There should be a Waiter and Waitress Olympics.
Grey ignored the concept when it came from Julia's mouth thirty seconds ago, but now that the idea lodged itself in her brain as she took this customer's order, it was brilliant. The older woman across the counter made kissing sounds as she examined each pastry in the glass display case, using an oily finger to point to which ones she preferred.
"Two of those. Four of those. Seven of these."
She thought of what it would be like to be in skates before an international crowd running to prepare the right combination. How many could she carry on a tray? Could she keep her balance as they slid around overhead? What would the judges be like? Grey checked the glazed donuts the lady picked out. There weren't even seven available.
"Don't let them touch, I don't like mixing sugars and fillings. If you can, could you make the box you deliver them in baby blue? It's my favorite color, so I'll know it's my order."
She continued to scribble on her notepad, careful not to miss a detail. "Of course. Any other requests?" Grey bit the inside of her cheek, praying that was it.
"I'd like to have a message come with the delivery too. You see, we're having a special retirement party for my supervisor. It needs to be very memorable. Are you able to write what I'd like to say now, or should I return closer to the designated day?"
"I--," Grey began. Nervously, she looked from her scribbles to the elder. How much was the lady planning to say? She'd really make her write it all down? Moreover, if this shriveled woman was just an employee, what was her supervisor? A bag of bones?
Grey stumbled at a hard push to her shoulder. Julia hissed in her ear. "You're short-circuiting. Earth to Grey!"
Right. A customer waited patiently to have her order taken during her daily commute. Grey just had to decide on that "special" request. "I-I, uhh...,"
Julia piped in. "What my dear coworker is trying to tell you is that it would be best if you returned closer to the delivery date. Isn't that right, Grey?"
Yes, exactly. "Yes."
"Thank you for your time, Miss." Julia nodded curtly, aiming a sinister smile at the woman. The lady's raisin-like face contorted further as she scowled at Grey and marched towards the entrance. As soon as she waddled out of hearing range and sight, Julia heaved a dramatic sigh.
"How long have you worked here?"
Grey had been working at The Parlour for a few months, almost a year. Nothing spectacular. And totally not worthy of replying to Julia's venomous sarcasm. So, Grey put the notepad back in the pocket of her apron and strode towards a dirty table. Snatching up a few empty glasses, she returned to the kitchen and placed them in the sink.
Back on the main floor, she rubbed at leftover circles of water with a damp rag and pushed the chairs back under the table. Next, she fished her pen from behind her ear and dug for her notepad. A few more customers had wandered through the door and were already eyeing the menus lying on the tables.
Absentmindedly, she listened to them and wrote only when she needed to. For some reason, she couldn't speak well but her mind ran at 100 miles per hour.
I mean, just imagine if Jimin were to catch her freaking out over something so small. She wouldn't be the cafe's star employee, she'd be its laughing stock. That pretty little cackling thing he does with his mouth would get stuck in her head for the next few hours, repeating on loop like a song on replay. To top it off, he'd make some flirty comment.
You're cute when you're spacing out.
No, that wasn't right.
Does my presence render you speechless?
Yeah, that's more like it.
And if Yoongi were here? Inwardly, she cringed picturing his lethally blank features watching her in that moment. She refused to think about what he'd say, how he'd react. She'd be ripped in half without hesitation. A clean tear through the middle of her soul. Talk about a horrible first impression.
Wait... she already had a first impression. And that went splendidly--
"Excuse me," the customer squinted at her name tag, "Grey. Did you hear my order?"
"One coffee, black. No cream, no sugar. One gluten-free croissant with butter and cinnamon sugar on the side. Correct?"
The customer nodded slowly, thanking her under his breath. She ripped out the notepad page and brought it to the nearest barista. Sliding on gloves, she reached for the croissant and later reached for a plate.
Honestly, screw both of their handsome faces. Yoongi could have walked around her rather than acting like she was a human roadblock. He sure found a way to disappear into thin air when he dodged finding Luca.
Speaking of Luca, Grey paused to wonder about her new pet. No one stopped her to say anything about the stray, and when they did it was only for compliments at how obedient she was. Then again, she would rather have a cat that followed her every move rather than scurried away whenever she opened a door.
Regardless of that, how did Luca know she was at the Grand Mirage?
Grey didn't miss the sidelong glance from Julia at the cash register. She must have been taking too long delivering the croissant. So, she hurried away from the table and assumed her position behind the display case, finding comfort in the company of aromatic lemon pastries and freshly baked bread.
Julia discretely nudged her head in the direction of a table in the corner. "You missed an order."
"On it."
Grey ran a hand over her stray curls, stopping before the person holding a book in front of their face. She hid her grin when she read the cover.
People still read Harry Potter these days?
