She's Vanilla - The Café Shop - Brewed Serendipity

7. Girlfriend, i like that

The steam billowed from the coffee machine, enveloping me momentarily as I wiped my brow with the back of my hand. The soft strains of music filled the air, providing a comforting backdrop to the tranquility of the cafe. It was a peaceful day, with only Sohyun and me bustling about behind the counter.

Curious to learn more about Sohyun's past experiences, I took a moment to engage in conversation. "So, Sohyun, what was your last job like?" I inquired, my voice cutting through the gentle hum of the espresso machine. Sohyun continued her task of washing mugs, her movements fluid and deliberate. "It was pretty relaxed, for the most part," she replied, her tone reflective. "But things took a turn when I had a falling out with some of my coworkers."

Her words piqued my interest, and I leaned in slightly, eager to hear more. "I'm sorry to hear that," I offered sympathetically. "Would you mind sharing what happened?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. Sohyun chuckled softly, a hint of resignation in her voice as she recounted the events.

"Well, it all started when I made a mistake," she began, her expression thoughtful. "I ended up sleeping with one of my colleagues, thinking we could keep it discreet. But unfortunately, they didn't uphold their end of the agreement and spread rumors around the workplace."

Her confession hung in the air, the weight of it evident in the furrow of her brow. As she shared her story, I couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for her. Trust issues were no small burden to bear, especially in a professional setting. Yet, here she was, starting anew in our humble cafe, determined to leave the past behind her.

As Sohyun's words lingered in the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her resilience. Despite the challenges she had faced, she carried herself with a quiet strength, ready to embrace the opportunity for a fresh start.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," I said sincerely, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Sohyun's shoulder. "But I'm glad you're here now. You're part of our team, and we'll do everything we can to make sure you feel supported and valued."

Sohyun's lips curved into a small smile, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Minji," she said softly. "It means a lot to me."

With a nod of understanding, I returned to my tasks behind the counter, a renewed sense of camaraderie filling the space between us. As we continued our work side by side, the steady rhythm of the coffee machine serving as a backdrop, I couldn't shake the feeling that Sohyun's presence was a welcome addition to our little cafe family.

🐧✩°｡✮☕

As the night settled in and the last echoes of revelry faded away, I found myself alone in the tavern, the dim lights casting soft shadows across the room. With a weary sigh, I began the task of wiping down the counters, the rhythmic swish of the cloth a soothing accompaniment to my thoughts.

"Alright, I'm off," Kristen's voice broke through the quiet, and I offered a tired wave in response. The door closed behind her with a soft click, leaving me enveloped in silence once more.

Lost in my own world, I started to hum softly to myself, the melody weaving through the empty space of the tavern. But my solitary reverie was soon interrupted by the creak of the door opening once again.

"Back already?" I called out without turning around, assuming it was Kristen returning for something she had forgotten. However, as I turned to greet her, my breath caught in my throat, an inaudible gasp escaping my lips. It wasn't Kristen standing there in the doorway—it was Haerin.

"Hey," I greeted softly as Haerin entered, her presence instantly filling the room with a gentle warmth.

"Hi," she responded, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a curious glint. Dressed in skinny jeans, boots, and a cozy sweater, her hair was down It seemed that every time I saw her, her appearance held a touch of spontaneity, yet she carried it effortlessly. And as always, the penguin necklace adorned her neck, a familiar sight that never failed to bring a smile to my face.