On the House

Chapter Twelve

The week passed by slowly for Yoongi. He was so excited to start his new job that everything seemed to move painfully slow.

He enjoyed getting to teach Junho some tips and tricks, however. The boy had never been a server before, and that had surprised Yoongi. The restaurant was a bit upper scale, and Yoongi had figured they'd want someone with experience. But he thought it nice that his boss had taken a chance on Junho. He was a nice kid.

"Ugh!" Junho cried as the empty tray fell from his hands again.

"It's okay," Yoongi assured him. "You'll get it, I promise."

"I can't even get it right when it's empty," Junho lamented. "How will I ever be able to actually carry plates and drinks on it?!"

"It'll come in good time, with experience," Yoongi assured him. "It took me what seemed like forever to get it, too. You just gotta keep practicing."

"But what if I don't get it before you leave?"

"On the dinner shift, they'll likely have someone else run the food for you until you get the hang of it," Yoongi explained. "Dinner is the real rush hour here. They'll probably just have you practice during the lunch shift, as it won't be as hectic."

Junho sighed. "Well, that makes me feel a little bit better."

Yoongi smiled kindly at him. "C'mon," he said, grabbing the tray and placing some plates of food on it. "I'll help you take this one out."

"Thanks," Junho said gratefully.

Yoongi nodded. "It's no problem." He then helped Junho steady the tray on his shoulder. They began to walk and Yoongi could see Junho's legs shaking. "It's okay," he assured. "Just take it slow." Junho nodded and Yoongi smiled. "I'll be here to catch it if need be, okay?" Junho nodded again.

He almost made it. But just as he was about to approach the table, Junho's grip slipped. Just as he'd promised, Yoongi caught the tray, helping Junho hoist it back onto his shoulder. "Do you remember who ordered what?" he asked quietly.

"I think so," Junho replied just as quietly.

"Okay, go for it!"

Yoongi stood slightly behind Junho as he began passing out the plates. The distraction almost caused him to slip again, but Yoongi steadied the tray. As soon as the food had all been passed out, Yoongi smiled at the table.

"Is there anything else Junho or I can get you for now?"

Everyone at the table shook their heads. "Okay," Yoongi continued. "We'll be back to check on you soon."

And they both headed back to the kitchen to try the next tray of plates.

"You're doing so well with Junho," Jimin told Yoongi later, after Junho had left for the evening. "He seems to be doing pretty well."

"He is, but I wish he'd realize that. He's still self-conscious and nervous."

"Well, we'll help him, too, when you're gone," Jimin promised.

Yoongi nodded. "I'm glad. He's a good kid. I want him to succeed here."

Jimin smiled. "So," he said, changing the subject. "How's Namjoon?"

Yoongi furrowed his brow. "Um, I dunno."

"You haven't talked to him?" Jimin asked with surprise.

"I mean, he texted me the other day to make sure I'd made it home safely and was doing okay after the bar. But no, I haven't talked to him since then."