She's Vanilla - The Café Shop - Brewed Serendipity

6. This, Right Here, Is My Life.

After briefing Sohyun about the club downstairs, her sole inquiry was, "Is the compensation the same for the bartender job?" Her question elicited an immediate smile from me, a sign that she was taking the news well. As people gradually filed out of the cafe, concluding a notably busy day, I couldn't shake the feeling that the downstairs club would follow suit in terms of bustling activity.

A tap on my shoulder diverted my attention, and I turned to see Joe offering a sympathetic smile. Responding with a smile of my own, it was a silent exchange that conveyed a sense of acknowledgment and gratitude. I deposited the damp rag into the sink and approached the record player, removing the cartridge from the turntable with a rhythmic motion. Clapping my hands, I noticed Sohyun glancing up, prompting me to offer an awkward smile.

"Sorry, it's a habit. Usually, there are more people here," I explained, to which she nodded in understanding. Sensing the need for a change of scenery, she asked, "Is it time to go downstairs?" Confirming her inquiry with a nod, I led the way, guiding her past a door and opening another, revealing a narrow staircase descending into the unknown. As soon as we reached the bottom, Sohyun's expression transformed into one of sheer amazement, captivated by the sights that awaited her.

"Wow, this place is incredible," Sohyun exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the dimly lit, eclectic atmosphere of the underground club. The low hum of music provided a rhythmic backdrop to the vibrant scene.

I chuckled, appreciating her reaction. "Glad you think so. Welcome to our little secret below the surface."

Sohyun's gaze wandered across the room, absorbing the unique blend of patrons, from the casual coffee-drinkers of the day to the lively night owls who frequented the club. "It's like a completely different world down here."

"That's the idea," I replied with a smirk. "Now, let me introduce you to the team." We approached the bar, where Kristen, Terri and Kate were busy preparing drinks.

Kristen looked up from mixing a cocktail and raised an eyebrow. "Who's this?"

"Everyone, meet Sohyun. She's joining us as a bartender," I announced.

Sohyun greeted the team with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you all. I'm excited to be a part of the crew."

Kate, who was arranging glasses, offered a friendly wave. "More the merrier. We can always use an extra set of hands."

Terri, engrossed in wiping down the counter, added, "Just dive in, and you'll get the hang of things."

Sohyun nodded, already seeming to adjust to the dynamic atmosphere. "Looking forward to it."

"Alright, we'll wait for the band to get here and set up. I have a feeling it'll be a long night," I declared, my gaze scanning the surroundings. Kate let out a sigh, and I caught Kristen in my peripheral vision, her usual Debbie Downer demeanor replaced by a keen interest in our new employee.

Deciding to focus on my tasks, I dispersed from the immediate area and headed toward the tables that needed setting. However, the curiosity in me couldn't help but overhear Kristen's sotto voce conversation.

As I arranged the tables, Kristen's voice reached my ears in a hushed tone. "She's pretty, isn't she? Fresh blood down here," she commented with a sly grin, glancing at Sohyun.

Kate, ever the realist, responded, "Minji, don't you think you should have briefed her better about what she's getting into? This place is different from the cozy cafe upstairs."

I turned towards them, a hint of amusement playing on my lips. "Relax, she'll be fine. Sohyun knows her way around a coffee shop, and I'm sure she can handle the vibe down here."