Love for Love’s Sake - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

“What are you suddenly saying, part-time job?”

My grandmother was indifferent.

“I need money these days. Should I do delivery work on weekends?”

“What kind of delivery can you do? Focus on your studies.”

“I’m also studying. Since I’m not doing night studies, should I work at a convenience store at night? How about that?”

“How about this?”

This time, a powerful slap landed on my side and back. Thinking I would get a bruise if I took it directly, I had tried avoiding it by rolling to the side.

“What?! Why are you hitting me when I want to do some part-time work in my spare time, Grandma!”

“Part-time work? Delivery? Convenience store? Instead of thinking of going to college, punk!”

“I am thinking about going to college. I have a lot on my mind. I can do both part-time work and go to college.”

“Do you really think that will work with your head?”

“You don’t know, Grandma. I’m smart.”

“A smart person would not be bottom in the entire school, would they?”

“I’m not at the bottom. There are about 10 below me. Oh, I’ve really changed. There’s a national academic evaluation next week; do you want me to show you?”

“What do you mean show me, you rascal. You don’t study anyway.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll study. Can I go study now?”

I crept back into my room, avoiding my grandmother, who had a fiery look in her eyes. A sigh escaped from me. I was at a loss.

No matter what I said, it seemed like I would just get beaten up unless I came back with a proper report card. In fact, even if I did, it would be a relief if I didn’t get accused of cheating.

Nevermind improving my grades, it seemed like my grandmother would break me like an eggshell at the mere mention of working part-time. I was also quite nervous about working part-time behind her back.

Money was definitely needed when I remembered Cha Yeowoon. I wasn’t in a position to tutor like I used to, so what could I do?

I accessed a part-time job listing website on my phone and looked for opportunities near my home. Most places didn’t hire minors, required parental consent, or had other restrictions.

Although I could bypass some of these restrictions, such places were usually introduced between friends.

[Tae Myeongha] : Gyeonghun

I sent a text to my only friend of the same age.

[Ahn Gyeonghun] : What??

Ahn Gyeonghun replied immediately. As expected, my phone wasn’t broken; Cha Yeowoon just hadn’t looked…

[Tae Myeongha] : Do you know a good part-time job?

[Ahn Gyeonghun] : Part-time job?

[Ahn Gyeonghun] : Do you need money?

[Tae Myeongha] : Ehm, I really really need it

I absolutely meant it.

Ahn Gyeonghun, who was silent for a while after checking, replied.

[Ahn Gyeonghun] : Do you want to meet for a moment?

* * *

The place Ahn Gyeonghun had suggested for our meeting was his home.

“Your home is nice.”

“Uh…thanks.”

Ahn Gyeonghun’s home was indeed nice. A spacious brand apartment on an upper floor. The view from the living room was stunning.

Wow. Even at the age of 29, I wasn’t living in a place this big. Sitting at the living room table and looking at the beautiful apartment complex landscaping, I was reminded of how teengers could be so different.

“How much do you need? If it’s urgent, I can help.”

Ahn Gyeonghun kindly said to me, who was lost in dark thoughts. How could he be so naive in this harsh world?

“Gyeonghun, do you have a lot of money?”

“I’ve saved some money from New Year’s and allowances.”

“Yeah. Save it well and use it when you need it. The thing about life is that you never know when you’ll need it.”

New Year’s money. I felt a bit distracted at the choice of such childlike words.

“D-Didn’t you need money?”

“I do, but not to the extent that I need to borrow. Hey, Gyeonghun. You shouldn’t go around saying you will lend money to just anyone like this. This world is full of people who will take advantage of you. Have you been careful about voice phishing scams?”

“Uh, Ehm. I once installed a phishing app. Oh, no. Nothing. Why do you need money?”

“It’s just…”

I scratched my head because I couldn’t say it was because of Cha Yeowoon.

“I need some pocket money. I asked if you knew of any part-time job openings. You’re the only person I could ask.”

Ahn Gyeonghun was the only friend I had who was the same age as me.

While it was naturally the truth, Ahn Gyeonghun’s eyes slightly moistened, perhaps from his perspective it had a special significance.

“So, are you looking for a weekend part-time job?”

“It’s okay if it’s nights on weekdays.”

I could reduce my sleep. It wasn’t something I should do, but with my 19-year-old stamina, I should be able to manage somehow.

“I have a part-time job I can introduce you to.”

“Awesome. Please, I beg you.”

“It involves carrying heavy equipment, so it might be tiring. Is that okay?”

“I’m very good at that kind of thing.”

“Then…”

Sound of the door opening came from the entrance. Gyeonghun seemed surprised, so I stood up as well.

“Oh.”

There were two people there. A man and a girl.

The guy’s side profile looked very familiar.

“Brother Myeongha!”

Cheon Sangwon, the flamboyant guy from the other day, pointed at me with a big smile. With the way he was pointing at me, I even questioned if we were really close.

“What’s going on? Did you come to hang out with brother Glasses? Coincidently, I wanted to hang out at Ahn Sia’s home today.”

“Bastard, don’t call my big brother that.”

