Chapter 73: Exam Period (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 73: Exam Period (4)
*
In front of the employee break room at the back of the store.
I followed Ha Seo-rim as she walked me through the ropes.
To think I’d run into her here.
Korea might be a small country, and there might not be many part-time jobs suitable for high schoolers, but still.
I never expected to run into her like this—and during the same shift, no less.
“See the timer? You can adjust it by pressing this.”
Ha Seo-rim’s expression was stoic.
Business was business, and personal was personal. Unlike her initial flustered reaction, she continued her explanation calmly, showing no sign of resentment.
“—Do you understand everything so far?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you sure? If you’re confused, don’t just wander around on your own; ask me.”
Ha Seo-rim double-checked, seemingly wanting to be thorough.
“It’s fine. I’ve memorized it all.”
There was nothing to worry about.
However, my confident answer seemed to rub her the wrong way.
“...Then can I test you?”
Ha Seo-rim hid the employee manual behind her back and tilted her head up.
Since I didn't think it would be a problem, I nodded.
“When a Potato order comes in, what are the sizes?”
“For R size, one Big. For L size, one Big Large.”
“What about Cheese Sticks?”
“The default is one Stick. For the large one, one Long Stick.”
“And the Jipai?”
“One Savory Jipai for the mild flavor. One Haba for the Habanero.”
“And the cooking times for each?”
“...2 minutes 20 seconds for the Potato. 1 minute 30 seconds for the Cheese Stick. 4 minutes for the Jipai.”
I rattled off the answers without a moment's hesitation.
“...You really did memorize it all.”
Ha Seo-rim looked stunned. Her wide eyes scanned me up and down.
“...Ahem... Yes, well done.”
She quickly regained her composure and nodded.
— “Wait, what’s with this guy...? He memorized all that already?”
Her Mini-Me muttered with an incredulous expression.
“...”
I didn’t expect her to grill me like that. From the halfway point, I had been reading Ha Seo-rim’s thoughts to answer.
That was why it was possible. It’s not like I’m a genius who could memorize all that in one go.
“Here.”
Ha Seo-rim handed me some clothes.
“You can change in the dressing room inside the employee room. And make sure you wear your name tag properly.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll say it again. If there’s anything you don’t know, feel free to ask anytime.”
“Sure.”
That was it.
With that, Ha Seo-rim turned on her heel and walked away.
After that, not a single word passed between us.
The work was incredibly busy, and Ha Seo-rim seemed intent on maintaining a consistent air of indifference toward me. I didn't try to approach her much either.
After moving around busily like that, closing time finally approached.
“Good work today...!”
And so, my first day at the part-time job came to an end.
*
After school, inside the Counseling Club room.
The Club President and Vice Club President were using the inner counseling room, while the second-years were gathered on the sofas outside, continuing their studies.
Everyone was busy preparing for final exams.
In the midst of it all...
“...”
Shin A-young couldn't overcome her heavy eyelids.
Her long eyelashes lowered. Slowly, her vision blurred into darkness.
— Nod, nod.
Shin A-young’s head bobbed side to side.
Just as she was about to collapse onto Lee Seung-ho’s shoulder next to her—
— Grab.
A hand caught her head.
Lee Sol’s fingertips narrowly caught her forehead.
It was a truly swift movement. Lee Sol wasn't about to let the same thing happen twice.
“...Ah.”
Shin A-young woke from her slumber and rubbed her eyes.
She had dozed off without realizing it.
“Ugh—”
Shin A-young sat up, her body feeling stiff.
“Hwaaaam~”
Even so, a yawn escaped her. She covered her mouth and exhaled, a tiny tear pricking her eye.
“...Did you stay up late last night? If you’re tired, go home and sleep,” Lee Sol asked, giving her a subtle look.
“...Yeah... I was preparing an assignment over the weekend.”
“An assignment?”
Lee Sol leaned in curiously.
“Oh, right. You said you guys were making a movie or something, right?” Ji Nuri chimed into the conversation.
“Yeah.”
That was why she had gone to bed late last night. She just couldn't get the script written.
...I should have a cup of coffee.
She felt like she’d fall right back asleep at this rate.
Shin A-young stood up unsteadily and rummaged through the teacups.
“Hmm...”
Where was it?
She had seen coffee sticks here last time.
Ah, found them.
[Energy Potion!]
[Fighting!!]
Small letters were written on the instant coffee packets along with cute drawings.
She figured the Club President had probably written them.
Since they seemed to be for Senior Min-ji, she set those aside and picked a different one.
...They’re dating in such a cute way...
Seeing that made her feel a bit envious.
“...”
Shin A-young’s gaze slunk to the side.
Anyway...
She was watching Lee Seung-ho and Lee Sol, who was sitting across from him.
The voices of the two sitting further away could be heard faintly.
“Oh... You only got a few wrong?”
“...”
When he praised her score, the corners of Lee Sol’s mouth twitched upward, despite her trying to act like it was nothing.
“...”
Shin A-young pouted.
I can get scores like that too.
