episode_0002

“…”

“…”

The atmosphere inside the store was filled with awkwardness.

The serene rustling of breath added to the discomfort and weight of silence. It felt like suffocation was imminent.

I cautiously moistened my lips.

“Ahyoung, hello. I’ve been working at the side dish store.”

“Oh, I see….”

Park Ahyoung nodded, searching for the next words to continue the conversation.

It seemed even this high school-level pretty girl found it difficult to handle such a situation.

‘Well, it’s not easy for anyone here.’

Even chatting with close friends could turn awkward, leading to silences. In those moments, smoothly transitioning to a phone or another topic would suffice.

Meeting less familiar friends privately and feeling awkward made it extremely challenging to cover up with swearing or find a different topic.

In that sense, Park Ahyoung’s efforts were commendable.

‘If it were me in the past, I might have pretended not to notice…’

If necessary, there was an inclination to cheer her on with “Go, Ahyoung! You’re doing great, Ahyoung,” though she probably wouldn’t want that.

At that moment, when unnecessary thoughts dominated, Park Ahyoung’s tightly sealed lips parted.

“Um… Jinwoo, wasn’t part-time work prohibited at our high school?”

Though a probing question, it was a suitable topic to continue the conversation.

Through this, Park Ahyoung seemed to have grasped how to treat Jinwoo, a twenty-seven-year-old with garbage social skills, as a friend.

Internally pleased, she responded with a smile.

“It was prohibited, but I got permission from the principal and homeroom teacher.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. If you don’t believe me, you can call the homeroom teacher.”

“Alright. You don’t trust me that much?”

Park Ahyoung’s mouth curved slightly upwards. Escaping the awkward silence, she seemed happy.

As I chuckled, she used this opening to continue the conversation.

“Was the store closed then?”

“Yeah, as I mentioned earlier, we closed early today for a thorough cleaning.”

“Uh… really? Then there won’t be any side dishes left? I’m fine with anything…”

“Haha, sorry. There are no side dishes left.”

“There’s no need for Jinwoo to apologize. It’s my fault for being late…”

A crestfallen Park Ahyoung lowered her head.

It seemed appearance mattered to people. Just by seeing her hand move towards her wallet, one could tell.

Admiring her power, just as she was about to withdraw her trembling hand from her pocket—

Rustle—

A cute sound came from the front. When I subtly turned my eyes, Park Ahyoung blushed, pursing her lips.

Our eyes met, and she clutched her stomach entirely.

“T-That’s because I haven’t eaten.”

“You still haven’t eaten?”

“Uh… I accidentally took a nap and just woke up. Oh, but I didn’t come out without washing up…”

No wonder she looked so fresh and clean.

I roughly agreed and said, “I’ll tell you the location of a 24-hour restaurant or convenience store nearby. Go there and have a meal.”

“No… if I eat something late at night, I’ll gain weight…”

“Eating home-cooked food and side dishes at this hour will also make you gain weight.”

“But it feels like gaining less weight this way…”

That’s just a feeling…

Shaking my head, I concluded, “Anyway, business is done for today. If you don’t want to go to a convenience store or restaurant, starve and come back tomorrow. Whether it’s braised fish or rolled omelet, I’ll throw in some as a service.”

“Got it…”

“You listen well and are kind.”

“What are you talking about?”

The traffic control was perfectly executed. Now, as I was about to see Park Ahyoung off, the timing was perfect as the owner came out.

Glancing between me and Park Ahyoung, the owner soon realized something and remarked, “Our Jinwoo seems fine in one aspect. I thought he had a wall up against relationships, so I didn’t think he’d have a girlfriend…”

“Boss, Ahyoung isn’t my girlfriend.”

“Right, right. What kind of girlfriend would you be, Jinwoo? You can’t even finish cleaning the fridge.”

“Your sarcasm is too sharp…”

She drew the dagger of solitude embedded in her heart. Somehow, her side felt colder than where it was lodged, but what could she do?

Sighing inwardly, she was about to spit out a breath when the approaching boss patted her on the back and asked, “So, who is this partner of yours?”

“It’s a guest.”

“Oh….”

Finally grasping the situation, the boss nodded apologetically.

“I’m sorry. I mistook you for a friend of Jinwoo because you seemed so familiar.”

“No, it’s fine. Well, technically, I am Jinwoo’s friend. Hehe.”

“Oh, I see. Thank you for being close with our Jinwoo. I’d like to offer you some side dishes, but we’re closing early today… If you come back tomorrow, I’ll take care of you.”

“I’ll make sure to come back tomorrow.”

Park A-yeong bowed politely.

Gurgle-

Her stomach grumbled hungrily.

“Haha…. Haha….”

Park A-yeong’s face flushed red. She looked like a ripe apple about to fall off the tree.

It’s not easy to find well-ripened apples in spring…. Strange things seem to be happening frequently today.

As she hesitated, the situation was becoming increasingly dramatic.

“I-I’m sorry. I’ll leave first!”

“Just a moment, guest!”

