Serendipity
O N E
You enter the shop and instantly breathe a sigh of relief as soon as you see there aren't customers yet and your best friend- also your work partner, smiles at you from behind the counter.
You take a deep breath and get behind the counter before putting your bag inside the locker and put on your apron.
Hara
Hey, Max. Sorry I'm half an hour late.
Max, who is focus on the cash system just waves you off and smiles.
Maxie
That's alright, I can handle it. Although you're pretty lucky Mr. Han isn't here or you'd be dead by the time he finished off his nagging.
You cringe at the thought of your annoying boss, Mr. Han. He is not always bad, but he also nags a LOT that sometimes you'd rather die than hear his babbling.
Maxie
What's up, anyway? What got you so late?
Hara
Oh you know, the usual. My mom had to attend an interview early in the morning so I had to send my sisters to school.
Maxie
Your mom got a job?! Why didn't you tell me?
Hara
Oh, it's just.. nothing major.
Maxie
What do you mean 'nothing major'? Hara, no offence, but your mom have been jobless for a few weeks now and she finally is onto something! That's great news, doesn't matter if it's major or not!
You laugh at Max's enthusiasm as you wipe the dust off of the counter.
Hara
You're truly right. Thanks, Max. I appreciate your support, really.
Max grins sheepishly, jokingly punches your shoulders.
Maxie
What the hell a best friend is for? Even if you kill someone, I'm still going to support you and bail you out of jail.
You roll your eyes at how dramatic Max make it sound but deep down, your heart touched at the existence of someone as nice as Max in your life.
Maxie
Anyway, so I was thinking-
Before Max can finish off her words, the front door's bell rings. Your eyes widen as you see Mr. Han stepping inside with his sunglasses on, glancing around the room.
You feel Max nudges you from your side and whispers in your ear.
Maxie
I swear I thought he was out of town for a long time.
Hara
Hush, just keep it cool!
You leave Max and walk towards the coffee machine and set in the system.
Hara
Morning, Mr. Han! How was your trip?
Your boss glares at you without a reaction on his face, but eventually nods.
Mr. Han
It was good. How's business?
Maxie
Oh, um, we're just starting off for today. Uh.. the past few days have been great.
Mr. Han puts on his sunglasses and turns around to face the door.
Mr. Han
Keep up the good work.
And with that, he walks out of the shop and leaves both you and Max burst out laughing like a maniac.
Maxie
Holy hell! That was the most awkward conversation I've ever had in along time!
You shake off your remaining laughter and regain your composure, realizing that the first customer is alreading stepping in from the door.
Hara
That's our cue. I'll be inside baking.
The rest of the day passes normally as it does every day in your life.
6 hours later... 9: 40PM.
You glance at the clock, sighing as you realize you're getting closer to go home. The past few hours have been hectic with a lot of baking and customers. You walk to the counter and wipe the grease off of it when Max comes up from behind you.
Maxie
So, remember the conversation I was trying to say before Mr. Han cut me off earlier?
Hara
Oh, yes. You were thinking of something. What was it?
Maxie
I got invited to a party from one of my friend this weekend. Do you want to go with me? Pretty please?
You roll your eyes at the word 'party', feeling the laziness just by thinking of all the chaotic things in a party.
Hara
Max, I love you and all but you do know I'm not a party person, right? I'd rather just stay home and drink some hot chocolate.
Max huffs jokingly and glares at you, shaking her head.
Maxie
Hara, you're 20. You've got to let loose sometimes! Life is short, girly and you can't just spend your youth by rotting yourself out at home!
Hara
I appreciate you, Max, but I just... I can't. I don't even know what am I supposed to do in a party? What to wear? Don't let me start on how to even socialize.
Maxie
Which is the more reason why you have to try it once! I promise you, I'll be there by your side the whole time. Just be there and see it for yourself. You're gonna have fun, I promise.
You wipe the counter while processing every words Max have said. Sure, you know deep down there's so much more to life than rotting in your bedroom with a hot chocolate every night. But you just don't know how to handle yourself in a situation where people gets drunk and make out in public with no privacy.
Maxie
Oh, come on! Please, do it for me? I don't want to go alone.
You stare at her pleading puppy eyes and feel your heart breaks a little. You sigh.
Hara
Fine, but I can't promise you, alright? If I don't have to babysit my sisters on the weekend, then I might go.
Max jumps up with excitement and hugs you tightly that you're having trouble to breath.