If that wasn't enough to pique her interest, the dusky pink hair tousled over this customer's head did the job. Grey clicked her pen. An indication that she had arrived. The book lowered slowly, dark brown eyes still locked onto the last few words the young man could digest. It was then that she spotted the thick black choker about his neck, sticking out among his grayish-blue sweater.
"Welcome to The Parlour. How can I help you today?"
"Thank you, thank you." The young man smiled, nearly exposing all his nice teeth. It looked like it was close to being heart-shaped. She couldn't explain it, but though it was undeniably welcoming, the warmth behind it was subdued. "How is your day today?"
She got a lot of questions at work. None of them concerned her wellbeing.
"I'm doing lovely so far, how about you?"
He poised himself to answer then faltered, bright smile fading into more of a tranquil grin. "I wish these were better days. But, I'm trying to see the best in them."
"I'm sorry to hear that. If it helps, sometimes you have to go through the rain to get to the rainbow."
Great advice, Grey. Shut up and take his order.
"Care to sit with me? I have some time before I have to be somewhere. It would be nice to have someone else here."
She sat, impressed with how quickly she made the decision. Sure, she was on the clock, but oddly enough it felt like he needed her. Needed anyone at all. His draw was magnetic, homely, kind. Why was there such strain behind it? She'd lend him the time and her energy if need be. Anything really, to help him leave this place feeling better than when he walked in.
"Who do I have the honor of sitting with?" He chuckled at her flattery, crossing his arms on the table and leaning forward.
"Jung Hoseok. What's your name?"
"Just Grey, if you don't mind." He nodded once and sighed, peering through the window into the sky. "You know, if you'd like coffee or tea we have some. There are also lots of refreshments. I wouldn't mind getting you something to snack on while you wait."
He waved her off. "Oh, no, that's alright. I'm here to enjoy the view."
There wasn't anything fancy about the street. Regular sidewalks, a few open buildings across from The Parlour. A shoe store, an antiques shop, a pet store. People lived in the apartment spaces above those businesses, and other than that, there was plenty of foot traffic and cars on the street.
"Do you see it?"
She saw it every weekday. "See what?"
"The sky."
Dark clouds covered the sun. She searched for that familiar blue, and couldn't find it.
"It's going to rain." She mentally face-palmed. No shit it was going to rain. If he judged her, he wasn't letting her see it. Instead, he kindly pointed up.
"It is, but isn't the calm before the storm beautiful? I love the way it's so quiet, but brews lightning and wind at the same time. There's such hidden power behind those clouds."
Wow. Was he a poet?
His high cheekbones became rounder as he smiled again. "I wish to be a storm like that. Calm, but electric on the inside. Loaded with energy."
"That's what you seem like to me," Grey said. Hoseok shook his head, the compliment barely sticking.
"I'm more of a meteor."
ACHOO!
Grey and Hoseok turned towards the register where a panicked Julia hopped from toe to toe. The girl's short hair bobbed up and down, fear dripping from her pouting lips. She sneezed again, squeaking as she leapt to the other end of the serving area. Grey stood from her seat, flinching as it tumbled onto the ground behind her.
"Julia? What's wrong?"
Her coworker jumped onto the counter, curling her knees until her feet no longer dangled over the edge. She snatched at napkins, furiously rubbing her nose. "Grey, come get it!"
Come get what? She blinked a few times, bowing in apology to Hoseok who mirrored that same terror. After setting the chair upright, Grey ran behind the counter and gasped.
"I have a really sensitive allergy to cats and it won't stop reaching for me!" Julia covered her nose and mouth with one hand. True to her word, an onyx kitten playfully scratched against the dark wood cabinets, a single white paw stretching to touch the bottom of Julia's shoes.
"Not again," said Grey. She squatted and held out her hands. "Get over here! Leave the girl alone."
Luca casually stopped pawing, ears flexing as she glanced from Julia to Grey. Those green eyes glittered with satisfaction as she landed on her front legs and trotted to her new owner. Unapologetically, the cat sent a final glance to Julia, flicking her tail as though to say: Hmph!
Julia sneezed, wiping subtle tears from her glassy eyes. "Who let that beast in here?"
"I don't know, but I'll take care of her." Grey grabbed Luca and situated her under one arm. When she dared to look at Hoseok's table, all that remained were a few pieces of change as a tip. She no longer found the sight ironic. For some reason, she expected nothing less. Besides, he wasn't to blame. She'd ditch a cafe too if stray cats attacked the staff.
Chill afternoon wind gifted her with goosebumps as she stopped abruptly on the sidewalk outside The Parlour. She held Luca before her face, not feeling much empathy for the kitten's dangling legs. "You know, it was cute the first time. But now? You're starting to worry me."
"Meooow."
"Oh, don't give me that. You escaped home for the second time just to cause havoc. You knew Julia didn't want to play." She swore she imagined the glint of amusement that crossed Luca's face. "Well, you know what? I'm not going to let you sneak up on me anymore."
