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woothighsonly · 2 years

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Dahlia Tea -

One more hit to the head and Shuhua was able to change into the guy's uniform.

'Must have a thick skull if I had to hit him that hard .. twice ...' Shuhua thought as she finished up her new look with a messy bun.

Taking the gin bottle she had from drinking the night before, she sat the cafe employee against the wall in the back alleyway leaving the bottle with him. 'There, pass out drunk.. no one will notice’

Shuhua fixed the uniform adorning her, noticing the nametag pinned to the blouse.

"Steve, well that doesn't really fit" she whispered to herself, taking the name tag off and popping it into the bin on her way to the main cafe.

The cafe was only open for 5 minutes and they already had a good few customers. Shuhua just hoped she didn't actually have to make any complicated coffee orders and just manned the til.

Someone already had that covered though.

From what Shuhua could see, the woman had bronze hair in two braids and when she turned around after dealing with the line of customers, big bright eyes shone with a smile behind the owner's fringe.

"Hey! Newcomer right?" The woman asked, their tone unchanging from the cheerful one used with the customers. Shuhua wondered if this chick had her dose of coffee already.. possibly a few cups too many. She looked down to check for the employee's name ... “YUQI” was written on her nametag. 'How am I supposed to pronounce that?'

Shuhua probably made a befuddled face because of the name and Yuqi didn't exactly know what to say or do. Giving a small smile of concern eyeing the confused girl, patiently waiting for some response.

Shuhua just stayed silent and nodded, deciding to go for a shy, awkward character this time around.

"Great! I don't know why BamBam let you work your first shift on a Monday morning, it gets quite busy around this time .. so I'll try to get some training done with you.. ... okay?" Yuqi explained moving from the till end towards the coffee machines, swapping places with another worker.

Shuhua scanned the area, keeping silent because she was fascinated by the different machines. The little details of their buttons and random notes and trinkets under the counter that probably have some purpose but she didn't know what for. She was acquainted with some things, seeing them when ordering her own coffee but she didn't realise all the secrets that were held behind the counter.

Yuqi turned around with no answer from the newcomer, seeing her eyes darting around the compartments behind the counter seemingly overwhelmed. "Hey, you okay? don't worry it's quite easy when you get used to it, it's your first day too so even if you just stay at the till for today?"

Relief! That's exactly what Shuhua wanted to hear. She would only be staying about an hour more, that wouldn't be enough to get used to anything anyway. And how else was she supposed to catch the code while making coffee, steam blasting in her face, probably burning herself ..... and that's the train of thought that led Shuhua to an idea.

After exchanging names with Yuqi, pronounced 'oogie' or somewhere along those lines, they started the training process. While the other employee, 'Lucas', if Shuhua caught it correctly, served the few customers that came during that time.

Yuqi was demonstrating how to grind beans, explaining the different buttons for different coffee orders and such. Until she finally let Shuhua do an order herself .. a hot order.

Yuqi gave her some precautions earlier, especially about steaming the milk but was Shuhua gonna listen..?

No, she needed a reason to stay behind the till.

Shuhua takes a deep breath, seemingly nervous to her now 'colleagues' but she knew herself she was preparing for the pain ...

.. 'sacrifices' she thought, before ..

"AAAHHHHHH !"

The scream was louder than the victim had anticipated .. more high-pitched too.. but it happened. At least the shriek made her actions seem more like an accident than planned out. I mean 30% of the outburst was real cause 'bxtch who knew it'd get that hot !'.

Milk spattered everywhere, probably splashing onto Yuqi a little too but that didn't seem to bother her. She was quick to get Shuhua's hands under the cold tap.

"Sorry"

Shuhua spoke quietly, checking on Yuqi who still held her hands under the rushing cold water but Yuqi’s eyes were fixed on the mess left on the floor.

The pitcher that jumped from Shuhuas hands when she felt the blazing sensation was still leaking out foam creating a larger puddle to clean.

