Chapter Text
Kang Rumi always knew she was doomed to a life she wanted no part of at the age of 24 her life already seemed like it was over honestly to her it seemed like maybe it had been over long before it even began. With her aunt Celine getting closer and closer to retirement she knew that sooner or later she’d be the next “heir” to the family business. Nowadays she just enjoys whatever free time she has left before that day comes.
Today was her daily shift at the local bar where she worked called “The Honmoon” owned by her boss Bobby, from the outside it seemed like your regular everyday bar but inside it was modest and charming.
The downside was that the bar was inconveniently located near the back alley of the city, sure usually if you weren’t half dead or running from something then you probably wouldn’t have spotted it at first glance. But once you stepped in it’s hard not to come by more than once afterwards.
Rumi stepped inside pushing the door open with a grunt feeling the nice warm air hit her all at once completely easing her chilled bones nearly frozen from the brutal winter December weather.
“Hey Bobby!” she said giving the short and charmily sweet older man a smile as she entered the bar clocking in for her shift as he returned the enthusiasm giving her a crushing signature bear hug before letting her down with a laugh.
“Rumi! Just the person I wanted to see” he said refilling the shelves with toppings and drinks for the seasonal beverages the establishment often offered during the holiday seasons that customers just seem to not get enough of.
Rumi goes over to help him as they settle into a calm and soothing rhythm of picking up and rearranging items.
Rumi always appreciated these calm and soothing moments with Bobby not only did he make for great company but he was overall a kind person something Rumi rarely crossed paths with in her life. Without people like him she was unsure of what kind of person she would be right now.
They get done and Bobby checks his phone letting out a yawn “Well Rumi I have to get going but Jinu should be clocking in soon” he said as he puts on his puffy jacket and cat mittens that Rumi had gotten for him the year before as a gift.
“Oh and please tell Jinu not to eat all the shark gummies this time like seriously does he even chew?” he said making an over exaggerated face at the memory of Jinu just stuffing his mouth with gummy worms before taking a minimum of 2 bites before swallowing.
Rumi smiles watching as he leaves into the chilly winter night until she can’t see his figure anymore letting out a sigh as she is once again left to wait for Jinu to clock in for his shift or some customer stumbles in looking for a drink.
She goes over cleaning some dishes and cups growing bored once she realizes she’s washed the same cup about 5 times before groaning and deciding to play something on the tv landing on some sort of sitcom.
After what seemed like forever the sound of a door opening pulled her out of her thoughts. Her eyes land on two women. The smaller one with black hair and bangs with two space buns on top of her head wearing a green trenchcoat smiles and curiously looks around the bar. As the taller girl next to her with pink long hair wearing a similar coat but in black paired with a black cap. Seemed to clearly appreciate the warm air from inside the establishment seems to notice Rumi first before tugging on the other girls arm as they walk towards the bar.
“Welcome! What can I get you girls tonight?” Rumi said giving her best customer service smile as she wiped down the table again for good measure before setting down a little bowl of complimentary assorted fruit for them as they settled onto the stools.
The girl with the space buns seems to excitedly flip through the entire drink menu as she leans in closer to the girl with pink hair pointing at one of the drinks.
“Hmmm look Mira they got those margaritas on the rocks that you like!” she said grinning as the girl with the pink hair glances down at the menu and smiles pointing at the seasonal drinks “Fuck yeah plus look Zoey they actually have that shark drink you like, you know the one with the gummy sharks?” They say speaking amongst themselves.
“Hm Zoey and Mira huh?” Rumi thought to herself happy to put a name to such interesting faces and the only customers who she’s served so far into her shift.
She decides to add onto the conversation “Ah yes that’s one of my personal favorites as well and you’re in luck! We just restocked our seasonal supplies so they aren’t just any sharks” Rumi said amused as she turns around and picks one out of the jar showcasing it to the two girls who she now know knew were called
Zoey and Mira
She displays the shark with an amused goofy grin showing off the colorful light blue colored gummy with a small but noticeable Santa hat on top of its head.
“Oh my god…..”
“OH MY GOD” Zoey practically yells as she shakes Mira’s shoulders enthusiastically who has a deadpan expression on her face but doesn’t pull away.
“Mira oh my god Mira it- it has a hat and it’s so cute!!” she said babbling at such a rapid quick speed that Mira has to physically sandwich Zoey’s face between her hands to keep her from slipping off of her stool.
“Zoey please breathe before we have another accident…” she said wincing at the memory as if whatever she remembered made her physically cringe.
*Snort* a laugh breaks the conversation as the girls turn to look at Rumi who is laughing at the altercation as she wipes small tears from her eyes letting out a gentle sigh clearly amused from the scene unfolding in front of her.
“You girls are something else huh” Rumi said amused and intrigued by the girls actions as she leans her shoulder on the counter resting her head on top of her palm looking at them with a grin.
Mira who still had Zoey’s face sandwiched between her hands shares a glance with her like a silent agreement passes between only them as her gentle grip on her face suddenly slips off.
Zoey fixes up her clothes dusting off an invisible piece of dirt on her coat as Mira did the same, clearing her throat turning to take a good look at Rumi.
“Sorry you had to see that I’m Mira and this knuckle head” she said pointing a thumb at Zoey who gives a quick playful wave “Is Zoey” she finishes.
“What’s your name?” Zoey chirps in as she smiles ear to ear practically awaiting for a response as she twisted a piece of her bangs between her fingers.
Rumi looks back between Zoey and Mira unaware that something was already silently blooming between all of them in that very moment as she happily replies
“I’m Rumi nice to meet you”