Part 1
Mornings. I despise them. A single night isn’t enough to soothe these aching muscles, this exhausted body. But I have no choice. Work has become a favorite pastime, bordering on obsession. It should be at the top of my list, occupying slots one through five.
I hear Eomma already preparing breakfast in the kitchen. She wakes before dawn every day, cooking and preparing for her small rice cake shop attached to the front of our home.
Our house is small, just enough for the two of us. Eomma had it repaired, adding the shop front. She has a loyal customer base, ordering her rice cakes – some for immediate consumption, most for resale. I usually help her deliver the cakes each morning.
“Eomma! Good morning,” I kissed her forehead, noticing the faint lines of wrinkles forming there. She often forgets to care for herself, consumed by work.
My Appa is a jobless alcoholic. He abandoned us when he learned about my little sister’s illness. I almost prefered it when he left. He used to hit and hurt Eomma. He left for another woman who owns a restaurant downtown. The last time I saw him was at my sister’s funeral.
“Seokjinnie! Come here, let’s have breakfast before your deliveries.” My lovely Eomma. Never in my 26 years has she uttered a word that caused me pain. She’s always sweet, always positive.
Even when my sister fell ill, she said it was a test of faith, given to us with a purpose. When my sister died, she said my sister didn’t belong to us, but to God alone, and she was willing to give her back to Him.
She's always been like that. Never speaking negatively, never showing weakness. Always strong, always hopeful.
Just as I was about to eat, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it. You just continue eating breakfast.” Eomma rose to answer the door.
Eomma’s homemade food tastes delicious. Well, I think I don't hate mornings after all.
While eating, I heard a loud voice outside. I also heard Eomma pleading with someone. I got up to check, and saw our landlord, Mr. Lee. He is our old and always grumpy landlord.
“I’m giving you one week to pay the rent. No more extensions! I’ve given you enough time. If you fail again, pack your bags and leave.” His voice boomed inside Eomma’s shop before he left.
I saw how Eomma’s shoulders slumped. When she looked my way, her eyes were tired, hopeless. I didn’t want to see her like that. It’s been two months since we last paid rent. We were struggling to get by. We need to pay for our rent but we also need to buy for our basic needs. Everyday really is a struggle. I walked towards Eomma and hugged her. “Don’t worry, Eomma. I’ll make sure we pay our rent this week.”
What a way to start my morning.
Part 2
After my deliveries, I’ll cook lunch. I always pack my own, so I don’t need to buy one during my break. Everything is on a strict budget. Losing even a single cent means walking home.
I work at a garment factory nearby, loading and unloading boxes of clothes and raw materials. I work there from 1 PM to 5 PM, then head to a bar to work as a waiter at night. That’s my routine, every day. I don’t have the right to complain. I’m grateful to have even part-time work.
“Didn’t get enough sleep?” Hoseok asked. He’s my supervisor, and surprisingly kind for someone in his position.
“I didn’t. Mr. Lee warned us again this morning.” I said while stacking boxes.
“Oh! The grumpy old man again. Need anything, Seokjin?” Hoseok sounded concerned. He always notices my gloomy looks.
“No, Hoseok-shi. I’m okay.” I offered a weak smile.
Working isn’t easy. I think there’s no easy work. But I believe everything seems easier when you’re surrounded by superiors who understand you, not just as a worker, but as a friend.
I asked Hoseok if I could log out early. I needed to meet my best friend, Namjoon, at 5 PM. He’s the son of a chaebol, the third-largest company in Korea. We became friends in high school and attended a prestigious college together. I was a full-time scholar thanks to my academic excellence, but when my sister fell ill, I dropped out to help Eomma financially. I never returned to school. I focused on working.
Namjoon offered help, but I refused. He already paid for my sister’s operation. Namjoon paying for everything would be too much. He also offered me a job at his company. Again, I refused. I told him I wanted to be hired based on my own merits, not because I’m friends with the owner’s son. I know it was prideful, but I wanted to prove I could do things on my own.
But sometimes, I have to swallow my pride. Now I’m waiting for him at a coffee shop. I asked to borrow money to pay our rent. With Namjoon, you don’t need to ask twice. He helps, always ready to help when I need it. Truly my best friend.
The waitress glared at me from the counter. I don’t know if it’s because of my good looks or because I’ve asked for three glasses of water. Namjoon is always late for our meetings. This time, he said they just finished an emergency meeting.
Then a black car arrived and parked in front of the coffee shop. I saw the waitress’ reaction to the unexpected, yet familiar visitor unloading from the car. Namjoon is well known in Korea and listed as one of the most sought-after bachelors. All the females and males are dying to end up with him in bed. I thought, If you only knew he’s my best friend, you’d offer me a whole gallon of water. But since you’re rude to me, I won’t introduce you to Namjoon.
“Hey! Sorry I’m late,” Namjoon smiled as he sat across from me.
The waitress rushed to our table, handing us menus. “I’ll take your order, sir.”
“Two Caramel Macchiato Venti and two orders of Turkey Sandwich.” Then he handed the menu back to the waitress, who looked flustered by Namjoon’s presence. Namjoon didn’t even bother to look at her.
Namjoon reached into his pocket and pushed an envelope into my hand. “Hyung, I told you, just work for me. If you don’t want a position in my office, I can place you in a different department. Just swallow your pride. You need it!”
I sighed. “Joonie, give me some time. I’ll try to find an office job first. If I fail one more time, I’ll call you.”
Namjoon laughed. “I like how you made it sound like you’re the one hiring me. Anyway, how’s Aunt Eun Ae?”
“You know her. She won’t show she’s sad. That’s why I called you. I know she’s worried about her shop.” I said. Namjoon already calls my mother, aunt.
“Okay listen. I heard KTH Conglomerates are looking for an office clerk. No college diploma needed. Why don’t you try submitting your resume there?” Namjoon suggested.
I looked at Namjoon. “You think I’ll get accepted there? That’s the biggest company in Korea.”
“What’s wrong with trying? Just submit your resume. If they don’t call, then call me and I’m more than willing to hire you.”
Well, that’s not a bad offer. I guess it’s time to get my resume printed and submit it to KTH as soon as possible.