Chapter 3
It won't be free.
We're now inside the mall. I decided to bring this little man beside me to shop for his basic need at the dorm.
I'm wearing a simple white t-shirt, pants, and black jacket, while Jungwon wore a simple pink pullover, pants, and white sneakers just like me.
Every step we take, the more head turns to us, I'm not bothered about it, but this man beside me seems to find it a little uncomfortable.
I always catch people's attention, and I'm kinda used to that. I might sound bragging, but I'm actually not.
I'm always sure about that thing, but not this time. I don't even know who's drawing people's attention, because to be honest, the man beside me is also catching mine.
I'm sure that he looks outstanding, but it seems like he has different "Good" every day to offer. He looks chick this time, his hair is still covering his forehead, and he simply rocks.
He looks like someone who draws attention even before, so why he's still not used to it?
"Your cheeks are turning red," I told him. Maybe it's because of the cold weather or perhaps just him being uncomfortable.
"It's kinda cold," he replied, then hugged himself to rubbed his arms.
I actually wonder if there is something interesting on the ground as his eyes couldn't leave it. But whatever his reason are, one thing is for sure. He'll going to get himself into trouble any time now if he will keep doing that.
"Look where you're going," I commanded him. He glanced at me quite lost then nodded before walking like a normal human.
"Ugh, sorry," he said in a low tone. There you go.
"You should have wore more," I added, slightly scolding him. We're now in the household section. I brought him here to get dishwashing gloves and an apron that will fit perfectly on him.
"Get your house slipper." I reminded him he nodded then tried some slippers on.
"Why did you bring me here, Hyung? Things here are quite expensive," he whispered while looking at the prices of what was in front of him.
"This is where I shopped. It's okay. I'm going to pay for it. You don't have to worry." I assured him and pat his head softly.
"Let me pay you once I get my pay," he said, then smiled.
My brows automatically furrowed, "It's a welcome gift." I told him.
"This is too much for a welcome gift. You cooked for me twice. I think that's enough gift." He retorted, smiling.
After contemplating whether to ask, "You're working?" I finally asked him, the more I know about him, the more he surprise me, just how independent he is? I feel like he's too independent for his age.
"Uhm, It's just part-time. I'm starting tomorrow after school," he said, still choosing what house slipper to get. In the end, he chose the cheapest one.
"Look for the quality and not the price." I told him as I put back the slipper he chose, "The cheapest one won't last long." I added and got him the middle-priced one. "This one will." I continued.
He just nodded while laughing. "You sounds like my mom," he said.
I just glared at him. I was done paying for the things when I saw him still busy rubbing and hugging himself. I just couldn't help but feel worried. At this rate, he will be going to catch a cold.
"I run out of jackets I want to buy one," I simply told him.
He looks at me, trying to suppress his laughter once more, "How could you run out of jackets? are you eating them?" he joked.
I just flicked his forehead softly, then shook my head smiling.
I removed my jacket and gave it to him. I figured out he would not like and accept the jacket if I was going to buy it for him, so I should buy one to use myself and let him use the other one.
"How about this one?" I asked him while trying another black jacket with a different style.
"It's still black." He pointed out, "How about trying different color?" he suggested while looking at me.
I usually wear black in fact all my jackets are black. There's no particular reason. It is just that black can't go wrong with anything. Well, at least for me.
He picked a white jacket for me with an identical style. It looks good, actually. "Try it on Hyung," he ordered with tame eyes.
"You look good in this one too," he said, now looking serious while scanning the jacket's fit on me. A smile slide on my lips as I watches him attentively assessing the jacket I'm wearing he chose for me.
"Then, I'm going to get this one," I told him in my usual tone trying to bring back my usual expression before he met my eyes.
I looked for the staff and told him I'd be going to wear this now. I let him assist me in tearing off the price tag and guiding me to the counter.
It was already my turn to pay, so I gave them my card. The staff got busy with it. I pulled One closer to me and took my jacket from him to help him wear it.
