Chapter 1

          Every people who passed through this double front wide crystal door were easily mesmerized to the elegance of this exquisite place. Class and modesty encompassed the surrounding, like they were forbidden to burst out a carefree and loud laugh around the area. Their sultry extravagant clothes complimented the delicate ambiance, and it flattered them 'very well enough' to determine their status. They seem like having a fashion show here inside, proving who was the richest of them all.

          The way these group of people grasp their forks and glasses and knives were stuffed with so much grace. Composures of their backs stood on point, and the way they swallow their food contained with poise. Gleams of ornaments coming from their head down to their hands were shining brighter than my future. Their presences were undeniably classified as pretty entitled and sophisticated individuals.

          It only makes me sick to watch them from afar. Well, what should I expect? They are elites after all.

          As I tried to remember my past lessons about elites, they were the richest, most powerful, well-educated, and more privilege than non-elite populations in a society. They came prevailingly from wealthy families, some of whose members may be held elite positions in preceding generations. They have these scintillating yet cunning agendas whether these will solely benefit them or these will be for the common good (I doubt it). Though, I am not generalizing or making a hostile comment about them. It was a matter of utilitarian opinion.

          If I'll continue to grow and think like a communist, socialist, anti-capitalist or whatsoever they call it, probably Karl Marx and others are so proud of me. They should be. But who am I to criticize them anyway? Let's just say I am a concerned citizen who feels disgusted whenever they display too much lavishness and indulgence.

          How I wish I could leave this place without any hesitation but I can't let go this job. I need this to make a living, even if sometimes hard to bear some fuming criticisms from several vain customers. You know, bunch of bigheaded freaks who were belittling you because of your old, untidy fashion sense and your underclass social status. Perhaps I couldn't agree anymore since it previously happened. Yet, I already had enough with this stuff so let's move forward.

          But look, I got no choice but to grab this job, okay?

          If you were living a decent life because of your parents' stable work and their constant financial support, then I can say you're a lucky kid and congratulations. They all provided you everything: a nicer life and other cooler material belongings that any children could ever wish to have. You will never think of having a sugar mommy or daddy, right? We're on the same page then. I am not that desperate to compromise something else. There are plenty of alternatives out there to muster.

          But here's a quick tip in your soon-to-be-adult life: Be thankful to your parents for giving you what you have today and a simple appreciation and a total love can pay off their sweats, sacrifices and efforts.

          Because just so you know, working for only three months was already exhausting. Truly fatiguing, they say. It could drain you out painfully, more likely in its little grueling ways. I became deprived of sleep at times due to tons of work. There was a time I couldn't hold a grip to stand anymore because I am too sleepy. What I did was I slept inside the restroom during my shift. Good thing, my boss didn't catch me or otherwise I'll be fired right away. Besides, I am just a part-timer yet I can't afford to have bad records.

          If you were a daughter/son that came from a wealthy family who doesn't have financial crises, then we couldn't be friends at all. Rich kids are only for your own kind, and we unfortunates should stay out of your sights. This predicted dialogue came from a brainless customer we had back then. I hope I couldn't see any longer her on fleek yet fake eyebrows, because I swear I'll entirely wipe it with wipers.

          By the way, I think you're also underprivileged like me? I sense the same aura flowing to your body for not having an allowance this whole summer break or most probably, every day. Welcome to my club then. I am broke so as you, and I am raising my hopes that you can relate at my life.

          My name is Lee Ae-ra.

          People call me Aeries because I prefer my English name more than my Korean name. I am eighteen years old, soon to start off my first college year. Well, the story of my life wasn't like this before. I used to be an average student who studied in a private school. I also used to excel in class, but for some main reasons, it all changed when new rough and serious conflicts arise.

          Last January, my father was diagnosed a disease called 'Multiple Myeloma', a blood cancer formed by malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. It has still no definite cure as of today, but there are several treatments that can relieve and control it such as: chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy and other more, but there is no hundred percent sure it can make my dad cancer-free. Other than that, we can have a bone marrow transplant or also known as stem cell, although he still needs to receive high doses of chemotherapy to destroy the diseased bone marrow. One way or another, he needs a huge amount of money to proceed and given that we got no extra cash left to spend.

          Why?

          All of our savings in the bank were depleted in just a single snap. How does it happen? The bank had been mugged by the employees itself including the chief executive and they escaped from their responsibilities. Cool isn't it?

          Before me, he was the one and only breadwinner of the family after my mom died seven years ago in a tragic car accident. None of her things remained because the sudden incident obliterated it. We didn't recover anything, even her body that supposed to be retrieved from the crash. The rescuers told us that they didn't cease the wild fire before it scattered all around the vicinity. I remembered no more than that day was mom decided to abandon us, heading somewhere that we couldn't reach her forever. That word 'forever' she uttered would be surprisingly turned out as her final word. She completely left us lost in a sea of gray, without even knowing her reasons to dispose her family like a waste.

