Archive of Our Own

Rosalyn wanted independence; that's why she left Breck. Her family was supportive, even though they also cried for an entire week before her scheduled departure.

It was the memory of her loving family, who promised to support her from afar, that kept her going.

Becoming a convenience store owner wasn't exactly part of the plan. In fact, this was merely a step to her dream, a means to sustain herself financially and as a way to hone her conversational skills.

Despite that, Rosalyn had come to love being a convenience store owner.

Although she had only been a convenience store owner for 6 months, she had already learned a lot.

One of them was learning how to keep her customers coming, because it was ultimately her customers who kept the store running.

So Rosalyn had decided to fully commit to her role.

Until… She met a rather peculiar customer.

Even before becoming a convenience store owner, Rosalyn had always been too kind. She used to hear things like, "You're too kind for your own good", "You need to learn how to protect yourself because people will take advantage of your kindness", and even, "Rosalyn, have you ever thought of punching a person?"

Well.

To be fair, Rosalyn did learn basic martial arts alongside her siblings in her hometown because her father didn't want them to suffer unfairly in the future. So yes, Rosalyn had had those times when she thought of punching someone.

But that doesn't truly erase Rosalyn's good nature. On top of being kind, she was also honest. Perhaps too honest, that oftentimes some people thought she was an easy target, only to be surprised that Rosalyn was also the type to confront people and be vocal about what she thinks.

Needless to say, Rosalyn's good nature also has her speaking up for people, especially for herself.

It seemed that Rosalyn's good nature was what ultimately kept her customers returning again and again.

Safe to say, they have fallen in love with Rosalyn's personality. So Rosalyn thought that she should keep up the good work both for herself and for them.

Rosalyn got her cheek pinched, which made her giggle.

"Cutie Rosie, I have to head out now. So sorry about leaving too soon. I would have loved talking to you more!"

Whitira spoke with a little regret, though, while still lightly pinching Rosalyn's cheek and staring at her with adoration.

Rosalyn did not mind this at all. Whitira was one of her regulars, who usually came to the store at this time and day, so she had expected this much shenanigan from her.

"No worries, dear customer! Whenever you are free, you can always find me in the store. I hope you'll have a pleasant time at work!"

Whitira didn't coo, but she did something akin to it.

Whitira withdrew her hand and took out her payment for her items, handing it over to Rosalyn, who was behind the cash register.

"I received 5,000. Your total change is—"

Ring! Ring!

Whitira's phone started ringing, blasting loudly that it completely overshadowed Rosalyn's voice. Whitira threw her a half-embarrassed, half-apologetic look before rejecting the call request.

"Sorry. Can I come back later for the change? It seems I really have to go now."

"Sure! I'll keep your money safe until your return."

Rosalyn got her cheek pinched lightly one more time before Whitira left the store. Only the sound of the door chime accompanied her now.

Rosalyn recorded Whitira's payment, the total bill, and her unclaimed change on her logbook before safely tucking it away in a separate drawer.

This was something that somehow became the norm in her store. It was an unexpected thing. Really.

Rosalyn had only kept her customers' change because they forgot to get it before rushing outside, only for them to return an hour or so later and ask for it. Of course, Rosalyn, the ever good-natured person she is, always greeted them warmly before handing it over, while reminding them to be more careful next time.

Change was not the only thing that they kept leaving. There were some personal items, too. One of Rosalyn's customers accidentally left a jade tablet on the counter, and she kept it safe while it was with her, hoping that the customer would return to retrieve it.

True to her belief, three days later, that customer came to the store and asked if she had seen a jade tablet, and Rosalyn was more than happy to give it back.

That customer had cried and thanked her repeatedly, saying that it was the last gift he received from his mother before she passed away.

Hearing that the customer nearly lost it forever also made Rosalyn sad, so she promised herself that she would continue to keep their items temporarily and patiently wait for the opportunity to return it to them.

Without even realizing it, Rosalyn's customers actually knew each other. Perhaps by passing, or close associates.

So it was only a matter of time before they brought up conversations about the convenience store and the very, very honest store-owner.

Before she knew it, those customers of hers kept coming back and would even purposely leave their things with her to claim them later. And because it kept happening frequently, Rosalyn had decided to log those items in a logbook to keep track of them.

