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.