It started with a single sentence.
"You eat a lot," I said.
"You waste electricity," Rikuya replied.
So naturally, we reached a solution:
He had to get a job.
"I shall provide for this household," Rikuya declared, arms crossed like some kind of magical breadwinner.
"It's a dorm," I reminded him.
"A kingdom in disguise."
"Whatever."
The next day, he borrowed my hoodie (because apparently cloaks are "too dramatic for job interviews") and walked confidently into the café two blocks from campus.
He came back one hour later.
"I have acquired employment," he said. "As a… beverage summoner."
"You mean barista."
"That."
Day 1:
I dropped by to check on him.
Big mistake.
He was behind the counter, staring at the espresso machine like it was an ancient enemy.
"What's this?" he asked the manager.
"It's for steaming milk."
"I fear it."
Day 3:
Rikuya started naming the drinks like spells.
"One iced caramel macchiato for the warrior of light!"
Customer: "My name is Kevin."
Day 5:
He tried to bless someone's latte.
Like, literally. He whispered in Old magic.
The cup glowed.
Pretty sure someone's cinnamon foam turned into a minor fire spirit.
Day 7:
The manager pulled me aside.
"Your… cousin? Roommate? Sorcerer boyfriend?"
"Let's go with roommate."
"Yeah. He's… not fired. But we're letting him try the dishwashing shift now."
Fair.
Back at the dorm, Rikuya placed his first pay envelope on the table like it was sacred.
"I have earned these coins with honor."
"It's minimum wage."
He looked proud anyway.
And honestly?
So was I.