Begin Again

Five

Jin and Jimin began their first day at their new jobs at the grocery store. It didn't take them long to catch on and make friends with their fellow employees.

They do everything from stocking, to cleaning and working the registers. During the daytime hours, they work mostly with older people. But most afternoons and evenings some of the local teenagers work on their time off.

Jin is currently working the register while Jimin is stocking.

"So I know that you're a little bit older than me. But I happen to like older guys. And I heard through the grapevine that you are single. Or soon will be. Would you ever consider going out with someone like me?"

A teenage boy who is bagging groceries while Jin rings them up asks him. Jin stops to look at him. The nerdy little guy who has to tilt his head up to look at him is smiling proudly. Jin feels like laughing but quickly glances at the customer who is watching them with a smirk. Enjoying the uncomfortable moment between them.

"I think you should date someone who's closer in age to you. I am not a good candidate for you. Trust me."

"I don't like anyone my age. They're all a bunch of dweebs."

Jin furrows a confused brow as he thinks to himself, 'But you're a dweeb yourself.'

"You don't know everyone in town your age. Maybe your true love goes to a different school. You need to explore more outside of your comfort zone."

"I guess that's a 'No' then huh? It's ok. I'm not going to give up so easily. I will wait until I turn 18 to try again. Then I will sweep you off your feet."

Jin sighs and mumbles, "Knock yourself out."

The customer chuckles aloud and tells Jin, "I'm a full fledged adult. How about going out with me?"

The teenage boy stops bagging and tells him, "Hey! What the hell man?! He's mine!"

"He turned you down son. Let a grown man handle it."

Jin is shocked and tells them, "I'm not going out with either of you. I have enough problems."

He finishes ringing up the groceries and tells the customer the total. The man opens up his wallet to pull out some cash, tilting it so Jin can see it overflowing.

"As you can see, I am very well off. Maybe you should think about my offer again. I don't mind paying for a delicious meal for us." He then hands Jin the money.

When Jin takes it from his hand, he says, "Thanks but no thanks. My daughter won't like it."

The man immediately hisses in distaste and says, "o-oh. You have kids. I would have never guessed."

Jin chuckles as he gets his receipt and change before handing it to him. "Yes, I have 7. Here's your receipt, please have a great day."

The man quickly walks away while the young man laughs. "I guess he wasn't as interested in you as I am. So I'm still in the lead, right?"

Jin sighs and turns his back to him. Leaving the young man to be delusional on his own.

.......................................

Jimin was kneeling down as he stacked cans on the lower shelf. He heard shuffling of shoes beside him who then just stood there. He got annoyed and thought someone was trying to grab something and he was blocking their path. So he stood up and said, "Do you need help finding anything?"

"No, I already grabbed what I came for. I was surprised to see you here so I thought I'd say 'Hi' before I go."

Jimin smiled as wide as he could and said, "Oh hey, it's you. It's nice to see you again. You didn't drive here did you?" He giggles.