Shotgun K

“You look like shit.”

I sighed and sent a tired glare back across the table, where Sun Hi sat with an appalled look on her face. Not that she could see through the shades that I was wearing.
“Sorry to disappoint.” I muttered, pulling down on the baseball cap that had wrestled down my stubborn hair. “But I’m here, aren’t I?”
I knew it and I didn’t need her to remind me: I was a mess.
My hair was sticking up in unnatural angles that made it look like I was groomed by a farm animal and the dark circles under my eyes only seemed to get worse. I tried for a good half hour to tame my appearance so I somewhat resembled a human being and not so much like the walking dead. And at the end of all that effort, the shades and a worn baseball cap were the best result.
Least to say, I was in no mood to be seen in public. But here I was, as she demanded. Can I at least get a break?

Sun Hi sighed, and pushed one of the two tall steaming cups she had across the table.
“Here, you need this more than I do.” she said.
The smell of coffee drifted up and filled me up instantly, the aroma revitalizing. I sighed contently and wrapped my hands around the warm ceramic cup.
“Thanks,” I said, taking a sip.
The coffee was hot but not enough to burn my tongue. I felt the heat seep through my chest, and I felt myself loosen up a bit. I sighed again before I set the cup down.
“So, why did you decide to meet here?” I asked. “I could’ve just gone to the studio and picked it up.”
“I had some classes today at the University.” Sun Hi replied, sipping on her coffee. “I had to take the bag with me; I was afraid that if I had left it, it would get mixed up or taken.”
She reached over to the seat next to her and pulled out a pack from a paper gift bag. It was my bag. She passed it over to me and I took it.
“The assistants you met last time found out the bag belonged to you and it was causing a little issue at the workplace.” she was saying. “So the director gave the bag to me to hold onto. Honestly, grown women throwing a fit like silly fan girls…give me a break.”

I couldn’t help but feel curious at her vaguely disgusted tone.

“Well, thanks for the troubles.” I thanked. “I didn’t realize having my bag there would cause such a big problem.”
“Normally it shouldn’t.” she sighed dryly. “But they’re just big fans of yours I guess.”
“Hmmm,” I said, taking another sip of the coffee.
I wonder…what could they possibly have done to get the director involved?
“Oh…hey, you said university.” I said, thinking back to what she had first said. “I didn’t realize you were a student.”
Sun Hi nodded, setting her cup down.
“Yep; I’m a full-time student.” she said, smiling happily. “It’s my third year.”
“What are you majoring in?” I asked. “And isn’t it hard juggling school and filling in for your aunt?”
“I’m working into fashion and modern designs.” she replied. “As for the juggling, it’s not easy but not impossible. I think it’s a good experience working behind the set. Director Oh has been supportive too.”

I nodded, surprised. Despite her child-like energy, she was pretty responsible and driven. I had no idea.

“So what’s been going on with you?” Sun Hi asked, crossing her arms on the table. “What’s been making you so miserable?”
I frowned.
“Who said I was miserable?” I returned
“Well, you look miserable. Seriously, sitting here looking like such a sketchy guy… who wears shades and a baseball cap indoors?” Sun Hi muttered. “Don’t tell me you stayed up all night crying over your ex-girlfriend again?”
I scowled.
“I wasn’t crying.” I grouched. “And to be clear it wasn’t over Yun. I’m doing fine; I just didn’t sleep well.”
“Uh huh,” Sun Hi let out, not sounding convinced. She gave my face a long hard stare, studying my expression through my shades.
“You know, I hope whatever it is that is going on with you right now gets resolved smoothly.” she said.
I blinked, slightly confused at this. She must’ve read my expression because she went on.
“My aunt admires your professionalism; she says that you take pride in being your best for every role you take on. I’ve also helped out my aunt on set before her accident for this drama and I’ve seen you work in the studios so I know what she’s talking about.” she said. “You don’t ever do anything that would take away or stop you from doing your job. So it’s weird to see you distracted, tired and scattered.”
She shrugs, lifting her coffee cup up for another sip.
“I can only guess that whatever is going on is a pretty big deal.”

