Another World Shop

Starting my shift, I felt a quiet satisfaction as I looked around the store. Thanks to the contract with all the central hubs of the city, more and more customers had started to visit—both new and returning ones.

I couldn't help but think: one day, I'll probably have to step away from the duties of a manager. Someone will need to take over. But who?

I didn't know how long Ha Rin would stay, and I had no right to ask her to give up her future or ambitions. The same went for Ji Ah—her situation was even more carefree. Why would she stay here when she had a wealthy, comfortable life waiting for her?

Which meant, sooner or later, I'd have to find two new people to train.

While I was lost in thought, two customers entered. One looked like a reptile, his body covered entirely in scales. The other appeared mostly human—except his head looked like that of a Doberman.

They asked, rather bluntly, where the alcohol was.

After grabbing a bottle of soju, they paid without fuss.

I tried to hand them their change, but they gruffly told me to keep it.

At first, I assumed they were rude.

But honestly, they weren't bad at all.

That was just their personality.

Not my favorite type, but I appreciated the honesty.

They thanked me and left.

I told them I was happy to see them again.

I watched their outfits as they walked away—neatly pressed suits, shoulder bags, and name tags. Something about them screamed "paperwork".

Maybe they work in an office. I don't really know.

Next came someone familiar—an angel I'd helped once before. But this time, he wasn't alone.

A girl stood by his side—a vampire with striking red eyes and crimson hair. He thanked me for the last time we met and introduced her as his girlfriend. She smiled politely.

"Elion," the angel introduced himself, his gaze briefly meeting hers.

"And I'm Vellia," the vampire said softly, almost smiling.

I introduced myself as well. I was happy for him—he seemed like a good guy.

But I couldn't lie; a part of me felt jealous. Still, I smiled and wished them well as they bought chocolate and coffee.

More and more people started coming in—some for cosmetics, others for stationery or medicine. Kids came to buy safe magical artifacts like wands and enchanted bracelets.

Then someone caught my eye. He looked a bit younger than me, with the features of an elf, except his skin was dark, not pale. I asked, a bit awkwardly, "Are you a dark elf?"

He gave me a sharp glance.

"Yeah. Why? Is that a problem?"

"No," I quickly replied. "I've seen elves before, just not... your kind."

"Naturally. We're fewer in number—about half as many."

I nodded, apologizing again. He bought food and household items. When it came time to pay, he was a few won short. He hesitated, clearly considering putting something back.

"Don't worry about it," I said. "You don't need to pay the rest."

"Why?"

"Because I started our conversation poorly."

He looked at me, surprised, then smiled faintly.

"You're a good seller. Thanks."

As he left, I watched him go. His shopping was unusual—he bought everything in twos. Two toothbrushes, two bars of soap. Only the food was in large portions, enough for days. And the way he looked around, like he didn't know the streets... maybe he wasn't from here. Maybe from a village. I didn't know.

While I was thinking, she arrived.

She looked around eighteen. Her hair was a rich, dark violet-blue with bright pink highlights. It flowed straight down past her waist, slightly wavy at the ends. Two front strands framed her face perfectly. Even without touching it, I knew it was silky and well-kept. Her eyes—vivid pinkish-purple with shimmering flecks—shone like stars.

Her skin was porcelain-pale with a cool undertone, flawlessly smooth. She moved with grace, her slim figure light and elegant. Her outfit sparkled—bright, showy, adorned with stars, complete with gloves.

I caught myself analyzing her deeply. I didn't know why, but she was... breathtaking. She looked human, but to me, she seemed like a goddess.

Realizing I'd stared too long, I cleared my throat.

"Is there something you'd like to buy?"

"Something sweet to drink," she replied.

I directed her to the beverage section and tried not to watch. If I did, I wouldn't stop staring.

When she returned to the counter, I asked:

"If it's not a secret... what do you do for a living?"

She blinked in surprise, then laughed—her voice melodic.

"You really don't know who I am?"

I shook my head. "No. I'm not from here. I arrived a few weeks ago. I just wondered why someone so beautiful was out this late, dressed like an idol. It's dangerous at night."

Her eyes widened. I could see she hadn't expected that.

"I'm Lumina," she said, smiling. "A top idol. I work with a media agency. I sneak out at night to avoid reporters. During the day, they follow me everywhere."

"And the outfit?" I asked, my eyes briefly scanning the glittery, idol-like clothes that shimmered even under the dull store lights.

She let out a small sigh, clearly a little embarrassed.

"I forgot to pay for the apartment I was staying in," She scratched her cheek, avoiding my gaze for a moment.

"I couldn't go to a hotel either. Too risky. If I show up somewhere, the media will find out in no time."

Then she looked down at herself and gestured lightly to her outfit.

"And this… was all I had with me. It's from my last performance. Stage clothes."

There was a pause. Then she let out a soft, half-hearted laugh.

"Stylish, sure… but not very practical when you're wandering the streets in the middle of the night."

Something about the way she said it felt honest, raw in a quiet way.

I nodded slowly, absorbing her words, then offered a small smile.

"Well… I'm Ujin," I said, finally introducing myself.

She looked at me with a hint of surprise, like she'd forgotten I didn't know her.

"And honestly," she added after a beat, "I almost didn't go in . I stood outside for a while. But it looked quiet… and I was really hungry."

We talked until a heavy rain started. I told her if she didn't want to sit in the store alone, she could come with me to my room. She looked surprised.

"It's not what you think," I added quickly.

She followed. Inside, she noticed Amatea and Tsunoa sleeping.

"Your sisters?"

"No."

"Your... kids?"

"Yes. And no. It's complicated."

I told her their story. I didn't know why, but I trusted her. Then I asked, "Are you always smiling and cheerful?"

"Yes."

"Then why do I feel like you're sad?"

She kept smiling.

"You're mistaken."

I reached toward her cheek.

"No... I can tell. You smile, but you're hurting. Afraid. You're doing it for others. Or to keep going."

Tears welled in her eyes. She wiped them quickly.

"Just dust," she said.

I made us tea. We talked for a while. The warmth of that moment—I hadn't felt peace like that in ages. I wished time would stop.

Before leaving, she gave me her number. I promised to message her every day. I told her she was always welcome. She smiled and disappeared into the night.

Later, Ha Rin and Ji Ah arrived. I didn't tell them what happened—not because I didn't trust them, but simply because there was no need.

I asked if they knew anyone who could replace them someday. They looked startled.

"Did we mess up?" Ha Rin asked.

"No," I said. "I'm just thinking ahead. One day I'll step back as manager. I'll need someone to take over."

They relaxed.

"We're not going anywhere," Ji Ah said. "You already called us family, remember?"

"I can even become an official employee," she added with a grin.

I smiled—and cried a little. Ha Rin noticed.

"Are you okay?"

"Just dust," I said.

I thanked them. Watching them work, I nearly broke down. I missed my parents. We didn't have much, and they always asked for money once I started working. They expected me to provide—but how could I, when I couldn't even survive myself?

Every message from them was about money. Never once: "How are you?" or "What are you doing?" I wondered if they even noticed I was gone.

But I've found a new family here. Who said family must be blood?

To me, family is about who makes you feel safe. Who you're willing to protect. Even die for.

I stepped outside into the fresh morning air and thought...

I'm glad I ended up in this world.