Soju

☾︎✯☽︎

"You did pretty well during your shift," Jiyong commented by the time my shift ended.

It was already three in the morning, and everyone vacated the club since it was closing time. The staff cleared and rid the tables of any empty bottles of alcohol and plates, placing the stools on top. The DJ was putting away his equipment in their designated cases, in preparation for his departure from the club. Chaeyoung left a bit early saying that she - and I quote - "needed to catch some Zs and watch Netflix later in the day."

"It was nothing I couldn't handle." I shrugged nonchalantly.

"Glad to hear it."

"So, did I pass the test?"

Jiyong smiled, extending his hand toward me. "Welcome aboard. I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise." I smiled, shaking his hand briefly.

"Make sure you go to the reception desk. Jisoo will give you your schedule and some documentation that you may need to fill in," he told me. "When do you wanna start?"

"Anytime is fine. I'm just glad I have a job."

"Alright. So, I guess I'll see you next week." He turned his heels and started leaving, but not before yelling. "Don't be late."

☾︎✯☽︎

"We get health benefits?!" I exclaimed surprised, staring at my contract.

Jisoo, the receptionist laughed. "Yes, everyone here has health benefits."

In all my years of bartending, getting benefits of any sort was rare. Most bar owners, club owners et cetera don't always feel obligated to provide such since it's the employee's responsibility. So, you can imagine the shock I got after finding out that not only did I get paid in addition to the tips I collected per shift, but I also had my health covered and health insurance is expensive as hell.

"Just how rich is this guy?" I thought out loud.

"He is a businessman. Not only does he own this establishment, but he also has his very own fashion label."

My eyebrows flew up. "Well flip me like a pancake. I won't be surprised if this guy owns a whole island because holy shit!"

Jisoo laughed again. "He is a generous man who treats everyone who works for him like family. You'll fit right in."

"Sure." I drawled out, checking the time on my phone. "Look, I gotta dip and head home. It's pretty late. See you next week."

"Okay." She smiled and waved at me as I made my way to the exit.

I went to the parking lot where my car was. As I searched for my car keys, I spotted the dancer from earlier hopping on her motorcycle. Gone was her stage outfit and lo and behold was her casual attire that consisted of a pair of tight jeans that hugged and shaped her small waist going down to her hips and slender legs with a pair of combat boots and a black leather jacket over her white tank top.

I watched her slip on her helmet before her eyes met mine. We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. I awkwardly waved at her not knowing what else to do in the situation. She smiled, sliding down the visor of her helmet and kick-started her motorcycle before driving off into the night.

☾︎✯☽︎

"Can you explain to me why you were fighting with the police over garden gnomes at your gig?" Chaerin asked, raising an eyebrow at Christian.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about?" he stuttered with a laugh.

She took out her phone and open the video in question where Christian was arguing with the police while holding the garden gnome possessively to his chest until he was eventually tased and handcuffed on her Instagram.

I watched nonchalantly chewing on my gimbap while Christian's face flushed with embarrassment. "Okay. In my defence, I thought that was a Leprechaun." He said.

"Really dude?" I lidded my eyes, unamused by his excuse to hide the fact that he was drunk.

"What? Leprechauns are cool!"

"They're not real."

"But they're still cool."

Chaerin sighed while I rolled my eyes.

We were at one of the restaurants we usually hung up to catch up after our hectic and busy schedules with Christian running his record and filming company, Chaerin freelancing as a DJ at various clubs and events while also touring with Christian and me freelancing as a bartender.

"Anyway, how did your interview go?" Chaerin turned to me.

"Better than I expected," I answered. "I start next week and judging from the high-paying salary among other things, I'll say your friend's joint sounds promising."

"Oh, it is. I worked for Jiyong for years before I started my own thing. You'll love it there." She said. "Plus, with your good reputation, his place will attract new patrons and that will look good for business."

"You should give us free drinks when we come by some time, yeah?" Christian said, making me roll my eyes.

"You've been saying that for years and I will give you the same answer; no, I will not be doing that," I told him.

"Why not?" he pouted.

"Because one: that is unethical. And two: giving you free drinks means I have to pay for them and last I checked, you're old enough to pay for your own drinks, Christian."

"Chaerinnie! Olive Oil is being mean to me!"

"I'm not the one who's being a baby about it."

"And I'm not the one who's the namesake of one of the characters from Avatar: Legend of Korra."

"You're lucky I'm in too much of a good mood to even pimp slap the bitch outta you."

"Run them hands, boi. I will fold you like an omelette."

"Boys!" Chaerin reprimanded us with an unamused face. "Ton down on the testosterone, please. I am the middle child in this friend group - not the mum."

"Whatever." Christian rolled his eyes before waving at the waitress to come over to our table. "Can we have the bill, please?"

"Not a problem, sir. Will you be paying in cash or card?" she asked.

"Cash, please." Christian took out his wallet and opened it until he cussed under his breath. "I'm short on cash and I lost my bank card."