The café hummed with life, a symphony of clinking cups and murmured conversations. Taeyong moved through the narrow aisles, his apron cinched tight around his waist. The scent of freshly brewed coffee clung to him, a comforting veil against the chill outside. But no amount of caffeine could thaw the ice that had settled in his chest. Valentine's Day loomed like a specter, its crimson banners draped across the city. Heart-shaped balloons floated above tables, and couples huddled together, sharing secrets and stolen kisses. Taeyong's heart stuttered a broken rhythm that echoed the ache he tried to bury.
"Taeyong, double-shot espresso for the lady at the corner," Jisung called from behind the counter. His grin was infectious, but Taeyong's smile was a mere twitch of lips. He poured the steaming liquid, the crema swirling like memories he couldn't escape.
Jaehyun's laughter haunted him—the way it danced through their tiny apartment, the late-night conversations that blurred the lines between dreams and reality. But now, Jaehyun was a fading echo, a ghost who had slipped through his fingers. Two and a half months since he walked out, and Taeyong was still unraveling.
"Hey, Taeyong," Jungkook leaned against the espresso machine. His eyes held a hint of mischief, a stark contrast to the turmoil in Taeyong's gaze. "Valentine's Day is approaching. Got any secret admirers?"
"Not interested," Taeyong replied, his voice brittle. "Love's a mirage. A desert illusion."
Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "You sound like a poet. Or a man who's been hurt."
"Maybe I'm both," Taeyong murmured. "Jaehyun left, and now I'm stranded in this emotional desert."
"You know," Jungkook leaned in, "sometimes mirages lead to oases. Unexpected springs of hope."
Taeyong scoffed. "Hope is a cruel joke. It whispers promises, then vanishes like smoke."
The café door chimed, and Dahyun swept in, her apron adorned with heart-shaped pins. "Valentine's specials are ready," she announced. "Chocolate-dipped strawberries and raspberry macarons."
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10,000 Hours (A Dotae Valentine's Day Short- Fanfiction)
FanficTaeyong and Doyoung have been best friends for longer than they could ever imagine. They have always been each other's everything. However, will this be enough for them to even think that there is something more? Taeyong and his long-term boyfriend...
