Covetousness

Bitter Brews, Sweet Obsessions #3

You dashed through the street, your footsteps echoing on the pavement as your friends’ laughter rang out behind you.

“Hurry up, Y/N! Irene’s gonna blow a gasket if you’re late again!” Sheena called, her voice dripping with amusement.

Wendy added, “You’re going to be in so much trouble. We will watch her scold you.”

“Are you sure you want to face her wrath?” Jisoo teased, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Despite their teasing, you pushed yourself faster, knowing that Irene, your sister's girlfriend, always had a sharp eye for punctuality, especially at her coffee shop. But you didn’t expect to find her angry. Irene, for all her tough exterior, had a soft spot for you that no one could ignore.

As you reached the door of the café, you flung it open, hoping to sneak past without getting scolded, but to your surprise, Irene was standing behind the counter, calm as ever. The moment her eyes landed on you, her lips curved into a soft, welcoming smile, but then she frowned as she took in the sight of you, breathless and drenched in sweat.

“You’re late, Y/N,” Irene said, her voice gentle but with a knowing edge to it. “And you’re out of breath. Again.”

You paused, a little thrown off by the lack of anger in her voice. “I’m sorry, Unnie… I was trying to make it on time.” You leaned against the counter, trying to catch your breath.

Irene sighed but walked over to you without hesitation. She grabbed a nearby water bottle and handed it to you, her eyes scanning you with a hint of concern. “Here. You’re sweating so much.”

She dampened a towel in a small bowl of water and gently placed it on your forehead and the back of your neck, her touch cool and soothing. Her movements were careful, and you could feel the slight tenderness in her actions.

Behind you, your friends—all still buzzing with energy—stopped in the doorway, watching the scene unfold. Their faces were a mixture of disbelief and surprise, completely thrown off by Irene’s soft care for you.

“She’s not even mad?” Yeri muttered, her eyes wide as she turned to the others.

“This isn’t the Irene Unnie we know,” Jihyo whispered, clearly amused but trying to hide her grin.

Jisoo squinted at the scene. “Wait… is she really taking care of her?”

Sheena crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a line as she glanced between you and Irene. “I can’t believe this. We came here expecting fireworks, and instead, we get this.”

Irene, unaware of the whispered remarks behind her, continued to take care of you, the towel slowly moving across your back, gently pressing away the sweat. “You’re always pushing yourself too hard, Y/N. I told you to slow down.”

You chuckled softly, the warmth of her care sinking in. “I can’t help it. You know how I am.”

Irene smiled, giving your shoulder a small, affectionate squeeze before turning to your friends, who were still hanging around the doorway, looking at the two of you with wide eyes.

“What are you all staring at?” Irene asked, her tone shifting slightly as she raised an eyebrow.

Yeri, unable to hide her amusement, broke the silence. “Unnie, we thought you’d be mad. But here you are, playing nurse.”

Irene simply rolled her eyes, unbothered. “I’m not mad. I’m just making sure she doesn’t collapse from exhaustion.”

You could feel the heat creeping up your neck, but you couldn’t help but smile at Irene’s effortless coolness. The teasing from your friends only intensified as they shuffled into the café, their voices growing louder.