Chapter 6: The Record Bar

Dara lifted her head for what seemed like the gazillionth time when she heard the café door open. And just like the previous times, she let out a sigh of relief when she didn’t see the person she was expecting to walk through the door.

“Yah, Dara, you seem a little paranoid since this morning. Is there anything wrong?” Bom suddenly asked her.

“Nothing, Bommie. Just don’t mind me.” Dara replied as she gathered the used glasses on the counter.

“Does it have anything to do with what happened yesterday?” Bom continued to ask as she made her way to clean one of the tables.

“I said I’m just fine, Bom. And what about yesterday?” Dara replied, pretending to be clueless with what Bom was talking about.

“Oh, come on, Dara. Don’t tell me you’ve developed selective amnesia overnight. You know what I’m talking about.” Bom replied as she wiped the table with a piece of cleaning fabric.

Dara sighed before replying. “No. It doesn’t have anything to do with that Kwon Ji Yong guy asking me out.” she denied.

“Oh, really? So what are you being paranoid about? You broke into some store and now you’re afraid that the police might walk in here and arrest you?” Bom said as she made her way back to the counter and faced Dara.

Dara didn’t reply and just stared at her best friend. Bom then raised an eyebrow as a sign for her to just tell the truth. 

“Okay, okay. Yes, I’ve been thinking about the offer of that guy since last night. I hate how you can easily detect if I’m lying.” Dara replied.

“Well, I just figured you don’t have anything else to worry about aside from that guy. So, are you gonna say yes to his offer?” Bom asked.

”What? Of course, not! Why do I have to go on a date with him?” Dara replied, crossing her arms.

“And why not? From what I noticed yesterday, he seems a pretty decent guy.” Bom said as she wiped the washed glasses.

“You’re only saying that ‘coz you haven’t been treated rudely on your first meeting.” Dara replied as she joined in arranging the glasses.

“Okay, let’s just say what he did to you wouldn’t leave the best first impression, but can’t you give him another chance? He did apologize, right? He even gave you those flowers the other day to show his sincerity.” Bom said, trying to convince her friend. 

“Hah, if I know, he only did that so he could trick me and add me to his list of many girlfriends.” Dara replied, rolling her eyes.

And then, out of nowhere, Bom’s palm hit Dara’s arm.

“Ouch! Bommie!” Dara exclaimed as she caressed her arm.

“Yah, why are you being like that? You haven’t actually spoken to him properly to judge him that way. How sure are you that he’s really a playboy?” Bom said, her eyes squinting a bit. 

“And why are you defending him? I’m supposed to be your best friend, right? If you think he’s good and all, then you go out with him.” Dara said as she continued to caress her arm.

“Well, I wish I could, but apparently, you’re the one whom he has his eyes on.” Bom as she continued on with her chore.

Dara just rolled her eyes again and shook her head. 

“I’m just saying that you never know, he might be a nice guy after all. Do you really think he’s that bad?” Bom said as she stopped arranging the glasses to look at Dara.

Dara leaned on the counter and pondered on Bom’s question. Apparently, she couldn’t see any gentleman-like qualities in the guy’s actions. But she couldn’t deny that he was good-looking. He had a rather prominent nose and his face had really gentle features. And though she’s annoyed when he smiles at her, she had to admit that he looked pretty cute when he does that. 

Dara shook off the thought from her head. It wasn’t the time for her to marvel at his looks. No matter how good-looking he was, the way he acted to her was just atrocious. It was hard to believe that a guy with a gentle face like him would act like an a** in front of a girl.

“Well, I don’t see anything good in him.” Dara finally said after a long silence.

“Really? Not even with the way he looks? I thought you said before that you find him pretty cute.” Bom replied.

“Even if I said he’s good-looking, it doesn’t mean I’m attracted to him. I told you guys like him are not my type.” Dara said as she took three washed glasses from the washroom window and placed them on one of the racks.

“Well, then what will you say to him the next time he shows up here? He did say that you must have an answer when you meet again, right?” Bom asked as she crossed her arms.

“I still don’t know, Bommie. I think I’ll decide when he does come here. Anyway, can we please not talk about him anymore? The last thing I wanna worry about is that guy and his stupid offer.” Dara replied with a sigh.

“Oh, well, whatever you say, girl. I just hope you could give him a chance. I just wanna see you happy, that’s all. You badly need a boyfriend.” Bom teased.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You always say that to me, Bommie. Anyway, Choi-sajang-nim’s birthday is on Saturday, right?” Dara asked so as to change their current topic.

“Yeah, it is. I actually bought a gift for him already. How about you?” Bom replied.