Maxie
Oops, hehe. Sorry! I'm just super pumped!
Hara
Keep in mind that I'm not promising anything yet.
Maxie
Aye, aye. I'm already so grateful that you're at least considering it.
The doorbel rings. Max leaves the counter and says that she will be washing the dishes. You put the handkerchief away and without looking up, yell something out loud.
Hara
Sorry, we're almost closed!
You focus on key-ing the cash register as you hear footsteps getting closer to the counter. Furrowing your brows, you look up.
Hara
Sorry sir, we're already closing and-
You find it hard to breath as soon as you look up to a guy in front of you, looming so tall behind the counter in a fancy suit on, glancing around the shop with a cold expression.
You're deeply annoyed that he's still there even after you've said that the shop is closing, but it's hard to be mad when the customer looks like..... that.
???
I'd like to grab a few cupcakes.
You look away from his cold gaze, clearing your throat.
Hara
I-I'm sorry, actually the shop is closing and we aren't taking orders any-
???
I see there are still a few cupcakes inside the glass counter right now.
You stop moving, suddenly realizing that you forgot to take the leftovers of the cupcakes inside and suddenly feel stupid.
Hara
Those are leftovers. Sir, we are no longer taking orders at this hour so please-
???
I'm not leaving without the cupcakes.
The shop fills with silence for a while as you try to think of something to say.
???
I said I'm not leaving until I grab the cupcakes.
You're suddenly feel so annoyed that this particular customer is being stubborn at the hour where you're supposed to be on your way home.
Hara
Look, I'm gonna say this once and for all, we are not-
Your words are cut off when Max comes up from behind you, glaring at you for a few second before she turns to the customer.
Maxie
She meant that yes we are still taking orders. What would you like, Sir? We can get you something.
The guy stares at you for a few second before turning to Max with a blank face.
???
I'd like to get the remaining cupcakes. All of them.
Maxie
We, um, surely can get you that! Just please, wait a minute.
Before you can object, Max drags your hand until both of you steps inside the kitchen.
Hara
Max, are you crazy?! We're supposed to close the shop already!
Maxie
Hey, calm down! It's YOU who is being crazy right now! Who did you think you were talking to like that?!
Hara
Um, a stubborn-*** customer who has no respect for cafe workers like us?!
Maxie
Yeah, very funny! This is what I meant when I said you needed to let loose and get out to see more of the world sometimes!
You cross your arms over your chest, anger starts to radiate in you as you stare at your best friend.
Hara
Of course I'd love to hear a piece of advice from you in the middle of a customer crisis!
Maxie
Okay, let's calm down for a second. Hara, he's not just a regular customer.
Hara
Then what is he?! Wait, don't tell me. I don't care if he's the senator son or something, he wasn't respecting what I said before!
Maxie
Huh. Are you really sure about that?
Hara
Of course I'm sure, why do you ask?
Maxie
Because he IS the Senator's son.
For a while, the room turn so silence that you think you can hear if a pin drops on the floor. You stare blankly at Max, who is nodding her head repeatedly as if she knows you're finally realizing that you're wrong.
Maxie
Uh huh, I know that look. It's the 'I'm-finally-realizing-that-I'm-wrong-so-I'm-going-to-stare-at-you-until-I-stop-feeling-guilty'.
Hara
Did you really say that in one breath..?
Hara
Fine. I see your point. So what do we do now?
Maxie
It's what do YOU do. You're gonna have to go out there, pack the cupcakes and apologize.
Hara
What- seriously?! That's exaggerating!
Maxie
Oh trust me, you don't know exaggerating until you read a bad complain from that Senator's son over a bad service! I've seen and I've heard. Now shoo!
Despite the annoyance you're feeling at the moment, you reluctantly take a deep breath and step out of the kitchen and walk back towards the counter. The Senator's son is still leaning against the counter, glancing around the room until his gaze falls on you. You drop your gaze and clear your throat.
Hara
Um, I- uh, going to pack the cupcakes. Do you mind giving me a few minutes?
He's still looking at you as he shrugs his shoulders off.
You ignore the cold gaze on you as you grab the box and fill in all the remaining cupcakes inside the glass counter and move them into the box.
Finally, you put all three boxes inside a plastic bag and put it on the counter.
Hara
That will uh.. be 25 dollars.
The guy hands you a credit card without saying anything and you take it from his hand before swiping the card into the machine and pulls out a receipt.
