I Quit My Job and Run a Café - Chapter 24



Only Krnovel

Episode 24

When I saw the situation, the first thing that came to mind was my grandfather.

If I went to the city and you were left alone, wouldn’t you have felt that way too?

Of course, considering my grandfather’s personality, I think he would have gotten rid of it quickly.

Since he was someone who was always moving around a lot, he might not have had time to think about me…

‘But it must have remained in a corner of my heart.’

Just like this happens every time I think of my grandfather.

Because I was usually busy and enjoying my work, I didn’t realize it, but it just popped into my mind from time to time.

Perhaps Mr. Park Dae-san is in a similar situation now?

The emptiness that comes from a place where something has been left empty. And the sadness that comes from that.

Fortunately, although the aura was still cloudy, it wasn’t dull.

‘What can I do for you?’

Mint good for stress relief?

The menu written on the board just now happened to be Mint Chocolate Frappuccino.

Seeing that he was having a hard time choosing a drink, I decided to offer him one.

“How about this? The Mint Chocolate Frappuccino is popular these days, but we use fresh mint, so it relieves stress and helps recover from fatigue, making it great for office workers.”

“Oh… … But if it’s a Frappuccino, it’ll be cold, right?”

“Yes. I guess.”

“I have sensitive teeth so I have a hard time with cold drinks.”

Got rejected.

I thought they would prefer something warmer since they are of a certain age. But I recommended it just in case.

Mr. Park Dae-san took his eyes off the board and glanced at the original menu.

But is it an illusion that his gaze seems to be looking in a different direction?

“If you don’t mind it warm, would you like a latte?”

“Yes, a warm latte. Please take that.”

“Yes. I’ll have it ready for you right away.”

I had been looking at the menu and the latte I made alternately for a while, so it wasn’t hard to guess.

After finishing his order, Mr. Park Dae-san looked around for a seat. An idea flashed through his mind as he saw the sight.

“You can sit here if you’re comfortable.”

“Oh, you mean here?”

“Yes. Of course, you can sit wherever you feel comfortable. Our café is a place to come and relax. However, I recommend you have a latte because it’s fun to make.”

“Huh. I see. Then, I’ll sit here.”

Next to the counter was a table facing the kitchen, which was like a bar.

I think it was probably made because my grandfather really liked talking to guests. It would be a good place for close friends or people who needed to talk.

And now the guest’s condition is depressed due to the empty seat. These people would rather have small conversations like this than be alone.

Fortunately, the guests did not feel too uncomfortable and sat down happily.

‘Hmm. But I’m a little nervous.’

There were some good points for conversation, but it was a place with a view of the kitchen.

In a word, you have to do well.

Of course I was confident. I succeeded in making it look good.

That’s because it doesn’t work.

Um… … is that the bigger problem?

Thinking about it that way, I suddenly felt like there might be a separate way to add effects.

It’s not just about giving shape.

‘Why is it okay to have name tags and menus, but not this?’

There is no result without a reason.

If you look for the difference, you will know.

‘It won’t work. Let’s just buy some time.’

It’s such a shame that they just make drinks that don’t work.

There have been more than one or two instances where they said they would find out later and provide it as a service.

Mr. Park Dae-san, who had just taken a seat in front of the counter, seemed to need to talk.

“May I ask which flavor you prefer, a fragrant and refreshing taste or a rich and savory taste? There are many different types of coffee beans.”

I spoke naturally.

It’s not a topic unrelated to making drinks, so don’t look at it strangely.

“I like refreshing and sour beans, but a latte would go well with a rich and savory flavor. Please go with that.”

“Ah! Yes. But somehow, it seems like you know a lot about coffee. Come to think of it, you said earlier that the beans were good just from the smell.”

“Haha. I just heard it. The young boss is really amazing. He looks to be about the same age as my son. And he opened a place like this.”

“Oh, I didn’t start it. I inherited the place that my grandfather used to run.”

As expected, Park Dae-san did not avoid conversation. Rather, he seemed interested in the cafe.

That’s good.

It was a good topic of conversation.

We decided to find out the secret of talent while having a leisurely conversation in this unique, relaxed atmosphere.

Anyway, I didn’t find it difficult to keep up with this rhythm.

