After I served the last customer of my night shift, Ha Rin-ah walked into the store. She was already dressed and ready to take over the day shift. Just as I was about to head to my room for some rest, she hit me with an unexpected suggestion.
"Ujin-ah, what do you think about getting one more employee? Just in case."
I paused. It actually made sense. If one of us got sick, disappeared, or just couldn't make it in—having someone to back us up would be crucial. I nodded.
"Do you have someone in mind?"
"Yeah. A friend of mine. She's human too."
That caught my attention.Another human in this magical world? That wasn't exactly common. I agreed but added:
"Only if she's willing to work on-call. And ideally, she should have something else to do when she's not needed here."
Ha Rin-ah smiled.
"She's from a wealthy family. Doesn't need the money. Just wants to experience a normal life… and spend more time with me."
I couldn't help but smile. And just like that, we had another employee.
After our talk, I headed back to my room.
Waiting for me inside were two familiar bundles of fur. The fox cubs looked up at me with wide eyes—no longer afraid. Just curious. Trusting. I stepped closer, slowly, wanting to pet them—not just as a sign of bonding, but because I couldn't get over how incredibly soft they were.
To my surprise, they didn't run. Instead, they stayed perfectly still, almost like they were waiting. I gently reached out and touched their little foreheads, then their backs… finally letting my fingers sink into their fur. It was better than any stress ball or therapy animal I'd ever had.
I sat on the bed. The cubs curled up right next to me.
That's when I got a message from Ha Rin-ah. Her friend was coming by today, right during my shift. She asked if I could stay close and help train her.
Just then, the cubs snuggled closer—one on each side—and curled up on top of me. I looked down.
One of them had reddish-gold fur, like the sun. The other was pale blue-white, like moonlight.
And just like that, two names popped into my head.
"You'll be Amateya… and Tsunoya."
Amateya, from Amaterasu. Tsunoya, from Tsukuyomi.
The moment I said their names, they glowed—one with a warm golden light, the other with a soft, silvery-blue shimmer.
It was… beautiful. And a little scary.
Then they relaxed and drifted off to sleep—right on top of me.
I didn't have the heart to move them. So I let myself fall asleep, too.
I woke up to the sound of my alarm. Half an hour before my shift. First thing I saw?
Two girls. About ten years old. One with golden-red hair, the other bluish-white. Both had fox ears and tails. And they were lying on top of me.
It was them.
"Why had they transformed? Because of the names? A contract? Magic?"
I had no idea. But one thing was clear—if Ha Rin-ah walked in now… things would get weird.
I tried to stand up, but Amateya and Tsunoya clung to me tightly. I gently whispered their names until they stirred.
"Papa!"
Then they hugged me even tighter.
"Uh… I'm not that old," I muttered, carefully pulling the blanket over them. "Please stay here. I'll be back soon."
I slipped out and almost immediately ran into Ha Rin-ah finishing her shift.
"I'll take over for you," I said—and explained everything.
She just smiled calmly.
"Spiritual beings often take on a human form after forming a contract. Names are a type of bond. They chose you."
"So… what do I do with them?"
"I'll check on them. If they're doing okay, I'll get them clothes. The basics."
"Then I'll cover your day shift. As thanks."
We agreed. I left the girls in her care and returned to the store.
Inside, only one customer remained—a boy with white wings. For a moment, I thought: an angel?
He looked younger than me. Handsome. But clearly anxious—tense shoulders, eyes darting along the shelves like he was searching for something perfect… and not finding it.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, stepping out from behind the counter.
"I just… don't know what to get my girlfriend," he muttered he mumbled, eyes fixed on the floor.
"How long have you two been together?" I asked, trying to gauge what kind of gift might fit.
"A month."
"Can I ask—what race is she?"
"Vampire."
I remembered the vampire customer from a few days ago.
"You could give her blood. But not in a boring way. Try blood lollipops. Or a cake. Just make sure it's stored at 20°C. That's… romantic."
His eyes lit up.
"Thank you! I'll definitely come back!"
When he left, I stood there for a moment.
So interspecies dating is normal here?
That thought didn't last long.
The door chimes softly, and a girl stepped inside. Her white hair framed a porcelain face, and her sky-blue eyes held a calm elegance. She moved with poise—clearly human, yet somehow otherworldly.
I knew who she was right away.
"You're Ha Rin-ah's friend? The one who wants to help us out?"
"Yes. My name's Lee Ji Ah."
"I'm Son Ujin. Nice to meet you, Ji Ah-ah."
That's how her first shift began.
I thought I'd have to explain everything—but from the first customer, she was calm, confident, and precise. No unnecessary questions. Her smile, her tone, her reactions—it was all perfect.
She charmed the customers. And not just the guys.
But… it didn't impress me. Maybe because I've seen too many people fooled by a pretty face. But Ji Ah-ah wasn't just surface charm. She knew what she was doing.
I was just wondering how long she'd stay with us… when the doors slammed open.
A succubus and… a zombie?
Not what I expected.
The zombie looked stylish, actually. Piercings. Dark gray skin with mottled brown patches.
They came demanding cigarettes and booze. But they looked underage.
Ji Ah-ah politely asked for ID. The succubus didn't have any. The zombie started getting aggressive.
When she stood her ground, he swung his hand.
I barely made it in time and took the hit instead. I fell to the ground but quickly got back up.
I was pretty sure I'd black out on the spot.
"Please leave. Right now," I said, calmly but firmly.
They didn't. They just kept making threats.
And that's when an officer walked in.
Beastkin, judging by the ears and tail. Calm, powerful. He moved fast—subdued them both within seconds.
We thanked him for his service.
After things calmed down, Ji Ah-ah came up to me.
"Thank you… I hit the emergency button, but I didn't expect you to…"
"Someone's gotta be the hero," I smiled, not admitting I'd forgotten about the button entirely.
The rest of the shift passed smoothly. I thanked her for her help, and we exchanged contacts. She wished me a good day and headed home.
I remained at the store; my day shift had just begun.
It went on like usual. I'd already accepted that here, any creature was just a customer. Race, age, gender—it didn't matter.
As I was about to close up, Ha Rin-ah returned.
"Ji Ah-ah will cover your night shift today," she said.
"Is she okay with that? She already worked once today."
"She agreed," Ha Rin-ah grinned. "Said she enjoyed it. And that working with you was… pleasant."
"And why am I skipping my shift?"
Ha Rin-ah winked.
"Because I bought everything Amateya and Tsunoya need. You should see how cute they look. And how well I did."
I agreed and thanked her. I sent Ji Ah-ah a quick message:
"Thanks for the help!"
She replied with a cheerful emoji.
A few minutes later, she was back at the store.
"Thanks again," I said with a smile.
"No problem. I didn't have any plans anyway," she smiled back.
And that's how she began her shift in my place.
I followed Ha Rin-ah—to the room where two very special girls were waiting.