You stand there nervously but manage to gather your courage to say something regarding of your act the first time.
Hara
So um, I uh, wanna apologize for my behavior earlier. That was.. wrong and against our customer-service rules. I.. truly apologize.
The guy turns around, facing you. And much to your surprise, for the first time since he arrived, he smirks.
???
Apology accepted. Keep up the effort the next time you meet another 'stubborn-*** customer'. Ciao.
Winking at you for the last time, he walks out of the cafe leaving you standing unmoving with your jaw drops, staring after his silhouette and until it disappears.
Maxie
What, how was it? What did he say?
Hara
He... he heard our customer-crisis conversation.
Max sighs next to you and stares after the same direction where you're staring.
Maxie
Jesus Christ. May the cupcakes be with us....
T W O
The alarm rings for the second time this morning and you instantly wake up, sitting on the bed cringing as you recall the memory of last night with the senator's son. You sigh and rub your forehead.
Hara
Oh God. That was embarrassing. What the hell did I even think?
You get up regardless of how you're feeling and get in the bathroom for a shower. No matter what happened last night, you still have normal shift today.
After putting on your work's uniform, you tie your hair into a neat ponytail. Grabbing your bag and phone from the nightstand, you go downstairs. Before you can walk into the kitchen for breakfast, you hear mumbles coming from the kitchen. You walk closer and stand behind the walls to listen in.
Mom
-so I've been thinking about it in a while. Can I just have more time, Ma'am?
You hear a big sigh coming from your mom before it sounds like she's putting the phone down and flips through some papers. You quickly walk in.
Your mom looks up in surprised like she wasn't expecting to see you.
Mom
Hi, sweety. Good morning.
Hara
Do we have a problem? Who called you?
You go straight towards the point and plop yourself down on the kitchen. Your mom sighs, wrapping her face with her hands before looking at you.
Mom
The loan company called again, asking for last month's pay. You know I didn't get to pay it.
Mom
Two weeks, Hara. You know we still can't afford it even if they give us a few months to pay.
Hara
What happens if we can't pay it in two weeks?
Your mom stares at you, the pain in her eyes are too visible for you to pretend like things would be okay.
Mom
They'll take this house down and open it for sale. We'd have to move somewhere else in two weeks.
Your thoughts are processing so fast and there isn't a single doubt to protect your decisions after. You take a deep breath with a stern determination in your spirit.
Hara
How much do we have left?
Your mom looks away for a moment, recalling the memory from her mind.
Mom
It's 2500 thousand, the last time they told me. Why do you ask, Hara?
You shake your head, getting up from the seat.
Hara
Nothing. I'm going to work now, Mom. Don't be sad anymore, okay? It'll be okay, I promise you.
Your mom opens her mouth to say something but you interrupt her with a quick hug before leaving the kitchen and head out for the door.
As you step out of the house and turn around to see it for the last time, your walk to the bus station fill with a determination to do something right for your mom.
You're baking a blueberry muffin in the kitchen for the stock when the kitchen's door burst open and Maxie comes in with a knowing look on her face, staring at you skeptically. You ignore her presence and get back to mixing up the batter you've just made.
Maxie
Uh oh. I know that look. You're gonna be mad if I ask, right?
You glare at her coldly once and get back to work.
Maxie
Yep, expected that. But since I'm your only most beautiful, smart and amazing friend, I'm still going to ask you anyway. So what happened? What's with all the blue face, huh?
You mentally roll your eyes but manage to let out a sigh.
Hara
Just another shit life throws at me. Nothing unusual.
Maxie
Come on, Hara. Details!
Hara
Urgh, must I? I'm just going to be angry if I recall it back again.
Maxie
Well, in my defense, I need to know about the details at least to make sure I could help with something.
Hara
You can't, I'm most definitely sure of this. So just give it up.
Maxie does the opposite of what you say and you know she would never go away now.
Maxie
I'm not a quitter. Spill it out, Hara. You're my best friend. Your problems are my problems too. I promise you if I could help, I would. In a heartbeat.
You look at Maxie for a few seconds, your heart softens at the sight of her as you remember just how sincere your only best friend have always been. You give her a weak smile before sighing.
Hara
Well, you're aware about the loan my shithead of a dad left before dumping us all, right?
Maxie
I am aware of that, yeah.
