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Chapter 19
“Why isn’t there any message? Why hasn’t she texted me back, Manager?”
Collapsing over his arms on the desk, Garam muttered helplessly.
The manager of Code Entertainment, long used to these fits of whining, answered without even a flicker of life in his tone.
“Who exactly are you waiting on, and for what kind of message?”
“A friend… I gave her a gift, you see? By now she should’ve at least hinted that she liked it, but there’s nothing.”
“Then she must not have liked it. What a pity.”
“You’re such a T, aren’t you.”
“ESTP, confirmed.”
“Knew it. T’s are all like that.”
Never once considering the fault might be his, Garam pressed his face into his arm.
Minju… why won’t you say anything?
It had been one week and three days since he started showering Minju with presents.
Maybe I should’ve been more thoughtful?
He was playful, clingy, the type who liked to stick close to people. But confessing was something he was terrible at—embarrassment tied his tongue.
And yet, he couldn’t hide the urgency he felt in their relationship.
All he knew was where she lived—only because he’d used his mother as an excuse to visit. Where she worked, how she spent her free time—those were all mysteries.
It wasn’t even like they were childhood friends who drifted apart. No, just a few years ago they’d been close. And then, suddenly, Minju began to pull away.
Just like last time. After ages apart, she avoids me? When I think about it, it really hurts. Honestly, it stings.
That had never happened before.
Which was why Garam’s instincts jumped immediately to one conclusion: Minju must have someone she liked.
Someone who changes like that? That’s always about love.
…And that’s why she’s distancing herself from me?
If he assumed that, everything made sense. And the thought lit a fire under his chest.
Who is it? Who dares cut in line like this? I’ve liked her first, since elementary school! Not once have I strayed.
If you liked someone, there was supposed to be an order. His chest burned.
“Haaaa…”
He sighed so heavily the whole office seemed to feel it.
“Garam, go sulk somewhere else. You’re a distraction.”
“Manager, you’re not even human. I have this friend, totally cold like a robot, and you’re exactly the same. How can people be so heartless?”
“That’s right. I’m not human. Now get out.”
“There’s no one on my side in this world.”
Dragging himself upright, Garam trudged out.
If Minju really had someone, he had to move first. The gifts had been meant as that preemptive strike.
No, it was the right call. Once she contacts me, I can use it as an excuse to meet. Ask her what she liked. If she asks who the gift is for, I’ll just say I already gave it—to her. And if I find out she does have someone? Then I’ll play it off and pray they break up fast.
It was a plan that could go either way—retreat or advance—perfectly clever.
All he needed now was for Minju to reply.
“What are you doing, Minju, that you won’t just send me a message?”
As he left the office, he ran into an employee in the hallway.
“Hello.”
“Ah, Garam-ssi, hello.”
He walked past, then stopped, eyeing the man.
“Wait—don’t I know you from somewhere…?”
Studying the face more closely, Garam’s eyes widened.
“You’re Haerin’s manager, aren’t you?”
* * *
“Wow, this actually works. Look at the followers piling up.”
“How many now?”
“One hundred and twenty.”
“That’s not bad. Let’s keep running small events like this.”
“Yeah. We’ve got extra desserts anyway. Might as well give them away.”
Haerin and Minju had officially launched the Serenade Revival Project.
It was unrealistic to expect a ten-million-won monthly revenue right away, but step by step, they could grow.
They stuck SNS promotion stickers on cup sleeves and packaging. Follow on-site, get a cookie. The turnout was decent.
“Hey, are you really giving up on the whole ‘With Vegetables’ line? Was it that bad?”
Haerin nodded firmly.
“People shouldn’t feel put off right away. Look at how the safer ones sell. Even people who only came for freebies come back to buy them.”
“I know, I know. Still, damn. That was my magnum opus. Chocolate desserts just feel boring.”
Individuality, huh. There had been plenty of that. Garlic tarts, bell pepper pudding… things few would dare create.
The problem was, few would dare eat them either.
“Releasing a new dessert every month is great, though. We can post them online. Half safe, half your ideas. But nothing too divisive.”
“So no mint chocolate?”
“Right.”
Her personal love for mint chocolate didn’t matter here.
“Fine… What’s individuality worth if it doesn’t sell.”
Haerin placed another sticker neatly on a bag.
“You posted the part-time job ad, right?”
“Yeah. Someone’s coming for an interview today.”
“Today? Really?”
Finally, an applicant. Haerin silently prayed this one would stick. They needed someone to give honest reactions to each new dessert—just one bite, a simple “good” or “bad.”
Too many had fled after hearing names like “Bell Pepper Pudding.”
“All done.”
“Thanks.”
Minju barely looked up, frowning at her phone.
“What’s wrong? Did your follower count drop?”
“No. I’m trying to figure out how to reply to a message.”
“Oh, from that guy?”
“Don’t you call him ‘guardian angel’ anymore?”
“No, angel sounds too cheesy now.”
Minju’s joking faded into a serious scowl.
“He contacted me a while ago, but I ignored it. I should reply, but I really don’t want him to bring up the gifts. Should I just say I didn’t like any of them?”
“That works too. But—who is it he even likes? If you knew his type, you could just give that kind of gift. Why go through all this trouble?”
“Exactly! Now I’m irritated again. I have to find out who he likes.”
Haerin nodded, packing her things.
“You’ve got nothing else to do, right? I’ll go before the part-timer arrives.”
“Yeah. It’d be awkward if you stayed.”
The bell above the door jingled.
“Excuse me…”
A man shuffled in—thick horn-rimmed glasses, slightly awkward air.
“I… applied for the part-time job.”
“Ah, welcome. Come on in.”
As he approached the counter, he suddenly froze, eyes on Haerin.
“Wait. Are you Yoo Haerin?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Are you… going to keep working here? I’m such a fan. Honestly, I don’t think I can do the interview—I’m too nervous…”
“Oh no, don’t worry! Relax. I was just about to leave anyway.”
She glanced at Minju, who gave a small nod.
Might as well step out—no sense scaring off the first applicant in ages.
The man shifted, then reached out tentatively.
“I saw you on Cooking King. You were hilarious. I’ll watch every episode. Could I shake your hand…?”
“Thank you so much. I’ll work even harder.”
Their hands met. His grip tightened nervously before he bowed his head.
Haerin left Serenade with a surprisingly light heart.
If he saw episode one, he must’ve seen the garlic challenge too.
It hadn’t turned out nearly as ridiculous as she’d feared. Slapstick when it happened, sure—but not humiliating on screen.
I hope episode two comes out just as fun.
The thought of the next broadcast led inevitably back to Hyun.
“……Should I have that meal this week?”
Why drag it out? Curiosity only grew heavier.
As she walked, she pulled out her phone. The only thing sitting in her chat with him was her initial message: Hello, this is Yoo Haerin.
Weekend would be better. Weeknights are too late, and he needs his rest too.
After a long pause, she typed:
Are you free this Saturday? If so, let’s have dinner that nigth.
