Drabble | Magnetic Moon (song-inspired) - Jung Hoseok
Title: Magnetic Moon
Pairing: Hoseok/Reader
Word Count: 1k
Rating: SFW guys, it’s all safe!
Summary: Inspired by Magnetic Moon - Tiffany Young
~ Taming a wild heart ~
~ Taking a free spirit ~
You pulled the doors to close behind you, mouth curving at the chill against your blushed skin. In the quiet, only your heels clinked on the way to the balcony edge. You laid palms flat against the chilled stone - the last glass had been one too much.
No one would notice you there, the terrace only illuminated by the party inside. But you could still make out the faint outline of a garden in front of you, with crossing paths and decorative bushes leading the way. Must’ve been roses, by the light sweetness in the air.
The ringing in your ears eased, as world of silence overtook the sounds. Only the muffled conversations and the tune of another pop song reminded you of where you were, and why.
A company dinner to celebrate a new client. A great occasion otherwise. But your eyelids were heavy and your steps sluggish, too tired for the same old chit-chat that gave you nothing. And especially sick of making a good face and smiling at your boss.
And that bastard liked you a little too much. He’d also had a couple too many drinks, so you’d escaped before he could say something he would regret.
You sighed and tucked a lock behind your ear. Even your hairdo was coming apart. What a reflection of my life.
'Someone’s not too happy.' A barely audible voice, but one whose familiarity made your hand still.
~ Running on empty ~
~ Chasing the heat of the night ~
You didn’t recognise him at first. Hair pushed back, tuxed up to perfection with a tie and all. Your eyes darted over his suit, made to fit and hug every angle of his body. Much more used to his smart casual attire and a stern look on his face, he now he sported a smile - open and welcoming, way softer you'd ever seen him.
A dangerous smile, one that didn’t mix well with your current bubble-influenced compromised reasoning.
Jung Hoseok. Of course you’d glimpsed him here and there. Mostly in meetings with brief exchanges, all straight-forward and down to the point. No frills. And you liked it that way.
'Fresh air, it got stuffy back there,' you replied and forced to straighten your back. Something that had become a habit over the years.
Hoseok placed his empty champagne flute on small circular table you hadn’t noticed before. Neither had you noticed a small matching bench that looked more inviting than ever. 'And here I thought it was the boring conversations.'
'Perhaps, but I’d never tell.’ You grinned. ‘How about you?’
He nodded before loosening his tie, a line appearing between his brows. 'Same. Networking events are fine but company dinners.. Steven’s already had 3 bottles of wine.'
You smiled with a shake of your head, finally giving in and taking a seat. Good old pal Steven. Everyone liked him, he was the perfect soul to any party. Until he got too drunk and someone had to carry him home.
Who, was decided by the old classic rock-paper-scissors. One you were determined to skip out on.
'At home I’d be working anyway, so it’s a small break for me,’ you confessed, scooting over and smoothing down your dress. He joined you a second later. ‘But it’s a beautiful night, I’m rather happy with it.'
'Workaholic huh?' He concluded with a slow smile framed by dimples. The shadows did an excellent job in framing each curve of his face, his sharp-cut jawline asked to be touched, to be admired. Luckily his own gaze had focused on something in the dark far distance.
You hummed from the back of your throat. If he’d question it, having had a drink was the perfect excuse.
‘I can’t help it.’ A shrug of your shoulders. ‘You guys keep me on my toes.’
It was then when his eyes met yours. The shadows dark as the night engulfed the two of you, casting a glint you’d never seen before. Almost playful, although most probably unintentional. ‘I promise not to work as much, just for your holiday.’
~ Hold on ~
~ It’s a long way down ~
His serious promise enticed a laugh from your lips. You’d never spoken to Hoseok, not like this. His image portrayed one of a man married to his job. Enough to have women admiring his good looks, flirting here and there, but rarely did you hear anyone actually dating him.
‘Is there something on my face?’ He asked with a raised eyebrow, his fingers brushing aside stray strands ticking his forehead.
~ Kinda crazy ~
~ How the world spins round ~
‘Oh not at all, I’ve just… never really had a chance to see you this close. Everyone’s right, you are really good-looking.’
‘Oh,’ he said, cocking an eyebrow. ‘Thank you.’
‘Not used to getting compliments?’
‘Not that, you usually get off from butchering my ideas, so I’m contemplating whether you’re joking or not.’
You scoffed, leaning against the backrest. It was then when you saw it, high above. A bright white circle with a reddish tinge.
‘Well, if you’re not joking then that’s funny, but if you’re joking then-.’ He paused as his gaze followed yours, until he stood up. A moment of silence in which your eyes locked - yours in anticipation and his in hesitation. ‘Would you like to dance?’
‘Here? Is this how you charm your enemies?’ You asked, a question that didn’t need an answer as you accepted his hand.
‘Just the pretty ones,’ he whispered as he took a step closer. You followed his steps, all while his eyes stayed on yours, as if trying to figure you out. And perhaps to whisper a couple more words that for now stayed silent.
It should’ve been awkward, but it wasn’t. It should’ve made you self-conscious, but no hints of that either.
~ Up on the roof ~
~ Dancing for you ~
~ Under a million stars ~
‘I’m still not going easy on you,’ you said once he pulled you back in from a twirl. This time closer, much closer. Until his firm chest brushed against your softer curves.
Your breath hitched.
You must’ve been crazy, a little moonstruck perhaps, as you would’ve never let anyone this close. Close enough to feel their breath against your skin, close enough to gauge into their soul. Close enough to let your mind wonder.
Summary: Just get that contract - that’s all it was supposed to be. How the hell did you get into this mess again?
~
~
'Stop!'
