#I will say that the diner is called ‘coffee cake cafe’ and has been long enough that it’s what I named my online self after haha

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

The Tide Starts to Turn.

*sigh* Alright, I’m forced to admit it...

As annoyed and frustrated as I am that all of you are still going on with this birthday thing...

That was some pretty good cake.

Haha! Told ya’!

You win this round Canzanilla, but don’t get used to these victories!

Still, I think that’s well enough for me. You guys can have the rest.

!!??

!!??

MINE! HAHA! 

LEONA! Ugh! Dude!

Oh come on!

*As soon as Four gives the OK, Leona jumps forward, snatches the cake and starts to guzzle it uncontrollably. The frosting goes everywhere, especially over Oliver.

Ugh! Gross man!

That was my lunch!

You snooze, you lose, Koji my dude~!

*sigh*

*As the “birthday celebrations” finish up, Maya smiles at her excitable friends and goes to turn the close sign on their café base.

You seriously do deserve two birthdays a year Four. I know all of this was a joke, but you’re someone who deserves to be celebrated.

Thanks I guess...But like I told you before, it’s jarring enough to have one birthday celebration a year. I’m not one for festivities.

Ok grumpy...Anyways, what are you gonna do now? Call your parents, go to bed to get away from us?

One of the files we stole from that building caught my interest. It’s got a seal on it that I haven’t seen before.

I’m gonna give it a read over. It might be something important.

Oh, ok...Need any help?

Hm...some coffee might be nice. Between you and me, the one at that diner was shit.

Haha! Say it for the whole world to hear for all I care. So long as you think mine’s better.

*Four sits at a table in the corner of the cafe while Maya goes to the counter to brew a coffee for her. While she’s there, she switches on the TV suspended above the counter.

American News Reporter: This is Action News coming to you live from a street near you! Breaking news: The ragtag band of rebels known as the Freedom Foundation have struck again on the brand new trade center opened up by Fang Incorporated!

*GASP!* GUYS GUYS GUYS WE’RE ON TV!

WHA-!?

*Kouji, Hunter and Leona immediately stop fighting over cake, and rush around the counter, with Leona climbing onto one of the bar seats, Koji frantically sitting down, and Hunter and Oliver standing calmly beside them.

Reporter: As far as most of their incredible crimes against this corporation go, this is notably one of their smaller offenses, merely a simple robbery and high speed chase. However, as usual, many are left wondering what these infernal bandits hope to gain from their escapades? Are they secretly heroes trying to point holes in society’s security that need fixing? Or are they just out to embarrass Fang Inc. in particular?

“Infernal” huh? That’s a new one.

What, are we like RPG demons or something. “Surrender to the infernal pits of hell!”

Heha!

*Everyone chuckles.

Reporter: But we have something special for you today, good people of the states. While, as per usual, she isn’t here to speak in person, we have a direct message from the CEO of the corporation herself, Emilia Feng, which was requested directly by her to be passed to us, in relation to the Freedom Foundation’s latest crime spree.

Huh!?

The CEO herself!

Haha! Finally! We’ve got her attention!

Um...Oliver...Can I borrow your PC for a second?

Huh? Knock yourself out, but...what’s up?

Nothing...I just need to confirm something.

Reporter: Her message is as followed. “In light of the recent surge of crimes against our corporation, we sincerely apologize for our repeated failings against these dastardly deviants, and rest assured, behind the scenes, we are doing everything we can to try and catch them for good.”

Heh! Dastardly we are!

Reporter: “However, if you were to ask me, and forgive me if what I’m saying doesn’t sound professional in the slightest...The “Freedom Foundation” as they call themselves are not people to be feared. If anything, we should all feel sorry for them...

...What?

I-I’m sorry?

Reporter: “The reality is that this isn’t some diabolical crime team that the world has been forced to deal with. They’re a group of second-rate has-beens. While I can only take guesses at their identities, I will but money on them simply being customers who weren’t satisfied with the services we’ve provided the country for the last decade. After all, wouldn’t that explain why so few people rise to their cause? Regrettably, it’s clear to me as the CEO that you cannot please anyone, and some people will hate you by default. I say let them talk. They can try as hard as they like, but they will never bring this company down on their own.

Oh YEAH!?

Who the hell do you think you are, bitch!?

Reporter: “If you looked behind the surface, you’ll see their antics for what they are. Amateurish, and unoriginal. Do they sincerely think they can change the world by pretending to be a movie heist crew? The truth, good people, is that these people’s actions are originated from a deep well of anger-”

I’m NOT ANGRY! YOU’RE ANGRY!

Reporter: “-and denial...”

THAT’S NOT TRUE AT ALL!

Guys...

Reporter: “And self-loathing...”

PSH! I don’t “loathe” anybody ‘cept you BIATCH!

Dude! Seriously!

Reporter: “To close, no matter what these people think they can achieve, whether as a team, or on their own, nothing they could ever do will fill the hole in their evidently wounded hearts...or brains for that matter.” 

*CLICK!*

*The TV suddenly switches off.

Ollie!

Don’t “Ollie!” me! Are you seriously letting that whore get to you!? Everything about what she said is just dripping with hypocrisy!

Uh...hippopotamus what now?

Ugh...It means that she pretends that her standards are higher than they actually are. She can berate us, but she knows full well we’re a threat. She sent that message specifically to deter us, and you guys are just LETTING her do it.

If she was ACTUALLY serious, then she would fucking show her face for once and say all that BS herself! But no, of course she wouldn’t, because we’re not “worth her time!” FUCKING HELL!

Oliver...are you mad?

...

*sigh* ‘Course I’m fucking mad...She doesn’t half know how to make people feel hopeless.

But it WON’T work. We can’t let it work. Who cares if our capers are unoriginal, they’ve worked flawlessly so far.

You say that, but...no evidence we’ve collected against Fang Inc has worked so far.

There’s nothing in what we’ve taken from files or whatever that she can’t stamp out with bribing the government. The woman is the richest in the world, with a bottomless pit of money.

I fucking know that! But one of these days, there’s gonna be something!

Well...I might have good news...

*Everyone turns to Four.

Sorry?

I knew something was up. When we robbed that information center, one file had an emblem on it that I’ve never seen before. Something about it wasn’t right.

If you ask me, I think there was a transit error. This one file was never supposed to be here.

*Four brings Oliver’s laptop over.

What have you got there?

This file here, while it doesn’t shed details on it’s own, proves something big. Do any of you guys know about a group called “Organization Z?”

Organization what? 

Wait, you mean those guys on foreign news? The Eastern terrorist organization?

They’ve made it pretty big lately, those guys. In fact, they’re probably the most famous terrorist group in the world right now. According to Japanese officials, which is where they’re based, they plan on starting their own special version of the Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History.

That bullshit again!? Why’s the Japanese always gotta ruin everything!?

Come on, good things come out of Japan too! Like Manga! I wouldn’t be who I am if not for Japanese culture?

But wait, I think you guys are missing the point. Why the hell does Emilia Feng have a file on these eastern terrorists.

Unfortunately, the file itself is one small piece of a very big puzzle, so to get the full picture, we’re gonna need a hell of a lot more info.

But one thing’s for sure. From my analysis, Emilia has had DIRECT confrontations, transactions and interactions with the group.

Wait, WHAT!? Fang Inc. have transactions with these terrorists!?

What does that mean? A-Are they...colluding with each other?

Possibly...probably even...

But there is also the possibility that she’s fighting a secret war against them. If we jump to conclusions, it could end up biting us in the ass.

However, if it’s true that there is collusion between her and these terrorists...then if that story is exposed, the scandal could ruin her. No amount of bribery, or allies on her side, would be able to save her.

This is it...This COULD be it...! This could be our moment!

But...what if it ends up being a bust? What if it’s like Four said and Emilia’s actually doing a good thing?

No. I don’t buy that. There’s absolutely no way Emilia Feng or Fang Inc wouldn’t let it be public knowledge in that case.

The woman is an egomaniac. She wouldn’t bust her ass fighting terrorists if it meant she didn’t get MOST of the credit.

Good point...

Four! Where does that file originate from! We’re gonna need the rest!

Oliver and I will search, but more than likely, it’s gonna be in one of two places. Either one of Fang Inc’s most secure locations...or somewhere less secure to lead potential bad guys, like us for instance, down the wrong trail.

But one thing’s for sure. If Emilia really values this information, then this isn’t gonna be some quick hit-and-run robbery like earlier. We’re gonna need to plan a heist.

Oh hell yeah baby...Consider me sold.

Me too. But just remember that heists are notably more dangerous that speed-chases. I know we wing it a lot, but we are ACTUALLY gonna have to plan this time.

Yeah, I got it. Usually I’m fine winging it, but if this is actually ACTUALLY our chance, then it ain’t worth the risk.

Everyone...hands in...!

*Maya sticks out her hand. Oliver, Four, Hunter, Koji and Leona stick theirs in too.

Freedom!

*Everyone cheers.

[aliwritesfic]

Night Shift Part 3 (F!Reader x Frankie Morales)

Summary: Yours and Frankie’s weekends take very different turns

Word Count: 2K

Warnings: Emotionally abusive relationship, very brief mention of drug use, drinking, T*m D*vis makes an appearance

Part 1 Part 4

Frankie slept better that week than he had in months. Every night was long, uninterrupted, mercifully dreamless sleep. The diner had done exactly what he had hoped. When he awoke that Saturday afternoon, he felt better than he had in ages. He hummed while he rummaged through the refrigerator, grabbing out some leftover padthai and throwing it in the microwave.

Each night that week, a routine between you and him had formed. You’d work, barely exchanging words until the dinner rush was completed, then you’d make him a coffee and he’d make you something to eat. You’d requested something different each night, and each night you’d spoken to him a little more. Some nights you were in a better mood than others, but he quickly realised it wasn’t personal against him.

He found he was a little disappointed when he woke up that afternoon and remembered that it was his day off. If he was being honest with himself, he’d grown to enjoy your company. Something about you intrigued him, made him want to get to know you more.

Frankie spent getting stuff together for poker night with the boys. It was his turn to host, so all he had to do was make sure that his dining room table was clear and his portable speaker was charged. 

While he got ready, his mind kept wandering back to you.

He thought of the way you had a different smile for certain customers. The truly genuine one was reserved for only a select few of your favourites. He felt himself hoping that one day you’d give him one of those smiles, instead of the one that didn’t really reach your eyes and disappeared quickly. 

He thought of how when the diner was quiet, you’d lean against the counter and sip your coffee, your gaze firmly out the window. 

He thought of how when your shift ended and you checked your phone, your face would change for just a fraction of a second before you’d say goodbye and rush out the door. 

Jesus fucking Christ, he thought, do I have a crush?

Frankie hadn’t had a crush since high school, when he had finally had the guts to ask out Portia Inglewood. That relationship had lasted until he left the military, and brought all the emotional baggage with him.

A loud banging on the door knocked him out of his thoughts. 

“Cat!” Benny didn’t wait for Frankie to open the door. “We’re here, and we have beer!”

“You know where it goes,” Frankie called back. 

Santi grinned at his best friend and handed him a beer. “How’s the new job?”

“It’s exactly what I need right now,” Frankie told him. Santi nodded in understanding. They all had their own ways of dealing with what they carried. “Plus, the extra cash doesn’t hurt.”

Frankie didn’t want money - he had plenty from when he’d do private jobs with Santi. If he ever became desperate, he knew he could just join Santi on his next job. 

“Well, extra cash or not, I’ll always be the hottest person you’ve ever worked with,” Santi winked, making Frankie roll his eyes.

“Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better, man.” Frankie laughed. 

The night progressed in a haze of pizza and beer and poker. Will lost money to Tom, and Tom promptly lost it all to Benny. Santi told the group about the new girl he was seeing, some French expat over stateside for a few months. Benny double checked everyone was coming to the fight next weekend. Tom revealed that he and the girls were moving to Ohio to be closer to Molly’s parents. The boys promptly began planning a going away party, which would basically just be another poker night but with more beer and possibly a cake.

Any worries Frankie held seemed to melt away on nights like these. At one point, he briefly wondered what you were doing and if you were thinking of him too. Yep. Definitely a crush.

