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pupmini · 4 months

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Love Bomb pt. 1 (Kim Seungmin X Reader)

I love this photo of minnie<3

summary: Two geniuses butting heads for that top student spot at their university.... the question is how far will one go to secure it?

pairing: Kim Seungmin x f!reader

genre: rivals to lovers, non idol au, crack, mostly fluff, suggestive, later chapters to include: slight angst/comfort, slow burn.

general warnings: college student!mc and college student!skz, slow burn, cursing, adult themes including but not limited to: suggestive content, cursing, mentions of death.

word count: ~3.2k

chapter content: mentions of drinking, roommate!Jeongin, average college day, nonidol!skz

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Seungmin's alarm blared sharply in the silent darkness, jolting him awake. He fumbled for his phone on the bedside table, swiping the screen to silence the intrusive noise. The room remained shrouded in the quiet of predawn, the only illumination coming from the dim glow of streetlights filtering through the curtains.

Rubbing his eyes, Seungmin swung his legs over the edge of the bed and sat up, his mind slowly but surely taking off the rembrandt of sleep. His roommate, Jeongin, was steadily snoring and it echoed from the neighboring bed, undisturbed by the ungodly hour of the morning.

As he stood, Seungmin glanced at the clock-- 4:00 am. Most of his fellow students were likely still lost in dreams and hopefully, he thought, you would be asleep too. Seungmin had a different agenda than to slumber away the precious hours when today was packed with lectures, study sessions, more lectures, labs, and more studying so he had to have a head start.

The floor was cold beneath his feet as he padded to the bathroom, careful not to wake Jeongin. The harsh light above the mirror flickered to life, revealing a face that still carried the wariness of sleep. Seungmin studied himself in the mirror for a moment, wondering if the early mornings were finally starting to reveal themselves into the lines of his face. He shook his head, turning on the shower and letting it run hot before the water brought a welcome shock to his system. The minutes passed in a blur as he went through the motions of his morning routine-- scrubbing away drowsiness, and brushing away the taste of sleep.

As the water droplets dripped from his hair, Seungmin surveyed his reflection again. The mirror seemed to reflect not just his physical self, but the weight he was carrying of the responsibilities and expectations he’d made for himself. He had to be the best at what he does, and he wasn’t going to let someone else achieve that goal. He was determined to succeed, to make the most of every opportunity he had.

He dressed in the stillness of his room, the fabric of his clothes a quiet rustle in the dimly lit room. Seungmin softly carried himself around the dorm, gathering his books, laptop, notes, and jacket. Each item was carefully organized and packed into his bag, a silent ritual done every weekday morning.

It was GOAT student life. Seungmin had perfected it by this point, and he wasn't about to change that for anything. He shuffled around the kitchen as he cleaned up from the night before when Jeongin came out of the room, standing in the walkway of the kitchen as he watched Sungmin clean.

“You going to the open night? Chan wants to know,” Jeongin spoke through a yawn while typing away on his phone.

Seungmin turned off the faucet and placed a mug on the dish rack, “Why would I go to open day, Jeongin? I have shit to do for class if I’m gonna be top of the class.”

“Min, seriously you should get out more than just when walking between classes,” Jeongin sighed as locked his phone and stared at the back of Seungmin’s head exasperatedly, taking a seat the the island, “We’re supposed to be able to drink, play around, make friends, party, maybe even love someone at our age. And you should be at open day-- make some friends outside of the old high school group--”

“That’s so low, Jeongin.” Seungmin rolled his eyes as he turned off the faucet and grabbed a towel, “We’re not freshman anymore, you know?”

“I feel like a freshman,” Jeongin grumbled, “Why are you working so hard anyway? Isn’t your family like-- decently well off?”

Seungmin hung the towel on the oven, “I want the full scholarship for this semester, and the job market is harsh. If I look good on paper then I have a guaranteed job.”

Jeongin follows Seungmin as he slings his bag over his shoulder and makes his way across the dorm to the door as Jeongin tails behind him, “You think you can outrun Y/N for top of the class?”

Seungmin unlocks the door and furrows his eyebrows, “She’s back?” he questioned, a tinge of concern in his voice.

Jeongin nodded, enjoying the suspense as they made their way out of the resident building "Yep, just got back from studying abroad. And rumor has it, she’s already the top spot this semester."

Seungmin's eyes narrowed, absorbing the information. The rivalry with you had fueled his drive for excellence, and the prospect of facing a formidable opponent once again stirred a mix of determination and anxiety within him.

"I heard she aced all her courses overseas," Jeongin continued, a teasing smile dancing on his lips. "Looks like you've got some serious competition."

Seungmin sighed, his fingers raking through his hair, “I’m not losing the top spot to her.” The weight of the news settled on his shoulders, and for the first time in a while, doubt clouded his thoughts.

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You sat in your usual spot in the college classroom, notebook open and pen in hand, eager to delve into the lecture material. It had been a while since you'd been on campus, having just returned from studying abroad. The excitement of being back in familiar surroundings filled you, and you couldn't wait to catch up on everything you had missed.

You knew that Seungmin would have taken your spot as the reigning top student, and he brooded in his seat nearby with his gaze fixed on you with a mixture of irritation and resentment. As the professor began the lecture, Seungmin's mind wasn't on the lesson. Instead, he found himself consumed by the presence of his academic rival— you.

His jaw clenched, Seungmin couldn't shake the nagging feeling that his comfortable reign as the top student was in jeopardy. Your return brought an unexpected challenge, a threat to the academic hierarchy he had carefully maintained.

Throughout the lecture, his eyes occasionally flicked toward you, analyzing your every move as if trying to uncover some weakness. Your attentive posture, the studious way you took notes, only fueled his frustration. Seungmin had grown accustomed to being unchallenged, and your return disrupted the equilibrium he had established.

The professor's words became background noise as Seungmin's thoughts spiraled into a storm of competitiveness. He resented the fact that you, seemingly unaware of the turmoil you caused, were a formidable contender for the top spot. His silent anger was palpable, radiating an intensity that bordered on hostility.

As the class progressed, Seungmin's determination solidified. The challenge you posed only fueled his desire to outshine you. The internal war between the two top students had begun, a silent battle that played out in the hallowed halls of academia.

You weren’t oblivious to the storm of rivalry, but you continued to focus on the lecture out of pure spite. Every achievement, every answer you got right, only stoked the flames of Seungmin's determination and GOD did you know it. The unspoken competition had begun, and in the confined space of the classroom, the struggle for academic supremacy unfolded silently, each note you took and each question you answered becoming a strategic move in a battle that only one could win.

The professor's gaze swept across the room, and then, unexpectedly, it landed on you. "Y/N," the professor said, a slight smile, "can you help us with the definition of quantum entanglement?"

Seungmin's eyes narrowed as he watched you, waiting for any sign of faltering. The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment as all eyes turned to you.

You, however, met the professor's question as you gently placed your pencil down, "Quantum entanglement is where two or more particles become connected to the point that the state of one particle instantaneously influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.”

As you finished your response, the professor nodded approvingly. "Excellent, Y/N. It seems like your time abroad has only enhanced your understanding. Welcome back."

The ripple of nods and agreements from your classmates served as a testament to your impressive display of knowledge. Seungmin, however, sat rigid in his seat, his jaw clenched even tighter. The unspoken challenge between you two had just escalated, and your correct answer had only intensified the frustration simmering within him.

He quickly turned to Jeongin, who was seated beside him with his eyes blinking slowly, “Why is she here?! She said she would be abroad-- why isn’t she?!”

Jeongin lifted his head from his chin, not even opening his eyes, “Are you sure you aren’t going to open day?”

Seungmin’s face contorted as he harshly whispers at Jeongin, “I said I’m not going! Do you seriously think I have the time?!”

Jeongin pulls his phone out, propping up a book to hide his phone from the professor as he tilts the screen to Seungmin to see. “The old group is getting together, see look--”

Seungmin sighs as he sees the screen, everyone confirming their attendance to the bar that evening and Seungmin looks to Jeongin before speaking, “fine.”

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“To the new semester!”

The air buzzed with anticipation as they raised their glasses in a toast, celebrating the beginning of a new semester. Jeongin, always the life of the party, suggested a round of shots to kick off the night. The clinking sound of glasses meeting echoed through the bar, a few of their friends sitting in a booth with them as they all laughed.

After swallowing the shot, their friend Chan looks at Seungmin, “By the way, Seungmin… didn’t you say you weren’t coming?”

Seungmin purses his lips in response and looks down at the glass in his hands, “The study session got canceled.”

Jeongin laughs, “You mean you canceled it,” correcting Seungmin.

Han perks up, a mouthful of food as he mumbles, “I begged Y/N to come join us for open night but it looks like they didn’t make it.”

Seungmin rolled his eyes to himself in response, taking another drink while Felix laughed in response, “As if she’d even come anyway--”

Chan, the oldest of the friend group and in his final year, glanced around the table with his brows knitted together, “Why, what’s she like?”

Han finishes his bite of food before leaning on his elbows, “Y/N is the type of student that entered at the top of the class and kept maintaining that top spot and Seungmin…” Han says, clapping a hand on Seungmin’s shoulder, “Has been second best all along.”

Seungmin grit his teeth as he smack’s Han’s hand from his shoulder, “Why do you have to say it like that? God Han--”

“If you have a problem with it, then just be the best--” Felix says warmly, “We know you can do it.”

Chan nods as he sets his drink down, agreeing with Felix, “He’s right, you can do it.”

Seungmin grumbled as he reached for a few fries from Jeongin’s plate, “I know I can do it, I don't need to be told that.”

Jeongin rolls his eyes, “Seungmin has the drive, but it’s easier said than done.”

“I said I can do it,” Seungmin repeated, shoving the fries in his mouth.

Han laughed, nudging him playfully, the alcohol making his cheeks pink, “You literally spent your summer break studying in solitude and still lost to her at the start of this year.”

“Bet I won’t?” Seungmin said confidently, his eyes widening as he turned his whole upper body to face Han.

“Bet! And if you lose, then you have to wear a ‘Forever Second Best’ shirt and you have to sing karaoke in front of Dancer Hall!” Han says excitedly, Jeongin laughing in agreement as Seungmin’s jaw drops.

“Why in God’s name would I ever agree to that?!” Seungmin shouts with furrowed brows.

Chan laughs slightly, “I mean, if you’re so sure that you’ll make the top student position then what’s the issue?”

Jeers of ‘Are you scared?’ and ‘Come on Min!’ erupted from the table and Seungmin leaned back onto his chair exasperated.

“Fine!” Seungmin shouted, “But the only one embarrassed will be you guys for not believing I’ll make the top spot in our class. And when JYP himself comes to sign me after hearing me sing.”

As the clock ticked away, and the night at the bar drew to a close, the group of boys exchanged jeers, jokes, and laughter. The celebration had been a perfect prelude to the new semester—a blend of relaxation, camaraderie, and the promise of Seungmin to out do your scores this year. And he was determined to take your place.

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Seungmin plops onto the couch, kicking his shoes off as he and Jeongin finally make it back to their dorm from open night.

“How can I make Y/N ruin her own grades?” Seungmin blurts out, his hands over his eyes.

“I didn’t know you were so conniving, Min,” Jeongin says, hanging his keys up on the wall.

Seungmin groaned as he sat up quickly and looked at his roommate, “She works two jobs and still gets straight A’s,” Seungmin sighed, frustration evident in his voice, "I just want to be the top student again. It's been bothering me ever since Y/N came back."

Jeongin crossed his arms, considering the situation. "There has to be a better way, Seungmin. Maybe focus on improving your own grades instead of trying to bring someone else down."

Seungmin, seemingly unsatisfied with that advice, continued to mull over his options. "There has to be something more... strategic. Something that doesn't involve sabotaging but still guarantees my success."

Jeongin raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, there is a saying that 'all is fair in love and war.' What if you, I don't know--” Jeongin playfully waved his hands around in fake thought, “--pretended to be madly in love with her? It might throw Y/N off balance, make her lose focus on academics."

Seungmin's eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion. "What? Are you serious?"

Jeongin chuckled. "Think about it. If she's busy trying to figure out why you suddenly have a crush on her, she might not be as focused on her studies. It's called a ‘Love Bomb.’ It's harmless, and who knows, you might even hate her less because you’ll be around her more.”

Seungmin stares at Jeongin blankly, rubbing his temples, a headache building at the absurdity of the suggestion. "Jeongin, this is borderline insane. I can't manipulate someone's feelings like that. Besides, what if it backfires? What if she sees through it?"

Jeongin leaned forward, his expression serious. "Look, I get it's a bit unconventional, but desperate times call for desperate measures, right? And think about it, Seungmin. This way, you're not directly sabotaging her grades. It's just a harmless distraction."

Seungmin sighed, torn between the desire to reclaim the top spot and the ethical dilemma presented by Jeongin's proposal. "I can't believe I'm even considering this. It feels wrong, like I'm playing with people's emotions."

Jeongin placed a hand on Seungmin's shoulder, attempting to reassure him. "It's just a suggestion, man. If you're not comfortable with it, we can figure something else out. The point is, you need to be strategic this semester if you want to come out on top."

