EPISODE 17

Kevin, the new member of Nova X walked into the company practice room. Meanwhile Si Woon and the other members were already rehearsing a dance step to one of the already made album.

As soon as Si Woon noticed Kevin presence, his mood shifted noticeably. The other members turned to see him enter, pausing their practice. He dropped his bag, took off his jacket, and approached them with a friendly greeting. They all responded warmly, except for Si Woon, who turned away and shot Kevin a glare before walking off to practice alone.

"Is he okay?" Kevin asked the other members, sensing the tension. He'd notice the same or even worst expression at their first meeting, and now...

"Maybe he's just not in a good mood today," Gyeol suggested, glancing at Si Woon with concern. "Let's just practice without him for now. He'll probably join us next time."

It definitely doesn't look like it but Kevin agreed, letting him be for now. "How about we introduce ourselves since it's our first time together?" Kevin proposed.

Sure! They agreed and introduce their self individually.

"And he's Si Woon," Gyeol said pointing at Si Woon who was basically stretching while glancing secretly.

Before Kevin could introduce himself, Si Woon bug in and interrupted rudely. "Do you really think introducing yourselves is necessary?"

"Excuse me?" Kevin muttered and si woon pushed furthered, "I don't think it's necessary. So, save your introductions; you won't be here for long anyway."

"Pardon?" Kevin replied, taken aback by the sudden hostility.

Si Woon approached him, leaning in to whisper, "You'd better leave on your own, or I'll make sure you leave the hard way." With that, he picked up his cap and bag and strode out of the practice room.

The remaining members watched him go, puzzled as well as Kevin. He kept wondering if they've meet before, in an unpleasant way or he's just like that.

"What's up with him?" Ji Ho asked, breaking the silence.

"Maybe he's just having a tough day, like you said," Kevin replied, trying to make sense of it all.

"I'll go check on him," Gyeol said, determined to understand what was going on. He hurried after Si Woon, calling out his name, but Si Woon walked out, ignoring him. Gyeol finally caught up and blocked his path. Si Woon tried to leave again but he blocked his path.

"Si Woon, what's with the attitude? Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Si Woon glared at him for a moment before leaving him standing there, unsure and worried.

He wouldn't understand even if he tried to explain anyways. It was quite not understanding how they're not upset about this whole situation. Some stranger came to take their place and they're totally fine with it? Well, he's not and never will he let him win.

****"

Min-Jun woke up to find Qing standing before him, arms crossed and a playful stare on her face. Startled, he blinked his eyes opened.

"You? What are you doing there like that?" he asked, still groggy.

"Finally, someone's waking up, Sleeping princess!" She chimed teasingly. "Let's see what time it is," she said, glancing at the old large clock hanging on the wall. "It's nine a.m already, and the Sleeping princess's just waking up."

"Just go away, I'm still sleepy," he murmured, and she milmicked his words teasingly, "Get up and get ready for work!" She shouted, making sure it was loud and disturbing enough.

"Work? What work?" he asked, sitting up confused. And Qing restored with a long loud laughter. If he could hear himself speak right now. What was he thinking, leaving with Ms Gown, eating and sleeping but not working? It's definitely impossible or else he want himself kicked out.

"Ms. Gwon has employed you as the dish washer and cleaner at the restaurant," she announce with a grin.

"Cleaner?" he echoed, incredulous, standing up. For a moment, he thought it was basically one of her jokes, but nope, she was dead serious.

"Yes! You'll be her cleaner for now and you'll be paid. Once you save up some money, you can get yourself an apartment and live your life. Otherwise, you'll be kicked out," she explained.

Min-Jun sighed, realizing he had nowhere else to go and no way to survive without any money.

I guess I'll just accept this for now. I'm sure Manager Ma will sort things out quickly so I can get back to my life, he thought and then accept.

Ms. Gwon returned to her restaurant which had been closed since the last time Qing runaway. Customers were thrilled to see their favorite village chef back in action. Both Ming and Qing were in the kitchen alongside Min-Jun.

While Ms. Gwon and Qing prepared the dishes, Ming served, and Min-Jun cleaned. As he worked, he couldn't help but find the situation amusing. He had never imagined he would one day be a cleaner at a local restaurant, but now, he's, in a small unrecognized town in China.

Qing and Ms. Gwon watched Min-Jun struggle with the mop, as if it was his first time using one. But it was actually his first time holding a mop that seem bigger than his both palms. It was so hard to hold it properly.

"Where did you say you found him again?" Ms. Gwon asked, raising an eyebrow while her gazes was still fix on the new poor cleaner.

"At the airport." Wing murmured baxk. "Has he never cleaned before?" Qing added and Ms gwon kiss her teeth shaking her head.

His attitude says one thing, He must come from the wealthy family, Ms gwon thought still keeping a straight stare.

Qing got tired of watching him making a fool of him self, she took off her gloves and approached Min-Jun, who was still fumbling with the mop. He hit her at the back of her head and said,

"Are you serious right now?" She scolded and Min-Jun stopped, "How can someone clean like a child?"

"Isn't this how you mop the floor?" he asked so innocent and petty, in a second, Qing fell for his petty face and felt bad for him.

"Give me that mop," she said, taking it from him, demonstrated the proper technique before handing it back. "Now you try again."

She returned to Ming, who had been watching the scene unfold and smiling. "It's okay, Ming. You can go home. You've worked more than we can pay you," Ms. Gwon said.

She definitely will but not until she fill her tummy with her favorite mapo tofu from her favorite chef. And in a minute, Ms. Gwon appeared with a bowl of mapo tofu. Just as if she could read her thoughts.

"Here it is, specially made for my favorite customer," Ms. Gwon said with a smile.

"It smells amazing as always," Ming complimented, taking the bowl from her. She settled at a table with Qing, savoring the aroma before taking a bite. "Wow! Tastes just as good as always, unlike some chefs before me," she joked.

"Do you want to die?" Qing joked, glancing and shaking her head pitifully at Min-Jun, who was still struggling with the mop.

"Where did you say you met him again?" Ming asked.