Chapter 12 - Delivery

Kim Jeong Won couldn't focus on his study notes. What he heard that afternoon made him feel uncomfortable. His eyes caught the note he left last night, it was still there without any hints of being touched. Perfect! She did not mind him sharing the desk with her.

Feeling tired and unable to study, he collected his things and put them in his bag. His bike was under repair so he would just walk home. The study room was just two blocks away anyway from their house. He was not yet familiar with the place but he knew that the left alley will cut his walk shorter so he took that route- which turned out a bad choice.

He hadn't walked that far yet when two students blocked his way. Judging from their uniforms, they were from a different high school in Daegu. Jeong Won knew he was in trouble.

"Look who's here! A student from Daegu High School."

The student who said that blew his cigarette for the last time before throwing it down to the ground. Another student appeared at his back and in no time he was already surrounded. In spite of that, he knew what he should do. Before they could walk closer, he hit his bag to the guy behind him to make him lose his balance and slipped under him, successfully sneaking his way out of their circle. The three ran after him while he threw everything he saw on his way to block them; a trash bin, a pole, and even boxes.

He was already out of their reach, just then, another student appeared in front of him. Blocking his way and letting the other three caught up.

"You!-"

The new guy was about to punch him when someone struck his back, making him moan to his feet.

Behing the guy was a Chinese noodle aluminum delivery box suspended in the air, held by a person whose silhouette Jeong Won could only see. He stared hard to look clearer and he saw that she was wearing a helmet.

It was the delivery girl!

She stepped on the guy's back making him moan louder and jumped, kicking the guy with the cigarette in his stomach. A high kick! Then she swayed the box in the air to hit the other two guys in one swirl. Jeong Won felt like he was watching an action movie. But just like in action movies, backups would come to save their men. Four more guys appeared at the opposite end and started to run to them after seeing their fallen comrades.

Still, in a state of bewilderment, Jeong Won was surprised when the girl in her helmet grabbed his hand and pulled him to escape the scene. She got into her motorcycle with Jeong Won sitting at the back, managing to leave the guys, who were still running to get them, behind.

She started the motor instantaneously that it jerked hard, such that it made Jeong Won hold on to his dear life by hugging her tightly from the back. He realized it when they were already far and was quite embarrassed so he loosened his hold slighlty.

Minutes later, he found himself in front of his house.

"Are you not going in?"

Her annoyed voice woke him up to reality so he immediately stepped down the motorcycle. He was about to say thank you when a thought struck his mind making his eyes light up.

'I've heard her voice before!'

"6 AM tomorrow. In front of the Chinese restaurant. Don't be late," she said and hurried away.

She was already far when he realized who the girl was.

"Son Jin Ae!"

* * *

Son Jin Ae was on her way to the main building when she caught glimpse of Jun Ho outside. Contemplating whether to talk to him and ask about the event she had to accompany him this afternoon, she stopped and was about to approach him when she realized that he was with someone.

“Whoah! Is he here to date or what?”

She scorned when she recognized Teacher Han Seo Ah, who was whispering something to him. With a huff, she decided to ignore them. She had almost walked past them when she changed her mind and turned around.

"Jun Ho-ssi. I'm afraid I cannot accompany you to the event later. Just find someone as a replacement? Okay," she said in a high pitch voice, glancing at Seo Ah as a hint who to ask.

Before Jun Ho could reply, she went ahead, feeling mad over nothing. She had already entered the building when Jun Ho reached her.

"Why? Why are you not coming?" he asked while keeping up on her pace.

"I'm busy," she replied dismissively.

"No, you're not," he said, quickening his steps as she did.

"Yes, I am," she insisted, not bothering to look at him.

"No, you're not. Miss Oh cleared your schedule this afternoon for me," he said in an assured tone.

Jin Ae stopped walking and lifted her face to meet his gaze as he abruptly halted as well.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. So you're coming with me. And, please do prep up, I don't want you to look tacky in the event, sweetie."

Jun Ho scanned Jin Ae from top to toe, noting her white polo blouse and khaki trousers while smiling teasingly, then he walked ahead of her.

"Yah! Who's tacky?" she shouted from his back and upon hearing it Jun Ho smirked playfully.

"Whoah, tacky?" Jin Ae said to herself and scoffed. She fumbled over his bag for her cellphone.

* * *

"These are the names and their streets. You have to be back before 9:30, okay?" Jin Ae gave the paper to Jeong Won and tapped the motorcycle. He was still in a daze, he didn't know if he could finish the delivery- a payback to Jin Ae for saving him last night.

"I am actually still new here, I don't know if I can find the houses," he admitted while scratching his head.

"Should I accompany you then?"

Jeong Won's face brightened upon hearing that, but he was immediately shut off when she snapped at him saying that she would throw him off the street when that happens. He wore the helmet reluctantly and drove away.

"Call me when you got lost!" Jin Ae shouted from behind and she laughed delightedly, much to his irritation.

Jeong Won did not know exactly how he managed to deliver all the goods, he was back around 9:45 AM. He found Jin Ae sitting outside the Chinese restaurant with two sodas in a can in front of her. After removing his helmet, he slumped on the nearest chair in front of her.

"You are 15 minutes late. But that's okay for a first-timer," she said consolingly and then lifted one in-can to drink. Jeong Won took the other one and put it on his lips, belatedly realizing that it was already empty.

"Sorry. I got thirsty waiting for you," she said, smiling teasingly.

Jeong Won crushed the can with all his anger, but instead of getting a scared reaction from her, Jin Ae exclaimed:

"Oh! You still have a lot of energy. That's good, let's keep going."

"Going? Where?"

She stood up, not giving him an answer, and went inside the Chinese restaurant.

"Ahjumma, I'm done. Can I get the pay already?" she asked while leaning on the counter. Well, it sounded more like a command instead. The old lady reached out to give it to her.

"Lee Eun Jung?" a voice suddenly inquired. Jeong Won was already beside her, taking a peek at the payslip she had received.

He glanced at Jin Ae who did not respond and then he glanced at the lady instead.

"Omo, who is this handsome boy who helped you today?" the lady asked.

"Just someone I know," Jin Ae replied dismissively.

She wasn't a sweet girl, really.