The Love Maze // PJM //

2. A lie

I was paralyzed for seconds. If I confessed that it was me, I would be so ashamed. I couldn't face him again because it's so embarrassing. In this situation, I thought that a lie must be helpful. So I came up with a lie, " Oh, I saw your shirt hanging in the staff room. I will go and take it for you." I got out of the car immediately.

I rushed to give him back his T-shirt. As I came back to the car, I was hesitating to say a word. I handed it to him, " The shirt was stained. Actually, she doesn't come to work today. So she offered me to tell you that would you mind if she pays for it? because the stain can't be removed." I spluttered.

" Oh, it's fine then. Tell her that she doesn't have to pay for it but instead treat me a cup of coffee here." he took the shirt and smiled.

I was speechless and aimless, " Uh...oh okay. I will tell her. I'm sorry for her behavior." I bowed at him.

" Yah! why are you apologizing? It's not your fault." Jihyun accused.

" As her colleague, I would like to apologize since you're our customer." I adjusted some words to be reasonable.

Jimin nodded, " It's totally fine. Tell her to be more careful next time."

" Yes. I'm sure there won't be another mistake,"

A moment later, they left. I was so relieved. Gosh! I almost get caught. But I had to treat him with a cup of coffee. I still needed to lie to him until then.

" It's okay. It will end soon. Hang in there, Haeyoung. A lie is useful sometimes." I mumbled to myself then walked into the shop, getting ready to work.

7:30 PM!

I was having tteokbokki with Jihyun. I barely ate at home. My mom was so busy with her work. She didn't have time to cook for me. For your information, I was the only child and my parents were divorced since I was 16. But I still kept in touch with my dad. He gave me birthday gifts every year. Even though he already had another family but he never forgot me. It's enough for me. So I didn't feel like I lost anyone. I still had my mom and dad. Their divorce didn't affect me much. I respected their decision. They had their own life after all. I had no right to do anything.

Anyways, Jihyun seemed to suspect me. He kept staring at me with that investigated-eyes. I asked him right away, " What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" I frowned.

" Be honest with me," he said seriously and leaned closer to me. " Are you the one who spilled coffee on my brother's shirt?" he waited for my answer.

I was shocked by his question. How could he know that? Did I act so obvious? God! if it's so, Jimin would know it too.

" Haeyoung-ssi! Answer me!" he hit the table hard which startled me.

" Uhm... honestly, it's me but I didn't expect it's going to be your brother at all." I winced.

Suddenly, he burst into laugher, " Aigoo...I just knew it right away when you started to apologize. You're not the type of person who apologizes to anyone easily." he assumed.

" You know me so well."

" Also, you just told me about it as well. The situations were the same. So I assumed it was you." He explained himself.

" Oh yes! I told you that. I thought I acted so obvious which anyone can know that it's me." I took the last bite. " That's a relief. Hopefully, your brother forgets about it sooner."

" You're so stupid." he gawked at me and I glared at him immediately. " I can't believe I have a stupid friend." he shook his head in disappointment.

I kicked his legs under the table and he groaned loudly, " If I'm stupid, then so are you." I scowled.

" Yah! Why do you have to kick me this hard?" he rubbed his leg.

" You deserve it!" I scoffed and drank water.

-

Several days passed by. Nothing happened during this time being. I felt like my life was boring currently. I repeated every activity every day which didn't feel new to me. Nothing made me get excited and thrilled anymore. I realized that life without problems was nothing and meaningless.

Anyways, I was working right now. It was already 6 pm. One more hour, I would get off from work. Meanwhile, a customer walked in. I stood up to greet him\her immediately, " Welcome to Starbuck. What would you like to order-" I paused as I saw Jimin.

" Oh Jimin Oppa?" I mumbled.

" Did you just call me Oppa?" he asked in surprise and I didn't know what I had said.

" I don't know what to call you. But anyways, Welcome Jimin-ssi. What would you like to order?" I stammered and couldn't look at him straight.

" Recommend me, please." he leaned closer to me and I leaned backward.

" Uhm.. If you like coffee, I recommend caramel macchiato." I said in a shaking voice.

He nodded enthusiastically, " I'll have that." he smiled. " Oh by the way, where is she? The one who spilled coffee on my shirt? Have you told her to treat me a cup of coffee?" he was looking for her.

I started to be so nervous which my brain couldn't function. I took a deep breath and tried to find words to say back, " Well... she just left a while ago. But she did leave her money for her treat. So you don't have to pay this time." I tried to smile naturally.

" I never have a chance to meet her again but that's fine. I can come and meet you every time." he started to show his charm again.

I chuckled awkwardly while tapping on the machine, " I already paid for you. So please take a seat. Your drink will be soon done." I bowed and he went to sit down at the same spot. Why do I have to meet him? Ugh! Hang in there. After this, everything is over.

Later, his drink was done. I called out his name and he came forward immediately with his shiny smile.

" Enjoy your drink, Jimin-ssi." I handed the drink and grinned.

" I prefer Oppa but Jimin-ssi sounds cute as well." his eyes gleamed at me.

" I would like to call you Jimin-ssi because I don't usually call anyone Oppa." I expressed my opinion.

" Oh but when you first saw me, why did you blurt out calling me ' Jimin Oppa'?" he observed my face. Gosh, This man caught me all the time. I wish to meet him less.

" I don't know. It came in my mind and I just said it out." I felt so uncomfortable right now.

He seemed to notice it and he just stopped talking with me, going back to his seat. I could finally breathe properly. Few more minutes, my shift ended. So I would just stop working now and get ready to get off. I can finally get rid of Jimin.