lc's oneshots

coffee beans

by :: bellzy

The first time that woman walked in on a chilly Sunday morning, Soobin dropped the coffee beans in his hands.

They scattered everywhere on the cafe floor over the counter, intent on brightening the flush on the young boy's cheeks that were already starting to flare an obvious shade of red. Soobin silently cursed while he went to the worker's cupboard and retrieved a sweeper to clean the mess he had made, praying that he didn't further make a fool out of himself that morning.

Careful not to make eye contact with the lady who had taken a seat with a book in hand, Soobin swept up the mess almost in slow motion; at least, that's what it felt like for him. He couldn't help but be slightly distracted as he spared glances across the cafe at the person who had caused his previous amazement.

The morning sun seemed to envelope her, lightening her already pale features and further made them stand out. Cascading little curls travelled down both sides of her face and matched her hazel coloured doe eyes that flickered in the light. Little sniffles could be heard from the lady as she breathed in through her nose every time she turned a page of her book, a little interesting habit that had already captured Soobin's attention.

She was something special, that was for certain.

━━━

The second time that same woman strode into the cafe, it was raining cats and dogs outside.

Soobin's stomach at the time could be described similarly as well: cats and dogs were jumping up and down in it, practically asking for him to slip up in front of his newly-found interest. Even the way she walked elegantly and softly had Soobin head over heels for her. This time, the lady went up to the counter, with the same book under her arm, and waited.

Waited for Soobin to realise that he was supposed to take her order.

"Y-yes? How can I help you, m-miss...?"

"May I order a cappuccino with one sugar please?"

Soobin nodded so enthusiastically he almost hit his head on the counter. Handing over the money to pay for her drink, the lady decided to stand where the young man was pouring her coffee and observe his actions.

"This is a really nice, quaint cafe. It's a shame that no one really visits here...it must be lonely working shifts with little to no customers that arrive."

Putting the skim milk jug down gently on the counter, Soobin looked up and gave a subtle nod of confirmation.

"At times, it can get a little lonely, I guess...but seeing the smiles on customer's faces makes it worthwhile."

A pleasant sound of agreement from the lady across from him told Soobin that she thought the same way. It fell quiet once again, but the silence wasn't of awkwardness but instead a comfortable one.

Soobin finished making the coffee, placing the lid on the container cautiously. As he handed it across the bench, what the lady did next surprised the man.

"My name is Jeong Chae-Won, if you were wondering. You seemed hesitant to talk to me the other day so I just want to say you're free to sit down and chat with me some time. Unfortunately, I didn't catch your name..?"

"Ah, my name is Soobin, Choi Soobin. I was just surprised that a customer had sat down because usually people buy takeaway cups and don't stay inside. People are busy a lot, aren't they?"

"Yes. I find it so ironic that people want freedom and happiness, but choose jobs that confine and restrict them from doing things that they love. Money can buy happiness sometimes, but it can't buy true happiness. Anyway, thank you for the coffee, it tastes wonderful."