Photographs and Coffee
Title: Photographs and Coffee (or 051. barista ; woohyun/myungsoo)
Author: xLightless
Pairing: Woohyun/Myungsoo
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I wish I owned them.
Summary: Woohyun adores coffee. Myungsoo just so happens to run a cafe. (cafe!au)
A/N: This is probably the best wooL fic I've ever written to be honest here.. And I love writing cafe scenes even though I'm really bad at it.
Coffee is a wonderful thing to have, Woohyun thinks. He, being a hardworking desk employee, thinks coffee is a savior among the paperwork he has to get through every single day. So, when Woohyun finds out a small coffee house named Infinite Skies has opened a few blocks away from the company building, he's more than happy to visit his new favorite place in the morning.
It's a tiny red brick building, wedged in between the towering skyscrapers, and looking painfully out of place in the bustling city of Seoul. Woohyun thinks it's funny how it doesn't fit in with the bland atmosphere of the business district. The fact that the building itself is red makes him like it all the more. Woohyun's always liked red.
The bells above the door chime as he enters the establishment. An involuntary smile spreads across Woohyun's face as the strong aroma of coffee beans attack his senses.
"Welcome to Infinite Skies," an almost cautious voice says behind the counter.
Woohyun, too busy savoring the smell of coffee alone, ignores the greeting. He continues to stand in the doorway, not really inside the cafe, but not really outside it either.
The young man clears his throat, finally having Woohyun's attention, and asks, "Can I help you?"
A blush creeping onto his face, Woohyun rushes over to the counter, the door closing slowly behind him. "Sorry about that."
The young man behind the counter just stares at Woohyun, only deepening Woohyun's embarrassment. He notices the young man has handsome features: a defined jawline, pink lips, and dark, mysterious eyes that seem to contradict his blank expression. Woohyun decides that this young man intrigues him. The young man clears his throat again, pulling Woohyun out of his thoughts. Woohyun knows that if he stalls any longer, he'll be late for work, so he looks up at the list of drinks.
"Um... Can I have the...," Woohyun trails off, too distracted by the large amount of drinks on the chalkboard above the young man's head.
The young man continues to stare at Woohyun, patiently waiting for him to make his choice.
"What's the 'Infinite Blend'?" Woohyun asks, briefly catching the other young man's eyes before returning to the board.
"The special?" the young man responds. "It's a double espresso with a shot of chocolate syrup."
Woohyun's jaw drops. Is that even healthy in the morning? With a shrug, Woohyun orders the "Infinite Blend" anyway. It wouldn't hurt to try something new, right? Besides, Woohyun likes chocolate.
The young man nods, and immediately begins to create the drink. Unconsciously, Woohyun begins to stare at the young man's back. He's wearing a dark brown fedora over his hair with a blue plaid button down shirt under his black apron, and Woohyun can't help but feel a small pang of jealousy at the young man's casual attire. Woohyun is fascinated by the way the young man moves so fluidly among the materials like he's been doing this his whole life, how he mixes everything together and pours it all into a cute to-go cup.
It's too late when Woohyun discovers that he's blatantly staring at the barista-Woohyun would never openly admit that he was checking him out, just admiring. The young man is already smirking slightly as he hands Woohyun his warm cup of coffee.
"Thank you, um...," Woohyun says as he accepts the cup. He wants to know this young man's name.
"Kim Myungsoo," Myungsoo finishes. "And thank you for being my first customer...."
"Nam Woohyun," Woohyun finishes for Myungsoo.
The two exchange smiles and Woohyun heads to his office. As he walks down the sidewalk, he takes a tentative sip of the coffee, and almost gags. It's strong, no doubt, and the chocolate flavor is subtle, barely there among the coffee. After a couple more sips, though, it's actually really nice despite the large amount of caffeine, Woohyun realizes.
Woohyun also realizes he wouldn't mind going back to Infinite Skies for another cup of coffee.
Woohyun does go back. Woohyun goes back for the following month. Every weekday before the morning rush, Woohyun arrives at the cafe and orders something different every time. He's continuously giving Myungsoo a hard time, never settling for a favorite. Myungsoo doesn't mind it much. He's just happy to have a regular customer like Woohyun.
