Serin stood just outside the main gate.
"And you have to take these pills after lunch," she said, pressing a folded note into Evelyn's hands. "I talked to your doctor. No skipping."
"Seriuu, I'll be fine," Evelyn groaned while taking the notes and pill pack quickly. With a dramatic sigh, she gently pushed Serin by the shoulders, "Go already! It's your second day at your part-time job. You CAN'T be late."
"Okay, okay," Serin laughed, letting herself be shoved back a step, "But I'm staying the night again today."
"Really?!" Evelyn's face lit up instantly before slowly falling into a pout. "But… your parents might say something. You know how they are."
"Don't worry, my friend," Serin said, patting Evelyn's head teasingly. "As long as I have a job, they won't say a word."
Before Evelyn could argue more, Serin stepped back, waved cheerfully, and turned on her heel. A second later, she broke into a run toward the café, her laughter trailing behind her.
Evelyn watched her disappear down the street.
"…Always so cheerful," she murmured as she walked back to the lift.
ding!
The lift doors slid open in front her. She stepped inside, the doors closing slowly as her smile faded.
The moment they shut, Evelyn groaned and threw her head back against the wall.
"AGHHHH! Why are her parents like THIS?!" she complained to the empty elevator, stabbing the button for her floor like it had personally offended her.
By the time Serin reached the café, the place was already alive.
"Wow.. now this is what we call a populer café." Serin whispered as she saw mia coming to her.
"Okay Rin, you take table three! Serin, counter duty! No wait, help me here first!" Mia called, already moving.
"Yes!" Serin replied, tying her apron tighter as she slipped behind the counter.
For the next few hours, time blurred. The bell above the door kept chiming as orders overlapped. The smell of coffee and sugar filled the air. The rush didn't slow until evening.
Finally, the last customer waved goodbye and stepped out.
The bell chimed once.
All three of them sat down at the same time.
"Haaa—""Haaa—""Haaa—"
They inhaled and exhaled together.
Then Rin snorted.
Mia burst out laughing. "WHY did we breathe at the same time?!"
Serin covered her mouth, laughing until her shoulders shook. "That was terrifyingly synchronized."
"Okay—I'm out. I still have work at home." Rin stood, stretching her arms. "Good luck surviving without me."
"Traitor!" Mia called after her as Rin waved and slipped out the door laughing.
Mia sighed, tying her apron tighter again. "Alright. Time to clean." She glanced at Serin. "You sit. Rest for a bit. Your face looks like you stayed up all night."
Serin hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Very," Mia said, already grabbing a cloth.
Serin sank into a chair, letting her legs relax for the first time since morning.
The café felt different now. Quiet, warm, peaceful, floral fragrance in the air.
She stayed like that for a few minutes before standing up again, stretching her arms.
"I'll wipe the counter at least," she murmured to herself.
Just as she stepped behind it,
Ding.
"…Not again," she whispered, bracing herself for another rush.
She looked up.
And stopped.
Demian stood in the doorway. He looked… rushed.
His wine-red T-shirt was wrinkled and slightly untucked, his hair was a mess like he'd run his hands through it too many times. A black leather jacket hung open over the T-shirt, his guitar strapped to his back. He was breathing hard, chest rising and falling like he'd hurried all the way here.
For some reason, the color hit her first.
Wine red. She thought.
Her thoughts slipped instantly to that humiliating morning she'd rather forget.
…Is he doing this on purpose?
The thought made her stomach twist. It almost felt like he'd chosen the color just to mock her—but she had no proof. Still, the memory burned too vividly.
"Oh, what a lovely day it is, Lord," Serin almost cried, snapping her gaze away.
"OHHH—here comes the handsome boyyy!" Mia's voice rang through the café as she walked toward Demian.
He straightened slightly and gave her a warm smile. "Hey, Mia."
"…Wow," Serin muttered under her breath, peeking over the counter. "She really knows every lunatic in this city."
The moment her eyes lifted, they met his. She immediately looked away again.
Mia, completely clueless, laughed. "Honestly, bringing you here helps me so much. Girls come here like it's a famous person's show! It's like Free marketing lol."
Demian chuckled. "Wow, thanks for the compliment. But," he added, glancing casually toward the counter, "someone looks a bit… traumatized to see me here?"
His tone was light and mocking.
Serin's blood boiled at that.
"Huh? Traumatized?" Mia tilted her head, still totally clueless, then laughed loudly. "Nahhh! Both me and Serin love looking at boys with handsome faces! Hahah!"
