Bittersweet ≈ Seonghwa [NEW!]

They're Nice?

"Dad? What are you doing here? What happened to you?"

He staggered towards me, a broken beer bottle in hand.

"I lost. Give me your money." He demanded.

I backed away, "You gambled again? I told you we don't have the money!"

"You're working aren't you?! You work EVERY SINGLE DAY! You liar you HAVE money! Give it to me!" He shouted.

I can't believe-I eyed the glass bottle he was holding.

"Dad, I need you to put that bottle down ok? I'll give you the money, if you put that down."

He smashed the glass onto the table next to The Leaders, making Mingi and Yeosang jump out of the way in shock. The others abruptly stood up, watching from afar.

"Y-you don't have money? Take it from that cash register," he says, his words slurred.

"You're crazy!" I shouted. "Get out Dad!" Trying as hard to be brave, my voice came out loud but shaky.

I slipped away from the cash register and tried to usher dad out.

"You brat! Give me the money!" Several hard smacks came to my face and my head as I screamed in pain, curling up on the ground to protect myself like I always do.

His other hand raised the bottle, and I braced myself for impact.

But instead, all I hear next was a loud thud, my dad groaning and the sound of a glass bottle smashed into pieces.

I uncovered my head and eyes, to find Seonghwa, holding down my dad.

Fury in his eyes as he tightened his grip on my dad's wrist.

He was saying something to my dad which I couldn't catch, but I noticed dad's eyes widen in fear. With that, Seonghwa stood up and we watched as my dad scurried off in a flash.

Everything went silent as Seonghwa held out his hand to me.

Oh god, I'm so embarrassed.

I took his hand and got up. A few drops of tears escaping my eyes, turned into sobs of frustration and embarrassment. I quickly wiped them away, trying to seem as unfazed as possible.

"I'm sorry for the trouble I've cost you." I bowed to Seonghwa and the others.

My cheeks flushed red and I could feel myself nearly hyperventilating. Usually when this happened I would just lock myself up in my room but where do I run to now? Everyone's watching.

Seonghwa turned around and signalled for the rest to leave. His height towered over me as he approached closer.

"What time do you end shift?" He asks in a low tone.

Between sobs, I cry out, "5.30am."

I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and glanced up the face watching me with a soft look.

Seonghwa patted my head gently, "I'll pick you up then."

His sudden kindness made my cries stop and I hiccuped in shock. A sweet genuine smile curled on his lips and I watched his wide back disappear as he strode out the door.

5.30am.

I had already cleaned up the place and my tears were dried. All I felt was exhaustion and the lack of sleep for the past year and a half was making me feel like I've got nothing left in me.

"Hey Yeona! Hope last night's shift was ok. Did you stock up the cold brewed coffee?" My boss cheerfully said the moment he entered.

"Good morning to you too. And yes, I stocked it up last night." I took of my vest and hung it in the back room.