I blinked, surprised at all her aunt had to say about me. I had no idea I had made such an admirable impression to her. It’s strange to think that people saw good natured things in me like she did when just a few days ago I overheard a few guys expressing dislike for me…

I let out a small smile.
“Yea, I guess you’re right.” I said. “Yea, it is a pretty big deal. I admit, there’s a whole lot to take in and it’s been very stressful to say the least.”
“I’ll say,” she muttered, frowning. She reached over across the table and lifted the beak of the baseball cap up a bit. “I sorta-kinda want to see how bad your hair is; maybe I can fix it.”
I swatted her hand away and scowled.
“Anyways, I haven’t fully absorbed the situation quite yet. It’s only been two days….wait, I think only two.” I can feel my mind twist as I think back on the last few days. “I see your point; I do need to sleep better.”
Sun Hi looked as if she was going to retort as I went on.
“I remember your guaranteed confidentiality deal. Once things settle, I may just take you up on that offer. It’s healthier to talk about things right?” I said. “Just give me time--- I’ll come to you soon enough.”
Sun Hi blinked, but then nodded.
“Alright; I’ll listen when you need me to.” she said, not a single hint of humor in her tone. “That serious?”
I sighed, and lifted my cup for another much needed boost.
“Like you wouldn’t imagine.” I muttered.

We were mutually silent then, sipping our coffee leisurely. I felt much better now with the caffeine in my system, and I could feel the fatigue being pushed back slightly. It felt good to have a clearer head already.
The silence kept up for about another minute when Sun Hi hummed thoughtfully, causing me to turn away from the window.
“What?” I questioned.

Sun Hi was looking at me, almost studying me with a thoughtful expression on her face.
“I think it’s kind of funny how this worked out.” she said.
I raised an eyebrow questioningly as she went on.
“I just think it’s weird that I only met you two days ago on the set, and we’re here today drinking coffee and chatting like old friends.” she explained. “Me, chatting up Seo Jae-Sung in a little coffee shop…I don’t know, I wouldn’t have seen this coming a week ago.”
I smirk, recalling all the interactions I’ve had with the young Costume Coordinator so far.
“Yea, dressing, chatting, sharing coffee…and oh, blackmailing.” I shrug nonchalantly. “Yea, that’s how you should get to know a person.”
“Hey, it got you out, didn’t it?” Sun Hi said, shrugging back. “From where I am, you look like you needed the coffee.”
She then glanced down at her wristwatch and frowned.
“I ordered a sandwich; I should’ve gotten it by now.” she muttered.
“Hey, did you pay for the coffee?” I asked.
“Hmm?” Sun Hi returned.
I nodded pointedly at the cups on the table before us. A look of realization flashed across her face.
“No, not yet. Hold on, I’ll go ask for a check while I check on my sandwich.” she said, getting up.
“Wait, hold on.” I said, motioning her to sit back down. “I’ll pay for it.”
I got up from the table and pulled out my wallet from my back pocket. I saw Sun Hi blink at me.
“You…you don’t have to,” she said, sounding surprised.
I shrugged.
“I think it’s only fair.” I reasoned. “You got me out of my place for a coffee that I needed. The least I could do is pay.”
I stepped out to the side of the table, pushing my chair back in.
“I’ll be right back,” I told her and went to turn around---

“AH!”

I heard a low gasp escape me in surprise as a sharp cry of alarm shot out right behind me. At the same time, I felt something scalding hot pour heavily over my left shoulder and chest, drenching right through my worn hoodie. I didn’t even have time to fully register what was happening as I heard loud clattering and sounds of glass shattering.
It wasn’t until I felt someone shake my arm when I realized what had happened.
“Sir! I am so sorry! Ah---I am so sorry!” I heard a girl say over and over.
I blinked, and my eyes fell on a waitress bobbing up and down like a frantic see-saw as she bowed repeatedly, apologizing non-stop. That was when I noticed the pile of broken cups and dishes. I must’ve collided into the girl holding the tray.
“Jae-Sung, are you okay?” I heard Sun Hi ask from beside me.
Sun Hi was the one with her hand on my arm, looking up at me in alarm. She was now standing right next to me.
I was about to answer when the waitress’s frantic apologies cut through again.
“I am sorry! I just didn’t see you when I--- I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry---”
“Yea, you said that, already.“ Sun Hi said gruffly. “Really, please be more careful.”
She then hissed to me. “Time to go; people will notice you.”

