@✽ hyunjung k. Listening quietly for her preferred order, Seoham nodded his head, keeping his credit card in his hand. Americano and their bestselling sandwich, he thought to himself. It wasn’t much to pay for, but it was the least he could do to appease her and make her feel less angry. The fact that he had broken up with her was probably a factor for her acting this way, but he wouldn’t blame her. Sometimes his clumsiness did piss people off as well, but majority were nicer about it. He dipped his head for a little bow before whispering.
“That’s terrible Hyunjung, I… I’ll be back with your order.” he muttered, practically sprinting for the counter and ordering an americano and their most well-known sandwich. Seoham could finally breathe for a moment as he waited at the counter, away from her. After receiving the order, he tucked his card in his back pocket and picked up the tray, moving back to their nearby tables and setting it down on hers. “Sorry again.”
He wasn’t able to respond earlier to her words, but he was so frazzled and needed to give her her food immediately, that he didn’t answer promptly. He thought it was fine anyway. He took a seat, fixing a bit of his belongings and moving his small pastry on a plate from the edge of the table for safety, and he turned to face her. He wasn’t making proper eye contact though. “But yeah, that , getting fired. How are you holding up now? Any work here?”
@✽ seoham p. Despite his promised reparations, some of her wanted to step away from him and not look back. It's what she's been doing for months, on a strict anti-ex ban that has let her forget him. Well, forget was an overstatement since he was very much in her mind still, but his name could at least be swapped out with a few playful profanities.
But she second-guessed herself. Despite being over a head taller than her, he looked so small at that moment. She sighed, she couldn't hold it against him forever, but she definitely wasn't going to give him the benefit of forgiveness quickly. Especially for this little stunt. She retracted her claws and looked up at him.
"Coffee. Americano." Her brain was in a frenzy, trying to clean up the mess on her and the spot around her. "Maybe a sandwich." She mumbled, taking a seat once it was wiped dry. A few people around them still gave her a side-eye, but she attempted to ignore them to inspect her belongings. Luckily the jacket protected her precious belongings in her pockets, and her book only had a few droplets on the cover. She spoke again as if they were just two people having a conversation. She hated people looking at her like that.
"Seems like you and I are in the same boat." Her eyes met his face again. It's not like she forgot that he also had family here in Dandelion; she just hoped their severed connections would lead to her not seeing him here. "Except for the job thing." She didn't know what to say about the art thing. She knew he'd been struggling for a while now, but she had never been one for creative endeavours… She didn't understand the wall he hit. "I got fired." She may as well be honest. He knew her better than anyone, though that wasn't saying much.
@✽ heeseung l. it was only when heeseung pushed the cup that minho realised that the younger had prepared it for him, too focused on what he was going to say to his cousin. maybe it was how he was raised, or maybe it was just innate, but heeseung had always been thoughtful, and it was evident even in this simple gesture. "you remembered," minho said quietly, a smile forming on his lips. "thank you, and it's alright." the smile grows into a playful grin and he continues, "there'll be lots of opportunities for you to find out what i like."
minho wasn't sure how the meeting would go, but he's hoping that there will be more to come afterwards. now that he had grown and had time to think about things, there were things that the present-day minho wanted to hold onto, things that his younger self had tried so desperately to leave behind.
heeseung's brief answer doesn't give much insight into how he ended up here, but it isn't unexpected, and from the way his cousin said it, minho is glad to hear that heeseung is doing alright. "i've been good as well. i'm working as a baker now, here in dandelion," minho replies to heeseung's question. he laughs at the younger's joke and it slightly eases his worries that heeseung hadn't wanted to see him. "hey, hey. i'm two years older than you. imagine how /my/ bones feel."
hoping to continue the light-hearted atmosphere, minho gives a slight nod to the streets of dandelion outside of the cafe window. "so how's dandelion? pretty different from the city, right?"
@✽ tim k. If it's not because of the stupid assignments and tests that her lecturer gave her in the last few minutes, there's no way Chaewon wants to stay in this cafe till this late. It already says 10.45 p.m., and Chaewon knows that the cafe will be closed at 11.30 p.m. Damn, she needs to be quick, or else it's going to be hard for her to pass this test. She took a deep breath and sipped her caramel latte that she just ordered for the 3rd time already. yeah. She had been there since 7 p.m., and she just couldn't help but notice one of the workers seemed strange, and he looked like a bad guy, judging by her appearance. Even though Chaewon was being taught by her lovable parents not to judge someone by their appearances, Chaewon couldn't help but judge this guy like that because there's no way this kind of guy would be accepted to work at the place. Maybe she should tell the owner about this matter one day.