Yuqi's sombre expression softened when she turned back to her burnt colleague. "Don't worry about it ! Just stay put under the tap while me and Lucas clean this mess" She reassured with a faint smile, eyes still bright which made Shuhua wonder if it was really okay or if Yuqi was just really good at masking her emotions.

Cleanup, ointment and a story about Lucas' first day breaking mugs and almost tripping into the broken ceramic .. that was supposed to make her feel better?

Later.. Shuhua was sat behind the till next to Lucas.

Lucas explained the mechanics of the electronic till as he took orders for Yuqi to make. It was fairly simple but he was making it feel like an hour lecture. 'He'd be off for break soon and you'll barely have to deal with customers cause the intelligence should be here soon' Shuhua reminded herself trying to stay calm. Her facade of the shy new barista is waiting to crack.

Shuhua let her mind wander while Lucas went on about the different sized cups and the different names they could be called by customers.. some weird "regular challenge" going around apparently ...

Eyes drifting from Lucas doing said "regular challenge" to the large windows peering out to the city,

the city that Shuhua and her partner had just saved last week..

It's not like anyone knew .. and well, maybe it was saved all thanks to her partner and his daring significant other.

She remembered how Jiung was almost the perfect partner, always did things according to the rulebook.. even tho there isn't actually a real book but ... he was precise and quick-witted nonetheless.

That is.... until it came to the time his significant other found out he was a spy.

Jiung's partners, both in different senses, did not get along well. Always having opposing ideas, Shuhua felt the tension.

They had a rough time working as a trio. Jiung always made it his priority to protect his significant other but they showed they could take care of themselves. The second his lover tried to do things their way, he would panic and instead of being the 'perfect' agent he became clumsy.

Shuhua also remembered the time they were on a stakeout, watching over Jiung's other half, who volunteered to be the inside guy. Of course, Jiung panicked at first but as the night went on whenever Shuhua turned to him his eyes were filled with endearment. 'It was sweet I suppose...

.. sweet..'

She didn't wanna admit it but Shuhua also wanted to indulge in some romance. Maybe that's why she was bitter when working with the couple.. they even left after saving the world to get married and plan their future together..

'they are barely 20! how'd they know what love was?'

.. yeah she was jealous

"You good?"

Yuqi stood before her, Lucas wasn't at the till indicating he'd gone for his break.

Yuqi tilted her head to the side to get Shuhua's attention again, the latter didn't give a response, just mindlessly staring at her senior.

"sooo you'll be alright to do the till? for a bit?" there was worry in the older's voice, Shuhua felt bad for probably worsening Yuqi's anxiety or... it could've been the coffee that caused her hand tremors.

"Yeah, I'm fine really ! um... thanks for caring for me.." Shuhua stammered, hopping off her stool that Lucas gave to let her "take it easy" after the little accident.

Situating herself behind the till with Yuqi next to her, who nudged and assured her. "No prob, I'll be right by your side literally ! haha".

Shuhua could tell Yuqi was trying her hardest to comfort the timid character she portrayed. 'she seems like she would be cool to hang with, if, she didn't try too hard.. this chick probably has to deal with a lot … kinda feel bad'

A customer strolls in grabbing a table by the window, abrupting Shuhua's view and halting her analysis of Yuqi. There were no customers left in the shop; the last few were all to-go orders so Shuhua spent her time observing the women.

Something was familiar about her.

Dark hair messily styled into a half-do, feathery fringe covering her eyebrows, her eyelashes peeking out, a beauty mark under her right eye, Shuhua didn't know much about noses but she knew this nose could be one of the prettiest she's ever seen.. or was it just the woman's face in general .. just beautiful .. the red tint drawing eyes to her lips.. Shuhua swore she would remember a face like this .. damn they were hot...

maybe not hot in the boiling sense... but spicy .... 'spicy? Shuhua, do you want sweet or spicy? make up your mind??'

Shuhua's mind kept trailing on...

