[Midnight Coffee Heizou x Reader -> Chapter one: 11:32 PM-Iced Americano
-> Heizou x Fem Reader| not-so soulmates AU, modern! AU (modern day and technology), Heizou is a detective still, reader works part time at a café that stays open until midnight, skeptical heizou] WC: 2k+
Series Masterlist
Shikanoin Heizou did not believe in soulmates.
For so long, in pop culture, movies, TV shows, even in children’s tales the idea of a lucky someone being your soulmate left him skeptical.
A complete stranger somewhere in the world has an identifiable marking, sign or symbol on their body to signify that you are meant to be theirs for the rest of your lives? In his line of work that could be a determining factor on someone’s case file. He’s had too many occurrences to count, someone’s soulmate turned out to be a stalker, someone’s soulmate turned out to be a complete jerk, he’s even worked on a case where the poor women’s soulmate was the man who robbed her.
See? As much as he doesn’t want to use specific examples to point out the whole system is fraudulent, how can you not with the piles of evidence in front of you?
In his younger, more so less mature years, he tried believing that fairy tale idea. You meet the person you’re meant to be with, and its happier ever after. But now that the dust has been cleared from his eyes, he doesn’t care to believe it anymore. He has better time focusing on his work than trying to chase after that “special somebody” again.
The wall clock within his office was ticking off faster than he would’ve liked. He was supposed to be home two hours ago, but instead this string of car thefts has left him staring at his pin board a little longer than he would have liked. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, he has acquired a grand total of 6 hours over the last two days. His senior officer, Kujo Sara, had warned him several times about risking his health for these types of things. She even benched him for a few days to get some proper sleep or else.
But tonight, the air in his office felt stale. The coffee in his mug had gone cold long ago, there was also a fly in it. The cogs in his brain kept stalling, wanting to turn out any idea or possibility about the suspect.
Currently he had three pictures pinned to the far-right side of the board, they all fit a few of the witness descriptions of who could have stolen their vehicles. One who lived in the neighborhood the thefts were happening, another suspect recently moved out of the neighborhood after the first set of car jackings, and the final suspect was a repeat offender already on the police department’s radar.
A yawn escapes the detectives mouth, his eyes look at the clock again 11:02 PM, if he were to stay any longer, the printed text on each sheet of paper along with the red marker he was using to outline any anomalies would be printed behind his eyelids.
Footsteps approach his office, without even knocking (such courtesy), another detective peers into his office, a scoff is all Heizou hears.
“Shikanoin? You’re still here? Look man, give it a rest, we have all week to crack it, that or just hand it off to another detective if you’re so bored with it.”, the fellow detective laughed. Heizou barely acknowledged his words, only humming to give a false sense of agreement.
“Thank you, have a goodnight.”, Heizou gave the detective a small cheerful smile, waving him goodbye. He even tried playing it off that he already knew what needed to be done, and that “this would be too hard if he gave it off to another detective”. The other man while leaving the office tried hiding his sneer, but Heizou caught it. It wasn’t new, the most senior officers liked proficiency within the department, and it wasn’t his fault he was good at what he was doing.
He’s called the best for a reason.
As confident (although some of his coworkers call it arrogance for his age), he did need to call it a wrap for tonight. That or needed a coffee run.
He put the cap back on his red marker, then he began to pack his things. Placing each case file into their own piles around his desk and poured out his cold coffee mug. Grabbing his items like his work bag, jacket, keys, he turned off the lamp near his desk. Leaving the office in a realm of darkness, the only light coming from the streetlights from outside the windows. His footsteps echo through the empty halls of the department, the sight was usual for him at this hour.
Leaving through the main doors, he passes the parking lot and begins walking through the streets of Inazuma City.
The city at this hour was somewhat lively, but as you traverse through the neighborhoods that line some of the streets, the calm quiet atmosphere creates an ambience unlike any other. While walking he noted a few house lights were on, some people moved their cars off the main street, probably in coordination with the public service announcement lady Kujo made earlier that week. His feet continue along the normal path, his mind already knew what he needed to do when he got home.
Make a new pot of coffee or tea because of the late hour, stare at a few more case files that were handed to him over the last few days. Maybe he’ll cook him up something, maybe fried cutlet? He did have some meat left over in the fridge…
Heizou’s train of thought comes to a soft pause when he notes the soft yellow light coming from a building a head. Upon walking closer it was a café, the little board standing right near the front door advertised its new specialty coffee’s.
Now it was normal for some places to stay open, the businessmen up in Ritou liked to come down from their long days of work to eat and drink to their delights. In his rookie days, he remembers accompanying his fellow detectives observing the drunkards stumble their ways home after a long day of work.
The front door to the café welcomed him in, peering inside he noted not a single soul inside, save for a barista working the bar. Heizou glances at his watch, it was 11:16 now, a café being open this late was questionable. But his inner curiosity got the better of him. What harm could be done? At worst he could be told the café was closed and the barista was just about to lock up.
But at the best? Who knows, some wouldn’t take the risk and just go home.
He pushed the door to the café open; a soft jingle of a bell sounded in the space. Inside the café it was minimal but cozy. There was a bar top, some tables and booths with chairs, a radio was playing soft jazz music somewhere his eyes couldn’t see. Possibly in the back of the café, maybe an office?
On the main counter was an old retro TV playing a news station, the news anchor was telling about the weather and latest events in government. In reality it drowned out in the background.
It was a sweet little café, entering further into the space he alerted the barista behind counter.
“Oh! Hello, sorry I wasn’t expecting someone to come in at this hour, please have a seat wherever you like sir.”, you apologized for not greeting him immediately, Heizou offered a smile instead.
“Oh no need, I was just about to head home and noticed the lights…you’re still open at an hour like this?”, he takes a seat at the bar top, placing his work bag and jacket in the chair next to him. You come to the car and slide him complementary glass of water and a napkin. “Well, we are open until midnight, the owner says its good for this time of year because of the local college students needing places to study. But most times, we are closed around this time, well the former barista on shift would be closed at this hour.”, you reasoned.
