Chapter 14: What Are You Doing Here?
TL: looloo
Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat
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Monday.
Jung Yoonsung informed the teacher that they would be skipping this week's night study session.
While night studies were mandatory at our school, there was a degree of flexibility, allowing students to opt out for valid reasons. Given that Yoonsung had taken exemptions quite frequently and I had assisted him a few times before, the teacher allowed it without much fuss.
At home, there was no fuss either, mainly because they generally had a laid-back approach.
Up until our journey to the snack bar, our spirits remained high. We thought, “We’ve done this before, and it's only a few hours, from 5 pm to 10 pm.”
However, our cheerfulness faded in less than two hours.
"Can you clear this up?"
"Yes!! Right away!"
"When will our tteokbokki be ready?"
"I'm sorry! It'll be out shortly!"
"We'd like to settle the bill."
"Just a moment!"
"Hey, Yeonie! Take care of the bill!"
"Got it!"
It was as hectic as we had anticipated. But having not experienced it for two months, perhaps our memories had glossed over just how tiring it was.
It was incredibly challenging, even more so than we remembered.
The influx of customers was relentless, and both Yoonsung and I were on our feet the entire time. Still, being with a friend made it somewhat bearable. We'd exchange brief, commiserative glances, silently saying, "Damn, it's crazy busy!" It would have been much harder had I been with a stranger.
A memory kept me going: the kiss on the cheek from Heena yesterday.
[Heena: Good luck helping your friend! It's surprising that the snack bar is so busy. What's its name? I'll look it up!]
[Heena: Oh, it's pretty famous, huh?]
[Heena: I really miss you, but I'll hold on T-T Do you miss me too?]
[Heena: Hehe, I like you too! Stay strong!]
Today, the only encouragement I received came from Heena's messages.
"Sigh, let's keep pushing through."
I tried to motivate myself quietly.
"Yeonie! We need more plates!"
"I'm on it!"
Damn, I should've just gone to see Heena.
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Raei Translations
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Tuesday.
Only the second day in.
The walk to that place after school feels so heavy, like I'm heading to a battlefield. Actually, it is a battlefield.
However, memories of the work I'd done before are starting to come back. Today, I felt I could handle things slightly better than yesterday. Due to the gap since I last worked, I occasionally fumbled tasks like handling money, and there were times I had to lean on Jung Yoonsung for assistance. Thankfully, I found out today that there were no discrepancies in yesterday's cash count.
If I can find a bit more finesse in handling tasks, I'm hoping today will be at least a little bit smoother. I tried to boost my spirits with that thought, but even Yoonsung, who should be more accustomed to the work than I am, looked tired.
"The shop seems to be doing better than before?"
"Yeah... Business is booming. My mom is truly remarkable."
"I see... Congratulations."
"Thanks... Look forward to the part-time pay."
That thought alone gives me strength.
I need to earn well so I can treat Heena to something tasty.
[Heena: Keep it up today!]
Let's push through...
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Raei Translations
---
Time flew by, and before I knew it, it was already Thursday after Wednesday.
I sluggishly cleaned up the dishes, feeling like a lifeless body.
"Thank you, have a good day."
Even my voice, bidding the customers farewell, lacked energy. I felt drained. The only thing keeping me going was the thought of clocking out soon.
"Han Yeonho, I'm taking out the trash."
"Alright."
Around 9 in the evening. Although many customers were still seated, few new ones came in. Most were either chatting or getting ready to leave.
In the brief moment Jung Yoonsung left his seat, I hurriedly cleared the dishes and wiped down the empty spots.
I then assisted departing customers with their bills, cleaned up more dishes, and wiped down more tables.
I collected the dishes that were done in the kitchen, refilled everything.
I even picked up any food or trash from the floor, but it felt as if I was the only one left in the hall.
Where is Jung Yoonsung? Surely he isn't slacking off while I'm working this hard?
Just as doubt began to creep into my mind, the door opened, and in he walked. If he was in the restroom, fine. But if not, I was ready to confront him. As I stared him down, he returned my gaze with an equally annoyed expression.
"Why that face after coming in late? Don’t tell me you took a break on your own?"
"Hey, outside…"
"What about outside?"
"Never mind."
"What do you mean 'never mind'? Did you just slack off?"
There were customers around, and being too loud might alert the kitchen staff, so I held back my frustration.
As I stepped forward, ready to grab him, Jung Yoonsung unexpectedly grabbed my collar first.
"Stop fussing over everything, geez..."
"What's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
His gritted teeth and tone were clearly threatening. It felt like he'd snap if I said another word.
I couldn't believe I was feeling threatened by this short-haired guy.
Without answering, he silently got to work.
