➼ cafe

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. She does that's why I only believe her and not anyone else, even you. /Chuckles a bit, raising my brow a bit then at the last bit you said. Well if that's the case, I'll be the princess then. I'll just sit back, relax and be the pretty one in this relationship. /nods and hums softly, suppressing a small smile.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. yaa , don't you ever heard that she was calling you handsome ?? so you should believe it ! (/chuckles and shaking her head ) you're right, they never lies , always so pure. (/nudges your side slightly) you better watch out, I can be a man in this relationship okay ! (/playfully glare at you before she laughs)

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. /Shrugs a bit. Never really thought of myself as handsome. I only believe it whenever Iseul say so. /Chuckles softly. Kids dont lie after all.
/lets out a soft laught at what you said.
You'll wife me up huh? Oh I cant wait. /plays along.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. (/rolls her eyes in playful ways) why do you think so? have you ever looked at yourself in front of the mirror? pft. (/chuckles at your remarks about the ring on your finger before she nodded ) you're right. let's get the ring now? I'll wife you up!

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. /Shakes my head a bit. I think you're just biased with me, Ms. Bae.
Im not even that handsome. /Clicks my tongue as I shake my head once more.
You better. You haven't even bought me a ring yet.
/Says playfully as I start walking with you once more, showing you my other hand as if Implying that you should be the one to be proposing to me.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. oh, maybe I was overthinking it, also maybe because you're too good looking that's why. they probably think how can I be with a handsome guy like you? heh. it's silly right? (/smiles sheepishly at the pat on her head ) I know. (/the way you pull her closer got her cheeks to blush and shyly looked away while biting her lips) thank you, for feeling that way and I promise you, I'll do better as your soon-to-be wife! (/looks back at you with a beam of smile on her cherry lips)

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. Judging you? Why do you think that? /Shakes my head a bit. No there must be a reason you're feeling that way and dont put the blame on yourself okay?
/gently pats your head with my free hand.
You always tell me your concerns and Im always here to listen, remember that.
/Nods and hums, gently tugging your hand as I pull you closer. I mean the thought of you makes me look forward to every day /nods once more. And of course, along with the twins and especially Iseul.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. hmm, I don't know, I thought you might want to say something that could break my heart though. heh. I can't help it, I got overthinking a lot, but I'll try not to let it get over me, so don't worry. even earlier, I saw your other staff are judging me already.
(/juts out her lips before she also halted her steps and gasped softly at the paper-folded roses causing her cheeks to blush) oh oppa, you're so sweet, thank you so much for this. (/look back meeting your gaze with smiles gracing her lips ) never know that you think about me while you working too?

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. Something important? Like what?
/Looks at you curiously thinking if there's anything we should be talking about.
Oh before I forget.
/Stops walking, still holding your hand in mine, and digs into my pocket with my other hand, soon taking out a couple of paper-folded roses I made earlier, smiling softly as I carefully place them on the palm of your hand, even fixing them to show their beauty.
I would have bough you flowers but I figured I could make something that doesn't wither and perhaps you can keep longer. /Nods and hums, smiling softly as I look at you.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. (/chuckles and shaking her head) nothing, I don't mind either, I was nervous because I thought you want to tell me something important. heh. turns out it's not, it's a relief then.

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. /Shrugs slightly.
I don't know really. I just wanted to spend time with you.
Why?
/Raises my brow slightly as I look at you.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. (/turned around when you taps her shoulder, cause her to smile bash fully and takes your hand to hold them as she gets up from the seat )
alright, but where are we going really, oppa?

