My All is in the Form of You

r/Cafeshortstories (1)

My Rich Barista Worker
Hi everyone you can just call me Nari (M27). This story in not about me but actually about my friends. So I own this cafe in Sumeru, you can go ahead and visit it it's called Ghandara Ville. And I have been managing this cafe of mine for a long time already. Now this story is about my friend and my best friend.

For context, the friend is my boyfriend's friend which he introduced to me and we got along well. So this friend of mine we'll call him Hai (M25) is actually a man who feeds his curiosity. Once he is curious he will in no doubt do whatever it takes to just satiate it. Which is actually not a problem since he's rich, his mother is the owner of majority of the industries here in Sumeru. (This will come in handy for later)

Now, Hai has now become curious in being a barista. To which, I actually didn't mind I'm quite happy he wants to learn my field of work and so I decided to hire him as a worker.

Hai has been good at his job actually, he has some problems with costumers due to his straightforward personality but nonetheless he is good at what he does.

All is well, but things will not always go your way right? So my best friend since childhood we'll call him Veh (M28) is actually back from his work in Fontaine, he is an architect. He chatted upon me to visit the shop to which I welcome with all my heart. Veh is actually one of the sweetest person I know. He's kind hearted to boot and is very understanding, not to mention he's a bit slow on things that involves himself and his emotions. I actually have this overprotectiveness around him too.

But here lies the problem.

It was during our Padisarah cafe event. An event in our shop where we offer 30% off of our menu so as long as the order doesn't drop by 350 mora. It was going to be packed and I did inform Veh about it. And just as I expected he said, he didn't mind that he'd wait for me and even offered to help out if I needed help. And so I agreed.

Because Padisarah involves a lot of orders, I decided to take over of the preparation because I am speedier with these stuff, so it was me, another 2 worker in the kitchen while I assigned Hai and another one to the cashier.

I was actually a lot worried about this decision because, just like I mentioned, Hai is not good with peoole. More like people does not take well to his indifference.

I did inform the staff that Veh was going to come that day and that if it's possible for them to entertain them it'd be good.

And I was right, the hectic day comes and Hai was already either bombarded with angry costumers for his stubbornness, mostly from the Karens. Or he'd make a wrong order. It was around afternoon, where the crowd is lesser before dinnertime where I get to check on Hai. Boy, he was beaten down. I can already tell he was going to quit after this.

He looks like the combination of exhausted, irritated, and at the same time meh.

Just in time when everything is quiet my shop opened and I saw a blob of blonde. I took one look at the person and then to my employee before going back to the kitchen.

Why? Because the person entering was Veh and I figured maybe he can do something to cheer up the young cashier I have.

He's good at that.

And I was actually right. Veh told Hai he doesn't know what to order and decided to let Hai order for him ensuring that they fall in the category that it's sweet. Which is actually sweet of him since Veh is really particular about his orders.

He engage in small talks with the man as he goes and I can already see Hai loosening up and engaging back.

Hai punched in Salted Caramel pudding Frappe and a Creme Brulee donut set for Veh to which my friend received positively. Noticing how the situation has died down in a good way, I walked out carrying Veh's order and the man immediately peppered me with hugs and kisses.

His usual.

Afterwards, he did offer to help us in the shop, he helped Hai in the register to which earned more costumers because of those two's visuals. But yeah, the next day Hai did indeed text me.

But it was not to quit his job.

He was asking for Veh's number.

Since then he'd be on time at work and waiting for Veh to visit my cafe or help out. And no, I did not give the number, he has to work hard for it and earn it from Veh himself.

Now here's where the rich status of Hai comes in. Veh actually being an architect involves a lot of expensive stuffs so Veh actually lives a few blocks away from my house but by an affordable apartment. Which honestly is not good with security. And it was by doubt explained when Veh one day walked inside my cafe and asked if he could spend the night at my place.

I asked him what's wrong since he's not the type to just crash at other people's place. He's too afraid of burdening others for that. He didn't say at first but I relent. I kept pushing him till my boyfriend have to intervene, and then he said it.

He's being stalked. And that stalker manage to break in to his place. Some of his stuff gone.

Me and my Boyfriend immediately without hearing for Veh's pleas took away all of his stuff and move him to my house. But then Hai offered one of his place. ONE OF. His words not mine.

He insisted and said that if Veh finds it uncomfortable still he can be with Veh till he's comfortable.

Veh was hesitant but agreed. From then on I would notice something new from Veh. New shirt, new pants, new shoes, new earrings. Then the next I see Veh walking inside the café with Hai's mother, the two were engaging in a small yet happy conversation.

Not long after that, Veh would always be seen around with Hai.

That was five years ago. They are happily married now.