Most of the clients I dealt with were around that age or a little older, and they all liked having someone to talk to.

especially.

“I guess you have a son.”

“Haha. Yes. I have one. I also got married a while ago.”

When it comes to children, even the most expressionless person can let down their guard and start a conversation.

“Oh? I think that’s even more amazing.”

“Are you alone, sir?”

“Ugh! This hurts.”

“Oh my! I didn’t expect you to be alone, even though you’re so handsome and tall. I apologize for that.”

“Haha! It’s okay.”

Mr. Park Dae-san also knew that my reaction was a joke and exaggeratedly waved his hand.

In fact, depression can be relieved to some extent by talking to people. This is especially true in Mr. Park Dae-san’s case.

Of course, it would be better if you added the effects of the drink to this.

While we were talking, I was also thinking about how I could add some effect to my latte.

‘What is the difference between making a name tag and making a menu?’

A hint that seemed like it was within reach, but wasn’t. I kept thinking about it while grinding the coffee beans.

“I also met a woman around the same age as you and had a son.”

“Oh, really? Then I guess I have a chance too.”

“Of course. Hehe! The boss has even opened such a wonderful place, so he must be better than me. I also dreamed of having a place like this.”

“A cafe?”

“Well, it was a dream that passed a long time ago.”

A dream… … Perhaps the depression that comes from Mr. Park Dae-san’s emptiness is not simply caused by his child leaving home.

From what I’ve heard, it seems like she gave up her dreams after having a son and devoted herself to this life. Now that her son, who was her everything in life, has become a nun, I wonder how big the void she’ll be left with.

I couldn’t even imagine how much I would miss the dreams that had passed.

‘Is there any comfort I can give you here?’

Suddenly, my gaze went to the shot extractor I was holding.

Sigh.

The way to do it well is right here, so why did I worry about it until now?

Click!

Extract the shot.

And at the same time, steam the milk.

A shot extracted just right with warmed milk, without adding too much moisture, and with a soft foam.

Tilt the cup containing the shot and pour milk at a steady flow rate.

In order to draw a good picture, it was important to first press down on the milk in the shot to stabilize it.

And once it has stabilized like that, it feels like you are lifting the cup up slightly… … .

Swish!

Knock! Knock!

Shake gently to draw a picture and your latte art is complete.

I heard that these days there are printers that can even make photos, but the one I made by hand was just as elaborate.

And most of all, this time… … .

‘Okay!’

[Latte Art – Sprout]

*effect

─Increased motivation (12)

It worked.

The difference when it didn’t work was not in dexterity or drawing talent.

It was the same.

The difference was… …what I was thinking when I made it.

Previously, it was just latte art that I wanted to make well, but this time, it contained the support I wanted to give to Mr. Park Dae-san.

But it was precisely because of that difference that the change occurred.

“Oh! It’s an extraordinary place, so I thought the owner wouldn’t be ordinary either… … He’s really talented.”

“Is that so? Thank you. Here’s a warm latte.”

Park Dae-san, who was sitting in a seat with a view of the kitchen, saw the whole process and received his latte with a childlike look of wonder.

And I was speechless as I looked at the sprouts drawn with milk foam on top of the latte.

“Try it too. It’s not just about looking good.”

“Haha! Is that so?”

What are you thinking?

I waited for a while as he just watched me like that, and then slowly and carefully offered him something.

Then Mr. Park Dae-san smiled faintly and slowly brought it to his lips.

Slurp!

“… … Hmm. It’s really good. The espresso is strong enough and has a deep flavor, and the milk doesn’t absorb too much water, so it’s rich. It’s a well-made latte.”

I also smiled at Park Dae-san’s evaluation as he took a sip and carefully opened his mouth.

“thank god.”

“Haha! This is exactly the style I like. It looks like you use good milk too. That’s amazing. Haha!”

“That’s great. What is it?”

“That’s amazing. Even if you have talent, it’s not a choice that anyone can make easily, right? It must not be easy for a young person who used to live in the city to do something in the countryside like this… … It’s a choice that even I, who is nearing retirement, couldn’t easily make, so it’s amazing that you’re doing so well.”

Well, the more I talked to him, the more I felt like he was a nice person.

