espresso shot ; njm ✔️

18

on a peaceful sunday afternoon, the clock ticking closer to two in the afternoon, aera found herself idly washing dishes at the cafe. the day, though bathed in sunshine outside, had been uneventful, with scarcely a customer to occupy her time. she'd already cleaned the tables twice over, despite their vacant state, and even attempted to cook herself a meal in the hopes of bringing in some business. yet, the boring day persisted, and with nine more hours to endure until closing time, her spirits were waning.

however, her dreary outlook was swiftly dispelled when the bell above the door jingled, announcing the arrival of her savior.

"you look like a grape!" she exclaimed with a laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"really?" donghyuck's response was one of genuine surprise, not quite sure what to make of her comment. "is that a good thing?"

aera wrinkled her nose playfully. "i'm not a fan of grapes, but i'll make an exception for you."

donghyuck's face lit up at her words, though beneath the surface, his mind was consumed with uncertainty about her potential rejection to his upcoming question.

"so, what brings you here?" aera inquired, setting aside a freshly washed mug to dry.

donghyuck held up his bag, lips pressed together in a nervous smile. "i was trying to find a place to study and figured your cafe would be nice and peaceful."

now, right now.

a smile spread across aera's face at his explanation, a warmth blooming within her at the thought of his presence.

"it's not my cafe, but nice to know you like it here," she chuckled, drying her hands on a towel.

"i only like it because you're here though," the man boldly declared, his heart pounding in his chest.

for a moment, he questioned the wisdom of his words, but then resolved to seize the moment.

"but, uh, i was wondering..." he paused, meeting aera's gaze with trepidation.

nevertheless, aera's expression urged him to continue.

"i've liked you for a good while now," donghyuck admitted, his throat dry. "and i was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me? just one?"

aera's response was a surprised squeak, her mind racing as she processed his unexpected confession. she'd never imagined donghyuck having romantic feelings for her, especially since their dynamic was purely platonic due to jisung being their mutual friend.

she didn't think anyone had romantic feelings toward her, let alone donghyuck. 

yet, in that moment, she shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "sure."

donghyuck's face lit up with joy at her acceptance, his delight palpable.

seating himself across from her, he placed his bag on a nearby chair. "you don't mind if i stay here and study though, do you?"

aera shook her head, relief flooding her at the prospect of his company. thankfully, she wouldn't be alone in the quiet confines of the cafe.

-

donghyuck stayed for the entirety of aera's shift, the hours melting away as they engaged in conversation and occasional studying. as the time neared her usual departure, donghyuck offered to drive her home, a gesture that left jisung puzzled by her earlier arrival.

"no, you always come at around 9:15!" he argued with his sister, who had barely stapped into the room. "but it's 9:05, and it takes five minutes to drive from the cafe to here, so i want to know who drove you because turning a 15 minute walk into 5 minutes is impossible."

aera hesitated, realizing she couldn't give away the details just yet, not until she had discussed it with donghyuck about whether he wanted to tell people. so, she deftly changed the subject. "you're weird for knowing what time i come home."

"i know exactly what time you invade my privacy," jisung countered, feigning annoyance. "besides, i'm an adult now. can you stop walking into my room at unsolicited times?"

"sorry, grumpy-pants, i cannot!" aera chirped, flopping onto his bed. "are you playing with your pookie-wookie bestie-boos?"

"ew, and yes," jisung replied, focusing on his game and skillfully taking jeno out with his vandal. "they say hi."

aera attempted to grab his headset, but jisung quickly pulled away, knowing her playful antics all too well. "aera, i swear to fucking god if you steal these again."

she giggled, acknowledging his warning. 

and the room fell into a comfortable silence, interrupted only by the sounds of Jisung's game. both were aware that she was only trying to tease him, but he seemed particularly on edge that day. "sorry," she apologized.

the room became quiet again, only the noises of the video game jisung was playing being heard from the headset.

refusing to move from his bed, aera announced her intent to stay put. "it's too comfortable here."

"can you get out?" jisung sighed, growing exasperated. "i'm just trying to hang out with my friends, and you're being annoying!"

"they're my friends too," aera retorted, crossing her arms stubbornly.

just then, her phone rang, displaying donghyuck's name on the screen. as she answered, jisung's curiosity was piqued, and he grew suspicious.

"why are you calling my sister?" his voice lowered, a hint of protectiveness seeping through.

"calm down," donghyuck chuckled, unbothered by jisung's tone. "you don't need to protect her from me."

"okay, sure." jisung rolled his eyes, knowing full well that aera needed protection from his friend. 

"what's wrong with calling my girlfriend?" donghyuck's words echoed through the discord call. 

clamour. that's what jisung heard through the headset. so loud that even aera could hear them all shouting in shock and happiness. 

amidst the uproar, jisung's keen ears caught a single voice, tinged with insecurity and disbelief: "girlfriend?"

for clarification, they're not official, hyuck only called her his girlfriend because he's excited.
aera and donghyuck's friendship is strong enough for her to know hyuck was just joking.