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From showing up to her morning lectures with her cargo jeans worn backwards, to being clawed harshly by the dorm building’s residential cat for trying to feed it tuna treats… Minjeong was sure that The Heavens held a grudge against her today. Oh how she wished she could just collapse on her beanbag couch to binge another season of Kitchen Nightmares– the overwhelming need to see Gordon Ramsey chastise others was itching at her– especially because of how horrible today had turned out.
Unfortunately, Minjeong still has a J*B to do at the convenience store! As much as she wants to storm out of the staffroom with a resignation letter and her middle finger in the air, the bills won’t pay themselves.
The damp cold air from the freezer burnt the scratch mark embedded on her hand as she was busy restocking soju bottles, causing her arm to tremble continuously.
The bell above the GS25 door chimed.
Minjeong paid no mind to it and continued restocking the glass bottles, failing to notice the lingering gaze from a pair of brown orbs.
…
On the counter, slender hands place an off-brand pack of strawberry gummy worms, and a small box of Crayon Shin-chan themed bandages.
Ding!
Minjeong was in the midst of rolling the cart full of empty plastic cartons back into the storage room as the sound of the service bell echoed in the store.
“Hold on a moment!” …
Ding!
The bell rang after 10 seconds barely passed. Minjeong’s eyes started to twitch as she hastily placed the cartons back into the storage room.
Oh my god not another impatient little shit.
“Sorry! I’ll be out soo–”
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Minjeong almost threw the cartons out of the staffroom. Who let their kid play with the service bell?
She immediately dropped the carton with a muffled groan and stormed out of the room with a comically large volcano close to eruption on top of her head, mumbling to herself: “I will not lose my shit, I will not lose my shit, I will not lose my sh–”
"Working hard, darling?"
Minjeong’s eyes immediately shot up, the sultry voice all too familiar to her.
Of course she’s here today too.
Standing– practically leaning against the counter like she owns the place– was Yu Jimin– though she’d introduced herself as Karina. Her manicured fingers drummed an absentminded rhythm against the cold surface. Her gaze remains locked on the blonde-haired girl in the black-blue striped vest standing there menacingly, studying her every move with a predatory curiosity.
Minjeong quietly stomped to the register, grabbing her items to scan.
“Cash or credit?”
"Always cash, sweetheart." Karina smirks, leaning in slightly. "Just like my love. Real, sweet, tangible... and paid upfront."
Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she slides a crisp bill across the counter.
"Unless you'd rather I pay in favors?"
Is she fucking for real? Of course she shows up again today before I clock out, even worse!
Kim Minjeong genuinely believed she was going to have a peaceful time working at her nearby GS25 after her lectures, the discreet location that hinted low customer traffic and decent pay seemed too good to be true at that time.
Not until fate decided to kick her in the ass by sending a chaotic and disturbingly flirty woman by the name of Yu Jimin– Karina.
…
All it took was a quiet night shift a few weeks ago, the bell above the door chimed and she appeared— a stunning, confident woman bathed in riches. The first time Minjeong saw her, she couldn’t help but gaze at her through the little gaps between shelves, thinking she was some super-famous model and was going to ask her co-worker, Aeri, about it until…
“Go on a date with me Minjeong-ah.”
Minjeong’s expression visibly scrunched up.
“Excuse me?”
The woman stared at her nametag tugged carelessly on the vest of her uniform before flickering up to her brown orbs.
“Kim Minjeong, right? Pretty name for a pretty face, go out with me.”
Minjeong couldn’t deny how her heart skipped a beat when she looked back at those dangerously piercing– yet beautiful –pairs of eyes, but hey, she still had some dignity left! She knows her self-worth! (Even though deep down Minjeong wants to kneel and drool over how hot the woman looked.)
“I’m not some cheap girl you can hook up with, if you’re here to buy something, then buy it. There are bars in the grand hotel opposite there for you to find other girls instead of this convenience store.”
The woman had a lazy smirk plastered on her face as she leaned forward slightly to look at Minjeong.
God.. she reeks of alcohol.
“Hook up? You’re funny Kim Minjeong.”
“Please do not call me by my full name.”
The woman pouted slightly, before hastily grabbing a pack of jelly strawberry candies from the shelf beside the register and slamming it onto the counter with a 10000 won bill thrown haphazardly beside.
Minjeong hesitated, but the same pair of eyes studied her again, waiting for her to scan the goods.
