss him back just as eagerly, the heat between you building with every touch, every movement. Itâs like the entire room disappears, leaving just the two of you.
You gasp softly when his lips leave yours, trailing down to your jaw and neck. His breath is hot against your skin, sending shivers down your spine.
âYou have no idea how long Iâve wanted this,â he murmurs against your neck.
The sound of his voice, low and full of desire, makes your heart race even faster. You pull him back to you, kissing him again with all the pent-up energy youâve been holding back for so long. His hands grip your waist, pulling you even closer as you straddle his lap, completely lost in the moment.
Everything about himâhis touch, his kiss, the way his body moves against yoursâfeels right. But beneath the surface, something darker stirs within you. The spell has worked, yes, but you realize with every kiss that it isnât enough.
You want more. You want all of himâhis attention, his devotion, his desireâall to yourself. This one night wonât be enough to satisfy you, not when you know youâre the one responsible for this change.
As the night continues and your lips meet his again and again, the thought solidifies in your mind: You need to make sure that Hyunjinâs lips to never touch another lips that aren't yours ever again.
-
The next morning, you walk into the office with a faint buzz of anticipation beneath your skin. After everything that happened at the bar last nightâthe way Hyunjin kissed you, the heat in his gaze, the way he couldnât seem to keep his hands off youâyou expect something to have shifted between the two of you. Something real, something palpable.
You almost smile when you spot him in the break room, leaning casually against the counter, stirring sugar into his coffee. You slow your steps, bracing yourself for the look you know will be thereâthe one that says he remembers too, that everything has changed.
But instead, Hyunjin glances up and gives you a polite nod. His expression is calm, his smile... friendly. Nothing more.
"Morning," he says, his tone casual, unaffected. âHowâs the project going?â
For a moment, you blink, stunned. Thatâs it? After what happened last night? You quickly force a smile, swallowing down your disappointment.
âItâs coming along. Iâm finalizing the report today.â
He nods, taking a sip of his coffee as if this is just another ordinary morning. âGood to hear. Iâm sure itâll turn out well.â
You stand there, waiting for something elseâan acknowledgment, a shift in his body language, anything to show that last night meant something. But he just offers a small smile, glances at the clock, and says, âSee you around.â
And just like that, he walks out of the break room, leaving you standing there, stunned.
Your chest tightens with frustration. Hyunjin didnât seem affected at all. The fire from last night, the way he looked at you like he couldnât get enough, is gone. Heâs back to his composed, distant self, like nothing happened.
You take a shaky breath and grip your coffee cup tighter, watching his retreating figure. The casual indifference in his voice, the polite conversationâit stings. Last night was supposed to mean something, and yet here he is, treating it like a one-off, like you didnât matter beyond a moment of fleeting desire.
As you head back to your desk, the disappointment festers, but with it comes a fierce determination. Hyunjin might think he can act like that night didnât change anything, but youâll make sure it does. You wonât let him act like it meant nothing, like you were just another woman to him.
No, you need to make him see youâand not just for a single night.
By the time you sit at your desk, your resolve hardens. If Hyunjin isnât going to act differently on his own, youâll make sure he has no choice. A love spell, intricate and powerful, is the solution. This time, youâll bind him to you completely.
Tonight, the ritual begins.
-
A love spell is delicate work. It isnât something to be taken lightly or done in haste. There are many factors that determine its strength and success: the moon cycle, the witch's own power, and, most crucially, the object of your desire. Itâs said that to truly bind someone, you need a piece of themâsomething personal, a thread of their essence. Without it, the spell is only half as effective.
For days, youâve studied the intricacies of this spell, knowing that one misstep could undo everything. Timing is everything, and with the full moon approaching, the energy in the air feels ripe for magic. Youâve been careful, waiting until the right moment to begin, gathering the necessary itemsâmost importantly, a strand of Hyunjinâs hair.
That night at the bar, when he leaned in close, laughing and brushing against you, you slipped your fingers through his hair, pulling a single strand loose without him noticing. Itâs a simple thing, but in the world of witchcraft, itâs enough to make the spell work.
Now, as you prepare for the ritual, that single strand of hair sits coiled in your palm, humming with potential. Itâs the final piece that will tip the balance, allowing the magic to flow freely between you and him.
You know the risksâlove spells are intricate, and once cast, they cannot easily be undone. But you've come too far to turn back now. Hyunjin is already slipping into your orbit, and tonight, youâll pull him closer than ever before.
-
Friday â The Initiation
Itâs late evening, and the moon is just beginning to wax toward its fullness. Youâve prepared the space carefullyâcandles of deep crimson and soft pinks flicker around you, casting a warm glow on your altar. In the center, youâve laid out the key ingredients: a red silk ribbon, Hyunjinâs strand of hair, a piece of rose quartz, and a small vial of honey.
You open your spellbook and find the section on love magic, the words lighting up with power as the candlelight dances over the pages. The instructions are clearâthe first nightâs ritual is all about opening the path between you and Hyunjin, creating the initial connection that will draw him closer over the weekend.
You tie the red silk ribbon around the rose quartz, knotting it carefully as you whisper the incantation, feeling the magic pulse through your veins.
"With this knot, I begin the tie. From his heart, no love shall fly.
Sweet as honey, strong as flame. Our souls connect, heâll know my name."
As you chant, you dip the rose quartz into the honey, sealing the first step of the spell. The air hums with energy, and you feel the beginnings of something shifting, like an invisible thread linking you to Hyunjin. The ritual is set in motion, and as you blow out the candles, you know the spell is now out there, working its magic.
-
Saturday â The Strengthening
The second nightâs ritual takes place under the waxing gibbous moon, its bright light illuminating your workspace. Tonight, you focus on deepening the connection, strengthening the bond youâve initiated with Hyunjin. The spell is more intricate, requiring both your intent and personal sacrifice.
You sit before your altar, this time with a red candle burning beside you. The strand of Hyunjin's hair is placed in a silver dish, and next to it, youâve prepared strands of your own hair and a tiny drop of your own bloodâjust enough to infuse the spell with your life force.
The spellbook lies open in front of you as you softly chant the next part of the incantation:
"With each strand and drop I give. By his side, I shall live.
Mind to mind, heart to heart. From this bond, we shall not part."
You burn the strand in the dish, the smoke curling upward in a thin trail. The smell is faint but potent, a mix of sweet and bitter that lingers in the air. You watch it rise, and for a moment, you picture Hyunjinâhis face, his smile, the way his eyes sparkled when he looked at you at the bar. You know the spell is working; you can feel it building, layer by layer.
When the last of the hair has turned to ash, you sprinkle the strands of hair and a drop of your blood into the ashes, sealing the second part of the ritual. You chant softly, sealing your words into the night.
"Bound by flesh, bound by will. He shall seek me, strong and still.
By the gibbous moonâs bright glow. Love between us shall now grow."