'Eh, Park Chaewon, can you just do your assignments and ignore the stranger?' Her mind scolded her as she heaved again. 'As long as he didn't bother me, yes.' While working on her tasks, Chaewon couldn't help but yawn, her eyes somehow getting heavy. Since there's still time since the cafe will remain open until 11.30 pm, maybe she can take a quick nap first, plus her tasks are almost finished anyways. Chaewon shuts her eyes as she falls asleep on the table.
@✽ taeyong l. Byungchan smiled softly when he sees Taeyong and his favorite niece Eunchae entered the Cafe, slowly getting up and slap the other's hand as well. Gently lower himself so he could meet Eunchae's height, his smile became even brighter and gently ruffles her hair." hello Eunchae-ni, haven't seen you for along time. You all grow up now, little one." He stood up as and lead them to the table, gently tap the table." Here we go, you can order anything you guys want, this is on me seem we haven't seen each other since discharged from the military. "
Looking at Taeyong as Byungchan slide the menu towards him, smile softly as he play with Eunchae as he makes her smile with everything he knows around kids. " So how have you been, Taeyong? "
@✽ minho l. heeseung returns the greeting with a firm nod, reciprocating his smile as he gently pushes the iced americano towards minho's side of the table. "for you— i would've bought food as well, but i wasn't sure what you'd like," he sheepishly admits. besides his coffee order from this morning, heeseung probably doesn't know a thing about his cousin, especially with how they've grown distant over the years.
"i've been good." he says without hesistancy, nodding assuredly to emphasise his claim, "what about you, hyung? how have you been?" the younger takes a moment to recall when they last met, it's an extremely vague memory now yet he remembers exchanging goodbyes with his older cousin, expressing they'd meet again for the following reunion only to realise then that minho would no longer be attending. "it has been five years, i've grown older now with weaker bones since you last saw me." heeseung answers rather cheekily, hoping it would ease the awkwardness between them, "takes longer to get out of bed these days."
@✽ heeseung l. soon after minho steps into the cafe, it doesn't take long before he finds his cousin, heeseung's greeting speeding up the process. it's been a while since he's heard heeseung call for him like this, minho realises.
the few hours since their sudden reunion helped to ease away the initial shock, and minho can now give heeseung a proper welcome. even if they aren't as close as they were before, they were still family. minho smiles at the other and walks over. "hello, heeseung," he says as he slides into the chair opposite his younger cousin's.
over the few hours prior, heeseung's reaction lingered in minho's mind, the moment replaying as minho tried to make sense of the situation. he eventually concluded that the best answer would be from heeseung himself. however, minho didn't want to push heeseung for an explanation; he hoped that his cousin would tell him when he was ready.
"so, how are you?" minho asks. it's a cliché question to ease into the conversation, but it's general enough so that heeseung can answer freely, and comfortably, or so minho hopes. "it's been, what, five years, since i last saw you?" it's more of a statement than a question, but minho still looks to the man sitting across the small table, waiting expectantly for his reply.
@✽ dahyun k. The slightest change, like a receipt that flew out of one’s hand to find itself underneath the sole of a man’s shoe, could bring an unexpected introduction or the propagating clouds on a sunny day that only ended up making way for a warm drizzle. Like the moment he, out of the norm, lifted his head to ask for a name — what if the slightest switch opened a door that he had closed a long time ago?
The air somehow felt dry, every particle in their surroundings gone, vacuumed into the elementary of the black hole of his very being. And then, like domino pieces, his heart refused to beat, and the thrumming halted. It reminded him of the times he had gotten on a rollercoaster, the exact feeling he had, seconds from an unavoidable of fall. Back then, there was excitement, the rush, the absolute potential of things to go great, or he would find himself in a crash. But now, there was only the potential of him being thrown into the wind and a fall that wouldn’t be pretty. Then, as if the world was not yet done mocking him, the minute hand of the clock against the pillar in front of him stopped ticking.
