Chapter 2

The coffee shop is now packed because of the event in Hasila Museo, one of the famous attractions here in Easparian. The Museum will have an outreach program for the Madriato Orphanage by hosting an auction. As far as I know, some of the items that they're gonna auction are ancient porcelain, jewelry, and paintings of some notable artists. But the main thing in that event that even tourists crave to have is the Map of Colambi during the 15th century because it consists of the remarkable spots that were known to be enchanted.

I've never been to an auction before but I know how the bidding works. If you're the highest bidder, the item will be yours.

"Here's your coffee, Ma'am," I placed a cup of frappuccino on her table and smiled at her. She didn't bother to look up at me since she was busy typing on her phone and only muttered a thank you.

"Miss."

I was about to go back to the counter when a brown-haired guy called me at the corner with a smirk on his face. He looks like a rockstar with his oversized shirt and gold jewelry; necklace, bracelet, rings, and piercings. He also has a snake tattoo on his arm and even showed his silver toothcap—like for real.

Hesitant, I still chose to walk toward him.

"What's the matter, Sir?" I asked as soon as I stepped in front of him, hugging a tray.

"Can I get your number?"

"One," was the only word that came out of my mouth. He chortled and leaned forward to stare directly into my eyes.

"You are funny, Miss. I don't wanna burst your bubble, but I am referring to your phone number. If you don't mind? I'll give mine too so that if you get bored, you can hit me up, let's hang out."

I'm not even joking for him to say that I am funny. people nowadays are...ugh!

"I mind about that, Sir. So if you don't have any problems here, I'll go ahead," I mumbled and bowed my head before walking away.

"Feisty."

As much as I want to be rude, I don't wish to start a ruckus with players like him. It's just a waste of time and my unpleasing personality can possibly harm Mr. Ty's coffee shop. That's why it's better to leave that guy alone as early as I still have my patience.

During these peak hours, it is really difficult for us three: me, Mr. Ty, and Feyra. We need a lot of manpower but the shop can't afford to hire more people since it was just opened eight months ago. So, I need to do my best even if my arms are getting sore again.

"Salted caramel mocha for Miss Carie!" Feyra announced.

Some people preferred to take out their coffee and pastries rather than wait for a vacant area inside the coffee shop. Although, it didn't change the fact that we have a long line here. And from that view, it only bombarded my weariness.

Eight hours of duty have passed, and our day ends with back pain. We already closed the shop and cleaned it before heading home while Mr. Ty summed up the earnings for today.

"I bet that we earned a lot today, Mr. Ty?" Feyra playfully asked and leaned her back on the wall. "Would you give us some bonus, Sir?"

I squinted my eyes at her. She's too straightforward in times like this, and I even feel ashamed of her because of how she acts toward our boss. Like hello, has she forgotten that Mr. Ty is our boss and we're just his employees?

We're not on the same level with him, Feyra!

Despite of wanting to scold her, Mr. Ty giggled a bit and rested his arms on the counter table. "How much do you want, girls?"

"Don't take it seriously, Mr. Ty! I'm just kidding, and I don't wanna be fired…not now at least."

He only smiled and brushed his hair with his fingertips leaving me breathless—I mean, astounded with his features. He really looks manly with his ash-gray disheveled hair and orbs. The black button-down shirt compliments his fair skin which can light up the mood of every girl who will see him.

He's undoubtedly an ideal man—plus! He has this sweet personality, a gentle one.

"You may go now, Feyra…" he glanced at me. "And Aksha. I know how exhausting you are because that's what I feel too, so go home and take a rest."

"Thank you, Boss!" Feyra exclaimed in joy. I only shook my head as I removed my apron and left the shop.

"What do you think of Mr. Ty, Aksha?"

My brows creased as I glanced at my friend. "What are you trying to tell, Feyra? It's as if you're accusing me of fancying him."

"Oh, don't you?"

"Absolutely," I remarked.

"Well then, if you say so. But for me, he's hotter than hell. Compared to the other guys I've dated in the past, he's far more decent and a gentleman, also, I really love Mr. Ty's humor. Those are rare things to have for a guy in our generation."

"You like him?" I pointed out.

"Not really. There's plenty of fish out there so I don't have any eyes on our boss, don't worry Aksha. He's all yours if you're thinking that I have a plan on pursuing him."

My jaw dropped. "I said, I don't like him."

Feyra only made a face and as soon as we set foot in our apartment, she immediately sprinted to her room. While I shook my head and walked toward the bathroom. It feels sticky all over my body, plus the smell of coffee has attached to me, and I don’t wanna sleep while having the aroma of it.

It smells good, but I wanna have a normal scent right now.

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I was about to roll the towel around my body when my palms caught my attention. My brows creased as I squinted my eyes, scanning it. My heart started thumping a bit wild with a growing curiosity, and my hands trembled as I blinked my eyes three times.

Why…why do my palms look like this?