~*~

You didn’t like Kurt’s friends. Unfortunately, you were stuck spending your Saturday night with them crowded in your apartment, loud and disrespectful as hell. It didn’t matter to them that you’d asked time and time again could they please go outside to smoke, could they please put their beer bottles in the recycling bin, could they please not use your nice plates to do coke on. 

If your grandfather could have seen you now, he would’ve called you a push-over. You hated that you had become this person - afraid to stick up for yourself in your own home. Hell, you didn’t even know at what point you’d become this person. It just seemed to happen over the five years you’d been dating Kurt.

You had lost yourself in trying to be what he wanted.

With a sigh, you sealed yourself away in the bedroom with a bag of Doritos and your phone, wishing you could call your grandfather. You still had his number in your phone. Occasionally, you’d look at it, the numbers seared into your brain. 

Instead of calling the now disconnected number, you settled for messaging Sara. She was one of your only remaining friends from high school, and knew as much about your feelings as you were willing to let on. The thing was, you knew what she would say if you told her how you felt every single day. How lost, how hopeless you felt. She’d tell you to leave, forget Kurt and all the years with him, but to you it wasn’t that simple. 

Part of you still loved him, despite everything, and that part remained hopeful that you and Kurt could fix the fractures in your relationship. Plus, a voice in the back of your head told you he was right when he said he was the only one who could ever love you. 

Being alone, unloved, was one of your deepest fears.

This was one of the nights you actually missed being at the diner. You missed the lemon scented countertops, the radio that seemed to be permanently set on the oldies station, hell, you even missed Frankie and his amazing food. He’d been working with you less than a week but he had already wedged himself into your stomach. But, it was just two more nights until you were back there. It struck you that this was the opposite of how most people thought. No one you knew actually wished to go back to work. 

It was almost dawn when you were woken out of your half sleep by Kurt stumbling into the room. 

“Baby,” he slurred, crawling into bed beside you. “Baby, I love you.”

“I love you too,” you mumbled, moving over so he could fit in the bed easier. He reeked of sweat and booze. 

“I’m sorry,” he planted a sloppy kiss on your neck. “I really try to be good.”

“I know,” you ran your fingers over his head. He liked his hair cropped short, in an almost military like style. “I try too.”

“Can we go back to how we were?” Kurt continued kissing you, his hands moving drunkenly over your body. You bit back a sigh, knowing where this was heading.

You decided it would be easier to let him do what he needed, despite how badly you wanted to sleep. The only saving grace was you knew Kurt would only last a couple of minutes before it would be over. 

~*~

“So, what’s the new guy like?” Manny asked. You were seated outside, at one of his favourite cafes. The sun shone down warmly on you both, brightening your mood.

“I like him, I think,” you said. “He’s nice, quiet.”

“And pretty cute, right?” Manny wriggled his eyebrows. 

“I hadn’t noticed,” you lied. Of course you had noticed. It was impossible not to notice. 

“Don’t feed me bullshit, I can tell when you’re lying.”

“Ugh, fine. He’s good looking. But that doesn’t mean anything.”

“That’s the thing lover, it only means something if you want it to.” Manny took a conspiratorial sip of his drink. “And I didn’t get a gay vibe from him.”

“Oh good, because the only thing holding me back from jumping his bones in the kitchen is that I didn’t know his sexual preference.” You rolled your eyes, deciding to quickly change the subject. “Anyway, how’s the new job?”

“I’m loving it!” Manny lit up. “Everyone says teenagers are the worst group to teach, but it’s like they forget middle school exists.”

You smiled at Manny’s happiness. It thrilled you to see someone you considered your best friend so happy. If anyone deserves the whole world, you thought, it’s him. But he wasn’t going to let you change the subject that easily.

“You know, maybe you could invite Frankie to one of our lunches,” Manny said slyly. “It could be a night crew thing.”

“That would mean inviting the weekenders,” you reminded him. Manny held a grudge against the weekend crew, but you could never figure out why.

“No, weeknight crew only. Come on, lover, it could be fun! Plus, I want to get to know my replacement a bit better. Make sure I’m not handing the spatula to someone I don’t approve of.” Manny pouted and switched on his puppy dog eyes.

“Ugh, fine, I’ll ask,” you conceded, “but don’t be surprised if he says no. The man probably has a life.”

“It can’t hurt to ask though, and I will bother you about it until you have an answer.”

“What are you planning?” You knew that look all too well.

“Just on making a new friend,” Manny said innocently. “Lover, you can never have enough friends.”

At that moment your phone buzzed with a text from Kurt.

Where r u?????

You grimaced and sent a quick reply, hoping it wouldn’t lead to what it usually did.

At lunch with Manny from work. I’ll be home in a couple hours, do you want anything?

“Why don’t you just break up with him?” Manny asked, watching you carefully.

Is he the gay 1?

Yes, you met him and his husband last year.

“It’s complicated,” you said. You didn’t have anywhere to go. You were terrified of being alone. Part of you still felt like you could salvage what you had. The one and only time you had tried to break up with him, he had threatened to kill himself if you left. 

“You deserve better than that,” Manny said. You remained silent, not sure if he was right. “You’ve been unhappy for ages now.”

“I’m happy!” You protested.

“No you aren’t. Don’t fucking lie to me. You’re miserable with that douche bag, even James agrees.”

“I haven’t seen James in months! How the hell would he know!” You were getting defensive, but you still managed to keep your voice lowered. 

“Lover, I talk that man's ear off every chance I get. Because I love him. Because he likes to hear me talk about my day and the people important to me.”

“I’m important to you?”

Manny rolled his eyes and threw his napkin at you. “Of course you are, you’re a sister to me. Stop trying to change the subject.”

“What subject!” You scoffed.

“The subject of you for some reason wanting to stay in a relationship with a man who makes you miserable,” Manny’s voice softened and he gently held one of your hands. The gesture almost made you tear up with its gentleness. You merely shrugged.

“Like I said, it’s complicated.”

Manny nodded. “Just please think about it, for real. I couldn’t sleep at night if I never said anything to you about it.”

The walk home was slow, you took your time to sort out your scrambling thoughts. Manny had offered to drive you, but it was a nice day, and you wanted to enjoy the sunshine. You pushed the issue of Kurt to the side, knowing either way the outcome would be the same unless you magically grew a spine and a few extra zeros in your bank account.

Instead, you thought about Frankie and how best to ask him to Sunday lunch. Honestly, if there was going to be a night shift tradition, it just felt downright rude to not at least extend an invite. And if Frankie said yes, well, that was even better. It was like Manny said - an opportunity to make a new friend. Just a friend.

So why did your stomach flip at the thought?

Tagging @hnt-escape if you’d also like to be tagged just let me know <3

[junquisite]

C’est La vie 9

WORD COUNT : 1.8K

GENRE : Fluff. SIngle Parent! OC AU

WARNING : None. yearning if it’s considered one

PARTS : 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  F

NOTE : Please enjoy one of my favorite fic i have EVER written. Next part is the finale~

It had been three weeks since he asked her about the kiss and she rejected him. He really did understand her reasoning but he wasn't going to give up.

For the first week after being rejected, he figured he should give her some space. And since it was usually either Jimin or Seungyoun picking Jiah up from kindergarten, he couldn't see her for a whole week. Until one evening she herself came to the bakery. Alone.

When he asked her about it, she shrugged and said since she hadn't seen him for a while, she dropped by. It was half an hour before his closing time. So she stayed till he closed up, cleaned up and then he walked her to her place.

Since then it became a sort of ritual for them. She would come around half an hour or more before the closing time and just stay. Either sometimes work, read a book or just sit near the counter and talk to him. Then after closing, she would help him clean up and finally he'll walk her home.

 It was around noon when Sejun got a call from her.

"Hello?" 

"Hey Sejun, Can you do me a huge favour right now?" He heard her say and he agreed.

"What is it?"

"I had an important meeting at the office which got postponed and it's at 1 now. Seungsik is with me and Seungyoun and Jimin are also stuck. Can you please go pick Jiah up?" 

"Sure! It's no hassle Jinae."

"Good. Then I'll call the teacher and tell her your name. Do carry an ID for your identification. I'll text you her school's address." She said and the call ended.

Telling Taesong to handle the bakery, he left to pick Jiah up. 

The kindergarten was a cute little building with a huge playground in front of it and when he reached the school, he saw a pretty young lady waiting at the front, talking to the parents.

He went to her and smiled, " Hi, I'm Lim Sejun, I'm here to pick Jiah?" He said and the teacher nodded.

She went inside the classroom and an excited Jiah came running out of the class and he picked her up and spun her around.

"How are you kiddo? Did you miss me?" He said and she nodded enthusiastically.

"You must be uncle Sejun I presume? I have heard a lot about you since she brought those cupcakes in class." The teacher said and Sejun smiled at her.

"I'm Kim Yongsun. Where exactly is your bakery? I think I would love to drop by!" She said and Sejun shook her hand. After telling her the location of his bakery, he left with Jiah.

In the car, Sejun called Jinae and told her that he would take Jiah to his own apartment and get her freshened up and give her something to eat and to not worry about her.

On the way to home, Jinae spoke up.

"Uncle Sejun, how long is your hair going to stay silver?" 

Sejun shrugged. "I don't know kid. Why?" 

"You said you would dye them blue and I wanna see you in blue hair." Jiah said with a pout and sejun chuckled. Before reaching his apartment, he stopped at a convenience store and bought blue dye and when he told her what he was planning to do, Jiah clapped happily.

When Jinae called him that she was free and she'd come pick Jiah up, he sent her his address and half an hour later, she was ringing his bell.

Sejun opened the door and she was greeted with bright blue hair. She stared at him with an open mouth for a few seconds until she heard Jiah giggling. 

"I told you mommy would like it." She said to Sejun who just ruffled her hair and Jinae felt betrayed by her own daughter and even by her heart when it skipped a beat.

That evening when she went to the cafe and thanked him for picking Jiah up, Sejun mentioned how nice of a teacher Jiah had and how she dropped by in the afternoon to have a coffee, maybe Jinae felt jealous but she was quick to push it away.

 A week goes by and apparently the teacher, Kim Yongsun has become a regular at the bakery and even Jiah knows it because she told Jinae that, "Teacher always has a cup from Uncle Sejun's bakery on her desk every morning."

A few days later, Jinae and Seungyoun stopped by the bakery to grab coffees and as they entered, they saw Yongsun leaning on the counter, twirling her hair with her fingers and flirting BLATANTLY with Sejun who was also smiling at her.

Suddenly Yongsun stood up and ruffled Sejun's hair slightly and then they both chuckled and Seungyoun laughed because he heard Jinae curse under her breath.

"Jealous much?" He asked and she glared at him.

"I can't understand why though. You rejected him yourself so.." Seungyoun trailed off and Jinae elbowed him slightly.

"Not now youn." She muttered and went towards the happy pair.

She heard Youngsun ask Sejun about his plans for the evening when she jumped in the conversation.

"Sejun, hi. Are you doing anything Tonight?" She asked and heard Seungyoun chuckled slightly beside him. She wanted to kick him.

"Uhh.. nothing yet. Why?" Sejun said, looking slightly at Youngsun which she didn't like even one bit.

"Jiah wanted you over. She said she hadn't played with you in so long and she misses you." Jinae lied and she cursed herself for using her own daughter to satisfy her jealousy.

"Oh yeah! I haven't played with kiddo since forever! I'll drop by after closing?" He asked and smiled happily.

She turned towards Yongsun now who had a small smile on her face.

"Miss. Kim, how nice to see you here. What are you doing here?" Jinae asked as Seungyoun placed the order for their coffees.

"Well I tried cupcakes that Jiah brought once and they were really good so I thought I'll have to check this place out. Now that I have started coming here, I can say I like the cupcakes here a lot, among other things." She said, looking at Sejun coming towards them at the last part.

"Other things? What other things?" Jinae asked again even after fully knowing what Yongsun meant. 

"Uhh.. I just do. I'll see you around Jinae, Seungyoun and Sejun!" Yongsun said and left and the guys waved at her.

