Get it Together, Taesan! ? han dongmin

( you again? )

Minji was three seconds away from losing it.

Between the two ajummas arguing over expired coupons and the guy who insisted oat milk tastes like sadness, she was already done for the day—and it was only 4 PM.

She wiped down the counter, exhaling sharply as the door chimed again.

"Welcome in," she said without looking up, faking cheer.

"I, uh... one vanilla latte, please."

Minji blinked. That voice wasn't entitled or annoying—it was soft, like someone trying not to take up too much space.

She looked up and was momentarily confused.
It was Kim Leehan.
From school.
From Taesan's group.
The quiet one.

He stood there in a navy hoodie and jeans, shoulders slightly hunched, eyes fixed on the register like it might swallow him whole. His bangs were a little messy, and he looked... nervous?

"Oh. You..." Minji squinted. "You go to Haneul High, right?"

He nodded quickly. "Yeah. I didn't realize you worked here..."

"Lucky me," she muttered under her breath, punching in the order.

Leehan just stood quietly, hands in his hoodie pocket. No smug grin. No sarcasm. Just vibes.

"Vanilla latte," she handed it over after a minute. "Here you go."

"Thanks," he said, bowing a little before stepping aside. He lingered near the napkin station, adding a straw even though he didn't need one.

Minji watched him out of the corner of her eye.
Weird.
Most of Taesan's friends were loud and obnoxious. But Leehan?
He just sipped his drink quietly like he wasn't even sure he should be here.

She was about to ask if he needed anything else when her phone buzzed.
A message from her boss:

[5:32 PM] Manager Kang: Hey Minji, can you stay a little longer tonight? We're short on staff.
[5:33 PM] Manager Kang: I'll make it up to you with your fav snacks 😬

She groaned out loud this time, leaning her head against the register dramatically before thumbing out a reply:

[5:34 PM] Minji: or you could just hire more people HELLO?? 😩
[5:35 PM] Minji: i'll stay. but i'm choosing the snacks this time.

She groaned.

From the napkin station, Leehan looked over—concern flickering across his face.

Minji gave him a weak smile and a small wave.
And to her surprise... he waved back.

The bell above the café door jingled, and two teenage boys strolled in, looking like they thought they were that guy. Minji eyed them immediately—the way they were whisper-laughing and glancing over at her like she was a walking highlight reel.

"Hey," the taller one said, stepping up to the counter with a smirk. "You work here every day?"

Minji didn't even look up from the POS screen. "Unfortunately."

"Ouch," the second one laughed. "You don't smile much, huh?"

She tapped the tablet harder than necessary. "I smile when I'm paid to. What'll it be?"

They exchanged looks, clearly thinking they were still winning. "Two iced Americanos. And maybe your number?"

Minji blinked, finally meeting their eyes with a deadpan stare. "Right. Two iced delusions coming right up."