SMS from Kwon Bank

Monthly loan payment of 5,000.00 is due for A/C: XXXX-XXXXXX-XXX. Please pay immediately to avoid charges. Ignore if already paid. Thank you for banking with Kwon Bancorporation. 

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SMS from Kwon Cards

Kwon Cards: Credit Card payment reminder - minimum payment of 1,000.00 for credit card is due. 

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SMS from TelConnect

Hi, Sandara Park! Just a friendly reminder, your bill for this mobile number amounting to 800.00 is already due. 

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Bank Account Statement

Savings Account - 15,000.00

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DARA'S POV

"Hi, Mom!”

I was lamenting about all the bills I have to pay when my mom called. 

"Dara, dear? Can I ask you a favor?"

She sounded so... I don't know. She's making me nervous!

"Of course, mom. What is it?"

"Can you cover our utilities expenses this month? Your dad and I are currently tight. We just paid your brother & sister's school fees and our family's debt. I'm really sorry dear."

"Ok, mom."

"Thanks, dear."

More bills. Yayyy!

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"Why the long face?"

My bestie — Chaerin — asked, pulling me out of reverie. I heaved a sigh. 

"You know..."

"Money problems?"

"Yes. I don't think I could make it until next payday even if I go on an egg and water diet."

I wasn't exaggerating. Earnings from my part-time job and freelance business is just about 'enough' to cover my expenses. My mom's favor is another story. I do not know how I'd get by after paying everything. 

"Tch. I told you I could always help!"

This isn't the first she told me that. Chaerin's family is loaded — but I would never. 

"Nahhh."

"You and your pride."

She rolled her eyes at me. 

"It ain't about that, Chae. I'm just being wise. I already have a university loan and credit card to pay. Why would I in-debt myself more?"

"Touché. My offer still stands, though. I'll always help you out whenever needed."

"I know. Thank you, Chae."

"Don't be too mushy!" 

She visibly cringed. 

"You started it!"

Chaerin is my polar opposite. I keep wondering how we clicked. She's the cool girl but a real softy inside. Me, on the other hand, is a ball of energy. Her words, not mine!

She's the best! We met during the freshmen orientation. We're in our final year now. We've been inseparable ever since. 

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Dara went to her part-time job after class. She works as a barista in a café near her school. 

"Boss, can I pull off extra shifts this week?"

"Again?"

"Yeah."

"Sure, if there are still customers. You work too hard, Dara."

She only chuckled in response. 

Little did they know that there were ears overhearing their conversation. 

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"Marquis, I found a prospect."

"Is she good?"

"Very."

"Okay. Work on it."

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Dara was rolling over her bed, racking her brain for any means to earn extra income she badly needs. Luckily, an idea popped in. She immediately got up and took hold of her laptop. 

“Accepting commissions… Digital / Traditional Artwork… Email [email protected] for inquiries”

She typed away. Dara is a Multimedia Arts student, thus her academic needs are expensive as . But it was what she loved, and she couldn’t have pursued it if not for the school scholarship she got.

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DARA’S POV

I stopped midway when Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked by Cage The Elephant played next from the playlist I am blasting in my ears. Aaaaaack! I vibe to this song on a different level.

Oh there ain’t no rest for the wicked

Money don’t grow on trees

I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed

There ain't nothing in this world for free

I first heard this song from the Netflix series, Lucifer. I hope I won’t get to the point where I have to sell my soul to the devil! BUT if he’s as y as Tom Ellis then… Hello, Daddy! Just kidding.

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“Dara, we already received a disconnection notice for our electricity.”

It was what welcomed me when I woke up. No good mornings. No breakfast.

“I’ll pay the bills later, Mom.”

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Bank Account Statement

Savings Account - 7,300.00

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It didn’t take long before I got inquiries for Artwork Commissions. Yay, money!

Or so I thought.

“Hi! Can you draw me in this style?”

I received an email from someone named Jooyeon. She has also attached a sample artwork. It was a digital chibi drawing. Easy.

“Sure! Just send me your photo as reference. When do you need it?”

“Here. Can you get it done by tomorrow?”

She sent me her photo, and wow, I’m supposed to finish it tomorrow?? Yes, I said it was easy, BUT TOMORROW? REALLY?

*Sigh* For the money.

“Alright. That’ll be 1,000.00. I’ll send the finished artwork after I receive your proof of payment.”

I then proceeded to send her my contact and payment details.

“Don’t you think it’s a little bit expensive? It’s just drawing!”

SHE SAID WHAT? Oh hell no. Nobody, I mean NOBODY COULD BELITTLE MY ART.

“It’s not ‘just drawing’, miss. It’s ART. Art supplies are not cheap. My talent isn’t as well. If you have problems with my rate, then I don’t think we could push through this.”

Wow. That was a mouthful. But, hey! She really got into my nerves.

“Rude much? It’s not even good lol. Whatever girl. Your loss!”

Most. Infuriating. Client. Ever!!!

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“Darong, isn’t this yours? Do you know this Jooyeon girl?”

Chaerin and I were lounging somewhere in our school when she showed me her phone. That freaking b*tch! She posted my commission ad and dubbed it as a ‘scam’. What the hell?!

“It’s trending!”

I wasted no time and posted screenshots of our conversation on social media. It’s called ‘standing up for myself.’. There ain’t no rest for the wicked.