First Paycheck in New Place & Kindness
The shop was unusually quiet when Yuki finished her shift. The fryer hummed softly, the smell of soy–garlic chicken clinging to her clothes. She wiped her hands on her apron just as Mr. Han approached from the back office, holding a small white envelope and a neatly packed chicken combo.
"Yuki-ah, here. Your first month's pay."He placed the envelope in her hands, then pushed the warm takeaway box toward her."And take this home. You look pale today. Eat well."
Yuki blinked, surprised. "A-ah… ajusshi, this is too much. I can't—"
"Take it." He waved his hand, firm but gentle. "Child, rest a little. I heard your exams are coming. You can skip a month if you need. Work will wait. But without good health… life doesn't move."
Her throat tightened. No boss had ever said something like that to her.
"Thank you… really. Thank you so much for your generosity."
Mr. Han shrugged as if it were nothing. "Go home safely. Tell your roommate to share the chicken with you." His voice softened. "Kids your age should laugh more, not look like they're carrying three lifetimes on their backs."
Yuki bowed, heart swelling."Good night, ajusshi."
Stepping outside, she hugged the warm chicken box against her chest, cold night air brushing against her pale cheeks.
It's so weird…When he first hired her, he barely even looked at her—just glanced, nodded, and handed her the uniform. He had been too busy frying chicken, shouting orders, calculating bills all at once.
But somehow… over time, he noticed her.
He actually noticed me. The way I got tired, the way I tried… even my pale face.
She smiled faintly.
May Allah bless him. He isn't rich like my previous boss, but he's so much kinder. He gives discounts when he sees someone struggling… pays me generously… talks to me like a father sometimes.He's not perfect—no one can be nice every second of their life. But maybe that's why… he looks happier than my last boss. More human.
Clutching the food, she hurried up the apartment stairs, excitement bubbling in her tired chest.
As soon as she pushed open the door, Jennie looked up from her sketchpad.
"Yuki? You're back—"
Before she could finish, Yuki jumped forward and wrapped her arms around her.
"Jennie! Look what I got!"She lifted the chicken box like a trophy, eyes sparkling."We're eating this today! It's on the house!"
Jennie blinked, then laughed softly."What? For real? That's amazing!"
"Mm-hm! Let's enjoy it. Today feels… good."
Yuki grinned, warmth filling her chest for the first time in weeks.
Jennie quickly took the chicken box from Yuki's hands."Go shower first. You didn't wash up today, right? I'll set everything up."
Yuki groaned dramatically. "Jennie, you're the best… seriously the best."
"I know. Now go." Jennie nudged her toward the bathroom.
Yuki took a long, warm shower, letting the steam melt away the shift's exhaustion. When she stepped out in her soft T-shirt and cotton shorts, her hair damp, the living room already smelled like heaven—soy-garlic chicken arranged neatly, rice bowls ready, water poured.
Yuki sat down. "Waaah… looks like a feast."
Jennie grinned. "Because we deserve it."
They began eating, and after a few bites, Jennie's eyes lit up.
"Oh! Today… my fashion project presentation went really well."
Yuki paused mid-chew. "Really? Tell me!"
Jennie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks warming."You know the garment construction project? The one where we had to design a themed mini-collection and create one full outfit?"
"Mm-hmm."
"I showed my 'Midnight Seoul' collection—remember the one with the asymmetrical blazer and embroidered skirt?" Her smile grew. "Everyone clapped… and Professor Min said my pattern work improved a lot. People actually came to congratulate me afterward."
Yuki's eyes sparkled instantly, pride blooming across her tired face."Jennie… that's amazing. I'm so happy for you."She reached forward and held Jennie's hand."I saw you since childhood… how much passion you had for fashion. Seeing you get praised like this—honestly, it means so much to me."
Jennie swallowed softly, moved. "Yuki…"
Yuki squeezed her hand once, then resumed eating. "Tell me more! What did they say? How did they react? I love this."
Jennie giggled. "You're too excited."
"I'm allowed to be proud of you!" Yuki declared.
Jennie laughed, then asked, "And what about you? How's your situation going?"
Yuki leaned back with a long exhale. "Ahhhh… it's just this week. Once I finish these deadlines, I'll be free."
Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Isn't your exam in two weeks? How are you free after one week?"
Yuki waved her chopsticks."Jennie, you forgot. This is the phase where everything changes. Most professors finish the syllabus this week. After that it's all review sessions."She continued counting on her fingers:"Group projects reach like… 70–80% completion. Marketing group PPT draft is due. Business Policy mid-project too. Consumer Behavior final report outline. Plus rehearsals start."
Jennie blinked. "So that part is this week…"
"Yes. And next week the classes basically end. We'll probably get like three or four days off before exams."
Jennie's expression softened."Yuki… go easy on yourself, okay? You're taking too much pressure. Take care of your mental health too."
Yuki smiled weakly, pretending she wasn't exhausted."I'll try, Jennie."
Jennie took another bite of chicken, then glanced at Yuki cautiously."And what about your… that kind classmates? Are they still behaving rude to you?"
Yuki shrugged, poking her rice. "I don't know…"
Jennie frowned. "Exactly what is their problem? Out of nowhere they started picking on you."
"I have no idea," Yuki sighed. "Even if I try to think, I can't find a reason."
Jennie leaned forward. "And after the restaurant incident… did they say anything?"
Yuki hesitated. "Maybe they wanted to. But I didn't have the mood to talk to them for almost a month—until this final group session came."She scoffed. "And then they were pissed… saying I wasn't even giving them the chance to apologize."
Jennie's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. I didn't talk about it further. The professor called me for some work, so I just left."
Jennie clicked her tongue. "Hmm… Yuki, people who aren't worth your time? Don't waste your emotions on them."Her voice softened. "And listen… I'm here for you. For everything. If you need to talk, anytime."
Yuki smiled weakly. "I know."
Jennie took a breath. "Then do me one favor."
Yuki blinked. "What?"
Jennie clasped her hands together dramatically. "Please, please take rest. Your body is breaking down. I can see it—anyone can."
Yuki let out a small laugh. "Jennie… you love me too much, that's why it's twitching your eyes. It's a little hard for me now, that's all. After exams, we'll get semester break. I'll get better then."
Jennie was about to protest—Yuki saw her inhale sharply, ready to scold. But when Jennie looked into Yuki's exhausted eyes, her expression softened instantly.
"…Fine," Jennie whispered. "I don't know why or what you're doing to yourself, Yuki. But I know my part. I'll pray for you. And I'll stay beside you. No matter what."
Yuki blinked, touched. Then she teased under her breath,"Ahhh… when did we grow up so much to have this kind of conversation, Jennie?"
Jennie flicked her forehead. "Yah! I'm trying to be serious—don't twist it!"
Yuki laughed and poked her shoulder. Jennie shoved her back.Within seconds they were bickering playfully, the tension melting into soft giggles as they continued eating their simple, comforting dinner together.
Three days later, the study room felt like a humid box filled with whispers, papers, and strained patience.
The business policy project group sat scattered around the big table.Charts.Drafts.Half-written slides.
And in the middle of it all—Yuki, typing on one laptop while scribbling notes for another subject beside it.
Donghyun whispered, "Yuki… you're doing both at the same time?"
"Mm," Yuki hummed without looking up. "Consumer Behavior report is time-sensitive… and you guys are still on Part B, right? I can keep going."
But the others didn't take it well.
Haneul grumbled under his breath, "Of course she's fast. She's acting like she's the only capable one…"
Another girl muttered, "She's doing too much… makes us look slow."
Someone else snickered, "Or she just doesn't want to work with us."
Yuki heard pieces of it—faint echoes—but her brain was too loaded to bother responding. She kept typing, eyes moving rapidly, mind laser-focused.
Hours passed.
Then—BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Her alarm buzzed.
Yuki stretched her neck, shutting her laptop softly. "Guys, I have to go. I'll be back after ten. You can continue the parts you were handling."
She started packing up her materials.
But then—
"YAH, Yuki!"Haneul slammed his pen down. "We might've been slow but you didn't even do your assigned part. We won't submit your name. Don't think you can just run off!"His tone sharpened into something spiteful. Something personal.
A few others winced.
Yuki stopped moving.
