The Idol & the Café Owner

Year 2

Nayeon stalked Yoo-ki's Café social media for a good week leading up to her birthday to make sure there would be an event for her. Sure enough, there was, and she made plans to visit it again. She'd tried her hardest over the last year to visit, but things never seemed to go in her favor. Rehearsals, photoshoots, recording sessions, dance practices, overseas trips; you name it, she had done it. Being a successful solo artist didn't allow for much free time.

But nothing was going to get in her way today. It was her birthday, and she got a say in what she was doing for once.

"Momo, come on," Nayeon said again. She was anxious to get there before closing time and her friend had taken way too long at the bus stop, taking dozens of pictures with the ad her fan club had purchased.

"I'm coming, calm down," Momo huffed. "What's got you so excited about this place anyway?"

"This is that café you told me to go to last year," Nayeon explained as she picked up her pace. They were only a street away from the café now and it was getting dark.

"I did? I don't remember that."

"Seriously Momo? You kept telling me over and over to go because the pastries were so good. You even wanted me to pick some up for you."

"Ah! Now I remember!" Momo's eyes lit up in recognition. Then she scowled, throwing Nayeon a dirty look. "I also remember you getting pastries and keeping them all to yourself."

"You poor thing," Nayeon deadpanned. She checked that her mask was still in place as they neared the café, being sure to pull down her baseball cap some more too. Momo put her mask on and donned her bucket hat.

"You're buying," Momo said as she went inside ahead of Nayeon, ensuring the older woman couldn't argue with her. Nayeon just rolled her eyes.

"It's my birthday," she mumbled as she entered.

Momo went straight to the display case, eyeing all the goodies and completely ignoring the decorations. Nayeon swept her eyes around the place, taking them in. The photo wall from last year had been updated and seemed even bigger. The baby blue banner was still the same, but it was on the message wall this time instead of hanging from the ceiling. There were quite a few more messages this year Nayeon noticed.

She glanced at the counter and spotted the same girl from last year chatting with Momo. No sign of Jeongyeon though. Maybe she was in the back? Nayeon decided to read some of the messages left for her on the wall.

Nayeon unnie thank you for being born!

Nayeon is our shining star!

May you always be happy and healthy Nayeon

Im Nayeon – our hot girl

The answer is yes. I do want to be your lover  xoxo

"There were a lot of fans today."

Nayeon jumped at the sudden voice. She cautiously turned and was met with a grinning Jeongyeon.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," the woman laughed. Her blonde hair was no more, replaced by jet black hair that was just starting to reach her shoulders.

"Your hair is different," Nayeon said, then immediately cringed. Jeongyeon tilted her head, confused.

"I'm sorry, but have we met before?"

"Ah, actually, yes, we did. I mean not officially. I was here last year, and you recommended some pastries to me. And you picked a photocard for me for the birthday promotion."