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“One caramel latte with a double pump of courage for Yunhee!”
A small girl with a timid smile walks up to the counter and grasps the coffee cup in her hand, giving a meek thank you as she walks away. Seokjin sighs, hoping that whatever courage she needed from her order, she gets and succeeds. Poor thing looks like she wants to disappear.
“10 dollars it’s to pass a test.” Taehyung yawns.
Seokjin hums, “She comes in here all the time for the same thing, I don’t think she needed courage for a test. Maybe…” ever the hopeless romantic, Seokjin hopes it’s for something heartfelt and earth shattering like a love confession, one that leaves her lover stunned—
“Hyung.”
“What?”
“I see that look in your eyes. You’re quixotic.”
Seokjin frowns, “First of all, no I’m not, second, that’s an impressive word choice.”
Taehyung’s smile is all cheeks and teeth as he preens, “Thank you! It was on my word of the day calendar.”
“You have a word of the day calendar?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Yeah, it is, actually—”
“Excuse me.”
Seokjin startles, hands raised in defense and ready to punch an offender, before he relaxes. There’s a young man behind the counter, a wide brim hat perched on top of his dark curls, hooding his tired whiskey colored eyes.
“Sorry,” Seokjin immediately clears his throat and adjusts his blouse, “Welcome to Epiphany, how may I help you?”
“Can I get an iced Americano with a triple shot of inspiration,” he says gruffly, almost as if he hadn’t been sleeping well for a while. He sounds exhausted. Seokjin feels bad for him, senses a deep struggle within him. Maybe it’s the sympathy croissant he ate in a hurry this morning to get down to the shop. Everyone who passes by, Seokjin has felt something for.
“Sure. Would you like a sleep easy scone to go along with it?” He asks softly. The man’s eyes blink slowly, and he hesitates. But then shrugs, “Might as well. Thanks.”
“That’ll be 7000 won. Can I get a name?”
“Yoongi.”
Seokjin isn’t sure why, but he thinks about how that is such a pretty name, and he smiles, “I’ll announce when it’s ready. Thank you for your patronage.”
Yoongi nods, and turns to lean against the nearby counter. Seokjin wishes he could do more, but turns to make the coffee.
Not many people come in for Americanos, Seokjin muses as he pulls the shot from the grinder and presses the ground coffee. The flavor of espresso is very sharp and robust, with a very bitter bite. The machine draws the espresso into a pink porcelain cup below, and once it’s done Seokjin pours it over a tall cup of ice with water, then reaches above him on the shelf to grab the glittering purple potion bottle. He uncaps it and pours three shots inside, completing the order.
“Taehyung grab me a sleep easy scone,” Seokjin commands, thanking his assistant when he’s handed a paper bag in an efficient amount of time. He turns around and announces proudly, “Iced Americano for Yoongi.”
He watches Yoongi across the counter jolt. Poor thing. He really must be exhausted. Seokjin wants to comfort in some kind of way, but hopes his coffee and scone are enough.
“Enjoy.” Seokjin says, handing over his ordered items. Yoongi looks at them as if they will save him, which Seokjin kind of hopes they do.
“Thank you.” Yoongi’s mouth pulls into a small smile. And like that, he turns to walk away, fading into the shining sun outside.
“10 bucks says he needed to clean his closet.”
“Taehyung.”
&&&
Seokjin often loses himself in potion making. There’s something very melodic and hypnotic about it, staring at the endless void of the colorful abyss, full of potential and wonder. He feels his magic rippling under his skin and glistening like an old friend, welcomes that tingling pull as he stirs.
It sings to him, and he sings back. Sings the familiar tune of knowing that he should be the one to love himself in this world. The potion turns a bubbly pink, flashes blue, and then turns green, humming with courage. This is his most popular selling potion to date by far, and it makes him happy that people come for this specifically, and come to his shop, importantly, but he also hopes those customers that come and go feel comfortable enough with him. He wishes he heard more stories from customers in their successes, but is grateful nonetheless.
“Hey, boss,” Taehyung hops down the crooked wooden stairs of the basement, “There’s a lawyer outside who needs a gallon of justice, says it’s for an upcoming case of his.”
Seokjin eyes his supply of the shining silver liquid, and flicks his hand in that direction, “That should be enough. Charge him full price, though.”
“Got it. Oh, also, inspiration boy is back.”
Seokjin nearly drops his spoon. He almost spits out an indignant “Taehyung!” but he’s already scurrying back up the stairs before he can say anything. Why would he withhold that information at the last second? Curse that boy.
To say he’s had Yoongi on his mind is...kind of an understatement. There was something that pulled him metaphysically and microscopically towards the other man, and he had only seen Yoongi once before now. It had been about two weeks since then, and he wondered if he had reached his goal that he came in for originally. Wondered if those darling brown eyes got any rest.
