Array
(
[text] =>
I hope you will all love Joon the way I do!
Enjoy..
—
Point Of View
– Joon –
I was awakened by the light gleaming through my window.
“Hmmm…”
I yawned stretching my whole body in pleasure. I wanted to sleep more.
Today was going to be another day just like the old days. My life was just a crap. I lived alone, eating all by myself was my normal day. I had this routine everyday where I would just sleep, eat alone, work for about 6 hours then sleep again.
What can I do more?
I hopped off the bed and made my way to the backdoor to check something.
“Great.” I said in relief after checking the jacket, it’s all dry now. You’re safe Joon! Another life has given to me!
This jacket was not mine actually, it’s from a customer. Yesterday when I was serving a customer I tripped by accident and had stained it but it’s all good now!
I took it and went back inside my small room to keep it safe inside a small paper bag.
I promised to give this back to that customer since it’s all my fault. The incident made me cry because of the idea of being fired or terminated.
I should thank him for not taking my job from me.
He’s Trusselle, who also happened to be one of our bosses’ brother and that fact scared me a lot.
I just can’t afford losing my job. Starting all over again and looking for another one were not an easy thing.
My phone rang and it was my colleague, John.
“It’s an emergency! Did mam Cindy call you? She just called me to inform that later around 5 in the afternoon the company will be having a meeting with the stockholders for their store plans for 2019.”
John talked on the other line as if he was really in an emergency. Today will be a busy day then.
I just signed my contract with ALD Company about my regularization. Yes I made it that quick because of my performance and our senior manager told me that.
Now I was working in a coffee store and Coffee Bazaar was the name of it under ALD Company.
You might be thinking about the name of the coffee store, the word “Bazaar” came from the theme of the store itself. We sell coffee and frappe related things like mugs, tumblers and some mini accessories supporting our main product which was coffee.
“Okay got it. Thank you for informing me.” I replied to John and I heard him sigh.
“Bro I always feel pressured whenever we have these kind of meetings.” he’s really cute when freaking out.
I liked that my colleagues still talked to me even I always seemed to be uninterested, they never failed to make me feel that I belong to the team.
“Just enjoy it.” I chuckled because he’s really freaking out and kept on talking.
“Oh come on, an advice coming from the person who never socialized?” he replied laughing.
One good thing about John was his straightforwardness. He’s always annoying me while on duty but he’s funny and great to be with. He’s already a close friend of mine.
“Who said I’m not socializing? I talk to my customers, always.” I replied sounding like I had a point.
I was always bored to be with but they never ignored me. My life was boring as well. Nothing was especial about my existence.
“Yes that is sure but just to them, because it’s your job!” he said emphasizing the last three words.
I just sighed and didn’t mind it. It hurts when truth attacks you.
“Oops, I got to go now. Don’t be stressed just thinking about later. See you bro.” I said and dropped the call.
I yawned again tumbling myself against the bed to relax for a second. I liked that working can keep me busy and I got colleagues that can make me smile.
..
“Guys two glasses of water please, bring to their table!”
Mam Cindy was ordering us around as we all worked under a little pressure. The bosses were at the store!
I was busy making coffees, frappes and a lot of customers were coming in today.
Just last 10 minutes the meeting will be done and I still have 15 minutes until the end of my shift.
“Hey? Hi?”
Hearing that soft voice made me turn around to see the source of it and it made me smile when I realized who it was.
It was boss Sandra.
I can smell her fragrance which I got to learn when she approached me at the mall.
“I see! That’s why you are familiar. So you are the barista here huh?”
We thought the same thing. She was cheerful unlike her brother.
“Yes mam.” I smiled shyly.
I really didn’t think that she’s one of the corporate stock owners.
“I just want to thank you.” she smiled again and I gave her a questioning look. “Forget it. Just accept my gratitude.”
I just nodded and thanked her too which made her chuckle.
We exchanged goodbyes and I was left in the spotlight with questions from my colleagues. We’re all having fun while working in pressure and I thought that it’s the secret of having teamwork.
“Joon your shift is done. Thanks for the good work!”
They all groaned when mam Cindy announced that and I just smiled at them.
“I’m happy I hired you that day.”
Mam Cindy followed me as I walked to the locker.
“When I joined the meeting earlier one of the bosses was busy checking our page and we got reviews saying that our store makes quality taste frappes.”
I smiled seeing how happy she was while talking.
“Some comments are all about you! Students were actually mentioning that our store has a cute korean boy.”
I didn’t expect that. I knew the students were always coming here but never thought that they’re serious when they were telling me they liked me.