The two have become so used to each other's presence that it's routine now.
Today, as Woohyun walks into the cafe, he hears a bubbly girl group song coming from invisible speakers. A couple days ago, a jazzy saxophone was playing. Woohyun smiles at the contradicting mix in Myungsoo's playlist. Woohyun approaches the counter, where Myungsoo stands expectantly, and gives him a smile before looking up at the chalkboard above Myungsoo's head.
"Hi, Myungsoo-ah," Woohyun says, never taking his eyes off the board.
"Hi, Woohyun-ah," Myungsoo replied, never taking his eyes off his newspaper.
"Is your cafe au lait good?" Woohyun asks after a short while.
Woohyun's unfamiliarity with the name rolls off his tongue awkwardly and he sees Myungsoo trying-and failing-to suppress an amused smile. His lips curl up in a charming way and his eyes turn into half moons that vaguely remind Woohyun of his boss.
Then, Myungsoo suddenly stares emotionlessly at Woohyun as if he asked a stupid question. "Of course it is."
Woohyun raises an eyebrow and Myungsoo laughs quietly. Woohyun thinks Myungsoo's laugh sounds pleasant.
Myungsoo begins grinding the coffee beans, and then pours cream into Woohyun's cup. Woohyun notices Myungsoo's fedora is a dark gray this time and his plaid shirt is green. Woohyun briefly wonders if this is all Myungsoo ever wears.
After a quick five minutes, Myungsoo hands Woohyun his drink and Woohyun thanks him. He makes his way to his office, warm cup of coffee in his hand, and takes a slow sip.
Woohyun smiles. It's a pleasant mixture of coffee and cream-kinda like Myungsoo's laugh.
It's been several months since Myungsoo opened Infinite Skies, and it has reached the point where the morning rushes have become hell with just him alone working the whole thing.
Woohyun snickers as Myungsoo prepares the coffee. "I told you to hire some more employees before it reached this point, but you didn't, saying, 'No I'll be fine!' Myungsoo really should have listened to the 'robot desk employee.'"
Myungsoo whips around to glare at Woohyun, who just laughs. "I am the one making your coffee! Don't anger me."
"But seriously, though, Myungsoo," Woohyun says, trying to stifle his laughs. "You really haven't hired anybody else yet?"
Myungsoo snaps the plastic lid on the cup, silent as Woohyun stares expectantly at him. "I put up some flyers around the area, but nobody has come-"
The bells on the entrance chime loudly as someone throws the door open, and both young men inside direct their attention to the doorway. A boy, no older than eighteen, steps inside, panting like he just ran a marathon. Woohyun notices the boy is thin in stature and effeminate. He also thinks this boy should be in school, but he brushes it off.
"I-I saw your flyer in the park," the boy says, still trying to catch his breath. His voice is airy and sweet-sounding, but it seems to fit him. "And I'd like to work as your assistant."
"What's your name?" Myungsoo asks curiously.
"Lee Sungjong."
Myungsoo places a finger on his chin in thought. "Would you like to start today or tomorrow, Sungjong-ah?"
Woohyun notices how Sungjong's back perks up and his question is surprised when it comes out of his mouth. "Would it be okay for me to start today?"
"Sure." Myungsoo hands Woohyun his coffee and signals for Sungjong to come behind the counter. "The morning rush is about to start, so you can work the register. Is that okay?"
"Yeah!" Sungjong replies without hesitation. Woohyun finds it cute how determined and confident this kid is.
As Myungsoo is explaining how the cafe works to Sungjong, Woohyun turns to leave. "See you tomorrow, Myungsoo. You too, Sungjong-sshi."
"Okay," both of them say as the bells on the door chime.
Woohyun sips his coffee, but almost spits it out because it's unbearably sweet. After a couple more sips, Woohyun remembers that he ordered a cafe mocha. The chocolate is so overwhelming that he's sure the sugar alone is going to keep him up the entire morning.
As Woohyun sits down at his desk, he silently promises to stop teasing Myungsoo while he's making coffee.
"What exactly is cafe noir?" Woohyun asks, staring up at the chalkboard curiously.
"Black coffee," Myungsoo replies easily.