Hara
Well, this morning their agent called my mom and wanted us to pay the remaining debt. They gave us two weeks.
Hara
They're gonna sell the house.
Maxie gasps with the loudest gasp you've heard in a while but the look on her face tell you that she's truly concerned.
Maxie
Hara, oh my god! That's a big deal, what- I mean, they can't just do that, can they?!
Hara
Unfortunately they can, because my dad left the loan he did to buy the house and failed to pay it monthly.
Maxie
What the f- Hara, what are you gonna do, then? What if you can't pay?!
You stare off the dough in your hands and sigh.
Hara
Well, that's about it. We can't.
Maxie
Then where the hell are you guys moving to?!
You think of the plan in your head and manage to give Maxie a small smile.
Hara
I don't think we have to. I have a plan and I'm doing it today.
For a while you notice the look on Maxie's face that makes you realize that she probably knows your mind.
Before you could continue her words, the front bell rings indicating that there's a customer needs to be served. You grin to Maxie and wink.
Hara
Look out after the muffins, will ya? I'll handle the register!
You walk out of the kitchen before Maxie could reply. You take a deep breath, fix your apron and put on a fake bright smile before walking towards the counter. But all you can see is a little girl standing in front of the cupcakes counter with a teddy bear in her hands, staring gleamily at the glass door. You approach her with a friendly smile.
Hara
Hi, sweetheart! What can I help you with?
She looks at you, hesitating, before she points her finger towards the line of strawberry cupcakes.
Hara
Oh, do you want that? I can get it for you. But.. only if I can ask you something.
The little girl nods her head, biting her finger.
Hara
Why are you here alone? Where's your parents, hmm? Where's Mummy?
The little girl holds her gaze with you for quite a few moments before her gaze drops to the floor and she points her finger to the front door.
Hara
They're outside? Are they somewhere in a shop?
You look at the girl and sigh before wondering just what kind of parents wouldn't notice their child roaming around alone.
Hara
Well, we will find your parents later, okay? I will get the cupcakes for you now.
The girl nods her head and you quickly walk to the counter to get the cupcakes she wants. You take three pieces of strawberry cupcakes and pack it in a box. Once you're done, you walk back to her and hand out the plastic bag.
Hara
Here's your cupcakes.
The girl takes it from you and wraps it in her hand. Then, she pulls out something from her dress' pocket and hand out a 1 dollar note to you with glistening eyes.
You burst out into a chuckle and your heart warms almost as instantly. The dollar barely covers up the actual price. You take note from her and put it back into her pocket.
Hara
Tell you what. You can use that money for another thing later. The cupcakes are on me.
Much to your surprise, the girl embraces you in a hug before you can say anything else. Your heart warms and you hug her a little tighter before pulling away with a smile.
Hara
Come on, I'll help you get to your parents.
The girl suddenly drops her gaze and shakes her head.
She points her finger towards the empty table.
Hara
You want to eat here?
The girl nods her head before pointing her finger at you and back to her for a few times.
Hara
You want to eat it here with me?
She nods her head. Your heart softens and a smile creeps on your lips. The cafe isn't having any customers anyway, so you quickly grab her hand and head towards the empy table. She plops herself down on the seat in front of you and watches as you open the box and hand out a piece of cupcake to her.
Hara
Here, try it. I'll wait for you.
The girl puts her teddy bear to her side and starts digging into her cupcake with a passion. You can tell it's something that she have been wanting to do in a while. You smile for the first time since this morning as you watch her eat.
Hara
So tell me, what's your name? My name is-
Before you can finish your questions, someone comes in from the door with a sudden rush that for a while you feel like the door is going to break. A genuine shock register on your face as soon as you see the figure standing in front of the door, glancing around nervously as he finally lands his gaze on the girl in front of you. He rushes closer.
???
Camellia, what the hell do you think you're doing?!
You get up from the seat in a panic as the guy approaches the girl and takes her arm a little too hard. The girl is about to bite her cupcake when she is being pulled away from the seat and stand in front of the guy who is crouching down in front of her.
???
I swear to God you're doing something stupid, Camellia! I told you to wait there for me, why did you decide to run here alone? Do you know what could've happened to you?! You want to be kidnapped or killed, are you?!
It's when you notice the little girl's eyes are glazing with tears that you decide to gather your courage. You don't care anymore to whom you're speaking, all you care about is doing something right. You take the girl's hand and drag her to your side in a sudden move, ignoring the deadly stare from the guy as he stands and looms in front of you.
