Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 5: Retail Therapy

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The soft hum of the Saturday morning was a welcome change from the weekday rush. Narae stirred awake, the sunlight streaming gently through the curtains. She stretched, feeling the comforting stretch of her muscles, and smiled as she glanced over at Kiwi, her cat, who was curled up snugly at the foot of the bed. His slow blink was a quiet acknowledgment of the new day.

Narae took her time getting ready, savoring the leisurely pace of a weekend morning. She slipped into a pair of comfortable jeans and a cozy sweater, feeling the softness of the fabric against her skin. The days of high school often demanded a more formal attire, so she relished these moments of casual comfort.

As she made her way downstairs, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries greeted her. Her mother was already busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The chatter between them was light and easy, filled with the sort of small talk that defined their weekends.

"Morning, Mom," Narae said, grabbing a piece of toast and spreading a layer of jam over it.

"Good morning, dear," her mother replied, glancing up from the stove with a smile. "I was thinking we could head out for some shopping today. The new mall downtown just opened, and I thought it might be nice to check it out."

Narae's eyes brightened. "That sounds great! I've been meaning to update my wardrobe a bit."

They finished their breakfast and soon found themselves at the mall. The sprawling complex was a mix of modern storefronts and bustling crowds. The air was filled with the sounds of people chatting and the distant strains of upbeat music from various stores.

They wandered through several shops, but it was at a chic clothing store that Narae had an unexpected encounter. As she flipped through a rack of dresses, she noticed a young man with a friendly demeanor assisting another customer. He had a striking presence, with a well-defined sense of style and a warm smile. His nametag read Taeyong, so narae assumed he was a worker at the store.

Narae was drawn to Taeyong's approachable nature. As she examined a pair of pants she couldn't help but notice how he interacted with the other customers—his suggestions were thoughtful, and he had a knack for making people feel at ease.

"Excuse me," Narae said, catching his attention. "I'm looking for something for a casual weekend outing. Any recommendations?"

Taeyong's eyes lit up, and he approached her with a genuine enthusiasm. "Absolutely! Let me show you a few options." He guided her to a section with a mix of stylish yet relaxed pieces.

As Narae tried on a few outfits, Taeyong offered insightful suggestions and feedback. "This color really complements your skin tone," he said, holding up a soft white sweater. "And this pair of jeans has a great fit."

Narae appreciated his help, feeling a bit more confident about her choices. "Thanks, I really like these. You have a good eye."

"No problem at all," Taeyong replied with a smile. "It's my job to help you look your best. If you need anything else, just let me know."

After making her selections, Narae and her mother finished their shopping and headed home. The rest of the day was spent lounging around, a perfect contrast to the busy morning. Narae sprawled on the couch, flipping through a magazine and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of her home.

Her phone buzzed with a message, breaking the tranquility. She glanced at it and saw a text from Jeno.

___________⋆˚࿔ Triple N ⋆˚࿔ ___________