Word count: 4563
Y/n POV
The sound of birds chirping alerted me that it was already morning.
I have no sense of time other than the ability to know it was daytime from nighttime. It doesn't really bother me. How could it?
I watched as people walked to their intended destination either very leisurely or in a rush.
Familiar faces passed by me as I stood in the same place I've always stood. There were a couple of people who approached me and told me what they wished for. I took notice of their wishes and made a mental note to remember them.
I frowned as I realized that the one person who always catches my attention didn't pass by me. Many theories began to take place in my mind.
Maybe she's running late? Maybe she took a shortcut? Maybe she's just simply not coming by today?
A teenager girl approached me and dropped to her knees as she prayed quietly to me. I payed attention to her prayer when a familiar, gorgeous face ran by me. I watched through the corner of my eyes as I saw her run into the café next to me.
Ah. She's late.
I wish I could follow her but I had a feeling that it wasn't time yet.
So, I simply stood still and waited for the day to pass me by. More people approached me and told me their problems. I listened and wished I could give them advice but I wasn't allowed to. Instead, I opted to grant them a wish.
They can't just wish to be rich or get someone they hate injured or killed. They also can't wish for their loved one to get better after being fatally injured.
No, they need to tell me what they wish for from the bottom of their hearts. Otherwise, I won't be allowed to grant their wish.
Soon enough, the day turned into night and the girl who's captured my attention still hasn't gone by me. She usually returns home right before the sun sets but she didn't. Maybe she's being punished for being late to her job.
I looked above me and saw the stars lighting up the dark sky. What a beautiful sight. The cold air hit me but didn't really do anything. It was refreshing.
The sound of crying caught my attention as I saw the girl from earlier running back into the direction of her house. She ran by me with tears streaming down her face. I watched after her in despair, unable to move from my spot.
She looked back at me with a sad glint in her eyes as she disappeared from my view.
I can't go after her.
Not yet.
Jihyo POV
I was late to work. My grandma had a medical emergency and I spent most of my time at the hospital.
I quickly pulled my hair into a bun and raced down to the diner I worked at. I ran by an angel statue that was next to the diner. I noticed a girl on her knees, looking like she was asking the stoned angel for a wish.
Riiing.
I entered the diner, feeling my heart beating quickly. The manager walked up to me, "You're late."
"I'm sorry," I immediately apologized, "It won't happen again."
"It better not or you're fired," He glared me down before stating, "Because of your tardiness, you're on dish duty."
I frowned as I went into the back and took a look at how many dishes I had to clean. My frown deepened as I noticed how many dishes were stacked up in the sink. There was so many!
I bit my lip and quickly started washing. After an hour, I finished washing the last fork and sighed in relief.
I'm done!
I went back to the front of the restaurant when the manager returned with more dishes in his hands. He dumped them into my hands and said, "Good. You're finished with the dishes? Here's some more."
He left me alone once again as I gently placed the dishes in the sink.
The day turned into night as I finally finished washing the last plate of the night. I went to the front of the restaurant to see my manager waiting for me. He scoffed, "Took you long enough. Next time, get here on time. Pathetic girl."
He said the last part more quietly but I still heard it. Tears gathered in my eyes as I looked at my feet.
"What are you still doing here? Leave," He demanded.
I slowly walked out of the diner before my walk turned into a run. The tears that I was trying to hide were falling down my face at a fast pace. I ran past the familiar angel statue and glanced at it.
For some reason, it was as if the statue was looking after me. I shook my head for believing such a thing and rushed home, frantically wiping the tears from my eyes.
Y/n POV
Ah. Morning once again.
For some reason, all I can think about is the girl. The way she ran home the other day. It made me feel...sad. This is very unlikely because I'm not supposed to feel such things.
I hope she's doing better this morning. I wonder what her name is.
"Jihyo! Do you want to come hang out with me later?" I heard someone call out.
Going back to the present, I see the girl I was thinking about get questioned by another girl.
So. Her name is Jihyo?
"I don't think I can. I have work," Jihyo replied.
"Aww," The other girl sighed in disappointment, "You work too much! You should relax every once and awhile."
Jihyo didn't respond but nodded her head in acknowledgement before walking inside the diner and waving good-bye to her friend.