          Now my dad became sick, I, who his solely daughter and child, was expectedly responsible to support him from his expensive medications and treatments. Beside of that circumstance, I've been troubled for days due to these loaded debts in different loan banks. They were sending me a lot of mails and I am not sure if I can repay those dues, unless I know someone who could offer some help. I could ask my mother's household, but I doubt they'll help since they never spoke to us after the grave clash. They still bitterly despised my father for failing to give there one and only daughter a good life that she deserves.

          Meanwhile, I have no idea about the whereabouts of my father's family. He never disclosed anything about them. He always stayed silent each time I asked it. He only kept his wide smile despite of repressing the pain inside. I can see through his eyes the despair and loneliness. That lighted me up to quit querying a sensitive topic like this. I already accepted the fact that I was the only one who'll be shouldering this.

         I am currently working at the most popular restaurant and bar in Seoul, the El Dorado. I am planning to save and earn enough money this summer break for my expected high tuition fee this college, even though my weekly salary isn't enough for us thanks to our mounting bills. I am almost prepared to have double or triple jobs so that I can amass sufficient money for my studies. I had sacrificed more than enough to deal with these problems. Still, I don't know what will happen next month and ahead, so it's good at least to secure a goal for my future but there's no assurance yet.

          Let me tell you that Mr. Ok, our authoritarian boss, was the owner and head manager of this exclusive diner. He was this thirty-year-old guy with a firm and meticulous attitude. I'd like to describe him as very attractive because he really was. He had this charming round black iris, a tall and sharp nose, and a well-built sexy body. He often wore a formal dark colored lounge suit together with his pair of slim fit trouser and his polished leather smart shoes.

          He is handsome, and yet there's an exception all the time. Behind those features, I relatively dislike him for being too unfriendly and uncompromising on some occasions. He doesn't wear a smile as if it was so difficult for him to do it. Only his tough poker face or flat expression would come across the surface of his lips. Further than those, he has this short temperament that you couldn't easily disregard.

          Longtime employees also warned me not to make him mad at any circumstances. I noted that tip. So far, I didn't do anything to annoy him. Well, I hope this part-time job will be okay.

          "Aeries, customers outside!" my fellow worker called.

          "Okay!"

          After I immaculately clean the table, I trot the place in haste to welcome the new herd batch of overindulge foreign and domestic customers. If there's any chance, I try to freshen up myself to look presentable and by not looking so haggard and trash.

          Trash.

          I should avoid that word. It's a mean and inappropriate insult, but I can't stop them if they wanted to say it. You just need to feign their judgmental eyes every time they'll look at you from head to toe, distinguishing if you were civilized enough to fit to their standards. Well, their standards shouldn't be labeling you from whom you are, but instead focused more on eliminating social classes in the society, by controlling and taking ownership of personal insecurities. Remember, not only money and social status can bring happiness and entitlement.

          "Good afternoon! Welcome to El Dorado," I chirped. "Please follow me."

          As we enter and walk down the red carpet path, their attentions are certainly charmed to the three custom built structural helical staircase chandeliers of the restaurant. It purely made out of copper plumbing pipes and was supported by copper ribs. El Dorado became recognized and featured in a well-known magazine because of its marvel magic that created a big worldwide history. This architectural building was warmly lit; it gave them an inexplicable awe. The fancy, unique, and creative feature of interior design including the great-sculpted motif is obtaining a massive popularity in the city. Many of our customers just traveled here to witness the ineffable beauty of this place as well as to taste our impeccably luscious cuisines.

          Once I ushered them to their respective seats, I let my other colleagues do their jobs. I went back cleaning the unoccupied tables before another batch could come in. I polished up almost four tables for a couple of minutes, yet there are still plenty unclean spots left. These people never learned to clean as they go. Along my way, somebody just suddenly startled me from behind.

          I flinched and felt a mini heart attack. I composed myself for a second and I turned around to figure out who it is, and I was right. He wouldn't stop me even if I told in a million times—he is such a nuisance.

          "Hi," he spoke. "Want to have some snacks with me? My treat."

          "No thanks. I've plenty of work to do," I blandly pointed the tables.

          His tall stature and his small dark puppy eyes were really disturbing me. I can't remove my gaze from it as it captivating me from time to time. With his well-groomed comma hairstyle, razor sharp jawline, and godly visual features, he can already be a model if he wanted to. No wonder why all girls here were drooling over him—well, except from me.

          "C'mon! You and I have the same break time. You should chill for a bit, and I can help you later if you want."

          "I don't need your help, Seongwoo," then I walked away.

          "You're really snubbing me, Aeries!" he yelled. "What must I do for you to come with me? Am I not cute enough?"

          I know whenever he's expressing that, there is always an initial action. He is probably pouting his lips with a cute yet cringe facial expression. I defer my work and look directly into his eyes and give him an irritating glare.

