DestinyStar

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

Mari blinked a bit and cocked her head to the side, wondering why Minkyu wasn't replying to her question. Had he heard her? With all of this commotion, maybe she had spoken too quietly? The expression on his face mirrored how she was feeling inside, and for one brave moment she turned to follow his gaze toward all of the people currently gathered in the dining area. She noticed how the older gentleman seemed to handle the angry customer really well... That must have been why the siblings had been so happy to see him. Still, why was he serving her? They weren't open yet, right? All of the noise had nearly made Mari think she was late to work. This was turning out to be a very stressful first day! Unsure of what to do, she shifted her weight from foot to foot, glancing around. Bad move. Her gaze met that of the angry customer, her annoyed gaze enough to make the young woman freeze. A shiver ran up her spine and she quickly turned back toward Minkyu, shrinking just a bit. Will there be a lot of customers like that...? She didn't know if she could handle it if she made a customer angry! Her hands shook a bit and she locked her gaze on the pretty desserts, trying her best to calm down. It's okay... I'm sure Amelia or Minkyu or someone will show me what to do, right? I can do this...

Suddenly, March walked by and handed her a handkerchief, making her pause momentarily. Her panic must have shown on her face if he handed this to her- did she look like she was going to cry? Flushing bright red, she stood up straighter. No, I need to show them I can do this! I did really well at our class' maid cafe for the school festival- I just have to be as confident as they taught me to be for that! A small smile crept on her face as she began to feel a bit calmer. The customer was being handled, many of the people had retreated to the kitchen, and the commotion seemed to finally be dying down. Glancing back up at Minkyu, she saw that he had also been handed a handkerchief and giggled, lightly. Something about him being just as nervous as her was calming... It made her feel that she wasn't quite so alone. It was normal to be nervous on your first day, right? And that didn't stop him from running a whole restaurant! She shifted her gaze to Amelia as she spoke, standing up straight. "R-Right!" The sudden orders caught her off-guard as she suddenly found herself saluting the pink-haired commander (like an idiot! What was she even doing?).

Okay. Her task seemed simple enough- put on the uniform and watch her serve a customer. She could do that! As things started to look up, she happily went into the back, though found herself in the kitchen. Uh, where was the dressing area? She remembered the table where they had her interview... Timidly, she walked around the back area until the found where women were supposed to dress. It was a sigh of relief as she found a locker with her name, and inside of it... Her eyes sparkled. Inside was the cutest little yellow dress with a frilly apron! Was this really her uniform? It was so cute! Suddenly, she was excited. This was going to be so much fun! It was with no hesitation that she changed into the outfit- it was even cuter on! Happily, she did a small twirl, observing herself in the mirror. Her favorite blue bow even matched! The shoes were practical and cute, as well, and the plastic ears were surprisingly comfortable! Not to mention adorable! This whole place just oozed charm that Mari found completely irresistable! It was why she had chosen to apply here, after all. Now that she was dressed, she gave herself a determined nod. It was time to prove she belonged here!

The moment she stepped out of the dressing area, she nearly bumped into Rebekah who was rushing around the kitchen preparing... everything? Did she even work here? She was in awe of the girl's skills for a moment, noticing how carefully she chopped everything. The young man also seemed quite skilled, delegating tasks to her. He must be the main cook, with how he had control of the kitchen. She stood there just watching them work for a moment before realizing she had been in a daze. Now wasn't the time to get distracted! Hurriedly shaking her head, she moved to go back out to the dining room, looking for Amelia. The moment she left the back, Mari became very self-conscious. This outfit would probably draw a lot of attention. She didn't do well with people staring at her. And now that she thought about it, wasn't the skirt a bit short? Nervously, she pulled on the hem a bit as her cheeks flushed red. Soon, she spotted the woman-in-charge she had been looking for and timidly approached her. "I-I'm ready to l-learn, m-m-ma'am..." Amelia was quite tall, wasn't she? At least in comparison... "What, um... W-What would you like me to do...?"

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

Still here!!! Just exhausted. Will post soon!

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

Her gaze drifted over to Minkyu first, then to the older gentleman, and then to the young man crouching on the floor as they respectively took their own turns replying to her awkward greeting. It was a relief that they actually replied, but so much seemed to be going on that she wasn't really sure where to direct her attention. Mari could hear voices in the back - were there more people here? Amelia confirmed that when she walked out of the back room with another person, the only other one not in uniform aside from herself. Who should she talk to? Was she supposed to clock in or report somewhere or what? Nervously, she shifted her weight and rubbed her arm. Slight tears pricked at her eyes. This was a bad idea... I already look like such an idiot...

