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Chapter 9 - dumbstruck

"Nina, thank god, I was worried sick because of you. Did you get scared a lot by this creepy guy in the subway? Don't worry, I've calmed him down he won't do anything bad to you in the future. But Nina, don't ever run away from me like this ever again. Not knowing whether you're okay is like torture.", Taeyong, who'd been busily cleaning the table in front of the café, blurts out as soon as he saw me. 

"Don't worry, I just got a bit scared when he got angry at me so I ran away from him.", I answer as soon as I caught my breath again. Technically, this wasn't a lie I did run away because I felt intimidated by him. However, I did provoke him by eavesdropping. But that still doesn't give him the right to behave like this, right? He's at least just as much an adult as me and did you see me attacking him because of getting accused of eavesdropping??? 

Ok, no, I'm not in a position to judge him. I've just been crying on the subway. 

"This thug really thought you were eavesdropping on him just because you stared in his direction. Some people really must really think of them of so great. Plainly supercillious.", he says angrily, obviously disgusted by Johnny's behavior.  Well, to be exact, I was eavesdropping on him... 

"No, it's my fault. I should be more cautious in the future.", I briefly say wanting to end this discussion as fast as possible. Right now, I really don't want to talk about it. 

"By the way, did you cry. Your eyes seem a bit swollen and red?", Taeyong asks. One could literally hear the hesistation in whether he should or should not ask this question. However, was quick to react. I actually expected this question. 

"Nah, don't worry. It's just that the wind's kind of irritating my eyes. I'll buy some eyedrops on my way home, it's getting annoying and I don't think the air will get moister any time soon so.", I answer waving my hands in front of me to assure him that what he's said is not the case. And he bought it. 

"Alright then. But don't forget doing that, you're eyes look dryer than my elbows when it's winter.", he jokes making me roll my eyes at him. A small part in me still wanted him to question whether my red eyes are really only because of the cold wind, but I decided to immediately shake off this thought. 

"Well, all jokes aside, the guy gave me this telephone number and said, I quote, 'the girlie better apologizes to me herself or this will have major consequences'. But don't call with your own phone, I don't trust this guy, even though this business card looks pretty legit. But still, call him on a payphone or something.", Taeyong then adds handing me a silver-blue business card. 

"Do you think he's a loan shark?", I ask after examining the card carefully. It wasn't exactly an ugly card. To be honest, it even looked quite classy with it's elegant in italic type printed letters and the silver highlights. Wouldn't I know what he's like in real life, I'd think "Johnny Seo, entrepreneur" - as it reads on the card - was quite a elegant and classy man. However, I do know what he's like so I'm not getting fooled by this misleading card. 

"Hmm could be, but what is certain is, that he gives off bad vibes. Make sure not to come accross him again.", Taeyong reckons and quickly hands me tray with empty plates and mugs making me slightly confused. 

"Wow, Ms. Nina, you've finally arrived. It's been 30 minutes since the begin of your shift. Don't give me bad excuses and just tell me why you're so late.", I hear the angry voice of my boss behind my back. Oh no. 

"She's been helping me with cleaning up the table since about 20 minutes ago. It was quite dirty so it took us quite a while, we'll try to be faster next time.", Taeyong then suddenly aks bowing slightly at the end. Seems like Taeyong saved my dumb*ss again. 

"Mr. Miller, I'm sincerely sorry for arriving late for work. I promise this will never happen again.", I quickly say and turn around to face my boss™. Then, I immediately bow, too, additionally paying attention to bowing lower than Taeyong as Mr. Miller has to see that I'm very sorry.