Chapter 158
Chapter 158
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Da-jeong is an Adult, So She Drinks Espresso!
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Thanks to the kind passerby who helped us out, we successfully snapped our photo.
After finishing our meal at a nearby Japanese tonkatsu place,
we headed to a cafe in the area to catch our breath for a bit.
"Ugh, let me pay, unnie."
"It's fine. Since we couldn't meet on your birthday, I really wanted to treat you beforehand."
Maybe because I'd snuck off to the bathroom pretending to use it and paid the bill,
unnie grumbled softly as we left the restaurant.
But just looking at the smile tugging at her lips told me she was secretly thrilled.
"Fine, thanks. Since the maknae treated, unnie will take you to a cafe with killer coffee."
"Hehe, really?"
"Yeah, there's a great spot nearby. I always stop by when I'm in Hongdae—super chill vibe."
Guess it's like her secret hideout.
Even back when Ra-hee unnie and I went out just the two of us,
every cafe or restaurant she recommended was delicious.
This place Chae-yoon unnie's suggesting is probably the same.
With that quiet excitement bubbling up, we walked along together.
The tonkatsu spot we'd just left was insanely good, too.
Whirr—
We soon arrived at the cafe, pressed the button for the automatic door, and stepped inside.
What unfolded before us was unexpectedly stunning.
Right in front of the counter was what you'd call a little pond.
They'd artfully arranged a water garden using wood, plants, and flowing water.
"Whoa, unnie. There's a pond inside the cafe."
"Right? That's why I love this place. Feels a bit like being out in nature, doesn't it?"
"Totally. It's so pretty."
I'd been to cafes with the members plenty of times,
but since they were always after company meetings, our spots were super limited.
A place like this was a first for me.
I dazedly took in the cafe while setting my bag down at a good table.
Then, with unnie, I headed to the counter to check out the menu.
Hmm, slight dilemma here.
This isn't one of those chain spots I always hit, so no frappuccinos.
Maybe play it safe with a chocolate latte...
"What'll our baby maknae have? Something sweet like a chocolate latte since you're still a kid?"
"Ah, I'm not a baby...! I'm, I'm an adult too, you know?"
...I'd been about to decide when unnie's words made my lips twitch.
Not only was I busted for picking chocolate latte,
but treating me like a little kid just because I'm the maknae.
I couldn't help but protest out of sheer frustration, but it fell completely flat with unnie.
"Oooong, really now? Our maknae's all grown up? Oh dear, unnie had no idea."
"Uuu..."
So mean...
Chae-yoon unnie's always like this.
She babies me way too much.
Sure, President or Ra-hee unnie might coddle me a bit,
treating me like a kid.
But it's at most plopping me on their lap for a playful tease.
Chae-yoon unnie takes it to another level among the members.
Even when I do something or accomplish it, it's all 'Wow, our maknae can do that too?'
She straight-up treats me like a child, which ticks me off even more.
"Hmph! I'm, I'm getting an espresso!"
So, to show her,
to prove I'm an adult,
I declared espresso loud and proud, puffing out my chest.
Unnie stared at me with wide eyes for a second...
"Espresso? That's way too bitter for our maknae. If you're having coffee, wouldn't something sweet like a dolce latte be better?"
With blatant teasing, she slowly scanned the menu with her finger,
suggesting options I'd like.
But I had zero intention of backing down.
"N-no, it's not! When I go to cafes alone, I get espresso like a grown-up!"
"Reaaaally? Goodness, unnie had no clue."
"I-it's fine! Now you know."
Ahem.
No matter how well Chae-yoon unnie knows me, she can't know every single thing I order at cafes.
She couldn't counter that, so she backed off a step.
Perfect. Just order the espresso and sip it all grown-up like.
Not hard at all.
It's not poison or anything—just coffee. I can handle that!
I'm not a kid!
I shot unnie a 'Take that!' look.
She'd been watching me quietly, then burst out laughing with a 'Pfft.'
Suddenly, she leaned into the counter and muttered softly.
"Alright, then while our grown-up maknae enjoys her espresso, unnie'll have a sweet chocolate latte."
"Eh? Unnie, no coffee?"
"Nope, unnie's not mature like the maknae, so she can't handle bitter stuff."
Liar!
You drink Americano all the time!
How do you say that so boldly when it's so obvious?!
Whatever, her having a chocolate latte doesn't matter.
I just need to finish my espresso.
And tease the immature unnie while I'm at it.
Yes, perfect.
This'll really get her good, Jeong Da-jeong.
"Can I help you with your order?"
"Yes, one hot chocolate latte and one espresso, please."
"Chocolate latte and espresso, right? For espresso, we serve sparkling water and sugar to rinse your mouth. Would you like those?"
"Hear that? What do you think, Da-jeong?"
Eh? Sp-sparkling water? Sugar?
Sparkling water's just like drinking water, but...
