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[Jaemin] 5:32 pm. Saturday. After Mark arrives at Jaemin's apartment.

-

I walk out into the street, taking a deep breath of crisp afternoon air. I have too many thoughts on my mind, from Donghyuck and Mark to work to Daehwi and more work. My anxiety clouds my thoughts again as I remember that I need to answer an email by two in the morning tonight or else I blow a contract deal.

Before I know it, my feet have taken me to a place I know very well. The convenience store, just a mere three blocks away from my apartment complex, is a place to which I often venture to on late nights after stressful work hours. It's the only place I know in the area that offers Key's ramen, my favorite and only ramen brand that I will consume. Conveniently (no pun intended), it's near by, which when you look at it, is a blessing and a curse. The store also plays great music, which is a huge plus.

I walk in, the little bell going off as I pass through the door frame. April fools by Jimin Park is playing softly through the speakers, and I slowly dance myself over to the very back of the store where the hoards of ramen are located.

I grab a packet of Key's ramen, and then walk myself directly over to the coffee machine. I make my coffee in silence, humming occasionally to the song as I wait for the coffee machine to do its magic.

I come here so often that the cashier working the night shift, Moonbyul, knows my name and my purchase by heart. One pack of Key's ramen, one large black coffee and occasionally, on particularly bad days, a pint of cookie dough ice cream.

"You're here on a Saturday," Moonbyul notices as I approach.

"Long day?" She scans my items as I add a snickers bar to the pile.

"Yeah, I locked my two friends in my house by themselves to force them to hook up because their live lives are miserable," I say offhandedly, sparing her the details.

"Damn," she responds, "mr. matchmaker we got over here huh? Got any prospects for me Jae?" She jokes.

"I'd love to try and set you up with someone byul, but the decent guys I know are all gay so I don't think that would work." I smile, laughing a bit.

"Figures," she snorts, and hands me my purchases. "That'll be 12,000 won mister." I give her the money, grabbing my stuff off the counter.

I start to exit the store and Moonbyul calls after me.

"Have a good night Jae, see you Monday!" She winks at me and I laugh softly.

"Love ya byul," I leave the convenience store with a smile on my face and a warm cup of coffee in my hands.

-

5:56 pm.

My feet lead me to a cozy but popular cafe a not too far away from the convenience store, called elyxion café. Even though I already have ramen and a cheap cup of coffee, I sneak in and hide in one of those small booths in the corner. Whenever I'm here I always sit in this booth and eat my ramen in peace, occasionally using their wifi to do work or watch YouTube to keep my mind off of things.

I realize I don't have my laptop or a book with me, so I have to entertain myself with my food, my phone, and my thoughts. I sigh and call for the waitress to bring me some hot water for the ramen.

I finally take a long sip of my coffee. I close my eyes and let the feeling of the hot liquid searing my tongue and throat soothe me. With all that has happened today, this routine has become a form of therapy for me. I take another sip and open my eyes once again, hearing the waitress approach.

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