“I know you’re enjoying the team and please let yourself enjoy what you have.” she smiled warmly that I could feel it and I thanked her in return.
It’s great to have her as a manager.
I prepared myself before leaving the locker room.
I took a deep breath before taking the paper bag that had sir Trusselle’s jacket in it.
Suddenly I felt nervous. I bit my lip.
This feeling won’t do good to me.
“Hey Joon?”
I was about to exit the store when my colleague at the counter shouted. She pointed John who’s now approaching me.
“Take this. We know you skipped lunch again.” he said giving me a small paper bag.
He nodded at me and mam Cindy was waving a goodbye.
I was hesitant to take it but I knew that they’re not going to let me refuse. I got shy and John patted my shoulder.
“Thank you guys.” I smiled waving at them before leaving the store.
The moment I stepped outside I felt the cold weather.
“Maybe this is what my mom was talking about.” I mumbled remembering her stories to me.
She said that when she was in Korea she used to wear couple of thick jackets to cover herself from the coldness. I envied her for experiencing winter.
“Mom look, it’s getting cold here. No snow but enough to make me feel the winter.” I smiled. “And we used to celebrate Christmas together.”
I can’t afford crying right now. People outside were having fun walking around and playing with each other.
I won’t take the freedom they were enjoying under this cool weather. I walked under the street lights while enjoying the burger they gave to me.
After finishing it I sat on a random bench to take a rest. Whoa that burger was fulfilling.
“Hm.” I mumbled after drinking water.
I wished life would just be like this. You can sit, walk and live in peace.
I somehow feel like I was always happy.
That’s something I never had experienced before. It meant a lot to him.
—
Point Of View
– Third Person –
“Joon?”
Trusselle said when he noticed Joon from afar and the latter was walking on the sidewalk of the park.
To his surprise he saw a very familiar thing and there’s no way the distance was deceiving his eyes. He was so sure that Joon was wearing his favorite jacket.
He smiled so wide and couldn’t believe himself for doing so. Seeing that jacket on Joon was driving him crazy!
He decided to lean on his car and waited until Joon reached him.
“Hi. Yeah hi!” he greeted the moment their eyes met.
“Hi? Sir? H-how are you doing?”
He found him cool in his jacket.
“I’m good. Wow thanks for asking huh?”
He’s really not believing himself to be in a good mood that he’s enjoying Joon’s presence so much.
He liked that he’s innocent. His eyes. His expression.
“How about yourself? How was your shift? Are you tired?” he’s so excited to talk more.
“No sir I’m not tired.”
Joon answered him while looking around. He hated it when he’s not focused on him.
“Not tired? How? I mean you worked today right? So probably you’re tired?” he’s not even sure about his question because he’s never fond of driving coversations but Joon was being an exception since yesterday.
“It’s just, hmm it’s just that.. well I like my work. I enjoy it so I don’t get tired.”
The answer was something that made really sense and Trusselle liked it so much.
He sudden had the urge to open the door of his car when he realized what Joon was looking for.
“Still you must be tired. Here you can have a seat.”
He left the door open and offered the driver’s seat.
“Oh no sir Trusselle, it’s okay thanks.” but Joon refused right away while waving his hand a no.
Knowing Joon’s personality that’s a given response.
Trusselle didn’t say anything and just stared at him while hands in pockets.
“Great.” he uttered his victory when Joon obeyed and sat on the driver’s seat.
“By the way my sister gave a call earlier and told me that she saw you at the store.”
He’s really running out of topic and he’s hating himself for that.
“Y-yes sir. I saw her and she greeted me.” Joon replied nodding his head while pulling the jacket closer to his body.
This kid knew how to get attention and little did he know that Trusselle was getting crazy because of his little actions.
The jacket was lousy on him and Trusselle liked how comfortable Joon was in it.
“Do you feel hungry? Want to eat something?” he offered putting his hand on the door and bent his body over to get closer to Joon but both of them got nervous.
He smiled and moved back. The awkward silence between them was the result of the careless action he made.
“I’m good. O-oh yeah! I forgot. Ohh I’m sorry sir.”
Joon almost jumped out of his seat when he remembered something but he stopped him from taking his jacket off.
“No it’s okay! I mean you can wear it.” he assured not wanting to miss the sight how comfortable Joon was in his jacket.
He liked that he’s always winning
“Oppa.”
That word came out of his mouth.
Staring at Joon’s eyes was a bad idea because he can completely remember his cousins who were fond of korean series that he managed to voice out their favorite word, Oppa.
“Sorry?”