I frowned, slightly confused.
“What do you mean?” I asked. But then I remembered where I was and my unfortunate appearance. And then I realized that the waitress has yet to recognize me with her head facing the floor as she was apologizing.
“Yes! I---I’m so sorry!” she stammered out. “I’m---um, I will, uh…”
She immediately dropped to the ground and started to pick up the broken pieces. I was about to warn her about cutting herself when I saw her flinch and pull her hand back to her chest.

Sun Hi stepped forward right in front of me, watching out for the broken shards as she gently knelt down beside her.
“Well, you said enough.” she sighed, sounding tense and exasperated. “But accidents happen right? It’s just a good thing no one got hurt too badly. Why don’t we just start by cleaning---”

“What is going on here?”

I saw the waitress girl visibly stiffen at the stern demanding voice coming from behind me. I glanced over just as a sturdy looking short man come rushing forward to the scene.
He only had to take one look at the mess on the floor and a quick glance my way before his eyes nearly popped out of his sockets.
“Ga Eul!” the man I assumed to be the girl’s boss say in a low, angry voice. “Not again!”
The girl got up from the floor but became really quiet, her eyes cast down at the floor. She looked like she was on the verge of tears.
“Jwesonghamnida,” she apologized again, this time more quietly.
“You’re sorry? I am too; you said the same thing last time and it still didn’t fix anything. I should fire you on the spot!”
The waitress girl, Ga Eul, finally looked up, a look of panic in her expression as her boss went on.
“Making a scene, injuring customers, creating a mess; this is the fifth time already--- agh, mi-chigetda! Why are you so careless and empty-headed?” the manager raged.
“Woah, wait a minute,” Sun Hi shot in, sounding upset as she straightened to a stand. “Come on now, it was an accident; there’s no need to go that far---“
“I apologize for the troubles our employee has caused. I truly hope we didn’t cause any injury.” the man said, directed towards me, ignoring Sun Hi. “We will take full responsibility---“
Ga Eul was completely silent now, staring back down at the floor again. I saw a single tear escape the corner of the young waitress’s eye. She quietly sniffed and brushed it away with a quick swipe of her hand.
“Now, you listen---“ Sun Hi growled, clearly upset that she was being ignored.
“I will assure you, this will never happen again---“ the man was saying.

I didn’t really give him much attention as I brushed passed him and approached the girl. She noticed me approaching and started to look up as I took her by the elbows and guided her to the nearest table behind her. Wordlessly I drew out a chair and sat her down.
“Are you alright?” I asked her. “You cut yourself just now didn’t you?”
A look of confusion came across the girl’s face, as if she was unsure of what was going on. I took off my shades and tucked it into my pocket before I turned to take a look at her hand.

I heard the manager start again.
“Ah…sir, please. There’s no need---”
“I’m going to need a first aid kit.” I said curtly, my tone coming out colder than I intended. I looked over my shoulder and sent a solid look his way. “Now.”
He stared back, stunned, his eyes growing wide. But he quickly nodded before he turned back around and scurried off.
“Sun Hi, go to the counter and ask for a towel and a broom.” I said, my tone softer but with authority. “Please.”
“Got it,” Sun Hi said, before heading off to the counter of the café.
I reached over and pulled out another chair so I could sit in front of the girl. Just then the manager came back with a medium sized first aid box and set in on the table beside us. I thanked him quickly before turning back to the waitress.
“Let me see your hand.” I said as kindly as I could, opening the box.
“Really, it’s not a big deal. It’s just a small cut.” she started to protest.
“Small cut or not, it’s important to clean and treat it so it doesn’t get infected.” I returned.
“Then I can manage to---“
“Please.” I said solidly, making full eye contact with the girl. “I want to help.”
I saw her mouth fall open and her eyes grow wide. I held out my hand and this time she offered her injured hand without protest. A quick look at it told me that it was a shallow cut.
“It’s not that deep.” I said in relief. I reached in for a cleaning wipe and ripped it open. “It may sting a little, just hold on.”
Sun Hi came back then with the items I requested in her hands.
“Here,” she said, leaning the broom against the edge of the table.
I finished cleaning and putting the band-aide on the girl’s finger.
“Thanks,” I said. I turned back to the waitress and gave her a smile. “You should be all set.”
The girl didn’t say anything but she did blush a deep red. I got up and took the towel from Sun Hi, which I laid over the pile of shards on the floor. I grabbed the tray off of the table where it was left and started to gather the pieces together.
“Ah, sir, I got that.” the waitress said.
She was now right next to me, kneeling on the floor. She glanced my way and blushed all over again.
“Please, you’ve done more than enough.”

