✔ Caffeine || CHOI SOOBIN FF

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟞𝟘

-Start of Chapter 60-

The soft chime of the cafe door rings, and I glance up from the stack of paperwork on the counter. 

My left hand is still sore, wrapped up in a bandage that sticks out against the warm glow of the café lights.

Since that day, Soobin has stayed by my side as much as he could. On the first few days, he cancelled his entire day of schedules to stay by my side. I would always wake up to find him sleeping with his head on the bed.

After I got discharged, I insisted he go to work. He did for only for a little while. He used to come back after 3 or 4 hours and then stay just by my side for the rest of the day. It felt nice. To have someone care for you.

But today's different.

It's Christmas Eve, and yet, the air outside is just bitterly cold. No snow in sight. The city's holiday spirit feels a little hollow without it.

The café's cozy interior, filled with the comforting scent of coffee and pastries, is the only thing keeping me going tonight. It's just me here, alone, working on the mountain of things I've let pile up. 

Sure, it's Christmas Eve, everyone's celebrating it with their families.

All the boys went today. Seojun went with Hana's to her parents

Besides... it's not like I have a family... Or rather a decent one...

The door creaks open, and Soobin's figure steps inside, shaking off the cold with a soft laugh.

"Come onnn, it's Christmas! You're here working?" he says, his voice bright, even as the chill from outside lingers on his jacket.

I sigh, my shoulders sagging as I glance at the papers in front of me. "I've got a lot of work to do. Besides... I insisted Seojun spend it with Hana" I explain, keeping my tone light. But I can't help the slight sadness that creeps in.

"So you're stuck here all alone?" Soobin teases, his eyes twinkling despite the exhaustion in his voice.

"Yep" I reply, popping the 'p' as I shuffle a few papers together. "What about you? Why aren't you with your family? The rest of the boys did."

He grins, stepping further into the café, the Christmas lights casting a warm glow over his features. "Because I want to spend it with you" he says, and my heart skips, even though I roll my eyes at the sudden warmth that spreads in my chest. "Come on, leave all this. You can do it tomorrow. It's Christmas Eve, for heaven's sake."

I glance at the pile of work, then back at him. The thought of spending this time with him... it sounds so good, but I'm not quite ready to give up yet. "Fineee, but only because you like a dumbass didn't go to your family" I grumble, trying to hide the soft smile tugging at my lips. "But don't expect me to be this cheerful about it."     

Soobin's grin widens, and before I know it, he's already grabbing my hand, pulling me toward the door. "Then let's go make the most of it, Y/N."

~~~~~

The air feels even colder now that we're out of the warmth of the café. We walk through the busy streets, the sound of Christmas music drifting through the speakers, the scent of cinnamon and pine filling the air. 

The city square is alive with festive lights, shimmering from every corner, and I can't help but stop in my tracks when I see the giant Christmas tree towering in the centre of the square. It's huge, decorated with gold and red ornaments, twinkling lights, and a sparkling star on top that catches the light from every angle.