the art of faking a smile. (under-construction)

11. A proper introduction

AKIO POV

Why did school fly by so quickly?

For once I actually wanted school to feel longer and that's because today's my first day working part-time....at my favourite cafe.

I don't even know how I got accepted into this job and I don't even know what to do at a cafe. I'm also nervous as heck because I don't know what the other workers are going to think of me. Are they going to hate me? Humiliate me? Oh no, what if they make me their slaves? Well at least Cassie is kind enough to not come on my first day, that would mean there wouldn't be anyone teasing me and most likely calling me and expecting to be treated as an actual customer.

Oh yeah, did I mention that this cafe was like those small hipster-like ones around the corner? The cafe has this tumblr aesthetic to it and at times they even play Lana del Rey and The Neighbourhood, basically my indie king and queen! My friends and I often come here because of the vibe and I'm actually glad I'm apart of this cafe now so then I can flex on Cassie and prove how much of a hipster I am (and want to be).

I adjust my beanie and enter the cafe to be greeted with the mouthwatering scent of coffee. Not many customers are around because it isn't rush hour yet.

"Ah! Akio, you're just in time! Great clothes too!" Eric, the boss smiles.

"Hey." I smile back.

"Now, let's get you started!" I follow Eric into a small room that seems like a locker bay where I store my bags in.

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"Now everyone! Let me introduce you to a new member of our group. Huddle for a second." All the workers in the cafe gather around, I gulp and hope they're not mean.

"This is Akio and he's gonna be a a part-time worker starting from now. He is still quite a young lad so please treat him well and assist him with anything if he's stuck." Everyone hums in understanding before going back to work, some giving me a smile and introducing themselves. Well thank heavens they're not cruel people.

"Jacob, Pete! Come here for a sec." Eric calls out. Two young looking guys start approaching our way and one of them looks familiar...

"Boss! Did we do something wrong? Oh shit, are you going to fire me? No no please don't boss!" One of the guys pleads. He has brown and curly hair with soft-looking brown eyes and a whole mess of freckles scattering around his whole face.

"Don't be ridiculous! I just want you two to help the newbie remember?" Eric rolls his eyes then turns to me. "Anyway, these two boys are going to be teaching you the basics of working at this cafe. They both work part-time like you and they're also around the same age as you to make you feel more comfortable. Well then I guess I'll leave you guys to it." I thank Eric and soon after, he goes back to his own duties.

"Wow, I can't believe he's making us do this without even telling us beforehand!" The freckled boy complains.

"Actually he did tell us but you were too busy moping about your girlfriend dumping you and didn't listen." The other boy beside him says, I swear I've seen him before...

"Oh... well then nice to meet you Akio! I'm Pete by the way, apparently you're around the same age as us? So you're 17? I thought you were a 15 year old faking his age!" Pete asks.

"Oh, no I'm not 17, I'm 16." I answer, Pete slowly nods his head, forming an 'o' shape with his mouth.

I soon turn to the guy beside Pete and scrutinise him. I want to know where I've seen him before, I'm pretty sure he's doing the same too. It must've seemed awkward since you see two guys looking at each other, even Pete was confused about what was going on.