The manager’s face was already red when Gomi stepped behind the counter. She barely had time to slip on her apron before he started yelling.

“This is the last straw, Gomi! You think you can just assault customers?”

“W-What?” Her voice cracked. “Sir, I didn’t—”

“Don’t lie to me!” he snapped, chucking a plastic bag of expired pastries at her. She flinched, but the bag missed her by an inch, bouncing off the counter and landing on the floor with a humiliating thud. “That man said you grabbed him!”

Gomi bowed low, hands clasped tightly. “I’m so sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”

“The customer is always right!” he bellowed, pacing like a madman.

“Yes, sir,” she said, bowing deeper.

“Apologies won’t cut it!” he growled. He grabbed an envelope and hurled it at her. It struck her shoulder, falling to the ground. A few crisp 10,000 won bills slipped out, fluttering like awkward butterflies.

“That’s your last payment. Take it and don’t come back.”

Her throat tightened as she crouched to pick up the envelope. “Thank you for the opportunity,” she murmured, swallowing her pride as she stuffed the bills inside.

Outside, Gomi leaned against the side of the convenience store, letting out a heavy sigh. She peeled open the envelope and began counting the money.

85,000 won.

She grimaced. Not enough. Nowhere near enough for the hospital bills.

Gomi began walking down the empty streets. Only a few people were walking about since it was still early.

I’ll need to find another job, Gomi worried.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone grunting and muttering nearby. A man in a navy apron was struggling to move several large boxes and canvas bags into a building.

“Do you need help?” she asked, stepping closer.

The man froze mid-struggle, flustered. “Oh, uh… That’s kind of you, but these are a bit heavy.”

Gomi crouched and lifted the largest canvas bag with ease, slinging it over her shoulder like it was a gym tote. “Where should I put it?”

The man blinked at her, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. “Oh, uh, let me, uh—” He scrambled to guide her into the building.

Together, they hauled everything inside. It took a few trips but they were able to bring everything.

“Thank you so much,” the man said once they were done, brushing a hand through his slightly disheveled hair. “It would’ve taken me forever if I had to move everything on my own.”

“No problem,” Gomi replied, turning to leave.

“Wait!” he called after her. “At least let me make you a drink as a thank-you.”

She hesitated but then nodded. “Sure, I’ll take whatever you recommend.”

He smiled, disappearing behind the counter while she looked around. The café was almost pristine—everything shiny and new, with a faint smell of fresh paint lingering in the air. The style was minimal and the wood undertones reminded her of Japanese architecture.

“Is this a new café?” she asked as he worked.

“Yeah,” he said, returning with a steaming cup of tea. “We’re opening next week.”

She took a tentative sip and her eyes widened. “This is… amazing!”

The man’s smile widened. “We’re focusing on tea as our specialty, though we’ll have other drinks too.”

“Tea, huh?” she said, cradling the cup in her hands.

He chuckled. “It’s kind of a passion project for my partner and me.”

“By chance, are you hiring part-timers?” she asked, the question slipping out before she could overthink it.

His brow furrowed for a moment before he nodded. “It’s my partner who handles hiring, but I’ll ask him. Hold on.”

He stepped away, pulling out his phone. After a brief conversation, he returned with a grin. “He said it’s fine. You can start whenever you’re available.”

Gomi blinked, stunned. “Really?”

“He’s not the most trusting which is why he’s in charge of hiring, but I put in a good word for you.” He smiled, holding out his phone. “Let’s exchange numbers so we can coordinate.”

She entered her number, feeling a small spark of hope for the first time all day.

“I’m Gomi Kim,” she said as she handed the phone back. “Thank you for the opportunity. I really appreciate it!”

“Seong Kim,” he replied, offering her a handshake. His palm was warm and solid against hers.

As she walked away, she glanced at the café’s shiny glass doors and smiled faintly. 

The name of the cafe was engraved in black in a simple font: Bom

Maybe today wasn’t a total disaster after all.