Chapter Text
The crisp chime of the bell signalled the arrival of a customer.
Choi Han wore a bright, polite smile as he greeted the first customer of the day.
However, the brightness dimmed slightly as he saw his nephew—Choi Jung Soo—grinning at him widely.
He strolled confidently to the counter while pretending to look at the menu board, hands on his chin as he acted like he found it difficult to choose what to order. Choi Han raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms, a spark of amusement on his eyes as he asked Jung Soo for his order.
"Uncle, I heard you do latte arts. Make me one, please," he uttered with a cheeky grin.
Looks like his nephew still can't believe that he can truly brew coffee without butchering it up or making it taste weird.
Choi Han nodded in all seriousness as he prepared to grind the coffee and show off his skill to Choi Jung Soo.
Choi Minji—Jung Soo's mother and Choi Han's eldest sister—laughed heartily at their antics as she organized the newly baked muffins on the display rack at the left side of the counter.
Why is Choi Han working at a café, you might ask. Well...
Just yesterday.
"You want to work at our cafe??!" Choi Jung Soo exclaimed while pointing his finger at Choi Han's face, his expression aghast from what seems like disbelief and...fear?
Choi Han almost got offended by his nephew's reaction but thinking about it, Jung Soo not screaming a "Hell no!" as soon as he asked to work at the café was already a miracle in itself.
After all, his unbreakable record of disastrous mishaps and frightening urban legend-like dishes whenever he steps foot in the kitchen was enough of a reason already.
Choi Han could only sigh helplessly.
It has already been four months since he went to Rain City. Due to an accident, he suffered a partial tear on his Achilles tendon.
As an athlete, Choi Han needed a hands-on surgery and rehabilitation if he wanted to recover and come back without complications. Therefore, he was recommended to Angelina Lumen Medical Center where the famous Dr. Jack Solis—an expert in Achilles tendon surgery—was working.
Since Jung Soo was already living at Rain City for college together with his mother, Choi Han decided to stay with them during his rehabilitation. It was also convenient since their house was near the hospital.
Four months of doing nothing besides going back and forth from the house and the hospital made Choi Han bored out of his mind. Having been active since he was a child, the static pace of his life during the past few months left him restless.
Fortunately, Choi Minji currently owns a café. Her business partner—Ms. Mila—was planning a week-long vacation with her son so they were looking for another part-timer for days when Jung Soo and their current part-timer Rosalyn has classes.
He could work with that.
"Mom, can you believe it? He wants to work at your café! Why are you so calm?" Choi Jung Soo shifted his face to look at his mom who was lounging at the couch while still pointing an accusing finger at Choi Han.
Choi Minji chuckled at her son's reaction.
Honestly, she couldn't blame him since it was common knowledge among the Choi's that Choi Han shouldn’t be let so much as touch a pan or it might just explode from the sheer amount of stress from whatever abominable dish he will concoct.
Although that might be an exaggeration, it is a complete truth that the last dish that caused Choi Han's restraining order away from the kitchen was absolutely horrible—and that is still an understatement.
The dish that was supposed to be a type of fish stew has a weird greenish-brown color. The soggy heap of unidentified leaves that they soon learned was actually bok choy was floating lifelessly with fish bones.
Fish bones.
Minji thought that those cartoons that depicted badly cooked dishes with purplish-black, gooey texture and several unidentified ingredients and floating fish bones was just an exaggeration.
However, Choi Han proved her wrong with his equally unique fish stew.
And we are not even done talking about the state of the kitchen: a burnt casserole, a melted plastic tupperware, a broken spoon, spilled condiments, sticky counter, and much more.
We would not talk about the taste because there was nothing to describe. Despite being a family of strong-willed people, no one is brave enough to suffer for days in the hospital due to food poisoning.
"I still remember that fish stew!" Choi Jung Soo exclaimed once more.
Choi Han pressed his lips tightly since he couldn't deny that part.
However, he still has one card up his sleeves to finally shut Choi Jung Soo up.
"I worked at a café before," and Jung Soo was indeed silenced from disbelief.
His jaw almost tried to part ways from his skull and make an explosive crash to the floor to demonstrate his utter shock from the sudden bomb dropped by Choi Han.
At that, Minji laughed but nodded her head to indicate that it was indeed true. "As shocking as it is, he is actually good at brewing coffee."
"Who would even be bold enough to try hiring him for a café?" Choi Jung Soo questioned once it finally sinked in.
Choi Minji nodded in agreement.
"I actually thought he will be sued for arson or poisoning but it ended up pretty well," she said with a chuckle.
"You didn't know because you were training overseas with your grandpa and father during the three months that he worked there," Minji added as she recalled the memory.
"Your grandma was ready to call a lawyer for expected complaints from the owner when he told us he's been working at the café downtown for two days already. We were horrified," she narrated once more.
Choi Han could only intervene with a weak "hey" as the mother and son continued their discussion about his unbelievable journey as a successful barista.
That is how Choi Han was officially hired as a barista at his sister's café
Choi Han poured the final drop of milk and a perfect tulip latte art bloomed beautifully on the coffee mug.
He proudly presented it to an eager Choi Jung Soo whose eyes widened with awe.
"Woah, it actually looks pretty?" Choi Han's lips twitched at his comment.
However, he soon felt satisfied as Jung Soo took a picture before taking a sip of the coffee right after, almost grovelling from amazement at his uncle's unexpected talent.
He made a thumbs up gesture at Choi Han as he ran to his mom to show her the coffee and also snatch a freshly baked cupcake.
