Kim Sora POV,
February 26, 2020,
"The total number of infected cases today is 169 cases, and 153 of these cases occurred in Daegu. Until now, the total number of patients infected with the corona virus has reached 1,146 cases, and 11 people have died. The government has increased the warning level from "Serious" to "Red Alert". Today, the government will announce guidelines for restrictions on travel, outdoor activities, basic rules for self-isolation and social distancing ", newsreader ends today's news headlines
"Oh my God, it's getting worse", I said, looking at the television in my apartment
Previously, there were only 1-4 infected cases per day, but in just one week the status of this virus changed to Red Alert, which means it is in a dangerous state.
This is because an infected woman has made contact with hundreds of her church members so that the surge in infected patients has jumped drastically from dozens to hundreds of people every day.
At the end of January, the government asked citizens to always wear masks and maintain personal hygiene. Of course, it's affects the social and economic activities of the community. Including Minerva.
Starting early this month, I decided to shorten Minerva's operating time. Usually Minerva opens from 9am and closes at 10pm. But then changed to 11 am until 7 pm. All employees and visitors are required to wear a mask and have their body temperature checked.
Twice a day, all books and areas in Minerva will be cleaned and sterilized. Then I divided the employees into 2 shifts. During the past month, Minerva has experienced a drastic decline. The visitors only come to borrow or return books, it is rare that visitors come to spend their time hanging out with their friends now.
It was very difficult at first, but it forced me to think more creatively and innovatively so that Minerva could survive the current situation. I turned off my television, put on my mask and carried my bag, then walked out of my apartment.
It was 1 pm now, I was just going to Minerva. I will have another meeting with my employees regarding the latest situation today. The government has issued a rule for activities outside, all shops and other public places are only allowed to operate until 8 pm, gathering more than five people is now prohibited. Therefore, Minerva must think of a way out in order to survive.
The highway that I passed looked empty, it seems that the residents have started to limit their activities outside. When I entered Minerva, I saw only one hyundai Tucson silver car parked there. I immediately parked my car and climbed the stairs to the first floor.
"Annyeong", I said when entering Minerva
"Annyeong, ah, Oenni", said Aeri
She immediately took my temperature and asked me to use a hand sanitizer.
"Gomawo", I said, looking around the first floor
"Only 5 visitors so far, oenni. 3 people came to borrow books. One person came to buy coffee and returned some books. Now, there is only Ray Lim, who reads inside", , said Aeri giving a report.
"Jinjja?", I said turning my face to her
"Ne. And the CCTV in the parking lot seems to have been broken since this morning. The image on the screen is very blurry, Oenni. I've called the service officer and they said they will come tomorrow morning", Aeri said again
"Arasso", I replied nodding
"Should we have a meeting now, oenni? Eunso, Yunsu and Minhyuk just arrived", she said again
"Ne. Let's get started", I said
Aeri immediately left the reception desk and called the others. Hansol and I put some tables and chairs in the corner near the coffee shop . In less than 5 minutes, we all sat together quite a distance from each other.
"Good morning yorobun, how are you?", I asked starting today's meeting
"We are fine, noona", said Yunsu
All nodded at Yunsu's answer.
"Thank God. As you know, the situation has changed a lot in the past month. The government has imposed rules on social distancing and outside activities. Minerva will follow what has been set by the government. For operational hours there has been no change, because still in accordance with government regulations. We will stop the music night for a while and we have to re-arrange the reading room so that it has a safe distance from each other ", I said, looking at my employees one by one
"I will leave it to Aeri ssi as your manager for the schedule for employees. You're going to work five hours a day. And don't worry, I will pay your full salary," I said smiling at them
"For now, I need input and ideas from you, how to increase current income. If you have any ideas please just say it...", I said to them
"Oenni, because there are fewer visitors coming, what if we make a book delivery and pick up services for customers?", Said Aeri giving an idea
"Ye, Ara ssi please write down Aeri ssi's idea. Is there anything else? We will collect other ideas, then we will discuss it one by one", I told them
"What if we open an order for coffee and food too? So customers can borrow books as well as order coffee or snacks to enjoy at home, "said Hansol
"Ye, that's a good idea", said Sossa
We discussed all the ideas for two hours. They gave some interesting ideas and we plan to implement them by the end of this week.
