crushed veneer | dkyungsoo

one

11:16AM — Leila

"Jace, it's annyeong not annyeng." I shot him a glare as he makes fun of my way greeting our customers.

"Okay. Annyeong." Jace rolled his eyes at me and bowed, "Am I oppa now?" he said as he handed me a bag of coffee beans.

Jace was asking what was the meaning of "Oppa". When I told him what it was, he told me he's an oppa and tried to speak Korean.

"It doesn't make any difference. You'll never be an oppa. Don't even try to be one, aish." I looked at him, "Neoneum baboya!" (You're an idiot) He covered his ears and shook his head, "Whatever, I'll be going. I'll have an early leave."

"What? it's only eleven in the morning! You barely made coffee this day!" I scolded him and punched his chest.

He sighed, "I'm going to my mum's flat today. She asked me to buy Sunflower seeds. Sorry." His thick—Australian accent is coming back again. I thought he totally lost it. I just nodded and shooed him.

I'm alone now. Again.

I mean, the other baristas are here but whenever Jace leaves early, I feel so lonely. He's noisy and annoying but he's like a hyung (older brother) to me.

We have more customers today than usually, there are group of girls, couples, and also, singles.

The group of girls are around my age, they all wear sweatshirts and turtlenecks. It's 17 degrees celsius here now in Los Angeles. Maybe that's why they are wearing long sleeves clothes.

There are a lot of customers but they are different. They are not drinking the same coffee. They also have different reasons why there are here, it could be a meeting, a reunion, a meet up, or even a heart break.

This cafe is 30 years old, which is older than me. The owner of this cafe told me many stories. Some are heartbreaking, happy, irritating—and such. I enjoy watching people. Surprisingly, I've always wanted to have a story in this cafe. Like a memorable day here. I've been working here for 2 years now, but I haven't make a mark here. Someday, I know, I'll have one.

As I was making an order, I heard the door's bells clinched. I looked at the customer and greeted him. But before I greeted him, I analyzed his looks, he had brown round eyes, heart-like-shaped lips when he smiled at me. brown hair, and tucked in gray polo with black pants.

Funny, but the first thing that came out from my mind was: "He's korean, I know he is."

"Annyeonghaseyo!"  I smiled at him and bowed. He bowed back and looked up to our menu, "Annyeong, this is my first time here in this cafe, do you have any suggestions? drink and pastry please." He politely asked and smiled.

"Sir, we have Strawberry milkshake, Americano, Chocolate chip cream, also Hot White chocolate. They are my personal favorites. For pastry, I suggest the blueberry cheesecake." I said and pointed him the blueberry cheesecake.

"Neh, I'll have 1 medium sized Hot white chocolate and 2 blueberry cheesecakes, the other one will be to-go." He ordered and looked for his wallet. "How much?"

"That would be 11 dollars and 90 cents please." I said as he handed me his payment. "I'll just bring your order on your table, have a seat."

He nodded and went to his table. Damn, he's attractive. His smile made my heart flutter. Why do I have a thing for Asian guys?

I looked back at him and started making his order. I was pouring the milk but I felt he was looking at me, I almost dropped the milk box.

What a klutz.

I grabbed a tray and put his orders on the tray, went to his table. "Here's your order, enjoy!" I turned around already after I put his drink and pastries and on his table. I was about to go to the counter but he grabbed my wrirat and said, "Hey, the to-go cheesecake is for you. Thank you for helping me ordering. This may sound weird but you made my day better, here's a little treat." He said and handed me the paper bag.

"Oh, kamsa hamnida, but can I ask how I made your day better? If it's okay." I bowed and politely asked. "Thank you for the cheesecake, I've been craving for this."

"Your smile and the way you greeted me. Enjoy your cheesecake." He smiled and I was about to leave him alone but I turned around again and asked, "Hyung, what's your name?"

"Do Kyungsoo."

"Nice meeting you, Kyungsoo." I nodded and went back to the counter. I cleaned up the empty plates and washed the our blenders.

Kyungsoo

I'll remember his name, I hope he'll remember me. I know, we'll have a story here in this cafe.

—

ew, i know
i made a promise to myself that i'll finish this hehe so. yah. annyeong!