Is it really that good?
Tsuki
Tsuki
This is literally what I want, what I signed up for. I’m the one who clicked submit, waited around for acceptance, then packed my bags once I got the green light. So why am I so nervous? I stare at the key card in my hand, curling my toes in my sneakers. Not giving myself a chance to back out, I tap the card on the door to my new room and walk into complete silence. This isn’t what I was expecting at all. I look around the room in complete shock before looking down at my paper in confusion. I needed to make sure I was in the right place.
I am.
The front area looks slightly lived in but is very well kept and upon further inspection, looked like we had separate rooms. Mine on the left and my roommates on the right. After kicking my shoes off by the front door, I swing my bag over my shoulder and open my room door. My boxes that contain my belongings are neatly stacked on the floor. Even with the boxes in here, the area is still so spacious. Thankfully, I had them shipped here days prior, I even have my own closet and bathroom.
It’s already so much better than I could imagine. Sitting my stuff on the bed, I shuffle through my backpack for some slippers to put on before wandering back to the front room. The front area had a couch, coffee table and a TV. Closer to my room was a small kitchen with a fridge, microwave and stove, across from it a dinner table. Is this a dorm or an apartment? Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I dial my moms number.
“Is it as scary as you thought?” She asks, picking up after the first ring. I knew she was waiting by her phone.
“Haha, no.. It’s actually huge, it’s like a mini apartment.” I reply, digging my nail into my thumb.
“Oh what? Tell me everything!” She says excitedly.
“It’s not too crazy, as soon as you walk in there’s a couch, coffee table.. I mean there’s even a small kitchen here. I don’t even have to leave this room outside of classes.” I say, looking over the front room.
“Baby, I thought the plan was to not be a hermit in your room.” She chuckles.
“You’re right, the campus is just so much bigger than I thought and I have a roommate but I haven’t met them yet. I hope they’re nice and I also have an interview at the campus coffee shop.” I say, biting the nail of my thumb.
“It’s crazy how I didn’t notice you planning these things. You sure you can be around croissants without inhaling them all?” She questions, causing me to scoff. I know she isn’t the happiest with me leaving but she was still trying her best to be supportive. Still, she doesn’t know the full story, so I need to be patient with her.
“Haha, so funny. I have to see if the croissants are even worth it there.” I reply, holding my phone to my ear with my shoulder so I could put my shoes neatly by the door. I don’t want to move or use anything until I meet my roommate and we can discuss any rules or boundaries they may already have.
“When does track practice start?” My mom asks and I scratch the back of my head.
“Well, since the season is almost over. Coach gave me a week to get settled in, which falls around the time they are having some track retreat. What is that? I have no idea.” I say, heading back to my room, it’s ten in the morning and I had the interview at the coffee shop at noon.
“I guess, just keep me updated please. I love you, I’m about to run some errands.” My mom says, blowing a kiss then hanging up before I can respond. I put my phone on the charger, deciding to do some unpacking before my interview.
☕︎
It’s hot and humid outside. Holding my folder closer to my chest, I stare at the steps before me. Everyone walking by is in their own world, worried about themselves. I have no reason to be nervous. I finally walk down the stairs and head towards the campus coffee shop. The farther I walk the better it feels outside. Fall is right around the corner and I’m excited for the scenery change. The slight breeze and shade make this walk more tolerable but the next step I take puts me on cloud nine, my nose instantly fills with the aroma of coffee and bread. I inhale deeply, feeling my stomach growl. I’m right on time.
Saber Sips is the name of the coffee shop, with a cute saber tooth tiger as the logo. Our campus colors consist of a cream color, black and a deep shade of red and the shop adopted that. The closer I get to the coffee shop, the stronger the aroma is. This smells amazing for it to just be a campus spot. I pull the door open and walk in , instantly hit with a comforting vibe. Soft classical music plays and the lights are dim, students are studying in areas all around the shop in bean bags, chairs and even a carpeted area.
My eyes wander to the register and I make my way there, eyes glued to the display case full of freshly baked pastries. They all look delicious but what catches my eye are the flakey, buttery, and baked to perfection croissants. I just know each bite would melt in my mouth, they are the perfect size too. Whoever baked these, baked them with love. My eyes next land on the cinnamon rolls, which are fluffy and iced perfectly. Closing my eyes, I focus on just the smell. Amazing.
