I straightened my skirt and slightly fixed my hair before plastering a sweet smile on my face. 

It was a daily routine. Smile, help, smile, help, smile some more and help and hog money. The job of a saleswoman mainly consisted of it, especially in a mall like this. 

It was the afternoon on Monday. Since there were currently no customers around, I wanted to check messages on my phone but the piercing gaze of the CCTV camera stopped me. I sighed and started rummaging through the drawers of the counter, just to imply on whoever was watching the cameras that I was working.

That was when I heard a sharp voice at the entrance of the aisle. The glass door swished open and two flamboyant men entered the cool room.

Time to go to work.

•

I studied the men before nearing them. The taller guy had a powerful aura around him, confidence and authority emanating from him and he didn't look like he would tolerate any disturbances while he browsed the items. I'd just go and ask him what he wants and make a receipt of it in the end. 

The other man, the shorter one, however, was seemingly uninterested and bored. He walked by dragging his feet around and his shoulders were slightly slouched. His hands were limp when he was looking through his phone. He shot off a casual aura, and if you'd look closely, you'd notice that he was also a tad bit gullible. This guy was easy to trick into buying stuff and rob money from.

Target found. 

I straightened my skirt again, put on the best professional look on my face and headed towards them. As I got closer, I couldn't help but notice that both of the customers were very attractive and looked particularly rich. No wonder they chose this extravagant mall to shop at. 

"Hello, how may I help you?" I asked in a sweet and polite tone.

The taller man glanced at me and half-smiled. "Nothing particular, I was just searching some outfits for my friend here," he pointed at the shorter man who was busy scrolling through his phone.

I looked back at the man in front of me and smiled. "I see. But I may recommend something if you may like. Since he is muscular and strong, I suggest these casual clothes will be perfect for him," I directed at the rack of branded clothes behind me.

The man seemed like he resisted a roll of the eyes, thinking I was hog-washing when I was actually telling the truth. He gave me a small nod and walked towards the shelf and started browsing. 

Meanwhile, I strode towards the boy to persuade him to buy something. He was still scrolling through his phone when I stood slightly to the right in front of him. 

"Hello, may I help you?" I asked again in the same tone.

He didn't look up when he answered shortly, "No, thanks. I'm good."

My smile threatened to falter but I kept it in place. I'm going to make him buy at least one thing, even if it is a cufflink. Let's try the other way. "I know you're good, sir, but it would be great if you would at least check something out," I insisted.

He was on the verge of refusing again but he glanced at me and stopped for a good second.

His eyes widened, eyebrows rose and lips fell apart, all very slightly. Without breaking his gaze, he swiftly slipped his phone into his pocket. He quickly gave me a once-over and spoke, "I think I might really check something out."

I resisted the urge to gag at the statement, but it as nothing compared to what I've endured before, so I let it slide. 

Without giving me a second to respond, he looked in front of him at the shelf which was full of denim jeans and casually pointed at it. "I'll take some of these."

Whew. Thank God.

"Oh, that's a great choice! Which colour would you prefer?" 

"How many colours do denim jeans have?" he scoffed as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. 

"I mean which shade of blue or black?"

He slightly sneered. After a few seconds of browsing, he came closer and dragged one dark blue coloured jeans from the cupboard. "This one," he said and threw it at me but I caught it in time.

This boy will be a tough one.

"Very well, sir. Anything else?" 

He looked at me and slightly smirked. "Yes, I want some newly arrived jackets."

"Sure, sir, I'll lead you there." I walked to the shelf on the far right corner of the aisle. I turned around, only to find no one standing there. I quickly went back to peep at the two men from behind a mannequin, low-key expecting them to be gone. But fortunately, they were still standing there. The shorter guy was talking to the taller one, poking his thumb behind him in my direction. I let out a relieved sigh, realising he was only informing him that he'll be here.

A few seconds later, he turned and walked to my way. He didn't notice me since he was looking through his phone, so I scurried back to the jackets' section and pretended to search through them.

He came a few seconds later and stood beside me. "Found something?" he asked and I realised that no customer ever asked me that before. They just order me to pack things for them and guide them through the aisles. I couldn't help but feel a little special in that very moment. The urge to serve him grew even more.

"Uh, yes, I think this one would suit you a lot," I said as I pulled out an orange and black coloured bomber jacket. 

He studied it for a moment, frowned a little bit and shook his head. "Choose something else," he said and this was again the first time to listen to this. "Orange isn't my type."

"Oh, I see," I responded, placing the item back in its place. "What is your type?"

"You," he muttered under his breath in low voice but I heard it. He looked away the next moment and pointed at another clothing. "Show me the black one."

I extracted the black matte jacket from the board and held it in front of him. "This?"

