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| November 22nd, Sunday, 2020 |

 
  The end of the year was chaotic for everyone, and that included the shelter workers. So, Annie thought it'd be great to go help them, since her practices were going better than expected.

  Turns out she wasn't the only one with that idea.

"I'm so happy to see you two again!"

  Mrs. Park smiled at the two now awkward idols.

"It's always nice to come here! What can we help you with?"

  Lee Know took the initiative to speak.

"May I talk with Haerim first?"

"Of course!"

  The two walked a little further away so he wouldn't hear the conversation.

"I noticed you've been coming more often ever since you met Minho...he's a really nice boy, you have a great eye!"

  The old lady laughed lightly, while Annie widened her eyes.

  "What? N-no! That's just a coincidence! I'd never do something because of him! Actually we-"

"It's okay, sweetie, I was young once too! That's why I'm planning on giving you a little push."

  She whispered the last sentence before walking to the middle again, leaving the girl astonished.

  Everyone noticed these two hated each other, what was this lady on?

"Minho! Honey! Apparently I forgot to tell Haerim to bring a few items from the market! I'm really old now, huh? You two already know where the market is, right? I can't lend you my son's car tonight, but I'll give you the taxi money!"

"You were talking about me?"

  A man who seemed to be on his thirties approached the trio.

"Son! Remember the two that used your car last time? They're them! I was just asking them to go the market for me, but I told them they can't borrow your car now."

"The market? Now? Mom, that's dangerous! Didn't you see the news? They said we should stay home because a thunderstorm is coming around nine!"

  Annie mentally thanked the dude.

  Spending an hour in awkward silence with Lee Know wasn't really at the top of her to-do list.

"Ay, they always say that! And it's still...20:17! It only takes twenty minutes to arrive there, they'll be fine."

"But mom..."

"Doesn't it take one hour to reach your house? You should go home then! Go, go!"

  Mrs. Park nearly shoved her son inside his car. He hesitantly started the engine and drove away - if he couldn't keep the kids safe, at least he should find his own shelter.

● ● ● ● ●

  The thing is, if an environmental scientist tells you you shouldn't go out because of a dangerous thunderstorm, you listen to him.

  Too bad moms think they know better than any professional.

  And now Annie and Lee Know are stuck inside the market alongside one cashier and another client.

  Through the transparent windows they could see rain pouring down, papers flying around and a few shopping carts fallen on the ground.

  Ah, right. Hail too.

"Woah, it's raining a lot..."

  Annie looked amazed at the scenario. She really enjoyed the rain, it was probably one of her favorite things.

  Although she didn't really enjoy thunderstorms as much because of the people that suffered from it.

"I almost didn't notice."

  Lee Know answered, lips pursed.

  She made a disgusted face to him, then walked to the door, him following.

"Can you try calling the shelter?"

"I'm out of credits."

  Annie sighed, dissapointed.

"Well, you call them then, rich girl!"

"I will!"

  The girl put her hands inside her left pocket, then the right one, then the plastic bag, then her purse, then-

"You must be kidding me."

  Ignoring his tone, she went back to the cashier, hoping the phone was there, but nothing.

"What's the use of having money if you don't have a brain?"

"Oh, shut up! At least I thought of something."

  Annie stomped to the bench beside the front door.

  Now what? Do we wait? It doesn't look like this will go away any time soon.

  Five minutes later, a truck stopped in front of the market, making all eyes inside turn.

"Finally!"

  The other client ran outside, quickly entering the vehicle, not even thinking twice about leaving everyone else there.

  Damn, could've asked if we wanted a ride.

  Annie sighed, resting her back on the bench again.

"I have an idea."

  Lee Know stood in front of her.

  As she opened her eyes, he pointed outside.

"Yeah, it's raining, I'm aware."

  She commented with a lazy tone, making him sigh.

"There's a motel across the street, dumbass."

  The girl stood up, trying to see behind all the papers and leaves flying.

"Oh! You're right!"

  It didn't take long for her to sit down again.

"But that means we'll have to go outside, I don't wanna get taken by the rain, you know."

"Don't worry, you're not that light."

"Ha. Fuck off."

  Annie rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"Not sure if you noticed, but the cashier looks like a creep, and he's been staring at you ever since you entered the market."

  He spoke quietly.

  So I wasn't imagining things?

"Okay, so your plan is to run there and? Use their phone and wait until someone comes?"

  Lee Know nodded.

  Getting wet in the rain with him also wasn't in Annie's plans but oh well, things change, right?

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