Breads

Restless days, unfinished research, tuition funds, and deadlines, which, if I didn’t meet, I might be really dead. University life wasn’t easy; it never was.

I’m in the 2nd semester of my freshman year as an Interior Design student. My family wanted to support me, but I didn't want to. I have my reasons.

Now, I live alone. Funding myself, tuition, and rent. I worked hard, and I work extra jobs if an opportunity comes.

February 28, 2026, Saturday.

“1 hot americano, & 2 cold spanish latte for table 4!” I heard the familiar loud ass voice from the counter.

“!!!” I snapped back to reality, oh right, I’m working right now. It’s Saturday, which is typically a rest day, but I do not have the right to rest since tuition and rent are due.

“Coming!” I yelled back. I’m exhausted since the shop was hectic today; it was so crowded. I can also see a fairly long line outside, waiting for someone to leave so they can take their turn.

Zig-zagging my way to the counter, evading chairs, tables, and customers. Thanks to my fit body, I can move around with ease.

The coffee shop I worked at is not just famous for its remarkable roasted coffee; it is also well-known for its dazzling crew and staff. Catffeine is the name of the shop.

For some reason, I’m an exception. I passed the interview and got the job because I saved the owner’s daughter from a potential car accident. He felt indebted, so he hired me as soon as he saw my application.

“You know, you didn’t have to shout like that Sooin. That’s why we have a bell in here, ring it.” I said to the girl named Kim Soo-in, who was standing behind the counter.

She’s the daughter of the owner of a popular pharmacy. Why would she work here? It’s simple, she’s bored. Her family covers her tuition and allowances, but she said she’ll rot like a fossil in the dorm if she doesn’t move frequently, so she worked as a barista in the shop.

But the way she acts, it’s almost contradictory to what she told us. She’ll be fossilised if she doesn’t move much? She can’t even ring a bell, which is just a few steps away from her. All I can think is she's lying, but what’s her agenda, though? Or she’s just timid.

“It’s far.” She smiled at me. My heart almost jumped out of me. Well, most men will probably feel the same.

Her smile brightened up my mood. She had a cat-like feature, which is her killer point. Her bangs complement her beauty, her eyes, her nose; it’s striking. They often call her mini Suzy, the famous actress. I can say she’s not a “mini”, the girl was 172cm tall, 4cm taller than me.

“It's just a few steps”, I argue, picking up the tray of coffee for table 4.

“Well, next time.” She winked, and that completely changed my whole spirit from mad to cheery. She’s aware of what her strength is.

That damn smile again. She’s dangerous, better to stay away from her!

“Stop putting more work on our little guy, we’re a full house. We’ll ring the bell next time, midgy.” Another girl behind the counter speaks.

Midgy, that’s what she calls me. I can see her head gracefully move behind the towering coffee machines. That girl is named Lee Gawon. Standing 174cm, she has the right to call me midgy, it’s annoying, and I’m not gonna lie.

She grew up in the States and moved here to study in Seoul. She dropped dead, gorgeous as well. Her long straight black hair, model-like visuals, and long limbs. She had this expensive aura, which you can see in high-end magazines.

“Yes, ma’am!” Sooin gave a salute, acting like she was in the military.

“Oh, right. Beanpole’s right, just right the bell next time pabo.” I fought back from their teasing.

“Hey!” The two of them yelled in synchronised timing, which they found funny, so they both laughed their asses off afterwards.

My heart’s full for a reason. I momentarily forget my restless days every time I’m in the shop with them. I got to enjoy my university life even for a short time.

“I’ll serve this. Table 4 coming up!” I shout. Sooin gave me a wink while Gawon gave a steady nod; both of them were smiling.

Am I lucky? Not really, university life still sucks. Am I thankful? Yes, thanks to those who accompany me during this time. The pay’s good, the owner’s nice, and my co-workers are better than others for sure. I’m glad I have more reason to stay.

Clatter, grinding, ding ding, clatter.

“Uuhhhh! Finallyyy.” I raised my hands, stretched my stiff body, bones cracking as I felt relief, and finally, freedom.

The sun was about to set, and the sky was painted orange. After a long day of exhausting, endless coffee servings, we finally got to rest. I walked to the door, flipped the sign from “OPEN” to “CLOSED”, calling it a day.

I heard rustling behind me, and I knew it was them, in the same spot as usual every time our shift ended.

I turned around and walked to a round 4-seater table where Sooin and Gawon were already seated and taking a sip of their reward coffee. I sat down across from the two, with Gawon in front of me and Sooin on the left. They already changed from their uniform to their casual outfits.

Gawon wore a thick furry top with its sleeves rolled up to her elbow, while wearing a short skirt with a U-shaped front, which caused both ends to expose her thighs. She wore strapped high-heels at the very bottom, toes in deep red polish.

Meanwhile, Sooin changed into her all-black outfit. She fit a black tube with a black stylish blazer on top of it. Black mini skirt at the bottom with sheer black stockings.

They look breathtaking; styling like they’ll soon be emerging on a runway. Randomly, my sense of smell got blessed as well. Oh god, the scent of their mixed flowery scent got my mind floating, it’s addictive.

Sooin slip the third cup of coffee at the table to me, which I gladly took.

“Today’s really tiring! Hoard after hoard of customers.” Sooin tapping the table repeatedly.

“Stop acting like you’re the one who had the most work, midgy’s out there dodging people like a damn virus every time he serves.” Gawon laughs while describing what she saw earlier, Sooin and I laugh as well.

Seeing them laugh makes my heart flutter. At least I have a purpose to continue doing it. Somehow, I feel good every time I see them happy.

“You both love teasing me, do you?” I talked back.

“Yeah!” They answered at the same time.

“Goodness, but do you know where Karina and Ryujin went? They did not report to work today, as well as yesterday.” I asked them.

“They’re in Hong Kong for vacation. They did not tell you?” Gawon answered.

“That’s why you should be closer to them, be more friendly!” Sooin shots at me.

“B-but-” I was about to answer when Gawon cut me off.

“They always tell us that you ignored them, at least greet them good morning, goodbye, or even hello.” Gawon glared at me like I did something wrong.

“I didn’t mean to! You know they’re new, right? They’re here for not even a month.” I shot back. “Not even a month and on vacation already, great, that’s very student-like”, I added.

Karina and Ryujin joined the catffeine shop about two weeks ago. Both are cheerful and merry, and they both serve the same staff as me. Speaking of both, the two of them offered different kinds of charm, but one thing is for sure, they’re stunners as well.

Karina offered a goddess-like visual and voluminous assets in every right place, while Ryujin had these refined beauty features, which contrast with her boyish charm, but that combination is what makes her attractive.