Is it really that crazy? he pondered, silently weighing the potential benefits. Jeongin's proposition, though unorthodox, had a certain strategic appeal. If he managed to pull off this act convincingly, it could disrupt your focus without resorting to direct confrontation or sabotage. The more he thought about it, the more Seungmin could see the potential advantages.

Mystery and Distraction: Jeongin was right about one thing – Seungmin had always been a closed book when it came to his personal life. If he played his cards right, he could add an air of mystery, making you curious and potentially distracted. After all, a bit of intrigue could keep your mind from the books.

Unexpected Alliances: In the intricate dance of academic competition, alliances and friendships formed unexpectedly. If Seungmin and you were forced into a situation where you had to spend more time together, there was a chance he might discover common ground or even be able to have study time together, which-- was good regardless if Seungmin hated the idea of you being smarter than he was. Jeongin's crazy plan might inadvertently lead to a more cooperative dynamic.

Emotional Leverage: If Seungmin could successfully portray a façade of romantic interest, it might give him a unique form of emotional leverage. People tended to be more vulnerable when emotions were involved, and if he played his cards right, he could use this vulnerability to his advantage in the academic arena.

Seungmin stood from the couch abruptly and then made his way back to his room, leaving Jeongin on the couch. This was the way to go about things, it was still a gamble, but it was a gamble that Seungmin couldn’t afford to pass up… and he wasn’t going to lose.

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You let out a yawn, covering your mouth with your fingertips as you made your way across your apartment. Your backpack was slung over your shoulder as you slipped your headphones over your ears for the brisk walk to your early class that morning. It was no different than any other day---

Turning the key to lock your door, you noticed a small envelope pinned to it. A hint of curiosity mingled with your preoccupied thoughts as you picked it up. The envelope was simple, no return address, just your name elegantly written across the front. Tearing it open, you found a neatly folded note inside.

You look back and forth down the hallway, searching for anyone who might be nearby and could have left it but all you saw was an empty hallway. You nervously take a breath and hold it as you crouch down to look closer at the note that was left.

“Y/N, hopefully this will help you perk up a little for your presentation today. I’m rooting for you! -- anon”

Beneath the note lay a small assortment of candies, carefully arranged and wrapped with a ribbon. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, your mind racing to comprehend the unexpected gesture. The note offered encouragement, but the mystery behind the secret admirer left a knot of uncertainty in your stomach.

There was a small heart at the bottom corner after the writing, you looked around one more time as you shifted your weight but there was no one to be seen. ‘Who the fuck…?’ You thought, quickly throwing the note back into your apartment before closing the door and locking it tight.

Having an admirer was cute and all, but for someone to leave it on your doorstep was another. Hopefully it was someone you were friends with pulling a stupid prank but you haven’t mentioned anything about your presentation to them that you could remember.

Jesus christ you’re going to end up dead before graduation. Great.

#seungmin #seungmin skz #seungmin stray kids #kim seungmin #seungmin x reader #Seungmin fanfic #seungmin fic #enemies to lovers #academic rivals #stray kids fic #stray kids fanfiction #stray kids x reader #non idol au #skz fanfic #skz fanfiction #skz x reader #roommate jeongin

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pupmini · 5 months

Text

First Date Pt. 4/Final part! (Bang Chan x Reader)

!!PART 4/FINALE!!

summary: Day to day life was perfectly uneventful, you wake up, go to work, make coffee, go home, and start all over again. But today... you met Chan. And you continue to meet chan... every day.

pairing: bang chan x f!reader

genre: strangers to lovers, non idol au, crack, mostly fluff, some anger from mc, later chapters to include: slight angst/comfort, slow burn.

general warnings: barista!mc, slow burn, adult themes including but not limited to: suggestive content, cursing, mentions of death.

word count: ~4.8k

chapter content: mentions of food, coffee shop manager!Changbin, nonidol!Chan, nonidol!Han, first meets, first love flutters.

author's note: The last and final part of my mini series! This was based off the song I Think I Know You by Sarah Barrios and Eric Nam! Please give it a listen for the full experience!! I'm so glad to see so many people who enjoyed this series, I had originally meant to just write it for my best friend and leave it in google drive lol but I figured why not share it with everyone on here anyway yk? ANYWAY PLEASE ENJOY IT!!!

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Chris’s eyes were wide as he stared at you, searching for some kind of answer from your eyes. Something finally broke through to you, and Chris had to know what it was in case it doesn’t happen tomorrow. He had put too much effort and time into you to let this just slip out of his fingers. He let out a soft laugh and moved his head to be in your line of sight.

“No, no, what did you remember?” Chris persists, smiling through the surprise in his eyes.

You laughed slightly, taking the football from his hands and holding it up, “It’s nothing I just-- I must have dreamt it, but I remember playing this with someone.”

You had to’ve dreamed it, it was the only excuse you could come up with. Chris is just a new customer to the cafe, and you’ve never met him ever in your life. You laugh it off, and look down at the cafe table with a light flush on your cheeks.

“I must have a knack for embarrassing myself in front of strangers,” You sigh as you recover from the moment.

Chris couldn’t think of anything to say. His heart was beating so fast and hard that he was afraid you could hear it from across the table, and all he could do was smile knowing you had remembered him from day one.

He cleared his throat, and placed his phone down on the table, “I don't think it’s embarrassing,” He pauses, “Anything else seem… familiar?”

You pressed your lips together and stood up from the table, wondering how weird you’d seem if you told him that his voice specifically was in your head, “Uhm, not… not really.” You shake your head at him, and straighten your apron.

“Yo! Chris--”

A loud voice echoes through the cafe, and you turn your head behind you to see another guy quickly approaching Chris with a big smile and a computer bag hanging from his shoulder. His smile was almost as infectious as Chris’s and you took a step back from the table so he could sit with his friend.

You watch Chris’s eyebrows knit together, and his eyes flicker across his friend’s face in confusion, “Han?”

Han looked at you for a moment and then back to Chris, “Am I.. interrupting?” He asks, pointing between the two of you.

You quickly hold up your hands and shake your head, “Oh, uhm no. I just, uhm-- Thought he reminded me of someone but it was just a mistake.”

You watched the two boys exchange a glance you couldn’t quite discern, and Chris speaks up next with his eyes unblinking as he stares down Han, “Something about deja vu, you know how it is.”

You press your lips together into a tight smile before excusing yourself back to your work behind the counter. Despite the lighthearted exchange, the peculiar sensation lingers in the background.

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As you continue to steam milk and clean down the equipment, you can't shake the feeling that there's more to this odd memory than meets the eye. The cafe buzzes with activity, but in that moment, a subtle thread of mystery weaves through the air. When it slowed, you mindlessly sang along to whatever was playing overhead in order to relax and stop thinking about what had happened earlier.

Chris couldn’t help but listen when you sang. He’d heard it every day and he never grew tired of it, noticing you favored the softer, more indie feelings songs in comparison to the popular media that played between them. He always took his headphones down from his head and rested them around his neck just so he could hear you softly singing, imagining that one day maybe he’d be able to mix something just for you.

You glance up at the two of them every so often, more specifically, you look at Chris. You chew on your cheek in thought, something was odd about the memory but you couldn’t quite place it and it was driving you fucking crazy. You look at the two boys as they bicker about something on their computers, your hand slipping off the handle of the steamer and your arm touching the hot metal causing you to jerk your hand away with a hiss.

“Shit--” you whisper, glancing down at your fingers and inspecting it before looking around to see Changbin watching you with a raised brow and you give him a small thumbs up, “I’m alright, no worries.”

“And mentally?” Changbin says, drying off a white mug with a towel. “Your head has been literally anywhere but the cafe today.”

You shrug at him, dumping the over-steamed milk from the mug and pouring a fresh bit to re-steam, “My head is perfectly attuned to my work, Bin.”

“Sure, because you haven’t been staring at that guy for your whole shift,” Changbin says with an eyeroll before reaching for the mug in your hands and putting it aside to have your full attention, “Did he upset you? I can make him leave if--”

“No! God no, Bin,” You say quickly, carding your hands through your hair, “It was nothing, I just thought I knew him from somewhere.”

Changbin freezes as he stares you down, just blinking at you. It was as if he wasn’t sure how to react, “what do you mean by that?”

You make a face at Changbin and laugh a little, “It’s nothing serious, I just thought I had met him before but it was just a misunderstanding.”

Lie. You shift your weight and cross your arms over your chest. You watch Changbin turn over his shoulder and glare at Chris before looking back at you, squinting as he looks you up and down.

“And?”

“What do you mean?” You say quickly, scrunching your nose at him.

“Y/N, i know you better than you know how to make a decent cup of coffee. What else happened that you didn’t tell him?” Changbin pressed, nodding his head to where Chris and Han were seated. Unfortunately, having a best friend like him means he knows what’s going on in your head.

You huff and your arms fell from your chest, “I found this on my doormat this morning, and when I unfolded it I saw his name and order. The same one he placed today, so I asked him about it and--” you pause.

“Is he stalking you?” Changbin said quickly, unfolding the receipt and reading it for himself, “I can report him if he’s stalking you--”

“No--God, hover parent much?” You huff, pushing him gently, “Anyway, when I sat down with him we started talking and I flicked the football at him and I like-- I swear I remember playing that with him. I remember talking with him, but I swear I have never seen him before.”

Changbin stares at you over the paper in his hands, his mouth opens as if he was going to say something then he turns around to look at Chris. You take the receipt back out of his hands and fold it back up, and Changbin looks down at his empty hands before facing you again.

“Do you remember him?” He breathes.

“Yes and no?” You say with a half shrug while your face scrunches, “I thought maybe we had met before, but I think it’s just deja vu,” You say, returning to your cleaning tasks as your shift comes to an end.

Changbin smiles softly, and tosses the white towel he was holding over his shoulder, “Deja vu sounds about right,” he says, watching you continue your work.

You let out a sigh. Something about this isnt sitting right. Reaching behind your back, your fingers untangle the bow to your apron and slip it off over your head. There was something about looking at Chris that made you feel like you were closer than strangers, like he had some way of invading your memory without you even noticing. You punch out from your shift and reapproach Chris and Han as they chatter about some project they were working on.

“Dude, this song is all we have-- we have to turn it in. JYP isn’t going to be happy going yet another week without a new song,” Han huffs, leaning his chair onto the back two legs.

“Look, I know but if she’s starting to remember then putting this song out is a risk. I don't think it’s a good--” Chris stops in the middle of his sentence when he sees you approaching them and greets you with that same warm smile, “Hey again.”

“Uh, hey--” You start, awkwardly reaching into your back pocket and taking out the paper football in his hands and holding it out to him, “I just forgot to give you this.”

Chris takes it from your hands and flips it before placing it on the table, “Oh yeah, thank you.”

Before you could walk away, Han speaks up while gently resting his hand on the table as he leans towards you, “Hey, can we get your input on something?”

The sudden question catches you off guard, but if it was an excuse to talk to Chris and figure out what that memory was about then you weren’t going to deny it. You give a quick nod and take a seat next to Han.

“So we make music, and having an outsider’s perspective on our project helps a lot,” Han starts, pointing at his computer, “We’re turning this one in tomorrow and I feel like there’s something missing from it, would you give it a listen for me?”

Han was already handing you his headphones before you could object, the bulky black over ear headphones rested on top of your head comfortably. They matched the ones Chris was wearing and you could see a bit of a flush form on Chris’s face as he looked at his computer screen intensely, as to not make eye contact with you.

The music started, a gentle piano echoing slightly between your ears before you hear a voice come in, it’s mid pitched and soothing. Han watches you expectantly and Chris avoids eye contact with you as he types away.

The voice is incredible, and without even knowing it you were smiling as you listened to it. You silently point at Han, asking if it was him singing and you watched him shake his head no before pointing across the table at Chris; who looked mortified that you were listening to him sing.

You reach across and waved a hand near his computer screen to get his attention and when he finally looks up, you give him a smile and a thumbs up. His voice was the kind you hear and suddenly the world stopped spinning, giving you the entire moment to just take it in and enjoy hearing it to the fullest extent.

The music cuts out, and you slip off Han’s headphones and pass them to him gently before looking at Chris, “I… wow. That was actually amazing, Chris.”

“Thanks… Kinda embarrassing to have someone listen to your music right in front of you though you know?” CHris laughs gently, his eyes locking with Han’s as if he was warning him.

Han rolls his eyes before facing you, “I’m gonna be real, we need someone to duet with Chris in it.”

You raise your brows at the comment, shifting your eyes between the two boys, “I think that’s a great idea. It would balance out kind of like a story.”

Han looks pointedly as Chris while gesturing to you dramatically, “See!? I told you she’d do it.”

“Woah-- Hold on,” You say quickly, a tinge of uncertainty in your voice, "I'm not really used to singing for people, let alone two guys I don't really know. It's a bit out of my comfort zone."

