‣ cafe

@☁︎┊lan jeongin ᵇ jaehyun chuckled, amused by jeongin’s humility. there was something endearingly unassuming about him, but jaehyun couldn’t help seeing him as a little puppy - bright-eyed and effortlessly charming. ' well, ' he began with a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, ' your whole vibe is just… cute. I noticed it the second you walked in.' his laugh trailed off into a small, awkward grin, his honesty catching him off guard.

when jeongin finally leaned in to take a bite of his food, earning a soft hum of approval, jaehyun’s expression brightened with quiet pride. he’d had a hunch that this cafe would be jeongin’s style, and seeing his guest enjoy the choice so much felt like a small victory.

' a lan, huh?' jaehyun mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he leaned back in his chair. crossing his arms over his chest, he let his mind wander for a moment. ' I’ve never been to cloud recesses. you should give me a tour sometime,' he said, a warm smile spreading across his face at the idea.

he tilted his head, a faraway look crossing his features as he continued. ' the prettiest place I’ve been? it was back in military school. we camped at the base of these cliffs once. there was this narrow road weaving between the rocks, and it felt like it went on forever. the pine trees dotted the path, and there were little pockets of wild flora and fauna along the way. the whole place had this untouched, rugged beauty - it was surreal.'

jaehyun’s voice softened, a wistful chuckle escaping his lips as he reminisced. ' I guess I have a thing for rocky landscapes. maybe it’s my nie side showing.' his gaze flickered back to jeongin, a teasing glint in his eyes. ' what do you think? does it suit me?' the warmth in his tone hinted at both the pride of past experiences and the budding comfort of sharing them with someone new.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jeongin was looking softly at the other guy when the food arrived, curious to hear what he had in his mind. His eyes scanned the cheesecake and the hot chocolate, everything smelled so good, he liked it and could tell it’s going to be tasty just from how it looked.

“Well you deserve each word, it feels good and nice to be around you.” His cheeks went a bit pink when saying those words out loud.

“Me? Cute?” He pointed at himself a bit confused. “What did I do? I don’t remember doing anything cute at all.” The beta whispered as he wasn’t sure why the alpha was calling him cute suddenly. His eyes were shining also at the mention of the food.
“The food looks great! Let’s eat a lot!” He said softly taking one bite from the cake he was humming happily. “Wow, this is great, you also have a great taste, Jaehyun.” He said happily before he continued enjoying the dessert and his warm drink.

“Actually I was more around my own pack… Lan. But I really love places like gardens, lakes… with a lot of scenery, what about you?” His voice was soft and curious when he was sipping his warm drink.

@☁︎┊lan jeongin ᵇ jaehyun’s smile softened into something almost saccharine as he listened to jeongin’s reply. the male sitting across from him was the very picture of adorableness, an embodiment of all things soft and sweet. he opened his mouth to respond, but the arrival of the waitress cut him off.

she placed their orders on the table, the warm, buttery aroma of his croissant immediately catching jaehyun’s attention. he had been eyeing it since they sat down, but patience prevailed - he’d let jeongin finish speaking before indulging.

' thank you for your kind words,' he said with a chuckle, his tone sincere yet light. ' and you know, you’re quite cute yourself.' the playful lilt in his voice was accompanied by a twinkle in his eye. ' I hope you’ll enjoy your food. this place is one of my favorites - it’s always good here.' with that, he leaned forward, finally giving in to the allure of the golden pastry. the first bite was everything he’d hoped for: crisp on the outside, warm and buttery-soft on the inside. he closed his eyes briefly, a soft sigh of satisfaction escaping his lips as the taste melted on his tongue.

taking a sip of his drink, he turned his attention back to jeongin, curiosity glinting in his gaze. ' so, ' he began, setting his cup down, ' have you traveled much between the packs? what’s the place you’ve liked the most so far?' his question hung in the air, inviting conversation, as jaehyun leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed but engaged, ready to dive into jeongin’s stories.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jeongin’s eyes lit up in excitement, liking the idea he would see the other again even when they just met. He looked at him with a shy look as his eyes opened wide. “Just one person heard me singing before and he was biased… So I’m not sure I am any good.” The beta said quite honestly, fighting the urge to cry while thinking about the person. “But yeah… ballads.” He blushed as it seemed like the other was reading him quite easily.