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. /finishes what I was doing, taking my barista apron off and carefully folding it as I briefly walk into the staff area to put my apron away and grab my bag; Soon walks to where you are seated and gently taps your shoulder.
Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go?
/Smiles softly, holding my hand out towards you.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. (/chuckles and nodding her head as she went into the vacant table, patiently sitting down and wait for you to finish your stuffs, while fiddling with her fingers )

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. /Sees you walk in and waves with a soft smile, happy to see you.
Just a moment.
/gestures you to a vacant table as I was still finishing up something and just motions for you to sit down for a while.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. (/peeks inside the cafe and saw you was getting ready to clock out as she flashes her best smiles ) oppa, im here.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. He was a strange one, not ever once trying to befriend anyone even when their job was mundane and mindless most of the time. chaeyoung liked making friends at work, it was one of the few pleasures of the job. but soohyuk…

“so… what are you up to after work? any plans?” she tried being friendly once more, in an attempt to make her work life more bearable. she had gotten chummy with all her colleagues here, surely she could get through this block of ice sooner or later.

@♡﹕ sohara hinata. "Sorry. It was out of habit." Soohyuk apologized with a soft smile, rubbing his nape gently. It's not everyday he meets someone he knows at work since he doesn't have a lot of friends to begin with. "I'm glad you like it, Hinata." He smiled more as the other appreciated his creation. If there's anything he takes pride and confidence in doing, it's making coffee. He doesn't drink much himself but he's satisfied being able to make a good cup for people who will be needing it.
He noticed the other looking at a particular pottery earlier anf he couldnt help ask as he looked towards the shelf. "Find something you like?" He asked, moving towards thr shelf then and picked up the one he thinks she was looking at. "You can touch the artworks you like. We're not strict about it." He assured her and came back to place the pottery on the table so she can have a closer look. "This one's made by a kid who came to join one of our pottery classes a month ago." Soohyuk shared a bit about the creator of the art.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. Hinata smiled at the latter back , feeling a tad of relief knowing she didn't come in a wee hours. She didn't want to trouble the man himself so of course she have to atleast apologies in advance for tending her.
Noticing Soohyuk gestured, she blinked a few times before her head turn to look around. Thats when her eyes immediately caught something interesting near her table located. She abruptly stood up once the said man left to make her coffee, couldn't help but to glance at the arts and craft corner closer, her artsy heart have some sense joy seeing all those paintings, drawing and of course the painted pottery on the shelf. Its make her smile wide as her eyes admiring every each of the pieces. There was no other café that have this kind of approach. She thought that the café might have host an art workshop to promote the cafe which was actually a good strategy to pull in customers.
She want to touch the pottery so badly but wanting to respect Soohyuk property. Hinata let out a content sighed, finger tracing on the shelves in thought before her head turned to look at a cup of cappuccino has been served on the table.
The word "ma'am" cause her to blinked seeveral time at Soohyuk before letting a soft laughter, trying to hide her smiles behind her hands before walking toward her seat back and look up to the male with a wide grinned. "Soohyuk, dont call me Ma'am please. You know you can call me Hinata or Hina," she assured him, sitting down and wrap her hands around the cup, bringing it closer to her lips to take a sip of the coffee. She hummed in satisfaction at the taste, content by how the caffeine just lift her energy and look up to Soohyuk again with a small nods. "Your coffee taste so good, Soohyuk. I have no idea you are a barista."

@♡﹕ sohara hinata. Nodding, Soohyuk wrote down her order on his pad then shook his head when the other apologized. "It's alright. It's technically not our closing time yet." He assured her with a gentle smile. He feels restless not doing anything so he just has the tendency to do a lot of cleaning and tidying up around the cafe. He then gestured around. "I'll be back with your drink, feel free to look around for the mean time. Excuse me." He then left and returned to the counter to make her drink.
Remembering certain details about her during their brief encounters, Soohyuk purposely sat her down close to where the cafe's art and craft section was, hoping it would make her visit to their cafe memorable. Aside from being a cozy neighborhood cafe, the shop sometimes host classes for all sorts of artistic learning. They have section showing all sorts of artistic works from children's paintings to calligraphy, and even shelves of hand made mugs and clay arts ranging from different sizes. Patrons could even purchase the said art if they find one to their liking.
Having made cappuccino for god knows how many times already, it didn't really took much time for Soohyuk to finish her order. He came back soon after, serving her the warm beverage along with a glass of cold water. "Here you go, Maam. Enjoy." He said out of habit.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. Seeing Soohyuk smile at her, she now knew it was him that she has chats with though its only like a group conversation instead of two of them but still it's good to know that Hinata finally see someone out of the apps. She bowed her head back too in respect and let him lead the way she should be seated before taking the menu and listen to Soohyuk pointing the menu.
Hinata let out a soft hums, as much as she want to ask him but knowing that he still on shift she decided to keep the chatting later once he done his work which she knew it was close to closing hour for him. "Mmm cup of cappuccino for me please," she stated, looking up at him with a warm smiled. "Sorry if I come in nearing your closing time.." she whispered softly, feeling a bit guilty at the thought of troubling when he was about to clean up.