That was when Minhyuk realized he was now stuck in a time and space continuum of young regrets, late-night summer break calls, and untimely hellos and goodbyes.
He put the cup down on the counter for a second, switching the marker from his right hand to his left before he reached to wipe his palm on his pants. He could only hope that the nerves creeping into the cold surface of his hands would calm down.
“I’m sorry. May I get your name?” Minhyuk finally spoke.
his dry lips, he held the marker in his dominant hand, bringing the cup to his face. He wouldn’t have to ask; he already knew, but Minhyuk wanted to be wrong.
Turning his back to Dahyun once he had written her name on the cup, he braced himself against his station and finally breathed in. Was this purely a coincidence, or was this what she had wanted - to meet him again? After all, she wouldn’t have any reason to be here.
Minhyuk pulled the collar of his shirt as the sudden rush of suffocation crept around his neck like a noose. If she was there to see him, he should oblige. Perhaps, she was carrying the good news of marriage or happier things like a family in the making.
@✽ minho l. with minho exiting the cafe, the remainder of heeseung's shift went decently well. although it was quite evident how he lacked focus in comparison to his performance earlier in the morning, but he couldn't help it; he's still shocked to see his cousin in the place he least expected. yet intermixed with his bemusement, was the piling curiousity he had about minho, and the ever-so-subtle excitement of reconnecting with him; after all, heeseung recalls them being rather close as little kids, yet now, it was almost like they were strangers.
for the last ten minutes of his shift, heeseung cleans up the area, preparing it for the next employees coming in. with his last task completed, he removes his barista apron and he decides to order one iced americano and one iced latte before settling down on one of the tables after receiving the drinks.
at exactly two, heeseung's eyes diverts to the door as it opens, finally reuniting with minho in a more proper manner. standing up from his seat, he sends his older cousin a little wave, calling him over to the table. "hyung, over here."
@✽ heeseung l. minho nods and follows the younger's instructions and taps his card on the reader after fishing it out from his wallet, breaking his eye contact with heeseung. after making the payment, he goes back to look at heeseung, but the other's gaze seems a bit more distant. nevermind, minho will have to wait for later to ask him about it.
"i'll be here at two, then," minho says. "and thank you, heeseung. have a good day at work." he takes one last glance at his cousin, taking in all his familiar features again, before exiting the queue to wait for his drink.
as he waits, minho watches his younger cousin at work. the last time minho had seen heeseung, heeseung was still in school and now, he is here working a job. it gives minho a warm glow of pride, yet also a gnawing feeling of wistfulness, and they follow the man even after he leaves the cafe and goes about his day off.
and at two, on the dot, minho pushes the door of neoculture cafe open again, now with a specific face he's looking for.
@✽ minho l. as minho turns to check the queue for himself, he takes this time to observe his older cousin and briefly reflects on their interactions so far. heeseung can't tell if they're awkward due to the passage of time, where they spent years having no contact with each other, or if it was because he was at work, with his duties and tasks for that day casually gnawing at his mind. perhaps, it was both.
heeseung merely nods, fingers swfitly inputing his order before he informs minho the price of the drink, a hand signifying to the credit card reader placed at the front. "just tap whenever you're ready."
with the unexpected reunion, heeseung's mind forms a whirlwind of thoughts composed of questions he wants to ask minho, and the various possibilities of how his parents could find him through this sudden get-together, which would ultimately reach their extended family. he quickly dismisses his thoughts, snapping back to reality as he hears minho ask him a question. "yeah, you can find me here. i'll be done around two." his gaze darts downwards as he nods, but quickly looks up to meet minho's gaze to add another remark, "oh, and enjoy your day off today, minho hyung."
@✽ gyuri j. Jeno understands her eyes' meanings, and the way Gyuri stated that makes Jeno's heart clench in happiness. When Gyuri brought their hands towards her little bump, Jeno could feel the sadness in her tone as he gently kneeled down on her tummy and pecked her eyes lightly. "Baby, pls don't give your mommy a hard time, yeah?" he said towards the baby before laughing while looking up at her. "That's all I ever need, love." you, me, and our baby. "Thanks for completing me, and thanks for being half of me."