I watched as her friend frowned after her before walking away.
That was interesting. I hope Jihyo isn't working herself too hard. Too much work can lead someone to break.
I stood still as more people walked by me. A five year old girl soon walked up to me and looked up at me. I watched in sorrow as I noticed she was crying.
"Please," She whispered so softly yet emotionally, "Bring back my mother."
My eyes widened as I heard her wish.
I snapped my finger and watched as everything around us froze in time. The only thing I didn't freeze was the girl. She gasped as she saw me moving. I bent down to my knees and pulled the girl into a tight hug.
She immediately sobbed and clung onto me. She nuzzled herself into my neck as she cried.
"It's okay little one," I murmured warmly.
"W-Will you bring her b-back?" She pulled away to wipe her tears.
I frowned before giving her a sad smile, "Your mom never left."
She sniffled, "What do you mean?"
I combed my fingers through her hair before looking behind her, "No matter where you go, your mother will be right there next to you."
The little girl followed my line of sight to see her mother behind us, smiling softly. She was almost like a ghost of her former self. Her whole enter being was glowing lightly. There was a halo above her head.
The little girl jumped out of my hands, "M-Momma?"
"I'm right here, sweetie," Her mom grinned, "I will always be here for you."
"I miss you so much!" The little girl cried.
"Shhh," The mom lightly shushed her, "Remember our promise?"
The little girl nodded her head, "To take care of daddy and to be a great older sister."
"I know you miss me sweetie but just know that I will always be with you, okay?" Her mom questioned softly.
"O-Okay," The little girl sniffled.
I smiled as I watched the interaction between the two. The mom pulled the girl into a hug. She looked at me and mouthed, 'Thank you'.
I nodded my head. I stood up and returned to my original position. I let them have a bit more time before snapping my fingers again, unfreezing time. Everyone started moving once again as if nothing ever happened.
The girl's mom disappeared but the little girl still had a smile on her face as she looked up at me.
"Lily!" A man whom I assumed was her father ran over, "Please don't run off like that again."
He noticed where they were standing and looked up at me, "Oh. You ran here. Did you make a wish, sweetie?"
"Yes," Lily nodded her head before taking her father's hand and leading them away, "Come on papa."
"What'd you wish for?" Her father asked as they left.
I smiled after them before returning to my original pokerface.
"Dude. Did that statue just smile?" A teenage boy narrowed his eyes at me.
"Are you drunk again?" His friend responded before tugging him away.
Jihyo POV
I wish that I have the time to hang out with my friends but I have bills to pay.
I walked into the restaurant and clocked in. I sighed as the manager walked up to me.
"Good. You're on time," He acknowledged, "We're short staffed so I need you to wait all of the tables."
I froze, "All of them?"
"Yes," He narrowed his eyes, "Is that a problem?"
"Sir. There are a lot of tables here," I nervously stated, "I'm not sure if I can-"
"Do you want to get fired?" He glared at me.
I clenched my jaw, "No sir."
"Then wait all of the tables," He growled before walking away.
I sighed and prepared for myself.
It's been three hours and I've actually managed to wait all of the tables despite it being a full house.
It was when I accidentally gave the wrong order to a customer that everything went wrong.
"I am so sorry, mam," I apologized thoroughly.
She smiled at me, "It's all right, dear. You seem to have your hands full."
"Yes," I sent her a quick smile before giving the misplaced food to the right person.
I ran into the kitchen and carried multiple dishes on a giant platter. I carefully made my way to the large party who ordered the food.
Disaster struck when one of the customers got up to use the bathroom and accidentally knocked into me. The platter in my hand tilted, causing some of the dishes to drop on the floor.
The customer immediately helped me clean up the mess while apologizing, "I am so sorry! I'll pay for everything!"
One of the plates shattered, cutting me while I was picking it up. I flinched and noticed the blood already oozing out of my cut. I looked at the customer who bumped into me, "It's fine. It was an accident."
"I still feel so bad," He muttered and continued to help me out. Some other customers got up and helped out as well. I thanked them as we picked up the fallen plates and food.
"Jihyo! Seriously? Do you know how much inventory this costs?" I internally groaned as I heard my manager's voice.