What Rosalyn did not know was that she earned herself a reputation as a "good-natured store-owner that we can trust" among her customers. That was why those loyal customers of hers kept coming back.

Rosalyn hummed happily to herself while cleaning the counter, since she had nothing else to do at the moment because there weren't any customers, and her loyal customers didn't usually come to the store at this time.

'Maybe I should get coffee after closing the shop later. I still need to prepare the gift request made by Mr. Eruhaben this evening.'

That's right. On top of being known as an honest store-owner, Rosalyn also somehow became the 'person they can trust to fulfill their small requests'.

The small requests typically revolved around the convenience store. Either she would be asked (and of course, paid) to deliver their purchased item to a designated location, or wrap it up as a gift to be picked up later.

The convenience store wasn't limited to selling food and drinks. Because Rosalyn was someone who got bored rather easily, she had also made things like crochets, paper crafts, and even jewelry during her spare time at the store.

One of her loyal customers happened to see the things she made and asked if they were for sale. Rosalyn remembered being flustered at that time because she had not expected anyone to take notice of her creations, but her customer seemed really eager to buy them, so Rosalyn decided to give them away for free.

It was something she made out of boredom, anyway. She had not placed any financial value on that.

But because it was one of her loyal customers, it was only a matter of time before said customer went around bragging to her peers (who are also Rosalyn's loyal customers), and they all barged into the store one at a time, asking if they could buy Rosalyn's crafts, too.

Once again, before Rosalyn knew it, the store also became a gift-selling shop.

It truly seemed like they simply cannot get enough of her, no matter what she does. Rosalyn was truly grateful for them, so Rosalyn kept trying her best to be a good enough store-owner who won't bring her parents shame.

Speaking of her parents, they have also come to see her more than once, including her siblings. Somehow, that fact has also garnered attention from others.

Because whenever a family member came to the store to visit her, it always formed a crowd later. New faces coming by to buy and discreetly ask her about said family member, while Rosalyn just blinks and wonders… how on earth did her siblings garner this much attention at such a short time?

But then again, Rosalyn's family was well-known, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that people would be lining up just to see a glimpse of their face.

Of course, this was something that reached the ears of her loyal customers at some point. And without Rosalyn knowing, her loyal customers had figured out her background and even tried to reach out to her family to build connections with them… simply because they like Rosalyn. Perhaps, a little too much.

To confirm, Rosalyn has no idea about the circulating image she has, nor the things her loyal customers have said about her to other people, which has also kept increasing the attention on her store, and thus, increasing her total sales each week.

Rosalyn believed she was simply doing her job as an honest person. Really.

(Yes, she can be quite dense to her surroundings. But who could blame her? Rosalyn was just a good person who does good things because she was raised that way.)

Chrrng!

Rosalyn perked up and saw a red-haired man walking to the counter with a seemingly permanent scowl on his face. It seemed that something had greatly displeased him prior to his arrival.

Rosalyn, being the good-natured person that she is, thought, 'Oh no! He's having a bad day. Perhaps a smile might brighten his day'.

So she put on a bright smile while addressing him.

"Welcome, sir! How can I help you?"

To reaffirm, Rosalyn doesn't fear people who frown and scowl upon first meeting. Because if the other person tries to intimidate her later or get physical, Rosalyn knows martial arts and can defend herself just fine, thank you very much.

The red-haired man moved his gaze over the shelf behind her with obvious boredom, still with the scowl on his face. Rosalyn remained unfazed and kept her smile.

Encountering a customer with this kind of mood wasn't new to her. In fact, one of her loyal customers, Mr. Eruhaben, had once entered the store in a similar mood.

Then it happened again.

And then it happened again.

And then one more time…

Until Rosalyn just grew accustomed to it.

Though these days, it seemed like Mr. Eruhaben has been in a good mood lately. But who knows, really, he might wear his usual frown tomorrow when he comes to pick up his gift.

Rosalyn refocused her attention on the customer in front of her.

After looking at the shelves behind her, the man took out his wallet and placed a familiar card on the table.

Rosalyn blinked, then brightened.

"Oh!"

It was the card she usually gave her customers whenever they made a small request to hand over once they came to claim their item.

Rosalyn reached for the card to get a clearer view of whose name it was written so she could give the right gift, but the man suddenly slapped his hand on the other hand of the card, preventing her from taking it, and startling Rosalyn in the process.

'Huh?'

