EASTTAGYOUREMINE, Special Chapter (2)

   “Take this to table three.” I quickly picked up the freshly prepared dish and served it to table three as instructed. I’ve been working part-time with North for a while now. Of course, I haven’t told Phii Hill. If Phii Hill finds out…I can’t even imagine how much of a scolding I’d get.

The work here is quite demanding, but it’s a good thing because it means our restaurant is doing well, especially in the early evening when it gets really crowded. I only work here, but North says he’s going to take on another part-time job elsewhere. I’d like to do that too, I’m still considering it.

North is really hard working, which I admire a lot. He said he doesn’t want to burden his family, so he’s been doing part-time jobs to earn extra money for a long time now.

“It’s time for a break.” North complained before flopping down, exhausted. The rush hour had just passed.

“Exactly, it was really busy today.” I said as I sat down next to him.

“Nong Ter, come here for a moment.” Phii Ya, the restaurant owner, called out to me. Phii Ya is a very tough transwoman who, besides owning this restaurant, runs several other small businesses.

“Yes.” I walked over to where she called.

“Someone’s here to see you, waiting outside the front of the restaurant. He’s super handsome, everyone, both customers and staff, are staring. Who is it, your boyfriend?” Phii Ya asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Huh!?” I stood there with my mouth open, chills running down my spine at the compliment, as it gave away who it might be. I hurried to take off my apron with the restaurant’s logo and rushed outside.

As expected…

Phii Hill!

Phii Hill was standing outside, still drawing attention from inside the restaurant. I approached him hesitantly, and as soon as Phii Hill spotted me, he gave me a stern look.

“Um…Phii” I didn’t dare address him fully, just made a weak smile, wondering how he knew I had a part-time job here, T^T.

“Come with me.” said the person in front of me in a firm tone before grabbing my wrist and pulling me along. Phii Hill led me to a parking lot nearby.

“Why did you start working part-time without telling me?” I made a sad face like a scolded child, and indeed, I was being scolded, so much so that I didn’t dare look up.

“Uh…well, I…was afraid of being scolded.” I stammered, genuinely afraid of getting scolded, and now I was, T^T.

“See, you knew I’d be angry.”

“…” Oh no, I’m really scared now.

“B…but I didn’t want to trouble my family.”

“Or trouble me.” I added, certain that Phii Hill would say he’d take care of all the expenses himself, but because I felt guilty, I chose to work on my own.

“Sigh.” The person in front of me sighed softly, and I looked up to see he indeed seemed quite angry, “It’s dangerous, you know, coming back this late.”

“Yes, but I come back with North.”    “It’s still dangerous.”

“It’s not that bad.” I said, but Phii Hill didn’t seem to ease up, which means I’d definitely be forced to quit, “Let me do this, please. I want to do things on my own.” I tried to plead.

“How long have you been doing this?”

“Not long, just three or four days.”

“And how’s the job at the restaurant?”

“It’s good, the owner is very kind, and everyone seems nice too.” My answer and stubborn demeanor made Phii Hill sigh again. I understood his concern; not only was it late when I finished work, but there was also the risk of dealing with bad customers or unsavory people. He must be worried about everything, but I didn’t want to just sit around and depend on him.

“You’re working with Nong North, right?”

“Yes.”

Phii Hill seemed to be thinking about something before he took out his phone and made a call.    (What’s up?)

   “Jo, are you free?”

(Not free)

   “I have something to talk about.”

(I’m working, we’ll talk later)

   “It’s about Nong North”

(I am listening…) 

   -THE END-

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