Where We Left Off [LingOrm AU]

CH3

Kash entered the familiar café, the gentle hum of conversation and the aroma of coffee welcoming her into a momentary escape from the sterile, bright lab where she works part time while studying medicine. She is currently in her second year and it's just getting worst—like what she always say.

She joined the line, her gaze casually drifting to the barista who moved with effortless grace behind the counter.

A new barista?

She is always in this café but she never saw this barista so she must be new.

She was a natural—bright-eyed, warm, and attentive to each customer, her smile lighting up her face as she handed out coffees and cheerfully called out names.

As Kash inched closer, she found herself watching the barista's movements, almost hypnotized by the way she moved with such purpose, glancing around the café as if she were genuinely interested in every customer’s day. Kash hadn’t expected her gaze to linger, but the barista's energy was magnetic.

Finally, it was Kash’s turn. As she stepped forward, the barista's gaze met hers, and for a brief, electric moment, they held eye contact. Kash was the first to look away, feeling a bit surprised by the sudden warmth that filled her chest. When she looked back, the girl was already smiling, her voice a perfect mix of warmth and professionalism.

“Good morning! What can I get started for you?”

“The usual,” Kash replied absentmindedly, forgetting the fact that the girl is new and is definitely not familiar with her usual coffee.

"Huy teh, the usual daw", she said as she talk with the old barista beside her.

'oh, she's—'

Before she could finish her thought, the old barista took the girl's place and typed her order. She was shocked to see a fellowman in this place.

"Ganda niya, teh. Reto mo ko", Kash wanted to laugh.

She found it amusing that she probably had the same effect to the barista as the barista did to her.

"Landi mo. Tumahimik ka na dyan."

"Damot naman neto."

The old barista instructed the girl how to do Kash's coffee. As the new barista prepared her coffee, Kash’s gaze drifted back to her, noticing the confidence in each motion as she brewed and poured, never missing a step. The café was bustling, but she handled it all effortlessly. Occasionally, the new barista glanced over, catching Kash watching her. Their eyes met, and a soft, mutual smile passed between them—each glance lingering just a little longer than the last. Kash, feeling the tug of curiosity, wondered if the new barista noticed it too.

When the coffee was ready, the new barista handed it to Kash with that same open smile. “Here you go. Hope it’s a good start to the day,” she said warmly.

“Thanks. It already is,” Kash replied, her smile gentle but sincere.

As she took a step back, Kash heard Trisha speak softly in Tagalog to her co-worker, her voice carrying over the noise of the café. “Grabe ang ganda niya. Parang 'di sya totoong tao.”

Kash couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips, though she kept her face neutral. She’d heard every word, and for a moment, it felt like they shared an unspoken connection. With one last look back, Kash gave the girl a small smile as she headed out, wondering if she’d see that captivating barista again the next time she visited.