“I’d like to buy this, pretty girl.”
Minjeong slowly grabbed the gummies and scanned it, cashing in the money and tapped the screen.
“Would you like a receipt–”
“Yu Jimin.”
“Sorry?”
“You can call me Karina.”
“Oh um.. would you like a receipt–”
The door chimed open, the woman was leaving.
“Keep all of it, darling. Your dark eye bags are telling me you need some sugar in your body to stay awake.”
Minjeong slowly nodded, overstimulated by the number of things happening at that instant.
“Oh, thanks?” Minjeong was surprised at the kind gesture, the mere fact the woman was able to even notice it under all that concealer.
The woman gave her one last smile.
“I’ll see you soon.”
From then on, it was the same routine. A pack of sweets or gummies and a cunning smirk. The next time she showed up– more sober –she surprisingly apologised for her outburst, giving Minjeong a glimmer of hope of her being an actual gentlewoman before going back to shameless flirting.
Minjeong wanted to smack her every time.
But every time she hoped Karina would get bored and stop showing up, every time she didn’t. It has been weeks since Karina started visiting her during her shifts to bother (accompany) her, and Minjeong swore she was close to losing her temper (endearingly) whenever she started to flirt, quietly wishing for her to (not) stop. (She likes the banter.)
…
“Would you like to join our rewards system?” Beep. Beep.
"Oh, darling.. you're feisty. I like that." Beep. Her gaze roams over her again. "Rewards system huh? Is Miss Kim Minjeong trying to win me over with discounts and loyalty points?"
Lock in Minjeong. You have approximately 1 hour and 2 more minutes until you can go home to finish binge watching Kitchen Nightmares.
“My manager makes me ask every customer that, plus..”
Minjeong looks her up and down discreetly. Karina screamed rich, (and hot, undeniably) donning a Prada denim jacket and shades like it's nothing.
“No offence, but discounts are probably nothing for you.”
Karina laughs– rich and unbothered– running a hand through her perfectly styled hair.
"You're observant, I'll give you that. But I don't need discounts, just your company." She leaned forward slightly.
Minjeong resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Now that's a reward worth pursuing."
Sigh. Minjeong’s hands swiftly snatched the notes.
“Next?”
Karina's smirk widened– still lazily leaning on the counter like she owned the place– clearly enjoying this little game. The next customer in line grew impatient, the sound of his foot tapping growing louder and faster.
"Ah.. but I'm not quite done with our little chat, darling." Karina purred seductively, subtly propping her arms on the counter to lean even closer—
“NEXT!”
Minjeong slipped– practically SLAMMED –the receipt on the counter, sliding it towards her.
Karina jolted slightly– startled by the loud slam– and chuckled at Minjeong’s attempt to divert her attention. She accepted the receipt with an amused smile, folding it into neat thirds before shoving it into her designer purse.
"Such efficiency." she murmured, her eyes never leaving the blonde’s (who’s trying her best to not let a blush escape to her cheeks).
At this point, a line was forming behind her, but Karina seemed unbothered, still leaning leisurely on the counter picking at her nails.
You can do this Minjeong.. 56 more minutes… C’mon… This isn't so bad! You’ve had worse days! Remember the guy that smelled like soju who threatened to shit on the floor because you took 2 seconds longer to pass him his change? Or the time where the crazily hot sexy woman in front of you now asked you out– ugh of course it’s her!
A loud groan from a customer was heard, shoving their lays chips into the candy section and left the queue.
Minjeong’s pulse ticked.
Great, customers are leaving! Manager Lee’s going to kill me, I don’t wanna get fired yet! I haven’t saved up enough money yet!
“Miss Karina.”
Minjeong said through gritted teeth.
“Please move aside.”
Karina was surprised at Minjeong finally calling her name, and chuckled knowing how she got under Minjeong’s skin.
"Well, since you asked so nicely..." She tucked her wallet away and purposely stepped aside leisurely, still smiling when she caught her scowl.
Beeps and grunts were heard, especially from customers who were leaving, cursing under their breaths about how Karina looked like a desperate girlfriend yearning for her cashier girlfriend to finish her shift.
Minjeong swiftly cleared the customers, dealing with their whispers and murmurs about her inefficiency and openly gossiping about the slow customer in front. Karina leaned against the wall, watching her handle the frustrated customers with effortless grace. She couldn't help but be impressed by her ability to maintain a professional facade despite the chaos she'd created.
