Even I was surprised by how happy I got when my manager approved of my day off request. For a party organised by people I've barely met at a place still strange to me, I sure was looking forward to it.
I reachMy Treasurejust as the sun was setting. Little fireworks are drawn on the sign board and yellow fairy lights illuminate the edges of it. I go down the stairs and see more multi-colored fairy lights on the plants kept outside the door. I open the door and just when I thought the café couldn't get any more pleasant, it does.
The place is transformed into what looks like an enchanted retreat of pixies. The ceiling lights are as dim as they can be. More series of ball string lights are draped along the white walls, cascading down the tall lamps at every corner. Candles of varying heights adorn every table, their soft glow casting shadows across the room creating a magical atmosphere. Vases with fresh colorful flowers fill the space complimenting the very familiar aroma of coffee.
Except for a few large round tables joined together at the center of the room, rest all are tucked into corners.
I'm standing at the door jaw dropped in total awe of this secret garden I'm seeing when I hear a chorus of voices say, "Welcome toMy Treasure,Eline."
I had been so lost taking in all the decorations that I looked past the group of men standing by the center table, maybe mistaking them for guests as all of them are wearing casual clothes.
I let out the breath I'd been holding and hurry inside the café. "Happy anniversary, everyone!" I exclaim, walking over to them.
I recognise three of the five people before me, Hyunsuk, Junkyu and Asahi.
"Thank you." They all reply, smiling.
Hyunsuk talks first. "I'm glad you could make it after all, Eline."
Junkyu comes to my side, "It's great to see you again, Eline. And you look very pretty." He says cheerfully, glancing at my maroon dress.
"Thank you and I mean," I take in the decorations again. "Y'all did a great job here, everything is so beautiful."
"We tried our best," says Hyunsuk with a hand on his heart. "You're very punctual," he continues. "You're the first guest to arrive. That's great actually," he touches Junkyu's back. "Junkyu, why don't you introduce her to everyone before we begin?"
"Sure," says Junkyu and motions to the ones standing behind him to come nearer.
"Hello, Eline." Asahi smiles and I greet him back.
"So," Junkyu gestures to the remaining two. "This is Jungwhan and this is Haruto. The two of them handle serving the guests," Then he looks at me. "Guys, this is our newest guest Eline."
We all exchange smiles.
"Some are in the kitchen," Junkyu informs. "I'll take you there if you'd like."
"Sure, if its okay." I say eagerly.
I follow Junkyu through the kitchen door by the barista counter and am met with the delicious aroma of muffins and pizza. The kitchen is small but efficient. I see Jaehyuk washing dishes in the sink and two other men busy cleaning up the stainless steel countertops. Platters of food are kept on the counter right by the door and my hunger is now piqued.
"Oh, Eline is here," says Jaehyuk when he sees me.
"Guys, a second please." Junkyu calls and all the eyes in the room are on me.
"You already know him," says Junkyu pointing at Jaehyuk and then at the other two. "This is Yoshi and beside him is Jeongwoo, the two mainly handle the kitchen." I exchange smiles with all of them.
"I..," says Yoshi in a soft voice, fiddling with a dish towel sticking out from his apron's pocket. "I heard that you liked the cinnamon doughnut, Eline."
"Yes I did, a lot," I say with a big smile. "You made it right?"
Yoshi's mouth twitches into a small smile and he nods. "Yes, thank you. Both I and Jeongwoo made it." He says touching Jeongwoo's shoulder, who purses his lips and then smiles at me.
My heart almost melts by their shyness and I bring a hand to my mouth trying to hide my reaction.
Junkyu leans towards me and says, "they're a bit shy but they really mean what they say." I nod deeply in reply, still covering my big smile.
Next, Junkyu and I move towards the library and it's just as pretty as the previous room, and I see two men, one holding a step ladder and the other on top of it, in the middle of hanging lights on the last wall remaining.
"Hey, you two," Junkyu calls out, drawing their attention. "Eline, meet Doyoung and Jihoon." He says pointing towards the one holding the step ladder first and then towards the one on top of it. "Guys, this is Eline."
"Nice to meet you, Eline." Jihoon says, one hand holding the lights and the other hand on the wall steadying himself.
"Welcome, Eline," Doyoung says in a gentle voice, giving me a wave. "Hope you're enjoying the café."
I smile back, "I am, and today the café is as beautiful as can be, your effort is really showing, literally." My comment earns a chuckle from everyone.
"Thank you," Jihoon says from above, getting back to his task. "Just don't mind if I tumble down during our first time meeting." He jokes.
"You're in good hands, Jihoon." Doyoung assures holding the ladder tighter.
I can't help but laugh at their playful behavior, feeling more drawn towards the charm of this café and everyone I've met.
"That was all of us," Junkyu announces. "Hope you liked the tour, Eline." He grins.
"Thanks to my amazing tour guide," I grin back.
We walk back to the café and I see a few other guests have arrived, Hyunsuk and the others busy talking with them. Every person has a smile on their face and I realise how pleasant this café and its people are to them. It's like a place to come and relax, forgetting the worries of the world, and rejuvenate. Places like this are hard to come by and I feel very fortunate to be a part of My Treasure.
Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.