The flames flicker, then extinguish, and youâre left in the stillness of the night, the magic of the second ritual now deep inside you.
-
Sunday â The Final Binding
Itâs the night of the full moon, and its silver light bathes the room in a soft, ethereal glow. This is the night the spell will be completedâthe most powerful moment, when the moon is at its peak, and all the energy youâve built over the last two days can finally come together.
You sit outside this time, under the open sky. The spell requires the presence of the full moon, and youâve gathered the final ingredientsârose petals, lavender, and a small mirror. The rose quartz, still tied with the red ribbon, rests in your lap as you prepare to chant the final spell.
This is the binding part of the ritual, where the connection youâve created will be sealed, turning Hyunjinâs heart fully toward you.
With the mirror in one hand and the rose quartz in the other, you begin to chant, your voice rising and falling with the rhythm of the moonâs energy.
"By the moon, full and bright. I call upon the power of night.
Mirror of love, reflect his gaze. Draw him near, let passion blaze."
You place the rose petals and lavender into a small bowl, then gently pour water over them. The fragrance fills the air, soft and heady. You dip the mirror into the water, watching as the moonâs reflection shimmers on its surface.
"By this reflection, he shall see. That his heart belongs to me.
No other path, no other way. His love for me will never stray."
You breathe in deeply, feeling the magic swirl around you. The power is undeniable, a force that wraps around your body, pressing in from all sides. You finish the chant, your words barely more than a whisper now.
"Under this moon, my spell takes flight. Bound by love, bound by night.
His heart is mine, this spell is cast. And so our bond shall forever last."
As the final words leave your lips, you press the rose quartz to your heart and hold the mirror up to the full moon. The energy pulses through you, a warm glow that spreads from your chest to the tips of your fingers. You feel itâsomething has clicked into place, the spell complete.
The night is still, but you know that soon, the magic will have taken hold. Hyunjin will be yours in every wayâhis heart, his soul, his desire.
And with the moon as your witness, the bond is sealed.
-
Days pass, and the anticipation grows unbearable. Youâve done everything right.
The rituals were precise, the moon was full, and Hyunjinâs hairâthe final ingredientâwas woven into the spell. But still, no sign. No shift in his behavior. He continues to walk past you in the office with nothing more than a fleeting glance, his attention drifting elsewhere. Doubts start to creep in, and the quiet whispers of failure haunt you.
Did the spell not take? you wonder, replaying every step in your mind.
Then, one evening, when youâre heading to the elevator after work, something shifts.
The air feels thick with tension as you step into the packed elevator. Hyunjin is there, standing toward the back. His presence is palpable, and though the two of you canât speak with so many people crammed in yet you can feel his gaze burning into the side of your face. Your heart races, but you keep your eyes forward, waiting for somethingâanythingâto happen.
The elevator dings as it reaches the parking basement, and the crowd begins to disperse. You part ways, heading to your car, dismissing the weight of his stare as nothing more than your imagination. You unlock the car, not noticing the quiet footsteps approaching from behindâuntil a strong hand wraps around your arm and pulls you back.
Itâs Hyunjin.
Suddenly, he's spinning you around and pulling you close. His breath is warm against your cheek as he leans in, his voice low and breathless.
âI can't stop thinking about you,â he confesses, his fingers gripping your waist. âAll night. Youâre all I think about.â
Before you can process his words, his lips are on yours, soft and insistent. The dimly lit, empty parking basement fades away as the intensity of the kiss consumes you both. His hands slide to the small of your back, pulling you flush against him, his touch sending shivers down your spine.
Thisâthisâis the moment youâve been waiting for. The spell has worked. Hyunjin is yours.
-
The drive to your place feels like an eternity, the tension between you and Hyunjin palpable in the air. His hand rests on your thigh, fingers lightly tracing patterns over your skin, sending sparks through you.
The moment you step inside your apartment, heâs on you, pushing you against the wall, his lips crashing into yours with a hunger that leaves you breathless. His hands slide under your clothes, gripping your waist, pulling you flush against him as his body presses you into the wall.
The heat between you is undeniable, electric, and you can feel how much he wants youâhis lips devouring yours, his hands exploring your body with a possessiveness that makes your heart race.
You stumble toward the bedroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothes in your wake. Hyunjinâs shirt is the first to go, revealing the toned muscles of his chest, the lean lines of his body that youâve only ever admired from a distance. But now, heâs right here, inches from you, and the sight of him sends a thrill through you. You take a moment to drink him inâhis sharp jawline, his tousled hair, the way his dark eyes are filled with nothing but want as he looks at you.
His lips crash against yours again as you fall onto the bed, his body covering yours, his weight a welcome sensation. Heâs everywhereâhis mouth trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down your neck, his hands slipping beneath the waistband of your pants, fingers brushing over your skin.
âYouâre driving me insane,â he mutters against your neck, his voice low and breathless.
His hands slide lower, tugging at the last of your clothing, and soon youâre bare beneath him, his hands exploring every inch of you as if he canât get enough.
When he finally sinks into you, the world tilts. Itâs overwhelming, the feeling of him inside you, his body moving in perfect rhythm with yours. The way he fills you, the sounds of his breathless moans in your ear, the way he grips your hips as he movesâitâs like everything else fades away, and thereâs only this. Only him.
The intensity builds, every touch, every movement pushing you closer to the edge. Hyunjinâs thrusts become more urgent, his breathing ragged, and the sensation of him driving deeper, faster, is almost too much. But itâs exactly what you wantâwhat you need. Your nails dig into his back, pulling him closer, and he groans at the contact, his lips capturing yours in a searing kiss.
When you both finally reach your peak, your body trembles beneath him, and he collapses beside you, his chest heaving, his skin slick with sweat. You lie there, tangled together in the aftermath, your heart pounding, the reality of what just happened sinking in.
Hyunjin lies beside you, his arm draped lazily over your waist, his breath evening out as he recovers. His dark hair is tousled, his lips slightly swollen from kissing, and even in the dim light, his beauty is undeniable. He looks utterly spent but content, and the sight of him like thisâbare, vulnerable, entirely yoursâsends a wave of satisfaction through you.
You did this. You made this happen. The spell worked, and Hyunjin is yours, completely under your control. The success of the spell isnât just about having himâitâs about the power you now wield, the realization that your magic is stronger than ever before.
-
The next morning, the sunlight filters softly through your bedroom curtains, casting a warm glow over Hyunjinâs sleeping form. Heâs lying on his side, his chest rising and falling steadily with each breath, his lips slightly parted.
You watch him in quiet admiration, the sight of him peaceful and undisturbed, completely under your spell. Itâs still hard to believe that this is real, that heâs lying here in your bed after everything. The love spell worked. Heâs yours.
You study the soft angles of his face, the way his hair falls over his forehead, the sharp line of his jaw that only makes him look more ethereal in the morning light. You feel a deep satisfaction wash over you, the realization that everything is falling into place, just as you wanted.
