Polar Opposites (Male Reader x Loona Fanfic)

Chapter 3: The New Routine Pt.1

A gentle breeze blew during the calm early morning carrying a faint yet warm comforting smell of a home-cooked meal wafting outside the small cafe restaurant where Y/N stood outside the back door entrance. His back against the concrete wall cigarette in hand in a classic two-finger hold facing downward as his eyes were closed taking in the surroundings he felt and smelled before letting the end of the cigarette touch his lips to continue smoking when his moment of quiet solitude was interrupted when the creak of the back door opened. Thus, he opened his eyes and pulled the cigarette away from his lips to see who came to disturb his peaceful quiet time.

"Oh hey, there old timer." He sees Joe, the friendly manager of the small cafe restaurant, alongside his wife who also owns the place, Grace. He stepped outside with a welcoming smile etched onto his face showcasing a bit of carefree youth even at his age. He approached Y/N, his demeanor relaxed and approachable, the opposite with Y/N's demeanor being alert and stern in his presence yet softly laughing until finally answering Y/N.

"Good morning Y/N." Leaning against the wall beside him. "Are you doing okay?" His voice filled with a bit of concern.

"Y...yeah...." He stopped himself from saying anymore looking at Joe who was being lenient yet was perceptive and wise enough to know that is not the whole truth and thus, Y/N became honest with his thoughts.

"Things are going okay I guess...." He looks away staring at the cigarette he is still holding looking at the end of the tip with the little flicker of light and smoke continuing speaking. "I was just reflecting on my experiences being here like.... getting used to this new environment when I first arrived, especially working for you and your wife here. It wasn't anything like my last job, especially its work setting." He looked at his other hand clenching his fist until unclenching it a few times letting it descend back at his side staring back ahead of the local scenery.

Nodding understandably taking this moment in along with what Y/N said before Joe finally speaks. "Change can never be easy for anyone from one previous life being shifted into another yet change can be a good thing even at first glance it can be daunting yet within that, opportunity and growth can flourish. It's what me and her have seen with you ever since you began working with us for a couple of years now." he smiled again with his arms crossed with a small chuckle. "Even with the small fuck ups you made that gave me a laugh." he laughed a little louder causing Y/N to look at him.

"Hey come on it was only one time....well a little more than a couple but still!! It wasn't so bad–"

"Not so bad, kid your cooking skills when you first started were very much left to be desired even in serving the food, greeting customers, and interacting with coworkers when they came through you were completely different than who I see now."

Feeling embarrassed Y/N turns away taking another hit from his cigarette while Joe softly laughs at Y/Ns embarrassment from the memories he had of him. Finally calming himself down and putting his hand on Y/N's shoulder.

"You have been doing great Y/N. Me and Grace made the right choice in helping you in your time of need as you adjusted to find your footing here with me and her, our coworkers, and regular customers to now becoming a part of the family. Remember, we will always be here to help you along your way."

A genuine smile spread across Y/Ns lips turning himself around to face him and giving him a nod of approval. "Thank you Joe it does mean a lot to me to hear that."

Joe smiled back patting his shoulder and began walking to the the back door of the restaurant to re-enter inside. "Come on kid let's head back in before Grace comes to get us, especially since today will be a busy day and we will need to get things ready before everyone else clocks in. Do you think you're up for it?