"It's cold. Use this for a while." I told him, he just stared at me and did not say anything.
It's a little big for him, but he still manages to look good on it, "Wow, you still look stylish." I teased him. He actually does.
He just laughed at me. "Here's your card, sir." the cashier said. I decided to pat Jungwon's head before taking my card back.
"Do you need anything? For school? work?" I asked him while roaming aimlessly.
"I don't know. I guess nothing for now," he replied.
I just nodded and brought him to one of my favorite restaurants in this mall. It was a fine dining one, we were still outside of the restaurant when he started panicking,
"I can't afford this one," he whispered to me while slightly pulling me, trying to stop me.
"It's okay. I have a discount voucher." I told him, he looked at me confusedly with worries in his eyes, "It seems like I can't still afford it even it is 80 percent off." He said in a whisper.
For some reason, I felt bad for bringing him here. I feel like I'm making him uncomfortable, "It's 100 percent off." I told him.
Of course, I lied. He eyes turned surprised and doubtful but still let me pull him inside. We sat on my usual seat.
Jas, The waiter, immediately attended us. She's about to greet me like a friend, but I signaled her 'not to' secretly.
She greeted us then in a formal way with confusion. This restaurant is actually owned by a close family friend of ours. I also perform here sometimes.
"I'm here to redeem my prize." I told her, she looked more confuse now as she stares at me, "Wh-"
I didn't let her finish. "Let me show you my e-voucher." I respectfully cut her words. It seems like she's starting to get me.
I showed her my phone. Obviously, there is no voucher or discounts. It's just a guarantee that I will pay for it.
She looked at Jungwon and me and Jungwon once again, "A-ah! that o-one." she said, then laughed awkwardly, "Right! I almost forgot! the website prizes." she added.
"I'm sorry about that Sir, You can order anything on the menu, and it's on the house," Jas said while smiling at us. I nodded and browse at their menu.
"Uhm, One steak for the main dish. Honey butter skillet corn for a side dish and chocolate mousse for dessert."
"How about for drinks, Sir?" Jas asked still in formal tone.
"Uhm, just water," I replied.
"How about you, Sir?" she's asking One now.
"Just pasta Manicotti, and same with his," he said shyly.
Change his side to garlic bread toast, please," I requested. Jas acknowledged it after asking One if that would be fine.
When Jas left, "This restaurant is weird. They don't know how to do business." One said in disbelief, "How can it be free? They lost 30 dollars for pasta already." he added thinking.
A smile hid behind my lips, finding his reactions cute, "It's an anniversary promo." I lied to him, Thankfully he was more relaxed now, our order arrived, and we started eating,
"What time is your shift tomorrow?" I asked him
"My class will end at four in the afternoon. My shift will start at five and end at ten," he said plainly, while shifting his gazes to his plate and me.
"That long?" I asked astounded. He said it as if he didn't know how tiring that could be, "Are you sure you can handle it?" I asked him little worried.
He's still new here. It's normal to be worried for him. He's still a high schooler even he's in his senior year.
"Hmm, I'm used to working," he said, then smiled.
He got busy eating, so I chose not to talk so he could enjoy his food until...
"Are you a regular here?" Jungwon asked, which caught me off guard.
"They seem to know you," he added without looking at me, I then look around and saw the guys around looking at me, Ally even waved his hand on the corner when our eyes met as he smiles widely.
I laughed awkwardly, "This restaurant is actually owned by a close family friend. I also perform here sometimes." I told him, honestly.
"Perform?" he asked curiously. I like how he shows interest in me. I smiled at him, "I'm a soloist." I replied, a little bit proud.
"It would be nice to see you and hear you perform right now," he said, smiling and sounding thrilled.
"I should bring you here to my next gig then," I told him.
I moved my chair closer to the table and leaned forward to him. He did the same, curious to what I was about to say, My lips curled as I tell him, "But the food won't be free next time." I whispered just enough for us to hear.
We both laughed at that.