my silly kpop non-idols au

Eating at Late Night (Leader Line)

Special Appearance: No Minwoo
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The neon lights of the town flickered erratically, casting a strobe-like glow on the deserted sidewalks. A crumpled piece of paper danced in the breeze, pirouetting around the ankles of Leeteuk, Onew, and Yunho as they strolled in the quiet of the night. The three friends had decided to take a break from their usual routine, seeking refuge in the solitude of the late-night streets.

As they turned a corner, a sudden burst of light and chatter filled their ears. An outdoor restaurant, nestled in the heart of the town, buzzed with life. A myriad of food stalls stretched out before them, each boasting a smorgasbord of mouthwatering aromas that wafted through the air, a stark contrast to the emptiness of the streets they had just left behind. The tantalizing smell of grilling meats mingled with the sweetness of fresh fruits and the tang of pickled vegetables. It was a sensory overload, a festival of flavors that seemed to beckon them closer.

Leeteuk, the most adventurous of the trio, suggested they try the restaurant. The others agreed, their stomachs rumbling in unison. They stepped through the arched entrance, and the warm embrace of the place washed over them. The cacophony of sizzling pans and clinking dishes was a symphony to their ears, a comforting reminder that there was life beyond the quietude of the night. The walls were adorned with a riot of colors, with paintings of local landscapes and vibrant patterns that reflected the town's heritage. Strands of fairy lights crisscrossed above, casting a soft glow that danced on the faces of the patrons.

They were greeted by a bustling host, who swiftly led them to a table at the back. As they sat down, the chatter grew louder, and they found themselves in the midst of a lively crowd. Families shared laughter and food, while groups of friends raised glasses in cheer. The energy was infectious, and soon, the three friends were chuckling at their own inside jokes. They studied the menus with a mix of excitement and confusion, as the unfamiliar names of dishes swam before their eyes. They decided to trust the chef's recommendation, eager to sample the local delicacies.

Onew leaned back in his chair, taking in the scene with a contented smile. "This is just what we needed," he said, his voice barely audible over the din. "A break from the usual." Yunho nodded in agreement, his gaze flitting from the bustling kitchen to the street outside, where the shadows grew longer. Leeteuk was already snapping photos with his phone, capturing the vibrant atmosphere to share with the others who hadn't come along.

Their server, a man named Minwoo with a contagious laugh, approached them with a tray of steaming dishes. They grabbed the menu, eager to decipher the culinary adventure they had just ordered. The dishes looked like works of art, each one a mélange of vivid colors and intriguing textures. Leeteuk pointed to one, a sizzling platter of meat and vegetables, and asked for an extra serving of rice. The server nodded knowingly, his eyes sparkling. "Good choice," he said, his smile hinting at the delightful experience they were about to have.

The food arrived swiftly, and with it, a flurry of flavors that danced on their tongues. They dug in with gusto, sharing bites and opinions on each dish. The grilled fish was tender and flaky, its skin kissed by a sweet and spicy glaze that had them reaching for the rice to soak up every last drop. The kimchi stew was a symphony of sour, spicy, and umami notes, warming them from the inside out. Yunho's eyes widened at the first bite of a spicy pork dish, his cheeks flushing redder than the chili peppers adorning the plate. They laughed and cheered each other on, the bond between them growing stronger with every shared taste.

In the midst of their feast, they noticed a peculiar dish that had been brought to their table. It was a large bowl of white rice, surrounded by a rainbow of banchan—small side dishes that accompanied every meal. The kimchi was a vibrant red, the pickled cucumbers a cool green, and the sliced radishes a vivid pink. They had ordered these as sides, but as they watched, a young couple at the next table mixed everything together into a delicious mess. Intrigued, they mimicked the couple's actions, combining the rice with the banchan and a dollop of the spicy stew's broth. The result was an explosion of flavors that delighted their senses and brought forth a newfound appreciation for the simplicity of the dish.

As they ate, they couldn't help but feel a sense of unity with the town, despite being strangers. The act of sharing food, the communal experience of enjoying a meal, bridged the gap between them and the locals. They watched as families passed around plates, sharing stories and laughter, and felt a warmth that transcended language and cultural barriers. It was a silent reminder that no matter where they were, people were bound by the same fundamental needs and joys.

Minwoo returned with a tray of drinks, a mix of iced teas and local beers, their condensation beading on the glass. He set them down with a flourish, his smile as bright as the neon lights outside. "Enjoying your meal?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"It's amazing!" exclaimed Leeteuk, his mouth still full of food. Onew and Yunho nodded emphatically, their cheeks bulging with rice and kimchi. They had discovered a new love for the local cuisine, and the joy of the experience was etched on their faces. As they finished their meal, the warmth of the food and drink filled their bellies, and with it, a sense of contentment that only comes from sharing a hearty meal with good friends.

Glancing at their watches, they realized it was 12:29 AM. The night had flown by unnoticed in their culinary revelry. Their original plan was to meet Changmin, Minho, and Eunhyuk at the restaurant, but they had lost track of time. They had arranged for the trio to arrive in two cars and a van: Changmin in a sleek red car, Minho in a teal car that matched his vibrant personality, and Eunhyuk, the designated driver, in a reliable blue van. The friends had decided to carpool to cut down on costs and make the night more environmentally friendly.

Leeteuk, ever the designated social connector of the group, was the first to spot the vehicles pulling up to the curb. He jumped to his feet, waving enthusiastically to signal their location. "They're here!" he shouted over the din of the restaurant. Onew and Yunho followed his lead, gathering their things and making their way outside. The cool night air was a refreshing balm to their flushed faces as they stepped into the street, the smell of food and laughter trailing after them.

Changmin, Minho, and Eunhyuk emerged from their respective vehicles, looking around with a mix of confusion and excitement. "What took you guys so long?" called Changmin, his voice echoing slightly in the emptiness of the late-night streets. Leeteuk held up a thumbs-up, his cheeks still bulging with the last mouthful of food. "You should've seen the spread!"

Yunho's group, which had been walking in the direction of the TVXQ house, broke into a jog as they spotted the familiar figures in the distance. The Super Junior mansion loomed before them, a bastion of their shared history and friendship. The house was a hodgepodge of architectural styles, a testament to the eclectic tastes of its inhabitants. Its ivy-covered walls and arched windows gave it an air of grandeur, while the flashing lights and loud music spilling from the open windows spoke of the never-ending parties that often took place within.

Onew's group, meanwhile, had arrived at the understated elegance of the SHINee house. The minimalist façade was a stark contrast to the bustling restaurant they had just left. The sleek lines and monochromatic palette whispered of the refined tastes of its occupants, a haven of calm amidst the chaotic town. The house was nestled in a quiet neighborhood, its serenity a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the restaurant.