The customer allowed some time for the spy to wonder, not going straight to the till after settling her bag on the table. A brief glance towards the two baristas and the menu above their heads, she seemed to be waiting for someone, constantly checking the time and fiddling with her phone.

Yuqi was progressively getting impatient, shifting in her spot next to Shuhua. After 2 minutes of the customer just sitting there watching the bustling street outside, Yuqi had enough, informing the younger she was gonna wipe down the tables but would be back when the woman finally orders.

Shuhua was a little preoccupied admiring the girl, still not processing why she had the feeling she knew this person. She only snapped out of her thoughts when Yuqi came into her view, cleaning a table by the customer and making conversation.

"11:00 am" read on her phone screen.

'the intelligence should be here' Shuhua prepared herself for the transaction soon to come and for any third parties that could potentially steal her information.

"Do you guys do Dahlia tea..?" The red-lipped woman finally stood to order and in the quietest voice ever.

"Hmm?" Shuhua hummed leaning in closer to hear what she said, maybe too close she realised when she could smell a string of floral notes.

An audible sigh was let out by the woman who shifted back from Shuhua's advance, now speaking clearer and more casually..

"I get drunk off the flower called.."

Eyes widen as Shuhua responds to the code “you… Dahlia..”.

Now it all clicks, she's quick to play off her surprise when Yuqi returns to her side, giving a weird look to the customer.

"Ummh dahlia tea? What size?"

"Just a regular one"

"Regular huh?" Lucas cracks up walking through the staff doors in perfect timing. Yuqi smacks his arm, gesturing for Shuhua to continue her job.

"Alright, anything else?"

"ahh yeah a small latte for my friend, names Soojin by the way"

"Soojin ..?" Shuhua knew that name.. she thought more about it while writing the name.

Once it was written on the paper cup..

she recognised it.

Soojin was handing her a tenner to pay, Shuhua took it in her hands and felt the extra note.

"you're the bxtch that catfished me" was let out as a whisper Shuhua didn't even realise until Soojin pulled her money and the info back but the employee still had a hold on it.

"Sorry..?"

"Umm everything okay here..?" Yuqi, too curious and a little anxious about their exchange.

"We're fine Dahlia tea and a small latte for Soojin"

The pair hear a gasp, eyes on Lucas as he utters "they're exes" his hand hurries to cover his mouth.

Soojin was confused, glaring toward the three baristas. Took her a few seconds before she realised.

"you were '01's partner" she tried to take back the notes again.

"you're supposed to be on break.. soon to be suspended" Soojin gave the other agent a knowing look, a little smirk appearing on her lips.

"How..?" Shuhua let go of the info that could potentially save her place at the agency.

"umm.. ladies.."

Yuqi tried to interfere again but Soojin made a run for it. Shuhua jumped the counter, knocking over some takeaway cups and sugar packets. Surprising her short-lived co-workers, both letting out yelps.

"That was pretty badass but what even was that?" Lucas exclaims gawking at the swinging glass door the two ladies had exited from.

Soojin made her way past cars swiftly, a standard runaway, but it seems as tho they both had the same training. Shuhua could guess Soojin's few tricks and next moves.

Soojin was getting tired of weaving through the city, causing discord among the passerby's finally deciding a confrontation was a better solution.

The leading agent now turns back to confront her chaser, panting with a scowl present on her face.

"Who even are you?"

“Shuhua”

“I didn't ask for your name,” Soojin said exasperatedly, still making a few steps backwards while facing Shuhua who followed.

“Where’s your partner and his little girlfriend?” Soojin taunted halting her steps back, they were in a secluded area of the city only cars surrounding them.

“First they prefer ‘significant other’-”

“Oh I'm sorry I really don’t care right now.. Shouldn't you be 3rd wheeling or are we using the term babysitting again?”

Shuhua scoffed as an answer. She was only a couple months older but the others got all the .. maybe not credit but limelight. She was only seen as a mentor or ‘babysitter’.

