05

Raya and I decided to bring the kinds of stuff we purchased to work this morning. We might not be able to make it if we want to go back to the shop yesterday because the manager decided to close the shop early.

Right now, Raya was the one who made our breakfast. It was because she insisted on doing so since I was the one who prepared our breakfast yesterday. Although I refused her proposal a few times, she was persistent in making our breakfast, so I had no choice but to do as she say.

I woke up at the same time as Raya so while she is busy making breakfast, I decided to take a bath. With this, we may save more time in our morning routines and get to the shop much earlier than before.

We have to move quickly so as to not waste time, since we also have a lot of things to bring with us. One good thing about the coffee shop where we work was the fact that it was a few blocks away from the manager's house. It makes it easy for her to arrive at the shop as early as possible especially if one of our staff has arrived early.

Raya and I can just ask the manager to open the shop for us. One call to the manager regarding the shop will make her fly to the shop. Jokes aside, our manager is so kind-hearted to the point where she doesn't want her employees to wait for a long time outside of the shop, especially in cold weather.

Once I was done changing into new clothes, I went straight to the dining room and eat my breakfast together with Raya. She rushed her food to the point of choking, but good thing is that I was quick to respond to her.

She took a quick shower while I wash the dishes. After we were both done, we then left for our work as we brought all of the potted plants that we bought yesterday.

Once we arrived in front of the shop. Raya called our manager using her own cellphone since I do not own one at the moment. I still haven't had my first salary and I do not have much savings to buy a phone. 

Having a phone in the wealthiest city is already considered sophisticated by society. What more if you personally own one? Gadgets such as phones are indeed considered a luxury in S City. 

So when I saved the tablet of Sky when he dropped it, I can be considered as an almighty savior who saved a hundred thousand worth of silver gadgets. I'm pretty sure I read it somewhere that the bigger they are, the more expensive their price is.

Anyway, I spotted our manager a few blocks away from us waving her hands. She looks like she has just risen up from bed although she still looks wealthy. She got her keys in her hands and dash off in our direction.

She immediately opened the shop and let us in. "You can do the routines first and maybe decorate the shop already while it is not yet time for the opening. Just don't accept customers yet since it's still not the opening time for the shop." We both nodded our heads and bid the manager goodbye.

I decided to do the decorations first since I am the one who was asked yesterday to do it. Raya on the other hand decided to clean up a bit inside. I looked outside the shop first and checked the exterior design.

I plan to place some potted plants that will be hung inside the shop itself. Just a few plants here and there on the corner of the shop will look pleasant in the eyes.

I also placed tulips on vases and use them to design the tables. Having a bright-colored flower on your table in front of you can also bring you positive and good vibes. It can also brighten your gloomy day ahead. There are some people who visit coffee shops just to chill and unwind. They are people who usually had a bad or frustrating day. Having a flower might divert their attention and may replace the negativities they were feeling at the moment.

While there are some tables that have flowers in their center, I also left some that have none. There might be customers who prefer tables with no other designs. These are the types of people who want to enjoy their coffee with simplicity and peace. No additives, just plain coffee to enjoy.

Once I was done, a lot of people applauded what I did. I didn't even notice that the staff of the shop have already gathered together as I was too absorbed by my own small world. I shyly blushed out of nowhere because of their applause as if they were proud of what I have just done.

"The flowers and other plants are really pretty. You did a job well-done ~," the manager praised me while clapping her hands. Soon enough, we gathered around and hovered against each other. We yelled as we hope for each other's help throughout the day.

"Please take care of me! Fighting!"

Our shop opened for the customers and the day went like that. It was once again a tiring but fulfilling day for everyone. We gathered a lot more customers today than before that was, according to the manager, possibly due to the design of the shop. It greatly emphasizes my eye for aesthetics that suits really well to a lot of customers' tastes. 

Because of the huge success this day, the manager held a congratulatory party. She decided to treat us to a team dinner in a widely known bar. After closing up the shop, we then walked towards our destination.

It was a highly known bar, two streets away from the coffee shop. Since the manager will be treating us to dinner, although I do not wish to spend the night out, I think this day will do. I cannot possibly just refuse something as precious as free dinner. She's even willing to treat us to drinks.

The bar was buzzing as soon as we arrived. The manager seem to have a connection with the owner since we had a table reserved only for us despite the long line of customers outside. We were even treated as VIPs as soon as we entered.

We took our own respective seats, and the servers gave us large servings of raw meat. I was confused at first since the meat they gave us was raw. But then, someone came and there were charcoals that were placed inside the furnace-looking grill in the center of the table.

This made me think that this bar might be having the idea of serving oneself where you will have to cook your own food yourself. It was a unique concept since you can cook the meat however you like it.

I remembered that steaks have different types of cooking level, and it varies from person to person. Some people like their steaks to be rare, some liked it well-cooked. So, this idea greatly gives importance to that aspect in particular.

Alcohol was also served at our table. And the small celebratory party then commenced. They even greatly praised me for my great contributions even though it was still my third day in the shop.

"I am expecting more great things from you. And I am expecting your utmost care and help from now on towards the shop~" The drunk manager cannot help but speak her own mind due to the influence of the alcohol.

"Yes Ma'am~" I answered. I'm minding my own alcohol content since I do not have a high tolerance for it. I need to watch out for myself since Raya seems to be drowning her night away with alcohol.

I, at least, need to stay vigilant and conscious for the night so we can get back to our home safely. My colleagues were eating meats and drinking at the same time. And soon enough, almost half of them are already down.

I can also feel my mind getting dizzy, so I decided to step outside first.

Anything free is great indeed. But I still need to watch for myself since our team should have at least one sane person at bay. I sighed as I tried to clear my thoughts and wind up my mind. When I was about to enter the bar after a breather, one familiar face came into my view.

It was Sky. Definitely ... but there's this peculiar atmosphere surrounding him. Especially with that unlighted cigarette pressed between his pressed lips and the disheveled hair he currently has.

He was oozing in sexiness which made me wonder if this was still the same Sky from our previous encounter. When our eyes met, I thought he will revert back to his usual kind appearance, but to my surprise, a smirk formed on his lips.

"I believe this is the third time we met. So ... can I consider this as fate?" I smiled. "I'm Solenn Alva by the way." I finally introduced myself to the man I met not just once, not twice ... but thrice, purely by coincidence. And I definitely feel relieved after our fated encounter tonight.