With your nostrils flaring you turned around, having felt the aim before spotting the pointed gun. At you, nevertheless. Blood blazing hot in your veins, an echo of a curse in your head because you knew - you'd been too cocky.
Your training had your fingertips tingling, but you fought against the itch for yours - not yet. This man was a no-one, a simple guard on his post, probably with tiny padding feet waiting at home. He had the eyes of one.
If there was something going on, he wasn't involved in it.
'I-I'm so sorry, just looking for the bathroom.' Eyes wide and a quiver in your lips, as if you'd never seen a gun before. Psh, if he only knew.
A naive young woman in her early twenties - that's what you’d been styled to portray. An eye-candy belonging on a millionaire’s arm, a trophy-wife with enough brand names to kaleidoscope your vision. But you weren't complaining, unless just because.
A job was a job. And jobs needed to get done.
And well, wearing apartment-expensive dresses was only one of the many pros. Thank god they didn't expect it back in one piece.
The guard swallowed, his hesitation sweet as saccharin on the tip of your tongue. That was your cue.
You slid the magnetic entry pass under the thin material on your back, covering the manoeuvre with a clumsy fall to your knees. It'd bruise, but that mattered little.
'Eek -- I'm so so sorry,' you slurred, leaning forward on all fours as if trying to get up. But his hand remained on the radio. Almost...
His lips pressed into a thin line, eyes darting to your framed décolletage. Of instinct, and you suppressed a smirk tingling in your cheeks. Of course he'd want to save the damsel in distress.
They always did.
He took a couple steps closer, first one slow and hesitant, but then his hand fell off the radio. Certainty set into the lines of his frame. And when he reached out, you let your portrayed image shatter before his eyes in satisfaction.
With a smirk your fingers snapped around his wrist. A quick twist to his back. A strong kick to his knees. That’d teach him a lesson he’d never forget.
And he fell with a thud.
Element of surprise never failed you either.
You might've played with him, but today the ticking seconds were as expensive as your dress. So before he could do as much as groan, you knocked him out cold. Some would've called you a softie, but you called them reckless and stupid.
Taking risks wasn't your cup of tea. With an enemy double your size, you’d rather not waste your energy.
'You could've helped me you know,' you hissed, hands pulling at a rope strapped to your thigh. You knew it’d come in handy.
A figure stepped into vision. Your eyebrows furrowed, the sight strange without his trademark mop of brown hair. Now his dyed jet-black hair could’ve had anyone gasping for air, the soft waves framing his forehead and every angled curve on his face.
You drew in a sharp breath. You’d never seen him like this.
Not with the smoothest black silk flowing over his skin, his usual ripped jeans swapped for tailored trousers to frame his silhouette. Not with dark eyes that sparkled with stars of the midnight, ones you’d never see in the middle of a city. Its flickers contagious, inviting you to step closer - one any woman would’ve appreciated, and definitely accepted.
His every move and every glance held a purpose. His gait one of smooth masculine elegance. It was a magnetic pull, fierce and undeniably sexy, one that tugged deep and low in your belly.
But you knew he was an actor as much as hundred other things. He'd trained you in advanced tactics class and had drilled all the mental manipulation techniques into your subconscious mind. Until you breathed it through your soul. This was his favourite game.
And you knew that. But when those midnight-eyes landed on you, everything was as if forgotten. A mastery of arts of some sorts, one of his special intoxicating blend.
That’s how good he was, in getting under your skin. Emotions against logic, a string of hope for something magical - a thin thread so easily broken.
You knew how he did it, at least in theory. His character creation was an art on its own, his creations complex and multi-faceted. Ones formed and honed into perfection until he wore it as second skin.
Today he'd chosen power, a hum of it running through his veins. And if you’d been close enough to trace the flecks in his eyes, you would’ve got lost in its power.
You'd long realised he had a way of pulling people in. He was also willing to wait for his prey. Careful, slow, until it was too late. All while he stood with hands in his pockets, as if he had all the time in the world.
That's why he got paid the big bucks, his success rate constant at 96%. Even though he officially specialised in strategic planning and stayed out of missions, his value too great for frontline risks. No surprise there when his every plan layout was a masterpiece of layers upon layers, ones that took days to form and hours to remember.
He never made it easy. He made it work.
But because he was just that good, some clients accepted nothing but the best. Only few knew of his fishing skills backed with talent. For intel, that is. Those clients threw mind-boggling amounts around as if petty cash for ice cream, checks with enough zeros to feed a whole country and clothe the other half of it.
A simple retrieval like today's was way below his skills. Not intriguing enough, not compensated enough, but someone had to do it. And today that someone was you.
Quick and easy money.
'Nice moves babe.' His eyes gleamed as they slid over your curve-hugging dress, his coal-black contacts covering his true honey browns. Adding to the temptation he was playing with. Now they were dark as if something burned at the backs of his eyes. It was those stars again, now flickering embers pulling you in like a moth to a flame.
Scoffing, you jerked at the ropes to secure another knot. 'I thought this was a solo.'
'Last minute security amendments. And I thought you liked my company?' He replied with a tilt of his head, one that made him seem feline. His tone of smooth chocolate, as if it explained everything. It explained nothing, words you’d one day feed down his throat.
You bit into your tongue, this was not the time.
But he must've seen it, taken it as an invitation as his voice acquired a rough edge. 'So-, into ropes huh? I like that.’
'Shut it,' you snapped back, pulling your dress back down. With Hoseok in one of his more playful characters, you felt naked with your exposed knife-equipped thighs. Not that he’d never seen it before. But this wasn’t Hoseok. His current character would enjoy clash of knives and a little blood.
And with his fleeting glance, you couldn’t help but wonder how delicious of a bite he’d be.
A last glance at your captive. 'So now you’re babysitting?'
Hoseok chose silence that sent a ripple of unease flickering up your spine. If he was there, that meant the stakes had changed, even if he never confirmed it.