They continue being all lovey-dovey on the rooftop until it's time to go back home. "You wanna stay at my house or should we go back to your house, love?" asked him as he carefully led her into the car. "I don't mind either way, but if we're staying at your house, then I'll have to go to my house first because I left my laptop there and there's something I want to work on." I'm sorry... we can still spend the night together, I promise. Jeno actually felt sorry about his work loads, but he couldn't help it but to catch up with the business proposals and other things he needed to work on for his cafe.
@✽ heeseung l. minho notices how heeseung's expression changes, ever so slightly, at his statement. it's subtle, but minho picks up on his younger cousin's discomfort, and even though there's only a counter separating the two, minho feels the distance.
heeseung's reply gives rise to more questions than answers. minho opens his mouth in an attempt to clarify but he sees heeseung's shifting gaze and follows his line of sight. seeing the queue, minho turns back to heeseung and nods, his words coming out slightly faster. "yes, it's my off-day today. and an ice americano to-go, please."
heeseung's words raises a lot of questions. from the tone of the younger's voice, minho deduces that there's a lot to unpack regarding heeseung's coming to dandelion. but his younger cousin's words also give minho some hope. "what time do you end work today? i can find you here, afterwards?" he asks, looking into heeseung's eyes. perhaps, the distance between them could be bridged.
@✽ jeno l. "yeah, as long my sister is here, it would be fine plus it will be a bother for them to come over." she said with a little worries, "I'll tell them a month before our due date and I'm sure my sister does that before too," she remembered how her older sister just quietly married off without anyone knowing until she got herself three kids her own with her husband which somehow encouraged her to do so.
"baby, as long your parent are okay with me despite of my family background, thats all i wanted and alone to have a help of you by my side," she requested while reaching a hand out to caress his cheek. the kindness that jeno have and the thought that he carefully think about her just make her feel happier than anything, gyuri took his hand on her free hand to kiss his knuckles before she could tiptoes to peck his lips. "I'm sure as long our little baby here, will be alright if we stay with them better than anyone else," guiding their hand together to rub her now little bump stomach while gyuri looking down with a small sadness in her.
@✽ gyuri j. "will you be okay if they are not attending our wedding soon ?" asked jeno , eyes full of concerns while staring at her beautiful features. "because if you want ,, we can always wait and find a date that your parents and your siblings can come over you know .. this is the least I can do for you .. since it's gonna big day for us .. I'd like to see all of your siblings there too. " tells him with smiles adorning his lips.
"I'm planning to marry you around next month.... possibly before the baby was born... so if you could tell your family about my plans , that's would be a great helps though. " said him while hesitating bc he didn't know much about gyuri's family that's why he's been slightly worried and nervous about meeting them later. furthermore, he did get gyuri pregnant, he can't imagine what if her mom suddenly throw a chancla or something that can kill him off for making their daughter pregnant. eugh. jeno grimaces at the thought.
@✽ jeno l. gyuri let out a chuckle by the outburst of the man of her squatting down as she stood up by the man and wrap her arms around his hip, "you're so cute– and yes, it was unexpected but I'm sure we can do this." she let out a deep sigh with a thought of worries since she wasn't much around her own parent but her grandparent instead.
the hugs from him and his chin on her head make her return it back while facing her face sideway so her ear can be place on his in between the shoulder and chest, she nodded with a small pout despite of him not able to look at her face. "well I'm just worried, this is too sudden for both of us when our business is still blooming well so i don't know if he can take it well," gyuri admitted her worries even though it was all unplanned and not even a thought of preparing the future between both of them.
the forehead kiss make gyuri blushed with a smile until it dropped by his question, she start to shutter and look away with an awkward chuckles. "ah.. my parent are overseas so it's gonna be hard for them to come over, so does my eldest and youngest brother.. so far, the only person that can come and visit is just my older sister," she wasn't that close with her siblings because since young, all four of them barely talked alone with their own parent who is busy to bother about their life. but for the first time, gyuri never felt little missing about having a family when she was the only one brought up by her late grandparent.