Itâs almost amusing, reallyâthis version of Hyunjin, so different from the arrogant, condescending man he once was, is now wrapped around your finger.
Suddenly, his eyes flutter open, catching you in the act of watching him. A small, sleepy smile tugs at the corners of his lips as his gaze meets yours.
âWere you watching me sleep?â he asks, his voice groggy but playful.
You smile back, shrugging a little. âMaybe.â
Hyunjin chuckles softly, stretching out beside you as he rubs the sleep from his eyes. âYouâre sneaky, you know that?â
âIâm just admiring the view,â you reply, your voice teasing but laced with the truth.
Thereâs no hiding how pleased you are with the way things have turned out. âWhat do you want for breakfast?â
Before he answers, Hyunjin leans over, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips, his hand brushing lightly against your cheek. Itâs slow and sweet, making your heart skip a beat. His tenderness is addictive.
âSurprise me,â he whispers when he pulls back, his lips hovering just above yours.
You grin, feeling a rush of triumph in the way he looks at you, the way he kisses you, the way heâs completely under your control now.
As you slip out of bed, you canât help but feel victorious, knowing that Hyunjinâthis beautiful, captivating manâis yours in every way that matters.
As you head toward the kitchen to prepare breakfast, thereâs a sense of power that settles in your chest. The spell didnât just make him fall for youâit made you stronger, more certain. You have him wrapped around your finger now, and the world feels yours for the taking.
-
The days after the spell pass like a dream, Hyunjinâs affection wrapping around you in ways you never thought possible. Every glance, every touch feels like a victoryâyouâve made him yours, completely.
In the office, the familiar hum of busy workers fills the air as you make your way down the hallway toward Mr. Campbellâs office.
Hyunjin walks just a few paces ahead of you, his posture relaxed but confident. Thereâs an air of professionalism in him, but now that you know what heâs like when itâs just the two of you, you canât help but feel a tinge of excitement bubbling under the surface.
As you step into Mr. Campbellâs office, youâre greeted by the familiar sternness in his voice.
"Iâve decided to assign you two to work on separate plans for the company's upcoming project," he says, his eyes shifting between you and Hyunjin.
"You'll both prepare your own proposals, and at the presentation, whoever gets the most favor from the board will earn the vacant position. This is your chance to prove yourselves."
Your heart skips a beat at the mention of the positionâthe one youâve been quietly eyeing ever since you started here. Hyunjin, beside you, remains calm, but you can feel the weight of his presence more than ever. As Mr. Campbell dismisses the two of you, you exchange a glance with Hyunjin before leaving the office.
Once youâre out in the hallway, Hyunjin subtly grabs your wrist, pulling you toward the supply closet. You blink in surprise but follow without protest, knowing full well what heâs planning.
The door barely clicks shut before his lips are on yours, urgent but playful. His hands slide around your waist, pulling you flush against him, and for a moment, everything outside of this small, dim room fades away.
âI know weâre competing for this,â Hyunjin murmurs against your lips, his voice soft with an edge of amusement, âbut good luck.â
His tone is teasing, but thereâs sincerity there too. He breaks the kiss just long enough to meet your gaze, his dark eyes gleaming. "May the best one win."
You smirk, your hand resting on his chest as you catch your breath.
âGood luck to you, too,â you reply, your voice smooth but laced with challenge. âI canât wait to see how things turn out.â
Hyunjin grins, his fingers brushing your cheek lightly. âNeither can I.â
Thereâs a flicker of something deeper in his gazeâexcitement, maybe, or anticipation. You lean in, giving him a quick but lingering kiss, letting the tension between you hum in the air.
The thrill of the upcoming competition mixes with the attraction that has only grown between you. He pulls back with a chuckle, running his thumb over your lower lip.
âYouâre not making this easy for me, you know that?â
You shrug, a playful glint in your eyes. âI wouldnât be me if I did.â
The kiss lingers for a few more seconds before Hyunjin finally steps back, his hand grazing your arm as he reaches for the door.
âLetâs make this interesting,â he says, his voice low, almost daring. âSee you on the battlefield.â
With one last mischievous smile, he exits, leaving you alone in the closet with your heart racing and a fierce determination bubbling up inside.
Thereâs no denying that youâre both in this, but the added tension of the competition only fuels your desire to come out on topâboth in work and with Hyunjin.
-
As the presentation for the vacant position approaches, an unsettling feeling lingers at the back of your mind. You watch Hyunjin, wondering if the man who once rivaled you so fiercely would really let things go this easily without the spell.
One afternoon, youâre in your office, going over your project when Hyunjin leans back in his chair, his gaze soft as it drifts over you. Youâre explaining your ideas, expecting his usual critique, when he interrupts with a grin.
âYouâre going to win,â he says, sounding almost too sure.
You pause, looking up from your notes. âWhat?â
âYour presentation is going to be the best. I mean, come on, youâre brilliant,â he says, his voice full of admiration, not competition.
âHonestly, Iâve been thinking... maybe Iâll just back down.â he shares out of the blue.
Your heart stumbles. âBack down?â
He nods, that lazy smile still on his face. âYeah, I donât need the promotion. Not if it means competing with you. Iâd rather see you succeed. Weâre... together now. Whatâs the point in fighting over this?â
His words hit you like a cold splash of water. Back down? Hyunjin, who once lived for the competition, who thrived on the challenge, was now willing to give up everything. Because of the spell. Because youâd made him love you so much that heâd throw away his ambitions.
For a moment, you canât breathe. This wasnât loveâit was devotion youâd forced on him. You took his drive, his edge, the parts of him that made you want to beat him in the first place.
You try to steady yourself and begin speaking. âHyunjin, youâve worked hard for this too. You deserve the promotion as much as I do.â
But he shakes his head, taking your hand in his. âI donât need it anymore. I have you.â
That simple statementâit should make you feel victorious, but instead, it twists something inside you. The spell worked too well. He isnât competing, isnât challenging you like before. Heâs so devoted, so wrapped up in his feelings that heâs willing to throw away everything heâs worked for.
âIââ you start, but the words die on your lips.
His thumb brushes softly over your knuckles. âWhatâs wrong?â
You force a smile, trying to mask the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. âNothing. Iâm just... surprised.â
He lets it go, the conversation shifting back to work, but you canât focus. You nod along, pretending to listen, but inside, your thoughts are miles away.
Later, when he gets up to leave, his words cling to you like a shadow.
âI know Iâm supposed to try, but... seeing you happy is more important to me than anything else.â
The door closes behind him, and you sink into your chair, staring at the space he left behind. You wanted thisâhis love, his devotion, his attention. You got exactly what you asked for. But now, seeing him like this, so willing to give up everything, the weight of your actions crashes down on you.