"I'll get going too. I'll see you in the evening?" Jinae asked and Sejun smiled at her with his dimples showing and god she loved his smile.

 The whole way back home Seungyoun kept snickering and Jinae kept looking outside the window, slightly embarrassed.

When they reached home, Jinae rushed to Jiah and picked her up, said "Jiah, you miss uncle Sejun, don't you?" And the kid nodded.

"Good. He's coming over tonight to play and then have dinner with us." Jinae told her and Jiah clapped happily.

"When did this happen?" Jimin asked from Behind Jiah and Seungyoun laughed loudly.

"Jinae got jealous of Jiah's teacher who was going to ask Sejun out for dinner so she asked him out first. In the name of Jiah obviously." Seungyoun told Jimin who joined him in his laughing.

"I wasn't jealous." Jinae muttered but soon went to the kitchen to prepare for dinner and then clean the house.

Sejun came in the evening and Jiah pulled him away quickly. Jimin and Seungyoun had left already but just before dinner was served, her bell rang and Seungyoun was there with a cake in his hand.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything!" He whispered to her and after announcing loudly that he had cake, joined the table.

The dinner consisted of Seungyoun indirectly teasing Jinae and asking Sejun about the teacher any chance he got and then wincing slightly because Jinae would kick him under the table. 

And then it was time for Sejun to leave and she was hoping for a moment alone with him but he bid her farewell and before she could insist on walking him till the apartment lobby, he left.

 That night, at 11 pm, 2 hours after Sejun had left, she taped a piece of paper to Seungyoun's t-shirt who was crashing at hers that night saying 'going out for some fresh air.' and went out to the diner she last visited with him.

She entered it and weirdly enough, it was empty but she was happy. She took a seat in their booth, the one they sat in a few weeks ago and the same one they used to sit in 10 years ago.

The lady came and smiled at her and asked her for her order. She ordered her usual, strawberry and cream pancake but she sounded choked up, even to herself.

The lady looking at her solemn face asked her what was wrong and it was as if all hell broke loose Because suddenly she couldn't stop the tears. The lady sat down quickly beside her and started running her fingers through her hair to calm her down. 

"I..I really like him but I don't know what to do." She said slowly.

"But you kissed him here sweetheart. The last time you were here." 

It only made Jinae cry harder. 

"I rejected him after that! I don't know why I did that. I have the responsibility of Jiah and I can't do this to her and I did just that but why does it hurt so much then? I..I regret doing that so much! But I was scared and I still am and I don't know what to do anymore!" Jinae said and hid her face in her hands.

The lady just patted her head and said softly, "You know you love Jiah and you're doing a very good job with her. But you have to look out for yourself too Jinae. You owe it to yourself too. Jiah is a smart kid, she'll understand. Tell her and date him if you want to. And I know you want to."

Maybe it was someone saying she wasn't wrong in Liking Sejun or someone telling her she can actually want herself to be happy and it won't be selfish but whatever it was, she smiled at the lady who patted her head and stood up. But she was determined now. She'll tell Sejun how she feels.

The bell rang of the diner suddenly and the lady turned to the door and said, "welcome. Please be seated I'll be there to take your order…" but her voice died down and Jinae looked up from wiping her tears to see why.

Her breath quickened and she couldn't help the shiver that went down her spine.

"Sejun?" 

[baekhypnotized]

☆— [two]

summary: Baekhyun is just a man who doesn’t believe in romance as much as Byul, who is trying to give herself to him. But day by day, he will soon realize that her fleeting actions are breaking down his cold-hearted brick wall, no matter if it takes her a million years.

warning(s): -

word count: 2.7k+

author’s note: second chapter is here!!! i hope there’s people who would like this fic like i do :( feedback is much appreciated so please leave your thoughts regarding this fic!! to anyone who would like to be tagged in the next chapter, please let me know too :)

tag list: @baestelcolor​

<<[prev] || [next]>>

Throughout the first class, I couldn’t bring myself to focus on the lesson as my eyes unconsciously land on him. Why on Earth does he need to sit at the very front seat? He didn't even bother introducing himself when he enters the lecture hall; simply ignoring the lecturer like he has all the power in the world to be rude to her. But watching as he interacts with the girl sitting beside him, I have a feeling they must have been close to each other. Friends? Lovers? I can hear hushes coming from the two of them as he leans close to her, watching as he makes her giggle so loud although it doesn't seem like she is trying to stifle it down. Almost the entire class glanced at their direction, probably wondering what's with the two people in front being disrespectful in the middle of a lesson. 

When our one and only class ends, we start to pack our stuff and get ready to leave the university. 

“Do you want to join us for lunch at the Seoul Diner?” Soomin asks me and at the same time, I dig out my phone from the bag, noticing that I received a text message from Senior Hana. She informs me that Dahyun is taking an emergency leave because she’s down with the flu. Seems like I need to take over her shift for the evening.

"Nope, sorry. Change of plans," I wiggle my phone to her, knowing she'll understand me. She sighs exasperatedly while Sehun who is standing beside her is already laughing.

“I’ll make it up to you guys,” I pack the last thing into my bag. “I promise.” 

“Yeah, yeah whatever. Don’t skip your dinner and come back home straight after your shift ends,” she commands, rolling her eyes to the back of her head. 

Breaking the hug that lasts long for a minute, I look over to Sehun this time. “Take care of yourself guys. Don’t do anything weird when I’m not around.” Glaring straight into his eyes as Sehun chortles before he nods. I laugh right after warning them because I’m definitely joking. 

I bid them goodbye and walk to the door slowly. Sneakily, I glance towards his direction; he is still talking to the same girl of whom I have already forgotten her name. The girl is still laughing, probably to his lame jokes. Then I realise, he is sitting too close to her with his hand already landed on top of hers.

The guy suddenly turns to look at my direction, focusing on me. Busted! I fluster from where I stand and quickly leave the lecture hall because I think he notices me staring at him, at them. Focusing back on my tracks to the nearest public transport, I walk down through the hallway to leave the university compound. 

“Hanbyul!” 

I stop in my tracks as I hear my name being called. I turn around to look at the caller, only to feel my heart drop as I see that it is him again. The guy walks towards where I’m standing, smirking even as he pants slightly, looking a little out of his breath.

“You’re the one who works at the cafe, right?” He scans me from the above my head, down to my feet and it creeps me out. “Yeah, I’m right.” He clicks his tongue loud and clear.

I don’t answer him, staying silent as I wonder why he even remembers me and most importantly, what does he want from me?

“Where are you going next?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary to tell you where I’m going,” Fixing my grip on my tote bag, I turn around to continue walking. I can hear him chuckles and it makes me slightly blushing. He, however, decides to go the extra mile to stop me from walking away. He stands in front of me as if blocking my way, his hand tucked into the pocket of his jeans.

“I’m assuming that you’re going to the cafe, right?” He asks—assumes, the smug smile is still etched on his handsome face. “Why don’t I walk you there, hm?” He offers, tilting his head a little, his eyes sparkling.

I stare at him for a second longer, just another second, before I shake my head, refusing his invitation. The male, however, doesn’t seem too pleased with my refusal, I notice his brows furrowing for a moment before it is replaced by the same smug look.

“Well, I’m about to get coffee anyway and your boss most definitely won’t appreciate you for turning down a customer.” He plasters a triumphant smile this time, when he notices my stunned expression, obviously taken aback by his words. He then walks away with a smirk, leading the way to the cafe without waiting for my answer. 

I sigh quietly and follow him from behind. Just a cup of coffee and he will leave you alone.

Once I arrived at the cafe, I head straight to the staff room to wear the apron, as usual. Tying my hair into a ponytail, I get back to the front and begin to brew his coffee. This time, it’s iced americano. Grabbing an empty glass, I fill it with ice cubes and cold water. Then, I pour the espresso shots into it and take out the lemon cake to cut into a slice. I am grateful that the cafe during Monday isn’t chaotic like weekends. After transferring the lemon cake onto a saucer plate, I place a fresh slice of lemon on top of it for the final touch.

Just like yesterday, he’s expecting me to send his orders to him. The same seat, the same table as yesterday. The lemon cake and the iced americano are arranged properly on the tray as I carry it over to his table. 

“Here’s your lemon cake and iced americano,” I place the tray carefully on the table. He is looking at me expectantly with his arms crossed.

He only hums and grabs his drinks as he begins to sip his beverage. I assume that he’s satisfied with his desserts seeing that he doesn’t give any remark. Suddenly the chime above the door rings,  I automatically blurt the greeting. “Good evening!” 

I rush back to the counter, leaving the male at his table. The new customer recites her order before I key it into the system. After the transactions, I prepare her orders as quickly as possible, without wasting any time. One frappuccino and one almond latte. It takes me around 5 minutes to prepare the drinks and place them into the carrier before passing it to her with a wide smile. “Thank you and enjoy your drinks!”

As my eyes follow her movements leaving the cafe, I feel his stare burning through my skin. He is still holding the cup in one hand, sitting in ways you can describe as arrogant like he’s the boss. At every movement I make, I can feel his eyes following me, observing me. I try to ignore him by going to an empty table to clean it up. Gathering all the used plates and utensils on the tray, I walk back to the counter but before I get there, he calls for me. 

“Hey,” he calls.

I stop and turn around to check on him, to see if he needs something from me as a customer, “Yes?”

He drops the fork after taking a bite of the lemon cake, his eyes looking right into mine. “Would you mind to sit with me for a minute?” He questions.

“Sorry but I’m bu-”

“Just a minute,” he cuts me off smoothly.

I gulp a lump in my throat and stealing a glance around the cafe. Since there are only a few people in the cafe, I slowly sit in front of him with the tray placed on my lap. None of us is saying anything for a moment, leaving me to fidget in my seat. But then he takes a breath,  finally deciding to talk.

“I would like to ask you…  for a date,” he confesses.

It is so sudden that I can feel my heart leaping out of my ribcage. I have never been asked for a date, this is literally the first time ever. I have never really considered dating a guy like him before. Dating is not my priority back then because I am more inclined to get my stable career first before thinking of dating someone. So obviously I won���t know what to do, how I should react.

I fidget in my seat, looking down at the tray instead of him. He is still waiting for my answer, looking at me expectantly when I look back up. Taking a deep breath, I pick up my courage and look at him in the eyes, “I don’t think so.”

The smug expression on his face is now gone, replaced by a look of surprise. He surely has never been rejected before. He lets out a cough, carding his fingers through his black hair, revealing some hues of grey as they hit the light coming from the window.

“And why is that?” he asks, leaning forward over the table.

“I don’t even know your name,” I retort, hoping to sound as stern. I’m not wrong, though. He came late to our class and didn’t even bother to introduce himself. I know he’s a Mr Byun now since I heard Mdm. Lee calling him that, but that’s literally it.

“If I tell you my name, will you agree to go out on a date with me?”

I stay silent when he stares straight into my eyes with his shimmering orbs. He waits for my answer eagerly with his index finger tapping on his shining silver wristwatch. He’s good looking face makes me wonder what’s his name.

“Probably yes.” 

He beams brightly with his eyebrows quirking upwards.

“But I barely have time for a date so I’m not sure when we can go out.”

“I probably can ask your boss to give you a longer break. Only for the date.” He grins and winks his right eye cunningly that makes me scoff silently.

“You cannot do that,” I say to him with a stern voice. 

“Oh, darling, you don’t know what I can do to go for a date with you,” he answers me, sounding so confident, leaving me with no room to retort. Something about his tone is making my stomach churn, but not in a negative way. 

He stands up and checks on the time at his wristwatch. “I need to go now, but it’s a deal right?” 

I quickly got up from the chair, carrying the tray in my hands. I bite my lips as he comes closer, his face just a few inches away from mine. I couldn’t bring myself to reply to him when he smiles, his eyes twinkling with mirth. Even after taking a deep breath, with our faces so close to each other, I can only manage a small nod.

The smile on his face grows wider upon hearing my answer. “Perfect!” He says. 

He starts to leave the cafe after giving me one last smile. My eyes stick to his figure leaving the door and I just realised, he doesn’t tell his name yet. I place the tray on the table and walk to catch up to him. 

