North: How much is your love?

Chapter 4: Hot Americano.

[>> North <<]

"Isn't this too much?" I yawned, muttering to myself as I swayed back and forth, feeling like I was about to collapse at any moment. 

 

Actually, it wasn't exactly that much, but for someone who sleeps so little like me, it was overwhelming. And the main reason for my lack of sleep was none other than Johan. 

 

Yesterday, he bothered me so much that I fell asleep at my desk. And sleeping at a desk for so long really makes my whole body ache.

 

"What a terrible way to skip work," Ter muttered as he mopped the floor. We were at the cafe working. The cafe opens at nine, but we had to arrive early to prepare.

 

"Let me rest for a bit, I'm still feeling dizzy."

 

"Why are you so sleepy?" Than, the owner of the shop asked as he turned to wipe a glass.

 

"Ah, he was probably engrossed in a phone conversation with someone. I could tell!" Ter said, his face full of undisguised annoyance, which piqued Than's curiosity.

 

"What? Do you have a new girlfriend? Just the other day, you were complaining about missing your ex!"

 

"No, there's nothing like that." I quickly denied it, then sighed, "Nothing at all."

 

"Why do you look so down? If something's bothering you, just tell me. Maybe I can give you some advice." 

 

Than put down his glass and turned to me, his voice full of concern. It was that concern that softened my heart and made me want to tell him everything. Actually, there was nothing to hide about this.

 

Than is a third-year student at the same university as me. He manages this shop in place of his sister because she's busy. We met when I applied for a job here, and I think Than is someone I can trust. I'll give a brief overview, omitting some minor details. Actually, it's not that complicated.

 

"Ah... Johan? I've heard of him." Than rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.

 

"We go to the same school, so it would be strange if I didn't know. It's so famous, after all."

 

"So you're in big trouble. Suddenly, you're in such a huge debt."

 

"That's right, sir. And this creditor is extremely difficult to please," I sighed, recalling what happened last night. He was incredibly overbearing. He wouldn't let me sleep, wouldn't talk to me properly, wouldn't let me be noisy, and whatever I said, I got yelled at. Honestly, I was yelled at so badly last night that my soul was deeply wounded.

 

"Just let me know if you need any help," P’Than said.

 

"Then please give me a raise, I'm really broke these days," I said, making a pitiful face.

 

"That's absolutely not going to happen."

 

"But you said to just say whatever you wanted to say!" I pouted, my face full of disappointment. Than just smiled slightly at my expression.

 

"You said you were very thrifty, didn't you? Why are you treating your friends to drinks and partying like this?" Than asked.

 

"It's because I won the lottery, man. If I hadn't won, I wouldn't have invited them out. But now that I think about it, maybe it would have been better not to buy the lottery ticket in the first place." I sighed. If I hadn't bought the lottery ticket, I wouldn't have won, and if I hadn't won, I wouldn't have gone out drinking, and if I hadn't gone out drinking, I wouldn't be in debt.

 

"So you don't have any savings? I remember you saying you'd been working part-time for a long time?"

 

"I have him too," I nodded. "But I want to save that money as a contingency fund, in case of any family emergency." I continued. 

 

The main reason I work part-time is to help my family. My father passed away early, so now I only have my mother and aunt. Although my family isn't lacking anything, it's always better if I can help in any way.

 

"Then I can introduce you to a place. An acquaintance of mine is opening a shop, and they're looking for more staff." Hearing that, my eyes lit up.

 

"But can you handle it? That place is a bar, you'll have to stay out late."

 

"I can do it! Absolutely!" I replied immediately without thinking, and Ter stopped me right away.

 

"Are you sure? You've already worked in two places."

 

"It's fine! Yah's shop doesn't operate every day anyway," I said casually. "And what shifts does that shop have? If we can arrange alternating days, I wouldn't mind."

 

"It's not something we do every day, though. Let me double-check."

 

"Yeahhh! Thank you, Than! You're the best person on earth!" I exclaimed happily.

 

"Of course," Than said, his eyes softening before he reached up and gently stroked my hair. "You're so capable for someone so young."

 

"Oh my god, you're so small, how rude!" I glared at him, sulking.

 

Wait… should I text Johan? I haven’t checked my messages since last night.

 

I almost forgot, I always have to check my messages. If I reply late, I won't only get annoyed but also be fined!

 

2:40 AM

'Call ended: 3:20'

 

Johan: I told you not to sleep!
Johan: Get up and sleep properly in your bed!

