Cash Card

Kim Donghyun, a young adult, 172 cm lean but not muscular, has an ordinary Korean look with a natural black two-block haircut. If you don’t pay attention, you might not even notice he is in the room.

Each day starts with his alarm blaring at 6:30 AM in his small, cluttered apartment. The apartment is a modest one-bedroom space with plain white walls. A small, neatly made bed with a single pillow and a thin blanket sits on the floor. A quarter of the room is dedicated to a kitchen corner with a medium-sized espresso machine and other small espresso tools. Another half of the space is occupied by a table with a chair, neatly arranged with a cactus and small books.

Donghyun groggily gets out of bed and heads to the bathroom. One of his peculiar habits is using a pair of small scissors to cut his front hairline exactly above his eyebrows every day, ensuring his bangs are always perfectly straight. This meticulous grooming routine is one of the few things he feels he has control over in his life.

After trimming his hair, he dresses in one of his five cheap white shirts and black trousers. He grabs his worn backpack and heads out the door, catching the 7:30 bus to work.

By 8:15, he is at his desk, opening his computer before walking to the coffee corner. The smell of fresh coffee always helps him feel a bit more grounded, especially when the routine feels like it’s the only thing keeping him together.

Donghyun cleans the portafilter and basket of the small, cheap espresso machine with tissue paper, knowing that someone else might have used it without cleaning it. He turns on the machine to warm it up, then takes a coffee bean bag from his backpack, selecting a blend he personally curated for its rich aroma and smooth taste. He opens the bag and inhales deeply, savoring the fragrance of beans roasted just two weeks ago. He pours the beans into the company’s cheap burr grinder, adjusting it to a fine but not extra-fine grind size to ensure the perfect texture for espresso.

He fits the freshly ground coffee into the portafilter, takes a coffee tamper from his bag, and taps and levels it with precision. With a practiced motion, he tamps the coffee evenly, applying just the right amount of pressure twice. He rinses the machine head to clean off any old coffee residue, then places the portafilter into the head. He warms up two cups with hot water, places one under the portafilter, and presses the start button. The machine vibrates softly, and he watches as the creamy brown liquid flows into the cup with a perfect, steady stream, forming a thick, golden crema on top.

Donghyun then takes a box of milk from the refrigerator and pours it into a stainless steel pitcher. He steams the milk with the small steam wand, grateful that he convinced Mr. Lee to buy this cheap but functional machine with a steam wand. He swirls the pitcher to create a smooth, velvety microfoam. With steady hands, he pours the milk into the espresso, creating a pattern with his latte art.

He handles the entire process with ease and confidence, taking about 15 minutes to finish.

Jun Jisoo, 170 cm tall and slender with a Brazilian Brown Hershey cut, walks into the coffee corner. Her hair, a rich chocolate brown, falls in soft waves around her face, perfectly framing her smooth, porcelain skin. Her eyes, bright and expressive, seem to light up the room as she enters. Her energetic aura and bright smile make her appear even younger than she is, exuding a warmth that draws people to her. Donghyun can’t take his eyes off her, captivated by her presence.

As Jisoo approaches him, she smiles, a gesture that feels like a ray of sunshine breaking through a cloudy day.

“Good morning, Barista!” Jisoo greets, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness.

“Morning, Jisoo,” Donghyun replies, handing her the latte. His voice is steady, but inside, he feels a rush of nerves. “One latte with a spoonful of sugar, just the way you like it.”

As Jisoo’s fingers brush against his while taking the cup, Donghyun feels a blush creeping up his cheeks. The brief contact sends a pleasant shiver down his spine, and he tries to steady his hand, hoping she doesn’t notice his reaction.

“You always make the best coffee, Donghyun. Thanks!” Jisoo says with a radiant smile, her eyes meeting his. Her genuine appreciation makes his heart skip a beat.