He scrutinized it with his chin in his hand, unable to hide the cheeky smile on his face. He shook his head. "It looks small for me. Take out a bigger size."

I did as he told and showed him another piece. He shook his head again. "That looks too big. Medium size."

At this point, I knew he was trying to vex me but controlling my exasperation, I went along. Searching for the medium sized black bomber jacket, I asked him. "What is your size?"

"Thi— I don't know. Why don't you measure it for me?" he asked.

No, Sora, don't let him get to you. Don't let him know he's getting to you.

An idea came to my mind. I inhaled softly and smiled at him. "Sure, please come this way."

He frowned in surprise. "What, you're really measuring my size?"

"Yes, please follow me."

He cracked a satisfied smile and started walking behind me. I couldn't help but grin widely. If he can play me, then I can play him, too. Yes, he may be rich, kind and flirty and all, but I get to have fun too.

I led the way to the resource room, aware of his burning gaze on my backside and the footsteps behind me. I opened the door and entered the dimly lit room. Behind the counter was Seungkwan, looking through his phone. Upon hearing the door's swish, he looked up at me and smiled. "Hi, what can I do for you today, Sora?" 

I turned back to look at my customer and I had to bite my lip to not laugh out loud. He had an incredulous look on his face as if he couldn't believe anything. It almost conveyed disgust. 

"This gentleman here doesn't know his size for an upper, so I want you to measure it for me. Can you do it?"

Seungkwan stood up and said, "My pleasure."

"Thank you!" I chirped and turned to the frowning boy. "He'll take your measurement. Please cooperate while I search for a jacket of your choice and size," I emphasized the last part to bother him and I succeeded. His face showed how pissed off and betrayed he felt. 

Without giving him a second to respond, I left the room and walked back to the jackets' section. Not even one minute after I left the resource room, I heard footsteps behind me and turned around, only to see a very frustrated person. He crossed his arms over his chest and huffed out air. "Suddenly I remembered my size. It's thirty-six."

I pressed my lips into a thin line, enjoying every moment of this. He could've just said that earlier. "That's great! But was the resource helpful?"

"No," he answered shortly and trailed his gaze to the racks. 

The shopping continued, and so did the pervy innuendos, but I forced myself to not mind anything and instead enjoy the prank I played on him. So far by now, he had picked six jackets, seven pairs of jeans and a whole lot of undergarments. 

"What size will you have?"

"Anything that's easy to come out of," he replied and that was nothing compared to his other dirty jokes. I kept myself composed, although I couldn't stop the blush of embarrassment or nervousness rise to my cheeks.

"Jimin!" the man from earlier called out, and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful this name was. And it totally suited him. I rarely get to know my customers' name, so this was a bit refreshing. 

Jimin turned to him. "Yes?"

"Did you like something here?" 

He looked at me for a second, smiled and then glanced at his purchasing. "Oh, definitely, yes."

"Good. Will it take you longer?"

"I don't know. Maybe." His smile never left his lips.

The taller guy nodded, looked at me and paused for a second. He turned to Jimin and asked, "Is she the one you were talking about?"

Jimin and I looked at each other and then at him. 

That was so not subtle, mister. 

 "I'll be done in fifteen minutes or so, Jin-hyung," he replied. His attempt to avoid the question didn't go unnoticed: definitely by me, possibly for Jin-hyung.

"Fine," he said and left the aisle. 

Jimin looked at me and I pressed my lips together to not let out a laugh. I continued to guide him to shop.

"Anything else, sir?" I asked after several minutes when almost everything he wanted was bought. 

He looked at the packets in his hand and feigned surprise. "Oh damn! I forgot to check if they fit me or not!"

I was dumbfounded. That was certainly a lie since he didn't pick one item without reviewing its size. This boy probably had a lot of time on his hands to waste. 

I surrendered nonetheless, as there was no other option. "No problem, sir. You can try them in the trail room over there," I pointed to the place back in the far left corner.

He looked around as if he was lost and then back at me, and said, "Can you guide me there?"

There was no reason to do it since the trail room was right in sight, but still, I subjected myself to his unnecessary orders. "Sure, why not?"

I walked to the room and took a sharp left to let him enter. I politely directed my arms to the door. "Please," I smiled at him, all for the sake of professionalism.

I expected him to go in right away, but instead, he walked closer to me and abruptly handed me the packets. He rummaged through the bags as his soft hair brushed against my forehead, but I didn't move. Moments later, he extracted a pair of black jeans and an extravagant cream shirt he picked out a couple of hours ago. 

He slightly smirked and raised his eyebrows at me, but a second later it was gone and he dashed inside the room. 

It took a whole one minute for the door to open again, but he didn't fully exit. He only popped his head out of it and looked at me with a blank look on his face. "I need some help in here."