Brushing a hand on his pants, he leaves the courage to bubble a little longer as he heads upstairs into the brightness of the shop. He’s greeted instantly by the smell of jasmine, a spell he charmed to have at all times, and rounds the corner of the counter. Lo and behold, Yoongi was in fact there. Same hat, same chocolate eyes, but indeed a bit calmer. Seokjin wonders if the scone helped. It’s effects were quite immediate and lasted quite a while, the last time he had one.
“Good afternoon,” Seokjin’s magic shimmers in delight when he steps near Yoongi, “Americano with inspiration again?”
Yoongi smiles a little easier than he did a few weeks ago, “Do a shot of tenacity this time, keep the good stuff going. And,” he leans back and looks at the refrigerated pastry case, “anything new in there?” That’s when Seokjin notices, quite belatedly, all the tattoos across his arms. He hadn’t noticed them the first time, with Yoongi’s shirt sleeves coming down to his wrists. This time, they were folded up to his elbows, and all the dark, swirling ink patterns on for display. Seokjin looks a brief second too long to notice—they’re runes. And they’re so intricate and detailed and dark against his pale skin that they nearly take Seokjin’s breath away.
Seokjin’s mind gallops, “I’ve made a new batch of creativity chocolate chip cookies, charmed by the best here.”
“A tongue twister. Who’s the best here?” Yoongi prods skillfully. He looks around too, feigning ignorance. It’s adorable.
Smooth , Seokjin smirks, but introduces himself anyway, “Kim Seokjin.”
Yoongi nods, “I’ll take two. My partner would probably really like to have one, as well.”
A huge weight of discouragement slams into Seokjin’s ribs. It feels like a bullet, and his magic sighs. So does he, but he smiles, remembering he has to be the perfect business owner regardless, “Busy planning?” He turns to make the Americano, the steps now on auto pilot.
Yoongi clicks his tongue, “Hopefully. I’m proposing something big. Hopefully he’ll say yes.”
“That’s amazing,” Seokjin coos. He stirs in the bright hissing orange tenacity foam into the Americano, and turns, “I wish you great success.”
Yoongi’s smile is still impish and shy, but this time a little bit bigger than the first time he saw him two weeks ago. Seokjin grabs two cookies from the case and hands them over, and Yoongi is quick to slip a pleasant thank you before heading out.
“Quixotic.” Taehyung whispers as he walks by.
“That can’t be the word of the day on the calendar again. And I’m not starry eyed over a guy, I barely know him.”
“No, the word of the day is vegging, which is what I’d rather be doing.” He yawns for good measure, “This weather would be good to sit in my hammock.”
“Are you actively looking to lose your job?” Seokjin looks at Taehyung who is fixing a hanging bulb plant nearby.
“No,” he replies simply. Seokjin’s magic senses his truth off his tongue, “Just looking out for you.”
&&&
Looking out for you means keeping you focused.
For all Seokjin’s done up until now, he has a tendency to daydream. And he knows it. He’s done it as a kid, as a teen, as a young adult, to now. He dreams in the present instead of the future, of grandiose gestures and wild expressions, the sweeping emotions you read about in fictional novels or movies, of surprises and, most importantly, love.
And sure, Seokjin sells potions in very convenient ways that tell people to dream and reach for things they normally wouldn’t, but he’s tried so many times for the same things that he’s exhausted a part of himself. That part of himself comes from his magic and goes into his potions, so he shares a bit of himself with strangers and hopes they can lead a better life and experience so many things he knows he won’t be able to.
Taehyung is a good guy, methodical and careful. He keeps track of Seokjin and makes sure he’s running smoothly. But he also makes sure to remind Seokjin of reality.
Seokjin’s been in deep love and he’s been out of it. No one makes his magic sing a particularly amorous tune like his potions do, so he focuses on his business instead.
&&&
“Americano with one shot gratitude and half shot of empathy for Yoongi!” Seokjin says, voice chipper. Chipper as he can be, anyway. This is Yoongi’s ninth visit in two months, and Seokjin has gotten smitten with...visions. There’s nothing wrong with looking, he can tell Taehyung. It’s the fantasies that aren’t wrong. Imagining what it’s like to have Yoongi spend more than 10 minutes at the counter and get lost in conversation; what it’s like to listen to his life and his day. Imagining what it’s like to walk beside Yoongi to see where he goes when he leaves.
And what’s worse is imagining what it’s like to kiss Yoongi’s coffee stained lips. It’s ridiculous, yes, to think that of a mere stranger, but no one is a stranger in Epiphany. This is his home, so it’s their home too. He’s designed it so any customer feels comfortable walking in the front doors. No charm could make that work.
Yoongi saddles up to the counter, this time his eyes are probably the clearest Seokjin’s seen. Seokjin pauses as he catches a quick whiff of, what is that? Pine ? On Yoongi? “Different concoction this time,” Seokjin notes, “Good news?”