What's his deal? I had a hunch he might be faking his anger to cover up some slack, but without proof, I couldn't press further. There was a genuine sense of annoyance in his demeanor too.
Regardless, I thought to myself that he must be tired as well and decided to be understanding.
While I get to head straight home when we close at 10, he has to stay back and prepare ingredients, which is understandably taxing.
Regardless, we managed to get through today. Tomorrow is the last day, just a bit more to push through.
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Raei Translations
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The long-awaited Friday.
No matter how busy the snack bar was, the pay was good. With a college nearby, as soon as a job ad was posted, applicants would quickly flood in. Thanks to this, they planned to conduct interviews over the weekend, choose someone, and have them start working by Monday. Today was truly the last day.
Perhaps because of that, I felt more energized than yesterday. Yoonsung mentioned that Fridays usually had fewer customers compared to the weekdays, which was also a boost to my spirit.
Most college students seek out alcohol over snacks, and younger school kids tend to either go to gaming arcades or just stay at home as the weekend approaches. They don't usually come in for tteokbokki.
Weekends are generally quiet for the same reason.
"Yeonho~ Have some of this~"
"Oh, thank you!"
Because of the lull, the lady occasionally served me some fried snacks.
"Phew, what would I have done without you?"
"You're telling me."
It's essential to remain humble in life, but this time around, there was no need. The lady would undoubtedly understand my hard work more than anyone else.
Now, she's an expert in job interviews...
"Yeonho, I wish you could work for us permanently. It's so tiring to find new people every time."
"I do like this place and you, but I can't..."
"Oh well, if you ever want a job after graduating, just let me know."
"Okay."
We seem to have this conversation every time I help out. But to be honest, I can manage a few days, but I'm not sure if I could do this every week.
"Hey, what are you eating?"
"Fried squid."
"Is it good?" 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝓮𝓌𝑒𝒷𝘯ℴ𝑣𝓮𝓁.𝒸ℴ𝘮
"Super good."
Chatting while standing at the counter. This is what part-time work feels like. What I was doing up until yesterday was basically hard labor.
Even though it was a Friday, the shop was unusually empty. From the owner's perspective, this would usually be a concern. Still, whether it's Yoonsung, the lady, or the kitchen staff, everyone seemed relieved to have a break, joking about the emptiness.
I also casually snacked on some fried goodies.
Time moved slowly in this relaxed environment, which was still better than being busy.
Three hours after starting, it was now 8 PM.
After cleaning up a table left by a previous customer, Yoonsung approached me at the counter.
"Hey, thanks for all your hard work."
"Yeah, it was quite the day."
"It looks like we won't have many customers tonight. You can leave early. I've told my mom."
"Oh, really? I can leave?"
"The place is empty. Why stay?"
There were still about three groups left, but it seemed unnecessary for me to remain.
"Should I transfer your wages to your bank account?"
"That'd be great. Do you have my account number?"
"Yeah, my mom probably has it. She did the same thing last time."
"Alright~ Should I change clothes then?"
"Change your clothes, but don't leave through the front door. You know about our back door, right? Exit from there."
"Why?"
"Just do it. Once outside, turn left and pass the convenience store. Then, approach the shop from that direction."
"What's this all about?"
"Just go, damn it."
"Why are you cursing at me?"
"Just go before I beat you up."
With that, he pushed me away from the counter.
Baffled by the incomprehensible comment, I was nonetheless comforted by the thought of leaving work early and quickly changed my attire.
Returning the apron, I greeted the elderly lady. Without understanding why, I followed Jung Yoonsung's instruction and headed out the back door.
"Turn left towards the convenience store alleyway? Is that it?"
If this was some pointless errand, I resolved to return and confront him. With that thought, I walked slowly down the alley.
After a short stroll, just around another twist would lead back to the snack bar. At the end of this winding path, I noticed someone standing.
Due to my not-so-great vision, I squinted for clarity. As I approached, a familiar face gradually came into view.
Intently staring towards the snack bar.
As I drew closer, the figure's back became more distinct, prompting a quiet chuckle.
A whirlwind of feelings engulfed me: surprise, confusion, joy, and affection.
Soon enough, I reached right behind 'her' and gently laid my hand on her shoulder.
"What are you doing here?"
"─Eek!!!!!"
In a flash!
With a high-pitched scream, unlike any I've heard from her before, she rapidly turned around, exclaiming,
"Huh? Yeonho? Why are you here...?"
"That's my question..."
I saw Heena's utterly startled face.
Author's Note:
Someone asked about Heena's measurements. I hadn’t detailed them, but imagine her as a slender type, approximately 161cm/ 44kg / 31-22-33.
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