There was literally no way in hell you were going to sing on a song for two--well… one guy you don't know and another you have hardly any memory of. The only singing you’d ever done was for yourself. You glance at Chris, seeking some reassurance. He gives you a wince of hope, trying to encourage you, but the reluctance still lingers. The thought of putting yourself out there feels intimidating.

"Come on, Y/N. It's just a small gig," Han insists, his eyes reflecting a genuine belief in your abilities. “You were singing just a little bit ago, I think you would be perfect for it.”

Despite his reassurances, a knot of reluctance tightens in your stomach. The fact you were even talking with two random people feels like a leap into the unknown, let alone in considering singing for them.

Chris passes you a notebook, “Here, these are the lyrics.”

You glance at the lyrics, imagining the notes resonating in the studio, and a mixture of excitement and apprehension tugs at your heart. The lyrics were close to home, and your eyes flicker at Chris. He had to’ve met me before and I just don't remember it.

After a moment of contemplation, you take a deep breath and meet their gaze. "Okay, let's do it. I'll give it a try."

A genuine excitement lights up Han's face, and Chris lets out a breath he was holding. You card your fingers through your hair and laugh embarrassingly before Han quickly packs up and drags you out of the cafe with Chris in tow.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

You stand still in a closed off room with a large window on the wall that allows you to see Han seated at the soundboard, “So… this is how you record then?”

Chris nods his head softly as he adjusts the microphone to match your height, “Yeah, this is the part of the studio that keeps all the outside noise at bay so we only pick up the audio we want.” Chris explains, tightening the knob to keep the microphone in place now that it was right where it should be.

You watched as Chris leaned over to the stand behind you, and you felt your chest tighten at the proximity to him. The warmth of his skin radiating enough for you to feel it before he stand up and gently places the headset over your ears. He leans back to look at your face, eyes flickering between your own, “comfortable?”

You nod, “y-yeah, they’re good,” you say, reaching up to touch the headphones on your head and giving Chris a smile as you shift your weight and he leaves you alone in the room. He takes a seat by Han and you watch as they speak a little bit in silence. Chris looks anxious, Han rolls his eyes at him and says something exasperated before turning to face the window and pressing a button.

“Can you hear us okay?” his voice booms into your headphones, and you give them a thumbs up.

“This feels insane,” You say with a small laugh, “Are you sure you don't want someone who is known for singing to do this?”

Chris shakes his head before finally looking at you, “Nah, you’ll do great, Y/N.” His signature smile was showing through with his words, and it made you feel at ease even when doing something as crazy as this. “You’ll have my track playing in the background so you can hear how the song is sung. We can re-take things so don’t stress if you mess up, yeah?”

You give him a thumbs up before you see Han put up his hand, counting down from five as you hear the music start playing in your ears. The delicate piano chords echo in your head again and you take a deep breath as Han finally reaches zero.

“You say down right at the corner of my table, and I don't know what it is but I swear I’m feeling deja vu.”

Your eyes closed and the lyrics moved past your lips almost effortlessly, you could hear yourself in the speakers of the headphones. When you open your eyes, Chris’s own meet yours as if he’d never looked away from you. As the music swells you watch him slowly spin the paper football in his fingers and your mind is flooded with the same memory from earlier.

You flick the folded paper and send it flying, over-shooting the goal and Chris letting out a small chuckle as he picks up the paper, “So do I get to know my opponent’s name anytime soon?” He says as he flicks it towards you, his eyes flicking up at you from your hands as you pick up the little paper.

“Y/N,” You say as you sink down into your chair to line up your shot, your tongue sticking out as you focus and send it flying through his hands. You glance up at him as he picks up the paper, “So are you like-- a part of a famous paper football league that I’ve not heard of?”

In a split second you find yourself transported to a different moment – the first time you met Chris. The memory floods your senses: the laughter, the shared conversation, and the spark of connection that had lingered in the air. It's as if a hidden door in your mind has swung open, revealing a scene that was once obscured.

“Swear I feel you in my memory, I think I’ve seen you in my dreams. Maybe you and I have history but I don’t think you know me--”

Your heart is beating out of your chest as you stop singing, the weight of this recollection settles over you. The realization is overwhelming, like a sudden rush of emotions that you weren't prepared for. Faces in the cafe become blurred, replaced by the vivid image of Chris, his smile etched into the canvas of your memory.

“If there was a league, I’d be famous by now and you would have had to ask me for my name at the register,” he says with a playful head nod as he continues to flick the paper back and forth between the two of you, “But unfortunately there’s not, so I make music.”

"You make music?" you ask with a teasing glint in your eyes, "I thought you were auditioning for NSYNC with that outfit."

He looks down at himself, an amused expression playing on his face. "What's wrong with my outfit? I thought it was a fashion statement."

You lean in, pretending to inspect his ensemble with exaggerated seriousness, "Well, if the statement is 'I'm bringing back the '90s,' then mission accomplished,” you bring your hands up to make air quotes with your fingers when you say that.

Oh my god the bucket hat. You remember him wearing stupid bucket hat. A mixture of confusion and awe lingers in your eyes as you stare at Chris and you find yourself grappling with the significance of this sudden memory recall. The once-disconnected pieces of your encounters with Chris start to form a more coherent picture, leaving you in a state of introspection.

“Have we met before? Maybe in another life I knew you, maybe if I try I’ll see right through you and I’ll remember who we were.”

Overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotion, you find yourself only listening to Chris’s singing in your ears as you collect your thoughts. The weight of the forgotten memory mingles with the joy of rediscovery. It's a bittersweet realization – a fragment of your past brought back to life in the present.

You remember Chris's visits, his patient smile each day, a consistent presence for you. Every day, he came back. The thought resonates within you, and a warmth spreads through your chest. The realization is both heartwarming and heartbreaking – a testament to the resilience of a connection that transcends the limitations of memory.

You recall the moments when Chris would visit, sharing stories and laughter as if each encounter were a brand-new beginning. The frequency of his visits, the sincerity in his eyes – it all makes sense now. The times you were less than kind to him, and the one time Changbin kicked him out of the cafe all because you didn’t remember him. He didn't let the forgetfulness deter him; instead, he embraced each meeting with unwavering dedication.

Emotions surge within you like a tidal wave, and you feel the tears welling up in your eyes. Clarity, like a long-lost friend, has found its way back to you. Studio and music in your ears cuts out as you navigate the flood of memories that has rushed back to you. Chris, gaze never wavering from you as he watches the changes in your face, reaches forward and presses a button to allow his voice to reach you.

“Y/N, are you alright?”

As you stand before him, tears well up in your eyes, and you take a deep breath to steady yourself and you shake your head to dismiss his concerns.

“You know that bucket hat looked awful on you.”

Chris’s eyebrows furrow for a moment, staring at you as if you were crazy. Then his eyes slowly soften, then widen, and you watch his lips part as he smiles, the same one that had melted you the first day you’d met.

“Oh my god--” His voice cuts out as you watch him quickly stand up and enter the recording room.

"Chris," you begin, your voice quivering with the weight of the revelation. "I remember. I remember everything." His eyes widen, and a spectrum of emotions dances across his face – surprise, hope, and a touch of disbelief. He opens his mouth to speak, but you continue before he can find the words.

"I remember you coming in that day, your smile, the way you patiently shared stories, how I had you kicked out," you confess, tears streaming down your cheeks. The weight of the unsaid becomes a palpable presence in the studio, “I remember you showing me Han’s song, I remember you walking me home, I remember-- God, I remember everything.”

Chris, struck by the depth of your revelation, leans forward, his eyes searching yours for confirmation. "You... remember?"

You nod, a mixture of joy and sorrow in your eyes, "Yes, Chris. And I remember the first day we met, how you made me laugh with that paper football game. And I remember the way you smiled at me when I said the 90s was an awful time for fashion and how I fell for you in that moment."

As Chris takes in your revelation, a mixture of disbelief and joy dances in his eyes. He gazes at you, absorbing the weight of your words, and then a tender smile graces his face. With a sincerity that pierces through the air, he begins to share his side of the story.

"Y/N," he starts, his voice tinged with emotion. "Every day, I walked into that cafe, hoping that it would be the day you remembered. Even when you didn't, it was worth it. Your smile, your laughter – they became the highlights of my day."

He takes a deep breath, as if collecting the scattered fragments of his emotions. "I fell for you so hard, right from the start. Your kindness, your laugh, the way you were so warm and inviting to everyone – it was impossible not to fall in love with you."

"I love how you find joy in the little things, how you light up when you talk about your favorite songs, and the way your eyes crinkle when you laugh. It's like every moment with you is a melody, and I can't get enough of it," Chris continues, his gaze locked onto yours.

Tears glisten in your eyes as you listen to him pour his heart out, the weight of his love both comforting and overwhelming. Chris's vulnerability becomes a bridge that connects every memory you have of him, and he pulls you into his arms tightly.

"I love you for who you are, Y/N, and every version of you, even the one who couldn't remember,” He breathed into your hair, eyes screwed shut as he held you close to him.

“Don’t let me forget you again, okay?”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

The blaring alarm pierced through the veil of your dreams, a relentless assault on the peace that only moments ago had surrounded you. Groggily, you fumbled on the nightstand for the offending device, your hand clumsily slapping at the snooze button in a desperate attempt to silence the intrusion before your hand slips and it falls off your night stand, alarm still blaring.

“God damn it…” You curse under your breath as a resentful sigh leaves your lips. Reluctantly, you threw off the warmth of the covers and reached for your phone, the bright screen reading 4:30AM. Your body was protesting the untimely disturbance as the coldness in the air replaced the coziness of your bed. The room, dimly lit by the soft glow through the curtains, felt like a sanctuary you were being forcibly expelled from. The cool floor beneath your feet served as a stark reminder that the inviting embrace of your bed was now just a fading memory.

As you stood there, the harsh reality of the impending workday began to settle in. The day ahead loomed like an insurmountable mountain, and as much as you didn’t want to go make coffee for stuck up business men and housewives with too much time on their hands, you promised to open the shop this morning and you were absolutely kicking yourself for it.

Dragging yourself toward the bathroom, you squinted against the bright light, your reflection in the mirror a testament to the reluctant and incredibly rude awakening. With each passing minute, the realization that the sanctuary of sleep was slipping away. The only thing keeping you moving was knowing you got to have a free cup of coffee as soon as you got there.

The clock ticks, the seconds slipping away, and with each passing moment, the inevitable draws nearer. You stare at the ceiling, contemplating the merits of calling in sick, but reality nudges you with a firm reminder of bills and responsibilities. With a heavy sigh, you brush your teeth and hair as you attempt to blink away the grogginess in your eyes. The morning routine is a series of half-hearted motions. Your reflection in the bathroom mirror wears the exhaustion of someone who'd rather be doing anything but going to work.

The uniform feels like a straitjacket, but you squeeze into it, donning the required apron with a resignation that accompanies the mundane. As you lace up your shoes, you can almost hear the distant and antagonistic laughter of those still wrapped in the warm embrace of their dreams.

The walk to work is a slow march, the chilly air of Seoul biting at your skin. The vibrant sunrise paints the sky, a cruel juxtaposition to your muted mood. The comforting scent of freshly ground coffee wafts from the shop, a mixed blessing as it both heralds the start of another day and wraps you in the familiar embrace of your workplace as you tuck yourself behind the counter swiftly.

The clock on the wall seems to mock you, displaying a time that's far later than you intended to arrive. With an apologetic smile, you make your way to the locker and quickly toss an apron over your head, hoping to go unnoticed.

However, your hopes are dashed as you hear a playful voice from across the room. "Well, well, if it isn't our resident time traveler. Did you bring back any cool gadgets from the future, Y/N?" your boss Changbin teases, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

You chuckle nervously, appreciating the light-hearted tone. "Just a tardiness superpower, I guess. I thought I'd share it with the team today," you reply, feigning innocence.

Changbin leans against your desk, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, the infamous tardiness superpower. I've heard it's all the rage in the superhero world. Fashionably late, right?"

You nod, playing along. "Exactly! It's the new trend. Fashionably late is the new on-time."

Changbin laughs, shaking his head. "Well, as long as you don't start wearing a cape to work, I think we can forgive a little tardiness now and then. Just don't make it a habit, superhero."

Customers trickle in, their orders becoming a monotonous hum. With each espresso shot pulled, you feel a little more awake, a little more alive. The routine becomes a rhythm, a dance with the coffee machines. And as you hand over that first latte of the day, you realize that despite the initial reluctance for starting the day, there's a certain satisfaction in being part of the daily grind. And to which, you let out a small laugh at your own pun and shake your head before glancing back up to be met with the next customer.

When you looked up, you were greeted with chocolatey brown eyes that crinkled a little as he smiled at you. It was a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts, and it was a smile that definitely melted yours. You couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“Hey, Chris.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Author's note: I am... to happy with how this turned out. Let me know if there's any mistakes I missed, it is very late for me as I'm getting this posted and I half-proof read it! Please enjoy the last part, and tell me all about your favorite parts of the series<3 I'll be back soon with a new series as soon as I can lovelies ^.^ Again, this is for my best friend Baylee. I love you more than you love Chan. Seriously.

