Changing Seasons

Summer passed and it was autumn all over again.

A whole year since Ahjussi came back.

So-Mi's corner at The Junc Shop was now transformed into a small photography studio with a little dark room and a portrait shot corner.

A work station customer discussion table was placed near the entrance, overlooking  Ahjussi's flower-shop area.

(Flashback)

"You've decided? For sure?"

"Uhuh."

"Not pedicure?"

"Nope," she scrunched her nose prettily. "I think photography is my calling."

"Not even psychology? When you graduate?"

"I'll apply what I learn to my customers," she smiled.

(End of flashback)

She spent most of her afternoon's there with either her homework or tinkering with her hobby.

With Ahjussi across the room.

Most of the time, So-Mi will go back to her parents for the evening, but more and more, she was spending her nights in her new room too.

With Ahjussi sleeping in his own room next to hers.

During the first week or so, their family and friends came to visit.

Choi-Omma and Appa; Amber; Dalseo and Chi-gon Ahjussis.

Omma has warmed up to Ahjussi quite considerably while Appa was having longer and longer talk time with him.

Through the days, So-Mi too learned the art of gardening and sales.

Though Tae-sik was never trained in business, being the intelligent man that he was, he quickly picked up the game.

The most interesting part was that The Junc Shop, despite its name, attracted two main groups of people.

The male, both the young and old. Because  of the outrageously pretty girl manning the photo booth.

And the noonas , ahjummas and sometimes even the halmoenis. Because of the extremely desirable quiet shopkeeper taking care of the plants.

(Flashback)

"Why gardening?"

"It calms me."

"Why a shop? You don’t need the money."

"Savings can deplete, you know."

"Why this neighbourhood?"

"Why the 20 questions?"

"Just because."

He continued repotting his orchid.

While she leaned carelessly on one side of his work table.

"So? Why this neighbourhood?"

Persistent as always.

"I'm tired of the old one."

"Uhuh..." she said, unconvinced.

He sighed, knowing she will not let up till she got her answer.

"Because your  Appa is concerned for your safety there."

"I can take care of myself."

"Uhuh..." he said, unconvinced.

"Tsk... so distrusting ... you act like my father sometimes."

"Am I not?"

"Nope," she stuck her tongue out at him and strutted off into her dark room.

(End of flashback)