✔ Caffeine || CHOI SOOBIN FF

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟝𝟜

~Hello!~

-Start of Chapter 54-

My eyes, are glued to the counter where Soobin stands, waiting for our drinks.

Or, more accurately, they're glued to the barista, who is blatantly flirting with him.

She leans on the counter, her elbows propped up as she gives him a wide smile. Soobin looks slightly uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, but his politeness is holding him hostage.

"So, are you new in town?" the barista asks, her voice loud enough for me to hear faintly from where I'm sitting. "I haven't seen you around before."

Soobin rubs the back of his neck, offering a polite smile. "Oh, no. Just visiting today."

"Really? Well, I hope you're enjoying it. This café's a hidden gem, you know. A lot of locals love it here."

"That's nice" Soobin replies, his voice clipped but still polite. He glances over his shoulder briefly, and I make sure to glare daggers in his direction.

The barista doesn't seem to notice—or care. She leans in even closer, her hair falling over one shoulder as she tucks a stray strand behind her ear. "So, what are your plans for the day?"

"Um... shopping" Soobin says, clearly trying to keep the conversation as short as possible.

"Oh, that sounds fun!" she chirps, her eyes practically sparkling. "If you need any recommendations, I'd be happy to help. I could even show you around sometime."

I bite down on the inside of my cheek, trying to suppress the rising irritation.

"Thanks, but I'm good" Soobin says quickly, shifting uncomfortably.

The barista doesn't back down. "Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me. Maybe I could give you my number? Just in case."

Soobin freezes for half a second before laughing nervously. "Oh, uh, I think I'll manage. But thanks."

"Are you sure?" she presses, sliding a napkin toward him with a pen perched on top.

Soobin looks like he's on the verge of bolting. "Yeah, I'm sure. Anyway, I should probably go—"

I can't take it anymore. I march over to the counter, plastering on the most passive-aggressive smile I can muster.

"Baby" I say sweetly, interrupting whatever excuse he was about to give. "Did you get the drinks?"

His face lights up in relief when he sees me. "Wha- u-uh Y/N! Yeah, just got them." He quickly grabs the cups, nodding awkwardly at the barista. "Thanks for the drinks. Have a good day!"

As he steps away, I loop my arm through his and practically drag him back to the table. The barista watches us go, her smile faltering slightly, and I feel a surge of satisfaction.

When we sit back down, Soobin sets the drinks on the table, looking at me curiously. "'Baby'? What was that about?"

I huff, crossing my arms. "Put your mask on." not bothering to answer his question

He blinks. "Huh?"

"It's cold" I say, refusing to look at him. "You'll catch something."

Soobin stares at me for a moment, and then it clicks. His lips curl into a teasing grin. "Wait... are you jealous?"

I scoff, taking a sip of my hot chocolate. "No, I'm not."