Love, Bunn XOX

36 notes · View notes

pupmini · 5 months

Text

First Date Pt. 3 (Bang Chan x Reader)

!!PT 3!!

summary: Day to day life was perfectly uneventful, you wake up, go to work, make coffee, go home, and start all over again. But today... you met Chan. And you continue to meet chan... a lot.

pairing: bang chan x f!reader

genre: strangers to lovers, non idol au, crack, mostly fluff, some anger from mc, later chapters to include: slight angst/comfort, slow burn.

general warnings: barista!mc, slow burn, adult themes including but not limited to: suggestive content, cursing, mentions of death.

word count: ~4.6k

chapter content: mentions of food, coffee shop manager!Changbin, nonidol!Chan, nonidol!Han, first meets, first love flutters, roommate!Felix, angry mc!

author's note: Part 3 is here everyone! I'm so excited to see some people checking this out! Let me know if you see any errors so i can fix it, I'm contemplating adding a tag list, so comment if you want updated when the next part is out!

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"I met someone," you breathe, a soft huff passing your lips as you lock your front door.

Felix raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting to a mix of curiosity and caution. His smile was still there, seemingly happy but there was something behind his eyes you couldn’t quite discern. "Was it the guy who walked you home?"

You let out a small smile as you take a deep breath, digging in your pockets to take out your keys and nod in response. You find the paper football that was in your pocket this morning and hold it in your hands before quickly hanging your keys, “Yeah, his name is Chan. it was actually a really funny story, he said we met yesterday but he had just confused me with someone else--”

“Oh… that’s kinda funny,” Felix says with a smile, putting the whisk down, and then wiping his hands on the ‘Kiss the Chef’ apron you got him last christmas. You watch his brows furrowed a moment before glancing back up at you, “What did you guys get up to?”

Slipping off your coat, you gently place it on the back of the chair and then take a seat at the kitchen island, “Well, at first I thought Chan was a creep because he said something about thinking about me while mixing music-- but then I realized it was because he confused me with someone he met yesterday so he showed me his recording studio to prove he wasn't being weird and really did make music.”

Felix pressed his lips together in thought as he continued mixing the chocolate batter in the glass bowl, “And?”

“I went with Chan to his recording studio, and his friend Han played some incredible music, and we just vibed. It was really cool, and Chan was just so genuine with me. Admittedly he was cute too.”

As you express your excitement about Chan, you can't help but notice Felix's face contorting in hesitancy. His brows furrow slightly, and there's a subtle tightening around his eyes, a silent expression of concern that doesn't go unnoticed.

You tilt your head, picking up on Felix's hesitancy. "What's on your mind, Felix?"

He pauses, and you see him almost perfectly wipe the concern from his face and replace it with a smile, “Stranger danger, you know. It’s really reminiscent of how you met him,” Felix widens his eyes at the word, “But if you’re happy I’m happy, you know that Y/N.”

You appreciate Felix's concern, but a twinge of disappointment creeps in as you rub your thumb across the folded paper in your hands. "Felix, it's not like that. Chan is genuinely nice, and we connected over music, and he waited hours for me to get off work in order to apologize for making me uncomfortable.”

Felix offers a small smile, his worry easing slightly. "I trust your judgment. I just care about you, you know?”

You offer him a small smile and lean against the countertop, “I know Lix. You and Binnie are like hover parents sometimes,” You laugh, hoping to lighten the mood a little as you watch Felix pour the batter into a pan.

The sight of Felix finally laughing makes you relax a little, “Can you blame us after the last guy you dated? It’s not us with the poor taste in lovers,” He laughs as he jabs at you.

“Ooooh… that was low, Lee Felix,” You say, jaw wide open in faux offense. You take a deep breath and hold up the paper football with your pointer finger, aligning it up with Felix’s body and giving it a flick. The triangle launches into the air and hits Felix before he quickly turns around and looks downward, picking it up with a laugh.

“Did you make this?” He laughs, flipping it in his hands in an attempt to read the receipt paper it was made out of.

“I found it in my pocket this morning on my way to work, thought you made it,” You say as you point at the little thing in his hands. You watch as Felix shakes his head in response before passing it back to you.

“Dunno, maybe,” He says with a shrug, a comfortable silence between the two of you while he starts tending to his dishes.

You take a deep breath and stand up from the counter as you slowly make your way down to your room for bed, “In all seriousness though, I kinda hope Chan keeps coming to the coffee shop.”

Felix smiles a bit, a slight sadness in his eyes as he keeps his back turned to you, “I hope so too.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“And that happens every day.” Chan concluded. He was pacing the studio slowly while Han sat in this chair, and another friend was sitting in Chan’s spot. Han’s hands run over his temples as he tried to absorb the information Chan was spewing out.

After walking you home, Chan was feeling pretty melancholic about what he found out from Changbin today. Han’s face was contorted as Chan moped in his oversized hoodie, hood over his head while the hat fell lower over his eyes. It was late enough in the evening now that Han and Chan were the last ones in the building, meaning if shit got loud it didn’t matter anymore.

“So then how long will it take for her memories to come back?” Han asked.

“Changbin said it might not ever come back.”

“So what you're saying is, she’d be perfect for you, right?” the other guy said with a half laugh. He was spinning in his chair, legs pulled up off the ground.

“What is that supposed to mean, Sungmin?”

“You can hang out with her every day and flirt with no attachments because--”

“She just won't remember me anyway?�� Chan interjected, looking exasperated at Han, “funny,” Chan rolled his eyes at Seungmin, “even if that were the case, I can’t keep doing this to her you know?”

Han furrows his brows, “why not?”

“It’s evil.”

Seungmin scoffs and rolls his head back, “No, it isn't. You meet with Y/N, hang out, flirt, relive meet cutes over and over, no commitment, no one gets hurt!” he says, throwing his hands up into the air for dramatic effect.

Chan froze in his place, staring at Seungmin in disbelief, “She has memory issues, you asshole!”

“Alright, okay!” Seungmin shouts in defense.

Han takes a deep breath, “I think it’s healthy for you though, Chris. You haven’t allowed yourself to connect with anyone but me since before we graduated college.”

Chan shakes his head as he finally falls backwards onto the couch, “I appreciate your concern Dr. Han, but no.”

“Chris, you’re already starstruck and you’ve known her for two days. You’d be doing the same thing anyone else in her life is doing, just making her enjoy her day?” Han says, his tone was more like a question than a statement.

“Yeah man,” Seungmin added, “then when it’s time for you to move on from Y/N, poof, you can just leave without the consequences.”

“See, I’m not exactly sure about that ‘poofing’ part. I’m not a good ‘poofer’. Unless you two care to give me an example?” Chan says sarcastically, gesturing to the other two boys.

“Quit slamming on us for five seconds, huh? We’re just trying to help,” Han says, bringing his hands up to the headphones around his neck and putting them on the desk.

“If you don't want our idea, what the hell are you gonna do?” Seungmin says, throwing his hands up in the air before they fall back onto his lap once more.

“That is the million dollar question,” Chan said, sitting up from the couch. What, indeed, was he going to do? Stop going to the cafe so he doesn’t have to see you? Pros: Heartbreak and rejection avoided. Cons: not seeing you. Not seeing you smile, or hearing you laugh at his stupid jokes, or see you furrow your eyebrows in that really cute way when you’re confused.

Or maybe, Chan could go to the diner, do what Seungmin suggested, ensnare you under false pretenses, have fun with you for a day, then leave you at the end, no commitments, no strings attached. Pros: Seeing you again, even without you remembering who he was. Cons: unethically taking advantage of a trauma patient, even if it was because he was in love with you.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Chan went to the cafe the next day. He decided that if he could only have you in the short couple of hours when he had breakfast, then that’s what he’s going to get. So now his mission was to get you to talk to him again. He took a seat at a table, opening up his laptop, and waited for you to come in for your shift before ordering anything to drink.

Chan worked on his music for a bit, and the sound of a chair moving distracted him from his focus and he sees Changbin taking a seat at his table with a heavy sigh, “Hey man,” Chan greeted, slipping his headphones off his ears with a warm smile.

“What are you doing, Chan?” Changbin leaned on his elbows as his upper body shifted over the table towards Chan with a look of disapproval and concern.

“I, uh… I just wanna say hi to Y/N,” Chan sighed as Changbin shook his head slowly, “Bin, I promise I’m not going to do anything wrong.”

“Chan, she’s not going to remember you. You’re hurting yourself doing this, you know that?” Changbin said exasperatedly, bringing his hands to cover his face in frustration.

“God, no I-- I know, trust me I know but…” Chan says as he leans back in his chair, “Look, I can't help it okay? The sliver of a chance I have to make her remember me is enough to convince me to try.”

“Well, don't be surprised if she’s uninterested in you,” Changbin shrugs, standing from the table.

“What do you mean? She’s been friendly the last two times?”

“It’s not a bar, Chan. She’s working, and getting hit on while on shift is weird,” Changbin explained.

Chan shakes his head in confidence, “No way, she’ll like me, I’ll even bet on it.”

“You’re on, man.”

The bell rings, alerting staff that someone had come inside, and before Changbin could muter out a greeting, he heard your voice.

"Traffic was worse than usual today, Changbin. I swear the city has a conspiracy against punctuality."

Changbin quickly turns around to face you as you walk into work, laughing as he pretends to ignore Chan and he chuckles, "Excuses, excuses. You know, I might have to dock your imaginary punctuality bonus."

You mock gasp and let out a pout as you slip an apron over your head, "But that's my favorite bonus! How will I afford my daily caffeine fix?"

Changbin leans against the table with one hand, feigning seriousness, "Well, you'll just have to make it up with some extra enthusiasm today. Can you handle that?"

You salute dramatically, "Sir, yes sir! Latte art will be at its finest today."

He laughs, shaking his head, "Alright, soldier. Get to it. The customers are waiting for their dose of joy, and you're the supplier today."

As you approached the espresso machine, you strained your neck to see the other guy sitting at the table Changbin was near, “Who’s your friend, Bin?”

“Oh uh, no one, I was just making sure he was doing alright,” Changbin gave you a tight lipped smile before looking back to Chan, widening his eyes as if to advise him to stay put.

You could see the other guy’s shoulders fall a little, and you look between the two with a suspicious look on your face before cracking a smile, “Bin, you don’t have to be embarrassed to introduce me to your new boyfriend.”

Bin rolls his eyes, “You know as well as I do that’s not the case,” Chan grumbles as he walks back to the other side of the counter, returning to his position at the register for the next customer.

Chan presses his lips together as he watches you work across the bar, admiring you from behind the bustling coffee bar, gracefully maneuvering between the espresso machine and the milk steamer. The rhythmic sounds of brewing coffee and the soft hum of conversation create a lively ambiance around you. As you expertly craft drinks, your focus remains on the task at hand, a subtle smile playing on your lips.

In the farthest corner of the coffee shop, Chan sits at a secluded table, seemingly engrossed in his laptop. However, his attention keeps drifting from the screen to you. There's a warmth in his gaze as he watches you move with a certain grace, an admiration that transcends the busy atmosphere of the cafe.

He sips his coffee, eyes never leaving you as if he's appreciating a piece of art. The play of light from the hanging bulbs casts a soft glow on your features, enhancing the natural charm that seems to emanate from you. Chan can't help but watch you laugh lightheartedly with customers, butterflies filling his stomach as he looks on from under the brim of his hat.

Every now and then, you catch his eye, and a smile is exchanged. It's a silent acknowledgment, a shared moment amidst the coffee shop chaos. When things slow from the morning rush, you slip out a muffin from the bakery case and take a seat at the coffee bar to rest your feet for a moment. And you take a deep breath before you feel a flick onto the back of your head.

“What the fuck?” You mumble, brows stitched together as you reach behind you to feel the back of your head and look around you before your eyes spot a small folded paper football. Your eyes scan the room until you see that guy from earlier waving at you with a stupid grin on his face.

“Hey what the hell was that for?” You curse at him, picking up the paper from the ground and walking over to him as you hold it up into the air.

“Sorry, I was just trying to break the ice--”

“Well, consider the ice very much intact.” You interject loudly, tossing the paper onto the table in front of him with a scoff, “seriously, if you wanted attention from me, a simple ‘Hi’ would have sufficed.”

Chan’s lips press together in complete embarrassment, “Yeah, my bad I was just… I thought you were cute so I--”

You let out a short huff of disbelief and cross your arms over your chest, this guy is a fucking idiot, “Sure, yeah because flicking this wad of paper at someone is the the perfect way to say, ‘Hey, you’re cute can I take you to dinner and maybe take your clothes off later?’ Come on--”

You turn curtly on your heel and retreat behind the counter to continue your shift, a simmering anger bubbles within you, fueled by Chan's ill-timed attempt at flirting. Each latte you craft becomes a vessel for your frustration, and the clinking of cups provides a rhythmic backdrop to the furious monologue echoing in your mind.

Changbin leans on his arm, looking between you and Chan as your hands move with more force than usual, a subconscious outlet for the irritation coursing through your veins.

