Michaeng (Short Stories) Vol. 2

IIY 1

Namjoon leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, brow furrowed in frustration. The dim light from the hallway cast a shadow over his face, but his voice was unmistakably firm. "Chaeyoung, I get it, but this can't go on forever. Two months? What am I supposed to do?"

Chaeyoung sat on the edge of the worn couch, hands clasped together, knuckles white from the grip. Her usual bright and lively expression was replaced with one of anxiety. "I know, Namjoon, I swear I'm not trying to take advantage of your kindness. I lost my job at the bakery, and it's been hard to find something else. I'm saving for community college too."

Namjoon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly torn. "Community college? I thought you were aiming for JYP University. Didn't you say you passed their entrance exam?"

"I did," Chaeyoung's voice wavered, "but passing isn't enough. They haven't called me yet, and I need that scholarship. JYP is way too expensive. I can't afford one of the top universities in South Korea on my own."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Chaeyoung's words hanging between them. Namjoon's expression softened just a little. "I get that you're struggling, and I want to help, but I have my own responsibilities too. Rent doesn't wait."

"I understand," Chaeyoung whispered, her eyes downcast. "I just need a little more time. I've been looking for other jobs, and I'm really close to figuring things out. I promise, once I do, I'll pay everything I owe."

Namjoon sighed again, this time with a hint of resignation. "Alright, but this is the last time I can give you an extension, Chaeyoung. I believe in you, but you've got to figure this out. Don't make me regret it."

Chaeyoung nodded, relief mixed with determination shining in her eyes. "I won't, Namjoon. Thank you."

Chaeyoung stood outside the apartment building, her heart heavy and her thoughts racing. She clutched the silver necklace around her neck, the one her mother had given her before she passed away three years ago. It was her only connection to the woman who had been her entire world, the one who taught her to stay strong no matter what life threw at her.

She let out a deep sigh, her fingers tracing the delicate pendant. Life had been tough since her mother's death. Alone and struggling but she still managed to finish high school at the top of her class, but now, as the weight of adulthood pressed down on her, everything felt like it was unraveling. Rent was overdue, her dreams of college seemed further away than ever, and finding a stable job had become a never-ending battle.

Shaking off her frustration, Chaeyoung pulled out her phone, scanning job postings once again. She had done this countless times before, but something in her heart told her she couldn't give up—not yet. Her eyes lit up when she spotted an ad for a new Japanese restaurant nearby. They were looking for waitress, her mood lighten up hoping to finally get this job.

Without hesitation, she grabbed her things and set out toward the restaurant. As she walked, the cool autumn breeze whipped through her hair, but she barely noticed. Her mind was racing, "God, please," she whispered under her breath, "just give me this one."

The streets seemed quieter than usual, her footsteps the only sound echoing in the cool air. As she neared the restaurant, her pulse quickened. It looked sleek and modern, with tall glass windows and a neon sign that glowed softly in the early evening. Inside, she could see a few workers bustling around, setting up tables and preparing for what was likely their opening night.

Chaeyoung took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The warmth of the place contrasted with the chill outside, and the smell of fresh food made her stomach growl. She approached the counter, her nerves threatening to take over, but she steadied herself. This was her chance. She couldn't afford to mess it up.