The clock ticked past 10 PM, and Haerin stood behind the counter, scanning bottles of soju for a young man who seemed eager to join his friends waiting outside. She handed him his change with a polite nod, thanking him quietly. The customer smiled back, radiating a carefree charm, before heading out to rejoin his group at the convenience store's outdoor seating area.
Through the store's wide glass window, Haerin's gaze lingered on the group of university students. Laughter and shouts of playful banter filled the chilly night air as they passed around bottles and clinked glasses in celebration of their youth. Her expression remained blank, her features as stoic as ever, but beneath the surface, a knot of wistful envy tightened in her chest.
Haerin sighed deeply, feeling the weight of unspoken dreams. University life, filled with late-night hangouts and carefree joy, seemed distant and unattainable. Her family's financial struggles and the looming obligation of helping with the sweet potato farm back home overshadowed such thoughts. She feared that her life, constrained by duty, would never allow for moments like those outside.
Her ruminations were abruptly interrupted by the sensation of arms wrapping around her from behind. The familiar warmth startled her, but she didn't resist, recognizing the mischievous energy immediately.
"What are you doing?" Haerin asked, her tone dry but softened by the faint curve of a smile tugging at her lips. The embrace, though unexpected, eased the tension she had unknowingly been carrying.
"Did it hurt?" Hanni's voice, calm and teasing, whispered near her ear.
Haerin furrowed her brows in confusion, glancing over her shoulder. "What?"
"When you fell out of heaven?" Hanni finished, breaking into a quiet chuckle. She loosened her hold, spinning to face Haerin, eagerly awaiting her reaction.
Haerin's initial response was a look of exaggerated disgust. "Really?" she asked, unimpressed. But her lips betrayed her, curling into a slight chuckle.
"Well, did it hurt when you fell out of hell?" she retorted, her tone playfully cutting as she turned back to the stock register, her amusement barely concealed.
Hanni pouted. "Do I really look like a devil?" she asked, feigning offense.
The pair exchanged lighthearted bickering until Hanni noticed Haerin's attention drifting again toward the group outside. Her eyes narrowed as she followed the other girl's line of sight.
"Is she... staring at some guy out there?" Hanni murmured, her tone suspicious. After scanning the group of rowdy students, she crossed her arms and fixed Haerin with an inquisitive glare.
"Why are you staring at them? Do you like someone at that table?" she asked directly, tilting her head.
Haerin's eyes widened slightly at the sudden accusation. "No, I don't," she replied flatly, her gaze flicking back to the computer screen.
"Then why were you staring?"
"I don't need to explain that to you," Haerin said, her voice steady but with an undertone of irritation.
Hanni squinted, her mind quickly forming a devious plan. "If you won't tell me," she said, her voice low and ominous, "I'll go over there and pick a fight with those guys."
Haerin blinked in disbelief, her tone turning sharp. "Go ahead then. They'll beat you senseless," she said, matter-of-factly.
"Oh, we'll see about that," Hanni shot back, already leaping off the counter and preparing for a confrontation.
Panic flashed in Haerin's eyes, and she grabbed Hanni's arm to stop her. "Okay, okay! I'll tell you!" she hissed.
Hanni smirked, victorious. "Then spill."
YOU ARE READING
Love In Convenience
Fanfiction| Hanni is the most feared delinquent student at ADOR HIGH. Despite her baby face and short figure, she is almost everyday involved in fights. Everything was going well for her until a new girl joined the school and now the latter seems to be fall...
