Archive of Our Own

“Ah~ Ah~ AH~ FUCK!” Taehyung’s voice got absorbed by the several cushions and pillows that surrounded him in bed. His wrist was a little sore from pumping the dildo in and out of his ass. 

He thought masturbating would make him feel better. It had been only a few months since Taehyung had opened his cafe. His business partner Seokjin was already discouraged with a lack of customers, reaching a melting point that day. So, Taehyung had turned the closed sign in the small shop, gone up to his apartment and contemplated closing the business when he said fuck it and pulled his dildo out of his bedside drawer.

But something wasn’t right. Perhaps his mood was a bit too dull to enjoy the stimulation. He was distracted. Frustrated. Dejected.

When he took a break to stretch his wrists, Taehyung decided to give up. It was 5 pm when he hobbled to the bathroom, washing the toy and putting it in the steriliser, before taking a stinging hot shower.

Even cleaning around the house didn’t bring Taehyung the peace he sought. But he allowed himself a long sniff of freshly washed, sun-dried towels before folding them away. He then did his hair and put on his denim apron, more out of habit than anything. Getting customers on a stormy day like this was highly unlikely.

Putting on an old jazz record on the gramophone, Taehyung dusted the place, putting the ‘open’ sign on the door. Perhaps the decor was too niche or tacky, Taehyung thought for the nth time that week, absently wiping an already clean counter. Or maybe it was the location. They’d invested a lot in marketing but something wasn’t clicking. It was around 7 pm, when Taehyung had finished cleaning everything, contemplating whether to use the infuser or incense. There was no point perfuming the place if no one was going to show up. The damp whiff of lemon-scented cleaner should suffice.

Then, as time passed, it got colder. The rain got heavier. Like Taehyung wasn’t miserable enough. He scrolled on his phone contemplating between calling his ex, Seojun, and revamping his cafe into a gukbap house that was just a bit costlier than the lunch places in the area, serving soup in artisanal bowls. Taehyung then decided he might as well light a nagchampa incense stick if he was going to crank up the thermostat and add to his power bill. There was no logic in that decision, but it felt like a pick-me up to indulge in it. Maybe bringing out the expensive beef from his fridge would lift his mood too. It would go well with the jjigae Seokjin had stocked for him. Or he could fry it up with some rice. Thinking about his lavish dinner made Taehyung peckish, pushing him to fish for an almond biscotti.

He was halfway into nibbling it, when he heard sloshy footsteps outside the entrance. Quickly dusting his hands and wiping his mouth, Taehyung put the half-eaten biscuit away to rush up front. A tall, buff man entered through the glass door looking like a wet dream. In every sense of the word. Rain water was dripping from his spiky week-old bleached buzz cut hair. His gray blazer looked black as it was soaked. The man was drenched from head to toe, a suitcase trailing by his side.

“Hope you’re well tonight,” he bowed when he spotted Taehyung, speaking with a voice that had notes deeper than the most expensive whiskey Taehyung had smelt. The man then flashed Taehyung a sheepish smile, decorated with the cutest dimples he’d ever seen, asking if the place was open for business.

“Yes, yes, of course! Please come in.” Taehyung welcomed him with a smile of his own, hoping he didn’t come off as too excited. 

“I’m sorry for making a mess here…” said the man, toeing off his shoes in one corner, vaguely pointing at the water that was dripping off of him. 

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Taehyung waved him off, gesturing towards a high stool next to the counter. That seat was covered with rexine instead of leather, so it wouldn’t suffer much water damage. “Here’s the menu.” he said as soon as the man sat, leaving his soaked messenger bag on the floor, “I’ll be right back.”

Leaving the customer to peruse the menu and take in the vibe of the place, Taehyung cranked the thermostat further up, and went into the cafe’s kitchen to put the kettle on. He then took the back stairway up to his apartment, picking up a clean towel.

When he returned, the man was looking at the wall opposite the counter, where the only painting in the cafe hung. It was a gift from Jimin. Taehyung smiled to himself, happy to have something to talk about with the hot guy. Unless he wanted to be left alone, of course.

“Do you enjoy pointillism, sunnim ?” Taehyung walked in, holding the towel out to his slightly startled customer from behind the counter.

“Actuall, that’s my—” frowned the man, noticing the towel. “Oh, is that for me? Thank you so much!” He took the towel and rubbed it on his head and face.

Taehyung merely smiled in response. “Have you decided your order?” 

“Ah, yes…” The man frowned towards the menu again, “Maybe I’ll take a hot citron tea… but um… I wanted to ask if I could check that painting from up close? I didn’t want to mess up the carpet.”