What an infuriating man. Making you itch for your sharpest blades.
'Babe, I know what I’m doing,' you cooed with underlying spite. One eerily satisfying. He glanced up from his desk, a perfect eyebrow arched in question.
It was a shame, really, you thought as you pulled out a photo album from the bookshelf, snapping it open. Even though the CEO often appeared in media for being a good husband and a father, his wrong business choices had made some enemies. And now he had to pay.
The prized contract had been tucked behind his family photo. Of smiling faces, of innocent big eyes of three toddlers at the forefront. All who didn’t know what was coming.
You sighed. This had been his last chance.
'See? I told you I’ve got it, why are you here a-?'
CLANK- CLANK- CLANK.
You both froze on the spot, eyes snapping to the doorknob. Your stomach clenched. Hoseok sent a direction signal towards the emergency staircase.
You sent back - Seven minutes.
Seven minutes to get out.
But as if conspired, the fire alarm went blasting off above your heads. Ears ringing, an ominous warning jolted through your spine. Impossible. You’d made sure to disable it, had triple-checked it, had installed backup locks to ensure it stayed that way.
Someone must've messed with it.
But if that was the case, then...
A door slammed somewhere on the upper floors - flashes of black suits, the staircase vibrating under thumping feet.
A row of silent curses escaped your lips. Quick look at Hoseok ahead of you, his nod curt as he reached for his gun. But just as your fingers grazed yours, a shot broke through the alarm.
That shot sent you crashing to the floor.
You willed your right leg to move while blinking back tears, and pushed yourself at the wall. A couple more shots rippled through air, Hoseok with a gun pointed upwards. Another shot.
A deep breath in as you looked down at the blood welling in the wound. Think. You've got this.
You didn't fail. You couldn't fail.
A pair of coal black depths appeared in your blurred vision. But it was the stern lines on Hoseok’s face that worried you. The unspoken words he hadn't said.
He was there, whether the ambush had been expected or not. You hadn’t seen him for months, as the missions you got assigned to were so different from his. Which meant the prospects must’ve had changed.
But still he’d said nothing, choosing silence instead of words. Why the secrecy?
But you also saw the million thoughts running through his head, although deciphering would’ve been an impossible task. His mind never stopped. All while his hands moved as if on its own, to wrap his silk scarf around your leg.
Precautions had been set in place to conceal identities, but the world had many great hackers that took pleasure in digging the net upside down and rip it apart. All for money. And money gave you access to many impossible things, as you'd found out.
Another shot through the air, hitting the ground before you. You shoved the contract at Hoseok’s chest and sent him a quick hand signal. Telling him to go.
It had to be a success. As long as the contract got out of this building, you'd figure it out on the go. You’d drop into the staff stairway parallel to this. It'd be difficult if you bumped into anyone bu--
Hoseok’s hand covered yours, his grasp gentle but firm. You looked up. A shake of his head and by the time you realised his intentions, he’d leaned down and lifted you over his shoulder. So you watched the doorway flashing by, the grey tiled floor replaced with soft burgundy carpet - he’d entered the hotel floors.
A couple more steps and a quick unlocking click.
The lights flickered on. A distinct hotel room scent that smelled of nothing at all - as if all notes had been pulled out from air, leaving dry oxygen scratching at your throat.
'Why are you bleeding so much?' Hoseok’s muscles tightened under you as he placed you on your feet. The seconds still ticking through silence, he headed straight over to the windows.
You glanced down. The measly silk scarf around your leg now a red mop, the distinct tang of iron nauseating, even stronger in a room where nothing could cover it.
'Well, sorry for getting shot.' You snapped, your shaky hands reaching under your dress to pull out a phone. A quick message. Send.
‘Bitter and complicated as always,’ Hoseok noted.
‘Wouldn’t wish to disappoint,’ you muttered as you limped over, careful not to brush against anything, especially the white bed covers. You glanced out. 'Really, sawdust? Max must really be pissed off.'
‘It was you who started it. And you’ll be alright Princess.’
You scoffed. You really hated sawdust, everyone did - it was messy, ruined anything you wore and was impossible to get out of your hair. Most your trainee sessions back in the day took place in a room you hated the most, the one with sawdusted floors.
Now you avoided the place at all costs.
His hand touched your back, the heat searing through to your skin. Assurance of a sort you’d never accept from anyone else, despite the constant bickering. With his help you propped yourself up on the windowsill.
It took time with your wounded leg, but then you were ready.
A quick inhale, and you jumped.
You tried to roll over but your leg was only a hindrance as it twisted at landing. Head falling back in a silent cry at the pain that shot through your limbs, causing flashes of white at the backs of your eyes as it blurred out.
You only felt the van dipping under Hoseok’s weight, and it sped off.
The wailing wind drowned out any noise, only leaving the heart pounding in your ears, with the low machine growl vibrating through your spine. A faint shout at the background - whose, you couldn't tell. Not when your your ears whistled, hot tears filling your eyes at each bump in the road.
But then warm fingertips on your neck. Your throat tightened.
'I'll be fine,' you exhaled between short breaths, eyes clenched shut, the frigid air pinching your nose and cheeks. 'Hurts like a bitch though.'
Hoseok’s hand touched your forehead, then continued to brush off loose sawdust stuck to your face. An act so gentle that would’ve freaked you out, but you knew what he was doing - he was acting as an anchor. 'We're there in five, stay with me.'
Something wet touched your nose. Your eyes fluttered open.
Snow. Big fat snowflakes rushing by the speeding van. Innocence easily tainted by bloodied red. An image flash of warm blood seeping into cold white snow. Was it a forecast?
Your teeth chattered, breaths hot puffs of white in icy air. Another bump on the road that shot from your leg to your spine. A shaky groan through your clenched teeth as you gripped at Hoseok’s arm.