Choi Han could only chuckle at that.
His first day passed by peacefully without any problems.
The frequent customers were surprised by the new face. Minji introduced Choi Han and everyone warmly greeted him.
They became even more welcoming after trying his brewed beverages.
The café was a well-loved spot among the locals, known for its delicious pastries and beautifully crafted beverages.
Its atmosphere was just as beloved.
Its vintage themed interior with the beige-coffee toned furniture and walls created a relaxing warmth to anyone who entered.
In one of the corners were two tall bookshelves with books of varied genres for everyone to browse. The other side contains low tables and chairs with a shelf filled to the brim with fun card and board games. Beside that is a cabinet with various art materials free to use by anyone. The wall on that side was filled with papers and canvases that contained beautiful sketches and paintings, some simple doodles while some were elaborate portraits and landscapes.
In the afternoon, right when the sun starts to set, a whole new nostalgic-like atmosphere envelopes the café as the orange rays of the setting sun enters through the glass window panes and reflects through the walls and various surfaces of the shop.
Even those who just came back from their exhausting jobs or school activities feel somewhat calmer, the day seeming like it was slowing down to give them time to breathe.
Despite teeming with customers, it never felt overbearing nor crowded. Everyone gets along and they were very welcoming with Choi Han's presence.
Two more days came and went.
Choi Han became more accustomed with the new environment.
"Noona, should I help you out there?" Choi Han asked as Minji busily went back and forth from the kitchen and the counter.
She froze on her tracks and turned to Choi Han with a face that says 'are you really asking me that?'
Minji then shook her head with a firm "nope!" that left no room for argument.
She returned back to her work, leaving a "Don't you dare step inside my kitchen," reminder that almost sounded like a threat.
Choi Han could only nod weakly and proceeded to wipe the counter and check the equipment. It's just organizing the already made pastries. What could go wrong, right?
It was currently 2pm and their café was getting ready to take in new customers. Minji prepared to bake a new batch of pastries while Choi Han remained at the counter.
The bell chimed as the door slowly opened.
Choi Han who was arranging the cups at the counter looked up to see their first customer of the day.
...
.....
"Excuse me? Hello?" The customer said, trying to wake Choi Han up from his stupor.
Choi Han blinked and realized that the customer was already in front of him so he scrambled around while apologizing.
The customer looked at him as if he were weird before raising his hand calmly to show that it was alright.
"So..uhmm...welcOme! What would you like to order?" What is wrong with me?!
Choi Han wanted to burrow himself to the ground from embarrassment after that voice crack but he needs to serve the customer well or his sister would definitely smack him on the head.
"I'd have a coffee latte and one slice of apple pie. For here." The customer stated, voice calm as if he's not at all bothered by Choi Han's fumbling movements and voice.
Choi Han nodded in acknowledgement—a bit too eager like some excited puppy—then asked, "Alright. Would you like your coffee iced or cold?"
Blink.
The pair of reddish brown eyes stared at Choi Han dead in the eye.
Blink. Choi Han stared back innocently, waiting for an answer.
Another blink.
Then Choi Han realized his mistake, ears blushing from another round of embarrassment.
'Iced or cold? Really?'
He almost wanted to slap himself then and there from the continuous embarrassment he showed to one person.
He was about to apologize once more and repeat his question—correct this time, when the man sighed and said "I'd like it hot, thank you."
...
Choi Han managed to complete the procedure of taking the customer's order without any more mistakes, thankfully, and learned that the man's name was Cale during the process—the one Choi Jung Soo always talks about.
Cale, nonchalantly chose a comfortable couch beside the bookshelf on the café's corner. He took a book and proceeded to read peacefully while waiting for his order.
...
.....
Choi Han was already pouring the milk when he realized what he was doing.
Huh..
He looked at the coffee held by his hands blankly.
The rosetta seems weird. Quite blurry and wriggly. This was the type of latte art he made back when he was practicing as a beginner.
He looked at the man in the corner reading quietly, then back at the latte that he made.
He wants to remake it.
That was when Minji who was making some cinnamon rolls inside the kitchen went out.
She looked around and saw their first customer on the corner.
"Oh, isn't that Cale?" She exclaimed excitedly.
She then saw the coffee on Choi Han's hand then proceeded to snatch it away from him.
"An apple pie too, right? I'm giving it to him, you stay here." She ordered.
"Wai—!!!" He wanted to snatch the coffee back from his sister but she was quick on her feet and was already on her way to Cale with his order.
Choi Han could only wish that he hadn't actually over-extracted the coffee.
"Cale, how are you? You haven't been here for three days." Minji greeted while setting down Cale's order.
Cale thanked her before answering. "It's been quite busy since I started the internship. I'm surprised you have a new barista in those three days I'm gone."
Both of them took a peek at Choi Han who was wiping a non-existent dirt on the counter while trying to sneakily move closer towards where they were seated.
"Ah, right. Mila went to a vacation with Dodori and Jung Soo's also busy with his thesis. Rosalyn also have her classes. It's hard to be alone here since it's quite hectic." Minji sat down in front of Cale as she narrated. "That’s Choi Han right there, my brother. The one I told you about last time. He can't cook to save his life but he makes good coffee."
Choi Han perked up his ear when he heard his name. He noted to himself that he will complain to their mother about how his sister has been introducing him with his cooking skills to everyone.
His eyes moved to their side just as the same time as Cale looked at him once more after the introduction.