“It’s not a problem at all, sunnim! If you want I can bring the painting to you, actually.” Taehyung offered, charging towards the wall before the customer could react. He unmounted the painting with great care before bringing it to the man. 

“Hmm, so it is an original,” he said, letting Taehyung hold it up for him to observe. It was of a simple scene of a lawn, overlooking a lake and mountains, with the sun setting. This frame was covered in white dots. Taehyung and Jimin had very different interpretations as to what they were.

“Yessir, it is!” Taehyung grinned down at a painting. He wouldn’t say he was a fan of the painter, but the memory of Jimin bringing in the first piece of decor was dear to him. Not everyone had supported the idea of the venture he and Seokjin wanted to start. When he looked up however, the handsome man was looking right up at him, smiling slightly. 

“So you are Kim Taehyung.” he said.

“Huh? Yes. Have we met before?” Taehyung blinked, trying not to think about the worst case scenario. It would be just his luck that an obsessive creep walked into his shop on a dark and stormy night. Dammit but it was always the good looking ones, wasn’t it?

“I sold that to Park Jimin. He mentioned that his best friend would love it because he likes the simpler things in life,” the man explained.

“Ji–Oh gosh– You’re RM!?” Taehyung exclaimed.

“In the flesh,” grinned the artist. “But since you’re a friend of a friend, the name’s Kim Namjoon.”

“It’s an honour to have you in my cafe tonight, chakkannim!” Taehyung bowed with the painting in hand.

“Oh, I hardly deserve that title, sanjangnim!” Namjoon chucked. “I just made that over a long spring break weekend. And I heard you use the term pointillism . A refined eye like yours can probably tell the shading is simple at best. Bet you thought a 3rd grader made it.”

“Not at all, sunnim. In fact, you’ve achieved quite the depth with just a single technique! Uh… let me just put this back.”

Running to mount the painting on the wall and back, Taehyung said, “I have something to ask you regarding the painting, Jimin and I almost fought over it,” he chirped, excited that the evening had brightened up for him at least, “but I’ll bring your tea first.”

“Actually, now that I smell that nagchampa, I am really craving a chai , you know? It would be perfect for the weather we’re having.”

“A cha ?” Taehyung tilted his head in question. 

“No, chai , the Indian kind? Except with ginger in it, instead of cardamom? Do you make that here?” Namjoon looked hopeful as he described it. Taehyung had to think fast. He knew exactly where to look for the tutorial video for it, but he needed to buy time so he could learn and make it for Kim Namjoon-ssi.   

“Of course!” Taehyung replied with a measured smile. “Meanwhile, since you’re a friend of a friend , my apartment is upstairs. Why don’t you take a hot shower while I get your drink ready? Wouldn’t want you to catch a cold.”

It was Namjoon’s turn to look taken aback, “That’s very kind of you, sajangnim! It’s not everyday that a handsome man such as yourself invites me to his apartment.”

Taehyung tried to hide the flush growing on his face by throwing his head back and laughing, “Oh, it’s their loss really. And you can call me Taehyung.”

As he led Namjoon upstairs, he was really glad for his past self who cleaned every nook and cranny of the establishment. Restaurant kitchens were usually not something you’d want customers to see.

Taehyung’s apartment was decorated in a similar vintage style as a cafe, save for Seokjin’s room, which was closed for now, what with him being in Gwacheon presently. 

“Oh, it’s quite cozy here,” Namjoon commented, holding the towel as Taehyung rushed to get him a change of clothes. Ideally, with how broad Namjoon was, Seokjin’s shirt would fit him better. Taehyung watched the man pick out a pair of clothes from his own suitcase. Everything was rolled up and arranged for more space.

“Leaving town, I presume,” Taehyung said just to fill the silence. 

“Yeah, I have an early train. An interview waiting on the other side.”

“All the best for that,” Taehyung said with a smile, “By the way, the washer-dryer’s in the kitchen there, you can use it for your clothes.”

“Oh, thank you so much.” Namjoon smiled, his hands lightly touching Taehyung’s as he took another towel from Taehyung. 

Taehyung swore there were sparks.

“Ah!” Namjoon pulled a hand back with a jerk, “Haha, static build-up.”

“Ah, that’s what that was.” Taehyung laughed, feeling the air between them getting more tense by the second. He didn’t know if he was reading the situation right. “I’ll uh… be downstairs.”

Taehyung ran to the cafe kitchen and poured himself a cup of cold water, guzzling it down and letting the final sip splash on his face.