Once the line was cleared, Karina approached the counter again, her expression more observant this time.
"Impressive." she murmured, a hint of genuine approval in her voice. "You definitely know how to keep your cool darling."
Minjeong could feel her eyes roll to the back of her head. “Why are you still here?!” Karina raised an eyebrow at her bluntness, her smirk not faltering in the slightest.
"Such a way with words." she chuckled. "Do I really need a reason? I'm merely admiring your customer service skills."
Her gaze lingered on Minjeong– taking in her flushed cheeks and clenched jaw –clearly amused.
“What would I be doing then? Screaming in their faces?” At this point, Minjeong believed she had gone insane from today and from Karina’s words. Smoke seeped out of her red ears comically like a cartoon character.
"Oh, absolutely. I'd pay extra to see that." She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "But where's the fun in screaming at them when I’m making you—"
The staff room door shot open and Minjeong’s coworker, Aeri, emerged, signalling a break for her.
Oh.. Aeri-ya I owe you one.
Minjeong seemed a little too happy to be taking her leave as she escaped to the back of the staffroom, excited to finish her half-empty orange juice.
"Great timing." Karina pouted to herself her gaze followed Minjeong into the staffroom.
…
The back door of the staffroom opened and Minjeong emerged along with a foldable plastic chair, practically flinging it onto the cold concrete of the road path and sneered at the ear-wrenching noise it made as it dragged along the asphalt. She slumped her body against the chair and let out– more like she yelled out– a sigh of relief she’d been holding the whole day today.
She quickly pulled out her phone.
fake nonchalant:
is she still there
Aeri quickly replied.
emo chan desu:
girl she’s just standing around and looking at stuff rn
i think she was just looking at the lube
prob for you
fake nonchalant:
bro ENOUGH
emo chan desu:
o she just left lol
shes probably tired of waiting fr u
fake nonchalant:
finally
emo chan desu:
lowkey likeee
don’t you think you're playing toooo hard to get minjeong?
fake nonchalant:
im not interested in her.
emo chan desu:
u were looking at her boobs the other day she came in
fake nonchalant:
i was figuring out if the shirt had a prada label or a gucci one.
emo chan desu:
remember the other time she wore that off shoulder top and you kept stuttering
like…
what was that even!
fake nonchalant:
SHUT UP
i was just tired at the time
emo chan desu:
you say that everyday bro
theres no excuse here
Come to think of it, she is pretty hot.. and rich… tall… handsome…
Minjeong had to mentally slap herself before she thought further about Karina.
fake nonchalant:
aeri istfg theres nothing to like abt her
even though shes a cat person and the fact that she likes kids cartoons and animes
and likes strawberries and sweets
shes not attractive to me
emo chan desu:
…
are u fr
dont lie to yrself jeong you aint fooling no one 🤣
so like theres this river in egypt
fake nonchalant:
sybau
emo chan desu:
sure u dont wanna give her a chance no?
fake nonchalant:
not if she keeps flirting blatantly
bro stop texting me and do your j*b college isnt gonna pay itself :p
emo chan desu:
pot calling the kettle black
fuck you
AND YOU LITERALLY TEXTED ME FIRST
anyways come bafk here soon
mangaer is prob loking at cams agian
Whatever! She flirts with me like I’m one of her usual hookups. I don’t care. (She does. She wishes for Karina to be serious.)
…
While Minjeong was busy having an internal conflict about her feelings, Aeri sighs while she’s busy tidying the counter.
The first time Aeri had finally encountered Karina’s flirting sessions with Minjeong, she was initially skeptical about her intentions. It wasn’t until the next few occurrences, where Aeri spotted Karina hiding behind shelves while she was restocking. Karina was picking out mini animal figurines, pouting and mumbling to herself about “Would Minjeong like this?” before placing it back on the shelf and returning to her usual snarky self when Minjeong reappeared at the counter.
Aeri would notice how Karina would either be looking at sweets or little toys and go: “Would she like this?” or secretly helping Minjeong with her job by tidying up messy shelves before bothering her again. Karina seemed like she cares about Minjeong.
Aeri also noticed– but never told, more so outed Minjeong– how she’d have a small grin on her face after their banter, despite her usual facade of nonchalance.
Fake nonchalant…
Though Aeri had always been poking fun at Minjeong for getting hit on by Karina all the time, deep down, she wished her co-worker slash best friend would start seeing Karina in a more positive light as well. After all, she wanted her best friend to have a thriving love life, and she was also tired of Minjeong going: Karina said this… Karina said that!