Rosalyn instinctively looked up, and their gaze met at that moment.

The man… stared at her intensely for ten full seconds.

"….??"

Rosalyn blinked once. Twice. Then tilted her head slightly.

"Uhm… Dear customer, is something the matter?"

She got stared at again. Because of their height difference, Rosalyn had to look up at him, and it seemed that he was… staring her down.

The customer suddenly took out his phone and hastily called someone.

He turned to the side and pressed his phone to his ear, tapping his foot impatiently on the floor, while still holding onto the other end of the card.

Rosalyn could hear the phone ringing a few times before it seemed that the call finally connected.

"Hyung."

The customer spoke with a… strained voice?

'Is… Is he okay?'

Rosalyn moved her eyes to the medicine cabinet to her right and began analyzing which medicine she should give him, before setting her eyes on the small shelf next to it and saw the throat relief remedy

Technically, this was her first time seeing this customer, but since he had presented the card, he must be someone who came to pick up the gift on behalf of another customer, right?

Either way, since someone who seemed to be unwell had come to her, it was only right to help them out.

Rosalyn did not pay attention to their conversation and headed towards the shelf, and took one pack of the (only remaining) sore throat honey-lemon flavored remedy before returning to the counter and plastering her usual smile.

The customer glanced at her briefly before turning further back.

'…?'

She didn't pay attention to their conversation (if there was any, given that the customer in front of her barely said another word) and patiently waited for anything. Then slowly… he slid the card towards her.

'Is he willing to give it now?'

Rosalyn beamed before taking the card and reading the name written.

Oh. It was the gift request Mr. Alver Crossman had made last week.

Rosalyn moved to the cabinet on the left side of the counter, opened it, and checked the tags she had placed on the boxes before finding the one labeled under Mr. Alver's name.

She returned to the counter and placed it inside a paper bag, including the sore throat remedy, then handed it over to the customer.

"Here you go!"

Rosalyn spoke with her usual tone and smile.

The man still kept his phone to his ear, though, since he was taking something from his wallet, it was pressed between his ear and shoulder, before sliding a huge bill towards her.

Huh?

"Sir, the gift has been paid in advance. There is no need—"

The customer grabbed the paper bag and hurriedly left.

Rosalyn was left blinking while looking at the glass door.

Huh. Whatever shall she do about this?

'Well…. Since Mr. Alver sent him to get the gift, I should just hand this over to Mr. Alver the next time he comes?'

Rosalyn shrugged her shoulders before logging the item (money) into her logbook and went on her usual day.

Rosalyn didn't expect that same customer to come the next day. Yes, that same red-haired man who left a big bill for the gift that was already paid.

This time, too, the man was on a phone call while placing the store items on the counter.

"No, I clearly told you that I don't want—"

Again, Rosalyn tuned out the conversation he was having on the phone. It would be rude to eavesdrop, even if she can clearly hear his voice.

Rosalyn simply focused on punching the items into the machine, and once she got everything inside the paper bag (Rosalyn doesn't use plastic bags since it damages nature), she moved her gaze to the customer and smiled politely.

"Sir, if you wish, I can use the previous bill you left to pay for your—"

Once again, the customer slid a big bill on the counter before taking the paper bag and leaving.

Rosalyn, still with the polite smile plastered on her face, "…."

Well. Guess she should log this to the logbook again.

Rosalyn doesn't typically see any of her other loyal customers three days straight in a week; however, that red-haired man came again. Rosalyn made a mental note that if by next week, this same man comes to the store, she would label him as one of her loyal customers.

This guy was… oddly enough, dedicated.

Today wasn't that much different from the previous days he had been here. He was still on a phone call while placing items on the counter, and Rosalyn fatefully committed to her role of punching all items and placing them in the paper bag.

Considering that this customer still has a lot of money left with her, she thought of not asking for any payment and using the previous bills instead, and handing over his change. But before she could even open her mouth, the man placed another big bill on the counter, grabbed the paper bag handle, and left.

That guy… seems to always be in a rush to leave.

Well, maybe he was really busy and tends to forget his things when his mind is too preoccupied by something. Rosalyn completely understands. Some of her customers were like that, too. In fact, Rosalyn had those days, too.

Rosalyn just shrugged her shoulders and made another entry on the logbook under the 'strange red-haired customer who always leaves big bills'.