Changbin looks over at Chan, giving him a sarcastic smile and two thumbs up before turning them upside down and making a fake pouty face before laughing and going back to work.

Chan stands up and looks over at Changbin before exiting the cafe, “double or nothing tomorrow.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Several, several, several, days went by at the cafe. Several, several, several, days of you turning down Chan with every chance he had. And by now… Chan was in some serious debt to Changbin, but luckily your boss was a pretty forgiving guy.

Today, Chan was just going to get his drink, go back to his studio, and actually get some work done with Han. If he didn’t, Han was going to actually kill Chan for leaving him to do all this work on his own for the last few weeks. He was determined to get you to remember him somehow, or even just talk to him again, but if you didn’t remember him then he had some time to take a break to help out his friend in the studio and try another day.

“Hey there, what can I get for you today?”

Your eyes were sparkling when they met his, and you couldn’t help but take in the softness of this guy’s features. His smile was gentle and warm, one dimple on his left cheek as his full lips curled up enough to greet you.

“Uhm… a lemonade refresher and an iced americano, please.” He said, meeting your eyes briefly before looking back down at the countertop. He seemed upset, but his eyes held a slight kindness to them that you didn’t see in anyone else’s eyes when they looked at you.

You look at the screen, tapping a few buttons, “a name?”

You watch the guy hesitate for a minute, then speak, “Chan.”

“Chan…” You repeat softly as you scribble his name across both of the cups and set them aside for the baristas to make before reading him his total and watching him bow his head thankfully before continuing on.

Your eyes trace his movements for a moment as he takes a seat at the coffee bar, and you snap out of your thoughts when you hear the next customer clear their throat. You quickly smiled at them and took their order, keeping an eye on the man you had just helped. He just seemed so sad…

You watch the cups be placed gently in front of him, and you hurriedly snatch a muffin from the bakery case and chase him down the cafe, “Hey wait--”

You watch him turn around to see you jogging up to you, and the once sad eyes that had looked to you before seemed a little hopeful and his smile widened. Chan felt every nerve in his body electrify when you ran up to him, maybe you’d recognized him? Did you remember him? Were you finally going to tell him you liked him too?

“You seemed like you were having a bad day.. So take this,” You say, holding out the brown paper bag to him, “on the house.”

The hope dwindled almost instantly, as he saw a quickly scribbled phone number on the paper bag and Chan’s face fell flat, staring it in your hands before he spoke, “Fuck this…” and he turned curtly on his heel and started to walk away. Even if he wanted your number he’d have to delete it the next day to keep himself from contacting you when you didn’t even know him.

You grabbed his arm, “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Chan yanked his arm from you and his wrist slipped from your grasp, “I don't need you to pretend to be nice to me. I just came for something to drink, not to get into your pants.”

His words hit you like a ton of bricks and you felt your chest tighten a bit at the outburst, “I was just trying to lighten your day a little, you fucking asshole,” You say back, chucking the muffin at him before straightening your apron and walking back to the coffee bar.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Chan knew fucked up. And he knew your address. Not in like a weird way, he walked you home that night you went to his studio. Chan needed more information on what happened, or at least things you liked that way he’d have some leverage sparking some kind of memory for you. Chan was lost, feeling like he had exhausted almost everything he could do to get your attention again.

When he finally got to your complex, he entered the building and up the stairs to the first door on the left, and knocked a few times, hoping you were home after your shift that day and you would answer the door. But he was greeted with Felix.

Oh god… she has a boyfriend.

“Ah… I think I might have gotten the wrong pla--”

“I know you,” Felix’s deep voice startled Chan for a moment, a bit rough as it rumbled out his chest and it did not promise anything reassuring to Chan. Felix stepped outside and shut the door behind him to stand with Chan in the hallway.

“I want to apologize to your… uh,” Chan trailed off, waiting for Felix to fill in the blank.

“Roommate? Yeah, I don't think so. She’s inside, and not going to speak to you,” Felix shot him down, shaking his head, “You and I are actually going to chat about it.”

Chan pressed his lips together as he looked at Felix, “I hurt her feelings earlier and I just didn’t want it to end like that.”

“I get that, and the fact that you’re even here in the first place is something to respect. But Listen, she doesn't remember you walking her home all those nights ago, and seeing the guy who basically spit in her face this morning at her apartment might freak her out,” Felix explains calmly, pointing to the door behind him over his shoulder.

“And Chan, Changbin, myself, and her friends at the cafe work too hard to keep her safe and protected for someone like you to come in and ruin it all,” Felix continued, leaning against the door.

“Yeah, Changbin told me about what you guys do for her, and I absolutely respect that.”

Felix’s eyebrows raise, “And if you know about her condition then you know that she can’t fall in love with you, or anyone for that matter. She will never remember you.”

“I’m not looking for a one-night stand with her.” Chan said defensively.

“Anything with Y/N is a one night stand, what aren’t you understanding?” Felix says, a hushed exasperation in his voice, “And good God, what are you doing to yourself? You spend weeks being shut down by her, finally call it quits and she’s the one shooting her shot and you cuss her out? You hit a breaking point and now you’re mad at her?” Felix’s eyes look at Chan as if he was pleading for some kind of explanation.

“I was-- She gave me her number and the idea that I couldn’t ever actually use it was enough to make me upset, and I had an outburst which is why I came to apologize,” Chan repeated.

Felix put a hand on Chan’s shoulder out of empathy, “Let up man. She can’t know you know she lives here, and you’re killing yourself doing this.”

And with that, Felix goes back inside. Chan was left standing alone with the guilt growing in his chest as he bit down on his lip and reached into his pocket to pull out a little folded up piece of paper. He spins it in his hands before looking down at his own name on the folded receipt before tossing it onto the ground in front of your apartment, trudging away and back to his studio.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“What can I get for you, hun?” You returning the same warm smile the man in front of you was giving you.

“Lemonade refresher and an iced americano,” He says, pulling out exact change for you, passing the coins to you, “For Chan.”

Chan. You know that name. You look up at him for a moment, studying his face for any sort of recognition in his features, but he eludes you. You reach into your pocket and feel the folded football you had on your doormat this morning before you smile at him politely again, “Of course, it’ll be ready at the end of the coffee bar.”

Chan walks away and you hurry to the backroom, pulling out the folded receipt paper and unfurling the creases in your hands to see the name and order.

Chan. A lemonade refresher and an iced americano.

Your lips part in deep thought, glancing around your shoulder and through the window at the man you had just rang out. How have you not recognized him? There’s no way he’d been here before or you’d know his name--

You quickly fold up the paper back to it’s original state before returning to the cafe, where the man, who you now know as Chan, is seated in the far back of the room. You take a deep breath and approach him with the receipt paper held tight in your hands, taking a seat in front of him.

“Do we know each other?” You ask, your brows are furrowed in confusion as you look across his face.

“Do… we?” He repeats, raising a brow at you as he chews on his lips in hesitance.

You put the receipt football on the table and unfold it, pointing at his order and then his name as you hold it flat against the table. “I found this on my doormat this morning.”

Chan reaches forward and picks up the paper, reading the order and his name before glancing back up at you, “I mean, yeah this is me and my order, but… I don't think we’ve met. Maybe someone used the receipt I left behind to make it.”

You squint your eyes at him for a second before relaxing, “Yeah… yeah,” you repeat yourself, closing your eyes and shaking your head, “I’m sorry for that, it was weird--”

Chan lets out a laugh before holding out his hand to you, “I know you know my name, but I’m…” He hesitates for a second and meets your eyes, “Chris.”

You reach out, taking his hand, “Y/N. What about Chan?”

“Christopher Bahng Chan,” He says with a soft laugh, “I uh, don't usually use it with people I’m not familiar with.”

“Oh, but I’m familiar to you?” You joke, placing a hand on your chest as you roll your eyes at him.

“Well, I mean I suppose you could say that.”

You smile a bit, reaching forward and picking up the little football again, flicking it towards him. You watch as he puts his hands up to stop it from hitting his chest, and laughing a bit and something felt… familiar.

"So, what's your experience level? Beginner, intermediate, or paper football prodigy?"

That’s Chris’s voice.

"Let's go with intermediate. I've had my fair share of competitive matches in my day."

That’s my voice.

"Oh, we've got a pro here. Well, prepare to face the champion."

What the fuck.

You furrow your bows and shake your head with a soft laugh, Chris looking up at you with concern in his eyes as he reaches out and puts a hand on the table in front of you.

“Are you alright, Y/N?”

You let out a soft laugh with a shake of your head before dropping your own hands to the table and glance up at him for a moment before speaking.

“Yeah just…” You pause, with a wave of your hand to dismiss his concerns, “intense deja vu.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

ending note: *insert gremlin laughter here* I am never going to hear the end of this from my best friend. I can feel it in my bones. anyway-- Enjoy!! thanks for all the love<3 -- Bunn

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pupmini · 6 months

Text

First Date Pt. 2 (Bang Chan x Reader)

!!PT 2!!

summary: Day to day life was perfectly uneventful, you wake up, go to work, make coffee, go home, and start all over again. But today... you met Chan.

pairing: bang chan x f!reader

genre: strangers to lovers, non idol au, crack, mostly fluff, later chapters to include: slight angst/comfort, slow burn.

general warnings: barista!mc, slow burn, adult themes including but not limited to: suggestive content, cursing, mentions of death.

word count: ~4.4k

chapter content: mentions of food, coffee shop manager!Changbin, nonidol!Chan, nonidol!Han, first meets, first love flutters, roommate!Felix

author's note: AHHHH welcome back to part 2! I'm so excited to see some people checking this out! Let me know if you see any errors so i can fix it, and let me know what you enjoyed!!

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“Sorry… have we met?”

Chan’s smile falters a little, his eyebrows stitching together in confusion before he lets out a chuckle and shakes his head, “Ha-- funny, Y/N,” he says as he rolls his eyes at you, “I even brought out the stupid 90’s bucket hat you told me to never wear.”

What the hell was up with this guy?

You looked across Chan, shaking your head and closing your eyes, “I’m sorry, what?” Your arms drop from up by the register screen and rest by your waist as you scrape out the underside of your nails anxiously.

Chan takes off the hat and looks at it in his hands, and you watch him look at it before he points at his hair, “Honestly, I’m surprised how easy it was to talk with you yesterday, because I just…” You watch him reach behind his head and rub his neck as he trails off and hisses as he takes in a breath, “I thought you were so pretty and while I was making music I couldn’t help but think about you the whole time--”

“Okay… uhm that’s pervy--” You let out a laugh, stunned and in complete disbelief at what he had just admitted to you, “I think you need to leave.” You crossed your arms over your chest as you looked at Chan with a bit of disgust in your eyes. Okay, actually what the fuck was wrong with him?

“What? Wait--” Chan’s eyes immediately widened, anxiety prickling through his body as he puts out his hands in defense, “No like literally making music, not-- cause we talked about it yesterday?”

“Yesterday?” You repeat to him, “I’ve never met you.” You say as you take a step back from the register and peer around your coworkers. Your mind is running a million miles an hour as Chan rambles on about paper football, music, and trashy 90’s fashion and your heart feels like it's about to beat out of your chest.

“Binnie!” You shouted over the chatter in the cafe, your eyes flickering between Chan and Changbin, “Can you come tell this guy to leave?” You ask, seeing Changbin step between you and the register, you see Changbin’s eyes flicker with something that looks like realization.

“Yeah I got this. Go ahead and go on your break Y/N,” Changbin smiles at you warmly, resting a hand on your shoulder as he ushers you off. A sense of relief washes over you as you back away from the register and retreat into the backroom.

After you were long gone, Changbin looks over at Chan with a heavy sigh. “Come on,” Changbin waves Chan to follow him to the empty table near the back of the cafe. A heavy sigh exit’s Changbin’s body as he leans against the edge of the table and nods for Chan to sit with him. As they settle into their seats, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.

"Chan," Changbin begins, his tone serious, "I need to talk to you about Y/N. There's something you should know."

Chan raises his hands up in defense as he quickly tries to explain himself, "I swear I wasn’t trying to be sexual or push myself on her, I was just--"

"Y/N is special,” Changbin interrupts Chan’s rambling, “and not just because she's a good person or pretty. Y/N is my best friend, Chan and the best no-detail explanation I can give you is that she went through something…. traumatic… a while back, and it resulted in her mind shutting off her short-term memory."

Chan's expression shifts to one of surprise, absorbing the weight of Changbin's revelation. "Wait, she doesn't remember things?"

Changbin nods solemnly. "That's right. Her past is all there, every memory leading up to that day. She remembers her job, her friends, family, hobbies, passions, dislikes, likes… but any new experiences are lost each time she sleeps. She's not aware of it, and we've all been just playing along so she doesn’t panic every day.”

Chan's mind races, trying to process the information about you, “That seems… fake. Is she just not interested in me?"

Changbin furrows his brows at Chan, “Why the hell would I pull you aside just to lie to you?” Changbin says in annoyance, and his hands fall against the table as he looks up at Chan, “Look dude, I really wish I was making this up. She truly just doesn’t remember meeting you yesterday.”

