Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Who Is He?
Love is shitty. I woke up to a text from my girlfriend. “I’m breaking up with you.” Over text? Who did I piss off in heaven for this? Mom bursts into my room as she always does, “Good morning, son!” She practically screams out. I’ve got to get out of here.
I complained, “Why did you just come into my room without knocking?” Her smile falters. “Oh, I didn’t know I couldn’t be happy for my son.” She looked through my messages, didn’t she? I was hardly huffing out a question because I felt like I knew the answer. I responded, “Happy for what?” and she beamed, “I heard from someone that Julia and you finally broke it off!” She fucking did.
I fumed, “Stop looking through my damn messages.” Old Hag doesn’t know when to stop. I can’t get a damn break. I grumbled out of bed and put on a jacket. At this point, being on the street is better than being here. I choke out a half-assed apology to her, and I almost book it to the door. “Hey, Corrin!” Ms.Hoffman... the only nice person in this dead-end city. “Good morning, Ms.Hoffman! How are you?” I sprinted up to her. “I'm good!” She says while I hug her. “That's good.” I hope I can finally get some money today.
1st hour…No customers at all, not even a look from people walking. “Ugh,” I grumbled. Somebody parks, gets out. Are they gonna come in? They walk away..just.my.luck. 2nd hour, I was in the back when I heard a girl..? Someone finally came, and I nearly fell rushing up there. “Yes..Hello, welcome to Core Creamery and Brew! What would you like?” I choked out. “May I get the barista's special?” She laughed, and I smiled. “I’ll get that for you right now, ma’am.” Maybe things are looking up.
I guess she recommended it to people because I’m getting more business than ever. “What's your name?” A lady asks me, “Why?” I shrug. “Well, I’m an influencer and I wanna post your coffee shop so people can know about it.” Fuck yes. “Oh!- Um, my name is Corrin..Shin. Corrin Shin.” Never would’ve thought I’d get this much exposure this quickly. “Thank you, Corrin Shin.” She smiles. Maybe I should do something nice for her. “Do you want a free coffee of your choice?” She jumps as soon as she hears the question. “Oh no, that’d be too nice.” She denies, "I won't back down so easily..I insist.. ma'am.”
She blushes, “Well, can I get a pumpkin spice latte?” Is she into me? “Coming right up, miss.” After she takes pictures of my shop, I get a lot more business. Jackpot. The ride home was the last quiet moment I had. “Welcome home, Cor-Cor.” My mom screams as I close the door. “Stop calling me that.” “I’ll call you whatever I want.” Only my dad gets to call me that. “That was a nickname only Dad could use... and you know it.” She lazily looks over to me. “I’m going to bed.” We both knew that was a lie…She got a bottle and continued to yell curses at my father, who wasn’t even here. It’s gonna be a hard night.
“Corrin, you're gonna be late!” I gasped awake and groaned, “What time is it?” Mom responded, “9:50.” God. Dammit. “Sh-Okay, gonna have to open up late then. Thank you, Ma.” She smiled, which seemed unlike her after what had happened the day before. Is she hiding something? “Are you okay?” I pondered, “Go to work, Corrin.” Whatever she's hiding from me is none of my concern. As soon as I arrived at work, the famous girl was already there. “What took you so long, Mr.Shin?” She smiled, “Woke up late. But I’m here now.” She came in for a drink bright and early, and since she was the only one there, we had a brief conversation. She's nice. “Come back soon…” “Alana!” she commented, “Come back soon, Alana!” I yelled back, Maybe we’re friends…I hope.
“Why were you blushing when we first met?” I said as I drank more champagne, “Did you have a crush on me or something?” Alana giggles, “No, you had whipped cream on your nose, and I had just noticed. I was trying to keep myself from laughing.” I rolled my eyes. “And you just decided to leave without telling me?” She shrugs, “Yep, pretty much!” What a good best friend.
Work was busier than normal for the past few weeks, but it is still resolvable. I need to hire some employees. Jesus, it's the start of the day, and it's already busy. “Thai Boba Tea for Kash!” Finally, lunchtime..I went back to get my food when someone spoke. “Excuse me.” His voice sounded angry, so I got up there fast. “Sorry to keep you-” I looked at him. “You... waiting.” Fuck- am I drooling..at a man? “May I have a caramel latte?” Is that just his voice? “Coming right up. Name for your order? “S,” He stated, and I stuttered, “Be ready in 5 minutes, sir.” He shrugged and walked away. God, he’s tall. “Shit-” I burn my hand with coffee. “Caramel Latte for S!” He strides up and grabs his coffee. “Come again...Sir,” I murmured, and just as he came, he left.
After that, he starts coming back more often. Although it's strange, he always orders the same thing and then works on his computer at a table. Black, long hair that appears dyed, and light blue eyes. He's beautiful. What am I thinking about? I’m just interested in the unknown, that's all. But I can’t help but think..Who is he?