high flying love ¦ lee jeno

ch ; 09

·⁀ ༄.°✈ ₊⭒˚｡⋆ 09  ·⁀ ༄.°✈ ₊⭒˚｡⋆
Small Talk

The morning rush at Leo's Hearth was a symphony of clanging spoons, hissing espresso machines, and the rhythmic whoosh of the milk frother. Yura, her movements honed by years of caffeine slinging, danced between the register and the coffee bar. Her two part-time employees, Minho and Hana, were still navigating the early morning chaos with a touch of fumbling grace.

"Yura Noona, extra shot in a large Americano?" Minho called out, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.

Yura glanced up from the latte she was crafting, a smile gracing her lips. "Got it," she replied, expertly pulling another shot of espresso. "Remember, Minho-yah, double the shot, same amount of milk."

Minho nodded, relief flooding his features. Working at Leo's Hearth was supposed to be a relaxed side hustle for the university student, but the morning rush often turned into a crash course in coffee artistry.

Hana, on the other hand, exuded a quiet confidence as she arranged pastries in the display case. Her passion for baking often spilled over into new creations, much to the delight (and sometimes horror) of Yura's loyal customers.

"Alright everyone," Yura announced, wiping down the counter with a practiced flourish. "Lunch break in ten. Minho, you're on the register for the next round. Remember, eye contact, friendly smile, and don't forget to recommend the new banana walnut bread!"

Minho's eyes widened at the responsibility, but he straightened his shoulders, mustering his best salesman grin. Yura watched him interact with the next customer, a touch of pride warming her chest.

She turned to Hana, who was meticulously drizzling icing over a batch of blueberry muffins. "Those look amazing, Hana. Think they'll survive the morning rush?"

Hana chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Only time will tell, Unnie. Maybe consider a warning label – 'Beautiful but fragile.'"

Yura laughed, the sound filling the bustling cafe. As the morning wore on, the familiar rhythm of Leo's Hearth settled over her. The worries that had plagued her mind during her trip seemed distant, replaced by the comforting routine of grinding beans, steaming milk, and exchanging stories with her regulars.

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the cafe as the daily rush subsided. Yura leaned against the counter, catching her breath and watching a group of students huddled over a table, their laughter echoing in the air.

A sense of peace washed over her. This was her life, her haven, her little corner of the world. It might not have been a whirlwind romance in Milan, but it was hers – filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, the comforting gurgle of the espresso machine, and the warmth of familiar faces. And for now, that was more than enough.

-

The last customer of the day, a weary office worker clutching a steaming cup of chamomile tea, shuffled out the door with a tired smile. Yura, with a satisfied sigh, swept the floor and wiped down the tables for the last time.

The familiar scent of spent coffee grounds and cinnamon rolls lingered in the air, a comforting aroma that marked the end of another successful day.

Yura stretched, her back protesting after a long day of juggling orders and keeping the cafe running smoothly. With a satisfied smile, she watched Minho and Hana lock up the front door, their goodbyes echoing in the now-empty cafe.

With the cafe secured and the lights turned off, Yura stepped out onto the bustling street. The city lights twinkled like scattered diamonds against the darkening sky, the cool evening air carrying the sounds of laughter and distant music.

Pulling out her phone, Yura snapped a quick picture of Leo's Hearth bathed in the warm glow of a nearby streetlamp. A quick tap later, the photo was uploaded to the cafe's Instagram account, accompanied by the caption: "Lights out for the night! See you all caffeinated and ready to conquer tomorrow."

Suddenly, a nagging feeling tugged at her memory. Earlier that day, amidst the chaos of the morning rush, a customer had complimented the mismatched vintage teaspoons she used for lattes. Their whimsical charm had sparked a conversation, a reminder of her long-neglected desire to add some new, cute kitchenware to her collection.

Down the street, nestled amongst a cluster of charming shops, was a little store known for its quirky collection of kitchenware. Yura hadn't been there in ages, but the memory of mismatched teacups and colorful spatulas sent a thrill of anticipation through her.

With a spring in her step, Yura headed towards the store, the prospect of browsing aisles filled with adorable utensils a delightful reward for a long day. She browses the store, hoping she'd find the perfect addition to her collection, a little touch of whimsy to brighten up her already warm and inviting cafe.

-

a/n: just another filler update <3

Continued.