Then slowly… very slowly… she lifted her eyes.
Her expression was flat. Emotionless. The kind of stare someone gives when they are far past tired, far past caring.
"Is that so?" she said softly, raising one eyebrow. "Does anyone else want to say something to him… in my defense?"
Silence.
Not a single person opened their mouth.
Yuki let out a tiny exhale—almost a laugh, almost a sigh.
"…Thought so."
She reached under the messy stack of drafts and pulled out a neat set of papers—her part of the full analysis, completed thoroughly.
Then she pulled out her tablet and tapped a few times."I also finished the smaller report you all were discussing. Sent it to the group chat just half hour before."Her voice remained calm. Not cold. Not angry.Just… done.
She placed the papers on the table with a soft thud.
"There. My work. And more."
Shouldering her bag, she added quietly:
"I'm leaving. Bye."
Not waiting for a response, not expecting gratitude, apology, or even shame—Yuki walked out of the room, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
And everyone sitting there felt the weight of the silence she left behind.
The door closed behind Yuki, and for a moment the room was silent.
Too silent.
Then Haneul scoffed loudly, leaning back in his chair.
"Seriously? Who even knows if she did that work herself," he muttered. "For all we know she got someone else to do it."
One girl immediately chimed in, "Exactly. She always disappears, always running somewhere. No way she had time to finish that much."
Another whispered, "Her attitude always… she acts like she's better than us."
"Or like we owe her something," someone added with a roll of her eyes.
Murmurs spread around the table.
"Doing two things at once… isn't that just showing off?"
"And then she gets all cold and dramatic—'Does anyone want to defend me?'" a guy mimicked her tone mockingly. "Who even talks like that?"
Haneul clicked his tongue."Whatever. I don't like people who pretend to be all quiet and innocent but act superior the moment you question them."
A girl leaned forward."But… she did finish her work. And ours too."
Haneul glared."So what? That doesn't mean she can walk around acting like a saint."
They all fell quiet again, their complaints piling up like cheap excuses.
What none of them admitted was the truth:
Yuki's speed scared them.Her silence intimidated them.And her exhaustion—they mistook for arrogance.
But as they complained and mocked and twisted the narrative…
None of them realized Yuki was the one holding their falling project together.
None of them knew she was already breaking alone.
Yuki stepped out of the study room and walked straight into the evening air.
Her chest felt tight, her head buzzing—but the moment she reached the chicken shop, everything loosened, just a little.No judging eyes.No whispers.No cold shoulders.
Just warm lights, the smell of frying oil, and customers too busy with their cravings to care who she was.
She tied her apron, washed her hands, and slipped into the rhythm she knew well.Serving.Packing.Cleaning.Moving.
Here, nobody tried to belittle her.Nobody mocked her speed.Nobody twisted her silence into rudeness.
Here… she could breathe.
But halfway through wiping a table, her stomach twisted sharply.
"Ugh…" She pressed a hand to her abdomen.
Within minutes she was rushing to the washroom—once, twice, three times.Each time she returned a little paler, her legs shaking.
The fourth time she emerged, her boss was waiting at the door, arms crossed but eyes filled with concern.
"Child," he said gently, "your face is white like paper. Go home."
Yuki shook her head quickly. "N-No, sir, I can keep working—"
"Stomach like that? You will faint here," he said firmly. "Go home. Take taxi. I pay you for today. Health is priority."
Her stomach cramped again, making her bend slightly.She had no strength to protest.
"…Okay," she whispered.
She changed out of her apron with trembling fingers, grabbed her bag, and bowed apologetically.
"Sorry for leaving early."
"Don't be sorry," the boss said. "Be healthy."
She stepped outside and flagged a taxi.As she sat inside, pressing a hand to her aching stomach, the city lights blurred past her window.
Her body was exhausted, her mind drained, her heart bruised…
But right now, all she could think was:
Please… just let me reach home without collapsing.
Yuki stumbled into the apartment, clutching her stomach as she kicked off her shoes.
The moment Jennie looked up from her sketchbook, her face dropped.
"YUKI—what happened to you?! Why do you look like you're about to pass out?!"