After the meeting, I walked slowly towards my room. I took a deep breath while sitting at my desk. I took off my mask and turned on my computer. The current situation worries me. I hope the innovations we made will make Minerva survive.
* tring
I opened the incoming message from Sunmi.
"Sora~aah, what are you going to do tonight? Can I have dinner at your place? There are so many things I want to talk to you. Let me know, Saranghae", she wrote
"Ye, Sunmi~aah. I'll arrive at the apartment at 8 pm. See you later, Saranghae ", I replied
Sunmi and I haven't seen each other in almost two weeks. We are both busy taking care of our shops. Just like Minerva, Sunnie's sales declined due to Corona. Visitors who come and shop have decreased dramatically. Therefore, Sunmi started selling her collections via online.
* pipipip
"Yeobosseyo jagiya~?", I saw Namjoon's smiling face staring at me from the cellphone screen
"Jagiya~", I replied smiling broadly
"Am I bothering you?", He asked
"Aniyo, have you finished the dance training?", I asked seeing his sweaty face
"Not yet. We just take a rest for a moment. Are you in Minerva?", He asked, sipping a bottle of water
"Ye. Wow, your hair is purple!", I widen my eyes while bringing the cellphone screen closer to my face.
"Haha ye. I told you, I will color it purple", he said, smiling shyly
"Daebak! When I watched the Vlive and press conference yesterday, I thought it was just a reflection of the light so your hair looks purple. But It is purple! Daebak! ", I said excitedly
"It's just a highlight, is it weird ?", He asked combing his hair with his finger
"Ani! You look cool with any hair color jagiya~", I said while showing him my thumb
"Haha .. you make me embarrassed", he said with his face down
"Who are you talking to, RM? Wow, Annyeong!", Suddenly Jhope's face appeared beside Namjoon
"Ahh! Annyeong", I replied, waving at him
"Kim Sora ssi? I'm Jhope, Namjoonie's friend! Nice to see you again ... wow you're so beautiful, right Namjoon~aah?", said Jhope laughing cheerfully
"Who is it? Who is it? Whoaaa, Kim Sora ssi, annyeong!", This time it was Jin who appeared behind Jhope and Namjoon
"Annyeong! How are you, oppa?", I asked Jhope and Jin
"We're fine. How about you? When are you coming to our dorm, Sora ssi? Namjoon said he would take you visit us after our album was released", said Jin kindly, hugging Namjoon's shoulder
"Jinjja?", I asked seeing Namjoon's face smiling shyly
"Surely I will introduce you directly, take it easy. Hyuuuungg, I'm talking to her right now. Go...please go," said Namjoon trying to push Jhope and Jin away from him
"Wae? Wae? We also want to chat with her", said Jhope with a funny face
They were pushing and laughing at each other. So chaotic. I laughed seeing at their behavior. Namjoon finally ran away to somewhere, Jin and Jhope's voices could be heard calling out to him in the distance.
"Aaahhh..they really..., sorry jagiya~", said Namjoon breathlessly and sat down somewhere
"Are you in the toilet, Jagi?", I asked, frowning
"Hahaha yes, sorry, this is the only safe place from their disturbance", he said, smiling showing his dimples
"You guys are really funny", I said smiling at him
"I miss you Jagiya~, I really want to meet you", said Namjoon looking at my face
"Nado, I miss you too", I replied
"Sorry I haven't been able to see you, we are busy practicing for our comeback and concerts...", he said while licking his lips
"Gwaenchana, I understand. I just want you to always take care of your health, Jagi. And I wish your album a success!... I've listened to it, it's amazing. I even cried when I heard 'We are bulletproof the eternal'", I told him
"Jinjja? That song really means a lot to me. I cried a lot when writing it", he said
"Jinjja? You are amazing Jagiya~ .. I am a very lucky woman", I said biting my lip
"Jagiya~, don't look at me like that, you make me want to run to meet you right now", he said with longing eyes
"Mianhae ...", I replied, lowering my face
"They called me. I have to go Sora~aah, I'll see you soon. I love you, muach", he said while giving a kiss to the cellphone screen
"Wow, why did you do that all of a sudden?", I said blushing
"Haha mian, hurry up! I have to go", he said, smiling shyly
What?", I asked confused
"Hurry, I'm waiting for a kiss from you, haha", he said shyly
"Jinjja? I'm shy .. okay, muach", I closed my eyes and gave a kiss to my cellphone screen.