The next day, that same customer came again. And as had been seen in the previous days, he was on another phone call.

His change kept piling up on the cabinet where Rosalyn typically stuffed the items her customers accidentally left behind, and she truly wanted to hand it over soon.

But it would be quite rude to butt in on his important phone calls to discuss it, since the change wasn't a small amount, and it might take some time to fully settle it. This customer might not like being held up longer than needed, since he always leaves abruptly once his purchased items are packed.

This customer seemed really busy, and busy people usually don't like being bothered.

So Rosalyn waited for the day that he wouldn't be busy on a phone call. Or maybe, just hand it over to Mr. Alver like she initially planned.

Unfortunately, Mr. Alver had not returned to the store, while the red-haired customer had gone to the store a week straight.

The next week, on Monday morning, one of her loyal customers came.

It was Mary.

Rosalyn had expected her, since it was around this time and day that Mary usually made a trip to the store.

The two of them shared a light conversation between them that could end at any time. But then the conversation turned towards her other loyal customer, Mr. Alver.

Apparently, Mr. Alver was on a business trip and won't be back until a month later, and he asked Mary to check on Rosalyn if the 'person who got the gift on his behalf' had not been rude to her or anything like that.

Rosalyn was surprised that Mr. Alver cared enough to check on her, but she gave the assurance that nothing of the sort had happened.

At the mention of that red-haired man, Rosalyn couldn't help but request that Mary ask Alver about her dilemma.

That person has a lot of change in her cabinet, and as much as she wanted to give it to that red-haired man, he was always gone before she could even bring it up. Perhaps it would be better to give it to Alver so he can give it to him, since Rosalyn wasn't exactly sure when that red-haired man would stop coming to the store.

While talking about her dilemma, Mary's blank face hardly changed. But her eyebrows seem to twitch slightly every now and then.

"I will inform Alver-nim about this first."

Inform? Isn't that too overboard? Rosalyn brushed it off and just thought that it was Mary's way of wording things.

"Thank you very much, Miss Mary. Please take this sandwich to match your morning coffee. I mistakenly bought three this morning, but I really can't eat a third sandwich."

Rosalyn's smile seeped into an embarrassed one.

Thankfully, Mary accepted the sandwich and nodded.

"Thank you as well, Rosalyn-nim. I shall take my leave now."

"Yes, take care on your way!"

Rosalyn cheered Mary on for her day ahead.

That afternoon, the red-haired customer had come. Since this guy had been coming to the store eight days in a row, Rosalyn has now mentally labeled him as one of her loyal customers.

Unlike last week, he only placed one item on the counter. But like his previous visits, he was on another phone call.

'Cherry almond milk…'

Rosalyn couldn't help but notice before punching the item on the machine. Once again, before she could tell him the total, he placed a huge bill on the counter before taking the drink.

Something was different today, because, unlike leaving right away, he took the straw from the back of the drink's carton and popped it on. Rosalyn blinked at the sight of him flinching when the drink burst slightly and spilled a bit of its contents above.

It seemed he hadn't realized he had popped the straw in with too much force.

The red-haired man's gaze flickered in her direction, looking a bit embarrassed. He then proceeded to hold his phone between his ear and shoulder before grabbing a tissue from the shelf in front of the counter and handing it to her.

Rosalyn punched the tissue on the machine, and once it had been registered, the red-haired man opened the tissue and took one out, wiping the accidental mess he had made, before throwing the used tissue in the trash can on the side.

With his phone still held between his shoulder and ear, he held his drink and tissue with his right hand before reaching for his phone using his left hand.

He held the device away for a moment and moved his head slightly in her direction, mimicking a bow.

"Sorry."

He left after that without waiting for his change.

Rosalyn stared at the glass door where that customer had just come out of, and hummed to herself.

'Ambidextrous?'

She couldn't help but notice the way he used his right hand to pop in the straw with his right hand, and used his left hand to wipe the counter. Though it was a thought that left her mind after getting busy with another customer.

Rosalyn's day went on normally after that.

Cale frowned deeply upon hearing Alver's request.

"What the hell? You could ask anyone else to do it for you. Why me?"

He could see Alver rolling his eyes on the video call, but Cale remained unyielding.

You see, the past three months since his return to Rowoon, he had heard nothing but this convenience store that everyone kept gushing about. Judging from their faces and words, it was clear that they had all become infatuated with the store owner.