Sungjong pauses washing the coffee pot. "Myungsoo-sshi, why is it called cafe noir instead of just black coffee?"
Myungsoo flashes Sungjong a smile. "Sungjong-ah, this is a cafe. 'Cafe noir' just sounds fancier."
"Do you even know French?" Woohyun asks.
Myungsoo shakes his head. "Just the names of coffees. Sungyeol-hyung taught me."
Woohyun tilts his head at the mention of a Sungyeol. What an interesting name. "Who's Sungyeol?"
Myungsoo shrugs. "A friend of mine. We planned this cafe together. He's barely here, though, something about taking up the family business in Gyeonggi-do."
Woohyun wants to ask further, his curiosity quickly eating his common sense, but he refrains. He doesn't want to ask any unnecessary questions.
Instead, Woohyun nods his head. "I'll have one cafe noir."
"Black coffee it is then."
Without wasting another second, Myungsoo begins to work on making the coffee. While Woohyun waits, he looks around the cafe and finds something new decorating it. Littering the earthy, brown walls are frames of different sizes, and inside the frames are colorful photographs of various people going about their daily routines. A young woman walking down the street, looking at her watch as if she's running late. An old man sitting on a beach. A group of seven young men running alongside the Han River. A couple kissing right in the middle of a bustling crowd.
Woohyun also sees himself, a picture of his side profile leaning against the counter and laughing. He wonders just when Myungsoo managed to take this picture.
"Do you like them?"
Woohyun turns around to see Myungsoo approaching him, holding Woohyun's steaming cup of coffee in his hands. Woohyun can't help but notice the small glint of pride in Myungsoo's eyes.
"Those photographs. It's something like a project of mine, like a collage of something I don't really know yet," Myungsoo continues on. "I've always liked photography, but it's the memories they make are what fascinate me the most. I think photographs are like memories themselves and they continue to live on even if the people don't."
Woohyun just stares at Myungsoo as he talks about photography. He's pretty sure he's never heard Myungsoo talk so much before. When he hears Myungsoo speak like this, especially with so much passion in his voice, Woohyun is undoubtedly shocked. He thinks it's refreshing, though.
After a few long seconds, Myungsoo seems to snap out of his half-trance and hands Woohyun his coffee. Myungsoo looks down at the dark tiled floor and wipes his hands on his apron. "Sorry... I sorta rambled."
"They're lovely," Woohyun says, his eyes wandering back to his photograph. He says it sincerely because he truly thinks the photos are fascinating. The pictures fit the atmosphere of the cafe, and they, in a sense, fit Myungsoo.
"Oh... That picture of you... I think I took that last week," Myungsoo adds, his expression turning slightly mischievous.
Woohyun stares at Myungsoo, a dumbstruck look on his face.
As Woohyun is drinking his coffee in the office, he thinks Myungsoo might be a ninja.
Woohyun doesn't come to Infinite Skies for a whole month.
The first day, Myungsoo finds it weird when the morning rush arrives before Woohyun, but he doesn't think much of it. The next week, Myungsoo is slightly worried, but forces himself to work for the customers demanding their morning coffee. The following weeks after that, Myungsoo has come to accept that Woohyun may have found a new cafe to buy coffee.
When Myungsoo realizes this, he can't help but feel somewhat disappointed. He also feels like he's been dumped despite never actually dating Woohyun.
A couple days after, while Myungsoo is wiping the tables, someone opens the door, the bells' ring bouncing against the walls. It's been a long day, and Myungsoo is no doubt tired, so he turns around slowly, an apology right on the tip of his tongue.
"I'm sorry, but we're clo-"
"Hey, Myungsoo." The voice is nothing more than a sigh, but Myungsoo recognizes the voice.
Myungsoo blinks, then blinks again, trying to focus his tired eyes on the person in front of him. "...Woohyun?"
"Who else?" Woohyun replies with a smile. He's dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, perfect for the cold weather, but Myungsoo is surprised nonetheless because he's only seen Woohyun in sharp suits.
Woohyun doesn't exactly look like himself, though. He has dark eyebags, making him look older than he should, his hair is slightly disheveled, and his face looks pale even under the dim lighting of the cafe. Even his usually carefree smile seems forced. Without a doubt, Myungsoo is worried, but he doesn't want to pry too much.
