Our Old Manager.

They are back.

The cafe had returned to its usual rhythm.

Calm.
Steady.
Familiar.

A few days had passes since Daniela's unexpected visit, and though Yunjin had not shown up or tried to call again, her shadow still lingered somewhere in the back of Y/N's thoughts.

The morning sun spilled through the front windows, scattering soft light across the tables. Jinho was pulling shots while Kwangjoo set out pastries in the display. It was Jihyo's off day so it was no surprised she was there as well.

And one of the corner tables sat, of course, the newcomer, Daniela, with someone who was at the pub as well. Yoonchae.

Obviously, Yoonchae was Korean. Y/N learned that the younger's parents sent her off to the US to study. She was bright, talkative, and had a way of making everyone laugh within minutes since there was no language barrier. Between Daniela's calm energy and Yoonchae's easy charm, the café felt lighter than it had in weeks.

Y/N carried over two mugs of coffee. "Two vanilla latte for my guests."

"Perfect." Yoonchae grinned. "I miss caffeine from home. I might just move in here."

"That is fine." Y/N said, dryly. "You have to pay rent."

Jinho could be heard letting out a chuckle, "She is not kidding."

The Latina laughed softly after sipping, "You have got good people in here."

Y/N glanced around, watching the people she loves and had never given up on her. "Yeah," she murmured. "I really do."

For a while, the conversation drifted about home, university and plans.

It felt normal.
Safe.

But then Yoonchae, who clearly looked like she was holding it in asked something unexpected. "So, are you the same Y/N who had the whole online mess years ago?"

"Yoonchae, what the hell?!" She was nudged by Daniela who sent a warning glare after.

Y/N froze.
Jihyo looked up from her story book with an eyebrow raised.
Lastly and the most important, Nayeon's head snapped up from the register.

"I told you not to ask-" Daniela warned the youngest Korean there but Y/N stopped her. She forced a small smile, "It's fine. It's not exactly a secret anymore."

Yoonchae blinked, realising too late. "I didn't mean-"

"It is fine." Y/N said, gently. "Those rumors died down eventually and I am still here. That's what matters."

Y/N's voice was steady, but Daniela could hear the faint tremor behind it. The kind that came from old scars that had not quite healed.

Nayeon's arms crossed from behind the counter. "And anyone who believe that shit does not deserved a seat in here anyway."

Yoonchae's expression softened. "I'm sorry. You deserved better."

Y/N smiled, "Thanks."

The silence that followed wasn't heavy, but more like the kind that happened when people understand each other without needed to say much.

Yoonchae excused herself to Jihyo to ask what was the book she was reading. The corner booth now sat Y/N and Daniela. There wasn't many customers so it was nice.

"I'm sorry. I told the kid not to ask." Daniela apologised. "It happens. Customers who walked in and think they recognised me would ask the same thing either way. I'm used to it." Y/N said.

"Do you ever want to get away from here?" The Latina's tone softened. "Somewhere quiet and away from the noise."

Y/N hesistated, her gaze moved to the windows as she admired the outside world. "I tried it. I went to Thailand to get away from here."