Is this the kind of person who respects others as a natural? If I had a boss like that, I would probably still be working at the company.

But I still felt a little embarrassed to keep listening to it.

Actually, I didn’t have many concerns when I decided to stay here.

When I gave Su-ah a drink, I felt good at that time.

I chose it because I wanted to feel that healing feeling again, both for the receiver and the giver.

Even though I made it for Mr. Park Dae-san, I feel good about it too.

So I decided to change the subject a bit.

“It’s fun as you do it. Of course, it’s also difficult. Should I say that even the same coffee is very fickle? It seems like one person tastes this way and another person tastes something else.”

“Oh! That’s right. This is just like people. Some are soft, some are strong. There are also some that are fragrant and some that are heavy, just like dealing with people, so it’s definitely difficult. But that’s also what makes it fun. Hehe!”

Park Dae-san’s expression was very bright as he talked about coffee, agreeing with what I said.

A cup of latte that captures the conversations from earlier.

Now, at that moment when I was about to say a word of encouragement to Park Dae-san!

Zing! Zing!!

Park Dae-san’s phone vibrated.

Park Dae-san, who was leisurely looking at the caller, quickly answered after confirming it.

“Ouch! Oh, son… … What!?”

This is the son I mentioned earlier who is about the same age as me.

Sarah~

A clear aura rippled around Park Dae-san as he answered the phone.

* * *

Park Dae-san was a man who only followed one path honestly.

Home, work, home, work.

To some, it might have seemed like a boring life, but Park Dae-san didn’t think so.

Because when I returned home from work, exhausted, there was someone there to welcome me.

If I had that one thing, I would be more envious of everyone in the world.

Of course… … I wasn’t just waiting for happy things.

I lost my wife.

At that time, the child was just old enough to start kindergarten.

The burden of raising a child alone weighed on him, and his life became more simple and repetitive.

Company, home, company, home.

He gave up on his dream.

‘You have to raise them without any shortcomings.’

It was the best he could do for his wife who had left him first, and for the child he had left behind.

But now.

When I came home from work and saw an empty house, I felt an inexplicable sense of melancholy and emptiness.

My son got married and became a monk.

I’m so glad I grew up well and met good people.

Why am I so lonely?

Suddenly, a photo of me and my wife caught my eye.

The setting is a place that is now a cafe, but was called a teahouse back then.

This is where I fell in love with coffee.

No, I guess it would be more accurate to say I was crazy.

They even went on their honeymoon to Africa just to find a single coffee bean.

“Hmm.”

Of course now… … it has become so vague that it is hard to remember when it was.

After that, the business was successful and there were no shortages.

Now that my only son is married, I have both time and money to spare.

Crucially, there wasn’t that same passion back then.

“… … I guess I should go hiking.”

I felt like if I stayed alone in the empty house for a long time, I would only become more depressed.

In times like this, it’s good to use your body and sweat it out.

I also got to see some beautiful scenery.

But I’ve climbed all the mountains around here, so I’m not interested…

‘Ah! Last time someone said there was a nice mountain there. Where was it?’

I remembered.

It’s a bit far, but it seemed like a good idea to go there and back for a drive.

And then I confidently climbed the mountain I found… … .

It wasn’t long before I realized I had uploaded it incorrectly.

I took the wrong road. Instead of going to the mountain I was told to go to, I came across an empty lot and a cafe.

That too, with the strong aroma of good coffee… … .

He entered the cafe without realizing it, because of the scent that reminded him of the old days after a long time. And when he came out of there… … .

“You came down sooner than I expected. Sir, did you enjoy the hike?”

“No, I didn’t climb the mountain, but I had a good time. First, let’s go home quickly.”

“all right.”

He thought as the car departed.

Good times, and good news.

He carefully read the sentence that came into his phone once again.

─Father! I’m a father!

The happy words I heard at the moment when my depressed mood was being washed away made my dry heart beat faster.

If I had climbed the mountain today, I wouldn’t have come down like this. I got lost and spent some time there, so I was able to confirm the news right away.

“Haha, this is true.”

I just remembered the cafe owner who was talking about this and that for me. He was a young man that you rarely see these days… … .

“I should come back again later and thank you.”

Suddenly, life returned to his eyes.

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