Moving On With You, Jinjoo

21: Labels

The early morning sun painted the cosy cafe in hues of yellow as Chaewon bustled behind the counter, deftly preparing a cappuccino for a waiting customer. The comforting aroma of fresh coffee beans and pastries floated in the air, infusing the space with a delightful allure.

With the chiming of the door, Chaewon looked up to see Hyewon entering, a vibrant smile gracing her lips as she quickly served the customer so she could tend to the older girl's presence.

"Good morning, beautiful. Missed me?" Hyewon teased, eyes alight with mischief.

A gentle blush coloured Chaewon's cheeks, still getting used to the latter's form of endearment as she leaned across the counter, her eyes locked with Hyewon's. "You're becoming a regular here."

With grace and charm, the older girl sauntered closer, brushing a stray strand of hair away from Chaewon's face, her words a whisper, "There are no other cafes around here."

The younger girl pointed across the streets where Starbucks was located.

"Even if there is, yours is the only one I'd enter." Hyewon heard a soft snicker, watching the girl wipe her hands on her apron. "Because you're here."

Caught in a whirlwind of affection, Chaewon asks, "What brings you here? I thought you had a busy schedule today." She's usually filled with early morning meetings, ever since Chaewon got to know her.

Hyewon's demeanour shifted, her eyes reflecting sincerity as she gently took the younger girl's hand. "For you, I don't," she said. "My only plan for today is to be here for the rest of the day."

"Are you serious?"

Hyewon nodded once. "I'm going to help you out." She gestured around the cafe with a sweeping motion of her hand.

Chaewon remembered the girl bringing up how crucial this week was for her the other night. "But you said—"

"That'll be a concern for another day." Hyewon interrupts with a reassuring smile and stands up. She walks to the other side of the counter. "It's about time I did something to show how much I appreciate you for all those wonderful nights you've given me." She tugged on the pocket of Chaewon's apron, pulling her closer.

The younger girl's hands found their way onto Hyewon's waist. "Really?" The girl nods. "You're going to help me out?" She nods once again, seeing that wide smile spread across the latter's lips.

"That's good. I actually have many things to do today." Chaewon gives her a quick kiss on her cheek out of gratitude. "The supplier's coming and I have a new shelf on its way." She was about to get an extra apron just for Hyewon to pull her in for a kiss.

A deep, lingering kiss that causes thoughts to disappear into thin air. Chaewon confesses that the girl had a way of doing so too often to the point she's all she could think about.

If she were to do a push-up each time she thinks about her, gym memberships wouldn't be a thing. If she were to plank with how long Hyewon stays in her head every time she kisses her and the time after she lingers around, Chaewon would have abs no matter which life she is in, if past lives were a thing.

Hyewon pulls away, brushing a thumb over the latter's jaw, seeing those pair of eyes glisten before her. "That sounds like a lot of things," she said. "Now, what do you need me to do? This is the only time you'll get to boss me around."

That earned her a hefty slap to the shoulder.

—

In a place where life ends and begins, Minju finds herself standing right outside a glass window to a room, slipping her chilly hands into her coat pockets. She leans in a tad closer, observing the newborn babies who have just entered this world.