Pretty Noona Buys Me Lunch -1-
Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. The cafe opens as usual, and my day begins. Mornings usually only see takeout customers rushing to work or school, but today even those are scarcer than normal, leaving things quiet.
"It's so slow this morning."
"Happens sometimes."
Crunch crunch. The owner chuckles like an old lady while drying the freshly washed cups.
"Speaking of, how's our part-timer's love life going? Last time I saw, you two were all lovey-dovey, swapping numbers and everything!"
"Ah, just made a friend from around here. Owner, your side been aching a lot lately? Why're you so invested in my love life?"
"I'm just wondering what fun you get out of life! Home, cafe, home, cafe. Wait, now it's gym too, right? What kinda joy does a young guy get from that routine?"
She clicks her tongue, saying people who only work miss out on life—especially a prime young man like me not enjoying his youth. She launches into a mini ode to youth with a casual "latte~" thrown in, but to me, it just sounds ridiculous.
Still, I know it's all coming from a place of worry, so it doesn't really bother me... but come on. Isn't it a bit of a stretch to say guys lined up for her back in the day?
The slow morning drags on until the sun climbs toward midday. Customers start trickling in steadily when Ji-ah noona shows up.
She's wearing a black off-shoulder tee with ivory shorts, her long hair loosely braided—looking especially pretty today.
"Oh? Noona! Hi!"
"Ah, yeah. Hi."
Unlike my cheerful greeting, Ji-ah noona gives an awkward, half-baked smile. She's fidgeting a bit, kinda shrinking in on herself. Sorry, noona, but she gives off total otaku nerd vibes today. It's that pathetic cuteness that makes her endearing.
"The usual?"
"Yeah. Please."
Extra shot iced Americano, as always. Dessert's a financier.
"By the way, noona, not using your coupons? Did you lose them or something?"
"No."
By my rough count, she must have enough for at least two or three freebies by now. Never seen her use one, though.
"Um... I'm just saving them up."
"Ehh? Really? Why?"
She blushes and looks sheepish, mumbling a vague "just 'cause." I can guess. Back in my old life, guys never bothered with paper coupons either. Mobile apps are one thing, but these? Easy to forget.
...Still weird how she religiously stamps them every time.
Anyway, after ordering, she grabs a seat with a clear view of the counter. Lately, she prefers those outer spots over the window.
Tap tap.
"Owner? Need something?"
I'd just positioned myself at the sink for returned dishes when she taps my shoulder. It's a slice of Basque cheesecake and a chilled vanilla cold brew.
"Take this to that pretty regular. You drink the coffee."
"Huh? Suddenly?"
She smirks and snatches my rubber gloves.
"VIP service. Take a break. It's slow today—special occasion."
Winking, she adds we need days like this sometimes. Staring at her in bewilderment, I realize it's not a bad deal—approved slacking from the boss herself. With a sigh, I take the tray.
"She looks like she has something to say to you. Have fun~"
Who else has a boss like this? Her mischievous grin just draws a hollow laugh from me.
I carry the cake and coffee to Ji-ah noona's table. She's deep into a book—English original, from a quick peek.
"Noona, owner says it's on the house for regulars."
"Oh? Ah, thanks."
"She just okayed my break, so... mind if I join till you're done?"
"...Sure! Of course. Sit."
Her face blooms like a flower as she pats the seat opposite. The vanilla cream cold brew—made special for me—is richer than the usual recipe, easy even for a coffee newbie like me.
"Want some, Jae-hyun?"
"You sure?"
"Totally. Here."
"Thanks, dig in."
She slices the Basque cheesecake in half, scooping one onto her financier plate and sliding the rest—plate and all—to me.
Just like that, the boss's kindness turns my shift into impromptu tea time.
Ji-ah noona nibbles her cheesecake, stealing glances at me. Her lips twitch a few times, but nothing comes out.
Finally, curiosity wins: "So... what's up?"
"Um... remember last time, when you said you'd show me a good restaurant?"
"Of course... Wait, that's what you wanted to ask? Wanna grab lunch?"
She nods, face flushing. How's this woman seven years older than me? That cool beauty tsundere vibe crumbling into this fidgety mess—what a killer gap moe.
I know it's rude, but I can't hold back the laugh.
"Wh-what's so funny."
"You're cute. All that hesitation just to ask that?"
Impossible to hide my grin.
"But remember—you're paying, right?"
"Y-yeah! Obviously!"
Her face beet red, but thrilled I accepted so eagerly, she nods vigorously, beaming.
Her innocent vibe just makes me chuckle more.
"Weather's warming up—wanna do some hearty chicken for stamina? Or something cool? Your pick, noona."
"Whatever you want, Jae-hyun. I eat anything."
"For real? No complaints later."
"Pfft! No way. But... you sure it's okay?"
What a random worry. I fork some cheesecake and chew before replying.
"A pretty girl like you buying lunch? What's not to like?"
"Ahem! Flatterer."
"Noona, your lips are twitching like crazy."
She giggles, ears turning scarlet. With that face, she must've heard "pretty" a million times—yet this dramatic reaction? On one hand, surprising; on the other, her honest simplicity is kinda fun and adorable.
"Wanna do a whole chicken? Summer stamina boost."
"Don't guys hate that stuff?"
"Dunno about others. But any guy lunching with you? He'd love it."
In this reverse world, I'm basically an ahjumma in taste. She reacts wildly to every word—pupils shaking, cheeks burning, a full rainbow of responses.
Mouth gaping like a fish, she finally buries her face in her hands, groaning silently.
Whoa? Noona?
"Phew~ Better now."
"Uh... glad to hear it, I guess."
Menu settled; now time. Just then, a group of five or six mixed guys and girls enters.
"Customers. Gotta go. Cool to hash out details on Kakao later?"
"Yeah. Go on."
I chug the rest of my coffee and dash back. Owner takes orders; I tie on my apron and start making drinks.
"Could've stayed longer."
"On the clock—gotta pace the fun."
Coffees, frappes, aides, brunch—busy mix. Owner jumps in to help, but not without teasing about our "good vibes."
Can't win with her. Just laugh it off.
3 p.m., quitting time. I ditch the apron, ring up a chilled orange aide, make it myself, and plop at an empty table.
"Not heading out?"
"Nah. Got something to do first."
Maybe it's baseless delusion from a hardcore soloist, but I bet Ji-ah noona's dying for my text. Or maybe I just don't wanna delay.
Anyway, drink in hand, I settle at her usual window seat and pull out my phone.
I send the restaurant address, but meeting there feels off. Better to link up early and walk over together. She agrees instantly, even tossing in an emoticon.
I must be grinning like an idiot. Cheeks ache as I rub them, gulping my orange aide.
"Just lunch and split? Kinda lame."
Anything fun nearby? Hmm. Hot day out—might as well make the most of it. Plus, more time with Ji-ah noona means bonding. Win-win.