You press your fingers to your lips, replaying his words over and over. This isnât the Hyunjin you admired, the one who challenged you at every turn. Youâve changed him, twisted him into something elseâsomething that doesnât feel real anymore.
Your chest tightens with regret. The spell had worked, yes, but at what cost?
-
Itâs Halloween, and you're rifling through your book of spells, desperately searching for something that can help undo the spells youâve cast on Hyunjinâor at least diminish their effects. With each page you turn, your frustration grows as you find no answers to ease your dread.
After a long, grueling hour, you finally stumble upon a spell that could remove the enchantment entirely. But something this powerful demands a greater sacrifice. You hesitate, unsure why you even considered it in the first place. Shaking your head, you continue flipping through the pages, anxiety building.
The doorbell rings, snapping you from your thoughts. You assume itâs more trick-or-treaters; the kids in the apartment building have been coming by all night, eagerly asking for candy. Sighing, you close the book and head to the door, grabbing the basket of sweets on your way.
But instead of children in costumes, you find Hyunjin standing there, dressed in a white shirt and dark slacks, his long dark hair brushed back except for a strand falling over his forehead.
"Trick or treat!" he says with a charming smile, holding up a bag of food and a bottle of wine.
"What are you dressed as?" you ask with a playful smile.
"As⌠your beautiful boyfriend?" he replies, tilting his head with a hint of doubt, but the adorable expression makes your heart flutter.
For a moment, you feel warmâlike the only thing that matters is how he looks at you. But then reality crashes in. None of this is genuine. It's all because of your spell.
"So, are you going to let me in?" Hyunjin asks, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Yeah, sure." You step aside, allowing him to enter.
As soon as the door closes, his hands are free, and he pulls you into a tight embrace. His lips brush over yours before he kisses you deeply, sweetly, as if savoring the moment. You kiss him back, letting his warmth momentarily ease the guilt gnawing at you.
"I missed you," Hyunjin sighs, sounding relieved as if his words release all the pain inside him.
"Missed you too," you reply, your voice lacking the same enthusiasm, though he doesnât seem to notice.
He kisses you again, deeper this time, pulling you closer until thereâs no space between you. But something feels off.
Even as he holds you, the weight of the situation hangs heavily over you. You break the kiss, offering a small smile as you say. "I'll get the food ready."
As you unpack the food on the kitchen counter, Hyunjin watches you from the dining table, his eyes tracking your every move like youâre the most fascinating thing in the world.
"Can you help with the wine?" you ask, pulling him from his reverie.
He snaps to attention, grabbing the wine opener and rolling up his sleeves. He opens the bottle with care, pouring the wine into two glasses youâve set on the table.
"Cheers," he says, raising his glass.
"Cheers." You clink glasses, the sound ringing softly as you both take a sip.
"I hope you like the food," he says, glancing nervously at your plate. "If not, we can order something else."
"No, itâs perfect. I love pasta," you reassure him, taking a bite.
He smiles, watching you eat without touching his own plate until you urge him to start. The doorbell rings again, this time unmistakably trick-or-treaters. You excuse yourself, handing out sweets to the kids at the door before returning to the table.
"Howâs your project going?" you ask, trying to keep the conversation light despite the growing heaviness in your chest.
"Itâs going well," he replies, though the hesitation in his voice makes you doubt him. "I was working on it earlier."
"Thatâs good. We promised to make it interesting, right?"
"Yeah, of course," he says, poking at his food absentmindedly.
After dinner, you clear the plates, heading to the sink to wash up while Hyunjin refills your wine glasses. But heâs not content with just that. Soon, heâs behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and placing kisses on your neck.
"You can do it later," he whispers, his breath hot against your skin, making it hard for you to focus.
"It wonât take long," you insist, his arms still holding you as you rinse the last dish.
Another knock at the door pulls you from his grasp, and you give out more candy before Hyunjin takes the basket from you, placing it outside and locking the door. He then turns back to you with a sly grin plastered on his face.
"From now on, no more tricks, only treats," he says, his smile mischievous.
Before you can respond, he lifts you effortlessly, carrying you to the bedroom. He sets you down gently, making sure your head lands perfectly on the pillow. Hovering over you, he traces your features with his fingers, admiration shining in his eyes.
"Youâre so beautiful," he murmurs, almost in disbelief.
"Hyunjin..." you whisper, overwhelmed by the way he looks at you.
"I love the way you call my name," he says softly, kissing you deeply before trailing his lips down your jawline.
He then buries his head in your neck and inhales your scent as if he breathes in air for the first time in a while, "Gosh... you smell heavenly."
Once the clothes are off, Hyunjin begins making a trail of kisses down your front and for each kiss he plants, he gives you a sweet compliment as if you weren't high already from the way his soft lips leaving searing kisses on your skin.
He only stops when he gets to where you want him the most and he gives you just exactly what you need, his tongue lapping at your wetness as his fingers lightly stroke on your clit. He licks, he sucks, he's using his mouth to its fullest potential to give you the utmost of pleasure.
Hyunjinâs dark locks are caught between your fingers and you tug at it when the pleasure gets too much, your eyes fluttering open and your legs wanting to keep closing but Hyunjinâs strong arms are steadily keeping them open.
He's doing it too well that you cum in no time, your essence gets all over his mouth and chin, and you donât hesitate to kiss him, tasting yourself on his lips.
Hyunjin moves like water as he thrusts into you, painstakingly slow as to make you feel every drag of his cock against your walls and going as shallow as possible, hitting you just right on the spot.
"Oh, you feel so good," he murmurs, his voice is rough, full of need and heavy with lust.
Low groans are spilling out of his parted mouth as he tries to draw it out, wanting to make this moment last as long as possible.
"So good," he murmurs again with haste kiss on your lips.
His hand gropes around for yours and when he finds it, he laces them together. "I want to stay in this moment with you, forever."
But as things escalate, the overwhelming guilt creeps back in. Every touch, every kiss feels tainted, knowing his affection is not real. Your chest tightens, and suddenly, you canât hold it in anymore. Tears spill from your eyes as you turn your head away, trying to hide your face from him.
"Hey, whatâs wrong?" Hyunjin stops, his voice full of concern. "Did I hurt you?"
You shake your head, unable to speak past the lump in your throat.
"Do you want me to stop?" he asks gently, placing a comforting kiss on your cheek.
"No," you manage to whisper. "Please⌠donât stop."
He continues, but his movements are slower, more careful, as if afraid of breaking you. His eyes never leave yours, and the tenderness in his gaze makes you feel even smaller, exposed so you close your eyes, afraid that he would eventually sees the real you, how vicious and cruel you are underneath.
As he reaches his high, he collapses onto the bed beside you, his breathing ragged. He pulls you close, his head resting in the crook of your neck as he whispers sweet, loving words while you stare at the ceiling with the guilt suffocating you as you hold him in your arm.
"What have I done?" you mutter, the words escaping before you can stop them.
