convenience store | namjin

one

Namjoon

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Namjoon sat behind his counter listening to a popular hip-hop song on his phone all while wearing a cute apron the store had required every staff member to wear during their shift.

His disheveled light bubblegum colored hair matched the lollipop in his mouth as he bobbed his head up and down to the beat of his music.

The store he worked in had always been very nice and clean. There was never much trouble except for the few customers who broke a glass container on accident.

As for Namjoon, he earned an easy pay for his job at the convenience store. The owner, a nice old lady, was always considerate of his lifestyle. Not many people would hire a 20 year old with pierced ears and a nickname of 'Rap Monster.'

The ring of the bell that chimed whenever somebody opened the front door rang loud and clear. Usually, Namjoon would turn down his music and straighten up his posture to create a perfect image of a friendly staff member, dimpled smile included.

As he glanced up, Namjoon saw a group of four boys stumble and shove each other in attempt to enter the store. One was shorter than the rest by a few centimeters while sporting pale orange hair. The other three were close in height, but two seemed to trail after the tallest. The tallest seemed the most attractive with a cute complexion and full lips, which struck Namjoon with confusion as he had never identified himself as bisexual.

The four boys continued to search for their desired items for the next 13 minutes where Namjoon's eyes were glued to his phone, tweeting and texting.

Finally, when the boys walked up to the counter to purchase their items, Namjoon paused his music and slipped off his stool to do his job. Each one had their arms loaded with merchandise, an absurd amount that only a hungry wolf could finish. They all plopped everything down while the tallest grabbed his wallet from his back pocket. Namjoon began to scan and bag the products which resulted in a lengthy cost for the tall boy.

"That'll be 48,500 won," Namjoon said to him. He let out an exasperated sigh and turned to glare at the others, mouthing something, then looked back to Namjoon with a debit card in hand. Just when he was about to scan his card, the orange haired boy snickered and called out, "Hyung," from behind. He proceeded to whisper whatever into the tall one's ear, dampening his mood even more than the price of groceries. He swatted at the orange boy like he were a pesky fly and slouched in his place, looking down at his shoes and deciding on something based on what was just whispered to him. Namjoon was still waiting, as for the card had not been handed to him already.

Making up his mind, the handsome boy passed Namjoon his credit card and loudly cleared his throat. "Is there a chance that.. uhm," he shyly spoke in a mannered tone. "Uh... do you guys sell marijuana here?"

Namjoon's eyes widened in surprise from the words that he just heard. The other boys immediately burst into fits of laughter and giggles, the loudest coming from the orange head. The victim stood silently while immensely blushing.

"You must be very inexperienced to refer pot as marijuana, but no we do not sell pot here," Namjoon replied, holding in all his laughter and embarrassment for this guy.

The orange boy spoke up, laughing, "This convenience store really isn't that convenient at all."

Namjoon playfully rolled his eyes and began to hand the grocery bags to the boys while the tallest went over to the shortest and smacked his orange head, receiving a twenty dollar bill while doing so.

Three boys grabbed as many bags as they could carry and proceeded to exit the store, leaving the questionable oldest alone with Namjoon.

It was awkwardly quiet and Namjoon felt the need to initiate a small conversation with this attractive guy. "So, do you really need some pot?" He started. "Because I can probably find you a deale-"

"Oh, n-no I don't actually smoke marijuana or... pot. I was.. just dared by Jimin for twenty dollars and needed some extra money."

"Ah.. Got it," Namjoon breathed. He began to search for a way to learn this guy's name and somehow keep in touch. You didn't meet a guy that made you question your sexuality for every day.

"Anyways, thank you, Namjoon, for putting up with those guys since they basically just ransacked this store. Sorry too," the mystery boy spoke finally before starting to walk towards the front door.

"Wait," Namjoon called out. "How do you know my name? and I don't get to know yours, Pot-Boy?"

'Pot-Boy' turned around with a cute smile and gestured to his chest, corresponding to where Namjoon's nametag was sitting. "You can call me that, but I prefer Jin."

Then, he left, leaving the bell chiming as he closed the door.