Serin's eyes widened.
OH MY GOD—WHAT IS THIS DUMB WITCH SAYING?!
She gripped the counter, screaming internally.
"Oh, but someone was sad when you left early that day," Mia continued cheerfully. "I didn't even get to meet my coupon to success! I heard you left right before I came!"
Serin slowly lowered her head behind the counter, her soul slipping away.
Of course Demian noticed. A quiet laugh stirred in his chest.
"Oh—yeah, I was a bit busy," he said quickly, cutting Mia off before she could notice Serin's expressions. "Sorry about that."
Mia waved it off and immediately launched into ideas—promotion posters, live music nights, social media plans.
As they talked, Serin slowly relaxed.
…Yeah. She's really a businesswoman, Serin thought Watching both of them discuss business.
Mia was busy checking her notes and chatting about café promotions when she suddenly paused, looking at Demian.
"Ohh, come to think of it… why are you here at this hour? You look like you rushed!" she asked, noticing his messy hair and wrinkled clothes.
Demian gave her a soft, apologetic smile. "Oh, I thought the café closed, so I came running. Sorry for the late-night visit. My guitar practice with the band finished late."
Mia waved it off cheerfully. "No worries! We would have stayed a bit to rest anyway, so you didn't have to rush."
He glanced at her briefly. "Oh… can I have a chocolate cake then? Any size is fine, but a big one would be better."
"Ok! We have cakes, thank God," Mia said, relieved. "Wait here, I'll go check." She opened the door behind the counter leading to the kitchen and disappeared.
Suddenly, silence fell. Only Serin and Demian remained in the café.
Demian walked slowly toward the counter where Serin was tidying cups and wiping surfaces. Serin acted like she didn't notice him, moving from one task to another.
He stopped right in front of the counter, staring at her for a moment. Serin still didn't look up. Her hands kept moving, cleaning, stacking.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Hey."
"What?" she replied without lifting her gaze.
Demian set his guitar down against the side of the counter and shrugged off his black leather jacket, tossing it over one shoulder. "It's so freaking hot," he complained.
"Yeah… maybe don't run like your life depends on it next time after a long practice," Serin said casually, still focused on cleaning.
Demian made his mug face, pouting slightly, clearly annoyed by her nonchalance. "Let's be honest… you don't actually think I only came here for a cake, right?"
"Of course I don't," Serin replied, stopping her work and stepping out of the counter and coming closer to him
"Why are you here at this hour?" she asked, tone sharper now, narrowing her eyes.
He took a small step back, hands slightly raised in a defensive gesture. "I… came here to talk with you." His eyes flicked away nervously. "Let's talk after we sit down, okay?"
"Huh?" Serin tilted her head, stepping closer again. "Why would you want to talk to me?"
"Oh, that? Well… can't you give me like… five minutes?" he asked, voice soft but firm.
"hmm... ok I guess." Serin said and they moved to a small table near the counter. Mia returned just in time, carrying the largest chocolate cake they had.
"This is the largest one!!" she exclaimed, placing it carefully on the table. "I'm sooo sorry, Serin, but my dad called, and he said that freak—! I mean my ex came to the house begging for more money!! I have to go now! Please close the café for me, and don't worry, I'll be fine!!"
Before Serin could respond, Mia dashed out the door.
"WHA—" Serin started, eyes wide in shock.
"Aat…" Demian finished her word for her, his voice calm as he glanced at her expression, then toward the door. "I think she can manage. She knocked me out cold one time, her ex is no big deal."
Serin slowly sank into the chair, still processing. "I… should have gone after her, right?"
"Wrong," Demian said, sighing. "That would be you getting too involved in her personal life."
"Yeah, right…" Serin muttered, calming herself and focusing back on him.
"So… what were you here for again?" she asked.
Demian paused for a second before leaning forward slightly, resting his crossed arms on the table. He rested his head on his hands tilting it slightly to the side. His cold blue eyes met hers, sharp and piercing, the perfect mix of teasing and intensity. Serin felt her pulse quicken, her throat suddenly dry. The way he looked up at her like that… it was impossible to look away.
The intensity made her gulp.
"What… is he doing?" she screamed internally seeing the deliberate way he held her gaze.
"Serin…" Demian's voice softened, catching her attention. "We've been friends for a long time, you know. Sorry I didn't reach out after we changed schools. I never got the chance to visit you personally either… but from time to time, I still think about how we used to play at that park."