Heizou nods, but grins, “Oh so you’re new? I’ve got to say working the night shift must be a hassle, anyone could come in here, you’ve heard of the recent car jackings yeah? Not necessarily safe for you to be in here this late.”, he sips the water, but his eyes remained on you. It was little late to be open; the fact you allowed him to come in and have a seat was alarming as is.
“Oh, and I’m guessing you’re a weirdo I need to worried about? The police station is just up a head, I could just shout for help?”, despite your words you smirked back at him. You must have sensed he wasn’t much of a threat then.
“Well you’re just in luck, I am a detective for said police station, and unfortunately not one of those weirdos coming in at…11:24 just to sip on water and stare at a pretty barista.”, he checked his watch while speaking. He could have been home by now, but he found this all the more interesting.
You smile at his little complement, “why thank you detective, I feel much safer now that you’re around. But while you’re here can I get you something, or did you just want the water? It is free after all.”, you slide him a small paper filled with different variants of coffee.
The menu was filled with the typical drinks any coffee house would do, lattes, iced and hot coffees, even specialty brews using beans from Sumeru and Fontaine. As fun as some of them look, Heizou didn’t want you making him something super specific after you’ve obviously cleaned up the counter. You did say you weren’t expecting any other customers.
“May I have an Iced-Americano? Hopefully that won’t be too much for you, you’ve already cleaned the place to perfection.”, he smiles and slides the menu back toward you. With a nod you get to work.
The smell of fresh espresso fills the air, an aroma he direly missed. The drip coffee at the station was hardly something palatable, much less liked. It was a running joke around the office to see how long before someone pours whatever’s in that pot out and it be black smudge. The only reason Heizou drinks it is because he sometimes (all the time), is running a tad late. You know, staying up solving and cracking cases can leave you a little sleep deprived, and he’s never later than 10 minutes. So technically! Technically, it’s not too bad.
But the reason he drinks the abysmal coffee is because he doesn’t have the time to wait in line at the local cafes and coffee shops, so he just swallows down the questionable and burnt coffee at work. Not optimal, he knows, but you have to do what you have to do.
After working your magic, you slide him a tall glass of iced coffee. It was served alongside a spoon, a straw and a small plate of sugar. “If you’d like a lemon, please let me know, I can go fish one out the fridge for you.”, you turn back to clean out the espresso machine. Heizou shakes his head.
“That won’t be needed, but thank you anyways.”, he didn’t want to ask who in archon’s name adds lemon to their iced coffee, but maybe its weird enough he’d like it. He opens the straw and takes a sip…
The bliss that settles over him was immediately welcoming.
The espresso wasn’t burnt tasting, the strong coffee flavor wasn’t nasty or unwelcoming, and mostly it tasted refreshing. Like a rain shower after a long warm and sunny day. While cleaning the espresso machine you turn around to see him almost melting in his chair. A small giggle leaves your lips.
“Is it that good detective? I don’t want you to melt into a puddle on the floors, I just swept and mopped them.”, you tease, but your smile and laughter only added onto the experience.
“Ah~, you have no idea, not a single idea how nice it is to have decent coffee. After so long I’ve got my good fix.”, Heizou gave a little dreamy sigh, you give him another harmonious laugh again. His eyes stay on you, shining that mysterious glimmer of green.
“Well thank you, I’ll take that as a compliment then.”
“You should, if you serve me something this good this late, I may never want to leave.”, he grins. The TV on the counter breaks into the conversation, announcing a new story from Fontaine.
“Breaking News, a young man was placed into custody with the Maison Gardiennage. Steambird sources tell us that the young man is under suspicion in a recent ring of marriage scams across the nation. Local authorities suspect the young man was using his “soulmate status” to occupy and take financial advantage of young and older women within the Court. Currently there has been no charges placed, but the young man remains in custody. More later on.”
A scoff and a laugh leave Heizou’s lips. How typical, that’s happened in Inazuma already. He’s even worked on one of the cases. He sips his coffee while shaking his head.
“Something funny detective?”, you turned your attention back to him, you too were caught up in the emergency reporting.
“Just something typical that happens, another scammer using this system to abuse its weak points. Nothing new, its happened all across Teyvat.”, his words were true, across many nations, local governments and authorities had to put a stop to scammers and this scheme. Frankly it was so reoccurring that you’d think the whole “soulmate” would lose its popularity, but no. Its still going strong. (Much to Heizou’s dislike)
You simply shrugged, murmuring about the poor women involved and getting scammed like that. Heizou noted your lack of interest, more so you complete disinterest in the topic.
“Oh? Not one to comment on soulmates there barista?”, he was being nosy, needing to pry. Your reaction wasn’t exactly one in a million, but it did pique his interest. You shrugged again, offering to take his empty glass to clean it.
“Well, you know things happen. I just hate that despite the whole “soulmates” thing, some people get pushed into relationships with terrible, even shitty people. So, seeing someone abuse the idea and system just leaves a bad taste in my mouth is all.”, your reasoning wasn’t unpopular so to say. Heizou has seem many people online throw criticism at the societal norm of “just sticking with your soulmate”, but most times those criticisms get thrown out by popular media and journalism.
From his research, even dating people after finding the “right one”, was considered somewhat a taboo. The whole idea was that this person was to be the one and done. The “perfect fit”, so why date after them? Why venture on? Heizou at one point used to agree with these points, those cards never played in his favor.
“It seems we come to an agreeance pretty barista.”, his tone was low, deep in thought. He only shakes out of it to fish for cash to pay you and even offering a tip for the time.
“No need detective, your compliments and company is worth it, besides the register has a lock on it already. So, take this on the house, just uh...shh, don’t mention it to my boss or coworkers.”, you whisper conspicuously, a grin on your lips. Followed with a wink that left a greater smile on Heizou’s lips.
He nods, happily offering to keep this between you two. “Fine, fine, your secrets safe with me, but next time I’ll try and stop by at a reasonable time, then it won’t feel like I’m stealing from you.”, he rises from his chair, grabbing his things.