“Oh, wait, what does this foam look like? A rabbit?” Jisoo asks, looking at the latte’s foam with a curious smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Uh... it’s a tulip. I’ve been practicing latte art.” Donghyun looks down slightly, feeling nervous and a bit self-conscious about his work.

“Wow, you’re becoming a real barista! Practice makes perfect. Thanks again, Donghyun.” Jisoo smiles warmly and walks back to her desk, her presence leaving a lingering warmth.

Donghyun’s cheeks flush slightly. “I enjoy it,” he mumbles with a small smile, his voice too low for Jisoo to hear. He watches her walk away, feeling a mix of pride and bashfulness.

Someone else walks up to the coffee machine. His friend Park Pa-joon, 168 cm, also unremarkable like Donghyun, a moderately chubby guy with a trendy brown permed crop with a high fade, approaches with a slouching posture. He takes his Americano, grumbling, “Why no mocha, Donghyun? You know I prefer it.” Pa-joon raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms, tapping his foot impatiently.

“Mocha takes too long,” Donghyun replies, shrugging slightly, his tone flat.

Pa-joon leans in closer, his voice growing louder. “Hey, last night we almost cleared that challenging stage if you hadn’t missed the last objective.” His eyebrows nearly crash together in frustration, and he gestures animatedly with his hands.

“Yeah, my bad. I need to get back to work,” Donghyun replies, his expression tightening with mild annoyance. He gives a quick, dismissive nod and turns away, walking briskly back to his cubicle, ignoring his friend’s continued complaints.

Donghyun sits at his desk, glancing around to make sure no one is watching. He opens a drawer and takes out a small bag of chocolate powder, carefully adding it to his latte. He stirs it quietly, savoring the sweet aroma that mixes with the coffee.

After lunch, Donghyun finds himself unable to concentrate. He steals glances at Jisoo over his cubicle walls, watching her laugh with colleagues or focus intently on her tasks. Her laughter is like a melody, drawing his attention despite his best efforts to stay focused.

Suddenly, he feels a sharp slap on the back of his head, making him wince. “Focus, Donghyun!” Mr. Lee snaps, his voice sharp and impatient. It feels like a ball hitting his skull. “We have deadlines to meet.”

“Sorry, Mr. Lee,” Donghyun mutters, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He quickly returns to his work, typing furiously to make up for lost time.

Mr. Lee leans in, his face inches from Donghyun’s. “Today the work must FINISH! Understand?” he demands, his eyes narrowing with fury.

“Yes, Mr. Lee...” Donghyun mutters lowly, feeling the weight of his manager’s anger. He keeps his head down, determined to avoid further confrontation, and focuses intensely on his screen, blocking out everything else.

At 9 PM, after working overtime, Donghyun sits at the smoking-free bus stop under a yellow roof in urban Korea. The rain pours heavily, creating a rhythmic drumming on the roof above. The bus stop, illuminated by dim streetlights, feels like a small island of refuge in the storm. The surrounding cityscape is a blur of neon lights and wet pavement, the usual hustle and bustle muted by the relentless downpour.

Donghyun huddles under the shelter, the rain soaking the streets around him. As he waits, he notices an unusual figure approaching through the downpour—a man, nearly 200 cm tall, with a thin frame and long, swinging arms. The man’s high-end steel-blue suit and matching top hat are strikingly out of place in the heavy rain, and he carries a sleek midnight-black umbrella and a raven-black leather suitcase. Each step he takes makes his arms swing like a pendulum from a tall tower, adding an eerie rhythm to his approach.

The man sits next to Donghyun, and the proximity makes him uneasy. The stranger turns, his lips curling into a peculiar smile, revealing yellow teeth. Donghyun finally sees his clear face: a long chin that makes his prominent cheekbones look even higher. His eyes are deep-set in their sockets, surrounded by gray eyelids that contrast starkly with his pale face, giving him a haunting appearance. On the dark, rainy night, the man’s features look especially scary, sending a shiver down Donghyun’s spine.

