You're To Blame

Genesis

It feels as if my head is going to split open. 

The door opened and the fragrant aroma of coffee beans filled the air. I stepped in the slightly crowded coffee shop and made my way to the queue. 

I need a strong one if I want to salvage my life for today. 

I joined a small line, just two people in front of me. The shop was filled with the noise of people chatting over their morning coffees. I checked my phone for any messages while waiting for my turn.  Noticing that there were a few missed calls from some people and a few e-mail notifications from work, I let out a frustrated sigh.  

Geez, I suck at handling my phone. 

*NEW MESSAGE*

Opening the inbox, I saw the message was from my colleague and close friend Anara. 

'Rise and shine bitch.'

I laughed out and decided to just call her to catch up rather than text. The phone rang twice before it was picked up on the other side. 

'Yoooooo! Got my text?'

'Hey bro, yeah..I'm awake, thanks. Are you at work?'

'Yeah... I just entered the building actually. Where are you?'

'Umm... just grabbing some caffeine hon. Gimme a sec, let me give my order.'

'Yeah sure. I'm on hold.'

I turned to the barista who was ready to take my order. My eyes met a familiar face, deep brown eyes and shaggy hair, swept under the cafe's black cap. A small silver hoop glistened in his right ear. 

"Oh hey, Mino!"

Mino flashed me a cute smile. "Hey, Yuna. You're in early today." 

"Guess what? I'm early because I didn't sleep at all." I rolled my eyes.  

"Sucks to be you. So what can I get for you?" Mino grinned. 

"Okay, so I want a Chai Latte but... I want it to be a little more..." I bent a little over the counter, putting a hand over my mouth to make it look discrete, " caffeine-y." I smiled from ear to ear, knowing for sure that it would weird Mino out.

"Caffeine-y? Are you sure about that much caffeine? Is everything okay?" He chuckled and inquisitively looked over at me,  I nodded in reassurance as I reached for the money in my satchel.  

"Uh umm, yup! I'm sure. Just my neighbours were creating a shit-ton of noise last night so I couldn't sleep so I could actually use it to work today."  

Mino gave me an awkward glare and cleared his throat. He passed my order and gave her the bill. "Can't you like... complain to them?" Mino took the money I handed to him. He motioned with his fingers, 'wait for just a minute.'

"Uh oh no! It is not the noise you're thinking it is. They're renovating. Apparently last night they forgot that actual human beings live in the place rather than Vladimirs who don't need their nightly sleep," I pinched my forehead as Mino placed the lid on my drink-cup and handed me a couple of sugar packets along with it.

"I am actually considering to do that today you know, if the situation persists. Thanks for the drink." I gave Mino a small wave and made my way out of the shop. 

Checking my phone again, I remembered Anara was still on hold. Oops.

'Hey? Are you gone?' I expected her to have closed the call by now.