3:15 AM

Johan: Withdraw message

 

There are two messages Johan left from last night, one of which has been retracted. What did he retract? And why? I'm so curious… But if I ask, I'll definitely get scolded.

 

"Oh, a new phone?" Than asked when he saw me take out my new phone.

 

"Ah... yes."

 

"Wow, it's a brand new model. I was planning to save up to buy one too. Looking at this, you probably aren't broke, right?"

 

"If someone bought it for you, show it off a little, North!" Ter teased me, holding the mop. I immediately glared at him. Why the constant teasing?

 

"Really? Is someone paying for you?"

 

"That's right, P’Than, he's really spending money, buying things without thinking twice. I was wondering what he bought them for."

 

"You're being too mean," I pouted at Ter. Since last night, he's been deliberately trying to set me up with Johan. I don't know if he's just teasing or what, but he keeps pestering me, and he won't shut up even when I tell him to.

 

“That’s what a good crew member should be like. As captain, you shouldn’t keep abandoning the ship,” Ter winked. I only understood these terms after he explained. 

 

“Captain” and “ship” are how girls refer to a pairing of two people.

 

"I even put in the effort to row the Johan-North boat!" he said, then chuckled gleefully when he saw me sigh in exasperation.

 

"Wait, Johan bought it for you?"

 

"Oh... yes, that's right. He broke my old phone, so he bought me a new one to compensate."

 

"Wow, you're so rich! If it were me, I'd only pay for the repairs."

 

"Right, bro? A normal person would just pay for the repairs; who would buy a brand new one, especially an expensive one?" Ter teased me again. He's probably getting revenge for my teasing him too much. It's so much fun teasing others, but being teased back is never fun at all! 😭

 

"Ter is really something, always teasing," Than smiled, then suddenly became serious. "But... It's best to be careful. I don't mean to speak ill of Johan, because after all, he's a friend of Ter's boyfriend. But I'm sure you know his reputation, right?"

 

"Yes, I know." I nodded. "Wait, do you think I'll end up with him like Ter keeps shipping us? Are you kidding? No way!" I shook my head vigorously.

 

"That's good then." Than nodded, then pulled out his phone, scrolled through something before showing it to me. Something's starting to go wrong here...

 

On the screen was an Instagram story from someone named Jao.pangg. It was a screenshot of a phone call that showed 'busy'. Next to it was the caption: "I don't know who he's busy with right now, but Pangg really wants to talk about it 😢

 

Looking closely, the person Pangg called wasn't Johan!? Oh no, suddenly I feel very unsafe. Why is that?

 

“Jao Pangg?” I repeated the name.

 

"Actually, it's just Pangg, a third-year management student. She seems to be talking to Johan, but it's unclear if they know each other. I've seen Johan appear in Pangg's story before."

 

"And this person too."

 

Than scrolled through the screen again and then showed it to me. This time it was a picture of food on Instagram, with the caption:

 

"Someone kind treated me to a meal. Thank you so much! Let's go again next time ;) #myJ"

"J?"

 

"That's Johan. This woman is also one of the people talking to Johan. But it seems like she's been left out."

 

"Wow, there are so many!" I blurted out. And they're all so beautiful. It's so unfair. Just because you're handsome and rich, does that mean you can talk to anyone you want? 

 

"So these people weren't found out? Normally, if you're dating multiple people at once, you'd have to hide it. Look, everyone's showing it off so openly."

 

"Everyone knows Johan is a womaniser. Even you can see it clearly," Ter shrugged.

 

"Oh well, never mind. This topic has nothing to do with me. But dragging me into this is unacceptable. I don't think anyone actually called him. If Pangg found out, she might even ambush and beat me up!" I grimaced.

 

"Then don't call him anymore," P’Than said with displeasure.

 

"If refusing someone meant they'd listen, that would be great," I sighed.

 

Soon after, the cafe opened, and because it was a holiday, it was busier than usual. Many people even brought their work to do. Than was in charge of making drinks because Ter and I weren't skilled yet. Once we're proficient, we'll take over this part.

 

We only work here on weekends; someone else takes over on weekdays. That person has classes on Saturdays and Sundays, so we take turns. As for Than, he only comes to the shop when he's free.

 

"North."

 

"What?" I replied while washing the glasses.

 

"I support you."

 

"Huh?"

 

"Since we're on the same boat, I'll help you row. Trust me, Captain."

 

"What the hell are you talking about?"

 

"Well, Johan is a friend of Hill's."

