ˋ❖ Coroner Café

@✞ yunho j。 /holding the bouquet in one hand at my side, my other rises, fingers curling against the fabric of your jacket to gently tug you a little closer to me and meet such an intimate kiss, the response being a quiet whoop from two of my coworkers behind the counter, though as you turn us around, my body sinking easily against yours, I peer up at you while you look to the one who had addressed us/
"I'm not about to stop you when he's about ten minutes away from the end of his shift."
/lowering my head a little, I playfully shoot daggers across the counter at my coworker, my expression changing quickly from the loving gaze I had given you/
I'm going to go get ready then. My Yunho-- hold my flowers, please.
/placing the bouquet back in your arms so I won't damage such pretty flowers in the back, I take a few steps backward, turning only once I'm halfway across the mostly empty cafe to disappear into the back; when I return several minutes later, sans apron, it's clear that I've run a comb through my hair, and that my locker contains at least one tube of red tinted gloss, and eyeliner; tugging gently at the hem of one of my own dark gay sweaters, the thing cropped high to show off the ends of a peachy button down where it hangs over the waist of my stonewashed skinny jeans a little more fashionably than professionally, I come to take my flowers back into my arm, cradling them almost like a child/
Shall we go, my love?
/the smile on my face makes my eyes crinkle at the corners, though my coworkers are practically shooing us from the cafe; I reach to take your hand in one of my own, giving it a gentle squeeze and then gently tugging you from the floor, through the glass door to the gentle chime of the bell, and out onto the sidewalk/
Do I get to know what the rest of the night has in store?

@✞ eunki h。 oh do i now? what a lucky man indeed to have you as his boyfriend
/murmurs as i watch you coming around the counter towards me, smiling softly to myself before i chuckle and then wait for you to join me a little bit
a very lucky man indeed
/pointedly allows my eyes to roam over how you look from head to toe, appreciating how you look before you've even officially finished your work for the day
does a man need an occasion to lavish his spring time flower with more blossoms?
/asks as i watch you take the bouquet and hold it to your chest, smiling to myself at how you seem so happy with the flowers
i ask myself that same question every day
/cups your cheek in my palm, holding you gently there as i lean in and kiss you gently, my lips pressing lovingly against your own until i hear your coworker
/smiling against your lips i pull back, nudging your nose with my own before i turn to look at the man, grinning his way before i speak
i'm afraid so
its time for a long awaited date. isn't that right?
/looks at you as i speak, cupping your cheek once more before my other hand joins in, framing your face as i tilt your face up, pressing my lips against your own in a far more intimate kiss, ignoring where we are and everyone else in favour of savouring the moment with you
/turning you around i make us face your coworker, smiling as i kiss the top of your head and then press my cheek against your hair, looking at your coworker as i ask
that's alright isn't it?

@✞ yunho j。 /it had been a slow day, so my coworkers and I had spent half of our time inventorying the counter to save the evening shift the trouble; when the bell at the door rang I was in the midst of checking the expiry dates on the syrup bottles, hoping to finish my shift quietly, so it wasn't until you were already at the counter that I looked up; a soft gasp leaves my lips before you even say a word, and the compliments are enough to bring a faint flush to my cheeks before I open my mouth/
It must be a small world, sir.
Especially seeing as you look a lot like my extremely handsome boyfriend.
/with a smile on my face, I only just take notice of the bouquet a second later; one of my coworkers gives me a small nudge, and a few teasing words, when you gesture for me, and I glance to them before rounding the counter, dusting my hands against my apron and approach you with a hand clasped to my cheek/
Yunho... what's the occasion?
/my eyes are lit up even before I reach out to accept the bouquet, gently hugging the blossoms toward my chest/
You are the sweetest man.
I really don't know what I've ever done to deserve you.
/even as I gush, softly inhaling the scent of the flowers from the bouquet, one of my coworkers leans against the counter, looking between us as he laughs/
"Must be date night. Are you stealing him from us already?"

@✞ eunki h。 /entering the cafe, or rather the bouquet of flours i hold does long before me considering its size, i have it filled with fall flowers from camellia to chrysanthemums to ranunculus too, each one picked with the utmost care and love and with a meaning of their own
/following shortly behind the bouquet in my arms i let the door fall gently shut behind me, the bell falling silent once more as i lower the flowers to look over the top of them
/seeing you at the counter i smile as i make my way over to you, a few heads turning to look at me as i'm dressed up particularly well for you
/a snug looking jersey the colour of chalky blue sits beneath a jacket that reaches the back of my calves, a pair of skinny denims on, torn here and there whilst a pair of converse finishes off the look
hello there
know where i can find my boyfriend? he's positively breathtaking and gorgeous
say-
/leans over the counter a little, narrowing my eyes as if i were examining you, smiling playfully soon afterwards
you look a lot like him. what are the chances?
/smiling i lift the bouquet from my side, showing it to you before i give you a small wink, motioning with my friend hand for you to come join me

@❀ jihoon l。 he ate in silence and at a rather slow pace, his eyes keeping down on the food in front of him while being in his own thoughts, and as he finishes one plate of it, he finally realizes that jihoon is staring at him which results him taking a bite while looking at him back, his mouth full as he questions jihoon quietly
why are you staring at me like that?