I immediately stood up and bowed my head, "My apologies sir."
"You should be sorry!" He exclaimed, drawing more attention to the both of us, "And you're making our customers help fix your mistake?"
My eyes widened, "They-"
"I don't want to hear it. This is coming out of your paycheck," He glared at me before giving a fake smile to the customers who were helping me, "Please let the girl deal with her own mistake."
They all looked at each other unsurely before sitting back down. The only person who stood by me was the same person that bumped into me.
"This was all my fault. I was the one who bumped into her," The customer defended me.
"Yes but if she was watching where she was going, she shouldn't have ran into you regardless," My manager stated.
The customer frowned and said, "I'll pay for everything. It wasn't her fault."
My heart sunk as I heard him say that. It was sweet but my manager will kill me if I actually let him do that for me.
I spoke up, "It's alright, sir. I'll handle it."
He looked at me in shock, "But-"
"Don't worry about it," I gave him a smile before gathering all of the fallen utensils and hauling them back into the kitchen.
I went back to clean up the floor when a customer approached me and said, "Excuse me? Is there another waiter here?"
"It's just me at the moment, mam," I sent her a tired smile as I finished mopping up the floor, "What may I help you with?"
"May we get some refills on our drinks?" She questioned.
"Of course!" I quickly grabbed a pitcher and went around the whole cafe to refill everyone's drinks.
It was another two more grueling hours until one of my co-workers arrived. I couldn't help but run into her arms and hug her, "You're here!"
Momo smiled, "Yep! Hey, where's Chaeyoung and Tzuyu? I thought they were working with you today."
"The manager said that I was alone today," I shrugged before rubbing my hands together, "You take this half of the cafe and I'll take the other."
"Alright, cool," Momo grinned before immediately going to her side of the cafe.
Evening turned into night and soon enough, it was closing time. I sat down in one of booths in exhaustion.
Momo walked up to me, "I can't believe you managed to wait all the tables before I got here. That's quite impressive."
"Trust me, I messed up big time," I muttered but Momo didn't catch it.
"I need to get going to beat traffic," She sighed, "Also, manager asked for you in the staff room. I'll see you later."
She gave me a quick hug before briskly walking out of the diner and to her car.
I internally groaned and stood up to walk to the staff room which was really just the kitchen. I saw the manager leaning against the wall while he was waiting for me.
I didn't like the expression on his face.
I cleared my throat, "Yes sir?"
"I would like to offer you a deal," He smiled at me.
Feeling a bit put off, I asked, "What deal?"
"I will personally pay for the mess you created earlier if you allow me to take you out on a date," He smirked.
The hell?
"I'd rather just pay for the mess myself," I stated firmly before trying to leave.
A hand on my shoulder stopped me. I turned around to see the manager glaring at me, "I won't take no for an answer."
Before anything else could happen, the chef walked inside the kitchen. He noticed my scared expression and approached us, "What's going on over here?"
The manager immediately retracted his hand and gave a fake smile to the chef, "Nothing. Just wishing Jihyo a farewell."
The chef didn't bother to listen to him and looked straight at me, waiting for my answer. I chuckled, "I was just leaving."
The chef spared a quick glance at the manager before looking back at me, "Well alright. Have a goodnight."
"Thank you. You have a goodnight as well," I grinned before calmly walking out of the kitchen. I sighed in relief as I left the restaurant and started walking home.
I passed by the angel statue and cocked my head at it. It seemed oddly...real.
I bit my lip and approached the statue. I couldn't help but lightly touch the angel's cheek.
The stone felt warm? Or was it just my hand?
Y/n POV
Woah. She's even more beautiful up close.
I noticed Jihyo raise her hand.
Wait. What is she doing?
She softly held onto my cheek causing me to try not to blush. I felt a cut on one of her fingers as it brushed against me and healed it.
Yep. There's no doubt about it. I'm attracted to her.
Jihyo cocked her head at me before shaking her head, muttering, "It's just my hand."
She started walking away from me, making me feel hollow. I wanted to run after her but she'd probably scream given the fact that I'm a statue that's alive.
I looked after her as she walked home.
I can't. Not yet.
Jihyo POV
I inspected my finger thoroughly.
Didn't I have a cut on it?