@✽ gyuri j. "hey,, you don't have to squatting down grr get up, baby. " even a small things like that makes jeno worries a lot. he took her hand so he can pulled her up and casually places his arms around her waist. " I do know about that and I'm so thankful for your love , gyul. it's means a lot to me really. plus with us becoming a parents soon makes me .. excited somehow. "
he rests his chin against the top of her head as he patting her back. "and bout my dad, I think we don't have to worry much about it.. I think he will be just fine with the news even though he's gonna be surprised that he will become a grandpa already. yeah I admitted he's a bit strict about those standards for me, ,but I'll assure him that you're the only one for me , yeah?"
jeno pulls away from the hugs and pecks her forehead. jeno really loves to kiss her forehead instead of her lips. not that he doesn't like to kisses them, he's surely cherish them but the part of forehead kissed for jeno himself is like a — while the lip kiss indicates ual attraction, the forehead kiss tells a more meaningful story about the emotional closeness of the relationship which is why jeno preferred to do forehead kisses more.
"when i can meet your family, baby ?" asked him.
@✽ jeno l. the last sentence got her pause from eating her meal, taking the napkin to wipe and a sip of the latte. ah, she forgotten about meeting the family part when come to marriage. although gyuri's parent doesn't really much bother about her life as long they are updated about how's her daughter doing but jeno, his parent and everyone are still living in korea but elsewhere than dandelion.
"right, about your parent," she paused again to take a deep breath as she smiles. "i don't mind meeting your mom first, in case if your dad can't handle about me being pregnant then maybe, at least someone on our side and understand about you the most," although jeno doesn't talk much about his family other than his mom and his twin, gyuri kind of understand about jeno's hesitation and stuff when come to his dad but regardless of it, gyuri stood up to go over where her now fiance sitting.
she gently squad down in front of him and held his hand to give a gentle kiss on his knuckles, "whatever it is, baby, I'm here with you and we can do this together. remember we get together to go through all these upcoming stuff for us to overcome together? we can do this, with all our love and strength." she smiles while tightening her hand on his, to ensure that they both can do this, to tell his family about it face to face.
@✽ gyuri j. the fate that brought them together again gives jeno a lots of strength to move forward in his life. yeah the business is really thriving right now therefore he can see her at night , but he never abandon or whining about his tiredness or problems at gyuri because the girl already had enough on her plate and jeno didn't wants to add more into her shoulders. if anything related to his business, he will try to solve it himself or asking for his dad's advices.
speaking about his dad, jeno hasn't told him bout the pregnancy yet but his mom already knew it. his mom of course was surprised and shocked at first knowing that her son are having a baby out of wedding but she never gets mad at jeno for being brave and told her about it. she said she'll gives them a full blessings and invited her to come over the house later. just left with his dad yeah. of course it's makes jeno nervous but still — he will let him know when he invites gyuri over their house later.
"baby.. I want to tell you something.. " jeno was a little bit hesitant before he speaks. "my mom said she wants to meet you soon ...will you be okay with it ? we've planned to tell my dad as well .. about your pregnancy..." said him while biting his lips waiting for her response.
@✽ jeno l. "i love whatever you do for me baby, even the beginning when I'm not at the fragile stage for my pregnancy, you're still cautious and that's what i love of you too," she said knowing how careful this man turning especially not to have a tiny bit towards her as if one mistake will make jeno gone crazy. the warmth of his hand to the warmth of his existence, it's truly the sunshine charm of his for gyuri to accept now that she finally getting all from him, from this unborn baby in her stomach to the ring on her finger.
"as you should baby, especially how you're growing your business out of the town too," she said after knowing his busy time and even the chances of seeing him was only at night, "you probably want to teach heeseung, your manager, by your side as an assistant too," she suggested after coming in the cafe a few times and seeing how hard all the staffs at his cafe work.
she stares down at the jjampong before taking a bite of it and hums softly, it's not that bad and somehow closer to what she cooked as well. "it's delicious really, maybe it was also remind me of that day," the day when jeno came into her cafe and the day they did the deed, which may or may not be the day where the child in her stomach happened. "i love you too and baby, let's eat," she said to shush him before jeno could make her cry even more, she continue eating the broth and the noodles while humming how delicious this is.
