NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: Minjin and Heo Yeong-hwan
After the training, Mr. Kim celebrated Minjin joining the team with a meal at the busy Samgyupsal restaurant Heo Yeong-hwan's mother owned. As the group entered, the aroma of grilled meat filled the air. The restaurant teemed with life as diners enjoyed their meals, and the crackling of grilling charcoal added to the vibrant atmosphere.
Heo Yeong-hwan's mother, a friendly and inviting woman with a radiant smile, welcomed the group as they got comfortable in their seats. She skillfully navigated between tables, offering a selection of meats—pork belly, beef ribs, and marinated chicken—paired with various side dishes such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and dipping sauces.
Mr. Kim gathered everyone's attention. "Okay, everyone. Let's warmly welcome our new team members. Mrs. Jeong, meet Park Minjin, our latest addition."
Minjin, though shy, stood up, bowing respectfully. "Annyeong haseyo, I'm Park Minjin. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Mrs. Jeong's eyes sparkled when she gazed at Minjin. "Oh, you are far too pretty to be a taekwondo player!" she said, filled with genuine admiration.
Sitting opposite Minjin, Heo Yeong-hwan smirked at his mother's remark but kept his attention on the meal. His face softened when he looked at Minjin, visibly happy with the warm welcome.
Minjin felt welcomed as she conversed with her new teammates. They exchanged stories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Minjin savored an array of meat and side dishes. Heo Yeong-hwan occasionally looked at Minjin, his earlier smirk replaced by a more contemplative expression.
Throughout the meal, Mrs. Jeong moved swiftly between tables, taking orders and serving food. She appeared to handle the hectic atmosphere effectively. The team radiated energy and was eager to learn more about Minjin.
Mrs. Jeong suddenly tripped while carrying a tray of soju bottles. The bottles slipped from her grasp, making a loud noise as they crashed to the floor, catching the attention of several nearby diners. The soju spilled onto her feet, prompting Mrs. Jeong to gasp in pain and jolt her feet.
Heo Yeong-hwan quickly rose and hurried to his mother. "Eomma! Are you okay?" He grasped her arm to support her, visibly worried.
Mrs. Jeong attempted to comfort him, even though she appeared pale and somewhat confused. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit dizzy."
The scene swiftly caught the eye of the nearby restaurant patrons, including Minjin. Noticing Heo Yeong-hwan's distress, Minjin stood up and went to the counter to help.
Minjin noticed a customer ready to pay and quickly approached. "I can assist you with the payment," she said, striving to appear composed despite the urgency. She took the customer's credit card and worked on processing the payment. Yet, she stumbled a bit, feeling the stress of the situation.
"5," the customer responded.
Minjin swiftly entered the table number and payment amount into the register before processing the transaction. She presented the receipt to the customer, attempting to smile despite her nerves. "Thank you, and please come again," she said, maintaining her composure.
Heo Yeong-hwan was busy clearing the shattered soju bottles from the floor, meticulously gathering the shards, and mopping up the spilled liquid. In contrast, Mrs. Jeong sat nearby, appearing worn out yet striving to keep her composure.
Minjin hurried to fetch a cup of water and presented it to Mrs. Jeong, who received it with gratitude. "Thank you, Minjin-ah," Mrs. Jeong said, her tone reflecting her relief.
Minjin set the cup on the table and softly suggested to Mrs. Jeong, "Take a break for a bit. We will assist until you finish."
While Heo Yeong-hwan focused on cleaning, he glanced at Minjin in disbelief.
"No, I'm fine. You don't need to do that," Mrs. Jeong objected, although her exhaustion was clear.
Minjin shook her head. "Aniyo, Mrs. Jeong, we're here to help. It's the least we can do."
Minjin turned to the team and inquired, "Are you all willing to assist Mrs. Jeong? I'm not pressuring you, but it would be wonderful if we could offer some help."
The team exchanged glances, first unsure but soon embracing the idea. They nodded in unison, demonstrating their backing for Minjin's initiative. One after another, they rose from their seats to help with the remaining tasks.
Minjin took the initiative to help customers, handle orders, and keep operations running smoothly. The team's collaborative spirit was essential, demonstrating determination and teamwork that eased some of Mrs. Jeong's responsibilities.
Heo Yeong-hwan, who had been closely observing Minjin throughout the day, discovered an unexpected side of her. His initial perception of her as a troublemaker began to change. He noticed her working hard with the rest of the team. Her ability to fit in and willingness to assist revealed her kindness and leadership skills.
Thanks to the team's support, the restaurant swiftly regained its footing. Customers received prompt service, and the atmosphere became even more welcoming as everyone collaborated. As closing time approached, Mrs. Jeong's fatigue noticeably eased, allowing her to smile sincerely in appreciation for Minjin and the team.
"Thank you all. I genuinely appreciate your assistance," Mrs. Jeong expressed, her voice charged with emotion. "You have all been amazing."
Minjin and her team returned to their table, feeling proud. The meal was pleasant for Minjin and reinforced her connection with her new teammates and Heo Yeong-hwan, who now saw her in a new light.
As everyone bid their farewells and departed one after another, their laughter and conversations gradually faded into the evening atmosphere. Minjin, slightly weary yet content, began her walk to the bus stop. She noticed the gentle sound of footsteps trailing behind her.
Heo Yeong-hwan paused momentarily, torn between his pride and the urge to connect. Ultimately, he increased his pace and approached her. "How about some ice cream on me?" he exclaimed, sounding unexpectedly bashful.
Minjin cast him a sideways glance, bemused by his unexpected offer. "There's no need to treat me; it's all good," she responded.
Despite her polite refusal, Heo Yeong-hwan continued to walk beside her, undeterred. "What makes you so skilled at speaking Korean?" he inquired, looking for a way to sustain the conversation.
"I grew up here until I turned 12," Minjin explained.
"Oh," Heo Yeong-hwan responded, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. He wished to keep the conversation going but struggled to articulate his thoughts.
After a brief pause, he finally said, "A—about today..."
Minjin interrupted him, her tone steady yet kind. "Quit bullying others. Consider your mother. She appears to be working herself into weakness. If you can't love yourself, then at least love your mother."
Heo Yeong-hwan was surprised by her straightforwardness, noting how much she had shared, starkly contrasting her usual silence. "I know. You don't need to say more," he replied defensively.
"And get her examined by a doctor. You never know," Minjin added, her worry evident and genuine.
"Araso, you're quite the nag," he said, rolling his eyes, though a slight smile played at the corners of his lips.
Upon arriving at the bus stop, Minjin moved ahead while Heo Yeong-hwan hesitated, inhaling deeply to gather the courage to express his feelings. "Minjin-ah," he called out.
Minjin paused and faced back.
Heo Yeong-hwan experienced a flutter in his stomach when he uttered the words "Gomawo."
Minjin smiled gently and waved briefly before going back and boarding the bus.
Heo Yeong-hwan was frozen for a moment, his heart pounding. He could not fathom that she had truly smiled at him. He shook his head, attempting to dispel the sensation. "I think... Aniya, Aniya," he murmured to himself, confused by the unexpected blossoming in his chest.