“Nothing nothing.” he looked away and rushed to the back seat.
“It’s cold that’s why I put your jacket on. I’m sorry.” Joon was sorry for using his jacket.
“No it’s okay. Don’t be sorry.”
Trusselle assured and thought that Joon was cute for being himself.
“Don’t you feel cold?”
“Nope. I am used to this kind of temperature.” he once again assured Joon.
“Oh okay. I see you’re an American.”
“Aren’t you? I mean you are also used to this right? You know, Korea’s temperature.” Trusselle got curious and walked to him.
But the other didn’t respond and remained silent.
“Did I say something wrong?” Trusselle got worried.
“I haven’t been there. I never saw my dad.” Joon mumbled not even turning his head to him.
Trusselle scolded himself for being careless.
“I’m sorry.” he apologized and tried to cheer him up by showing what he took from the backseat.
He saw how his expression has changed to the sight of cookies but was hesitant at some point.
“I would like to share it. My mom gave it.” he smiled taking one to make him comfortable to get one too.
He couldn’t help but to feel happy when Joon did the same and bit on it.
“I really like that you are a korean, sorry but your eyes look great even when you’re sad.” he admitted making himself comfortable as he leaned on his car.
Joon was used to getting complements about him being a korean but hearing what Trusselle has said hit him different and he had no idea why.
“Do you know how to speak korean?” Trusselle can’t help but to be curious.
“I do and yes I’m fluent because my mom taught me, actually that’s the language we were using as I grew up.”
He felt so great that Joon was starting to talk more and knowing that he can speak that language amazed him. He bet that his cousins would like him.
“I wonder how you do that. I mean english is my language and even we live here in Philippines, it’s hard for me to learn their language. I guess I’m not good at adapting?” he tried to joke hoping to make the atmosphere more comfortable for Joon.
“But people here are good.” Joon uttered as if he’s thinking deeply. “I live here alone, they are friendly. I know not all are but when you find one, that’s when life starts. You know sir, good people.”
Good and bad people were all around the world and that’s something can’t be controlled. He liked it that Joon made a lot of sense.
“I can’t help but to be curious whether which one you consider me. Is it the bad one?”
He tried to be casual.
“My colleagues fear you, we.”
The reply tore Trusselle apart
“But you make me comfortable.”
Did he hear Joon correctly?
“Let’s go? We better get going, I know a place that cooks good food.” he panicked and tried to avoid the thought.
He did his best to convince Joon and he didn’t fail to bring him to a place where they can eat.
“Are you sure? I mean we can just go home. I’m still full.”
He’s trying his best to be patient and understand that Joon was just being shy.
“Can you please make yourself comfortable? My treat. Okay?”
He knew that bringing him to a middle class restaurant was the best option instead of where he always ate with his family. Joon would surely refused if he would bring him there.
A lady approached them for their orders and Joon just stared at the menu. Trusselle asked him what he wanted but failed to get a reply.
Joon was really shy and didn’t feel comfortable but Trusselle continued cheering him up. Everything in the menu was expensive.
They remained silent, Truselle wanted to give him time to choose his order.
The lady didn’t know where to focus. On Trusselle who looked so gorgeous and appealing or Joon who’s so attractive because of his korean features.
She even called the attention of the other staffs to let them know what she’s seeing right now.
Little did they know that Trusselle was not enjoying that they’re checking on Joon with their interested eyes.
Joon put down the menu when he heard him fake cough. He found the staffs rushing to walk away and he had no idea what’s going on.
He looked at Trusselle whose eyes were fierce and for the first time it didn’t scare him. As they started sharing cookies earlier and the way how Trusselle insisted him to keep the jacket on somehow made him feel comfortable.
For him it’s weird to have that feeling but he’s thankful to at least meet him once again.
He showed the menu to the lady and showed his order which was the cheapest one. He’s feeling so guilty to let Trusselle buy him food and he already did his best to refuse but didn’t win against him.
The lady took their order and Trusselle stood up to go to the counter and he was left alone. He can feel that his tummy was starting to feel empty and he’s sure that his cheeks were red now.
When Trusselle went back to his seat he looked down out of embarrassment. He didn’t want to be seen in red cheeks, he knew that it’s noticeable because of his skin color.
He managed to focus on looking down until the order arrived, he had no idea what Trusselle was doing while he’s hiding his face.
“I can pay you back, my pay check is in few days.” he tried to smile when he realized that Trusselle ordered a lot of food.
The staffs had to request them change table just to get bigger space.
Trusselle noticed how worried Joon was as they stood while the staffs were fixing their new table.
