Lia couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Ryujin working part-time at a café.
They were in their second year of college and the looming finals were quickly taking their toll. Lia was feeling exhausted and drained, and needed a change of pace. On a whim, she decided to go looking for a cozy spot to study.
Eventually, Lia stumbled across a small café and decided to give it a try.
As different as night and day. Ryujin had always been a bit of a loner at school. Keeping mostly to herself. Everyone was intimidated by her sharp mannerisms, her cold demeanor, and her piercing gaze. It seemed as if no one could get close enough to truly know her. Lia was a social butterfly, always surrounded by friends and making new ones.
So when Lia saw Ryujin working at a café and smiling at customers, she was intrigued. She'd never seen Ryujin in such a pleasant mood before.
She was behind the counter, taking orders and making coffee. Lia was instantly mesmerized by her charm and her beautiful smile.
As soon as Lia walked up to the counter, Ryujin's heart leapt at the sight of her.
Working part-time at coffee shop called, Cheshire Café isn't exactly something she'd like the school to know, not that it's against school rules or that she's ashamed of it.
She knows about her reputation, and but while working here, it brings out another side of her, something she's not sure people would accept or understand.
Ryujin was so nervous that she barely noticed Lia's curious glances as she served her.
Lia didn't want to make things awkward with her classmate, so she composed herself and approached Ryujin with a friendly smile.
Ryujin was scared at first, but something about Lia's gentle demeanor put her at ease.
"Is that for here or to go?" Ryujin gave a smile that flipped a switch inside Lia.
"For here, please. " Lia didn't back down and returned the smile that made Ryujin's cheeks feel hotter than the coffee pot.
The following day. Ryujin half expected that Lia would spread gossip about her. But surprisingly, everything was normal.
They weren't really close so, up until yesterday, they've never really interacted in class. Although they unconsciously see each other, today, for obvious reasons, they're eyes started making contact with each other. Something that Lia couldn't quite handle just yet.
"Did you do something to piss Ryujin off?"
"What?!" Lia was eating her lunch with Chaeryeong, her best friend.
"I think I saw her staring at you several times." Chaeryeong was curious.
"M-maybe she was just looking at my general direction?" Lia lied, she knows Ryujin was indeed staring at her, they even locked eyes a few times.
"Hmm yeah maybe, but I'll admit, Ryujin is kinda cute." Chaeryeong teased.
Cute? Why does Chaeryeong thinking Ryujin is cute doesn't sit well with Lia, and why did she lie earlier?
"Hey, earth to Lia..." Chaeryeong snapped Lia out of her thoughts.
"Oh sorry, just thinking about how much I still have to study."
"Any plans later?"
"Uhm, I think I'll just stay at my apartment and study."
She lied of course.
Lia began to find herself spending more and more time at the café, drawn to Ryujin like a moth to a flame. She found herself wishing to know more about the girl.
Ryujin had been watching Lia for some time, curious. She obviously didn't tell anyone about her, even her best friend, Chaeryeong.
She still doesn't know much about Lia, yet why does her heart beat fast every time Lia enters the shop, and why does she feel lonely every time the girl has to leave.
She doesn't know if this is all some part of an elaborate mind game, but one thing's for sure, Lia is the first person to enter her world and turn her mind into a mess.
During her shift break, Ryujin decided to confront Lia. and ask her why she was keeping her secret. When she approached Lia, Lia simply smiled and softly replied, "Because, I like staring at you. While you work, I mean, making coffee. I like coffee."
Ryujin was speechless.
Lia wasn't doing well either, she couldn't believe she actually said those words.
Ryujin took a deep breath.
"Do you uhm, want another cup? It's on the house?"
"Sure, how can I refuse?" Lia was looking down still, embarrassed.
Ryujin went over to the coffee machine and started making a pot of coffee. Lia watched her, admiring the way she moved confidently and efficiently. Ryujin caught her staring and gave her a small smile. Lia felt her heart flutter and quickly looked away.
Ryujin brought the coffee pot over to the table and poured Lia a cup of coffee.
Lia then offered for them to study together during Ryujin's breaks.
From then on, The café became their special place. They talked and laughed, and with each meeting, their infatuation with each other just kept growing. Lia knew she had to thank her lucky stars for guiding her in this coffee shop.
But all good things must come to an end.
One afternoon, Chaeryeong, along with other friends came in the shop.
Ryujin was on duty and Lia was at her usual table.
When Lia saw her best friend enter the café, a wave of emotion washed over her.
Ryujin was still busy serving a customer when Lia quickly grabbed her hand and excused her.
"Hey Yeji, can you cover for Ryujin a bit."
Lia spent so much time at the shop that she already got to know the other workers.
Ryujin and Lia were inside a small room, inches apart. Lia was panicking so hard earlier that she hid Ryujin and herself inside a closet.
"You never really answered my question before." Ryujin started.
"Huh, what question?"
"Why you didn't share my secret with anyone, and why are you trying so hard to help me keep it."
"Because. I don't want to share you." Lia's emotions were still high that she decided to let it all out.
"I want to know more of your secrets that no one else knows, I don't want want anyone to ruin this."
Ryujin could only smile at her with admiration, the smile that Lia wants to keep for herself.
Looking at each other. Their eyes were locked, lips slightly parted. Lia was hesitant, but Ryujin was confident. She leaned in, closing the gap between them. Their lips met, soft and gentle at first. But then Ryujin deepened the kiss, her tongue slipping to explore her mouth. Lia gasped, her body responding to the touch. She wrapped her arms around Ryujin's neck, pulling her closer. The kiss went on and on, until they were both breathless and panting.
Finally, they broke apart.
"I don't want you lying to your friends." Ryujin sighed.
"You can tell them about this, nothing is gonna ruin this, us. My secrets can be shared, but you don't have to worry about sharing me. I'm all yours, if you'll have me."
"Of course I'll have you." Lia slyly smiled. "Can I have you, to go?"
So yeah.
thoughts?
