Coffee Shop Romance (HyunChan)

19.

Hyunjin's POV

I woke up to a rainy morning while being wrapped in Chan's arms. We just snuggled under the blanket, exchanging good morning kisses. I love how I'm submerged in warmth and surrounded by his sweet scent. I want every morning to be like this. I want to wake up next to Chan every day.

I'm still under the ecstasy of last night—all of Chan's touches and kisses. Just remembering how he made me submit to him makes me weak. He was gentle and caring, ensuring I wasn't hurt, yet he was still so rough and sexy. I would love to feel him again, but we both have to go to work. Maybe tonight—surely he would love to spend the evening with me again.

Chan dropped me off at the café and left, insisting he would come back in a couple of hours. I was sad because I was looking forward to stealing glances at my handsome man during work or giving him a short kiss when no one was watching. I miss him so much when he's not around. I want to spend every day, every moment in his presence. I love how life feels so much brighter when he's by my side. I adore it when he forms his beautiful, plump lips into a smile, making him look cute yet attractive at the same time.

The day was going fine—nothing extraordinary happened. It was just Felix, Jisung, and me, along with a few customers who seemed like they were only looking for quick shelter from the pouring rain. As there was barely anything to do, my thoughts kept wandering to Chan. I miss him. It's been just a couple of hours, but it feels as though I haven't seen him in days. Every time the door opened, I hoped it would finally be him, but I was disappointed again and again.

Channie eventually arrived around lunchtime. My bored expression brightened instantly when I saw my boyfriend. His hair was wet, and his clothes were slightly damp from the rain. I was about to give him a hug and a quick peck on the cheek, but I realized I couldn't. The others don't know we're a couple, and as we agreed, we are keeping it private. It hurts that I can't freely express my love for him in front of my colleagues. Of course, I wouldn't do anything too intimate—just a short embrace or kiss. It hurts especially because everyone knew when Chan was dating Jeongin. They would even come in together. Maybe it's for the best, but I still don't like this situation.

During my lunch break, I went to sit with my love. He was working on his laptop as usual. Chan bought me some sweets to enjoy—so kind of him.
"Hyunjin-ah, how are you?"
"Better now that I see you," I said. He smiled at my response, then gently grabbed my thigh for a moment.
"Jinnie, do you like these plates? I was thinking of buying new cups and plates for the shop."
"Hmm, not bad, but I think the pastel green is better. It would match the walls."

We mainly talked about work. Chan is so passionate about this place—it inspires me to be diligent so that one day, I can be successful like him. I enjoyed listening to him talk about new recipes he wants to add to the menu and how good our reviews have been lately. Chan is so adorable when he talks about his passion. I just want to kiss and hug him, but I can't because of this stupid secret dating.

"If the weather gets better, do you want to go somewhere?"
"Did you forget? I'm closing today."
"Oh, really? You've been here since the morning. I could ask Changbin to close instead of you. I don't want you to be too tired, babe."
"No, it's okay. Just pick me up after." He agreed and held my hand until my break was over, and I went back to work with the guys.

Around 3 p.m., Felix and Jisung left, and Seungmin and Jeongin came in for the afternoon shift. I can't help but feel sad whenever Jeongin is around. I hate that he could show affection to Chan, but I can't. Everyone knew they were together, but I'm just a little secret. I just hope my jealousy doesn't show and isn't written all over my face.

"So, this is the lactose-free latte for that girl alone, and a regular latte for the couple over there," Jeongin said as he handed me the drinks. I took them to the designated tables. I went upstairs to check if there were any empty cups, but I came back quickly as there were none.

"Hey, you! My coffee wasn't lactose-free. Because of your stupid mistake, I'll be sick for the whole evening. Never coming back to this place again!" I was shocked as the girl yelled at me in front of everyone. But I did exactly as Jeongin showed me—I'm sure I didn't mix up the two mugs. I felt humiliated as the whole café heard the girl's angry complaint. She left before I could offer her any compensation.

"Guys, can you start cleaning upstairs and here too? I'll handle the rest of the bar and the preparations for tomorrow," I said, and the two left to complete their tasks. There's a long list of things that need to be done, so I better get started. I wish Chan was here to help me so we could be together. I don't know why, but he's so hot when he's working, looking all serious, but he turns into such a softie when we touch. I can't wait to see him soon.

Hyunjin, tasks, focus! Okay, so remove coffee beans from the grinders, wash the coffee machine, pack leftover cakes, count today's income, and so much more. Ugh, so much to do, and I'm so tired. Why did I even take a 12-hour shift? Label all open items, throw away anything expired, and turn off all machines and main lights.

After about 30 minutes, I was done with everything. I just had to bring the smoothie packs from the upstairs freezers, so I went there. The locker room is there too. I changed my clothes and brought the smoothie packs with me. I waited for Seungmin and Jeongin to come down so I could finally close up and see Chan, who was already on the way. I locked the door as we all exited.

"Hyunjin hyung, want to come with us for a late dinner, or are you waiting for someone?" Jeongin giggled as he asked.
"Oh, well, that'd be great, but I'm too tired. I've been here since the morning." And I just don't want to spend extra time with you, Jeongin.
"But you didn't answer if you're waiting for someone to pick you up or not?" Oh my gosh, he's being so annoying—I'm too tired for this.
"The only person picking me up is the bus driver. Good night, guys!" I gave an awkward laugh and started walking in a random direction.

Chan, my love, where are you?