On a bright new morning, Shion arrived at the shop after Jay had convinced her to work there, insisting it was a great opportunity to gain some experience.
Shion hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed, reassured by Jay's presence that things would be easier.
She stepped into the shop slowly, looking around with curiosity... until suddenly her features froze.
There, standing in front of her, was Shiyoung, holding a large box. His eyes widened in shock at seeing her.
Shion froze in place for a moment, before the box slipped from Shiyoung's hands and crashed to the floor. He yelled at the top of his lungs:
Shiyoung: "Maaaaaaax!!!"
The echo filled the shop, and Shion's shock mirrored his.
In that instant, both realized they had fallen into a meticulously planned trap.
Outside, across the street, Jay stood next to Max.
They watched the scene calmly. Their eyes met, Jay grinning mischievously. Max, voice low and triumphant, whispered:
Max: "The plan worked!"
With the initial shock over, they had no choice but to accept reality. The shop owner, a middle-aged man with stern features, approached and scanned them from right to left.
Shop Owner: "You two are the new hires, right?"
Shiyoung and Shion nodded, their faces pale.
Shop Owner: (smiling lightly, then gesturing) "Alright, to work! I'll assign your tasks."
Each of them dove into their duties. No time for food or rest—the hours dragged, filled with the sound of merchandise and shelves being stocked.
Suddenly, while Shion worked near a side aisle, she noticed a small, hidden door. Curiosity pulled her forward, and she quietly opened it... only to find Shiyoung sitting on a small chair, quietly munching from a bag of cookies.
Shion raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp:
Shion: "I'm telling the manager!"
Shiyoung jumped in surprise, then placed a finger over his lips to shush her. Holding out a cookie, he whispered:
Shiyoung: "Shhh... try it first."
Shion hesitated a moment, then took the cookie and sat beside him. They shared bites and laughter, hidden from everyone else.
Their quiet moment was short-lived. The door burst open, and the manager, eyes wide, quickly turned to anger when he saw them.
Shop Owner: "You two... are dismissed!"
But contrary to expectations, Shiyoung and Shion didn't protest. They exchanged a quick glance, then smiled at each other as if they'd found their freedom. Walking side by side out of the shop, their smiles never faded.
Yet as they strolled down the street, Shiyoung's mind was still boiling. Looking up at the sky, he muttered under his breath:
Shiyoung: "Max... I'll make you pay for what you did... a punishment like no other."