“Aigoo! I haven’t bought anything yet. What should I get him?” Dara asked with a slightly worried look.

Before Bom could reply, Dara’s attention was suddenly turned to somebody by the café door.


“Minji-yah!” Dara said excitedly when she saw the tall, short-haired teenager making her way to the counter.


“Annyeong haseyo, Dara-unnie! I’m so glad to see you again!” Minji said happily as she rushed towards the counter.

“Awww, me too. I’m so glad you decided to drop by.” Dara replied with the same happy tone.

“Well, my parents and I have dropped off a few of my stuff at the boarding house. Since we haven’t got anything else to do, I told them that would pay a visit to a friend before we return home.” Minji said as she took a seat at the counter.

“Why, that’s really sweet of you, dongsaeng. Oh, by the way, I would like to introduce to you my best friend, Park Bom. We used to go to college together. She also majored in Writing like me. She’s a free-lance writer but she also works as a part-time barista here.” Dara said as she draped her arm across Bom’s shoulders.

“And, Bom, this is my new friend, Gong Minji. I ‘bumped’ into her in the grocery the other day. She will be taking up Visual Arts in Hongdae this coming semester.” Dara said as she pointed her hand to Minji.

“Pleased to meet you, Minji. Wow! Really? That’s great to hear. I hope you do well.” Bom replied with a smile.

“Thanks, Bom-unnie. It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m actually nervous about the opening of classes.” Minji said, courteously bowing her head.

“Well, we’re sure you’ll do just fine. Ummm, is there anything you like, Minji-yah?” Dara then asked

“Uh, no, thanks. Nothing for me now, unnie. I’m not gonna stay too long ‘coz you might be busy with work.” Minji replied.

“Not really. We were just talking awhile ago before you came. Anyways, what were you supposed to say to me, Bommie?” Dara said then turned her attention to Bom.

“Oh, about your gift for sajang-nim. I’m thinking you could buy him a CD that he likes. You know how he’s been hinting us about it. I think it should be easy for you since we already know who his favorite artists are.” Bom replied.

“I guess so. I just don’t know where to go so I could choose properly. The record store I’ve been frequenting is not updated with new releases.” Dara said somberly.

Minji, as she sat and listened, then came up with a really good idea.

“Ummm, sorry for cutting in, unnies but I think I know where you can get your gift.” Minji said in a cautious manner.

“Really, Minji-ah? Know any good music stores around these parts?” Dara replied.

“Ummm, yeah. Sort of. Well, my cousin took me around the Hongdae area after he accompanied me at the university. We checked out a few stores and he took me to this really cool record bar since we both like music.” Minji said.

“Oooh, good for you, Minji-ah. You haven’t started college yet you’re already familiar with the place. It’s great that your cousin decided to show you around. I suppose you two are really close then.” Dara said with a smile.

“Ummm, yeah, we’re tight. He’s really really nice to me.” Minji replied, careful not to spill any more details.

“Anyway, what’s this record bar you went into?” Dara asked.

“The name of the store is Sound Check.” Minji replied.

“Oooh, the record bar near the mini-mall. I heard it’s really high-end. It’s been open for only a couple of months but it’s already considered the best music store here in Hongdae.” Bom said.

“Oh. Well, I’ve heard of the store a few times but I haven’t been inside it yet.” Dara replied.

“You should definitely go check it out, unnie. It’s a really really cool store.” Minji said.

“Hmmm, okay then. I’m gonna there tomorrow. Thank you, Minji-ah, for telling me about it.” Dara replied.

“You’re welcome, unnie.” Minji said, smiling.

Suddenly, Minji’s phone rang.

“Oh, okay, omma. I’ll be there. Annyeong.” Minji said and then hung up.

“I’ve gotta go, unnies. My parents are already waiting for me.” Minji said as she got up from the stool.

“Awww, okay then. I hope to see you soon, Minji-ah.” Dara replied as she held Minji’s hands.

“Me too, unnie. And it was really nice meeting you, Bom-unnie.” Minji said.

“Same here, Minji-ah. Take care!” Bom replied with a smile.

Minji then bade the two goodbye as she made her way to the door and out of the café.

“So, you wanna come with me tomorrow?” Dara then asked Bom.

“I have to help my omma with the house cleaning tomorrow so I can’t. Mianhe.” Bom replied.

“Awww, too bad. I was hoping somebody would help me with the choosing.” Dara said and made her way to a couple at one of the tables, order pad and pen in hand.

"I’m really sorry, Dara. I wish I could accompany you but, sadly, I can’t. Don’t worry, I know you can manage just by yourself.” Bom replied when Dara came back at the counter.