“Namjinhan Nalssa,” he says smoothly, his voice almost a whisper against the rain’s backdrop. “I’m a financial advisor. Need any advice?”

Donghyun, cautious of his strange appearance, shakes his head. “No, thank you,” he replies, trying to mask his discomfort.

Nalssa doesn’t insist. Instead, he pulls a cigarette from his pocket. “Bad weather, isn’t it?” he remarks, lighting his own cigarette. The scent of tobacco mixes with the fresh smell of rain, adding an unsettling element to the scene. The tall man, with his head nearly hitting the roof, offers Donghyun one dry cigarette.

Donghyun reluctantly shakes his head and raises his palm in a “no, thanks” sign.

“One cigarette won’t kill you today,” Nalssa says, blinking his right eye and smiling while taking a deep inhale of the smoke.

“Umm, OK,” Donghyun simply responds, his face confused. He takes the cigarette and pulls a lighter from his shirt pocket to light it, not sure what is going on.

“You think I’m a scammer?” the strange guy asks, blowing smoke into Donghyun’s face.

“Uh... I’m not sure,” Donghyun replies, looking markedly nervous and staring at the floor.

“That’s clever. Better to be safe than sorry. You’re a smart guy.” The man smiles, a glint of amusement in his eyes, and looks up at the rainy sky. The rain continues to pour down, creating a shimmering curtain of water around them. “Don’t worry. I’m an honest man. If you ever have difficulty, come to this bus stop on a rainy night.” He smiles at Donghyun again and flicks the cigarette onto the wet street, where it sizzles out in the puddle.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” The strange guy’s smile widens even further, stretching unnaturally across his face. With a sudden, almost eerie fluidity, he stands and walks into the darkness of the rain with his umbrella, his blue suit light among the rain, making it strangely dry. His tall frame quickly blends into the shadows.

Donghyun stands frozen at the bus stop, his mind racing. Who is that guy? Why did he talk to me? Is he a ghost? Am I cursed? Many questions pop into Donghyun’s head, each one more unsettling than the last. It feels like an eternity until the bus arrives; the minutes drag on as the rain pounds relentlessly on the yellow roof.

When the bus finally pulls up, Donghyun nearly runs to the nearest seat, his heart pounding. He tries to make himself as small as possible, huddling into his jacket and sneaking anxious glances out the window, half-expecting to see the strange man’s silhouette in the rain. He remains tense and alert until he finally arrives at his apartment, the familiar surroundings doing little to calm his nerves.

The next day, the same loud alarm wakes Donghyun at 6:30 AM. He struggles to get up, having barely slept all night, haunted by the strange encounter at the bus stop. He is unfamiliar with unexpected events, but his routine of showering and wearing the same uniform—a white shirt and black trousers—makes him feel more comfortable. The monotonous ritual is his solace, a small island of predictability in an otherwise chaotic world.

At the office, he rushes to the coffee machine. The rich aroma of freshly ground beans and the familiar hum of the espresso machine soothe his nerves. Somehow, the coffee smell makes him calm, and he knows that Jisoo’s presence will make it even better. He smiles a little while making the latte coffee, carefully crafting the foam into a tulip design, hoping to impress her.

“Hey dude, why weren’t you online last night?” a familiar voice suddenly wipes the smile off Donghyun’s face. Yes, It’s Pa-joon, his co-op gaming buddy, co-worker, and maybe co-annoyer approaching with his usual carefree demeanor.

“I had a headache,” Donghyun responds in a dead voice, his mind still foggy from lack of sleep and lingering unease.

“I did a solo campaign. It was a bit boring, so I went to sleep early. How about a mocha today?” Pa-joon smiles at him, like a child wanting a toy, his eyes wide with anticipation.

