Chapter 200: Looking for a Part-time Job
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 200: Looking for a Part-time Job
“Hmm.”
I recently bought a bicycle.
Living in the dormitory, I found getting around campus a bit of a chore, so I bought it for exercise and convenience.
The problem was, I ended up splurging on something way more expensive than I intended.
“I didn't mean for it to go this far.”
Looking at the sleek black bike, I felt a sense of satisfaction, but a growing sense of unease gnawed at a corner of my heart.
Initially, I just wanted something that could get me from point A to point B. As long as the wheels turned, it should have been enough, right?
But then I started thinking. I still have two and a half years left until graduation. Unless something major happens, I’ll probably be staying in the dorms that whole time. If a cheap bike breaks down halfway through, wouldn't it cost more to repair it or buy a new one?
So, I decided to pick something durable enough to last a long time without breaking.
“…….”
But as I agonized over the choices, the specs and the price kept climbing until, before I knew it, I had purchased a seriously high-end machine.
I’m worried someone might steal it if I leave it in the dorm’s bike rack, but it’s not like I can keep a bicycle in my room.
Anyway.
“It really does fly, though.”
I took it for a test run around the university, and it definitely glides along effortlessly. The moment I stepped on the pedals, I felt like it was a good purchase despite the price. However...
“The moment I get off the bike, the reality check hits hard.”
Once I’m back on my own two feet, I start wondering if I really needed to spend that much. At this rate, I feel like I should just live on top of the bike for the rest of my life to get my money's worth.
“Ugh, this is why being a chaebol is a problem.”
I blamed my lineage once for good measure and then shook the thought off. I bought something expensive, so I just have to make sure I use it enough to justify the cost.
“Maybe I should try a cross-country bike trip.”
I had planned to go camping during the last break, but I couldn't go because I ran out of money. This time, I could save up properly and spend the summer vacation traveling and camping with my bike. That didn't seem like a bad idea at all.
“Oh, that actually sounds exciting.”
It was just a random thought, but imagining it made me feel quite cheerful. Riding a bike, taking in the scenery, and traveling across the country—wouldn't that be a fulfilling vacation?
“Well, there’s still plenty of time until then.”
Midterms just ended. Summer vacation is still a long way off.
Lately, the campus has been buzzing with preparations for the sports festival. The English Literature department didn't have much of a connection to sports, so the general reaction was indifferent. However, the Arts and Physical Education departments were preparing with such passion and intensity that you’d think it was a literal battlefield.
For some reason, Yoo Ah-rin had fallen in love with basketball and was recently practicing hard with the women's basketball club. She kept saying that if there was a basketball tournament during the sports festival, she was definitely going to play.
Anyway.
While everyone else was busy with their own things, I had a concern of my own. It was directly related to the bicycle.
“I’m broke.”
I still had enough for basic living expenses, but I needed some extra cash just in case. Since I had emptied my emergency fund to buy the bike, I really needed a part-time job now.
The first place that came to mind was the cafe where Senior Ju-hee worked. Honestly, in terms of comfort, that would be the best. It was a cafe, and having Senior Min Ju-hee there would make the work itself much easier.
‘But that’s a bit much.’
It hadn't been that long since I was under the collective glare of three women because of Oh Yun-ji during that drinking session. Working closely with Senior Ju-hee, who had already confessed to me, felt like crossing a line I shouldn't cross.
“Maybe I should look through a job search website.”
I went back to my room, turned on my laptop, and logged onto a job site. I’d heard that these sites were so well-organized these days that finding a part-time job wasn't that difficult.
“Oh, there’s a huge variety of jobs.”
I wanted to avoid anything too physically taxing if possible, and I also wanted to avoid working too many hours. I needed money, but it wasn't an emergency, and I wanted to save as much time as possible to spend with the girls.
“There are quite a few convenience stores.”
That seemed like a decent option. I had worked at Gold One before, but this would be my first time doing a regular part-time job like this. Convenience stores have the lowest barrier to entry, and the work seems easier compared to other places. Of course, people say it’s tough when there are rude customers or during rush hours, but I figured that would be the same anywhere.
“A factory? Is there a factory near here? And what’s this? This one pays a ton.”
There were also some places that felt strangely sketchy or like I shouldn't contact them no matter what.
Vibrate! Vibrate! Vibrate!
My phone rang. It was Choi I-seo.
“Hello?”
— Hello? Woo-jin, what are you doing right now?
“Me? I’m looking for a part-time job. I’m almost out of cash.”
— ……Did you buy that expensive bicycle?
“Ahem.”
— Sigh, I told you not to look at the high-end models.
“No, but it really glides. I think it was a good purchase.”
— Of course it glides if it’s expensive. Why else would you pay that much?
Man, look at her hitting me with those cold, hard facts. This is practically domestic violence.
When I fell silent, Choi I-seo didn't press the bike issue any further and stated her business.
