The morning rush passed in clean rhythm.
Grind. Tamp. Pull. Pour. Smile.
Jun was getting used to the flow. Not coasting—just consistent. Precise. Like breathwork.
But late morning brought a different tone.
A customer stood at the counter, watching Jun's hands too closely.
"You're the guy from that clip, right? Pop-up stall. Poured into a paper cup like it was art?"
Jun nodded once. "I've done pop-ups."
The man smirked.
"Never got why people film baristas like it's performance art. Coffee's about taste, not theatrics."
Jun didn't flinch. Didn't defend.
He just looked at the machine.
"You want something?"
"Sure. Let's see what the hype's about."
He made the drink without flair. Straight lines. Stable wrist. No latte art. No smile.
He placed the cup down gently.
The man took a sip. Didn't compliment it. Just nodded once.
"Not bad. Little bright. Could be cleaner."
Jun didn't respond.
The man walked away without tipping.
[System Ping – Emotional Sync Check: Stable]
Criticism detected. Response: Non-reactive. Identity preserved.
+1 Emotional Willpower
Visibility Stat: Slight Decrease (Challenge Detected)
Later that afternoon, Mina slid her phone across the bar.
A new post was floating around.
Split screen: Jun on one side.
Another barista flaring milk patterns on the other. Caption read:
"Show vs Skill. Guess which one lasts longer?"
Jun looked at it for half a second.
Then turned the screen away.
[System Note – Comparison Detected]
You are not being measured. You are being watched.
Stay still.
He made another drink. For someone who hadn't seen the post. Someone who just wanted a warm cup after a long day.
And he made it with care.