My Last And My Only

Chapter 150: The "Regular"

By the end of the week, Mezzo had settled into a new rhythm.

The café had always been busy, but lately the pace had become even faster. More customers came in during the afternoons, students stayed longer with their laptops open, and the usual crowd of regulars seemed to have grown.

The extra help had arrived at the right time.

Fea and Angela no longer looked like they were still trying to figure out where everything was.

They had adjusted quickly.

Angela had learned the kitchen routine almost immediately, remembering where ingredients were stored and how the café prepared their usual menu items. Fea moved between the register and the coffee bar with the confidence of someone who had spent years learning how to work under pressure.

Their first day had gone better than anyone expected.

They asked questions when they needed to.

They listened.

They worked.

And they fit.

Khae especially appreciated that.

Not because she needed someone to guide her.

Because she genuinely wanted to understand.

Aiah had heard about Mezzo all week.

Not because Khae spent her shifts talking about her personal life.

She didn't.

At work, Khae mostly talked about the café itself.

The drinks she was learning.

The techniques she was practicing.

The small things she noticed.

Sometimes, after a long day, she would tell Aiah about something as simple as finally getting the milk texture right or understanding why a certain step mattered.

And Aiah always smiled when she heard it.

Because Khae sounded happy.

Not just satisfied.

Happy.

"Wait."

Khae leaned closer to the counter.

"Why do you tap the portafilter twice?"

Fea looked down at the espresso machine, then at Khae.

"The grounds."

Khae waited.

Fea smiled.

"They need to settle evenly before tamping."

Khae nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

"So it's not just about pressing them down."

"Right."

"It's about making sure there aren't empty spaces."

"Exactly."

Khae looked impressed.

"I never thought about that."

Fea laughed softly.

"Most people don't."

Khae glanced at the portafilter in her hand.

"I've been tapping mine three times."

"I noticed."