@♡﹕ sohara hinata. Soohyuk remembered her despite their few brief interactions in the app. His interactions with her was nothing but pleasant. Besides, it's not everyday he comes across someone with blond colored hair so he was sure to remember her when he saw her.
With her confirmation, Soohyuk broke into a soft yet friendly smile, greeting her once more. "Welcome." He said bowing his head, quickly shifting back to being on work mode since he was still at work. He motioned her to a certain direction at the cafe and directed her to a vacant table, placing down the menu for her to read. "So what would you like to have today?" He asked, taking out the pen and order pad from the pocket of his barista apron. "We have your usual drinks, made to order drinks or barista's choice." He added, directing her attention to a certain portion of the menu.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. It was another tiring day at work and again she was bored out of her mind at the thought just walk to her home doing the same routine. As much as she want to rest after those stressful day doing craft and following the customer order, she decided to turn to a different path to walk. Her doe eyes scanned around the town, wondering when was the last time she ever come to visit one of the shops around this small area. She let her feet do the walking at the sidewalk until the smell of a roasted coffee beans, stung her nostril.
Her head turned to look at the café for a brief moment, the thought of a freshly brew cappuccino in a papercup had salivated. Hinata took a deep breath and pushed the door to walk in, getting greeted by a warm welcome and of course the smell of the coffee enhance once she step in. But the said person also call her name in which make her head turned to meet his eyes contact, confuse to know someone know the blonde girl name. Hinata batted her eyelashes, thought processing despite the tiredness, trying to recall who he was until realization hit her. "Soohyuk?" She asked back with her head nodding slightly as if she answered his question.

@♡﹕ sohara hinata. As the evening sun began to set, Soohyuk knew it was time to wrap up his shift. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, and the clinking of cups and saucers had quieted down as there were only a few customers left. The day had been a whirlwind of orders, from lattes and cappuccinos to customized iced beverages, and the coffee-stained countertops bore witness to the day's bustling activity. Few of the cafe's tables, scattered with the remnants of conversations and the occasional forgotten novel, were now cleared.
He wasn't closing the shop yet but he always like to keep the tables clean. Wiping down one table fronting the cafe's entrance, the sound of the bell chiming upon the door opening made him look up and automatically greeted the customer who just came in but instead he was caught off guard, seeing a familiar face. "Welcom-. Hinata?" He asked unsure since he'd only met the female a few times in this app he was in and what even are the chances of them meeting in person, and a chance encounter at that.

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. Soohyuk has just gotten to the school premisses when his phone. He checked the message right away and saw Joohyun's message. "I told you to stop thanking me. It's what family do okay? You and Iseul are like family to us already. And I'm here. I'll call you when we're on our way back." He typed up and sent his reply. He placed his phone back in his pocket and looked up the school building, letting out a soft sigh just hoping that the twins wouldn't be in much trouble for what they did.

On his way to the faculty office, he saw Iseul out at the hallway, trying to peek inside the room and Soohyuk could only smile seeing the child. "Hey, Love." He called out to the younger. Hearing those words, Iseul quickly looked towards his direction and broke into a big smile as she ran towards the male and hugged his legs. "Uncle Soohyuk!!" She greeted with a beaming smile as she looked up the other. "Are they in big trouble?" He asked, picking up the young girl and carrying her in his arms. Iseul shook her head as he loosely hugged his neck. "No. They were protecting me." She responded with a cute pout to which Soohyuk nodded. "Im sure they were. Let's go get them, shall we?" He smiled softly and gently tapped the younger's nose earning him a cute giggle from the girl.

