Jamais Vu

Chapter 18

The free bread giveaway attracted quite a sizeable crowd that Dowon had his work cut for him handling the line outside the bakery. They have never done that before but they were glad that the crowd was controllable and the bread was cleared in under 2 hours. They had to limit 3 bread per person so that the people at the back would still have the chance to get it. The bakery was closed before noon and the staff was cleaning the bakery and getting it ready for the next day.

Haewon cleaned up the front section after the clearance, Sehun, and Dowon washed the utensils as fast as they could while Choi Yong and Sunhee went on drying and keeping the items back to their place. The radio was turned on as white noise as they went on with their chores. That was when Sunhee noticed something peculiar about Choi Yong. Dowon and Sehun were goofing off at the sink, cracking jokes loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Sehun-ah," called Dowon as he brushed the mixing bowl that was already caked with the dough. "Why do cannibals love eating people with epilepsy?"

"I have no idea," replied Sehun, rinsing the tray that Dowon passed him.

"Because their favourite side dish is 'Seizure Salad'. Get it?" Dowon laughed.

"That's so lame, hyung," said Sehun but he still laughed.

"Why did the tomato blush?" asked Dowon, passing Sehun the mixing bowl he scrubbed.

"I know that one. Because it saw the salad dressing," answered Sehun confidently.

"That's quite common actually," commented Dowon. "Hey, do you hear about the Italian chef with a terminal illness?" asked Dowon again.

"What happened? I never know any chefs around here with a terminal illness," said Sehun with concern. Dowon set the bait and Sehun fell for it.

"He pastaway," replied Dowon.

"Yaa!!! That's stupid!" Sehun splashed water at Dowon in protest. "I thought you're talking about some people around here."

Sunhee laughed at their banter and then she looked at Choi Yong. She thought Choi Yong was an unfeeling robot but Sunhee could see her mouth quivered as if she wanted to laugh, but didn't.

Sunhee looked at Choi Yong's eyes. She had seen that look somewhere but she couldn't remember when or on who.

"What's your plan after this, Choi Yong-ssi?" asked Sunhee as she tried to engage Choi Yong in a small talk.

"I'm sorry?" asked Choi Yong in surprise.

"The shop closed early and your working time nearly ends. What's your plan after this?" repeated Sunhee.

Choi Yong looked uncomfortable. Sunhee was puzzled. Her question was not that difficult to answer, yet Choi Yong treated it as one. "If you're free, I was thinking of bringing everyone for a lunch. We haven't had one since both you and Dowon-ssi join the bakery," pushed Sunhee in telling Choi Yong straight away about her intention. She was still feeling happy about BTS winning the award that she felt that she needed to share the joy with the staff too.

"I already have plans," answered Choi Yong quickly.

"Okay then. Maybe some other day. I really hope everyone can join in," said Sunhee. "How about next week? There's a really good place that I want to bring everyone."

"I would be occupied next week too," answered Choi Yong, putting the utensils in the drawer.

Sunhee just nodded. She knew whatever the staff does after working hours is none of her business. But still, a short time having a meal together outside the working place would be good to foster a relationship in between them. "Some other time then," said Sunhee as she wiped the baking table. She then turned to Sehun and Dowon and went near the service window so that Haewon could hear her. "Everyone, let's go for lunch after this. My treat!" announced Sunhee.