Debating on spending the entire wad of cash in my wallet, I’m interrupted by someone clearing their throat. I shake my head and look up, meeting a pair of full lips. My face instantly heats up when I lock eyes with soft brown ones. My eyes trail up his entire face before licking my bottom lip. He was absolutely gorgeous. “I’m sorry?” I ask in confusion and he chuckles. “I was asking if you were ready to place your order.” He finishes. His voice is deep, yet very gentle. I turn around and feel my face catch on fire.
A line of students are behind me, thankfully they don’t look annoyed. I am still so embarrassed. “O-oh! Sorry.. I’m actually here for an interview, I am so sorry.” I sputter, taking another glance at him before stepping out of line. He looks at me in amusement and nods. “Right.. I’ll have someone out to speak to you shortly.” He replies, motioning me to have a seat.
“T-thank you.” I stutter, cursing at myself. When I turn around to find a seat, I almost trip and bust my ass in the middle of the shop, earning another chuckle from him. Tsuki, get it together. I hold my folder tighter, almost tearing it.
A first great impression huh?
I settle on sitting at a table fit for two and place my abused folder down. I hope he isn’t the one to interview me. He just screams arrogant prick. I shuffle with my phone for the next few minutes until someone approaches my table. I look up to see a woman smiling down at me. “Hi, I’m Greta and I’ll be interviewing you today.” She says and I smile back, holding my hand out to shake hers. “I’m Tsuki, It’s nice to meet you.” I reply and for the next thirty minutes I proceed to tell her about myself and answer any questions she may have.
“Well Tsuki, I think you would be an amazing fit for Saber Sips. You seem to really know your stuff about coffee and pastries.” Greta says, standing up. I join her, a big smile on my face. “Let me introduce you to the team that’s here right now, would you like something to drink?” She asks and I nod. I follow her back to the front, feeling a huge weight off of my shoulders. I have a job! And my dorm room is so cool and the sweets here look like effort was actually put into them. Was this heaven? I’m in heaven.
I follow her behind the counter as she introduces me to two people in the back. “It’s a pretty small team but we always make it work and usually everyone on campus is patient and understanding if we end up short staffed.” She finishes. I shake hands with Mason and Lily, my new coworkers and give them a warm smile.
“Make sure to try the brown sugar cookie iced coffee, it’s amazing!” Lily sings and Mason rolls his eyes. “She’s only saying that because she created the recipe.” He explains, she scoffs and playfully shoves him. “Oh, so the fact that it’s been a best seller for the past month doesn’t matter?” She questions, getting a laugh out of me.
“Oh whatever, go give the boss man his break.” Mason shoots back. She glares at him before grabbing a rag and walking away. “Speaking of the boss man, let me introduce you to him.” Greta says, guiding me back to the front. I glance towards Lily, who is wiping down tables and checking on customers. “Riley, meet the newest member to our team.” Greta speaks and I look up meeting those soft brown eyes again. I smile awkwardly. “Tsuki, this is Riley. The assistant manager, AKA the boss when I’m not here.” She explains and I nod, extending my arm so we can shake hands.
He holds his hand out, giving me a firm hand shake. His hand is warm and soft but I can still feel his callouses. After what feels like a million seconds, I pull my hand away awkwardly as he stares down at me in amusement. I hope he isn’t a dick. “Nice to meet you Tsuki and welcome to the team.” He says to my surprise in that deep and gentle voice. “Thank you..” I say, giving him a smile back. Has the temperature risen?
“What can I get you to drink?” Riley asks and I chew my bottom lip, still feeling his gaze. “He’ll have the brown sugar cookie iced coffee. He, him pronouns, right? Or..” Lily trails off and Riley gives her a dirty look. “Is that what you want?” He asks and I nod my head. “Yes, those pronouns are fine.” I reply, turning to face Lily. At least they were progressive here. Lily gives Riley a huge smile before twirling on her feet and walking away. “Alright, I’ll have Riley talk to you about your schedule while I input everything into the system. It was nice again meeting you Tsuki, until next time.” Greta says, giving me a warm smile before disappearing into the back.
