"What?
"Yes, Javin, I'm very sorry I have to tell you this, but I can't refuse my son's wish, because I know he means well and he loves me," said Mrs Drew in a voice full of regret.
Javin hugged Mrs. Drew's shoulder gently. "Actually, I was also thinking about how to convey to you that I may no longer be able to work for you because I have to undergo an internship," said Javin in a light and relieved tone.
Mrs Drew looked at Javin with raised eyebrows. "Really?"
"Yes, Mrs Drew. I'll probably only be working until the end of this month, about ten more days, because I have to prepare and study for my internship at the hospital."
"Geez, this must be a coincidence. I'm also going to be picked up by my son early next month."
"Then how about this mini market, Mrs. Drew? You're just going to close it?"
"I will sell it. Well, while no one is interested in buying it yet, I will leave this mini market in your control. How about it?"
Javin was wide-eyed. "What? How?"
Mrs. Drew patted Javin's arm gently. "Tomorrow morning before leaving for campus, come to my house. I will prepare a power of attorney stating that you are the temporary manager of this mini market until there is a buyer. You can sell all the contents in the mini market and you don't have to deposit the money to me, because my son decided to only calculate the price of the land and buildings."
"That ... err ... this ... how can that be, Mrs. Drew? The goods in the mini market are still full, including some supplies in the warehouse," said Javin stammered.
"It's okay, son. You can open the mini market whenever you can, sell the items at a discount to make them run out quickly, or use them for your own needs. It's all yours, as a reward for keeping the place before it's sold out."
Javin's eyes became teary. "Mrs Drew, you're too kind."
Mrs Drew pulled Javin into her arms and patted him gently on the back. "I'm quite grateful to you that you've been helping me lately. You always take the time to check my house before going to bed and take out my trash every morning before going to college."
Javin blushed. He didn't expect Mrs. Drew to know what he was doing. "I just wanted to repay you a little favor to me, Mrs Drew."
"You're a good and smart young man, so I'm sure you'll be successful in whatever you want, son."
"Thank you, Mrs Drew."
Mrs Drew left the convenience store and passed Forth at the door. Forth held the door for her and waited until she came out, then entered and walked to the counter.
Javin smiled seeing Forth. "Good evening, Phi. Ramen with sausage and cheese?"
"Americano and nori, if you have one,"
said Forth as he walked over to the table he used to sit at.
"Sure, Phi. Just wait for a moment."
Javin rushed to prepare Forth's order and brought it to the table. "It's free, Phi, and I will block you from this mini market if you pay for it," said Javin after everything was served.
"Hm? Why? You're having a birthday and giving away for customers?" asked Forth with raised eyebrows.
Javin laughed and recounted his conversation with Mrs Drew earlier. Forth listened intently as he stared at Javin, admiring his red, plump lips moving.
"How much did Mrs Drew ask?" asked Forth after hearing Javin's story.
"I don't know yet, Phi. Are you interested in buying this building?"
"I can help advertise it."
"Ah, yes, that's good too. Tomorrow I'll ask Mrs. Drew."
"Then how about you, Javin?"
Javin stirred his ramen and looked up at Forth. "What about me, Phi?"
"Are you going to keep running this mini market until it's sold out or are you looking for a new job?"
"Looks like I'll have to find a new job, Phi. I need the money, but once my internship has started, I'll definitely need to adjust my working hours to the internship schedule. I'll try to offer tutoring services to juniors, because sometimes there are those who need tutors for certain subjects."
"The money you get from teaching won't be that great."
"I know, but as long as I can manage this mini market, I can manage everything."
Forth continued eating the ramen without saying anything else, and so did Javin.
"Phi Forth, I haven't thanked you for the food you bought for us a few days ago. Me and my two friends said thank you," said Javin after finishing eating.
He unscrewed the bottle of mineral water for Forth and cleaned up their meal.
"It's okay. You also helped Kwan choose the menu and the clients I invited were satisfied with the menu choices you chose," replied Forth.
He grabbed the bottle of mineral water and stared at the bottle for a few moments before drinking its contents.
Javin always does the same with his mineral water bottles. Opened the lid after Forth finished eating and handed it over without saying anything, as if it was something he was used to doing. Forth wanted to know if he also did something like that to his other friends.
"It's only nine o'clock. Are you leaving soon?" Javin asked as he walked behind the counter.
Forth took the ipad out of the bag he was carrying. "Can I work here for a while?"
Javin's face lit up. "Of course you can, Phi. I'd be very happy to have someone to accompany me on tonight's assignment."
Javin brings his laptop to the table and does his homework while occasionally serving customers who come.
He took a new bottle of mineral water when he see the old one is almost gone. He also offered Forth a snack when he saw Forth stretching his arms because he was tired.
"What are you doing?" asked Forth, peering up at Javin's computer.
"Report on experiment with a kidney, Phi," Javin replied, looking up.
His eyes and Forth's eyes met at one point. Forth stared at the pitch-black eyes in front of him in admiration. He saw his reflection so clear in those beautiful eyes. The sweet and delicate scent of vanilla, as well as a beautiful rosy white face, made Forth subconsciously reach out and grab Javin's chin.
Javin's eyes blinked and he bit his lower lip nervously. The face of the man in front of him was very handsome and he smelled like the exotic scent of cinnamon and cloves.
Forth stroked Javin's lips with his thumb. "Don't bite. Your lips will bleed."
Forth's face approached Javin's and in slow motion Javin closed his eyes.
However ...
"Javin? What are you doing?"
***