Mine

Chapter 15

The bell above the door gave a soft chime as she stepped inside the dimly lit cafeteria. The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans and warm pastries hung in the air, but tonight, it felt distant—like she was walking through someone else's memories.

Behind the counter, Yeonjun looked up, blinking in surprise.

"Maria? What are you doing here?" Yeonjun glanced at the clock on the wall. "I was just about to close up. It's nearly one."

"You can head home. I'll lock up."

Yeonjun hesitated, looking at her with that soft kind of curiosity, the kind Maria never had the energy to explain, she just showed care in plain blunt words that a few could understand in depth, and alot many mistook!

"You sure? I don't mind—"

"I'm sure." Maria's voice was steady but distant. "Get some rest."

Relief crossed Yeonjun's face. "Thanks, boss. I appreciate it."

Maria nodded faintly as Yeonjun grabbed his coat and slung his bag over his shoulder. The boy worked hard after school to keep his aunt pleased so she wouldn't come in the way of his dreams. Dreams...

She had none so she never knew what that felt like. She had only one desire.... to find the long lost.

But why stop someone else from what you lack? Even if she never dreamed for anything she appreciated the boy's efforts to find his. And for that, Yeonjun was no doubt spoiled by her letting him practice his dance moves and vocal chords but the permission was granted only if he would focus on his studies as well to which the boy was more than happy to agree.

The door swung close behind her, and the quiet that followed felt heavier than it should. The kind of quiet that pressed on your chest.

Her defeated footsteps echoed faintly as she crossed the floor, her shoes tapping against the tiles. The absence of chatter, steaming machines, and soft laughter made the space feel hollow. She slipped behind the counter, her eyes flickering toward the kitchen door.

Maybe if I keep moving, I won't think too much.

But the ache in her palms told a different story.

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He drove down the street, a cigarette pressed between his pillowy plush lips with a hand on the steering while the other hung from the window freezing to the chilly air outside, Jimin sat back in the seat with his hair slightly tousled by the late-night wind.

Taehyung was on his mind. And it was bothersome. What was wrong with his friend? He couldn't understand. The raven head had become a shadow, only showing up in the meetings and never near enough.

What is he up to?

His fingers tapped absentmindedly against the steering wheel, the rhythm uneven—just like the thoughts racing through his head. The smoke brushing past the sharpness of his jaws slipped out from the window rolled down.

Taehyung had always been a bit of a mystery, but lately, that mystery felt heavier. It wasn't the playful, mischievous kind he was used to. No sly smirks, no cryptic one-liners. Just... distance.

He's been shutting us out.

The thought gnawed at him. Taehyung wasn't the type to vanish for no reason. If he disappeared, it usually meant one of two things—he was either tangled in something he didn't want to explain, or he was trying to protect someone from it.

And option one sat well with Jimin a bit too much.

"Damn it, Taehyung" He muttered, running a hand through his hair.