The next day Sam had work again. The mall was way less crowded than the day before and hardly any customer were coming. Sam puttered around looking for things to do. After straightening the towers of paper cups a dozen times and putting the syrup flavors in rainbow order and back again, Sam ran out of things to do and decided to sweep the floor, even though it had just been done that morning.

Sam didn’t even get out the dustpan, there was nothing to sweep up. He just mindlessly pushed the ratty broom back and forth across the floor, humming a Coldplay song to himself.

“Hey gorgeous.” Someone suddenly said right behind him, causing Sam to drop the broom on his foot and whirl around in a panic. It was MinJoon.



“Woah, careful there,” Said the handsome guy with a smile, “let me get that for you.” MinJoon bent down and picked up the broom, holding it while Sam clutched his hurt foot.

“I didn’t mean to startle you, are you okay?” Asked MinJoon with concern. Sam nodded, face bright red, as he thumped down in one of the chairs littering the store. MinJoon sat down backwards in another chair, facing Sam.

“M-MinJoon wh-what are you d-do-doing here?” Mumbled Sam, looking at the floor.

“I came to get a coffee,” Said MinJoon simply, “and of course to see my favorite barista.” He added with a devilish wink.

“Well go up to the counter and order. Just yell for Justin, he’s playing video games in the back.” Mumbled Sam. MinJoon didn’t budge.

“Ok I lied. I’m just here to see you.” He sighed, watching Sam with anxious eyes.

“What do you want with me?” groaned Sam, “I blocked your number.”

MinJoon thought for a moment, fiddling with one of his earrings.

“Sam, I wanted to apologize for coming onto you so strong. I promise there’s a good reason, but also...your just so cute.” He sighed. Sam blushed furiously, trying to frown at the handsome young man in front of him.

“MinJoon can you just spit it out?” Begged Sam, wanting MinJoon either to explain himself or leave. MinJoon took a long breath and glanced up at the ceiling.

“Ok. Ok, I’ll explain. I wish we could talk someplace less public, but oh well.” He got comfortable in his chair and started talking.

“I need a roommate. I have an apartment just outside LA, by the coast, not to far from here. I told my parents I already had one, and they’re coming to my 21st birthday party on Saturday and expect to meet him. And if They find out I don’t have a roommate, they’ll ask why, and then...” MinJoon sighed and looked into Sams eyes.

For the first time, Sam saw something other than confidence in MinJoons eyes. He looked scared. Really scared. Desperate, really. Sam opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say.

“Please Sam,” begged MinJoon, “This is my last resort.”

Sam looked around for an answer. He had so many questions.

“I-I-I j-just don’t know...I-I d-don’t und-d-derstand...” Sam struggled to get any words out, his stutter was really flaring up. MinJoon rested his hand firmly on Sam shoulder.

“Slow down. Take your time.” Said MinJoon calmly. Sam took a deep breath, trying to ignore the warm hand on his shoulder that was making him more flustered.

“MinJoon, I can’t move in with you. Th-that’d be just weird, I mean, so sudden, I hardly even know you, what would I tell m-my parents, I-I c-can’t afford-“

Sams voice rose and his stutter worsened.

“Shhh, let me explain,” MinJoon said, patting Sam on the shoulder and then withdrawing his hand, “you don’t have to pay anything. I’m offering you a free apartment. With a pool, and gym. It’s not even long term. I just need somebody else in my house when my parents come. Please.”

Sams mind was in turmoil. He stood up, grabbed his broom, and began furiously sweeping at the clean floor. MinJoon sat and watched him for a couple minutes, then slowly stood up.

“I’m gonna go now Sam, and give you some time to think, ok? You have my number. You’ve got about two days to think. I don’t want you to stress about this...just consider it, ok? I really need some help.”

Sam didn’t reply. He watched MinJoon turn and walk away, heading into the the Gucci store.

When Sam finished his shift, he was still thinking about MinJoon and his strange request. Why did he need a roommate so badly? And why hadn’t he gotten one already? Sam was so distracted as he drove home he ran a red light.