Giggled left Jeongin’s lips when the other said he thought he might be unpleasant or intimidating, making an X with his hands. “No, No way… I meant- very manly- handsome and like to do things like…working out… and sports.” He tried to explain himself, not feeling intimidated by him at all, he felt cozy with him but for him it was quite scarier, he didn’t expect to like his date like that. “But here you are showing me your beautiful melodies and talking about flowers… it makes me feel so…soft.” He whispered honestly and was a bit shy to look into his eyes now.

@☁︎┊lan jeongin ᵇ jaehyun nodded slightly, pulling his phone back as the video came to an end. he couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious. he really was rusty, but jeongin’s genuine compliments warmed him in a way he hadn’t expected. the beta’s enthusiasm made his ears flush faintly, and jaehyun quickly cleared his throat, tucking the phone into the back pocket of his pants with a subtle motion.

' sounds like a plan, ' he said with a small smile, his voice soft but warm. resuming his earlier position, he propped his chin on his palm again, his gaze steady on jeongin. 'I doubt that, ' he added with a teasing glint in his eye. ' I bet you’re a great singer. let me guess - ballads? you strike me as a ballad kind of guy.' his chuckle was low and easy, breaking the pleasant silence that had settled between them.

then, with a sudden flicker of curiosity, he leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a playful grin. ' me?' he said, pointing to himself as though he couldn’t believe jeongin would have an opinion. ' alright, tell me - how did you picture me? be honest! did you think I was some rough, unpleasant alpha? the brooding, intimidating type?'
he laughed softly, his amusement evident as he studied jeongin’s reaction, his arms casually resting on the back of the chair. the question wasn’t entirely unserious; there was a spark of curiosity behind his teasing, as if he truly wanted to know how the beta had perceived him.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jaehyun looked like he really was curious about him and it made Jeongin feel a warm feeling inside, it felt good. The beta didn’t expect the date to go smoothly and softly like he was feeling right now, and when the other spoke about a second date he couldn’t hide his wide smile. “Next time- It would be lovely to see you play the piano, not just in video.” He whispered shyly but he looked forward to meeting him again.

“Singer- is a real statement, I just sing to myself… I’m not sure if I sing that well…” The beta said softly but he really felt a weird feeling like it would be nice to sing along with him.
He looked so excited when the alpha was showing him his phone, looking at the screen kind of hypnotized, it made him feel even calmer now while listening to the beautiful melody.

“Wow, you are so good.” He was feeling in a nice dream while listening to him playing the piano, the melody really made him smile widely. “Not rusty at all, this is so beautiful…” His voice was soft as he didn’t want the melody to end, Jaehyun looked so calm while playing his melody in the video, it made him more curious, wanting to know him better.

“So flowers and piano…I didn’t expect that at all… You are full of surprises, don’t you?” His tone was soft, liking to hear about such a soft side of the other that looked so manly and made him feel attraction.

@☁︎┊lan jeongin ᵇ when the waitress arrived, he placed his order confidently, adding jeongin’s selection without hesitation. as she walked away, he leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table and resting his chin in his hands. his eyes sparkled with quiet interest, inviting jeongin to speak.

'oh?' he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. 'I could show you a video of it instead. we’ll save the actual piano playing for our second date.' the deliberate mention of a second date came effortlessly, wrapped in the warmth of his grin as he fished his phone from his pocket.

' a singer, huh?' he mused, glancing up briefly. 'that’s nice. maybe next time you could sing while I play. I bet it’d sound amazing together.' his fingers swiped across the screen as he searched for the video, the glow of the phone lighting up his features. turning the device sideways, he slid it toward jeongin with an expectant look.

the video showed him seated at a sleek white piano, his fingers gliding over the keys with practiced grace. the faint hum of a melody filled the air between them. ' I’m so rusty, though,' he said with a light chuckle, as if trying to downplay his obvious skill. his tone was easy, the self-deprecation a subtle attempt to make jeongin feel more at ease.

as the video played, his gaze lingered on jeongin, curious to see how the beta would react, wondering if the music spoke to him the same way it always spoke to jaehyun.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jeongin liked how soft Jaehyun was with him, it only made him feel more comfortable around him even when he was a shy boy. “You right, it’s very cozy and a good place to have a date.” He whispered and scanned the menu happily.
When the other was catching his eyes some blush rushed into his cheeks. But the smile of the other really made him feel very soft.
“I think I will take a Vanilla milkshake with chocolate chips~ and maybe some cake?” Everything on the menu looked so tasty to him.