@✞ eunki h。 mhm...
/gives a small nod when you mention giving her time, knowing that's true and that we should give her time as well, though i've had the truth now its all past that
that sounds great
/missing the part where you mention talking to mei, it doesn't cross my mind that you might actually find out more about where i might go this evening from mei if she tells you too much
/instead i feel the warmth of your hand, savouring it for i have a feeling it might be the last time i feel it for a while, something i don't particularly want to think about right now
thank you, eunki
always thinking a step ahead of me
/looking down at you i smile at you, perhaps the brightest i've managed for a few days now, kissing the side of your head before i walk the rest of the way back with you
/stopping as i open the door i leave it open for you, making sure you step inside first before i hold your hands in my own, turning you to face me
i'll get going right now, okay?
so i can try be home even earlier for you
/cupping your face in my hands i bring you down to my height as the step into the house makes you taller, wanting to kiss your lips but i kiss your forehead instead, holding you there afterwards before i swallow a sigh
i gotta go otherwise i won't leave at all
/chuckles to myself before i slide my hands down your arms, to your hands where i squeeze at them lovingly, giving you a little wave before i head off again, tugging my collar up around my neck and cheeks with my hands in my pockets, walking away as quickly as possible without looking back to avoid temptation

@✞ yunho j。 I do. Of course I remember...
/the mention of the little girl is a reminder, and I nod, thinking to the trouble Mei has had since her arrival at the orphanage, and similarly the fact I've been catching hints of the downturn of your mood since then; as we walk along, the chill breeze managing to make its way through the weave of the sweater, but your scent on it a gentle reminder of you even as we walk together/
I know you do, my Yunho. You're a kind soul with a big heart...
Maybe she just needs time. And we'll give her that time, right?
/speaking softly, I reciprocate the little gesture, picking up where your thumb has stopped to let my own brush over the side of your hand while we walk; turning my head a little, I steal a peek at you, my smile faint but still ever present on my lips; when you mention having things to do this evening I nod once/
Then I'll stay with the children. Maybe I can even spend some alone time with Mei.
I won't leave them alone while you're out busy, and you kind of have me too spoiled to sleep alone now.
/humming softly, there's a hint of playfulness in my tone, only moderated by the fact it's clear that the mood is a little more somber; when you lift my hand, my eyes follow, coming to meet yours just before I feel the cool brush of your lips against my knuckles/
I'll see about making dinner tonight by myself. Will you be home for dinner?
That's a silly question... I'll make sure there's food for you even if you aren't.
But you'll call me if you need anything too, right?

@✞ eunki h。 oh? i'm sure she was grateful you were there to help her in the end
/smiles a little bit to myself before i give your hand a small squeeze as its nestled in my pocket, brushing my thumb over your skin as i do so
you did?
i like hearing that you missed me
/murmurs more to myself as we walk, feeling a cool breeze come by though it doesn't make me shudder, but it does make me glance over at you to double check you're fine
/makes a small noise at the back of my throat when you ask me how my day has been, still trying to figure out how to answer you by the time you mention something is bothering me
/i notice you don't ask me what though, a kind of comfort to me when you don't push but it reminds me i need to give you some excuse, some small reason
well...
i've just been feeling a little weighed down about mei. you remember how she came to the orphanage?
/sighs a little bit to myself before i give your hand another small squeeze, not telling you the entire truth but not a lie either - something i feel most comfortable with for now
i'm just worried whether or not she's ever going to settle in with the others properly
i'm sure she will, you know i just worry about these things
/takes another sip from the tea, more than warm in my cooler mouth before i end up finishing it, tossing the empty cup in a bin we pass by
anyway, i have some things i have to deal with tonight so i won't be home for a little while. but i shouldn't be out too late
and i'll have my phone on me if you need me. i understand if you don't want to stay over and wait for me, though
/slows a little more as we're nearing the end of the walk together, gently pulling your hand out from my pocket to bring it to my lips, briefly kissing your knuckles as i do so

