of lonely christmas and lonely hearts

final

Wonwoo starts preparing his things for his shift. He checks his phone, as usual no messages or calls even though it's Christmas eve. His eyes changed it's direction to his watch, it's still 9:59 pm. The night is still young, he uttered in his head.

He's not even surprised no one from his family or friends way back home checked on him because at the end of the day, it's still his fault for going to Seoul to chase his dream of being a rapper. And he can't blame himself for it, he wanted it anyway so what's the point of blaming?

His spirit was burning as he stepped his shoes on the land of Seoul for the very first time but he didn't expect to end up working at a convenience store.

Even though things are falling apart for him, he doesn't have a choice but go with the flow and just be optimistic even if it's hard to be.

"I'm here," he announced as he arrived in his workplace.

"You're a little bit too early, Wonwoo," his co-worker replied to his greeting.

"You should go home early, Seungcheol. Your family is waiting for you," he went to the employees area and laid his bag to the table.

He went back to the cashier area and sat on the cashiers chair. "It's alright. You should get going. I can manage." He assured him with a smile. Seungcheol can't help but smile back to his offer.

And now, Seungcheol is gone. He's all alone.

Wonwoo is bored, no one is coming inside. He bets just at least 5 people (or even lower, or worse none) will enter and buy something during his shift.

--

He was busy playing with his phone when he suddenly heard the door opening. Instantly, he straightened his slouched form and checked who is the customer. It's her.

He just observed her, she went to get chicken, two cups of ramen, mozzarella cheese, a cup of instant rice, triangle kimbap (he doesn't know which flavor) and lastly, two cans of her favorite, Milkis. She surely will be having a feast.

It looked like she was having a hard time on carrying all of it so without hesitation, Wonwoo lend his hand and carried some of it. She didn't even bother to nod or look at him, she just went directly to the cashier area. He was quite expecting a "thank you", but nothing came out of her mouth and for him, it was quite disappointing.

"Are these for take out?" He asked, presuming it to be.

"No, it's for dine in." His eyes widened out of surprise. Will she spend her Christmas here? In a convenience store? He thought with mixed emotions, happiness and worry. There is no in between.

She paid and heated her food. While waiting, she just sat down blankly looking at an empty spot. Wonwoo can't help but take a glance at her from time to time. Luckily, she doesn't notice or else she'll think he's a creep.

It's actually already a long time since the two of them first met. The memory is still vivid and new for Wonwoo.

She was his first customer. He can't forget how beautiful and comforting her smile was.

Wonwoo was so nervous that he thought he might screw up, but he didn't. All thanks to this lady.

They didn't have much interactions. They were merely just strangers. But Wonwoo anticipated her everyday to come and visit. He felt he's the luckiest in the world every time he spots her in his shift.

He also can't forget her soothing voice. It was as sweet as a cotton candy, that's what he thought. He was stating only facts.

But as he observed her every time, he clearly noticed something's wrong. She came from a bright shade of yellow to a figure of blues.