『JenSoo Short Stories』

Affinity and Chicken #1: Coincidence and Incidence

After a long day of dance practice, Jennie is finally able to have a good rest before the big day tomorrow. Her dance crew is engaged to dance at Lady Gaga's world tour in Korea the next day. They are all very excited and to Jennie, this is the best news she has heard so far. Nothing seems right ever since she has moved back to Seoul from New Zealand to pursue her dreams of being a dancer, especially outside her dance studio.

She recalls the time when she first came home to Seoul alone and wanted to get some food from the nearby convenience store. She met an obnoxious person, who took the last pack of her favourite sandwich and the can of milk tea that she had been craving for the entire day.

She doesn't want to remember the person but it seems as though she has an affinity with the other. She has bumped into the said person many times, on multiple occasions.

There was a time when she was at the bookstore, hoping to get the latest copy of her favourite magazine, but guess what? The person took it away despite her having to reach for it first. The reason was that the other thought she would not be able to appreciate such work. That left Jennie mad and she hoped that she wouldn't have to see the same person again.

Guess what, maybe God has been playing a prank on her.

She was shopping in the supermarket near her dance studio. All she wanted to get was kimchi, but of a specific brand. Guess what again? The person took it away as soon as she set her eyes on the last pack and walked away. It didn't take her long enough to recognise the person, wearing the black hoodie.

She gave up.

Maybe, some people just appear in your life to mess things up.

Today, she hopes that she can have some peace after a long day of dance. She has heard about a great chicken place from social media, that sells the best chicken, be it fried, steamed, stewed, or whatever you name it, they probably have it. She has her eyes set on the grilled chicken skewers. She needs her protein after an intense practice. She has to eat it after working so hard and also not getting what she wanted for the past few weeks.

"Ahjumma, can I have the grilled chicken skewers, please," say Jennie and another person in unison. She definitely recognises the voice. It turns out to be her nemesis who has been swooping in and taking stuff from her. This time, she has to have it her way.

The other person turns around and is surprised to see the same lady who has been appearing at the convenience store, supermarket, bookstore and this time at her favourite chicken place. Being a loyal person of the chicken place and the grilled chicken skewers, she has tasted it every day. Maybe it is her conscience kicking in, she decides to give in to the lady who she has crossed path with more often than before. To be honest, that is the first for her. She has never given up chicken for someone else.

"You can have it," with that the person leaves the shop empty-handed.

Jennie is bewildered. It is the first time that the stranger has offered her something rather than taking things away. With that, she makes her purchase.

"You are lucky, our loyal customer gave up her chicken for you. We usually save the last few pieces for her, on our boss' order. She comes by every day to get them." says the cashier, as she packs the chicken skewers for Jennie who has ordered them to go.

This time, Jennie feels bad. With the chicken on her hand, maybe she doesn't want it anymore but it did make her change her impression of someone.

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It is a beautiful morning, the sun is shining brightly. Its rays radiating out from the clear blue sky. It is a good day for Jennie, she is ready to head out to the chicken place. She is planning to catch hold of someone. Rather than the usual coincidental meeting, she decides to make it intentional. Not that she wants to but it was a great deal for her to accept the chicken that day. She would rather have other things than the chicken. Let's just say that the chicken skewers made her feel guilty. Terribly guilty.