His attention was focused on the handsome guy, surprised to hear about the piano, and the gardening, it really made his eyes shine at him. “You play on the piano? Wow I really wanna see you playing… so impressive!” His face lit up at the thought about Jaehyun playing beautiful melodies. “Oh I love flowers so much… and gardens! To be around flowers makes me feel so happy… I also like drawing very much… and this is kind of a secret but I really like to sing, I don’t do that in front of others… But I like it.” He whispered happily, not sure why it felt so easy telling the others things, it felt natural and nice.

@☁︎┊lan jeongin ᵇ jaehyun couldn’t help but admire the smaller male seated across from him. jeongin, a beta, had a calming aura that drew him in, his scent light and pleasant, like the faint sweetness of blooming wildflowers. he was easygoing - effortlessly so - and Jaehyun found it refreshing.

' I’m glad you like it here,' jaehyun began, gesturing subtly to the cozy ambiance of the café around them. ' I chose this spot because it’s quieter than most. thought it’d be nice for a proper conversation.' his gaze flickered to the menu in his hands. ' should we order first?'

he had already decided what he wanted - an espresso and the café’s signature almond croissant - but realized it was rude to look away for too long. quickly, jaehyun lifted his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he caught jeongin’s foxlike eyes fixed on him.

jaehyun chuckled, his voice warm. ' what about me? ' he echoed, leaning back slightly, his posture relaxed. ' I have a lot of passions.' he paused, as if considering how much to reveal, before continuing. ' for one, I enjoy playing the piano. it’s something I’ve done for years. and gardening - I love it, actually. i’ve got this enormous peony garden. it’s my sanctuary.' he raised a hand to signal the waitress, his focus never straying far from the beta. ' what about you? what lights you up?'

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jeongin was staring at him and his dimples for a second, Jaehyun was so handsome and it just made him feel very shy. Liking the sound of his voice, his eyes were sparkling as he was sitting. He was quite curious about his gloves but didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable so he thought to save that question for later. "No, it was pretty easy... did you wait a long time?" His voice was really soft, biting his lips in shyness. "This is crazy, I haven't gone on a date for years..." He confessed and was trying not to stare at him too much. "Jaehyun~" He said his name cutely and smiled with his deep dimples. "Where do you like to spend your free time?" He asked with curiosity, the smile never leaving his face.

@☁︎┊lan jeongin ᵇ jaehyun had rolled his eyes when his friends insisted he download wolfer, swearing up and down it would change his life. he didn’t believe in dating apps - or in finding 'the one' anymore. but they had hounded him until he finally gave in, setting up a profile with the most passable pictures he could find and a minimal description. nothing too revealing. let them ask questions if they were really curious.

surprisingly, the app wasn’t a total waste. he’d matched with a lot of people, though only three managed to keep his attention. one of them, jeongin, a fellow professor, had suggested meeting in person. after some deliberation, they decided on the café in moonstone valley - a cozy, quiet place perfect for good conversation.

jaehyun arrived early, flipping through the menu as he inhaled the comforting mix of coffee and baked goods. that’s when he caught it - an intriguing scent cutting through the usual aromas of the café. he glanced up just as a young man approached, looking slightly nervous but undeniably charming. jaehyun smiled, his dimples making a rare appearance as he stood.

' you must be jeongin?'he asked at the same time as the other introduced himself, his voice warm and polite. he gestured for the other to take a seat, chuckling at his own behaviour and pulling the chair out with practiced ease before settling back into his own. sliding the menu across the table, he folded his gloved hands and leaned forward slightly. ' did it take you long to get here? ' he asked, genuinely curious but carrying that signature calm, collected demeanor.

@☘︎┊nie jaehyun ᵃ Jeongin was nervous, it's been a while since he went on a date. It was crazy for him to be in the tinder, after all he believed he was cursed after losing his loved ones. But Jaehyun was so attractive and when he said they should meet the beta just couldn't refuse him. Besides, a single date wouldn't be terrible. At least he hoped so, wearing his light blue buttoned shirt and high skinny jeans he brushed his fingers inside his long hair before taking a deep breath and going inside the coffee, his eyes scanning around to see if Jaehyun was already there or not. A wide smile that exposed his dimples were all over his face when he spotted the alpha. It was easy to recognize him, but he looked even more impressive in real life.
“Jaehyun? Hi, I'm Lan Jeongin…” His bright smile was over his face even when he felt quite nervous, looking at the other guy with big eyes.

@☁︎┊lan gahyun ᵒ He sat at a table by the window, relishing in the warm rays of the sun that shone in. It was a particularly freezing weekend, the blistering cold attacking one just as they exited the warm recesses of a building. It seemed like others had similar ideas; the café was packed.