 

"So you're trying to set me up with your boyfriend's friend?"

 

"Yeah, partly. But I like the way they talk to each other, it's so cute. I ship them!"

 

"Oh no! What's the point of talking? He's just cursing at me!"

 

"Normally, Johan isn't that talkative."

 

"Try insulting him, and I'm sure Hill will insult him back immediately," I replied, sighing again. What a joke... As if pairing me with someone else wasn't enough, now they're trying to set me up with Johan, too.

 

"Wait... But how did you hear that? I remember wearing headphones last night."

 

"Oh!"

 

"That startled look of yours is so fake." I glared. This guy really got scared? Don't be so fake!

 

"Eavesdropping?"

 

Ter chuckled, showing no sign of remorse. He even seemed proud of this skill of his… But is this kind of skill even necessary?

 

"Nonsense, it just got in my ears."

 

"Tell me the truth?"

 

“Well… I didn’t hear your conversation, but I heard you muttering all night. You were cursing him and grumbling: ‘How much do you hate me that you keep cursing me?’, 

 

‘You’re a doctor, why aren’t you saving people instead of making sarcastic remarks?’, 

 

‘Just wait, I’ll tell Ter to get the first-aid kit and rip your mouth out of your throat,’ something like that.”

 

"Huh, did I mumble that much? I didn't even notice."

 

"Yeah, it would be strange if he didn't hear it."

 

"No, I've muted my mic."

 

"Wow, I thought they were something special, but it turns out they only badmouthed me behind my back."

 

"Who would dare insult someone to their face?!"

 

Ping!

My phone vibrated with a message. I quickly opened it, and the name of the person I had just been badmouthing appeared right on the screen. Why is he so persistent?!

 

Johan: Where are you?

North♣: Restaurant.

Johan: ?

North♣: The coffee shop. That's where I work.

Johan: An Americano.

Johan: [Send location]

 

Wait.

What the hell?!

 

North♣: This restaurant doesn't offer delivery service.

Johan: But you do.

North♣: I don't have any.

Johan: I'll give you 30 minutes.

 

Oh my!!!

"Damn it!" I blurted out, startling Ter, who was wiping glasses.

 

"Hey, why are you cursing at me?"

 

"I wasn't cursing you. I wanted to curse someone else… But the hundred million dong is weighing me down too much."

 

"Huh? Johan? Oh my God, my ship, my ship!!!"

 

"This is crazy! Where did Than go? He's been missing for a while now." I asked, intending to ask Than to make me an Americano.

 

"Go to the restroom, what's wrong?"

 

"It's all because your kind Johan asked me to ship an Americano to him. What the heck... This is a coffee shop, not a pizza place. What kind of coffee shop offers delivery?"

 

"Yes," Ter replied, then put on a thoughtful expression, "What's so strange about that?"

 

"You monster."

 

"Are you scolding Johan?"

 

"I'm scolding you. Why are you siding with him?" I said irritably. Actually, from the location he shared, it wasn't that far, but I didn't want to go; I was too lazy.

 

"He's probably just angry and trying to justify himself." Soon Than returned. I told him that Johan had asked me to make coffee.

 

"Our restaurant doesn't offer delivery service," P’Than said, frowning in surprise.

 

"What can I do? I'll go deliver it. It's hot, so sitting in the air conditioning is nice, better than standing in the sun." I sighed.

 

"So, will you deliver it for him?"

 

"It's okay, I'll deliver it alone," I assured him. Than sighed a little, but finally agreed to let me deliver the coffee. The distance to the shop wasn't too far, but I got lost a bit before finally arriving.

 

North♣: I've arrived.

 

I texted the other party while standing bewildered in front of the apartment building. I hadn't even had time to change out of my restaurant apron yet, and the apartment looked so luxurious—how many floors was it?

 

Johan: Floor 12.

North♣: Room?

Johan: Let's go.

 

How would I know if I didn't report his room number? Oh well, I'll figure it out when I get there. I didn't want to stand in the sun anymore, so I awkwardly went inside the apartment building and pressed the elevator button for the 12th floor.

 

Wait, this is…Why is it so deserted? And here… why is there only one door? Don't tell me Johan owns the whole floor? Wow… I'm defeated, I give up. With this kind of wealth, forget about my debt of a few hundred thousand dollars. I stood bewildered in front of the door again, unsure whether I should knock or… Ah, where's the doorbell?

