May 24, 2025 , ANOTHER STRANGER STORY
The "W & W" Restaurant, also known as Warmth and Whimsy, was set to open by its owner, Park Jongseong, or Jay for short. Jay, a top culinary student from Yonsei University, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a young chef-owner at 24, showcasing his business acumen and dedication. His journey was marked by numerous challenges and rollercoaster moments. As of May 24, 2025, we're witnessing another chapter in Park Jay's story. While his life story differs from Ahn's family, they share a common trait: hard work and a willingness to face challenges.
The VIP guest for the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Park Bo-gum, the father of the owner, Jay. Park Bo-gum is the president of one of South Korea's richest companies, renowned for creating over 16 medical facilities offering affordable treatment and employing highly qualified doctors. He's often refered as 'God' due to his life-saving contributions and remarkable vision. As a doctor himself, Park Bo-gum's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact.
At 9:00 AM, the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, attended by numerous guests, including Mr. Park's business partners and locals. Finally, Jay's meticulously planned future had reached its first milestone of success. Having worked hard to earn every penny, Jay had achieved his dream of opening a lively restaurant.
The restaurant is buzzing with activity! With 5 professional chefs and 7 waiters, Jay's team is well-equipped to handle the busy environment. Jay's culinary skills are likely being put to good use, overseeing the kitchen and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Aera ( One of the waiter ) : Chef Jay, table 101 had ordered chicken adobo with beef caldereta, pork sinigang along with kimchi fried rice.
Jay : Hmm..Noted that, Make sure to give them water.
Aera : Neh, Chef (returned back to work before bowing to chef Jay)
Jay : We have to do it quickly guys, there are more customers waiting.
All 5 chefs : Neh Chef..
After a hectic day, evening arrived at 4:06 PM. The kitchen was running low on ingredients, and with only a few customers left, the staff was visibly exhausted from working non-stop.
Jay's POV :
I was utterly exhausted from working non-stop and felt drained of energy. Just then, a customer arrived. She appeared to be younger than me, probably a university student, with an adorable and sweet demeanor.
Jay : Can someone take her order,
please?
Everyone looked at each other, seemingly questioning who would take on the task.
Jay : (sighing) I know you're all exhausted. Take a break; I'll handle it. 😄
I approached her, and up close, she was even cuter than from afar. She reminded me of my little sister Sooha - if she were here, she'd look similar.
Jay : Annyeong, what would you like to order, miss?
(She seemed to be checking out the restaurant's decor. I thought to myself, 'At her age, it's normal to check out guys, but she's actually checking out the environment... making my restaurant her boyfriend, 😂 haha, lame joke, ahh...')
The customer noticed Jay's reaction : Did something happen? 🙄
Jay : Meoya? Aniyo.🤨
Customer : You just screamed like 'Ahhh'...🤥
Jay : (realizing he had indeed made a sound 😶) Ahh... Ani... ani... Sorry about that. Can I take your order?
Customer : Anything available
Jay : Huh?😦Okay..
After serving the customer whatever was available, I sat down at one of the tables and took a moment to appreciate my restaurant. With only a handful of patrons - the girl, a family, and some relatives - it was a peaceful atmosphere. Suddenly, one of the girls shouted 'Binnie!' The girl, Binnie, turned around and happily went to join her friend. I wondered who would shout in such a cozy setting, but it seemed fitting given her name. I overheard their conversation:
Binnie : Ooh, Nabi! You are in Seoul?Jinja ??
Nabi : Just on visiting the city with my parents. I heard you joined the national team -Chughahaeyo( congratulations!) 🤭
Binnie : Ah, neh.. just got invited to play. But how did you know?
Nabi : I overheard our moms talking.
Binnie : (whispering) Oh, don't tell anyone, okay?🤫It should be a secret.
(I couldn't help but chuckle at her whispering, still audible to me and also to others I think)
Nabi : Okay, Then I'll see you again. Bye-bye.
Binnie : Bye , Have a good day.
After she returned to eat, I was just served her tteokbokki soup with dumplings. Wait, she looked like a dumpling 🥟😂!
As I scrolled through my phone to check the reviews of my restaurant, I overheard my relatives talking about me.
Im Min-ho (My uncle) : I know this restaurant is busy today just because Mr. Park came. The food tastes like a waste of money.
Im chae-rin ( my aunt) : Dangyeonhaji ,it's not flavorful at all. I could make it at home. It's all because of his father. He has no cooking skills. Nobody will come after tomorrow. It's not worth it. Total waste.
I knew they were bringing up the same old theory that my father was responsible for my success. They didn't understand that I never asked for his help. I was lost in thought when I heard something unexpected.
Binnie : Hey, neighbors! If you don't mind, can I say something?
My Aunt : What's going on? When did we become your neighbors?
Binnie : You're sitting beside my table, so neighbors, simple. First, I want to say you're being really loud. Second, I can feel the burning jealousy from you.
My Uncle : Mind your own business, kid.
Binnie: I was minding my own business, but you're entering in my business with your noises.
My Aunt : What kind of girl are you? Don't you know how to talk? Didn't your parents teach you some manners?
Binnie: Specially, You're the one being the loudest, Old Aunt. Can't you see I'm enjoying my food?
My Uncle : Kids these days...
Binnie : Uncle, do you have eomma or appa ?
Uncle : Wae ?
Binnie : It means you must have one of them, right? So,your eomma or appa's promise, tell me can your wife make this type of flavorful recipes at home ?
My Uncle : Meoya ?? Let's go from here Yeobo. This kiddo..😤
My Aunt : Yeobo, Just tell her the truth.
My Uncle: Let's go from here, ( side eyeing Binnie and Jay )
Binnie : 🤭😂 (laughing hardly)
Seeing this I couldn't control my laughter, At the very first time someone took the side for me. I was really envy her.
After that, she just ate and left. Sometimes it's nice to have someone take your side. Suddenly, I remembered the conversation between my dad and Mr. Han last night. Mr. Han asked about his sons, and my dad replied that my older brother was busy with work and I was busy with opening a small restaurant. 'Small' huh? He never appreciated my plans or showed interest in what I love or want. All he cares about is my older brother who was working in the family business.
Jay's childhood was marked by loneliness, as his parents' love and attention were reserved for his older brother, destined to take over the family business. Jay's refusal to follow suit meant he was often left to his own devices, feeling unloved and unseen. The one bright spot in his life was his little sister, Sooha, who was six years old when Jay was eight. She was the only one who truly understood and loved him, and the two shared countless moments together. But fate had other plans, and Sooha's life was cut short by cancer. Jay was devastated by her loss, and the void she left behind was never filled. From that day on, Jay was alone, his thoughts often consumed by memories of Sooha and the love they shared.
My parents' indifference still lingers, a familiar ache that I've grown accustomed to. It's like a ghostly presence, always there but rarely acknowledged. I've learned to wear a mask of " I'm okay " to shield myself from the sting of their neglect. But sometimes, in the quiet moments, the pain seeps through, and I'm reminded of the little boy who yearned for love and acceptance. Sooha's memory is my solace, my reminder that I was loved, if only for a brief time. I'll hold onto that, and the strength it gives me to keep moving forward, even when it feels like I'm walking alone.
🌟🌟🌟