Baekhyun pressed his icy fingers to the welcoming heat of the porcelain teacup. A pleased hum escaped his lips at the contact. He brought the cup to his lips, briefly appreciating the aromatic scent, before tasting it. A chortle was heard to his right. He ignored the trio; ever since he had hunkered down at an empty table, the familiar group of students had been giggling and making silly remarks, many of which at his expense. While it was true that Baekhyun was not one to patron cafés, and while he did stand out in his blue janitor overalls, the trio's close friends had been the ones to recommend the café to him.

The blond mastermind from Wen had started, "It has a new promotion that includes an amazing flavour of tea! Typing... uh–" "Tàipíng hóukuí. It's a type of green tea." The ravenhead student had cut in. She had then looked at her wrist that was devoid of a watch and monotonously exclaimed, "Oh my. It's almost dinnertime. Better go now before the promotion time ends." Dragging the janitor with surprising strength, the Jiang female had pulled him out into the cold and retreated, closing the school gate behind him, all while her friends cheered her on. He hadn't even been given time to grab his winter coat.

Perhaps the trio in the café was amazed at Baekhyun stepping into the place; however, they weren't as surprised as he was for not knocking sense into their friends back at the academy. Perhaps he had wanted time off after all. The students weren't wrong about their recommendation. They must be making amends after starting a food fight in the canteen. He bit down a grin. Their backs must have hurt after being forced to clean the canteen and the lavatories for a week.

Savouring the sweet and floral aftertaste of the tea, his peace was disturbed by the boisterous laughter that came from a certain table. The bustling café was by no means quiet, yet his voice cut above the noise when he remarked across the tables, "What the do you want, heads?" All activities paused as heads turned to them, sensing a gossip worthy oncoming fight. 'Fenrir Academy's Janitor Asaults Students' would not make a great headline. The trio nervously laughed and raised their hands in defeat, causing him to roll his eyes and turn to face out the window. The noise in the café picked up again.

Finishing the last remants of his drink, Baekhyun was about to leave when the chair opposite him was pulled out. He raised his eye to the stranger, only to nod in recognition. He brushed off the increasing whispers from the stupidity trio. "Gahyun. What are you doing here?"

@☼┊wen yeonjun ᵃ (sorry for the late reply ! work has been oof)

Ten leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against each other beneath the table as a subtle sign of his distracted energy. His gaze flickered between the student's carefully composed face and the scattered notes in front of him as he began to collect his thoughts a bit. “You know... I think you're right, though,” Ten began, offering an easy and calm smile. “I guess I didn’t really think about how serious your studying was." His tone was uncharacteristically sincere, and the usual playful edge he might’ve put on his words was gone. Instead, there was an understanding that started to settle in, the recognition that he had overstepped in a way he hadn’t meant to.

“I guess I just... I wanted to talk and make a friend. Also to find a good spot to study, but that's besides the point." Ten continued, his voice more reflective. “I get it though. You’re trying to focus and I’m not exactly the best at reading the room sometimes.” He offered a small, apologetic smile; though it wasn’t the playful one he often wore. It was more open, more honest.

Finally, Ten let out a quiet breath, the tension easing slightly from his shoulders as he gave the student another gentle small along with a nod. "I’ll let you get back to it." Ten spoke, his voice carrying a note of genuine apology. “Take care of yourself, okay?” With that, Ten turned his gaze away, returning it to the mess or work before him; waiting for a signal to either stay or leave. He didn’t rush- he simply gave the other the space to decide.

@❀┊jiang ten ᵒ Yeonjun’s pen stilled once more, the faintest twitch of his fingers betraying his growing irritation. He didn’t immediately respond, his gaze trained on the neat lines of his notes as though he could will himself back into the solitude that had been so rudely disrupted. The air around him felt heavier now, not with tension exactly, but with the slow burn of his patience being tested. After a moment, he exhaled softly through his nose, lifting his head with the controlled grace of someone accustomed to concealing annoyance behind a mask of refinement. His heterochromatic eyes—one a deep, human brown and the other a striking crimson—met Ten’s gaze directly, their intensity unyielding but devoid of open hostility.

“You didn’t think it was a big deal,” he repeated, his voice cool and even, each word enunciated with a quiet precision that carried the faintest edge of sarcasm. “How very… considerate.”

