The cameras started rolling as everyone came out of the private office. The whole cafe was being shot, with cameras standing by at every corner of the place.
Outside, the cafe hadn’t opened yet, but it was already busy. With the news that the show would be shot here, the people lined up as customers just to see the cast and know who the surprised guests were today.
Everyone was excited.
As a few cameramen went to shoot the line, the people waved their hands enthusiastically, showing their excitement.
The show wasn’t like any variety show. There’s no opening wherein the guests introduce themselves. "The Workers" was more straightforward, with its opening usually showcasing how the guests and members share the load of tasks.
The show was popular among teenagers and early adults because it shows their hardship in work and everyday life. It was a relatable show that everyone could watch and laugh at.
As the opening time neared, the workers gave a quick rundown of tasks. They also let the cast and members talk among themselves about how they would divide it while the camera was rolling.
"Alright everyone, how are we going to divide the roles?" Yoo Jaemyun asked in a questioning tone as a worker handed him a clipboard. Attached to it were the names of the tasks.
"I think we should let the guests choose comfortably, Hyung." Worried about it, Jongmin faced the guests.
"No, no. It’s okay. We can divide it equally." Namjun shyly interjected, feeling the pressure of being surrounded by 2 seniors.
"How about let’s play a game," Ha-Eun suggested. Her heart was beating faster out of nervousness. She was feeling shy but she knew she had to contribute something to the show.
"Haha, alright. If that’s what you want," Jaemyun laughed out loud before looking ahead.
"PD please give us some paper with written tasks in it." Jaemyun thought of a quick game to resolve their problem since it was only half an hour before the cafe opened. "We’ll draw it by luck."
The writers in front quickly did as what was told. They pulled out multiple paper and wrote on it one by one before folding it.
Their tasks were as follows: To be at the counter, to be a server, and to be a barista.
As the production crew handed over a stack of folding paper with the tasks written on it, Jaemyun rubbed his hands together mischievously.
"Alright. Let’s pick this fair and square. The one who complains will be slapped at the back of his head."
The cast and crew chuckled nervously.
Jaemyun shuffled the papers quickly in front of everyone. When he was done, the cast drew their papers, unfolding them afterward with anticipation.
At the end, Ha-Eun and Namjun got the counter task, Sooyun and Jaemyun got the barista task, while Minjae and Jongmin got the server.
As the roles were announced, Ha-Eun let out a nervous laugh.
"I-I’m at the counter? What if I mess up the cash register?" she voiced out. She wasn’t really an extroverted person.
"Don’t worry!" Yoo Jaemyun said, patting her shoulder. "If you mess up, just say, ’Sorry, it’s my first day.’ Works every time."
"I’ll be a barista?" Sooyun stared at his slip for a while, amused at it. It was fine though he wanted to be at the counter or server, a job that would allow him to talk to people.
"Yup. Minjae and I will be the best servers in the world." Jongmin said, with a proud smile on his face.
The room burst into laughter at the comment. However, before they could talk more, the workers of the cafe quickly asked for their full attention.
They still need to learn everything in just 30 minutes.
- - -
As the café opened, the crowd immediately became excited. Some of the workers in the cafe had to manage the door and the line outside to ensure that it would proceed smoothly.
When the first few people went inside, they erupted into cheers and applause. Seeing not only 1 celebrity, but 4 sent them into a spiral.
Their loud screams made Ha-Eun, who was waiting at the counter to get their orders, nervous.
When the girls proceeded, Ha-eun immediately greeted them at the counter with a smile that was slightly too wide.
"Welcome! What can I get you?"
The first flood of customers quickly said their order while admiring Ha-Eun’s beauty. Her shy smile and earnest attempts at navigating the register charmed the customers, who giggled as they placed their orders.
"Okay, so that’s one iced caramel machiatto, one hot latte, and one ices chocolate frappe," Ha-Eun repeated the orders as what was taught to her.
As she said those words, her fingers hovered uncertainty over the buttons of the screen.
"You’ve got this," Namjun whispered at the side before leaning forward to help. "Press here, then here, and tada! You’re done."
Meanwhile, behind the counter, Sooyun and Jaemyun were still at the process of getting used to their jobs.
"Sooyun, the latte should be like a heart, right?" Jaemyun asked in a confused state, as he showed what he had done. The latte art that was supposed to be a heart suddenly became a sad face.
"..." Sooyun deadpanned and looked at Jaemyun. "Hyung… I think you need to start over."
At the same time, Jongmin and Minjae were the stars of the floor, moving swiftly between tables with trays expertly in their hands.
Jongmin was able to talk to the customers as he served their drinks. It was the same with Minjae. After working in a convenience store for weeks, he suddenly got the talent to talk to random people more smoothly.
With the two’s small chatting, the atmosphere in the cafe had become lighter despite the rush as time passed.
Halfway through their shift, Minjae approached a corner table carrying a steaming cup of coffee. As he set the tray down, he paused.
The person sitting there — an adult man in a gray sweater — looked oddly familiar.
"Here’s your coffee," Minjae said automatically, his eyes narrowing as he studied the man’s face.
Then, it hit him. His breath caught, and his hands froze mid-motion.
"Donghyun?"