Instead, he-awkwardly-smiles back and returns to the counter. He tosses the rag in the sink and asks, "How have you been, Woohyun?"
The question hangs in the air for a few long moments as Woohyun searches for the right words to speak.
Woohyun leans against the counter, letting out a long sigh. "Sorry I didn't come for the past month. It's just...I got laid off and I've been looking for a new job ever since then..."
Myungsoo isn't the sort to comfort someone, so when Woohyun starts to talk, Myungsoo doesn't really know what to say. Instead, he slowly asks, "Do you want a beer?"
Woohyun grimaces and Myungsoo somewhat knows what's coming next. "Myungsoo, if I really wanted a beer, I would have gone to a bar, not here."
Myungsoo points at the chalkboard above his head and says, "Well, you literally tried everything on the menu. Whatever will you do?"
With a mock frown on his face, Woohyun looks at Myungsoo. "You're not a very nice friend, Kim Myungsoo. I thought you'd comfort me, instead you give me sarcasm." Woohyun sniffles for added effect.
Without another word, Myungsoo turns around, gathering everything he would need to make a few more cups of coffee. Surprised, Woohyun continues to stand by the counter and watches Myungsoo work among the machines and coffee and cream. Woohyun's always admired the way Myungsoo moved around that kitchen. It's no wonder he lasted so long without any other help. Woohyun also wonders if Myungsoo may be a superhuman ninja.
"What are you making?" Woohyun asks, trying to see over Myungsoo's shoulder, but it's hard when Myungsoo is moving so quickly.
"Something."
"Is it on the menu?"
"Something like that."
"Is it not on the menu?"
"Something like that."
In frustration, Woohyun walks over to the nearest table and sits down. He pulls out his phone and plays with it while Myungsoo prepares the coffee. Eight minutes later-yes, Woohyun counted-Myungsoo places two steaming mugs on the table.
The coffee has a little picture drawn on top, and Woohyun finds it incredibly cute that Myungsoo is able to do that because Myungsoo's only served Woohyun coffee in cute little to-go cups. Woohyun inhales the warm scent and smiles. He eagerly lifts the red mug and takes a sip. With a muffled yelp, Woohyun places the mug back on the table. Myungsoo stares at Woohyun from across the table, an expression of hurt clear on his face.
"Is it really that bad?" Myungsoo asks.
Woohyun frantically shakes his head. "It's just hot!"
Myungsoo smiles in amusement as Woohyun cools down his tongue. He takes a slow sip from his own mug and almost spits it out. Myungsoo suddenly regrets experimenting with the mint.
"What a waste...," Myungsoo mutters under his breath.
Woohyun laughs, an all too familiar tune to Myungsoo's ears, and grabs the two mugs. He walks over behind the counter, and, instead of dumping it like Myungsoo had first thought, Woohyun pours chocolate powder inside them. Myungsoo's mouth drops open at the amount of powder going inside the mugs. When Woohyun returns with a triumphant smile on his face, Myungsoo just stares at the mugs then back at Woohyun.
"What... This looks like something took a crap in it," Myungsoo deadpans.
"Well, sorry I can't make it look pretty like you can."
Woohyun and Myungsoo drink from the mugs at the same time, and unceremoniously spit it back in.
"Still a waste of perfectly good coffee," Myungsoo says, glaring at Woohyun. This time, Myungsoo carries the mugs behind the counter and dumps the drinks. "You wasted my chocolate powder too... How much of that did you put anyway?"
Woohyun shrugs and gets up from his seat. "How about we forget about this and just get something to eat?"
"Sure," Myungsoo says, rinsing the mugs and placing them in the dishwasher. He can always have Sungjong deal with them in the morning.
As Myungsoo is locking the cafe's doors, Woohyun waits beside him. "You know you're paying, right?"
Myungsoo slides his jacket over his shirt and tries not to snort. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot that you became instantly poor after getting laid off."
"Geez, why are you so mean?"
"It's my job."
"No, your job is to make my coffee."
"Shut up before I make you pay for our dinner and the coffee." Myungsoo flashes Woohyun his lopsided smirk just as he starts to walk down the sidewalk.
