trigger warning: sexual harassment
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Getting the tray of order from the counter, Kali made her way towards a table of costumers she's currently serving.
Kali had an early night shift today and had already served a few other guests.
"One americano and one cafe latte. Enjoy," Kali carefully placed the drinks on the table as she smiled professionally.
"Thank you," one of the costumers said. Kali bobbed her head faintly and was about to leave but the other costumer spoke, stopping her.
"Wow, you're really pretty... Kali," he said, eyeing the name tag near her left shoulder.
Hearing this, Kali somewhat felt alarmed. Being complimented because of her looks is something Kali had experienced before. Truly, she's stunning.
And because of how eye-catching she is, people, men especially, would always flock her.
But this, this is one of the looks Kali knew all too well. Lust. She forced a small smile and bobbed her head once again.
Turning away from the table, she wanted to get away from there as fast as she can, however, the same man grabbed her by the wrist and forced her to stop, "Wait, don't go. We should talk more. I really like you."
"Can I have your number by the way?" He continued, making Kali more uncomfortable by the second and completely displeased with the way he's checking her out without any hint of hesitation.
"I apologize, sir. But we don't give out—"
The grip on her wrist tightened causing Kali to slightly wince in pain. "Oh, come on, Kali. Just give it to me, I won't tell your boss," the guy grinned.
Kali could feel her heart hammering against her chest in agitation and fear but she tried not to show it and instead respectfully declined the guy's advances, "Again, we don't hand out personal information to—"
"Hey! Why won't you just—" the guy became angry but was cut short by his companion.
"Austin, stop it."
Austin stopped and looked over at his companion, an expression of annoyance gracing his features. He was about to say something but a new presence interrupted the tense atmosphere.
"Gentlemen, is there any problem over here?" The shop's manager came over after noticing her employee hasn't came back to the counter to get the other orders.
Seeing Kali uncomfortable and with her wrist being held tightly by the costumer, the manager knew that she should step in.
Austin, noticing the manager, released his grip on Kali's wrist and smiled at her. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just asking for tissues from one of your staffs. Right, Kali?" Austin answered, feigning indifference.
Kali expressionlessly looked at the lad but then decided to not speak and instead casted a pleading look at her manager. The manager could tell that Kali was a little shaken up, seeing that she's quite pale now.
"I'll take it from here, Kali. Go now and serve the other costumers their orders," the manager kindly dismissed Kali, which the girl gladly accepted. She immediately took off.
Kali's face was evidently pale, clearly showing how perturb she was on what had just happened.
She's had a few experiences before, but all of which, Chand was with her. This was the first time that she was harassed alone. And she could almost do nothing.
Good thing was that she was at her workplace and there were a few people whom she knew.
"Kali, I'll do that. You can go inside and take a ten," a colleague of Kali's said to her when she noticed Kali was about to grab the tray of a costumer's order with shaky hands.
Hearing this, Kali gratefully smiled a little at her coworker, "Thank you."
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✏️ note:
Lee Jeno as Austin
— the incident that happened in this chapter is purely fictional; it is by no means associated with the portrayers.