Chan turns around, pressing his lips together as he looks through the window of the backroom door, then back to Changbin. Chan was at a loss for words at the moment as he chewed on his bottom lip as he absorbed the weight of your story, a sense of empathy and admiration settled within him. Changbin, ever protective of Y/N, watches Chan closely, gauging his response.

"She really doesn’t know that she’s basically living the plot of ‘Groundhog Day’?" Chan asks, a thoughtful expression on his face as he leans back in the chair, "She seemed so carefree and vibrant."

Changbin nods, his protective instincts heightened as he listens to Chan talk about her, "She's been through a lot, but some part of her mind had chosen not to remember new things anymore in order to protect itself."

Chan runs a hand through his hair, a mix of emotions playing on his features. "I can't stop thinking about our conversation. It felt... different, you know? Like there was a connection beyond the usual small talk."

Changbin's gaze intensifies, his concern evident. "Chan, I know you mean well, but you need to understand that Y/N won't remember you. No matter how much you connect or how meaningful the conversation is, it won't stick with her."

A subtle wave of disappointment washes over Chan. "So, every time we talk, it's like starting from scratch?"

Changbin nods, "Exactly. It's the reality she faces every day. She builds connections in the present, but they fade away by the time she wakes up. Why do you think I don't get mad at her for being late everyday?"

Chan sighs, grappling with the complexity of the situation. "It's just... it feels unfair, you know? To have such a meaningful conversation and then realize it's fleeting for her."

Changbin leans forward, a stern yet understanding look in his eyes. "Life isn't always fair. Y/N doesn’t even know it’s happening, so regardless if we think it’s unfair, she has no idea.”

As their conversation continues, Chan grapples with the delicate balance of forming connections in a world that can be both fleeting and unpredictable. Changbin, always the guardian of your well-being, imparts his wisdom, underscoring the importance of being present in the moments no matter how transient they may be.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

You stand in the break room, peeking through the slightly ajar door at Chan and Changbin having a seemingly intense conversation. Your spidey-barista senses are tingling, and you can't help but let your imagination run wild.

What are they talking about? Did I mess up someone's coffee order? Did someone complain about my latte art? Your mind races through all the potential coffee-related disasters. But then, Chan mentions something about knowing you from the day before. The day before? Is he mistaking me for someone else? Did I accidentally give him someone else's order?

You start to play detective, trying to recall all the customers from yesterday. Let's see... there was the guy who insisted his coffee had to be exactly 180 degrees. Maybe that's Chan? But no, he doesn't strike me as a temperature fanatic. Your thoughts take a comedic turn as you picture a scenario where Chan is a secret coffee critic, grading your barista skills. Maybe he's here to rate my latte art on a scale of one to ten. Should I be flattered or terrified?

You peek your head back into the window of the breakroom to see both Changbin and CHan looking back at you before Changbin says something with a serious expression, and Chan's face shifts. Oh no, did I break a coffee machine or something? Is this a coffee-related emergency meeting? You can't help but sigh at the absurdity of your own thoughts.

Jesus Christ-- Shut up. You're being ridiculous. They're probably just talking about, I don't know, the weather or something.

Trying to look like you weren’t watching the two, you reach behind you and adjust the apron to fit you a better as you come out from your break. You take your break mug to the sink to rinse it out and your mind keeps spinning, trying to figure out what the hell that guy was talking about.

There was no way you had met this guy yesterday because you didn’t even work yesterday. You took the day off because you had ended things with your ex and things just didn’t go well, thankfully Changbin was your best friend and boss so he understood your position. That guy had to’ve had you confused with someone else, because you didn’t even come out of your room to talk with your roommate yesterday let alone leave your bed.

You shook your head as you put the glass mug into a dishwasher, then standing up to find Changbin leaning against the counter.

"Hey, Y/N, everything okay?" Changbin inquires, feigning casualness.

You nod, though a lingering curiosity tugs at you. "Yeah, just wondering what that was all about. Is everything alright?"

Changbin nods, a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Oh, it's nothing, really. I just asked that guy to leave since he made you uncomfortable."

You're touched by the gesture, a mix of gratitude and confusion playing on your features. "Thanks, Bin. But seriously who the fuck was that? Is he like-- a critic? Did I mess up something? Did I mess up his order yesterday?"

Changbin lets out a laugh, and shakes his head as he approaches the espresso machine, wiping it down with a white cloth. "No, no, not at all. Your coffee is fine, as always. I just thought you could use a breather, so I told Chan to leave, that's all."

You smile, grateful for the concern, but then your face contorts, “Chan? Is that his name?” a small knot of uncertainty forms in your stomach, "Is there something I don't know?"

Changbin pauses for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Uh-- yeah…” He said, his eyes not wavering from the coffee machine as he polished it, “He mentioned something about knowing you from yesterday, but I told him he had the wrong person."

You furrow your brow, trying to make sense of the situation. "Knowing me from yesterday? What does that even mean? Bin, I wasn’t even here yesterday."

Changbin offers a reassuring smile, “I know,” he says, tossing the cloth over his shoulder before turning to face you with a soft sigh, hoping to divert your attention, "It's probably nothing. Just a misunderstanding. Don't worry about it, yeah?”

You decide to accept Changbin's explanation, even though it makes about as much sense as a decaf espresso at 6 AM, but you accept it nonetheless.

Okay so-- he asked Chan to leave so I could relax. Maybe I was looking a bit stressed. Or maybe he thinks I need a coffee break so I don't accidentally start serving lattes with abstract stupid latte art.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

The rest of the work day went by pretty quickly, and before you knew it your eight hour shift was up. Meaning you had the rest of your day to yourself, which you were thankful for because work was busy. The bell above the cafe door chimes as you step out, your shift finally over. The day's caffeine-fueled chaos is now behind you, you're eager to enjoy a moment of peace. As you step onto the sidewalk, you can't help but release a contented sigh in the tranquility of busy city streets.

Tranquility, as always, is short-lived.

There, leaning casually against the wall, is that guy Chan. His presence catches you off guard, and annoyance flickers in your eyes. This is not what you wanted to deal with after today.

"Didn't you leave already?" you ask, a touch of irritation in your voice.

Chan grins, seemingly unfazed by your annoyance. "Well, I thought I'd stick around. See if you're up for some company."

You raise an eyebrow, your annoyance intensifying as you stuff your hands into your coat pockets, "You waited for me? Why?"

Chan shrugs, feigning innocence, “I wanted to apologize for earlier. I guess I had you confused with someone else I met yesterday,” He says, you could tell he genuinely meant it by the way his lips pressed together and his eyes met yours. I wanted to see if I could make it up to you, I really do make music and wanted to offer to show you.”

Your irritation deepens, but something in your chest makes you feel pulled into his offer. You chew on your lip in thought, "Chan, I appreciate the offer, but I don’t even know you."

You roll your head around before casting your gaze back onto Chan, who was smiling softly at you. It was as if he expected you to answer like that. "Then I’ll let you know me,” He says.

You shoot him a skeptical glance but eventually relent with a resigned sigh. As you start walking, you can't shake off how easily this guy just melted your annoyance. It was kind of alarming how disarming he was, but the way he smiled so genuinely made you give in..

Note to self, you think, next time someone says they're leaving, make sure they mean it. As you navigate the city streets with Chan by your side, you brace yourself for the continuation of a conversation you were hoping to leave behind at the cafe.

But it never comes.

Chan instead walks beside you, closer to the street as he guides you to his studio. Chan, ever persistent, seems genuinely interested in getting to know you.

"So, how long have you been working at the cafe?" he asks, his tone casual.

You glance at him, the city lights reflecting in his eyes as the. "About a year now. It's been... interesting, to say the least."

He chuckles, the puffs of vapor coming out as he laughs, lightening the atmosphere. "I can imagine. I mean, the coffee shop world has its own kind of drama, right?”

You share a laugh, recalling some of the amusing incidents that have unfolded within the cafe's walls. "Oh, you have no idea. It's like a caffeinated soap opera in there sometimes. When it’s slow you get to chat with customers and they tell you all about their personal life."

As you continue walking, Chan steers the conversation toward more personal territory. "And how do you know Changbin? He seems pretty protective of you."

A smile plays on your lips at the mention of Changbin. "Changbin's been a good friend for a while, like a brother. He's the one who convinced me to try working at the cafe. Said it would be an adventure."

Chan raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "An adventure, huh? Changbin seems like he takes his guardian role seriously."

You laugh, nodding in agreement. "Oh, absolutely. He's like the caffeine-fueled big brother I never asked for. Always making sure I'm okay, checking in, and, well, occasionally being overprotective. But it comes from a good place."

Chan smirks, finding the image amusing. "Overbearing big brother, got it. I guess every coffee shop needs one of those."

You continue, painting a picture of Changbin's quirks and idiosyncrasies. "He means well, really. But sometimes, he can be a bit overbearing. Like, if a customer gives me a hard time, he's ready to unleash his wrath."

Chan chuckles, envisioning the protective barista stance. "Unleash his wrath, huh? Sounds serious. Should I be on my best behavior around Changbin?"

You playfully roll your eyes. "Nah, he's just looking out for his friends. It's part of his charm, I guess."

As you and Chan arrive at his recording studio, the atmosphere shifts from the city streets to the creative sanctuary within. The low hum of equipment and the soft glow of studio lights welcome you into Chan's world of music.

As the door swings open, You enter before Chan to see another boy lounging in a chair. He looks up from his spot, a music mixer in front of him. "Chan, god finally, I’ve been working on this all day and I need you to list-- who's this?" Han asks, casting a curious glance your way.

Chan smiles behind you, his eyes fixed on Han as we look at him wide eyed as if pleading him not to say anything stupid. "Y/N, this is Han. Han, this is Y/N, I met her at the coffee shop today."

You turn around to glance at Chan, a confused flicker in your eyes before facing Han once more, “Yes… he stopped by the coffee shop and we had an-- interesting exchange.”

You exchange greetings, and as the three of you settle into the studio space, Chan shoots a subtle glance at Han, silently signaling the need for discretion. Han, however, seems oblivious to the unspoken message.

Han turns around in his chair from his computer to face you, and you watch his eyes squint. The cogs were turning in his head as he points at you, he takes a breath like he’s about to say something and then presses his lips together, “I thought you met her yest--”

Chan's eyes widen imperceptibly, and you shoot him a questioning look. Han's comment hangs in the air, and Chan, ever quick-witted, smoothly deflects. The awkward dance between Chan and Han unfolds, leaving you on the sidelines, a spectator that remains just out of reach to understand the whole story. The air in the studio holds a subtle tension that leaves you questioning the unspoken truths lingering beneath the surface.

"Oh, you know, I got her confused with someone else," Chan speaks quickly, before feigning nonchalance.

Han raises an eyebrow, and his lips remain parted as he looks over at you, then back to Chan, "Ohh-kay, sure…"

You catch Chan's apologetic glances in your direction, and a flicker of confusion passes through your mind. Is there something I'm missing here? Why does it feel like they're sharing a secret that I'm not privy to?

Chan chuckles nervously, shooting you an apologetic look. "Some things are better left unspoken, you know?"

What the hell is going on between these two? Is there something specific about me that's making the air in this room so... charged?

“Uhm… Han,” You say, taking a deep inhale to try and shift the awkward tone of the studio as you slip off your coat and drape it over your arm, “You said you had something to show Chan when we got here? Mind if I eavesdrop?”

Han glances at you, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Ah, it's a little something I've been tinkering with. Thought Chan might like it."

You nod, grateful for the chance to redirect the energy, and you slip past the coffe table and take a seat on the couch while Chan takes a seat in the other office chair.

As Han cues up the track, the room is enveloped in the beginning notes of his creation. The tension eases, replaced by the shared experience of discovering a new melody. You catch a subtle exchange of relieved glances between Chan and Han, as if they appreciate the change of topic.

The music takes center stage, filling the studio with intricate harmonies and rhythm. You find yourself nodding along, genuinely enjoying the artistry at play. After the track concludes, you turn to Han with an appreciative smile.

"Holy shit, Han," you compliment, “was that you rapping?” You ask, pointing at the computer next to him with a smile.

You see a sheepish grin sneak out to Han’s face, “Ah-- Yeah…” He spins his chair all the way around and faces you.

You, however, aren't willing to let him off the hook that easily. "Seriously, Han! You've got a unique style. It's not just about the words; it's how you deliver them. There's a rhythm and a flow that's all your own." You say excitedly, “Man, if y’all ever have your music debut, you’ll have to let me know so I can be your first official fan.”

The ambient hum of the studio equipment creates a backdrop as the three of you settle into a conversation about music, the universal language that seems to bind you together.

"I've always been fascinated by how music can transport you to a different place," you share, the genuine passion evident in your voice. "Music is really important to me, it has been for a long time."

Chan nods, understanding the sentiment and he looks at you with a knowing glance, “It’s nice to escape with music."

Chan's words echo your own sentiments, and a surprise recognition sparks within you. It's as if he's plucking thoughts directly from your mind, giving voice to the emotions you've held close.