The kitten sulked as Grey pressed her to her chest. Looking both ways, she jogged across the street to what she believed was the best solution. Shopping baskets piled before automatic doors that slid open when she was close enough. Grey decided to grab one. "Two can play that game, little missy."
Luca dropped to the floor, tail curling once. Grey surged towards the entrance, halting in her tracks when the cat attempted to follow. Kneeling, she ran a hand over her black head. "Stay. Here. If you insist on being mine, you should at least listen to me."
Luca tilted her pretty head to the side but stayed put. And with that taken care of, Grey entered Licks and Kisses: Pet Superstore.
It reeked of kibble, pet shampoo, and an underlying tang of perfume. Multicolored toys decorated rows of shelves, transitioning to aisles of dog and cat food. Bird cages and kennels were on display to the left, fish tanks and aquarium accessories to the right. Over a wide help desk in the center hung a custom logo banner painted with paw prints.
Over the hum of old pop music, she wondered where to start. Luca needed everything: a bed, toys, a litter box. Most importantly, she needed a collar and a name tag. Grey wandered the first aisle, placing her fingers on her chin as she considered Luca's size. Different leashes and harnesses wrapped around a hanging display. And yet, not a single collar.
A tall man strolled down her row, stopping to observe the selection of cat food on the other side. His angular jaw and earring were difficult to miss from his profile. A long, black coat hugged broad shoulders and his cuffed dark jeans styled his black combat boots. When he faced her to check different brands further up the lane, she held in a sharp breath. His eyes were a light blue, clearly contrasting his dark brown hair which fluffed a bit in the back.
"Hey," she blurted.
Her heart sank to her knees when he looked at her. What was she supposed to say now? Why did she even call him in the first place? She could feel her shirt clinging to her back. He didn't even need to say anything to make her sweat.
And he didn't. Like he were greeting a fan or an absolute creep, he gave her a courteous wave and turned back to the cat food.
"Can you help me find the collars?" Her shoulders tensed as those glacial eyes scanned her up and down a second time. Then, he strode her way, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek.
Good God.
Up close, he smelled of rain and light cologne. A great whiff of it passed her nose as he leaned into her, his face hovering centimeters from hers and then maneuvering last minute to the side of her cheek. Her breath hitched in her throat. She thanked heaven that she washed her hair before work today with the good shampoo.
Then, it was over. He stepped back, holding up a packaged collar and waving it in his hand. It was hot pink and coated in glitter with a bell hanging from the front.
"They're behind you," he said. The white name tag he wore on his breast pocket had a single letter. She resisted the urge to ask about it.
"Thank you," she stammered. "I don't suppose you'd know where to get a name tag too?"
"At the front desk." She could listen to that husky voice all day. "You seem familiar. Do I know you?"
She slowly shook her head. It would have been easy to recognize a face like his. He was unforgettable. Would he have forgotten hers if they had met before?
He handed her the collar. She put it in her basket. Wordlessly, he gave her a kind nod and pivoted on his heel.
"Wait," she said. He peered at her over his shoulder. "Any suggestions on cat food?"
At his bemused grin, she tried again. "Sorry, I saw you looking at the brands and I've never had a cat so... I want the best for her."
"Try star flakes."
She watched him walk away. Star flakes, star flakes, star flakes. The pet snack aisle seemed endless at first glance, but in a few careful minutes she found the last bag of rainbow colored and star shaped treats. After that, she slid a few wet food cans into her basket and made sure to grab a fluffy bed before making her way to the register.
She wondered if that guy was still in the store, what he was looking for, what pet he had. Either way, the letter on his name tag floated in the back of her mind.
V.
What an interesting choice. And what an interesting trinket he found.
The salesclerk needed to manually insert the barcode numbers to scan the collar. It gave Grey another chance to sneak a peek. The bell would make her immune to Luca's prowling, and the pink would make her more noticeable at night. Plus, it was Grey's favorite color.
With her bags, Grey returned to Luca who sat exactly where she left her.
"You're going to be one happy kitty."
"Mow."
As she returned home, she hoped this same peace followed her to KSJ Industries tomorrow.
:::
(A/N) Wonderful reader,
Thanks for tuning into this chapter of BTS: Tear the Sky! The next chapter is actually my favorite one to date, and it'll be available 5/28 (May 28th)
J-Hope had his lovely pink hair and choker on because its a LOOK. We are going to collectively appreciate that man's ability to SERVE because he is a king. No debate. As for my boy Tae Tae, I wanted to keep his Fake Love look.
!!! Guys check out this cover by @TAETAEtrash_3_ It's crazy awesome and I'm so grateful to have met a friend that would make such an awesome gift !!!
Speaking of support and gifts, a lot of you have been so supportive and easygoing. I really appreciate the love, and I want to do my best to reciprocate support. You guys are really out here deserving the best.
With love,
M