Cale nodded his head towards Choi Han and he nodded back with an awkward smile before scrambling around to organize the cups—if there were even things left to organize.
"His coffee is good! Try it," Minji said enthusiastically, pointing at the latte on the table.
That was when she noticed that the rosetta art was quite weird.
However, she thought that it might have been because it was shaken from when she snatched it from Choi Han.
"Is that so? Let me try then," Cale said as he stretched his hand to reach for the coffee, noting the pitiful latte art on top.
Choi Han tensed up as Cale took a sip of the beverage he concocted absent-mindedly for some reason.
"Hmm.." Cale seemed to be thinking about what to comment—or maybe how he should say it politely.
Minji looked at him with eagerness while Choi Han is already grimacing as he saw how Cale's eyebrow twitched subtly.
"It's quite bitter...maybe the coffee was over-extracted?" He started.
He took another sip before adding, "The milk is also a bit too airy. It's fine though. Might be because he's still new." Cale said the last part as an impromptu because he saw the sudden tense atmosphere between the siblings.
Minji glared at Choi Han when her favorite customer said that her brother butchered up the coffee.
Technically, Cale didn't say that directly, but that is how Minji interpreted it.
Choi Han looked over them apologetically, inwardly cursing himself for blanking out while brewing Cale's order.
Cale calmed Minji down, saying that it was alright. However, when Cale left the shop, she pinched Choi Han so hard.
"What happened? You were doing so well these past few days. Why'd you butcher up my favorite customer's order like that?"
Choi Han could only apologize repeatedly to his angry sister. "Sorry, I don't know what happened. I blanked out for some reason," he said as he cluelessly scratched his head.
Minji looked at him suspiciously but let him go soon enough when a new customer went in.
Meanwhile,
As Cale left the coffee shop, he can't help but wonder about Choi Han.
He knew Choi Han both from his sister Lily's enthusiastic stories about how great the guy is with the sword, and also from Choi Jung Soo who kept bragging to his sister about how the said man was his uncle who was only a year older than him.
He remembered when he first entered the café, he was quite surprised to see the familiar face. Soon, he was puzzled when Choi Han only stared at him with his dark eyes and face devoid of emotion.
The guy clumsily apologized right after but his words and actions after that were weird.
The clatters of the utensils while he was brewing coffee were louder than normal.
His stiff face and movements were also a standout.
Hmm...
"Does he hate me?" He muttered to himself.
That bitter taste of coffee too.
And the almost incorrigible latte art.
He does hate me.
Three more days later, at the Crossman Finance Corp.
Two interns were enthusiastically conversing while the subject of their gossip was busy with encoding company records on his work laptop just beside them.
"...and that was why he's been noticeably more grumpy these past few days." Lee Soo Hyuk finished his story with a teasing laughter.
Alver also laughed with mirth while patting Cale's shoulder.
Bad coffee can truly ruin your mood, especially if you're already drowning with work.
"So, you think that the new barista in your favorite café—the one you absolutely wouldn't betray despite giving you bitter coffee—hates you and gives you bad coffee on purpose? For reasons unknown?" He asked in intrigue while the other was busily typing on his laptop.
"Four straight days of either a bitter coffee or a flat one with a definitely-not-properly steamed milk," Cale said as he sighed exasperatedly. "And horrible latte arts. The last one looked like some type of demon. I swear it has horns," he added, fingers still flying across the keyboard.
"Why not tell Jung Soo or Ms. Minji that you’re actually bothered by that?" Alver asked curiously. Lee Soo Hyuk just scoffed while arranging a stack of newly printed papers.
"I'm not exactly bothered. He's alright. Just...could be better with a normal coffee." Cale shrugged before leaning back to the chair, finally done with his exhausting, repetitive data entry task. "It's just a trivial matter. No need to complicate things."
Lee Soo Hyuk sent an 'I told you' look to Alver.
Sometimes, they can't really tell whether their dongsaeng is just empathic or outright dense.
Alver can only sigh before a light bulb suddenly lit on top of his head. He smiled so bright Soo Hyuk new something was up.
"Why don't you ask for complicated orders as a revenge?" Alver said while chuckling at Cale's dilemma.
"Something like a vanilla latte with no vanilla and a whipped cream on top, but just the left side while the right side should be filled with chocolate chips, all exactly 1cm in size," he suggested.
"Or an iced latte but with latte art of a detailed dragon blowing fire made with orange and yellow mini marshmallows," Soo Hyuk added while snickering.
The two hyungs guffawed at their ridiculous suggestion but their dongsaeng's eyes were already shining with great possibilities, definitely taking the thoughtful advice to heart.
The next day,
"One iced vanilla latte with a hint of cinnamon. Just a bit. I don't want it to overpower the vanilla flavor. Just for the scent. Use oat milk instead of the regular one. Make sure to add exactly one and a half scoop of ice. Top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup but just the half, left side. Sprinkle some cocoa powder on the other side. Make sure it's parted evenly. The coffee should be floating on the milk without being mixed too much," Cale ordered in a smooth, precise manner without even pausing to take a breath.
"Oh, and four slices of apple pie. Please pack the three for take out." He added.
Cale offered a polite smile as if he did not just demanded a ridiculous order.
Bud, a regular who was next in line looked at Cale's back with confusion before turning to Glenn. "Am I still drunk?"
Glenn, who was equally baffled slapped Bud's face suddenly. Bud exclaimed in surprise while holding his cheek.
"That hurts?" He complained in an exaggerated manner. Glenn did not slap him that hard. Just enough to create a sound.
