a cup of coffee • kim doyoung

thirteen

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Kim Seyeon

"I'm off!" I announced as I parted with Hyejoo and the others. I walk out of school when someone called me from behind.

"Wait up!" Mark came running towards me. I watch him pant furiously upon arrival before speaking again.

"You're going to the cafe, right? Let's go." He pushed me ahead without waiting for my answer.

"You know, just because I go to the place you work at, doesn't mean we need to go there together," I uttered blatantly. I've seen him enough in school already.

"Why not?" He answered, "It's like having a friend over at your place, plus I need someone to go to for my project." He looked at me with pleading eyes while I rolled mine.

"Can't there be one time when you don't ask for my help?" I replied, genuinely annoyed. This guy had been bugging me about schoolwork the moment he sat beside me in class. At first, I was just being nice and study sessions were fun, but soon he kept asking me about the simplest tasks like summarising an article. Sometimes I question the true meaning of our friendship.

"I just need someone to look over my work, I don't want to mess this one up too," Mark sulked. I recalled that incident where he presented his storyboard to the lecturers, misinterpreting that the short film was supposed to be on phishing, not fishing. Luckily, it was only the midterm presentation. I die of laughter every time I think of his dumbfounded face.

"What am I? Your mom?" I scoffed at him.

"Please??" he begged while tugging my arm, "I'll give you free coffee!"

I pulled my arm away before he could pluck it right off, "You can't bribe me forever."

We entered the cafe with him still whining like a little child. Customers stared at us as we made our way further in.

"Enough already," I muttered through gritted teeth as Johnny walked up to us. I quickly swung Mark towards him before either got to say anything.

"He's in your care now," I smiled and basically ran to my seat.

"Yah! So you'll help me right?" His voice echoed across the room as he shouted behind me. I just gave him an okay sign before settling down. Geez, I'm too lenient.

I dumped my materials across the table one by one. I needed to complete the background by today in order for me to move on, and now there's an extra bump in the name of Mark Lee.

Still agitated, I threw my stylus onto the table, causing it to roll off the edge. I quickly reached out to grab it, but it had already disappeared from my sight. I winced at the resonating sound of the pen hitting the ground. There goes my $300.

Just as I bent down to grab it, another hand came into view. I watch it pick my stylus up swiftly, following it until it placed it onto the table.

"You should've been careful, this looks expensive," Dongyoung remarked as he studied the item.

"It is, I just hope it isn't broken," I replied, totally forgetting about whatever happened with Mark. I picked the stylus up and scrutinised it. Luckily, there was only a small scratch on one side.

"Anyway, here's your beverage," He placed a cup of coffee onto the table. I tilted my head in thought, before realising that I forgot to order when we came in.

"Ah right... I was too distracted just now so I forgot to order," I laughed out of awkwardness, mentally smacking myself for failing to remember such a fundamental task, "Can I pay you now?"

I immediately reached for my wallet, but Dongyoung grabbed my wrist firmly. I looked at him in utter shock, which must have appeared disgusting as he slowly removed his grip.

"No need, consider it our treat," He assured with a warm smile, "Just don't tell Johnny."

"Oh really?" I answered softly, wrecking my brain for something to return. I still felt bad that I basically ate off a piece of their salary.

"Well then, if anything, just make Mark pay for it," I continued, "He did say he would treat me if I helped him."

"Help him with what?" His reply came out almost immediately but not unexpected. I sighed, flashing back to just a few minutes ago.

"His project. He's such a needy guy you know? Just because we're in the same major, doesn't give him the right to ask me for help," I took a deep breath before rambling on, "This course is already competitive enough, I shouldn't be helping anyone but me. It's every man for himself."

"Then why did you agree to help him this time?" Dongyoung laughed. He had seated himself across from me, probably intrigued by my ranting. I can't believe I'm venting to a guy like him, but it helps that he's actually listening.

I sighed again, this time more heavily, "I don't know... I've helped him with almost all the assignments since high school, so I guess it's really a habit for me. Pathetic, right?"

I paused and looked at him. This time, he had his arms folded and was leaning back against the seat. His eyes tell me that he's heavily judging me.

"Yes, very," He answered rather nonchalantly, "But it's still generous of you."

His voice didn't even falter, as if his last sentence was planned to make up for his abrupt reply. I didn't know he was this smooth a talker.

"Ah, I don't know. I'm just gonna sit here and do my stuff until he comes waddling here," I brushed his compliment off like fine dust as a question popped into my head, "Does he not cause trouble here?"

He pursed his lips together and hummed as if pondering if he should tell the truth or not.

"He's actually the most efficient member here, other than the times that he doesn't show up."

"Wait- really?" It felt like my eyes were about to pop right out of their sockets. Mark? A hard worker?

"Yeah, his quick service attracts a lot of customers, and he knows just exactly how to act in front of them. He's quite passionate about his job."

I glanced towards the kitchen, where Mark was playfully joking around with the other baristas. I guess he does have his ways of entertaining others.

"Well, he is quite the social butterfly, I can see why so many people like him." I rested my chin in my palm. Dongyoung looked like he wanted to say more, but then a voice came hollering from the counter.

"Dongyoung ah? Stop slacking!" One of them shouted, causing the rest to turn in our direction.

"Well, I guess that's my cue." Dongyoung stood up and smoothened out his apron, "Don't forget to drink your coffee."

He smiled and walked off, leaving a reluctant me seeing him disappear behind his group of friends.

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