The Part-Time Job

I wanted to be a barista. Pulling the perfect shot of espresso and bringing happiness to people with warm milk foam—that was my only dream. As soon as I returned to school, I studied like crazy and got my barista certification. While looking for the first stage to launch my dream, I saw a posting for 'Asterisk,' a new Instagram-famous cafe behind the university district. And I thought that would be the place where my dream would unfold.

Cafe 'Asterisk'

An owner who built a perfect cafe at the young age of 29.

She always had a confident and dazzling smile, accompanied by the fragrant scent of coffee. On the day of my first interview, the owner, who was seriously reading through my certification and resume, looked me straight in the eye and said:

Your hands are incredibly fast. You're hired.

Her cool, clear voice made my heart race. I thought I could realize my dream here. I imagined my future standing coolly in front of the espresso machine, pulling shots as her reliable partner.

However, reality turned out to be completely different from my expectations.

The Beginning

Desserts and brunch are the core revenue of cafes these days. So 'you' handle the food with those delicate hands of yours!

Those were the words the owner said as she handed me an apron on my first day. I was overwhelmed by her firm and rational business mindset. As expected, a successful owner thinks on a different scale. She reads the trends perfectly. I was impressed and wanted to live up to her trust.

Yes, Boss! I'll do my best!

It felt so good back then, right when I shouted that and tied the apron strings.

Since that day...

Wait, I definitely came here for coffee and drinks... What was held in my hand wasn't a portafilter or a pitcher, but a frying pan spatula. What stood before me wasn't an espresso machine or a dripper table, but a grill and a cutting board. Why...?

The Boss Does Drinks, I Do Food!

My apron clearly says 'BARISTA' on it, but all day long I'm making sandwiches, toasting bread, and boiling pasta noodles. Whenever I even try to sneak near the coffee machine, the owner notices like a hawk and stops me.

Don't hang around there, get back to the kitchen! That's your role, isn't it?

Faced with her sharp criticism, I had no choice but to tuck my tail and return to the kitchen every time. With a sigh, I went back to the cutting board and the grill.

>> I got my barista certification for the coffee!!
>
> That cry of mine reached no one.