A week had passed since Serin started working at the cafe. She could now make basic coffees on her own and had a general understanding of the regular customers' preferences. Most importantly, the satisfaction she felt from working every day was immense.
"Serin-ssi, your latte art skills have really improved!"
Jiyoung exclaimed, looking at the cafe latte Serin had made. Although it wasn't perfect, the heart shape was quite well-drawn.
"That's because Jiyoung unnie taught me so well."
"No, it's thanks to your hard work and practice, Serin-ssi."
It was around 2 PM, and the cafe was quiet. Suddenly, the cafe door opened, and a middle-aged man in a suit entered. Serin thought his face looked familiar and soon realized who it was.
It was Section Chief Kim from her former company.
"Oh? Serin-ssi?"
Section Chief Kim also recognized Serin and looked surprised.
"Hello, Section Chief."
Serin awkwardly greeted him. Seeing Section Chief Kim, who had been in cahoots with Kim Assistant Manager who framed her, didn't make her feel good.
"Are you working here? Didn't you receive the reinstatement offer?"
"Yes, I declined it."
"Oh, really? But you're working part-time here."
There was an underlying disdain in Section Chief Kim's tone, as if implying, 'A former successful office worker is now just working a cafe part-time.'
"Yes, I'm learning a new field."
Serin answered as calmly as possible.
"What can I get for you?"
"One americano, please."
While Serin was making the coffee, Section Chief Kim continued to talk.
"It's really a shame. A talented person like you working here... it's not too late, so reconsider."
Just then, Jiyoung interjected.
"Sir, our Serin-ssi is a truly excellent employee. She also has plans to start her own cafe business in the future."
"Oh, really? But realistically speaking..."
Just as Section Chief Kim was about to say more, the cafe door opened again. Junhyuk entered.
"Serin-ssi, hello."
Junhyuk seemed to have arrived at the cafe earlier than usual. Noticing Serin's somber expression, he looked around as if trying to assess the situation.
"Oh, Junhyuk-ssi. You're early."
"Yes, I finished work early today. Was something wrong?"
Serin felt much more at ease at Junhyuk's warm voice.
"No, it's nothing. Someone from my previous company came by."
Section Chief Kim saw Junhyuk and greeted him.
"Hello. I'm Section Chief Kim, who worked with Serin-ssi."
"Hello."
Junhyuk's reply was short and cold. He seemed to have somewhat guessed the situation from Serin's expression.
"Serin-ssi was a truly capable employee. Our company is still waiting for her to come back."
"Is that so? But Serin-ssi is doing what she truly wants to do now, isn't she?"
Section Chief Kim looked somewhat flustered at Junhyuk's words.
"Of course, it's a good experience, but in the long run..."
"Even in the long run, it seems fine. Serin-ssi plans to run her own cafe in the future. And I'll be helping with the interior design."
As Junhyuk naturally stood by Serin, her heart warmed even more.
"Ah, I see. So you work in architecture?"
"Yes, I'm an architect."
Section Chief Kim finished his coffee and stood up, saying,
"Well, Serin-ssi, if you change your mind, feel free to contact me anytime. The terms will be even better than before."
"Thank you, but I'm fine."
After Section Chief Kim left, there was a brief silence in the cafe.
"Are you okay?"
Junhyuk asked with a worried voice.
"Yes, I'm fine. But it was really fortunate that you came, Junhyuk-ssi."
"He upset you, didn't he?"
"A little. It was like he was saying I made the wrong choice..."
Jiyoung patted Serin's shoulder.
"Serin-ssi, don't mind him. People often judge based on their own standards. What matters is that you're happy, isn't it?"
"That's right. Jiyoung-ssi is right."
Junhyuk also agreed.
"And I think your choice is the right one, Serin-ssi. If you give up on your dream and only choose the safe path, you might regret it later."
Serin gained strength from their encouragement.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you."
Just then, Taemin entered. He was a little later than usual.
"Hello. I'm a bit late today."
"Hello. Would you like an americano?"
"Yes, but Serin-ssi's expression looks down. Was something wrong?"
Jiyoung briefly explained the situation.
"Ah, so that's what happened. That person is really frustrating. Serin-ssi is working so hard..."
Taemin encouraged Serin.
"But if you're really planning to start a cafe, I can help you with marketing. Things like current cafe market trends, branding strategies..."
"Really? Thank you."
"You're welcome. We're neighbors, after all."
Junhyuk's expression stiffened slightly as he listened to Taemin's offer. He was bothered by Taemin's continued interest in Serin.
"Then, shall we talk in detail sometime? Are you free after work?"
"Hmm..."
While Serin hesitated, Junhyuk spoke first.
"I'm sorry, but Serin-ssi and I have plans today."
"Oh, I see. Then another day..."
"Yes, let's talk about it next time."
After Taemin took his coffee and left, Jiyoung smiled and said,
"Junhyuk, your jealousy is so obvious."
"It's not jealousy..."
"Oh, yes it is. Your expression turns grim every time Taemin oppa shows interest in Serin-ssi."
Serin chuckled.
"Jiyoung unnie is right. Junhyuk-ssi, your jealous side is cute."
Junhyuk's face turned red.
"That's... no... it's just that Taemin-ssi seems too proactive..."
"Don't worry. I'm not interested in anyone but you, Junhyuk-ssi."
Junhyuk's expression brightened at Serin's honest words.
"Really?"
"Really."
Jiyoung, watching the two smiling at each other, said,
"You two should just date already. It's nice to see, but it's so sweet I feel like I'm getting diabetes."
Serin blushed and said,
"Unnie!"
But in her heart, she agreed with Jiyoung's words. She was curious and excited about how her relationship with Junhyuk would develop.