CH 10.2

I just walked out of the officetel and I found out that my shoelace is untied. I got down on one knee and tied it again. I got up and not even a few steps I walked, I felt my nape sticky and stiff. I turned around, but there was nothing.

Is it because it’s cloudy? I thought it was bright in the morning, but it quickly became cloudy. The white clouds covered the sky. It also smelt like soil. I wonder if it’ll rain.

I entered the convenience store, and after changing with the part-timer worker of the previous shift, I greeted Seo Jihee.

“Jiho, Jiho.”

On her way back from cleaning, Seo Jihee flipped her hair. 

“Guess what changed.”

“You cut your hair.”

The long hair became shorter close to the chin. She, who was originally bright, looked even more lively.

“How is it?”

“It suits you.”

Seo Jihee covered her mouth and chuckled. She seemed to be in a good mood today. Looking at someone in a good mood, it somehow felt peaceful.

“Isn’t it also the time for you to cut your hair?”

I touched the hair covering my brows. It indeed has been a while since I cut my hair. Still, this length was fine. I had always cut my hair when it pricked my eyes, so it didn’t feel too long.

“I think you’ll be cute if you get a perm.”

I couldn’t imagine myself with wavy hair. The same goes for Yeon Woojeong. Though it seemed like Seo Jihee would rock it.

“I’ve tried blonde before. I thought it wouldn’t suit me, but… Awesome. It really suited me.”

Seo Jihee talked about herself as well today. She said she didn’t mean to dye her hair. She tried to lighten her hair a bit, but it turned out to be blonde. All the stories she talked about were ordinary, but they were always lively. I felt like I experienced it indirectly when I listened to them.

“Ah, I decided to go back to school this time. I want to rest a bit more, but I have to graduate. If school starts in March, I think I’ll stop working in April… Jiho, how long are you going to work here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do it for a long time. I’ll stop by sometimes.”

If Seo Jihee stops working, someone else will surely come. It is mostly thanks to her that I could work without problem till now. Even though I would be okay with the work since I have already gotten used to it, can I work well with the new worker?

“Uh-oh, were you sad just now?”

She stretched out her head to look at me while holding back her smile. I had never done that, but as I didn’t deny it, she patted my shoulder. 

“Don’t worry. There’s still a month left, and you’ll do well whoever comes.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I’m touched. I’m your first colleague, aren’t I?”

She held out her fist in front of me. I quietly looked at the small fist, and Seo Jihee took my hand, made it into a fist, then bumped the fists.

“Ah, by the way, have you made up with that friend last time?”

“Yes.”

“I’m glad. Oh! I have tickets for an exhibition. Should I give them to you? I was given too, but there’s still some left. Go watch it with that friend.”

Seo Jihee went into storage, and after taking two tickets, she gave them to me.

“There’s plenty of time, so go when you have time. It’s not that difficult or deep, so it’s easy to see.”

“Thank you.”

Come to think of it, I felt like I only received things from Seo Jihee. Guess I have to give her a cake next time. Making up my mind, I put the tickets inside my pocket.

She talked about the exhibitions she had watched all this time. Even though I could only show the same response because I had never gone to a place like that, she explained eagerly. She just looked happy to talk about it. It was amazing that she could like something like that.

The free time ended when the truck loaded with goods arrived. After the proper numbers were stamped in my bank account, I felt rewarded while working. I usually worked without thinking much, but now I thought about what to do with Yeon Woojeong next time.

Today was particularly busy. There was a lot to organize, and the customers came in ceaselessly. I almost didn’t talk except when Seo Jihee talked about work occasionally. As 7 o’clock approached, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Woah, what a day. It was the busiest day ever. Right?”

“Yes. … Good job.”

“Yoo too, Jiho. Good job.”

I looked at my phone. Seeing that there was no contact from Yeon Woojeong, it seemed like he’s also busy today. He said he would be late. He said he would get home at 9, so I’ll have dinner first.

“Goodbye.”

I went outside after changing shifts with the next part-timer and greeting Seo Jihee. The night sky was still gloomy. A big cloud passed. It was cloudy all day, but there was no rain.

What should I have for dinner? I was hungry, but there was nothing I wanted to eat in particular. I was a bit tired as well. It didn’t seem like a bad idea to postpone dinner and sleep.

The wind blew as I walked through the entrance. The branches of trees nearby fluttered. The gray building looked dreary somehow. I put my hands into my pocket and hastened my feet. Reaching the building, I entered the passcode. The door opened, and I was about to get inside. I looked back at the eerie feeling tugging at the back of my head.

Ah.

Ah…

There was a man right behind me. He put his hands in his pockets and looked up at me with his shoulders hunched over.

He looked up. I looked down at the man.

The eye level was unfamiliar, and the man was not only old, but also decrepit. The hazy eyes, seen below the drooping eyelids, looked at me straight. What kind of face do I have in those eyes? I clenched my hands tight.

“You don’t even say hello to your father?”

“…”

“Do I have to hear the news of my child through someone else?”

A rough, creepy voice that came out as if scratching one’s neck. Beard on rough skin and pale lips. A vinyl-like jumper and a T-shirt with stretched collar. The habit of puckering lips at every moment.

Everything was just like a nightmare.

“Do you live here?”

The man looked up at the building. The automatic door closed in the back. I slowly swallowed the dry saliva, then shook my head.

“Look at this bastard lying?”

The man’s hand came out of his pocket. He seemed to raise his hand, and I was startled without knowing it. I staggered one step behind.

“I, didn’t lie. I’m here, to work…”

“To work? But I saw you coming out of here this morning?”

When did he see me? Where? Then does it mean he’s been waiting since morning? Why…?

Fuck. I chewed on the inside of my mouth.

“I, really, came here to work. Cleaning and washing dishes…”

“And you sleep too?”

I was speechless. How should I answer him? I had to rake my brain, but I couldn’t think properly. The man could not stand the delay in replying. It was the same now. There was a moment when the blurry eyes rolled around. I had to answer before that happened.

“I just…! I just sleep in the little room sometimes.”

“Then how about the usual?”

“…”

“Hey.”

His hand flew over my head. A dull pain, which I couldn’t forget nor get used to, struck my head. I gritted my teeth.

The man had gotten short. His palm was thick, but I might be able to subdue him if I tried to. Was he this short? Was he, was he… this shabby?

“You think your father is a fool, huh?”

“… No.”

“Forget it. Who is it? The house owner.”

“He’s just… my boss.”

“Is that boss rich?”

“… Why?”

“He must be living well if he lives here. Is there anything at home?”

I shook my head. The anxiety rushed in endlessly. I’d like it if everything was only a dream. That this was only my delusion.