COFFEE AND COPPER || Russia x Germany Countryhumans

04• Bonds of Friendship and Unexpected Connections

[Germany]

After a brisk run, I finally arrived at the cafe, my chest heaving as I caught my breath. Placing both hands on my knees, I took a moment to compose myself before straightening up and glancing around. The sight of customers already seated inside sent a pang of regret through me. With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and entered the bustling cafe, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries enveloping me in a familiar embrace.

Navigating through the crowd of patrons, I made my way to the staff area where Japan greeted me with a raised eyebrow. "Good morning, ger!Running a bit behind today, aren't we?" She remarked, a playful twinkle in her eye. Her lighthearted comment brought a smile to my face, easing the tension of my late arrival. With a friendly pat on my back, Japan swiftly moved to the counter to attend to the waiting customers.

Taking a moment to gather myself, I proceeded to the staff area, where I carefully removed my coat, placing it in the locker before donning my apron. The familiar routine of securing the apron around my waist served as a grounding force in the midst of the morning. As I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror from the locker, the tired eyes staring back at me mirrored the anticipation of a long day ahead. It was a visual reminder of the dedication and hard work required in the service industry, a silent promise to give my best despite the challenges that lay ahead.

As I readied myself for the demanding tasks awaiting me, I took a moment to center my thoughts and focus on providing the best service as possible to the customers who had chosen our cafe for their morning respite.

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The morning progressed, and the clock struck 9 a.m., marking the start of another bustling day at the cafe. I stood at the counter, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, jotting down notes and organizing the day's tasks. The gentle hum of the espresso machine provided a soothing background soundtrack to the morning rush.

Feeling a pang of hunger, I glanced at the tempting display of pastries and desserts, deciding to indulge in a slice of cake since I hadn't had breakfast yet. The soft, velvety texture of the cake melted in my mouth. As I savored the delectable treat, the familiar sound of the bell chiming from the front door caught my attention.

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I was taken aback to see the police officer who had come to my rescue the day before.

His attire was a far cry from the official uniform he had worn during our previous encounter. Today, he sported a casual ensemble consisting of a white t-shirt, a black denim jacket, and track pants. The most striking change was the ushanka perched atop his head, replacing the familiar police hat.

You must be wondering how I could recognize a person so swiftly, right? Well, to be honest, even if his outfit is different, his face is unmistakable. After all, he's the one who rescued me yesterday, so how could I not spot him? Plus, I haven't fully expressed my gratitude for his help yet.

As I focused on his unexpected appearance and the intrigue it brought to the moment. To my surprise, with him was a companion, a man with a striking red field on his face decorated with five golden stars-a large star accompanied by four smaller ones. This man, clad in a brown leather jacket and plain pants, was none other than China! a regular customer at the cafe. I hadn't realized they we're acquaintance.

Well, it's no surprise they knew each other. From what I recall, China is also a police officer, but I pondered their presence here at this hour. All I remember is that China usually goes to the cafe alone, arriving promptly at 10 am for a cup of coffee or a morning meal.