Family Among Us

Part 35- Coffee?

The warm golden hues of the setting sun faded into the gentle blues of twilight as we finally arrived home. After helping everyone unpack their beach bags, I found myself sitting at the kitchen table with a mug of steaming coffee. The rich aroma filled the room, offering a comforting end to an eventful day.

As I took my first sip, I noticed the crewmates and impostors gathering around, their curious gazes locked onto my cup. Yellow was the first to speak, bouncing slightly on his toes. "What's that, Y/N? It smells weird but kinda good!"

"It's coffee," I replied, cradling the mug in my hands. "It's a drink that helps you wake up. Want to try some?"

Their eyes lit up with intrigue, and before I could say anything else, a chorus of "Me first!" erupted. I chuckled, pulling out a few spare mugs. "Alright, calm down! I'll pour some for everyone. But fair warning—it's not sweet unless you add sugar and milk."

As I prepared their samples, the chatter behind me was a mix of anticipation and doubt.

"Maybe it's like chocolate milk," Red speculated, leaning over to sniff the pot.

"Doubt it," White countered. "It smells way too bitter. Like...burnt stuff."

"It's probably just sophisticated," Green said with a smug smile. "I bet I'll like it more than any of you."

Black, standing quietly at the back of the group, frowned. "Sophisticated doesn't mean good."

With the mugs ready, I handed them out. "Alright, taste test time. Tell me what you think."

Yellow was the first to take a sip. His face twisted into a comical grimace, and he coughed. "Ew! How do you drink this, Y/N? It's so bitter!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "That's why I said to add sugar and milk! Here." I passed him the sugar jar and a small pitcher of cream. "Try this."

While Yellow eagerly sweetened his drink, Purple took a tentative sip. His eyes widened in shock, and he set the mug down with a dramatic gasp. "It tastes like dirt! Fancy dirt, but dirt!"

Red, always adventurous, downed his cup in one gulp. "It's...weird. Like it's trying to be spicy but isn't. But I feel awake now, so...10 out of 10!" He pumped his fists in the air, making everyone laugh.

White wrinkled his nose after his first sip. "Bleh, not for me. But hey, Black, you might like it. It's as bitter as your soul."

Black shot him a glare but reluctantly took the mug I'd prepared for him. He sipped slowly, his expression unreadable. Then, to everyone's surprise, he muttered, "It's...not bad."

"Whoa! Black likes something!" Red exclaimed, pretending to faint. "What's next? Smiling?"

"Shut up," Black growled, but there was a faint smirk on his lips as he took another sip.

Green, meanwhile, had been meticulously adjusting the sugar and milk in his cup. "There," he said, satisfied. "Now this is how you enjoy coffee." He sipped his drink with a contented smile, earning playful eye rolls from the others.

One by one, they all experimented with their coffee, creating mixtures ranging from overly sweet to barely tolerable. The kitchen buzzed with laughter and exaggerated reactions, and I couldn't help but smile at their antics.

By the end of the impromptu coffee tasting, Yellow was bouncing off the walls, Purple was dramatically lamenting his "ruined taste buds," and White was scheming ways to prank Black with decaf. Despite their mixed reviews, everyone seemed to have fun, and the house felt even cozier with the lively energy of the group.

As the night wound down, I leaned back in my chair, sipping the last of my coffee and watching the crewmates and impostors chatter and laugh. Their excitement, even over something as simple as coffee, reminded me how much joy they brought into my life.

"Alright, you guys," I said with a grin. "Let's call it a night. Tomorrow's another adventure."

"Does that adventure involve more coffee?" Red teased, already halfway out the door.

"Maybe," I replied, laughing. "But only if you can handle it."

"Challenge accepted!" he called back, the others chiming in with their sleepy goodnights.

As I rinsed the mugs and turned off the lights, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chaos and camaraderie they brought. Another perfect day in a perfectly imperfect family.