Unique Friend

~9~

~9~

Karina is wiping tables after the morning rush when the vintage bell over the door chimes and she turns to see Taehyung strolling in.

"Hi roomie," he greets her with a smile, "Is Namjoon-hyung here?"

"Hi Taehyung. He's out finishing some errands right now, but mentioned he'd be meeting with you today, so he shouldn't be too long," she replies with a smile. "Would you like your usual while you wait?"

Taehyung's dark eyes light up at this, "Oh yes please! You always make it the best. Just the right amount of chocolate and not too hot."

Karina laughs as she heads behind the counter to prepare his hot chocolate. Namjoon arrives just as she has finished and has brought it over to where Taehyung is sitting.

"Hi guys, sorry I'm late," says Namjoon as he slides into the booth across from Taehyung, unloading a couple of bags from his errands onto the seat beside him.

"All good, Joon. You know I usually work this shift alone." Karina replies.

"Oh. Yes, but I meant for the meeting. We are discussing the event showcasing Taehyung, and wanted you to sit in," Namjoon explains.

While Karina has often worked art events at the cafe in the past, this statement catches her off guard; she's never really been very involved in the planning.

"Oh, um. Sure?", she says with uncertainty, glancing around the cafe to be sure nothing needs her attention.

"Relax Karina. We chose this time to meet knowing that it is usually a quiet time. Have a seat please," Namjoon reassures her, gesturing for her to sit across from him next to Taehyung in the booth.

As she settles in, Karina suddenly becomes hyper aware of her dowdy appearance in her faded jeans and worn Converse when sat next to her roommate in his head-to-toe designer labels. Not normally one to compare herself to others, Karina doesn't understand why this is suddenly an issue for her now. Maybe it's just that Taehyung somehow always looks immaculate? He's even adorable when he's all rumpled from sleep as he stumbles out to the kitchen in the mornings. This intrusive thought catches her completely off-guard and makes her blush. She keeps her head down in the hopes that neither her boss nor her roommate will notice, and is relieved when a peek through her lashes finds them both preoccupied; Taehyung with his hot chocolate, testing the temperature, and Namjoon getting himself settled in to start the meeting.

"OK. Karina, this art show is going to be, ah, different from the ones we have done in the past, at Taehyung's request," Namjoon begins.

Karina nods, "Sure, that makes sense. Part of what everyone likes about our events here is that we customize them to coordinate with the artist we are showcasing."

Namjoon gives a somewhat nervous glance at Taehyung, "Ah. Um, that is true, but this is an entirely different vibe than what we are familiar with," he pauses, seemingly unsure how to continue, until Taehyung pipes up.

"It's going to be classy! Like old world jazzy, with suits and dresses and champagne!" he grins excitedly.

"Oh!," Karina exclaims in surprise. "Well, yes, that is quite a bit more formal sounding than what we usually do, but it sounds nice."

"And since it is so different from what we normally have done in the past, I would like it if you could work with Taehyung to get everything prepared the way he envisions? We would be paying for your time outside of your regular cafe shifts here, sort of like an event coordinator position, if you're willing to accept it?" Namjoon states.

Karina once again finds herself caught off guard, but doesn't hesitate to accept. "Of course I will, Namjoon. You know I'd never refuse to help if you needed it." she says with a smile, despite the uncertainty bubbling up inside her. I've never handled all the planning for an event like this before. And Taehyung has such a specific vision in mind. What if I disappoint everyone?

"Yay!," Taehyung gives a tiny cheer. "We will be roomies and coworkers!", causing them all to laugh.

"Don't worry Karina, I will give you a list of contacts for catering, decor, and everything that you will need. They are all either people I have worked with before, or friends of mine, so they will be easy to deal with. All you really need to do is help Taehyung find where he needs to go, booking the dates, and maybe help if he makes a mistake with the language."

"Ya! Hyung! That is not in my vocabulary. I am perfect!" Taehyung protests playfully, making them all laugh again.