Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Are You Embarrassed of Your Brother?
Everyone has a different personality, but personally, I’m not someone who enjoys socializing much.
The reason is simple.
It drains my energy.
That’s why people who are always lively and energetic are the worst match for me.
“Since we’ve met, let’s introduce ourselves!”
“My name is Lee Jihoo.”
I bowed at a 30-degree angle as I said my name.
It’s better to greet people properly when you first meet them.
It helps avoid unnecessary trouble.
“I’m Shin Yehwa!”
“Ah, yes.”
After introductions, the boss who had been watching us approached and began explaining the work.
“Jihoo, you handle the register. Yehwa, you handle the coffee. If it gets too busy, Jihoo, help with drinks too.”
“Yes.”
So that’s why she taught me how to make coffee earlier.
For emergencies.
She looks like she could turn an orc into minced meat, yet she’s this meticulous.
The contrast was strange.
After finishing the instructions—
“I’m heading out. Do your job properly.”
“Yes.”
“Take care.”
She left.
Might as well stay and help, right?
I pushed away that useless thought and put on the apron neatly placed in the corner.
“Jihoo.”
“Yes?”
“It’s not busy yet, so how about we chat a bit?”
I wanted to say, “No thanks.”
But I still had to function in society, so I smiled politely.
“Sure, until customers arrive. I was bored anyway.”
Honestly, I was planning to sit and watch videos.
But since we were talking, I might as well do it properly.
I wanted to keep this job as long as possible.
So we chatted.
And I learned some interesting things.
The most interesting one—
The scary-looking boss actually owned six other shops nearby.
And a former employee got caught stealing money and was now facing legal action.
“Wouldn’t you get caught stealing money?”
“You’d think so. Some people just lack intelligence.”
She looked gentle at first, but the more she spoke, the more it felt like she was holding something back.
I had a feeling she’d act very differently outside work.
Just then—
Ding!
The first customer arrived.
“I ordered an iced latte. Why is this hot?”
“The receipt says hot latte.”
“You must’ve misheard. Honestly.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t make mistakes like this. Kids these days…”
“Yes.”
One thing I realized working at a café—
There are more rude customers than expected.
Since it’s near a girls’ high school, students come a lot.
But before dismissal time, most customers are older locals.
“Jihoo, are you okay?”
“Yes. I’ve seen people like that before.”
I wasn’t even annoyed.
As long as they don’t hit me, it’s manageable.
During a short break, I sat down—
“…Jihoo, you should get ready.”
“Ah.”
Yehwa looked serious.
So this was it.
I had heard about it, but now it was real.
Then—
Ding!
The bell rang as a crowd of students in uniforms poured in.
The weather was cool, but still warm enough to drive them inside.
I stood at the counter, taking orders mechanically.
“Can I take your order?”
“Three iced Americanos, for here.”
“Got it.”
Then—
“What?”
“…Ah.”
I ran into Lee Yeram.
I expected it.
She comes here often.
But not this soon.
Still, work comes first.
“Customer, would you like to order?”
“Wow, you’re ignoring me?”
“If you’re deciding, please order when ready.”
Acknowledging her here would draw attention.
Better to act like a stranger.
“Six iced Americanos. For here.”
She glanced at me as she ordered.
Wait—
I don’t give her that much allowance.
How is she here so often?
“…Hmm.”
I’d ask later.
After things calmed down—
I texted her.
[Me: Hey]
[Me: Don’t tell your friends]
[Me: Come outside]
No need to draw attention.
Soon—
“Hey, oppa, come here.”
She waved at me.
…Looks like I’m cutting her allowance by 10%.
Reluctantly, I walked over.
“I said come outside. Why call me here?”
“Because I feel like it.”
“…Seriously.”
I can’t even hit her.
Then—
“You’re Yeram’s brother?”
“Yes…”
Her friends started asking questions.
Does she actually study at home?
Do you know how weird she is at school?
And so on.
“Most of that is true.”
“Wait, she really studies? I thought she just plays games.”
“I’m not you.”
“Yeah, says the history grade 8 traitor.”
Apparently, her history grade was public knowledge.
Then—
“Why are you working here? Isn’t this your gaming time?”
“I’ve temporarily paused online interaction to engage in real-world productivity.”
I couldn’t just say I play games all day.
That screams unemployed.
“You play games?”
“Just as a hobby.”
Act normal.
If they knew how much I played, they’d avoid me.
“A hobby? Who spends 1,000 hours on a soccer game?”
“Soccer game?”
“Wow, I play that too.”
“Well, soccer games are addictive.”
What’s wrong with that?
They’re fun.
Even if I suck at real soccer.
Anyway—
Time to go back.
“I’ll head back. Enjoy yourselves.”
“Wow, your tone is so fake.”
I’m definitely beating her up—verbally—when we get home.
Back at the counter, Yehwa asked:
“Who are they?”
“My sister. The one with short hair.”
“I thought you looked familiar.”
Right—
I forgot to ask where she gets money.
I’ll ask later.
Time passed—
“I’m heading out.”
“Take care.”
I finished my shift.
Yehwa seemed to stay all day.
How does she do that?
“Whew, I’m tired.”
It was my first shift in a while.
Still—
I’ll get used to it.
With that thought, I texted Yeram.
[Me: My dear sister]
[Me: We need to talk later]
[Me: Don’t start another game.]
It was time to discuss her coffee spending.