Coffee Grinds j.jk

Chapter Two: Time Limit

Another dent in my bad mood.

Although his mysterious yet charming aura was alluring, that didn't seem to stop what slipped out of my mouth along the way.

"Are you shitting me?" I mumbled to myself, stroking my brow in agitation. "I'm so close to finishing up."

"Um, hello?" The man questioned, speaking in Korean, as if to test my knowledge.

"Yes, hello," I replied harshly, now looking up to lazily glare into his eyes. "I know Korean, don't worry."

He hummed in response, not completely sure what to do with this seething silence, directed right into him.

"Well, could I get a coffee?" He questioned, a slight furrow in his nicely defined eyebrows.

I breathed out of my nose, trying to contain a little bit of salt. "Personally, it's not really the best time." I gestured towards the coffee machine. "I've nearly finished cleaning it you see... I would say I'd happily serve you tomorrow but I'd be lying."

He seemed shocked by my reply and scoffed in disbelief. Tilting his head to the side, a boyish glint flashed into his eyes which screamed trouble and bad choices.

"That's unfortunate, isn't it? Well, I want my coffee so start brewing," his reply didn't overly surprise me but at the same time, most people don't argue with me since they know about my stubborn nature. This guy's in for a treat.

"I do agree, it IS unfortunate. Sorry to disappoint you but the chances of you getting a coffee from this shop today, is -37%."

With that, he smirked, leaning in a little closer while propping his elbows on the till.

"Due to the fact I came in during opening hours, coffee is definitely on the menu," he smoothly replied, looking at his watch with wide eyes and pursed lips. "Would you look at that? It's 5:45pm, and this closes at 6pm."

I put on a sickly smile, my eyes looking malicious as ever. "Well, which coffee would you like to have thrown at your face?" I hummed in thought, my index finger resting on my lip. "Ah, an espresso would do the trick."

"Are you even mentally stable enough to have a job in a place like this?" He asked in a joking tone.

"Nope," I popped, readying the coffee machine to make some coffee. "I also hate working here because I really don't like having conversations."

"Huh," he sighed. "You talk an awful lot for someone who doesn't like talking." He leaned on the counter more heavily now as he watched over me and the coffee machine.

"After you tell me what coffee you want, then we don't have to talk anymore. In fact, that would be a treat," I replied, getting a travel cup prepared for him.

"Ouch, that hurts you know," he clutched his heart as if he was in pain. "I thought we had a real bond, but I was wrong." He carried on being rather dramatic which was amusing but not laugh worthy. "I'll grab an Americano since you asked so nicely." I gave him a nod before getting to work.

"You know, this is one of the best cafes in the city but it's highly underrated," he started, now having a little stroll around Mugged. "I mean, look at the decor, it's beautiful. I can't forget to mention the barista, so kind and welcoming towards her customers." I listened to him rambling about nothing in particular but didn't reply. I didn't want to, plus he wasn't exactly talking to me, he was just talking.

I was busy concentrating on grinding the coffee beans before I realised that he stopped talking. I froze before looking up to see him already staring at me. I rose my eyebrow quizzically, as I was genuinely confused.