"Huh...guess I'm not dreaming. And, you're definitely sober now." Glenn replied.
Bud's face was full of question marks. "Why would you slap me if you're checking whether you're in a dream?"
Glenn just shrugged casually at his friend.
While the two were bickering, Rosalyn and Choi Jung Soo who were currently helping at the café can't help but eye each other.
"Just what did Choi Han do?" Rosalyn whispered. "Last time I checked, Cale only orders a normal latte and an apple pie."
"Right? Though, I heard Cale has been acting more grumpy these days from Soo Hyuk hyung."
"Han-ie has been messing up his orders from the moment they met, that is why." Minji whispered back from behind, startling the two gossiping workers.
After the initial shock, Jung Soo realized the problem. "Isn't he doing well, though? He's been the customer's favorite lately. Why would he mess up Cale's order of all people?" He asked.
Minji gave a mysterious giggle as she pointed at her flustered brother who was currently taking notes as he repeated Cale's order.
Choi Jung Soo and Rosalyn, being the quick-witted person that they are, saw the creeping red blush on the back of Choi Han's neck.
'No way..' they both thought.
They continued to observe as Choi Han prepared the drink.
His slightly trembling hand as he filled the portafilter with grinded coffee was amusing to watch. He's definitely flustered, but not because of the weird drink he's supposed to make. However, his hands became steadier with focus as he progressed, clearly determined to make the complicated order properly.
The challenge made him forget the unfamiliar feeling in his chest whenever Cale orders.
He added a few pinches of carefully measured cinnamon as he stirred it together with the oat milk. He then scooped up ice exactly as the order, no more and definitely no less.
This time, the espresso was extracted just right. He slowly poured it to the cold milk, making sure that it cleanly floats over the cold liquid.
Choi Han then focused more as he topped the drink with a whipped cream in a perfect cone shape. He then grabbed the bottle of chocolate syrup before starting to work on some miracle to create the perfect divide between the chocolate drizzle and the cocoa powder.
As he finished, Choi Han can't help but gape at the beverage he made for Cale—this time, perfect, exactly the same as what he wanted.
Jung Soo and Rosalyn could only feel awe as he completed the demanding order with flying colors.
Bud, who chose a seat near the counter, pointed openly at the drink while commenting with Glenn about how funny and absurd it was.
The few other customers clapped in celebration at Choi Han's achievement.
The ruckus took Cale's attention away from the book he was reading. He realized his order was made already so he stood up without being called yet. He's also curious how the drink ended up looking. Maybe Choi Han just did it half-heartedly out of spite?
However, he was surprised when he arrived at the counter. It took him great effort to keep his mouth shut to mask his shocked expression.
Choi Han felt nervous as Cale stared at the drink for a long time—just a few seconds. He's being over-dramatic but you can't blame him. This is the first time he didn't blanked out while making Cale's order, okay?
'Did I forget something else? Did I made a mistake somewhere?!' He thought while fidgeting with his fingers.
He then saw as Cale whipped out his phone to take a picture of the drink before putting in the provided straw and directly taking a sip.
Choi Han felt he was palpitating as his heart beats fast, seemingly trying to come out through his throat.
A few seconds of silence passed before Cale nodded in approval. "Not bad," he commented before bringing his order back to his seat.
Jung Soo and Rosalyn saw how Choi Han froze, ears reddening so much they thought the blood would burst out. They side-eyed each other before looking at Minji who was just observing at the side.
They pointed at the clueless Choi Han before blinking at Minji as if asking for confirmation. Minji laughed heartily as she beckoned them to come near her, ready to narrate the earlier encounters and her surely-real theory about what this was all about.
Meanwhile, the frozen Choi Han only has one thought circulating in his mind.
'He smiled at me. He definitely smiled at me as he said it was not bad. Why is my heart beating so fast? What is wrong with me? But he did smiled at me, right?'
The next day,
"An affogato, please. But I want the ice cream on top of a chocolate latte instead of a normal espresso. Surround the ice cream with whipped cream too. Like surround it, you get me?" Cale gestured vaguely, hands swirling around an imaginary coffee in his hands. "I want the whole ice cream covered with whipped cream," he said as he looked at Choi Han, making sure that the poor guy got what he was talking about.
"Then drizzle some caramel on top before sprinkling it with chocolate chips. The dark chocolate ones. Add some grated white chocolate too, just a bit," he continued. "And also one apple pie and a chocolate chip cookie."
The day after,
"Can you do latte art based on a drawing?" Cale asked, making sure before dropping another ridiculous order.
Choi Han nodded with a note pad in hand ready to swiftly write another one of Cale's complicated orders. Ones that he actually finds enjoyable to make despite being borderline absurd, making him forget the unusual heartbeat in his chest.
With his confirmation, Cale opened his gallery and showed an illustration of a cute baby dragon with blue aura-like mist in its surroundings.
"I want this exact one on my latte. The eyes and the aura around should also be the same color blue. I don't care how you make it as long as it's blue." Cale uttered with nonchalance, as if he did not just ask for a detailed art based on his artistic nephew's drawing that he truly did not deliberately requested to use as a basis for his next latte art.
It was just a casual suggestion that inspired his nephew, really. He only took a picture because it was well-done.
The gears on Choi Han's malfunctioning brain tried so hard to process the demands. 'A latte. A dragon art. Blue eyes and aura. Yep.'
He took out his phone to transfer the photo before staring at it, seemingly trying to visualize how he would even start the illustration.
