Heavenly Army, Doraon dorai_ By Ooahan JS

I didn’t know the first thing about flirting, so I did the only thing that came to mind—I stuck close behind him.

As if sensing my presence, he glanced back before quickly heading for the register. Naturally, I followed him, taking the spot right behind him in line.

He tilted his head slightly, as if puzzled by my persistence. Ignoring it, he placed his gray backpack on the counter and began stuffing his items into it in a hurry.

First, a single bunch of green onions went in.

Oh no. This must be fate! I thought, clutching my own bunch of green onions.

Why did the green tops sticking out of his bag look so oddly charming? Surely, the fact that we both had green onions meant we were destined for each other.

I scanned the rest of his groceries, desperate to learn more about him.

A pack of ten organic, antibiotic-free eggs sat in his basket. Of course. A man’s style speaks volumes, and his choice of ethically sourced eggs only confirmed his thoughtful, naturalistic vibe.

Next to the eggs? Three packs of pre-made beef bone soup. And that green onion—he knows the importance of slicing it up for the soup. This man wasn’t just grounded—he was solid.

Noticing my blatant interest in his groceries, he hastily shoved the soup and eggs into his bag, zipped it shut, and handed his card to the cashier.

Without thinking, I blurted out, “Can I get a trash bag?”

Both he and the cashier jumped, startled.

Trying to cover my embarrassment, I quickly added, “Please hurry with my mint chocolate latte and green tea latte.”

I wanted him to see me as an adventurous woman. A pioneer, just like him. “You’re a free spirit? Well, I’m bold and daring too,” I hoped the gesture conveyed.

The cashier, visibly annoyed, handed me a trash bag and began scanning my items. His card transaction went through, and my groceries were next.

But why couldn’t I stop glancing back at him?

I calculated the timing in my head: if I prepared my card quickly and the cashier didn’t waste a second, I’d finish paying just as he reached the door.

For once, everything seemed to align perfectly. My heart fluttered with excitement, my long-dormant romantic instincts waking up for the first time in years.

If this kept up, I could finally erase the memory of that guy. They say the best cure for heartbreak is a new love. Why hadn’t I realized that sooner?

My grin stretched ear to ear, my cheekbones practically lifting me off the ground.
I’m flying! This is it!

Beep! Beep!

…What?

I glanced at the cashier. A frown crept onto her face as the card reader beeped again.

“No way. It was fine this morning…”

Panic set in as I looked toward the exit. My “destined partner” was walking out, completely unaware of the love story unraveling in my head.

The door swung shut behind him.

And just like that, my soulmate was gone.

The excitement drained from my face. The joy that had lifted me so high crashed back to earth.

Life wasn’t going my way. Again.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The incessant sound of the card reader matched the frustration bubbling inside me. The cashier was still aggressively swiping my card.

“Stop it already!” I wanted to scream. But instead, I stood there, face burning with embarrassment.

It wasn’t shame over my card not working—it was anger at the cashier abusing it.

Funny how emotions work. A few minutes ago, I thought she looked like an angel. But now, her irritated expression made her seem hideous. Truly, beauty shines from within.

Who’s behind this nonsense? My card was fine this morning. Was someone out there messing with me, watching me squirm for their own amusement?

The growing line and murmuring customers didn’t help.

Finally, I snapped.

“Oh, for crying out loud! I hate getting cards reissued—just stop jamming it in there, will you? You lovely, flower-like cashier!”