His gaze lingered on Ten for a fraction longer than necessary, as if weighing whether continuing this exchange was worth the effort. The answer, it seemed, came quickly. With a quiet sigh, almost imperceptible save for the soft rise and fall of his shoulders, Yeonjun set his pen down and straightened slightly in his chair. There was a deliberate care in his movements as he closed his notebook again, the muted sound of leather meeting paper oddly final. For a moment, his fingers rested atop it, the pale, elegant lines of his hands unmoving, as though he were deliberating his next words.

“I could, of course, point out how presumptuous it is to take a seat uninvited,” he began, his voice devoid of anger but not of judgment. “Or remark on how disrupting someone’s study is hardly the most… charming way to pass the time. But I suspect neither would have much effect.” His gaze flicked briefly to the iced chai sitting on the table, then back to Ten, his expression inscrutable. “You seem intent on staying. And, clearly, I’ve exhausted any reasonable effort to convince you otherwise.”

Leaning back slightly, he reached for his espresso, the motion smooth and deliberate, as though to reclaim some semblance of control over the situation. The bitter aroma mingled with his scent—dark cedarwood, molten amber, and smoky leather—wrapping around him like an invisible barrier. He took a slow sip, his eyes drifting briefly to the window beside them, catching the faint outline of his own reflection before turning back to his notes. “You’ve succeeded,” he said finally, setting the cup down with a soft clink. His pen hovered over the page, poised but unmoving. “You’ve disrupted my work. Congratulations. I suppose I’ll have to learn to endure.”

Though his tone was calm, almost indifferent, there was an undercurrent of resignation in his words. He didn’t look at Ten again, his attention pointedly fixed on his notebook as though to reclaim what little space he could. The faint tightening of his jaw, however, betrayed the effort it took to let the matter drop entirely.

@☼┊wen yeonjun ᵃ (sweeeeet !)


Ten, clearly undeterred by the student's cold demeanor, took a moment to assess the situation. He had suspected something was up. Maybe a bit of a challenge, perhaps even some level of discomfort; but this level of quiet disdain was a little unexpected. Ten couldn’t help but feel a certain level of intrigue locking eyes with the male's sharp, heterochromatic gaze. Rather than retreating, he leaned slightly forward, an almost false confidence in his posture, gaze steady and unflinching. The words the male across from him had spoken hung in the air like a faint echo, but seemed more an invitation to continue than a dismissal. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he started, his voice calm with a touch of warmth to it despite the coolness that radiated from the other. “I just didn’t think it was a big deal,” he finished, shrugging casually as if he knew there had to be something else but couldn't quite put his finger on it yet.

Ten began to almost study the student every now and then when his eyes weren't scanning his laptop for notes, his eyes lingering on his poised movements ever so often. There was a meticulous care the male took in adjusting his posture, closing his notebook, and sipping his espresso. There was something undeniably graceful in it, yet it seemed to only deepen the distance between them. Ten was nowhere near posh or elegant. Quite the opposite.

“You seem… a little tense,” Ten remarked softly, a playful glint now entering his gaze. “I hope I’m not disturbing you too much. But you know, sometimes it's nice to be a little disruptive. Keeps things interesting, don't you think?” The words hung between him, casual yet pointed, as if testing the limits of the student's indifference. It was clear that he wasn’t backing down, despite the chilly reception; perhaps he even enjoyed it, in a strange way. Ten knew the was walking a fine line, but something about the way the male carried himself; both the arrogance and the restraint fascinated him. Ten had never met someone like this and figured it would be the worst idea in the world to try and make a friend during his studying ventures.

[post deleted by owner]

@❀┊jiang ten ᵒ [ you’re good! This will be funny lol]

Yeonjun’s pen stilled, the faint scratch of ink on paper abruptly silenced as an uninvited presence broke the carefully maintained solitude at his table. He did not look up immediately; instead, his gaze lingered on the neat lines of his notes, the subtle tension in his grip on the pen the only indication that he had noticed at all. After a measured pause, he lifted his head, his expression unreadable save for the faintest flicker of irritation in his heterochromatic eyes. “It wasn’t,” he said evenly, his tone clipped yet polite, as if the matter required no further elaboration. He studied the figure across from him for a brief moment, his sharp gaze impassive but exacting, taking in the boldness of the intrusion with a quiet disdain. The seat had been claimed without so much as a question—an act that, to Yeonjun, spoke of a kind of casual disrespect he found deeply irritating. With an almost imperceptible sigh, he set his pen down and straightened in his chair, his movements as fluid and deliberate as ever. His hand brushed against the edge of his notebook, closing it with a soft, muted thud. “I see politeness isn’t a prerequisite for finding a seat these days,” he remarked, his voice calm and measured, but carrying the faintest undertone of reproach.