This was not the time to feel the hots for Kim Namjoon. He was a customer and right now, Taehyung’s cafe needed money and a good review more than his ass needed dick. Another part of his brain whined about why he couldn’t have both. 

Deciding to get to work, Taehyung put on a pot of water on the stove. The recipe the youtuber used was for two cups. He then crushed a inch long piece of ginger under a knife with his fist and dropped it into the boiling water. He had to let that sit, and wondered what accompaniment he could offer. He looked for an alternative to fritters. It looked like a sweet bun with a lot of butter on it. Shortbread, or crackers could work. Perhaps Taehyung could go up and get some packaged snacks.

“ Now add the tea leaves and let it steep for five to ten seconds, depending on how strong you like your chai–” Taehyung paused himself first and then the video. He didn’t have the foresight to ask Namjoon how strong he liked his chai. But then again, Taehyung hadn’t spent six months going to cafes and researching what people ordered based on their appearance. He could do this.

Kim Namjoon looked like he could use something to pick him up. His blazer wasn’t a special occasion jacket, but the kind a man would wear to work. 

“Yep!” Taehyung clapped his hands in triumph as he eyeballed the tea leaves he added to the pan. “Something piping hot for the weather, with intense flavours to alert a guy who’s yet to make the journey back home after a long Friday at work.”

Namjoon peeked through the back door of the cafe kitchen just as Taehyung lowered the heat to a simmer and added just a spot of milk.

“Mmh, that’s a pretty colour,” Namjoon commented, rubbing his short hair with a towel. Taehyung let himself properly check him out as he leaned against the counter. Kim Namjoon had gone from looking like a hot guy in finance to a hot boyfriend. 

“Yeah,” Taehyung looked away, “it’s almost done, just gotta edge it to make it a bit redder.” he said, echoing the instructions from the video. 

“Wow, you really know your chai!” said Namjoon, and Taehyung smirked.

“As of 15 minutes ago, yeah,” he said flatly, pulling a cackle out of Namjoon. He patted Taehyung’s back as he passed him by to the seating area.

“Hey, uh, I wanted to charge my phone, but I didn’t see any sockets out there.

“There’s a switchboard behind the counter under the cash register,” Taehyung answered without looking, focusing on the tea to make it rise and all in the pan. “Or there are sockets under the tables near the windows.”

“Great, can I take a look at that record collection up front?” Namjoon leaned against the kitchen entryway, pointing behind him. Taehyung smiled, merely liking the fact that Namjoon would even be interested in something like that.

“Be my guest!” he shrugged, focussing solely on the pan.

“I am your guest.” Namjoon deadpanned. Lowering the flame back to a simmer, Taehyung lifted a brow as he looked up at Namjoon.

“Ah, I see why handsome guys don’t invite you home.” he nodded nonchalantly.

“Ouch!” chuckled Namjoon, pressing a hand to his chest as he scrunched his nose, making Taehyung laugh. 

Ah, fuck it, he thought. Taehyung was about to climb Namjoon like a tree. He decided the tea had reached the optimum colour, and took it off the heat when he heard a ‘thump’ from the front of the cafe.

Taehyung hurried up front.

Namjoon was on the floor, his phone a few feet away from the barstool.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Namjoon got up slowly, rubbing his knee, “just slipped on the rain water I brought in, hehe.”

He then bent to pick up his phone the same time as Taehyung did, leading to the two men bumping heads unwittingly.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry!” Namjoon exclaimed, rubbing Taehyung’s head.

“I’m fine, Namjoon-ssi. I’m the one who should have wiped it off.” Taehyung said reassuringly. He raised his hand to move Namjoon’s hand away, even as he leaned into the touch. This time, their hands touched without static, but Taehyung felt a slight jolt in his stomach when he looked up. Namjoon’s face was close to his, mere inches away. The man’s eyes shined a bit looking right into Taehyung’s, as if he were drunk, his lips just slightly parted.

“Pretty,” Taehyung muttered.

“Eh?”

“Tea!” Taehyung said, loud and clear, blinking away the heated moment. “Your chai’s ready! Let me bring it before it gets cold.”

He practically ran to the back, carefully choosing a cup and saucer in which to strain the tea. It was then that Taehyung wondered how he could lure Namjoon back up to his apartment. Maybe with the proposition for dinner.

“This storm doesn’t look like it will leave in a hurry,” Namjoon commented. Taehyung placed the tea, bun-maska, a few biscuits and a few salted rice crackers along with a jar of sugar cubes. He noticed the man holding a Sarah Vaughan record as he peered out the glass pane, leaning on the window sill.