— Min-ji and I made some side dishes. Want me to bring some over?
“Oh, I’d love that! I’ll come to you. No need for you to come all this way. I have to get my money's worth out of this bike anyway.”
— Okay, got it. We’ll lend you the containers, so just bring a bag.
“Okay.”
Click.
As soon as I hung up, I felt like I could breathe again. Choi I-seo really has great sense in these matters. Maybe she anticipated I’d buy an expensive bike and starve, so she made the side dishes on purpose.
‘Maybe that’s a bit of a stretch.’
Regardless, before heading out, I decided to finish what I started and looked at the job site a bit more. I was just going to give it one last scan before going to I-seo’s place.
“Huh?”
I saw a familiar shop. When I checked my phone, I realized I already had the owner's number.
“Oh, this looks good. It might even be fun.”
An unexpected connection had been made. I immediately called to set up an interview.
* * *
“Oh, what’s this? Is it Braised Beef in Soy Sauce?”
I arrived at Choi I-seo’s studio apartment to pick up the side dishes. I-seo, who was already prepared and wearing an apron, smiled as she handed me the containers.
“Yeah. I figured you’d only have instant rice. I made it a bit salty so it goes well with rice.”
“Ooooh. Can I give you a hug?”
“Don't people usually ask if they can taste it first?”
As I reached out with both arms to dive in, I-seo pushed against my chest with her hand and checked behind her. After confirming that her roommate, Min-ji, was in the bathroom, she nodded.
Squeeze!
I immediately lunged forward and hugged her. I-seo let out a sigh of relief and patted my back.
“Don't just eat cup ramen or order takeout. If you really have nothing to eat, come to our place, okay?”
“Mommy...”
When I reflexively muttered that, I-seo slapped my back with a bit of force.
“You want to die?”
“Yo-Your... girlfriend?”
“Phew, not yet, but...”
With a soft smile, Choi I-seo buried her face in my chest.
“That sounds nice.”
We stayed like that until we heard the sound of the toilet flushing, and then we quickly pulled apart. There was no need to show her roommate something she didn't need to see.
“Did you find a job?”
I-seo asked naturally as she packed the remaining side dishes into my bag, as if the hug just now had never happened.
“I’ve got an interview lined up. They told me to come right away, so I’m going there after I leave here.”
“Aha, where is it? A cafe? Convenience store? Restaurant? I should visit once you start working.”
“It might be a bit awkward for you to visit.”
“……Hmm?”
“Well, definitely come by. It’s almost time for the interview, so I should get going.”
“Yeah, good luck!”
I-seo cheered for me with her fists clenched. I waved back with a smile and hopped back onto the bike I had parked outside.
Zipping forward on the bike, I arrived at my destination in a good mood.
It was an adult store.
The shop was covered in a pink atmosphere from the outside. Because you couldn't see the interior from the street, it was a place that naturally piqued one's curiosity. I walked inside without hesitation.
“You’re here.”
I was greeted by a dizzying array of lewd adult goods and the Bald Man.
“Man, I’d love it if you worked here, Woo-jin. I’ve been struggling because I couldn't find anyone for the afternoon shift.”
“Don't these places usually operate at night?”
“That’s not necessarily true. Since we’re near the university, there are kids who come to browse, and we have plenty of regulars.”
“Oho. The inside is much more spacious than it looks from the outside.”
It looked like it would be fun to explore.
“It’s basically no different from a convenience store. You just ring up the items the customers choose.”
“I see.”
“However, customers occasionally ask for reviews or instructions on how to use things. You have to answer them sincerely when that happens.”
What should I do? I was already looking forward to what they might ask.
“What kind of things do they usually ask?”
When I asked with anticipation, the man grinned.
“They ask all sorts of things. Last time, someone even asked me how to do an enema.”
“Holy shit!”
To be honest, that’s not really my thing, but thinking about someone asking that while being all embarrassed was surprisingly—
“A guy did.”
“Ah, fuck. I quit.”
Suddenly, I felt disgusted. Why would a guy ask that?
“Now, now. You won't find another place that pays as well as this. Since it’s you, Woo-jin, I’ll pay you significantly more than the minimum wage.”
“……Fine. But, make sure one thing is clear.”
“What?”
“Prohibition of workplace sexual harassment.”
“…….”
“Answer me.”
“……Of, of course.”
Why did he hesitate?
“Shit, the moment you try anything weird with me, I’m writing 'Gay Hangout' in front of the store.”
“It’s a joke, a joke. I know where to draw the line. You know that.”
Well, that was true. If he didn't know where to draw the line, our lives would have changed significantly that night everyone slept in my room. The man really didn't seem to have much interest in me.
Anyway, he was my boss now. Thinking I should earn some points, I shared a good piece of information with him.
“Go after Chan-woo. He changes girlfriends pretty often. I’m sure he wouldn't mind a one-night stand with you.”
“……Sometimes I feel like you’re using me too much.”
He caught me.