The Crimson Hybrid

A Normal Day

With a sigh that sounded like a worn-out gust of wind, Sook-won awoke. In an effort to get rid of the effects of a rough night's sleep, he wiped his eyes. The tiny space he called home was faintly lighted, with the morning sunlight only just penetrating the grimy glass.

Sook-won limped into the little kitchenette after dragging himself out of bed, his bare feet brushing the chilly, worn-out floor. As soon as he turned on the coffee maker, the air began to fill with the calming smell of freshly brewed coffee. His thoughts began to wander to the day that lied ahead as he awaited the effects of the caffeine.

For Sook-won, today was just another ordinary day. He was a delivery guy for a nearby convenience shop and zipped through Seoul's congested streets on a beaten-up motorcycle, recklessly swerving vehicles and people. By no means was it a glamorous profession, but it allowed him to pay his rent and put food on the table.

Sook-won took his steaming mug of coffee and a piece of bread and sat down on the old couch, the springs creaking under his weight. He took a drink of his much-needed beverage, savoring the warm, bitter sensation it gave him. He sought comfort and a break from the hard realities of his existence in these quiet moments.

His phone chimed, upsetting the peace just as he was about to take another mouthful of his toast. Looking at the screen, Sook-won noticed the name "Jae-hyun" flashing. The only person he had who could be considered a friend was Jae-hyun, his coworker.

Jae-hyun's voice came out from the other end of the telephone, filled with a mixture of frustration and humor. "Hey, Sook-won! You better not be slacking off today. We've got a ton of deliveries lined up," he said.

Sook-won grinned, revealing his sarcastic side once more. "Of course, Jae-hyun. I'll take care of that right away. I wouldn't want to let you down or the many clients who are waiting for their energy drinks and instant ramen."

Knowing Sook-won's dry humor all too well, Jae-hyun grinned. "Just be careful not to get lost again like you did the last time, Sook-won; you're really a wonderful charmer but suck at directions."

Sook-won said with a smirk, "Lost? Please. I have an impeccable sense of direction. Those delivery addresses were just playing tricks on me."

Sook-won cut the call short after trading a few more blows, a smirk playing on his lips. With the upcoming chores for the day on his mind, he quickly finished his breakfast. He put on a worn-out black jacket, the worn leather providing a bare minimum of defense against the world outside.

His motorcycle started up as soon as he got on it, and the familiar buzz of the engine echoed down the winding lanes. Sook-won navigated deftly across the busy city streets, his senses sharpened by years of surviving in the concrete jungle.

He made deliveries all day long to anything from crumbling shacks to high-rise flats. Some clients gave him a distant glance while others seemed unconcerned. He would be briefly acknowledged by others by way of a short smile or a nod of gratitude.

As a silent observer, Sook-won watched the people around him in between deliveries. Couples walking hand in hand, kids smiling at the park, and worn-out faces trekking through their own struggles were all visible to him. And in the midst of it all, he couldn't help but feel distant, as if he were an outsider observing.

As the hours melted into one another, Sook-won made his last delivery of the day as the sun fell below the horizon and left an orange glow over the city. His muscles started to feel bone-deep exhausted as the adrenaline from the hectic day started to wane.

Sook-won returned to his small flat and sank into the couch as the strain of the day's labor overcame him. He pondered his existence as night fell outside, his mind racing with questions that appeared to have no answers.