"Yo!" as soon as I step out of the gate, "Time to eat your tofu"

"What's the deal?" I said

"What's with the reaction, you cold-blooded, of course celebrating my only friend release from prison"

"How am I the only friend?"

"Aish! I don't know. Even if you are not my only friend, i am yours okay?? Damn! I am hungry, let's go eat lunch."

How many years has it been? I lost count at one point and I really thought I would never release. The city sure looks quite different now. What season is it now? It is quite cold.

Why was I released? At least in the prison, I was fed regular meals and a blanket to sleep on. Now what? What am i going to do now? Where am I going to live? Work is going to be difficult because I am not even a high school graduate.

So where do I start?

"Ahjuuma, one Yok Gae Jang and what are you having?" My friend asks

"Same"

"Two Yok Gae Jang please" he orders "how many years was it?"

"I wonder as well"

"It's been 25 years, you idiot"

"Must be. I lost count after I moved from juvenile detention centre to this prison"

"*tsk* you were only 10. And it's not like you really killed them"

"What if, Sung Jo ah, what if , i really killed them?"

"If only, I was on that field trip... and wasn't sick. I could defend you. Arghh... why bother now? It's been 25 years and even if you did, you paid your wrong with those 25 years already."

"I really tried my best to remember during those years, but, I really can't remember. Why am I just losing that one piece of memory?"

"Shock and fear affect a lot too okay?"

"So you working?"

"*sigh* yeah. Not fancy ones since I am only a highschool graduate. I work here and there. And you!, my friend, are going to work with me. I have asked my bosses at the bar and convenience store and they agreed to bring you in."

"W...."

"And for a place to stay, sorry i don't own a place as well yet so I stayed at this boxing studio because i have known the owner or coach since highschool. And he let me stay .. of course i pay a few rent but it's way less cheap than renting a place. All we have to do is a little mopping the center every morning"

"Why are you helping me?"

"Are you really asking me that?"

"It's been 25 years"

"Yes! and i did visit you throughout those years as well. It's not like i only showed up now creepily. Though there were times you declined my visit."

"I just did not understand... or do not. Why are you helping"

"Park chanyeol, I understand a lot of people turned their backs on you when you were at the lowest. And i was there witnessing how painful it might have been for you."

"I.... I don't know how to feel"

"Aish. Just focus on finding money for now. And it doesn't cost me any to help you so just shut up and eat your food"

              _______________________________

After eating, Lee Sung Jo took me straight to this boxing studio and met with the coach. They two seem like uncle and nephew. They look close.
I did not ask why Lee Sung Jo is living here as I do not have enough curiosity yet or I do not want to interfere with his private matter. I am sure he has his own reason. Even in the first place, we are both not from wealthy families nor even middle class. 

Earlier today, I was wondering how am i going to live this life and now I have a warm bed to sleep in, and jobs that will pay me already.

Life really is .........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

The next day

"So, this is how you use this cashier machine. Since you are day shift, you will need to check the shelves and foods for expiration dates, and clean the stores regularly, and just say a short 'welcome' if customer comes in. Simple right?" Sung Jo explains.

"Yes i am okay"

"This shop is closer to university, lunch time can be a bit packed. But you will be fine"

"Okay"

"Right, my store is just two blocks away. After this shift, we will go to the bar together and we can work together there"

"Okay"

"Byeeee!! Good luckkk" he says and leaves
He does have a lot of energy since early morning.

After he left, as he said, it's quite busy area. Young boys and girls come in and out as meal time, snack time. And now, "Lunch time almost over" i mumble myself

*store door jingle*

"Welcome" i say with my monotone voice

"You really not coming to the bar with me? Why!?" One of the two boys who came inside the store says

"Shut up" i hear another boy says

I change my focus by not trying to eavesdrop them.
Why Sung Jo is this lucky? He may not have a decent parental support but, his works bosses and even boxing coach is very nice. Many people on the list to pay back once i have enough money.

"Was it hurt last time? Hmmmm?" They finally comes and pay

"Please ring these up" another smaller boy says and as i am checking the items out..

"Baekhyun ah, i will be gentle.. hmm? I got all the goods that you like. The party is amazing trust me."

"Look, i stopped doing those so stop fucking bothering me and stop fucking acting like you are close to me" a shorter boy looks really sick of the other boy.

"What the fuck are you staring at?" The taller boy curses at me.

"It is 28100 won" <A:N/ its around 20$usd)

"With card" the short boy says

"Byun Baekhyun! I know you can't stay without me for long, you will definitely crawl back to me, stop acting like a bitch" the taller boy says and leaves the store . "Please tap here" i told the shorter boy who looks out of it

"Okay"

"Thank you" i say and hand him the bag.. he takes the bag and leaves the store as well.
Well, every people sure do have their own problems. I should just start earning money.

*store door jingle*

"Wel....."

"Sorry, can i have the cigarette?" The short boy from earlier comes back

"Which brand do you want?"

"Any. Just..... any"

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