#gc ask

Koji:

You put a shot glass in front of Koji. He raises an eyebrow as he takes it. "Are you trying to make me drunk?" You smile. "I'm a bartender, my main job is making people drunk." He laughs, "Now that you put it that way…" He lifts the glass and downs it in one shot. His sleeve rides up and you catch a glimpse of his tattoo. "This is nice, thanks." "What's the tattoo about?" you gesture at his arm. "Oh, this? It's kobucha, a type of pumpkin, my grandparents owned a farm and—" Your finger lightly touches the line. He freezes. You glance at him. "And?" "Uhm, yes. They—they owned a farm." "A farm." You smile pleasantly, finger still hovers above his tattoo. "Kobucha farm." "Kobucha." You touch the tattoo again, following the vines. "And the knife?" "It's nakiri. Japanese knife." "Nakiri. Interesting." "Yeah, it is." His voice is low and slightly rough. Suddenly someone calls you. You step back from Koji. "You need to tell me the full story next time." He looks straight into your eyes. "I will." You smile and leave him to attend another customer.

Jasmine:

Jasmine is at the end of the counter with a friend and they've been chatting for a while. You catch her eyes drifting toward you. And her friend's eyes. Yet you pretend to be cool at it, besides there are drinks to mix. Including the one you're making for her. You put the drinks in front of her and the friend. Jasmine mentioned her name but you didn't remember. "For you, ladies." you say warmly. The friend squeals, "For us?" Jasmine frowns. "But we didn't order it." "Yes but I remember you liked it the last time you came, it's on the house." Her eyes drift to you. "You keep giving me free drinks. Are you trying to get me drunk?" You meet her gaze. "That depends, is it working?" For a moment she's speechless, and then she laughs. She takes the glass and sips it, "This is good, but you know you're good at this." "I just need you to keep reminding me." Her friend is quietly watching your exchange on the side, sipping her cocktail. "You promise will make whatever drink I want." Jasmine reminds you. You raise an eyebrow. "Are you cashing it now?" She shakes her head. "No, it's for special occassion." You glance at her friend who seems thoroughly entertained. You smile, leaning slightly forward. "Then I'll wait for that special occassion." Her eyes sparkle and her friend grabs her arm. Suddenly someone calls you. You nod and say, "Enjoy the drinks." Walking away, you hear a hushed conversation behind you.

Miro:

You hand the coffee to Miro and he murmurs a thank you. Then you both leave the crowded coffee shop. Lines of people spilling out the door. A new coffee shop just recently open and, as all new places, attract many people to try. The street is busy with people so Miro has to carefully navigates his way. You notice he seems lightly uncomfortable so you gesture at the street across. "Let's walk across, less people." He seems relieved. "Yes, let's go." You both cross the street and you can tell they feel more at ease. "I'm sorry. I'm usually good with crowd. But juggling coffee while dodging people isn't my favorite thing to do." You smile warmly. "Don't be. Next time I'll pick a quieter place." His face lights up. Then he looks away. As you continue walking, you sip your coffee. "It's decent." "Not worth lining for 20 minutes?" They ask before sipping their coffee. "Not bad," they agree. "But I don't mind." You turn toward a park. "You don't mind?" They follow you with ease. "I'm curious about this place. But if it's not with you, I don't think I'd ever come." You glance at them. "Why not?" "The lines. It feels unnecessary for a cup of coffee, but waiting while chatting with you turned out to be pleasant." You smile at his admission. "You can always reach out to me if you want to try something new." He's quiet for a moment. "You always seem to know what to say." "I do? But I really mean what I said." He looks away, you catch a blush on his cheek. "That's what I mean." he says quietly.