For whatever reason, there had to be some purpose behind this secret visit. Whether it was truly a secret or not, Gaeul couldnât be sure. She clenched her jaw and nodded.
âIâll tell my teacher that Iâll be out next period. Itâs just break time right now, soâ¦â
âAre you sure thatâs okay?â
âIf I use the Bureau as an excuse, itâll be fine. Just wait a little.â
Uijaeâs eyes, hidden in the shadow of his cap, smiled warmly. With a slight nod, he raised his voice and asked, âShould I pack it in a carrier for you? It might be hard to carry so many cups.â
âYes!â
Her friends shouted enthusiastically from behind the fence. Uijae expertly pulled out a paper carrier like the ones used in cafes, quickly assembled it, and packed the tteokbokki cups along with wooden skewers. Gaeul took the cup and bowed her head in thanks. Dayeon, gripping the fence, called out.
âOppa, how long are you staying?â
âHuh? Me?â
*Oppa?* Does she even know who he is? Gaeul was mortified by her friendâs casual use of the term, but Uijae, surprised, pointed to himself. Dayeon nodded eagerly. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and replied.
âIâm leaving soon.â
âNo! You should keep selling! Iâll spread the word like crazy. I have lots of friends.â
âNo need to spread it more. Plenty of people have already been here.â
âCan we come back during lunch?ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âYou should eat the school lunch at lunchtime.â