“You still owe me your name.”

He stops in his tracks from pushing the door open, turning around to look at me with amusement written on his face. He steps closer to me and passes me a tissue that leaves me clueless. 

“It’s Baekhyun. Byun Baekhyun.”

Right after the cafe close at 10 pm, I clean and rearrange everything at the right place before getting ready to go back home. When I’m about to take out my phone from the pouch of my apron, I remember about the tissue. So I take it out to look at it once again. 

He gave me his number. What should I do with it?

I keep the tissue into the pocket of my jeans and head to the staff room, hanging my apron by the wall. I bid goodbye to my other colleagues and switch off the lights in the cafe before leaving the cafe. 

Tonight, it’s a chilly night. It’s a bad idea for not bringing any hoodie to the university because I didn’t expect to take over Dahyun’s shift. Since the train station is just 10 minutes away from here, I guess I’ll just hold onto the coldness. 

I walk down the street walk while mesmerising the stars shimmering brightly. Maybe, there’s a reason why the named ‘Byul’ meant to be a star. I breathe in the fresh air and pulls out my phone from my bag. Checking the notifications that appear, two from them are from Soomin and one from my mom. 

Suddenly, a loud honk makes me jump on the spot with shocks. I turn around to detect where does it comes from and there’s a black Audi car stops by the street. The driver rolls down the window and peeks his head to look at me. 

“Wanna have a ride?” He invites. 

“It’s okay, Baekhyun. Thank you for inviting.” I continue my walk as he drives his car slowly, following me from beside.

“Oh come on, it’s already late, Hanbyul.” Baekhyun comments. I sigh and turn around to look at him. He once again stops the car.

“It’s dangerous for a young, pretty woman like you walk alone at night. Who knows something bad wil-” He continues to make me scared so I cut him off.

“Okay fine!” I sigh in frustration, surrendering myself to him. Baekhyun smiles to me as he unlocks the door for me. I get into the passenger seat before admiring the luxury interior design of his car. 

“Use the GPS and key in your address,” Baekhyun commands. 

I avert my gaze to look at him, “Just send me to the nearest train station. I’ll be fine.”

“I insist to send you home, Hanbyul. Or I’ll drop you off at the corner of your neighbourhood. Sounds good?” He finally gives me an option and I nod my head as I type my address in his GPS. Baekhyun continues his driving towards the destination. I sit on the leather seat uncomfortably because the environment in the car throughout the journey is so awkward and silence. I sneakily glance on him driving the car focus and yet, he looks so dashing. 

He drops me off like I wanted to, the corner of my neighbourhood. “Thank you, Baekhyun for driving me here.”

“No problem. It’s a small matter.” I reply to him with a soft smile stretch on my face as I unbuckle the seatbelt and before I get to open the door, he stops me, “Text me when you arrive home safely.” 

I turn around for the last time and I nod to him before leaving his car. Baekhyun speeds his car leaving me alone as I walk to my apartment with confused feelings. Unlocking the door, I go straight to my room without greeting Soomin who is currently watching the television while waiting for me. 

“Byul, what’s wrong?” Soomin follows me to my room and asks me when she sees me lying on my bed restlessly. 

“Nothing... Just tired.” I murmur.

“Well well, take a quick shower and go to sleep. We have a class at 10 am tomorrow.” Soomin informs me as a grunt from me followed by. She chuckles before leaving my room. I remember about Baekhyun asking me to text him once I arrived but should I?

I grab my phone and the tissue in my pocket as I rethink my choices. In the end, I punch in his number into my phone and add his contact. I breathe in deeply before opening a new conversation.

[Byul]: hey, it’s me. i arrived safely and thank you once again for sending me back.

[Baekhyun]: hey, me. who are you?

I chuckle to his lame joke and reply to his text.

[Byul]: ha ha. funny. it’s hanbyul!

[Baekhyun]: aahh! it’s you. glad that you arrived in good condition.

[Byul]: yeah, thanks to you though. have you arrive home yet?

[Baekhyun]: well, I need to drop by and meet someone. need to go and talk to you later.

[Byul]: oh okay then. 

Charging the phone on the bedside table, I prepare myself to sleep, a quick shower and grabbing a pair of pyjamas to wear. I lay back on the comfy bed and before I let myself drift into sleep, I check my phone for any messages. There’s one from him that makes my heart skips a beat.

[Baekhyun]: goodnight, hanbyul.

[bldreamer]

Sweetness  To Your Love | MorkSun

Dark Blue Kiss : MorkSun

Summary: Mork is stressed over final exams and Sun tries to cheer him up with a little sugary goodness. Based on THIS  prompt from @anon. Genre: Stressed!Mork. Sweet!Sun.  Warnings: None? 

A/N: More thanks to @kdramama for turning my spelling error into an idea x

Mork has a sweet tooth. Not many people are privy to the fact. Most would take one look at him and assume he takes his coffee black and his ramen heavy on the salt.

Sun is privileged enough to know that couldn’t be further from the truth, and he learns to take advantage of his insider knowledge as often as possible. Particularly when Mork seems especially stressed.

Final exams at the university are fast approaching and while Rain seems rather blasé about the whole thing, Mork is on edge.

It’s so subtle Sun misses it at first. Mork in an introvert at the best of times, let alone when something is troubling him. It’s only when Sun smells the unusual excess of cigarette stench on him in the middle of his shift that he realizes something is up. Mork knows better than to smoke while he’s working.

Sun bites his tongue when he feels himself itching to lecture him on his bad habits and keeps an eye on him for the rest of the day. Noting the delicate nuances in Mork’s behavior. How quiet he is while he’s working, how distracted he seems when he serves customers, how little he argues back when Sun has constructive criticism to give.

Sun’s usual approach would be to push and shove and nag relentlessly until Mork shoves back. He knows the young man well enough to know that won’t work in this case. If anything, he’ll clam up all the more.

Instead, he waits for a new day to dawn and settles on an alternative tactic which he puts into motion at five AM on a Tuesday morning before the sun has even approached the horizon.

“Mork, wait.” Sun catches Mork’s wrist as he heads to the door for school. Red faculty shirt bunched in his hand, backpack slung over his shoulder. “Here, try these for me after lunch.” Sun hands him a to-go cake box, two glazed cinnamon doughnuts tucked inside.

Mork frowns. Eyes on the box in his hand. “What is it?”

“New recipe. I’m thinking of adding them to the menu,” Sun smiles, “Let me know what you think.”

“Me?” Mork points to himself.

“Mh, you’re my new taste tester.”

“Since when?”

“Since now?” Sun shrugs. “I could always ask Rain if you’re not interested,” he says, faking offense.  

Mork shakes his head. “Whatever, I’ll try it.” He checks his watch and huffs. “I’ll see you later.”

“Have a good day,” Sun says.

Mork throws him a confused look over his shoulder before he leaves.

Four hours later Sun receives three new LINE messages.

Doughnuts were good, old man.

Put them on the menu.

Fridays only. I hate going to the gym.

Sun smiles, it’s not much but it’s earned him more words than Mork has said to him in person all week.  

Thanks for the feedback.

Don’t call me old man.

Two days later, a rainy Thursday, Sun sends Mork to school with a box of caramel oat cookies. They’re not as good as the doughnuts but still worthy according to his official dessert taster. Not that Sun has any actual plans to add either to the cafe menu. The cookies are far too expensive to make and the doughnuts are way too precarious to fry in batches.

Sun keeps those tidbits to himself.

Friday, he tries his hand at a chocolate ganache sponge cake before dawn. The mess in his kitchen, chocolate glaze smeared on almost every surface and himself, is completely worth it when he sees Mork smile for the first time in over a week.

“Chocolate, my favorite.”

Sun gives both his brother and his boyfriend the weekend off to study. Rain sits in his bedroom with Manow -Sun hopes they’re busy with schoolwork, otherwise, he’ll be having words- and Mork sits alone in the quiet spaces of the cafe surrounded by papers and textbooks. Sun keeps him topped up with the sweetest drinks on the menu and the odd chocolate chip muffin left over from the week.

Mork doesn’t say much but the cups are always empty when Sun comes to collect them half an hour later and the muffins are picked at throughout the day. Sun worries for his teeth but at least the sugar will give him an energy boost.

On Monday, Mork doesn’t ask what’s in his to-go box. He’s running late and Sun has to rush after him because he forgets the box on the end of the counter. Blueberry pancakes, because he remembers Mork saying he visited an aunt in California when he was a kid and he’s had a thing for American diner food ever since.

Tuesday, Sun makes Mork sit down for breakfast when he doesn’t have to be at the university until ten. He places a generous slice of lemon cheesecake in front of him and a glass of chocolate milk.

“It’s lemons so it’s healthy,” Sun argues when Mork gives him the eyebrow.

When Mork comes home after school complaining of a headache, Sun decides it’s probably best to rein in the sugary treats for the time being. He doesn’t even think his plan is working anyway. Mork smells less of cigarette smoke but looks just as gloomy when he thinks people aren’t watching.

Sun doesn’t see him for almost three days after that because Mork goes back to his dorm and Sun doesn’t have the heart to argue with him and persuade him to stay.

Friday he returns for his shift and Sun can see the dark circles under his eyes from the other side of the cafe.

A few hours later he finds him curled up on the bench outside, shirt tucked under his head, hands in between his knees, chest rising and falling softly.

Sun stands over him and smiles, pushing his fallen hair back from Mork’s face from the cool breeze. The young man usually so alert doesn’t move an inch. He must be exhausted. Sun pulls off his overshirt out from under his apron and carefully lays it over Mork’s shoulders.

Sun checks on him every half hour or so, happy he remains undisturbed and relatively in the same position until closing.  

It’s dark outside, the cafe is eerily quiet, Sun is wiping down the tables when he hears the groggy voice over his shoulder.

“P’Sun?” Mork says, rubbing his eyes.

Sun turns around, cloth in hand. He smiles at the sight, Mork’s t-shirt crumbled, face puffy and eyes bleary but less dark than they were earlier.

“How long was I asleep?”

Sun checks his watch, “A couple of hours,” he lies. It’s been closer to five but it’s no matter. “I’ll let it slide this once on account that I took some really cute pictures on my phone.”

Mork glares, it’s less intimidating when he yawns afterward. Sun smiles fondly.

“Next time I’m docking your pay,” he warns jokingly. “Do you feel better, at least?”

Mork nods. “Mh.” He throws something in Sun’s direction, and he catches it easily. His shirt. “Put that back on, no one wants to see a half-naked barista. It makes you look desperate.”

Sun looks down at his attire, he’d forgotten he’d only been wearing a tank top this whole time. He meant to grab another shirt from upstairs but he hasn’t had the time.

“Are you jealous you missed out?”  

Mork shrugs. “I can see you without clothes whenever I want, why would I be jealous?”

“Huh?”

Mork tilts his chin upwards, cock expression taking over his sleepy one. “You’re not the only one with a camera phone, P’.”

Sun smirks, feeling the heat on the tips of his ears. “Nong Mork, are you flirting?”

“Take it how you want,” he shrugs, walking towards the stairs. “You coming to bed or what?”

Sun throws the cloth on the table and yanks off his apron. He checked the door not five minutes ago so he knows it’s locked. He runs after Mork who has made it half-way up the steps and grabs him by the waist. Mork wriggles away and grumbles about safety being the top priority. Sun laughs and chases after up to the bedroom.

Mork scores third highest in his class when they graduate and Sun couldn’t be prouder. He looks damn handsome in his robes too, despite his constant grumbling. When he comes down from the podium Sun grabs Mork by the sides of his face and kisses him firmly on the lips, much to Mork’s chagrin.  

Sun makes him a three-tiered chocolate cake topped with a mini Mork made out of icing he spent the entire week perfecting, right down to his rings and his hip chain.

“I don’t look like that,” Mork tuts, bright eyes shining in the sunlight. “He looks angry.”

“Yep,” Sun nods, laughing when Mork pushes him hard enough he trips. “Watch the cake you brute,” he whines with a grin.