I froze. I have been working in the shopping mall for almost one and a half year, but I never really entered the trial room with some present in it. This was allowed by the mall for "best customer services", but I never did it before. I didn't realise until now that someone actually needs the help of saleswomen in the trial room. 

"Are you going to help me now or what?" His voice unfroze me and I swallowed.

I still stood my ground, still staring at him.

"Well?" he asked impatiently.

I can't let my tip get out of my hands so easily. You're a saleswoman, Sora, do it!

I put on a smile and looked at him in the eye. "Sure, sir."

I walked and went inside the compact and suffocating room and the moment my eyes landed on the person in front of me, it was all I could do from gasping out loud.

He was standing there in the middle, shirtless, only wearing his black pants. His previous clothes were scattered around at his feet. He looked at me with a playful expression and draped the shirt over his shoulders. 

I was speechless. Before I could wonder what help he needed and why, I quickly realised by understanding his expression, that this was only because he wanted to fluster and embarrass me and watch me be shaken.

Not going to happen. 

Ignoring the sight in front of me and the surge of heat running through my body, I mustered up enough courage to look at him in the eye, smile and speak. "How may I help you?"

He cocked his eyebrow, probably wondering how I'm not flushed yet. Then he heaved a short breath and said, "I don't feel comfortable when I wear this."

What actually is that supposed to mean? I tilted my head. "Then... you can exchange it? Or try another piece of clothing?" 

"No, I want this shirt. Just fix it for me." He yanked the shirt from his shoulders and extended his hand towards me, passing me the cloth. 

I looked at him, the cloth and then at him. "What am I supposed to fix?"

His mouth fell open as if he didn't expect it, and then he closed it. "Uh, remove the tag. It's jabbing at my neck."

I took the shirt from him and then glanced at him. "You are aware of the fact that once a tag is removed you can't exchange it, right?"

His expression looked slightly hurt. "Of course! Do I look like I was selecting items just for fun, just to wear it to check, only to leave it at the counter in the end and run off?"

I rolled my eyes. That's exactly what he's been for hours now. I tolerated this pervert all this time only to get something bought from the shop, but I didn't know what was going through his mind. And at this point, I didn't even want to care about what he has to say. And now if he's throwing a tantrum in a trial room just for being asked a simple question, it's not my problem. I have to do my job and I will do it. 

Although he's distracting me from doing so...

"Fine, sir," I said, not bothering to hide my exasperation. "I will do it."

I dashed out from the trial room, quickly removed the tag and returned. I didn't even enter the room when I extended the shirt out to him and slightly smiled. "There it is, sir."

He looked at me and took the shirt from my hand. 

"Excuse me," I said as I started to walk a little away from the room when I heard his voice behind me. I turned to look.

His head was popping from the door as it did earlier, except that he was having anything but a blank look on his face. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Uh, giving you privacy to change?"

He tilted his head sideways. "I never told you your help ended."

I frowned. What is it now?

"Is there anything I can do, sir?" I asked, mentally cursing the person who made the customer services list. 

"Yes, come here." That's all he said before he went back in. I huffed a sigh before I walked to it like a bored kid. The door was left ajar but I didn't dare to peep in. 

I take good care of my health. 

Fifteen seconds or so later, I saw a hand slip it wide open. "Come in," he ordered.

And I did. 

Thankfully he wasn't shirtless right now.

"Help me with this," he said as he stared at me and pointed to the collar of the shirt. 

It wasn't just any collar, it was a bit complicated. The shirt's neckband was a turtleneck and attached on it was a light brown belt, serving as a collar and a choker. Personally, it was one of my all-time favourite clothing in the mall, and I hate to admit it, but now it looked prettier because of the figure wearing it.

I didn't know why, but I was hesitant when I stepped forward to help him. I didn't dare to look at his face and forced myself to focus on the belt. 

I was very, very close to him; so much that I could feel his soft breath on my face, smell the scent of his perfume and I could feel his sharp and deep gaze set on me. It was truly uncomfortable, but I still continued to do my work. I inserted the prong in the second last punch hole, deciding it would look great if it looks lean and thin.

I didn't know how many seconds had passed with us in the same position, but it certainly felt longer than ever. It was almost getting unbearable how his stare and his lopsided grin were intimidating me as I've never been before. It was my patience that I didn't explode when I saw the way he tilted his head just to have a clear look of my face.

I fixed the belt and stepped backwards, relieved that I created some space. However, the relief left just a second later when I heard a choking sound. Jimin let out a gag as his fingers wrapped around his neck. I widened my eyes in question and worry.

He opened his eye and looked at me. "Do you want to kill me?" His voice was suppressed. "I'm suffocating..."