“Fine by me detective, just letting you know I’m working the night shift for the rest of this week, drop by if you can.”, you wave him goodbye, as Heizou walks for the door, he turns back, the time was 11:32 PM, did time really pass him by?
“Oh, goodnight dear barista, I’d hate for anything to happen to you, I finally got a good taste of coffee after so long you know.”, he calls out.
“Hah! Thank you detective, and have a goodnight yourself sir, please get home safe!”, your smile gives him a sense of warmth in his chest. He leaves out the door, heading back out into the cool night and streets of Inazuma city. The coffee in is system slowly reawakens him, sending the caffeine chills up his spine and into his brain. He can finish his work by the time he gets home.
While walking back to his apartment Heizou looks back down the street near the café, a little smile was on his lips.
Maybe he’ll come back again tomorrow.
->Hello! This is the new mini series I wanted to make! I do hope you enjoyed, this is a little indulgent fic for me, I just miss Heizou so much. -Berri💮
ok so it's way late but figure maybe putting this out here will keep me moving on it - i picked back up my @ficwip dark & cozy fic and figure maybe sharing some here will keep me moving on it - so here goes :)
vacay has not had as much writing time as i had planned for it to have so ... yeah ... hopefully that changes lolz
Alex Claremont-Diaz has always thought of himself as a bit of an enigma, even before he became a werewolf and opened an all-night coffee shop, Midnight Coffee. His connections from before he was bitten help him to cater to a different kind of clientele at night. So, while the sign reads ‘closed’ after 9 pm, you could say that is when the real “nightlife” happens.
He spent most of his years unaware of the number of supernatural creatures in the city he lives in. Before becoming one himself, his only contact with any of them had been his sister, June, and her wife, Nora. June is the sole person currently alive in his family to be born with the, until then, dormant witch genes in the Diaz family, and Nora is some kind of light fae. Alex gets a headache whenever she tries to explain, so he just figures he doesn’t need to know.
It takes Alex exactly one day in court post-bite to realize that maybe he won’t be able to keep doing this lawyer thing. He only just kept himself from tearing the opposing counsel limb from limb when they implied his client deserved the beating the frat boys had given her. He had caught a whiff of were-blood in the defendants and had nearly lost it, luckily he held it together long enough to have the jury find the shmucks guilty, but to this day, he’s afraid if that hadn’t been the case, he might not have been able to fight the urge to get justice of his own for her. The news of his win beat him back to the law firm that day, and when he did finally get there, he went straight to Raf’s office to give his resignation. He now does some research and takes the occasional night court case when he can get someone to fill in at the coffee shop.
thanks for the tags today @suseagull04 @sophie1973 @priincebutt @thesleepyskipper @softboynick
Non-Idol AU / Coffee Shop AU
TW: None
Pairing: Platonic!NCT 127 x Reader
YN Pronouns: Not Specified
Genre: Slice of Life, Light Comedy
Word Count: 6.4K
Summary: You run a coffee shop that only opens past midnight and closes just before the sun rises, and the people you meet are never more interesting than the stories they bring with them.
Notes: Don't be mad, this is still a pretty chill story that will come out pretty slowly, but it's nice to go through it again and update it with my more current writing style... you might find that this fic is much longer now jdhfsfj
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In the wake of massive layoffs, business leader Zhang Yixing shares many tips for businesses and how to stay afloat despite society’s shift into the technological age. However, he admits that in the realm of workers, this task is much greater and should be handled as carefully as possible as he cites the sudden increase in massive unemployment rates nationwide. Alongside this, the governor has proposed new welfare and unemployment programs for those eligible, which include being unemployed for more than half of the year or making a certain amount per month. Check with your local government office to see if you qualify.
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The biggest event of the year is among us! And remarkably around the same time as the famed Resonance Festival. With the sudden influx of tourists coming in, the governor is confident in an increase of job opportunities and economic increases. Onto the topic of NeoZone, the East’s version of the West’s ComicCon, a few panels that are going to be highlighted are NCT U’s new production The 7th Sense and KQ F’s new production Wonderland, both very large games that are already in the contending for Game of the Year.
How the Planning Committee for this year’s Resonance Festival is Preparing for their Tenth Consecutive Year
The Resonance Festival has now been around for a decade and many people are hoping for a big celebration for the milestone! Planning Committee head Jeon Jungkook promises that the festival will be "one to remember" for the entirety of music history, with the released First Day lineup including the hit boy group DNA, the world-wide girl group Boombayah, and the monster rookie group Ice Age. Judging on public opinion, this Resonance Festival will indeed be the "one to remember" and Jeon teased a special appearance from an upcoming artist that no one will want to miss.
~
The crack of thunder was the first thing to greet you this night. The second was a pile of letters on the floor just under the post flap, thankfully dry, and with an ominous stamp of red across one of the envelopes. Carefully, you pick it up and toss it on the counter, going through every letter except for that one. A postcard from Jaehyun, the latest edition of Favorite magazine, the small pamphlet for The Neo City Whispers with Mark's name written on the 'By' line, and finally your notice of overdue rent.
Because of the rains business hasn't been doing well. You're not so bad off that you can't stay, but you are in enough of the reds to be a little concerned. Perhaps it was time you were a little more thorough in advertisement. But, then again... You looked around your cafe. Serene, for now, and even against the torrential downpour you'd call it perfect. Did you really want to disturb this peace with a line?
Shaking your head and hiding your mail, you then shuffled the newest lo-fi album by [Andrew Jeremy] first thing. The clock chimed midnight and you had a feeling about who exactly would be coming through the door first, but your regulars always surprised you. Something you learned about being the barista to this hidden gem was that you really shouldn’t expect anything and above all, you should appreciate the unknowns and the charms that come in with every night you flip the open sign on the stained glass door.
When the lights flickered above you with the inevitable roll of thunder, the first thing you thought of was your regulars, particularly one absent-minded young man, and hoped that they didn’t get caught in the rain. You pulled the umbrella storage rack out of the closet and placed it next to the door, being sure to switch the welcome mat to a more water-absorbent one.
