Convenience Store 24: The Tower of the End 1st - Chapter 108



Only Krnovel

Episode 108: The Black-Haired Beast

4 days later.

ridge-

A man with curly brown hair is playing the piano.

As her slender fingers moved between the white and black keys.

A soft and sweet melody flows out.

[You are the master of my life. I feel your scent as I look at your white footprints left behind in the long day.]

The moment when a beautiful, beautiful voice flowed out from the man’s mouth, following the melody.

The man suddenly stops singing and gives a soft smile.

[Hello, this is Maren. You’ve been waiting for a long time, right? Our RB’s new song ‘Latte Cafe’ will be coming to you soon. Please look forward to it!]

[thank you!]

[I love you, fans! And Happy New Year!]

In addition to Maren, the other four members smiled brightly at the screen.

The short video, just under a minute long, ended.

“Wow… … Finally… … No… … .”

Soo-jeong, who was staring at the video as if possessed, muttered softly.

“But why is the video only this long?”

Sujeong pressed the restart button with a blank expression.

[You are the master of my life.]

Bam-

[The master of my life is… … .]

Bam-

[My life… … .]

A modification that took over 30 minutes to watch a 1-minute video.

A bright smile appears on her lips.

“My kids… …! They’re finally coming back! Finally!”

How long have I waited for this day to come?

Sujeong’s eyes tremble.

‘But when exactly is the comeback date?! When is it!’

Soo-jeong, who was already half-awake, went straight to RB’s fan cafe.

The fan cafe has information about RB’s performance schedule, events, and appearances on programs.

Since there is so much information out there, there may be a comeback date.

‘Comeback, comeback… … .’

Edit: A quick look through the posts.

[Ugh, ugh… … I came running on all fours to watch the RB pre-release video review!]

[What’s this new song? It’s short but I already love it!]

[I love Alby! I love Alby! I love Alby! I love Alby!]

[Why does our Ren seem to be getting younger day by day?]

[If there are 6 billion RB fans in the world, I would be one of them. If there are 100 million RB fans in the world, I would be one of them… … .]

“and…….”

I don’t know if it’s because the pre-released video was uploaded early yesterday morning.

The fan cafe bulletin board was in an uproar over the news of RB’s comeback.

‘It’s been a long hiatus! But thank you for coming back! No, you should have come sooner! I’ve been waiting for so long!’

At that moment, she was scanning the bulletin board with eyes filled with a mixture of joy and resentment.

A few posts caught her eye.

[But what is Inseong Cafe? It’s attached to the tag?]

[Wow… … Don’t you know Inseong Cafe? Go to Nerstar.]

[This is the place that Ren… stopped by?]

[It seems like not only Ren but also groups like Bast and August visited as well? There were even certification shots.]

[It is said that Ren was inspired by that and composed more than 4 songs.]

At the bottom of the 1 minute video.

#ThankYouInseongCafe #TheFountainofMyCreativity #HighlyRecommendedRenewalCafeLatte!

Maybe it was because there were so many tags mentioning Inseong Cafe.

In addition to the news of RB’s return, there was also a heated discussion on the bulletin board about the Inseong Cafe.

[If it’s a place that Ren recommends, I definitely have to go there.]

[Oh, but it won’t be easy. It’s a very popular place.]

[This cafe received 2 stars from the Gourmet Guide and 3 ribbons from Red Ribbon.]

[……yes?]

[You’ll need to be brave enough to go. If you have enough money, I recommend hiring a part-time job as a proxy.]

Let’s look at the word ‘humanity cafe’ that is mentioned here and there on the bulletin board.

Sujeong felt strangely proud, but also felt a strange sense of affection.

‘Ahem! I’m also an employee at Inseong Cafe! Maren drank the latte I served… … .’

In that moment, Soo-Jung’s expression hardened.

Soon it started to turn completely white.

‘Ren came and went to our cafe, why didn’t I know?’

“AAAAAHHHH!”

* * *

“good morning!”

“Oh, boss! Good morning!”

I greeted Seon-ah and tried to raise my hand toward Soo-jeong.

“… … Sister, I’m definitely an idiot. I even feel like I’m wasting my breath… … .”

Sujeong mutters while leaning on Seon-ah’s arm, as if her soul has been taken away.

