Love Parade

_6_

F i v e   Y e a r s   L a t e r   .   .   .

Sim Hae-Jeong Pov

"Oppa" I called out, running to Jake
"Hey I've missed you" he hugs me and helps with my luggage

It does seem nice to be back In Seoul, I thought.

"How was the trip?"
"great and how are you?"
"I'm good, just working and stuff"
"Oh where?"
"One thing at a time Hae"
"Ugh fine. Oh and Jake sorry I cut contact with you once I reached the states"
"it's fine, you wanted a break, I understand"

We reached the house and I exchanged pleasantries with my parents. Everyone seemed very happy to see me, I felt healthy and happy.

I took an evening stroll. Though, I was still bothered about the evening cus of my trauma, it's way better than before. I just notify someone of my current location and I'm good.

I walked down to a 24/7 store to shop for a little while. As I was about to pay, my card declined, I was so confused and asked the cashier to re-try it but it declined again. I could have left it and gone but I had already opened a chocolate bar at the counter so I had to pay for that.

"Hey, I live 3 streets away, I promise to come back tomorrow and pay"
"I'm not the type to accept your games, pay or we can go to the station"
"I'm serious, I gave you my card so it was quite obvious I was going to pay besides it's just a darn bar
"Oh please, I've seen such tricks before and I'm not going to loose my job to a pale kid"
"That's an insult and I'm taking offence"
"I don't care, please miss you're wasting other custo-"
"I'll pay on her behalf and add my things to it", A guy from behind me said

I turned around to meet a tall slender looking figure. He swiped his card and walked away. He even helped me take my own grocery. I walked out of there after scoffing right at the cashier.

"Thank you" I said to the guy
"No problem but you should get your card checked instead of causing problems on other innocent and time cautious people as well as stirring drama for the cashier". He said walking away with his hands in his pocket and the other carrying the groceries.

I was slightly offended cus it wasn't my fault either ways. As I was about to go, it clicked to me that I had to repay the not so kind yet kind guy for his help. I ran up to his car before he drove away.

"Hey!"He slowed down his car and wound down the window to hear me out. His car was a red, shiny porsche. It was very obvious he came from a wealthy place.

"I'm sorry but may I have your number"He smirked at my statement and it quickly hit me
"Oh not like that. It's just that I want to repay you back for your kindness"
"OH! You got me there for a second. Never mind about that, take it as a way for me to depart quickly"
"But I still-" he just sped off and cut me off.

How rude, I was just trying to be nice. Does he really think I'm interested in him. Tsk. I took my groceries and walked back home.

_ _ _The Next Day_ _ _

It was a bright morning with the weather looking great. I walked into the kitchen and got myself some cereal and sat to eat with Netflix on the side. My dad came down the stairs and I remembered about my credit card issue

"Dad, my card declined when I tried to pay for some things"
"You lazy child, when are you going to start working?" My Dad asked
"Soon, back to my card sir"
"I'll work on it when I get to work. Also get a job in time so you can make yourself useful instead of laying around and making a nuisance in this house"

I refused to reply. My dad is always nagging and it's obvious he prefers Jake to me.

"I didn't hear a reply", he said taking his suitcase
"I will sir" I said with my head facing my cereal bowl

He walked out the door and I let out a frustrated sigh

"He's not wrong you know", Jake said walking down the stairs"I'm working on it" I replied"I wish you the very best" he said heading out"Where are you going?" I asked"Unlike you, I have a job to go to" he replied and walked out.

Now I did really feel like I was a nuisance with my presence. I was the only one around so I decided to walk around the street and get used to the neighborhood. As I was walking, I came across the salon that I and an old friend of mine from high school worked part time at. I decided to call her to see if we can meet.

"Hey Yuna"
"Hae-Jeong?"
"Yes it's me"
"How are you?"
"I'm good and you?"
"I'm alright too, are you in korea?"
"Yeah, I actually wanted to meet up"
"Oh no, I'm at work right now"
"I'm free, I can come by"
"Okay, do you remember the salon we used to work at in high school?"
"Yeah, I'll come by right now"
"Okay, I await".

With no hesitation I walked in immediately.

"Hello, you're welco- Hae-Jeong!" She exclaimed and ran up to me.

We hugged and exchanged pleasantries. She told me how she decided to work full time at the salon and was now a professional. She needed help with some few things and with my past knowledge, I helped out. Soon enough, it was around 7pm and business was beginning to close down. She thanked me for my help and even offered for me to work here again just until I get my dream job. I told her I'll think about it and set off.

I was craving my favorite chocolate bar and decided to walk towards the grocery I went to yesterday. I got the chocolate and wanted to pay.

"Oh you again. Please wait until you pay before you open it up"
"Haha, very funny" I sarcastically said
"The card", he said bringing out his hand

I looked at his name tag just to take note of the cash register never to go to next time I come here. It read Kim Sunoo

"Here you go, Sunoo"He rolled his eyes and did his job
"Thankfully, it didn't decline this time. Here you go" he said and gave my card back as well as the groceries. I scoffed and walked away again.