In the Quiet Hours

Chapter 1

Author’s Note/Preface

Hi! I will start off by introducing myself since this is my first fic since my middle school wattpad era, so forgive me if I am rusty. My name is Alice and I used to aspire to be an author; a dream that quickly died when I got my first D on an academic paper in college. I have been itching to create something. I have been reading so much in 2024 so I figured it was finally time to write again. I want to thank my husband and two of my best friends, Morgs and Brandie for giving me the last little push I needed. And of course, Hex, for helping me along the way.

This story, while not fully thought out at this exact moment, is something I am excited to write. Stray Kids have taken over my life since I discovered them last June. While I am OT8, Seungmin has biased wrecked his way to being my ult, therefore, making him the inspiration of this story.

All cities used in this story will be real, but all locations such as schools, restaurants, etc will be made up. This story is not true obviously so I let my imagination run a little wild. But that is okay right? I  admit you may see some scenes from my favorite kdramas in here as well. I will do my best to be accurate to canon events, but I am human and I am bound to mess up. I ask if you catch something to please let me know so I can correct it by commenting or dming me on twt . However, much of this story will be from my delulu imagination. In my own little world minsung is real, seungmin makes good coffee, and Felix is still bronze. Please don’t take it all too seriously, okay? I hope you can have fun with it like I have. So please enjoy In the Quiet Hours.

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August, 2024

“Kang Sol!” A low sound, a mix of irritation and overall impatience, follows. “Sol-ah! You’re going to make me late to open the shop!”

I could not be less bothered to leave the comfort of my bed, nuzzled between my pillows and Nabi while I read. Nabi, my 8 year old tuxedo cat, likes to pretend she is a tiny human and be the little spoon. I will take her being the little spoon over when she lays with her ass in my face any day. I wish I could lay here all day, reading, doing nothing, rather than run the coffee shop with my older brother, Jihoon. Actually I wish I could do just about anything other than work downstairs where I have been since I turned 16. Not that I didn’t apply for other jobs, but my parents say my dreams are too grand anyway and -- 

“Sol-ah I am serious! If we don’t open before the morning rush Eomma will be serving you for dinner.”

“Fine…” I grumble. Not sure if he heard that.

“Kang Sol!” He didn’t.

“Okay! I am coming. I will be there in five minutes!” I shout down the stairs.

“I need you there five minutes ago.” He barks as he slams the door behind him.

Slowly I peel myself away from Nabi and my pillows, putting my bookmark in as I stand up. Sluggishly I walk over to my desk and grab my apron off the chair. I didn’t work yesterday so I doubt anyone will notice I am wearing the same shirt. I pull on jeans and head for the bathroom. My phone buzzes violently in my pocket and I lift it to see Jihoon’s name. Back in the pocket it goes. I wash my face as fast as I can, run down the steps, and snag a pear from the counter as I head out the door.

It is hot outside…exhaustingly hot. I am over this day and it hasn’t even begun. Thankfully the shop is air conditioned, unlike our home. "Too expensive,” my dad says. Upon entering I am confused as to what was so urgent that Jihoon felt the need to call me when he hadn't even turned the open sign on, which I do as I pass.