Convenience store part-timer

ep. 34 Say no

I wish every day could be this happy

Again I went to school, where I had to meet rumors and people I didn't want to face.

Last time, when I asked about cosmetics, Jiwoo used the same cosmetics and makeup as me, and the rumor grew and grew until it reached an uncontrollable level.

I told the guest about it, so I wasn't the only one suffering, but it's true that I feel uneasy.

한지우

Hehe, heroine! What do you think? The cosmetics you told me about are really good!

After meeting Jiwoo for the first time in a few days, not only did she have the same makeup routine as me, but even her clothing style became similar to mine.

김여주

Uh, yeah.. thank you

김여주

But... what are you wearing?

한지우

Huh? What..?

It was strange that Jiwoo, who used to enjoy wearing airy one-piece dresses, was wearing clothes with a comfortable daily look like mine.

한지우

Aren't these clothes pretty? Come to think of it, I don't think I need to wear something date-like when I'm going to study..!!

한지우

Your style is similar to mine. If you want, can you tell me where to buy it?

Moreover, Jiwoo already knew that the clothes he was wearing were similar to mine.

That's not all, after finishing the lecture, Jiwoo showed up at a cafe where I stopped by to have a light lunch with a customer.

한지우

Oh my lady! You're here...? Looks like even our eating habits are similar~ Hohoho~

I felt dirty when he sat next to me and pretended to be friendly.

김여주

Jiwoo..! Can we talk for a moment..?

한지우

Hey, brother! Don't do that, let's have a cup of coffee together!

김태형

Who are you calling oppa? I never gave permission.

Although the customer firmly refused in a low voice, Jiwoo persisted in offering him a cup of coffee.

It was a suggestion, but this was just forced.

김여주

Wait, Jiwoo, come here.

한지우

Yeah..? I'm a bit like that right now..

김여주

Why do you keep avoiding talking to me? Let's just talk together!

김여주

Woman to woman, I have something to say.

Jiwoo's expression was still unsatisfactory, but what can I do?

If I refuse any more here, I'll be treated like a weirdo.

He had no choice but to face me with a sullen face.

한지우

What... do you have to say?

김여주

Jiwoo, do you happen to know about that rumor?

I started telling Jiwoo what had happened.

Of course, the whole story of this incident was never revealed, and he continued to speak as if he had concerns.

김여주

What should I do?

After I finished speaking, I saw Jiwoo's reaction.

한지우

Wow, that's really ridiculous, isn't it?

한지우

I'm not even a middle or high school student, what the heck is this?

김여주

Right..? That's been my concern lately.

He didn't seem particularly hurt when he spoke, and even his response was full of genuine bewilderment.

한지우

Everyone is jealous of you, heroine.. Can you hold on for a little longer? Okay?

김여주

Yeah.. thank you Jiwoo..

한지우

Wait, you don't think I started this rumor, do you?

김여주

⋯.

한지우

Oh, heroine~ Why are you like that~! Huh? Hey, it's not me! Right? Why would I do that, huh? No? Don't you think about that?

It was weird

I didn't say anything, but Jiwoo was alone... what should I say?

Should I say I should overreact?

김여주

Yeah.. Okay, Jiwoo

김여주

Thank you for listening to me.

김여주

Let's meet tomorrow?

I smiled slightly and said hello, then turned around and heard a small voice behind me.

한지우

Yes, my lady. Bye.

한지우

That rumor... I didn't start it... Trust me...

I didn't know what to say so I ignored him and just walked.

I pretended not to hear, I acted

As I walked a little further, I saw a customer with a worried look on his face.

You brought back that warm smile that you give only to me.

김태형

Are you okay? Did the story go well?

The warm, affectionate, and gentle words of the guest brought tears to my eyes.

김여주

Guest... What should I do?

The tears that burst out without me knowing ended up drenching the shoulders of the guests who approached me.

김태형

It's okay, Kim Yeo-ju. Everything will be okay. I'll always be by your side.

김여주

...sorry

김여주

Were you surprised when I suddenly cried?

As I showed no sign of stopping my tears, the customer brought me into the car.

김태형

No? If you cry, you cry. If you get angry, you get angry. It's natural.

김여주

I really don't think I can trust anyone anymore.

김여주

Jiwoo... I don't know Jiwoo...

김여주

I can't tell if it's really true or if they're just pretending it isn't true.

The customer just looked at me, who was still shedding tears and mumbling about his situation.

Every now and then, when tears would soak my cheeks, you would carefully wipe them away, but you never offered any false comfort.

He didn't pretend to be sad on purpose, he just watched me quietly until my sadness, all these complicated emotions, floated away.

김여주

..Thank you, sir..

김여주

For taking my side, for being with me in this moment