My Last And My Only

Chapter 157: A Different Kind of Busy

By the end of Aiah's first week at work, she had learned two things.

First, office coffee was nowhere near as good as Mezzo's.

Second, eight hours somehow disappeared faster than four hours of classes ever did.

Between onboarding, training, introductions, and trying to remember everyone's names, she barely noticed the days slipping by. Every morning seemed to begin with a stack of forms, a new explanation, or someone saying, "Just ask if you need help," in the exact tone that suggested she would absolutely need help.

By the time Friday arrived, all she wanted was a comfortable chair and a long nap.

Instead, she found herself standing outside Mezzo.

She paused on the sidewalk for a moment, looking through the front window at the warm lights inside. The café looked the same as always. It's busy, bright, and a little too alive for someone who had spent the entire week staring at storyboards and office walls.

Still, the sight of it eased something in her chest.

I deserve one good latte.

The little bell above the door chimed as she stepped inside.

The café was busy, as usual.

A few students occupied the long tables near the windows, laptops open despite summer break. An elderly couple shared a slice of cake in the corner. A pair of office workers stood near the pickup counter, already discussing tomorrow's plans. Someone near the back was laughing too loudly at something on their phone, and the smell of espresso and warm pastries drifted through the air in a way that made Aiah instantly feel more awake.

It felt familiar.

Comforting.

Then she looked toward the coffee bar.

Khae was there.

"...No, you're doing that on purpose."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Khae replied without looking up from the espresso machine.

Fea leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

"You've lined up the cups by height."

"They are different heights."

"Nobody notices."

"I notice."

Fea laughed.

"Exactly my point."

Without missing a beat, Khae reached for another cup.

"I prefer organized chaos."

"That sentence doesn't even make sense."

"It does to me."

"It only makes sense because you're the one who said it."

Lindtsey, who was arranging pastries nearby, looked over.

"Who are we arguing with today?"

"Khae."

"I wasn't arguing."

Fea looked at Lindtsey.

"She alphabetized the syrup bottles."

Khae looked genuinely confused.

"...They're labeled."

Lindtsey blinked once.