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The next few days at Café Étoile were a blur of learning, adjusting, and trying not to lose his temper. For Hao, it felt like each shift was a test of patience. Working the register was easy enough, and his interactions with customers went smoothly. Most of them seemed to appreciate his genuine smile and friendly demeanor, and some even commented on how welcoming he made the café feel.
But behind the counter? That was a different story.
Every interaction with Hanbin was like walking a tightrope. They exchanged few words—mostly out of necessity—but each time they crossed paths, there was this electric tension that neither of them acknowledged. Hanbin remained as irritatingly calm as ever, his arrogance as constant as the coffee machines they worked beside. And whenever something didn’t go perfectly—whether it was a misplaced order or a slight delay in service—Hanbin was quick to point it out with a smirk or a sarcastic remark.
Hao hated how much it got under his skin.
By the end of the week, Hao felt like he was constantly on edge. His shifts were starting to blend together, and every time he saw Hanbin lounging near the espresso machine, he had to fight the urge to snap at him.
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On Saturday afternoon, the café was busier than usual. Customers came and went, the line never really dying down, and Hao was moving back and forth between the register and the tables, trying to keep up with the rush. Hanbin was behind the counter, moving with that infuriating ease as he made drink after drink, barely breaking a sweat.
As Hao returned to the register, Kuanjui walked over, clipboard in hand. "You’re both doing well," he said, surveying the café with a pleased expression. "Busy day, but you’re handling it."
"Thanks boss," Hao said, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. He glanced at Hanbin, who didn’t even look up from the coffee he was making.
Kuanjui paused, his eyes flicking between the two of them. "You know," he began slowly, "I think you two could learn a lot from each other."
Hao froze, blinking at his boss. "What do you mean?"
Kuanjui smiled faintly. "Hanbin’s got the technical side of things down, but he could benefit from some of your warmth with customers. And you, Hao, could stand to pick up some of his efficiency behind the bar."
Hao felt his stomach twist. The last thing I want is to be more like Hanbin.
Before Hao could respond, Kuanjui added, "That’s why I’m pairing you two together for the next shift. You’ll be alternating between the register and the bar."
