Love The Guy Next Door

During work today, I was a bit distracted. I was afraid that a sudden task would prevent me from getting home on time.

If I worked late and didn't get back in time, I wondered if he would be disappointed.

As soon as it hit five o'clock and I confirmed there was nothing else to do, I quickly greeted my colleagues and clocked out.

While shopping at the supermarket downstairs, my phone rang again. It was a message from Vin, asking why I hadn't gone back yet.

I replied, a bit annoyed. I said that I was at the supermarket downstairs buying groceries.

What a life! I worked hard all day just to pay rent to the landlord. After work, I still had to cook for the landlord's son.

Thinking about how bleak my life was, I decided to buy some snacks and reward myself after sending Vin off.

Ideal plans are always full, but life is complicated. Faced with a row of different flavored chips, I was torn. My empty wallet didn't allow me to grab everything, so I had to choose a few based on a moment's impulse.

Suddenly, someone appeared behind me. An arm brushed past my cheek and swept five or six bags of chips into my cart. Just as I was about to get angry, I heard a familiar male voice from behind.

"If you want to eat them, just buy them. I've seen you standing here for a long time," said Vin.

Hearing this made me even angrier. He was just a senior-year student who hadn't faced the harsh realities of life. He had no idea that snack freedom was a luxury in the world of low-wage workers.

Noticing that I didn't respond, Vin seemed to pick up on my mood.

"What are you thinking? I came down to pay for your groceries. I feel bad for eating your food for free. Take whatever snacks you want, I'll cover it," he said, waving his hand casually.

My face turned red. I had the fleeting thought that Vin might be flirting with me.

It's really not my fault that my willpower is weak!

If there were a ranking for sweet talk, the phrase "I'll pay" would definitely be at the top.

Especially since this came from a senior year student, whose allowance probably isn't much. It made the gesture even more precious.

"Chips make you fat if you eat too many. I'm on a diet lately," I said, putting a few bags back on the shelf.

As I said this, I put a few more bags of chips back on the shelf.

"Although I don't have much conscience, I'm not so bad as to take advantage of a senior-year student."

When it was time to check out, I pulled out my phone first and told the cashier, "Scan mine."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vin reaching for his pocket. So, I grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Listen to me, just save your allowance. Besides, Apple Pay is more convenient. It's a hassle to deal with a bunch of loose change," I said, trying to give him a reason that wouldn't hurt his pride.

I made sure to come up with an excuse so I wouldn't hurt the pride of a teenage boy.

Maybe he understood because his hand froze for a moment, and then he reluctantly stopped pulling out his money and just watched as I paid.

The cashier handed me the receipt and said, "If you've spent over 288, you can go to the service desk and enter a prize draw."

As soon as I heard about the draw, I got excited. "Prize draws are great!"

Even if I couldn't win the grand prize, getting some practical household items would be nice.

I eagerly went to line up at the service desk. Vin followed behind me, pushing the cart.

"What do you hope to win?" Vin asked, looking curious.

I glanced at the prize pool. The grand prize was a gift card, and the lower prizes were things like laundry detergent, toilet paper, and some fancy imported snacks and drinks.

"Toilet paper would be best. Laundry detergent would be my second choice."

"I thought you'd want the gift card or snacks."

"I don't have that kind of luck. And look at those snacks and drinks. They're probably close to their expiration date, so they're on promotion. I'd rather get something practical," I said, shrugging.

I rubbed my hands together eagerly while waiting in line, ready to take a prize home.

I never expected to draw the last prize, which was a case of beer. I was disheartened on the way home.

Vin carried two large bags full of groceries while looking at me, who seemed drained of all life. He held the beer.

"Do you even drink?"

I quickly shook my head.

"It's all close-to-expiration beer. We might as well make beer-braised steak with it tomorrow," I said, waving my hand dismissively.

"Sure. And tomorrow, I'd like some salad," Vin said.

"Okay," I replied.

Wait, what? It wasn't until after I agreed that I realized what had happened. "This kid is so sneaky! Damn it, I fell for it again."

I turned my head and saw the smile tugging at his lips. I huffed in frustration.

"I've been around longer than him. How could I let him lead me like this? I need to find a way to take control."

After he brought the groceries to my place, I made a gesture toward the door, signaling him to leave.

Vin asked if I was planning to kick him out now that he'd served his purpose. I told him he should go study and that I'd call him over when the food was ready.

I saw the corner of his mouth twitch as if he had something to say. But he just sighed and walked out.

Seeing Vin a bit defeated, my mood lifted considerably. I couldn't help but smile as I chopped the vegetables.

"Wait, what? Why am I thinking about Vin so much? Get it together, Angie. You can't be like this!"