'Stay awake, listen to me.' Hoseok's voice a strict command, but one you barely heard. Not when your eyes felt as if dusted with the finest sand, lulling you to give in. It would’ve been so easy.
Just for a second...
You heard Hoseok swear through the quieting fog as the snowflakes melted against your skin. Until the flakes themselves turned into rain, drumming against your skin.
You heard him shift. 'Oh, to hell with it, I'm not enjoying this.'
You opened your lips to snap something back, the passionate woman in you willing you to live. But you couldn’t. Even your eyes had as if glued shut, heavier than ever before.
You couldn’t hold on any longer.
But then heat against your chest got a silent gasp out of you. Hands came to cradle your head, knees firmly pressing against the sides of your hips. His every touch was as if a gateway for tingles to spread out. As if little fireflies had erupted all over your skin.
And the raindrops became a constant pitter-patter all around you.
His heartbeat against yours, his nose brushing against your neck. Your body stopped shivering. Another anchor point. One to focus on. One you accepted.
Wet hair tickled against your ear, hot breath against sensitive skin on your neck. And you allowed yourself to indulge, only for a moment.
If he ever asked, you'd deny it.
~
Hoseok hauled you off the second the van stopped, crossing the distance with his steps as wet sloshes on the ground. You tried to get a glimpse but the rain had no mercy, its drops sharp against your eyelids, splashing against any exposed skin it could reach.
But then a creak of a door and all sounds disappeared into a vacuum. The sudden silence was heavy, almost deafening as if a blanked had been laid over your ears. But warm air brushed against your legs, windows rattled somewhere farther away, a quiet whistle of a teapot ready for pouring. Peppermint mixed with--
You knew that scent. Of lemongrass and orange peels.
'And here I wondered which one’d kill the other first.' An amused accusation, one so distinctly of Jin's humour. You'd never mistake his voice for someone else's, his laugh a melody that rivalled birds chirping in Spring. A little strange at times, but that was his charm the same.
Hoseok didn’t seem to mind. ‘She got shot on her own.' A cool statement. One that would’ve had you unseath your knife, had the situation allowed. But what came out was an indistinct mumble, one that went ignored.
'And you had nothing to do with it?' Jin applauded as he approached to take a quick look, then gesturing at the ward doors further back.
'Clear shot, no bullet,' Hoseok said as he placed you on a bed. One you could've called your second home.
A contemplating hum filled the air, two pairs of hands shifting you on the bed. Then bright light flashed behind your closed eyelids and you winced.
A tug at the handkerchief around your leg.
You drew in a sharp breath, fingers digging into the sides of the bed.
You could feel the blood dribbling down your leg. It'd stain the snow-white sheets. Dejavu. White against red, blood-red rubies falling on white cotton, melting into the delicate threads.
Something cool brushed against your leg and your eyelids fluttered. Metal. Jin was cutting off the last of the stockings you wore, most of it already ripped. Your eyes fell on Hoseok, on his bloodied chest. Even from black silk you could see it, the scent nauseating in the air. You tried to mumble something - what, you weren't sure.
But your eyelids were heavy. Too heavy.
A warm hand on your head, a barked order not to die.
Summary: You never knew a simple message on a coffee cup could change your Christmas.
MASTERLIST
´
~
2 weeks to go until Christmas. You thought just as you popped a small gingerbread man on top of a latte. Gingerbread lattes had become a weakness of yours, a secret indulgence when the frost pinched your cheeks, and with quiet concern you saw the manager go around the cupboards, trying to find some more biscuits. You were not going to confess how many you'd had.
Working in a coffee shop was far from where you wished to be during holidays, but you needed to pay your bills. They were more than happy to be flexible around your schedule and who said no to extra money, free coffee and work that required auto-pilot more than complex problem solving skills.
Bingo.
Well, sometimes the coffee machine did stop working, and that did require some brain-power.
'Is that the best you can do?' You heard a voice that had taken you a month to get used to - it was bright and bubbly, but with a twist of sugar-rush on the top. Demanding your attention, you knew she would never go unheard.
You ignored her, managing on a smile that came easier than you thought, and handed the coffee over to a customer whose smile was enough of a thanks, and you wished her a wonderful day.
Homely and cosy. This was the theme for the coffee shop, with its variety of armchairs and small round tables that breathed a little history in the place.
'I already got like, enough tips to cover my shift for 2 hours.’
Your co-worker Nicole was otherwise lovely, but way too competitive. And sometimes her gossip streak got the best of her. Over time she had must've got the hint that you just did not care and her stories were spared on ears that would respond in a way that she wished.
You definitely did not need to know about anyone's intimate lives or who did what and where.
Although, the where was sometimes rather interesting.
'Is that-' She abruptly said as her body went still, and despite the early morning, your head snapped towards the door.
And indeed there he was.
Everyone called him the Americano guy, as no one had yet the nerve to ask for his name. Reddish hair that changed its colour more often than seasons (according to basically everyone), cheekbones and jaw sharp lines that would make many men envious, shoulders just wide enough to make you yearn for a pair of strong arms around you. He was a beautiful man, his steps light and smooth-
And he had the most beautiful smile you had ever seen.
'Good morning!' You heard Nicole chirp as she rushed to the till, her hands still adjusting her apron that was on the verge of falling off her hips. As always - that girl did not know how to tie properly.
He smiled and luckily enough for you his focus was on her. Luckily, because you had a stupid smile tugging at your lips.
'Hello Nicole,' he said without glancing at her name tag, voice just a tad bit lower than you had expected. 'Can I have an Americano please? I'll have it here.'
'Of course! It will be my pleasure!' She chirped again and you dragged your eyes away just in time before the beautiful stranger caught yours.
