Author's note: This chapter was actually inspired by a true story between an airport receptionist and an angry passenger. It's floating as a meme somewhere on facebook and so, if you ever find it, read it! It's hilarious.
Chapter 3: The Day Riku Had a Taste of His Own Medicine
Riku Turner.
24 years of age.
With natural smarts and a scholarship, Riku zoomed through med school and became a substantial resident. He has saved many lives with the first being when he was only 18 years old. Not only is his career set, he has no problem attracting the ladies. Luxurious silver hair, athletic built, mature looking face, turquoise colored eyes… oh dayum, even the author of this story is drooling.
In other words, this guy was hot. And the worst thing was, he knew that for a fact.
Whenever he walked down the hallways he was always stopped either from female fans trying to take his photo or elderly medical staff members praising him for his work. Even in the 'Destiny Island's Times' he was featured on the front cover for being the next rising doctor. And of course, it wasn't juicy enough if the magazine had to mention that he was the hottest bachelor in town.
But like in most cases, he was a total ass.
That's right.
Rude, obnoxious, arrogant, vain, you name it. It wasn't that Riku was initially like this. His great success has gained him to be well respected by his peers that he knew that he could do anything and they would still idol him. Even as he treated the nurses like slaves, patients as experiments and visitors as annoyances, they knew that he would still get the job done in the best way possible. At times, they did feel patronized. But hey, if it were the Riku Turner telling you to do something, you would do it. No questions asked.
However, Riku's high horse came crashing down on the day he transferred from the public hospital to the Island's Medical Centre.
Word had been floating around that the young prodigy was going to start working in the Centre and everybody was excited. It was from the tiniest details that the director wanted to make sure an impression was left on the young resident. For example, he made the medical staff take handwriting lessons and ordered the cleaners to make the beds with the pillow tag facing away from the door, as according to Riku, they looked ugly when you could see the tag.
Just like a movie star but without the limousine, Riku arrived in an ambulance truck, flashing lights and all. He had his stethoscope around his neck, white coat on with scrubs underneath, and a determine look on his face as he stepped out of the truck. He was with a patient just to make sure they were okay during the ride and quickly handover to the staff about the situation when they got to the Centre.
When he finally got to go on his break, his stomach growled for food and he followed the signs pointing towards 'The Corner Café'. Whilst ignoring the stares and points by the people he walked past, he made his way towards the West Ward and found that the café was literally at the corner of the overall Centre.
The little bell above the door chimed as Riku walked in and narrowed his eyes as he quickly observed the inside of the café; there was a long line of people waiting at the counter, with the rest of the customers enjoying their coffees at the tables or the lounge area. Some of them turned their heads at the new arrival but the majority didn't take notice and resumed their activities. Riku didn't like that. Did no one care that he, the Riku Turner was in this little café? He frowned. As he started to line up, his frown only deepened as he saw what was the hold up. The customer first in line was an elderly lady, whom had obviously strayed from her original order and instead spoke about what she had for dinner, while the barista was patiently listening to her and laughing at all the right moments when she claimed to have an 'elderly moment'.
After the third laugh from the brunette, Riku was fed up. He didn't have to tolerate this kind of service. And most importantly, he didn't have to wait. He walked out of the line to right behind the lady and coughed loudly into his fist, making both hers and the barista's head turn to him. "Excuse me, do you know who I am?"
The elderly lady gasped but the barista didn't bat an eye. "Who are you?"
"Sora," The lady stressed. "That's Riku Turner!" She slapped down the 'Destiny Island's Times' magazine she was holding on the counter and pointed to the resident's face. "This young man right here. He's-"
"The best of the best? One in a million? A rising star to fame?" Riku interrupted. "Take your pick. There's plenty more I can think of. Now move aside, old lady, I need to get my coffee hit."
As the lady was about to exit the line, the brunette barista swiftly placed his hand on her arm and held her back. "I'm sorry, sir, but I was not done serving this customer."
"Excuse me?" His eyes widen.
"I repeat, I was not finished serving this customer. Please go back in line and I will serve you when your time has come."
Riku narrowed his eyes. Who did this guy think he is? "I think you didn't hear me properly. My name is Riku Turner and I order you to serve me."
The customers in the café stopped their conversations and stared at the situation unfolding before them. But instead of being shaken up, the barista smiled widely in return. "I apologize again, sir. But you see, there are other people who have been patiently in line before you had even arrived in the store. I have to ask you to please get back to the line and wait for your turn."
"This is outrageous!" Riku raised his voice. "You can't tell me what to do. How dare you treat me like a commoner! I am Riku Turner, the rising doctor! I have places to go, people to save, I don't have time to be waiting in a line this big!"
"Sir, I need you to calm down and I'm sorry but I will serve you when the people in front of you has been served."
"No," the silver haired resident leaned over the counter and looked down to the brunette barista. He glared hard. "I demand you the service I deserve!"
"Then please get to the back of the line and wait your turn." The brunette repeated.
Fed up with the barista, Riku flailed up his arms. "I don't need this. Screw you!"
The barista looked him straight in the eye before replying calmly. "Please wait in line for that too."
A cheer rose from the customers as they applauded the barista while the silver haired resident's cheeks flushed in embarrassment and retired to the door. How dare he. This low-life thinks he can make a fool of him in public? What a joke.
Before Riku pulled the door handle, he stopped and turned his head back. There was something different about this place. It was as if the café was cut off and had it's own little world, away from all the problems and misery that people had brought with them when they came to the Centre. He didn't notice how heartwarming the atmosphere was when he first walked in, he had only focused on himself. But it was apparent that no one else did, even after the scene just minutes before; the elderly lady had remembered her order and was happily eating her slice of cake with her husband who had been waiting at a table, the line had been cleared with the last customer conversing with the barista as he brewed his coffee with a smile on his face, and the air was filled with endless chatter and laughter from the rest of the customers. Overall, the aroma of the café was glowing with bliss. And it was all because of the spiky haired barista.
For the first time in forever, Riku felt a stab of envy. He was hot, smart and successful. So, why did he feel jealous of the barista?
Conflicted by his emotions, he pulled the door open but before he left, he glanced back to the barista one last time. The brunette was currently talking to a blonde hair man while frothing the milk. He wasn't paying attention to the milk and a second later, the milk splattered all over to the floor, making the blonde man jump while the barista scratched the back of his head and gave him the biggest smile in return.
Riku chuckled at the scene. He quickly muttered, "bastard," and left without saying another word.
He can get his Mint Chocolate Mocha Frappucino tomorrow.
Author's note: Okay, so this is the last short chapter; the main story will finally get a move on in the next chapter woo! :D This means longer chapters, longer dialogue, but however, a much more longer wait for updates. I apologize in advance.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday with their loved ones :D And to my fellow Aussies if you are reading, please drink plenty of water and slap on sunscreen everyday! The heat is rising down here so be careful! :)
Thanks to Ken7700, SoraxKairi7, Malcolm Yuy and sukarettimay for the reviews on the last chapter! And to those who have followed and favourited this story! You are all incredible people :)
See you all next time on Days At The Corner Cafe ;)