“Let me put that on for you,” Taehyung offered, holding his arm out. Namjoon smiled and handed him the record. Taehyung laughed at the list on the vinyl cover. “Interesting choice.”

As he turned towards the record player, he felt warm fingers gently touching his elbow.

“Taehyung-ssi,” Namjoon said in the lowest register Taehyung thought was possible.

“Yeah?” Taehyung peeked up through his lashes coyly. If Namjoon was touching him, Taehyung was bringing out the big guns. It had the desired effect, as Namjoon stepped closer by just a bit.

“If you’re not too busy, would you like to join me?” Namjoon gestured towards the sofa and the table where his order had been laid out.

“Why not?” Taehyung shrugged, moving away to put the record on, “don’t mind me helping myself to your free refill.” he said, happy to hear Namjoon laugh in response.

Sweet, crooney notes of Sarah Vaughan’s voice filled the room. It was like the two of them were in another pocket dimension, away from the troubled world. After turning the closed sign Taehyung’s eyes found Namjoon’s, looking right back at him, as he smiled and headed back to get his drink.

Namjoon was slurping the tea with his eyes closed, opening them when Taehyung sat next to him. 

“This is good!” 

“Thank you!” Taehyung grinned, taking a sip himself, “Mm, not bad for the first time.”

“It’s just what I needed,” Namjoon placed the cup and saucer back on the table, leaning back on the couch. Taehyung sat at the edge, sneaking another glance at the man’s form, wearing his clothes. He allowed a long moment of silence before asking:

“So, what’s a guy like you doing at a place like this?”

Namjoon chuckled with his eyes closed, slowly sitting up to take his cup again. “It’s a very cute place, I’ll be honest.”

“Flattery will get you more snacks.” Taehyung avoided eye contact, the melancholy and dejection from earlier resurfacing. His cute cafe was in real need of a stroke of luck. But Namjoon’s booming voice brought him right back, as he laughed around the bread, covering his mouth.

“I’ll never say no to more snacks… And to answer your question, well, I didn’t realise it was even raining till I walked out of work. I had closed the books with my landlord, and thought I would just wait at the office before my train. There were people on the night shift,” said Namjoon. He stared into nothing, scratching his head, “But it was too late to walk back inside and call a cab.”

“Why’s that?” 

“Well,” Namjoon met Taehyung’s curious gaze, “I was walking out to make a statement. I was quitting.”

“Wow,” Taehyung nodded solemnly, “Most people would hit the bar for a stiff drink.”

“Ideally, yeah,” Namjoon shrugged, smiling, “But I prefer another kind of poison,” he said as he dropped another sugar cube into his tea.

“I see,” Taehyung looked down at his own teacup. “Well, I’m happy to indulge you. Besides, you’ve made this place brighter just by being here.”

“Hmm?” Namjoon leaned toward Taehyung, “I didn’t peg you for a cheesy flirt, Taehyung-ssi.”

“I haven’t started flirting yet,” Taehyung smirked. “It’s just nice to have a walk-in. Business hasn’t exactly been booming, I’m sure you can tell. I’m surprised you even found the place.”

“Must be fate, then,” Namjoon said, tilting his head, as if studying Taehyung’s profile, “I just kept running, and this was the only shop that was open today. There’s a warning out, you know? I just saw it while I was plugging my phone in,” he pointed to the windowsill where it was charging, “News is that we’re asked to shelter in place.”

“Well, lucky for you we’re fully stocked,” Taehyung declared, waving a hand towards the kitchen. 

“And I’m grateful for the regal hospitality.” Namjoon bowed gracefully.

“That, I’m afraid, is a limited time offer only.” Taehyung crossed his legs playfully. “Not everyone gets to use my shower.”

Namjoon leveled him with an intense glare. “Yeah, I hope not.”

Without breaking eye-contact, Taehyung turned towards Namjoon, indulging in the brief but intense staring contest. Sarah Vaughan’s soothing vocals on Make yourself comfortable , seemed to add to the heat. 

Taehyung cleared his throat when Namjoon broke the spell, accidentally knocking his foot against the table. The whole set up rattled. The chinaware clinking on the glass surface of the table, accompanied by soft jazz and heavily booming thunder made Taehyung giggle internally at how it seemed ominous on the outside, when actually, he was excited. 

When he looked up to ask Namjoon if he was okay, he found the man trying to catch his eyes again. 

“Are you…” Namjoon began, eyes flitting down to Taehyung’s lips before he looked up, “amused at my clumsiness?”

“I would hardly call it clumsiness, Namjoon-ssi,” Taehyung shrugged, scooting an infinitesimally small distance closer to the man. “Sometimes, it’s just a bad day.”

