Shirt snag

After a brief break, Jake was ready to help Yuna tackle the evening rush.

“Hey, Yuna!” Jake called out, walking toward her as she leaned casually against the counter.

“Yeah?” She responded, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the counter as she waited for the rush to hit.

“What should I do before the rush?” Jake asked, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness.

Yuna glanced around, her eyes thoughtful for a moment before a mischievous smile tugged at her lips. “Hmm... I know! There’s a really high shelf in the kitchen, the one with the sprinkles. Can you go grab that for me? After, you can take over at the drive-thru.”

Jake’s eyes brightened. “Alright! Thanks, Yuna!” He flashed her a grin before making his way through the kitchen, dodging bakers who were busy prepping for the evening.

When he finally reached the kitchen, he scanned the area and spotted the box of sprinkles on the top shelf. It was higher than he expected, and he could see why Yuna hadn’t wanted to climb up there herself.

Jake sighed, taking a deep breath as he jumped up on his tiptoes, trying to reach it. Even with his height, it was a struggle. After several unsuccessful attempts, he decided to take a different approach. His gaze fell on a tall stool in the corner of the room.

He pulled the stool over, positioning it beneath the shelf. As he stepped up, the stool wobbled beneath him, creaking under his weight. He grunted, trying to balance himself while still keeping his focus on the box. His fingers were nearly wrapped around it, just a little more effort and it would be his.

That’s when disaster struck.

Jake didn’t notice the sharp metal hook clinging onto the collar of his purple polo. The fabric strained, and the sound of it ripping was drowned out by the hum of the kitchen around him. The more he wobbled, trying to steady himself, the more the left side of his shirt started to tear, the hem coming apart in tiny, helpless shreds.

With a final push, Jake managed to pry the box loose, jumping down from the stool with a triumphant smile—but his shirt had a different fate. The **** of his landing sent his shirt flying from his chest, sailing through the air before landing neatly on the high shelf behind the heavy metal equipment.

Jake’s heart sank as he stared at the shirt, now perched in an impossible spot behind the shelf. “No, no, no...” he muttered under his breath, panic rising in his chest.

Before he could figure out how to retrieve it, Yuna’s voice rang out from the counter. “Jake! The drive-thru! Quick!” She called, her voice full of energy and a hint of amusement as she noticed his predicament.

Blushing a deep shade of red, Jake glanced at the shelves, then at his own bare chest. Realizing he had no time to deal with the lost shirt, he grabbed the nearest apron and tied it tightly around his waist, hoping to cover up his exposed chest and stomach. His face was burning with embarrassment as he hurried toward the drive-thru, feeling more exposed than ever.