Cats of Harbinger II

"Alright, Dad," I said. "Let's get to work." Then I put Kuro down on the floor.

"Oh, we're here already?" Kuro asked, looking around curiously.

"You brought a cat in your pocket?" my dad asked, surprised.

"Yeah, he's... a friend's cat," I replied, trying to sound casual. "He's really well-behaved, I promise."

My dad chuckled. "Alright, as long as he doesn't cause any trouble."

Kuro, sensing the potential for mischief, let out a playful meow and rubbed against my dad's leg. My dad laughed, scratching Kuro behind the ears. "Well, hello there, little fella," he said, his voice warm and welcoming. "Looks like we have a new addition to the tea shop."

He stood up and looked at us. "Grab an apron from inside and start serving. Xian, you take the cashier. IM, you can help clean and serve. I'll handle making the tea with the other worker."

IM and I headed to the back room to grab aprons. As we tied them around our waists, I couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement. We were superheroes one minute, and now we were tea shop assistants. Life was certainly full of surprises.

We emerged from the back room, ready to tackle our new roles. The other worker, a young woman named Sarah, looked up from her task of wiping down a table.

"Oh, these are the boss's sons?" she asked, her eyes widening in recognition.

I nodded, a bit sheepishly. "I am, but he's not," I said, pointing to IM.

Nana smiled warmly. "It's nice to meet you both. I'm Nana. Your dad has told me a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope," I joked.

IM looked around and noticed another worker, a man who was intently focused on brewing tea. "That dude seems dedicated to his job," he remarked.

"Oh, that guy? He's Sulthon. He loves working with tea," Nana replied.

The tea shop continued to buzz with activity, customers coming and going, enjoying the warm atmosphere and delicious beverages. IM quickly adapted to his role as a waiter, his charming smile and effortless grace winning over even the most demanding customers. He seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with people, his Harbinger abilities making him a natural at reading their emotions and anticipating their needs.

Meanwhile, I was stuck behind the cash register, struggling to keep up with the orders. The constant stream of customers, each with their own specific preferences and requests, was overwhelming. I fumbled with the buttons on the register, my fingers clumsy and slow.

"Oh my god, a cat!" one girl exclaimed, her friends gathering around Kuro on the floor, petting him affectionately.

I smiled and handed the customer her change. "That'll be 5,300 rupiah. You can wait for your drink over there," I said, pointing to the seating area.

She nodded and took her friends' hands. "Come on, let's not disturb the cat's rest."

I let out a sigh of relief as the group moved away from Kuro, giving the poor cat a break from the attention. I glanced over at my dad, who was expertly brewing tea behind the counter, his movements smooth and efficient. He caught my eye and gave me an encouraging smile.

"You're doing great, son," he mouthed, his eyes twinkling with pride.

I smiled back, feeling a renewed sense of determination. I wouldn't let my clumsiness get the best of me. I took a deep breath and focused on the next customer in line, ready to take their order with a newfound confidence.

As the afternoon wore on, I gradually got the hang of things. The orders became less overwhelming, and I even managed to engage in some friendly banter with the customers. IM, on the other hand, was thriving in his role as a waiter. He effortlessly navigated the crowded tea shop, balancing trays of drinks and snacks with ease. He even managed to strike up conversations with some of the regulars, his charm and wit leaving them smiling and laughing.

By the time the evening rush subsided, IM and I were both exhausted but also strangely exhilarated. We had stepped outside our comfort zones, faced new challenges, and discovered hidden talents within ourselves. It was a reminder that even the most mundane tasks could be rewarding, and that there was always something new to learn and experience.

This is nice, I thought to myself, watching my father interact with the customers. No wonder he left his job as a bank security guard to become the owner of this tea shop.

I watched as people settled into their seats, sipping their drinks and enjoying the cozy atmosphere. Kuro was getting plenty of attention, being petted by almost every customer who walked through the door. I couldn't help but notice a few shy glances directed at IM from some of the female customers. It seemed his charm and good looks were working their magic even in a tea shop setting.

They probably want his number, I thought with a chuckle. He's a natural flirt.

In the back, Nana was busy crafting her own special tea blends for the customers. Sulthon, as always, was completely absorbed in his work, his focus unwavering as he meticulously prepared each cup of tea. My dad was at his desk, counting the day's earnings and carefully recording them in a large ledger. He seemed to be handling the accounting himself.

I stood behind the counter, taking a moment to survey the scene. The tea shop was filled with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The soft lighting, the gentle clinking of cups, and the murmur of conversations created a sense of peace and tranquility.

My head itches...

I scratched my long hair, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Need help with that?" IM's voice startled me, and I turned to see him standing beside me, a playful grin on his face.

"Yeah, actually," I admitted, sheepishly handing him a hair tie from my pocket. "Could you tie it up for me? It's driving me crazy."

IM chuckled. "Sure, no problem."

He gently gathered my hair, his fingers brushing against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. He deftly twisted and looped the hair tie, securing my hair in a neat ponytail.

"There you go," he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "Much better."

I touched my hair, feeling the relief of having it off my neck. "Thanks, IM," I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

"Don't worry about it, dude," he replied, then walked away to the back to attend to another customer's tea order.

Meanwhile, I caught a girl looking at me from across the room. I wondered what she was thinking.

Imagine... hearing people's minds, I thought, focusing my power once again.

"That guy goes to the salon every day, I think?"

"Who? The guy at the counter?"

"Yeah... he's kinda handsome, isn't he?"

"Long hair, probably goes to the salon every day,"

"That guy earlier tied his hair, I hope he's into women,"

I could hear their whispered conversations, but don't worry, ladies. I already have someone special in my heart - Hanna.

I chuckled inwardly, amused by their speculations. I couldn't blame them for being curious. After all, I had undergone quite a transformation in the past few days, thanks to the steroids.

I continued to man the cash register, my ability to hear thoughts adding a layer of amusement to the otherwise mundane task. I listened to the customers' inner monologues, their opinions on the tea, their worries and anxieties, their secret crushes, and hidden desires. It was a fascinating glimpse into the human psyche, a reminder that everyone had their own stories, their own struggles.

This guy looks handsome. I shouldn't bring my wife here, a man's mind suddenly said.

I blinked, pretending I hadn't heard it.

"What can I get for you?" I asked him with a polite smile.

"Just a large iced tea and a sandwich, please. Are they still available?" he said, returning the smile.

He's acting so soft, it makes me want to punch him, the man thought, his inner voice contrasting sharply with his outward demeanor.

This guy really has two faces, I thought, amused. I maintained my smile and replied, "We have one sandwich left, but it's only vegetables. Is that okay?"

He nodded.

"That'll be 23,000 rupiah," I said.

He's being so polite, it's making me even angrier, his mind continued to rant.

He handed me the money, and I nodded, taking it and giving him 2,000 rupiah in change.

"Please be patient," I said politely.

He smiled and nodded, then walked over to a table.

That guy really hates me out of nowhere... I thought, shaking my head in amusement.

Meanwhile, IM emerged from the back, balancing a tray laden with steaming cups of tea and delicate pastries. He weaved through the tables with practiced ease, his movements graceful and efficient. He set the tray down on a table occupied by a group of giggling girls, their eyes sparkling with admiration as he poured their tea.

"Enjoy your tea, ladies," IM said with a charming smile, his voice smooth and alluring.

The girls blushed and giggled in response, their eyes following him as he moved on to the next table.

I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. IM was a natural charmer, effortlessly captivating everyone around him. Even in a simple tea shop, he exuded an aura of confidence and charisma that drew people in.

< Chapter 146 > Fin.