At work, everything was as usual.

“Haru, can you serve table five, please?” – a girl with wavy hair was frantically arranging a tray.
“Of course, Su A.”

Su A. One of the few people I like. She’s very kind to me… But there’s one problem! She’s kind to everyone. Apart from her natural optimism, which I perceive as naivety, she’s truly pleasant and soft, like cotton candy.

Quickly snapping out of her thoughts, Haru hurried over to table five.
“Good evening! What would you like to order?” – a professional, friendly smile and a ready notepad in hand.

Another busy workday passed like that. There were quite a few visitors.

“So, Haru, stay and sweep the floors. I'll help…” – the manager stared at me strangely.
“But she was on duty yesterday… I’ll take the shift today!” – Su A nervously exclaimed, her voice a bit louder than usual. “Haru worked so late yesterday, Manager. She needs some rest.”

Surprisingly, no one noticed the manager’s odd behavior. Despite being empathetic, Su A wasn’t particularly observant in these matters.

“No, Su A, you can go home,” Manager Lee stuttered. “We have something to discuss with her. Haru has some ideas about this café.” – he added more confidently, though the excuse was transparent.

Barely suppressing a mischievous laugh, Haru almost gave herself away.
Ha! His brain works well in moments like these.

“But…” Su A hesitated, glancing between us. After a moment of deliberation, she sighed. “Alright… Haru, don’t overwork yourself, okay? I’ll be going then.”

“Goodbye, Su A. Have a good rest.”
After exchanging farewells with the staff, only two people remained in the café.

Haaa… This was inevitable. Looks like it’s time to “exchange ideas.”

"Sorry I lied… I’m really sorry." – his voice came closer, quieter now, almost pleading.

"And why did you do that?" – she asked indifferently, already knowing the answer.

"I just wanted to be alone with you again." He grabbed her hands.

Warm and sweaty. And with a pretty ring on the ring finger.

"I hope your wife knows what you're up to here." – Haru responded, without taking her eyes off the ring.

Manager Lee quickly let go of her hands, his face reddening.

“Sorry if you don’t like it! I’ve just been out of sorts lately. I can’t control my urges…” His voice wavered, his timidness clashing with the confidence he tried to exude earlier.

Strange. This old creep in glasses isn’t even my type. Am I so crazy that I enjoy his attention?

Though, of course, I won’t reciprocate.

"I'll mop the floors. You can go, Manager Lee. Say hello to your wife." – Haru replied, taking the mop, her voice icily calm.

Seeing her coldness, Manager Lee gave up.
“...Alright. I left the keys on the table. Lock up when you leave.”
"Got it."
"And, be careful… it’s dangerous on the streets." – he said with some warmth, attempting a final gesture of concern.
"Yes, goodbye."

Yeah, just leave already.

Barely making it home, Haru entered the house without turning on the light.
Her feet hit something hard. There were bottles scattered all over the floor.

Where did he get the money?! He couldn’t have…!

Rushing to check the stash where she hid her savings, she sighed with relief.
The money was still there, untouched.

But still. Where did he get the money? He didn’t have any savings. She stood frozen in the darkness, anxiety creeping into her chest. The familiar feeling of dread settled in as her thoughts began to spiral.

Finally managing to lie down, her thoughts drifted to Su A. She would never understand this. Too pure. Too kind.

After some time Haru felt exhaustion take over.

Tomorrow was another day.