@✽ gyuri j. jeno couldn't help but to smiles at her response, he finds its so endearing and the way she looks extremely pretty tonight . he was so grateful for her and for what they have been through before this, and by doing this proposal, jeno was hoping that he could do even better for their upcoming future with their unborn child as well. he hold her hand and squeeze them gently as he looks at her. "I'm glad you like all of this things I prepared though it's wasn't that much... "
jeno pecks her both knuckles and smiles lovingly at her. " should we eat now ? I was rushing towards your house after I made this you know. but I'm glad it's all settled and my crews are helping me with this. " tells him as he chuckles. "reminds me to raise up their salary after this .. especially my manager, heeseung. I think he's done a lot when I'm not around." jeno starts rambling a little bit about his workers before they starts digging up the jjampong together.
"I hope the taste was okay ..I'm not quite good making it unlike you .. you're master chef though. suddenly I'm nervous.. " . smiles never left his brims at all as he was genuinely happy and thankful for this day. "I love you so much, fiance."
@✽ jeno l. the way he put the ring onto her ring finger while her free hand wipe off her tears weakly at the same time with her smile she tried, the return kiss from him just make things better. gyuri didn't expect herself to get this kind of proposal, alone from a man she truly in love from high school until now, yet she whisper thank you back at him after jeno said it first.
gentle as his action, gyuri got up with him after the long kneeling and crying but somehow she managed to calm down that quick right before they reach to the table with full of the decoration. just how long does it take for him to plan and does all these? jeno asked her to take a seat first before he could head off to take something but somehow the more surprise he shows, the more amuse gyuri can be especially having this side of him make her heart skipped a beat.
as she wait for him to come back in a min, she quickly take the napkin on the table to wipe her wet cheek and the remaining tears that were still on her eyes and perfectly the timing of him arriving with the food and drinks of they both love. oh lord, gyuri tried not to shed a tears again looking at the design on top of the latte and her hand reach out to hold onto his hand.
"i love it, i really do. it gave me a good memories how this was our first meal and drink when we first met to have a study session," with the flashback on how they both first met, and exactly how gyuri started to develop a feeling for him. it was truly amazing how they know and grow together.
@✽ byungchan c.⁰²⁰⁴²⁰²³ Taeyong was shocked when he heard from Byungchan - he knew the man was busy, so where did all the free time come from all of the sudden. But, with him being one of his best mates in the military, of course he agreed to the meetup almost instantly, Eunchae tagging along as well since he needed to take care of her, and also, it had been a long time since Byungchan met her as well.
Going into the cafe, he immediately saw the familiar face, raising a hand to slap his, the other holding onto his daughter who just seemed curious at the surroundings. "Hey bro, been a long time! Eunchae ah, remember Byungchan uncle? You used to like him when he was younger~"
@✽ gyuri j. hearing the word 'yes' out of her genuinely makes jeno really happy inside. he gently embraced the crying girl with his arms and couldn't help but to laughs at her crying mess. returning the sweet kisses before jeno pulls away from it , looking into her beautiful orbs as he took out the ring from the box, and sliding them into her ring finger. "thank you .. "
no words could describe what jeno's feelings at that time. it's mixed of a lot of concerns, loves, affections, nervousness, butterflies and such. he heaves a soft inaudible sighs of relief as he gets up from kneeling and pull her up with him. he gently lead her towards the table.
jeno pulled the chair out for her to sit first before he asked her to wait. "you wait here okay. I'll be back in minutes." jeno rushingly went down and took a tray of jjampong that he homemade himself and their signature vanilla latte that he made it especially for her.
he comes back with the tray and place them down on the table before he takes his seat as he looks at her lovingly. "jjampong and latte I've made for you .. since this is our favourite meals heh. I hope you like it.."
@✽ youngji h. gyuri chuckled at youngji’s playful attitude. it was nice to see that she still had that vibrant liveliness from all those years ago. “well, it’s easy to befriend someone if they stop by your house almost every single day. pretty sure i saw you more than your own sister,” she teased, an affectionate look in her eyes. the younger woman’s request took her by surprise. she was honored; however, she couldn’t help but feel guilty having been gone for so long with little to no contact with the other. “i feel honored that you’re asking me, youngji but i’m not sure i can live up to being such an amazing role for iseul. i can try my best though. i’m here for both her and /you/,” and she meant it. “there’s nothing immature about raising a baby on your own. from what i see, you’re doing an amazing job,” she asserted. “and that’s great to hear! i always figured you’d be using your talents for something good like teaching. i’m proud of you, youngji.” she sighed, looking down for a moment before answering. “you mentioned how it’s funny how life works. well, mom and dad… they passed away recently. left me with the store amongst other things which means i own it now whether i like it or not…” she muttered the last part under her breath, a somber look on her face.
