Joon-won watched the young woman handling the customers in line. He sat on a chair, scanning the store for anyone who might need help. After introducing herself as his partner, Gah Soo quickly rushed to change into her uniform. Returning, she apologized for her tardiness and took over the counter, suggesting he take a break.
Gah Soo seemed to be in her early twenties, not much older than him. She had black hair in a neat bob cut and a round face with matching glasses. Though she looked very ordinary and wouldn't stand out in a crowd, her pure smile caught Joon-won's attention. His protective instincts kicked in, and he felt an urge to preserve that innocence.
Their conversation was limited as customers streamed in, and Gah Soo got to work. Joon-won couldn't help but clutch his stomach in hunger; it was already 9 AM, and he hadn't eaten breakfast.
The door opened, and Joon-won saw his boss, Gim Da, enter. Gim Da greeted both Joon-won and Gah Soo before asking Joon-won to meet him in his office in five minutes. Joon-won nodded and headed to the back after the time elapsed.
He knocked on the door and entered upon hearing a confirmation. Gim Da set aside his book and gestured for Joon-won to sit. "Relax, everything here is calm. You can speak casually with everyone, even me."
"I understand, boss. What did you want to talk about?" Joon-won asked, his expression more relaxed.
"Well, I forgot to give you your advance yesterday. Tell me your bank account, and I'll transfer two weeks' salary in advance. You'll receive your next salary in two weeks, not including any weekend bonuses."
Joon-won felt relieved. He hadn't eaten that morning because he was low on money. Now, with two weeks' salary in advance, he could at least afford daily meals.
He gave his account number and soon received a notification of 4000 Kros deposited. It was 2000 Kros per week for 25 hours, with an extra 100 Kros for any additional hour. Given his current situation, it was a good deal.
"Now, give me your phone number too. We did everything in a hurry yesterday, and I didn't get your contact information. I'll add you to the store's group chat for easier communication."
Realizing the oversight, Joon-won quickly shared his number and saved Gim Da's as "Boss."
"So, did Eum Kyung teach you the basics? I asked him to show you since he'd be here until 8:30."
"Yes, Eum Kyung taught me the basics this morning. I got most of it," Joon-won replied.
"Good. I thought he might try to escape from it," Gim Da chuckled, adding Joon-won's number to the group chat. "You can go back to work now."
Joon-won nodded and left the office. Back in the store, he saw Gah Soo sitting on the chair behind the counter since there were no customers.
"Did the boss call you to get your number?" she asked.
"Yeah," he nodded.
"Well, now that we're finally free, let me introduce myself properly. I'm Gah Soo, as I mentioned earlier. I'm 21 and studying Finance and Management at a university in town. If you need any help with finances, feel free to ask," she said, pointing to herself with a grin.
"I'll remember that. I'm Joon-won, and I also study at a nearby university. I major in acting," he introduced himself. Her personality reminded him a bit of his daughter—both were lively and enthusiastic.
"Oh, so I'm looking at a future big actor! Should I get an autograph now so I can show it off when you become famous?"
"Only time will tell. I may not even get a chance to act in a single movie. It's tough without any background," he admitted.
"Well, you say that, but there's a confidence in your eyes that says you believe you'll make it big," she observed with a smile.
Joon-won smiled at her perceptiveness, which contrasted with his daughter's more aloof and straightforward nature. They continued chatting until customers started pouring in, keeping both of them busy.
The lunch hour rush was intense, and by the time it subsided, it was already 1 PM—time for Joon-won to leave. He headed to the back, changed his clothes, grabbed his bag, and picked up a few items to eat on the way, his hunger gnawing at him.
After paying for his goods, he waved goodbye to Gah Soo and made his way to the university, munching on his snacks as he walked.
As he walked down the street, he couldn't help but think about how different his life was now. In his previous life, he had been a king, living in luxury, with servants at his beck and call. Now, he was a student working part-time at a convenience store. Yet, there was something refreshing about this new life. The simplicity of it, the freedom to make his own choices, and the chance to pursue his passion for acting.