Prompt: "We say let's hang up on 3. We don't ever do it. Ain't it crazy how after all this time we got that you hang up, no you hang up kinda love" (No U Hang Up - Shayne Ward)
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The sound of the chimes on the door of the coffee shop signal that there was a new customer that had to be served.
Jeong Hyeok looked up from his spot in the counter. They were understaffed today and the other barista has just ended his shift, another was on a bathroom break.
I guess I'll have to postpone trying out this new brew for later, he thought. Heading to the cashier's post, he greeted the woman who was frowning. "Good evening. How may I help you today?"
"Get me a less annoying roommate," the woman muttered under her breath but he heard it.
Jeong Hyeok chuckled. "Unfortunately, that's not in my list of skills. But I can make you a pretty fantastic cup of coffee."
The woman bit her lip as if just realising that she had spoken too freely.
"Don't worry," Jeong Hyeok assured. "I don't know your roommate so I won't tell that person you were planning to kick them out." The customer laughed, her beautiful eyes turning into crescent shapes. He couldn't help but smile along with her. He decided then that this was the highlight of his day. "So, anything I can get you?"
"I would like something without coffee. I might not be able to sleep if I drink something caffeinated this late," she said. "Maybe a mint tea latte?"
"Wonderful choice," he said. Taking a cup, he looked at her and asked, "Who should I name this to?"
"Se-ri."
Jeong Hyeok smiled as he was writing her name down.
After she paid, she followed him from across the bar and watched as he prepared her drink. "Make this good. I need something to calm me down. Don't you find new couples soooo annoying?"
"Why do you say so?"
Se-ri sat on a bar stool. "My roommate got this new boyfriend and they're at the heart eye stage. Those vomit inducing moments where they can't say goodbye on the phone?" In a higher pitched voice, she mimicked what Jeong Hyeok assumed was said roommate. "Bye, honey! Hang up on 3. You didn't hang up! No, you hang up first! No, you hang up! Hihihihi!"
Jeong Hyeok laughed.
"Sorry. She's my best friend and I really am happy for her. But, it's annoying! I had to get out of there before I take her phone and end the call myself," Se-ri complained.
Jeong Hyeok continued to laugh. "You're funny."
"Are you laughing at me?" Se-ri asked, narrowing her eyes at the barista.
Jeong Hyeok stopped, looked at her... then his dimples appeared again. "Yes. You really are hilarious. Sorry."
Se-ri joined his mirth. "Fine. I'll let this slide because you're cute."
They both gasped.
"Sorry," Se-ri cringed. "I don't mean to sound like a creep."
Jeong Hyeok accepted the apology. "Don't worry about it. I get that compliment all the time."
They met each other's gaze again and burst out laughing.
Se-ri shook her head. "I didn't expect to meet a cute but conceited barista tonight."
"I didn't expect to meet a beautiful but ruthless lady who wants to evict her best friend tonight," Jeong Hyeok said back.
They laughed again before he handed her the mint tea latte he made. Bidding each other a nice night, Se-ri got her drink and took a sip of the drink before she stepped out of the shop. The drink had a calming effect on her. She was going to toast to Jeong Hyeok, who was watching her, but she noticed something scribbled on her cup.
Jeong Hyeok. His mobile number and a note: In case you need to speak to someone while your roommate is busy. Don't evict her. Call me instead.
Laughing, she nodded shyly and waved goodbye leaving Jeong Hyeok blushing and whistling as he worked the rest of the night.