Soohyuk and Iseul, still in his arms, went in the faculty room and greeted the home room teacher. The twins were by the door, standing with their heads down, along with the younger boy they had scuffled with. The boy's parent were also there. Fortunately, the home room teacher already explained the situation to the boy's parents and it was a good thing she actually saw what happened and the reason of the scuffle. The parents were understanding and were sorry for their child's behavior. Soohyuk also apologized for the twin's since it's never a good thing to fight no matter what the reason. After talking and coming to an agreement. The twins were let off with a warning and so was the other boy. Any more incident and they would be suspended. The boy was also asked to apologized to Iseul and being the innocent child Iseul is, she happily accepted it. After thanking the other party and the home room teacher, Soohyuk motioned for the twins and they headed home.

"You're not going to scold us?" Nari, the older of the twins asked as they were walking home. Minjun also looked at Soohyuk with curiosity wondering if they will get scolded for picking a fight. Their older brother is not the scolding type and they know that. They've only seen Soohyuk mad or frustrated at them once or twice. But oh boy they knew not to make their brother mad so they try their best to behave and help him out while they can. "Let's just relax for today hm?" Soohyuk simply said, glancing at the twins and flashing them a soft smile, reaching towards them and ruffling each of hair. They already got enough scolding from the school teacher so he wasn't gonna add up to that anymore. Besides, it wasn't as if they purposely picked a fight. He's just glad that the twins have the sense to protect and care for Iseul, treating her as their younger sister.

As they walked home, Soohyuk reached for his phone with his free hand and messaged Joohyun, sending her an update. "We're on our way home now.." He typed and sent before turning the phone to Iseul who was still in his arms. "Wanna send Umma a voice message?" He asked the younger to which the younger eagerly nodded and held Soohyuk's phone with her two hands. "Ummaaaaa Uncle Soohyuk is carrying me like a princess!! I miss you!!" She said, recording herself giggling and handed the phone back to Soohyuk satisfied with her voice message and he pressed send. "Alright. Let's head home quick. Im sure your Umma misses you too." Soohyuk then lifted Iseul, effortlessly placing her on his shoulders and the younger just squealed in glee as she sat on his shoulder and he held her tiny hands to keep her from falling backwards. "First one home gets a prize!" He suddenly blurted and started running. The Twins were taken a back for a moment but followed suite right away. "We're not letting you win this time, Hyung!!!" Minjun declared as he ran past the older and Nari just trying her best not to get left behind. "Hey wait for me!!"

They were laughing and having fun as they raced home, soon reaching Joohyun's front door with Minjun pressing on the door bell first. "Im first. I win!" He pumped his triumphantly, boasting to his older twin sister Nari and the other just shook her head not caring at all. Soohyuk on the other hand was panting softly, having had to carry Iseul but he didn't mind. "That was fun! Thank you Uncle!" Iseul said sweetly and pecked his cheek as he got her off his shoulder and placed her down. "No need to thank me, Love." He responded with a soft smile and patted the girl's head.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. Upon hearing Soohyuk's concerned voice and learning about the incident involving Iseul, Joohyun's heart skips a beat. The worry for her daughter intensifies, but she takes a moment to collect herself. "Thank you for informing me, Soohyuk. I trust you to handle it," she says, her tone a mix of gratitude and concern.

Immediately, Joohyun springs into action. She starts preparing a comforting meal for the kids, wanting to create a warm and welcoming environment for their return. As she moves around the kitchen, thoughts of Iseul and the situation flicker through her mind, but she remains focused on making the home a comforting space.

While waiting for them, Joohyun sends a thoughtful message to Soohyuk, expressing her support and appreciation for his role as a pillar for her family. "I'm grateful to have you there for them, Soohyuk. Please keep me updated, and I'll be here when you all get back. Thank you." The words convey not just her concern for Iseul but also her acknowledgment of Soohyuk's role as a supportive figure in her life.