I watch Riley roll his sleeves up and reach for the ingredients to make my iced beverage. “You new here?” He asks me and I nod my head yes. “Today is my first day on campus.” I add and he raises an eyebrow, filling the cup with ice. “And your first thought was to get a job?” He questions, teasing me. “I have needs, you know.” I respond, watching him squeeze caramel around my drink. “What kind of needs?” He asks in a low voice, giving me a look.
My face heats up. “N-not those needs! Geez. Stuff like books and food an-”
“I’m just messing with you.” He laughs, cutting me off and setting my drink on the counter. “Lily is watching you like a hawk so if you don’t like it, don’t let it show.” He adds and I clear my throat. I reach for the cup and press it to my lips, poking my tongue in the hole I’m supposed to drink from to catch the caramel around it. Riley is also watching, waiting for my reaction.
I tilt my head back as I take a big sip and close my eyes, immediately tasting the sweetness of the brown sugar. I should’ve told him Almond milk. This is delicious but my stomach will pay the price sooner rather than later.
I lick my bottom lip as I pull the cup away from my mouth and smile. “Lily, this is truly amazing.” I say, turning around as I know she isn’t far. She gushes at me and blows me a kiss. “What size shirt are you? For your Uniform?” Riley asks. I glance down at my body. “Probably a medium.” I answer, watching him bend down and look through some shirts.
Riley hands me a T-shirt and a hat and I thank him. “I don’t want to keep you too long, here’s my number, so you can tell me what your classes are looking like and I can schedule you around that. I’ll make sure you have enough hours while still being able to study and have a life.” He instructs, writing his number on a piece of paper and handing it to me . “Thank you Riley, I’ll text it to you before the day is over.” I say, holding my folder and uniform to my chest.
Turning to walk away, I make sure to wave at Mason and Lily but Riley stops me. I turn back in confusion and raise an eyebrow when he hands me a brown paper bag. “Pastries, I saw you eye fucking them when you first got here.” He teases. I gasp and snatch the bag before hurrying out of the coffee shop.
The walk back to my dorm is swift , as I’m too excited to try these pastries. I’m quick to close the door behind me and walk into the kitchen. One small peek into the bag tells me everything I need to know. Working at that coffee shop will be a problem. I groan after taking my first bite of the croissant and shove the rest of it in my mouth. It is everything I could imagine. I reach for another one and take a quick bite.
“Is it really that good?” I suddenly hear, causing me to yelp and whip my head around. A boy I’ve never seen before stands before me, drying his thick curly hair with a towel. He’s shirtless and in a pair of black boxer briefs. “I-.” I start, not knowing what to say. It really is that good.
He catches me off guard by pulling a piece of the pastry from my hand and trying it, his eyebrow raising as he chews. “Oh damn, it really is that good.” He says, eyeing the brown bag in my hand.
“Yo, this is from the campus coffee shop? A year and a half here and I’ve never thought to order a pastry.” He says, nodding his head. “Oh, I’m Luca by the way. I’m assuming you’re my new roommate.” He adds, holding his hand out for me to shake with a smile. I smile back, shaking his hand. “I’m Tsuki and yes I am.” I answer, looking him over. Luca is very pretty, light brown eyes, thick curly hair and a muscular build, despite how short he is.
“Nice to meet you, I just got back from basketball practice, are you in any sports?” He asks.
Basketball? But he’s so short. Shorter than me. I keep the surprise from showing on my face.
“I’m on the track team but I’m also interested in Tennis.” I reply and he nods. “Nice, nice. Well, welcome. All my classes are in the morning and I have practice in the afternoon. Other than that, I’m pretty much here. Oh and I don’t mind sharing anything, just let me know if it’s the last of something so I can replace it.” He finishes and I smile.
“Thank you, same to you. I wasn’t too sure of the living situation but I’d like to go shopping for a few items.” I say. “Yeah, it’s pretty nice and laundry is literally just down the hall. Everyone is respectful of others’ things. We kind of came up with a system to ensure that. I can give you a tour.” He says, his eyes widening. “Oh! I don’t want to be a burden..” I trail off and he shakes his head quickly.
“Nonsense! Let me get dressed and I’ll show you around!.” He says excitedly, clapping his hands together. He disappears into his room and I close my eyes, thanking God I found myself a decent roommate but also hoping that whole milk doesn’t catch up to me anytime soon.