“Tell me about it!” Namjoon sighed, following it up with a long sip of tea. “Here I thought I was ready to work in Seoul, and now,” Namjoon carefully placed the half empty cup back on the saucer on the table. “I couldn’t even last a month. It was like, I got here, and immediately started looking for jobs back home.”

“Seoul can be… Well, it’s been my home for a while now but, I get that it can be a bit much,” Taehyung leaned his elbow on the back rest as he regarded Namjoon, finally noticing the drooped line of his shoulders. “Where are you from?”

“I was born in Ilsan, but spent most of my childhood in Jeju, and then I studied and worked in Jangsan for a while before I got here.”

Namjoon was brief but trusting as he told Taehyung about his work in Public Relations. About presuming there were better opportunities in the capital. But things weren’t any better or worse.

“What about you?” Namjoon asked then, leaning in just so. Taehyung noticed, much to his delight.

“Oh, um… My roommate is a great cook. And I have a knack for recommending beverages to people based on my first impressions of them. We thought it was a great idea to commodify our skills.” Taehyung sighed, looking around at the labour of their love. “But there’s hope yet,” Taehyung continues, much to his own surprise, “We’ve only just started.”

“There’s hope yet,” Namjoon’s mouth turned up on one end. “Those words are pretty, much like the person who said them.”

“Not one for subtleties, are you?” Taehyung gushed, trying to cool his flushed face with his hands.

“Subtleties are much too… time-taking for my taste,” said Namjoon, biting his lower lip as his eyes roved over Taehyung. “So, what’s it for me?”

“Huh?” Taehyung blinked, trying to get his heart to settle. They were wearing warm clothes, but it felt as though Namjoon were undressing Taehyung with just his eyes.

“What kind of coffee would you recommend for me to drink?” Namjoon clarified, finishing up the last dregs of his chai.

“Hmm,” Taehyung sipped on his tea as he looked at him, appearing as though he were assessing Namjoon. “A frappe, caramel, cinnamon, generously topped with whipped cream.”

“That sounds mouth-wateringly delectable!” Namjoon looked impressed. “How did you figure I’d like something like that?”

“It isn’t the caffeine you’re after, you have a sweet tooth.” Taehyung said, lightly flicking Namjoon's nose with a finger, “At least, that’s my guess.”

“No, but you’re spot on!” Namjoon said, patting Taehyung’s knee, which was almost touching Namjoon’s leg half folded on the seat. “You could make a whole series of shorts about it to advertise!”

“Worth a try, I suppose,” Taehyung shrugged, getting flustered under Namjoon’s attention. “Not that it’s any of my business,” He began, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear “But what made you, you know, walk out.”

“Oh, hah.” Namjoon turned his gaze downwards, “that’s a long story.”

“In case it escaped your notice, we’re going to be here together for a while.” Taehyung went ahead and playfully nudged Namjoon’s shoulder with his own. His guest responded with a captivating smile, rolling his eyes.

“I’ll need something a lot stronger than chai to get through that story.” Namjoon confessed.

Laughing along, Taehyung got up and began clearing the table. 

“I won’t press you for that story. However, I don’t have a liquor license. So, if you’d like a drink, we could raid my roommate’s stash upstairs.”

“I’d like that.” Namjoon said instantly. He stood up and adjusted the borrowed clothes on him. “Let me settle the bill for this then.”

“Don’t be silly.” Taehyung waved a hand in dismissal,

“But–”

“I’m not going to charge you, Namjoon-ssi.” Taehyung headed in the direction of the kitchen, expecting Namjoon to follow. “Just write us a good review with your pretty PR words. Who knows, it might save the cafe!”

“I can do that.” 

Namjoon had followed him, almost caging Taehyung against the sink after he kept the dishes there.

“Thank you for taking care of me, Taehyung-ssi,” Namjoon said with a small smile. “This cafe saved me from being stranded in the storm. A good review is the least I could do,”

“Any friend of Jimin’s is a friend of mine,” Taehyung said, slipping out from Namjoon’s proximity. He turned to face Namjoon again, peeking up from his lashes, satisfied to hear the man's breath hitching “and as for taking care of you, well,” Taehyung put his hands behind his back, like his was hiding something in them, “I haven’t even started.”

Namjoon was promptly sent upstairs, with Taehyung stating he had to tidy up a bit. Once the man was upstairs, Taehyung called Seokjin. 

“Hyung!” Taehyung whined before Seokjin could even say hello.

“ What!? Is everything okay? Is the cafe flooding? ” Seokjin pelted in reply.