“Where’s my cake?” Rain grumbles. He could have done better if he had put his mind to it, but he did well and that’s all that matters so Sun keeps his opinions to himself for a change. “I’m your brother.”

“And he’s my boyfriend.”

Mork rolls his eyes from the side. He’s still shy about the title and Sun kind of loves it.

“Didn’t your girlfriend make you one?” Sun asks feigning innocence.

Rain narrows his eyes.  

Mork snorts, and Sun tucks himself into his side, the large cake box safely under his arm.

“Speaking of my girlfriend, is it okay if Manow stays over tonight? Her parents are out of town.”

“Do her parents know?”

Rain nods. “I’ll even call them if you don’t believe me. Pleeeease P’Sun? Your boyfriend practically lives with us. How is it any different?”

Mork kicks a leg out and Rain skillfully doges it.

“Fine. But I want her parent's number. And no funny business, we share a wall.”

Rain is about to complain about hypocrisy -it’s true, but Sun is the older brother and he pays the rent so tough- when Mork interrupts.

“We won’t be here.”

“Huh?”

Mork puts his arm around Sun’s shoulders. “I booked us a room out of town for the night.”

Sun is speechless. “You booked us a hotel room?” he asks. “With what money?”

“He sold those cakes and cookies and things you kept making him,” Rain chirps and Mork pulls his arm from around Sun’s shoulders and chases after him until he runs away laughing.

When Mork returns, messy hair and breathless, he looks guilty.

“You sold the things I made?” Sun pouts.

“Not all of them. Come on, P’.” Mork tugs on his arm. “You gave me a box of twelve cookies, how was I supposed to eat them all myself?”

“You could have said.”

“I appreciate them. I really did. I just didn’t want them to go to waste. And I saved most of the money myself,” Mork says, cupping Sun’s empty hand. “Don’t be mad.”

Sun shrugs. “‘m not mad.”

“I booked us the hotel to say thank you,” Mork explains. “I know you’ve barely been sleeping between the extra work at the cafe and making me desserts in the middle of the night.”

Sun sulks, looking away and playing dumb.

Mork smirks, putting a finger under his chin so their eyes meet. “You think I didn’t notice none of those things went on the menu?”

Sun shrugs. “I’m still perfecting the recipes.”

“P’Sun,” Mork cups his cheek. “I told you I’m not good with words. And I can’t bake for shit.”

“Mh.”

“So let me show you how much I appreciate you instead.” Mork pulls Sun’s hand to lay on his chest. “I already packed for you, Rain is watching the cafe tomorrow with Manow so we can spend the whole day doing whatever. Please?”

Sun huffs. Giving up his pout with little fight. “You really booked a hotel for us?”

Mork nods. “Four stars, all-inclusive, giant pool,” he explains.

“I’m not worth five stars?”

Mork snorts. “I didn’t sell enough cookies for five stars.”

Sun tries to fight the grin but it’s a losing battle. He bites his bottom lip and chuckles. “Nong Mork, the boy who hated me. Now whisking me away for a romantic overnight getaway.” He shakes his head, chuckling. “Where is this hotel?”

“Not telling. But you might want to hold onto that tight,” Mork gestures to the cake. “We’re taking my bike.”

“You have got to be kidding me?”

“Nope.” Mork nods behind him and when Sun looks over his shoulder, Rain is in the distance wheeling Mork’s bike towards them with a bike helmet on each handlebar.

“Then I’ve changed my mind,” Sun whines. “I am mad and I’m not getting on that deathtrap.”

“You rode a bike when you dragged me across the countryside for your stupid coffee beans.”

That’s true.

“That’s different,” Sun grumbles instead.

“How?”

“I was driving,” he tuts.

“You’re not driving my bike.”

“Why not?”

“I said no.”

“Mork.”

“Shut up, and put your helmet on.”

“Moooork.”

~Fin

[missguomeiyun]

I’m back from Korea

I feel like October didn’t happen at all .. but at the same time, it happened & it happened too quickly =/

I was away for 2.5 weeks in Korea, & then when I came back, it was a mini series of night shifts so I practically did nothing. .. & by the time I realized it, it was Halloween & I was working evening shifts so I didn’t go out. O_O it has been 1 crazy month. But November is here now, & things are returning back to normal: my vacation withdrawal is over, & I have some “normal” combo of shifts, & it’s time to say bye-bye to the hot weather. It’s gonna be great~

Okay, let’s be real: I’m never “over” a Korea trip lol the other day, I was really craving that budae jjigae. The struggle was real. So I made it for lunch ^^

For my 1st return post, I’ve decided to keep things simple & just share a brief summary of my 2.5 week-long trip with you!

Day 1-4: I stayed at my usual Seoul home, Namsan Hill Hotel. I was unable to book a longer stay at this place =( These 1st few days, I revisited some places in Seoul: Namdaemun (for hand-cut noodles called “kalguksu”); Sinchon/Ewha Womens Univ area/Hongik Univ area for shopping & ; Gyeongbokgung area for Tongin Market & some art museums; Insadong/Samcheongdong/Bukchon Hanok Village for some relaxing strolls around traditional Korean housing. Some new places I went to include:

- a cafe called “Kopi Han-yak-bang” (lit. trans.: “coffee Korean pharmacy”). Look it up! It’s super cool! The owner believes coffee has a healing power, just like traditional herbal medicine, so the cafe is like a vintage herbal medicine shop/pharmacy. It feels as if you’re entering a movie set rather than a cafe.

- The Skyfarm for brunch! Pretty place with amazing view of Seoul.

- Seongsu area for industrial warehouse cafes. It was a valuable & memorable experience bcos Seongsu used to be an area for large factories (making of leather products & shoes, & car-fixing shops), but it’s revitalizing & the large factory spaces are now being converted to hip coffeeshops. Many of which do collabs with local/emerging artists & fashion designers so there’s lots of artsy things to see in these coffeeshops.

- Seoul Forest. There’s like a picnic area, some basketball & tennis courts, walking trails, etc. .. I had a convenience store goods dinner in the picnic area, & watched the sunset there.

Day 5-8: I moved over to Savoy Hotel located in the heart of Myeongdong. It’s ~15min walk away from Namsan Hill Hotel. Great location but also quite loud. My options were slim when I was booking stuff, & I needed to stay close to Seoul Station bcos I arranged 4x 1-day trips! I didn’t realize it at first but then I was like, “I have 4 back-to-back day trips right now.” I was essentially out every day from like 0700h to 2100h.

Trip 1: Paju~ for Heyri Art Village & Provence. I have been to these places before & really liked it so I went back, esp Heyri Art Village. After the day trip, I met up with 2 of my coworkers for K-BBQ in the Hapjeong area.

Trip 2: Jeonju~ I only went to 1 place in Jeonju & that was the Jeonju Hanok Village. It was raining all day that day. However, it was still very enjoyable. The village was a beautiful place, & under the rain, it looked even more picturesque.

Trip 3: Incheon~ for Incheon Chinatown & Wolmido, which is an island connected to Incheon via a highway. Due to its close proximity to China, Incheon became a major port for trades back in the day, & the Chinese immigrants basically settled here, hence it’s the largest Chinatown in Korea. I met up with my friend Ji Yoon in Chinatown & we spent some time catching up.

Trip 4: Gangneung~ For the annual Gangneung Coffee Festival; its title was “Voices of Coffee” this year! It was held at the Gangneung Olympic Ice Arena. I can’t recall how many shots of coffee samples I had that day, but it was a lot. I also went to the Anmok Coffee Street, which is a line of cafes along Anmok Beach - all the cafes face the beach so the view is pretty. Even more so on the day I went bcos it was cloudy =]

Day 9: remained in Seoul today. Went to the Seoul Botanic Garden, which opened its doors in May 2019. Very pretty displays~ Huuuuuge space too. It was like Telus World x Muttart Conservatory x Devonian Botanic Garden. Lots to see, & if you go, allot more time for yourself here. & then in the evening, I camped out by Yeouido Hangang Park for the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival, which was named “Life is Colourful” this year. So many ppl! I was expecting that before going but it was beyond my imagination. It was truly an experience- the streets were blocked off for pedestrian traffic & literally, it took like 10mins to move 5meters after the show as over! Then at the subway station nearby, there was a bottleneck, where apparently the capacity inside the underground station was reached so we needed to wait outside the exit.. . still, it was fun!

Day 10-12: 1 way train ticket to Busan. Yes, train to Busan ;) I was safe though hehe Busan was beautiful! In hindsight, I should’ve spent more time here but . .. NEXT TIME! I went to BIFF Square & Gukje Market, which was like across from my hotel, Stanford Inn Busan. Gamcheon Cultural Village was super cute; although I would hate being a resident there =/ The Busan Int’l Film Festival was happening then, & I visited the Expo & Convention Centre for the film market. Can’t go into the exhibition, but that whole area was filled with ads/posters of BIFF - it was a big deal! It was cool to witness such a big event & to experience the sheer scale of it. I then went to Shinsegae Centum City, which is the largest shopping complex in the world.  Haeundae Beach was also cool. I went on a cloudy day & it was awesome! That same evening/night, I checked out the Jagalchi Fish Market, which is the largest seafood market in Korea. It has 7 floors total, with 3 underground parking levels :O On the last day, bcos I only had the morning available to do stuff, I had Busan fish cake for breakfast & strolled in BIFF Square again.

*Note: I actually hit all the things on my itinerary EXCEPT for the Busan Museum of Art, which was closed on Mondays =( but the security guy let me in to see the lobby bcos he knew I was a tourist. Thank you!

Day 13-17: Flew from Busan Airport to Jeju Airport. I used more time than needed for the whole process- turned out foreigners have their own line at the Busan Airport, so it’s faster than locals. There’s also a domestic terminal & international terminal, so from arrival to being checked in & through security.. . it took less than 25mins. It was great! In regards to Jeju, I did the following:

- stayed in Jeju City for the arrival afternoon/evening, with my hotel being Astar Hotel. Had a street food dinner at Dongmun Market; they were having this night market/festival event so a bunch of street food stalls were open from 7pm-midnight. Smelled like heaven haha

- I did my 1st hike ever on Hallasan Mountain, specifically the Gwaneunsa Trail, & I reached the peak. It was.. . hard. I can’t say I particularly enjoyed it; however, it has proven to me that I am a land person, & I belong in museums, cafes, & street walking lol. Look up the details of the trail! Was it ambitious of me to go on this for my 1st hike ever. .. without any hiking gear? I went with what some ppl would consider gym shoes, a hoodie, leggings, & a backpack with water, juice, kimbaps, 2 bananas, 6 mandarins, & some snacks (cheese crisps & pineapple cream-flavoured crackers).

- The day after the hike, my legs were still okay. But it was my glut that was starting to get sore XD I went to Osulloc Tea Museum & Innisfree Jeju House. The aesthetics <3

- Went to Black Pig Street for black pig bbq. I was hoping a restaurant or two was taking solo-diners & thankfully, the 2nd restaurant I asked did! I ordered pork neck instead of pork belly - it was quite tender & kinda chewy, actually. Later that evening, I went to the Tamra Cultural Festival 2019. It was neat~ There was an outdoor night market, as well as a stage for cultural dance/play/music.

- Jeju Island is actually quite small, & it takes approx. an hour from 1 side of the island to the other side. Thus, for my 3rd (full) day, I went to the Jungmun (Jeju City is north of the island; Jungmun is south coast) & visited the Yellow Cafe, Chocolate Land, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, & Yeomiji Botanical Garden.

- From Jungmun, I took a local bus to Lee Jong Seop Street in Seogwipo, the next city over. The street is very pleasant & chill, with artwork along the street, coffeeshops & eateries, as well as little gift shops. Totally my thing! It reminds me Bukchon Hanok Village in terms of vibe, but minus the traditional housing look. The Seogwipo Olle Market is nearby, & is a great place to buy Jeju souvenirs. The pricing, I heard/read, is cheaper than Dongmun Market in Jeju City - it is true! There are also less tourists here, which was what made it enjoyable for me, personally.

