Chapter 2

Hey Eun-Jeong,

It's been a while. How have you been? I hope you and your family's doing well. A while ago, I got a good job in the entertainment industry. I mean, I guess you should already know, considering I'm a "big shot" now, as they say. But anyway, we were thinking about my next album, and they said they wanted something unique, something no other company had. You were the first person who came to mind, so I've been looking for you. I was wondering if you would be interested in contracting with my company as a song write. I heard you were struggling to get a good job, so I thought this would be a win-win for both of us. Please consider!

Your childhood bestie, Jung-hoon.

Contact at +82-*-***-****

P.S. Even if you don't want to accept the offer, please still add my contact. It'd be nice to get back in touch! ^^

I read through the letter another three times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. My co-worker called my name, snapping me back to reality. I shoved the note into my back pocket and rushed over to help with the orders.

****

"Thank you so much for your work today, Eun-Jeong," my boss said as we closed for the day.

"No problem, boss! Sorry I kept spacing out today. I'll work hard tomorrow and redeem myself!" I replied.

"Don't sweat it! Do you have a ride?" He asked, wearing a concerned look.

"Yup! Don't worry!" I lied. I normally walked home, but of course, Young-Jae wouldn't know, neither would he understand.

***

I looked around as I exited the building. Once I deemed the path safe, I raced around the corner towards the convenience store near my home. I searched through my pockets for my ID as I neared the convenience store.

I walk through the sliding door, pulling out my ID from my back pocket. Making my way to the cashier behind the counter. It wasn't new to me, as I had gone to this store before for drugs. The workers probably thought the drugs were for me, and every now and then, they were.

I reached the alcohol shelf and let out a sigh as I took the soju, wandered to the checkout area and asked for a pack of cigarettes with the soju. Showing my ID, I paid for everything and hesitantly made my way around the block back to the small home I resided in.