I shook my head and entered the kitchen before I noticed my manager walking towards me.
"Quit playing hard to get," He cornered me in the kitchen while the chef was on the phone outside.
I clenched my fist, "I'm not. Please leave me alone."
"Careful. I can easily get you fired," He threatened.
Anger taking over me, I glared at him, "Go ahead and try."
He looked taken back by my response before he pinned me against the wall, "Watch the attitude."
Fear had taken the place of my anger as I looked up at him. I tried to push him away but he was too strong.
He chuckled darkly and opened his mouth, "I will pick you up at your place after work. If you refuse, then you can kiss this job goodbye."
He let me go and stalked out of the kitchen. I was hyperventilating and started pacing around the kitchen. The chef soon entered with a smile, "Hey, Jihyo! How are you doing?"
"F-Fine," I stuttered before calming myself down, "I'm fine. How are you doing?"
He narrowed his eyes at me, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"I'm just," I bit my lip.
Should I tell him?
"I'm just worried about my grandma. This job helps pay for her medical bills. I'm afraid of losing it," I replied.
The chef grinned, "You have nothing to worry about. Our boss knows how much of a hard worker you are."
"He does?" I looked at the chef hopefully.
"Yes," He chuckled, "Between you and me, I think you're his favorite."
"How do you know?" I tilted my head at him, "Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen our boss."
"You haven't?" He frowned.
"No," I carefully thought about it, "The manager was the one who interviewed me."
"Oh you mean Kai?" The Chef stated, "Do you think he's a good manager?"
Nope.
"Well. He accidentally gave Tzuyu and Chaeyoung a day off yesterday so I had to wait all of the tables until Momo came. And he..." I paused.
"He what?" The chef prompted.
"Personally? I don't think he's fit to manage," I shrugged.
"That's good to know," The Chef muttered thoughtfully, "Well. Time to open! Go on out there."
I found myself being pushed by the Chef lightly out the kitchen door.
Y/n POV
What is with that girl?
Why can't I stop thinking about her?
Maybe the sun is finally getting to me.
Or maybe... I've fallen in love.
Heck, just the thought of her makes me go insane.
I have the ability to revert to my human form and give up my immortality. The only thing I would need to do is have someone else take my place. Would it be worth it in the end though? Also, who would be able to take my place?
I saw a man smoking in front of me and internally groaned in displeasure. I hate the smell of cigarettes.
He approached me and scoffed, "The statue that can grant a single wish. Yeah right."
I mentally rolled my eyes and impatiently waited for him to leave.
He dropped his cigarette on the ground and stomped on it before looking back up at me, "Might as well. I wish for Jihyo to stop playing hard to get and agree to go out with me."
Jihyo?
...This request doesn't seem to be from his heart so I can't grant it. Thank God.
"I want her," He continued more quietly, almost menacingly, "She will be mine."
I'm starting to think that he doesn't like Jihyo for her personality at all. He seems to have an obsession.
"I will make her mine," He growled lowly before walking away.
Hmmm.
I smirked before returning to my normal stone face.
I think I just found someone who can take my place.
"Dude. I swear that statue just smirked!" The same teenage boy from last time pointed at me.
His friend sighed and pulled him along, "We need to stop coming this way if you're going to keep having these hallucinations about the statue."
Jihyo POV
Work was pretty good today.
The only thing I wasn't looking forward to was Kai coming to my house for our so called 'date'. I groaned and started walking home. I passed by the angel statue and momentarily paused.
I still haven't used my wish yet. Maybe now is a good time.
I approached the statue and sat down next to it, almost like I was sitting next to a friend. I thought of what I really wanted and sighed.
"Uhm. I wish for my grandma's health to be better," I muttered softly, "Or a new job that would help pay for the medical bills. I am almost at the end of my rope."
I bit my lip and leaned on the statue, looking into its eyes, "Please."
I looked down at my feet and stood up, brushing myself off. I started walking away from the statue but paused and looked back at it.
You know, the statue is very pretty. I wonder who was honored to have their statue here. I hummed thoughtfully and started walking home once again.
I saw a car in front of my house already and saw Kai in the driver's seat. I frowned and decided to ignore him.