- Only the morning on my last day was free for activities bcos my flight to Seoul was early afternoon. I visited the area around Jeju City Hall, which was ~20min walk from my hotel. It was a very leisurely morning, where I sat down & enjoyed coffee at Coffee Finder & had a build-your-own-ramen bowl at a place nearby. The architecture of Coffee Finder was unique; it used to be a 2-floor house, with like a driveway/sidewalk. But the ummm first floor ceiling/second floor flooring was knocked down so there’s a “hole” in the middle of the cafe. The cafe has very homely vibes as the placement of tables/chairs are in what was (at one point) rooms of the house. It’s open but also you can get some privacy at the same time.

Day 17-18: Back to Seoul, & stayed at Namsan Hill Hotel~ Itaewon is a must! I need to go to Passion 5 every time lol. & I also revisited the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art bcos I like it. & then I had my last day as a “free” day, where I didn’t plan ANYTHING. I’m a very intense planner & when I go on trips, I literally plan to the minute haha & guess what, I ended up in Hongdae. Honestly, it’s my kinda place. Sadly, the transportation situation there isn’t convenient for the rest of my itinerary, or else I would choose a hotel that’s in the vicinity. I nearly spent 2.5 hrs at Coin Su Noraebang haha I realized that if you score high enough, time gets added to your paid time :O I can’t let that go to waste =P

There ya go, Korea 2019!

PS: I haven’t decided what/how I’m gonna go about posting my trip. .. There are wayyyy too many photos & it will take me a million yrs to write/upload. Perhaps expect unexpected Korea posts scattered between my regular posts :P I will, however, share with you the coffees I’ve had in Korea. I tried diff ones, from franchise to small local cafes, adventurous flavours & the typical black Americano. I didn’t have any poor experiences but there was 1 particular one that I will likely never order again - tbh, I should’ve expected it but I still went for it anyway *shrugs* so I guess it was all my fault haha ok, I’ll ttyl~!

[kotorirod]

Chapter Summary With no idea if the change of heart was happening to Kamoshida, Ren decides to go spend his Sunday to relax the best he can. Needless to say, things didn’t go according to plan. 

Notes So this one took awhile longer because I debated on what I would have Lucien (Simon) be focused on. Just a head’s up, he’s mostly going to be toying with Ren in the first couple of ranks before something happens :P

I had also wanted to put Victor’s (Zen’s) Confidant start in here but decided against it. He’ll be having his own chapter :D

Also I did art of one little scene because I was bored, thought it be fun :3  Enjoy the chapter! Pic here

5/1/XX - Daytime  

Ren finished the curry bowl that Sojiro was kind enough to make for him. It was one of the many perks he got while working some nights with his guardian, especially a tasty coffee to match. As the teenager finished the warm cup, Ren heard the bell ring. He could feel the urging daggers from his elder, making him rush to down the coffee so he could leave and let the man work. The teenager had grabbed his bag and slid off the stool, only to stop when he saw who the person was at the entrance. It was that man from before, the one who had been drinking with Dr. Takemi. What was his name? He knew the doctor had mentioned it once offhandedly before they discussed their deal.

Not that it mattered. 

Ren began to ponder on what his plans would be for today. Maybe he can head to the diner to try that one dish Kira had mentioned before. Ever since that afternoon, he and Kira would hang out every so often at school. Sure, people were still spreading rumors about him, but after taking the upperclassman's advice, they weren't as frequently heard. He remembered Kira and Ryuji mentioning about a movie called The Cake Knight Rises . It sounded corny, but for it to be a sequel of a rather highly-acclaimed film, he could give it a chance.

His thoughts stopped as Morgana meowed something, alerting him that the man hadn’t moved from the door. Thinking he was in the way, Ren had taken a step the side to let him pass him. However, the man never moved. Instead, he saw that his smile and gaze was focused on him as the man asked, “Amamiya-san, right?”

”Um... yes?” Ren answered with some uncertainty.

”Ah, good,” the man spoke. “I was looking for you.”

Ren kept his face from going pale. Wait, why was this guy looking for him? Was he someone that worked at school, maybe? Maybe he worked with Kamoshida, and this was how they were going to be silenced by outside means.

Oh great, Ryuji’s crazy theories were suddenly rubbing off on him.

As if reading what was on his mind, the man chuckled and stated, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. I had wanted to thank you for helping Takemi-san.”

”Is he troubling you?” Sojiro’s stern voice broke through, making Ren look behind him to see that his guardian was ready to scold him. Even with the times that they had worked together, he knew he still had to earn the full trust of his caretaker.

”No, it’s alright, Sakura-san,” the man assured him. “This young man has been helping a friend of mine, and I wanted to thank him.”

Although his expression softened, Ren did see that there was still distrust in his eyes. Although, he felt that it was less aimed at him and more at the would-be customer. It seemed his plans weren’t going to be done by his lonesome as the man suggested he treat him to a meal. At least he could probably get a chance to try to that item at the diner.

-+-+-+-

5/1/XX - Daytime  

The meal was excellent, and he was able to sneak a few bites to Morgana, who softly mewled in thanks. He smiled down at him before he heard the man ask, "Do you always carry your cat everywhere?"

Ren looked up, staring at the man who was Simon Gentou. They had traded a few words on the way to Shibuya, mostly what felt like the older man trying to get information on what Takemi-san was working on. It may not have been said, but he wasn't going to break her trust. She helped him get the best medicine they needed to fight the Shadows in the Palace and Mementos. Plus, she was a kind woman.

So now, the topics have been more revolving on him or more so, Morgana.

"I can't really leave him be at the cafe," Ren confessed. "Sakura-san may have fatten him up when I'm not looking."

He ignored the glower from his feline friend and the soft chuckle from Gentou-san.

"He does seem to do that with the strays around Yogenjaya," Gentou-san agreed.

Ren watched him rest one of his arms on the table, chin resting on the hand before the older man stated, "I'm unsure what to make of you, Amamiya-san. With the way Sakura-san spoke of you, you seemed the kind to keep to your own devices, but for you to go out of your way to help Takemi-san on whatever she is working on... I must say, I am thankful for your assistance."

With that said, the older man bowed his head, taking Ren a bit aback by this. He wasn't sure what to make of the guy. Was he really thanking him or poking at him to figure him out? 

"Do you... know what she is working on?" Ren asked carefully.

Gentou-san just smiled before asking, "Do you? It seems rather reckless for you to help someone who could be altering your body for nefarious reasons."

Okay, so that meant that Gentou-san was aware of Takemi-san's research. This means he was trustworthy, right? Unless it was a lucky guess. 

"She and I have a deal," Ren confessed. "I help her with her research, and she gives me medication for my entrance exams."

There was a long pause between them as Ren reached with the hand hidden by the table edge to pat Morgana's head for comfort. After a while, he watched Gentou-san relax in his seat and relayed, "My apologies, Amamiya-san. I simply wanted to be sure that my colleague wasn't being used. She is a close friend and has been through a lot."

Up until this point, Ren felt he was walking on eggshells around this man. With that confession, he felt the conversation's weight finally lifted as he listened to the older man continue.

"I'm not sure what she has told you about herself so far, so I won't go into detail. That's her story to tell, but I was there when she was taken away from her calling. She used to be someone who had a strong drive to help people, even after all that's happened. I'd hate for someone to toy with her when she's getting closer and closer to her goal."

Ren didn't miss the subtle warning in the man's words. He nodded his head and replied, "Although we have a deal, I genuinely want to help Takemi-san on her research. She can help a lot of people if it is completed."

Nodding his head, Lucien tilted his head to the left and smiled. "So, I would also like to propose a deal with you, Amamiya-san."

"A deal?"

Gentou-san laced his fingers together, resting his chin on it before smiling almost too innocently.

"I'd like your help with a research project of my own."

The teenager stared blankly at him, waiting for the older man to explain. The next couple of minutes were filled with information about mental health and cognitive research. Ren blinked at the last part, finding it somewhat surprising that the word "cognitive" has been thrown everywhere lately. At least, around him, he heard it used. 

"So, I would like you to accompany me when we are both free on Sundays," Gentou-san requested.

Ren blinked a few times, thinking carefully about this. It'll probably help to have another adult help him, especially if it's to understand the cognitive world. 

"What exactly am I supposed to do?"

"We'll figure that out in a second," he told the young man, pressing the call button to end the meal.

They stepped outside together as Ren patted his stomach. He realized he had eaten a lot in just a small span of a few hours. The teenager shouldn't have eaten the curry, but Ren didn't plan to eat so soon, especially with Gentou-san. Still, the meal was worth it, something he'll have to tell Kira tomorrow if he saw him at school.

The two stood out in Central Street, people walking around them to get by. Ren turned to Gentou-san as he asked, "What do you want to do?"

For the next few hours, Ren walked with the man around Shibuya, namely the station's underground mall. They hopped between shops, some of which Ren took note that he could apply for some jobs. As the day went on, he noticed that Gentou-san had been buying some trinkets here and there that were in small bags that he had placed in his carrier. Morgana had pointed out such every so often, but neither made a verbal inquiry towards the older man about it.

-+-+-+-

5/1/XX - Evening  

The sun was starting to set, disappearing behind the 109 department building of Shibuya. It always astonished him how almost no matter the time of day, the city was still lively. 

Ren and Gentou-san were at the entrance that led to the J Line as the older man took a few of the bags. After situating everything into a more manageable container, he smiled at Ren and stated, "Thank you for a fun day. It was quite interesting."

The teenager glowered behind his glasses, looking at him before stating, "I felt more like this was some weird shopping spree, and I was your carrier."

Gentou-san looked slightly surprised before he let out a soft chuckle. "Is that what you think happened today?"

Ren continued to observe the man before Gentou-san reached out, grabbing the teenager's wrist so that the palm was facing upward. He then placed the bag of all the trinkets and items into his grasp and making him grasp the handle. 

A long moment of silence emitted from them as Gentou-san just held an innocent smile on his face. 

"Who said these were for me?" 

Ren kept holding a skeptical look on his face as he felt Morgana move about in the bag that was slung on his shoulder. He stared down at the items in the bag, seeing assort knick-knacks, little figures, and posters. One was of that famous singer that was shown across the electronic billboards and pillars. There was even a small Jack Frost plushie, something he remembered staring at in the little store selling stuff animals. As he looked, even more, he realized why all the items were sticking out to him even more.

They were all items he had stared with some interest while walking with Gentou-san in the Underground Mall. 

"Wait..."

Several assumptions were now going through his mind. After a while, one stood out, but that was impossible and the most unlikely. He didn't say it out loud, only returning his gaze to Gentou-san's smile. 

"So, what do you think happened today, Amamiya-kun?"

Keeping his composure the best he could, Ren lifted his shaking hand to his glasses to keep them still on his face. He felt that the sudden realization of the past few hours have made him shrink as he felt smaller in Gentou-san's presence. Ren could feel his face warming up, a blush growing on his face as he reached up to play with the bangs of his black hair.

"Uh... I mean... I guess this could be..."

He couldn't get himself to say the last two words, averting his eyes towards the ground as he continued to play with his bangs. Gentou-san finally chuckled, shaking his head as he stated, "I'm sorry, Amamiya-kun. I just wanted to see what sort of conclusion you would think of, and I can tell what you are thinking right now."

Ren was probably looking red as an apple at this point, keeping his eyes at the ground. He nearly jumped from where he stood when he saw Gentou-san's face appearing before him, having bent down to match his avoiding gaze. Despite the sudden closeness, Ren stood in place and stared back with little confidence. His red ears and cheeks weren't helping, given that Gentou-san looked extremely amused. If only he was in the Metaverse, he could easily stare down this man. He could feel the temptation to rip off his glasses like it was his mask, hoping Arsene or one of the other persona he collected would appear.

The older man just continued to smile before standing up straight and heading towards the turnstiles. "I hope you'll be free next weekend, Amamiya-kun," he called back at him.

The teenager was left standing dumbfounded as he felt a swelling sensation in his chest.

[lostwithoutyourtouch]

Serenity Moon is the mysterious owner of Tea & Tarot, a rather popular shop in Chicago, Illinois. The people she trusted were few and far between and her shop was not the only business she ran either. She also manages the jobs of a particular cat burglar which a habit of disappearing. In fact she was due for a visit from her long time companion since she had a job request come in for her particular set of skills.

