The plaza had more eyes today.
Not a crowd.
Not a flash mob.
Just… more glances that lingered.
More footsteps that paused.
Jun didn't change his rhythm.
He unpacked the kit the same way.
Folded the cloth the same.
Ground the beans the same.
His gear looked the way it always had.
Faded.Reliable.Worn.
But functional.
[System Buff: Consistency Bonus – Brew Reliability +6%]
The first few cups went smoothly.
One to a jogger.
One to a man in a business coat.
One to a girl in headphones who dropped 10 Notes without making eye contact.
The kettle hissed.
The dripper emptied.
The flow stayed calm.
Then—a shadow lingered.
Jun glanced up.
A young man stood a few feet back.
Crisp jacket.
Designer boots.
Camera lens hanging off one shoulder.
Arms crossed.
Brows furrowed.
He stared not at the cart—but at the gear.
The scratched dripper.
The warped grinder.
The thin, almost-too-small cloth beneath it all.
"That's what you're using?" the man said, finally.
Jun nodded.
"Still works."
The man snorted—low, not cruel, but clearly unimpressed.
"I mean… respect, I guess. But with the reach you're getting now? You could've at least upgraded to something cleaner."
Jun didn't answer immediately.
He poured another cup instead.
Careful.
Quiet.
No rush.
"Look," the man continued. "Your name's been floating in some of my circles. Barista heads. Artisan threads. Street-side brew aesthetics. You're getting clicks, dude."
Jun raised an eyebrow slightly. "And?"
"And people are watching now. Don't you want to represent better?"
Jun handed off the finished cup to the next customer—an older woman who'd been waiting patiently.
She took it with both hands, sipped, smiled.
Left a soft tip and walked off humming.
Jun turned back to the man.
"No one tastes the handle."
The man paused.
Jun continued.
"No one tastes the shine. Or the metal edge. Or the name brand stamped under the kettle."
He rinsed the filter.
"Only thing that reaches the tongue is what I pour. And that hasn't changed."
[System Log: Response Logged – Artisan Identity Reinforced]
[Trait Progression: Integrity +6%]
The man didn't press further.
Just watched.
Then—grudgingly—nodded.
"Alright. You do you."
He turned and walked away, camera swinging.
Jun reset the kit.
Steam rose again.
The next pour began.
Same rhythm.
Same gear.
Same purpose.
If the world wanted flash—it could look elsewhere.
If it wanted truth—it could find it here.
One scratched handle at a time.
Logged User: Stylsite08
Path: Stillness to Mastery
Unauthorized copies may trigger system disruption.
Original work by Stylsite08. Do not repost or distribute without permission. All rights reserved.