Slamming the alarm clock by my bedside, I frantically got out of bed, pulling all my covers and getting the blanket tangled up with my feet, I set myself free and tripped on a few things that were lying around on the floor. I was excited but scared at the same time.
'What if my new manager or co-workers don't like me?'
'What will I do If I get fired again?'
I pushed the negative thoughts to a dark corner in my mind and optimistically got ready for my new job. I walked out of my studio apartment feeling innumerable hopes. Sighing in relief with my new job, I lock my door behind me and took the stairs downstairs and headed towards the bus stop and took an idle seat, and internally prayed for my new job whilst waiting for the bus to arrive.
The bus arrived at the bus stop for less than 10 minutes, and I climbed in and paid my transportation fees and looked for an empty seat. A huge steady but bony hand shot up waving maniacally, a subtle smile crawled upon my lips and refuses to leave as I head towards him. His smile was brilliantly bright and that made me smile wider for some foreign reason.
"Sit here" he patted the seat next to him. "I saved it for you" he exclaimed.
"Really?" He nodded with extreme enthusiasm as I took my seat next to him.
"Thank you, Mr.Kim SeokJin," I said and slightly bowed, genuinely thankful for his kind gesture.
"So, I see that you found a new job" he simply stated, eyeing my uniform in the midst of it.
"Yeah, I was lucky this time. They hired me quickly but I hope things don't go south in a few months" I said nervously smiling at him.
"Don't worry. You're going to do great!" He exclaimed, showing me a thumbs up. I couldn't help but smile, feeling reassured than ever.
"I will. Thank you Mr. Kim SeokJin"
"There's no need for that, and you can call me Jin," he said, waving his large hands in front of my face. I dodged in time instead of getting hit.
"Sorry, Jin. I have to go, this is my stop" I said, nervously standing up from my seat as the bus took its stop. My wobbly feet took me towards the new urban cafe, my new job. I turned one last time to see Jin. He waved goodbye with extreme energy, to the point where he's halfway out of the bus window. I waved my farewell to him as I watched him disappear with the morning bus down the freshly paved road.
I took in my new surroundings, the big shady tree a few meters in front of the coffee brown painted café.
It felt really refreshing to have someone wish me luck. His words made me feel more and more determined to do better than ever and with that same positive mindset, I walked into the coffee shop and greeted my colleagues.
—————
"Thank you for visiting our cafe. Hope to see you soon" I exclaimed, smiling widely at our last customer, handing over their cinnamon bun. As soon as the doorbell was heard I loosen up and sighed in exhaustion. Taking the damp cloth I wiped off all the crumbs and tiny dried stains of coffee. Cleaning up the coffee counter, I shut off the machines and arranged all the mugs and cups neatly.
My manager walked out of his office holding his car keys that jangle ever so lightly by his palm.
"Good job, y/n"
"Thank you, sir" I bowed with respect and determination to do more better. He nodded, an amused smile was plastered across his lips.
"Just clean up the shop before you take your leave" he instructed and I quickly got back to the chore given as he leaves the shop. I patiently cleaned up the shop, wiping every counter, and all the tables. Arranged the chairs neatly by the tables and I picked up the broom to sweep up the fine dust on the floor.
At the corner of my eye, I saw someone standing out of the cafe. Looking up, I saw Jin. Dropping the broom I opened the cafe door and poked my head out.
"Jin!" I exclaimed.
"Hey!" He waved gently.
"What are you doing here? The cafe is closed, you're going to have to come for a cup of coffee tomorrow" I said slightly upset because he must have wanted to drink a cup of coffee really bad if he was waiting. I smiled sheepishly, hoping he isn't disappointed with that statement.
"Oh no! I was just waiting for you to get off work," he said smiling wide, causing his eyes to shrink and his cheeks to puff up.
"Really? But how did you know I was working here?" I asked under a slight suspicion of my new friendly stranger.
"I saw you walking into this cafe when you got off the bus"
"Oh I see, do you mind waiting for a few more minutes? I'll be right out" he nodded lightly in reply and walked to the bench beside the huge tree, taking a seat. It felt nice having someone waiting for me to come off work, all this feeling was new to me but I've never felt more of a person than now.
-at the park-
"How was your day?" He asked his hands in his pocket.
"Honestly, it went really well actually. Never felt so happy about it!" I exclaimed unable to contain my excitement. It all just burst out of me.
"That's really good to hear" we walked along the paved path that, the streets lights illuminated the way. It was all so nice, I hope all this isn't some sweet dream. All of it was too good to be true but it all isn't a dream, fortunately.
I remember every word you told me.
Every single syllable.
