"Jinhyuk-ssi," I said, looking at the man who had just parked in front of my café, "is there a reason you've been sticking so close to me these days?"
If it weren't for him... I would've at least treated myself to lobster and crab. I've been craving seafood after being stuck in that room for over a week.
"You might be in danger again, Elena."
I raised an eyebrow. Me? In danger?
"That's not possible. I'm just an F-rank. What could possibly put me in danger? I haven't even registered with the Hunter Association yet." Not that I was planning to, anyway.
Since I'm only technically a D-rank, I'm not required to register.
We got out of the car, and he helped me grab the shopping bags from the trunk. Yes, he came with me, and no, I wasn't about to refuse.
A free ride and a free bodyguard? Who would dare say no?
...Though seriously, how did my café collect this much dust while I was gone?
"An F-rank who somehow keeps getting involved in dangerous situations," he said as he followed me inside. "Two S-rank gates, for example. Or getting kidnapped right after being discharged. At this point, it would be more believable if someone suspected you of rank manipulation."
I shot him a look.
Did Mr. Kim tell him? Or was it the other way around? Did he question me because of Jinhyuk-ssi's orders?
"Hey, I have a question," I said, organizing my things while he straightened the chairs.
"Did you tell Mr. Kim to interrogate me about my rank? I know you're the real power behind the guild, but don't you think that's a bit much? Considering our... friendship?"
He looked at me. "So Taewon spilled our secret, huh. Should I fire him?"
"What?! N-no, I think there's a misunderstanding."
"Oh?"
"You see, Mr. Kim thought I was the madam, so he might've said it thinking you already told me..."
The moment the words left my mouth, I froze.
Wait.
Why did that sound so wrong?
Jinhyuk-ssi didn't respond right away. He just stared at me for a moment.
"...Madam?" His tone dropped slightly.
I let out a stiff laugh. "I mean, not that kind of madam. Just... like a figure of authority? Hypothetically speaking."
Why am I digging my own grave...
"Is it because I handed you the black card?" he murmured, more to himself than to me.
After a brief pause, he nodded. "I suppose that could cause a misunderstanding. I'll let him off the hook."
...For some reason, I felt relieved hearing that.
『 Above The Broken World 』
I see flowers blooming.
『 The Shiniest Gem 』
My daughter cannot possibly be paired with that creepy kid.
"Daughter? Since when did you adopt me?" I asked, staring at the blue screen with a sigh.
『 The Shiniest Gem 』
Since I found you.
I smiled faintly. Who decides their child just because they found them? That's... unexpected, especially coming from a constellation.
I guess they can be kind of cute too?
"Are you talking to your constellations?" Jinhyuk asked. "I heard from Taewon. You have constellations, but you're not contracted with them."
That... seriously?
Does he report everything to his boss, even the small details? Unbelievable.
"Well, yes," I admitted. "The three of them are very chatty."
There shouldn't be anything wrong with sharing that much, right?
Besides, even if I tried to lie to avoid trouble, what would I even say? Making excuses sounds exhausting...
Speaking of exhaustion, I know just the solution.
"Hyuk-ah," I called out, a little awkwardly.
The name slipped out more naturally than I expected, but the moment it did, it felt like we'd gotten a little closer... assuming he didn't hate it.
I looked at him.
He froze for a second before turning toward me, his brows lifting slightly as if he wasn't sure he heard me right.
"...What did you just call me?"
Ah.
I cleared my throat, suddenly very aware of him. He was on the other side of the counter, casually fiddling with his phone, but for some reason, it felt like he was right next to me.
I fanned my face lightly.
Why does it feel so warm in here?
"Hyuk-ah. You like it? It's a sign that our friendship deepened." I laugh awkwardly, turning my back on him to prepare the americano he likes.
There was no response for a moment, and I began to wonder if I had crossed a line.
"...Do whatever you want," he finally said.
I smiled to myself.
"Here," I said, placing the cup in front of him. "I made an americano for you. Do you want a cinnamon roll too? I'm thinking of adding it to the menu."
"I don't like sweets."
I shrugged. "More for me, then."
I grabbed a pen and flipped open the small notebook I'd been using to plan everything. The pages were already filled with messy notes, crossed-out ideas, and little doodles I didn't remember drawing.
"Alright," I muttered, tapping the pen against the paper. "Let's I guess I should be ready to open next week."
I leaned over the counter, writing as I spoke.
"Sumi blend... Cha cha matcha... Cappuccino, and mocha latte. Should I add a seasonal drink?
My pen hovered.
Seasonal sounds fancy. I don't even know what's in season.
"Hyuk-ah, do you want to take a look at my menu?" I asked, sliding my notebook over. "What do you think?"
He studied it for a moment before nodding to himself. "It's good. Keeping the menu small is smart for your first opening. Besides, you're the only one working here, right?"
"Yeah. I'm thinking of hiring sometime in the winter." I hesitated for a second before adding, "If you have time, why don't you come help out sometime?"
He raised a brow.
...Yeah, maybe that was too much to ask.
Still, did he have to look that surprised? It's just volunteer work... and with a face like that, he'd attract all kinds of customers.
If I promoted my café using his face, wouldn't this place be packed?
Hmm... but I don't want to overwork myself. I quit my job so I could relax, not suffer more.
"When I have time, I'll have my guild consider this place as a volunteer site."
My face turned pale. "What?! Are you insane? Why would you do that?"
I could already imagine it. Hunters being forced to volunteer at a small café like mine... and then taking their frustration out on me.
"There are so many strange things about you..." he muttered, more to himself than to me.
He seemed lost in thought as he sipped his coffee, and for some reason, that made me shiver slightly.
What is this L-ranker thinking about now...?
Surely nothing that would make my life harder... right?
Just as he was about to say something, his phone rang.
Kim Taewon.
From the sound of the conversation, something urgent had come up, and he left almost immediately.
...
Anyway.
Now that he's gone, when should I set the opening date?
I've pretty much finalized the menu...
...Let's do it next week.