Coffee is a wonderful thing to have, Woohyun thinks. So is Kim Myungsoo.
Author: xLightless
Pairing: Woohyun/Myungsoo
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I wish I owned them.
Summary: Woohyun adores coffee. Myungsoo just so happens to run a cafe. (cafe!au)
A/N: This is probably the best wooL fic I've ever written to be honest here.. And I love writing cafe scenes even though I'm really bad at it.
Coffee is a wonderful thing to have, Woohyun thinks. He, being a hardworking desk employee, thinks coffee is a savior among the paperwork he has to get through every single day. So, when Woohyun finds out a small coffee house named Infinite Skies has opened a few blocks away from the company building, he's more than happy to visit his new favorite place in the morning.
It's a tiny red brick building, wedged in between the towering skyscrapers, and looking painfully out of place in the bustling city of Seoul. Woohyun thinks it's funny how it doesn't fit in with the bland atmosphere of the business district. The fact that the building itself is red makes him like it all the more. Woohyun's always liked red.
The bells above the door chime as he enters the establishment. An involuntary smile spreads across Woohyun's face as the strong aroma of coffee beans attack his senses.
"Welcome to Infinite Skies," an almost cautious voice says behind the counter.
Woohyun, too busy savoring the smell of coffee alone, ignores the greeting. He continues to stand in the doorway, not really inside the cafe, but not really outside it either.
The young man clears his throat, finally having Woohyun's attention, and asks, "Can I help you?"
A blush creeping onto his face, Woohyun rushes over to the counter, the door closing slowly behind him. "Sorry about that."
The young man behind the counter just stares at Woohyun, only deepening Woohyun's embarrassment. He notices the young man has handsome features: a defined jawline, pink lips, and dark, mysterious eyes that seem to contradict his blank expression. Woohyun decides that this young man intrigues him. The young man clears his throat again, pulling Woohyun out of his thoughts. Woohyun knows that if he stalls any longer, he'll be late for work, so he looks up at the list of drinks.
"Um... Can I have the...," Woohyun trails off, too distracted by the large amount of drinks on the chalkboard above the young man's head.
The young man continues to stare at Woohyun, patiently waiting for him to make his choice.
"What's the 'Infinite Blend'?" Woohyun asks, briefly catching the other young man's eyes before returning to the board.
"The special?" the young man responds. "It's a double espresso with a shot of chocolate syrup."
Woohyun's jaw drops. Is that even healthy in the morning? With a shrug, Woohyun orders the "Infinite Blend" anyway. It wouldn't hurt to try something new, right? Besides, Woohyun likes chocolate.
The young man nods, and immediately begins to create the drink. Unconsciously, Woohyun begins to stare at the young man's back. He's wearing a dark brown fedora over his hair with a blue plaid button down shirt under his black apron, and Woohyun can't help but feel a small pang of jealousy at the young man's casual attire. Woohyun is fascinated by the way the young man moves so fluidly among the materials like he's been doing this his whole life, how he mixes everything together and pours it all into a cute to-go cup.
It's too late when Woohyun discovers that he's blatantly staring at the barista-Woohyun would never openly admit that he was checking him out, just admiring. The young man is already smirking slightly as he hands Woohyun his warm cup of coffee.
"Thank you, um...," Woohyun says as he accepts the cup. He wants to know this young man's name.
"Kim Myungsoo," Myungsoo finishes. "And thank you for being my first customer...."
"Nam Woohyun," Woohyun finishes for Myungsoo.
The two exchange smiles and Woohyun heads to his office. As he walks down the sidewalk, he takes a tentative sip of the coffee, and almost gags. It's strong, no doubt, and the chocolate flavor is subtle, barely there among the coffee. After a couple more sips, though, it's actually really nice despite the large amount of caffeine, Woohyun realizes.
Woohyun also realizes he wouldn't mind going back to Infinite Skies for another cup of coffee.
Woohyun does go back. Woohyun goes back for the following month. Every weekday before the morning rush, Woohyun arrives at the cafe and orders something different every time. He's continuously giving Myungsoo a hard time, never settling for a favorite. Myungsoo doesn't mind it much. He's just happy to have a regular customer like Woohyun.
The two have become so used to each other's presence that it's routine now.
