Rainday Antiques | Kim Hongjoong
Synopsis: Ah, Rainday Antiques. Why not pop in to shelter from the rain? Cozy up with a book or a magazine from the reading corner, maybe start up a conversation with the owner, Kim Hongjoong. Relax and take a moment to breathe, we've got you.
Disclaimer: this story is heavily based on the headspace sleepcast story 'Rainday Antiques' and follows a similar storytelling theme. I apologise if this causes any inconveniences for anyone.
If you've ever spent a rainy evening travelling down a quiet street looking for shelter, you'll understand what a blessing it is to come across a location like Rainday Antiques. It comes into view halfway between two houses. the lovely store with two large windows on either side of the entryway. The place has a dreamlike feel since the windows are divided into square panes and the glass in between the metal bars is just a little bit wavy.
If you can believe it, this charming small shop is open every single day of the year. Serving both random onlookers and potential late-arriving foreign antique connoisseurs. Which of these categories best describes you? I'll leave it up to you. On a night like tonight, when the street lights are fuzzy halos and the rain starts coming down harder so that your footsteps make little slaps and squelches on the sidewalk, nothing is more inviting than the hazy orange light filtering through the antique shop's steam-covered windows and the weathered old sign over the doorway that reads, "Come on in, we're open!" The sign is now creaking a little in the damp breeze.
The inside of Rainday Antiques is cosy as can be. You'll be enveloped in thick crimson velvet drapes when you push open the door, providing further shelter from the weather. The drape rings glide across the rail and make a gentle click as you exit through them into the store.
As it rains, you notice a skylight dome above you. It glances up into the night as it satisfyingly patters against the glass. There is plenty of room to move about, but every surface is covered in trinkets, decorations, and artwork. A brass umbrella stand and some coat hooks are located to the left of the door. Please, feel free to remove any damp layers from your body and take advantage of the opportunity to unwind fully.
A charmingly friendly man by the name of Hongjoong is the proprietor of this wonderful store. A smart young gentleman reading a book quietly in a corner of his realm. The most generous person you could ever expect to meet in fact. Heās a true listener, and there are very few people you can say that about.
He'd listen intently to the end if you ever made the decision to seek him out. He would then make a very straightforward yet intelligent statement, something that would reassure you that everything will be alright. He nods politely at you as you enter, indicating that you are welcome to browse quietly for as long as you like. However, he is nearby if you need him. You proceed to the back of the store and a bookcase. There are boxes full of old, leather-bound volumes with the words "assorted books" written on the side in black marker pen.