As Park A-yeong tried to flee, the boss grabbed her shoulder.

“Have you not eaten? Students won’t grow tall if they skip meals at this hour… Come inside.”

“What? What?”

Park A-yeong stopped in her tracks at the touch of the boss’s hand.

Indeed, it was a characteristic move of the boss who always made sure kids didn’t go hungry.

Thanks to such a boss, I used to benefit a lot during times when I couldn’t afford to buy food.

Ah, it feels like just yesterday.

“Hmm… Was it really yesterday?”

Anyway, it was a time for Park A-yeong to create new memories. Even if there’s a nosy neighbor, she should leave carefully.

As she took off her apron to leave her seat…

Thunk- A firm hand landed on her shoulder.

“Huh?”

“Huh? You sat down like that.”

The boss poked her shoulder.

“Are you trying to escape while I’m talking to the guest?”

“If I may, it’s not escaping, but rather strategically vacating the seat. Could you phrase it nicely?”

“Whether you vacate or escape, it still means leaving before the boss, doesn’t it?”

“Well, it seemed like the right time for the boss to shine, so I thought I shouldn’t be a hindrance and decided to leave in advance…”

The boss tilted his head in confusion.

“Why is it assumed that I have to shine?”

“Well, you’ve always been the one cooking for the kids. I thought you were still doing that. Aren’t you cooking?”

“I will cook, but that person is not me; probably an employee I hired and paid.”

“Wait… Am I thinking of the right person?”

The boss chuckled.

“Haha, assuming catches people.”

“…”

“And by the way, I have plans with my husband today, so I need to leave early. Take care of the guest, finish up the cooking and closing, and I’ll pay you extra for overtime.”

Clang-

Leaving behind a light footstep, the boss disappeared.

It would have been my footsteps… Life is truly unpredictable.

“Sigh.”

Park A-yeong sighed softly, glancing around cautiously.

“I’m sorry. I don’t want unnecessary trouble because of me… I’ll leave first… It wasn’t intentional, really.”

“What are you apologizing for? Come inside.”

“Will you make side dishes for me? It’s okay if it’s too much trouble.”

“If you think of it as a company dinner, it’s not that bothersome or difficult.”

“Huh?”

“It’s considered extended work hours.”

I led Park A-yeong into the kitchen.

“Sit here and answer any questions I ask.”

“I’ll do anything you need!”

“You said you’d answer everything except the weird stuff.”

“The words once spoken cannot be taken back. Since you’re a student, I might let it slide this time, but…”

She trailed off, opening the refrigerator filled with ingredients. Most of the ingredients acquired in the early morning had already been used.

The only thing left was some potatoes, at best.

I took out a few potatoes and asked her, “By the way, since we don’t have many ingredients left, I can’t make anything too fancy.”

“It’s okay!”

“Well, everything should be fine then. By the way, do you have any favorite side dishes?”

“I like everything.”

“That’s too vague. Are there any ingredients you dislike or particularly like?”

“I don’t particularly dislike any ingredients. I like almost all vegetables and ingredients.”

Seems like she’s the type who doesn’t leave leftovers.

And to the one cooking, it feels quite demanding.

“You didn’t mention anything you dislike?”

“No. Why make weird dishes for me?”

“We don’t have weird dishes in our store. Also, if you play around with food, you’ll end up eating that same food in hell later.”

“Weren’t we talking about mixing leftover food?”

“That’s what I meant.”

I shrugged and took out the pork loin left in the freezer.

It was pork loin frozen to be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner tomorrow… Sadly, it’s going into someone else’s mouth instead.

Hmm… Rather than Namjeong’s mouth, it’s going into the mouth of a pretty female student. Is it a benefit for you?

‘Suddenly feeling guilty?’

I rinsed the pork in cold water, believing that if you sing the national anthem about ten times, it will thaw faster.

Leaving the meat aside, I peeled the potatoes.

“It’s potato stew. Do you prefer spicy or salty flavors?”

“You don’t have to tailor it to my taste. I’m confident I can eat it without complaints, even if it’s made like the dishes sold in the store!”

“Alright. Making a large batch and making a dish just for you are different. Feel free to tell me your preferences.”

“Jinwoo is kind…”

“Not really kind. It’s just more convenient to make a single portion. So, don’t feel pressured.”

I cut the potatoes into chunks and soaked them in saltwater to prevent them from breaking when stewed. The source of this tip was Baek Seon-saeng from this world.

Now, alternating between soy sauce and red pepper paste in the pantry, I urged her, “Can you quickly tell me which flavor you prefer?”

“Well… I like salty and savory flavors.”

“You have quite a satisfying palate.”

Park A-yeong smiled shyly.

“Yes, I prefer savory flavors over spicy ones because most side dishes have that taste.”

“You said you’d get fat earlier, but now you’re okay with eating a lot of side dishes?”

“Forget about that… I answered strangely in a daze. I wasn’t planning on eating rice originally…”

“… ”

“Don’t suddenly fall silent! Just nod and say you understand!”