          "Just pierce your eyeballs with this and say hi to Death for me," I showed him the bread knife.

          Instead of leaving me alone, he just walks toward to my direction while looking at me with an unnerve expression. This guy really wants to stab out his eyes. After a split of seconds, I was taken aback once he held my right hand very tightly and removed the knife. His stare was intense enough to make my heart jolted all over again. His face went closer with only few centimeters gap left. Then, I didn't expect what he did afterwards.

          Seongwoo abruptly kneels down on his knees in terrify and begs some forgiveness. I can't tell what I should feel at this moment: embarrassed, ashamed or maddened because of his unreasonable behavior. To think, there were tons of customers inside including foreigners and he made a mortifying show in front of them. They'll think we have a love quarrel—scrap that wrong idea. How on earth I allowed this childish and unpredictable guy to be my so-called best friend. I don't want to be his best friend but he enforced it.

          I instantly drag him inside the locker room before it's too late to salvage both of us from public humiliation and misunderstanding. I am dead once his fan girls heard this news. They are going to hunt and kill me, especially some of my co-workers. They hated me because Seongwoo always approached me whenever he saw my face. If they feel threatened at me, I'd be gladly to surrender Seongwoo to them as a bargain for peace.

          I am not interested at him.

          We've just known each other this last April so I don't know much any information about him. All I know, he is one year older than me and is studying in a school that showcase new promising talents. I've seen him once dancing, not exactly if that was during our break time. But I have to admit he is great in popping and freestyle. No doubt Seongwoo is one of the most outstanding Korean guys out here in Seoul. With his fabulous looks and trendy Korean-street fashion sense, no one can ever resist him.

          He can be an idol, though.

          On top of all that, he has this little habit of teasing me whenever he wants to. He loves to annoy me to the point I got pissed off (not only once but almost every time). But once he saw me upset, he would just fold his ears and unfold it back without touching them. Or worst, he'll use his aegyo to charm me. It was his way to cheer me up after being bullied. He had done it many times but I never bought it for once. I hate too much cutesy and we are not that close either.

          I kept piercing Seongwoo with my pointy-dagger-look, and he knew his attractive and adorable charms couldn't do anything to cease my burning flame. He just then acts like a pre-school kid in detention, contemplating his wrongdoings at the right side corner of the locker room. I am really having a bad time with this guy.

          "Could you please stop acting like a kid?"

          He cast down his head in dejection while still sitting, "Its okay if you don't like to go with me. I still like you anyway."

          I ignore his lame cheesy pickup line and emit a stressful sigh. He always makes me feel bad. Why is it my fault for declining his request? Is it because I'm hurting his ego? Sorry, but I don't give a damn about it. It is his choice to follow and do something I didn't desire for.

          Then, out of the blue, we didn't expect to hear something unnecessary around the room. It's like a cranky tiger that growls and rumbles inside my stomach pit because she's so hungry.

          I sneered, "C'mon. Let's go," I told him, looking so bundled with embarrassment. I'll guess what his presumable reaction right now: he is laughing behind.

          "Say a word and I'll punch your face," I shut him up before he could talk.

          He purely gave me a grin and moved in front to open the door. If he only knew that I'm saving my money for my dad, I wouldn't allow him to treat me. Even if I insist to buy my own food, he will pay it no matter what. I don't want people think of me that I am taking advantage of his kindness. Hell no.

          Plus a friendly reminder: Don't ever get fool by Seongwoo's cotton candy words. He merely likes to kid around. In fact, it did not appeal to my taste. It's just that I have a soft spot for him but not as what you think of it. He is such a good friend to me and no more than that. He will never like me nor will confess his feelings that frankly. No one ever does that.

          Once the sun kissed the sea, Mr. Ok requested all of us to come to his office for an urgent meeting.

          "I summoned all of you here to notify that we are having important guests who will arrive soon," no one tried to speak.

          "They are all VIPs, and I advise all the regular employees should take overtime," he added.

          When our boss utterly stated that stiff order, none of them disapprove to his directive. No one does have the courage. So most likely, they should follow Mr. Ok instead of complaining.

          I, who was officially a part-timer, started to drift off my feet outside to his office. I want to go home early, yet bad luck is waving at me. My boss suddenly forbids me with these three disagreeable words.

          "Aeries, you'll stay..."

          I swivel my head, pretending I didn't hear it, "Pardon?"

          "I said, stay and work."

          "Why would I stay? I am not even a regular employee. I am a part-timer!" His eyes squint in irritation. I know I shouldn't refuse but it's unfair.

          "You've been working here for three months with no experiences at entertaining VIPs, right?"

          "Yes, but—"

          "I'll triple your pay this week," that deal flows so beautifully into my ears. "Take it or leave it?"

          I didn't hesitate at all, "Fine," for the sake of money.

          He smirks, "Okay. Go back to work!"

If only I could say no. Wish me luck then.

To be continued...

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