Get it Together, Taesan! ? han dongmin

chapter iii

She turned, tossing ice into cups like it insulted her. Didn't even bother mixing the shots properly—just a splash of espresso on top like a sad art project. She slammed them on the counter with a saccharine smile.

"Enjoy. Hope it's bitter enough for your egos."

The taller one took a sip and gagged. "Ugh—what is this?"

Minji leaned on the counter, chin in hand. "Exactly what you ordered. Maybe next time, order a personality while you're at it."

They scoffed and walked away in defeat, muttering under their breath.

Minji called after them, "Y'all come back now, ya hear?"

Harin, her co-worker, wiping down a nearby table, grinned wide. "You're gonna get fired one day."

Minji shrugged. "Worth it."

That was when a new guy stepped up to the counter, holding his phone upside down like it was a map to buried treasure.

"Hi, uh... can I get a cappuchimo?"

Minji blinked. "A what now?"

The guy smiled, clueless. "Cappuchimo? Y'know, the fluffy one with like... cinnamon?"

"Do you mean a cappuccino?" she asked slowly, trying not to sound as dead inside as she felt.

He scratched the back of his neck. "Maybe. Is that the same thing?"

Minji stared at him. "Sir, that drink doesn't even exist on Pinterest."

From the corner, Harin choked back a laugh, pretending to reorganize the sugar packets. Minji looked over, eyes screaming help me, but Harin only gave her a thumbs up like, You got this, queen.

"I'll... just make you a cappuccino," Minji muttered, punching the order in.

"Thanks! Oh, and can I get it with soy milk, oat milk, no foam, but also extra foam? And less hot? Like... warm, but not too warm?"

Minji looked up. "Do you want me to read your mind too, or should I throw in a tarot card reading for free?"

He blinked. "Uh..."

"Kidding," she deadpanned, already turning to make it—messily.

Leehan reappeared just in time to see her aggressively steam the milk, then pour the shot like she was venting her soul. "You okay?" he asked again, cautiously.

Minji exhaled deeply. "If one more person tries to invent a new coffee drink, I'm walking out."

Leehan leaned on the counter, glancing at Harin. "She always like this?"

"Only when she's repressing violence," Harin said cheerfully.

🍒

Taesan's room was stupidly spacious. Like, echo-when-you-laugh big. A sleek desk sat untouched in the corner (used only for decoration, let's be honest), while an enormous window overlooked Seoul's glowing skyline. He lounged on a bean bag like a prince who got tired of his throne.

Sungho was splayed out on the couch, casually strumming an acoustic guitar and humming something soft.

Jaehyun was on Taesan's bed, legs crossed, scrolling through his phone and periodically going, "Bro. Listen to this TikTok. You're gonna scream."

Riwoo leaned against the wall, headphones on one ear, silently watching Jaehyun with a face that said he did not want to hear the TikTok.

Woonhak was lying on the carpet, tossing a plushie in the air and catching it repeatedly like a cat bored with its toy.