LAPSED

⚠ 𝑻𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑳𝑬𝑫 ⚠

"ʏᴇꜱ, ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴡᴏɴᴅʀᴏᴜꜱʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴄᴀᴛᴇᴅ, ɪᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴄᴏɴꜰᴜꜱɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴛᴇʀʀɪꜰʏɪɴɢ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪꜰ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ, ᴛʜᴇɴ ɪᴛ ɪꜱɴ’ᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ."
—𝕹.𝕽.𝕳𝖆𝖗𝖙

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THE SUN began its ascent, casting a warm golden glow over the city as a new day dawned. Dahyun woke up, her mind filled with a lingering unease from the events of the previous night. Despite the veil of uncertainty that shrouded her thoughts, she resolved to carry on with her routine and face the day ahead.
                 
                
                  
As Dahyun arrived at the coffee shop, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her, mingling with the murmurs of her early colleagues engaged in lively conversations. Despite the cheerful ambiance, a subtle shiver ran down her spine, a lingering sense that she was being watched. The sensation persisted, refusing to dissipate despite her attempts to brush it off as mere paranoia.

Gathering her composure, Dahyun put on her professional demeanor, greeting her coworkers with a warm smile. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, a heightened sense of vigilance lingered, keeping her on edge.
                
                
              
              
Throughout her shift, Dahyun found herself stealing glances over her shoulder, her senses attuned to any signs of unfamiliar faces or suspicious activity. Every sound, every movement caught her attention, amplifying her growing sense of unease. The usual bustling atmosphere of the coffee shop seemed tinged with an undercurrent of tension, as if the air itself held secrets that whispered warnings to her.

Customers came and went, their faces passing like a blur, but Dahyun's gaze remained cautious, scanning the room for any semblance of danger. She observed the interactions, searching for subtle clues that might reveal the presence of a lurking threat. The weight of the unknown pressed upon her, a constant reminder that danger might be closer than she dared to imagine.
               
                   
As the day progressed and the hours ticked by, Jungkook's attention became fixated on Dahyun, his gaze keenly observing her every move. Today, however, there was a noticeable difference in her demeanor. She seemed quieter than usual, her words carefully chosen and sparse, as if a heavy weight burdened her ability to engage in conversation. The once vibrant and lively Dahyun now appeared subdued, her vibrant spirit seemingly diminished.

Jungkook couldn't help but notice the distinct lack of effectiveness in her persuasive abilities. Normally, she possessed a natural talent for convincing customers and effortlessly influencing their choices, but today her attempts seemed feeble, falling flat like a deflated balloon. Her smile, usually radiant and genuine, appeared forced, devoid of its usual warmth and authenticity. It was as if she was wearing a mask to hide her true emotions.

Growing increasingly concerned for Dahyun's well-being, Jungkook seized the moment when she passed by him, delivering an order to Chaeyoung. Without hesitation, he reached out and gently grasped her arm, guiding her towards the staff room. The abruptness of his actions drew curious glances from the other baristas, their eyes filled with suspicion and intrigue, questioning the nature of their interaction.

Once inside the secluded confines of the staff room, Jungkook turned his attention to Dahyun, his eyes filled with genuine concern. Up close, he couldn't help but notice the telltale signs of her distress. Her eyes, usually bright and lively, were now marked with a hint of puffiness, as if she had spent a restless night plagued by worry and sleepless thoughts.