Dara just gave her a considerate smile and then handed the piece of paper at the order window.


-


The next afternoon, after Dara went to fetch some groceries she made her way to get her gift. She haven’t considered going to Sound Check before since it was very far from where she’s working. She carefully carried a big, heavy bag of groceries in one hand as she walked the two blocks to the record store. 

After fifteen minutes or so of walking she finally reached the store. Dara stopped on her tracks when she caught sight of the store front. It had purple neon lights all over and above the door was a huge sign of the store’s name; the letters were in the same bright purple color. The doorway looked very much like an entrance to a high-end club. At both ends of the door were two tall speakers which blasted really loud techno music. Dara couldn’t help but be amazed at the store’s snazzy appearance. Just one look at the store front and you would figure out why it’s the best record bar in the area.

Her amazement continued when she entered the store. The interior had a very modern feel with just a slight futuristic touch. The walls were adorned with purple, black, and white neon lights and there were lots of shelves lined neatly with CDs and DVDs. There were also some huge posters of music artists and some vinyl records mounted here and there. Dara noticed that there was also an area where you could play and listen to CDs. After scanning the place by the entrance, Dara made a beeline to the “Hot Releases” rack. She put the heavy bag down and started to browse through the displayed CDs. 

“Good morning, ma’am. Welcome to Sound Check. Do you need any help with…your…” a store clerk suddenly said behind her.

The guy’s voice sounded awfully familiar to her. And then, realization hit her. She slowly turned around to face the person, half-hoping that he didn’t turn out to be whom she expected.


-


Ji Yong’s words were suddenly cut short when he realized who the girl was. And before he could make a run for it, she had already turned around to face him.

He could see the look of surprise in Sandara’s face. She definitely didn’t expect to see him here. And neither did he have any idea that she would show up in the store.


“YOU? What are you doing in here? Have you been following me?” Dara said as soon as she saw Ji Yong’s face.


“What? Of course, not! I work here. Can’t you tell?” Ji Yong replied, pointing to the black and purple cap on his head and the silver nameplate on his left chest.

“Oh, really? Well, if that’s the case, I better go.” Dara said, picking up the heavy bag of groceries again and motioning to go to the door.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait! Stop! Please, Sandara-ssi, continue on with your browsing. We value our customers very dearly and if my boss sees that I let a customer walk out upset, he will kill me. So, please, whatever grudge you hold on me, let it pass for just a while and let me assist you.” Ji Yong said as he blocked Dara’s way and held his hands together in a pleading manner.

Dara just stared back at him as she placed her free arm on her waist as a sign of annoyance. She prayed hard that she won’t run into this guy as she walked along the streets and now she ends up going into the very place he’s working in. Fate does really play mean tricks on you.

“Very well. I’m gonna let you help me out. But don’t get any wrong ideas, mister.” Dara replied.

“Sure. I’m just gonna treat you as my customer.” Ji Yong said as he fixed his cap.

Dara then told him about the artist she’s looking for and Ji Yong kindly led her to the rack where all the artist’s CDs were displayed. Ji Yong was having a little bit of a hard time suggesting things to her since the atmosphere between them was a little awkward and because it’s her he’s talking to. Seeing that pretty face of hers just makes him so tongue-tied and confused with what to say.

When Dara had already picked her CD, Ji Yong then led her to the listening area where she could select three songs from the CD and listen to them. He guided her to one of the kiosks and when she has already chosen her songs, he helped her out with wearing the headphones. He felt a tingling sensation when their hands slightly brushed with one another.

“Aish! Ji Yong, why do you have to be so lovestruck while helping her out? You look so stupid!” he thought to himself as he waited while Dara was listening to the music.

After Dara listened to all three songs, Ji Yong then led her to the cashier.

“So, may I know your answer to my offer?” Ji Yong said as he punched in the price of the CD.

“What?” Dara replied. “Oh, no! There goes his question.” she thought to herself.

“Well, I told you that I want your answer to my request when we meet again. And now, here we are. So, may I know your decision?” Ji Yong said with a sheepish smile as he leaned on the counter.

Dara just stared again at him while he waited for her answer. 

“Really, this guy is so persistent.” she thought to herself.

“Well?” Ji Yong then said.

“I thought you meant that when we meet again at the café.” Dara said, still not wanting to answer him. 

“Hey, that’s not what I said. I just told you that ‘when we meet again’ and now that we have run into each other, I’m expecting your answer. So what’ll it be?” Ji Yong replied, giving Dara a smile.

“Jeez, he really is persistent. And he’s giving me that smile again! GAH! I hate it when he does that.” Dara thought to herself again.