“It’s Americano or nothing,” Donghyun replies, his voice sounding even more lifeless than before. He slowly looks around for Jisoo. Why isn’t she here? It’s 8:45, and she is never late for her favorite latte. Today, he made a nearly perfect tulip pattern to show her. Where is she?

“Hey, Mr. Lee has an announcement, quick before he slaps your head again!” Pa-joon quickly moves his chubby body and leaves the hot Americano near the coffee machine.

What happened? Mr. Lee never arrives before 9:00. It’s 8:50; there must be something urgent or an emergency. Donghyun doesn’t hope for good news.

“Come here, all of you!” Mr. Lee shouts with his loud, confident voice that everybody on the floor can easily hear. He stands in front of his desk, which is open and overlooks every cubicle. In front of him are all ten employees on the floor who came in early today. His posture is rigid, his hands gripping the edges of the desk as he glares at everyone.

“It’s nearly Christmas, and we need our product to arrive at the customer’s storage next month.”

It’s nearly impossible, Donghyun thinks. The products, despite being cheap doll imports from China, need customs clearance, a logistics contract, quality checks, packaging, and distribution coordination. It’s three times more orders than last year because one popular singer took a selfie with the doll on Instagram, and Mr. Lee hasn’t hired more sales workers. Donghyun feels a pang of sadness for Jisoo, having to work under this unrealistic and chaotic manager.

Mr. Lee continues, his eyes scanning the room as he speaks. “We need other employees from different departments to help with this big profit for our company. Do you want Christmas gifts? Christmas bonuses?”

No one dares to speak their mind, including Donghyun. He shifts uncomfortably, glancing at his colleagues, who are all avoiding eye contact. Everyone knows that opposing Mr. Lee is like lying on a train track with an incoming train.

“That could benefit our company, Mr. Lee,” Jisoo says, stepping forward slightly. She tries to smile at Mr. Lee and keep her voice steady, though her hands are clenched tightly by her sides. “But other employees may not know how the sales department works and may need more time than that.” She forces a broader smile, but it looks strained and uncomfortable.

“Oh, my dear Jisoo,” Mr. Lee says, smiling back at her with a condescending air. “That’s a good point. SO ALL OF YOU, teach them and work overtime to make it happen. Do you want our customers to be disappointed and leave us for our rivals?”

The room is silent, the weight of Mr. Lee’s words pressing down on everyone. Donghyun swallows hard, knowing the next few weeks are going to be grueling.

After three days of learning how the sales department works, working overtime, and getting very little sleep, Donghyun feels like a walking zombie. His eyes are bloodshot, his movements sluggish, and his usually tidy appearance is disheveled. Dark circles have formed under his eyes, and his skin has taken on a pale, almost sickly hue. His mind is constantly foggy, making it difficult to focus on even the simplest tasks.

Donghyun’s day no longer begins with the ritual of crafting a perfect latte for Jisoo. Instead, he relies on instant coffee to jolt him awake, the bitter taste doing little to improve his mood. His diet has deteriorated as well, with instant noodles becoming his primary source of sustenance. He no longer takes the time to enjoy meals, simply scarfing down food between tasks to keep his energy levels from completely plummeting.

At the office, the atmosphere is tense and hurried. Everyone is scrambling to meet the unrealistic deadlines set by Mr. Lee. The once-familiar buzz of the espresso machine has been replaced by the incessant ringing of phones and the frantic clicking of keyboards. The sales department has become a war zone, with stacks of paperwork and hurried meetings dominating the landscape.

Donghyun stares blankly at his computer screen, the words blurring together. He rubs his temples, trying to stave off the headache that has been building for hours. He glances around the office, seeing similar expressions of exhaustion and frustration on the faces of his colleagues.

Despite the overwhelming workload, Jisoo continues to be a beacon of hope for Donghyun. She moves through the office with calm determination, offering words of encouragement to everyone she passes. Her bright smile and positive energy seem to cut through the oppressive atmosphere, providing a glimmer of light on the otherwise dark days.

