To be honest, I am frustrated to know who this Chim is. That man who delivered this delicious food was so good at keeping a secret. He was so firm to deny that he doesn't know the sender.
And yeah, I forgot to ask the name of the delivery boy but one thing I noticed, he looks good. The more reason why I don't believe that he doesn't know this Chim. I doubt that he's a real delivery boy or a waiter. His looks doesn't fit his job. There's even a possibility that he is Chim.
"Sir, your shirt is already clean," Sam said but his eyes are wandering around. "Where is he?"
I continue eating the food Chim gave while staring at the letter. "I told him to go home. Sit, eat with me. The food is great."
"It seems like you're enjoying the food and letters, Mr. Kim." Sam has that curious look, maybe he's trying to read my mind.
"Well, the food is delicious, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"The letters were okay. I mean, I'm not really into poetic words but yeah, it's sweet. I love handwritten letters."
I pushed the letter to Sam and he smiled after reading it. "It's funny. This is the first time you have a secret admirer. And he's putting lots of time and effort. I mean for him to plan a menu probably for a week or month then thinking about what to write. Maybe he's really in love."
I chuckled. I thought about that too. It's true, Chim is really putting a lot of time and effort into this.
"Do you think that delivery guy doesn't know this Chim?" I asked for Sam's opinion. Leaving alone with only a butler with me, I always ask for Sam's viewpoint about anything including my personal problems.
Sam, I can say, forgot to date and get married because of his loyalty to our family. He's spending his life serving our family. I am pushing him before to go outside and meet people but he said he's already contented with what he has. I can say, he devoted his time for us, for me specifically since I grew up with him taking care of me.
"You couldn't blame him if he's not saying the truth. He will protect his friend, of course."
"What did he say about washing my shirt?" I can't help not to smile. He looked extremely shocked when I asked him to wash my shirt. "And did you ask his name?"
"I'm sorry but I forgot to ask his name. He's not whining about washing the shirt, he's whining about the price of your shirt. He said your shirt is more expensive than his monthly salary."
The last sentence got my attention. So, he might be saying the truth, he really is a delivery guy. "What did you say?"
"I told him you're not really like that. I told him you're really nice and perhaps, you just had a bad day at work. And, I told him you will return his three hundred dollars because he was so worried about it."
Three-hundred dollars. I check my pocket and bring out the money. Sam's eyes shot open upon seeing the money I put on the table.
"You did not return the money, sir?" Sam's eyes are fixed on the cash. Like he's trying to confirm if he's seeing it correctly.
"I forgot," I answered, almost in a whisper.
"Oh god. He badly needed the money, Mr. Kim." Sam looked at me with so much worry in his eyes. He's the one who talked to the delivery guy, perhaps, he shared to where he is supposed to use the money.
I went speechless. Guilt creeping in. I didn't mean to get his cash. I'm actually just playing around.
"He told me that the money is for his apartment rent. And as far as I remember, he will buy books for his brother."
I can't help not to snort with what he said. Same old reasoning. "I don't believe him. There are lots of people out there who are great at acting so they can milk money from their victims. I'm not that victim. To be honest with you, there's part of me telling me that Chim and that guy are one and the same. You see his looks? He's too handsome to be a delivery guy like what he's claiming to be."
"But sir, he seemed to be telling the truth. I don't think he will do something like that. I saw his shoes outside and it's so worn out." Sam looks extremely worried. I know him, he will not stop talking about it until my conscience eats me.
Since it's over, the damage has been done, there's no other way but to wait until his next visit. "Tomorrow, when he comes again, please return the money. I will add some more. And please, regards my apologies."
Sam did not speak. I know he's disappointed with my actions too but I hope that he will not easily get swayed by people who love inventing stories just to gain attention.
***
3rd Person POV
Jin arrived at their apartment with his shoulders slumped, still, his wet clothes pressed against his chest. He's holding on to it as if he's holding on to his life.
The landlady is already standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her arms crossed, her hair in a messy bun, one of her feet tapping the dirty floor and her face crumpled. Jin knows its bad. But he's still wishing his landlady will at least lower her voice, even a little.
"I will not give you any extension Seokjin! You fooled me yesterday, I will not let you fool me again!" She yelled at Jin's face. Her big voice echoed in her carbuncle building that can almost pass as condemned.
Jin has no more strength to defend himself or to reason out. For Jin, his landlady will not believe whatever he says. He has a lot to worry about like how to face tomorrow. Today is just one of those unfortunate days, if not the worst.
"Madame, if I won't be able to pay tomorrow, we will move out. Please, I have no strength right now. I will give you fifty dollars now, that's the only money I have. Please, let me rest. Sorry."
Jin walks past her after she grabbed the money from Jin's hand. Jin cannot look back. He doesn't want to stress himself more.
Jungkook is not yet at home when he arrived. He placed the food he got from Jimin's cafe on top of Jungkook's bed. He showered and changed before sitting down on the comforter he unfurled on the floor.
Browsing the net, looking for an extra job, he screenshots all the possible jobs he can apply for. He never felt so hopeless.
Jungkook arrived with some grocery bags. He is smiling wide at Jin, showing the bags in his hands. Jin just smiles. It must be one of Jungkook's classmates who asked Jungkook to draw for them. In return, Jungkook will earn money and will buy groceries from his income.
"Is there something wrong?" Jungkook kneeled in front of his brother, noticing Jin's sad face.
Jin looked down, he doesn't want Jungkook to see him cry but he just can't stop the tears from falling. "Life is so hard lately."
Jungkook stared at Jin. Thinking of the right words to say to comfort his elder brother.
"What happened?" Jungkook tries to catch Jin's gaze but Jin's eyes remained staring at the floor.
"Remember the $300 dollars I received from the car owner who damaged my bike? I lost it. Stupid, right?" Jin tried to smile while wiping the tears on his cheeks. "I'm doing my best, everything. But no matter what I do, nothing seems to work. Why do we have to be this unfortunate?"
Jungkook cannot speak. He was surprised by Jin's news. He knows how his brother is working so hard for them to get by each day. They only have enough for a day. He sometimes wonders if Jin really ate his dinner or he's just saying that so he can eat well.
"It's okay. I know it's not but we cannot do anything about it. Let's just work hard so we can earn. I'm sorry hyung if I cannot be of big help."
Jin wipes his tears before holding his younger brother's hands. "I'm sorry. Your book needs to wait in the meantime. I promise you, hyung will find a way so you can buy everything you need for your studies."
Jungkook pulled his brother into his arms. He appreciates every little thing Jin has been doing for him. All his sacrifices so he can finish his studies. But right now, all he can do is to hug his brother and make him feel that he understands and that he's always there for him. No matter what.