Midnight Coffee, the café that only opens after midnight and closes anytime before the sun rises has been the true love of yours since almost forever now. Despite the bustling nightlife the city actually had, you only had a handful of customers every night and, truthfully, you preferred it that way. You were fond of the close-knit regulars you had, although you were always excited to see new faces come through the door. You had made the strange but respectable decision to only serve hot drinks, be it because the nice ice machines were expensive or that it messed with the whole vibe of the place, it somehow proved profitable despite the apparent setbacks. The café itself only had a handful of customers per night, and they were often your regulars who you had come to know to the point of friends. Despite its mysteries, one thing remains clear and it’s that you brewed the best coffee in the city and no customer of yours, regular or not, can contest that, and you hold that title given to you by a certain overworked college student dear to your heart.
Midnight Coffee was located in between two rather large buildings, it would take someone who already knew about the café to even know it was there given how far back it was between the two. The building on the right is a law office and the one on the left being an apartment complex, both easily overshadowed the small café. The café itself had a direct staircase to your apartment in particular, a blessing from the landlord especially in a big city.
Midnight Coffee's motto is that the customer always receives what they desire. Your regulars applauded you for this, one remarked that it was almost as if you always knew what drink they needed and when they needed it, and prepared it perfectly. You could say that you had quite some time to practice and perfect these drinks, hence the fixed menu of warm beverages, but you were always one to try new things should your customers request it. Challenges are only apart of this job, after all.
~
The Neo City Whispers
Welcome to the Neo City Whispers!
Fr: Byun Baekhyun
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~
“Hey, (Y/N)! Geez, it’s raining like crazy out there,” Mark’s cheerful voice filled the previously calm atmosphere. he wiped his shoes on the mat properly before walking in, not wanting to leave water anywhere on the hardwood flooring. He was holding onto his laptop, two notebooks, and a simple pencil pouch when he sat at the counter, but they were quickly pushed to the side. He wipes the water from his glasses and shakes his hand through his already messy hair.
Mark is, and will probably forever be, your main regular. You’re not sure if it’s habit or intention that he faithfully shows up every night at the same time, and the days he doesn’t he explains what happened the next day. Although the length of time he stays varies, he’s always been one to say a quick goodbye or give a proper explanation prior to departing. Regardless, he always seemed to brighten the area enough to set a good tone for the rest of the evening, the boy has even befriended or at the very least acquainted himself well enough with your other customers.
“Did you get caught up in the rain, Mark?” You asked him while you grabbed a cup from its hanging rack, you already had a feeling as to what he would order, but you’d ask him anyway later.
“Yeah, it’s crazy! Just when I thought the storms were letting up, fwoosh! One minute I’m walking out of the office and the next it’s pouring,” Mark frowns. “Luckily, I was able to save my laptop at the expense of my favorite hoodie,” he holds up the drenched fabric and shakes his head. You pulled out a large paper bag and handed it to him.
“You can borrow these small towels for now, just to keep the bag intact so you don’t have to hold it,” he handed you the hoodie and you folded it so that it could fit into the bag padded with tea towels.
“Thanks, (Y/N), you’re awesome,” Mark places the bag next to his seat.
“Hard day at work?” You asked him.
“You could… say that,” he laughs awkwardly.
“What can I get you?” You decided to ask before you both forgot.
“Do you even have to ask?” He cracks a smile and you shrugged.
“I mean, I’m never the kind to assume, what if one day you really need a pick me up?” You asked him.
“The day I drink coffee is the day that door falls off its hinges,” Mark points to the entrance and laughs tiredly. “Uh… Just the regular, please,” he says. You nodded while opening the mini-refrigerator under the counter to pull out a carton of milk.
“Have any preference for tea today?”
“Nah, just use what you usually use,” Mark hums, he opens his laptop and starts working while you take the tea box from the top shelf and walk up to the machine, placing the correct ingredients inside and watching the latte fill the cup. “Oh, wait, I do have a small request!”
“Mmhmm?”
“Can I get some latte art? I know you hate doing it, but they always look so pretty,” he says, ending with his signature tight-lipped smile.
“Sure,” you nodded your head and took the hot cup from the machine, grabbing the cream off to the side. “Any specific shapes?”
“Whichever’s fine.”
“Alright then,” you made a simple design on top of the cup, you had to admit you despised doing this at first, you were never able to get it right on the first try. But after quite some time of practice, and a regular who happened to enjoy your efforts regardless of the result, you got somewhat proficient at it. But one strange trend you had noticed about this regular is that he only requests it when there’s something bothering him, just a general observation, really, one that tends to be right every time. “Anything you want to talk about, Mark?”
“Uh… yeah,” he nodded his head and looked up from his laptop. He stared at you for a moment before another small laugh came up. “Actually, nah, never mind. It’s fine,” he shakes his head.
“Mark.”
“Okay, okay, fine, I’ll tell you,” he closes his laptop. You stifled back a grin, he was always easy to give in. “So, you know how I work for the Whispers, right?”
“Yeah,” you placed the finished latte in front of him, but he was more interested in finishing his story than acknowledging it.
“Well, today I woke up late.”
“No surprise there.”
“None at all, but because of that I missed my bus to get to the office, so I had to call an Uber.”
“I’m guessing this Uber changed your life?”
“It did,” a wider smile grows on the young author’s face, “But, let me explain. I’m broke.”
“I know.”
“And I didn’t have any time, so I had to call an Uber Pool to get to the office, and guess what? My boss was there too!” Mark exaggerates the story with his hands while you listen closely. “Well, not my boss boss, he is my boss’ boss… if that makes sense.”
“I get it,” you nodded your head.
“Okay, cool, so like we were kind of just sitting there, you know? Like, of course, it would be awkward between employee and CEO, so, like, it made sense. And, I have no idea what came over me and I kind of regret doing it now, but I decided fuck it and I told him that I had an idea for a novel, and he said he was curious about what I had!”
