Chapter Text
No matter how often he tossed and turned, flipped his pillow, or switched blankets, Jiseok just couldn't fall asleep. His eyes looked at his alarm once more, the big red numbers reading 4:03 AM. He groaned as he rubbed his hand down his face in annoyance, frustrated because he had a lecture in a couple hours yet still couldn't get any sleep.
He gives up trying to get rest and instead gets up from his bed, stuffs his laptop in his book bag and leaves his dorm room, going out to the parking lot to get on his bike. His helmet visor makes the night look ten times darker than it already is, but Jiseok is thankful that his lights are bright.
He heads to the place he usually goes to whenever he can’t fall asleep, mainly because it’s close to his dorms and there’s usually not a lot of people there. The drive is only two minutes long, and whenever he arrives he parks his motorcycle nearest to the back and enters, the bell for the door ringing loudly in the night.
The coffee shop is cozy and comforting, almost like it’s welcoming Jiseok with open arms as the scent of coffee fills the air. He would take this anyday over other places that are open at this time that most likely reek of alcohol and marijuana. He definitely wouldn't want to do assignments at a place like that, and drunk people always overwhelm him to the point of an anxiety attack.
As he starts to approach the counter, the barista looks away from his phone, putting it in his pocket, “Hello, welcome back.” His name tag reads Hyeongjun and he smiles at Jiseok, “Do you want your usual?”
He nods, “Yeah.” and as the barista puts in the order for him Jiseok looks around to see the place empty. Usually, there aren't a lot of people here, especially during the early hours of the morning, but sometimes there’s a trio of other guys who come here. Two of them are usually bickering with each other while the other one is there just to make sure they don’t kill each other. There’s always some drama between them, and he finds it amusing.
“Just swipe your card here,” Hyeongjun points to the machine and Jiseok takes out his card to pay, putting it back whenever the screen turns green. The barista prints out the receipt and gives it to him, “I’ll be right with you, go take a seat.”
Hyeongjun sends him a stingray smile, and it just makes Jiseok’s heart flutter in affection whenever he smiles back. It’s a silly, stupid child-like crush yet he can’t seem to get over it. He goes to his usual spot, a square-shaped table with two seats across from each other. Jiseok takes out his laptop and sets it on the table as he sits down, opening an assignment that’s due in a couple hours.
A couple minutes later Hyeongjun arrived with his cookie and coffee, “Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thanks, I will.”
Hyeongjun goes back to his spot behind his counter, taking out his phone again and that's the end of their conversation. It makes Jiseok sad but what else could he say? He doesn't know him that well, and frankly even if he did order more coffee his wallet wouldn't be too happy.
So there– Jiseok sits in his seat while working on his assignment, making a face everytime he drinks from the shitty coffee he ordered (because he knows deep down he mainly goes here for Hyeongjun) and savors every bite from his cookie. It’s almost what makes him able to stay for so long besides the barista being here. It’s even better with the powdered sugar on top, which Hyeongjun always puts on after Jiseok asked for it once. His eyes flicker back to Hyeongjun occasionally, stealing glances whenever he’s sweeping the floor or cleaning other tables and his cute little ponytail bounces.
He’s taking the last bite of his cookie as he hears the door open again, and despite not seeing who it is he hears a familiar voice in the air and perks his head up, “Ow, Seungmin! Stop getting on my ass, I swear I’m barely drunk.”
The one who spoke is wearing a cap and stumbles to a table as he walks in, arm to arm with who Jiseok assumes is named Seungmin. “Jungsu, sit your ass down, me and Gunil will order.”
Jiseok has seen them drunk multiple times, yet still shrinks a bit in fear even though he knows he’s safe where he’s sitting. At least they’re funny whenever they’re drunk, and he’s able to relax again whenever he sees their lopsided faces.
Jungsu whines, “He’s gonna fuck up my order again. Seungmin–” His words get cut off as Gunil almost falls on top of him, but Seungmin must be used to their antics because he catches him just in the nick of time. He sighs as Jungsu takes off his hat and complains, moving Gunil away from him.
“We’re in public. ” Seungmin says exasperated. “Just behave like civilized people for once, I can’t believe I’m older than both of you.”
Jiseok finally looks up at the trio but instead his eyes dart over to look at Hyeongjun, who’s… looking at him as well? He grins, tilting his head at the trio then shaking his head in disapproval. Aren't they ridiculous? The look on his face reads, and Jiseok can only smile in agreement.
“Just stay seated, Jungsu.” Seungmin rubs his temple with his hand, “Gunil, be quiet.” He points at him, and leads him to the counter where Hyeongjun meets them.
“Fucker,” Jungsu sticks out his tongue at Gunil, who flips him off and that’s it. To Seungmin’s relief, they both finally follow his orders and stay put for the moment.
They always share a big sandwich together, one of those dinner plates that are for some reason still available late at night. It comes with a fruit salad, and of course Gunil and Jungsu fight over who gets the last strawberry even though Seungmin ends up getting it every time anyway.
“I think they’re in love with each other– either that’s their weird way of showing affection or they used to date. Strange right?” Hyeongjun speaks to Jiseok for the first time as he picks up Jiseok’s empty tray of the remaining cookie crumbs. At first, he doesn't even realize it, too startled by the fact that he was unprepared for the comment.
