eunjin
i was sitting in class, trying to focus on doing our group task, when i started hearing whispers around me. at first, i ignored them, thinking it was just the usual chatter that happened during a boring lesson.
but then, i heard yoonji's name mentioned, causing my attention to sharpen.
"did you hear about yoonji? the one from bs psych?" one girl whispered to her friend. "apparently, she's been cozying up with dean koo ... and someone got to take pics of them!"
"wait- really? i thought she's the dean's niece and people are just finding out about it?" another girl says. whoever that was, thank you!
"okay?? but still- why'd she have to hide that about herself though?" the other girl replied, her voice dripping with disdain.
because she simply doesn't want people talking all about it?? i mean, look at what's happening now, people have been doubting pretty much everything she's achieved!
"look at her, looking all cute and innocent for the camera ..." my heart sank. i felt a surge of anger and protectiveness for yoonji. "but that's definitely just an act."
i turned in my seat, fixing the girls with a sharp look. "excuse me, but do you even know what you're talking about? what about you finish your work instead of just yapping nonsense?"
they looked taken aback, not expecting to be confronted. "uh, we were just talking ... geez." one of them mumbled, avoiding my gaze.
the girls exchanged nervous glances and quickly returned to their work, clearly embarrassed. tsk, mga yawa.
"hey, how is your friend holding up by the way?" hyein asks, causing me to face her with a sigh.
"she's been crying so much, all because people just can't seem to shut their insecure asses up." i reply, suddenly hearing sunghoon laugh.
"what ass?" he retorts, causing me to suddenly start getting fucking images of random ass people's asses around here. what the fuck?
"speaking of, she's literally outside the room right now-" rami says, urging my head to face out to see my uknee.
she looks so exhausted and defeated. her eyes red and puffy, evidence of recent tears. she wasn't in any of my classes for obvious reasons, but the fact that she had come to see me looking like this ... my heart broke at the sight of her.
"they've been saying such horrible things about hyejin and you too." she says, causing me to hug her tightly. "we'll get through this, yoonji. the real ones will see the truth eventually."
she pulled back, looking around. "i'm so sorry, eunjin. i never wanted you to get dragged into my mess."
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hyejin
i knew i just had to leave school right after my fucking classes because of all the ridiculous shit i've heard from the people at campus today.
shop's quieter than usual today ... damn, even the universe is sad jungkook's leaving. as i wiped down the counter, my thoughts kept drifting back to jungkook. today was his last day working at the café, and it felt surreal. he had been one of my best and most loyal employees, and now he was officially moving back to his hometown.
"hey, hyejin," jungkook said, walking up with a wistful smile. "mind if we take a quick break before my shift ends?"
"sure, jungkook." i replied, setting down the cloth and joining him at a corner table. "how are you feeling about all this?"
he shrugged, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "mixed emotions, i guess. as much as i'm excited about the future, i'm going to miss this place ... we've had some great times here, haven't we?"
i smiled, nodding. "remember that time we had that huge rush during valentine's day and ended up staying late just to keep up with all the damn orders? the fact that people were drinking heart-shaped coffees at 3 am still haunts me to this day."
"right??" he chuckled, "some people even requested to have penis-shaped coffees too ... what was that about?"
"or that one time you and i tried to experiment with new coffee flavors," i continued, "and we accidentally created a drink that tasted exactly like caramel pudding? we couldn't stop laughing about us being geniuses that day, hanni thought we were definitely on something."
jungkook laughed, shaking his head. "oh man, that was a disaster. but it was fun, wasn't it? i think we might have invented something if it wasn't for that one little mistake."
we shared a quiet moment, reminiscing about all the good times we had together in the shop. the café had become more than just a place to work; it was a home filled with memories and friendships.
"i've got something to tell you, by the way." jungkook said, his tone suddenly serious. "before i go, i want you to know that i've asked my cousin to come by and see if he could take my place."
"your cousin?" i asked, surprised. "i didn't know you had someone in mind."
"yeah," he nodded. "he's been learning the ropes from me for a while now. coffee runs in our blood, so he's picked up a lot already. i think he'll fit in perfectly here."
"he's a quick learner and i've taught him everything i know, so you won't have to worry about him not being up to speed."
"i appreciate that, jungkook," i said, genuinely grateful. after hearing all about what happened during eunjin's search for a new left-hand (wo)man, i don't really want to be interviewing strangers non-stop. "it means a lot to me that you're gonna be leaving us in good hands."
"of course!" he said with a smile. "i've enjoyed working here so much. this place is literally my child. i genuinely want to make sure things go smoothly even after i'm gone."
i could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it made me feel even more appreciative of the time we had spent working together. "we'll miss you around here, jungkook. you've been an incredible part of this team, and i wish you all the best in your new endeavors."
we shared one last smile, and i watched as he gathered his things, ready to step into a new chapter of his life. it was bittersweet, but i knew that with the new guy coming in, the café might continue to thrive.
and while jungkook would be missed, the memories he left behind would always remain.
