𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 [ Heesun ] 「 18+」

chapter 13

The cafe has a warm, inviting glow from soft, yellow-tinted lamps. Wooden tables and chairs are mismatched, adding a charming, eclectic feel without appearing haphazard. Potted plants of varying sizes are scattered around, lending a touch of nature to the decor. There's a small bookshelf in one corner, filled with well-loved books and a few board games.

Soft instrumental music plays in the background, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. Only a few patrons are present, quietly enjoying their coffee or reading. The scent of freshly baked pastries mingles with the rich aroma of coffee, creating a comforting ambiance.

A friendly barista behind the counter moves with practiced ease, preparing drinks with a smile. The overall vibe is relaxed and unhurried, making it an ideal spot for unwinding or getting some light work done.

But despite it all Sunoo felt so out of place, almost like he was the rotten rose in the garden full of bloom roses- he can't even call himself a rose- hah!

He mindlessly flipped through the pages of whatever book he had selected, zero thing went into his head and he was almost not present there mentally until he heard a soft giggle—all too familiar to him.

He slowly looked up only to see her, eyes formed in two beautiful cresent moons, cheeks pushed up forming whisker dimples on her cheeks, one hand covering her mouth but anyone can tell, a big smile was dancing on her lips.

Her giggles echoes through his ear, ringing awkwardly until she calmed down, breath wavering, trying to make it even.

" how to kill your family? "

She asked, pointing at the book he was reading. A deep shade of embarrassing blush covered his cheeks, ears turning red.

" I-I just picked whatever! I wasn't really reading.. "

He shut the book abruptly, as if trapping his embarrassment within its pages. Mentally berating himself, he forced a smile at his sister, hoping it looked convincing enough.

"I-I think we should order something.." he suggested softly, relieved when she agreed. With the topic successfully shifted to food, he headed to the counter to place their order.

It felt strange, yet all too familiar, like they were back to their usual routine after classes or on study breaks, ordering anything off the menu. It was never really about the food or the places; it was about the person he spent time with.

His throat tightened as if it was hard to breathe, despite him breathing just fine.

While waiting for their order, they sat in a mostly comfortable silence. Sunoo gazed out the café window, watching people pass by and children running on the streets. Nothing particularly interesting, but better than facing the loud beating of his own heart.

Honestly, I'm scared--

"Sun, how have you been?" she asked.

He slowly turned away from watching a small child clinging to his mother's legs, pouting. The child must have been around Suwon's age.

Such a simple question, but difficult to answer.

Tired, anxious, scared- no, terrified. "I've been okay, just keeping busy. How about you?"