The small town (jikook)

Unexpected Help

The sun had barely risen over Woonhae when Jimin opened The Daily Brew, unaware that today would turn into a whirlwind of chaos. The smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air as he prepared for a busy morning, but he didn't expect the line of customers that would form before he even turned on the espresso machine.

By 9 AM, the café was packed. Jimin was darting between the counter and the kitchen, barely catching his breath as he took orders, brewed coffee, and served pastries. He had just finished a complicated order when he heard the bell above the door jingle again.

"Are you kidding me?" he muttered under his breath, glancing up to see a group of tourists streaming in, oblivious to the chaos. His heart sank as he recognized Jungkook walking in behind them, looking effortlessly cool in a casual hoodie and jeans.

"Jimin! It's packed in here!" Jungkook exclaimed, surveying the scene with a mix of amusement and concern.

"Thanks for the update, Captain Obvious," Jimin replied, forcing a smile. "If you're here to gawk, maybe you should turn around and go back."

"Why don't I help?" Jungkook offered, stepping behind the counter without waiting for an answer.

"No way! This is my café," Jimin protested, though his protest felt weak as he watched Jungkook slip on an apron, his confidence radiating through the small space.

"I can make coffee," Jungkook said with a smirk. "I might even be better at it than you."

"Yeah, right," Jimin shot back, but he could feel a smile creeping onto his face. Despite his irritation, the thought of Jungkook working beside him was hard to resist.

As the orders piled up, Jungkook began taking over, sliding in seamlessly. He took the next order with ease, his charm drawing smiles from customers. Jimin watched in disbelief as Jungkook worked the espresso machine like a pro, his movements fluid and confident.

"See? This isn't so hard," Jungkook said, handing over a perfectly crafted latte with a heart-shaped design. "You just need to relax a little."

"Relax? I'm running a café, not a spa," Jimin replied, but the corners of his mouth turned up despite himself.

With Jungkook's help, the chaos began to dissipate. They exchanged playful banter as they worked, laughter punctuating the air, and for the first time since Jungkook's return, Jimin felt a flicker of joy.

"Remember that time you spilled coffee all over my new shirt?" Jungkook said, grinning as he recalled one of their many mishaps from their childhood.

"Of course I do! I thought you'd never let me live that down!" Jimin laughed, the memory softening the tension between them.

"Just like I'll never let you forget how you cried after losing that school talent show," Jungkook shot back, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jimin felt heat rush to his cheeks. "I was a kid! And you were supposed to support me, not mock me."

"Hey, I was just being honest!" Jungkook chuckled, leaning in closer. "But seriously, you've really built something special here, Jimin. The café feels alive."

For a moment, the warmth of his words enveloped Jimin, pushing aside the memories of hurt and resentment. "Thanks," he replied, his voice softer. "I've worked hard for it."

As the morning rush finally started to taper off, Jimin leaned against the counter, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I didn't think you'd actually be useful today," he said, trying to keep the playful edge in his tone.

"Glad to prove you wrong," Jungkook replied, flashing that grin that made Jimin's heart race. "You know, I wouldn't mind coming back here to help out more often."

Jimin's stomach twisted at the thought. "I'm not sure if I can handle you hanging around," he joked, but deep down, the idea sent a thrill through him.

Before he could say more, Minji returned from her break, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. "Wow, Jungkook! You actually helped? Are you sure you're not just here for the free coffee?"

"Free coffee and to reconnect with old friends," Jungkook said, shooting a sideways glance at Jimin, who felt a shiver of anticipation.

Jimin quickly turned away, busying himself with the coffee grinder to mask his blush. He felt a mix of frustration and excitement swirling within him—this was not how he wanted to feel about Jungkook. "You know what? You can keep helping," he said, trying to sound casual. "But only if you promise not to mess up my café."

"Deal," Jungkook said, an easy smile on his face. "Just don't get used to it. I have a life outside of Woonhae, you know."

"Right. The big city superstar," Jimin muttered, but even as he said it, he felt a twinge of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something new.