Every conversation always ends up about her. Every end of the meeting, someone would say, 'Hey, has anyone gone to the convenience store yet?' Then they would all be scrambling on their feet, rushing to the store.

Cale never really understood why they were behaving like that. For all he cared, the store owner could have put on a spell that kept luring them back.

In fact, the moment Eruhaben talked about the store owner the other day with interest and a very kind expression, Cale was convinced these people were 100% charmed by some strange entity. It was impossible for Eruhaben, of all people, to make such a kind face.

The store-owner might not be human, judging by how loved she was by literally everyone who had seen her a couple of times.

Who knows, she might secretly be a fairy who keeps charming humans left and right.

Mind you, these people are respectable people holding powerful positions, leading top companies, and so on.

Yet they all collectively folded over a woman?

Huh. Cale will never understand them, and he has no interest in understanding them either.

"Rose is an angel. Just earlier, do you know how soft her cheeks were? I've always wanted to try pinching them. My god! They were like mallows!" Whitira exclaimed.

Alver scoffed loudly in displeasure after hearing that.

["What the hell? Did you even wash your hands before touching her? Tsk. I should give her a bottle of sanitizer the next time I visit."]

Hannah couldn't help but chime in at that moment.

"Alver-nim, you're just jealous because you can't visit the convenience store until next month."

Alver quickly became defensive. Not that his words were defending him in any way.

["So what? I bet Rose would miss me more than any of you."] A smug look appeared on his face, ["After all, among all of you, I'm the only one she has ever comforted. Hmph! I'm the one she likes best."]

That's right. It was Alver who lost his jade tablet at the convenience store and accidentally cried when Rosalyn returned it to him.

The whole crying part wasn't really intentional. Alver had been distressed the past few days when he couldn't find it, beating himself up for losing it, only for it to be returned by the kindest person in the world.

Ever since then, Alver had been complimenting Rosalyn whenever these… group of fanatics gathered.

Cale, unfortunately, had heard about this store-owner more than he could count.

He hadn't gone to the convenience store, not that he plans on going there, but he had heard enough to form an image of what the store-owner must be.

A kind person. A very honest person who returns their lost items. Someone who was also really good at crafting things.

Yup. She is definitely a trickster who's very good at scamming people. No doubt.

Cale just shrugged his shoulders and didn't pay attention to the conversation these fanatics were having, until Alver suddenly called for him.

["Cale, pick up the gift from Rose's store, will you?"]

This instantly displeased Cale.

Weren't they the ones who liked that store-owner? Why doesn't he ask someone among their fanatics to go instead? Why did it have to be him?

Why trouble Cale for something like this?

Cale tried to argue back. He really tried. But Alver still got the last say anyway, because he had to end the call since he was in the car, and everyone else had gone to do their work.

So the task was really left for Cale to accomplish.

He didn't want to go there. He had no interest in ever setting foot in that place that turned the people around him into fools who kept singing praises for the store-owner.

He didn't care if she was kind. He didn't care if she was honest. In fact, screw all of them. Really.

Cale was annoyed that he had to waste his precious time getting Alver's gift request.

The reason why the convenience store was so popular among them was that it was conveniently right next to the company building. So it didn't take that much time to make a brief trip to the store and head to work.

But Cale is a bitch, and he likes to complain about everything and nothing. He didn't care. He doesn't give a fuck. He is going to complain and curse Alver in his mind the whole time.

Cale scowled upon seeing the convenience store. It looked like every typical convenience store ever. Except, it was smaller. Exactly the type of store one wouldn't think a bunch of CEOs, Presidents, and secretaries would frequent.

Cale walked straight towards the counter, where he vaguely saw a person from his peripheral view upon entering without actually looking at the person.

He had heard it several times how 'Pitiful our beloved Rose is for working alone' and how 'Admirable our beautiful Rose is for being so independent despite the hardships' one too many times, so he knew that the person behind the counter was the world-class, infamous store-owner who charmed her way into everyone's heart and sanity.

Cale didn't pay attention to her. He did see a hint of red from the corner of his eyes, but he still didn't pay attention to her. Instead, he looked through the shelves behind her.

'What's so special about this place anyway? It looks so ordinary. So classless.'

Cale almost clicked his tongue. Fools. Really. Everyone else are fools for obsessing over this ordinary place so much.