We laughed and covered our faces in shame.
"Gosh, we're just like teenagers", I said with a flushed face
"Kyeopta! ... I should go, Saranghae Jagiya~", said Namjoon waving at me ending our video call
"Saranghae", I replied
I put my cell phone back on the table. We haven't seen each other for more than a month. Three days ago BTS returned to Korea. They immediately held a press conference for the release of their new album 'Map Of The Soul: 7' on the next day.
Namjoon said that they are very busy preparing for their comeback and world concert which will start next month. However, seeing the current situation, he had doubts whether the concert could go according to plan or not.
According to Namjoon, it is likely that their concert will be postponed until things are under control. Even so, they were still excited and practiced hard for the concerts.
I turned my attention back to my computer screen. I went to the Minerva website and wrote down some announcements regarding the hours of operation and a list of popular books for the week. I updated our website and added information about Minerva in this social distancing period.
I'm working on this seriously, until 6pm. I stretched my body and stared at our new website display. It's pretty good, I said satisfied. I turn off my computer, put my mask back on and head to the first floor. In one hour Minerva will close, I will help my employees to get ready.
On the first floor I saw several tables filled with visitors. Thank goodness, there are visitors, I thought.
"Kim Sora ssi!", I turned my head to the voice
"Park Minwoo ssi?", I replied, looking at Minwoo who was sitting with his girl friend
He walked up to me with a serious face.
"Is there anything I can help you?", I asked when he arrived before me
"Long time no see, Sora~aah", he said. "Can we talk for a moment?" He asked, fixing the mask on his face
"Ye," I replied, taking a seat near us
"How are you, Sora~aah?", Asked Minwoo when he sat in front of me
"Fine", I replied simply
"Sorry, I just returned to Korea. I was on duty in Singapore for almost 6 weeks, so I can only visit Minerva again", he said
"Gwaenchana", I replied
"Mmmm ... I just want to say that I'm not the one who sent the terrors to you, Sora. I knew you suspect me, several times the police came to me to ask for information. However, I really wasn't the culprit, please believe me", said Minwoo with a serious face
"I can't say anything yet, Minwoo~aah. Let the police investigate it ", I replied looking at him
"Yeah, I know that. It's just...every time you experience something, the police always come to me and ask about my alibi, I honestly feel uncomfortable about it, Sora~aah", said Minwoo looking at me sharply
"It's beyond my power, Minwoo~aah, I can't stop the police from seeing you. Maybe they did it because you had a record of doing things like this before, so they asked for information from you again", I replied in a quite high tone
"Arasso, arasso. But really, I don't want to be under constant suspicion of this case", said Minwoo not wanting to lose
"Then prove that you are not involved. Convince the police if you are not the culprit. I don't know what makes the police to always come back to you, it looks like they found something that connects this case with you", I almost lost my temper
"How? I have told them the truth. I have a strong alibi, but why do they still come to see me so many times ?!", said Minwoo in a loud voice
I saw some visitors turning their heads towards us.
"Calm yourself! I don't want you to mess around here! ", I said sharply
He clenched his fists and shook his head, he looked emotional.