She looked back up and noticed how Karina’s car– seemingly so, since she had parked it there earlier– hadn’t budged.
Why’s her car still here, hasn't she left already?
…
As Minjeong was busy sipping on her juice box while scrolling on Instagram reels, she heard footsteps slowly growing louder. She was about to lift her head up until a deep, masculine voice started talking.
“Minjeongie.”
Her stomach dropped.
What the fuck?
“Jaehyun?!” she jolted up and backed away.
“I told you to stop showing up here! We’ve broken up like months ago, stop looking for me!”
Jaehyun took a step closer, his gaze filled with a mix of desperation and guilt.
"I know, I know…" he said. "I've been trying to give you space, I promise! But..."
He took another step towards her.
"I can't stop thinking about you, okay? I miss you."
Minjeong continued stepping back, the sound of her chair screeching and tumbling onto the ground was loud as it echoed in the night.
“Leave me alone Jaehyun. I had to move jobs because of you.”
His hand shot out to grab her wrist.
“Please, just listen!” His grip tightened as she tried to pull away.
Minjeong could feel herself gagging and becoming nauseous at his voice, the unhappy memories coming back to her– how he’d stalk every place Minjeong went, restrict her from going anywhere at all, and how even after Minjeong finally broke up with him, she could never sleep well at night knowing how he’d eventually find her again after switching locations.
Jaehyun’s fingers dug into her wrist as he tried to pull Minjeong closer.
“Let go of me!”
"Please Minjeongie, just listen to me…" he pleaded.
"I know I messed up, but I can change! Just give me another chance–”
"And who do we have here?"
The voice cuts through the tension like a knife.
Karina leaned against the concrete wall– arms folded, her heels clicking sharply as she stepped closer. Her playful eyes from earlier were now turned to ice.
“Let go of her.”
Jaehyun hesitated. Her calm presence yet lethal, unsettled him.
“Unless you’d like me to call the police?”
He dropped Minjeong’s wrist instantly and backed away, triggered greatly when he heard her mention the police. Karina’s gaze flickered to Minjeong’s– softening briefly –before returning back to Jaehyun with icy precision.
"Back away from her, now."
Jaehyun's eyes flicked between Minjeong and the woman, who was clearly intimidated by her presence and backed away reluctantly.
"I was just trying to talk—"
“I know a crazy, obsessive piece of shit when I see one.”
Minjeong felt a hand snake around her waist, the same familiar smell of wood and lavender she once found annoying flooded her nostrils with comfort and security. Karina pulled her closer as soon as Jaehyun backed away, her arm gently wrapping around her waist.
“Fucking lesbians.” Jaehyun cursed under his breath. “Of course someone like you’d turn her into a lesbian.”
Karina's eyes narrowed at Jaehyun's muttered insult, her grip on Minjeong’s waist tightening just slightly.
"How charming." she said, her tone filled with barely contained disgust. "I've heard better insults from elementary school kids."
Jaehyun's gaze flicked between the two of them, his face contorting further with anger and jealousy.
He opened his mouth to retort before Karina cut him off.
"I suggest you leave before I get impatient." she said coolly. "You've bothered her long enough, and I’m pretty sure she’d never get back together with your desperate ass.”
Before Minjeong could cut in, Karina hastily pressed her lips to her forehead softly– a subtle gesture to mark her territory.
“Besides, she’s mine now. So fuck off before I actually call the cops.”
Jaehyun grunted before staggering off, taking one final look at Minjeong before going: “I’ll be back.”
…
Karina waited until he was completely gone before turning her attention back to Minjeong.
For a moment, there was only the hum of the broken cooler and the static hum of electricity, along with Minjeong’s uneven breathing.
She smells really nice. Karina gazes.
Did she just..? Minjeong was short-circuiting.
Minjeong immediately stepped away feeling a little flustered, causing Karina to loosen her grip.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Minjeong was a little red, tugging her arms awkwardly.
Karina chuckled. “It’s alright, are you okay though?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Minjeong nodded stiffly. Karina’s expression softened, the sharp edges melting into something rare— like genuine warmth. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind Minjeong’s ear, her touch lingering just a second longer than necessary.
“Don’t thank me yet.” she murmured, the playfulness coming back. “I haven’t decided if I scared him off or just saved you for later.” Her lips curled into a teasing smile, but her eyes— they held something real. Minjeong thought she’d imagined it.
