#hehehehe exciteddd. Who is this lad I wonder...

[deiaiko]

#25.1 Delivery

Wangnan kneeled down on the floor, watching helplessly as Lurker-fucking-Kim took the signed paper and made his way out.

The next test would be his last chance. He couldn't fail it no matter what. Or he'd become a skeleton.

"Huh," Lurker paused his steps. There was someone peeking through the two da-an bodyguards that blocked the entrance. "Who are you?"

"Noodles delivery." The delivery guy replied to him emotionlessly. Well, as far as Wangnan knew, he had always been like that.

Lurker turned to Wangnan, mocking. "What… So you still feel hunger, even after failing the test?"

His blood boiled, but he could only spat words. "What, can't I eat noodles even if I failed? Rich coming from you, the enemy of every regular!"

"Don't get mad." Lurker giggled, handing the delivery guy some cash. "Hey, here. I'll pay for him."

The delivery guy hesitated before taking it. "Sure."

Lurker rolled his eyes and turned back to Wangnan. "Make sure to pay me back–" He grinned, gleefully looking down at him– "With. Your. Organs."

Each word that came out of Lurker's mouth gave Wangnan a chill that creeped up his spine, freezing his body. He could only breathe when Lurker finally closed the door and left.

After a few moments of silence, the delivery guy crouched down. Only the clinking of metal and ceramic could be heard as he worked to set down Wangnan's order on the floor.

The atmosphere was very awkward. Wangnan couldn't stand the silence.

"Damn…If I knew he was going to pay, I would have ordered sweet and sour pork, too." Wangnan grumbled. "A bowl of noodles in exchange for my body is too cheap. Damn it…"

The delivery guy looked at Wangnan for a moment, not giving much of a response. It only made the room even more awkward, so Wangnan felt the urgent need to change the topic.

"Hey, you're a regular too, right?" Because Wangnan was sure he had seen him a few days ago, signing up for the test.

The guy took a moment too long to consider how to answer his simple question. "...I guess I am."

He must've failed that test then…just like Wangnan himself. Why else would he still be here anyway, doing delivery work?

The guy had been working at that noodle shop ever since the first time Wangnan discovered the restaurant. It had been quite a while ago. "When will you be taking the test again?"

The guy shrugged. "I don't plan to."

Well, might as well encourage him to get both of their spirits up. "Failing the test doesn't mean you should give up."

"What do you mean?" He looked confused and sounded a bit offended. "I have not taken the test, so technically..."

Wangnan blinked. "Huh." The sign up fee should be paid in full up front, so getting cold feet at the last moment would totally be a waste.

…Though, it was also possible that he was mistaking him for another person. They did look slightly different, Wangnan recalled. If that was the case, then he was glad he didn't try to greet the guy. That would be embarrassing. "Why didn't you take the test, then?"

The guy looked away. "There are things I can't leave behind."

It was very vague, perfect for a topic starter. Anything to get rid of the awkwardness between them. "Things you can't leave behind, huh…do you have a family here?"

"I'm not sure if I would call it a family."

What a curious answer. "I know Nia who works at your place."

"I see. He talked about you, too."

Oh? That was unexpected. They did interact now and then, but it shouldn't really be notable. "What did he say about me?"

"Not much, 'the funny blonde guy that lives in an apartment'. Mister Ja."

Of course. Wangnan didn't know what to feel about that. At least Nia found him funny, maybe that was good enough. "How is he?"

The guy gave him a side eye. "It's hard to say."

Wangnan slumped. This guy was really a man of few words.

"Oh, that's right. Nia asked me to give you this." The guy took out a round paper from his pocket. "It's a free coupon, he said he will treat you after you take the next test."

"Oh, sweet!" Wangnan felt so touched he could cry, especially after all the hardships he had to get through the past few hours. "Nia, you're the best!"

The delivery guy didn't look too happy about that, though. He just wordlessly packed up his things and got up after handing him the coupon. Wangnan almost felt relieved.

"You two seemed close. It'd be nice if you could talk to him when you get the chance." The guy looked away when saying that, there was a hint of worry on his face. "Lately he's been…distant."

He'd love to talk to Nia, but Wangnan also didn't know if he could make the time before the next test began.

However, the guy was already stepping out without waiting for his answer. "I will take my leave now. Good luck on the next test, Wangnan Ja."

Wangnan was slightly surprised that he knew his full name, but it was probably written in his order information. "...Thanks."

And with that, the busy delivery guy was gone. This was why he never had the chance to talk to him before, or even ask for his name.

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