@✽ hyunjung k. If any other stranger nearby looked deep at Seoham’s expression, he looked ridden with guilt like he stepped (spilled coffee) on a puppy’s (Hyungjung’s) tail, or that he was the puppy with the stepped on tail himself. The latter aspect of his expression was more on his ex’s words that struck him like a bat to his back. He had almost forgotten how icy she could get when she was annoyed or the tiniest bit angry at him, or anyone.
The man let out a deep exhale he didn’t even know he was holding in, his cheeks puffing out as the air exited his mouth. “Y-you can pick anything from the menu it’s fine…” he replied weakly, bending sideways to his table and grabbing his wallet, his thumb and index finger lightly gripping his black credit card. He’d have to get her some pants as an apology later as well, that coffee looked like it stained aside from heating up her legs. “Uh, well. My mother /did/ grow up here, lots of fights with my dad recently, but mostly I’m here for… work? If you could call trying to find new art inspiration work.” He was a bit worried about going into detail about his reasons, he didn’t tell many people that he was in a creative slump. Though the quirky little town did bring a lot of his artistic juices back and flowing.
@✽ jeno l. they set off into jeno's car with his gentleness like a prince he is, yet never failed to make gyuri flushed with the blush and her heart fluttering. she just blindly follow him since he said it was a casual dinner so she didn't expect anything than just dinner, or maybe a movie date or like the old time kind of they used to.
soon enough that they reached to his cafe which not her first time but also still amazed how modern and beautiful the structure of the exterior, they get off the car and head up to the rooftop but the way jeno hold her waist and hand which she could feel the sweat, she couldn't help but to laugh, "baby, I'm only on the first month– it's not that heavy or anything my love." but right at the moment jeno opened the door, she gasps at the decoration and even those big words. just how long this man have been preparing-
she walked in a little with his hand being let go, gyuri turned around only to see him kneeling with one knee and the box of ring being shown. her eyes started to form the tears, her heart beating real fast as if her dream of proposal from this man come true and she start to nod a few times before kneeling down to him with a hugs and a soft sobbing. "yes, yes jeno, yes for everything," she pulled back to look at him with her crying mess once again, cupping his cheeks to plant a kiss on his lip.
@✽ gyuri j. @✽ gyuri j. jeno was about to check his phone before he realized gyuri was coming over and keep his phone inside his pocket. he flashes a soft smiles and pecks her lips in return. "not really. I just got here.. come ,, we shall get going. " jeno hold her hand and takes her to the other side of car, and opening the door for her. "make your way in, princess. "
and yeah — he drives off towards his cafe since he's prepared something on the rooftop already. not too long after, they finally arrived and jeno unbuckled his seat belt and rushes to open the door for his girlfriend. he took out her hand and leads her out. "welcome to my cafe , baby. I've cooked for you though.."
jeno carefully hold her hand still and not to mentioned, that he's actually sweating right now due to nervousness he's been through bc of the proposal that he prepared. "be careful with the stairs ok." he reminded her but still holding her waist to secure her body as they walks up towards the rooftop. he opens the door and — taking her into the main spot.
@✽ seoham p. Had she not been a woman of class and complete zen, she would’ve reached out and strangled him (and the fact that they were in public). It wasn’t that she was usually a violent person, though she had gotten to the anger stage of mourning their relationship. The deletion of their conversations and blocking of his socials were not enough to sate this desire to rid him entirely out of her life; she had the urge to do more… Maybe if they met in a normal situation, where he wasn’t spilling stuff on her and fumbling over his words, she wouldn’t be this angry. But this was the icing on the cake.
She snatched the napkins from his hands, noticing the look of pain in his eyes as she tried to calm herself down. All she needed now was another rumour about her going around town and catching her judgemental aunt’s ears, scolding a 28-year-old woman. “Both would probably be your best bet.” She grumbled, taking the napkins and dabbing them into her clothes. She would definitely have to go back home, and she would get sick at this rate. “What are you even doing here? I didn’t— I didn’t think you’d come to Dandelion.” Especially at the same time she came back.
