The Pretty Regular Customer
That day, after getting some fever-reducing painkillers prescribed by the doctor and stepping out of the ER, it was already well past 9 PM. I got basically kidnapped by Lee Yoon-ju and dragged off, and her mother insisted I rest up properly, handing over Yoon-ju's room to me.
"Aigoo. Auntie cleaned up in a rush, but it's not too messy, right? I swapped out all the bedding and stuff for new ones, so don't worry about it and just get some good sleep."
"Um, Mom? This is my room—where does my opinion factor in...? Ow!! That hurts!"
It wasn't a light smack—more like a vicious, resounding WHAP! that made my own back ache in sympathy. Lee Yoon-ju let out a dying screech and collapsed to the floor, trembling. Hey, did your back just explode or something?
"Then what? You want me to let a sick kid—and a boy, no less—sleep in the living room? Aigoo! Lee Yoon-ju!"
"N-no, Mom! Would I really do that? It was a joke! A joke!"
"Joke my foot. Jae-hyun needs to rest, so get out of here, you brat!"
"Mom, be honest. Yoon Jae-hyun's your real kid, isn't he?"
"Wouldn't that be just perfect, you little punk."
I stifled a chuckle while watching the mother-daughter duo bicker like they were in some sitcom. I changed into the free-size pajamas Auntie had thoughtfully bought ahead of time and crashed right there.
Come Friday, my fever spiked again a bit.
"You better buy me a meal once you're fully recovered, got it?"
I was lying obediently in Yoon-ju's bed, popping the painkillers the hospital had prescribed, when she suddenly tossed a medicine packet onto me—out of nowhere, like she'd just materialized. It turned out to be cooling gel sheets.
"Ooh, sweet! Thanks!"
The fever wasn't too bad, really, but maybe seeing me laid out so miserably before had her worried. She was being surprisingly attentive. Ha. Mom, looks like your son's got some good people karma. Made some solid friends, huh?
By Saturday, I was feeling pretty lively again, so despite Auntie's half-reluctant, half-worried protests, I headed back home. The place had been empty for a couple days, so the air felt stuffy—I aired it out first and crashed hard. That evening, Yoon-ju popped in briefly to check on me, muttered "You're alive, huh," and breezed right back out. Just to be safe, I took my meds that night too and turned in early.
-2-
Late Sunday morning—perfect brunch time. With good food, solid rest, and meds doing their job, my body felt worlds lighter. I'd sweated a bit overnight, leaving me feeling grimy, so I kicked off the covers and hopped in the shower first thing.
"Might as well head to the cafe since I'm clean now."
Not as staff, of course—just as a customer. Figured the Cafe Owner might be worried, so I'd give her an update, grab some brunch there too. I threw on jeans, a baggy hoodie, and Crocs, then hustled over.
"Oh? Jae-hyun! Feeling better?"
"Yeah, a lot. Sorry for missing my shift the other day."
"No, no—it's not like you planned it. By the way, who was that girl who called in for you? Girlfriend?"
The Cafe Owner was pulling the classic auntie move, her face lighting up with drama-fueled curiosity at the mention of my love life. I let out a dry chuckle.
"Just a friend. Our moms were close. Her mom really dotes on me—ever since mine passed, she brings over side dishes sometimes."
"Ahh, I see."
She smacked her lips like she was disappointed. What were you hoping for?
"One brunch set, please. Drink'll be yuzu ade instead of coffee."
"Sick and you're eating bread? Should've had rice instead."
"Not something the cafe owner should be saying."
As we bantered at the counter, the door chime jingled—customer incoming. Couldn't hog the counter forever, so I grabbed a vibrating pager to head to a table. But tap!—someone grabbed my forearm. It was the cat-like pretty customer who'd been coming by a lot lately.
"Oh? Hi there."
"...Ah, sorry. Did I startle you, grabbing you like that?"