“Cafe's fine! Listen, I have a guy over and–”

“ Wow, Kim Taehyung! Are you really busy getting laid right now!? When our cafe is going under!? ”

“And you're on vacation, leaving me with the drowning cafe, what's your point?” Taehyung snapped back. 

“ Fine! Enjoy your night! Imma make you replace my stash later. Hope the dick is good! ”

“I love you, hyung,” Taehyung said softly, grinning to himself.

“ I love you enough to give you my booze. Use protectio—”

Taehyung hung up on him, anticipation thrumming in his entire being.

“What were you going to ask me?” Namjoon asked when Taehyung poured soju into a shot glass for him. “About the painting? You said there was a disagreement between you and Park Jimin?”

Fetching his own soda from the fridge, Taehyung took a moment to admire how at home Namjoon looked. It was a pity he’d be gone as soon as the skies cleared up. 

“Ah, well,” Taehyung popped his can open and leaned against the kitchen counter, “You know the white dots over the scene?” he asked as Namjoon nodded, “So, Jiminie says it’s snow, but I think,” Taehyung paused, dragging a chair to settle perpendicular to Namjoon, their knees knocking under the table, “That they’re raindrops. You painted the scene that was your view from a glass pane. There were raindrops on that glass pane.”

Namjoon smirked in response, pushing his tongue in his cheek. The sight invoked a different, provocative event in Taehyung’s mind. It seemed to him like it was intentional. 

“I’m gonna say: No comment!” Namjoon finally said.

“Oh, come on!” Taehyung pushed away from the table. He huffed his way back to the fridge, deciding he might as well share a meal with Namjoon.

“I simply can’t resist it! I’m sorry! If I give you an answer I won’t be in your discussions anymore, would I?” Namjoon reasoned.

Taehyung looked Namjoon dead in the eye. Thunder clapped right the next second when he slammed the refrigerator door shut, as if participating in the performance. Unceremoniously throwing the boxes on the table, Taehyung rounded on Namjoon without looking away.

“Kim Namjoon-ssi, are you saying we’re not going to do unforgettable things tonight?”

“No,” Namjoon sat back, assessing Taehyung. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. But I have to say, I really like how forward you’re getting.”

Taehyung felt the heat in the air notching up several degrees and it was just from the way Namjoon was looking at him. How did Namjoon say something so refined and sound so salacious at the same time? He said something again, but Taehyung was stuck in the moment, mesmerised.

“Taehyung-ssi?”

“Huh?”

“I asked if you were going to join me for a drink? I only see one glass here.” Namjoon pointed at the table.

“Oh…” Taehyung blinked, returning to earth, “Yeah, no, alcohol can’t handle me.”

Namjoon laughed, his thrown back. “Oh Taehyung-ssi, I really can’t wait to see the beast you’re hiding behind those beautiful petal-like eyes.”

Namjoon then suggested a cocktail, adamant on having Taehyung’s company, (which only flattered Taehyung further, even as he tried to stop himself from smiling at the man's cheesy compliment from earlier)

Namjoon fixed him a drink from the ingredients he found around the house, and Taehyung heated up some food for the both of them. It was mostly side dishes that Seokjin had stuffed in the fridge before he left.

“I can drink it if I don’t taste alcohol in it,” Taehyung told Namjoon as he poured different syrups in a glass with soju and soda. 

“Um, Taehyung-ssi, could you please shake this? I’m afraid I’ll drop it.” Namjoon requested, handing the cocktail tumbler to Taehyung. 

“Are you going to watch me shake it, Namjoon-ssi?” Taehyung smirked.

“That’s just a bonus,” Namjoon crossed his arms, staring at Taehyung, who stared right back, bending slightly as he twisted his wrists and shook the tumbler suggestively. 

“Is this enough?” Taehyung asked as he returned the tumbler to Namjoon, “Or do you need me to stroke it too, now?”

“You know, Taehyung-ssi,” Namjoon sighed wistfully, taking the tumbler and pouring the dark  liquid into two glasses, “it isn’t everyday that a man gets jealous of a cocktail-shaker.”

He looked to his side where Taehyung stood in front of the microwave. The two men shared a knowing smile. The tension that was building got more tantalising by the moment, and Taehyung wanted to drag it out, savour it more.

“Good things come to those who wait.” Taehyung commented, releasing the food from the microwave before the beep.

“And you’ve waited long enough!” Namjoon waved at the table with flourish where he’d laid out the drinks. “Don’t ask me what it is. I just know it’s edible, and very sweet, like yours truly.” He dramatically ran a hand through his hair and Taehyung chuckled shyly, not wanting to admit out loud that was charmed. No, completely entranced by this not-so-strange stranger who had walked in on a night like this.