Sugar seems kinda not grown-up.
Espresso's supposed to be about the bitterness, right?
Yeah, unnie's totally testing me.
As if I'd fall for it!
"Just the sparkling water for me."
"Heh heh... Got it. Espresso and sparkling water only, please."
"Yes, sir. That'll be 9,000 won total."
Unnie's laugh grated on me a bit,
but I ignored it and averted my eyes, only for my gaze to lock onto the showcase.
Whoa, cakes too.
And it's my favorite—cheesecake.
The first time President treated me at a cafe, it was sooo good.
But it's pricey for the portion, so
I've never bought it solo.
On days I wanna flex, a frappuccino's plenty.
"Maknae."
"Y-yes...?!"
"Want cheesecake too? I can add it."
"N-no, can't. That defeats the purpose of espresso."
Unnie tempted me, but I shot it down firmly.
Eating sweet dessert with espresso ruins the whole point.
I'm here to flex my maturity with coffee, got it.
"Your order's ready."
"Thanks. C'mon, maknae. Unnie's got it."
"Okay."
While I stole glances at the showcase, the coffee came quick.
I scurried after unnie, who carried the tray,
back to our table from earlier.
"Ack...?!"
"Huh? What's up?"
The second she set the tray on the table,
a quiet gasp escaped me.
Can you blame me? The coffee cup in front of me was tiny.
Wh-what is this?
This holds coffee?
At least give a proper amount...
"It just seems like... too little."
"Espresso's always like that. Didn't you say you've had it plenty?"
I fidgeted with my hands and mumbled sheepishly.
Startled by her info, I straightened up.
Oh, r-right.
Espresso comes in small shots like this.
I didn't even know that...!
"I-I have! It's just... less than the cafes I usually go to."
"Ah, unnie misunderstood then. Sorry."
"N-no problem."
Phew, my excuse landed okay.
Of course—unnie wouldn't know the espresso portions at cafes near my place.
Hehe, quick thinking on my part, Jeong Da-jeong.
"Uuuuum..."
Time to prep for espresso.
Following unnie's tip, I went to rinse with the sparkling water.
"Pfft, anyone'd think you're gargling."
"Gulp. Eh? I-isn't this how?"
"Just sip it normally."
"Oh... right."
Her words made my face heat up.
I thought 'rinse' meant actually swish like mouthwash.
Nah, it's just to clear lingering flavors, like water after a meal.
Okay, prepped now.
All that's left is sipping this espresso maturely and chill.
You got this.
You can eat anything, Jeong Da-jeong.
Well, except broccoli.
Slurp—
After psyching myself up staring at the cup,
I carefully lifted it with both hands.
And took a sip.
First came the rich coffee aroma.
Thinking it was fine, I started to tilt my head like 'Hm?'...
"Guh?!"
Then, like it was screaming 'Gotcha!,'
an indescribable flavor explosion filled my mouth.
I bulged my eyes, clamped my lips shut, and glanced around frantically.
Sp-spit it out!
What is this taste?!
Bitter, sour, zero sweetness—not even 0.1 mg!
It's weird! Why pay for this...!
"Puhaha...! Maknae, just spit it here. It's fine."
Chae-yoon unnie, delighting in my agony,
downed the rest of her sparkling water in one go.
Then shoved the empty glass my way.
I snatched it without a second thought,
turned my head, and spat out the espresso remnants.
I've tasted paper or newspaper before,
but this is worse.
This is coffee?
"Ugh, too biiiitter, unnieee..."
"Told ya not to act tough. Even among us, only Ra-hee unnie drinks espresso."
"H-how does Ra-hee unnie even... Ughhh..."
Suddenly, Ra-hee unnie seemed so cool.
How does she drink this?
Knowing her personality, she'd down it in one elegant go without flinching.
Uu, but the bitterness lingers in my mouth.
What now?
Order a new drink?
As I wrestled internally,
"Here, drink this to wash it down."
Clink. Chae-yoon unnie slid something toward me.
Her sweet chocolate latte in a mug.
"I-it's fiiiine..."
"Your pronunciation's all slurred—clearly not."
Embarrassed, I tried refusing,
but she pushed the mug right in front of me.
In the end, I swallowed my pride, lifted it, and took a cautious sip.
The sweet chocolate latte flavor flooded my mouth.
Yes, this. This is what I wanted...!
"Good, right?"
"Ugh... Sooo good..."
"Pfft. Aigoo, our maknae. One more espresso and you'd bawl."
"N-never again. That's not coffee—it's poison."
Practically sniffling, I clutched the mug steadfastly,
sipping the chocolate latte nonstop.
Slurp—slurp—
"Unnie's gonna reorder coffee. Cheesecake too?"
"Yesss..."
She patted my head and stood,
while I nodded with a tiny ant-crawl voice.
The cheesecake was delicious, as expected.
Sniff. Should've done this from the start.