At 6 PM, During a rare break, Jisoo approaches Donghyun’s desk. She places a small, wrapped chocolate bar next to his keyboard and gives him a reassuring smile.

“Hang in there, Donghyun,” she says softly. “Chocolate can save the day, you know?”

Donghyun looks up at her, her smile brighter despite her not even trying to do more. The weight of his exhaustion momentarily lifts. “Thanks, Jisoo. Actually, I really like chocolate.”

She pats his shoulder gently. “Just remember to take care of yourself, okay?”

Her words bring a small spark of motivation to Donghyun’s weary heart. He unwraps the chocolate and takes a bite, savoring the sweet taste, it’s like a best chocolate in the world. “There are still good things in the world,” he thinks with tears commutate in his eyes. Then, he carefully packed the chocolate bar in a plastic box and put it back in his bag. He cannot stop smiling by himself.

At 9 PM, as they work late yet again, Donghyun and Jisoo find themselves alone in the office. The usual hustle and bustle have died down, leaving a quiet stillness in its wake. Donghyun takes a deep breath and looks over at Jisoo, who is typing away at her computer with a focused expression.

“Jisoo, can I ask you something?” Donghyun says, breaking the silence.

“Sure, Donghyun, anything is better than this endless paperwork,” she replies, pausing and turning to him, her eyes softening.

Donghyun avoids her eye contact and speaks lowly, “How do you stay so positive? I feel like I’m barely hanging on.”

Jisoo looks a little surprised, maybe not expecting this kind of question from Donghyun. “I won’t lie, Donghyun. It’s not easy. But when I’m feeling blue, I look at others and see that they might be feeling even worse. So, I try to make them smile, and that, in turn, makes me smile.” Jisoo smiles warmly at him.

Donghyun feels a warmth spread through his chest. “You really are something special, Jisoo,” he says naturally, without needing to think.

She blushes slightly and looks away at her computer screen. “We’re all in this together, Donghyun. And we’ll get through it together.” Her eyes widen, and she looks unusually focused in the face of the endless paperwork.

Her words echo in Donghyun’s mind as he returns to his work. He feels a renewed sense of determination, fueled by the knowledge that he is not alone in this struggle. Jisoo’s encouragement becomes his guiding light, helping him navigate the seemingly endless tunnel of work and exhaustion.

“Good evening, Jisoo. Working alone today? You are a remarkable and dedicated worker for our company!” Mr. Lee suddenly approaches Jisoo from behind, not even noticing Donghyun in the nearby cubicle. Jisoo turns to Mr. Lee with a slight surprise mixed with a frightening look.

“We are such hard-working colleagues,” Mr. Lee says with a wide smile without showing teeth. His wrinkles, cast in the low light, make him look even creepier.

“Thank you, Mr. Lee. I’m nearly finished with today’s work. And actually, I’m not alone...” Jisoo tries to keep her voice steady, though it trembles slightly.

“Of course! You have me on this working night,” Mr. Lee speaks loudly despite standing right next to Jisoo.

“How about some relaxation? You deserve a good massage from a professional like me. I took a massage course, and it can relieve your stress,” Mr. Lee says confidently as always, walking to Jisoo’s back.

“Umm, I guess a quick massage is okay, and then I would like to return home,” Jisoo reluctantly accepts, feeling as if she has no other option.

Mr. Lee places his hands gently on Jisoo’s temples, massaging in small circles. “Just relax, Jisoo. You’ve been working so hard. This will help you unwind. The temples are a door to the wind element that opens the way to relaxation.”

Jisoo sits stiffly in her chair, her eyes darting around nervously. Mr. Lee’s hands move from her temples to her shoulders, kneading them with more pressure. “See, this isn’t so bad, right? Just let go of the stress. Your shoulders cramp up like hardwood. It will induce the fire element within you. A little force might help you put this fire out,” he says, his tone soothing yet unnervingly insistent.