On the other hand, Pendrick—a resident doctor on Angelina Lumen Medical Center whom Choi Han became close with recently during his rehabilitations—caught a glimpse of the cute dragon art.
His eyes shone brightly and decided to order the same one. 'This café is indeed great, just as Choi Han said. I'm glad I came here.'
Rosalyn, who took his order, looked helplessly at Choi Han. She's not really the artistic type after all.
Choi Han realized it was actually Pendrick and enthusiastically agreed. He knew Pendrick likes cute things and dragons.
Another day,
"A coffee-based strawberry drink. Add strawberry puree at the bottom, then top it with whipped cream. Add strawberry slices shaped like a flower. Dip the bottom-half of each slices in white chocolate and sprinkle some cocoa powder after. Iced." Cale listed his demands while looking at the frantically nodding Choi Han who keeps writing.
"Will that be all?" Choi Han asked with what seemed like an awkward smile.
"An apple pie too." Cale finalized before seating on his usual corner near the bookshelves.
The next day,
"A salted caramel macchiato, iced, decaf." Cale started. "Put cream cheese evenly on the cup's side after you drizzle the caramel. Use soy milk. Add a bit of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon. Two scoops of ice and another cream cheese on top. Sprinkle it with some cinnamon powder too."
"Will that be all?" Choi Han asked carefully.
"Three java chip frappes and six chocolate chip cookies for take out. Prepare it later. I'll tell you when."
Choi Han stared blankly when Cale finished talking.
Cale raised his eyebrows at Choi Han's reaction. "What?"
"Just...uh...normal java chip frappe?" Choi Han asked hesitantly.
Cale realized the reason for the odd reaction and nodded his head to confirm that he, indeed, ordered three normal frappe.
Later that day, three children—namely Ohn, Hong, and Raon—was criticizing the crooked whipped cream on top of the frappe. "Does the barista have Parkinson's disease?" Ohn commented.
Cale chuckled, almost wanting to confirm her theory.
He thought the same at the start. He realized Choi Han must've really just hated him after the scary guy actually nailed his challenging orders soon enough. Even the weird ones he made-up on the spot actually tasted great.
'He must be showing off his skills to prove me wrong. Heh. I don't care though, at least I made him work harder,' he thought with a smile that Raon instantly pointed out, saying it looks like he's scamming someone.
One more week passed and Mila, who came back after her unexpected extended vacation with Dodori, was already in on the new gossip.
Everyone is eager to hear Cale's unique order everyday.
Since the other regulars were interested to order the same ones like Cale at times, they added a mini blackboard at the counter that has the pinned pages of Choi Han's notes filled with detailed demands of various types of beverages.
Some customers tried to order their own unique concoctions too, but no one has yet to top Cale's.
They also created an "orders of the week" corner beside the wall of art.
Currently, pictures of every order Cale made lately were pasted on the wall.
A new one was just added yesterday. A non-coffee, fruity milkshake: a mix of mango and banana, sides drizzled with chocolate, topped with vanilla ice cream, mango-flavored nata de coco, and banana slices with spiral-shaped chocolate drizzle—credits to three kids who excitedly made various creative suggestions that Cale put up together.
Today, Choi Han is away from the café to undergo another round of rehabilitation on the hospital.
While waiting for his name to be called, Choi Han saw an unexpected individual currently placing a bill on the vending machine. It was Cale.
'Is he sick?' He wondered with concern. His brows slightly furrowed at the thought.
As Cale waited for the coffee bottle to fall down, he caught a glimpse of Choi Han currently sitting on the side, looking at him with a frown.
He slightly flinched at the sight. Up until now, he can't think of any reason on how he offended the man.
At the same time, Choi Han's name was called through the speakers on the hallway.
He came back to his senses, before realizing that Cale was also looking at him. Choi Han felt a hint of embarrassment when he thought about how Cale caught him staring.
He stood up so fast it almost startled Cale. He then bowed slightly, voice almost cracking as he exclaimed a "Good afternoon!" before bolting through the hallways without waiting for Cale's reaction.
'Thank goodness my voice did not give up this time,' was the only sentence circulating through his mind.
When Choi Han completed his appointment, he once again bumped into Cale on the hospital's lobby.
This time, Cale was together with two brown-haired children, one probably around 18 years old while the girl was younger, around 12. They're probably Cale's younger siblings, based on Choi Jung Soo's stories.
The three noticed him looking in their direction.
Cale nodded at him politely while the little girl looked at him with starry eyes. He overheard Cale's younger brother—Basen, as he remembered—whispering to their sister.
"Isn't he the swordsmaster you like?"
Choi Han waved at the obviously excited girl while smiling softly. At the greetings, the little girl tugged at her brothers, pulling them towards Choi Han.
"Hi! Uhmm, nice to meet you! I'm a fan since I started walking on my own two feet. I also want to learn sword arts like you! But I'm currently doing fencing for now," she babbled, words coming out fast. "Can I have your autograph?" She asked Choi Han with puppy eyes.
Choi Han—weak when it comes to children and animals—did not even hesitate, words coming out automatically. "Of course, no problem. Lily, right? Nice to meet you!" He said gently while writing his signature on a paper that Lily took out from her bag.
Lily was shocked, mouth hung open as she weakly pointed at Choi Han while turning to her brothers. "H-he knows me!" She almost shouted.
Choi Han realized they haven't even introduced themselves yet.
