Hayoon’s question prompted the customer to explain. As he approached 56804, the owner of Mom’s Place had called him over, offering free food if he spread good word about their place.
“Sounds like soliciting,” Hayoon said.
The customer nodded, pulling out his phone to show Hayoon. Photos of Mom’s Place’s grimy kitchen and recent delivery reviews criticizing their dirty food filled the screen. Hayoon covered his mouth in shock. They’re running a business like this?
He forced an awkward smile, taking the customer’s order. In the kitchen, Sihoo was sweeping the floor. “Sihoo, Today’s Special order,” Hayoon said.
“One sec,” Sihoo replied, wiping his hands and glancing at the customer before starting. He prepared a Korean spread: a tray with lacquered dishes holding fried sides, eggplant namul, leafy greens, and pollack, paired with multigrain rice and red beef radish soup. It looked irresistible.
Ding. Hayoon’s eyes widened at the spread. He delivered it to the customer, who eagerly snapped photos. Click.
“Is this Today’s Special?” the customer asked.
“Yup, enjoy!” Hayoon said, nodding.
The customer scooped a big spoonful of multigrain rice, chewing slowly. “The mix of millet, black rice, and regular rice is perfect,” he said, then exclaimed, “Wow!” I was craving beef radish soup today, and it’s spot-on. This place is addicting. Boss, you’re the best! I’ll post a glowing review on Instagram!
His satisfied expression drew nods from nearby tables. Hayoon glanced at Sihoo. How does this guy nail every customer’s taste?
Buzz. Hayoon checked his phone, eyes widening. He approached Sihoo. “If anything comes up, call me.”
“What’s up?” Sihoo asked.
Hayoon waved his phone. “Gotta take a call outside.”
Outside, Hayoon answered, his face lighting up at the voice. “You, hyung!”
“How’s Sihoo doing?” the voice asked.
“He’s holding up. Never seems to tire,” Hayoon said.
“Really? Oh, tell Dad I’ll stop by when I’m back in Korea.”
“Is this about Sihoo?” Hayoon asked.
“Yeah, heard there’s trouble with next door?”
“Hah, don’t get me started…” Hayoon glanced at Mom’s Place, catching Sukyoung glaring. He looked away, continuing, “Hyung, I’ll tell you tonight.”
“Cool, I’ll have time then.”
Hayoon hung up after a brief chat, frowning at Sukyoung’s attempts to lure passing customers. A customer called, “Excuse me!”
“Yes?” Hayoon replied.
“How long’s the wait?”
Hayoon glanced inside. Sihoo held up five fingers. “About five minutes,” Hayoon said.
Jingle. Sihoo emerged with a tray. “Hyung, give these to the waiting customers.”
“Got it,” Hayoon said, handing out ceramic cups of warm barley tea to the line outside. In the chilly weather, customers clutched the cups, savoring the heat.
“Wow, so warm and nutty,” one said.
“Never had barley tea this good,” another added.
“Here, Mom will blow on it,” a mother said to her child.
Customers chatted, bonding over the tea. Hayoon glanced at Mom’s Place. Sukyoung, fuming, stormed inside.
“Do you do takeout?” a customer asked.
“Yeah, I’d eat here every day if you did, especially the Korean dishes,” another said.
“I’ll talk to the boss about it. Hang tight,” Hayoon said, entering the kitchen. Seeing Sihoo’s frantic pace, he thought, We need another part-timer.
Sihoo, spotting him, asked him to collect table dishes. Sihoo soaked them in soapy water, then loaded the dishwasher. While it ran, they wiped tables, preparing for more customers.
“Worth the wait. The food’s amazing, and you’re so kind,” a customer said.
Sihoo scratched his cheek. “Thank you. Sorry for the wait. Order, and we’ll make it delicious.”
“Your hospitality keeps me coming back,” the customer said.
Sihoo smiled awkwardly, retreating to the kitchen. Hayoon followed, asking, “Ever thought about takeout?”
“Takeout? Out of nowhere?” Sihoo said, flipping a pan.
“After that guy the other day, customers are asking for it,” Hayoon said.
Sihoo glanced at the line outside. It’d take until 3 p.m. to clear. Adding takeout? “Not sure yet. Let’s talk tonight, hyung.”
“Cool,” Hayoon said, heading to the dining area to handle the crowd.
Closing up as usual, Sihoo walked home, happy the diner was thriving but feeling drained. Was it this busy when Kanghoon hyung was here? Daily revenue now outstripped a salaryman’s monthly pay. Even after ingredient costs, premium meat and fish, utilities, and depreciation, profits were high. Really high.
He thought of Hayoon, hustling in the dining area. He’s working so hard. A raise was in order, but the sheer volume of customers multiplied their workload. Despite their speed, there was no time to rest.
Sigh. Reaching home, Sihoo saw the iron gate. Creak. In the yard, the mini field needed weeding. Exhausted, he dragged himself inside, collapsing on the sofa. His joints screamed.
“Time flies. Already a month…” Since taking over 56804, customers kept growing despite Mom’s Place’s antics. Remarkable growth, but a problem loomed.
“Should I drop out of school?” he wondered.
Buzz. His phone vibrated. Seeing the caller, Sihoo’s eyes lit up, a smile spreading. “Hyung! Long time no see! How’s Japan? Learning a lot?”
“Slow down, breathe,” the voice laughed. It was Yoon Kanghoon, 56804’s former owner and Sihoo’s senior.
“I was missing you today,” Sihoo said.
“I heard the diner’s doing well, but you’re famous now?” Kanghoon said.
“Famous?” Sihoo’s eyes darted, recalling the past.
“Yeah, 56804’s blowing up on Instagram. Made me proud.”
Sihoo, too busy for social media, used his phone only for texts and calls. “Hyung, I barely touch my phone.”
“That busy? Wish you could borrow a cat’s paws to cook,” Kanghoon teased.
Sihoo chuckled. “Seriously.” Kanghoon’s laughter roared. A faint voice interrupted, “Master, Chairman Koo is looking for you.”
“Hold on,” Kanghoon said, muffling the phone.