Today, as Woohyun walks into the cafe, he hears a bubbly girl group song coming from invisible speakers. A couple days ago, a jazzy saxophone was playing. Woohyun smiles at the contradicting mix in Myungsoo's playlist. Woohyun approaches the counter, where Myungsoo stands expectantly, and gives him a smile before looking up at the chalkboard above Myungsoo's head.
"Hi, Myungsoo-ah," Woohyun says, never taking his eyes off the board.
"Hi, Woohyun-ah," Myungsoo replied, never taking his eyes off his newspaper.
"Is your cafe au lait good?" Woohyun asks after a short while.
Woohyun's unfamiliarity with the name rolls off his tongue awkwardly and he sees Myungsoo trying-and failing-to suppress an amused smile. His lips curl up in a charming way and his eyes turn into half moons that vaguely remind Woohyun of his boss.
Then, Myungsoo suddenly stares emotionlessly at Woohyun as if he asked a stupid question. "Of course it is."
Woohyun raises an eyebrow and Myungsoo laughs quietly. Woohyun thinks Myungsoo's laugh sounds pleasant.
Myungsoo begins grinding the coffee beans, and then pours cream into Woohyun's cup. Woohyun notices Myungsoo's fedora is a dark gray this time and his plaid shirt is green. Woohyun briefly wonders if this is all Myungsoo ever wears.
After a quick five minutes, Myungsoo hands Woohyun his drink and Woohyun thanks him. He makes his way to his office, warm cup of coffee in his hand, and takes a slow sip.
Woohyun smiles. It's a pleasant mixture of coffee and cream-kinda like Myungsoo's laugh.
It's been several months since Myungsoo opened Infinite Skies, and it has reached the point where the morning rushes have become hell with just him alone working the whole thing.
Woohyun snickers as Myungsoo prepares the coffee. "I told you to hire some more employees before it reached this point, but you didn't, saying, 'No I'll be fine!' Myungsoo really should have listened to the 'robot desk employee.'"
Myungsoo whips around to glare at Woohyun, who just laughs. "I am the one making your coffee! Don't anger me."
"But seriously, though, Myungsoo," Woohyun says, trying to stifle his laughs. "You really haven't hired anybody else yet?"
Myungsoo snaps the plastic lid on the cup, silent as Woohyun stares expectantly at him. "I put up some flyers around the area, but nobody has come-"
The bells on the entrance chime loudly as someone throws the door open, and both young men inside direct their attention to the doorway. A boy, no older than eighteen, steps inside, panting like he just ran a marathon. Woohyun notices the boy is thin in stature and effeminate. He also thinks this boy should be in school, but he brushes it off.
"I-I saw your flyer in the park," the boy says, still trying to catch his breath. His voice is airy and sweet-sounding, but it seems to fit him. "And I'd like to work as your assistant."
"What's your name?" Myungsoo asks curiously.
"Lee Sungjong."
Myungsoo places a finger on his chin in thought. "Would you like to start today or tomorrow, Sungjong-ah?"
Woohyun notices how Sungjong's back perks up and his question is surprised when it comes out of his mouth. "Would it be okay for me to start today?"
"Sure." Myungsoo hands Woohyun his coffee and signals for Sungjong to come behind the counter. "The morning rush is about to start, so you can work the register. Is that okay?"
"Yeah!" Sungjong replies without hesitation. Woohyun finds it cute how determined and confident this kid is.
As Myungsoo is explaining how the cafe works to Sungjong, Woohyun turns to leave. "See you tomorrow, Myungsoo. You too, Sungjong-sshi."
"Okay," both of them say as the bells on the door chime.
Woohyun sips his coffee, but almost spits it out because it's unbearably sweet. After a couple more sips, Woohyun remembers that he ordered a cafe mocha. The chocolate is so overwhelming that he's sure the sugar alone is going to keep him up the entire morning.
As Woohyun sits down at his desk, he silently promises to stop teasing Myungsoo while he's making coffee.
"What exactly is cafe noir?" Woohyun asks, staring up at the chalkboard curiously.
"Black coffee," Myungsoo replies easily.
Sungjong pauses washing the coffee pot. "Myungsoo-sshi, why is it called cafe noir instead of just black coffee?"