“Yet it was them who saved the world ..” Soojin whispered under her breath, a fake smile lingering when she turned to Shuhua to see if she caught it.

They all had their parts to play and Shuhua knew herself the great role she had.. But she also knew Soojin was just pushing her buttons, this is what she wanted.. ‘But what I want is that info’

“Don't make me have to fight you for that-”

Soojin laughed, now changing her steps to walk towards the threat. “And when I call my agency, rogue spy on the loose? you weren’t supposed to be here this wasn’t your pickup” Both women were now in each other's face, trying to hold their harsh expressions.

“This wasn’t your job either Seo Soojin” A booming voice was heard from Shuhua’s left.

A woman in all black, stylish yet formal wear, jumped down from the roof of a car. Her fierce eyes, although slightly covered by her hair, were set on Soojin.

“Oh she's angry” Shuhua commented watching the stranger leisurely stride towards them.

“How'd she-”

Before realising it Soojin cut herself off and took Shuhua’s hand to the closest alleyway. Shuhua took the lead to hide. Landing them both in a pile of rubbish hiding behind a broken-down scooter and a sofa that was possibly thrown out by Edward Scissorhands. Soojin gives her an unsatisfied look to say ‘this isn’t a good idea’, but from what Shuhua has learnt from Jiung.. it's better to be predictable when you’re dealing with people who are trained for the unpredictable.

“Who is she?? Another one-”

“Ex-partner.. I made a mistake in our last mission”

Shuhua was getting tired of being interrupted but she couldn't deny that she kinda liked the close proximity they were in.

She had to remind herself that this was the chick who pretended to be a kpop idol who Shuhua had never even heard of to get all her information and they weren’t exactly in the most romantic of places, the stink of rotten food and some mixture of alcohol and urine reminded her well.

Shuhua’s train of thought did not help her temper. Trying to forget the smell of Soojin's perfume from earlier and erase any notions of falling for her, whether it was from when she was chatting to a fake personality on tinder or now next to some dumpster.

“What did you do? Kill her significant other?”

Shuhua tried to retaliate not expecting the agent in question to make a guilty look. A stunned look in return. “What? I said it was a mistake! You were the one who asked ! seems like you've had some experience” Soojin hissed.

“Well, my mistake was never done unlike-”

“Shut i-”

Shuhua let out a gasp, somewhat in a joking manner “and she was wearing all black??”

“Fxck today was the funeral..” Soojin tried to whisper to herself but her now-accomplice of sorts heard and became intrigued.

Faint footsteps made from high-heeled boots were approaching. Shuhua reflects on their pursuer’s outfit, speculating the amount of love Soojin’s ex-partner really had for their significant other when they were attending the funeral like it was a runway.

The owner of great fashion sense called out, “Yah Seo Soojin you won’t let me rest, will you?? Do I have to continue cleaning up after your mistakes ?? even today.. you're not even part of the company anymore! Grow up and move away or something! Before.. Before you create even bigger problems”

Anger, anguish yet hints of compassion were evident but Shuhua couldn’t let go of the fact that Soojin went rogue too. ‘Is anyone in this situation stable??’

“So you too?” Shuhua tried to turn the tables. Eyebrows raised and a smirk played on her lips to tease the fellow ‘traitor’ but she was met with a sullen expression facing the ground.

“We’re going to a place worse than any jail if she-”

“Jail isn't that bad”

“We’re two rogue agents who interfered with- wait you've been to jail?”

“.. does monopoly count?” Shuhua gets a smack in return for her joke, a smile lingering before she turns serious.

“There was also that time last month and I guess the last mission counts too..”

“Whatever, we're not going there !”

Soojin had enough now returning to her feet, followed quickly by Shuhua. The two agents were cautious as they got out of their hiding spot, spotting a white cat making its way down a fire escape, the woman was gone for now.

“Wait W-we? Shake on it?” Shuhua gulps.

No official settlement could be met with the growing sense of danger when a car appears at the end of the alley.

“How bout run for it !”

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