Chapter 8: Bitter

Xian stood behind the counter of the coffee library shop, absently wiping a glass. It was weekend, and he was working his usual part-time shift. The shop was cozy, filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of students working on their assignments.

As he worked, his mind kept drifting back to the first week of the merged classes. It had been a disaster, filled with moments that made him want to crawl under a rock and stay there.

The door chime of the shop brought him back to the present. He shook his head, trying to focus on his job. Just as he was about to greet the new customer, his boss, whom he considered more like a brother, walked up to him.

"Xian, you're spacing out again," his boss said, pinching Xian's cheek playfully.

"Ouch! What was that for?" Xian grumbled, slapping his boss's hand away.

"You look like you've seen a ghost. What's up with you?" his boss asked, a teasing glint in his eye.

Xian sighed, rubbing his cheek. "Just remembering all the embarrassing stuff from this week."

His boss chuckled, ruffling Xian's hair. "Oh, come on. You're always so serious. Lighten up! Besides, you're cute enough to get away with it."

Xian rolled his eyes. "You only hired me because of my 'cute face,' remember?"

His boss laughed heartily. "Guilty as charged. But hey, you needed the money, right?"

Xian couldn't argue with that. He did need the money, and despite the teasing, he appreciated his boss's help.

---

As they chatted, Xian noticed a familiar face walk into the shop. Vios, with his laptop in hand, strolled in as if he owned the place. Xian's heart sank. Of all the places, why here?

He watched as Vios ignored him completely, finding a seat by the window. He put on his ear pods and started working, looking every bit the cold, handsome, and aloof student.

"Great. Just what I needed," Xian muttered. 'His arch-nemesis is here.'

His boss followed Xian's gaze and spotted Vios. "Whoa, who's that? He's got the looks of an angel sent from heaven."

Xian groaned. "Please don't."

His boss grinned. "You know, I might just hire him instead. He'd probably bring in more customers."

Xian felt his blood pressure rise. "Traitor!" he snapped, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. Despite everything, his boss always knew how to make him laugh.

---

A steady stream of customers entered the shop, all stealing glances at Vios. Xian watched in growing irritation as Vios remained unbothered, typing away on his laptop.

"Ugh, look at him," Xian thought, his annoyance bubbling over. "Tall, handsome, and cool. Makes me sick."

His boss noticed Xian's dark mood and leaned over. "Why don't you take his order, Xian? Maybe you'll feel better after serving 'this' nemesis."

Xian shot him a look. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

His boss laughed. "A little bit, yeah."

Sighing, Xian approached Vios's table. "What can I get you?" he asked, barely keeping the edge out of his voice.

Vios looked up, expressionless. "Black coffee, no sugar," he said, then returned to his work.

Xian ground his teeth. "Sure thing," he said through clenched teeth.

---

Back at the counter, Xian had an idea. 'Let's see how you like this', he thought, preparing the bitterest cup of black coffee he could manage. He didn't add even a hint of sugar, making it as strong and bitter as possible.

He brought the cup back to Vios, who took it without a word and continued working. Xian watched, waiting for a reaction. Surely, Vios would grimace at the taste. But to his dismay, Vios took a sip and showed no sign of discomfort.

Xian felt a pang of defeat. 'Really? Not even a twitch?'

Vios took another sip, still unbothered. Xian clenched his fists. 'How does he do that? It's like he's immune to bitterness.'

---

Xian returned to the counter, feeling deflated. His boss noticed and chuckled. "Struck out again, huh?"

"He's impossible," Xian muttered. "Who drinks coffee that bitter without even flinching?"

His boss grinned. "Maybe he's not human."

Xian rolled his eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, maybe he's an alien."

They continued to joke around, with Xian's mood slowly lifting. Despite Vios's presence, his boss's teasing and the familiar comfort of the shop made him feel better.

---

As the day went on, Xian focused on his work, trying to forget about Vios. He served customers, cleaned tables, and did his best to stay busy. But every time he glanced at Vios, he felt a spark of irritation.

Finally, his shift ended, and he was free to go. He grabbed his bag and waved to his boss. "See you tomorrow," he said.

His boss waved back. "Don't let your nemesis get you down!"

Xian stopped, and smiled. "I'll try."

As he walked out of the shop, he took one last look at Vios. 'Tomorrow's a new day', he thought. 'I'll find a way to beat him. Somehow.'

....

Little Theater:

Vios: Hm.... It's full.

(Turn around and find another library.)

Vios: Full.

(Turn around and find another library, again.)

Vios: Still full.

(Continues until he finds a cozy coffee library.)

Vios: This will do. Quiet enough.

Xian at the counter: He's here? Did he find me!? He's really testing my patience!!!