He must've thought you were new, and you weren't surprised as during the term you were on evening duty, way after your lectures and workshops into late hours. But stories of this man had still reached you through different sources, and you had always wondered who was the cause of all the buzz. Especially if even your quiet but strict manager joined in with words of admiration.
By instinct your hands prepared the coffee while your mind lingered somewhere in-between. After locking it into place, you let it drip while you prepared the saucer and a small spoon - and thanked yourself for polishing some teaspoons as no one else seemed to understand the importance. Little things, as they would say.
Same words, only from a different perspective.
Your back facing the commotion, his voice still managed to cut through your seemingly occupied thoughts. His tone of silk contrasted against Nicole's high-pitched squeal and the difference was strange but beautiful. With a voice like his, he was a blessing on the listening ears.
It was like a soft caress over your senses.
And for once you wished the Christmas playlist to stop. For the first time ever it was a little too loud.
'Here you go,' you said, your voice a little higher than usual - which was probably as much of a surprise to you than to Nicole whose quick glance at you meant she had noticed.
She didn't need to look surprised, you were surprised enough.
You knew exactly what it was that had charmed her and most possibly had made many women throw themselves at his feet. The small dimples in his cheeks were something magical as they did weird things to your stomach whenever they appeared.
And then his eyes fell on you. Those extraordinary eyes, so clear and soft, pinning you on the spot.
Your knees almost buckled.
You couldn't look away, as if in a trance.
'Thank you,' he said with a flicker in his eyes, smile untouched, 'Have a nice day, you two. Don't get caught in the snowstorm!'
'We will, so please come and save us!' Nicole chirped from beside you, her body angled in obvious invitation. For the first time ever her words did not steal your attention and you could not blame yourself - you eyes were stuck on his back, wondering exactly how a single person could make the whole cafe buzz from excitement.
Not that you didn't know it already. It wasn't that he was just handsome and charming - he exuded sincerity, quiet confidence, and literally felt like a ray of sunshine from the moment he stepped in.
It was his whole presence, it was who he was.
He laughed and took a seat in the corner at the front, and fell into his own world of what you presumed was work, completely oblivious to the giggles that erupted next to you. And completely oblivious to the glances from nearby tables.
Soon enough people would start gathering.
'Oh my god, I found out his name!' She low-key squealed and you had to slap her arm to keep it down, not bothering to hide your own smile. You weren't sure if it was him, or was Nicole's excitement brushing off on you.
The light from the street outlined his figure, his hair even redder than the dark strands you thought these had been before.
And then it got busy.
Unfortunately you didn't see him leaving.
~
12 days to go until Christmas. You thought and a week had never felt longer. Yes, you had agreed to do some extra hours as your uni was on a break, but you kind of missed even the most boring professor whose lecture recordings were like a saviour during sleepless nights.
By now you knew how to keep yourself awake, and the key was the free coffee that was now an integral part of your daily life.
With an invisible sigh and a smile on your lips, you served another caramel latte with extra caramel syrup to a young mother that really needed a pick-me-up. All while her toddlers' sole mission was to try to run around the counter. The mother apologised, the toddler only frowned, but clearly understanding what a no meant.
Even if he didn't like it.
That done, you took a breather as the morning rush was finally over. You were on a shift with Nicole and Stefan for the day and you were quite happy with it. Stefan, the seemingly nerdy but in reality such a smooth flirt, was a guy with few words but who was incredibly enthusiastic about coffee - which was good for him, and for you as well.
Good because his knowledge was bound to brush off on you, helping you to create connections with both regulars and new discoverers of coffee. The key was confidence and knowledge.
'How's the Christmas blend?' You jolted from surprise, heart pounding against your ribcage. You had not heard the door open, which on quiet mornings was like nails across the chalkboard.
But that was not important.
'Uhm- it's- it's quite nice-,' You stuttered from surprise, your lips and vocal chords not quite catching up. And you could not stop yourself in time as you fell into what used to be a part of your life.
Panic settled in, growing stronger by the millisecond and just barely you caught the end of it. You suppressed an urge to run, to escape, to hide. Anxiety had never hit you this hard and had always been a silent reminder of what you had used to feel.
This was all behind you now. You took a deep breath in.
If he noticed, he made no note of it. 'I'll try that one, but can I have it takeaway?' His hand moved, and your eyes couldn't help but follow the way he loosened the scarf around his neck. His unhurried movements calmed you.
'It's quite warm in here, isn't it,' he said. You nodded and took the payment.
'Sorry, it's early and I haven't had a cup of coffee yet,' you voiced, adding in a small laugh when the silence felt too much.
Not even the Christmas carols could fill in the gap.
'That's alright, I believe you,' Hoseok smiled a little wider as he tapped his card against the machine.
'It really is nice though,' you said when you trusted your body once again, 'it's similar to our regular brew, but smoother with hints of Christmas spices. It's like a festive take on our traditional coffee which has everyone going for seconds.'
You saw him nod and took this as a cue to start preparing the coffee. With your back turned to him you released a slow breath you had not noticed you had been holding. Nicole had finished with a customer, and she was eyeing you from the corner of her eye. Obviously trying to find a spot when to pipe in - and you could've actually used some help.
Not that you would ever admit to it.
'It would be nice to try it,' he said and just as you were about to respond with something you couldn't recall, you heard a phone go off.
He stepped away and his words turned into a soft mumble, drowned out by the noise of the cafe. Before you knew it, Nicole was already next to you.
'You have to write something on the cup!' She said, her eyes full of such joy that for a second you forgot she was your age. You could probably take her excitement and turn it into glitter, but what scared you was a marker in her hands.
You had to admit her persistence was admirable.
'I will not,' you flat-out refused, appalled at her suggestion, 'Who does that anyway?'
