Irene hated getting in lines.

Queing. Waiting to be seated. Waiting in traffic. Waiting in the subway. Waiting for a ride. 

Waiting in general.

Her sister always reminded her of how impatient she was when they were younger, “You’re such an impatient prick.” She had told her one time while they were waiting for the dough to rise and Irene wanted to put it in the oven already. They were around 12 and 7 respectively and their mother was teaching them how to make bread. “Patience is a virtue.”

“Yeah, but time is gold. Gold shines. Virtue doesn’t. Loser.”

She remembered her sister cursing under her breath and ignoring her for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile, her is motto is still the same up to this day.

Time is gold. Time is precious. Time is of the essence.

And waiting is such a waste of time. If there was a way she could speed things up, she’d find it and she’d do it. 

That brings her here in the present, in this newly renovated european styled cafe that had people all over Seoul flocking because of a stupid milk drink. Seulgi, her bear personified bestfriend and Yeri, the spawn of satan (if she isn’t satan herself) had been bugging her for over a week to buy and taste the superstar of all milk drinks.

And the moment Irene saw the line (which was half a kilometer long she swears in her mind),she knew agreeing to this was a mistake.

She can almost feel her veins popping.

“How long is this gonna take?” 

“20...30 minutes? But I swear this drink is so worth the wait!” Seulgi, sensing her disdain for waiting, put an arm around her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Unnie, this drink is IC.” Yeri’s voice came a little loud, earning them a couple of stares from the people in the line. “Once you’ve tasted it, you can’t help but want more and more and before you know it, you’re addicted to the bliss.”

“Yah! Kim Yerim!” Seulgi’s scandalized face was almost too funny to ignore but seeing the line infront of them irritated her so much that she couldn’t even let out a giggle.

“What! I’m just saying.”

“Yes but don’t say in public, sheez.”

“Why not? It’s an expression.”

“It’s inappropriate! And people around us might misunderstand.”

“Who cares? org—“

See? Spawn of satan.

“Screw this, I’m going to the vending machine.” She left the two girls squabbling, probably not even aware that she’s left them already.

The nearest vending machine was closer to her office than to the cafe, which was better because she wouldn’t have to walk far to get back to work. Talk about efficiency.

Vending machines are heaven sent. She likes things like this. Quick and efficient. No waiting just to get a drink. As long you got money, you can get your drink and your change in less than a minute. No unnecessary polite conversations to be made, no pretentious smiles, no men coming on to her every minute...

It’s just the vending machine and her.

How easy.

She lets out a sigh in relief as she turns around the corner.

Aaand there’s someone using the machine.

Irene can feel herself frowning, again. She had to remind herself that she doesn’t own the machine so it’s okay. Let it go.

Her attention goes back to the person using the vending machine.

A short brown haired girl wearing an oversized plaid shirt, cropped jeans and vans, probably around her age. Same height as hers. 

Or probably a little bit shorter.

The first thing Irene notices is the girl’s fashion sense.

She’s wearing light clothes on  such a cold day.

Then Irene notices her cheek dimple.

And her side profile.

Pretty. She thinks to herself.

The short haired girl contemplates on what to press  and Irene just stands there, slightly aware that she’s staring at a stranger.

Ok maybe this is getting inappropriate. She averts her gaze and stares on the blue and pink neon light signage above them instead which says ‘Everyone is an Artist’. 

The girl finally presses something and gets her drink. It’s a canned green tea, Irene notes.

They catch each others eyes for a second and the girl half smiles at Irene, just enough that her dimple shows.

And she’s gone.

And Irene’s left standing there, thinking how pretty the girl’s smile is.

What was she doing there again?

Oh right. A drink.

She quickly gets a chocolate milk and sets off.

What was I thinking starting a new fic...

I just miss wenrene so much.