Now this caught your ear, not that you weren’t paying attention before, you were just more intrigued about this story. You had long known that he was looking to do something bigger, but you didn’t think he’d ever get the courage to actually do it and, you had to admit, you were rather impressed.
“So… what did you tell him?”
“I pitched to him an idea about a collection of stories that all fit together into a much larger one,” Mark explains.
“Oh?” He'd told you many times about a project that could kickstart his career. He was tired of just writing short stories, he wanted to do something on a much larger scale, something with more of an impact than a small pamphlet. But you really didn’t think that he’d follow through and actually do it. Mark had a tendency of saying things, but when it came to actually doing those things, that was a whole different story that he probably wouldn’t write. Until now, that is.
“Yes! Keep in mind this is just bare bones stuff, so I didn’t have much to present to him. But he said that he really liked the idea of it. I went on further and told him that I’d start the novel as if they’re separate stories, and then as the novel continues they become more bound together.”
“That sounds like a great idea, Mark,” you offered your support of the idea. Mark was a hard worker, yes, but it was easy for him to get discouraged, something you had found out quite some time ago. “So he green-lighted it then?”
“He did!”
“That’s amazing! So when’s the first draft due?” You asked him. Mark fell silent, a forced smile on his face. “Mark?”
“In… a month from now.”
“A month?!”
“Yeah, I was shocked too.”
“Tell me that you at least have an idea for it.”
“Aside from what I told you? None. Nada. Zilch,” Mark finally grabs the ceramic cup and tries the drink. “This is really good,” he says.
“Thank you, but back to your novel… what are you going to do about it?”
“I’ve got no idea… I’m going to be honest, I didn’t expect him to say that he even liked the idea. So I spent the entire day at the office trying to draft something, but I couldn’t figure out what to do for the life of me.”
“Oh, I know where this is going,” you shook your head. “You’re behind schedule now, aren’t you?”
“Horribly.”
“I’m guessing you’re going to be here for a while then, huh?”
“Yup,” Mark sighs. The doorbell chimes as another walks into the cafe. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, I don’t even have a plot in mind. I shouldn’t have said anything…” Mark mumbles.
“Hello there,” the new customer waves his hand and stands at the door. You greeted him with a smile as he brushed off the droplets from his raincoat and carefully shook off his umbrella before storing it.
“Hi, have a seat anywhere you’d like,” you gestured around the café, and he opted to sit down at the counter with a seat between him and Mark. “What can I get you tonight, sir?”
“Just a hot chocolate, please,” he smiles and pulls his phone out. He places it down and glances over at Mark. “Um, pardon, I couldn’t help but overhear a little bit of your conversation.”
“Hmm? Oh, sorry about that, my friends always tell me that I can get kinda loud,” Mark looks over to him and nods his head quickly.
“No, don’t be sorry at all! Actually, I’m on the storyboarding team for a game I’m working on, and if you need any tips I’d be glad to help.”
“Really? You’re not pulling my leg, right?” Mark was more interested now, even turning the stool over enough to fully look at the stranger. “Where do you work?”
“NCT U,” he answers. You take the cocoa powder off of the shelf and place two tablespoons of it into the machine and added milk. You turned the machine on and it hummed quietly.
“No way,” Mark’s jaw drop, then he goes wide-eyed and turns to him again. “You wouldn’t happen to be working on The 7th Sense, are you?!”
There came another key phrase that caught your attention. You were never a big video game fanatic, but you have heard of the game and you were well aware of the hype building up behind it. NCT U Productions was a big game company, one that was well known for titles such as Dream In A Dream, the strange but ultimately poetic open-world game, and Yestoday, the visual novel-based game with the so-called biggest twist in its genre. There were, of course, many more that you’d love to go on about after your many hours devoted to gameplays, but once you got to talking about it, no doubt you’d never stop. The thought of having an employee here in front of you was amazing enough for you, but you did your best to maintain your professionalism in front of him.
“Yup, I’m the head programmer for it,” he says. He flips his buzzing phone over. “Lee Taeyong,” he holds his hand out for Mark to shake it.
“Hey, I’m Mark,” the latter takes his hand and shakes it. “Lee, Mark Lee, yeah… that’s me,” Mark clears his throat right as you placed the finished cup of cocoa in front of Taeyong.
“I’ve read a few of your stories on the Neo City Whispers, and I have to say I’m quite the fan,” Taeyong says.
“Whoa… I’m glad you like them,” Mark nods. He looked at you with excitement in his eyes before focusing back on Taeyong. "Sorry, I'm a bit starstruck here, I've never met someone who read my stuff before."
"You should get used to it, I'm always recommending your short stories to my friends. I'm quite the fan of Child, actually."
"Whoa, that's one of my earlier stories!" Though you could see the excitement sparkling in his eyes, just as quickly you saw him swallow it down. “I’ve never seen you around here.”
“A friend of mine recommended this place a few weeks earlier but I never got the chance to come over until now,” Taeyong explains. “I've been in the mood for a hot drink so when I agreed to meet another friend to catch up I was on the hunt for coffee spots. No surprise, but I have a pretty hectic schedule so all the other cafés were closed by the time I got out, then I remembered this quaint place. I’m sure we agreed to meet here at twelve-thirty but…” Taeyong looks at his phone.
“No show?” You finished his sentence.
“It would appear so,” Taeyong frowns. He pauses and drinks the cocoa. “Thank you, this is exactly what I needed right now,” he sighs.
"So goes the motto," Mark hums.
"Motto?"
"(Y/N)'s claim to fame is that they can always brew what you need. Haven't heard anyone not liking anything here before," Mark says.
"I see, you may see me around more often then," Taeyong nods. He takes another sip of his cocoa. "This really is delicious, though."
“I’m glad you like it, Mr. Lee.”
“Ah, just Taeyong is fine, please. I feel awkward when people refer to me as that,” Taeyong had a bashful look on his face.
“I heard… I heard you guys are crunching over at NCT U,” Mark speaks up.
