One phrase I'd picked up while researching online.
Same-day pickup.
Basically, they grab a car in stock from a nearby warehouse and hand it over right away.
For someone like me who needed wheels to get around for the time being, it was mighty tempting.
Of course, it had its downsides.
Like, if they didn't have the model you wanted in stock, no dice.
But that didn't really apply to me.
I wasn't here to buy my dream car before getting the foreign import—I just needed something to drive in the meantime.
"Something available for same-day pickup... just give me one."
So when I said that, the dealer sitting across from me stared at me with a slightly baffled look.
"Pardon?"
Had I gotten something wrong?
Maybe what I'd just said was like taking off your shoes before boarding a plane?
A bit embarrassed, I ducked my head.
I should've called ahead and done a quick consultation first, huh.
"...Is there no particular model you're after?"
As I averted my eyes and bowed my head, the dealer spread out a car catalog from the one displayed nearby.
She was smiling again, like the bewilderment had never happened.
Guess it wasn't that weird after all.
I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Still,
'A particular model.'
I hadn't really thought about any specific one.
Just something I could drive today would be great.
"If nothing catches your eye, how about checking out our light cars? A lot of first-time buyers start with those. Especially ours—they're more compact than competitors', so everyone says parking's a breeze. Plus, they come standard with rear cross-traffic alert, so plenty of folks skip the extra parking options and order anyway. That's why we recommend it as a first car more than anything. It's the model I just mentioned, and it was the bestseller last year too..."
Suddenly, the dealer was rattling off a monologue.
Honestly, I didn't understand a word of it.
I just needed something drivable today.
"Um... so, is same-day pickup possible for this model?"
At my question, the dealer with the striking brown bob hesitated, lost in thought for a moment.
Then, cautiously,
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you looking for same-day pickup specifically? If I know the reason, I can narrow it down to the best fit from what's available..."
This was getting complicated.
I thought buying a car was just 'I'll take this one' and 'That'll be this much.'
From what I'd seen online, the tricky stuff was mostly for financing or leasing.
Come to think of it, I hadn't seen much about same-day pickups.
'Yeah, who buys a car and drives it off the same day?'
People who did probably had some emergency.
Anyway, a reason?
How could I phrase it to slide by naturally?
As I pondered, I noticed the dealer's cheerful smile.
Screw it. Just give a vague answer.
"Just... I need something to drive starting today."
"Do a lot of long-distance trips? If it's for events or big performances, we have light cars with more storage space, but those usually take about a week—no same-day on them..."
This was draining.
One question, and I get ten answers back.
Wanting to wrap it up fast, I politely cut in.
"No, that's fine... Could you just show me what's available for same-day from the light cars...?"
Finally, she nodded and fell silent.
She seemed to sense I was getting annoyed.
"Got it. Let's see... This one's available today, but the warehouse is a bit far, so pickup around evening. And this one—a cancellation left in stock. You could have it by lunchtime, but options and color are fixed."
Music to my ears.
Lunchtime meant more flexible driving today.
Evening was okay too, but that car was ugly as sin.
No matter how loaded I was, I wasn't burning ten million won on that.
I could guess why it was still in stock.
And just like that, my first car was decided.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"How would you like to handle payment?"
"Ah, bank transfer."
No credit card or debit yet.
They said you could open one from home these days—maybe after I get back.
"Transfer... bank transfer?"
"Yeah... that a problem?"
You couldn't buy cars with transfers?
Would suck to have the cash but not be able to spend it.
But luckily,
"No, no, that's fine. Cash lump sum... I'll help you with that."
After following her through the paperwork, freedom at last.
"If processing goes quick, you can pick up by lunch. Latest 3 p.m., so feel free to relax and come back."
Her demeanor felt warmer now.
Makes sense. If some tracksuit guy walked in and dropped cash on a light car, I'd think twice too.
Not that I minded what she thought—probably spot on.
Still felt a tad awkward.
"Or you could browse other models or take a test drive while waiting..."
"Ah... no thanks. Just call, and I'll come right over."
I bolted before she could snag me again.
Exhausting.
Like my energy was getting sucked away.
"Buying one car is this hard... How am I gonna find a place to live?"
The rest of my to-do list suddenly felt daunting.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I ducked into a nearby café.
To kill time till pickup and use that gift card I'd gotten earlier.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Just a chain café, but it was packed.
On a weekday morning, no less.
'Busier 'cause it's morning?'
Come to think of it, up until a few days ago, I'd grab coffee on my commute too.
My spot wasn't this crowded, though.
Makes sense—plenty of real offices around here.
"Yes, Team Leader. The team's grabbing coffees and heading up. Got it."
Standing at the end of the long line, an office worker brushed past with an armful of drinks.
Four coffees.
Not iced americanos—lattes, so their team leader must fancy those.
Seeing that, a memory hit: mornings buying my own coffee, only for Team Leader Bastard to spout crap like "You got a mouth but no contribution?" and make me buy for the whole team on my dime.
That's why I'd chug mine outside before heading in.
My mood soured instantly.
That bastard was nuts.
Should've cursed him out harder.
Like, "Can't even buy your own coffee, mooching off employees?"
'Whatever. Done with that mess.'
I sighed inwardly and pulled up the saved gift card on my phone.
'Here I am with enough to buy the café, scanning a coupon.'
A chuckle slipped out.
They say even chaebols lick yogurt lids. Kinda like that?
"Um..."
Lost in thought and chuckling to myself, someone spoke up beside me.
I jumped and turned.
"Y-yes...?"
A guy who looked like an office worker.
Plain black slacks, white shirt—definitely.
"I'm not the type to say this to just anyone..."
Ah.
Being a guy inside, I could guess what was coming next.
"You're so pretty... Could I get your Instar ID...?"
They ask for SNS handles now?
World's changed. Back in my day, it was phone numbers.
Anyway, not the point.
No clue how to respond.
'What do girls say...?'
Oh, I don't carry my phone much...
Who even says that?
I used to think it was just a funny excuse.
Anyway.
I could say I don't have an SNS account.
I really don't.
"Ah... sorry. I don't use Instar, no account."
His face stiffened a bit.
I felt bad seeing that, but oh well.
I'm a guy on the inside.
Older than you, even.
But he wasn't one to give up.
He straightened his expression and held out his phone.
"Then... maybe your number...?"
I get the thrill of the chase, but wrong target, buddy.
"Sorry..."
Twice rejected outright, he nodded awkwardly and fled the café.
I sighed in relief—then realized everyone was staring.
Mortified, I squeezed my eyes shut.
Could feel my face heating up.
"Next order, please."
While my eyes were closed, the staff called from the counter.
No choice—I bowed my head and stepped up to order.
"I'll use this... gift card."
Was gonna sit inside originally.
Grabbed my coffee and bolted outside too.