Hyunjin, thinking youâre speaking to him, lifts his head and smiles softly. "You made me fall in love."
If only that were true. If only it came from his heart. If only... it was all real.
-
The boardroom is filled with the quiet rustle of papers and the soft hum of anticipation.
The meeting has been tense, as expected, with everyone vying to impress. You sit, posture rigid, as you finish your presentation. Applause erupts, polite yet enthusiastic, and you nod, acknowledging it with a tight smile. The project was good, better than good, and judging by the reaction, everyone knew it.
Now itâs Hyunjinâs turn. You subtly glance over at him from your seat, your pulse quickening, but instead of preparing himself, he seems strangely detached. His eyes skim the room, hands resting loosely by his sides, as though this moment doesnât matter to him.
He steps up to present, but from the first few words, itâs obviousâheâs not even trying. His voice lacks the fire, the drive thatâs been his signature since day one. You feel your stomach twist as you realize heâs practically handing you the win.
Hyunjin wraps up his presentation, which gets polite applause, but itâs nowhere near the fervor yours received. Your chest tightens with frustration. He didnât try. Not even close.
The meeting adjourns, and you slip out quickly, not wanting to be near him.
The weight of whatâs happening presses heavily on you as you stand in the crowded elevator, the quiet hum of conversation filling the space. Hyunjin is standing somewhere behind you, but you refuse to look at him. You can feel his presence, but the air between you is suffocating, thick with the unspoken words.
Once you step out into the parking lot, you walk briskly, desperate to get away. But Hyunjin catches up, his footsteps hurried.
"Wait!" he calls after you, his voice strained with urgency.
You stop, the anger bubbling inside of you, and spin to face him. "Why did you do that?"
He runs a hand through his hair, looking torn. "Please, justâletâs talk. In the car."
You hesitate but ultimately nod, leading the way to your car. Once inside, the silence between you feels unbearable.
"You promised," you start, your voice shaking with anger. "We promised weâd make it a fair competition, that weâd both try our best."
Hyunjin leans back in the seat, his eyes dark with regret. "I know."
"Then why?" you demand, the frustration boiling over. "Why did you just give up? You werenât even trying, Hyunjin!"
He lets out a shaky breath and looks at you, his gaze soft and full of something that makes your heart ache. "Because I love you."
His words hit you like a punch to the chest. You stare at him, unable to process it at first. Love. The very thing youâd manipulated him into feeling.
Tears well up in your eyes before you can stop them, the guilt crashing over you like a wave.
"No," you whisper, shaking your head. "You donât love me. Not really. This isnât real."
Hyunjin reaches out, gently taking your hand. "It feels real to me," he says softly. "You matter more to me than any project, more than any competition. I couldnât fight against you."
Your tears spill over, and suddenly youâre sobbing, the weight of everythingâthe spells, the manipulation, the guiltâoverwhelming you.
"Iâm sorry," you cry, your voice barely above a whisper. "Iâm so, so sorry."
Hyunjin pulls you into his arms, holding you tightly, not understanding why youâre apologizing but sensing your pain. You collapse against him, your body shaking with sobs.
If only he knew the truth. If only he knew what you had done to him. But you canât bring yourself to say it. Not now.
-
A few days later, you sit in the office chair across from Mr. Campbell, his usual stern expression softening as he reads from the paper in front of him. His words feel distant, almost muffled, like youâre underwater.
"Itâs official," he says with a pleased nod. "Youâve earned the promotion. Your project was outstanding. Congratulations."
You force a smile, but the corners of your mouth barely lift. You knew this was comingâHyunjinâs lackluster presentation made it inevitable.
This was the result you had planned for, worked for, even cast spells for. But now, sitting here, hearing the words you thought would bring you triumph, thereâs nothing. No thrill, no victory, just an empty ache in your chest.
"Thank you," you manage to say, voice hollow.
He stands, extending his hand, and you shake it, knowing you should feel proud, but the weight in your stomach pulls you down.
You leave his office, your steps heavy as you wander through the hallways, trying to find some corner to breathe, to process everything.
You duck into a supply closet, the small, dim space feeling like a sanctuary where no one can find you. Leaning against the shelves, you close your eyes, letting out a shaky breath.
It wasnât supposed to feel like this. This promotion was supposed to be your moment. But how could it be, when Hyunjin didnât even try? Itâs not a win if the competition never showed up.
A few moments later, you hear the faint sound of footsteps approaching. The door creaks open, and there he isâHyunjin, his tall frame taking up most of the doorway. He steps inside, closing the door behind him.
"There you are," he says softly, his eyes searching your face. "Iâve been looking for you."
You look away, unable to meet his gaze. "Why?"
He steps closer, his presence warm and overwhelming in the cramped space. "I wanted to congratulate you. You won."
His words make something inside you twist painfully. The way he says it so gently, without any resentment or bitterness, just makes it worse. Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you shake your head.
"I didnât win," you whisper, voice cracking. "Not really."
Hyunjin frowns, his hand coming up to gently cup your cheek, turning your face toward him. "Of course you did. You earned it."
You let out a bitter laugh, the tears spilling over. "No, I didnât. You gave up. You didnât even try, Hyunjin. This doesnât feel like a win."
You pull away slightly, looking up at him, your heart aching with regret and guilt. "Iâm sorry for everything."
Hyunjin frowns, his thumb brushing away a tear from your cheek. "You donât have to be sorry for anything."
He pulls you into his arms, holding you tightly, and you sink into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. His lips brush against your forehead, soft and tender, before he leans down to kiss youâgently, lovingly. Itâs a kiss that feels like a promise, like something real, something that could have been.
Except that itâs not real. It can never be real, not with everything youâve done.
You pull back, looking into his eyes, your mind already spinning with the plan for tonight. Thisâright hereâwould be the last time you'd see him without the weight of whatâs to come. Your victory was secured, but the price hadnât been paid. Not yet.
"Letâs have dinner at my place tonight," you say, trying to steady your voice, pretending like everything is normal. "To celebrate the promotion."
His lips curl into a small smile, his thumb caressing your cheek. "I'd like that," he says softly.
You smile back, though it feels hollow. You hold onto this moment for a second longer, knowing itâs one of the last peaceful ones youâll share with him. Then, with a shaky breath, you step out of his embrace.
"Iâll see you tonight," you whisper, and without another glance, you slip out of the supply closet.
Hyunjin stays behind as you walk away, his warmth still lingering against your skin. Each step feels heavier, like the weight of your decision is pressing down on you, pulling you further into the realization of what comes next. You stop just before the corner, stealing a glance over your shoulder, watching him for a second longer.
The knot in your stomach tightens again, but you remind yourselfâthis is the only way. It has to be.
With a deep breath, you turn back and keep walking. There's no turning back now.