You glance at Chan, a mixture of surprise and connection dawning in your eyes. His words resonate with your inner monologue, articulating the very essence of how music has been your escape during… that time of your life.

You stare at Chan for a moment, reveling in the fact that he understands how you felt perfectly. It was like you had already told him, and you softly nodded your head in agreement. His first impression was admittedly awful, but he seems to be so genuine when he talks to you and it's been a long while since you’ve felt so at ease talking with people you had just met.

As the conversation in the studio flows, you find your attention drifting, your gaze unconsciously drawn to Chan. The soft glow of the studio lights plays on his features, highlighting the contours of his face. It's in these unguarded moments that you can't help but admire the subtle details – the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles, the way his expression shifts when he's lost in thought.

You watch with a soft smile, your admiration growing with each word he shares. There's an authenticity in his expression, a genuine enthusiasm that transforms the studio into a sacred space where music isn't just heard; it's felt. He really loves this, a sense of warmth enveloping you as you observe Chan's fervent gestures, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of joy and intensity. It's infectious, and you can't help but smile too as he talks about his love for music, and you can't help but be drawn into the orbit of his passion.

As Chan laughs in response to one of Han's anecdotes, you notice the way his features relax, and a genuine happiness radiates from him. It's a sight that resonates deeply with you – the joy of someone immersed in their element, unburdened and free. He looks beautiful when he's happy, there was so much genuine happiness etched across his face as he and Han mess around. The lines that form when he smiles, the crinkles near his eyes – it's a portrait of a person in their element, and you can't help but be struck by the magnetic charm of his happiness.

Caught in the act, you suddenly realize that Chan has noticed your lingering gaze. His eyes meet yours, and there's a playful glint in them, as if he's amused by the subtle admiration you thought went unnoticed.

A warm flush creeps up your cheeks, and you quickly avert your gaze, pretending to be engrossed in the conversation. Smooth, Y/N. Real smooth.

Chan, however, doesn't let it slide so easily. A teasing smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and he gently remarks, "Caught you staring, huh?"

You can feel the embarrassment intensifying, but there's also a lightheartedness in Chan's tone that eases the tension. You play along, mustering a sheepish grin. "Well, you know, it's hard not to appreciate good company and, uh, interesting conversation."

Chan chuckles, a knowing glint still in his eyes. "Interesting conversation, huh? Is that what we're calling it now?"

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As the night in the recording studio winds down, you decide it's time to head back to your apartment. The music has filled the air with creative energy, but the familiarity of your own space calls to you. Chan, sensing your departure, offers to walk you out.

"Hey, I'll walk you to your place," Chan suggests with a friendly smile.

You agree, appreciating the gesture. Together, you exit the studio, the city lights casting a soft glow on the sidewalks. The air is filled with the residual melodies of the night, and as you walk, a comfortable silence settles between you.

Chan takes a moment before breaking the quietude. "You know, I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight."

You turn to him, a genuine warmth in your eyes. "Likewise,” You smile, “I’m uh-- I promise I wasn't staring for the reason you think,” You laugh awkwardly.

As you reach your apartment building, Chan stops, “Oh yeah, I’m sure…” He winks, looking at you with a smirk before continuing, "You know even if we're just getting to know each other, I hope we can do it again. It was really nice to meet you."

His words linger in the air, and you find them unexpectedly touching. "I'd like that, Chan," you reply, a genuine smile forming. "Thanks for the company."

Chan bids you goodnight, watching as you enter your building. As the door closes behind you, he stands there for a moment, a mix of emotions playing on his face.

You let out a sigh and a soft smile as you walk to your apartment door, unlocking it to find your roommate standing in the kitchen as he mixes something in a large bowl.

“Who the hell was that, Y/N?” He pokes at you with a sly grin, “You’re letting guys walk you home now? Where was my invitation?” He says with a playful laugh as he looks down at the bowl.

“Felix, I met someone.”

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end note: Screaming. Question for the commenters.... whats worse? Not knowing your reliving the same day repeatedly, or watching someone else do it?

Thank you so much for reading! I'll work on part 3 as soon as I can!!

#bang chan fic #bang chan fluff #bang chan fluff fic #bang chan #Bahng Chan #christopher bahng #skz fanfiction #skz fanfic #bang chan x reader #bang chan fanfiction #stray kids fanfiction #stray kids fluff #christopher bang chan #stray kids x reader #chan x reader #stray kids fluff fic #skz x reader

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pupmini · 6 months

Text

First Date (Bang Chan x Reader)

!!PT 1!!

summary: Day to day life was perfectly uneventful, you wake up, go to work, make coffee, go home, and start all over again. But today... you met Chan.

pairing: bang chan x f!reader

genre: strangers to lovers, non idol au, crack, mostly fluff, later chapters to include: slight angst/comfort.

general warnings: barista!mc, slow burn, adult themes including but not limited to: suggestive content, cursing, mentions of death.

word count: ~5.2k

chapter content: mentions of food, coffee shop manager!Changbin, nonidol!Chan, nonidol!Han, frist meets.

author's note: I have literally never written fanfiction before BUT I wrote this for my best friend, Baylee!! So anyway, I am so terribly sorry if this is bad! Please comment any errors/thoughts about the work!

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The clock on the wall ticks accusingly as you rush through the door, a whirlwind of apologies already forming on your lips. Your boss, Changbin, glances up from behind the counter, an amused smirk playing on his lips. He raises an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

"Late again, huh?" he teases, the playful lilt in his voice betraying the mock severity of his expression.

You roll your eyes, trying to catch your breath. "Traffic was ridiculous, Changbin. I swear, the universe conspires against my punctuality."

Changbin leans against the counter, crossing his arms with a knowing smile. "The universe, huh? Must be a powerful force to reckon with."

You shoot him a playful glare, knowing you're caught in the act of making excuses. "Well, you know, the universe has its ways."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Alright, Miss Universe, we'll let it slide this time. But don't make it a habit. The coffee shop can't run on fashionable tardiness alone."

You feign offense, placing a hand over your heart. "Fashionable tardiness is an art form, Changbin. A rare talent that only a select few possess."

He laughs, the tension dissipating like steam from a freshly brewed cup. "Well, I suppose we're lucky to have such a talented individual on our team,” He says with a sarcastic grin. “Now, go work your magic behind the counter before the suburban moms revolt.”

You give him a mock salute, a mischievous glint in your eyes. "Consider it done, Captain Changbin. The coffee revolution will have to wait for another day."

At first glance, you were greeted with chocolatey brown eyes that crinkled a little as he smiled at you politely. He looked friendly, giving you a small bow of the head, “Hey, how are you?”

He’s australian… bonus points in addition to his looks.

“I’m well, thanks for asking,” You say, returning the head nod to him, “what can I get for you?” You smile, tucking a marker behind your ear as you ready yourself at the register for his order.

“Ah… can I just get that last blueberry muffin?” He asked, pointing into the display case below the register before putting his hands in his pockets.

“Anything to drink with that?” You say as you slide open the glass pane and pick up the muffin with some tongs, gently sliding it into a brown paper bag and setting it on the counter.

“I’m not huge on coffee or tea, so…” He laughs slightly, his head dropping to his chest in slight embarrassment as he meets your gaze again.

“We have some lemonade refreshers if you want? They’re low on caffeine but still wake you up a bit--” You say, picking up a cup and slipping the marker out from your ear.

“Sure, why not,” the man smiles at you, his eyes flicking between you and the cup in your hands.

“Cool, and your name?” You ask with a smile, as you bite down on the lid to the marker, pulling it off to write on the glass for the baristas to know what to make and who it’s for.

“Bang Chan--” He starts, stopping himself and then pulling a hand out of his pocket to wave a dismissal at you, “--but Chan is fine,” He says as he watches you scribble across the glass.

So his name is Chan. You look across his features again, keeping the observations brief. Your eyes squint with your smile, Chan suited him so well, you thought, gently putting the parker lid back on before tapping away at the screen.

You read him his total aloud and he pays for his drink, he thanks you again before moving on to take a seat at the back of the cafe. You watch him take a seat and glance at you from time to time as you keep working.

The steam wand hisses to life as you expertly froth milk for a latte, your wrist tilting the pitcher with a finesse that comes from countless repetitions. The espresso machine purrs, a reliable companion in the creation of the morning elixir. As you pull shots of espresso, the deep, earthy fragrance fills the air, a testament to the craftsmanship embedded in each cup.

A regular approaches, and you already know their order – a double shot of espresso with just a hint of foam. You exchange a friendly nod, your hands working in a fluid motion to fulfill their daily ritual. The clatter of coins in the tip jar is a satisfying punctuation to the routine.

You glance at the clock, realizing your shift is winding down. With the lingering scent of coffee beans in the air, you start the familiar routine of cleaning up your station, wiping down the counters with practiced efficiency.

Changbin sidles up to you, a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. "Working hard or hardly working, huh?" He quips, a smile on his lips.

You play along, feigning a look of innocence. "Oh, you caught me. I was just practicing my world-famous coffee artistry in my daydreams."

He lets out a chuckle, leaning against the counter, "I hope those daydreams involve latte hearts and not forgetting to restock the sugar packets."

You give him an exaggerated gasp, placing a hand over your heart. "Restocking? You mean we can't just survive on the sheer charm of our baristas?"

Changbin grins, shaking his head. "As much as I'd love to believe that, I think our customers prefer their coffee with a side of sugar and not just sweetness from the staff."

You both share a laugh, the friendship you both built through countless cups of coffee evident. As you finish the last few tasks, Changbin glances at the clock. "Alright, time to clock out. Any big plans for the rest of your day?"

You give a playful shrug, "Maybe a daring rendezvous with my couch and a good book. The glamorous life, you know."

He nods in mock approval, "Sounds thrilling. Don't party too hard, now."

With a wink and a wave, you make your way to the time clock. As you punch out, the banter lingers behind as Changbin starts bickering with another coworker of yours. You let out a sigh of relief as you take your jacket off the hook and slip out from behind the counter, you glance to the back of the cafe once more, seeing Chan hadn’t moved from his seat.

You let out a huff of amusement through your nose as you watch him nod his head to the music in his headphones, mindlessly folding the receipt you’d given him into a tiny little triangle. His finger held it up by one point while the other point was against the table, his eyes fixated on the little paper football as he readied his other hand to flick it before choosing not to and letting it fall to the table with a limp.

Without really thinking you plop down into the seat across from him, making two ‘L’ shapes with your hands for a field goal. Chan’s eyes look up at you over his cup, furrowing his brows at you as he looks between your eyes and your hands. You nod your head to the paper football, letting a small smile creep across your face.

“Did you make the football just to make it, or did I sit down for nothing?” You say with a laugh as you lift your hands up and shake the field goal you made with your fingers.

As you take a seat, he motions to the small paper football on the table, "So, what's your experience level? Beginner, intermediate, or paper football prodigy?"

You chuckle, appreciating his easy going nature, "Let's go with intermediate. I've had my fair share of competitive matches in my day."

He raises an eyebrow, feigning skepticism, "Oh, we've got a pro here. Well, prepare to face the champion."

Chan holds the triangle up with his forefinger as he lines up his shot, slouching in his chair as he squeezes his left eye shut. He flicks it and it goes between your fingers, “told you,” He says as he sits back up with a smug look on his face while you reach down to your lap and pick up the football.

“Hey-- I never doubted you, I just said I’ve had my fair share of matches,” You let out a laugh as you ready for your turn to flick it across the table.

You send it flying, over-shooting the goal and Chan letting out a small chuckle as he picks up the paper, “So do I get to know my opponent’s name anytime soon?” He says as he flicks it towards you, his eyes flicking up at you from your hands as you pick up the little paper.

Chan lets out a small laugh at your question, and you watch his eyes crinkle on the outside as his smile meets his eyes, “If there was a league, I’d be famous by now and you would have had to ask me for my name at the register,” he says with a playful head nod as he continues to flick the paper back and forth between the two of you, “But unfortunately there’s not, so I make music.”

"You make music?" you ask with a teasing glint in your eyes, "I thought you were auditioning for NSYNC with that outfit."

He looks down at himself, an amused expression playing on his face. "What's wrong with my outfit? I thought it was a fashion statement."

Chan laughs, taking the ribbing in stride. "Hey, the '90s had some iconic fashion. I'm just paying homage."

You join in the laughter, your teasing tone softening into a genuine smile. "Fair enough. I suppose every musician needs their signature look. Just don't start wearing bucket hats and frosted tips, okay?"

He raises an eyebrow, pretending to consider the suggestion. "Bucket hats and frosted tips, you say? I'll keep that in mind for my next music video."

You let out a laugh and purposefully flick the paper towards Chan’s face, “Music is probably my favorite thing in the world,” snicker as Chan flinches at the impact, “I use it as a way to--”

“Escape?” Chan finishes your sentence for you, leaning on the table with his arms folded. You let out a huff of hair as you nod your head. It was nice to meet someone who finally had the same love for music that you did. Chan’s eyes seem to sparkle as he tells you about his work, his studio, and how music was always his first love.

