The golden hour was in full bloom as Jihoon walked slowly up the gentle incline toward the hilltop park, his footsteps unhurried and light. Spring evenings like this were rare—neither too cold nor too warm, just perfect enough to invite the world to breathe. The sun dipped behind the city's silhouette, turning the sky a soft watercolor of peach and lavender.
Jihoon had no particular destination in mind. After a quiet day of reading and light cleaning, he decided to step out for a stroll with a light jacket and his usual canvas tote. Inside, he had a half-read book, some gum, and a bottle of peach-flavored mineral water he had bought earlier on a whim. He hadn't drunk it yet, thinking he'd save it for later.
The park itself was as quiet as ever—just the way he liked it. A few joggers passed by with earbuds in. An old man was seated on a bench by the playground, watching birds hop between the bushes. Jihoon took a full lap around the circular walking trail, listening to the rustling leaves and distant chirping.
By the time he reached the vending machine at the far end of the park, the sun had dipped low enough that streetlights began flickering on. This vending machine had been here for as long as Jihoon could remember—faded, slightly dented, but always there. He didn't expect much from it, but he still liked the small routine of pressing a button and hearing the can clatter into the tray. Simple joys.
He pulled out three coins from his jacket pocket and inserted them one by one into the slot. The machine gave a mechanical hum. Jihoon pressed the button for his usual lemon tea.
Nothing happened.
He frowned and pressed the button again. The light blinked… and went dim.
No click. No familiar thunk. No can.
Jihoon bent down to check the tray just in case, but it was empty. He tapped the side of the machine lightly and sighed. "You had one job," he muttered with a wry smile.
Just as he stood up straight, dusting his palms on his pants, he heard light footsteps approaching from behind.
He turned and saw a young boy—maybe ten years old—walking hesitantly toward the vending machine. He wore a baggy school uniform with a navy tie slightly loosened around his neck. A scuffed backpack hung from one shoulder, and in his hand, he clutched a few small coins so tightly they left faint marks on his palm.
The boy stopped a few feet away, looking up at the machine. Then he glanced at Jihoon with a questioning expression.
"Um… excuse me, mister," he said softly. "Is it not working?"
Jihoon gave a small, apologetic smile. "Yeah, it's not working right now. I just tried it. It ate my coins and didn't give anything back."
The boy's shoulders dropped slightly. "Oh…"
He looked down at the coins in his hand, turning them over carefully. Jihoon noticed that he wasn't just disappointed—he looked unsure, even a little distressed.
The boy took a deep breath and added, "My mom said I could get a drink before I go to my aunt's house. She lives over there." He pointed vaguely down the hill, where a row of apartments stood in the distance. "But I don't know where else to go. I don't think I have enough money for a store."
Jihoon considered this. The nearest convenience store was down two blocks and across a busy intersection. Not a dangerous walk for an adult, but for a child alone? Risky. Especially if he was unfamiliar with the area.
He felt the weight of the bottle in his tote bag.
"You know what," Jihoon said, reaching into the bag, "I've got something. Peach water. Haven't opened it. Want to trade it for your coins?"
The boy looked surprised. "Really?"
Jihoon nodded. "It's a fair trade. You give me your coins, and I give you the drink. Deal?"
There was a moment of hesitation—then the boy stepped forward and carefully placed the coins in Jihoon's hand. Jihoon handed him the bottle with a reassuring smile.
"Peach is my favorite," the boy said, unscrewing the cap eagerly. "Thank you, mister."
He took a long sip, eyes lighting up with satisfaction. "It's really good!"
"I'm glad," Jihoon replied with a chuckle.
The boy looked at him for a second longer, then gave a quick bow. "I'll go now. My aunt's waiting. Thanks again!"
And just like that, he turned and jogged toward the park exit, occasionally turning around to wave. Jihoon waved back, then looked down at the coins in his hand—warm from the boy's palm, a little worn, a little bent. Nothing valuable. But somehow… precious.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 36,000 KRW
Jihoon sat on the nearby bench, the broken vending machine blinking lazily behind him like a guilty machine trying to pretend nothing had happened. He chuckled quietly and leaned back, watching the sky shift from golden to blue.
The peace of the moment wrapped around him like a second breeze.
His phone buzzed.
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"When systems fail, kindness steps in to remind us that not everything has to work perfectly—just someone has to care."
Jihoon stared at the message a moment longer than usual. Then he slid the phone back into his pocket and looked up at the stars beginning to peek out from the deepening sky.
Yeah.
That sounded about right.
One small act at a time.
End of Chapter 54
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