He thought of something and offered Joon to treat him back instead once he had the chance to and somehow Joon felt great knowing that his pay check was coming.
After taking their seats they started eating and Trusselle was enjoying to see different side of Joon, eating a lot and not minding his presence.
It’s totally different and he wasn’t expecting that food can make Joon like this.
He offered his orange juice while a smile on his face can’t be hidden anymore while watching Joon.
The time has passed quickly and they had conversation mostly about Coffee Bazaar. He also made everything to stop Joon from calling him “sir”.
“Why are you smiling?”
Was his question once he reached him who was already waiting outside.
“Thank you for the food. I liked it.”
He smiled too after hearing that.
They went to the parking lot together and Joon was still feeling full.
“Hey? Come here. Sit here.” Trusselle said sternly making Joon stopped from getting inside the backseat.
“I want you to sit here in passenger’s seat.” he added and the other obeyed.
Joon felt shy. He’s not used in taking cars. They took the driveway in silence.
“You can just drop me at the store, I’m good.” Joon said after Trusselle asked where he lived.
“It’s okay. I asked you to go out and I should drive you home then.”
Joon kept quiet after that. He knew he would not win against him. He thought that Trusselle was like those brats who got what they always wanted.
“This is the good thing in this country. When there’s a celebration, they make sure to make the most out of it.”
Trusselle had a smile on his face while witnessing the night in lights. The other also let a smile escape from his mouth because of the idea.
“Look at those christmas decorations covering their homes.” he added seeing the houses coming into their view.
“Right, christmas is great.” Joon agreed while getting the complete vision of the view.
He liked the night and was having a good time checking each houses they’re passing when Trusselle made a question.
“What’s your plan on Christmas?”
He couldn’t help but to feel uncomfortable with the question, he also asked himself what his plan would be? Or did he have a plan?
Suddenly his mood has changed.
A wave of nostalgia swept over when he remembered those Christmas seasons he used to celebrate with her mom.
Good thing Joon was facing the window and Trusselle was focused on the road while driving.
Thankful that Trusselle would not be able to have a glimpse of his face.
“I think the usual.” he answered trying his best to sound normal and casual.
He was all by himself in every season and celebration.
“My sister and I would like to go for an out of town but my mom insisted not to. She’s boasting her cooking skills and wants to make the best food for us on that day.” Trusselle shared his plan. “I’m really excited though.” an addition which made Joon think if he would be having the same feeling someday.
Silence took over again.
Days may be rough and it’s even hard to keep a smile on your face. Joon was never a fan of genuine smile.
Few minutes later, Joon told Trusselle to stop the car.
“I can walk from here.” he assured readying himself to get off. “Yes. This is the apartment where I am renting.” he added pointing his small home.
“Oh it’s good.” the other reacted once done checking the place. “Anyone inside?”
Joon smiled weakly shaking his head as a no for an answer.
He was deeply wishing Trusselle to leave already, for some reason.
There’s something that he can’t hold anymore.
He rushed to his place and hid himself like a kid who’s on the urge of breaking down.
The night was nice for a moment and it seemed like it’s going to be changed.
Trusselle sighed that he didn’t have the chance to say goodbye, he wondered why Joon seemed to be in a rush to leave him.
He drove away to get home and he’s surely enjoying the view. He’s also thinking of the person he has been with for almost 2 hours.
“Oh seriously?” he said in disbelief.
It just started raining and the drops were already covering his windshield.
“Why?” he sighed again asking the whole earth. “It’s always raining unexpectedly.”
He slid down his window and noticed that it’s raining smoothly, the raindrops were light.
Now Joon popped up on his mind.
He thought that he must be feeling lonely in an apartment when it’s raining.
He checked his jacket on the passenger seat and smiled remembering that Joon used it to comfort himself.
Joon on the other hand was facing his window while feeling incomplete.
“I’m sorry for ruining the peaceful night.”
He said quietly wiping his tears over his cheeks.
He laid his back on the bed trying to stop himself from crying.
His room was always his comfort when sad but he’s not really feeling so down because the idea that Trusselle brought him to a place with good food made him feel a little special tonight.
The topic they had while in the car was a something he never wanted to encounter. He missed his mom so much.
He did everything to keep himself from crying not wanting Trusselle to see him in tears.
Until he got inside his place and he broke down the moment he closed the door behind him.
And the tears he was holding on finally went out and he wished that his mom was alive and now hugging him tightly.
After a night of crying he fell asleep because crying always made him tired and exhausted.
“John? Yes why?”