-
Later that night, you stand at the door of your apartment, heart pounding softly as you wait for him to arrive. When you hear the soft knock, you open the door, and there he isâHyunjin, smiling with that familiar warmth, the smile you once fell for.
âHey,â he says softly, stepping inside, his eyes sweeping over the cozy setup. The small table is adorned with candles, casting a soft golden glow over the room. âThis looks amazing.â
You smile, your heart heavy but steady. âI wanted tonight to be special.â
The evening starts gentlyâlaughter, conversation, little touches that feel like ghosts of a past you thought you wanted. But you let yourself lean into it, let yourself love him for what feels like the last time.
At one point, you find yourselves on the sofa, wine glasses resting on the table, the closeness between you too familiar, too easy. His hand brushes your cheek, and you donât stop him as his lips meet yours. The kiss deepens, turning into a slow, tender makeout session. His touch, warm and inviting, is like a spell all its own. But as you kiss him, an ache builds in your chest, the weight of everything you know youâll do.
You pull away slightly, breathless, your hands still resting on his chest. His eyes search yours, a soft confusion lingering in them. You canât help but ask, the words escaping before you can stop them.
"Hyunjin?" You softly call.
"Yes?"
âIf⌠if we hadnât met, do you think youâd still be happy?â
Hyunjin frowns slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. âWhat are you talking about?â
âI mean, if I wasnât⌠me. If you didnât know me. Would you still have⌠loved me?â Your voice falters on the last word, the question hanging between you like a weight.
He pauses, eyes searching yours, his fingers tracing small circles on your skin. âI would. Iâd find you, no matter what. In any life, in any world. I would always love you.â
His answer, so simple and sincere, breaks something inside you. You close your eyes, feeling the tears sting at the edges, but you donât let them fall. Instead, you kiss him again, harder this time, trying to chase away the sadness, trying to pretend for a moment that things could be different. But the more he holds you, the more his words echo in your mind, the more certain you become. He loves you, yes. But this love canât last. Not like this.
When you finally pull away, the weight of what you need to do presses down on you with full force. This is the only way. Later, as the candles flicker lower, you rise from the sofa and head to the table.
âI'll get us more wine,â you say softly, your voice steady despite the storm inside you.
Hyunjin watches you with a warm smile as you pour the wine. Your heart pounds as your finger dips into the crimson-colored wine and then trails the rim of his glass with it while murmuring the words, barely audible, but enough to seal his fate.
"From fire to ash, from light to dust. What once was mine, returns to rust.
Love undone, his heart unbound. In silence and shadow, let him drown.
By the touch of this glass, let his fate align. Power to me, as his stars decline."
You hand him the glass, your heart breaking as you do. He brings it to his lips, taking a sip, unaware of what youâve just done. Unaware of how much this hurts you.
For tonight, you let yourself pretend. You let yourself love him, just one last time. And as he drinks, you whisper the silent goodbye you know heâll never hear, pressing your lips to his once more with a love you wish heâd always remember, even as he forgets.
In your heart, you say it, soft and final: Goodbye, Hyunjin.
-
The day feels colder, even though the weather hasn't changed. As you walk into the office, something feels off, a gnawing sensation in the pit of your stomach. Your eyes scan the room for Hyunjin, wondering if the spell had worked yet.
And then, you spot him. Heâs standing with a group of colleagues, but as he catches sight of you, the warmth youâve come to know over the past few weeks vanishes entirely. His gaze is sharp, carrying the same icy disdain that had once been so familiar. The same bitterness, and none of the love.
As you make your way across the office, he steps toward you, shoulders tense, his eyes narrowing. You brace yourself, hoping for even a flicker of the softness he once held in his gaze, but instead, his shoulder brushes yoursâcold and dismissive. You pause, your stomach twisting as he turns to you with a sneer.
âMust feel nice,â he says, his voice dripping with contempt. âGetting everything handed to you without actually earning it.â
The words slice through you like a knife. You pause for a second, trying to keep your composure, feeling the weight of every decision that brought you to this point. The guilt of what youâve done, the emptiness where your power once hummed, and now thisâHyunjin, reduced back to the man who hated you.
You take a deep breath, swallowing the lump in your throat, forcing yourself to stay calm. âI worked hard for it, Hyunjin,â you manage to say, though your voice is shaky.
His laugh is cold, mocking, and it makes you wince. âSure you did,â he mutters, turning back to his computer, dismissing you as if youâre nothing.
You stand there, frozen for a second, biting the inside of your cheek to keep the tears at bay. His words shouldnât hurt you, not after everything thatâs happened, but they do. They hurt more than you expected. All those moments you shared, all those fleeting smiles and touches, are gone, erased by the spell.
The real Hyunjin is back. The rude, brash, and hostile Hyunjin who sees you as nothing more than a rival. A stranger. You glance at him once more, hoping to catch a flicker of the person he was during those brief moments when he loved you, but thereâs nothing. Just a void where that connection used to be.
The worst part is, you canât even blame him. You brought this on yourself.
You walk to your new office with your name gleaming on the plate on the desk. You sink into your chair, trying to keep your emotions under control. But your hands tremble slightly as they rest on the desk, the weight of everything pressing down on your chest. You feel something hollow deep inside you.
Itâs not just Hyunjinâs attitude thatâs changed. You try to summon the familiar flicker of magic, the power youâve relied on for so long, but thereâs nothing. Like trying to grasp smoke, itâs gone. The power you sacrificed him for⌠Itâs drained from you, leaving only an emptiness in its place.
You glance up at Hyunjin from across the room. Heâs engrossed in his work, not sparing you another glance. And thatâs when you realize just how much youâve lostânot just him, not just your power, but the chance to ever fix this. The person he was, the one who loved you, is gone.
And in the end, no oneâs won. Not you, and certainly not him.
-
You sit at the head of the table, watching the meeting unfold. The conversations swirl around you, voices clashing, egos on display. Youâre the new boss, the one theyâre all eager to impress or undermine. They donât know what youâve sacrificed to get here. They donât know the real cost of power.
But you do.
As you listen, you catch yourself slipping into the familiar rhythm. You chant silently, almost instinctively, the words that once fueled your magic: "With fire in my veins and steel in my spine. Today the world bends, and all power is mine."
The words used to ignite something inside you, a force, a certainty. Now, they echo hollow in your mind. The magic is gone, drained from you in exchange for this.
Still, you repeat the mantra, knowing itâs all you have left. The magic may be lost, but the confidenceâthe belief in your own strengthâisnât. And thatâs the closest thing you have to power now. The confidence that no one in this room sees the struggle beneath your polished exterior. They donât know how much youâve given up to sit in this chair, and they never will.
The meeting drones on. Hyunjinâs face flashes in your mind, his cold words still fresh, the way he dismissed your promotion as if it meant nothing. You bite the inside of your cheek, swallowing the pain, refusing to let the tears well up. You won this, but it doesn't feel like triumph. It feels like surviving.