He reached for his espresso, lifting it with the quiet elegance ingrained in him from years of noble upbringing. The rich, bitter aroma curled into the air, momentarily mingling with his own scent of dark cedarwood, molten amber, and smoky leather—a sharp, intoxicating contrast to the brightness of the figure across from him. Yeonjun took a slow sip, his eyes drifting to the window as though considering something far more important than the person seated before him. Without sparing another glance, he set the cup back down with a faint clink and reopened his notebook. His pen resumed its movement across the page, his posture betraying no effort to engage further. If the other’s presence was meant to provoke a reaction, Yeonjun offered none beyond the subtlest tightening of his jaw. It was clear, from his cold indifference and precise composure, that he found the interruption both unwelcome and utterly beneath his concern.

@☼┊wen yeonjun ᵃ (hope you don't mine I respond to this hehe I have some muse uwu)

Ten stepped into the cafe with his usual spring in his step, the kind of carefree energy that made him seem like he’d just walked out of a sunbeam. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and the murmur of student chatter immediately filled his senses, but his cheery expression faltered as his eyes scanned the bustling room.

Tables were packed; each one occupied by a small group of students hunched over laptops, stacks of textbooks, or mid conversation over steaming mugs. He made his way past the counter, but it was clear there were no open spots. His gaze darted around, his steps slowing as he realized there was no immediate place for him to settle. He turned down one aisle, then another, trying to catch sight of any unclaimed seats, but it seemed the entire student body had congregated to the cafe today.

"Shoot." He muttered to himself, his lips pressing together in a mock pout. He adjusted the straps on his tote bag, almost as if the action could somehow alleviate the frustration of not finding a place to sit. He’d rather be somewhere near a window, somewhere that felt open, light, and, ideally, not a mile away from the counter where his iced chai awaited. He paused for a moment, the heat of the crowded room suddenly making him feel like the walls were closing in. Then, his eyes landed on the window-side table.
With a deep breath and a little extra pep in his step, Ten marched over to the table, not pausing to ask if the seat was taken. He could already feel the warmth of the room on his skin and knew he wouldn’t have the patience to wait around for someone else to offer him a spot.

"Hey, looks like this seat's free. Hope you don’t mind-" Ten flashed a bright smile as he plopped down across from the student without skipping a beat.

[[ OPEN STARTER ]]

The soft chime of the bell above the café door barely drew Wen Yeonjun’s attention as he stepped inside, his figure cutting through the cozy warmth of the space like a shadow. Dressed in a dark wool coat that framed his sharp, aristocratic features, he looked as though he had walked out of an oil painting, otherworldly and unapproachable. His heterochromatic gaze—a haunting contrast of rich brown and bloodred—swept over the room with a detached air, lingering on no one and nothing in particular.

The café was quiet, a small refuge tucked away from the bustling streets, with its amber-lit interior and faint aroma of roasted coffee mingling with the soft sweetness of pastries. The atmosphere was inviting, but Yeonjun remained indifferent. He was not here for comfort, only purpose. His ethics exam loomed in the distance, a dull obligation in the grand scheme of his existence, but one he refused to fail. As he moved to an empty table near the window, heads subtly turned. It wasn’t just his striking appearance but the aura that followed him, an intoxicating blend of dark cedarwood, spiced cardamom, and molten amber. The smoky leather and faint trace of vanilla bourbon added a sensual heat to the cool detachment he exuded, creating a contrast that seemed almost unnatural—like fire contained within ice.

Yeonjun sat with the practiced grace of someone who had long ago learned to command his movements, each subtle gesture steeped in elegance. From his bag, he pulled out a notebook and a well-worn copy of Foundations of Ethics, their presence on the table a stark contrast to the steaming espresso the barista timidly placed beside him. He offered no thanks, only a curt nod, his attention already drawn to the pages in front of him.

The window beside him reflected his image faintly, a reminder of what others saw: a man of perfect composure and almost ethereal beauty, framed by the muted gray of the winter sky outside. But Yeonjun didn’t notice the reflection. His focus was on the dense text before him, though his mind wandered at times, fleetingly questioning the irony of studying morality when his own life was built on lies and discontent. The café around him buzzed quietly with life—whispers of conversation, the clink of cups against saucers—but Yeonjun remained untouched by it all, an island of cold solitude in a sea of warmth. Even the soft golden light that illuminated the space seemed hesitant to fall too warmly upon him, as though it, too, understood that Wen Yeonjun was a man who neither sought nor welcomed its touch.