Yuki tried to wave her off. "It's nothing, just… stomach issue—"
"Nothing? Nothing?!" Jennie rushed over, grabbing her shoulders. "You're shaking! Yuki, your lips are pale!"
Yuki's stomach cramped again, making her lean on the wall for support.
"See?" Jennie snapped, voice rising. "And you still say it's nothing?!"
Yuki sighed weakly. "I didn't want to come home early. Boss insisted…"
"That's because your boss has common sense!" Jennie grabbed her bag. "Stay RIGHT here. Don't move. I'm going to the pharmacy."
"Jennie—"
"I said don't move!"
She practically ran out the door.
Yuki blinked slowly, sitting on the couch, her whole body trembling.She hated causing trouble.Hated being the reason Jennie rushed or panicked.
But today, she didn't have the strength to argue.
A few minutes later, Jennie burst back in—arms full with a shopping bag stuffed with ORS packets, electrolyte drinks, antidiarrhea meds, and even a small bottle of ginger tea.
"Did you buy the whole pharmacy…?" Yuki muttered.
"Yes," Jennie snapped. "And I would buy the entire country if it meant you stop acting like you're made of steel."
She knelt in front of Yuki, tearing open a packet.
"Drink," she ordered.
Yuki obeyed quietly.
After a few sips, Jennie pressed a hand to her forehead. "You're warm…"
"I'm… okay," Yuki whispered.
"No, you're not." Her voice cracked. "Stop pretending you are."
Yuki blinked, surprised at the raw emotion in her tone.
Jennie looked down, her hands trembling as she mixed another glass of ORS."You keep pushing yourself until you break. Every time. And I can't watch it anymore."
Yuki gently touched her wrist. "Jennie… I'm trying."
"I know." Jennie's eyes softened. "But you don't have to try alone."
They stayed like that for a moment—quiet, warm, heavy with unspoken fear.
Jennie finally stood. "Come on. Eat a little. Just rice soup. Then take the meds."
Somehow, Yuki finished half a bowl.Jennie tucked her into bed like she was fragile glass, adjusting her blanket three times and checking her temperature twice.
"Sleep," Jennie whispered, brushing her hair back. "I'm right here."
Yuki exhaled, exhaustion dragging her under almost instantly.
That night, she slept deeper than she had in weeks—wrapped in warmth, safety, and a tiny bit of peace.
Next morning, Jennie is waiting outside bathroom ears on the door.
The bathroom door swung open, and Yuki stepped out cautiously.
Jennie, who had been hovering just outside like a hawk, barely contained herself. The moment Yuki appeared, Jennie lunged forward—and they both crashed onto the bathroom floor with a thud.
"Yahh! Jennie! What are you doing?!" Yuki yelped, sitting up and trying not to topple over again.
"I—I was making sure you didn't collapse!" Jennie panted, brushing her hair from her face. "If you collapsed, I would've broken the door to save you!"
Yuki stared at her, a laugh bubbling up despite herself. "Jennie… we just fell on the floor. My stomach pain is gone, and now you've given me a new one from shock!"
Jennie sat up, hands on her hips. "Okay, then tell me—how's your poop thickness?"
Yuki froze, wide-eyed. "Eww, Jennie! You cannot talk like that!"
Jennie shrugged, utterly unbothered. "Huh? I have every right. Diarrhea is serious business! Without you, no one could handle me!"
Yuki rolled her eyes, giggling. "Yes, yes, only I can endure a rich lady like you."
Jennie pointed an accusatory finger at her. "Don't try to dodge the question! I want specifics!"
Yuki laughed, waving a hand. "Okay… okay, that's also fine. But let's move on before we're still sitting here talking about my poop. Breakfast is waiting, and classes aren't going to catch themselves!"
Jennie groaned dramatically. "Ugh, fine… but next time, next time, I'm installing an emergency poop-monitoring device outside your bathroom!"
Yuki snorted, shaking her head. "Rich lady problems, right? Only you, Jennie… only you."
They both stood up, brushing themselves off, and left the bathroom in a mix of laughter and mock seriousness, ready to face the day.
"Little did they know, this morning stumble was only the warm-up—Yuki's real storm was waiting just beyond the classroom doors."