“I don’t think I need to go over the details with you anymore. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Huh?”
Lee Sol’s expression became complicated.
She was happy her score went up, but she seemed disappointed that he wouldn't be tutoring her anymore.
Her eyes darted left and right.
“B-but there are still a lot of confusing parts. And I make careless mistakes...”
“Why? You’re doing great.”
“...R-really...?”
She’s loving it.
She was grinning again just because of a little praise.
“...”
Shin A-young sipped her coffee with a restless heart.
“Hot...!”
She had taken a gulp without realizing it was still boiling hot!
“...Are you okay? Be careful.”
A startled Lee Seung-ho looked back.
“...Uuuugh...”
She felt a bit wronged.
Shin A-young cooled her stinging tongue with cold water.
“...”
The current situation made Shin A-young even more certain.
She couldn't go on like this.
She felt that she was falling a step behind Lee Sol and needed a change.
...Fortunately, today was the day she had already laid the groundwork.
*
I turned my body this way and that in front of the mirror, doing some light stretching.
I stopped by the gym as part of my usual routine.
Maybe because I’d been coming with Lee Seung-ah so often lately, being alone felt quite awkward.
“Whew—”
As I was lightly stretching, I saw someone walking in through the entrance.
I spotted Shin A-young looking around.
“Shin A-young.”
“...!”
She walked over hesitantly. Her gait was much more awkward than usual.
Perhaps it was because of her outfit, which was a departure from her usual style.
— “...T-the clothes feel a bit too tight...”
Her Mini-Me had an awkward expression. It hunched its shoulders, covering its body with its arms.
A bit of short-lived noise was mixed in, as if she were embarrassed.
On the other hand—
“What is it?”
The girl herself tilted her head nonchalantly. She asked while tucking her hair behind her ear.
I was impressed by her acting skills every time I saw them.
“...No, it’s just my first time seeing you in clothes like that.”
Unlike the other kids, Shin A-young didn't even wear casual clothes over her uniform at school.
“Huh? I usually dress like this. Is something weird?”
— “Does it not suit me...?”
The Mini-Me instantly became gloomy.
I shook my head.
“No, it looks fine.”
Shin A-young didn't respond for a moment.
“...Really?”
She raised her eyebrows and gave a crescent-moon smile.
“...”
As I moved through the gym with Shin A-young to find a suitable machine, she looked around and asked.
“But where’s Seung-ah? Don’t you two usually work out together?”
“Today’s her day off.”
“Oh, really?”
“She’ll probably show up tomorrow.”
I phrased it as a probability because it was certain that Lee Seung-ah would insist on not going.
Tsk. I smacked my lips.
It was a bit of a shame. I thought she’d be good at it if she actually worked out, but she showed absolutely no interest.
*
“Good, you’re doing well.”
“Huff—”
Shin A-young followed my instructions well.
Since it was her first time, her movements were occasionally awkward, but she generally got the hang of it quickly.
...At least she doesn't whine like Lee Seung-ah.
Unlike Lee Seung-ah, who tried to slack off the moment I looked away, Shin A-young faithfully carried out what she was told.
There was just one problem...
Hmm.
...I didn't know where to look.
“Huff— huff—”
The sight of Shin A-young pulling dumbbells while breathing heavily was strangely provocative.
“...”
I couldn't just stare, but avoiding her eyes awkwardly felt strange too.
It was a bit of a difficult situation.
I realized for the first time that this is what happens when you go to the gym with a girl.
“...”
Whether she noticed or not, Shin A-young occasionally flashed a mischievous smile.
“...Shall we call it a day?”
“I can do more.”
“It’s your first day.”
I thought it would be better not to go too hard since it was her first day. The virtue of exercise is consistency, after all.
“Whew—”
When we stepped outside after showering, a cool breeze ruffled our hair.
This is when I feel best. It’s quiet, and my head feels clear.
“This is pretty good~”
“Right?”
We walked down the street, sharing a protein shake.
Shin A-young seemed to like the chocolate flavor, so I shared the info about the protein with her.
As we talked about this and that on the way back, the conversation naturally shifted toward our common interests.
“How’s the script coming along?”
It was about the short film.
“Umm... well...”
Shin A-young’s expression became a bit complicated.
“I’m still thinking about it. There are so many things coming to mind...”
She looked apologetic.
There wasn't much time left.
We had to consider filming and editing, not to mention studying for other final exams.
“Do you think it’ll be finished by this Wednesday?”
“Hmm...”
— “...Will it?”
There was no confidence in the Mini-Me’s tone.
— “Or maybe—”
Shin A-young’s Mini-Me suddenly snapped its gaze toward me.
“About that...”
Shin A-young came to a dead stop.
A heavy silence followed.
She fidgeted with her fingers as if choosing her words...
“If you have time, do you want to come to my house now?”
There was noise mixed in, so I couldn't be certain.
But Shin A-young’s voice as she said that felt like it was trembling slightly.
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(!Signpost!)
(Scroll down for AI illustration!)
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(Shin A-young in workout clothes)