one
Walking down the ghost quiet streets of Daegu dressed in the most casual black formal pants and a button up of the same color, you're thinking of a million different things. all of which start and end with the noun - money. It's not like you're not working hard, you are. You know that. But is it enough? A simple answer would be nope. Nada. Not even close. You're well aware that a decent job with a decent pay would most likely require a degree from a decent college. And admission into that college requires money. There you go, the root cause of all your problems.
For this very reason, you're standing in front of this white colored building. You rummage through your bag searching for the keys. Unlocking the door you enter the place. The aroma of caffeine immediately putting your thoughts at ease.
Changing into your uniform, you start with your usuals. You've been working in this cafe for over a year now. You didn't intend on working for this long honestly. The memory of you showing up one day as a replacement just to earn some bucks is clear as day in your head. You were supposed to be here for a day but your insanely fast learning skills didn't go unnoticed by the owner. The quick wittedness landed you a full time and your dedication gave you an additional job of closing and opening the said place. For the latter, you don't get paid. But you still do it remembering how good deeds don't go unrewarded. Not like you've been getting any rewards lately.
With the final dot on the chalkboard, you find yourself ready to face the day. Caramel Macchiato it read. Suddenly the urge to gulp down the sugary caffeine became overpowering forcing you to brew one for yourself. A displeasing look on your face as you drink in.
Yep. This is exactly why I stick to Americano. You roll your eyes questioning the likes of people. Then again not everyone's life is brown and bitter. And you get paid for this very like of theirs so you stop questioning and get back to work.
You greet your co workers and discuss the goal you've planned to reach today. The sales haven't been the best ever since a famous kpop idol was seen enjoying the meal in a cafe opposite to yours. Ofcourse that doesn't surprise you. People are more likely to show up at places visited by a celebrity. It didn't bother you much initially but the decline in the appearance of customers have started to impact your monthly pocket. So you've decided to give a free Caramel Macchiato to the customers starting today.
The bustling of the crowd giving a clear indication of your victory makes you smile in satisfaction. Ofcourse it does come at an expense but after days of being in a slumber you've finally made it out. Glancing at your watch flashing a 2:30 at you, you head to the cashier to take your turn. This is when you finally get to relax a bit. You've been on a serving duty since the past two hours and could definitely feel the diminishing sensation from your legs. Happy to finally give your legs some time to recover from all the standing you sit while giving a quick stretch to your lower limbs. The happiness, however is short lived as you catch sight of a man in his 40's clad in a business attire. He has his face covered with a mask but you'd be damned if you missed those eyes.
It was 7 pm now. Knowing that you only have 15 more minutes to call it a day makes you delighted. But that also means confronting the man in his forties. The said man is on his 5th cup of coffee and a few confectioneries. You're aware he would've gotten more if you didn't send daggers along his way. In those 5 hours of his stay, he never once mentioned you or took note of what you're upto. Atleast that's what you think. You know him being here is no coincidence and the thought of making conversations with him makes you wanna strangle yourself. It's not like you have some bad blood with him. Nope. It's just that you wished to never see him again.
"He doesn't seem to leave. We're closing in 5, how do you say fuck off nicely?" Danielle, your coworker and drinking partner whispered to you.
"You could add a please?" You said in a suggestive tone causing her to roll her eyes.
"Sir, could you please fuck off? Is that good?"
"excellent Dan. I'm sure he'll visit again." You replied nodding your head.
"Yeah but honestly though will the man even leave? he's seated there for god knows how long like sir we got other businesses too."
"He'll leave. I got this"
"Do you know him." she asks staring at you curiously
"I might? " you said winking at her
"Uhm okay. I guess i'll leave then. bye sexy." you bid your goodbyes and you sighed making your way towards the changing rooms beside the kitchen.
There wasn't any reason for you to be nervous. You hadn't done anything for you to be this anxious and yet you found yourself with sweaty palms, face turning red and confidence draining down your body. You clearly don't want to do this.