As he continues, his hands begin to stray lower, towards her upper back. “Your back has office syndrome. My secret massage technique will open the water gateway to resolve your burden,” Mr. Lee assures, though his actions make Jisoo increasingly uncomfortable. She feels a creeping sense of dread but doesn’t speak up, hoping it will end soon.

“Your collar muscles are stiff. Let me help you by pressing the ground element gate.” Mr. Lee slowly moves his hands to Jisoo’s shoulders, then starts crawling them towards her collarbone.

“That’s enough, Mr. Lee,” Donghyun says from his nearby cubicle, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. He watches with growing anger, his face flushed even in the dim light. He can see Jisoo’s discomfort and feels a surge of anger building within him. He rushes over and grabs Mr. Lee’s arm, pulling it away from Jisoo.

“Hey! Who are you, and what the fuck are you doing?” Mr. Lee snarls, his face contorting with anger.

“Get the fuck off me, you moron!” Mr. Lee punches Donghyun in the face, sending him sprawling to the floor, fresh blood streaming from his nose.

Donghyun, fueled by adrenaline, regains his footing and launches himself at Mr. Lee, tackling him around the waist. Mr. Lee falls backward, his head hitting the edge of a cabinet with a sickening thud. Jisoo screams, her hands flying to her mouth in shock.

Security rushes into the room, drawn by the commotion. Mr. Lee, now drowsy and disoriented, weakly points his finger at Donghyun. “Catch him,” he mutters, his voice slurred.

That night, Donghyun finds himself sitting on a cold, hard bench in the police station, his face bruised and still bleeding slightly from his nose. The fluorescent lights above flicker intermittently, casting an eerie glow on the grimy, white-tiled walls. The metallic clang of the cell door echoes in his ears as he tries to make sense of the chaos that unfolds.

Jisoo, her eyes red and swollen from crying, stands in front of the police desk, desperately trying to explain the situation to the officers. “You don’t understand. Donghyun was trying to help me. Mr. Lee was...he was harassing me. Donghyun stepped in to stop him.”

The officer, a middle-aged man with a tired expression, sighs and shakes his head. “Miss, without any concrete evidence, there’s not much we can do. The company’s surveillance cameras were conveniently broken, and there’s no footage of the incident.”

Jisoo’s voice trembles as she continues, “But I was there! I saw everything! Mr. Lee has a history of inappropriate behavior.”

The officer glances over at his colleague, who is typing up the report. “The company’s lawyer has already provided security testimony stating that Mr. Lee normally supervises his workers at night. According to them, Donghyun suddenly snapped, probably due to overwork and mental instability.”

Tears stream down Jisoo’s face as she pleads, “That’s not true! Donghyun is not unstable. He was just defending me.”

The officer’s expression softens slightly, but he remains firm. “I understand your concern, Miss, but the testimony of the security guard and the lack of video evidence put us in a difficult position. For now, we have to go with what we have.”

Despite her best efforts, Jisoo’s words fall on deaf ears. The police decide to hold Donghyun in jail for the night while they sort things out. As Donghyun is led to a cell, he looks back at Jisoo, his eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and helplessness.

In the small, dimly lit cell, Donghyun sits on a narrow cot, his head in his hands. The reality of the situation weighs heavily on him. He can hear the faint hum of the city outside, but it feels a world away from his current predicament.

Jisoo is allowed to visit him briefly. She approaches the bars of his cell, her hands gripping the cold metal. “Donghyun, I’m so sorry. I tried everything. They just won’t listen.”

Donghyun looks up, his eyes tired but filled with gratitude. “It’s not your fault, Jisoo. Thank you for trying.”

Tears well up in Jisoo’s eyes again. “I’ll keep fighting for you. I won’t let them get away with this.”

A police officer gently touches Jisoo’s shoulder, signaling that it’s time for her to leave. “Miss, you need to go now.”