After a few more mental slanders he threw at Alver and everyone else, Cale finally looked at the woman behind the counter.

He just saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.

No.

Isn't this a living goddess? What the hell is she doing in this world? Shouldn't she be above the immortal realm, living a wonderful life? Instead… she was here… as a convenience store owner?

She is the convenience store owner? This beautiful goddess????

No, no! Surely he's mistaken. There's no way someone like her is the convenience store owner. No. Seriously. What the hell???

Cale was so starstruck that he didn't realize he had been staring at her intensely until he saw her blink and… tilting her head slightly.

Oh my god. Cale felt blood rushing to his face that he had to quickly turn away to hide it. In an attempt to distract himself, he hastily took out his phone and called Alver's number.

The time he waited for his call to be picked up was agonizing. Each blink he made showed the memory of her bright smile and eyes blinking and head tilt like an adorable little fox and—

Click.

"Hyung."

Cale called out as soon as the call connected, all the while trying to strain his voice to prevent it from trembling.

He couldn't get the image of her face out of his head. In fact, even to this very moment…

He wanted nothing but to stare at her face one more time.

Cale was fucked. He was sure of that the moment he felt his ears getting hot.

["Cale?"] Alver sounded confused. ["Why did you call? Did something happen?"]

Cale tried to open his mouth, but no sound came out. Perhaps because he was paying attention to the woman behind the counter, but he swore he felt as if she had left her earlier post.

Cale's heart thumped in disappointment. Why did she leave? Where did she go? When would Cale see her again?

Maybe he shouldn't have acted so rudely by slamming his hand on the card when she tried to take it. It's just that… Cale thought this person might not be the store-owner and wanted the real store-owner to magically show herself and take the card, but— but…!

God! Why is such a gorgeous goddess on this humble earth! Seriously!

Oh, she returned quickly. Cale swallowed thickly before glancing her way…

Fuck! Her smile is truly blinding!

Cale quickly turned further away, hoping that she wouldn't catch him blushing madly just seeing her face.

Cale muttered several curses in his mind, barely registering Alver calling for him on the phone.

Cale swore his brain was frying itself from how hot he felt all over. His hands were twitching, his eyes betraying his resolve, wanting to look at her and keep looking at her until his body collapses.

Oh.

"Here you go!"

Oh. Oh… She is the store-owner. She really is the store-owner. A goddess store-owner.

In that case…

Cale held his phone between his ear and shoulder, then took out his wallet, grabbed the first bill his hand reached, and placed it on the counter.

He saw the surprised look on her face and tried to return the money.

"Sir—"

The rest of the words? Cale's mind did not register it anymore. It only repeated 'sir' match with her smile until his brain overheated.

Cale hurriedly grabbed the paper bag and left.

Yup. He was sure he would die had he stayed a second longer. Either his heart would leap out of his chest, and he would bleed all over, or his brain would explode.

When Cale managed to return to Alver's (empty) office, he took out the gift from the paper bag and saw the… sore throat remedy?

Huh? Why was there something like that inside the paper bag? Did the beautiful goddess—I mean, the store-owner mistakenly placed it there?

Curious, Cale took the sore throat remedy and… saw that it was honey-lemon flavored.

Cale hates lemon. He hates sour things.

But…

Cale fell back on the back of the couch, a hand on his burning face, while the other hand was gently holding the sour throat remedy, afraid of crumbling it to oblivion.

Yeah. He is fucked.

Cale hadn't wanted to understand those fanatics. In fact, until now, he was sure he still hadn't understood them.

Because Cale certainly had it worst.

At least they folded over her after 2-4 days. Cale folded within five minutes. That's too low, especially for him.

But who could blame him, really? She had the kind of face that people go to war for. One smile, one look, she could either rebuild a lost city or destroy a whole continent.

Cale was sure he would be at the front line of those who would destroy a continent for her.

He was fucked.

He found himself going back to the convenience store more times than he would have wanted a month ago. Every time he went, he would discreetly look at her face before rushing to leave to hide his reddened face, completely ignoring everything else.

Cale would purposely leave a big bill for her to take. He hoped she would keep the money and spend it on herself. Those were just spares for him, anyway. Cale didn't need it. If possible, he hoped she would remember him more vividly than she remembers everyone else.

