The Observant (Isekai OC x Lookism)

CH 6: Streets and Baguettes

The following weeks at school had been surprisingly calm. It seemed like I was blending into the background, unnoticed by anyone in my classes. You didn't think you gained any attraction from any characters you knew. You couldn't bring yourself to bother with that, though because In class, you presented your first bread; you originally wanted to make something more challenging, but the teacher saw that you didn't have much experience with baking, instead opted for assigning you one: The baguette.

"I was hoping for something a bit more challenging," I admitted to my teacher, feeling a tad disappointed.

But she just chuckled. "Diandra, you're a beginner. Let's start with the basics. How about a baguette?"

I couldn't help but smile a little. "Sounds good to me."

Transitioning to working at the bakery was like stepping into a whole new world. The place was owned by this elderly couple who had been running it since the '60s. The building itself was a mix of old and new - traditional with a touch of Western influence. Stained glass windows added a pop of color to the interior, giving it a dynamic feel.

My first impression of the area wasn't exactly glowing. It seemed a bit dodgy, to be honest. But ALI assured me it was safe, so I took a chance and applied for the job. Turns out, the neighborhood had a bit of a reputation. ALI did say, though, that the area looked a little dead and dangerous now, and that keeps many outsiders away, but at night, everything comes alive.

"Think of it as a mini red district," ALI explained. "It has lots of characters and stories."

"Oh, ya gee, a red district, you now cause that comforts me lots," I had originally told ALI.

Lower-class lived here, but this street was lined with restaurants, stalls, swindlers, brothels, and rundown apartments. As I worked in the bakery, I noticed many different customers. Some were from other stores, I had found out; some lived around here. But I noticed that not many people came from out of the street. I thought it was a bit strange but pushed it to the back of my mind. But one day, a towering figure caught my eye. A tall, older man with a dark complexion and a stoic expression, carrying a bag emitting delicious steam.

"Jung-hee around?" he asked, and Jung-hee herself emerged from the back, greeting him warmly.

"Marley, you're here early today," she exclaimed, and Marley blushed slightly and scratched his cheek.

"Sorry for not giving you a heads-up, Jung-hee. Got a bit tied up. But I've got your stuff right here," Marley replied, gesturing to the bag he brought.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Jung-hee turned to me and winks a bit. "Diandra, meet Marley. He's the owner of the Pigs Stallion across the street. Oh, and Marley, you should bring Celia over sometime. I think she and Diandra would hit it off." Jung-hee continued to introduce me to Marley, telling him I'm in a culinary program and learning to make food right now.

Marley grinned at me, his warmth infectious. "Hey, if you ever want to try out some new cooking techniques, swing by my place. You're always welcome."

I nodded eagerly, feeling a rush of excitement at the invitation.

Watching Marley leave, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his restaurant's sign - a pig riding a horse. It was certainly unique.

I liked Marley, He seemed like a good, nice guy.

I continued to work, and the owner, Kwang-su, beckoned me over and offered me some tea. I opted for some black tea, and he pushed some lemon cookies from the bakery towards me. He exchanged some stories about the neighborhood and asked what I thought. I explained everything I observed and noted..

"It's not like any other place in Korea," I remarked.

Kwang-su chuckled knowingly. "You'll see it in its full glory soon enough. But don't worry-it's not dangerous-at least not for you. Come by at night, and you'll see what I mean."

As I was preparing to leave the bakery, Jung-hee stopped and told me that one of these days, when I got to it, I should explore the street.

"Use our name, and you'll be treated like family," she said warmly. "This street has everything so if you need a place to go. Then make sure to come to me, and I'll tell you where to go."

feeling tired but content, I walked to the station, looked up to the sky, and said, "Man, I'm tired. I can't wait to get back home to my shitty little house," and laughed a little.

When you were at school eating and minding your own business. You suddenly hear a crash, and you look back. Ah, I see what was happening. This is the scene where Vin Jin throws his cup at Duke and the fashion department and burn knuckles come to the rescue. I plopped my head on my hand as I watched the scene unfold in front of me

. "The school festivals must be coming up, huh," I thought.

"Looks like things are heating up," I mused, watching the spectacle unfold before me.

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