Here we fucking go again.
“So there’s an ulterior motive huh?”
Karina chuckled softly, her gaze roaming over Minjeong’s face in a way that sent shivers down her spine. "Perceptive, aren't you?"
Her thumb softly tracing patterns on her wrist, an echo of Jaehyun's grip. "I never claimed to be altruistic, darling."
Silence filled them, before Karina burst into chuckles.
"You seriously think I’m that kind of person?” she pouted. “Let's just say I have a vested interest in keeping you safe. What’s that he said? ‘I’ll be back’? Yeah, I’ll make sure he never touches you."
Minjeong scoffed and had to hold back a laugh, a small smile sneaking up her face.
“Hey, just so you know I don't do flings.”
Karina seemed almost taken aback by her straightforwardness, a look of surprise flashing across her face before a lazy grin spread across her lips.
"A woman of standards, I see." she said, the playfulness in her voice softening with a hint of genuine respect. She tipped Minjeong’s chin up with her slim finger to look at her.
"And what if I told you that I wasn't just looking for a one-night stand either?"
Oh?
“Oh, cool.” Karina's smirk turned into an amused smile at the casual response.
"Just 'cool'? " she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Most people would be surprised or relieved to hear that I'm not just after a quick hook-up." The hand slithered up to the side, tracing her jawline. "But you seem pretty unfazed by my intentions. Why is that, Minjeong-ah?"
Minjeong swore she saw a glimmer of genuine curiosity in her eyes, so enticing she failed to realise her slowly burning cheeks.
“I.. don’t even know you.”
Karina laughed softly, and Minjeong’s lips twitched a little.
"Fair enough.” Karina reached into her bag and held out a sleek black card. Not a business card– no name and no number -just an address in gold letters.
“What’s this?” Minjeong held the card and examined it with great curiosity.
“My exclusive card, come find me after your shift.”
“Isn’t this from the hotel next door?”
Karina chuckled softly. “Smart girl.”
Wait– if she has this card, does that mean—?
“I’m one of the shareholders of that hotel conglomerate.”
So she’s rich, RICH?! No, Minjeong, you’re interested in her personality, not her money. Though it seems pretty enticing– but, holy shit.
“Impressed, baby?”
Minjeong’s face fell flat again. “Don’t call me baby.” Karina chuckled.
"Let me get to know you, darling." she whispered, her gaze intense and unflinching. "You interest me a lot, and I always get what I'm interested in."
Minjeong rolled her (growing, heart) eyes. “Fine.”
"Fine?" Karina repeated, a slow, dangerous smile spreading across her lips. "Oh, Minjeong-ah, you say it like you surrender to me."
Technically, Minjeong was surrendering to her by giving in, but she felt that maybe, just maybe, Karina was actually dedicated to this.
“But if you try anything funny, just so you know I’m a black belt dan-1 in Taekwondo.”
Karina let out a deep chuckle, wanting to tease Minjeong further.
“How adorable.” Karina caressed Minjeong’s hand that’s holding the card and raised it up to her face.
“I’ll see you soon, again.” she brought the hand to her lips while she kneeled slightly to look into Minjeong’s eyes, kissing it loudly with a smack.
Oh my god, she's so hot?! Minjeong felt her whole face go red, making Karina laugh at her.
Karina turned on her heel and left her standing there, whose heart was racing. She looked down at her hand with the lip mark, suppressing the urge to kiss it back.
...
Minjeong didn’t realise how long she’d been stoned there, daydreaming, until Aeri slapped her back.
“You alive? You’re supposed to be back at the counter, buddy.” Aeri paused, noticing the stain on her hand, and smirked.
“Ugh, finally! FINALLY! Some motion.”
Aeri hastily removed Minjeong’s vest.
“Aeri-ya, what are you doing–”
“I’ll cover for you, go get her little tiger! Or puppy… whatever.”
The revving of an engine was heard from afar, signalling Karina’s departure.
“She’s seriously got a car here even though the hotel is right beside here?!”
“Minjeong, she’s obviously trying to impress you.”
“Shut up!”
“You shut up! Now go change into your clothes and meet me back at the staffroom, I’m helping you with your makeup.”
Minjeong was about to protest but was heavily interrupted by Aeri closing the back door.
She is definitely not finishing Kitchen Nightmares season 2 tonight.