Xu Jin pushed open the café door, the familiar bell chiming above his head.
Warm air rushed over him at once—coffee beans, steamed milk, faint traces of sugar and baked bread. Soft chatter filled the space, cups clinking, a low playlist humming in the background. It was comforting in a way
"I'm here," he announced casually, shrugging off his jacket.
Before he could take another step inside, a cheerful voice rang out, a little too bright with nerves.
"Good morning!"
Xu Jin paused and looked toward the counter.
Behind it stood a boy about his age, posture straight, eyes wide and eager. His uniform was ironed a bit too perfectly, as if he'd checked it five times before stepping out of the house.
"Oh?" Xu Jin raised a brow slightly, amused. "You must be new. Replacing the previous one who left?"
The boy nodded quickly. "Yes! I'm Juri Smith." He bowed—too deeply, too fast—almost knocking his forehead on the counter. "Nice to meet you!"