I chuckled and turned on the stove. As the pot heated up with oil, I heard Park A-yeong’s admiring sound.

“You cook so well… Do you live alone?”

“What does suddenly being good at cooking have to do with living alone?”

“Cooking is a symbol of living alone, right?”

“That’s an unfounded theory. People who live alone usually find cooking bothersome and prefer to order food. Well, I may fit that symbol, though.”

“So, my point was correct.”

“I’ll give your baseless theory one credibility point.”

Chatting away, I stir-fried the meat. As it cooked to a nice brown, I added the potatoes and sliced onions to the pan.

Sizzle— the sound of deliciousness quietly spread through the kitchen. Park A-yeong sat absentmindedly, staring at the potato stew.

She seemed lost in thought for a moment.

As the silence lingered like a dissipating fog, by the time water entered the pot, she asked, “You mentioned living alone. Did you move from downstairs?”

“No, I’ve always lived in Seoul. Probably a true Seoulite, huh?”

“Huh? Oh?”

“I meant I lived in Seoul before moving out.”

“Oh….”

Park A-yeong dumbly opened her mouth, then hurriedly reached out her hand.

“Ah, I’m sorry… I didn’t ask to mock or ridicule you. Jinwoo, I know you must have your reasons, I’m sorry for being so insensitive…”

“Well, there are many things to be sorry about.”

“But… Asking about personal matters isn’t as rude as it seems.”

Wow, you’ve definitely had good upbringing.

I feel like giving you a gold star for that. Responding to his uneasy glance, which seemed anxious as he imagined receiving the sticker only in his mind.

“It’s not rude, so don’t worry about it.”

“I’ll try my best.”

“You seem like someone who would worry even if you tried.”

“Why… How do you know me so well?”

“Yeah, I wonder about that too.”

Park Ayoung was neither the lead nor supporting character of ‘The Prettiest Girl Next Door Moved In’. Probably just an extra passing by, maybe not even a full character.

Of course, except for the first volume, I haven’t read it, so the information might not be accurate.

Sizzle sizzle – the potato stew was almost ready. The sauce thickened at the bottom, and a delicious aroma wafted through the air.

Park Ayoung swallowed hard from behind.

“Looks delicious….”

“Ayoung.”

I gestured towards her chin area.

“You’re drooling.”

“Gasp!”

She quickly wiped her chin with her forearm. But finding nothing, she glared at me.

“Why did you lie?”

“I got distracted by the food.”

“…”

“Just kidding. I was bored since we still have some time left.”

I chuckled lightly, then turned off the stove.

“Should I pack it up for you? Or would you like to eat here?”

“Eating here is an option?”

“Isn’t it? I can bring a table over and serve you here.”

“Um… in that case, sorry, I’ll take it to go.”

“Sure.”

As she cooled the food in a pot to put it in a takeout container, Ayoung approached me curiously, sniffing the air.

She seemed to catch a whiff of the scent, her nose tingling with the lavender fragrance.

It felt oddly ticklish and unsettling. As time passed, layer by layer, my heart started to beat a little faster.

“My heart’s going crazy…”

I moistened my parched lips with saliva.

Ayoung, perhaps sensing my state, spoke with an excited voice.

“It looks really, really delicious. Oh, no, wait.”

Huh?

Suddenly, she changed the subject.

Thanks to that, my pulse calmed down, and the irregular heartbeat subsided.

“Could it be that the reason you hesitated to join an after-school club at school was because of living alone and working part-time like this?”

“Uh, well…, maybe? But why?”

“I think I can help.”

Ayoung stepped away from me. The faint lavender scent of her shampoo drifted further away.

“Didn’t you notice my name missing on the club application earlier? It’s awkward for me to say this, but my name is a bit unusual.”

Ayoung. Indeed, it’s a unique name.

Nodding, I searched my mind.

“Indeed, I didn’t see your name.”

When I gestured to her, she continued explaining.

“If you’re part of the student council, you don’t need to apply for an after-school club.”

“Is that so? But what does that have to do with the student council helping me?”

“I mean I can recommend you to the student council.”

“Really? Is that possible? Considering my grades are at the bottom and all I do in class is sleep…”

I wasn’t the last in the class rankings, but I lingered in the lower-middle ranks, known as the bear who slept in class.

I had no achievements to enter the student council, nor was I someone worthy of recommendation.

“As the vice president, nothing is impossible.”

“But…”

“It’s fine; we needed more people anyway, and I believe you’ll do well regardless of your grades and appearance.”

“Even if I join the student council, I still won’t have time…”

“We can figure it out before school ends.”

“But I’m not good at work…”

“You can’t handle multiple part-time jobs?”

I had no reason to argue back, but I did and lost decisively.

With a click, I regained my appetite, and Ayoung smiled brightly.

“Don’t worry unnecessarily; it’ll be fine.”

“It’s not unnecessary worry, it’s a valid concern.”

“Ah, as Confucius said, if you listen well to the words of Park Ayoung, you’ll get good luck even while sleeping and ace exams while having fun.”

“Yeah, you’re impressive.”