@❀ seungcheol c。 /he sighs but nods slowly, picking up his sandwich and biting into it with a pleased hum, quickly devouring what's in front of him within matters of minutes as it had been a while since he was able to eat a big meal like this; when he's done, he glances up at seungcheol with a tilt of his head, still sipping on the drink he had ordered

@❀ jihoon l。 its not that i dont want to, jihoon. i just dont have the right time
he explained as simple as that before slowly reaching out his own iced tea and takes a small sip of it, thinking to himself quietly if the people in town isn't as nice as jihoon had warned him but his thoughts didn't show on his face instead, seungcheol had smiled a little and pulls his two plates of sandwiches over to his side all the meanwhile talking quietly
go ahead and eat, jihoon. you must have been hungry

@❀ seungcheol c。 he frowns heavily at the other, slowly growing angry at the fact that he's definitely not taking care of the other
Here I am.. Unable to feed myself and yet, there you are, able to eat yet doesn't want to.
his words comes out in a hushed over, barely a whisper as he growls out the fact, overwhelmed by jealousy but at the sight of the food that arrived and is being set down on the table, he brightens up a little

@❀ jihoon l。 he couldnt really understand why but the worry coming from jihoon is really nice and warming to him, even though he had just been nagged the same way the nurses did but still- it felt nice
i have other doctors too, jihoon. we take turns in shifts so that way, i wouldnt need to worry about not resting and eating. its still normal of course! i mean- it happens once in two weeks or a few in a week or so...it depends how tired i am

@❀ seungcheol c。 jihoon's eyes widen in shock, how could he not worry about seungcheol who looks like is about to faint right then and there! he's just a small asrai that can barely defend himself from mere humans but jihoon is more shocked to hear that the man considers normal or typical in some aspect
Cheol.. That's not.. Good. You need to remember to eat. Food over everything! Without food, you can't save yourself. How are you going to do surgery if your hands shake while you're cutting open into a vital organ because you didn't eat?! Or what if you pass out while doing a surgery?!?!

@✞ yunho j。 Work was alright. The pumpkin spice drinks aren't so bad by this point-- we've got it down to a science.
/my voice loses a little of its cheer, though there's something soft and pleasant in my tone all the same as I recall the one event that stood out most/
One of the regulars came in with two colicky babies because she had been up all night with them...
I spent my break trying to help her keep her daughter from crying while she ordered her coffee--
/it's clear that whatever is bothering you has affected your mood, though I wouldn't outright say as much while I hold myself to you and I feel the warmth of your fleece-lined jacket suffusing my fingers while you hold our hands in your pocket; I cut myself off from gushing about how nice it was to hold a baby, even an unwell, sobbing one, when I realize just how out of it you seem compared to usual/
I missed you too.
/pressing my cheek lightly to your shoulder, I walk with you, happy to take a longer way home when it means getting the chance to walk with you, the time something like a date to me while the brisk air carries the smell of autumn, and the sound of brittle leaves being swept through occasionally empty streets fills the air/
How was your day?
/tipping my head up a little, my jaw pressing still to your shoulder as I remain as close to you as I might in the moment, clearly not for a physical warmth but the much more important emotional, even spiritual warmth that your presence provides whenever we walk together/
Something's bothering you, love, I can see that much...

@✞ eunki h。 /so distracted by my own thoughts, so disturbed, i almost walk off in thought before i hear the door and glance over, one of my shoes raised as if to walk off but it slowly lowers when i remember why i'm here in the first place
hey
/murmurs as i look at you coming over to me, recognising the sweater you're wearing but i don't comment on it, instead taking the cup from you
/nods when you mention what you've put in the tea, not interested in it, not right now at least but i try not to show it as that would be unkind of me
thank you, eunki
/standing there i stare at the cup in my hand before i hear you ask if we should go, the weight of your arm around me own bringing me back down to earth though it seems like there's some invisible wall between us
sure. let's go
/nodding once i lift the cup to my lips, taking a small sip and i find the change in flavour not unlikable though i think i might take some getting used to in regards to liking it
how was work?
was it very busy with the usual pumpkin spice craze?
/offers you a smile as i look down at you, shifting my arm to hold your hand instead, linking my fingers between your own before i tuck it in my jacket pocket, relying on the fleece-lined clothing to keep your hand warm where mine cannot
/crossing the street with you i leave the cafe behind us, taking the slightly longer route back home though as if i wish to linger with you, before i do what i already know i'm going to end up doing the moment i managed to put two and two together
i missed you today, eunki