Cale wasn't going to engage in their petty fights over who 'Rose likes best' and whatnot. Cale would rather spend his time and energy actually worming his way into her heart.

Which was why Cale had consistently gone to the convenience store without missing a single day. This way, she would remember him more.

Cale was actually very pleased with himself. He continued coming to the convenience store every day, pretended he was on a phone call (because he was too shy to strike up a conversation with her), and left big bills to spoil herself with.

A month had passed since then. By now, he's probably the closest person to her than everyone else, right? Maybe it was time Cale stopped the whole 'I'm on a call with someone, please don't talk to me with your sweet voice that can melt me to my knees, but please pay attention to me, too, I love you' front.

So today, on his visit to the convenience store, Cale didn't take out his phone. Instead, he moved slowly while he was inside. He took his time checking items, already quite familiar with the aisles and sections. Though it was a pleasant surprise to see new items on every visit.

Today as well, a new bento set was sold in the store. Cale couldn't help but feel a little excited when he saw this. He knew the bento set on sale are ones that Rosalyn personally made this morning.

The bento set changes every day, depending on what Rosalyn feels like making. Somehow, her getting bored easily and finding new ways to spend her day was quite endearing for him.

He wanted to pinch her cheek (like Whitira did a while back) and then pat her head and brush her hair with his fingers and call her pretty every day and—

Cale was just so happy that he got to try her cooking every morning. He wouldn't really mind eating her cooking forever. In fact, why don't he learn to cook so they can cook for each other, or spend their early mornings cooking together, and then spend the rest of their lives feeding each other and—

Before he knew it, he had reached the counter. Cale's heart drummed without rhythm against his chest. This time, he really tried to keep his eyes on her and not look away shyly.

Right. Today, he should try conversing with her. It took him a whole month to muster up the courage to finally hold a conversation and look at her without getting flustered and possibly making a fool of himself.

Cale has all the determination in the world.

Rosalyn's eyes sparkled while looking at his face.

"Oh! Not in a phone call today?"

Fuck!

Cale unconsciously hardened his expression, trying his best not to blush like an untouched maiden, before nodding awkwardly. Thankfully, whatever expression he had on his face right now didn't scare her off; in fact, it made her smile happily even more.

Oh god, Cale would really drop to his knees and worship the ground she stands on.

"Would you mind waiting for a moment? This might take a while."

Oh my god? What is this unexpected turn of events? Cale's heart began thumping with anticipation mixed with nervousness.

He couldn't help but look at her curiously as she… opened a drawer and took out a bunch of small brown envelopes, then grabbed a logbook? before returning behind the counter, right across from him.

Rosalyn maintained her polite smile, then flipped the logbook open and turned it towards him.

"Here's the full record of all the unclaimed change, dear customer! If you have any questions for me, I'd be more than happy to entertain them."

Cale had a stiff expression now. What the hell is this…?

Unclaimed change? 'strange red-haired customer who always leaves big bills' written on top of the page? No… What on earth is this?

"This…" Never in his life had he let out a more unintelligent sound than he did now. Cale pointed at the page staring back at him, trying not to let his pointer finger tremble. "This….?"

Rosalyn seemed to have realized his shock and confusion, so she explained it kindly.

"You've been handing over big bills, sir."

Right. He did that. Cale was aware of that.

In fact, he purposely gave it so she could keep the change.

Wasn't it usually common sense that unclaimed change is treated as a tip in this line of work…?

So what the hell were there all these… tabs she's been keeping?

"And you keep forgetting your change."

Forgetting? No, Cale left them on purpose.

He left them on purpose…!

Cale raised his gaze towards her and looked at her with slightly quavering pupils.

He had no idea what he must have looked like to her because, for some reason, Rosalyn was now looking at him… more kindly.

Is that pity? Or does she think he's a forgetful kid?

"Don't worry, sir. I've kept your money for you. Now then, please take these—" She pushed all the small envelopes in his direction and smiled brightly, "—And don't forget to take your change next time, sir!"

The way she said it so cheerfully was making Cale feel dizzy.

She didn't understand what his gesture meant. She…

Didn't realize his feelings.

Cale wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow him whole.

Little did Cale know that the reason why Rosalyn was unfazed by the excessive money was that she came from an influential family and that she wasn't the type to get impressed over wealth.

Cale should have tried a different approach.

Or better yet, confessed.

Like a normal person.

-

End.