“Yeah, we’ve been pulling overtime to get this game out by NeoZone,” Taeyong drinks more of the cocoa. “But the company laid off a lot of their workers, so the ones that are still here are working even more, it’s insane… but on the bright side, more job openings came up.”
“NeoZone? That’s like a month away,” Mark says. “Just like my novel’s draft… what a mess,” Mark shakes his head.
“You know, if worse comes to worst, I can put in a good word for you at NCT U, I do too much work for that company for them to lay me off anyway,” Taeyong finishes the cocoa and slides the cup towards you, which you took and placed in the sink. Just then, the bell chimed again and another person walked in, placing his umbrella in the holder before taking the seat next to Taeyong.
“Johnny, I suppose the regular today, correct?” You asked him.
“Yes, please and thank you,” he smiles. You got to work on his regular order while you continued to listen to the ongoing conversation.
“Hi, Johnny,” Mark waved at him.
“Hey, Mark,” Johnny’s countenance was always bright regardless of the day.
“Well, I’m going to head to my little corner over there if you need me,” Mark says before grabbing his things and moving over to the corner table of the café. He often sat there when he was on a time crunch, claiming that the specific spot always made him focus better.
“Well, I’ll leave then, thank you again for the nice drink, I’ll be sure to come back some time when I’m free,” Taeyong speaks up, he digs through his messenger bag but you hold your hand up.
"First drink is on the house," you insist.
"Really? Thank you," Taeyong grins. "Have a good night, it was nice meeting you."
"Same here, stay dry," you wave as he exits the café.
“Whoa, I bother him or something?” Johnny speaks up as soon as Taeyong was gone.
“I’m pretty sure you’re fine, Johnny,” you laughed. Johnny looked around the café and hummed.
“Slow night?”
“It would appear so, you’re earlier than usual,” you noted. “Off work early?”
“You could say that. Tend to get off early when there's no work to do,” Johnny sighed. “Up for some workplace gossip?”
“Oh, god, how old are you?” You joked with him. “Yes, of course,” you placed the triple-shot espresso in front of him and he drank some before starting his story.
“The company’s hiring this new hotshot photographer,” Johnny starts. “I have no idea where they get the money from, but fuck it, right? They’re taking a huge gamble with this guy, and apparently, he’s really good, but a lot of the other staff don’t know how to feel about it,” Johnny says.
You could only nod your head while you glanced over at the side of the counter, an untouched rack of magazines next to it. No one really reads magazines anymore, the only reason why they hadn’t collected dust is because you dust it periodically, and of course you were a loyal patron of Favorite.
“I suppose having a little bit of faith is good then,” you nodded. The door chimed again and in came another regular of yours, he walked in and held the door open for another person who came in shortly after him, one you didn’t recognize.
“(Y/N)!” He waved his hand lazily and sat next to Johnny, the new customer sitting a seat away from them.
“What’s the occasion? You’re both here rather early,” you grabbed a cup from the shelf and looked over to Yuta.
“Just the regular, please,” he winked at you casually while starting a conversation with Johnny. You were quick to start brewing his regular order, one that he often stuck with during his regular visits.
“Welcome to the Midnight Coffee, can I get you anything, sir?” You asked the man sitting at the end. He hung his backpack off of his chair and looked at the menu.
“Wow, he gets a nice greeting?” Johnny teases. You shot him a playful look and he laughed.
“You’ve been coming here for years. He’s new, so I suggest you finish your coffee before it gets cold, Mr. Suh.”
“Oh, our favorite barista pulled the last name card, Johnny, better listen,” Yuta pipes in.
“That's my menu up there, but if you have a specific request I can try to make it as long as it’s a hot drink,” you said.
“What do you recommend?” The stranger asks.
“Well,” you held the cup in your hand and looked over to him. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Whoa, (Y/N), right in front of my coffee?” Johnny continues to jab at you.
“I’m charging you extra, Johnny,” you retaliated back. “How was your day, Mr…”
“Ah, Kim. Kim Dongyoung. Or, just Doyoung’s fine too,” he says. His phone rings but he silences it and turns it over. “As for my day, it was alright. I just moved to this city, actually.”
“Ah, so you’re new in town then, I know just the drink,” you took out the now finished Black Magic for Yuta and replaced it with the new cup, brewing a rather simple but, in your opinion, delicious tea for the newcomer.
“I got a call from the boss, they really want me to come back to the agency,” Yuta kept his words at a modest volume while speaking to Johnny, a stark contrast to how loud the two would get when it was just them at the counter, he was no doubt trying to be courteous to Doyoung.
“I mean, you’d probably bring in a lot of cash,” Johnny laughs. “But seriously, it’s probably got something to do with the new photographer, the staff wouldn’t stop talking about him, apparently he’s really good. Something about always getting the perfect angle?”
“Interesting,” Yuta watches you place the cup down in front of him. “It’s rather risky though, isn’t it? Hiring a new photographer so late in the game?” Yuta asks.
“Yeah, I’m really hoping that the boss knew what he was doing with this one, the last gamble they took moved to another country,” Johnny ends with a wry laugh, one that Yuta didn’t return, instead he looked to his mug and took a picture of it. You added your finishing touches to the Ginger Mint Tea and placed it in front of Doyoung.
“Thank you,” he placed his phone face down again and brought the cup to his lips, taking a moment to revel in the aroma of the tea, before finally trying some. “Is this ginger?”
“Yes, is it not to your liking?”
“No, actually, it’s really good,” Doyoung takes another sip. “I usually don’t like ginger, but for some reason, it tastes good here. What else is in this?”
“Just some mint, I have a plant growing by the back window so I figured I’d try it out.”
“This is your first time making this?”
“Yeah, I’m glad you like it,” you smiled. “I’ll probably add it to the menu then,” you mumbled.
“It is very good, thank you” Doyoung sighs.
"Got any ideas for a name?" You held the chalk in your hand while setting up the stool with another.
"Pardon?"
"Whenever guests help (Y/N) come up with drinks, they get dibs on the name," Yuta explains. He taps the body of his cup. "I called this one Black Magic, something about how the mint pulls the honey and the coffee together. How about you?" Doyoung takes another sip.