 

While I was still confused. Click, the door opened. The owner of the room appeared, having just woken up. But he's still more handsome than I, even though I've been awake for a long time. 😭

 

“Oh… I brought an Americano.” Suddenly, I felt awkward standing in front of him, even though we had just talked the night before. Johan was as tall as Hill, about 1.8 meters, and his hair was simply styled, with no particular makeup.

 

"Did you just wake up?" I asked.

 

Johan didn't answer; he just turned his back and walked straight into the room.

 

"Oh, what about coffee?"

 

"Leave it there."

 

Hearing that, I casually walked into the room. You could even call it a house, right? It's huge! Since it's an entire floor of an apartment building, it has everything from a kitchen to a living room. If there were even a prayer room, that wouldn't be surprising. But is there one?

 

I set the Americano down on the table in front of the sofa and suddenly felt strange. I travelled all this way just to bring a nearly finished cup of coffee?

 

"Make it yourself?" he asked as he sat down and took a sip of coffee.

 

"No, the owner made it."

 

"Didn't you say you'd make me a cup to try?" 

 

Johan set his coffee cup down on the table. Looking at him like this, it's clear he's been working too hard. I guess he probably worked even longer after I fell asleep last night. But is that grumpy expression due to lack of sleep, or is that just his nature?

 

"I haven't even practised making it yet," I mumbled, unconsciously turning my face away to avoid his gaze.

 

Why do I suddenly feel so scared? 😭 What is he angry at me about now? Is it because the coffee melted? That's not my fault, but he's blaming the sun!

 

"Okay, I'll leave first then," I said quickly, not understanding why the atmosphere had become so stifling. Why isn't he saying anything? At least he could have said something like he did yesterday!

 

"You're not allowed to go home."

 

I froze when I heard that, then turned around and saw Johan had stood up and walked to his desk.

 

"Sit down."

 

"But I have to get back to work."

 

"Why?"

 

"I have something to do."

 

"Leave it."

 

Is it really that easy to say?! 😭

 

"Are you crazy?" I started to get angry. Even though he was my creditor, he couldn't pressure me like this! If I lost my job, where would I get the money to pay off the debt?!

 

“…”

 

"Wait! Don't tell me you're planning to increase the debt!" I recoiled when I saw him holding his phone and typing something. Johan smirked slightly: "Almost."

 

"Oh my god, what kind of situation is this?" I frowned in frustration, sighed, and decided to text Than.

 

North♣: Than, I'm sorry, I'll probably be back a little late.

T-Than: What's wrong?
T-Than: Is something wrong?
T-Than: What did that guy do to you?

North♣: It's nothing, brother.
North♣: I just have a little work to do.

T-Than: It didn't make you do anything weird, did it?

North♣: No, nothing's wrong. I'll be right back.

T-Than: Yeah, don't take too long, we'll have more customers later.

North♣: Yes, sir.

 

After finishing my text message with Than, I slumped onto the sofa, secretly glancing at Johan and seeing that he was still busy with the pile of documents on his desk. Hey, what exactly are you making me stay here for? To sit and watch him work again?

 

"Is the work still not finished?" I asked.

 

"Do you even have eyes?"

 

That sharp tongue is just as sharp as yesterday!

 

"So I have to sit still again, right?"

 

"Hmm."

 

Look, here we go again, making me sit still! You're wasting my working time. Yesterday I lost sleep, today I lost work time.

 

After sitting around for a while and feeling bored, I took out my phone to play games. The more I played, the more relaxed I felt, and before I knew it, I leaned back on the sofa. Because I didn't get enough sleep last night… I drifted off to sleep without realising it.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

"Hmm..."

I rubbed my eyes as I groggily woke up. Damn, did I fall asleep in Johan's room? What time is it? Where's my phone?

 

"Are you looking for this?"

 

Johan asked the question and then held out his phone in front of me. What did he take my phone for?

 

Before I could even ask, I was startled to see a woman sitting on a small sofa nearby. She smiled at me. Although still confused, I politely smiled in return. Don't tell me… she's his girlfriend? Was she also sitting there waiting for Johan to finish work? And why didn't she wake me up? 😭

 

"Is it finished?" the girl asked. Johan nodded.

 

"You've been working too hard lately. You don't even have that much work to do, so why are you so busy?"

 

"Finish cleaning up, school is about to start," Johan said, then slumped into the chair right next to me. The Americano I brought had completely melted. Why order it if he wasn't going to drink it?

 

"What about the favour I asked of you?"

 

"Okay, alright."

