A metal staircase without a speck of dust.
The steps creak as I climb, gripping the cold handrail.
"Didn't you say you like sweet things?"
"Sometimes bitter stuff is nice too."
As Sia strides up ahead like some triumphant general, Mina and I trail behind, exchanging words.
"…"
"What? Too bitter to handle?"
Mina had said she'd have the same as me, so I ordered her an Americano. Now her face looks like she's bitten into a bug.
(Shouldn't have been so bold.)
I'd said I liked sweet things, not that I couldn't handle bitter ones.
Mina's expression, stung by this unexpected final blow, seems to demand an explanation.
(Was this really what you wanted to do?)
Inwardly, I let out a smug chuckle while sucking on my straw.
I deliberately ordered the coffee extra bitter, but I sipped it without so much as a grimace.
Mina's ever-changing expressions were quite the sight.
She takes a sip of her Americano, her face contorting in all sorts of ways, and I can't help but find it cute as I climb the stairs.
While we dawdle, taking our time, Sia is already up at the top, waving us over.
With a slight nod, I quicken my pace and reach the second floor, where dozens of tables are occupied by people.
As soon as we arrive, the gazes of the other patrons turn toward us, but I ignore them and guide Sia and Mina to an empty table.
Mina hesitates as she starts to sit next to me, shooting me a resentful glance before stepping back.
I figure she's heading to sit across from Sia, but she pauses there too, looking conflicted.
"Stop being so fidgety and just sit somewhere already," I say, suppressing a laugh as I figure out what's going on.
Mina alternates between staring at me and Sia with a serious expression before reluctantly plopping down next to me, clearly not thrilled about it.
(Guess I'm less scary than Sia. She's got a cute side.)
Once we're all settled, Sia speaks to me in a blunt yet concerned tone.
"I noticed people were staring at you earlier. Doesn't that bother you?"
(She's probably talking about when we came up here. Sia's got a surprisingly thoughtful side.)
"It's annoying, but I don't really care."
I answer casually, and Sia toys with the drink in front of her coffee or maybe just sugar syrup, who knows.
"Good to hear. A guard needs that kind of mental toughness.
When you deal with hundreds of people daily, things can get messy. Especially for a guy like you, it might be tough…"
Sia, who'd seemed a bit clueless before, suddenly turns serious.
The moment work comes up, she shifts into professional mode. It's unexpected, to say the least.
She pauses, tapping her fingers on the table before continuing.
"You seem like you'll be fine, though. You're still set on this, right? If you're having second thoughts, say so now. I'll admit I pushed you into this a bit."
"Nope, I'm good. I needed a job anyway, so this works out."
Sia nods, then her expression stiffens as if she just remembered something.
"Wait, can you get your parents' permission? We'll need a formal contract, and guardian consent is required."
"No problem there. I can sign for myself."
"No, that won't do. I'm the one who suggested this, but you still need permission."
Sia's face hardens, clearly not understanding my situation.
Maybe her conscience is nagging her after scouting me so aggressively, because she clamps her mouth shut.
Arms crossed, lips sealed tight, she stares at me a silent protest that she won't budge until I get parental approval.
As Sia holds her ground, Mina speaks up in a subdued voice on my behalf.
"…Sehwa's parents passed away, unnie."
"…Is that so? I misunderstood. Sorry."
Sia looks at me, clearly surprised.
Maybe she feels pity for a guy living alone in this harsh world, or maybe she's impressed.
I've long since let go of those dark emotions, but every time this comes up, the sympathetic looks make me feel a bit embarrassed.
I flash a small smile to show I'm fine.
Sia uncrosses her arms, her expression a mix of complex emotions as she speaks.
"I'm seeing you in a new light. It must've been tough, but you're holding up well. Alright, that settles that. I'll prepare the contract at the club, but let me explain things first."
Before Sia dives into the details, I take a moment to reflect on the day.
I went to the gym to blow off some stress, got scouted out of nowhere, and now I'm sitting in a café discussing a job with someone I just met.
Not to mention, I sparred with a girl earlier.
Is this fate or just coincidence?
It doesn't feel bad, but…
(Is my life finally coming together, or what?)
I'm lost in thought, unsure how to define this feeling, when Sia's words snap me back to reality.
"The pay is three hundred. Since you're a student, Sehwa, you'd only need to work Fridays and weekends."
(Three hundred for just three days? Is the club swimming in money?)
Or maybe they're giving me special treatment because I'm a guy.