Chan leans back, a contemplative expression on his face, "It's funny how a few chords and lyrics can transport you to another state of mind. Sometimes, it's the only place I want to be."

You giggle, feeling the resonance of his words. "True. I've had moments where a song becomes my soundtrack, turning mundane tasks into cinematic experiences. It's like my own personal movie scene."

He grins, "Exactly! It's like we have this secret realm that only opens up when the right notes play. A place where emotions are raw, and the world makes a different kind of sense."

The playful banter weaves through the conversation and as you sit across from Chan, the conversation flowing effortlessly, your attention is momentarily captivated by his smile. It's not just any smile; it's the kind that carries a warmth, a genuine invitation into the joy he finds in the moment. There’s literally nothing you’ve ever seen like his smile.

His grin, genuine and infectious, pulls at the edges of your own lips. You find yourself captivated by the way his eyes crinkle at the corners, as if every smile carries a collection of untold stories. In that moment, the cafe noise fades into a distant hum, the world seems to slow down, and your chest flutters each time you make him laugh.

There's something comforting about the way he smiles. It's not just a reaction; it's a genuine reflection of joy. It's as if, in those moments, the weight of the world lightens, and everything becomes a little brighter.

You catch yourself drifting into the details—the subtle play of light and shadow on his features, the sincerity behind his eyes, and the way his smile seems to reach beyond the surface. It's like a piece of his soul is shared through that smile.

"So," you tease, "are you telling me you've never escaped reality with an air guitar solo in front of the mirror?"

Chan laughs, caught off guard by your comment. "Maybe once or twice. But hey, everyone needs a rockstar moment in their life."

The conversation flows effortlessly with Chan, his words creating a rhythmic dance in the air. You're engaged, hanging onto his every word, but as he pauses, a subtle shift in his expression catches your attention. The realization dawns as he quirks an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

You feel a blush creeping up your cheeks as his gaze lingers, and the realization hits like an unexpected wave. Oh no, did he catch me staring? Panic flutters in your chest as you fumble for words, desperately trying to salvage the moment.

In the midst of a particularly engaging anecdote, Chan pauses, a playful glint in his eye. "Am I telling the story that well, or is there something else catching your eye?"

Your heart skips a beat, and a flush of embarrassment creeps up your cheeks. Caught off guard, you stammer out a response, "Oh, no, it's not that. I mean, yes, you're telling the story well. It's just... I wasn't staring, I swear."

He chuckles, a knowing smile on his lips. "No need to be embarrassed. I'm used to having an audience, but usually, it's for my music, not my storytelling."

You manage a sheepish grin, trying to play it off. "Well, consider it a compliment then. Your storytelling is so captivating; I couldn't help but get lost in it."

He raises an eyebrow, teasing. "Lost, huh? I must be doing something right, then."

As the conversation continues, you find yourself more conscious of where your gaze wanders. The playful embarrassment lingers, but Chan's easy going demeanor turns the moment into a shared laugh, a subtle connection that weaves its way into the ongoing banter. The embarrassment fades, replaced by a renewed focus on the stories being shared, and a newfound awareness of the charm that drew your attention in the first place.

“Y/N! Get out of here!” Chanbin yells with a short laugh as he taps his watch. You give him a thumbs up in acknowledgement as you turn to look at him, and you see a little flicker of concern in his eyes as he watches you and Chan.

The cafe's closing announcement echoes through the air, signaling the end of another day. You exchange a lingering smile with Chan as the realization settles that your time together is coming to a close.

"Well, looks like it's time to call it a day," you say, a tinge of reluctance in your voice.

Chan nods, the warmth of the moment still lingering in his eyes. "Yeah, it was great talking to you. Thanks for making the end of my day so enjoyable."

A genuine smile plays on your lips. "Likewise. And hey, I'm here again tomorrow. Same time. Same coffee-scented universe. You should swing by."

He grins, seemingly pleased by the invitation. "Sounds like a plan. I'll make sure to drop by and keep you company. Thanks for the offer."

As you both gather your belongings, the atmosphere is a blend of contentment and anticipation. The cafe, now dimming its lights, feels like a sanctuary of shared moments. "Until tomorrow then," you say, a hint of playfulness in your tone.

"Tomorrow it is," Chan replies, giving a small salute. "Looking forward to it."

The door chimes as you step into the night, leaving behind the familiar hum of the cafe. The promise of tomorrow hangs in the air, and as you part ways with Chan, there's a sense of anticipation, a shared acknowledgment that some connections are worth revisiting.

As you make your way to the train station, the echoes of your conversation with Chan reverberate in your mind. The city lights paint a vibrant backdrop against the darkening sky, but it's the glow of excitement within that captivates you.

Wow, that was unexpected, you think, a soft smile tugging at the corners of your lips. The coffee shop encounter, the easy banter, and Chan's infectious laughter had turned an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Did he really bring up air guitar solos and '90s fashion? A giggle escapes you at the memory as the wind whips through your jeans, the playful banter creating a warmth that feels like a secret treasure nestled within.

As you board the train, you find yourself replaying snippets of the conversation. His stories, his laughter—it's like there's this magnetic energy, you muse, feeling the flutter of butterflies in your stomach.

When he caught you staring, there was a spark in his eyes, a playful recognition that left you blushing. The realization makes you smile even more, and you lean against the window, lost in thought. The anticipation of seeing him again adding an extra beat to your heart. There's something about him—something that made you excited again.

The train rumbles along the tracks, and you feel a mix of contentment and exhilaration. The cityscape passes by as you repeatedly flip the paper football in your hands, but it's the mental snapshots of the evening that dominate your thoughts—the shared laughter, the playful teasing, and the promise of another day filled with connection.

As you step off the train and navigate through the familiar streets toward home, you can't shake off the feeling of warmth that Chan left behind. The city may be bustling around you, but in this moment, it's the quiet thrill of unexpected connection that accompanies you on the journey home, turning a routine commute into a canvas painted with the hues of excitement and possibility.

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Chan's footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor of his recording studio as he returned after a refreshing encounter with Y/N at the coffee shop. The rhythmic hum of the city seemed to follow him, blending with the distant sounds of music seeping from the studio rooms.

As he approached his designated space, the door creaked open to reveal the dimly lit room, adorned with soundproof panels and a myriad of instruments. The glow from the computer screen cast an ethereal hue across the room. In the corner, Jisung, his friend and fellow musician, hunched over a keyboard, engrossed in a melody that seemed to float in the air.

Chan couldn't help but grin, the residual warmth from his interaction with YN still lingering. "Hey, Jisung," he called out, his voice breaking the concentrated atmosphere.

Jisung turned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, well, look who's back from his coffee shop adventure. Find any inspiration in that cafe?"

Chan chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "Not exactly, but I did have a pretty interesting conversation. You know, the usual stuff – air guitar solos, '90s fashion, and all."

Jisung raised an eyebrow, intrigued as he slips off his headphones and rolls his chair away from the computer. "Sounds like you had quite the day, who was she?"

As Chan settled into his chair, he began recounting the conversation, the banter, and the unexpected warmth he'd felt as he talked with Y/N. Jisung listened intently, the music fading into the background as the tale unfolded.

"You won't believe it, Jisung," Chan began, a lightness in his voice as he recalled the details. "She has this face, you know? Not just pretty, but there's something about her eyes – they light up when she talks about things she's passionate about."

Jisung leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Sounds like you're smitten, my friend."

Chan chuckled, the truth behind the jest evident. "Maybe a little. But it's more than that. Her voice, man, it's like a melody. And her laugh? It's infectious. I couldn't help but get caught up thinking about how beautiful she’d sound if she’d sing."

Jisung, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you've just stepped out of a romance novel. Are you sure this isn't just a caffeine-induced illusion?"

Chan shook his head, his earnestness shining through, "I don't drink caffeine-- you know that,” Chan says as he slouches in the office chair, “I'm telling you, there's something special about her. We talked about music, life, everything. It's like we were in our own little world, just sharing stories. I felt... seen, you know? It's been a while since I felt that way."

Jisung's expression softened, realizing the sincerity in Chan's words. "So, what's the plan? Are you seeing her again?"

Chan nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, we're meeting up tomorrow. And honestly, I can't wait. It's like I stumbled upon something unexpected, but in the best possible way."

As the two friends continued to chat, the studio filled with the echoes of Chan's genuine excitement. In that moment, it became clear that Y/N had become more than just a chance encounter – she was a melody that had found its way into the soundtrack of Chan's life, bringing with her the promise of something beautiful and unforeseen.

"You know," Jisung mused, "sometimes the best inspirations come from the most unexpected places. Maybe that coffee shop is your new muse."

Chan nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Maybe it is…” Chan trailed off, spinning his chair to face the recording studio as he sighed at the thought of seeing Y/N tomorrow. “But enough about me. What've you been working on?"

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The piercing sound of the alarm clock abruptly interrupts the peaceful silence of your room, signaling the start of another day. Groaning, you reluctantly open your eyes and glance at the clock – 4:30 AM. The world outside your window is still cloaked in darkness.

Dragging yourself out of bed, you shuffle across the room to silence the persistent alarm. The cold floor beneath your feet serves as a rude awakening, but there's no time to linger. Yawning, you stumble your way to the bathroom, where the harsh fluorescent light reveals your reflection – messy hair and half-closed eyes.

The water in the shower provides a jolting wake-up call, and as the warm cascade invigorates your senses, you mentally prepare for the day ahead. With a sense of determination, you speed through your morning routine, dressing in the dim light of dawn.

The kitchen is a symphony of clinking dishes and the aroma of brewing coffee. You hastily prepare a simple breakfast, mindful of the ticking clock. Toast in hand, you grab your bag and keys, casting one last glance around your apartment before locking the door behind you.

You hold your keys in your mouth as you quickly slip on your winter coat, zipping it up to keep you warm from the city’s bone chilling wind. When you step outside, you stuff your hands in your pockets and feel an oddly shaped object. You pull it out to find a paper football tucked away in your coat… weird. You shake your head in dismissal as you start to jog to the train.

The city is still hushed as you make your way to the train station. The empty streets echo with the soft patter of your shoes against the pavement. The station is a ghostly quiet, and you board the train with a handful of early risers, all immersed in their own pre-dawn thoughts.

As the train starts its journey, you find a seat and settle in, a brief moment of respite before the bustling day unfolds. The rhythmic hum of the train lulls you into a contemplative state, but your peaceful interlude is short-lived. Glancing at your watch, a sense of panic washes over you – time is slipping away.

The train halts at your station, and you bolt out, maneuvering through the crowd with the grace of someone accustomed to the rush. The coffee shop awaits, its lights flickering in the distance. You quicken your pace, hoping to make it on time.

As you burst through the door, the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans welcomes you. Your coworkers shoot you knowing glances – running on coffee shop time is practically a rite of passage.

The jingling of the doorbell announces your belated entrance to the bustling coffee shop. Changbin looks up from behind the counter with an amused smile playing on his lips. His eyes meet yours, and you can't help but feel a mixture of relief and playful embarrassment.

Changbin, leaning casually against the espresso machine, quips, "Late again, Y/N? You're pushing the boundaries of 'fashionably late' here."

You shoot him a sheepish grin, trying to catch your breath as you put your stuff down and quickly punch in. "Well, you know me, always making a grand entrance. Adds a bit of excitement to the place, doesn't it?"

Changbin chuckles, a warm and understanding tone in his voice. "Excitement, or chaos? Either way, you keep us on our toes. Now, apron up and let's get you into the rhythm of the morning grind."

As you hastily tie your apron, Changbin hands you a not-so-subtle wink. "Next time, aim for early. It's a wild concept, I know, but give it a try."

You playfully roll your eyes, retorting, "Where's the fun in that? Besides, the best stories always start with a dramatic entrance."

Changbin laughs, shaking his head, "You're something else, Y/N. Just make sure the drama doesn't involve spilled coffee or broken mugs, alright?"

With a mock salute, you assure him, "No promises, boss. But I'll do my best to keep it entertaining without any casualties."

The banter continues as you dive into the morning rush, the camaraderie with Changbin adding a touch of levity to the fast-paced coffee shop routine. Despite the teasing, there's an unspoken understanding that your energetic spirit is an integral part of the caffeinated symphony that defines the heartbeat of the place.

As you deftly navigate the morning rush at the coffee shop, a handsome stranger with a disarming smile strides toward the counter, confidently locking eyes with you. Your customer service instincts kick in as he approaches.

You smile politely as you hop in front of the register as he approaches, “Hey, welcome in!” You noticed how his smile reached his eyes and caused them to crinkle, and how his hair fell over his forehead and rested right above his eyebrows. He’s cute.

“Hey, Y/N,” He says with a grin as he playfully taps his fingers on the counter between the two of you.

You furrow your brow, racking your brain for any recollection of this charming stranger. Flashes of the previous day's faces and orders blur together, but his presence eludes you.

“Sorry… have we met?”

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Author's Note: I APOLOGIZE FOR HURTING Y'ALL BUT PLEASE STAY TUNED I'LL MAKE IT UP TO YOU!! T-T <3

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