I didn't know what I did, and I didn't know what to do. 

"What are you doing? Untie this!" he let out another gag and I quickly did as he told so. This time, as I was worried, I didn't care about anything except untying the belt. I realised that I tightened the belt a lot which caused him to choke.

It was moments later I saw him smirking again. He stressed out a long exhalation and stared at me. "I didn't know it was this easy to fool you."

I stepped back. At that very moment, I wanted to slap him hard across the face. He probably didn't realise how valuable customers are for salespersons to play such an act. 

But then again, if he knew it, he wouldn't be messing around with one. 

He started to laugh. I huffed air in exasperation and turned to leave, unbothered about the open belt, but he grabbed my hand and turned me around, still stifling his laughter. I was baffled at his behaviour. When he noticed my aggravation, he stopped laughing but still didn't let go of my hand. 

"I—I am sorry. I was just kidding. Now, please help me with this," he said, his demanding tone still high in his voice. He pointed at the collar belt. 

It was actually the last straw. If he would try anything, I wouldn't hesitate to report him straight. 

I walked towards him and stood firmly, without hesitating a bit. I held the belt and tried to fix it, unconcerned about his stares. Before inserting it in the punch hole, I looked up at him to ask, only to find him checking me out as freely as he could. I spoke, "Is this the right size?" 

He hooked his fingers in the collar and loosened it a bit. Then looking at me, he answered. "Yes." 

I started to walk out of the room when he held my hand again. "Uh, now. Open it back."

I was so close to screaming out loud. No customer ever troubled me this much. This boy was unbelievable. It was very obvious how he was requesting for changes when he seriously didn't care about it. 

"What?" 

"Yeah, I mean you don't expect me to keep this outfit on, do you?" His expression was incredulous. "I have to buy this, remember?" 

Very well. Please go shit yourself. 

"Sure, sir," I still managed and went forward to undo the belt. For the fourth time today, I was in very close proximity of a stranger, and I wanted to laugh at that.

Just when I loosened the buckle, he snickered. "You know, Sora, you should've simply measured my shirt size when I asked you to."

I looked up at him, stunned, unable to speak.

"You wouldn't have to go through this all if you wouldn't play that prank on me," he smirked.

I couldn't believe him. Did he plan this all along? 

I should've known when he feigned surprise that he didn't check the size when he clearly did. 

My eyes widened, and to hide my embarrassment, the first thing I did was to run. 

I ran away from the trail room. 

•

 I stood at the counter, ready to take the two men's bought items and pack them.  

The taller man, who was called Jin, came by the counter first and dropped four packets on top of it. "All of these, please," he said before looking through his wallet.

I nodded and proceeded to do my work: the tags and placing them in a package.

Just then, the man I started to despise in just one day, came from the room, wearing his previous clothes, and holding several packets.

He walked to the counter and dumped them on it, not before grinning at me. 

I did my work, without glancing at him even once. 

When I was done, I mixed both the packages and handed them to Jin, along with the bill and smiled. "I'll pay in cash," he said as he looked at it, nodded and handed me the money. 

I counted it and noticed it was far more than the actual cost. I glanced at him questioningly and he simply smiled. "Oh, that's the tip. For persuading him to shop." He pointed at Jimin, who was smiling sheepishly at him. 

I thanked him profusely. I was genuinely happy. At least I got something for tolerating that boy. 

When they were about to leave, I greeted them, requesting them to come back again. 

Jin already exited the glass door. Jimin was about to leave when he came back walking to the counter. He fished something from his pocket. He took out his wallet and extracted a good amount of bills. He looked around for something.

I didn't ask him anything. I had no idea what he trying to do.

He looked at me, defeated. "Well, aren't you going to ask me if I need something?"

I sighed. "Sir, is there anything I can help you with?"

He smiled. "Yes. Give me a pen."

I frowned, wondering what he would need that for, but instead handed him a pen from my purse.

He took it, and wrote something on one of the bills, shuffled it and handed me the money.

"This is your tip, on my behalf."

"Sir, that's very kind of you, but I actually got it earlier."

"Uh," he said. "That was for persuading me to shop, and this is for... being a shopper stop." he winked at me and ran away.

I rolled my eyes, hiding the smile when I remembered something. 

I shuffled the bills of money to see what he had written, and found a string of numbers scribbled there.

This time, I didn't bother to hide my smile.

I counted the money and stacked them in the drawer neatly before I grabbed my purse.

Wait, where's my pen?

• • •

• • • 

A/N:  it's been a while, isn't it?

anyways, how was the story? did you like it? 

shout out to indivisualbts for making the right guess! how are you guys guessing it so right? TT

question: who do you think is the next member of the one-shot? comment!

have a nice day!