Chapter Text
He was only planning to go there once.
A rundown cafe next to the highway bridge. The old sign is barely readable anymore.
“Coffee Hill”, what a dumb name. The surrounding area is flat for crying out loud.
Loud is also a good description of the place, being next to a highway ensures that.
Jisung wasn’t in a position to complain though. He barely kept himself awake as is. He needs some caffeine.
For some forsaken reason, the only coffee place he could find in this laughably small village was this dump.
With a heartfelt sigh he drags his feet to the front door and pushes it open.
An old-looking wind chime announces his arrival with a few high-pitched sounds. Jisung can’t help the urge to roll his eyes.
This whole village is just so…. Kitsch.
The way to friendly neighbors, asking him if he needs help, the smiling postman when he brought him his first letter, welcoming him warmly in this village. All of them are just so nice, warm and– well– kitsch. And this café as well.
It’s rundown, yes. It is strangely homey, however. Just like the rest of this village.
Jisung could barf. He just doesn’t fit into this kind of environment.
But maybe he is just pessimistic. Three days without sleep would do that to a person, that’s for sure.
Behind the counter a warm voice greets him. Jisung nods without even taking the effort to look at the man. He just walks over and lets himself plop down onto the nearest bar stool. Facing the table, trying his best to get his dizziness to calm down.
“I guess you’ll take a coffee then? I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone looking that tired.”
Jisung slowly raises his head, revealing the most handsome man he’s ever seen, though this might also be his sleep deprivation speaking. Failing to connect two thoughts at the same time, he just stares at the stranger while still avoiding his gaze.
His body seems fit, the sleeves of his shirt emphasizing his arm muscles. His Jawbone and nose are so sharp but at the same time soft and nice looking.
Very nice looking.
He is staring.
The man shifts. Slightly worried but also amused.
He clears his throat and Jisung twitches.
A small tug at the corner of the man’s lips.
Then he swiftly turns around, facing some makeshift curtains behind him.
“A double expresso and a cheesecake. Hurry it up Yang!” He shouts way louder than necessary in this small coffee shop. He turns back, smiling at his tired customer.
Jisung can feel himself melting into his bar stool. His worries forgotten for a fraction of a moment.
Cheesecakes are his favorite.
The man behind the counter didn’t try to start a conversation again. He just brought out his coffee and cake as soon as a voice behind the curtains screamed at him to pick it up. Jisung assumes it must be the kitchen.
Why would you have a separate kitchen in a café?
Wouldn’t you just prepare everything at the counter?
Jisung quickly pushes his thoughts aside and takes a big gulp of coffee.
He can’t focus enough to come up with real answers and it’s not as if this dump would pique his interest anyways.
He burns his tongue.
It is too bitter.
His eyes water.
He really hates coffee.
He quickly shoves a piece of cake into his mouth, instantly feeling better.
With some newfound energy he was suddenly very aware that the beautiful man was now blatantly staring at him.
With one last big gulp, he forces himself to look up. Not quite meeting his eyes.
“Well– “, the man tries to start conversation again, “How come you are this tired? Your boss tormenting you, or did you get broken up with?”
Jisung is glad he swallowed earlier, or he would surely have spat out his drink.
“Where do you get off being so nosey?”, he manages with a snort. “And for your information: It’s neither the first, nor the second. Also– You might want to introduce yourself before asking random people about their work and love lives.”
He tried to cross his arms to enhance his point, but that just made him feel silly. Jisung has always been quick to pull up his defense. No one said anything about a good defense though.
“Oh yeah, guess that was kinda rude. I’m Lee Minho, nice to meet you.” Minho extends a hand, reaching over the counter, waiting for Jisung to take it.
“Ehm... okay…? Good to meet you as well Lee Minho?” He takes the hand he was offered but drops it much sooner than polite.
He did not expect that sudden change up in Minho’s demeanor.
Hesitantly he adds: “I’m Han Jisung.”
Minho’s smile broadens. “I’ve never seen you around here, are you visiting or are you a newcomer, Han Jisung?”
Jisung shifts slightly on his chair, clearly uncomfortable. He shoves the last piece of cake into his mouth, so he won’t have to answer.
“You’re pretty personal, eh?”, Minho looks at him like he is trying to make out something important. “Well don’t worry, that’s fine by me. Everyone has things they want to keep to themselves.” Minho grabs the tall kid that just emerged from the yellow curtains and holds him in a headlock ruffling his brown locks violently. “For me that would be my adorable coworker here.”
“Augh, cut it out hyung!”, the young man breaks free from his cage looking only slightly annoyed.
Jisung cringes. This just isn’t for him.
Looking to leave, he pulls out some crumpled paper money from his back pocket to hand it to Minho, but he refuses immediately.
“You look like you’ve been through some shit. First order here is on me.”
“Right...”, Jisung takes a moment to make himself aware of his appearance.
His oversized jeans are muddy from the heavy rain this morning and his T-shirt is crumpled.
He doesn’t even want to imagine what his face and hair must look like. He hasn’t washed his hair in days, and he hasn’t shaved in a week. His glasses are foggy as well. He must look like a homeless person.
He sighs, not really dwelling on it for too long. He just gets up and makes his way to the exit.
“Make sure to be back Han Jisung!”, Minho shouts after him. Again, way louder than necessary.
Jisung gives him and the boy next to him a tight nod and walks out of the strange café.
He will never come back here. He will make sure of it. This just isn’t for him.
On his way home, he stops by the convenience store to pick up some filter coffee he could make at home.
Problem solved.