Nicole raised one of her eyebrows and continued with a furious whisper, 'I do, and it works! Otherwise I'll do it!'
You twisted away from her, further away from her reach. No way you were going to risk with Hoseok never placing his foot in this cafe ever again.
But how come seconds later it was still in your hands? And to your dismay, there was black writing on the cup staring back at you, which had turned out quite nice considering the rush.
Have a fab day! :)
Hoseok did not seem to notice it as he thanked you for the coffee and took off. Although you did have to admit, you did put in extra effort to ensure it would be facing away from him. Baby steps were the key.
The second he left, you sagged against the wall.
You moaned, hitting your head against the wall behind you. Stefan gave you a pitied look while Nicole stayed, a victorious smile playing on her lips.
'It's good! You have to pique his interest!' She said, 'I mean, I would totally go for him but I can read my cues..'
You froze, eyes wide, 'Why did you let me do it then?'
'Well, I was available to take a customer but he just walked over to you even though you were busy,' she shrugged. But then her voice turned sweeter, almost dreamy, 'This is so lovely though, it must be the start of something new.'
'Oh no no, don't you High School Musical me,' you warned and just as you were about to snap something else, Nicole grinned as she was saved by an approaching customer.
'It's your fault if he never steps a foot in here again,' you hissed and Nicole only gave you a knowing grin before letting her voice be carried over the cafe in a warm welcome.
At that moment, who knew you would keep writing messages on his takeaway cups.
~
7 days to go until Christmas. You thought as you took a sip of your own coffee, savouring the first sip of the day, fresh on your tongue. You had been working for the whole week and were dying for a day off, and had gone way too over the number of people you could talk to in a day without a wavering smile.
You were mentally preparing yourself for another upcoming day, letting yourself indulge in the quiet early morning as you took in the scent of the Christmas blend that had become your favourite.
Funny, how before working there you rarely used to drink coffee.
There went the bell again, a bright chime that now did nothing to elevate your mood, and you got up from your small bench you had dragged from the back kitchen. Managing on a smile that for some may have seemed forced, you sent out your first greeting of the day. To you it was the best you could do on the seventh day of work.
Making coffees used to be fun, but you guessed it was not your thing after all. It didn't excite you as it excited Stefan.
Was there anything that excited you as much coffee excited Stefan?
'Not looking very happy today,' you heard a voice, a voice that had become so familiar, but you still froze on the spot as you drew in a sharp breath.
A voice that made goosebumps erupt all over your skin and what once had been a forced smile, was now a smile that could have melted icebergs.
You guessed you had enough energy after all.
'Good morning,' you chirped out, only a second later realising you must've sounded like Nicole. Once again he did not make note of it.
'It's freezing outside,' he commented as he opened the helms of his coat. He was wearing a beautiful burgundy sweater underneath and the colour had never looked so good.
You tried to keep your eyes on his face. 'It is americano for you?'
'Yes please,' he said and you turned around to prepare while he flipped through his cards, and tapped the card machine. Without a word he took his bag and coat over to his usual spot. You guessed he was drinking it there today.
'Hi Hoseok, my new favourite friend!', Nicole's voice rang over the floor and you would've told her to quiet down if there had been any other customers.
There wasn't any, so you said nothing.
You watched him turn to Nicole with a smile, with a wave and a greeting before turning back to you.
'No messages for me today?' He said jokingly, and you almost choked on oxygen. You coughed, and felt your ears fuming.
'It's not you,' you said in response to his grin, and Nicole's laugh cut through your thoughts. 'Stop embarrassing me, or I'll sabotage your coffee.'
'If you spike it, please make it strong,' Hoseok said with a wink and Nicole giggled once again. You turned away to prepare his coffee, not daring to say anything in fear of making it even worse.
~
4 days to go until Christmas. You thought as you pulled your hair up into a ponytail. You had two days off, and there was only a couple more to go before you would be off for the Christmas days. And you would skip away after your last shift of the year, with a Christmas carol on your lips.
'Look at you today,' Nicole said, in her own way of saying you looked nice. From her it was an acknowledgement. And truth be told, you had been feeling good when you opted for a red lip and a tad bit mascara. Feeling festive? Maybe.
You were feeling amazing, looked amazing and felt like the world was open at your feet. It was one of those days where you just felt good.
And it would be a cherry on the top if Hoseok decided to drop by. Not that you cared that much, of course.
Liar.
And even amidst all this, he still managed to surprise you as he was late, appearing just before your lunch break was supposed to start and your stomach grumbled as on time.
You had to admit he had played a major part of your cheerfulness and glee as the days passed one by one, not even minding the work and the customers that were in danger to be set off even at the slightest threat.
Whether it was the coffee not being dry enough, or the milk being too hot for a hot chocolate. You had seen it all.
'Do you even have a day off?' He asked after a brief greeting, faking a shocked expression which you laughed off before mentioning your two days off and how you had done nothing productive.
And you almost had to slap yourself. What happened to reading an interesting book or taking up a course?
You know, projecting yourself like an adult.
'Oh, I guess it's the last time I'll see you then,' he said with a furrowed brow, his head tilting to the right. Just a tiny bit that usually would've gone unnoticed.
'Wait,' you said, confused. 'Why so?'
'You're going back to evening shifts, aren't you?'
And it dawned upon you.
'You can always drop in and say-'
But he cut you off, 'Do you want to go on a date?'
The world stilled around you.
Silence.
'Wait, what, me?'
Nicole, who had been on the floor to collect some cups, stood there, eyes wide. As if not believing what she was witnessing, and not really grasping if what was happening was a dream or reality. You didn't blame her, you were thinking the same.
'Yeah, I'd love to take you out for dinner, or even for a cup of coffee.. somewhere else, of course,' he said as his hand came up to the back of his neck.
