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The following morning, Hao stood outside Café Étoile, staring up at the sign as if seeing it for the first time. The reality of his new job was beginning to sink in. He'd be spending hours here—serving customers, making small talk, and, worst of all, working with Hanbin.
He let out a breath, the cool morning air sending a chill through him. Just get through the day, he told himself. It’s just a job.
Pushing the door open, he was greeted by the familiar warmth of the café, the smell of freshly brewed coffee instantly calming his nerves a little. The morning light streamed in through the large windows, casting a soft glow over the cozy seating area. For a moment, the atmosphere felt almost inviting—until his eyes landed on Hanbin, who was already behind the counter, effortlessly handling the espresso machine.
Hanbin didn’t even glance up as Hao entered. His movements were fluid, almost too smooth, as if the machine were an extension of his body. The café was empty for now, but it wouldn’t be for long.
Kuanjui appeared from the back room, his usual calm expression in place as he waved Hao over. "Good, you’re here," he said, his voice steady. "We’ll start with a quick rundown of your responsibilities."
Hao nodded, trying to focus on Kuanjui’s instructions. He was to man the cashier, greet customers as they came in, and assist with serving orders during the busier times. Occasionally, he’d help out behind the counter when things got hectic. It seemed straightforward enough, but the thought of working in such close proximity to Hanbin still made his stomach twist.
"Remember," Kuanjui said as he finished the brief orientation, "it’s all about the customer experience. People come here not just for the coffee, but for the atmosphere. Smile, be attentive, and make them feel at home."
"Got it," Hao replied, his voice a bit more confident than he felt. He glanced over at Hanbin, who was now wiping down the counter with the same laid-back expression he always wore.
"Hanbin," Kuanjui called out, "make sure to show Hao where everything is behind the counter when you get a chance."
Hanbin finally looked up, meeting Hao’s eyes with that familiar smirk. "Sure thing, boss," he said, his tone dripping with nonchalance.
Great. Hao could already tell this was going to be a long day.
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The first hour was slow, with only a few customers trickling in for their morning coffee. Hao stayed at the register, forcing himself to smile and keep the friendly demeanor Kuanjui had mentioned. It wasn’t that hard—after all, he was naturally polite and kind—but with Hanbin hovering nearby, it was hard to ignore the tension between them.
