✔ Caffeine || CHOI SOOBIN FF

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟜𝟟

~Where have yall disappeared?!?!?!~

-Start of Chapter 47-

Y/N's POV

"Noona, is everything okay? You've been kind of down since you came in today." Seoha's voice is soft, filled with genuine concern as he leans on the counter, watching me closely.

I chuckle, trying to brush off the question. "Yeah, everything's fine."

He doesn't look convinced, but before he can press further, Nari bounces over, practically glowing with her usual bubbly energy. "Unnie, you've been quiet too! You sure you're okay? You know we're here if you need to talk."

I can't help but chuckle again, feeling a small warmth in my chest at her enthusiasm. "I'm good, really. Just... tired, I guess." I lie.

Nari doesn't buy it either, but she doesn't push. Instead, she flashes me a bright smile, clearly determined to lighten the mood. "Okay, but just remember we're always ready for a pep talk if you need it!" She gives a little salute before bouncing back to help the customers.

It's time to close up for the night before I even realize how much time has passed. It's just me and Nari left now as I finish locking the café door behind us.

The cool night air greets us as we step outside, and Nari skips beside me, humming a random tune as we start walking down the street.

"So, unnie, how did I do today? Was I fast enough at the register? I've been practicing! Oh! And did you see how I managed the rush hour all by myself earlier?" Nari chatters excitedly, her steps light and full of energy.

I smile, chuckling at her eagerness. "You did great, Nari. You've gotten a lot quicker with the register."

"Yay!" She beams, then tilts her head, thinking. "I mean, I still get nervous sometimes, but I think I'm getting better, right?"

"You definitely are" I assure her, feeling a little lighter just from listening to her chatter. Her energy is contagious in a way.

For a while, we walk in silence, Nari skipping beside me, occasionally humming or talking about something random. But then, her tone shifts slightly, softening as she glances over at me.

"Unnie... are you sure everything was okay last night?"

I blink, confused. "Last night? What do you mean? What happened?"

Nari giggles a little, nudging me playfully. "Oh, you don't remember? Well, makes sense—you were so wasted."

I freeze, mind scrambling to piece together the night before. Everything's a blur. "Wait, what happened?"

"Well, you were super drunk after the celebration" Nari starts, her voice light, but there's a hint of concern in her eyes. "So Soobin-ssi came to get you. You left with him, and I figured you'd be fine. But after I left for my dorm, I saw both of you on the way."

I glance at her, heart pounding in my chest, dreading where this is going. "And?"

Nari hesitates, then gives me a small, unsure smile. "You were asleep when I saw you... but I think you cried. Were you okay? Did something happen?"

My chest tightens, the weight of her words sinking in. "I... I don't remember." I admit, trying to brush off the unease creeping in. "What about Soobin?"

Nari's expression softens. "He was crying too, unnie. I don't know what happened, but... yeah. He looked really upset."

A sharp ache twists in my chest. Soobin... crying? I can't even imagine it. I don't want to.