Jiho didn't catch the start or the end of the conversation between Seo Minjae and Lee Sangmin.
But–
[It's my first time hearing his name. Do you know?]
He saw them standing right in front of his painting, scrutinizing it like they were art critics with actual authority.
Then he heard the most obnoxious line ever:
[…Looks like something an elementary school kid with a rich imagination would draw.]
Jiho heard that part loud and clear.
From none other than the one and only Seo Minjae, of course.
Well, I can understand.
Art is subjective.
But Seo Minjae clearly had some shit taste.
He nodded to himself, concealing his thoughts behind those thick frame.
He smiled slightly, which perfectly didn't reach his eyes while asking evenly.
"Sunbae's still looking for a main designer, right?"
"Huh? Yeah." Kyungho replied without thinking.
Mmm.
Jiho thoughtfully shifted his gaze, humming softly under his breath.
One thing for sure, he didn't mind being criticized.
Really, he didn't.
But I can't tolerate a guy with one functioning art braincell calling his baby elementary.
A.k.a. his paintings!
He can understand but he can't accept.
.
.
.
The next day...
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, the air tinged with spring's sweet scent.
Jiho set down the calendar in his hand and continued brushing his teeth.
Saturday?
This week flew by.
He stood at the sink, smoothing down his messy bed hair as he stared into the mirror.
Right.
Today was also Seo Minjae's birthday.
He had prepared the perfect gift. Something deeply appropriate.
Seo Minjae can look forward to it.
Jiho blankly walked out of the bathroom and threw on a baggy white T-shirt for a change.
His phone, still on the bed, vibrated.
Ding!
The sender was save simply, Lee Juri.
[Yun Jiho, where are you? Noona is waiting for you~]
Okay.
In short: Please come early, we need help.
Jiho's lips parted slightly in an inaudible sigh.
He took his time starting his day with a can of energy drink. Much needed.
Then he typed back, flatly:
[Got it.]
Before leaving the apartment, Jiho didn't forget the small paper bag sitting in the corner of his table.
He bought it for the birthday boy.
***
Outside, the sun was bright and the skies were clear.
Spring in its loudest form.
Jiho arrived at the restaurant quicker than expected.
At this time of the day, the Bistro was already quite crowded for his taste but Juri noona paid well.
Really.
He was very grateful for her generosity.
Just as he was slipping into his uniform in the locker room, a sudden rush of footsteps echoed outside and the door swung open without warning.
A tall and well-built guy with a handsome appearance entered the room. He panted like he'd run the entire way.
"Just in time…" he muttered under his breath, still catching it.
Then Jiho's eyes locked with his.
Oh.
There was a brief, awkward silence.
Judging by the guy's startled expression, Jiho could tell he hadn't expected anyone inside.
"I didn't know there was someone here…" the man offered weakly.
Jiho didn't react and calmly finished buttoning his shirt. He indifferently said.
"It's okay."
It's not that I didn't mind but it wasn't like the locker room was his personal space.
Totally understandable.
That's right. Yun Jiho is a reasonable guy.
Jiho them went on to clipped on his name tag, shut his locker, and walked out of the room, completely unbothered.
He didn't feel the need to talk, he wasn't the friendly type anyway.
Jiho thought that was the end of it.
But he didn't expect to see the guy again so soon.
They stood face-to-face in the staff area.
Well, he's figured it's a new face.
Jiho worked at the semi-open bar section of the Bistro.
Just as he was prepping syrup bottles, Lee Juri called him over.
"Jiho-ya, come here for a sec."
With her curly honey-blonde hair, a clear match to Lee Sangmin's, she gestured toward the tall guy.
"Siwoo, Jiho. Newbie, this is the customer favorite right here."
She patted Jiho's arm with a grin. "Although he's just a part-timer, you can learn a lot from him."
Then her eyes met with Jiho's blank stared.
She's totally making me train this guy, isn't she?
"But I'm just a part-timer," he said flatly.
Translation: This is not my job.
"Yeah, yeah. But Siwoo's never done this job before."
Juri let out a tiny cough, slightly embarrassed.
Then she turned to Siwoo. "Give us a sec."
Jiho saw her motioned him aside with her eyes.
He silently followed.
Once they were far enough, Juri stealthily raised her hand and mouthed: ₩15,000.
Jiho raised an eyebrow.
Heh.
"Noona, money's not the problem here."
Juri looked at him sideways, then changed her gesture.
₩20,000.
"Just do me a favor," she whispered quickly. "You only need to teach him the basics. He makes good coffee."
Jiho's mouth twitched.
I fail to see how that's going to help in this situation.
Are you sure you didn't hire him just for his face?
He refused.
"Let hyung teach him. I'm only working two days this time."
There's always a second option.
But Juri wasn't giving up that easily.
"Hey," she pressed, "everyone needs a starting point. Besides, you were terrible when you first started."
…Okay.
She had a point.
But just to clarify, he got the hang of it in a few hours.
And at the time, he seriously considered switching careers altogether.
Haah…
Jiho quietly looked back at the guy, who was doing his best not to glance their way…
But was failing. Horribly.
Juri saw his expression soften and she pulled out her trump card.
"₩20,000 and free dinner for a whole week."
She tilted her head playfully. "How about it? I know you can't cook."
…That last TMI was unnecessary.
But she knew her target.
Jiho exhaled.
"Alright."
"Yes!" Juri grinned in triumph.
***
So. Let's start again.
Jiho stepped forward, reaching out a hand with calm professionalism.
"Nice to meet you," he said. "I'm also a part-timer here. If you don't mind, you can just call me Jiho."
As their hands clasped, Jiho was quietly impressed by the other guy's grip.
Ohh.
He immediately felt the difference in build, sadly.
Siwoo quickly let go and bowed politely.
"Still… you're my senior here. Then, how about Hyung?"
Hyung?
Just then, Juri leaned in and muttered next to his ear,
"He's a sophomore."
Jiho was once again surprised.
A second year?
He gave the guy a more thorough once-over, discreetly, of course.
Truly dedicated.
Then Jiho shrugged, he truly didn't care about this heirachy.
"...It's up to you."