Chapter 40: I'm Glad We're Friends.

Sunday | January 28th, 2024 | 12:38 PM

I don't know what I was expecting a soup kitchen to look like. I mean, I'd imagine it was some sort of outdoors, food court area. Like, there would be a bunch of tables set up, with different chefs cooking for the volunteers. Maybe they would hand out food trays, and volunteers would sit down and eat with the poor.

That was the image I had in my head, and, well, I was pleasantly shocked when the address Danielle told me to show up at a nice, clean, brick building. It was located in a decent-looking area of the city, and the people walking around seemed like nice, regular people.

"You've arrived at your destination," the navigation voice spoke as I parked on the side of the street.

It looked more like a private community center, or maybe even a rec center for the elderly. When I walked inside, my assumption was confirmed when I realized the soup kitchen was the community center in decoration. A lady behind the front desk greeted me, and I awkwardly told her I was a volunteer, not knowing what I was doing. She gave me directions to a large room with a sign-in sheet and some other information.

A couple of people were there already, talking and hanging out, filling the room with a light and friendly vibe. The people all seemed pretty happy and excited to be there, which I guess was a good thing.

"Minjae! You made it!" A voice exclaimed. I turned and saw Danielle and Hanni walking towards me, smiling and waving. They were wearing the same white aprons and matching hairnets over their tied up buns.

"Hey guys," I nodded, a bit relieved to see them before I wandered around looking dumb.

"I'm so happy you're here," Danielle grinned, giving me a tight hug. "I'm so glad you showed up."

"Of course," I smiled, hugging her back. Hanni stared at me from behind Danielle’s back, shifting her weight between her feet. Danielle pulled away and Hanni came in to greet me with a hug as well, albeit a little more hesitant after Danielle, "I'm happy you're here too."

"Thanks, thanks, I'm excited," I replied, brushing past the weird look Hanni was giving her friend.

"So, here, follow me," Danielle stated, grabbing my wrist and pulling me towards a table. On the table, there was a big sheet of paper with everyone's name. "You're gonna sign in, and then when the organizers say so, they'll tell us what we're doing. Usually, they'll ask for volunteers to help with giving out meals or essentials kits."

"Dani and I usually volunteer for that," Hanni added. Danielle smiled and bounced her head, "If you don't want to do that though, they'll have you in the back helping with prepping and making the meals, or cleaning and organizing. There's no rush or anything."

"Yeah, it's really up to you. Everyone usually just goes with whatever feels right, and helps the organizers the most," Hanni continued.

"Ah, alright," I nodded. Looking down at the table, there were a good handful of names already written on the sign-in sheet. I scribbled my information and placed the pen down, taking a deep breath as I straightened up.

"You're a bit overdressed," Danielle giggled, tugging at my hoodie. I looked down at my outfit and compared it to theirs. The two of them were wearing simple jeans shorts and a shirt, a bit plain. I, however, wore my favorite pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, a simple outfit that I wear on days where I'm not planning to go outside.

"I, uh, didn't really know what to wear," I confessed.

"You're fine, don't worry," Hanni grinned, "We're just messing with you."

"Haha," I forced a laugh, seeing something that took my interest. I noticed two guys approaching us and they joined the conversation, introducing themselves as volunteers as well. They were dressed a lot simpler than me, wearing nice, casual clothes, not much different from what Hanni and Danielle were wearing.

"Hanni and Danielle! Hey, welcome back," One of them, a tall guy, smiled, giving both girls a tight hug. The other, shorter guy did the same, giving both a smile and a quick greeting.

"Hi!" They replied. I stepped back, giving the two space as I assumed they were already acquainted with these people considering they volunteer more often than I do.

"Glad to see you guys again," The shorter one stated, looking at the both of them. Danielle broke into a sweet smile and said, "I'm always happy to be here." She held her hands behind her back and cutely twisted side to side as she stood in front of the two boys.

"Yeah, us too," the taller one added, fixing his hair. Hanni dropped her hands and held them behind her back, politely nodding her head.

"I'm betting the two of you will be working together today, in the front like always," He chuckled, looking between the two of them.

"You're probably right," Danielle agreed, nudging her friend.

"Yeah, that sounds right," Hanni nodded, glancing at her friend. The tall one stared at her with a warm expression, before turning to the other guy and saying, "They're always together."

"Right," The short guy grinned. I stood awkwardly, listening in and watching the four of them. Hanni and Danielle smiled, staring at the two guys with a polite expression. I could tell they were just being friendly, but the way the two guys were staring at the girls, I could tell there was something going on.

"Will you two be working the kitchen again? It'd be fun to see you two up front this time," Danielle suggested, her weight shifting from side to side.

"We can definitely work that out," The short one responded. The taller one nodded after his friends. Danielle tilted her head, her smile widening. "That sounds great," She beamed, her hands finding the side of her apron and pulling it around her waist. Watching the conversation from an outside point of view, Danielle's little move caused a little bit of commotion in the guys' minds.

"I can't wait," The taller one finally spoke, a wide grin on his face. Hanni was staring at Danielle from behind her, a confused look on her face. She didn't say anything, though, and simply nodded along with the rest. Danielle, however, turned back to look at me, letting herself smoothly exit the conversation.

"Oh! Minjae, did you sign in yet?" She asked, coming over to me and the table. She looked down and spotted my name, "Oh, good. Good." Then she bent over the table, letting her finger trace my information while her bum stuck out behind her. My face flushed and I looked away, trying not to stare.

The other two boys on the other hand were completely staring, their eyes glued to her butt. Hanni, without looking back, scoffed and stood behind Danielle, her hands folded in front of her.

The two boys took the hint from Hanni and nodded, dismissing their eyes and coughing.

"Well, uh, I'm gonna get going. Nice seeing you two again," The tall one spoke, taking a step away.

"Me too, we'll see you later, ladies," The shorter one grinned, following after his friend.

"See you guys later," Danielle waved, her hand raising above her head. Hanni didn't say anything, but instead kept her eyes glued to her friend. Once the two were out of earshot, she stepped away from Danielle, giving her room to stand up straight.

"You don't even like them," Hanni stated, her face in disbelief.

"I didn't do anything," Danielle defended.

"You totally were," Hanni accused, her arms crossing. "They're not even your type."

"No," Danielle groaned. "I just thought it'd be funny. I wasn't actually flirting with them, I promise."

Hanni's mouth opened and she paused, staring at her friend. Then, her eyes glanced at me for a brief moment, as if she was realizing I was still there with them.

"Anyways," Danielle coughed, changing the subject. "So, yeah, once the organizers are here, they'll tell us what to do. Then, the meal hours start, and that's basically it. They're not that strict here, you can talk with the people if you want. It's more like a friendly community, than a strict donation and charity service."

"Cool," I replied, nodding my head, brushing past whatever I just witnessed.

"Yeah, the organizers are nice," Hanni added.

"It's a good cause," I spoke, not sure what else to say. Thankfully, another subject of conversation was slowly approaching us. I spotted Haerin making her way towards us, her eyes darting around the room. Danielle and Hanni both waved her over, greeting her as soon as she approached.

"Hey, sorry, am I late," She immediately apologized, her eyes widening.

"No, it hasn't started yet," Danielle assured, pulling her in for a hug. "We're happy to see you, though."

"Hi," Haerin mumbled, slowly smiling at us.

"How are you," Hanni grinned, stepping in for a hug as well.

"I'm okay, I'm nervous," Haerin confessed. "I thought I was a little late."