 

"Yeah! That's right!"

 

"Go home," Johan said, his voice tinged with weariness. The girl immediately pouted.

"What? I've been waiting here all this time, and now you're kicking me out? And where are you going?" She asked when she saw me stand up, about to leave.

 

"To take a shower," Johan replied and then went straight to another corner. Now it's just me and that girl left. I suddenly felt confused and didn't know what to do.

 

"Ah... you're North, right?" I nodded when asked. "My name is Prang."

 

"Ah... yes."

 

"When I went to look for Jo, I found you asleep, and Jo was busy working, so I didn't dare move, afraid of making any noise." Ms Prang spoke in a relaxed manner.

 

Wait a minute… isn't that a bit too casual? Normally, if it's a girlfriend, no one would be so relaxed when they see a stranger in their boyfriend's room, right?

 

"Stop right now! Do you think I'm Jo's girlfriend?"

 

"Yes."

My honest answer made her laugh.

 

"I'm sorry, but I'm just an assistant. You can call me a secretary, but that sounds a bit awkward. The chairman, Jo's father, asked me to come and help him with his work. I even have a child, isn't he adorable?" Ms Prang held up her phone; the lock screen displayed a picture of a newborn baby.

 

"Is that your child?" I exclaimed in surprise, raising my eyebrows. "How adorable!"

 

"Right, right? But so many people misunderstand me and Jo, it's really annoying."

 

"Ah..." I nodded, indicating I understood. 

 

"Have you been here long?"

 

"It was just now. When I came in, I was startled to see you fast asleep. I was wondering who would be sleeping on the sofa like this."

 

"Haha... Actually, you could have just woken me up." I scratched my head, feeling a little embarrassed.

 

"Jo said there's no need to wake you up," Prang said this, then stood up and walked towards Johan's desk.

 

"Wow, you're really done already? That was quick!"

 

"Oh, by the way... Why are you sleeping on the sofa?"

 

"Well... I came to deliver the coffee that Jo ordered," I replied honestly.

 

"Then how did you end up falling asleep?"

 

"He wouldn't let me go, and I don't know why, but I sat there waiting and eventually fell asleep."

 

"Ah ha..."

 

Ms Prang nodded as if she had just remembered something. "You're the one who owes Jo money, right?" I sighed and nodded.

 

"Ah, I see. I stopped by Jo's house this morning, but didn't see him, and I heard he went straight back to his apartment. Your situation is still a hot topic among the maids."

 

"Really!?" I groaned and sighed again.

 

"Yeah. I heard you caused a lot of trouble, to the point that the chairman was furious."

 

"Huh!?"

 

I opened my eyes wide and turned sharply to face Prang.

 

"Jo's dad!?"

 

"Yeah. He was angry about the wine incident because he had planned to use premium wine for a reception, but the entire wine cabinet was ruined. Jo got a good scolding."

 

"Oh my god… Really!?" I felt uneasy.

 

Ter once said I knocked over the wine cabinet, but I still don't understand why I did it.

 

"But why is Jo getting scolded? Shouldn't I be the one getting scolded?"

 

"Because he said he did it."

 

"Huh!?"

 

"Jo said he spilt it himself. He even has to go find some replacement wine. I heard some of those bottles are very rare; it must be a real hassle."

 

"Oh, that's terrible." I mumbled, a wave of guilt washing over me. But judging by the amount I have to pay, it's incredibly expensive. Perhaps this is why he said that the amount was still too lenient.

 

"It's done. Finally finished." Ms Prang said as she put the documents into her bag.

 

"Hey, how long have you known Jo? Why am I only meeting you now?"

 

"No. I just don't know him. The first time I met him was when I was drunk."

 

"Huh?" She frowned, looking extremely surprised.

 

"Aren't you two dating?"

 

"No!" I shook my head vigorously.

 

"Oh dear, I'm completely confused."

 

"Still not left?"

 

Jo had just come out after taking a shower, his hair still slightly wet.

 

"Go home."

 

"We were still in the middle of a conversation."

 

"No need. Go home now."

 

"Okay, okay! That's fierce."

 

Ms Prang shrugged, picked up her briefcase, and walked out the door.

See you later!

 

I waved and smiled. There are still so many things I haven't had a chance to ask...

I turned to look at Jo. After taking a nap, the fatigue I felt earlier completely disappeared. It's truly miraculous.

 

"I'm so sorry, I fell asleep," I spoke up to break the silence. "Are you finished with your work?"

