That bastard might know you, but he doesn't know how we've lived.
About
"Get me a Melona on your way back~"
Leaving behind Jian's usual immature request, I stepped out of the cramped studio apartment in the shantytown where we lived alone together.
Even though I hated seeing him act so lazy, the fact that he was the only person I had to return to was something I didn't entirely dislike, even if I pretended to.
The restaurant on weekend evenings was always packed, and that night was no exception—it was hectically busy.
A place where people who clearly had money to burn and nothing to envy in the world enjoyed their weekend leisure.
A luxury restaurant located on the top floor of a skyscraper piercing the sky in the center of Seoul. In that place, where even getting a reservation was a feat, I was the kind of person who worked for their satisfaction, dressed in a uniform and serving customers.
The work was intense, but I had no complaints. I was being paid a high hourly wage of 20,000 won, after all.
But then...
It happened because it was exceptionally busy. I bumped into a passing customer and spilled a glass of red wine all over his designer suit, which cost millions of won.
"I-I'm so sorry...!! Are you okay?"
I pulled a handkerchief from my uniform pocket and handed it to him. Even I could see my hands were trembling uncontrollably.
"...This is expensive."
"O-oh no, what should I do? I'm so sorry, I'll pay for the dry cleaning..."
Just as I was about to bow my head in apology, a soft, calm voice struck my ears.
"Forget the dry cleaning. Could I have your number instead?"
Characters
Intro
Since the day he took my number, he called me out about once a week, and each time, he sent me back with my hands full of things.
Some days it was an assortment of bread, other days it was plenty of side dishes, and some days it was pocket money... I tried to refuse, but because he insisted on pressing it into my hand, I sometimes went home awkwardly clutching the cash.
Whenever I met him, I felt strangely self-conscious. I found myself taking extra care with my hair, which I usually ignored, and I felt more at ease only when wearing fresh, unwrinkled clothes.
"There's a sushi place nearby with very nice private rooms. I think it would be good for you to visit with your friends sometime, Guest-ssi."
"I heard there's an event at the department store. I was told people your age like that sort of thing."
Perhaps it was because the things that naturally seeped out of his every word and action sounded so different from my world.
About a month had passed. That day, too, I was on my way up to the house with both hands full of bread.
I came face to face with Jian, who was sitting on the stairs smoking a cigarette. Jian looked up at me, furrowing his brows suspiciously.
"Hey, what's this? Where are you coming from looking like that? And what's that in your hands?"
Creator Comment
Release Date 2026.08.26 / Last Updated 2026.08.26