“Let me guess, an Americano?” A smirk played across the female’s rosy lips, a lip gloss colour which she didn’t wear often. ‘Maybe she’s trying to impress someone’, Yoseob thought, panic ghosting across his features for a brief moment before, eventually, he looked up from the menu the waitress had handed him earlier, letting his gaze meet hers. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he nodded, shutting the menu and passing it back to her. His heart fluttered as their hands briefly met, gliding past one another. He wondered what it would be like to hold her hand, their arms swinging as they walked in sync, perhaps down a-

“You do want an Americano, right?” The caution in her voice interrupted his reverie and a light pink stained his cheeks. He nodded, a short laugh following. “Yes. Thanks. Sorry, I was a little distracted for a moment.” Yoseob muttered, mentally scolding himself for saying something so dumb. She scribbled his order on the notepad she had fished from her pocket earlier on before turning and heading back to the kitchen. Yoseob hadn’t failed to notice her rosy cheeks, a smile stretching from ear to ear when he realised it was because of what he’d said. The comment didn’t seem so stupid after all.

Yoseob could easily remember the first time he’d laid eyes upon Minhee, the first time he’d seen her impish grin when she had scampered to his table, eager to take his order on her first day. Nostalgia washed over the young boy as he recalled the memory, waiting for his Americano to be prepared which he knew wouldn’t take very long. He’d visited this café enough times now to know that. In fact, he’d returned every day since he’d seen Minhee. And every day she would scamper to his table, notepad in hand, and ask him what he’d like even though she already knew. Yoseob admired her; she must take hundreds of orders in a week, yet she always recalled his perfectly.

He remembered the day she’d asked him, “Yoseob, why do you come to this restaurant every day?”, her hazel eyes glistening with curiosity. Her eyes were exquisite, he thought, rarely had he ever come across an eye colour like hers. Then again, rarely had he ever had all of his attention stolen by a simple, fleeting smile. Right now, he couldn’t quite remember what his answer was, probably something regarding his workplace which he claimed was close to the café when, in all honesty, he took a 15-minute bus trip to see her every day. Of course, she’d never know that.

“Here’s your Americano” Minhee chimed, her streaming black locks tumbling across her shoulder as she bent down to place his tray on the table. A nervous chuckle escaped her lips as she immediately pulled it back into a ponytail. She’d explained to him before that it was forbidden for waitresses to have their hair down –something about hygiene- and Yoseob had always thought it was a shame. Sleek hair like hers deserved to be on display but, then again, if that was allowed, maybe everyone else would realise how beautiful she was. The boy’s eyes flew open at the thought. “Everything okay?” she queried, head tilting slightly, reminding him of an inquisitive puppy, adorable and playful. “Oh don’t worry about me.” He relaxed, flashing her a winning smile. “I thought I’d forgotten something.” The waitress nodded, smiling as she straightened and turned to head back to the kitchen.  As she walked away, she glanced over her shoulder. “Enjoy your drink” Yoseob nodded. He couldn’t help but smile when he spotted the miniature cupcake sitting by the mug. He didn’t remember asking for a cupcake.

***

‘Today’s the day’, Yoseob thought, chewing his lower lip as he entered the café, a soft chime announcing his arrival. He took his seat at his usual table and retrieving the small box from the inside pocket of his jacket, his lame attempt of trying to smuggle it inside. Almost instantly, Minhee appeared at his table, an impish grin playing across her lips. Her gaze locked on the box for only a brief moment before darting over to Yoseob. “Let me guess.” She giggled but Yoseob shook his head, a smile equally as mischievous appearing. “I’d like two Americanos today, please.” Minhee blinked though still jotted his order down in her notepad nonetheless. “Full of surprises, aren’t you?” She chuckled before disappearing back to the counter.

Soon enough she returned, carefully balancing the two mugs of coffee on the tray as she bent down to lay it on the table. Her hair was securely tied up today. Minhee straightened up and smiled at Yoseob, gesturing to the two mugs. “Expecting someone?” the waitress asked, glancing over at the entrance of the café before bringing her gaze back to Yoseob. Her eyes widened when she saw the small box on the tabletop, open and revealing the silver pendant inside. The letter ‘M’ had been engraved into the metal and Yoseob took it out from the box, got to his feet and stood behind Minhee. He brushed her ponytail over her shoulder, exposing her neck. “Happy birthday, Minhee.” The boy couldn’t help but chuckle as he took it upon himself to drape the necklace around her neck, making it secure by closing the clip. Minhee turned to face him, eyes wide with, what he hoped was, a good kind of shock. “Oh and I was expecting someone.” He held out his hand. “You.”