a cup of coffee • kim doyoung

one

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Kim Seyeon

I stormed out of the house in a hurry. One: to get away from my nagging mum and two: because I'm gonna be late.

It was the start of the semester for junior year, which means, start of major projects too. There's a briefing for us animation students on our studio project, and I do NOT want to miss out on important pointers.

I can't be blamed though, I watched a whole drama series last night and went to bed around 4 am. What can I say, it was too good to be left unfinished, I mean any drama is not good to be left unfinished. You know what, I said too much.

Picking up the pace, I constantly readjusted the straps of my Kanken bag on my shoulders. I splashed through the flooded pavement, my shoes quickly soaked. The
heavy rain left huge puddles of mud on the pavement, and I was in too much of a hurry to avoid each one of them.

I was wise to choose to wear my 10-year old, not-so-white low cut converse, the pair that always tend to attract whatever mud or paint or dirty substance near it. I've tried scrubbing them on multiple times but stains like those are too stubborn to come off. Well, at least they're perfect for a day like this.

I turned a corner and finally stopped for breath at an intersection. Seokwang University is just one more road away and for once I'm actually glad I live 15 minutes away from school. But because of that, I have no excuse to be late.

I trudged past the row of unopened shops, the streets as quiet as ever. It's kind of unbelievable how this is the same street that buzzes with crowds another 30 minutes later.

After another few shops, I reached the end of the road and finally see the entrance of my school. I sat on a bench along the road, panting furiously. Man, I've really got to start working out again, my thighs nearly gave up on me.

I checked the time on my phone. Huh. I'm actually still early. 7 minutes early to be exact. I looked around and laid my eyes on the cafe behind me.

Johnny's Coffee.

I guess a drink wouldn't hurt.

I entered the cafe, which was still kind of busy despite the early hours. I guess I can't blame them, this is the only shop that opens at this time.

"Welcome~" a voice chimed behind the counter and I gave a little bow. This is the first time I'm entering this cafe and I have to say, it's extremely aesthetically pleasing.

The walls were a burgundy brown with mini wall lights lining the sides. The tables and chairs were arranged neatly across the eating area, with ample space in between each set. There wasn't much decoration anywhere, except for a few potted plants and pictures hanging on the walls, but that just makes it even better.

After I let my eyes slowly gaze around the room, they settle on something even more pleasing – the menu. Three boards were placed above the counter, all filled with handwritten names of food and beverages. I scanned the entire thing, but everything looks too appetising at the moment. That's for having a slice of bread for breakfast. I can't possibly choose just one without thinking how the taste will be like, and I don't have the time for it either. So I just went with the simplest option.

I went up to the counter just as the lady in front of me finished ordering. Great timing.

"One cup of black coffee to go," I slung my bag in front of me, quickly digging for my wallet.

"Oh and, no sugar, no milk, please," I added hastily. If I wanted to start losing weight, I should really cut down on anything sweet as much as possible, and actual sugar is a basic start.

Silence fell behind the counter. I stopped digging for a while. Why isn't anyone replying?

I looked up, my eyes briefly locking with the pretty, black round ones in front of me. I tilted my head to the side.

"Well?"

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