The Last Train Home || Haobin

Chapter 3: Unlikely Partners

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The next morning, Hao sat in his cramped apartment, staring at his phone as if willing it to ring. His mind was restless, replaying yesterday’s events over and over. Every sip of his now cold coffee tasted like regret, reminding him of how badly he’d fumbled the test. Of course, Hanbin made it look so easy. That smug smile, the way he had brushed past him without a care—it all gnawed at Hao’s nerves.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated on the table, breaking his anxious thoughts. The screen flashed with a message from Kuanjui.

> "Can you come by the café at 10? I’ve made my decision."

Hao’s heart leapt into his throat. This is it. He wasn’t sure what to expect—part of him had already accepted that he didn’t get the job. But the fact that Kuanjui had messaged him instead of just ignoring him completely gave him the smallest sliver of hope.

Twenty minutes later, Hao found himself standing outside Café Étoile once again, the familiar scent of coffee drifting through the air. He wiped his palms on his jeans, trying to shake off the last bit of nerves. It’s just a job, he told himself. It’s not the end of the world.

But when he walked through the door, his eyes immediately landed on Hanbin, lounging near the counter, looking as cool and detached as ever. Hao’s heart sank. He’s here too?

Hanbin caught his eye and smirked, raising an eyebrow in that infuriating way that suggested he already knew something Hao didn’t. The look alone made Hao’s skin prickle with irritation. He wasn’t sure if he was more nervous about the job or just having to deal with Hanbin’s constant smugness.

Kuanjui stepped out from behind the counter, his expression unreadable as usual. He gave them both a brief nod before folding his arms, addressing them with his usual calm, measured tone.

"I’ve made my decision regarding the position," Kuanjui began, his gaze shifting between Hao and Hanbin. "It wasn’t an easy choice. You both have potential, but there are different strengths each of you bring to the table."

Hao swallowed, already bracing himself for the inevitable. Here it comes.

Kuanjui turned to Hanbin first. "Hanbin, you’ll be our new barista."

Hanbin didn’t even blink. He merely nodded, his expression as neutral as ever, though the slight tilt of his lips betrayed a sense of satisfaction. Hao felt a pang of disappointment, even though he’d expected this. Hanbin had been flawless behind the bar, and there was no denying that.

But before Hao could dwell on his defeat, Kuanjui turned to him, his eyes softening ever so slightly.

"As for you, Hao," Kuanjui continued, "I was impressed by your attitude, even if your execution was… not quite there yet." He paused, giving Hao a thoughtful look. "You may not have the technical skill for the barista role, but I think you have something just as important—presence."

Hao blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. Presence? He didn’t know what to say, but Kuanjui pressed on.

"Customers will be drawn to you. You’re approachable, friendly, and you make people feel comfortable," Kuanjui explained, his voice steady. "I think you’d be perfect for a different role—working as a cashier and waiter. Your demeanor and your visual appeal will make customers feel welcome."

Hao felt his face heat up at the mention of his appearance. He wasn’t used to being complimented on how he looked. But Kuanjui wasn’t wrong—he had noticed the way people seemed to relax around him, and maybe this job was more about creating a space for customers to feel at ease.

"But," Kuanjui added with a slight smirk, "don’t think you’re off the hook. I expect you to practice your barista skills. You’ll be assisting Hanbin from time to time."

Hao’s stomach twisted at the mention of Hanbin’s name. Great. As if being a waiter wasn’t already a tough pill to swallow, now he’d have to work with Hanbin, the last person he wanted to spend more time around. He could feel Hanbin’s eyes on him, that insufferable smirk still lingering on his face.

"So," Kuanjui concluded, looking between them both, "welcome to Café Étoile. I’ll see you both tomorrow for training."

The words sank in slowly. Hao wasn’t sure if he felt relieved, frustrated, or both. He hadn’t completely failed—he’d still landed a job. But working alongside Hanbin? That was going to be its own challenge. He could already feel the tension brewing between them, and they hadn’t even started yet.

As they stepped outside, Hanbin walked up beside him, casually stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Guess we’re working together now, huh?" he said, his voice carrying that familiar lazy drawl. He didn’t even bother looking at Hao as he spoke.

Hao bit back a retort, forcing a tight smile. "Yeah, guess so."

Hanbin chuckled, a low sound that grated on Hao’s nerves. "Try to keep up," he said, his smirk growing wider. "Wouldn’t want you to spill anything like yesterday."

The comment hit a nerve, and Hao felt his frustration bubbling up again. He clenched his fists at his sides, but before he could respond, Hanbin turned and started walking down the street, his figure disappearing around the corner.

Hao stood there for a moment, staring after him, his mind racing with all the things he could’ve said. Why does he always get under my skin?

Shaking his head, he turned in the opposite direction, heading back toward the train station. The cool breeze did little to soothe his frayed nerves, but as the café disappeared behind him, he reminded himself that this wasn’t the end of the world.

I got the job. And maybe, just maybe, he’d find a way to deal with Hanbin. After all, this was only the beginning.

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IM HAVING SO MUCH FUN WRITING THE FUTURE CHAPTERS ITS SO FLFUFFYFYFFYUFUYYYYUU

And yes I'm posting another one after this so wait 🥰🥰🥰🥰👋🏻😘👋🏻👋🏻🥲🥲🥲🥲