Myungsoo flashes Sungjong a smile. "Sungjong-ah, this is a cafe. 'Cafe noir' just sounds fancier."
"Do you even know French?" Woohyun asks.
Myungsoo shakes his head. "Just the names of coffees. Sungyeol-hyung taught me."
Woohyun tilts his head at the mention of a Sungyeol. What an interesting name. "Who's Sungyeol?"
Myungsoo shrugs. "A friend of mine. We planned this cafe together. He's barely here, though, something about taking up the family business in Gyeonggi-do."
Woohyun wants to ask further, his curiosity quickly eating his common sense, but he refrains. He doesn't want to ask any unnecessary questions.
Instead, Woohyun nods his head. "I'll have one cafe noir."
"Black coffee it is then."
Without wasting another second, Myungsoo begins to work on making the coffee. While Woohyun waits, he looks around the cafe and finds something new decorating it. Littering the earthy, brown walls are frames of different sizes, and inside the frames are colorful photographs of various people going about their daily routines. A young woman walking down the street, looking at her watch as if she's running late. An old man sitting on a beach. A group of seven young men running alongside the Han River. A couple kissing right in the middle of a bustling crowd.
Woohyun also sees himself, a picture of his side profile leaning against the counter and laughing. He wonders just when Myungsoo managed to take this picture.
"Do you like them?"
Woohyun turns around to see Myungsoo approaching him, holding Woohyun's steaming cup of coffee in his hands. Woohyun can't help but notice the small glint of pride in Myungsoo's eyes.
"Those photographs. It's something like a project of mine, like a collage of something I don't really know yet," Myungsoo continues on. "I've always liked photography, but it's the memories they make are what fascinate me the most. I think photographs are like memories themselves and they continue to live on even if the people don't."
Woohyun just stares at Myungsoo as he talks about photography. He's pretty sure he's never heard Myungsoo talk so much before. When he hears Myungsoo speak like this, especially with so much passion in his voice, Woohyun is undoubtedly shocked. He thinks it's refreshing, though.
After a few long seconds, Myungsoo seems to snap out of his half-trance and hands Woohyun his coffee. Myungsoo looks down at the dark tiled floor and wipes his hands on his apron. "Sorry... I sorta rambled."
"They're lovely," Woohyun says, his eyes wandering back to his photograph. He says it sincerely because he truly thinks the photos are fascinating. The pictures fit the atmosphere of the cafe, and they, in a sense, fit Myungsoo.
"Oh... That picture of you... I think I took that last week," Myungsoo adds, his expression turning slightly mischievous.
Woohyun stares at Myungsoo, a dumbstruck look on his face.
As Woohyun is drinking his coffee in the office, he thinks Myungsoo might be a ninja.
Woohyun doesn't come to Infinite Skies for a whole month.
The first day, Myungsoo finds it weird when the morning rush arrives before Woohyun, but he doesn't think much of it. The next week, Myungsoo is slightly worried, but forces himself to work for the customers demanding their morning coffee. The following weeks after that, Myungsoo has come to accept that Woohyun may have found a new cafe to buy coffee.
When Myungsoo realizes this, he can't help but feel somewhat disappointed. He also feels like he's been dumped despite never actually dating Woohyun.
A couple days after, while Myungsoo is wiping the tables, someone opens the door, the bells' ring bouncing against the walls. It's been a long day, and Myungsoo is no doubt tired, so he turns around slowly, an apology right on the tip of his tongue.
"I'm sorry, but we're clo-"
"Hey, Myungsoo." The voice is nothing more than a sigh, but Myungsoo recognizes the voice.
Myungsoo blinks, then blinks again, trying to focus his tired eyes on the person in front of him. "...Woohyun?"
"Who else?" Woohyun replies with a smile. He's dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, perfect for the cold weather, but Myungsoo is surprised nonetheless because he's only seen Woohyun in sharp suits.
Woohyun doesn't exactly look like himself, though. He has dark eyebags, making him look older than he should, his hair is slightly disheveled, and his face looks pale even under the dim lighting of the cafe. Even his usually carefree smile seems forced. Without a doubt, Myungsoo is worried, but he doesn't want to pry too much.