@✞ yunho j。 /when I had left for work in the morning I could sense that something was amiss, perhaps not yet, or perhaps it was slowly building, but there was something that left a chill in my spine that I couldn't seem to shake; had I known what was bothering you, I would have called off of work, but with things so seemingly idyllic in my own life I was unaware just how much one of the newer arrival's own past was coming to bother you, and it was certainly intentional on your part to shield me from at least some of it; when the chime above the door rang to announce your arrival I was just finishing up concocting a cloyingly sweet latte for one of the fey patrons, though I lifted my head in greeting, smiling all the wider for the sight of you and nodding in understanding/
I'll be off in a few.
/one of my older coworkers was quick to nudge me with a laugh, and while I was distracted you had disappeared back outside just as quickly; with a few dishes to be washed having begun to build in the sink and most of the early afternoon crowd having dispersed or settled, I opted to wash up for the last few minutes, strip off the emblematic apron and snag a cup of tea for you; I headed outside, pushing my fringe back from my forehead with one hand while the hem of the sweater I had borrowed was only just settling about my hips, and I held out a paper to go cup to you with a soft smile/
Tea for my sweet.
I tried something new-- it's black tea with toffee nut syrup instead of plain sweetener.
Something a little more festive since it's getting so cold...
/it was clear that something was bothering you, perhaps that was reason enough to blather on, hoping to prove a thoughtful distraction; I wrap my free arm about yours, hugging myself to you with the thick layers of your jacket, and your sweater hanging off my figure, to insulate your cool from my warmth/
Should we head back now... ?

@✞ eunki h。 /days, even weeks without much trouble go by, falling into a comfortable routine with you staying over and sleeping with me in my bed more often than not, feeling more at home than ever but such things never last
/but good things don't last forever, and today is one of those particularly bad days, or is turning out to be one for me, one i wish i could run away from
/time spent getting one of the younger children brought to the orphanage to open up to me is almost regretted when she tells me what happened to her, making me shed tears behind closed doors for the longest time
/hearing what happened to her, why she is the way she is has me mourning for her whilst having taken care of her as well, determined to find the man that did this
/but its you i seek out today when things have gotten a little tougher for me to come to terms with, having narrowed down my search and i have a sickening feeling i know exactly who is responsible for those unspeakable crimes committed on a child
/with such thoughts running through my mind, the decision made not to tell you who is responsible or that i know who it is at all let alone that i'm planning on confronting him, i stand outside the cafe you work at, lost in these roundabout summaries
/spotting you working inside, i quietly watch before i find myself finally walking inside, the bell above the door chiming to make my arrival known, letting the door shut softly behind me as i untuck both hands from my denim, fleece-lined jacket
/lifts my hand in hello to you, jutting my thumb over my shoulder to show i'll wait for you outside until your shift is done, which with a glance to my watch, shouldn't be more than a few minutes
/heading back out into the crisp autumn air i'm left to the danger of my own thoughts again, i sigh and return my worn hands into my pockets, glancing down my long legs to my sneakers where i get lost staring at he floor
/my hands curl up into fists inside of my pockets, my shoulders sagging down beside me as i'm reminded of just how much of a terrible place the world tends to be at times, needing you now more than ever to act as a balm against it for me who feels raw right down to the bone

@☆ bogum p。 Ah- of course it's you
/chuckles awkwardly for a brief moment. Wondering how I would even bring it up/
/listens to what you order, I smile softly at the thought of taek and how adorable he was, he reminded me of my little brother/
Sounds good actually. I'll get the same please~
/tells the waiter before humming as I hear you/
Oh, I'm a vampire. So the cool weather is fine with me.
I like the cold. But are you sure you'll be okay? I don't want you to get all sick.

@❀ jihoon l。 seungcheol notices the occasional glancss or more like glares to the kitchen door from jihoon, and he slowly turns to look at it in curiosity but he didn't find anyone or anything that seem to bother jihoon so much but when he hears jihoon's grumbles, he opens his mouth in realization
ah...dont worry about it, jihoon. if i passed out, just let me rest for awhile! its common for me to pass out, even at work since i tend to skip lunch and that's when the nurses nag at me

@❀ seungcheol c。 he nods but he doesn't say much other than to cast occasionally worried glances towards seungcheol and angry glares toward the door to the kitchen, almost as if he's cursing them out for being so slow; jihoon doesn't want seungcheol to suddenly collapse on him because he most certainly cannot drag the man anywhere to save him since he's weak himself
What's taking them so long.. It's only sandwiches and coffee!

@❀ jihoon l。 ah- do i look like that?
he turns to look at the reflection in the window, narrowing his eyes a bit when the sun has reaches his dark irises, feeling light headed than before, and he wishes that their food and beverages would be here soon
not really, i guess. im a little bit too hungry. it gives me the fainting spells. i guess my blood pressure is dropping too
seungcheol musters up a small smile as he turns back to face jihoon, his fingers trembling just barely visible to the eye and his palms turned cold and clammy

@❀ seungcheol c。 when jihoon noticed the stumble, he starts to grow worry about the man he barely knew that's now seated in front of him, he wonders of Seungcheol is sick in some way so he brings it up
Are you okay? You look a little.. pale-
he murmurs, stuffing his hands under his thighs to warm them as he pouts a little, it's not his business but he couldn't help but worry, not to mention, he's not completely heartless, just a little cold and distant

@❀ jihoon l。 he yawns a little after paying, shoving his wallet back into his pocket before shuffling over to where jihoon is sitting and he stumbles a little when he starts seeing the room tilt, putting him to a pause to stablize himself then pulls the chair to sit across of jihoon
sorry for the wait, jihoon! youve picked a pretty nice spot

@❀ seungcheol c。 Alright
he nods and makes his way to an empty table of two by the window, sitting there patiently while he watches seungcheol with large eyes to make sure he doesn't run off and make Jihoon pay for what he ordered instead

@❀ jihoon l。 he chuckles a little as he sees the excitement buzzing off of jihoon, his feet heavily bringing him to the counter and orders himself two of servings of sandwiches and a large cup of iced tea before he fishes out his wallet and pays for their meal
go get ourselves a table, jihoon. ill come to you afterwards

@❀ seungcheol c。 jihoon's eyes couldn't help but light up in excitement and relieve when told that it was seungcheol's treat so he quickens and makes his way to the counter, ordering a cup of caramel mocha and a hefty sandwich before glancing over at the other, urging him to place his order as well

@❀ jihoon l。 seungcheol opens the door to the cafe, leaning his weight a little heavily as he felt like he was floating with his head feeling light, and he keeps the door open for jihoon to enter
order anything you want, jihoon. its my treat

@☾ yugyeom k。 Yes, it's me?
with all memory of the conversation between you and Taek disappearing into thin air, I'd nodded my head at your response as I then shift my gaze to the menu on the table, fingers drumming against it as my eyes scan over everything that was listed .
I think I might just get a coffee and..chocolate dipped strawberries.
nodding my head, the option having stuck out to me and speaking before my mind had even gotten a minute to process what I was looking at .
For a walk? I don't see why not? It's supposed to be a lovely night out, aside from it being a little chilly. I certainly hope you're alright with walking through the cold, considering I'm not too sure what it is you are. I'm not sure if you're accustomed to cooler weather or not.

@☆ bogum p。 I had a brother...he died a very long time ago.
He was as cute as you. /chuckles softly when taek beams and smiles warmly as I see such a pouty look; finding it rather funny and cute/ min, hm? Is min in there with you too? How many of you are with bogum, I plan on making him my friend and I want all of you to be my friends as well.
/explains to taek as I watch him curiously; chuckling softly as he seems so excited for strawberries and chocolate/ then we should order that then~ I'll make sure they have the biggest strawberries and the best chocolate~
/tilts my head once you looked daze again and blinks when you are natural once again; chuckling as I look down at my menu and then back at you with curiosity in my eyes/ bogum? Oh yea. Um. I'm just going to go with something sweet. What about you?
/curiously watches you, wondering if this happens often. But you seem to have no recollection of what happened so now I'm even more fascinated and want to be around you more to figure it out. Deciding I'll hold off on my questions until later on in the evening/
After this...do you mind coming with me for a walk...its such a nice night.

@☾ yugyeom k。 Your brother? You have a brother? Where is your brother?
beaming ever so brightly as the new fact that was spoken, I then smile bashfully as you state I'm not a pain, and my foot lightly kicks at the floor as I now wear a somewhat pouty look upon my face as my gaze trails to the side .
Min always calls me a pain... He's a meanie.
jutting out my lip further in a pout, I block out any sound of Min's voice from within my head, refusing to listen as he proceeds to explain why he calls Taek such a name .
Mm! I'm hungry! I haven't eaten yet today! Or...maybe I have.. I don't remember.. But something sweet definitely sounds good! My favourite thing to eat is.. Uhhhmmm, Oh! I really like strawberries and chocolate!
with a rather excited nod, I continue to shift my gaze around, though shortly thereafter, my eyes become rather dazed once more as I mumble little ticks, only to return to my previous neutral state again, bringing my gaze back to you, like I wasn't aware of what had just happened .
So, have you decided upon what you'd like to have for a light meal?