Somehow her condition seems a little unwell.

“Sujeong, what happened? You don’t look well.”

“Boss… … I’m a bug… … . From now on, please call me a bug… … . How could I not have known that… … .”

“… … ?”

I asked Seon-ah slyly.

“Seon-ah, do you know why Soo-jung is acting like that?”

“Oh, that’s it… … .”

Seon-ah smiles awkwardly and tells the reason.

“Well, so you’re saying that your favorite idol came but you didn’t notice and that’s why you did that?”

“yes.”

Honestly, I wondered if idols were a big deal.

On the one hand, I understood Soo-Jung’s feelings to some extent.

‘It’s inevitable to feel regretful when you think about missing something you like right in front of you.’

I smiled and offered Soo-Jung some comfort.

“Sujeong-ah, it may be a shame, but if you think about it differently, wouldn’t there be another chance?”

“… … Opportunity?”

“Then! My friend Maren liked our cafe latte? Then she might come back again.”

I wonder if he had some great enlightenment.

Sujeong’s eyes widen.

“… … Really?! It wasn’t like there was no chance?”

The dark clouds that had been hanging over her face disappeared.

In an instant, a bright smile like the sunny sun appeared on her lips.

“That’s true! Why didn’t I think of that?!”

‘I’m glad you found your strength again.’

“That might be the case. And you guys, you know I’m taking a day off the day after tomorrow, right? Just in case you forget and come to work or something.”

“Yes. But… … .”

Seon-ah’s gaze, glancing at the calendar, was directed to January 1st.

“I’m fine with it, but is it okay for me to rest then? Resting during peak season… .”

I smiled at Seon-ah, who was expressing concern.

“It’s okay. We’re always in peak season. Plus, we have to rest on New Year’s Day. I have something to do that day, too.”

“What’s going on?”

“Yeah, I have a family gathering.”

Seon-ah, who was preheating the fish-shaped bread mold and waffle maker, turns her head at my answer.

“A family reunion?”

“why?”

“No, I just find it a little strange. I’ve never had a gathering with my relatives before.”

“ah…….”

I was silent.

Because he knew better than anyone else the circumstances of her who was practically playing the most important role.

“It’s nothing special, just a gathering of relatives. We just eat and chat for a bit.”

“… … I see. Oh right, but sir. So, is that guy you mentioned last time going to show up too?”

“That person? Oh, your great aunt?”

Seon-ah nods.

Yeah, that’s what happened.

In the past, before Inseong Cafe grew to this extent.

I once complained to her about the insults I had received from my great aunt.

“Um… … I think you might come. You usually attend family gatherings.”

“That couple can’t move in front of the boss anymore. Who would ignore the building owner?”

“Hahaha!”

Your great aunt?

Great-uncle?

I thought about that couple for a moment and then laughed out loud.

“No. Those people I know… … are people who will somehow cut down their opponents like a hawk, even if they are objectively inferior.”

“These are not ordinary people.”

“That’s right. They’re not ordinary people. But that’s okay.”

“Really?”

It’s really okay now.

Why?

“Isn’t it me who’s the opponent?”

Seon-ah laughed out loud at my last words.

* * *

Two days later.

I found a Korean restaurant located in the busy Jongno area.

Even though it was the first day of the new year, the restaurant was bustling with employees and customers.

“Welcome! Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, this is Kim Dae-sik.”

“Just a moment, ah! I’ll help you get to room number 4!”

I followed the staff’s instructions and entered room number 4.

Inside, my uncle and my aunt’s family were already seated.

“hello!”

“Did Inseong come? The road must have been very congested, but it was hard for you to come. Grandmother was a bit busy today, so she couldn’t come.”

“Oh, I guess I should give you a call next time.”

My uncle greeted me with a bright smile.

“You all must have had a hard time coming. What’s the big deal about coming?”

My aunt who was next to me suddenly started grumbling.

Then, my great-uncle, who was sitting next to my great-aunt, started laughing loudly.

“You all must have had a hard time getting here. Come on, Inseong, hurry up and sit down! Over there, Daebeom, you can sit next to me!”

“yes.”

“Hello, Daebeom.”

While I was greeting Daebeom hyung.

A well-prepared table setting including tteokgalbi and gulbi was brought to the table.