"In that case maybe... Ginger Mint Tea?"
"Keep it simple, huh?" You wrote the name on the board.
"Apologies, I have to admit, my friend's the creative so I never really caught onto it..."
"Hey, now, it's a good name. At least I don't have to explain ten times what goes into it, right?" You chuckled.
"Ah, right, thank you." He gives you another quick smile, then he returns to his phone, undoubtedly ending the conversation there. Finally, Yuta places his phone down and rests his chin on the palm of his hand.
“You know, (Y/N), you should consider advertising this little place a little more,” Yuta says.
“I was thinking about it, but you know I like keeping things low-key.”
“I guess it’s part of the charm, but if you ever want some free advertisement,” Yuta waved his phone around. “I think it would be good for you, (Y/N).”
“Ah, but then we wouldn’t be able to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee,” Johnny jokes. “Your screaming fangirls will flood this place.”
“I’m more concerned about the haters, to be honest.”
“Oh right, they might overrun this small place and give you shitty reviews,” Johnny frowns. “Then none of us would be able to come here,” he says.
“It can’t be that bad,” you shook your head.
“It can,” Yuta says. “Plus, I never see anyone else working here, it’s just you, right? Wouldn’t want you to be working double-time with people who would just complain anyway.”
“Thank you for the sentiment, but between you and my other regulars, I’d might as well have eight hands,” you laughed. “Either way, it’s free PR. But you don’t need to worry yourself about that, as long as I have my regulars I think I can keep this café up for a while,” you reassured him.
“Since it came up… how do you keep this place up?” Johnny asks.
“A great barista never reveals their secrets,” you chuckled quietly while Johnny snickered.
“You know, my followers curious about where I get such a perfectly crafted cup of coffee,” Yuta always had his way with his charm, one that you had fallen for many a time but after years of his repeated visits, you’ve grown somewhat of an immunity to it, something that was greatly to his dismay, but one that allowed you both to become somewhat closer. “But alas, that will forever remain a secret, won’t it?” He quirks an eyebrow while he drinks from the ceramic cup.
“All 250 million of them?”
“Well, a good majority of them,” Yuta laughs. He leaned back and stretched his arms over his head before relaxing them on the counter again. The café suddenly fell silent save for your choice of music in the background playing at just the right level, then Yuta looked up with a more serious look on his face.
“Johnny, have you heard?”
“About the company’s thing or about that thing?”
“The latter.”
“Yeah,” Johnny sighs. “That guy… he’s finally back in town and he doesn’t even think about us.”
“Right, I was going to go visit him myself, but I figured I'd ask you first,” Yuta taps his fingers on the wooden counter.
“Just go,” Johnny scoffed, but quickly cleared his throat as if to cover it up. “You don't need to ask me. You two were the best friends.”
“I mean, we haven't talked since-” Johnny cuts him off with a harsh clatter of cup against saucer. Yuta's lips fall into a tight line. "Forget I asked."
“Do what you want,” Johnny's voice has an uncharacteristic coldness to it. The two fell silent, both finishing their drinks at a modest pace without saying a single word, or making any other movements aside from the quick motion of bringing their cups to their lips and the occasional check of their phone. Despite this, the tension was clear.
“So what then? We just let him do his business and then let him go off on some other part of the world again?”
“Yuta, do whatever you want,” Johnny emphasizes each word. Yuta pushes his phone back in his pocket and slides his card towards you, which you took silently and finished the transaction while keeping a stealthy ear. “Put Johnny’s on my card too.”
“You really don’t have to do that,” Johnny waves his hand, his usual smiling self returning, albeit in a much softer and muted way.
“Are you kidding me? You need it.”
“Fine, there’s no arguing with you anyway,” Johnny shook his head. “I’m paying next time then, alright?”
“Sure. We’re leaving then, (Y/N),” Yuta held his hand up as a brief goodbye.
“Later, (Y/N), thanks for the drink,” Johnny followed Yuta out. As soon as the two long-time friends left, the tension in the café disappeared.
“Are they alright?” Doyoung asks. He placed his cup back down on its saucer and you just nodded.
“They’ve known each other for years now, they have their fights,” you mentioned. Mark moved back up to the counter with an empty cup.
“Hi, I’m Mark,” he waved at Doyoung, who nodded in response.
“Hello, I’m Doyoung,” he introduced himself again while you took Mark’s cup.
“Refill, please,” he says.
“Of course,” you placed the cup in the sink and got a newer one for him. Just then another person entered the café and sat next to Mark.
“Hey, Mark!” He smiled brightly and settled in, his backpack leaning against the counter. “(Y/N), can I just get an espresso today?”
“Of course, Jungwoo, studying late tonight?”
“Yup! I have a biochem test tomorrow and ahhh I’ve never been more stressed,” he sobs.
“You said that last week about your calc midterm,” Mark laughs.
“Did I?” Jungwoo wipes the fake tears away while you placed his and Mark’s cups on the counter. Jungwoo turns his attention towards the new face sitting a couple of seats away from him. “Ooh, hello! I’ve never seen you around here before!”
“He’s new in town,” you mentioned absently.
“I am,” Doyoung waves. “Kim Doyoung, I’m a freelance… artist,” he hesitated for only a second, but you caught it easily; however, you doubted that the two college students behind you did.
“Kim Jungwoo! Third-year biological engineering major,” he says. “Wow, so this is your first time here at the café, right? (Y/N)’s the best barista in the city!” Jungwoo says.
“So I see,” Doyoung nods with a polite smile.
“Yeah, if only we could promote the café a little more,” Jungwoo laughs.
“Ah, and the topic comes again,” you responded while washing the dishes.
“Again?”
“You just missed Johnny and Yuta,” Mark says. “They were talking about it too. Yuta offered to advertise the café on his Instagram, but (Y/N) refused,” Mark fills him in.
“Aww, I always get here right after those two leave. I don’t think I’ve spoken to them in a while,” Jungwoo pouts.
