(Please note that this contains profanity and references to harmful substances.)
"We are not normal ingredients, so don't eat us carelessly."
"The ingredients... are different...?"
Min-gyu from behind... Yes, senior Min-gyu whispered in my ear.
"The boss is a scary person, so be careful. If words don't work, he'll resort to violence."
"The ultimate violence is the ingredient in sweets."
"yes...?"
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
Can I work properly in this store?
***
"So, you can probably guess what the store looks like, right?"
The boss said. It's true that people seem even more fearful after hearing what he said earlier. Still, in this place where you can earn even 300,000 won, you shouldn't feel sorry for them or fear them.
"When does this place open?"
"When the ingredients are ready?"
"hmm..."
'When the ingredients are ready?'If you think about it, it's a very scary thing. That's what I thought when I found out the truth about this place.
"You can go for now. Min-gyu and Yeo-ju are getting off work."
"Oh, I'm already off work..."
Then the boss said with a hollow laugh.
"Why, do you regret it? If you regret it, then follow me."
Then, senior Min-gyu looked straight into my eyes. 'You can't go'It seemed to be saying, "Why can't I go...?" But just in case, it would be better not to go.
"Oh, no... it's okay."
"Okay? Okay. Then go."
***
As I left the candy store, it was already dusk. A bright full moon shone brightly in the sky.
"By the way, what should I call you?"
"It doesn't matter. Call me oppa or senior, it's up to you."
"Oh, yes..."
"But what happens if I follow the boss?"
"I told you before. It's violence."
"That boss's son is a bit crazy too."
"I told you he's a psychopath?"
"Ah... but then how did you end up working part-time, senior?"
"At first, it was money. You came for money too."
"And I signed the contract without knowing anything. But I didn't know that that CEO's son was that crazy, ha..."
Senior Min-gyu lowered his head and sighed deeply, as if in regret. Unknowingly, I felt a desire to comfort him, so I placed a hand on his shoulder and stroked it.
And senior Min-gyu looked at me in confusion, and my hand was suspended in the air.
"Anyway, don't trust that kid. And you have to obey. If you move your hand, you might end up in a cookie."
"Ah... yes."
"Should I take you home? That kid might come after you."
"No, it's okay. My house is a bit far..."
"Which way is it?"
"It's at the end of the village. This is the entrance to the village."
"Oh, it's okay. My house is at the end too."
"Oh, really?"
"There was a pretty tree next to the house in front of my house."
"Oh, that's my house."
"Really? Then I guess we'll see each other often?"
"Well, that's true."
***
As I walked and talked with Senior Min-gyu, I found myself already at the edge of town. Is it just me or does time seem to pass so quickly?
"Goodbye, see you tomorrow!"
Senior Min-gyu nodded and went home. I returned to my squalid home. My father was an alcoholic and abusive, and my mother was cheating and never came home.
***
As soon as I entered the house, the pungent smell of alcohol and cigarettes wafted through the air. The TV was long broken, and bottles of liquor were strewn across every corner of the house. I felt ashamed of myself, walking carefully, trying not to step on any broken bottles. I hurried to my room.
***
My only refuge, my room. It's hot when it's hot and cold when it's cold, but it's better than the smell of alcohol and cigarettes outside. Today was at least worth it. I got to meet new people.
It's morning. I'm planning to stop by the store after school today. Wouldn't it be better to leave quickly and go out with Senior Min-gyu? But... the catch is, you never know when he'll show up.
***
The house smells musty again today. I wish Dad would go out. My wish is in vain, but Dad is already drinking in the morning. He'll use the money he's spending on alcohol to go to the hospital.
"Hey, Yeoju. Where are you going?"
"I'm going to school."
"How did you get home yesterday?"
"It's just nice to come."
"Just fine? Explain specifically."
For some reason, I felt rebellious today.
"no, I do not want."
"What? You don't like it? Where is the rebellion in this?"
"No, you could rebel. Why get upset over that one thing?"
"Hey, let's see this. Really?"
[match-]
"What if I hit you? Do you think I'll say, 'Please save me' and ask for forgiveness?"
"If you keep nagging me, I'll hit you harder."
"If you die today, then."
And after a while, I was hit. Fortunately, I was in good enough condition to go to school, so I quickly packed up my things and headed out the door.