Demian Bar

Green Hope Cocktail

Jin was quick to finish all his food. He was clearly a bit drunk and I was worried about him going home. I immediately called a cab for him to drive him home. I gave him my number, to call me later when he gets home safe or after his crazy hangover tomorrow.

Putting back my phone, a new person took a seat on the stool of my station.

"Hello, how can I help you today?"

"Can I start with a light beer, please?" The man giving me a smile.

A fake smile.

I nodded, "Of course."

It was a quick one to make. Sliding the drink to him, a deep sigh resonated from the man.

"Tough day?" I asked quietly.

He chuckled a bit, "Saying that would be an understatement."

I bit my lips, people like him...I've seen them regularly. For some reason, I had an urge to give him my hand, to comfort, help him.

I took off my black apron off. I quickly poured water to a glass and placed it next to him. I went out my station, taking a seat next to him and holding the glass water, "Well, tell me about it."

He looked at me strangely, "Don't you have other people to serve? I wouldn't want to disturb you..."

"It's fine, I don't get much people during this time. Besides," looking at Soon's station at the corner, "I'm not as popular like the other staff here. I have all the time in the world."

He drank his beer before shrugging, "My patient recently told me he had another internal conflict with himself. This time, he was able to win and not take the pills."

"Overdose?" I guessed.

He nodded, "Of course, I'm happy for him. Heck, I'm proud, even. He's been trying to recover for months now, he really is making progress."

"Then why are you overworked about it?"

"He reminds me of when I was younger," his orbs looking at mine, "That's why I was really determined to help him. I wished I had someone I was able to talk too when I was during such a difficulty time."

"What was the thing that made you keep going?"

He looked up to the ceiling, trying to remember, "Hope. That the next day or in the near future, I'd be in a better place and situation. Reminding myself to not let it consume or control me. Even when I was going to do it, hope was my reasoning. It never failed me 'til this day."

"You never had anyone to talk to, huh?" taking a sip of my drink.

He hummed lightly, taking his beer, "I give my patients hope but look at me," a sad smile carved his lips. "I don't even have anyone to do that for me."

He really has been through a lot...

"If nobody will give you their hand, I will be your pillar of strength and the one you can look for during your struggles. I will be there during your best and worst," sincerely looking at his eyes, "Let me be your hope."

His eyes glistened at my words, as though those five words meant something to him.

In fact, it did.

"You barely know me and yet, you want to help me?" His hoarse voice came out, I only patted his shoulder.

"I understand where you're coming from. It's just my personality--"

"Yah! You were the waitress from the other day, am I right?" The black haired man stood before me, as I looked up and immediately know who he was.

"Mr. Jeon, welcome to Demian bar. Our next bar attendant will--"

PLONK

"No, I want you to serve me. Fair and square," he loosened his tie, and I cringed at the strong smell of perfume emitting from the CEO himself.

"Sir.. I can't serve you," I mentioned, swirling my seat to face the dark brown haired man again.

"I don't reek this time, so what's the issue?" He sniffed himself, but I rubbed my temples.

"You smell of perfume, strong perfume. It's bothering the other customers.." I stated, darting my eyes onto the man next to me, signalling him to pretend to cough.

He coughed.

"Soon! If you can, please serve him, I am busy with this customer.." I winked at the boy that I made sure to help, which of course, sent the wrong signal to the CEO.

But he shouldn't care, should he?

"Crap! It's the cologne...! Anyway, here!" He placed the items you left him that day, and proceeded to walk out not before shouting a "I will be back!"

Rubbing my temples, I gradually stood up and walked around to my workstation, "What would you like to drink?"

"What do you recommend?"

"Hmm.. I think you're a Green Hope Cocktail person."

My back was facing him, I could still hear his voice despite the pumping music, "I don't really know your name.."

"I'm your hope," turning and lamely grinning, proud of my answer.

He gave me a funny look before looking down at my name tag. He squinted, when he saw my hands covering it.

"What are you doing? I told you that I'm your hope."

Finally joining my little game, he teased me back, "Since you're so eager to not tell me your real name, should I call you Hope Noona?"

"Are you calling me old?" Doing a dramatic face to show my shock.

He shook his head? "N-No! I just didn't want to assume your age..."

I chuckled at his sudden change, trying to explain himself, "I'm joking, um.."

"My patients started calling me J-Hope and that's what everyone knows me by. My real name is Hoseok."

I smiled, hearing his meaningful and pleasant nickname yet I was honored to call him by his actual name, "Will you come again, Hoseok?"

"Very soon, Hope Noona."

From then on, he confided to me, because he knows that I am his hope.

And who knew I could whip up such a tasty drink.

Plus, green was his favourite colour.