my silly kpop non-idols au

The Supermarket (💎Shinee)

Special Appearance: Heechul (SUJU)
Note: this was the first time where the main dude has a minor role
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"Alright, everyone out," Onew said, turning the engine off. They stepped into the parking lot, the sun casting a warm glow on their faces. It was one of those days that promised a perfect blend of relaxation and productivity.

As the five of them approached the supermarket entrance, Key and Jonghyun were busy discussing the recipe for tonight's dinner. Key was insistent on a fusion twist, while Jonghyun stuck to the classics. Meanwhile, Taemin and Minho had already darted inside, eager to explore the aisles and claim the best deals.

Taemin's eyes lit up as he spotted the snack section. He grabbed a shopping basket, weaving through the store with a grace that belied his excitement. The colorful packaging of the snacks called to him, each one a siren's song promising a delightful taste adventure. He tossed a bag of crispy chips into the basket, the sound echoing through the otherwise quiet aisle. Next, he spotted a shelf of chocolates, and his steps quickened. After a moment of deliberation, he picked out a bar that promised a blend of dark chocolate and raspberries. The scent of sweetness filled the air, making his mouth water.

Minho, on the other hand, had a more focused mission. He marched straight to the bakery section, his eyes scanning the shelves like a hawk searching for prey. He had heard whispers of a new cookie variety that was all the rage among their friends, and he was determined to get his hands on it before anyone else. Finally, his gaze landed on a box with a picture of golden, crunchy cookies filled with a creamy surprise. The label read "Heavenly Cream-Filled Delights." He couldn't resist the allure.

The two met at the produce aisle, where a symphony of colors and scents played out. Fresh fruits and vegetables, arranged neatly, whispered of the meals they could create. Jonghyun's hand hovered over the ripe tomatoes, his mind racing with images of a traditional pasta sauce simmering on the stove. Onew, ever the health-conscious one, suggested they grab some kale and avocados for salad. The group moved together, tossing items into their carts with the ease of a well-oiled machine.

The sound of wheels squeaking on the polished floor grew closer, and Taemin and Minho reunited, their baskets now overflowing with their finds. "Look what I got!" Taemin exclaimed, holding up his chocolate bar. "It's supposed to be amazing," he said with a grin, the light playing off his teeth.

Minho nodded approvingly, his own basket heavy with the heavenly cookies. "We'll have to save some for later," he said, already imagining the taste of the warm, gooey center.

As they moved towards the checkout line, their carts brimming with ingredients, they noticed a peculiar buzz of excitement around the cashier's counter. A crowd had gathered, and a new employee was being trained by the store manager Heechul, his face flushed with nerves. He fumbled with the barcodes, his hands shaking slightly as he tried to keep up with the rapid-fire instructions.

Onew couldn't help but feel a twinge of empathy. "Remember when we were new to this?" he murmured to Key, who rolled his eyes playfully. "It's like watching a sitcom," Jonghyun quipped, trying to lighten the tension. The group chuckled, recalling their own early days of grocery shopping together.

They all knew that feeling of excitement mixed with a dash of anxiety when trying something new. It was moments like these that bonded them, turning simple errands into adventures. The line grew longer, and the sun began its descent, casting a warm orange light through the supermarket windows. Despite the wait, their spirits remained high, buoyed by their camaraderie and the promise of a delicious meal ahead.

As they approached the checkout, the new cashier, Heechul, finally looked up from his training. His eyes widened in recognition, and his cheeks grew even redder. "Hyung-deul," he stuttered, bowing slightly. The group chuckled, and Onew stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, we've got plenty of time," he said with a warm smile.

The checkout process was slow but entertaining, as Heechul's nerves got the better of him. The customers in line chuckled good-naturedly at his fumbling, and the guys couldn't resist offering a few teasing comments to lighten the mood. With every successful scan, Heechul's confidence grew, and by the time they had paid and bagged their groceries, he was practically beaming. "Thank you, hyungs," he said, his voice steady now. "You've made my first day less... terrifying."

They all laughed and wished him luck before heading back to the car. The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the parking lot. The heat of the day had started to dissipate, leaving behind a gentle warmth that promised a comfortable evening. The trunk popped open with a satisfying click, and they began to unload their groceries. Minho carefully placed the box of "Heavenly Cream-Filled Delights" on top, as if it were a crown jewel.