Kim Yeong's Story

I had the store open for about a good hour, and only a couple of regulars passed through. Oddly enough, that guy that was normally here hadn't yet come. I found myself creating busy work to keep my mind from wandering, what a bad habit, to worry over strangers. I was in the middle of reorganizing the book of the week display when the door chimed.

"Hello? Mr. Bookstore Worker? Are you around here somewhere?" A man's voice called out, he must have been looking for me, so I popped out to where the voice came from.

"Hello? I'm the only worker here, what can I help you with?" I suddenly noticed who it was, of course I hadn't recognized his voice as he hadn't talked, but it was the guy! Standing next to him for the first time I could see just how much taller he was compared to me, his hair was kind of long, but not long enough to be pulled back like mine. His pitch black hair framed his face and covered his eyes, which I could kind of tell were a light brown color. He was very interesting to me, since he spoke with a slight accent.

"Hi! You're just who I was looking for! I've been coming here a lot recently...and.... well I made some cookies. I was wondering if you would like them? I made way too many for just one person to eat." His laugh was amazing, the way his eyes closed and he seemed to be embarrassed by it. "Anyways My name is Matsumoto Yoshiki! Thank you for always providing me such good service!" He handed me the plate and bowed deeply, how embarrassing, but they smelled really good.

"Oh thank you! I'm glad you like my store so much! I'm the owner here actually, my name is Kim Yeong. I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you a foreigner? That name isn't Korean."

He blushed a little, or maybe it was my imagination. "Ah yea, I was born in Japan. May I ask how old you are? You seem very young to be owning your own business..."

"I'm actually a bit older than I look. I'm 29." I smiled shyly at him, getting a bit nervous talking about myself.

"Oh! Then I'm older than you! I'm 30. 29....still pretty young, and you seem very successful, so congratulations! Well I'm going to go read for a bit, but feel free to bother me anytime! You seem like a pretty nice guy!" He smiled happily before waving and wandering to his normal spot. I went over to the back room and placed the cookies down. Hm...I think I'll try one.

I reached down and grabbed one before heading back out. I took a bite and my eyes widened. This.... was the best cookie I've ever had in my life! It was so simple looking, yet he had managed to give it so many layers of flavor. I quickly savored my cookie and went back to work happily. Today was a great day so far, and the cookie fueled my efforts more so. I worked with a smile and my heart seemed to bubble with happiness. That guy.....he was somebody I wanted to get to know better. Ah here I am thinking these useless thoughts, he just made too many cookies, no way he is actually interested in talking to someone as boring as me. Still I couldn't let go of the flutter in my heart...oh well.