One Spilled Coffee, One Treat Café

At night, back at my house.

"So, my darling, tell me how did it go at your new job?"

My mom asked sweetly over dinner, 

while my sister gobbled up all the noodles like my mom made them just for her.

Ugh. Family's golden child.

I looked at my mom and beamed.

"It was great! I learned so many new things, and the HQ is huge!"

I told her everything about the building I was honestly impressed.

Then she asked the question I dreaded.

"And how's your boss?"

Oh. My new devil boss. Who bosses me around like he owns me.

If only I could tell her that.

But instead, I smiled sweetly.

"Oh, Boss Vincent? Yeah... he's a good guy! He showed me around the office."

My mom smiled back, all proud.

"I'm proud of you."

"Eh?" I blinked.

Before I could react, my sister screamed,

"MOM!! I want more of this!"

She pointed at her drink.

"Alright, you don't have to shout," I snapped at her.

Then came another wail, "MOM! SHE'S YELLING AT ME!"

Ugh. "Mom, did you install a microphone in her or something?"

She's so loud!

And the most impressive thing? My dad didn't even flinch.

As if my sister's screaming was his favorite background music.

Well... maybe it is. Who knows. I'm not a guy—guys operate differently.

Then I excuse myself to a bathroom.

Ugh. Why am I thinking about guys again?

I shaved my hand on my pocket. Eh?

Oh yeah the lipstick.

Is it normal to get a lipstick from your boss on your first day of work?

I rolled it between my fingers, studying it.

My very first lipstick.

And OMG—it's branded. The most expensive brand out there.

Is my boss Vincent really that rich?

No way.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror.

Slowly, I applied it on my lips.

The color looked natural but made my skin glow.

I stared.

A warm bloom spread on my cheeks.

I'm blushing!

I cupped my face, feeling the heat.

"Aaaghhhh!!!" I squealed.

Okay, I don't know why I screamed. Maybe to hide my embarrassment?

Don't ask me.

"Rose! Are you alright in there?"

Oh crap. Now Mom's worried.

"I'm okay, Mom! Just... you know what!"

She laughed. "Don't scare me like that."

I dove onto my bed, the lipstick still clutched in my hand.

I twirled it between my palms, then held it close to my heart.

"Thank you, Vincent..."

I curled up around it and drifted off to sleep.

Next Morning

"ROSE!! You're gonna be late for work!"

Okay okay okay second day, I do NOT wanna be late.

Agh! That devil boss is gonna kill me! Grab my bag.

I ran downstairs, nearly slipped through the hallway.

Without breakfast, I dashed out the door.

"Rose! You forgot your lunch!"

My mom yelled behind me.

"Agh, sorry Mom! I'll come back for it when I have time!"

I grabbed my shoes and ran outside barefoot.

Yup that's how desperate I am not to get scolded by him.

When I got on the bus, putting my shoes on, I realized,

I'm dead. I forgot my lipstick on my bed? Ugh!

I'm officially dead!

At the office.

"YOU'RE LATE!"

Alright. He's mad.

"I-I'm sorry b-boss..."

Head down. Like a dog getting scolded by its owner.

Then he spoke, calm but terrifying.

"Well, since you're late today, I want you to get me a coffee as punishment."

"Sure, boss..." I turned to leave, but he stopped me.

"Rose À Montasia. Not buy it. Make it. In the pantry."

I turned back to him, eyes wide like they might pop out.

"Ehhh!? Make coffee!? I've never made coffee in my life!"

His face? Completely unbothered. Still working on his laptop.

"I'm pretty sure you can google it."

I squinted at him, chin high.

Well! Don't say I didn't warn you, Vincent LeClair.

I'm gonna make the worst coffee you've ever tasted!

Wahaha my evil laugh escaped.

In the pantry

"What are you staring at? Oh right coffee..." 

I talked to myself.

I laughed nervously and turned back to my mission.

Ugh. Google, don't fail me now.

I boiled the water.

Checked my phone for instructions.

"Umm... here, there, and... eh!?"

Okay okay okay calm down, Rose.

I can do this.

I poured the hot water into the cup.

Steam hit my face. It's hot.

I shut one eye, trying not to spill.

But of course, I slipped and poured it outside the cup.

"Oh no! No no no—!"

I tried to fix it, but somehow made an even bigger mess.

Before I could panic more

A firm hand grabbed mine from behind.

"Eh!?"

I could smell him.

Hear his breath right by my ear.

"You're gonna burn yourself."

My eyes darted sideways—like I didn't know who it was.

But I had to look.

He was so close. Too close.

"V-Vincent...?"

"I can't let you burn yourself, Rose À Montasia. Not on your first working day."

Eeeekkk!!! His whisper brushed my ear.

Then he pulled me aside like we were dancing.

I froze. My face? Probably hotter than the boiling water.

100 degrees, minimum.

Then cleaned up my mess himself.

I stood there, blinking. Embarrassed.

Then my stomach growled.

Ah. Right. Today is not my day.

He looked at me, deadpan.

"Are you hungry?"

I just stood there, frozen, forcing a tiny smile.

He sighed.

"Let's go to the café."

And that's how I ended up at a café, drinking real coffee.

He even got me a pastry.

It was delicious.

But honestly? I couldn't taste anything.

I was too scared and too nervous.

Meanwhile, him?

He looked calm like nothing could ever bother him.