I looked at her for a few minutes before turning to Sun Hi.
“Hey, can you kindly return the first aid kit to the manager?” I asked her.
“Sure.” she said, swiping the box off the table. I watched as she boldly strode over to the manager standing back where the other employees were watching us.
“Here you go,” she said gruffly, handing the box to the man.
“…uh, thank you…” he said, his tough tone long gone.
Sun Hi raised an eyebrow and gave the man an incredulous look.
“Now you’re talking to me?” she demanded.
I chuckled under my breath and turned back to the waitress. I caught her staring again and she blushed yet another shade.
“You’re Seo Jae-Sung,” she said. It was more of a statement, not a question.
“Ah…yea.” I said, feeling awkward now all of the sudden.
“I’m sorry.” she said again, her eyes cast down on the floor.
“Me too.” I said. “I’m really all over the place today and I wasn’t watching where I was going. Mianhe.”
“No! No, it’s all my fault…really--- I can’t believe I spilled coffee all over---“
She cut herself off, and I saw a horrified expression come across her face.
“The coffee; it was hot coffee…” she said. Her eyes fell to my left shoulder.
Self-consciously I followed her stare down to my drenched hoodie, which was now clearly stained brown. It was still somewhat warm against my skin as it was soaked straight through to the shirt I was wearing underneath. It was a great mess.
I shrugged, hopefully good-naturedly.
“Eh, I’m sure it’ll wash out fine.” I said.
I didn’t mention the slight stinging of the light burn I could feel under the mess.
The waitress grew quiet again, guilt written all over her face. I couldn’t help but feel guilty as well. I really hadn’t been paying attention to where I was going, and I caused her so much trouble. And I knew the feeling she must be feeling right now all too well…
“You know, when I started college, I used to work at this sandwich shop.” I said, changing the subject. “I used to have this nickname my boss gave me, Fa Hoi.”
The guilty expression was replaced with one of confusion and curiosity, showing that my distraction was working.
“‘Fa Hoi’,” she echoed. “Is that Chinese?”
I nodded.
“My boss was originally from Taiwan, so he spoke Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.”
“What’s it mean, your nickname?” she asked.
I looked down at the floor and picked up a piece of a plate that poked out from under the towel.
“In China, there’s a superstition where if you break a plate, it’ll bring bad luck so the person should counter the omen by saying ‘Fa Hoi Fu Gui’.” I explained. “It means May Prosperity Blossom..”
I smiled, lifting my gaze up off the ground, as to think back on the memory.
“My boss was really superstitious. He really wouldn’t give me a break.” I laugh a bit and shake my head. “After about a week of working there, my coworkers have gotten so used to hearing him yell ‘Fa Hoi Fu Gui!’ at me that they shortened the phrase to ‘Fa Hoi’ for my nickname. It just kinda stuck after that, and sort of became a ritual at the shop.”

The waitress girl stared at me, looking amazed.
“Really? At a sandwich shop?” she asked.
“The worst bus boy in history.” I said, grinning as if it was something to be proud of. “After a while, my boss decided to just have me advertise outside of the store, to get customers in and handing out coupons and stuff. It’s actually how I got discovered.”
I dropped the plate piece onto the tray and passed the tray to the girl.
“So maybe it’s not such a bad thing after all.” I said, smiling at her. “Fa Hoi Fu Gui.”