@♡﹕ bae joohyun. Soohyuk got busy behind the counter, expertly preparing cappuccinos, lattes, and served up pastries to the cafe's regulars. As the morning rush subsided, he took a moment to catch his breath and drank a glass of water. He was about to start making another order when his phone suddenly rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he noticed it was the school where his younger siblings, Nari and Minjun, go to. His expression changed, concern washing over his face as he answered the call. "Hello. Lee Soohyuk speaking." He said, trying his best to be composed although worry could be heard in his voice.
The caller on the other end was his sibling's home room teacher, informing him that there's been an incident involving the twins. The teacher assured him that the youngsters are safe and explained the situation further. The twins got into a little argument which somehow turned physical involving a younger student, who was apparently teasing and bullying Iseul. The home room teacher saw the scene and broke up the fight between the children. Soohyuk listened attentively, his brows furrowed in concern but when Iseul's name was mentioned he was all the more worried. He thanked the teacher for the information and told her he'll be there to pick up the children.
He knew he had to leave the cafe immediately. As if the Gods were on his side, his co worker, Naeul came back from doing deliveries and he explained the situation. He was very apologetic for having to leave amidst work but the other assured him it's alright. With the sense of urgency, he removed his apron and left the cafe. On his way to the school, he made sure to contact Joohyun too, infroming her of the situation but assured her he'd take care of the kids and he'll met her back home instead.

@♡﹕ lee chaeyoung. Soohyuk could tolerate small talks and conversations with his other coworkers in his other jobs but they would take a hint when Soohyuk would ask them to pay him no mind as he didn't like the attention and would rather focus with work when needed. The female on the other hand wouldn't just stop even if Soohyuk had tried to shut her off a few times before. Besides, he was only doing part time job and doesn't really think it would be necessary for them to get too close or what not. Sooner or later, he might find a better paying part time job and would have to leave this cafe too.

"I will ask for help when needed but for now, you don't have to worry about me." Soohyuk responded, briefly looking at her hoping she would take the hint this time. He proceeded to go clean the water glass on a tray then, drying and making sure to leave them spotless. Even if there wasn't much customer, Soohyuk just has the tendency to move and do little things around the cafe just to keep himself busy.

@♡﹕ lee soohyuk. Truth be told, Chaeyoung was the same to everyone who worked here at Cloud Cafe. She liked feeling needed and being helpful. After life robbed her of her chance of higher education and achieving her dreams of becoming a disease researcher, the only thing that kept her sane was knowing that she could do something to help other people in her own little way.

Most people seemed not to mind when she helped them out but Soohyuk didn’t seem to like it. At first she thought he might just be shy but seeing how he wasn’t even looking at her, she figured maybe he just didn’t like her very much. Still they were going to have to with together so it wouldn’t hurt to try and make a friend.

“Okay, I’ll leave it next time then. Just tell me if you need anything though, I’m more than happy to help.” she tells him sweetly, hoping to break the ice. “So do you like iced coffee better? Or maybe a frappe?” hopefully some small talk might get him to warm up to her a little, she hoped.

@♡﹕ lee chaeyoung. With that he stopped and looked at the cup of coffee she made for him. He felt somehow awful of himself for feeling such way with regards to her but the other was just too nice for him to the point that it feels rather insincere. Besides, he didn't like that the female would always end up getting in his way while working. The other would always want to try to help him even if he didn't need it. At that point, it only become needless and she'd come off as annoying to him.
He let out a soft sigh as if trying to refrain from himself from saying something he would regret and nodded. "Thank you, but you did't have to." He responded without looking at the other and proceeded to check the machine one last time. "And I like to check things myself." He added, nodding once more once satisfied with his own inspection. He took the cup of coffee she had made for him as he wasn't that too ungrateful but he didn't drink it just yet and just saved it for later, putting it aside in the fridge to clear their working area.