An Old Story 003: After Dinner

"Why are you smiling like that?"

He was looking at her. He was spacing out into the unknown universe.

"Dongjoo!"

He still didn't answer.

"Dongjoo!!"

"Hmm? Don't need to shout, I can hear." He said softly, still looking at her as though she never shouted in his ear.

"Alen! 3 orange juice, 2 apple juice and 3 kiwi juice." Erin told Alen the orders.

"I have to help at the counter and kitchen. Where are you staying? I'll drive you there later." She said as she stood up to tidy the table.

"Erin told me there's this hotel called...what's the name...Red Rose?"

She took his cup but was stopped. He held her wrist.

"Can I have another cup?" he looked up into her eyes. They were as beautiful as it was then.

She made a face and shook her head. She took the cups away and walked into the kitchen.

He looked at her, just like he used to.

"Hey! Why are you staring at my mom like that?" Erin was standing beside him. She also handed him a bowl of noodles.

"What? What was I staring at?" Dongjoo asked innocently.

"Tell me the truth!"

"Erin, don't be rude to people. Come in here and help me a bit, pleaseee" It was already 9 but there were still customers coming in.

Pouting, Erin went to the kitchen.

"Such a cute girl" He ate the bowl of noodles and finished it fast.

He stood up and walk around the restaurant. It was basically white, with small, bright colored objects hung on the walls or put on the shelves. These include teacups, photos, saucers and even books. There was a big board on the wall that listed what the restaurant serves.

While Erin and her mom were busy, Dongjoo had a long conversation with one of the restaurant's regular customer.

The restaurant was nearly empty by 10.30pm. Erin came out of the kitchen when the customers left.

"Finally!" She exclaimed and yawned.

"Tired?" Dongjoo asked.

"Of course not. It's really cool to work in the restaurant. Everyone in school is jealous of me."

"Why is that?" Dongjoo asked the girl who is full of enthusiasm.

"Cause they don't get to work until they're 16" she said and went to tidy the books on the shelves.

"Mom told you to wait for awhile. She'll be out in 15 minutes." Erin said while rubbing her eyes.

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After awhile, she came out of the kitchen, took her green sling bag and turned off all the lights. Dongjoo was outside the shop, lighting a smoke.

"You said the Red Rose Hotel?" she asked while locking up the door.

"Yes." He immediately threw his cigarette into a bin.

"Get in." she said as she heads for the driver's seat, Erin in the backseat.