She let out a bit of a squeak as she heard the door open directly behind her and scrambled to move out of the way. "S-S-Sorry!" Her voice was high-pitched and frantic as she apologized to the newcomer, instantly recognizing them as a customer. Was she late? Shoot! And on her first day! This really was not going well at all, and her heart was going to beat out of her chest... Minkyu came to her rescue, offering her sweets, but even more so giving her a place to direect her attention. Feeling a bit defeated already, she walked up to him, timidly. "W-Wow... These look so c-cute..." Desserts really were her favorite. Rebekah had made these? Who was Rebekah? Her gaze drifted to the blonde girl standing nearby. For her being late, no one seemed to be in a rush...

Looking back to Minkyu, she stood up straight with her cheeks flushed even redder. He was probably the nicest one here, and he had pushed so hard for her to get this job... but he was her boss. She had to be respectful and professional and do her very best! Despite how quiet he was, though, the idea of his authority made her even more nervous. "H-How are y-y-you today, s-sir...?" Was that too formal? Oh god, this was embarassing. Her head was still reeling.

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

Finally! Posted! Phew!

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

It took awhile for Mari to arrive at the shop, as she lived rather far away and didn't drive. Two subway rides and an hour later, she arrived at the beautiful front door. Her nerves really got the best of her on the way over. What if she messed something up? Would they fire her on her first day? What if they didn't get along? She really wanted to make a good first impression, but her stomach was already beginning to hurt from all of the worrying. Her mother's words popped into her mind for a brief moment before she shook her head to get rid of them. No, this was something she wanted to do. There was no going back, now. Everyone had seemed so nice before, and all she could do was her best... Whatever happened, happened. Right? With these thoughts bolstering her confidence ever-so-slightly, she inhaled deeply and gathered the courage to pull the door open and enter.

It was with great care that she made sure not to trip over the entryway, this time, but what she walked into was less than expected. So many people were already there... and talking very loudly. It was so jarring to be in that sort of environment so early in the morning. Blinking, she shuffled just a little bit forward. Amelia was nowhere to be seen... Should she just say hello? She needed to get a uniform, too. Her cheeks flushed bright red. Just talk to someone... Anyone! Wasn't the best thing to look like you belonged there? What was she supposed to say?

Mari could already feel the gazes on her, and she shrunk back just a little. Obviously, if she didn't introduce herself they would think she was just some customer...! They wouldn't know that she worked here, would they? Feeling a bit flustered, already, she glanced around nervously before suddenly bowing very deeply. "G... G... G-G-Good morning, e-e-everyone!" They would not be able to tell from where she stood with her face toward the ground, but her expression was one of horror as she realized how unintentionally loud she had been. If she couldn't talk to one of them, best to say hello all at once, right? Still, now all eyes were on her, and she didn't know what to do! Standing back up straight, she looked like a red-faced deer in the headlights. I'm so stupid...

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

@Vox 30 minutes left nooooo

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

Dang... EVERYONE is online rn, and I'm still working. Not faaaair. Dx

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

@OliveYou THE DRAWING IS SO CUUUUUTE omg Mari is gonna die of happiness when she puts on that uniform. <3

Will post when I get off work, tonight!

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

Bleh... Not SUPER happy with it but it's a post. Sorry for the delay. >.<

Café Crème, the Catmaid Café! ♥

In the morning, Mari was up bright and early. She had tossed and turned throughout the night, too excited to sleep because of this new adventure she was about have. Today she had her first shift at her very first job! It was all so incredibly exciting. And nerve-wracking. Would they like her? Would she be able to do a good job? What if she tripped, again? As her alarm chimed, the young girl allowed these worries to swirl within her mind. Surely things would go well! Her mother and father were worried, too, but she was determined to prove that she was good at more than just school! Once she had turned off the alarm, she stretched and rose from her bed. The rest of her family were late to rise, so she snuck through the dark of the early hours to brush her teeth, shower, and dress herself in a comfortable blue sweater and jeans. Her hair became wavy as it dried, and once she had styled it she was sure to place a cute, blue bow in her hair. Simple makeup was done and soon enough, she was ready to start her day!

You can do this... Just smile, be polite, and do your very best! As she went to go prepare a quick breakfast, she found her mother actually awake with a plate of eggs and bacon prepared. It was surprising, to say the least. "I wanted to make sure you didn't forget to eat on your first day. Having a job is a big responsibility, Mar... Are you sure you still want to do this?" Her hand placed gently on her daughter's back, Mari could feel the worry her mother felt. This was the first time their only child would be doing something on her own, after all. They knew how nervous Mari was, and how clumsy. They loved her, but they didn't believe in her abilities at all. Not yet, anyway. She would show them! "I'll be fine," She replied, finishing the meal and going to wash her plate. That was all she said before going to leave, but before she did she paused and went back to hug her mother. "I'll make you proud!" Before her mother could reply, she darted out the door and on to her new journey.