The Hidden Treasure

~38~

Hyejin watched the door close and she finally breathed after holding it in for so long.  Her expression was one of slight confusion at the flirty nature of Namjoon's comments today.  She wasn't upset about it, but she wasn't sure how to take it either. 

The clink of a coin hitting the counter broke her train of thought and she blinked a few times at the smiling face in front of her.

"That's for your thoughts," Jinyoung said with a smile.

Hyejin laughed and placed both hands on the counter.  "I wasn't thinking about anything important.  Can I help you with the rest of the books?" 

"Mm mm," he said with a shake of his head.  "I finished already.  Was there anything else you wanted me to do?"  He leaned his elbows on the counter top.  His boyish smile made him look incredibly handsome. 

Hyejin felt a wave of warmth spread across her cheeks and she quickly turned to survey the store.  Everything was neat and tidy.  Nothing was out of place.  Jinyoung had been a big help to her and she couldn't deny it. 

"Wow, this place looks great.  If you want you can go ahead and go home.  I can do the rest of it by myself."  She straightened an already neat stack of literacy informational pamphlets on the counter. 

Jinyoung smirked slightly as he watched her nervous fidgeting.  To him, it was a good sign. 

"Are you sure?  I'm happy to go get you some coffee or just hang out and keep you company if you want?"  He smiled hopefully. 

Hyejin shook her head and sat down on her stool.  "I'm alright.  Really.  I'm used to being alone most of the time."

"That's a shame.  One shouldn't spend so much time alone.  Sure I can't stay?"  He leaned his head on one of his hands and turned on his charms at full strength. 

Hyejin stared at his perfect teeth and felt a thousand butterflies take flight in her stomach.  She swallowed and decided she should stand her ground. 

"I'm okay.  Really.  Please go home."  She smiled and then her eyes shot open as she had an idea.  "Could you actually do me a big favor?"

Jinyoung stood up straight happy to be given a special mission.  "Certainly!"

Hyejin began looking through her purse and pulled out her wallet.  She pulled out a few bills and held them out to Jinyoung with a smile. 

"What's this?"  He was a bit confused at being handed money since he was working basically for free.

"Since you're going home, I was wondering if you would pick up some food for Auntie Jinjoo?  I haven't been able to go see her since she got sick and I'm worried about her.  I want to make sure she gets at least one good meal today."

Jinyoung looked down at the money and smiled.  She was so thoughtful. "Of course.  Just let me know what she prefers and I will gladly take it to her." 

Hyejin smiled.  "Thank you.  That's a relief off my mind."  She wrote down Jinjoo's favorite foods on a small scrap of paper and handed it to Jinyoung.  "The shop a few blocks down is her favorite.  Hopefully this helps her body regain its strength and she can come back to work soon."

Jinyoung's smile fell at her words. "I don't," he muttered.

"Hm?  What did you say?" 

He smiled and waved his hand.  "I just said that I hope she does also.  But I can't help but be sad a bit at this job coming to an end.  I won't have an excuse to see you as often."  He smiled and stepped up behind the counter.