The girl had captivating eyes and was quite attractive. Since she had referred to Ahn Gyeonghun as her big brother, it was likely that she was his younger sister. Though, her appearance resembled Cheon Sangwon more.

“You walked home together? Is Sangwon here to hang out…?”

Ahn Gyeonghun sweated nervously and went to the entrance to grab Ahn Sia’s bag. She stared at me with a frown.

“Are you my big brother’s friend?”

“Huh? Ehm.”

“Are you really friends?”

Ahn Sia asked skeptically. She gave me a hostile glare and approached me in a threatening manner.

“S-Sia, Myeongha is my friend.”

“A fight?”

While Ahn Gyeonghun rushed to grab Ahn Sia’s arm, Cheon Sangwon stood back and teased in a mocking tone. If I was to say something, it would be that it was awkward. I had come to get a job referral, and suddenly, Ahn Gyeonghun’s sister was giving me an impromptu interview?

“You’re not bothering my big brother, are you?”

“No I’m not.”

“Are you extorting him?”

As our conversation progressed, it became increasingly uncomfortable. No, why me? I had never even borrowed a cent from Ahn Gyeonghun.

“I’m not.”

“Cheon Sangwon, do you know this big brother?”

“Brother Myeongha? I saw him yesterday when he and Junho were fighting on the roof. Didn’t you hear that he used to rule middle school? Didn’t he fight six or seven guys and won? Is that true, brother?”

Cheon Sangwon would always say things that really didn’t help. I wanted to give him a flick on the forehead.

“I didn’t fight all seven of them, but I did win.”

“Wow, amazing as expected. How many did you fight?”

“…Anyway, I’m really friends with Gyeonghun. Gyeonghun, let’s talk on the phone. I’m leaving.”

“Why? Let’s hang out some more.”

I thought I would leave before the atmosphere became weird. I could hear about the part-time job over texts. However, Cheon Sangwon suddenly blocked me.

“Is this your home?”

“No.”

“Are we friends?”

“No. I’m brother’s junior.”

What was wrong with this punk? There was a saying that you shouldn’t spit on a smiling face, but the more I looked at Cheon Sangwon’s handsome face smiling, the more irritated I became.

“Sangwon, are you crazy? What are you doing?”

“Hold on. I’m really interested in this brother.”

“Why are you expressing that interest at my home?”

Despite Ahn Sia’s annoyance and efforts to restrain Cheon Sangwon, he appeared unfazed and showed no intention of backing down in front of me. Ahn Gyeonghun looked like he was about to cry. Ugh, I should leave quickly.

“Sangwon.”

As I sighed and called his name, he hesitated.

“Yes, brother.”

“Step aside.”

I pushed Cheon Sangwon, who was in front of me, aside and put on my sneakers. I opened the front door, stood in front of the elevator, and was tempted to text Ahn Gyeonghun telling him not to worry about me.

“Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve been ignored.”

Cheon Sangwon arrived next to me before the elevator did.

The impressions from the previous day overlapped with the current situation. This guy was really a lunatic.

Looking at the guideboard, the elevator was only on the 3rd floor now.

I could leave him behind by using the stairs, but not only was it the 30th floor here, it would hurt my pride as it might appear like I was running away.

“Brother, why are you close to Cha Yeowoon?”

“Because he’s cute.”

“I’m cute too?”

“You’re not cute.”

“No, look carefully. I’m really cute. I’m better looking than Cha Yeowoon.”

“Cha Yeowoon is ten times more handsome.”

“Aye. That’s not true.”

Why was the elevator so slow, did it break? I hadn’t even glanced at Cheon Sangwon, so why was this guy talking to me so much?

“Why do you hang out with brother Gyeonghun? Do you know he’s been an outcast since middle school?”

Ah, this bastard.

“What’s wrong with you?”

When I glanced to my side, Cheon Sangwon had a bright smile on his face. Although he was an impeccably handsome man, I didn’t like him very much. Was it just Cha Yeowoon’s face that made me weak?

“I want to be close to brother.”

“I don’t want to be close to you.”

“Why?”

“Just because you’re annoying.”

“But Cha Yeowoon is really rude.”

“That’s true, but he’s cute, so it’s okay.”

Cheon Sangwon frowned and tried to say something. My phone rang just in time, interrupting him.

Was it Ahn Gyeonghun? Upon checking, I found that it was Cha Yeowoon.

No matter who was next to me, I couldn’t ignore this call.

– “…”

Cha Yeowoon was silent for a long time after the call connected.

“Hello? Yeowoon?”

Although I could feel a stinging gaze from Cheon Sangwon, it wasn’t the time to pay attention to him. The sound of breathing on the other end of the line somehow felt ominous.

“Cha Yeowoon? Is something wrong?”

– “…Senior.”

My heart sank.

Cha Yeowoon’s voice was hoarse, as if he was in distress.

“Where are you? Are you at home? Are you sick?”

– “…”

“Say something. Should I come to your place?”

“Excuse me, brother Myeongha.”

Cheon Sangwon called me in a teasing tone. The elevator was now on the 20th floor.

“For now, I’ll go to your place. Is it open?”