"Shoot." You said as you made your way to the table he's seated in. Your bag facing him first as you place it on the table while you take a seat opposite to him.
"Hello to you too Y/N." He chuckled trying to hide his disappointment. Poor guy just wanted you to greet him but you are well you.
The memory of you meeting him for the first time is still clear as day in your mind. He hasn't changed much you think.
You sigh. Something you've been doing alot lately. "You've been eating too much sugar. You want diabetes or what?" You raise an eyebrow as you question him.
"Are you caring about me Y/N?" ofcourse you do. You just seem to have a weird way of expressing it. He chuckles as you looked away. "I'm perfectly healthy. Are you doing good?"
"Don't I look good?" Yes yes i am would've been a decent answer. You're in a mood.
"You always have." He smiles. "How are you really doing Y/N?"
"You're not here for this so just cut to the chase alright. Whatever it is just shoot." You don't like when people move around the bush. If you needed something you'd just go up to the person and ask. no formalities whatsoever.
"I'm here to offer you a job Y/N." you turn to face him in a snap as if he said the most bizarre thing in the world. Was that a bone crackling? Oh boy that's gonna hurt.
"You've got to be kidding me."
"I'm not. I am genuinely offering you a job. Th-"
"NO. the answer is no. You offered and i declined. no."
He sighed. He knew this wouldn't be easy. Heck nothing has been. He was well aware of how stupid this whole thing was the moment he thought of it. He still did though. In his defense, well he had none. He needs you for this job.
"Y/N Liste-"
"No. We've talked about this. I don't want to. I can't."
"I know I remember it. I would never force you but I'm not left with a choice. I'm not asking you to understand me but I need you to trust me. You're the only person i have faith in for this job. And i'm willing to give you a good amount."
"Are you trying to buy me?" you almost roll your eyes at him but stop because well he shouldn't be treated this way. Not that you care but you should be nice.
"I'm going to pay you for your hard work. I know how difficult this is for you but you can't avoid this forever right? You have your whole future ahead. Does it make sense for you to keep working here when you can work with me and make twice as much?" It doesn't. For any rational being ofcourse it doesn't.
It doesn't make sense even to you for you are infact rational. Working with him would come up with a lot of benefits. You're thinking less exhaustion more cash. You wouldn't have to walk in this chilled weather at 6 am everyday to be paid nothing. You'll have a car obviously. He will take care of you. You know that. But the thought of stepping inside the building again clicks open a box of memories that you had buried deep inside your mind. At first you're thinking of all the good times. The simpler times when money was the least of your worries. The happier times. The scene changes quickly in your head and you feel chills running down your spine at the thought of what follows. It's haunting. You close your eyes trying to get a better grip on your emotions. And you do. You take a deep breath and open your eyes and your fist which you subconsciously close when you're anxious. You look at your palms. The red marks staring back at you. maybe you should cut your nails.
"I don't think i'll be able to. You're only offering me this because you pity me. There's nothing I can do you know I'm still a student I-"
"I'm offering it to you because you're capable. As I said, I trust you."
"You've not learned your lesson. You shouldn't trust people that easily." you say. bitterness evident in your tone.
"I don't regret trusting the people that i did Y/N. I wanna hire you because I know you're fit for the job and I know you'll do good. That being said I can't make you do something against your will." He sighs. "I hope you live well."
He stood up finally after 5 hours and looked through his pockets. He then placed some cash on the table "Thankyou for the food." He smiled and patted your head.
You close your eyes once again. Maybe this is the reward for all the hardships. you think. You're aware this could be disastrous considering you're not very strong mentally no matter how much you try which is okay. But the rational part of your mind gives you the courage to utter these words.
"PDnim." you call out.
He turns almost immediately. "hm?"
"Count me in." You close your fists nails digging into your skin as you smile.
He smiles back.
*****
Hey y'all. This is my first book on inkitt. This book is also available on wattpad where I primarily upload. So check it out if you want to! It goes by the same name partypartyyeah22z Happy reading!