“I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.” Taehyung laid the food out and grabbed his glass. “To serendipity,” he raised the glass to clink it with Namjoon’s, “Because, honestly, that’s what it feels like tonight.”

The cocktail was indeed sweet. But it had layers of flavour that burst in Taehyung’s mouth. There was cranberry juice, lemon squash, and something else, and something that was cutting into the sweetness. He was about to ask Namjoon, when he found, yet again, that he was being observed. Taehyung’s stomach flipped.

“Good?”

“Yes! What’s that–that earthy tangy thing?” 

“Oh! Dates syrup, and tamarind powder!” Namjoon said enthusiastically.

“I didn’t even know we had that!”

“Your roommate knows his stuff. Many of these ingredients are top shelf!” Namjoon said as he took a seat.

“That they are. But this is delicious. Thank you!” Taehyung sat close to Namjoon, placing a hand on the man’s arm.

The moment was charged, but with something else. Namjoon looked at Taehyung’s hand on his arm, then up into his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Taehyung began to retreat his hand but Namjoon rushed to hold it in place. 

“I’m wondering how it would be if I had met you when I got to the city, instead of now, when I’m about to leave.”  

Taehyung nodded, placing some slivers of smoked meat in Namjoon’s bowl. “And I’m thinking about how meeting you tonight is simply better than not having met you at all.”

“Oh! We would have met eventually!” Namjoon laced his fingers with Taehyung’s, “Your friend Jimin lives in Busan too.”

“So, perhaps we will meet again.” Taehyung shrugged, squeezing Namjoon’s hand lightly. 

“Perhaps,” Namjoon nodded, raising the glass of the maroonish cocktail, “cheers!”

Taehyung grinned, “cheers,” he said, taking a few long sips of the sweet drink.

“Dig in.” he nudged Namjoon, feeling buzzed, “You’re not going to want to waste a single crumb of Seokjin hyung’s cooking.”

Namjoon agreed, more than happy to take seconds. Taehyung called Seokjin just so he could hear Namjoon wax poetic about how delicious his dishes were. 

Taehyung sat there, appreciating the grace and patience Namjoon carried. It hardly felt like a heated one night stand. More like a slow, sensual build up for what was to come. They weren’t in a hurry, and Taehyung appreciated the effort Namjoon was putting in getting to know him before they began fooling around.

“You know, I actually wouldn’t mind more of that drink for dessert.” Taehyung pouted after they put the dishes away, leaning into Namjoon’s side as they stood at the kitchen counter. Namjoon was warm, sturdy, safe and Taehyung wanted to sink into him.

“I’ll make some right away, your highness,” Namjoon said, placing a soft kiss on the back of Taehyung’s palm, as his other hand went around Taehyung’s waist, making him giggle like a teenager. 

“I just have to lock up downstairs,” Taehyung extracted himself from Namjoon’s side reluctantly. But having the cafe robbed was the last thing he needed, and he wasn’t taking any chances.

As Taehyung locked in the windows and closed the blinds after pulling down the shutters, something shifted. He heard crickets. And then he ran back upstairs.

Namjoon was found taking his clothes out of Taehyung’s dryer. He looked up at Taehyung with a question in his eyes.

“I uh… I guess this is done,” Namjoon chuckled with little humour. “The rain’s stopped Taehyung-ssi.”

And just like that, Taehyung understood what Namjoon was asking. If he needed a reason to stay, Taehyung was going to give him a reason.

“That’s too bad.” Taehyung walked up to Namjoon and wrapped his arms around the man’s neck. “Now the neighbours might hear what we do in my bedroom.”

“Yeah,” Namjoon grinned with his arms around Taehyung’s waist. “We’ll have to be really quiet.”

“Really, really quiet.” Taehyung bit his lip, gasping when Namjoon pulled him flush against himself.

“Mhmm,” was the last sound Namjoon emitted before capturing Taehyung’s lips in a searing kiss.

Taehyung felt strong hands making their way from his hips down to his thighs. He could only register being lifted latently, focused more on the way Namjoon’s lips slid against his own. When they finally broke away for oxygen, they were in Taehyung’s room. 

Namjoon kissed down his neck, laying him on the bed as he pushed his hands up Taehyung’s shirt. Taehyung was enjoying the tussle they were having, because he was pulling Namjoon up for a kiss again, lips and teeth crashing. 