“Do you guys know each other well?” Doyoung asks.
“Uh… I mean not really. But they’re like real regulars, they come here almost every night apparently, so it’s hard not to really, well, not know them, you know?” Jungwoo stumbles over his words only slightly. “But I guess a lot of us who come to this café get to know each other well at some point,” Jungwoo says.
“I see,” Doyoung nods. “I’m sure no one knows them better than the barista here then,” Doyoung continues.
“In that assumption, you are correct,” you finished hanging the cups and turned back around. Doyoung slid his now empty cup towards you.
“Thank you for the drink,” Doyoung cleared his throat and placed a bill on the counter. “I was supposed to meet someone here, but I guess he’s a no show,” Doyoung frowns.
“I’m sorry about that,” you took the bill, slid it back to him, and spoke up before he could protest. “First drink is on the house,” you insisted.
“Ah, thank you,” Doyoung took the money back.
“Thank you for dropping by regardless, I hope you sort things out with that friend of yours.”
“I’m sure I will, we’ve known each other for a while. Either way, I think I might come back here and try more of your menu, actually,” Doyoung smiles. “No, wait, I’ll definitely come back soon.”
“These doors are always open past midnight then, have a nice rest of your night,” you watched him grab his backpack and exit the café.
“Wah… I didn’t get my first drink free,” Jungwoo hums.
“I just started that new policy today.”
“Hey!”
“Here’s your espresso, Jungwoo,” you placed the cup in front of him.
“Thank you,” he sang and held the cup in his hands. “Ah, I’m more awake already. I completely slept through the entirety of yesterday’s lecture and now I’m cramming, I have no idea what’s going on here, (Y/N),” he cried.
“Well, sadly I can’t say I know how to solve derivatives on your level, but I can say that a rested mind certainly helps,” you held onto the saucer and pulled it towards you, the untouched espresso nearly spilling at the sides.
“Wait, (Y/N), please, I need that,” you could see the desperation in Jungwoo’s eyes.
“What time is your test?”
“Seven at night.”
“And you promise to sleep when you get home,” you inched the cup closer to him.
“I do!” He nods. You pushed the saucer towards him again and he drinks a large portion of it in one go. “Ah, that hit the spot…”
“Good luck with your test, I saw you studying for it in Lit today,” Mark says while he adjusts his glasses.
“You both have class together?”
“Western Literature with Professor Earnst,” Mark answers. Jungwoo lays his head on the table.
“I always fall asleep during his lectures…”
“I swear, your two modes are sleep and eat, Jungwoo, how do you even study?”
“By spending his paycheck at my café, obviously,” you laughed and leaned on the counter next to Jungwoo. “Don’t fall asleep now, you still have to get home.”
“I know… I know,” Jungwoo’s voice was muffled under his arm. “I’ll finish up this espresso and go home,” he says, sitting up straight again and taking another swig of the drink.
“I’ll head out with you then,” Mark says. “Our apartments are in the same area anyway, let’s take the bus together,” he says.
“It’s a plan then,” Jungwoo nods. “But, since we’re here, what are you doing here so late? Got an exam to study for too?”
“Backed up on work, actually, my deadline for the next short story is approaching and I haven’t even written a single word of it,” he mutters.
“Nor do you have an idea for your new novel,” you teased him.
“Novel? You’re writing a novel?” Jungwoo’s interest piqued at this.
“Thinking about it, the manuscript is due in a month and I have no clue what to write it on,” Mark groans. “What was I even thinking? With classes and the Whispers job, why did I think that I could juggle a novel on top of that?”
“Why don’t you just ask your boss for an extension?”
“If I extended it then I’d have to wait until next year to pitch another idea. I got lucky being stuck in that Uber with my boss so now I can’t just throw this opportunity away,” Mark says. “Nah, I’ll deal with this tomorrow, I think I have a good enough short story for my boss anyway,” Mark downs the rest of his latte.
“Thanks, (Y/N),” Jungwoo hands you his card and you finished up the transaction. “See you Wednesday!” He says. Mark hands you a bill.
“I’m heading out too, (Y/N), I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says, he picks up his bag and the paper bag with his sweater in it.
“Get home safe, and watch the puddles,” you watched them leave, and as soon as the door shut, Mark took the liberty of flipping the sign for you after looking at his watch. You looked at the analog clock above the door. “5:45 already?” You washed the remaining dishes again and placed them on their drying racks, wiped the counter, and pushed in the chairs that had been left out. Finally, you closed your music app, and all sounds ceased entirety. Once you shut the lights off, you ascended the stairs into your apartment to sleep for about six or so hours until you had to get up and complete your day again.
General Tag List: @stopeatread @bat-shark-repellant @raeincitizen @umbralhelwolf @yangsrose @kazooms @sadcoffeecritic
Uuhhh hey dear Mari!!! So this one is.my newest idea 💖 human!Maul x vamp!Ayane in an modern AU. Super excited for this one cause I want this to be very cozy and also funny. I got inspired by the series called "Resident Alien".
Here is the first paragraphs I have written so far!
Also it already has a playlist:
Here
What exactly can you expect to read here? The romantic tales of a vampire queen and her beloved husband who went to war for her? A story of a warrior who joined an almost fanatically religious "cult" and had to make enemies with the person she really loved in order to hide the affair they were not allowed to have?
No, you won't find that here. Okay, maybe a little bit. But that's just because I've developed a weakness for stories like this.
The woman took a sip of coffee from the cup on the counter in front of her. The drink was still boiling hot, but she hardly seemed to care. She leant her free arm against the solid dark wood counter. Her eyes were directed forwards.
Oh, I hadn't introduced myself, had I? Normally vampires like me don't do that. Why would we? I don't usually make friends with lesser creatures like humans. It just gives the food a pale flavour when there's confusion on top of fear. Actually...I didn't really made friends with other creatures either.
this months trade over at midnight coffee! was supposed to be a sketch but i didn’t have a lot of other things to work on this month so i spent more time, plus alhazad is just fun to draw... this is for @adeaddog !