He scratched his head awkwardly. "Uhmm, Jung Soo told me about you when I asked about Cale," he uttered, before his eyes widened—flustered by his own words. "I-I asked because uhh...I was curious because my sister and Jung Soo seems close to you when you visited the café so...uh—yeahh that," he explained, stuttering with his words.
Cale just nodded casually, looking unbothered. Meanwhile, a sudden enlightenment hit Basen.
After a few more words with Lily, they decided to part ways.
However, Choi Han's abnormal hearing caught the whispered words of Basen that shocked him to the core.
"Hyung, is he that barista you talked about who served you bad coffee because he hates you—according to your assumption?"
It was followed by Lily's shriek, "He hates you?! But why?"
He wanted to stop them and clarify if he heard it right but Cale ushered his siblings out so fast, as if afraid Choi Han might overhear—which he already did.
Choi Han was left, frozen from the ground. He felt as if his stomach just twisted.
That same night, at the dining table,
"Cale thinks I hate him," Choi Han blurted out of nowhere, making Jung Soo spray the water he just drank from his mouth.
Minji had her mouth wide open. Fortunately, she already swallowed its content.
The mother and son looked at him weirdly before asking him at the same time.
"And why would you think that?"
Choi Han told them about their encounter at the hospital, adding a concerned "Is he sick?" question which Choi Jung Soo assured was actually just a quarterly family check-up. Rich things.
The two looked at each other with knowing smirks plastered on their faces as they watched how Choi Han’s face was filled with obvious worry.
"You sure you heard it right?" Minji asked casually before taking another bite of pork belly.
Choi Han nodded weakly.
"Well, that is a normal Cale-assumption. Moreover, you did gave him bad coffees, poor child," Minji said after swallowing the pork belly. Her eyes squinted at Choi Han as she nagged. "He never told us about it, though," Minji added, her chopsticks reaching for some kimchi.
"He probably thinks it was just a small matter." Jung Soo reasoned out, and Minji nodded in agreement.
"Well, the real question here is..." Minji paused, looking at Jung Soo meaningfully. "Do you actually hate him?" Minji said as she pointed her amused gaze at Choi Han.
"No!" Choi Han instantly replied.
"So, you do like him?" Minji asked with mischief.
"Yes, of course!" Choi Han answered surely, not yet realizing the implication of his words.
"CHOI HAN'S IN LOVE!" Jung Soo declared before pressing send, the voice mail instantly creating chaos on their family group chat.
Choi Han's eyes widened. "WHAT?!" His whole face now the same hue as Cale's red hair. "I'm not?!" His voice this time weaker.
Minji has a teasing grin as she kicked Choi Han's foot under the table. "My brother's grown up now."
She laughed together with Jung Soo.
Choi Han was speechless. The mother and son were insane.
Why is he suddenly in love with the Cale Henituse?!
Just the thought made his heart beat so fast it felt like it will drill a hole in his chest to come out and slap him with reality.
What.
Is he really? Actually?
The first time he met Cale, it felt like time has slowed down. Cale's figure was shining with bright sparkles that only he can see.
His brain short-circuited as he heard the man's voice, silkier than a chocolate latte.
The way his hands trembled, the times he blanked out, and the moments he can only focus when he's making challenging orders and messing up the simplest ones.
He looked at Minji, his face filled with realization. "I...am?" he muttered.
Minji wanted to smack her brother's head at that moment. Everyone except this idiot—and of course, the oblivious receiver of the only-now-realized feelings—has already understood why he kept messing up whenever Cale was involved.
"But he thinks I hate him. Maybe he hates me now too?" Choi Han deflated as he thought about it.
Choi Jung Soo proceeded to take out his phone again, tapping the messaging app and clicking Cale's profile. "Let's ask him to be sure."
Choi Han's eyes widened. "No!"
He tried to reach for the phone but Jung Soo avoided his hand swiftly. Minji trapped Choi Han on his chair with her calf, clearly eager to know about Cale's thoughts too.
This is for his brother's future!
Choi Han could only watch in horror as Jung Soo clicked the send button.
[Cale My Dongsaeng]
HEY, DONGSAENG
Jung Soo
? I am not your dongsaeng.
Cale
You are!
Anyway, I have a very important question you must answer
Jung Soo
What?
Cale
What do you think of my uncle?
Jung Soo
Choi Han?
Cale
Yeppp!
Jung Soo
Typing...
Typing...
The three Choi's huddled together as they waited for the reply. It seems like the person on the other end thought hard about it before finalizing the answer he sent.
[Cale My Dongsaeng]
He's scary.
Cale
Silence.
Then a burst of laughter came out from Minji and Jung Soo.
Choi Han only stared blankly, reflecting about his actions and looking for the reason why Cale would think he's scary.
He is currently in disbelief. After all, most people thinks of him as a kind, innocent kid as a first impression. Then here is Cale, the person he actually likes, saying he is scary.
[Cale My Dongsaeng]
LMAO
/*laughing cat sticker
That's it?
Jung Soo
He's funnily clumsy
Cale
Another fit of boisterous laughter came out of Minji and Jung Soo.
Jung Soo wiped a tear on his eyes as he shoved the phone on Choi Han's face, emphasizing the reply.
This time, Choi Han was able to snatch the phone away from Choi Jung Soo.
He seriously typed on the phone, one letter to another. He was quite slow with it. However, the mother and son watched him with amusement.
[Cale My Dongsaeng]
Whst do you thiml is hos impressiion to yoy?
Jung Soo
Jung Soo teased as the message was full of typos due to Choi Han's trembling fingers.