'Or you can just take it that your messages called out to my heart and I would love to see more of these,' he added with a laugh.
And suddenly Nicole was there, grabbed his phone from his hands and shoved it into yours.
'Just do it. I can't stand watching you any longer!'
Summary: There had always been something underlying burning between you two, something that you never had a chance to explore as one of you had always been in a relationship. You played around with each other a lot, teasing, inviting, but always stopped when this innocent game was in danger to turn serious.
It was raining cats and dogs, the drops big and heavy as they splashed against the roofs, windows, and against the top of your head covered by a sheer fabric. You damned the weather forecast which promised occasional light showers, but after taking cover for over an hour, you had given up all hope and decided you had to get going.
That's how you ended up in a bus stop without a cover, soaked to the bone with every step you had taken with your thoroughly drenched, squishing shoes. And as a cherry on the top, the last bus had either left or was skipped. By now you were endlessly shaking, shuddering and by sheer willpower managed to keep it to a minimum, imagining warmth, hypnotising yourself into thinking you felt warm, that the rain was warm.
But nothing worked as a cold breeze blew past you, bringing you back to this harsh reality. You had given up on everything, just hoping your phone tucked in your bra would be safe in case he called.
A car horn jolted you out of your thoughts as you tried to make out the number plate amidst the deep grey fog. There was no one around and just as a trail of caution alarmed you to be on your toes, a window rolled down to reveal a face you knew well.
'Hey, what are you doing here? Need a lift?'
Relief swarmed your heart as you ran over, heavy clothes weighing you down as they were dripping with water. You didn't want to think how bad you must've looked but Hoseok's face just expressed concern as he opened the door from the inside. You stopped for a second in realisation, looking at the dry seat, hesitating.
'Get in before you catch pneumonia,' he shot harshly, leaned over to grab your arm and pull you in, making you stumble over ungracefully. He made no note of it as he was already re-setting the air-conditioning, a second later there was warm air brushing your face and it felt heavenly.
'It doesn't really matter,' you mumbled to your own, your voice barely audible as chills still kept shaking you to the core, 'I'm wet anyway.'
You heard Hoseok scoff, 'As much as I'd love to hear that from your sweet lips, your timing is terrible. How did you lose your bag anyway?' He asked, his tone flat as he took an U-turn where you had to grip the edges of the seat to keep you in place.
'It just happened,' you muttered under your breath, trying not to embarrass yourself more than necessary. Hoseok was the last person you had wanted to call, and the last person had been the only one who was able to help you out - what a kind bunch of friends you had.
'I hope you punched someone with it,' he commented and you averted your gaze out of the window.
That had been actually true. You had swung it at your boyfriend, now an ex, as you hadn't been able to take his bullshit anymore. You had thrown it at him - his gift to you - and stormed off knowing well your wallet and your phone were safely tucked away in your back pocket.
'I presume you lost your keys as well?' he asked and you nodded in silence, your hand reaching for the radio, only to have it shooed away. Unfortunately, what you hadn't realised during your messy scene was that your apartment keys were still in your bag.
'So we're going over to my place,' he said, more to himself and you found yourself nodding again. You had stayed over at his place before, much to your boyfriend's dismay. It had grown into loud arguments to which you had given in, that being easier than trying to explain why you felt the safest at Hoseok's. When Hoseok was around you.
You very well knew the reason but he hadn't, and he could only guess.
Which he did, a lot.
Hoseok grabbed a blanket from the backseat and threw it in your lap. 'Take off your sweater and wrap this around you. It's better than nothing.' His eyes were focused on the road and you looked up at him, his forehead furrowed in thought and you felt sorry to call him on moments like these. You knew he would drop almost anything to make sure you were safe and you weren't sure if you deserved that.
It wasn't his responsibility to look after you when you were drunk or heartbroken, and you wanted to apologise but nothing of the sort formed on your lips.
'I would but I'm kind of only wearing a bra under this. You're going to have to pay up for that kind of a show,' you snapped back, earning a fleeting look which briefly darted over your chest area. It felt like he could see through clothes and in protection to his predatory gaze you crossed your arms over your chest.
'Then don't blame me when you're stuck to an iv-drip,' he responded and you shot him a quick glance before wrapping the blanket around you, trying to wiggle out of your wet sweater that seemed to stick to you like second skin.
'Next time just bring me vodka, it'll do the trick,' you muttered before dropping your damp clothing on the floor, still self-conscious despite being covered.
The rest of the car ride was spent in silence and Hoseok did nothing to lessen this heavy stillness, making you suffer inside your own mind, going over every smallest detail as to where your relationship had gone wrong, what went wrong, and why. Your ex's voice kept reminding you of all the complaints how you hadn't been good enough, how you hadn't been attentive enough.
In all honesty, everything had felt finished before you ended it.
And by now you didn't want to see his stupid face ever again.
'We're here sleepy-head,' Hoseok said as he pulled up to his apartment-complex. His place wasn't too far off from yours which was why you still remembered the familiar way up the stairs, the scent of the corridors filling you with memories.
He pressed in the code and walked into his apartment, throwing off his shoes as you followed him, the blanket still snugly tucked around you. You remembered your lost key again, regret filling you of not having installed the same code-lock system he had.
To your justification, it was expensive.
'Is a shirt enough or do you want some pants as well?' he asked from his bedroom and you saw him sorting through his clothes for a loose t-shirt that would've been long enough. You were in no mood to parade around half-naked.
'Shirt and some shorts please,' you said as you stood in the middle of his living-room, not wanting to ruin his precious custom-made couch nor his carpet which was a gift from his mother. He had bragged about it for months and you didn't dare to anger your saviour - knowing you'd never hear the end of it.