Jisoo nods reluctantly and turns back to Donghyun. “Stay strong, Donghyun. I’ll be back first thing in the morning.”

As she walks away, Donghyun feels a pang of loneliness but also a glimmer of hope. Jisoo’s unwavering support means everything to him.

Jisoo leaves the station, her heart heavy with worry. Outside, the rain pours down, mirroring her tears. She stands under the streetlight, clutching her coat tightly around her, determined to find a way to clear Donghyun’s name.

Back in the cell, Donghyun lies down on the hard cot, staring at the ceiling. Despite the cold and discomfort, he takes solace in the fact that he did the right thing by standing up for Jisoo. The thought gives him the strength to endure the long, lonely night ahead.

As the hours pass, the police station grows quiet. Donghyun drifts in and out of restless sleep, haunted by the events of the night. He thinks about Jisoo; her courage and determination give him hope. He knows that with her by his side, they can face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Morning comes slowly, the first rays of sunlight creeping through the barred window of his cell. Donghyun sits up, his body aching but his spirit unbroken. He hears the familiar sound of the cell door opening and looks up to see Jisoo standing there, her eyes filled with resolve.

“We’re going to get you out of here, Donghyun,” she says firmly. “I won’t stop until your name is cleared.”

Donghyun nods, a small smile forming on his lips. “I know, Jisoo. Thank you.”

With renewed determination, they face the new day together, ready to fight for justice and each other. The sun slowly rises.

Donghyun sits at his small kitchen table, staring at the letter in his hands. His heart pounds as he reads the words again and again, hoping they will change. The company has fired him and is suing him for bodily assault. The shock hits him hard, like a physical blow. He has been an honest and hard worker for years, and now, suddenly, he is jobless and facing a lawsuit.

He sinks into the chair, his mind racing. How could this happen? A knock at the door interrupts his thoughts. Jisoo steps in, her face filled with concern. She sees the letter in his hands, and her expression darkens.

“They fired you?” she asks, her voice barely whispering.

Donghyun nods, unable to find the words. Jisoo sits beside him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “We’ll fight this, Donghyun. You did nothing wrong.”

A few days later, Donghyun meets with a government-appointed lawyer in a small, dimly lit office. The lawyer, a middle-aged man with graying hair and tired eyes, listens to Donghyun’s story with apparent disinterest.

“You’re in a tough spot,” the lawyer says, leaning back in his chair. “The company has resources, and they’ve built a strong case against you. My advice? Compromise. Settle out of court.”

Donghyun feels a surge of frustration. “Settle? But I didn’t do anything wrong. Mr. Lee was harassing Jisoo. I was defending her.”

The lawyer shrugs. “Without concrete evidence, it’s your word against theirs. And the security testimony backs up Mr. Lee. It’s a low-profile case, and quite frankly, I’m not getting paid much for this. My best advice is to settle.”

Donghyun’s heart sinks. He can’t believe the lawyer is suggesting he give in. He feels a hand on his shoulder and looks up to see Jisoo standing beside him, her eyes fierce with determination.

“We’re not giving up,” she says firmly. “We’ll make it a sexual harassment case. We’ll expose Mr. Lee for what he did.”

The lawyer shakes his head. “Without concrete evidence and with only one woman’s testimony, it’s a tough sell. Sexual harassment cases are notoriously difficult to win.”

After the meeting, Donghyun and Jisoo walk back to his apartment in silence. The weight of the situation presses down on them. Once inside, Donghyun slumps onto the couch, feeling defeated.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” he says, his voice breaking. “I’ve applied to over a dozen companies, and no one responded.”

Jisoo sits beside him, her eyes filled with sadness. “I’m so sorry, Donghyun. I wish I could do more.”

Donghyun shakes his head. “You’ve done more than enough, Jisoo. It’s not your fault.”

