19.
The restaurant ‘Dulkkot’ was designed so that customers would not run into each other. This applied to the garden as well. Although it appeared to be one continuous space, the paths leading from the rooms never intersected. Therefore, Haseo was able to enjoy a private walk in the garden with Choi Mujin.
Haseo had rarely gone out for fun, so even a simple walk in the garden was enjoyable. He didn’t know much about plants, which made the experience even more exciting.
“What kind of flower is that? It’s so cute.”
Haseo’s excitement made him more talkative.
“It is cute. But I don’t know the name either. I’m not interested in plants.”
Choi Mujin, also in a good mood, replied cheerfully. They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn’t notice someone watching them from a distance.
* * *
Ryu Jiho left the room where his family was eating and headed to the garden. He had been scolded by his father for his behavior, and even his brother had joined in.
“You should be half as good as your brother!”
His father shouted, and his brother nodded in agreement.
“You’re good for nothing! And I told you to cut down on your nightlife. The timing is bad. You should know that much, even if you’re not smart.”
Ryu Jiho’s temper flared, and he retorted,
“If I’m going to be like someone, I’d rather be like someone better than my brother. He was just as much of a troublemaker as I am when he was young.”
“You little—”
His father grabbed his neck in anger, and his brother glared at him.
“You, you—”
“Ah! I suddenly feel like taking a walk.”
Ryu Jiho quickly slipped out of the room, taking advantage of the momentary distraction. He walked through the garden, not caring that the path was overgrown with weeds. He had been drinking all night and was still tipsy, so he didn’t notice anything unusual.
“Why is it like this?”
He grumbled to himself and then noticed two people in the distance. He squinted and recognized one of them.
“Why is that guy here?”
He muttered to himself and instinctively hid in the shadows. He didn’t want to run into Choi Mujin, especially since they weren’t on good terms. But as he watched, he recognized the other person with Choi Mujin. He had seen him before and knew that Choi Mujin preferred that type of man. But he was surprised to see him here.
‘Choi Mujin isn’t the type to take risks like this.’
He was a former gangster who had clawed his way up the ranks, always careful not to show any weaknesses. He had been with a few men, but no one had been able to use that against him. Yet here he was, bringing someone to a public place and even feeding him.
‘Come to think of it, he took him out of the room last time too.’
Ryu Jiho’s eyes widened as he realized the implications. He smiled to himself.
‘I should do some digging.’
Maybe he could finally impress his father.
* * *
As Haseo and Choi Mujin were enjoying their walk, Choi Mujin’s phone rang.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Choi Mujin stepped away to take the call. Haseo could have moved closer to eavesdrop, but he decided not to. Instead, he studied Choi Mujin’s face as he talked on the phone. He had thick eyebrows, a well-defined nose, and a strong jawline. He was much taller than Haseo, probably around 190 cm. He also had a muscular build.
‘He could have been an athlete.’
But he probably didn’t have the opportunity, growing up in the same neighborhood as Haseo. Haseo thought about this as Choi Mujin finished his call.
“Something came up. I need to go out tonight.”
“Does that mean I have to go home alone?”
Haseo looked at him with wide eyes, and Choi Mujin smiled.
“No, I’ll take you home. You can’t get a taxi from here.”
“Thank you?”
“You’re welcome.”
Although Haseo was disappointed, he knew Choi Mujin had to work. They went back to the room to gather their things. When Choi Mujin paid the bill, Haseo was shocked at the amount. It was more than he earned in several months.
“It’s expensive.”
Choi Mujin replied calmly,
“It’s that kind of place.”
Haseo wondered how he could ever afford to live like Choi Mujin, but he knew it was impossible. He followed Choi Mujin out of the restaurant, feeling dejected. Choi Mujin dropped him off at the house and gave him a warning.
“Just in case, stay inside the house.”
Haseo wondered what he meant by “just in case,” but before he could ask, Choi Mujin drove away.
“Hmm.”
Haseo watched the car disappear and then turned to go inside. But he suddenly remembered something and stopped.
“My phone!”
He had been so caught up in the moment that he had forgotten about his phone. It was an old model, but it was important to him. It had the contact information for everyone he knew, and he couldn’t remember any of the numbers. Plus, if something happened to his grandmother, the hospital would call that phone. He had to find it.
Choi Mujin had told him to stay inside, but Haseo had no choice. His grandmother was more important than his own safety. He turned around and headed back to the restaurant.
He went to the back door, where a man was standing guard.
“Didn’t you quit?”
News traveled fast. Haseo had only quit the day before, but everyone already knew.
“I did quit, but I left my phone inside.”
The man radioed inside and then nodded.
“You can go in.”
“Thank you.”
“Just get what you need and come back out.”
“Yes!”
Haseo entered the restaurant through the employee entrance. It was quiet since it was still early in the evening. He passed a few people in the hallway, but they barely acknowledged him. He used to look just as tired as they did.
He went straight to the employee lounge, where he found Cheolsu sitting on the couch, drinking a can of coffee.
“You’re back for your phone?”
“Yes, I left it here.”
Cheolsu stood up and opened his locker, taking out a box.
“Here, find yours.”
Haseo quickly found his old phone in the box. It was easy to spot since it was an older model.
“Found it.”
“Good. Now get out of here.”
Cheolsu’s tone was curt, but Haseo didn’t take it personally. He had helped Haseo a lot, so Haseo bowed to him in thanks.
“Thank you for everything.”
Just as Haseo was about to leave, the door to the lounge burst open.
Bang!
The sudden noise startled Cheolsu, who dropped his coffee can. Haseo also jumped. A man stormed into the room and headed straight for Haseo. His nametag read “Sion.” Haseo had seen him around but knew he was always rude.
“You!”
Sion grabbed Haseo by the collar and shook him.
“What’s your relationship with Director Choi?”
Haseo had no intention of answering him. He knew why Sion was asking.
“Why do you want to know?”
Haseo’s sarcastic tone made Sion even angrier. He grabbed Haseo by the collar and shook him again. Although they were about the same height, Sion was stronger, and Haseo felt like a rag doll.
“Hey, hey! Stop it!”
Cheolsu finally intervened and pulled them apart.
“Sion, what’s wrong with you?”
“You don’t know why I’m doing this?”
Cheolsu sighed and rubbed his forehead.
“I know, but it won’t change anything. This place is just a playground for the customers. They come, they play, and then they leave. We’re just the toys they play with.”
“That’s bullshit.”
Sion’s voice was quieter now, but he still sounded angry.
“Don’t get attached to the customers. Some of them have crazy fantasies, but you can’t fall for them too.”
“Why is that crazy?”
Sion bit his lip, looking frustrated.
