I reread to proofread but I also am the skim-reader type. Therefore my proofreading is inefficient LOL. Hope you enjoy chapter 2! :)
Sang
On my walk to the bakery for my next shift, I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.
Kota was so patient and sweet. And he was also a genius at economics, no surprise there. "I have good mentors," he had mentioned with a thoughtful smile.
But really, it was so refreshing to make a new friend for the first time who actually understood what I was saying.
My giddy daydreams were cut short when I noticed the long line to the bakery. People were lined up out the door, and their scowls told me they've been waiting a while.
I wiggled my way in through the door to see my coworker, Wil, running the bakery by himself. There was no baker or barista in sight, and he looked anxious to do everything all at once.
I scurried behind the counter and grabbed an apron.
"Where is everyone?" I asked, tying a knot behind my back.
Wil finally noticed me and he sighed in relief. "Oh Sang, thank God you're here. Everyone called in today. My dad forgot to find any replacements," Wil rushed out as he moved to prepare a drink. "Wait, can you do this? I'll stick to the register."
"Of course," I nodded.
He smiled at me thankfully as he got back to work.
Wil's dad owned this little bakery, but lately he's been lagging behind, leaving Wil to pick up the work behind the scenes and at the counter. Wil was a senior in high school like me, so I had no idea how he had time to do everything by himself.
We worked well together, and I think my presence calmed him down as he didn't look distressed anymore.
I continued making orders, and I put fresh batches of cupcakes in the oven and cookies in another.
Wil kept shooting me glances to make sure I was doing alright, but honestly the baking really helped relax me.
I grabbed two finished mugs and made my way to the customers at a nearby table.
They were two boys deep in conversation.
"Hi! I have your vanilla latte and hot chocolate," I smiled while placing their orders in front of them. My voice hitched when I noticed how handsome they were.
They were absolutely perfect up close. One dressed formally, his clothes matched his aristocratic looks. His cool demeanor clashed nicely with the intense look in his beautiful brown eyes.
Across from him was the charming boy next door, with golden hair and chocolate eyes. Though he wore a matching dressy outfit, he looked much more casual and relaxed in it. He beamed at me while he moved the hot chocolate in front of him.
"Thank you," the formal one nodded. His voice even added to his regal effect.
"Oh, of course," I said. "I'll be right back with your vanilla cupcake."
I went to fetch the cupcake, and I could still feel their gazes following me.
When I placed it at their table, the golden boy again reached for it, but this time he brushed against my hand.
The contact, though brief, sent a burst of warmth through me, and I couldn't help but notice his own grin widen.
"Thank you, Cupcake."
Cupcake? I couldn't help but giggle at how cute that sounded. I cleared my throat.
I am professional!
"Is there anything else I can get you?" I asked politely.
The golden boy smirked. "Your phone number."
"Lucian," his friend warned.
"What? I had to at least try," golden boy Lucian said.
"Don't make her uncomfortable."
They stared at each other.
"Fine," he said finally. Lucian then looked at me and asked, "Am I making you uncomfortable?"
I shook my head. "Not at all... I don't have a phone though."
Lucian's eyes widened, looking at me with big puppy dog eyes. "No way! How are we gonna keep in contact?"
I smiled at his exasperation. "I work here every weekday from 4 to 8."
Lucian whooped. "Perfect! Looks like I'll be getting cupcakes everyday now."
Everyday?!
"North will kill you," his friend rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I think we're okay for now. Thank you for serving us..." he paused, searching for my name tag.
"Sang," I offered. I didn't have time to pin my name tag after hastily throwing the apron on.
"A beautiful name," he said, not failing to notice the heat rising on my cheeks. "Thank you, Sang."
"Sang," Lucian repeated. "You can call me Luke!"
"And I'm Victor. Victor Morgan," the formal boy said finally. He studied me for a reaction, as if waiting for something, but I only continued to look at these two handsome boys curiously.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Luke and Victor. Just let me know if you need anything else!" I said, taking my leave. I stopped and turned once more, gathering all my confidence. "And I'm sorry about the whole phone thing. When I save enough to buy one, you'll be the first person I add as a contact!"
Luke gave me a stunned look, but it quickly morphed into one of delight. "Sounds like a plan, Cupcake," he smirked.
Victor just watched, but he was clearly amused.
When the two boys finally left, I cleaned up their table quickly for the next patrons.
Underneath a mug was two crisp 100-dollar bills. My eyes widened. Surely it was a mistake?
Before I could question it, Wil called, "Sang, two caramel macchiatos please!"
I quickly pocketed the bills, filled with guilt. They must've left it as a mistake in place of smaller bills in their rush to leave.
I couldn't stop thinking about it. Why would they just be carrying hundred dollar bills around in the first place? They seriously need to learn how to make deposits at the bank.
By the end of my shift, my mind wandered back to the two guys, Luke and Victor. If they really were planning to visit again, I could return their money, and maybe teach them a lesson or two about budgeting.
Maybe Kota could help me create an efficient lesson plan!
Just thinking about Kota brought me back to my unnatural state of excitement. It was a good mood to be in, especially because I had to walk back home.
I passed by Wil's office before I left.
"Hey, I'm gonna head out now. You're locking up tonight?" I confirmed, peeping into the cramped room.
Wil sat before a computer, concentrated. There were papers scattered everywhere, matching Wil's disheveled look. He took a few seconds before finally noticing me standing there. "Oh yeah, I'm closing tonight. Thanks again for coming early today, you really saved my ass out there."
"Any time Wil. Is everything okay?" I asked, concerned at his state.
"I really hope so. Have a goodnight Sang," he sighed, looking dejectedly at the computer. He didn't seem like he wanted to speak any longer.
"You really handled yourself well today," I noted.
He shot me a thankful look once again, nodding at me. Despite us being the same age, the tall and lanky, shy Will seemed so mature.
"Let me know if I can help with anything," I finally said, before gently closing the door and making my way to the exit.
It was already freezing out. The November nights were always frosty, but luckily my home was an easy mile or two away. There was a shortcut through the woods nearby, and I planned to take it to minimize how much time I'd be outside. I only had a sweater on and I didn't account for how cold it'd be at night, but I'd be home soon.
With thoughts of Kota, Victor, and Luke on my mind, I walked home with content over a fulfilling day.