As relationships go Serenity and Katra have known each other for the past eight years. They met when Katra was only fifteen years of age, she had recently ventured out on her own and needed help setting up shop. It has always been Serenity’s business of setting up new identities for those who needed them. Serenity like Katra had been raised as an orphan with no family to explain her strangeness to her.

Like the powers that bloomed in her even as a small child. She had learned the hard way to control her powers. Her best power in her opinion was the way she could sense a persons true nature when they were standing right in front of her. She hated accepting jobs this way but then again the final say was always Katra’s. Jobs like these had special contracts that ensured Katra gets paid if she decides not to complete the job which is entirely possible if the client breaks the contract that they sign.

Blue eyes met violet from across the cafe and the taller female strode over to the proprietress. As per usual Serenity greeted Katra with a hot cup of herbal tea. Then the two headed into Serenity’s private rooms where they could conclude their business in true privacy. Katra was the only person she received jobs for or at least jobs she had to screen for a friend. Or as Katra would call it, an associate.

Katra couldn’t help but to go back to the first day she met Serenity every time she comes back to this place. This was after all the place where her new life had started. She found a place to live, small, tucked away, but above all else safe. There was something about Havenfall that called to her all those years ago but she still doesn’t understand what it is.

Any money Katra keeps from her jobs as Kitty Noir are all hidden away stashed in various secure drop locations where she could easily gather it and disappear. She was always ready to run if her past catches up to her but so far for these past eight years Havenfall truly has been a Haven for her. Serenity had just taken over the business from her mentor when they met but some how there was an identity prepared for a girl her age with the first name of Katra.

After that the two made an agreement to notify the other of potential clients and jobs. Over the years it has evolved into a well oiled partnership. Serenity was the only one of her associates that she was even nearly close to trusting, not that she really trusted anyone. Perhaps maybe one person was closer to her than even Serenity.

Her boss for the past eight years and she was pretty sure he knew she had lied about her age when she went looking around town for a job. People in that town are a bunch of backstabbing, gossip chasing cattle. After eight years of daily routine of breakfast at the diner three days out of the week, a movie every third Wednesday, and five days, sometimes six days, a week she works at the only bowling alley in their tiny ass town.

After eight years her boss Razi was still a complete mystery to her, though she didn’t really try to get close to him to find out either. She learned early on to trust no one and Razi has the strange ability to make her want to trust him. In fact she finds it quite dangerous. That which is dangerous is watched and kept at a distance.

When Katra moved into Havenfall she signed herself for high school online she had a slow start but she managed to finish high school by the time she was eighteen. She then decided to enter college. She could do most of her course work at home on her own time though she did have to attend some lectures for her dual arts and music major.

She was grateful that Razi let her work flexible hours and lets her make up hours when she needs to as well. She lived her real life on the wages she earned at the bowling alley. The money she earned at night was either spent on her job or squirreled away for an emergency. The rest of the money was given away though she made sure to give Serenity a large cut since she helped those in need as she had been eight years ago.

“So you have a recovery request from some rich Russian named Sergei  Chernikoff. He’s asking you to retrieve some ancient family heirloom from early five hundred AD. At least so he says. He even offered up some family portrait with the bottle in it. The portrait and the man are both in Moscow so I can’t authenticate either. He’s even offering a half billion for the item’s swift and safe recovery. I think it’s highly questionable but after all the final choice is yours. Do you wish me to accept the job or refuse it?”

Serenity always got right to the point every time she made sure the room was secure and the only ones privy to the conversation in this room happens only to be the people in this very room sitting and speaking with one another.

“It’s just a recovery job so if he’s willing to agree to the terms of the contract and completes the authentication measures for the contract then I have no problems taking the job. Was that the only one?”

Katra asked sipping her tea. It was a good flavor with a strong raspberry note coming through deliciously. When they finished talking over a few verified small jobs they concluded their meeting and headed back out into the shop. There she picked up a large assortment of cakes like JD asked for, some of the tea that Serenity had given her, and some of the eclairs and cannoli that Razi seemed to enjoy from here.

Katra kept her daily appearance somewhat plain, not that she wasn’t still pretty since she only altered her appearance slightly from her true self. She kept her black hair longer in the front but short over all. It was on the cooler side for an August day in Chicago so she wasn’t entirely out of place in her brown leather jacket and scarf.

Havenfall, Indiana happens to be much colder than Chicago, Illinois during this particular part of the year. It was almost autumn anyways so it was going to gradually get colder the closer they get to winter. After leaving the cafe Katra wondered off into the city. There were always cops trying to bust Serenity for her less than legal activities so she always had to shake one or two before she could disappear.

Finally she put enough distance and people between her and the last tail that she was able to slip down an alley and into the Between heading for home. Or more appropriately the woods just behind the bowling alley. It was a days walk in the Between and she rummaged through the basket Serenity had given her and found that Serenity remembered to put some bags of coffee in the basket even though she had forgot.

If she had been willing to run she could have cut the time in half but she didn’t really feel like it. It was only a half hour in time outside of the Between. It had taken Katra years to attune to the Between to be absolutely certain of where she was going in the Between and where exactly she would come out on the other side.

Once inside Katra took off her coat and prepared the coffee before calling others to come enjoy the snacks. It was has become somewhat of a ritual every time she goes and see Serenity now.

“Razi! JD! Snacks are ready!”

She called out finally taking a seat herself. She took a cup for herself and took a seat waiting for them. She would be heading home soon anyways since it was her day off.

[beau7x-blog]

Chapter 2 - Bigfoot arrives

Bigfoot stepped out of the cab and into the Sun. The fresh San Diego air helped settle his stomach, still churning from the nearly 6 hour flight from Connecticut. He looked up from under his cap at the house he had arrived at. It was fairly big, on a large property. The garden and yard had been well taken care of with fresh green grass and bougainvillea's blooming. A cute white picket fence about half a meter tall surrounded the perimeter. The house itself however, seemed a bit run down, if not decrepit, from the outside at least. The gray paint was peeling and fading and the black roof shingles were covered in layers of dirt. Wood from the windowsills were crumbling and coming loose. Bigfoot scratched at his beard and checked his phone. The address was right, his GPS said he was in the right place, and looking closer there were black and gold balloons tied to the letterbox by the front door, just as planned. Adjusting the heavy duffel bag over his shoulder, he took a deep breath and headed toward the house. Upon approaching, he noticed a small wooden sign hanging on the front door.

"The Family Jules Jamily Maid Café"

Please Come in!

Well, this was definitely the right place. Bigfoot knocked at the door but received no reply. He opened the door expecting the house to be empty and was surprised to find about a dozen people inside. "Welcome Home!" Several people in uniforms cheered and bowed upon seeing him. A smiling maid, about 5'4" approached him. "Hi! Welcome to the Jamily Café." She beamed. Her name tag read 'Beau' with 'Beau7x' printed underneath. Bigfoot offered a handshake "Nice to meet you Beau. I'm Mike, er uh, Bigfoot." She took his hand into hers and gently but eagerly shook it. Her hands were much smaller and oddly warm "Oh, Bigfoot! It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiled. She seemed genuinely happy to be at the café and actually excited about meeting him. "Are you here as a guest or an employee?" "Oh, I'm here to work, definitely." He answered, returning his hand to his pocket. "Oh, excellent! Well you've come at a great time. We're just starting to get into the swing of things, so it should be fairly smooth to get you started. Hopefully." She smirked. "I'll take you to the rooms and you can dump your stuff and get settled in." Bigfoot followed Beau around the house as she showed him around, trying not to get in the way of anyone. There wasn't much to the house; the layout was fairly simple and easy to remember. The only rooms on the lower floor was the main dining room, kitchen, and storeroom in the back. Upstairs were two bathrooms and the bedrooms. Bigfoot would be sharing with two other men he was yet to meet. The property even had a pretty large back yard where a few tables were set up for diners, but Beau guessed not many people would sit out there. It was more for 'staff' to take a break or for guests to enjoy the view of the ocean. Beau finished the tour by returning to the storeroom where she gave Bigfoot a set of clothes set aside for him and a small booklet. "Here is your uniform, I hope everything fits. And this," she pointed to the booklet "It's like a little instruction book I guess. It has some generic guidelines and the schedule for activities and stuff. Give it a gloss over. Or don't, I'm not your boss." She shrugged. Bigfoot flipped through the booklet titled 'De Rulz', "Cool. So, should I just meet you in the dining room after I get changed?" "Oh, I don't expect you start straight away. You only just got here, and you're probably jet lagged." "Nah, I'm good." Bigfoot simply shrugged and by the evening Bigfoot had already gotten the routine of waiting tables and serving patrons down to a fine art. He was glad he was able to keep them entertained by being his usual goofball self and didn't have to try too hard to keep them happy Beau patted him on the shoulder as she walked past with a serving tray of tea, "Wow, look at you Big! Doing one heck of a job, especially since you only got here 5 hours ago. This is only my second day and my back is already killing me." She smiled, rolling her shoulders back. Bigfoot felt proud of himself. The job itself wasn’t hard and it was something he was truly invested in. He wanted the patrons to be happy and have a good time, and he considered them his friends - even though he'd never actually met most of them before. The cafe closed at 8pm and the guests and staff were invited to relax in the dining hall. A few people were setting up a tv and gaming consoles in a free corner by the fireplace, someone was strumming on an acoustic guitar somewhere, and a few tables were full of guests playing board games and cards together. "EVAN! RUDE!" Bigfoot jumped a little I surprise at the sudden shouting. "It's not rude if it's true!" A man called back He looked around to find the source of the yelling. A patron he recognized as "LadybugSheep" was yelling at someone who had their back to him. "No, you can tell the truth and still be rude." Ladybug pointed out, "I bet in another life you would've been a nice person." they added. Bigfoot watched Beau approach them and place a gentle hand on their shoulder, "Now, now children, if you can't play nice..." "Evan's being mean." "It's only mean if you let it get to you, bub." she squeezed their shoulder. She stood up, pushing her shoulders back and pushing her chest forward, wincing slightly. "Do any of you guys want anything?" She asked the table, "Coffee, dessert?" "Isn't the café closed?" Asked Ladybug "That doesn't mean the kitchen ceases to exist. I'm already getting a few things for the guys setting up the smash tournament so I might as well, while I'm at it." Bigfoot approached the table next to Beau. He could see the patrons were playing 'Cards against humanity'. A custom white card said "LBS doesn't want you to know _____", leading to a rather inappropriate response from Evan, whom he now recognized as ThunderScott. "Do you want a hand?" He offered. "Hm? Sure, if you want." She shrugged, "But you've already done plenty today. Aren't you tired?" "Not as much as I thought I'd be. Not yet anyway." Beau nodded and led him into the kitchen, throwing her notepad onto the central counter. Bigfoot took a look at the order and started pulling out beverages while Beau grabbed the desserts from the fridge. "So, I never asked, but, what made you want to come here anyway, Big?" "You mean to the café?" "Yeah," Beau called out, her head still buried in the fridge, "What makes you fly for 6 hours to basically be someone's slave with no promise of being paid?" Bigfoot shrugged as he placed the drinks on a serving tray, "I don't know. I thought it would be a super fun and crazy place to work, with a bunch of the Jamily 'cuz y'all are wonderful and maids are also wonderful." Beau finally pulled herself from out of the fridge with a stack of desserts lining her arms "Yeah, but why work here? Why not just be a patron?" "I guess I just love the idea of it. I don't like coffee, and I don't really go to cafes, but, this way, I get to make people happy, and everyone's so nice and friendly." "And?" Beau looked up at him from the cakes she was slicing "And...what? That not a good enough reason?" "No, I meant, are we meeting your expectations?" She clarified "Oh!" Bigfoot chuckled awkwardly, "Yeah, absolutely. I love meeting everyone, it's... it's honestly been so much fun today. I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow, and honestly, it's been awhile since I've felt like that." Beau nodded slowly and dropped her head appearing to be staring down at her own chest. "You okay?" Bigfoot asked shuffling from one foot to the other "It's just..." She sighed. "I really want this to last forever, you know? But I know it's going to fade. The excitement, the happiness, the willingness to do anything. Like any family soon the effort will be too much and we won't care as much anymore. These past two days are the happiest I've ever been in such a long time. I just..." Beau shrugged "I don't know, I'm staring at the end while we're still at the beginning but-" "You don't know that." Bigfoot interrupted. "Maybe people will like it here so much that we'll open up a permanent maid café." "Yeah but it won't be the same." She pointed out "Again, you don't know that. You can't possibly predict the future or see alternate universes." "But this is what always happens. Things fade, people change, stuff like this doesn't go on forever." "True, it doesn't go on forever, but that doesn't mean it will end badly. If this is what you thought would happen then why did you come all the way from Australia?" Beau paused and frowned in thought. "I guess...I don't really know." She looked up at him confused "I think, maybe I was hoping for something, but I'm not sure what. Confirmation... meaning. Inspiration for a direction in my pointless life, I don't know." "And you thought you'd get that working at a maid café?" he replied sarcastically "I wanted to do something I was terrified of doing, so I could say 'Fuck you I am strong enough to do what I really want'. To take risks that might make me happy. I mean, hearing everyone's stories and you know, watching Jules' journey of how you can do what makes you happy and still have food and pay bills, gives me hope, I guess. Meeting everyone here who are as nice as they are online gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can trust people and not everyone I meet is going to try and fuck me over like so many others." Bigfoot looked at her wide eyed, unsure of what to do with this unexpected outburst. " I just thought it would be cool to work with maids." he shrugged. Beau looked at him and started laughing. "Yeah, well I mean that's why I wanted to come here, 'cause it would be fun, but, that's why I forced myself to come. I would be kicking myself forever if I didn't." Bigfoot nodded, "Yeah same." "Any who," she laughed the awkwardness out of the air, "Have you met any of the Jamily before you got here?" "No. I was saw Thunderforge in concert but, I chickened out in meeting Jules, so." "Aw, no! Dude." She looked at him sympathetically, "Well, you may have a chance to redeem yourself tonight, and I will force you to introduce yourself." She stated with determination and smiled at him "What do you mean? Are they coming tonight?" "Well, he came by last night with a bunch of people and said they'd try to at least stop by most nights so.." She shrugged and pushed her shoulders back again, an eye twitching. "So, did you meet any of them?" Beau laughed "Yeah actually, Adrianna scared the shit out of me. A lot was going on and I was just sitting at the counter watching everyone and suddenly I feel someone touching my thigh." "What?" he laughed "Yeah I was totally checked out and I didn't notice her through the crowd but she started feeling my dress and scared the shit out of me." Bigfoot laughed, "Yeah that sounds like something she'd do." "Yeah, they're all super nice, just like, you know, what you see online really is what you get with most of them. Just really honest and genuine. And then the conversation became really inappropriate because of course it would." "Inappropriate like-?" "Like sexually inappropriate" Beau confirmed nodding, "Like every conversation we seem to have here." Shouting suddenly erupted from the dining hall causing both of them to look in its direction. Bigfoots skin tingled all over his body. Beau smiled "Looks like your chance at redemption has finally arrived."