[Cale My Dongsaeng]
?
Idk.
I'm busy.
Bye.
Cale
The three has their mouths agape at Cale's reply.
"That brat seriously dodged the question?" Minji exclaimed. Jung Soo just sighed and Choi Han is about to melt in the floor.
Jung Soo then had an idea and started creating a group chat named "The Hyungs," adding both Alver and Soo Hyuk.
[The Hyungs]
What is this about?
Alver
???
Soo Hyuk
So, you guys are frequently together with Cale these days, right?
Jung Soo
Yeah
Alver
Yes. He doesn't want to be an intern in his own family's company haha
Soo Hyuk
And?
Alver
Has he told you anything about my uncle?
Choi Han
Jung Soo
/*sticker of Alver's not-so-elegant laughing face
Soo Hyuk
Hey!
And yes, he kind of did. You know already?
Alver
That he thinks my uncle is mad at him for some reason, lol
Jung Soo
With your tone, I guess that was actually not the case?
Alver
So, it's not that Choi Han is mad at him?
Called it!
I knew something's up
Choi Han wouldn't be mad for no reason
Soo Hyuk
I'm really suspicious about this
/* sticker of Soo Hyuk's face with squinted eyes and furrowed brows
Alver
LMAO THAT'S NEW
I'm gonna save that sticker
And yep, my uncle's not mad
HE'S IN LOVE!!
Jung Soo
They were silent for a moment before the two members bombarded the chat with various laughing stickers of each other's faces. Their dignity surely wouldn't survive if any of those were sent to other people.
[The Hyungs]
This is driving me nuts lol
He said your uncle made him a demon latte art
Alver
He said Choi Han stared at him with hatred the moment he entered the cafe
Soo Hyuk
I did not!
Thst was a cat!
I was just balbkly straing!
Not mad!
Jung Soo
The series of message filled with typos was obviously Choi Han trying to defend himself.
The next day,
A significant number of people was around the café, silently cheering for Choi Han. All of them were added to a random group chat named [For Our Lovely Barista's Future] just last night for a very important mission.
Rosalyn was patting Choi Han at the back and teaching him various calming mantras.
Minji and Choi Jung Soo were making sure everything he might need is complete.
Mila was in the kitchen, preparing a specially-made apple pie.
Some regulars like Bud and Glenn were on stand by with their own drinks, perking up whenever someone enters the cafe and sighing loudly whenever it wasn't Cale.
Archie—a new tenant on Shickler's apartment— was just casually taking a stroll. He almost got offended from the disappointed sighs when he entered the café but he instantly changed his mind when Whitira and Paseton, the landlord's children, beckoned for him to come near and told him the story.
He was added to the group chat that same moment.
At around 3:30 pm, the bell chimed and two giddy people entered—Alver and Soo Hyuk—along with the Henituse siblings in tow.
Choi Han froze at the sight but Rosalyn quickly pinched his arm, instantly taking back to reality.
They arrived at the counter and Rosalyn pushed Choi Han to face them.
Alver smiled even brighter than usual, pulling Cale in front and whispering a "Hurry up, dongsaeng."
Cale looked at all of them with suspicion but the puppy-dog eyes his siblings sent made him give up on any protest about to come out of his throat. These people were so random. He doesn't know what they were currently scheming about.
As he gave up thinking about it, Cale took a deep sigh before looking at Choi Han straight in his eyes, making the man's polite smile twitch at the edges.
"One normal coffee latte, please." He uttered with indifference. Deep inside though, he's already expecting another disastrous bitter coffee with an equally pitiful latte art.
Everyone cheered inwardly while Choi Han showed a determined expression as he took note of the order.
'Huh...' Cale though of something as he noticed Choi Han's determined expression.
"We'll think about our order for now. You go sit there." Lee Soo Hyuk cheerfully said, leading Cale to his usual corner. The younger one raised his eyebrows but Soo Hyuk's firm smile made him stay put on the chair.
His gaze lingered on the counter. His companions whispered amongst each other as they huddled there with Rosalyn and Jung Soo, talking about something excitedly.
Their orders? Maybe. After all, it has been a while since they all reunited together due to their own busy schedules.
The vintage clock on the wall continued ticking and the café was oddly tense.
Cale's friends and siblings were still huddled together at the counter. Good thing there were no new customers entering the café.
At one point, Cale wanted to stand up and approach them but Basen noticed his movements and shook his head frantically, gesturing at him to stay.
He narrowed his eyes at them but decided to stay anyway. It'll just be a hassle if they push him back again without explanations. He feels like something troublesome will happen.
He'll just get back at them if they do something annoying.
Minutes passed by and Cale expected his order to come soon.
He saw Choi Han finally stop the bustling movements and everyone on the counter peeked at the freshly brewed coffee and rejoiced.
The smell, check. Definitely not over-extracted.
Milk, another check. The foam on top was just the right amount of airy.
Latte art, perfect. It has a simpler, much cuter baby dragon in the middle and two cute kittens beside it.
Everyone nodded in approval at Choi Han. Jung Soo and Lily even sent two big thumbs up with bright smiles on their faces.
Mila took out a whole, freshly-baked apple pie with grander decorations that weren't normally there.
They put both the apple pie and the coffee in a tray.
Choi Han took a deep breath as he went out the counter and approached Cale carefully. He's been reciting the mantras that Rosalyn taught him just earlier. They were weirdly effective as there were no trembling hands nor spilled coffee as of yet.
He saw Cale currently focused on a book.
No one noticed how the said book was actually upside-down except Archie who sharply observed everything while munching on an ocean-themed cupcake.
His eyes narrowed suspiciously at Cale who suddenly picked up the book, but decided to stay silent just like everyone who's excited about the current developments. They can't have any interruptions at the important moment.
Choi Han arrived at the table, setting down the tray carefully.
"Here's your order!" He said, thanking anyone possible that his voice came out smoothly without any cracks. Just like what he practiced with Jung Soo earlier that day.
Cale looked up at Choi Han with raised eyebrows. He closed the book and set it aside before noticing the beautiful drink and pastry placed in front of him.
"Huh..." Cale. He is currently mind-blown by the fact that there was finally a normal looking coffee in front of him. It's been a while.
'What's with the whole apple pie?' he pondered with amusement.
"I have something to tell you." Choi Han suddenly said resolutely.
Cale looked back at him once more, this time with curiosity.
"Sure. Sit." He ordered, words smoothly coming out of him as if it was the most natural thing to do.
"So, what's this all about?" He asked after Choi Han settled in front of him. At this point, he can already deduce that this is why everyone has been acting weird since morning.
Choi Han took a deep breath before opening his mouth.
"I don't hate you," he blurted out. Cale's eyes widened slightly before sending a glare at Lee Soo Hyuk and Alver who were now seated at a nearby table with Lily and Basen. Both hyungs frantically shook their heads in denial.
They definitely did not tell Choi Han about it. Well, they did. But Choi Han learned it somewhere else so it's not their fault this time.
Choi Han noticed the subtle interactions and assisted the two in explaining before they received the younger one's ire.
"Uhmm, they did not tell me about it. I just kind of overheard Basen when we met each other at the hospital," he said while frantically waving his hands and gesturing vaguely. "Sorry, I didn't mean to listen in your conversation," he added.
"Oh. No problem," was the only thing Cale was able to say before Choi Han continued.
"I asked them for help today because I wanted to explain. To you. And uhmm..yeah. I don't actually hate you. I just get flustered everytime and I keep blanking out so the coffee always end up...bad. Sorry, really. I didn't mean it." Choi Han rambled without stopping.
Cale watched him with an unchanging face. Deep inside, however, various thoughts were swirling chaotically in his mind.
"I always wanted to apologize but I really didn't know how to approach you since I only heard about you in Jung Soo's stories but we never really interacted except when I'm taking you order. So yeah, I really apologize for the bad coffees. And uhmm...."Choi Han added continuously, before pausing, blanking out because he has already gone out of the script.
He was about to try and say more but Cale raised his hand to signal him to stop.
"Okay. I get it," he started. "So, you did not made the bad coffees on purpose and it was all because of the nerves for some reason. Also, you don't actually hate me, correct?" He summarized everything Choi Han just said and the man opposite nodded enthusiastically with bright eyes.
"Yes exactly! I don't really hate you. I actually quite like you, honestly." He blurted out of excitement.
Blink.
'That is not part of the script. I just outright confessed. I want to faint right here right now.' Choi Han thought while his imaginary soul started to float out of his body while waving goodbye listlessly to everyone.
His body was left rigid, a frozen smile still plastered on his face while a red blush started creeping in the back of his neck.
Blink.
Then the frozen Choi Han almost melted instantly as he heard a small, amused chuckle from Cale.
He saw how Cale's lips lifted subtly, eyes crinkled in delight while looking at him gently.
"I see," Cale muttered. "You're not bad either." He said something else in a small voice but Choi Han was unable to understand what it was.
Cale then finally took a sip of the coffee on the table. "This one is also not bad. I like it." He said, the small smile can still be seen on his face.
Choi Han's brain is once again short-circuiting from the image of the ethereal beauty across from him. He also started to overheat, the blush from his neck completely spread across his face and ears.
"Hey? Are you sick?" Cale said as he snapped his fingers in front of Choi Han to wake him up from his stupor—something that is now a common occurrence in their daily interactions.
When he saw Choi Han focus back on their conversation, he spoke once more.
"So, we're good now, right? You don't hate me and neither do I hate you. Friends?" Cale offered his hand for a handshake.
Oh, looks like he did not know Choi Han was actually talking about that type of like.
Choi Han was quite disappointed but thinking about it, this is much better development. They will have more time to get to know each other better.
Choi Han beamed at the thought, accepting Cale's hand with his suddenly trembling one.
Cale chuckled once more at Choi Han's clumsy actions.
Everyone cheered seeing how the two finally understood—not completely but that is better than nothing—each other.
Soo Hyuk, Alver, Basen, Jung Soo, and Lily excitedly approached the two, each one taking a slice of apple pie before cheering and taking a bite.
Cale offered Choi Han a slice which the man happily accepted, before going back to the counter with Jung Soo.
Minji, Mila, and Rosalyn patted him silently with approving gazes.
"That’s a great start, Han-ie," Minji said happily, her face full of satisfaction. "Keep him caffeinated and you're good." She added with a thumbs up.
As the day ended in a good note and definitely a good introduction to a new blossoming relationship, Cale looked back at the café, catching the silhouette of his newly acquired 'friend.'
A lingering thought remained.
'Looks like the feeling was...'
Once again, no one saw the red-head's odd behavior except Archie who decided to continue familiarizing his way around town after the toothache-inducing show—he's entertained but he will never admit that.
"Is he blushing?" He thought before shaking his head in denial. "Must be the sunlight's reflection on his hair."