You can tell that he's beyond pissed that you're interrupting. Despite the fear you're feeling at the moment, you return his gaze with a cold one of yours.
Hara
What the hell do you think you're doing, interrupting her eating like that?!
You see his jaw clenches with anger and feel like you're standing in front of death if it was a person.
???
That's my sister. Stay out of my business.
You grip Camellia's hand tightly, refusing to let her go.
Hara
Your business consist of letting a little girl out of your sight because you can't keep your eyes on her! It is MY business because she's still here safely and secured!
You swear you could hear a gasp coming from behind the counter which probably comes from Maxie, but you refuse to look away from his gaze- no matter how deadly it is at the moment.
???
Camellia, let's go home.
Camellia holds onto you tighter and you feel her face buries on your waist. You stroke her back gently and glare at the Senator's son, refusing to back down.
Hara
Let her finish her cupcakes here and keep your hands off of her. You can go when she's done.
For a while, you whisper in your heart that this is it. This is the moment where he probably slaps you and tell you that you're gonna get fired. But much to your surprised, his expression softens. He turn to Camellia and nods his head with a smile on his face.
???
I'm sorry, Camellia. You can finish your cupcakes. I'll wait for you.
He turns to you, his expression grows cold but it no longer feels threatening. You roll your eyes away from him and take Camellia in your hands, dragging her back to her seat.
Hara
Finish your cupcakes, okay? I will wait for you here. Tell me how do you like the cupcakes.
Camellia stares at you, still not speaking but you can tell by her gaze at you that she appreciates you. She continues eating while the guy sits next to her, watching her eat.
A few minute passes by calmly and finally, Camellia stops eating. She still has a half-eaten cupcakes remaining so you pack them back in the box. You take Camellia's hand and smile.
Hara
How are the cupcakes? Are they good?
She nods her head, her eyes beaming.
Hara
Yay! I'm so glad you like it. Do you want to come here again?
She nods her head and your heart warms when she pulls you into a hug. You have to crouch on the floor but it's worth it because her hug is warm and friendly.
Hara
Go home, now. Take care of yourself. And listen to your Daddy here-
Your words are cut off almost too quickly. You look up at the guy and he clears his throat, fixing his coat nervously while he avoids your gaze.
???
Brother. I'm her brother.
You eye him suspiciously but turn to Camellia and smile again.
Hara
I'll see you around soon, sweetheart.
She still has her fingers wrapped around yours so you have to follow her until you're standing in front of a black Limousine parked in front of the cafe.
???
Get in, Camellia. I'll be there in a second.
You wave and smile to Camellia, receiving the same thing from Camellia before she gets in the car.
Taking a deep breath, you glance at the guy for a few seconds before thinking about going back inside. But after two-steps toward the cafe, someone grabs your arm from behind and your breath get stuck in your throat as you turn around to see the Senator's hand on yours.
???
I know I came off looking rude, but.. I've had a rough day.
You cross your hands behind your back and gaze on the floor.
Hara
It's none of my business.
A few seconds of silence passes by and you clear your throat.
Hara
I-I have to go back to work.
You turn around to him. He glances around nervously, running his fingers through his hair before sighing and look at you.
???
I mean it, thank you. For looking after her in there.
Hara
I'd do nothing less, sir.
Hara
Oh. Sorry, sir. Wait- um I mean, sorry.
He bursts out into a chuckle and all you can do is stand there awkwardly, wondering just what to say until he stops.
He looks at you as if he's expecting a certain reaction from you, but all you can do is nod your head.
Hara
Um.. okay, si- I mean, Finn.
He grins, shaking his head.
???
How much was the cupcakes?
You shake your head, bowing your head just slightly.
Hara
They're on me. It's fine.
He glares at you still. You avoid to look at him so after one quick how, you head back inside. You can still feel his cold and deep gaze on you until you're back in the cafe. A breathe of relief escape your mouth as soon as you get inside in one piece.
Hara
Oh my God! I'm still alive?
Maxie runs towards you and peeks over your shoulders.
Maxie
Is that the Senator's son again? Hara, what the hell did you do now?
You shake your head, trying to figure how did it all happened so quickly.
Hara
I don't freaking know, Maxie, but I'm just glad he didn't kill me right there and then.
Maxie shakes her head, crossing her arms over her chest.
Maxie
You are such a trouble-maker.
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