Translation of Love

32

Part Timer

"Enjoy your meal," I smile at the old couple sitting at the table and turn to head back into the kitchen.

The restaurant is finally picking up more customers—thanks to the revamped menu. My experimentation with dishes ended up passing Seulgi's test, and her mom agreed to let me try out my recipes. She is cooking in the kitchen and my dad is taking stock of ingredients. Seulgi is at school still so I am here to help wait the tables.

"Who knew all this time I just needed to upgrade my recipes," she says while impressively moving a heavy wok with one of her frail hands. "Or maybe it's because we have a pretty employee now." She looks at me with a smile as she says this. I brush this off with a laugh.

"No, no. I think you just needed new motivation." I grab a plate of cooked seasoned meat and move back into the dining area. We upgraded a few more small things, including the TV that hangs in the corner and the chairs. The place is looking less like a run-down restaurant likely infested with rats and more like a cute and delicious mom-and-pop restaurant; one people might call a hidden gem.

"Enjoy," I smile to another customer.

"Thank you young lady." The woman smiles back at me. I feel good when I hear her "mm" in the background, commenting on the taste of the food.

The bells of the door ring again. I turn around with a smile.

"어서오세요 [welcome]!" My eyes are met with familiar ones. "Oh—"

He comes right up to me, hands immediately attacking my hair.

"Look at my little part-timer, you look so cute with your uniform," Taeyoung's hands continue to harass my hair and I become aware of the customers watching us.

"Hey, stop that," I whisper-yell at him, pushing his arms down. "Why are you here?"

"I wanted to surprise you." His wide smile elicits a smile on my own face.

"Take a seat then."

He does and he watches every step I take as I grab a menu and pitcher of water.

"What would you like to drink?" I try to ask professionally since the other customers can hear us.

"You." My face burns in embarrassment.

"Taeyoung, stop it." I whisper-yell at him again, softly hitting his arm.

"Water is fine," he laughs as his eyes crinkle.

I frown as I leave to get a pitcher of water.

"Do we have another customer?" Seulgi's mom asks.

"Yeah," I hesitantly say before swiftly leaving. They've never met Taeyoung before.

"Here." I put the pitcher of water down hastily.

"Ooh, my waitress is a bit rude."

I sigh, trying my hardest to not roll my eyes at him.

"What would you like to eat," I say between my gritted teeth. "And don't you dare say—"

"너 [you]" He smiles at me mischievously.

I take a deep breath before turning on my heels. I'll just have to choose for him.

I decide to ignore him until his food is ready, much to his despair. He shoots me a puppy-dog pout every time I walk by him, once even sneakily grabbing my butt when I walk by. The look on my face I'm sure was priceless.