"Listen Minwoo~aah, I don't know what the police investigation was like on this case. They told me they haven't found new evidence. They did say that you had an alibi when the incidents happened. But I don't know if they keep asking for information from you. I really can't do anything. I trusted this case to the police. There must be something that the police are digging up. So I beg you to work together with us. If you really aren't the culprit why should you be afraid of them? ", I said trying to stay calm
"I'm not afraid of the police. I just feel uncomfortable, Sora~aah. Sometimes they watch me wherever I go, I'm not the culprit, why are they doing that to me?", Said Minwoo in a trembling voice holding back his emotions
"Ask the police then, because I also didn't know the reason!", I said in a high voice
Visitors around us turned their heads toward us again. I saw Minhyuk and Yunsu standing looking at us from a distance.
"I've asked many times, but they only say this for the investigation. What investigation?! I have said everything, I have an alibi when everything happens. But they still investigate me as if I were a criminal!", Growled Minwoo pounding the table and standing in front of me
I widened my eyes at him, unable to believe that he had just snapped at me in front of everyone.
"Hey! Get away from her!", The man named Ray held Minwoo's shoulder
"Who are you? Let go of me", said Minwoo brushed Ray's hand
"Noona, gwaenchana?", Minhyuk arrived beside me
"Sorry, you better get out of here", said Yunsu standing in front of Minwoo who was panting because he held back his emotions
Minwoo looked at me, then saw Minhyuk, Yunsu and Ray, he stepped back. He looked around Minerva and looked back at me.
"Sora~aah I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you, sorry Sora. Please forgive me", said Minwoo quietly as he walked over to me
"Stay where you are or I'll do something", said Ray sharply while holding Minwoo's body moving closer
"Who are you? You have nothing to do with this", said Minwoo staring at Ray angrily
"I beg you, you better go", Yunsu repeated his words again, holding Minwoo's arm
"Sora~aah I'm sorry, Jinjja Sora~aah", Minwoo stared at me
"I'm warning you", said Ray again
"Minwoo ssi .. let's just go. We're really sorry ", the woman who was with Minwoo came over and asked him to leave Minerva
They took their bags and jackets, then bent down and walked out of Minerva.
"Are you okay?", Asked Ray
"Ye. Thank you", I replied with a weak smile
Then he bent down and returned to his chair in the corner.
"He's crazy! You better go home Noona, we will take care Minerva", said Minhyuk looking at me anxiously
"Ye, Minhyuk oppa is right. Are you hurt, oenni?", Said Eunso
"Aigoo .. I never thought he would scream like that at you, noona", said Yunsu irritably
"I'm fine, don't worry. I'll go home then. Sorry for bothering you", I said smiling at them
"Do I need to take you home?", Asked Yunsu
"Aniyo. I'll be fine. I'm just shocked Minwoo did that to me. Thank you", I said patting Yunsu's shoulder
"Okay. I'll go home now. See you tomorrow", I said, waving and walking towards the door
Slowly I walked down the stairs, I let out a deep breath. So the police still suspect Minwoo? They also followed him? No wonder he was angry. But I can't believe he dared yell at me in front of my customers. I shook my head.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I stared at the parking lot, it was very quiet, not as usual. Perhaps residents would prefer to return home earlier than gather outside at a time like this.
When I arrived in front of my car, I reached into my bag looking for my car keys.
"Aigoo, where is it?I can't find it", I muttered
I vaguely heard footsteps behind me. I felt like someone was there, but when I was about to turn my head, the pain in my head startled me.
"Kyaaaaa!!"
I felt my body go limp and fall onto the cold asphalt. I heard footsteps running away.
"Kim Sora ssi? Sora~aah? Jeez! Sora~aah !!", I heard a male voice calling me and turned panicked
"What did you do ?!", another voice shouted
"Not me! It's not me! Hurry up, call an ambulance!", The voice was heard again
My head hurts, I can't move, my eyes become blurry. I forced myself to open my eyes, but my vision grew blurry and everything turned black.
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Hi, what do you think about the story so far? Are you still enjoying it?
Btw, I'll be slow updating until next week, bcoz I have to finished my final report. I hope you are patiently waiting ...
Always stay save and stay gold ARMY,
Borahae💜💜