Nodding, Yoongi takes a quick sip, “Very. We move in next week. Thanks, again, see you next time!”
There are worse things, then brooding over a customer. Seokjin knows it's foolish. He's a customer, but he's cute. His eyes are the color of the Americano that he orders, and that’s endearing.
Seokjin throws himself into his craft, thinking of new things and new specials he could offer. He lets Taehyung handle the floor, needing some space from the bright light of the sun and her cheery attitude. He whips and stirs and bakes up a storm, expels as much magic as he can without completely exhausting himself. He doesn’t know how long he stays down in the basement. He likes this focus, and needed it for a long time. It’s been awhile since he’s been this creatively sound.
Seokjin hears Taehyung’s familiar low tone from above say, “Americano with three shots of courage for Yoongi.”
Courage? That makes Seokjin pause, even though his skin flashes in recognition that Yoongi is just up there. What did he need courage for? He seems to be confident enough in his doings, from Seokjin’s skewed perspective anyway, that things are going well.
Seokjin shakes his head, turning to fixate on some joyful jelly candies he’s been dying to bring back in season. They’ll be all different flavors, new ones he’s never used before, maybe some gag ones if he wants to cause a stir, because it’ll be fun—
“Boss,” Taehyung pops in. It makes Seokjin jump.
“Yeah?”
“Yoongi wants to see you.”
Seokjin frowns. That’s unusual. Usually when he’s called by a customer it’s because of a wrong order or something went amiss. He blanches in worry, but knows it’ll be alright. It’s Yoongi, here. A casual customer. They’ve built up at least a comfortable companionship over the months with how frequent he’s been visiting.
Seokjin climbs up the stairs, a little apprehensive this time, but puts on a brave face when he emerges. He realizes it’s raining outside, and blinks. He must have really been down there a long time without realizing. His magic is suddenly tired.
“I lost track of time, it seems,” Seokjin chuckles, “how are you?”
Yoongi bites his lip, looking very timid. This isn’t the direction he thought the day would be going in. The light glints off the silver of Yoongi’s bracelets as he talks with his hands, gesturing singularly, “So.” And pauses.
“So?”
He sighs, laughing, “Sorry. Um, I downed that whole Americano just now and it’s...a lot to process.”
A whole Americano and three shots of courage, Seokjin realizes.
“My business partner and I just opened up a shop down the street,” Yoongi starts, now making bold eye contact with him, “we’re gonna offer lessons for people and teach classes. I feel magic in music, if that wasn’t obvious, and, um, I wanted to know if you wanted to come to the grand opening? As like? My date?”
Seokjin startles so violently he knocks down the cup of straws near him. He quickly uprights it and stutters, “W-what?” What is going on? His magic is frazzled, spinning in his skin, but excited. Aflame.
Yoongi scratches the back of his neck, “Yeah I...I’ve been wanting to ask you out for a while, so that’s why I kept stopping by.”
“But...the proposal...you’re not?”
Yoongi’s eyes widen, and then he smiles so beautifully that Seokjin’s magic ignites in a symphony so loud, he holds back a gasp, “No! Oh my, I’m sorry, no. It’s not like that. I was trying to get Namjoon, my business partner, to invest in this place because it was a big step and something we talked about for a long time. I was proposing a settlement deal.”
Seokjin can’t help but let out the loudest cackle, slapping the counter. He feels ridiculous, having built up the wrong scenario in his head, but the symphony under his skin is radiating and lighting him up from the inside like he just drank a huge vat of syrupy surprise.
“I’m sorry,” Seokjin giggles, suddenly very giddy at the prospect of going out on a date with this person he’s been seeing for the past couple of months, “I just...of course. Yes, I’d love to. That’s so exciting!”
Yoongi hangs his head now and it is so endearing when he’s shy, Seokjin notices, and he likes that, wants to reach out and hold his hand, “Thank you. Um, okay,” he nods, “are you free later tonight?”
Seokjin is always free. Most of his time is spent here at the coffee shop, anyway, but Yoongi doesn’t need to know that, “I think that can be arranged.”
&&&
It’s probably the best first date Seokjin has ever been on, by far. Even if it was to a soft opening of a business, it reminded him of his own business opening: chaotic but very fun. Yoongi’s smile is electric, charged with something Seokjin could never make up in a potion. The place is decorated beautifully—pianos and guitars and many other instruments gently placed across an open floor plan, gentle colors and plants warming the space. He meets Namjoon, the business partner, and Namjoon’s boyfriend Jungkook, who spends an embarrassing amount of time on the karaoke station picking anything from romantic ballads to artsy trot songs. Namjoon looks at him with complete adoration.
Seokjin watches as Yoongi looks for him across the crowd with a sweet smile. He wants Yoongi to come to him, but let’s him be for now. They have a lot of time to discover each other.
Seokjin’s magic sings a sweet tune to him, and he smiles, whispering, “I know. I feel it too.”