 

"Um, it's done." Jo slumped down on the sofa next to me, leaning back, looking exhausted.

 

"Go to sleep. I have to go back too."

 

I've been out of work for quite a while now, and I'm sure Ter and Than will give me a good scolding.

 

"Who gave you permission to leave? I haven't even had my Americano yet."

 

"Look, here it is. You didn't drink it, so it's all gone," I said, pointing to the coffee cup on the table.

 

"You didn't make it yourself," Johan said, his voice slightly irritated. What's this? What's the matter now?

 

"I told you I haven't learned how to make coffee," I repeated. "I haven't even tried making a single cup."

 

"Go make some. The coffee machine is in the kitchen," the person next to him said.

 

Wait a minute, is he ordering me to make coffee? If he already had a coffee machine, why did he make me run out into the hot sun and wind to buy it?!

 

I sighed softly, knowing that complaining wouldn't do any good. Finally, I got up and walked towards the kitchen. Looking down the counter, I saw the coffee maker. I picked it up and placed it on the countertop. How am I supposed to use this now...?

 

I don't know when Johan started following me, but he reached out and pressed a few buttons on my behalf.

 

You know how to make it, so why don't you try making it yourself?!

 

"Will my room explode?"

 

"Oh dear, at worst, the coffee is just bad."

 

"Probably..." I muttered to myself, my eyes still fixed on the coffee machine. Although I'd seen Than use one many times before, the machine at the cafe was a different kind, not this one. So many buttons, it's so complicated...

 

Oh, what about the coffee beans? Should you add them first or last? Oh no, I'm not a barista!

 

"Um... can I ask you something?" I spoke while fiddling with the machine, without turning around to look.

 

"Are not."

 

"...Oh, about that wine cabinet incident..." I ignored his refusal and continued to ask.

 

"Did you tell Dad you did it? Why didn't you tell him it was me? Wouldn't that mean you'd get scolded instead of me?"

 

"If I said you did it, things would only get more chaotic."

 

I remained silent, blinked a few times, then chuckled softly. "Thank you."

 

I spoke up, sincerely. Thank you for… protecting me and also for not making me pay for the extra alcohol.

 

Johan did not reply.

 

"So you still want some coffee? I thought you'd be resting, because I heard you were finished with work."

 

"Well, not exactly. There's still work to do in the department."

 

"Ah, so what you're saying is that it's your job, but P’Hill is doing it for you, right?"

 

"How did you know?" An espresso was ready; I carefully placed it on the table beside me and turned to look at the person opposite me. Johan stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the table and looking at me.

 

"Ter said so. He said if you're busy, Hill will have to handle the departmental work."

 

"Ah ha."

 

"Do you want water now? Or should I add milk?"

 

"Bring me some water," Johan said, then walked over and sat down. I added water to make it an Americano as requested. I like coffee too… but it would be better to add some milk.

 

I placed my first-ever Americano on the table. Johan looked at it with a slightly wary expression before lifting it and taking a sip.

 

"How are things going, sir?"

 

"Do you really work at a coffee shop?"

 

"It's true, sir."

 

"Where?"

 

"It's 'Marry Me'. What's wrong?"

 

"I'm going to buy that restaurant."

 

“…”

 

"Then I'll fire you."

 

That's so incredibly cruel!!

 

"Why? Is it really that bad?" I frowned at him.

 

"YES."

 

“…”

 

"And yet you still dare to mix it for other people to drink?"

 

"Oh, my God!" I groaned, wanting to scream and ask why Johan wasn't being gentle with me at all! It was heartbreaking!!

 

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed you were friends with P’Hill," I sighed. Johan raised his coffee cup, took another sip, and frowned at me.

 

"Why?"

 

"Well... Your personalities are worlds apart. Couldn't P’Hill spare a little gentleness for me?" I said. "P’Hill is the warm-hearted type."

 

"What are you playing?"

 

"Huh?" I immediately raised my eyebrows in surprise when I heard the question from the person in front of me. What do you mean by "playing something"?

 

"Last time Ter praised me to Hill, and Hill got angry."

 

"Oh... so what then?"

 

"And now you too..."

 

"Huh? Oh... where are you going?" Before I could finish my sentence, Johan put down his coffee cup, stood up, and went out onto the balcony. I saw him take out his phone and call someone.

 

(Hello? Are you done with work?)

 

"Hill, you bastard."

 

(What is that?)

 

"Annoying."

 

(Who?)

 

"It's you, of course."