You caught the bundle of clothes just before it hit your face, lowering it to meet Hoseok's grin, 'I'm looking forward to those lovely thighs.' His eyes scanned over you and for a second your mind went blank, a feeling of warm familiarity rising somewhere within. You hadn't exchanged these comments with Hoseok ever since you had started dating your ex.
You hadn't realised how much you missed it.
'Hoseok, I think you need to go and get laid somewhere,' you retorted back, grinning the same as Hoseok walked over with a huge fluffy towel which he threw over your head.
'I did have plans before your sorry ass called me,' he said and a second of hesitation got you thinking, but you pushed it back down as you knew he had been joking. You felt pathetic not knowing if he even had a girlfriend at the moment, you weren't even aware if he had someone on his radar.
'Well, I left my compassion in my bag,' you hissed back at him, making your way over to the bathroom, glancing back only once to see Hoseok shaking his head with a small smile playing on his lips.
There had always been something underlying burning between you two, something that you never had a chance to explore as one of you had always been in a relationship. You played around with each other a lot, teasing, inviting, but always stopped when this innocent game was in danger to turn serious.
You two had an invisible agreement as when to stop. And neither of you dared to break it.
But it scared you that you wanted more.
You stepped out of the bathroom, feeling awkward in his clothes which made you drunk with his scent. To your relief, Hoseok seemed to have fallen asleep on the couch, his head slightly tilted back towards the headrest as his laptop rested on his lap. Casting it a quick look to see some boring documents, you eased it away from him, placing it safely on the table before taking a seat in the other corner of the couch, wrapping yourself in the fleece blanket he must've kept around for chilly days.
He looked beautiful, his jawline strong and his neck inviting. You observed his deep breaths, his chest rising and falling, and you found yourself falling into the same rhythm. Your emotions were already running high after everything that had happened that day, but you refused to let a moment of weakness control you. So you stuck to your corner, assuring yourself you weren't going to give in as you pulled your legs against your chest and rested your chin on your knees.
You didn't want to lose this relationship like you had lost all previous ones.
You only remembered the couch, so when you woke up on a soft mattress, covered by an even softer blanket with something warm pressed to your back, your eyes widened in panic. There was an arm draped over you as you felt a firm chest behind you. Hoseok must've felt you stir as he removed his hand from around your waist, groaning as he turned over.
'Hoseok, why am I not wearing any pants? What did you do with my pants Hoseok?' you asked as you sat up quick, facing him as he run his hand through his hair and you had to mentally slap yourself to keep your focus.
But he looked so good.
'Be quiet woman, you're wearing shorts,' his answered, his voice rough and even this early in the morning his tone managed to twinge at your heart.
You pretended not to listen, 'Actually never mind that. How did I end up on your bed anyway?'
Hoseok gave out a dry laugh and you felt something stirring in your memories. You had been stumbling somewhere in your dreamy daze. You remember feeling something soft, something warm, something comforting, and you could do nothing else but mentally scold yourself.
'It's all you,' he said. 'Don't leave me, don't leave me,' he mimicked your voice and you couldn't help but hit him with a pillow.
'You weren't even drunk...'
You silenced him with another hit, 'Silence, you stupid giraffe.'
His eyebrow rose in question and your face flushed slightly at your comment. But you raised your chin higher, refusing to feel embarrassed. You remembered vaguely clinging to him but that didn't mean you were going to admit to it.
That you had climbed into his bed, had wrapped his arms around yourself and had snuggled in as close as you could.
And he hadn't pushed you away.
'I mean, you just have to say the word and my body's all yours. No need to hide love,' he winked at you before he got up, your eyes falling to his bare chest immediately, eyes dragging down his body until his briefs and before you could divert it you knew you were busted.
'It's your fault for parading around half-naked,' you retorted back, rolling your eyes. 'Stop being so arrogant.'
But you couldn't get his words out of your head. If you did say it - would he really act on his words. Images started flooding your mind and you couldn't stop these, feeling warmth and tension hitting your lower belly where your imagination took you on a trip to somewhere heated.
Desire.
You mentally slapped yourself as you had dazed off. Luckily Hoseok was already in the bathroom, having left you alone with your imagination.
Merry Christmas everyone!👋🎉❤️ Hopefully you’re having a joyful Christmas this year! I am just grateful to have another blessed year and good health with my loved ones!🎉🎊 I am not a big fan of S’mores, but this one’s got to be the best one so far! My daughter has been asking to do a homemade marshmallow and what better timing this is! This is a strawberry flavored marshmallow and it’s the best choice!👍😋 Maybe the next time we’ll give lemon flavored a try?! I always curious if the sweet and sour flavors would taste good together. Be safe, be well and have a wonderful Christmas everyone! #mademarshall #strawberrymarshmallow #smores #homemade #marshmallow https://www.instagram.com/p/CX6Vzeerj6t/?utm_medium=tumblr
Heading towards ‘devils hour’ and I’m still wide awake but using my time for worthwhile pursuits like baking this Strawberry Marshmallow cake #strawberry #marshmallow #strawberrymarshmallow #cake #bundt #bundtcake #baking #bakingacake #bakingtherapy #sleepissues #sleepissuessuck #sleepissooverrated #technicallysaturday #night #2020 #momlife #irish #irishmom #momlifebelike https://www.instagram.com/p/B83NSrfAz_i/?igshid=1i1ei3oei5zqw
Pro - my strawberry marshmallow cake smells DELICIOUS and came out wonderful Con - I’m still awake #strawberry #marshmallow #strawberrymarshmallow #cake #cantsleep #sleepissues #sleepissuessuck #mom #momlife #irish #irishmom #sleepissuesbegone #bakingacake #bakingtherapy #baking #technicallysaturday #night https://www.instagram.com/p/B83GFmMAyP9/?igshid=1g0sbvg07wl33