I narrow my eyes, wondering how many rowdy guys there must be for them to need me like this.
(I never saw female guards in the original world. Maybe things are different in this reversed one.)
As I ponder the possibilities, my expression must've darkened, because Sia quickly adds, "The pay might seem low for such a big offer. If you want, you can work other days too, but you'd have to give up sleep."
"It's plenty. What about the hours?"
"Eight PM to eight AM."
"Sounds good."
Sia seems pleased with my quick, decisive response and says with a satisfied look, "I like your straightforwardness. As for the dress code… hmm."
(Dress code. Don't guards usually wear those?)
"Do I need to wear a suit or something?"
Sia takes a sip of her drink and sets it down.
"We're pretty relaxed about that. Wear a suit if you want, or casual clothes are fine too.
But you'd need darker colors gives off a bit of an intimidating vibe, which is necessary."
I was worried she'd insist on a suit, which would've been a problem since my wardrobe doesn't exactly scream "fancy."
"And, Sehwa, it'd be good if you wore something that shows off your tattoos.
I'm not forcing you to expose them, but it might help keep people from underestimating you as a guy. Of course, wear what you're comfortable with."
(Hmm, would that really work? People don't exactly leave me alone as it is.)
I chuckle, recalling past incidents, but nod in agreement.
Sia's about to be my boss, and I don't feel like arguing with her advice.
As expected, she seems pleased with my response, flashing a hearty smile and extending her hand.
"I'll send you the dates and times via chat. Let's do well together, Sehwa Ryu."
_
_____
After what felt like an endless conversation, we finally wrap up.
Outside the coffee shop, we exchange numbers, and Sia leaves.
Only then does Mina, who'd been silent, finally open her tightly shut lips and interrogate me.
"You're seriously weird."
She says she can't even make sense of how today went.
One minute, she's terrified of Sia-unnie, and the next, Sia's hiring me as a guard.
And here I am, smiling like I'm perfectly fine with it all.
"Am I?"
I reply half-heartedly, not even glancing her way.
Mina's long eyelashes flutter at my nonchalant tone.
My laid-back attitude, as if I'm not worried about the future at all, makes her let out a sigh.
Cigarettes, alcohol, tattoos, and now working at a club.
I'm the furthest thing from "well-behaved."
A guy whose looks and physique could ruin someone's life if they fell for him.
A woman might approach him for a fling, only to end up offering everything money, heart, and all.
(No, wait. We're not even dating, so why am I worrying about this?)
Mina tries to shake off her spiraling thoughts, but her face flushes as she recalls earlier events.
"Why's your face red again? Thinking something naughty?"
I tease her casually, and Mina flails her arms in protest.
"W-What are you talking about?! Also, we literally just met today!"
(We only learned each other's names today… how did we get this close?)
I shrug at her intense reaction, as if to say, (So what?)
"So? You started teasing me first."
"That's true, but… ugh, whatever. What kind of guy acts like this?"
Mina, feeling like she's lost another round, starts walking away dejectedly.
I don't know the way to her place, so I naturally fall into step beside her.
As we walk side by side, passing through streets where signs flicker in the darkening evening, people steal glances at me.
Mina knows why but pretends not to notice.
Admitting it would feel like complimenting me, and that'd make her feel like she's losing again.
(Hmph. Is he really that good-looking? I don't think so.)
Even so, she can't help but frown at the sight.
Women in the distance, holding up their phones to approach me, turn back reluctantly when they see Mina by my side.
(Isn't he intimidating? Covered in tattoos, with a cold personality.)
Mina thinks they're like moths drawn to a flame, knowing it'll burn them.
____
Near a convenience store, in a dim alley.
Finally, I can breathe a little.
The whole walk, Mina's been glaring around with such cold eyes, I started doubting if this was the same Mina I knew.
(Is it because her personality and looks are so different? It feels unfamiliar.)
"Hey."
"W-What? Something wrong?"
Mina stumbles over her words, on edge for some reason.
(She didn't used to be like this. Did I tease her too much today?)
I decide I'll let her win one eventually and say with a bright smile, "Today was fun. See you tomorrow."
I mean it, but Mina bites her lip, looking dissatisfied, before muttering something in a voice so soft it could befriend an ant.
Then she strides off and disappears.
I'm a bit stunned but quickly shake it off, my footsteps echoing through the quiet streets.
(Guess I'll look for some decent clothes when I get home.)
_________________________________________
Translated by Reversalmanhwa.web.id
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