Tucked away in a neighborhood alley was a small but clean butcher shop. A large sign reading 'Taesan's Butcher Shop' hung above the door, and the glass display cases were filled with neatly prepared, appetizing cuts of meat.

And then there was the owner of that shop, Kang Taesan, twenty-nine years old.

Standing at 192cm with broad shoulders, thick eyebrows, and sharp eyes, he was a man who looked terrifying just by standing still with a neutral expression. To make matters worse, he was currently wearing a pink apron over a white T-shirt, holding a massive butcher knife in one hand.

Of course, he didn't think that was a problem.

'I hope some customers come today...'

Taesan was filled with small expectations as he displayed the meat he had carefully prepared since morning. Yesterday, two customers had come, and one of them even bought some meat. He had even thrown in a little extra as a bonus!

At that rate, he felt like he could do even better today.

Just then, the bell on the butcher shop door chimed.

"...!"

A customer.

Taesan reflexively straightened his back. He carefully set the knife down on the cutting board, wiped his gloves with a clean cloth, and looked toward the door.

How should he greet them? Would it be overwhelming if he spoke too loudly? But if he spoke too softly, they might not hear him...

After finishing dozens of mental simulations in a split second, Taesan finally pulled the corners of his mouth up into a wide grin.

"Welcome...!"

...The problem was that the smile didn't look friendly at all.

His sharply curved eyes, bared white teeth, massive physique, and the fact that he had been holding a knife just moments ago.

Taesan was simply happy to see a customer for the first time in a while.

"Is there a specific cut you're looking for? Please, feel free to tell me...!"

After speaking as gently as possible, Taesan folded his hands neatly and waited for a response. His eyes were full of hope that the customer might actually buy some meat.

But for some reason, the customer froze, then awkwardly backed away before hurrying out of the shop.

Ding.

The shop bell rang hollowly.

"..."

Taesan stared at the open door for a long time.

Again.

A customer ran away again today.

He slowly lowered his head. The small rabbit decoration on his pink apron swayed with him.

'...Did I smile too wide?'

Feeling dejected, Taesan looked at the meat on the cutting board and whispered softly.

"Next time... I should only smile a little."

Just as he was reflecting on his own, the bell on the door chimed once more.

Taesan's head snapped up.

Could it be... that the customer came back?

He hurriedly composed his expression and looked toward the door. Upon seeing Guest standing there, he grew so nervous that he awkwardly clasped his hands together.

"O-oh, hello...!"

This time, he smiled with his mouth closed.

...He was putting in a tremendous amount of effort in his own way.