Instead, he-awkwardly-smiles back and returns to the counter. He tosses the rag in the sink and asks, "How have you been, Woohyun?"
The question hangs in the air for a few long moments as Woohyun searches for the right words to speak.
Woohyun leans against the counter, letting out a long sigh. "Sorry I didn't come for the past month. It's just...I got laid off and I've been looking for a new job ever since then..."
Myungsoo isn't the sort to comfort someone, so when Woohyun starts to talk, Myungsoo doesn't really know what to say. Instead, he slowly asks, "Do you want a beer?"
Woohyun grimaces and Myungsoo somewhat knows what's coming next. "Myungsoo, if I really wanted a beer, I would have gone to a bar, not here."
Myungsoo points at the chalkboard above his head and says, "Well, you literally tried everything on the menu. Whatever will you do?"
With a mock frown on his face, Woohyun looks at Myungsoo. "You're not a very nice friend, Kim Myungsoo. I thought you'd comfort me, instead you give me sarcasm." Woohyun sniffles for added effect.
Without another word, Myungsoo turns around, gathering everything he would need to make a few more cups of coffee. Surprised, Woohyun continues to stand by the counter and watches Myungsoo work among the machines and coffee and cream. Woohyun's always admired the way Myungsoo moved around that kitchen. It's no wonder he lasted so long without any other help. Woohyun also wonders if Myungsoo may be a superhuman ninja.
"What are you making?" Woohyun asks, trying to see over Myungsoo's shoulder, but it's hard when Myungsoo is moving so quickly.
"Something."
"Is it on the menu?"
"Something like that."
"Is it not on the menu?"
"Something like that."
In frustration, Woohyun walks over to the nearest table and sits down. He pulls out his phone and plays with it while Myungsoo prepares the coffee. Eight minutes later-yes, Woohyun counted-Myungsoo places two steaming mugs on the table.
The coffee has a little picture drawn on top, and Woohyun finds it incredibly cute that Myungsoo is able to do that because Myungsoo's only served Woohyun coffee in cute little to-go cups. Woohyun inhales the warm scent and smiles. He eagerly lifts the red mug and takes a sip. With a muffled yelp, Woohyun places the mug back on the table. Myungsoo stares at Woohyun from across the table, an expression of hurt clear on his face.
"Is it really that bad?" Myungsoo asks.
Woohyun frantically shakes his head. "It's just hot!"
Myungsoo smiles in amusement as Woohyun cools down his tongue. He takes a slow sip from his own mug and almost spits it out. Myungsoo suddenly regrets experimenting with the mint.
"What a waste...," Myungsoo mutters under his breath.
Woohyun laughs, an all too familiar tune to Myungsoo's ears, and grabs the two mugs. He walks over behind the counter, and, instead of dumping it like Myungsoo had first thought, Woohyun pours chocolate powder inside them. Myungsoo's mouth drops open at the amount of powder going inside the mugs. When Woohyun returns with a triumphant smile on his face, Myungsoo just stares at the mugs then back at Woohyun.
"What... This looks like something took a crap in it," Myungsoo deadpans.
"Well, sorry I can't make it look pretty like you can."
Woohyun and Myungsoo drink from the mugs at the same time, and unceremoniously spit it back in.
"Still a waste of perfectly good coffee," Myungsoo says, glaring at Woohyun. This time, Myungsoo carries the mugs behind the counter and dumps the drinks. "You wasted my chocolate powder too... How much of that did you put anyway?"
Woohyun shrugs and gets up from his seat. "How about we forget about this and just get something to eat?"
"Sure," Myungsoo says, rinsing the mugs and placing them in the dishwasher. He can always have Sungjong deal with them in the morning.
As Myungsoo is locking the cafe's doors, Woohyun waits beside him. "You know you're paying, right?"
Myungsoo slides his jacket over his shirt and tries not to snort. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot that you became instantly poor after getting laid off."
"Geez, why are you so mean?"
"It's my job."
"No, your job is to make my coffee."
"Shut up before I make you pay for our dinner and the coffee." Myungsoo flashes Woohyun his lopsided smirk just as he starts to walk down the sidewalk.
Coffee is a wonderful thing to have, Woohyun thinks. So is Kim Myungsoo.