A long period of silence crept upon them before Dara finally decided to speak.

Dara let out a heavy sigh before she spoke.

“Okay. Yes. I’m gonna agree to go on a date with you and after that, I won’t see your face anymore.” Dara replied and then let out another heavy sigh.

“R-really?” Ji Yong said, his face suddenly lightening up.

“Yes.” Dara repeated.

Ji Yong then just stayed silent, unable to think of anything else. In his mind, he was seeing himself jumping for joy and he could feel his heart race violently.

“So, have you already planned for it?” Dara asked him.

“Uh, what?” Ji Yong replied. He mind was totally not working at the moment.

“I said have you already prepared for the date?” Dara repeated. She found it weird how suddenly this guy looked dumbfounded.

“Oh, the date…ummm…uh…yeah. I already have plans for it. Ummm, m-meet me at the s-square on Sunday, eleven o’clock in the m-morning.” Ji Yong stuttered. He could feel the atmosphere getting awkward again.

“Mmmm-hmmm. Okay then. See you there.” Dara said in a blunt manner. She then took the wrapped CD on the counter on one hand and carried the grocery bag on the other. She then walked towards the door.

“Sandara-ssi.” Ji Yong called out when she was almost at the door. She stopped and looked back at Ji Yong.

“L-let me help you with your grocery bag.” Ji Yong said, as he came out of the counter and walked towards Dara.

“Uh, n-no. It’s okay. I can manage.” Dara replied, putting her hand with the heavy bag behind her. 

“Please, I insist. That bag seems a bit heavy. Just let me walk you to the bus stop.” Ji Yong said in a gentle voice.

After much hesitation, Dara finally gave in and handed Ji Yong her grocery bag. Their walk to the bus stop was really quiet. Neither of them said anything to each other. They just walked side by side, their heads bowed down. Ji Yong would once in a while look to his side to see Dara still looking at the sidewalk below her. It was really an odd, awkward moment.

After a few minutes of walking, they finally reached the bus stop. Dara was relieved to see a bus already waiting. She wouldn’t want to spend more awkward minutes with this Kwon Ji Yong guy as she waited for her bus to arrive.

When they finally reached the bus door, Dara turned to Ji Yong and he handed her grocery bag back.

“Komawo.” Dara simply said, giving him a thankful smile. It was only the second she genuinely smiled at him. Ji Yong couldn’t help but give her a shy smile too.

Dara felt her heart begin to race when she saw his smile so she immediately went on the bus. When she took her seat, she could feel her cheeks slightly burning.

“Ghad! What’s wrong with you, Dara?” she said to herself as the bus started to move.


-


Ji Yong stayed at the bus stop until the bus took a left turn at the end of the road. As he made his way back to the record store, he couldn’t but feel giddy. He was smiling to himself as he walked on the street and he couldn’t help but notice how the people looked at him weirdly. He didn’t care about what they thought though. All he knows is that he was finally going on a date with the girl who stole his heart, Park Sandara.

That evening, as soon as Ji Yong walked into their apartment living room, he rushed to his two buddies to tell the great news.

“GUESS WHAT, PEEPS!” Ji Yong shouted, a smile plastered to his lips.

“Looks like somebody has good news. What? You won the lottery?” Young Bae replied as he lowered the volume of the TV.

“Nope. Better.” Ji Yong replied.


“You won the triple lottery?” Seung Ri then asked.


“Aniyo!” Ji Yong exclaimed.


“Just tell us then, bro.” Young Bae said, chuckling.


“Okay. You guys wouldn’t believe it. Park Sandara…has finally agreed to go on a date with me.” Ji Yong told them excitedly, his smile getting bigger.

“Wow! Really? That IS good news, dude! I’m happy for you.” Young Bae replied as he moved towards Ji Yong and gave him a high-five.

“Woah! Way to go, hyung! You’ve finally made it!” Seung Ri happily said as he clapped his hands.

“Thanks. You don’t know how happy I’m feeling right now.” Ji Yong said, placing a hand to his chest, his smile still not fading. 

“So, bulgogi anyone?” he then said happily, spreading his arms in the air.

“No way! Are you serious, hyung?” Seung Ri said in a shocked tone.

“Of course! We should celebrate! I’m gonna call Minji and see if she could come with us.” Ji Yong replied, fishing out his phone from his pocket.

“AWESOME!” exclaimed Young Bae and Seung Ri as they gave each other high-fives.

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Okay, so this is the last chap before I totally stopped updating. Sorry. I would really try to update this again soon 'coz I also missed this fic so much. <3 Thank you for subscribing and commenting! I really really appreciate them. ^_^