The streets of Michigan held the best car soirees and top dog street races-on top of it all, a life of their own.
What happens when two polar opposite racers collide; the best one from detroit, and one all the way from the city of angels?
The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I unlocked the café doors and stepped inside.
It's good to be back.
I did the usual routine starting with arranging the chairs, wiping down tables, and turning on the grinder. The whirr of the coffee machine settled my nerves, and I let out a slow breath, welcoming the calm of an early morning.
At exactly seven o'clock, the bell above the door jingled. I looked up, already knowing who it would be. Yeji stepped inside with a confident smile, her long, brown locks falling over her shoulders, and she was wearing a cropped racing jacket she used often.
I had to admit—this look suited her.
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I couldn't help but grin as I crossed my arms. "Good morning, Saint Claire. The usual latte?"
Yeji leaned on the counter, "Good morning, pretty. Yes, the usual, please."
I bit back a laugh. "Flattery won't make your coffee arrive faster, you know."
"Oh, but it's worth a shot, right?" Yeji replied, her voice smooth, teasing. "Plus, that made you smile. I guess that's what matters."
I rolled my eyes playfully, already reaching for the beans I knew she liked. "You're relentless."
She smirked, resting her chin on her hand as she watched me work. "It's part of my charm, Montecarlo."
I busied myself with the espresso machine, but I could feel Yeji's gaze never leaving me.
By the time I set her latte in front of her, her eyes were softer, her usual playful mask slipping just a little.
"How's your morning so far?" she asked as she accepted the cup.
"Peaceful. Until you got here, that is," I teased.
She placed a hand dramatically over her chest. "I'm hurt. I thought I was the highlight of your mornings."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "If I say yes, you're never going to let me live it down."
"True," she admitted with a grin. "So, just for the record, you're saying yes."
Before I could answer, the door opened again, and Chaeryeong bustled in with her arms full of bright, colorful flowers. Her entrance was like a burst of sunshine in the cozy café, and I watched as she placed the bouquets on the counter.
"Look what I got!" Chaeryeong said, beaming. "Help me out with these?"
Yeji perked up instantly. "Can I join?"
Chaeryeong nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! The more hands, the better. ... and you're early again."
Yeji and Chaeryeong moved around the café, filling vases and placing them strategically on the tables and windowsills.