"Hey Jihyo!" He called out as I walked up my driveway. Once he noticed I was ignoring him, his tone got more agressive, "Jihyo!"
I rolled my eyes and unlocked my front door, opening it. I saw Kai get out of his car and stomp his way towards me. I quickly slammed the door shut in front of his face and locked it.
Bangs from the other side of the door were made, "Jihyo!"
I shook my head and went straight to my room.
Y/n POV
Those wishes were from the bottom of her heart. I can't grant her first wish though because there's nothing I can do for her grandmother. As sad as it sounds.
So that means I can grant her next wish, a new job that would suggest better pay.
Just how am I going to do it though?
My thinking was cut short when I noticed the same guy from earlier park in front of the cafe. He was grumbling lowly to himself and got out of his car.
"That fucking bitch rejected me again!" He exclaimed and pounded his fist into the pavement, "That's it! I'm telling the boss about her and getting her ass fired!"
Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. Literally.
This is going to be interesting.
Jihyo POV
I bit my lip and left my house to go to the diner. It was morning. The smell of trees and freshness filled the air.
Mind as well enjoy it because knowing Kai, I'm probably going to get fired as soon as I walk through the door.
I was so caught up in my head that I didn't realize many people crowding the angel statue.
I took a deep breath and entered the diner.
"Jihyo!" The chef approached me in a business like manner.
I frowned.
This is it. I'm getting fired.
I waited patiently as he walked towards me and stopped, "I have some news for you."
"Okay," I muttered quietly and looked down at my feet.
"You're being promoted to manager!" He grinned.
"I understand," I sulked and started to walk out of the diner.
I opened the front door and walked away until I realized what he said. I quickly ran back inside the diner, "Wait. What?"
The chef chuckled, "You have been promoted to manager. You know, I thought you'd be happy. Instead you start walking away-"
"I thought you were going to fire me!" I yelled in astonishment.
"Why would you think that?" He frowned.
I tilted my head at him, "I thought...Wait. what about Kai?"
"He's been fired," The Chef crossed his arms, "It has been brought to my attention about some of the things Kai has done to you and other girl staff."
I froze, "Oh."
"Why didn't you tell me?" The chef looked upset.
"I just... didn't think you'd believe me," I scratched my neck.
"To be honest, I didn't at first but there was evidence of everything. Him threatening to fire you along with other girls, using his power to get you to do whatever he wants," The chef scoffed, "Good thing he's gone now."
"Who gave you the evidence?" I cocked my head at him.
"Actually, I don't know. I was just given a tape that said I needed to see this in my mailbox and watched it. I'm so sorry that you had to go through something like this," The chef apologized.
I smiled, "It's okay."
"No, it's not. Trust me, I will make sure to make this place a safe and welcoming environment for staff and customers," He smiled warmly.
I chuckled, "There's only so much you can do. We might need to take this up with the boss."
"Uhh I am the boss," He chuckled, "I thought you would've figured that out already."
"...What?!" For the second time today, my mind has been blown.
He laughed, "Come on. We'll talk about your increased pay and breaks."
I followed him in a slight daze.
My wish came true.
Y/n POV
So this is the famous diner Jihyo works at, huh? I looked back at where I once originally stood to see Kai in my place. I chuckled at the angry expression on his face.
Some people looked at the statue of him in confusion.
"What happened to the original statue?"
"Who knows?"
"The new one looks scary."
I looked through the glass window of the diner to see some customers already sitting down.
I look presentable, right?
Clearing my throat, I entered the diner and patiently waited to see Jihyo or someone else who works here.
"Hello," A familiar voice greeted me.
I smiled as soon as I saw Jihyo, "Uhm hello. I was wondering if you're hiring at the moment."
"Ah. You're right on time," She giggled, "I just got promoted to manager so we're in need of a new waiter."
I grinned, "That's great."
She paused and narrowed her eyes at me, "Say, have we met before? You look oddly familiar..."
I broke out in a cold sweat, "Uh. I just have one of those faces I guess."
"Okay," She looked at me suspiciously before interviewing me for the job.
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Requested by an anonymous person. They also said they like when the story is long so... :)
Unedited~
Anyways, I won't make a part two to this because I wanted to leave it like this.
Just nine more chapters to go!