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"𝓐 full moon?"
"Yup. Damn, it's really bright too." Saekyong wiped down the last of the mugs before stocking them back in the cupboard. "You sure you'll be okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" sighed Ji Hun in response, checking the coins in the cash register.
Saekyong often mixed up coins when not paying attention, and it became a habit for Ji Hun to often check the register just in case. The owner was particularly discerning about the small details.
"Because, you know... first night shift alone," she shrugged, smiling sheepishly. Upon receiving a glare from her colleague, she hastily continued, "Listen, my boyfriend reserved a table at some expensive restaurant that doesn't even refund bookings! I told him to wait until my college break, but ugh. He never listens. Plus, the night will be over before you even know it!"
Ji Hun knew she was rambling to try and get away with her ditching her shift. But in all honesty, he wasn't too bothered. With a roll of his eyes, he muttered, "I'll be fine. Enjoy your date."
"Whew. I'll wash the dishes again for you next time!" she chimed, before grabbing her bag and swiftly rushing out of the tearoom.
Before Ji Hun could even look up from the register, the door swung behind her with a sparkling chime of the bell. With her departure, the dim lights' golden glowsunk into the silent atmosphere of the Moonlight Tea-house. There was only one customer, who silently sat in the corner of the store.
Jang-harabeoji was a friend of the owner's father, and often lingered until the dark hours of the evening. Not much of a speaker, he spent his days alone. Ji Hun often pondered what was so interesting about the view from the tea-house's window. Especially when the old man returned to it almost every day. Saekyong would sometimes spend her shift talking to him, but Ji Hun never took the opportunity to do so. Ji Hun was the 'closed off, nonchalant' type, according to Saekyong, anyway.
Jang-harabeoji left at 10:45. He slowly sauntered up to the front desk, gently placing a small envelope of money.
"Thank you, son," he croaked, bowing slightly.
Ji Hun returned the gesture. "Thank you for coming." Eyes darting to the clock, he frowned. This harabeoji was leaving later than usual. "Would you like for me to call you a taxi while you wait inside?"
Jang-harabeoji chuckled, seemingly amused at Ji Hun's kindness, "No, no. My grandson is picking me up. He's around your age, too."
Ji Hun nodded, not knowing how exactly to continue the conversation. This was the most they had ever spoken during Ji Hun's time of employment at the tea-house.
"Ah, right. Before I left, I just wanted to say. Since you are alone, you should be careful," he muttered in a lower voice. He tapped the table twice with his index finger. "Unwanted guests may linger."
