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Everyday I walked past the same coffee shop. The same bridge leading to the same, small apartment. Everything in the same, quiet town.
Every now and then someone would walk by with a cup in hand, or a bike would slowly wheel past. The road was too narrow and old for cars, and the wooden bridge unsupportive. It was a lazy town, perfect for vacations or retirement.
It was common to see couples of all ages walking along the worn paths; stopping on the bridge to point at a cute koi fish in the pond. Each day I felt more and more separated from society. The weight of the nonexistent crowds of people judging me for not having a comfy relationship.
Something that day urged me to allow myself to give into temptation. The aroma of ground coffee beans greeting me on the sidewalk outside of Chim's, practically shoving me through the doors.
My feet move on their own into the familiar cafe, leading me right up to the cashier. A smile almost too bright, a voice almost too chirpy. Jimin was the same every time I came in; hiding the pain under a bright smile.
"The usual," I mumble before handing him the cash, my fingertips brushing against his soft hands. I quickly shuffle to my normal seat, hopping slightly to be able to climb onto the tall stool.
I place my head in my hands, my elbows resting on the cool table. I longingly gaze out of the large, floor to ceiling window. The tranquil bamboo and large, leafy bushes barely an inch from me. I could feel a calming sensation washing over myself as I stare, a slight dew on the leaves from the morning rain.
"Here you go," A bright smile, a chirpy voice.
The mug is warm against the sleeves of my sweater that were slightly too long. Steam rose from the liquid in silver, flowing strands. The smell reaches my nose instantly and I take a deep breath.
I wrap both hands around the mug before lifting it up to face. I close my eyes as the warmth travels to my nose and across my cheeks, providing a relaxing feeling that I craved. I blow out little breaths onto the hot liquid as I calmly wait for it to cool down.
The first sip was always the best. The anticipation of not knowing wether or not it would burn your tongue added to the surprise once the flavor hit you; hopefully not searing you in the process.
The rich chocolate was like my secret getaway from the harsh, poor life. A small town could be nice, but there were hardly any jobs. I skipped from business to business, never finding one that quite fit my taste. I could barely come up with the rent for my dingy apartment, and it was always clear the owner took it easy on me.
I continue to mull over my sad life as I take drink after drink of the hot chocolate. I contemplated a few too many times asking Jimin if he could slip some soju in my mug. Eventually I dropped the thought, knowing that I was underage; Jimin could most likely tell.
Before I know it, an hour had passed and my drink was long gone. I sigh as I stare down at the bottom of the cup. I let out a light giggle as I realized how much it related to my life at the moment; completely empty.
