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Hyejin kept on looking at the round clock on the wall. Why is the time moving so slow?
It was the last subject for the day, Maths.
Oddly enough, she loves math. People kept on saying how they hate the subject because it's too hard and complicated, which she couldn't deny. Though, she loves the feeling when she successfully answers the math questions by herself, it makes her feel smart.
But not today.
Today her math teacher, Ms. Park decided to recap the previous chapters, which she has aced. Hyejin kept on playing with her pen, drawing cute gojo doodles on her notebook. She couldn't help but to feel bored during the whole lesson.
"Okay class! Today's lesson ends here. Don't forget to hand in your homework tomorrow" Ms. Park walked to her table, she took all of her stuff and held them carefully in her hands.
Hyejin's eyes opened widely. She turned her head to the left, facing her friend Hyunsoo, "Wait, what homework?"
Hyunsoo face-palmed, "Dumbo, did you not pay attention during the lesson? I'll text you the homework" he replied and quickly shove everything in his bag, ready to leave the class.
"Hey wait!" she yelled and turned to her back "Wonhee, are you coming?"
"No, sadly" she pouted "I have a debate practice with Gunwook today"
"Aw, goodluck then!" Hyejin gave her friend a side hug before fixing her bag pack.
"Thanks! See you tomorrow love" Wonhee chuckled and blew a kiss playfully, which Hyejin returned back.
Hyejin fastened her pace, trying to catch up to her male friend.
"Took you long enough" Hyunsoo spoke up, looking down at the girl with a smug grin.
Hyejin nudged his shoulder before crossing her arms, "Excuse you, I had to say goodbye to my best friend"
Hyunsoo crossed his arms dramatically, mimicking his friend. "Oh wow, I am offended Hyejin. Am i not your best friend too?"
"You aren't that important" Hyejin retorted and let out a playful laugh. "Look, the bus is here. Let's go"
The two teenagers made their way inside the bus, taking their seats beside each other. After a few minutes, the bus stopped near Hyunsoo's apartment. He stood up and walked outside, not forgetting to say goodbye to the girl.
Not too long after that, the bus stopped at Hyejin's destination. She quickly thanked the driver and ran outside.
Hyejin looked at her hand watch and let out a soft sigh. I still have 10 minutes, great
Hyejin fixed her posture and started walking towards the local vintage book store, where she works as a part-timer. She carefully pushed the glass door and greeted the owner.
"Welcome Hyejin. How was school today?" An old woman with short white hair asked her as she kept her eyes on the book shelf.
"Just the same Grandma, nothing exciting" Hyejin sighed and took off her bag, shoving it under the cashier table.
She turned her head towards the old woman who was busy organizing the book shelf, "Do you need help with that?"
"Oh, yes please" the woman chuckled before flashing a smile at the teenager.
Hyejin shifted closer and took the remaining unorganized books from the old woman's hands carefully. She had to bend down a little since she was taller than Ms. Yang.
The next few hours passed by quickly as she did the same chores, reorganizing the messy shelves and clean the dusty floor. She would occasionally help Ms. Yang at the cashier counter whenever the shop gets too busy.
Hyejin's part time shift has ended as she quickly packed her bag. She wanted to get the second volume of the book she currently binge reading before heading back home.
She slid her bag and walked to the thriller section. Her gaze fell on the book at the top shelf, it was just the book she was looking for."Today's my lucky day" she grinned.
Hyejin tip-toed and grabbed the book, not before another hand brushed against hers and grabbed the same book.
She sighed in annoyance and turned her head towards the person.
Wait, this guy looks familiar.
Hyejin squinted her eyes, trying to recall where she met the familiar person, "Wait.."
"It's you again, strawberry girl!" the guy beamed happily as he took his hand away from the book, pointing his index finger at her.
"Strawberry girl?" Hyejin asked, still confused. She barely know this guy and now he's calling her with an unfamiliar nickname.
"Yeah! You're the one that I bumped into before, remember?" The guy chuckled, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Oh, wait.." Hyejin nodded as she finally recognized the stranger in front of her "Yes, I remember you"
He let out a soft giggle before clearing his throat, "I'm sorry again, about before"
The girl immediately shook her head, "No need, it happened a few days ago anyway"
As the guy looked somewhere else, Hyejin sneakily hid the book behind her, still keeping her usual poker expression.
The guy witnessed her sneaky attempt but he played dumb, holding in his laughter. "It was nice to see you again strawberry girl, but i gotta go now" he said before walking away, heading to the cashier counter.
He didn't say anything after that but his cat-like eyes that turned into an adorable crescent moon shape made it obvious that he smiled at the girl before walking away. She chuckled a little before averting her gaze to the book she was holding. Wait, what am i doing?
Hyejin made her way to the cashier, ready to pay for her books. She still have to pay for the stuff even though she works there.
Her gaze fell on the same male figure, who was now standing right beside Ms. Yang.
Suddenly, Ms. Yang spoke up, "Have I ever introduced him to you before?"
Eunji slowly shook her head, "Nope, who is he?" she asked, eyes full of curiosity.
Mr. Yang chuckled before embracing the young guy in a side hug, "This is Jungwon, my grandson. He's usually busy but apparently he has a few days off and decided to visit his beloved grandma, am i right?" Ms. Yang stated playfully, looking at her grandson with gentle eyes.
The guy giggled playfully and returned his grandma's side hug, "That's true, plus, I've promised to help the shop during my break time"
Ms. Yang returned her grandson's gesture with a loving smile, patting his back lightly.
"I see, you've got a cute family bond" Hyejin replied cheerfully. She carefully put the book on the counter and took out her purse, ready to pay for the stuff.
"Oh no, no. You don't have to pay this time" Ms. Yang grabbed the book and placed them in her hands.
"But-" Hyejin was startled. Mrs. Yang has helped her a lot before, and the least she could do was pay for the stuff.
"Ah, ah. No buts. Take this as a small gift from me" Mrs. Yang chuckled softly and gently pushed the book towards her.
Hyejin immediately bowed, showing her gratitude towards the elder. Finding the book here was already a blessing but getting it for free? She didn't expect that. "Thank you so much! I promise to work harder from now on"
Ms. Yang laughed sheepishly and spoke again, "Speaking of work, i think my grandson over here needs a little help. I'm sure you can help him adjust here, yeah?"
"Ah, of course! I'll be glad to help" Hyejin nodded at the older woman and turned her head towards the guy, finally making eye contact with him.
Hyejin shoved the book in her bag and waved them goodbye, finally heading home after a long exhausting day.
She slid off her school shoes and put them on the rack before walking straight to her room, plopping herself on the comfy bed.
Staring at the empty white ceiling, she muttered under her breath, "Yang Jungwon huh.. sounds familiar"
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BOOKSTORE by softestsun
end of chapter 2