And thatâs what youâll keep doing. Surviving.
The mantra repeats in your head, growing louder, stronger: "With fire in my veins and steel in my spine." Itâs not magic, but itâs enough. Enough to remind you who you are. You nod and smile through the meeting, play the role they expect of you.
The meeting ends, and you gather your things, moving toward the elevator. As the doors slide open, you freeze for a momentâHyunjin is already inside. He stands there, tall and sharp as ever, but he's not alone. A girl is nestled next to him, laughing softly at something he says. The warmth between them is unmistakable.
You step in, feeling your stomach churn as the doors close behind you. The air feels suffocating in the small space, and you keep your eyes on the floor, biting back the flood of emotions rising in your chest. Hyunjin doesnât even glance your way. Heâs too busy murmuring something to her, his hand casually brushing her arm. The same way he used to touch you.
The elevator hums as it descends, the seconds stretching out painfully. The girl giggles again, and you canât help but catch a glimpse of them in the reflection. Hyunjin looks like his old selfârude, brash, completely unaffected. Thereâs no trace of the man who had once loved you, who had held you close.
The spell has worked, stripping away everything that had made him care about you. You bite down harder on the inside of your cheek, willing yourself not to break in front of them. Not here. Not now.
The elevator dings, the doors opening to the parking basement. Hyunjin steps out first, his arm wrapped around the girlâs waist, and you follow silently, keeping your distance.
Thereâs a brief moment where you lock eyesâjust for a second. But itâs enough to tell you that the connection is gone. Whatever existed between the two of you has disappeared, erased by the spell.
Hyunjin walks away, not even a glance back. And this time, you feel it deep insideâthis is truly the end. You watch them leave, feeling profoundly empty, more alone than ever. The victory you once sought now feels hollow, a reminder of what you sacrificed to get here.
You take a deep breath, trying to shake the sadness as you walk toward your car. But the feeling lingers, heavy and unshakable. Thereâs no magic to fix this. Thereâs no spell that can bring back what youâve lost. You tell yourself itâs what had to be done, but it doesnât make it hurt any less.
For the first time, the thought crosses your mindâwas it really worth it?
You close your eyes, letting the wind brush over your face, and whisper to yourself one last time: "With fire in my veins and steel in my spine, today the world bends, and all power is mine."
This is only the beginning, you remind yourself. There will be more people like Hyunjin, more obstacles, more power to chase. You glance at your hands, no longer tingling with the hum of magic, but steady with a new kind of strength.
For now, youâll rely on yourself. And soon, when the time is right, the world will bend again.
-
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Best Vendor Negotiation Services 2023 (MA) | BusinessCost.net
Find our "Local Vendor Negotiation Services Company near you in Marlborough Massachusetts".
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Understanding Business Objectives In The Chaos Of Corporate Layoffs
News of layoffs from the Silicon Valley heavyweights and the startup world are grabbing headlines and eyeballs each day now. Professional social media platform LinkedIn is inundated with posts from laid off employees expressing anguish at the way they were locked out of company premises and office computer networks abruptly. There are several reasons for what has been happening but it would beâŚ
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#Amazon#Business strategy#cost reduction#cost to company (CTC)#COVID-19#Google#layoffs#Meta#PESTEL#profit#revenue#startups
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Energy Efficient Living Can Protect the Environment and Budget
Adopting sustainable and ecologically friendly practices is crucial in a world that is changing quickly. Industries, which are important engines of economic growth and development, are under increasing pressure to adopt greener practices that not only lessen their impact on the environment but also improve their financial performance.
In helping businesses achieve both environmental sustainability and financial savings, energy efficiency plays a pivotal role. The industrial sector has a huge potential for major energy and carbon footprint reduction through the adoption of energy-efficient techniques and technology. The industrial sector is a large contributor to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this article, we'll examine how energy efficiency increases industrial profitability while preserving the environment. The Power of Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency has become a key strategy in our quest for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Improved energy production, delivery, and consumption will enable us to significantly reduce our environmental impact while receiving a number of benefits. Numerous advantages of energy efficiency include financial savings on energy, increased comfort, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
The future becomes a little bit brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable with each modest step taken in the direction of energy efficiency, whether it be through the use of energy-efficient appliances, the implementation of bright architectural designs, or the development of mindful energy consumption habits.
Exploiting Energy Efficiency's Potential in the Industrial Landscape Energy use is a crucial component that influences operational costs and environmental effect in the fast-paced industrial world. Fortunately, there are abundant energy-saving opportunities for industrial enterprises to explore. Industries may significantly increase their ability to save energy by introducing cutting-edge technology and procedures as well as conducting thorough energy audits to find inefficiencies.
A few of the techniques include retrofitting equipment with energy-efficient replacements, streamlining production schedules, and putting in place sophisticated energy management systems. Industries may improve their bottom line by taking advantage of these energy-saving options while A manufacturing environment that prioritizes energy efficiency gains lower costs, improved competitiveness, and increased sustainability.
The time has come for industries to utilize energy-saving measures and pave the way for a more successful and sustainable future. Optimizing Energy Consumption Patterns in Industries: For industries striving towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness, understanding and optimizing energy consumption patterns is crucial. Analysing and monitoring their energy usage allows industrial companies to identify inefficiencies and implement targeted improvement initiatives. Keeping an eye on peak energy demand, identifying energy-intensive processes, and exploring prospects for load-shifting or demand-response programs are essential steps in effectively managing energy consumption. Combining smart meters, sensors, and energy management systems can also provide up-to-the-minute insights into energy usage trends, assisting proactive resource allocation and decision-making.
With a strong focus on energy consumption patterns, industrial sectors may unlock hidden energy efficiency possibilities, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line.
By actively regulating their energy consumption, industries can make substantial progress toward attaining their sustainability goals while reducing waste and lowering operating costs. Powering Profits through Energy Efficiency: Enhancing financial performance and sustainability is a top priority for industrial enterprises seeking energy cost reduction. Finding strategies to reduce energy costs can result in large savings because they account for a sizable number of operational expenditures.
By utilizing energy-saving technology such as high-efficiency motors, variable frequency drives, and LED lights, productivity can be maintained or increased while drastically lowering energy usage.
Furthermore, doing energy audits to locate energy wasters and implementing energy management systems can offer insightful information and enable proactive actions to improve energy usage. By proactively controlling energy costs, businesses may improve their bottom line, reduce their carbon footprint, and make a positive impact on the future.
Cutting energy expenses in an industrial context is not only a prudent financial move but also a crucial step toward sustainable business practices.
Conclusion:
Industries can reduce their environmental impact and boost their financial performance by adopting energy-saving options and optimizing energy consumption habits The road to a greener planet and a healthier bottom line is paved with each step made toward energy efficiency in the industrial setting, from utilizing cutting-edge technologies to adopting sensible practices. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining natural resources, and combating climate change, industries are crucial to preserving the planet for coming generations.