“Okay, everyone, enjoy your meal! I hope you all stay healthy and safe this coming year.”

This concludes my uncle’s short New Year’s address.

“thank you for this food!”

Only after the adults picked up their spoons did I pick up my spoon too.

‘This place makes good ribs. They’re delicious.’

I glanced at my aunt, biting my lip.

Wake up, wake up-

I wonder if it’s uncomfortable for me to sit at the same table.

Why does her hand movements as she plays with the spoon seem weak?

‘Tsk tsk, you’re usually better at that.’

Finally, the meal was over.

Daebeom asks me while sipping the plum tea that came out for dessert.

“Inseong, how’s the cafe these days?”

“It’s always the same.”

“Aren’t the real people going to start a fuss?”

“It’s really rare, but it’s not completely non-existent. Still, when I see customers enjoying themselves, I feel encouraged. How are you, hyung?”

Daebeom smiled broadly at my question.

“That’s how it is with all the work at the local government office. You just sit there and do paperwork, and when it’s time, you leave. Oh, but it’s really hard because of the people who file complaints.”

“A real complainant?”

“How many people come here a day? Do you know whose taxes you live on? Is this how you treat your customers? I’ll file a complaint. It’s just… These comments are all the same.”

While Daebeom was speaking, he let out a deep sigh.

My uncle comes towards us and speaks to Daebeom.

“Isn’t it easy to work?”

“… … Yes. I thought it would all be over once I finished my public service, but it’s not easy.”

“It’s not easy. It’s definitely not easy to take someone else’s money.”

Daebeom nodded and then glanced at me.

“I realized it after actually working there. I can tell how much effort Inseong put in to get to that position.”

“Yes, Inseong is a deep person, so he must have experienced all kinds of twists and turns even if he didn’t say anything.”

My uncle suddenly turned his head and looked at my aunt and uncle.

“So I’ll tell you in advance, sister, but don’t even think about saying anything unnecessary to her.”

“Oh my, look at this kid? What did I say to make him do that?”

“If you were thinking of climbing onto the back of a baby that has just spread its wings, I’m telling you to give up on that idea.”

At that moment, did he hit the nail on the head?

“You… …what are you talking about now?”

My aunt’s face turned red.

“Ahem, ahem!”

My great-uncle takes out a bundle of papers titled [Inseong Cafe 2nd Branch Business Plan] and quickly puts them back in his bag.

“Is there anything he can’t say? Are you saying we’re like mosquitoes that live off the blood of our nephews?”

“Ahem. Brother-in-law, what’s the point of having good blood ties? You help each other when things are tough, and you help each other again when things are going well… … .”

“Help me?”

A clear sneer appears on my uncle’s lips.

“So, have you ever given your second eldest brother a penny of support while he was still alive? Or maybe you’ve made a warm phone call?”

“… … .”

“We, at least as humans, should live by the bare minimum of morality.”

“Don’t we do our duty? We did the bare minimum!”

When my great aunt got angry.

My great-uncle, who was standing next to me, quietly helped me out.

“Yes, brother-in-law. We believe we have done the minimum we can. And we are trying to help Inseong! Look at this!”

My great-uncle takes out a thick wad of paper again and shows it to me.

“Honestly, if business is going well enough to buy a store, then there may be plans to open a chain of stores… …!”

“Oh, that might be a bit difficult. It’s also difficult to keep up with the current consumption of goods.”

“… …Can’t the quantity be resolved by hiring more employees?”

I shook my head firmly.

“I only know the recipe. I have no intention of sharing it with anyone else. So if you’re dreaming of dipping it in soybean paste, you’d better give up.”

“What, what? Do you think I’m asking you to eat something right now?!”

My great-uncle stutters as if he has been hit with a nail in the head and loses his temper.

And then he slams the table and shouts with a red face.

“I tried to help you because I was worried you’d go back to how you were before, but you said something like, what the heck?! Do you think you can keep earning money and living off of it?! It was all a time thing, it was a time thing!”

“Well, if business really sucks and we go under, then we’ll have to find a new tenant and do a rental business or something.”

“what?”

I shrugged my shoulders with the corners of my mouth raised.

“Oh, I recently bought the Hansung Building. It’s the building my cafe is in.”

“what?”