He blinks like a fool, but then looks at the trio, “Really?”
Gunil has the straw of his coffee cup in his mouth, chewing on it like a farmer with wheat and smiles at himself, watching Jungsu almost fall asleep on his seat on and off. Jiseok agrees with Hyeongjun, he does look like he’s in love.
“See?” Hyeongjun picks up his used napkins to put on the tray, “He’ll notice if you stare though. They’re so annoying to deal with sometimes, but at least they’re funny.” He nods his head to Seungmin, “You see him? Poor dude, he’s such a patient friend for sticking with them all the time.”
Jiseok tries to get a look at Seungmin as he moves his head away because it’s blocked by Hyeongjun’s frame. However, Hyeongjun moves his body to block his view. “Ji, come on.” And he slightly laughs at him.
Wait. What did he just call him?
They look at each other for a second– but it feels like it goes on forever. Jiseok looks just as surprised as Hyeongjun, and his heart starts to race.
“Oh.” Hyeongjun then says, slightly embarrassed as he clears his throat. “Sorry, everytime I look at your assignment papers you always put Ji on the top line. So everytime you come, I call you Ji in my head. If you want, I won’t call you tha–”
Jiseok smiles, “No worries, you’re good.” He shakes his hand to reassure the flustered barista, but accidently knocks his almost empty cup of coffee over, spilling the rest of it all over the table. “Fuck, sorry!”
Instead of panicking and freezing, Hyeongjun picks up Jiseok’s laptop off the table and hands it to him, “It didn't get wet, this is what I was mainly worried about.” He runs off for a second to get towels and a mop, Jiseok constantly mumbling apologies.
How could you act a fool in front of him?! Spilling the coffee you don’t even like?
“It’s okay.” Hyeongjun gives him a smile, “What’s your name? Like, full name?”
“Kwak Jiseok,” He holds his hand out to Hyeongjun, and he accepts it.
“Han Hyeongjun. Can I call you Ji?”
“Sure,” Jiseok is blushing profusely, he’s hoping the barista doesn't notice.
“Okay, Ji.” Hyeongjun clasps his hands together. “Since you don’t like the coffee here, I recommend adding a lot more brown sugar and extra creamer the next time you come. Only, I'll have to reduce the amount of sugar I put on your cookie. It’s not healthy for you.”
Those are his last words as Jiseok sits down at a new table, he looks over at the trio from earlier and see’s Gunil sending a smirk and a thumbs up to him. Seungmin notices and slaps him lightly on the shoulder. He bows apologetically, “Sorry, he likes getting into other peoples business.”
-
Hours later, Jiseok leaves his lecture and exits the college campus, about to put on his headphones as someone jumps on his shoulders behind him, his laugh ringing through the air. They’re walking towards the parking lot now, surrounded by students like them.
Jooyeon has his skateboard tucked underneath his arm as his beanie almost falls off his head, his messy hair underneath. He’s wearing ripped jeans and a varsity jacket, a similar appearance to Jiseok as he playfully slaps Jiseok’s arm. “Did you end up finishing your assignment in class?”
Jiseok shakes his head no, “I finished it, but not in class. I turned it in a little bit before five.” He had managed to complete it after his conversation with Hyeongjun, as if the barista had given him the motivation and inspiration.
Jooyeon raises his eyebrow, “That’s not like you. You’re saying you finished it before your alarm went off?”
Jiseok’s phone starts to ring, “I am responsible whenever I have to.” He pulls his phone out of his jacket and see’s the contact name, groaning in annoyance. “It’s my mom,”
He picks up, “Hey,”
“Have you paid rent for your dorm yet?” His mom’s words immediately ruin his mood, disapproval lacing her voice. “And what about the money in your account? Don’t tell me you're saving for another guitar again!”
“Mom, I already paid Tuesday, and no, I’m not gonna buy another guitar for now.” Jiseok tries to keep a nonchalant tone, but it’s hard whenever he’s on the phone with the person who’s made his life more difficult than it already is.
“Okay, then why haven’t you scored anything above a 93 on a test yet? I’m checking your gradebook, and there’s even C’s here. What the hell?!”
“Mom, come on–”
“Jiseok, I thought me and your father have told you already. You’re our son, so you better have perfect grades. I didn't raise you to be an idiot. Don’t you dare slack off whenever–”
“Mom, I’m in college.” Jiseok says harshly. “There’s no way in hell I can get an A on everything I do. You wouldn't know since you and dad didn't even go to college.”
“Watch your fucking mouth before I go to your dorm and slap some sense into you!” His mom angrily tells him, “And I don’t care that you pay for everything yourself, I still raised you. So stop being a piece of shit and get your act together!” She hangs up on him after that, and Jiseok can only sigh in disappointment.
“You okay?” Jooyeon asks as they make it to their parking space.
“Yeah, I’m used to it but it still sucks.” Jiseok stuffs everything into his backpack and hangs it on the back of his motorcycle, “How is me getting a C on assignments bad even though the material is hard and I’m trying my best.”
“You deserve better.” Jooyeon frowns as he gets his keys to unlock his car, “See you tomorrow. Make sure you ride safely on your bike.”
“I will.” Jiseok puts on his helmet as he sits on his motorcycle, starting the engine up and waiting for Jooyeon to leave so he can go as well.