⟢ marketplace.

@✧ woo seri In his personal opinion, Taeyang believed he never should be having a full day off. A few hours? Maybe, but never a full day. He had actually forgotten that he had a day to use, but he thought major city politicians didn’t get them. Serving the people shouldn’t have breaktime, but he had no choice since Sangjoon and Soojin texted him that he’s not allowed to come to the office that day. To top it off, he had forgotten to set his alarm the night before so he woke up later than normal.

Taeyang was spending his morning by himself, not even changing out of his pajamas while he was gardening in his little plot of land at the back of his and Soojin’s home. The most extra clothing he’d put on was an apron and some gloves since he was repotting a few plants, hair untouched and keeping its bedhead form.

Working in the garden had tired him out significantly and after a few hours it hit him that he hadn’t eaten anything /at all./ Stepping out of his home, he sprinted to the strip of vendors at the marketplace. It was a sight that longtime Gohyang citizens had been used to. He looked like a normal guy, dressed down in comfortable pajamas and an outer jacket for extra protection. It was actually more common for people to see him like this than in mayor mode, suited up and announcing things at events.

Shuffling through his pockets, he realized that the majority of his change was in his other pants and he was short of a few coins. Taeyang’s hands patted every part of his pants, sighing at the other empty pockets and even feeling his debit card full of money in one. The old vendors were sweet but they also never accepted cards and – he turned at the tap on his shoulder.

“U-uh, wait –” The stranger was so nice and they obviously were new in town. They did not know who Taeyang was and it seemed like they were trying to sell to him the taste of the tteokbokki that he’s been eating for the past 28 years. “Thank you!” he finally gave in, seeing the old vendor amused as she handed him his cup.

Taeyang sneakily pushed his premium debit card back into his pajama pants pocket, change rattling in the other. “Thank you again, I haven’t eaten all day. I will repay you, so don’t worry!”

It was a warm and sunny day, during her lunch break, Seri strolled through the busy sidewalks. She was on the hunt for a quick and filling lunch- for she had packed Micha's lunch but completely forgot her own.
She finally stumbled upon the local marketplace; though she was not in need of groceries at this particular moment she knew of a few vendors that sold ready to go meals.

She was greeted by rows of lively vendors and customers alike; the aroma of korean cuisine filled the air, tempting her taste buds and her rumbling stomach. Seri knew she had a limited amount of time before she had to return to work, so she approached one of the older ladies selling fresh tteokbokki and udon noodles. "Hello, it's seems so busy today isn't it? Could I get a cup to go please?" The young teacher said with a warm smile, and as the older lady prepared her order she couldn't help but notice another customer next to her, a tired expression painting their features and in need and attempting to count their change but to no avail...

Now she didn't want to be nosy, but she couldn't help it. She gently tapped them on the shoulder. "Ah, excuse me, if you wouldn't mind I'd like to pay for your meal, the tteokbokki from this stall is just too good to pass up!" And without hesitation she ushered towards the older lady behind the counter. "Ma'am? Could I get another order? Thank you!"