Breathless

1

Chaos.

That's the only word that came to my mind when I saw the masses of people outside of my workplace.

The grocery store wasn't large - nothing compared to those across town, and certainly not big enough for all of the people waiting to get in. I push past them, carefully entering and showing my work badge. The walk to the back was a mess, and I was already exhausted by the time I made it.

"Hyun," a voice calls cheerfully. I turn to see a blonde half-jogging to me, his purple eyes casting a glance at the crowds. "Welcome back~"

"I didn't take a break or anything, Yoosung," I respond, a smile coming onto my face.

"Well, you're gonna want a break after this mess. While you were at school being such a goody-two-shoes oh-so-loyal student, I've been suffering here," Yoosung pouts dramatically. "I was ready to faint! I've been away from my beautiful LOLOL for far too long! This is illegal!"

I can't help a small laugh at his antics. Yoosung was really my only friend.

Despite being apart in age by a few years, we'd bonded over the difficuly of a class - a math class we were "required" to take in order to graduate. I was a bit ashamed that the two of us were in the same grade, seeing as he was much younger than me. But Yoosung didn't seem to mind. He loved my "elderly view of the world".

"I don't think you can sue for missing your game," I chuckle.

"I can sure try! Just watch me destro-"

"Mr. Ryu, Mr. Kim," a loud, deeper voice calls.

We both turn, bowing respectfully at the man immediately - he was our boss.

"Have you both clocked in? I need you two to get to the cash registers as soon as possible," he says, a worried look on his face. "There are too many people in here and we need them checked out as quickly as we are able."

"Yes sir," we both respond.

Then began the real craze. It hit midday and the shelves were almost empty.

People were crazily buying out food and cleaning supplies, the fear evident in their eyes. Their panic was driving them mad, it seemed.

My usual smiles and questions soon ran limited in supply as well, instead turning into pressured, nervous grins as I awaited the next angrily rushing customer. It was a bit later that I realized they couldn't see me smiling anyways - though I still hoped they could tell I was trying to send good vibes their way.

The air was filled with chatter, the constant beeping of machines and the loud sounds of shopping carts and bags overwhelming. A shout rings out and a crashing noise follows.

My heart jumps to my throat as the intercome pulls on, and the rest of the store falls silent.

"Security to aisle E. Security to aisle E."

I could sense the heightened tension in the air, the fear from the people in the lines as the sounds of scuffling and shouting come from the cleaning supplies aisle. I feel my hands tremble as I pull the last item across the scanner of the woman in front of me. The beep is loud, and it's as if I hit unmute.

The woman pays and I smile.

"Thank you ma'am, I hope you have a wonderful day," I say as cheerfully as I can. I knew it sounded strained - worried.

But she nods and smiles back, uttering for me to take care.

Everyone seemed shaken up, and most stare as security pulls out two men in cuffs.

The lines had lessened, and I continued trying to assure people things would be alright. I'd heard from their gossip that the main market had already been closed. It was only half past one.

It surprised me how many people kept coming - it felt as if it was the entire city. But many left with disappointment, as the others had already filled their carts and left with everything.

Everything was a constant pattern, and I felt my mind wander away from me as I try to calm myself. Greet the customer, smile and laugh, scan items. Price. Receipt. Repeat.

I look up to the next customer, ready to do the same as the others when I feel myself still.

I don't know what stopped me - whether it was his handsome face and striking jawline, or the calming feeling of his presence.

He seemed so... put together. He wore a suit, crisp and clean. It fit over his frame so perfectly it seemed it's been tailored. But his looks weren't all that made him stand out.

He was so out of place from the panicky, fearful people around us. His very aura seemed self-assured - confident and coolheaded, as if he was used to the world falling apart around him and he was okay with it.

Which was impossible.

I snap out of my daze, realizing the world was still moving and the people still waiting. Though, many had left already.

Clearing my throat, I go to smile again.

"Hello sir, how are you doing today?"

My hands automatically reach for his groceries, and I scan a bag of cat food as he answers. Cats. Blegh.

"I'm alright. It's certainly been interesting." He pauses before leaning forward hesitantly. "Are you alright?"

A surprised smile creeps onto my face and I reach for the next item. Pads.

Oh, what a good boyfriend.

"I'm... I'm okay. Hanging in there on this mess of a day," I laugh. "I hope it's over soon."

The dark haired man hums in agreement, swiping his card and paying quickly.

"I hope the test of your day goes pleasantly then, Mr. Ryu," he says. He turns away and I watch as he leaves the store through the glass doors.

I don't realize I've continued staring until the clearing of the next customer's throat hits my ears.

Instead of seeming annoyed, the old woman is grinning.

"Handsome young lad, isn't he?" She wiggles her eyebrows. "I bet you I could have gotten him in my days!"

The rest of the day goes by quickly.

We'd closed not long after, and left behind signs alerting anyone coming that the grocery store was closed until 7 the next day.

I go back home to our small apartment with Yoosung, doing my homework while he games away his time on LOLOL. I find I work better with noise around me, and finish what I can before going to bed.

Honestly, today was a strange day, one I hope never gets a repeat.

Though.. it was nice being talked to as a person while at work. I would like a repetition of that sole instant.

Drifting off, I hear Yoosung crying out to his teammates as they're defeated before it all falls to deaf ears.