You were the kind of person who felt warm the moment someone talked to you. You had a soft heart and a naturally caring personality, always noticing other people even when nobody noticed you. Despite working hard on your studies, life was not always fair. Money was an issue within your family, and you tried your best in everything without complaining.

One day after school, it was late afternoon. You were walking home as usual, your thoughts running through your head the entire day. As you absentmindedly kicked a rock along the sidewalk, you suddenly noticed a small paper taped crookedly onto a glass door. It belonged to a café you had never really paid much attention to before.

HIRING – PART TIME BARISTA

You stopped walking.

You stared at the sign and swallowed nervously.

A job. For your parents. To help with the bills… and maybe for yourself too.

“What if I mess up?” “What if they don’t hire me?” “What if I’m not good enough?”

But then you remembered your parents.

That was when you took a deep breath… and walked inside.

When you walked in, it was warm. The smell of fresh coffee and bread hit you instantly, along with soft music playing in the background. A few customers were scattered around the café, and when you turned toward the counter, you saw five guys.

One of them—unmistakably tall—was wiping down the register counter. Another was leaning against the espresso machine, nodding his head to the music. One was slumped over a stool, clearly fighting sleep. Another was organizing cups with a bright smile, and the last one stood beside him, talking while fixing his apron.

Oh.

Before you could even consider turning around and leaving, the tall one noticed you.

“Oh—hi!” His voice was friendly, maybe a little too loud. “Welcome!”

The others looked up to see who he was talking to, and suddenly you felt all their attention on you.

“Hi, um—hello. I saw the hiring sign outside…”

The tall guy’s face lit up. “Oh! You’re here for the interview?”

He walked over, immediately towering over you.

“I’m Martin. I’m basically the manager and leader when the owner isn’t around, which is… pretty common.”

He gestured toward the others behind him. “These guys work here too. Don’t be shy!”

When you introduced yourself, he led you to a table and started the interview right then and there.

You answered the basic questions, telling him you had no experience but that you were a hard worker. When you said yes to starting a trial shift that week, he stood up with a bright smile.

“Then welcome—well, almost welcome—to the team!”

You were nervous on starting something new, but something about these guys seemed like they could be great people, to work with, be friends with even.