a cup of coffee • kim doyoung

twenty two

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Kim Dongyoung

It somehow felt like our conversation just now didn't even happen, with Seyeon walking in between Mark and Ten and chatting away. Considering they just met today, Ten and she seem to have an easier time getting along than me, although there's still a small barrier between them.

"Definitely not! You shouldn't put it in there in the first place."

I listened dejectedly to their ongoing bicker on whether one should put bread in the fridge. How they got there, I have no idea.

"I actually feel like drinking now," Jaehyun mumbled beside me.

"Why so sudden? Are you feeling emotional?" Johnny asked as he poked Jaehyun's arm teasingly.

"Of course not!" Jaehyun rebutted, "But isn't the weather so nice today?" He gazed at the pale orange sky, the sun setting right in front of us. To our right, the Han river reflected it's yellow rays onto the pathway, the same effect spotlights have on a runway. It was definitely a perfect spot to hang out.

"Actually, I could use a few drinks too," I agreed. I mean, when was the next time we could just laze around without worrying about opening the cafe the next day?

"Aish, I was on alcohol cleanse, but whatever," Johnny complained, suggesting that we drink back at the cafe so that the kids could get back home safely. Alcohol cleanse my foot, I bet he was happy he could finally drink without worry.

"Yo kids!" He called out to the three in front, "Y'all wanna drink?"

A smile formed on all three of their faces.

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We finally reached the cafe, everyone rushing in to hide from the cold. I quickly turned on the heater and settled into one of the chairs, exhausted. We haven't walked much today, but it felt like we hiked a whole mountain; it's ironic how we can stand the whole day while working. I sat up straight, realising something.

"Oh right, who's gonna buy-"

"Already got them." Johnny popped out from behind the counter, his big hands holding a bunch of soju bottles each. I stared at him, mouth agape. Has he been hiding them there this whole time?

"Why do you have them there?" I questioned.

"To prepare for a sudden gathering like this, of course!" He exclaimed and placed the green bottles onto a table in the middle, making a clanking sound upon impact. No wonder I've seen empty bottles like these in the garbage bin outside, but it's kinda sad just thinking about it.

We pulled a few chairs to surround the table as Johnny started opening the bottles. Seyeon sat beside Mark and tapped his shoulder.

"Yah, should I call Hyejoo over?" She whispered, "She will flip if she finds out we're drinking without her."

Mark agreed almost immediately, "Sure. Call her."

Within a few minutes, a black-haired girl came walking through the door, a little confused. Seyeon waved for her to come over and she slowly approached us.

"Guys, this is my close friend, Hyejoo Hope you don't mind," she introduced her friend frantically and sat her beside Mark. Hyejoo also took her time to introduce herself, having a look around the table.

"Of course not! The more the merrier," Johnny welcomed as he carefully poured soju into small glass pints which I didn't even know we had. For sure, he definitely has more things chucked away in the break room, we just don't know where.

Once he was done, he clasped his hands together and announced, "Alright, let's begin our once in a lifetime drinking session, so feel free to get as drunk, as wild, as emotional as you want. Cheers!"

He held up his glass high and we all followed, clinking them together before downing a shot each. A cooling sensation doused my throat as I exhaled loudly, my body starting to heat up already. I nearly forgot the feeling of alcohol, where your mind gradually clears the more you drink and it just seems like you've been free for once. It's both a calming yet dangerous feeling.

A few more shots down and I can already see who's going to cause chaos tonight. To my right, Jaehyun was still functioning fine, although looking a little drowsy. On the other hand, Ten and Johnny are making a fuss over some lame joke, but that's not what I'm interested in. A more sightly scene was happening in front of me, with the three university students having the time of their lives trash talking about their school life.

"Can you believe he doesn't even reply to my email?" Hyejoo complained as she flails her hand recklessly over the table.

"Right?? I literally gave up talking to him," Seyeon replied, her words slurring as she took in another shot. After taking a deep breath, she continued, "I don't believe he is that busy. What shit does he do anyway?"

"I heard he goes golfing alone ever since his wife divorced him last year, pathetic!" Mark added on, laughing hysterically at his own comment as the other two gasped.

"Mark Lee! You're gonna get in trouble for that!" Seyeon replied and hit his shoulder hard, causing him to scream deafeningly. Jaehyun sighed loudly beside me.

"They're really gone, aren't they," he whispered, and I couldn't agree more. Maybe it's the amount of stress from school, but they're millimetres away from going bonkers.

I tried to tune them out and poured myself another glass, my mind slowly drifting in and out of consciousness. I usually don't go out this fast, but today has been so tiring that my mind just can't stay awake for much longer.

"Ah seriously... curse this stupid project, making me so delusional..."

A chain of words caught my attention as I glanced at the source of the comment.

"Why am I drawing about something that won't even happen in real life?" Seyeon snapped, her voice echoing around the cafe. Suddenly, the whole table seemed to be focused on her. She's talking about her project, the one that she told me about? This is getting interesting.

"Right? You're so stupid," Hyejoo giggled as she sloppily poured herself another glass, spilling some of them onto the table.

"You don't even know! Why am I getting my hopes up when I've just talked to him a few times? He keeps making advances at me, who does he think he is? He's just a cute barista who operates the cashier..."

Suddenly, it felt like all eyes were on me. I felt my face burning up intensely, my heart beating even faster than usual. I hung my head low in case my face was flushed. No, this is definitely not the aftereffect of alcohol. I glanced towards my left, making eye contact with a bewildered Johnny. He seemed to have caught on to the current situation.

Why do I feel like... she's talking about me?

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