Cups of You [ Taekook, Yoonmin]
Chapter 1 – A Place That Smells Like Coffee and Warmth
Continue with our sweet story...
If someone asked Park Jimin a month ago what he’d be doing during his summer break, his answer would’ve been simple: sleeping, dancing, and maybe catching up on shows he never had time for during classes. He definitely wouldn’t have imagined himself standing behind the counter of a cozy neighborhood coffee shop at seven in the morning, trying to figure out if the espresso machine was out to personally ruin his life.
Jimin
Why does this thing hate me? (He whispered under his breath, pressing the same button for the third time and watching hot water gush out instead of espresso. His lips twisted into a pout. He had only been working here for three days, but the machine seemed to sense his nervousness and act accordingly.)
？？？
Because it hates people who look too cheerful this early(came a calm, almost sleepy voice behind him.)
Jimin jumped, spinning around to find a man leaning lazily against the counter. Dark hair poked out from beneath a black cap, and his apron looked like it had been tied carelessly. His sharp eyes gave the impression of someone perpetually unimpressed, and yet—Jimin couldn’t help but notice—there was something strangely soft about him too.
Min Yoongi. The “senior barista” he was supposed to be learning from.
Yoongi walked over without another word, his movements efficient, practiced. He took over the machine, adjusting the portafilter and pulling a perfect shot like it was the easiest thing in the world. The smell of fresh espresso filled the air, deep and comforting.
Suga
See? Not that hard.(He set the cup down and glanced at Jimin briefly. ) You just need to stop panicking like it’s going to bite you.
Jimin
(Blinked, cheeks warming at the dry tone.) Easy for you to say. It listens to you.
Suga
(A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, there and gone in a second.)Maybe it just knows who the boss is.😏
Jimin
(He Wanted to roll his eyes, but he stopped himself. Instead, he pressed his lips together, muttering under his breath) Bossy and smug. Great combination.
Before Yoongi could reply, the café’s bell chimed as the front door opened. The soft jazz playing in the background was suddenly interrupted by loud, cheerful laughter.
Two boys walked in, bringing an energy that instantly filled the small space.
The first one had golden-brown hair that stuck out in every direction, his smile so wide it felt contagious. He bounced toward the counter with the confidence of someone who thought mornings were a blessing, not a curse. The other, taller, followed close behind, a camera slung around his neck, his expression somewhere between shy amusement and exasperation.
？？？
Good morning!(the first boy sang brightly, leaning his elbows on the counter like he owned the place.) Two caramel macchiatos, please. Extra caramel for me, no sugar for him—he’s already too sweet, you know?
？？？
(taller one groaned.) Tae, don’t—(He turned pink when the barista across the counter chuckled softly.)
Taehyung
Come on kookie baby...
Jimin
(Smiled, reaching for the cups.) So, one cup of caramel with a splash of coffee, and one macchiato without sugar?
Taehyung
(gasped dramatically, pointing at Jimin with wide eyes.) Exactly! Finally, someone who understands me!
Suga
(Sighed from where he was foaming milk.) Or someone who’s just as dramatic.
Jimin hid his laugh behind his hand while Jungkook mumbled something about...
Jungkook
*Never coming here again*
And tried to drag Taehyung toward a table. It didn’t work, of course. Taehyung stayed glued to the counter, chatting with Jimin about nothing and everything—how the weather was too warm, how he had overslept, how Jungkook had beaten him in a video game the night before and he was still salty about it.
By the time their drinks were ready, Taehyung had already declared that this was officially his favorite café, while Jungkook.
Jungkook
(Red-eared and flustered, muttered something about) apologies for the noise(before finally dragging him away.)
Jimin exhaled a quiet laugh, watching them settle into a corner table where sunlight streamed in through the windows.
Jimin
They looked so good together, like they belonged in that little space.( smiling)
When Jimin turned back, Yoongi was watching him, an unreadable expression on his face.
Jimin
What?( He asked, blinking.)
Suga
Nothing.(turned back to the counter, sliding another cup into place. But the corner of his mouth twitched again, like he was fighting a smile.) You’re just… loud. In your own way.
Jimin tilted his head, unsure if that was an insult or a compliment. Maybe both.
But for the first time since he started this job, he didn’t feel nervous. Maybe it was the smell of coffee, or maybe it was the soft warmth of the shop itself. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the quiet, complicated barista who pretended not to care but noticed everything.
And as Taehyung’s laughter echoed from the corner and Jungkook tried to hide behind his camera, Jimin thought that this little coffee shop might end up becoming something more than just a summer job.
Something sweeter.
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