𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 ℂ𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕖 II ʜᴡᴀɴɢ ʜʏᴜɴᴊɪɴ

8

[8:46am]
I was beautifully embraced by the pungent scent of coffee grounds and milky-sweet scent of pastries the moment I stepped in the door. Taking in a deep breath, I surveyed my surroundings, only to find no Haneul.
Shrugging off my gnawing anxiety from the earlier morning events that would not be named, I turned to the large menu plastered on the back wall of the cafe. I glanced over all of my options, my mind reeling.

Maybe you should skip breakfast today, I couldn't stop the thought from piercing through my brain.
Summer is coming up fast, you may need to lose a few.
"Jesus Christ shut up," I whispered under my breath, holding my forearms self consciously.
I knew I needed and deserved food, that was obvious, but those intrusive thoughts never failed to put a bitter taste in my mouth. I steadied myself, trying to refocus.
You are okay, I repeated in my head. Just be patient with yourself.

My thoughts were again shooed off as I felt two arms wrap around my waist, a chin resting gently on my right shoulder. I couldn't conceal the squeak that escaped my lips, as I glanced confusedly at my assailant.
"Hey Chae," Haneul's soft brown gaze met mine, a nonchalant grin sitting crooked upon her face. "Sorry I was late, lost my left shoe somehow," she rolled her eyes jokingly, stepping into line next to me.
"You always find a way," I say sarcastically, eyeing her outfit.

Haneul was what many people  liked to call "alternative", but all she was really guilty of was dyeing her hair and wearing darker clothes. She wore no heavy eyeliner or chunky jewelry, she was just a spunky and outspoken little thing, only standing an inch taller than me at 5'3. Today she wore nothing any different, sporting a dark gray turtleneck, black jeans, and a light gray puffer jacket; all topped off with a matching black beanie.

"So how's school?" I questioned, still scanning the menu. "Is being a sophomore any different?"
Haneul tsked. "Same annoying professors and pretentious classmates. What else would you expect at such a prestigious arts school?" She crooned mockingly, twirling the bracelet on her wrist. "I just need to get through this semester so I can finish my last two years abroad, you know the deal."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the bitterness in her voice. She had been offered to finish her last two years of college in Paris, she'd live with her uncle in his downtown apartment and attend a gorgeous Parisian arts school for her sculpting. I could never understand how she always seemed so apprehensive when talking about such a dream scenario.
Haneul smacked my forearm at my giggling, scowling. "Ya! Don't laugh at me, mind your business," she scolded sarcastically.
I batted at her hands. "Just hurry up and figure out your order you maniac," I teased.

We stepped forward to the register, and I immediately recognized the older man who had been working with Hyunjin the day prior. His face looked tired, but well kept. We made eye-contact, his heavy eyes meeting mine.

"Hello!"
His tone surprised me, suddenly he was as cheery as ever.
"Could I get a hot americano and an almond croissant?" Haneul spoke up first.
The cashier nodded, punching in the order on his tablet.
"And you?" He nodded towards me .
I hesitated, suddenly not able to find words.
"Um," I begin. "I'll have a hazelnut latte and an almond croissant too, please."
"Twiiiiins," Haneul whispered from behind me, making me crack a smile.

Finding a seat alongside the windows, I couldn't help but worry that I'd see Hyunjin again. I didn't want to see him, but I didn't not want to see him. I was hoping the mess from the night before had been swept under the rug for us both. Haneul busied herself across from me by chatting over my fleeting mind, and the noise was certainly welcome. How could I be sad or anxious if I had this adorable dumbass talking my ear off about her new favorite dog breed? It was impossible.

"I see our order, I'll go grab it," Haneul said as she raised from her seat.
As Haneul dodged through the busy crowd to get our drinks, I saw the three cardigan-wearing boys enter the cafe. I made eye contact with Felix first, his freckled face turning into an glowing grin.
I couldn't help but notice Hyunjin completely ignore me from the door, even as Jisung noticed me and gave a wide-eyed wave.