Serin's eyes darted over him, taking in the softness in his expression, the faint hurt behind his words. Of course, what he's saying has a reason… he wouldn't apologize like this for nothing… he probably wouldn't even think about it on his own free time, she thought, analyzing every inflection in his tone.
"Get to the point, Demian," she snapped, straightening in her seat. "Why are you doing this? I see you way too often these days, and don't you dare tell me it's a coincidence."
Demian blinked, a flash of surprise crossing his features. "Quick to catch on, huh."
He gave a small, fake chuckle, lifting his head and leaning back in his chair. His legs stretched out slightly, one ankle resting atop the other, his gaze drifting casually to the side.
"I was trying to seem genuine, though…" he added, a faintly annoyed expression softening his tone.
Serin narrowed her eyes. "Finally back to the topic. What do you want?"
"Get us into your school at night. We wanna continue our practice there" His cold blue eyes pierced hers. It sounded more like a demand than a request now.
"WHAT?" Serin stood up from the shock again. "Are you mad??"
Demian didn't flinch. He crossed his arms, lifting his head to look at her face. "You sure do love standing up, huh…"
He shook his head, then glanced down for a moment before looking back at her. "See, this will do both you and us a favor. My band wants to give your school a good performance."
He paused, letting the words hang in the air "Well, technically, it's only the head teacher who cares, but we all have our responsibilities, right?"
Serin's arms tensed as she processed his words.
He sighed, scratching the back of his hair with a flick of annoyance. "This is such a burden. Hey, listen, I'll do whatever you want me to do. Just do me this favor—"
"AND HOW DO YOU THINK I'LL DO THAT?!" Serin cut him off, her voice sharp.
He sighed, scratching the back of his hair with a flick of annoyance. "This… is such a burden. Hey, listen, I'll do whatever you want me to do—just do me this favor—"
"AND HOW DO YOU THINK I'LL DO THAT?!" Serin cut him off, her voice sharp.
Demian froze briefly, eyes widening slightly before his composure returned. "Well… you're close to the guard. Just get the key from him. We're performing in the gym, so only the gym key is ok. That's it."
Serin's jaw dropped. "Oh wow, thanks Your Highness!! For wanting to give us the perfect performance! I just have to ask a guard to break the rules for me and get four men into the school… all because we're 'close,' and I've 'helped him' few times before? Sure, no problem! So why don't you do this! Seems like you can do it in your sleep!! SO FREAKING EASY" She was practically panting from the outburst.
Demian finally stood, closing the distance between them. With a smooth motion, he swung himself onto the table, sitting casually on the edge, leaning back slightly but keeping his gaze fixed on her. His head tilted just enough to lock eyes with hers.
"Hey, easy there… I never said it was easy. I just think you're the only one who could do it," he said softly. "I did say I'd grant you one wish, didn't I?" His tone was low, intimate.
Serin tried to hold onto her anger, but his closeness made her breath hitch. She forced a smirk, panting slightly. "Huh? A wish? What if I tell you to die?"
Demian's eyes darkened instantly. For a split second, it looked like he was about to say something—his lips parted, his jaw tightening, but he stopped himself. Silence stretched between them. Then his hand brushed hers lightly as he finally spoke
"Try that…"
Serin jerked her hand away. "Listen, I'll try, not because I'm desperate for a favor, but because I want this festival to go well. Still… I don't think I'll succeed convincing him."
"My doubts say otherwise," Demian said, his eyes following her as she moved to the counter.
Seeing Serin focus on her work again, Demian's lips curved into a small pout.
"I wanted to see more… now she's back to normal again, huh…" he murmured, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Well… you had to accept my request, didn't you? I even wore wine red to impress you."
Serin froze, her face heating up.
He wore wine red to tease me… she thought, clenching her fists under the counter, trying to fight the mix of embarrassment and frustration to take over.
"Haha just kidding." damian chuckled at her sudden pause.
"Don't you dare tell anyone what you saw this morning, or it's deal over!" she warned, stepping toward him, eyes blazing.
Demian leaned back slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Why would I even bother?"
He looked away briefly, muttering under his breath, "You think I'm that kind of person?"
Serin groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Oh gosh… anyway, get out of the café. We have to close."
Demian straightened, "Ay ay, Captain."
He picked up the packaged cake, slinging his guitar over his shoulder. "I'll wait outside then."
And with that, he strode out.
Serin stood frozen for a moment,
"Why would he even bother waiting… can't he just go home, lord."