Also Read This: Energy Efficiency: Conservation, Sustainability.
Energy-efficient methods also increase competitiveness in a market that is growing more environmentally conscious, attract green investments, and open up opportunities for sustainable growth. Let's move forward and utilize the available energy-saving measures to fully realize the potential of energy efficiency. By doing this, we contribute to the development of a more robust, competitive, and profitable industrial landscape as well as the preservation of the environment for future generations.
Read more: https://zenithenergy.com/how-energy-efficient-living-can-protect-the-environment-and-your-budget/
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I went down the internet rabbit hole trying to figure out wtf vegan cheese is made of and I found articles like this one speaking praises of new food tech startups creating vegan alternatives to cheese that Actually work like cheese in cooking so I was like huh that's neat and I looked up more stuff about 'precision fermentation' and. This is not good.
Basically these new biotech companies are pressuring governments to let them build a ton of new factories and pushing for governments to pay for them or to provide tax breaks and subsidies, and the factories are gonna cost hundreds of millions of dollars and require energy sources. Like, these things will have to be expensive and HUGE
I feel like I've just uncovered the tip of the "lab grown meat" iceberg. There are a bajillion of these companies (the one mentioned in the first article a $750 MILLION tech startup) that are trying to create "animal-free" animal products using biotech and want to build large factories to do it on a large scale
I'm trying to use google to find out about the energy requirements of such facilities and everything is really vague and hand-wavey about it like this article that's like "weeeeeell electricity can be produced using renewables" but it does take a lot of electricity, sugars, and human labor. Most of the claims about its sustainability appear to assume that we switch over to renewable electricity sources and/or use processes that don't fully exist yet.
I finally tracked down the source of some of the more radical claims about precision fermentation, and it comes from a think tank RethinkX that released a report claiming that the livestock industry will collapse by 2030, and be replaced by a system they're calling...
Food-as-Software, in which individual molecules engineered by scientists are uploaded to databases â molecular cookbooks that food engineers anywhere in the world can use to design products in the same way that software developers design apps.
I'm finding it hard to be excited about this for some odd reason
Where's the evidence for lower environmental impacts. That's literally what we're here for.
There will be an increase in the amount of electricity used in the new food system as the production facilities that underpin it rely on electricity to operate.
well that doesn't sound good.
This will, however, be offset by reductions in energy use elsewhere along the value chain. For example, since modern meat and dairy products will be produced in a sterile environment where the risk of contamination by pathogens is low, the need for refrigeration in storage and retail will decrease significantly.
Oh, so it will be better for the Earth because...we won't need to refrigerate. ????????
Oh Lord Jesus give me some numerical values.
Modern foods will be about 10 times more efficient than a cow at converting feed into end products because a cow needs energy via feed to maintain and build its body over time. Less feed consumed means less land required to grow it, which means less water is used and less waste is produced. The savings are dramatic â more than 10-25 times less feedstock, 10 times less water, five times less energy and 100 times less land.
There is nothing else in this report that I can find that provides evidence for a lower carbon footprint. Supposedly, an egg white protein produced through a similar process has been found to reduce environmental impacts, but mostly everything seems very speculative.
And crucially none of these estimations are taking into account the enormous cost and resource investment of constructing large factories that use this technology in the first place (existing use is mostly for pharmaceutical purposes)
It seems like there are more tech startups attempting to use this technology to create food than individual scientific papers investigating whether it's a good idea. Seriously, Google Scholar and JSTOR have almost nothing. The tech of the sort that RethinkX is describing barely exists.
Apparently Liberation Labs is planning to build the first large-scale precision fermentation facility in Richmond, Indiana come 2024 because of the presence of "a workforce experienced in manufacturing"
And I just looked up Richmond, Indiana and apparently, as of RIGHT NOW, the town is in the aftermath of a huge fire at a plastics recycling plant and is full of toxic debris containing asbestos and the air is full of toxic VOCs and hydrogen cyanide. ???????????? So that's how having a robust industrial sector is working out for them so far.
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A big cost and concern for many seniors in the U.S. is the price of prescription drugs and other healthcare expensesâand this year, thanks to The Inflation Reduction Act, their costs may go down dramatically, especially for patients fighting cancer or heart disease.
I learned about the new benefits because my âMedicare birthdayâ is coming up in a couple months when I turn 65. I was shocked that there were so many positive changes being made, which I never heard about on the news.
Thousands of Americans on Medicare have been paying more than $14,000 a year for blood cancer drugs, more than $10,000 a year for ovarian cancer drugs, and more than $9,000 a year for breast cancer drugs, for instance.
That all changed beginning in 2023, after the Biden administration capped out-of-pocket prescriptions at $3,500âno matter what drugs were needed. And this year, in 2024, the cap for all Medicare out-of-pocket prescriptions went down to a maximum of $2,000.
âThe American people won, and Big Pharma lost,â said President Biden in September 2022, after the legislation passed. âItâs going to be a godsend to many families.â
Another crucial medical necessity, the shingles vaccine, which many seniors skip because of the cost, is now free. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters, that can be followed by chronic pain, and other complications, for which there is no cure
In 2022, more than 2 million seniors paid between $100 and $200 for that vaccine, but starting last year, Medicare prescription drug plans dropped the cost for shots down to zero.
Another victory for consumers over Big Pharma affects anyone of any age who struggles with diabetes. The cost of life-saving insulin was capped at $35 a month [for people on Medicare].
Medicare is also lowering the costs of the premium for Part Bâwhich covers outpatient visits to your doctors. 15 million Americans will save an average of $800 per year on health insurance costs, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Last year, for the first time in history, Medicare began using the leverage power of its large patient pool to negotiate fair prices for drugs. Medicare is no longer accepting whatever drug prices that pharmaceutical companies demand.
Negotiations began on ten of the most widely used and expensive drugs.
Among the ten drugs selected for Medicare drug price negotiation were Eliquis, used by 3.7 million Americans and Jardiance and Xarelto, each used by over a million people. The ten drugs account for the highest total spending in Medicare Part D prescription plans...
How are all these cost-savings being paid for?
The government is able to pay for these benefits by making sure the biggest corporations in America are paying their fair share of federal taxes.
In 2020, for instance, dozens of American companies on the Fortune 500 list who made $40 billion in profit paid zero in federal taxes.
Starting in 2023, U.S. corporations are required to pay a minimum corporate tax of 15 percent. The Inflation Reduction Act created the CAMT, which imposed the 15% minimum tax on the adjusted financial statement income of any corporation with average income that exceeds $1 billion.
For years, Americans have decried the rising costs of health careâbut in the last three years, there are plenty of positive developments.
-via Good News Network, February 25, 2024
#united states#medicare#healthcare#healthcare access#big pharma#prescription drugs#health insurance#us politics#good news#hope#seniors#aging#healthy aging
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