I blinked, wondering why'd she grab my arm?, but habit kicked in and I bowed politely with a greeting. She seemed to think she'd messed up, shoulders flinching as she quickly let go.
"Eh, a little? It's fine."
A typical reverse-world guy might've flipped out hysterically, or worse, threatened to sue for harassment. Or snarked if she was into him. Not me! I just smiled brightly to brush it off, so she wouldn't feel embarrassed or guilty.
"Ahem. I heard you were sick, so... um... you okay?"
"Lots better after resting up."
She must've come by Friday, noticed I was missing from my usual spot, and asked the owner casually.
"Worried about me?"
"N-no, just... you weren't around when I came in."
She mumbled vaguely, looking all bashful and fidgety. Someone who seemed so cool and aloof, shrinking like that and peeking at me—it was kinda cute.
-3-
Strong and healthy morning vibes! Monday, I strode into work feeling great. Hustled through opening prep, flipped the door sign to OPEN right at 9, and set out the A-frame signboard.
"Oh! Good morning. You're in super early today."
The pretty customer was my first one of the day. Tennis skirt, crisp shirt, sandals—her outfits were always a treat to check out, thanks to her killer figure.
"Ah... yeah. The usual, please."
"Americano with an extra shot, right? For here?"
"Yes."
"Your stamp card's almost full. Couple more visits and you'll hit ten."
"Yeah."
While I handled the order and payment, the Cafe Owner pulled the espresso shot and loaded up a cup with ice. Splash in the shot and a bit of water, stir with a cocktail stick—done! The pretty customer grabbed her finished Americano from the pickup area and took a seat. Close to the counter, facing out where she had a good view of it.
Huh? Not her usual window spot? Every time I'd glance around the shop, our eyes would meet... Nah, probably imagining it.
-4-
Short spring was winding down. The flowering trees had shed their blossoms, now lush with fresh green leaves. Regulars usually had set times they swung by—like office workers grabbing group pickups to shake off morning drowsiness, or post-lunch coffee for that after-meal craving.
But not the cat-like pretty customer—her visits were all over the place. Anyway, she showed up right on cue today. At this point, wasn't she basically a regular? Yeah, from now on, pretty customer becomes pretty regular.
When the pretty regular first came in, it was casual everyday wear. Lately, though? Effortless chic, maybe? I wasn't a fashion expert, but she seemed to be going for polished looks that hugged her figure just right. Made it fun to anticipate and admire whatever she'd show up in.
"Cafe latte today, please. Oh, any better at latte art?"
"Gave up. Just wouldn't improve, no matter what."
I wasn't hopeless with my hands, but latte art? No dice. The lattes I'd chugged practicing could've filled an aquarium.
"Pfft! Aquarium's a huge exaggeration."
"Just a figure of speech. That much, at least~"
"Aw, I kinda liked those disasters. They were cute."
She laughed lightly, saying she should've ordered more lattes if she'd known. Maybe it was her near-daily visits punching the clock, or all our little chit-chat exchanges. Over a month in, still just barista and nameless regular—but it felt like we'd built some quiet rapport. She was tossing out sillier jokes lately, laughing more too.
"Huh? What! Not cute at all."
High-level backhanded compliment? Still, regular wanted it, so I gave latte art another shot after ages. No practice, no success—naturally. She giggled at the latest latte apocalypse. I pouted and stirred it away with the stick, erasing the evidence.
"Ah! Why'd you wipe it?"
"Oh. My bad. Sorry about that, ma'am."
It was pure playful insincerity, no real apology, but she didn't get offended—just smirked it off. Heck, she even bought a chocolate chip cookie with her own money, like "just in case you're mad."
"Hmm. Jae-hyun, you and that customer... something brewing?"
"Owner, if you're that thirsty for romance, they say there are fun dating shows on these days. Watch those."
Munching the cookie she'd left, I shot her a deadpan side-eye. Want dating shows? Subscribe to Netflix. What do you expect from a solo like me?