Joon sounded so sleepy when a phone call woke him up in the morning.
“Oh come on look at this guy. Still sleepy? Dude wake yourself up! You’re already 15 minutes late!”
For few seconds he was wondering if he’s still sleeping and just dreaming but after facing the wall clock he came to a realization that he’s already late!
“Sorry! One second and I’ll be there!”
He almost screamed making John laugh because of his reaction.
Joon dropped the call and started rushing himself.
“You cried that’s why you got tired..”
He told himself as he stripped off. He was convincing himself with that idea and rushed to take a shower after getting himself naked.
..
“Good morning ma’am, I am s-sorry I’m late..”
Was all Joon managed to say when he faced Cindy and he felt so guilty for being irresonsible.
“It’s okay. You’re excused.” Cindy laughed and patted his shoulder.
“I’m sorry?” he got curious.
“Earlier in the morning sir Trusselle called in to tell me that you might be late today and want me to excuse you.”
Joon smiled secretly after hearing that. He didn’t expect that and had no idea why he’s smiling.
“It’s weird. I mean he was right, you might come late. I wonder why but I can’t ask, I love my job better than my curiosity.” Cindy laughed as she finished talking.
They headed to the locker room and told Joon not to worry about being late today, he was already excused.
The day continued and they continued working. Joon got busy and the students were still coming for him.
“Hey dude. What’s with being late today?”
John has been keeping that question since earlier.
“And what’s with that bright face? I mean what’s making you like this today? It’s my first time seeing you with that energy!” he questioned staring suspiciously at Joon’s face.
“Nothing. I mean.. I mean nothing.” it was a defensive response.
Trusselle must be really something, his impact was striking Joon differently.
The store was busy and John was now putting him in a hot seat, even some of his colleagues joined.
Joon didn’t know how to react. Was he really in a good mood today? Not in front of the customer but him as himself?
“You’re late today and you have that kind of presence now. You are making me guess that you have scored to a chick last night.”
He took a deep breath, he was too innocent for that.
“Guys don’t forget that we have a meeting today. We will be closing the store at exactly 9 o’clock in the evening okay? This is a cluster meeting!”
Cindy announced happily and everyone nodded in agreement.
“I’m excited! How about you?”
John asked nudging Joon who’s not replying.
“You are better over the phone. I can’t even talk to you in person.” he sighed shaking his head in defeat.
Joon can’t help but to always feel guilty for not being able to make even a short conversation with his colleagues.
He went silent because he’s not sure if he was coming to the outing. The meeting later will be about their Christmas break and he couldn’t find himself excited about it.
He thought that it would be better to just be alone and sleep at peace. He’s always getting this feeling that enjoying himself was better than getting along with the others.
..
The day was great, people were walking around with a smile on their faces.
Last quarter of each year in Philippines was always smooth and great.
“Greg wait me here. I’ll just grab double chocolate.”
Trusselle told his driver excitedly as he got off the car.
He was walking happily while having his way to the Coffee Bazaar and secretly excited to see Joon.
The smile on his face disappeared when he noticed a small commotion inside the store. He pulled the glass door and stepped in.
“What kind of training did you take huh? Did you even learn a little from that?!”
He heard a guy almost shouting as if he was talking to someone from distance.
The store was pressured by the comotion and some of the customers were getting out of the store thinking about their safety.
“I’m sorry. I am s-sorry.” Joon apologized with his head down.
“Damn! That’s very nonsense. You’re working in a food industry and this is how you do your job?”
The guy was sarcastic. He recieved a coffee instesd of a green tea.
It’s really not Joon’s fault because the customer provided a wrong order keyword at the counter.
He did his best to keep his tears from falling. He can’t cry right now, not in front of them.
“Where’s the manager here? Anyone I can talk to so we can take an action for this irresponsible employee.” the guy scowled nailing each words he said.
Trusselle was about to interfere when his eyes were caught by something unexpected.
From a sunny day, as the sun was reigning over the city, it just started raining. Yeah it’s actually raining unexpectedly again.
Someone was crying and it’s Joon.
“I’m sorry. B-but I can’t lose my job. I’m begging..”
Joon’s words that will surely break anyone looking at him right now.
He failed to hold his tears anymore when the guy looked for someone to talk to for an immediate action for what happened.
He was really afraid. He was crying.
He can’t afford losing a job.
“What the hell? You crying little kid?” the guy said sarcastically and shoved him.
Joon almost fell backwards because of that. He can’t even focus since he’s crying, he felt weak.
[text_hash] => 8b7bfe7a
)