The next day, at the office, Jisoo’s working environment deteriorates rapidly. She is forced to take on more work, and the atmosphere is toxic. Colleagues avoid her and whispered conversations stop abruptly when she enters a room. The isolation is suffocating. One day, her best friend at work, Minji, pulls her aside.

“Jisoo, you need to think about your future,” Minji says, her voice tinged with regret. “Nobody wants to work with you. The management is against you. You won’t have a future here.”

Jisoo’s eyes well up with tears. “But I can’t just leave. I need this job. And what about Donghyun?”

Minji looks away, unable to meet Jisoo’s gaze. “I’m sorry, Jisoo. But you need to look out for yourself.”

One rainy night at 9 PM, Donghyun stands alone at the bus stop under the yellow roof, the same one where he met Namjinhan Nalssa. The rain pours down relentlessly, creating a steady rhythm on the shelter’s roof. Donghyun’s thin frame and undernourished appearance are evident as he hunched over, smoking a cigarette. His eyes are hollow, reflecting the dim streetlights.

Out of nowhere, someone approaches, a tall figure barely visible through the curtain of rain. It steps under the shelter, its clothes drenched, and looks at Donghyun.

“Can I have a cigarette?” she asks, her voice soft but steady.

Donghyun looks up, surprised to see Jisoo. He nods and hands her a cigarette, lighting it for her. They sit in silence for a moment, the sound of the rain filling the void between them.

“You look different,” Jisoo finally says, breaking the silence. “Thinner.”

Donghyun shrugs, taking a deep drag of his cigarette. “A lot has changed.”

Jisoo looks at the street, slightly sinking into her seat. Her eyes are blank, and her voice is flat as she says, “I resigned today.”

Donghyun’s eyes widen in shock and look at her. “What? Why?”

“I negotiated to remove my sexual harassment claim in exchange for dropping the body assault case against you,” she says, her voice steady but her eyes filled with emotion.

Donghyun feels a lump form in his throat, his eyes welling up with tears. “Jisoo, you shouldn’t have done that. I don’t want you to lose your job because of me.”

She reaches into her bag and pulls out a piece of paper, showing it to him. It’s her resignation letter, with the effective date and the director’s signature. Without hesitation, she lights it with her cigarette and watches as the paper burns. She then tosses the smoldering remains into a puddle on the street, where the rain extinguishes it.

“It’s done, Donghyun. I didn’t have a future in that bullshit company anyway. I already made my choice,” she says firmly.

Donghyun wipes away his tears, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. He takes a few minutes to process everything that has suddenly worsened since the night he met Nalssa. He wonders if he is truly cursed or if this is just the result of a corrupt system run by oligarchic companies in this country. He looks up at the sky, despite the heavy rain, and sees no stars. He takes a deep inhale of smoke, the bitter taste grounding him.

“Do you have a dream, Jisoo?” he asks quietly.

Jisoo smiles, a genuine smile that lights up her face despite the rain. “I do. But first, what’s yours?”

He looks down at his feet, then up at the sky, rain droplets catching the dim light. “I want to make good coffee for good people like you.”

Jisoo giggles, the sound warm and genuine. “You already make the best coffee in the world, Donghyun. I love it.”

Donghyun smiles weakly, still looking at the sky, the rain mixing with the tears on his face. “Would you like to be a co-founder of my café?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jisoo is taken aback, accidentally spitting out her cigarette into the street. She laughs louder than before, a joyous sound amidst the storm, then looks at Donghyun with amusement. “You watch too much Shark Tank, Donghyun. ‘Co-founder’ is such a buzzword. It sounds fake.”

She pauses, her expression becoming more thoughtful. “How about ‘co-dreamer’?”

Donghyun keeps his gaze on the sky. The rain begins to lighten, and a few shining stars become visible through the clouds. “OK,” he says simply. “You are my co-dreamer of our café.”

Jisoo stops laughing, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. She looks at Donghyun, still confused about what just happened, trying to process his words and the unexpected turn their conversation has taken.