Broken Deal | Choi Jiung

11

during ba ram's shift, ji ung was studying for the whole time and would stopped for a short break and drank his iced caramel macchiato.

ba ram was in the locker room, about to change her attire to her school uniform again when her co-worker, ahin walked in. she was a super friendly girl who made ba ram so comfortable working even though it's her first day.

"must feel nice to experience young love right, ba ram?" ahin said as she walked to the mirror next to ba ram. she was fixing her ponytail as she talked to ba ram.

"young love?"

"don't play dumb, ba ram. the guy that came with you is your boyfriend, right? he must be worried about his girl's first day of work. his eyes sparkled everytime he saw you." ahin giggled. "you did well today, ba ram. see you tomorrow!" and without hearing ba ram's respond, ahin walked out of the locker room, leaving ba ram alone.

ba ram shrugged her shoulders and winced when she felt a growing pain on her shoulders. she did so well even the manager praised her twice. the pain she felt was worth it. she walked out of the locker room and took a glance at ji ung who was scrolling through his phone, waiting for her.

she didn't have to do the closing on her first day so she's finished her shift at 9 p.m. as she was approaching ji ung, he lifted his head when he heard her footsteps. grabbing on both of his and her bag, he stood up.

"you did well on your first day, ba ram. is this what parents felt when their child start their first walk?"

"you're exaggerating. thanks by the way." ba ram was about to take her bag from ji ung but he walked passed her already to the door and opening it for her.

"let's go home." ba ram walked out and ji ung followed before they start their silent walk to ba ram's house.

"ji ung, what is your dream?" ba ram broke their silence, suddenly curious about the person next to her.

"my dream?" ji ung let out a long hum as he thought. "for now, i want to be useful."

"useful?"

"like now. i should thank you for making my dreams come true. thank you, ba ram."

ba ram looked at him, walking straight as if the words he said did not affect her at all. ba ram was awoken back to her reality when ji ung cleared his throat.

"what about you? what is your dream?"

"me? i just want to have a peaceful life with mom. graduate high school. get into a nice university. get a full time job with a nice pay, i hope. and go travel with mom." ba ram smiled just thinking about it. ji ung saw her smiling from his side that his lips started to curl a small smile as well.

"that's nice." ba ram nodded and they continued their walk in comfortable silence again until they finally reached ba ram's house. ba ram thanked ji ung and was about to get in when ji ung spoke.

"smile looks good on you. i hope i can see it more often." ba ram blinked at ji ung who was just grinning at her. "sleep well, ba ram." ji ung waved at her goodbye before making his way home.

ba ram was not able to sleep well that night, blamed her heart for not being able to calm down and her mind that kept on replaying the words ji ung said.