POV: Kang-Dae
It was 9 p.m. when I was getting ready to leave for my break.
The white fluorescent lights buzzed above me, too bright for my tired eyes. I left the counter, replaced by Ki-Moon who was already serving a customer. A tray of chips, abandoned on the conveyor belt, was waiting to be scanned.
Bip.
Then another beep.
– That will be thirty-five won.
The customer didn't even pay attention. With an annoyed sigh, he threw a still-damp ten-won note onto the counter.
I stared at Ki-moon to examine him.
– That's not enough, sir.
– Keep the change.
- More…
I didn't even have time to finish my sentence. He had already gone through the door, giving me a nudge with his shoulder, and making sure to let the door close behind him.
The bell rang several times, as if it too were protesting against his departure.
I gazed at his silhouette from behind.
A sigh
I dragged myself to the side of the road to get a taxi and go home to sleep.
Once home, I slipped on the floor and crawled to the sofa where I said I lost consciousness. I don't remember anything except the blinding rays that woke me from this endless nightmare.
Another beautiful day putting up with utterly detestable clients; luckily for me, they are never stronger than my dear parents.
Money really makes my life easier, to treat myself this morning I'm going to take a taxi to work, thinking while sitting in a moving vehicle is the best feeling ever created.
Ha~...….?
What is it... them again?
BLING !
The door opens.
Hey! You three, what are you doing here? Get out! How many times do we have to tell you that you're no longer welcome?
eyebrows furrowed, fists clenched.
They came to steal again so early in the morning.
One of the boys raised his hands with an innocent smile.
– Calm down, sir. We were just stopping by to say hello.
"Yes, we came to see a friend," added another.
With a closed expression, I gestured towards the door with my chin.
- Out.
This time, they didn't try to talk. They exchanged a few glances, muttered apologies that weren't really apologies, then left the store.
The bell jingled behind them.
Those bastards are finished.
I wanted to catch up with them but… I don't have enough money to end up in police custody.
I turned back to him.
- How are you ?
He lowered his eyes reflexively.
– Yes. Thank you, Mr. Kang.
He grimaced.
– Stop it. Every time you call me sir, I feel like an old man.
– since when do we use formal address?
Ki-Moon raised his head with difficulty.
It's hard to believe when you look at him. He really doesn't resemble the word that comes out of his mouth, with his shoulders down and a simple build.
Baby-soft skin, he looks like a high school student preparing for exams, always depressed and listless.
We were the same age.
It was ridiculously unfair, I'm already ready for retirement.
"I'm fine," he repeated.
I'm not entirely convinced, but oh well.
That's not really my business.
I gave him a light tap on the shoulder, and put on my apron.
– If you say it's okay, I'll pretend to believe you. But next time, call me before you're left alone with those idiots.
He nodded.
- All right.
Then he went back behind the counter, leaving me a few moments to regain my composure.
I was about to return to my post when our boss's voice called out to us again.
– Moon, my little one, I almost forgot! Your father came by this morning or one morning, I don't quite remember, my memory.
I stopped abruptly and listened intently.
– What did he take? I'll settle his debts at the same time.
Marmonna ki-moon
The old man shook his head.
– Nothing at all this time. He settled all his debts and left with a whole bag of supplies.
– Pardon ?
Ki-moon was clearly surprised.
"He paid for everything," repeated the old boss.
–Down to the last won.
He remained silent, his hand hovering in front of the shelf.
Even I was surprised.
"You never know, right!" I said with a forced smile.
I feel like I'm being accusatory.
– When I asked him, he told me he had won the lottery of happiness. I believed him, because I had won too.
I felt less guilty.
– You can always win at these kinds of things
I murmured, trying to emphasize my point, I'm ashamed to have even considered putting money into gambling.
Our boss sighed.
– Ah, young people… Stop believing in easy money. If it were that simple, everyone would be rich.
– But I swear it's true,
– I won a refrigerator and a television. Well, I resold the television, but it still counts!
I was so determined to defend my cause that I followed the boss through all the aisles.
As for Ki-Moon, he stared into the air.
– What did you win?
– A refrigerator and a television.
I repeated insistently
– What? You think it's fake, that I'm lying?
– Non…
He frowned and began frantically tidying up.
What's the problem?
They're even offering another game to win more. I think I'll try my luck a second time.
The boss rolled his eyes.
– You are incorrigible.
Kang was so invested in proving his word that he no longer perceived the world around him.
– Kang Dae.
I turn around.
- Yes ?
Ah, it's Moon.
– This lottery… How much does it cost?
My smile widened; I had almost forgotten that argument.
– Nothing at all! You give your identity card and that's it.
Silence
The boss stared at me, shaking his head negatively.
- Sir
Moon interrupted my silent judgment
– Could I leave a little earlier today?
The old man watched us with surprise.
– Of course, my little Moon. But why?
Moon obviously avoided the question, and mumbled some justification.
– For nothing. I just have something to check.
He went back into the back room, then came out again with his belongings, which he put on his back, and left without saying anything more.