French Cup: A Neighborhood Story

Chapter 108: -Kazuya- Coffee Pirate

"Put the filter in there. Yeah, like that. There's no wrong way to do it. Well, okay. There is. You can put the filter in upside down, but I know you're smart. That's it. Tuck that part inside the triangle shaped piece."

"Why?"

"You know what? I'm not sure. It just prevents coffee grounds from getting in the final product."

"Mysterious."

"It sure is. Nobody knows what goes on in this machine when it's turned on. You can't, because the coffee's so hot. Okay, now, slide that in using the two railing pieces. Make sure they've both caught on. Okay, good. You don't want to start this thing when one of the sides is off, trust me. If you do, you'd better get out of the way and call for Kazuya. He's more brave. He's used to burns."

"Burns?!"

"Ohh, yes. I'll teach you about that next."

I smiled to myself, listening to Nikki teach Gyeong-Wan how to use our industrial coffee maker. We used it for our black coffee. We had other machines for more specialty coffees, but this one ensured that we had fresh black coffee all day on a constant basis. Casually, I refilled the cup of a customer wearing thick glasses and reading a newspaper. Such a familiar sight, but a new face. He nodded to me in acknowledgement, but didn't stop reading. I was used to that, too. It was just the sort of thing that our usual crowd did, and it was so comforting. He was already so comfortable here, so absorbed in his newspaper, that he'd barely seen me. 

"Now, this part?" 

I turned to see Nikki showing Gyeong-Wan at an old foe of mine. The tips of my fingers went over my mouth and I rushed toward the counter to watch. He indicated to a small faucet on the side of the coffee maker. It was all metal except for a long, plastic red tab that said "HOT" in no uncertain terms. Gyeong-Wan was already extending his hand to touch it curiously, and it was all I could do not to leap over the counter to stop him. Nikki was quicker than me, thank goodness.

He grabbed the curious hand tight. "Don't you dare. You see that metal cog around the spigot?" Nikki pointed at it from a good distance. Gyeong-Wan nodded slowly like an innocent child. "We call that the Emergency Room. DO NOT EVER TOUCH IT. It is as hot as a million boiling suns. Do you understand? You ONLY touch the red plastic tab. And if you pull that tab and find the faucet is loose, DO NOT TOUCH IT ANYMORE. We have to call somebody to fix it. Do you understand?"

Gyeong-Wan nodded, his eyes so large and innocent in fear. He was so adorable I almost couldn't contain myself. 

"Um, what is the faucet for?" He asked, keeping his limbs at a good distance now. He'd learned already. It made squeezy feelings in my chest.

"It's for making tea and when Kazuya needs hot water for baking and doesn't have time to boil some."

"Yes, absolutely," I interjected importantly. "I don't see why you'd need to touch it all, really. But, just know it's there. Don't accidentally bump it. If you bump it and the red tab goes without something under it then it'd be a disaster!"

Gyeong-Wan's face was so startled. He swallowed visibly and looked at the little faucet again. "I'll um, be aware of myself then."

"Yes, you have to. Kazuya, do the speech." Nikki wildly gestured at me, and I was already prepared.

"What, there's a speech?" Gyeong-Wan looked so innocent. I couldn't get over it. Who knew coffee was so dangerous? But it was literally day one material. The very basics, and one had to know. 

My hands went on my hips. He leaned back a little in more shock. I launched into it. "Always be aware of your back in the kitchen," I said, so direct. His lips disappeared into his mouth and his dimples went deep. A slight blush had to be appearing on my cheeks, but I went on as if I didn't notice. This was too important. "Keep your limbs tucked. Do not flail around. Know where you are at all times. There's dangers all around. Knives, hot things, things to knock over. Always be scanning the room as you move around. A simple slip of a finger could be a mistake. Nikki, show him your finger."