[thehungrykat1]

Novotel Manila Welcomes Summer With Opening of Ice N Cream (Part 2)

Summers in the Philippines are excruciatingly hot. They say that you can even fry an egg outside just by placing it on a hot concrete floor, and I totally believe that. So what’s the best way to cool and refresh ourselves during these sizzling summer months? Let’s have ice cream! Novotel Manila Araneta Center has the perfect solution to our problems as they open the newest and hippest ice cream parlor in the city, Ice N Cream by Novotel. The Hungry Kat was invited to the media launch of Ice N Cream last April 11, just two days after I had checked out from my summer staycation at Novotel Manila. It was great to be back at my new secret hideaway in Cubao and try all these fantastic ice cream flavors. 

But before that, let’s get back to my overnight staycation at Novotel Manila (read part 1 here) where I found another way to beat the summer heat. Their Swimming Pool is located on the sixth floor and is open from 6:00am to 7:00pm. I did not imagine this hidden tropical oasis sitting right here inside the busy Araneta Center, so it was so refreshing to get my feet wet and take a dip inside their lovely pool.

Families will definitely enjoy bringing their kids to the swimming pool for a morning or afternoon of fun and bonding. They can also learn essential swimming skills this summer through the Bert Lozada Swim School from March 29 to June 19, 2017. Kids and even adults can have sessions of learning and fun before the school season starts again.

I wanted to avoid the crowds so I decided to hit the swimming pool early in the morning after I woke up from my relaxing slumber. My massage service at In Balance Spa last night was really effective and it was so tempting to just lie in bed all morning, but I also wanted to take a quick swim.

Just beside the pool is the 6th Pool Bar and Lounge. This is a casual pool bar by day but it transforms into the trendiest outdoor club at night. Guests can groove to the beats of the resident DJ and experience a pool party during weekends and special events.

I just love having the pool all to myself which is why I usually wake up very early to catch this serenity. After a few laps around the pool, my tummy was already telling me that it was time to head down to Food Exchange for a yummy breakfast buffet. 

Food Exchange Manila offers its breakfast buffet from 6:30am to 10:30am. Guests at the Club floors can actually have their breakfast either here or at the more private Premier Lounge, but I always like the wider selection at the hotel cafe so this is where I usually have breakfast first. I did have an indulgent dinner last night so I really needed their Juice of the Day to keep my appetite healthy.

A wide selection of breads and pastries are available like the Ube Ensaymada which is a highly recommended item. Early risers can also get as much Puto Bumbong as they want as well as crepes, salads, fruits and more.

They also offer a good range of hot dishes like the Homemade Corned Beef which is a thicker and meatier version of those canned items. The Canadian Bacon was also a popular dish with its low fat bacon. I had some fried eggs prepared which I placed on top of my garlic rice and that was all I needed. Noodles and even pizza are also on hand with several juices and beverages to choose from.

After my breakfast at Food Exchange, I went up to the Premier Lounge to check out the breakfast setup there. The lounge is a better venue for those who want a quiet and more private breakfast experience. While the selection may be smaller, you get a much better view of the city. As expected, I could not help myself from having a second breakfast so I ordered a cup of hot chocolate and helped myself with a plate from the buffet table. That is how The Hungry Kat enjoys breakfast.

The best thing about staying at the Executive Room is that you can request for late check out as long as it is available. My check out was scheduled at 4:00pm so that gave me even more time to explore the hotel facilities. The one area that really impressed me at the hotel is their expansive bridal garden and tent called the Versailles Garden. This 2,500-square meter outdoor events venue can be found at the back of the swimming pool area and offers a spectacular place for weddings and celebrations. Many special occasions have been held at this venue which gives its guests an exclusive and enchanting area.

Would you believe that this picturesque garden paradise can be found right inside Cubao? I would have never thought that a place like this even existed here at the Araneta Center but Novotel Manila has definitely transformed the way we see this busy commercial district.

Novotel Manila is even taking it one step further this summer with outdoor movie screenings and garden picnics at the Versailles Garden all weekends of April starting April 15. Take a break and bond with family and friends while watching exciting movies at this outdoor oasis.

Another reason to visit Novotel Manila Araneta Center is the newly opened Ice N Cream by Novotel located at the lobby floor just beside Food Exchange Manila. The newest ice cream destination started scooping to the public yesterday, April 16, 2017 and gives everyone the coolest and sweetest reasons to beat the smoldering summer heat.

This hip ice cream parlor is not just for hotel guests but for anyone who wants to get out from the heat and enjoy their fun and creative ice cream flavors. There are around 30 different and unique ice cream flavors to choose from which you can enjoy on a cup or cone starting at only P100 per scoop. I think that’s much better than going to those crowded coffee shop for a cup of coffee that is twice as expensive.

Novotel’s ice cream are made from premium local and imported ingredients from Germany and France. These are all homemade and gluten-free, with less sugar and absolutely no stabilizers, resulting in a very creamy texture with high quality and consistency. Some of these flavors, like the Purple Dream with ube and langka, are found at the dessert section of Food Exchange Manila but diners loved these so much that Novotel decided to set up their own ice cream store.

Ice N Cream by Novotel showcases many creative and yummy flavors like Cocoyeah, creamy coconut milk mixed with slivers of young coconut meat; Breezy Berry, a mélange of berries married with the cool breeze of mint; or Sugar-Free options like Oh Honey Honey, local lime zing blended with Tagaytay honey. 

Other Philippine flavors are also highlighted like the Leche De Almond with its velvety leche flan crowned with crunchy Almond Florentine. The Passionista, on the other hand, has a pleasantly sweet and tart silky passionfruit goodness.

Ice N Cream by Novotel also offers classic flavors with catchy names such as Oui Vanilla, Choco Goes Nuts, It Match-a Been Love, and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go which has rich notes of coffee with real coffee bean crunch. They even have alcoholic ice cream flavors like Kirsche Me, a black forest ice cream with high quality couverture chocolate and sponge infused with fruity Kirsch brandy. Or try the Papa Don Preach with plump, juicy raisins enhanced with a kick of warmth from rum. All these exciting flavors are sure to keep ice cream fanatics coming back for more.

During the media launch last week, I was privileged to be one of the first to sample their myriad of delicious flavors. I ordered two scoops of ice cream on a cone with Choco Goes Nuts and Oui Vanilla flavors. I was really surprised with the creaminess of the ice cream which are almost similar to other imported ice cream brands. Novotel Manila takes pride in their homemade ice cream flavors and I can attest to the quality of their creations.

Guests can also choose to have their ice cream inside a cup for the same affordable price. You can also add toppings to your ice cream to personalize your treat.

Aside from the yummy ice cream offerings, Ice N Cream by Novotel also features freshly made pastries and baked favorites like Buko Pandan Layer Cake, Coconut Cheesecake, Chocolate Praline Cake, Croissant, Danish breads, Double Chocolate Chip cookies and much more. They also offer milkshakes and Carmen’s Best ice cream flavors for even more variety.

One ice cream monstrosity that is available at the Gourmet Bar by Novotel is the 15-scoop Le Mont Gourmand which is now also available at Ice N Cream. Media guests were invited to participate in a fun ice cream challenge to design and create their own bowl of Le Mont Gourmand. 

We had all these toppings, syrups and sauces at our disposal to create the best and most creative bowl of Le Mont Gourmand ice cream. It was not as easy as I thought because this bowl is huge! We also had to act quickly because the ice cream was melting fast.

Here it is! Presenting our own Le Mont Gourmand. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to win the top prize but we did have fun sharing and devouring this colorful bowl of ice cream.

Here’s another great treat from Novotel Manila. From April 16 to 29, 2017, Ice N Cream by Novotel will be having a Buy 1 Take 1 offer for the purchase of one scoop of any ice cream flavor (diner pays for the higher priced ice cream flavor). What’s more, if you are social media savvy and aspiring “IT” girls and guys, you can join the search for the Novotel iScreamers: The Ice N Cream Dream Team. Simply follow Novotel Manila’s Facebook page and look for their Ice N Cream contest video (here’s the link). Share on the comments why you should be part of Novotel iScreamers and take your shot to be part of the lucky five to win exciting prizes such as a year’s supply of ice cream at Ice N Cream by Novotel, one overnight stay in an Executive Suite with breakfast and Premier Lounge access similar to my summer staycation, exclusive passes to product tasting, events and new flavor launches, plus a meet and greet with the Bb. Pilipinas Candidates on April 28, 2017 during the Ice N Cream grand launching! Check out the full contest details here.

I never thought that I would enjoy having a staycation at Cubao, but everything during my stay at Novotel Manila Araneta Center has been magical. It has been a while since I last stayed in the Cubao district, but Novotel Manila has truly transformed the way I see Araneta Center and I’m sure this is the case for other travelers as well. Other higher priced luxury hotels may be more popular in Makati or at Roxas Boulevard, but Novotel Manila is now my favorite secret hideaway this side of the city.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Gen. Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com/Manila

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter