❛ ↺ coffee shop

@k. ryeowook *sits at the window waiting on you arriving, casually glancing to the time. Humming I reach for my phone to text and ask where you are.*

@k. yugyeom Ah, I see. That's understandable. I feel like that almost all the time. Especially with new people. But don't worry, I'm not one to judge people from first meeting only. Third time's the charm, right?
*lips curl up into a playful grin as I lift a shoulder up into a nonchalant shrug*
It is. Maybe the people who like it didn't grow up with mint flavored toothpaste.
*snorts and takes a brief look around the cafe and hums in approval before smiling at you*
We're coffee buddies, no? And I'm kind of picky so I tend to stay drinking one flavor once I've taken a liking to it hence me asking for a suggestion.

@s. wendy I felt the need to explain. I didn't want to seem like the bad guy when we've only met and became coffee buddies. I would hate to lose a coffee buddy.
/nods lightly, smiling back at you warmly before letting out a soft chuckle/
Well, you aren't wrong about that. I usually try to ignore the taste of mint, but it is overpowering. So maybe not that for either of us, then.
/hums under my breath and nods once again/
Yes, yes. Okay. In the mood for coffee or tea? Or something else, maybe?

@k. yugyeom You really didn't have to explain it but thank you. I was actually thinking that you are a punctual guy indeed.
*nods slightly, giving you a dimpled smile this time when you pout, and folds my arms on the table while nodding slowly*
I see. I don't really like mint.. it tastes like toothpaste.
*scrunches my nose in distaste before shaking my head*
And nope, I have never been here before. I guess you can order for me, surprise me. As long as it's not mint, heh.

@s. wendy Wait, no- I usually am punctual! I always make sure I'm there on time! It's just that today I didn't actually watch the time as I was getting ready and yeah. That's the reason why I was a bit late.
/pouts slightly when you say that, shaking my head lightly at my own mistake, squinting playfully at you once again as you flash me an oh so innocent smile/
Good!
/says while I follow you to the table, sitting across you before humming under my breath as I tilt my head to the side, watching you curiously/
I have been here once. Or twice, I am not sure. They have really good coffee. And the hibiscus mint tea is great. And you, Wendy?

@k. yugyeom Let's just say that I always come prepared. I haven't yet found out if you're a punctual guy or not anyway. Guess I have my answer now.
*chuckles softly, flashing you an innocent smile as you squint your eyes at me before following the direction you're pointing at then nods in agreement*
Sure!
*makes my way to the table and takes a seat with a soft sigh, dropping my purse on my lap*
Have you been here before, Yeom?

@s. wendy /feels relief wash over me as you say that you haven't been waiting long, feeling less guilty for being slightly late to our meeting spot/
Oh, that's good. What do you mean you were prepared to wait for a while?
/asks teasingly, squinting at you in playful suspicion/
And you better- oh, could we sit by the window, if it isn't a problem? There, in the back.
/says, pointing my finger to the table I am talking about as politely as I can/

@c. mitchel "Well.. yeah I guess." She let out a soft chuckle as he commanded her to get in and did so anyway, passing him. Looking around, the place wasn't as filled and for that she was elated. It was a mundane day but the silence comforted her in a way. It was calming. "What are you planning to have?" Minnie asked while looking up at the various choice posted behind the counter, making a mental note on her decision. She glanced over at him then looked the food on display deciding if she want to get something as she hadn't eaten much. Then again-- it probably won't stay in her body for long anyway so a drink would suffice.

@y. minnie Mitchel had quietly followed behind the female, hands in his pockets as he just looked around the busy streets. He had to admit, seoul wasn't as busy as new york, but despite living in korea for the last few years now, he wasn't sure if he was used to it yet. He still knew little korean, but he was getting there- good thing the school he attended had students who spoke english. Upon hearing the shorter's voice, his eyes flickered down to meet her gaze as she stood at the front door of the coffee shop. Blinking at her comment, he couldn't help but laugh at it a little, reaching to open the door for her, "Don't blame me for that, blame my parents. Now, you, in the door."

@c. mitchel Today was like any other day and amidst the crowds of people on the busy streets of Seoul, Minnie led Mitch on their way to the nearest cafe. She fanned herself with a hand as it was quite a walk, “almost there.” She said looking back at the tall man following her. Even if she lost him, you could still spot him as he would very much stand out. Shortly after, Minnie stopped by the front door and waited for him to catch up. “For every two steps I make, you make one- damn you for having long legs.”

@k. yugyeom *hums and nods, smiling at your explanation as I brush off the apology hidden underneath that question*
You didn't. I just got here as well. Although I was indeed prepared to wait for a while.
*snickers softly before shaking my head*
Just kidding. Where should we sit, by the way?

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@s. wendy /laughs softly as I rub the back of my neck in embarrassment, nodding once or twice lightly as I bite my lower lip in slight worry that I possibly made you wait/
I was running- I thought I would have enough time to get here right on time, but I guess I was a bit wrong. Did I make you wait long, Wendy?
/tilts my head to the side, looking around before I step in after you do/

@k. yugyeom *quirks an eyebrow when my lips curl up in amusement just as my phone vibrates in my hold and slips it back into my purse instead of checking it, giving you a small wave*
Were you running?
*chuckles, my tone light and teasing as I reach out to push the glass door open and steps inside*

@s. wendy /feels my phone vibrate in my pocket, fishing it out to read your text message just as I'm going around the corner, picking up my pace a bit, ending up running slightly just to meet you faster, I type a message even though I'm almost in front of you, noticing you standing by the entrance, waving my hands at you after I've sent the message, hoping you'd notice me as I approach you/

To: Wendy
I'm here!

@k. yugyeom *hums softly as I come to a stop next to the coffee shop entrance, preferring to wait for you before claiming a table, and fishes my phone out of my purse to send you a text*

To: Yeom
Hey, I'm already here, by the entrance.

@m. mina mark's expression remains in doubt, still not positive to why mina allowed herself to walk out at midnight without wondering if she'll be preyed on or not, and regardless, it is strange to see the two of them together—hopefully, nobody sees them together. he stays silent and waits for her excuse on why she is out at midnight, meanwhile he turns his head slightly to take a quick glance at the individual who is tailing them. 'they're still here,' is all that mark can think from the situation.

amid their issue, mark realizes that he isn't going to have his coffee, which leaves him with immense disappointment, though he would rather not leave mina behind for a spec of caffeine. he bites his bottom lip in frustration and focuses his vision on mina. he loosens his choke-hold in order for mina to position herself upwards. for someone who he has a slight distaste for, mina is your pretty girl who every guy would swoon over for. of course, she is definitely /not/ his type. he leans down to whisper next to mina's ear, "just keep quiet about it and pretend you're laughing." he nods in confidence and returns to his normal state. he winks at her; his lips maintain that same toothy grin as before.

@t. mark her eyebrows immediately creased at the notion of his inclined pressure around her nape, almost etching to push him away as if he was the actual culprit and problem at the moment. she took a small moment to function herself back to the reality of their situation and gritted her teeth slightly. "i went to say goodnight to a friend that worked there back at the coffee shop," she carefully explained in a volume not too loud in fear that she'd endanger her friend that had been stuck with overtime on her shift, though enough that the person behind their frames could hear their murmurs, albeit not stopping him from tailing behind them.

it had been an abruptly, weird feeling to sense mark tuan so up close in her personal space. if this was at their dance club rehearsals, she would've been quick to perch herself elsewhere but in this circumstance, she found it beneficiary. it took her a moment to study that of his visage; he actually wasn't that bad looking, could've been more attractive to her if he hadn't looked at her like he was scolding her. she coughed, the pace of her steps stabilizing in motion to thwart off suspicions while her eyes yearned to dart towards the mysterious figure behind them. "are they still there? why aren't they leaving?" she whispered, leaning in just slightly with worried obsidian orbs clouding her countenance.

@m. mina he wanted to scoff at the female's disgusted look. he knows that mina didn't like him, but he didn't know that she disliked him this much. mark doesn't exactly have a distaste for the female, but he would rather not form a bond with her either. he finds her somewhat annoying to talk to, plus he sees her everyday at practice. honestly, she needs more work on her techniques, but from previous experience with her, she doesn't listen to his commands. the female has a special friendship with his boss, and he would rather not with that.

after watching her yank her earbuds from surprise, he gives a small smirk while he pulls the female away from their spot. his eyes still remain on glancing back at the dark figure; he assumes that the man would go away by now, but people are vicious at this time. he makes sure to tuck his arm around her nape—almost so tightly that it is possibly that he is choking her. his remaining smirk slowly slips into a gentle smile, and it reveals his two canine teeth. "ah, you're heading home? that's great news! it is quite late for you to be out /jogging/ right now," he emphasizes 'jogging' in attempt to secretly scold her. why the is this woman out at midnight for a jog? while they are slowly walking away, he uses his hip to abruptly hit her waist. "i'm out getting some coffee, so why are you out?"

@t. mark an audible, yet minor, gasp escaped through her once sealed roseate brims at the abrupt weight around her frame. despite her slow reaction, she could recognize that voice from a distance. mark yien tuan, vice president of solace's dance club. sure, they've had a few encounters but all she knew (from others) was that he was some cold bastard that couldn't really bother his time on people that weren't his close friends. so when she realized his presence close in proximity too suddenly, she utmost immediately shot him an expression that spoke of unfamiliarity and slight disgust. she yanked one of her earbuds from her ear, only piecing together a few words and phonemes that resulted in a grimace. "what?"

it was that of the pair of lingering, echoing footsteps that had her still in silence. he wasn't moving, she definitely wasn't moving. goosebumps cascaded down the surface of her arms as her eyes darted to the remaining distance she had left until she reached the apartments to mark's gaze. it was finally registering to her as to what he was spewing. she attempted to relax in his embrace, hand reaching upward to grasping his that warped around her, hurriedly lacing their lithe digits together in search of reassurance and comfort. her voice was toned with apparent fear though, inching foot by foot. "hi, mark! i -- yeah, it's nice to see you too. i'm heading home right now," she responded with eyes that screamed for help. "whatre you doing here at this time?"

@m. mina despite the fact that it is midnight, it is unfortunately a time that mark often greets. with an impulsive idea, mark decides to head out to grab a cup of coffee. a late-night coffee doesn't sound bad in his eyes, but it might be unappealing to others. plus, he doesn't have any plans for tomorrow. a solid yawn exits his mouth while he roams the street of seoul, and a phone rests on his palm to keep his eyes busy. his feet steps away in his recently cleaned pair of shoes and his body shivers from the late cold breeze. it is oddly cold for an autumn day.

while he walks, his eyes continue to dart up from the bright screen. he makes sure that he is sticking to the right path, but it is more for so he doesn't smack his head on a pole. on a random look-out, he notices a running female in the distance. a young woman in the middle of the night, especially on a busy street? he only manages to scratch his chin in confusion, but as he gets closer, he realizes who the individual is. it's /mina myoui/; one of the members in his dance team. he isn't impressed with the idea of possibly having to chat with a person, especially mina, but he can't be rude.

he continues to step forward in order to politely greet the woman, but the other suddenly halts to catch her breath from her midnight job. with a raised eyebrow, mark takes a peep from his phone to notice a dark individual. he seems to be tailing mina from the hints that he is getting, and of course, that isn't a good sign. mark picks up his speed—nearly running, and manages to reach to the young girl before the dark figure does. he swings an arm around the sweaty female, and his lips form into a cheeky smile. "oh mina! it's so nice seeing you here!" he says with /much/ excitement, and immediately after the small statement, he whispers, "if you stay alive, you better play along."

@t. mark "stay safe out there!"

her friend called out to her. mina offered them a reassured smile, shrugging them off with a farewell and allowed herself out of the coffee shop, planning on resuming with her regularly scheduled night jog. since last week, she'd make it her goal to at least fit in a midnight jog within her busy agenda and so far, she remained on top of her finish line for the week. with earbuds fitted snugly inside the frame of her ears, enabling for her sense of hearing to be ridden with her relaxing playlist, she continued her way onward, though on a different pathway than she'd routinely take.

she leisurely curved around the corner with light steps, her arms accompanying that of her jogging motion as her hand loosely gripped around the circumference of her water bottle. 'only ten minutes away from home', she thought to herself, gritting her pearly whites in motivation for her to strive with her goal. with high hopes for her health, the female remained oblivious to the sketchy physique that trailed not too far behind her, unfortunately being the new medallion of his interest. he had witnessed as she abandoned her post at the coffee shop, shamelessly stalking her though nimbly without her knowledge. continuing on her way, she halted for a second to crouch over in attempt to catch her breath for the time being, not detecting the stranger's abrupt increase in speed.