The Wind Loop

13 | alamort

"Good heavens, Yoo Ye Bin. We can eat at a restaurant. Why do we need to go to a cafe or a bakery? I didn't know that you can be so stubborn about something trivial. Jeju has good food everywhere."

"Exactly, it's trivial and that is why I'm forcing you. I am not up for a full course meal. I am craving something sweet."

"If only I was far sighted, I could have packed something to eat before coming here."

"Such a cheapskate!"

"It's not about the price. It's just my principle -"

"Yes, yes and you follow it. I got it. Just stay outside then. I'll go and satisfy my cravings."

Ju Ho stayed quiet for a few seconds and ultimately had to give in to her pursuit and silent pleading eyes. Ye Bin was delighted to get him to change his mind. They crossed the road carefully and stood infront of the door.

"Just look at the exterior!" she gasped, taking in all the details of their surroundings.

The cafe was a typical example of  modern day extravaganza. Ju Ho had to check the board twice to see if it was actually just a cafe. The walls of the cafe had been marvellously crafted with several geometric patterns and impressive mini sculptures. Even the signboard looked straight out of the halls of a museum.

"I can bet on my entire bank balance that we wouldn't get good food here. They poured their heart out in the architecture. I don't think there would be much left for the food."

"An artist never runs out of love for their field of art. I believe that it would be the same for people who are engaged in making people feel happy through food."

"That's true." Ju Ho looked still unsure about the entire thing.

"Are you coming in or not? Keep thinking and maybe I'll be done before you decide on something." Ye Bin pulled the door knob without sparing a second glance.

Ju Ho had to forcefully drag himself inside, following her figure.

"Sit down. I'll order something. Do you want anything specific?" Ye Bin pulled a chair of an empty table and gestured him to get settled on its surface.

Ju Ho shook his head to say a 'no' and he watched Ye Bin stroll towards the counter, the large crowd near it almost consuming her. It wasn't until a good twenty minutes of struggle that she emerged from the mob, her hands holding two plates of doughnuts and strawberry pastries.

"It's a self-serving cafe." Ye Bin explained as she placed the porcelain plates on their table. "They require you to pay the bill beforehand."

"Is it costly?"

"A bit." she squinted her eyes, bringing close two of her fingers to indicate how much it was.

"This is why I told you that it isn't worth it. I hope that I don't spill anything." Ju Ho eyed the white lace table cloth with a crease on his forehead.

"I can feel you, totally." Ye Bin reciprocated his fear, looking at the fabric.

"Listen, my doughnuts are far better than this. Look at the texture. Not everyone can achieve success in this art. You should put your heart and soul into this everyday, thinking that it might be your last day on earth." Ju Ho broke the doughnut into half and examined them carefully.

"Really? I can't tell the difference." Ye Bin was already stuffing her mouth with hers.

"Have you ever tried my doughnuts? I don't think so." he made a face, clearly annoyed at the fact that he was being compared with someone inferior.