“Been wanting to do that from the moment I walked in,” Namjoon whispered, with his thumbs rubbing circles over Taehyung’s ribs. It felt like he was teasing Taehyung, deliberately not letting his thumbs touch Taehyung’s nipples. It had Taehyung squirming under Namjoon slightly. 

“You– oh fuck!” Taehyung was interrupted by Namjoon straight up pinching a nipple, “It’s impressive how much self-control you have.”

“Oh, you have no idea, gorgeous,” Namjoon let out a deep chuckle that rumbled through to Taehyung’s chest. It made him yearn to get closer. As close as possible.

“Won’t make you wait longer, Namjoon-ssi,” Taehyung pawed at Namjoon’s back, “condoms and lube are in the drawer across–”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Namjoon hovered over Taehyung, looking concerned, “What’s the rush? Why don’t we just… explore each other.”

“We will,” Taehyung said, running a thumb over Namjoon’s lower lip.”in the second round,” he then whispered, sitting up on his elbow. Taehyung softly kissed one corner of Namjoon’s mouth, “and the third round,” he kissed the other side, revelling in the way Namjoon keened over him, “and the fourth.” 

By now, Taehyung was pressing a wet, open mouthed kiss on Namjoon’s collarbone. 

“Yeah, fuck, yeah okay,” Namjoon’s voice shook, pushing Taehyung’s shirt all the way up, pushing his hand through to hold the back of his neck. “I’m man enough to admit I’m not going to get it up after the third round.”

Taehyung chuckled, tugging at Namjoon’s clothes. The man got the hint and got rid of his sweatshirt and went across the room to fumble through the drawers.

“This is my favourite scent of lube!” Namjoon giggled, while Taehyung stripped. He smiled, heart clenching at the sight of Namjoon looking right at home, once again. Namjoon was about to say something more, but when he looked up, his jaw dropped, making Taehyung flushed again.

Throwing the bottle of lube and condoms on the bed, Namjoon’s eyes sort of scanned Taehyung from head to toe. 

“So that’s what you’ve been hiding.”

“What?” Taehyung scooted further back, his own eyes feasting on Namjoon. 

Namjoon crawled onto the bed, running his hand gently up Taehyung’s thigh. “Kim Taehyung, you look like a dream.”

“Stop it,” Taehyung huffed, lightly slapping Namjoon’s shoulder, leaving his hand there to then run it down the defined muscle. 

Namjoon chuckled, leaning in, kissing Taehyung’s knee before pulling him onto his lap. Taehyung felt his breath speeding up when he felt Namjoon so close and pressed against him. The man kissed and licked at a spot behind his ear, kissing down his neck and shoulder. Pressing his face next to Namjoon’s ear, Taehyung let him know what he’s been doing earlier that evening, that it wouldn’t take long to prep him at all.

It spurred Namjoon to hurry, just the way Taehyung needed him to. 

After generously coating Taehyung’s ass in lube, in a hurry, Namjoon tore a condom while tearing the packet open with his teeth. It sent Taehyung cackling, but he helped Namjoon all the same, kissing him over and over again, while putting the condom on him.

Namjoon leaned against the wall, as Taehyung slowly sunk down on him, feeling utterly captive under Namjoon’s fiery gaze. Taehyung teased Namjoon, moving up and down his cock slowly, clenching and relaxing his ass at every inch. Namjoon then got impatient, planting his heels into the bed and thrusting upwards as he fucked Taehyung hard and deep. Taehyung forgot what was making him so miserable earlier that day. Heck, he very nearly forgot his own name. Somewhere between fucking and cumming, Taehyung had been pinned down with his arms on his side, getting pounded into the mattress. Clearly, there was a lot on Namjoon’s mind too, and Taehyung was more than happy to help.

He came untouched, aloud and completely enamoured by Namjoon who was trembling with the effort to slow down.

“Don’t stop.” Taehyung commanded, even as the spurting cum from his own cock was giving him tremors. He needed the overstimulation, and he needed to be one to make this unforgettable for Namjoon. So, Namjoon pressed his face into Taehyung’s neck, hips pistoning into him with a want that Taehyung didn’t understand, but knew that now Namjoon had ruined him for any other man.

Taehyung held him with his arms and legs through his orgasm, tearing up at the overwhelming stimulation from his prostate.

“Fuck, Kim Taehyung!” Namjoon panted into Taehyung’s ear, taking it between his lips, then kissing the side of his face. Taehyung hummed contently, as the aftershocks from Namjoon’s orgasm shook them both. Patting his back Taehyung said, “It’s okay, you can lay on me, I like the weight.”

“Okay,” Namjoon smiled, kissing Taehyung square on the mouth as he stretched his legs and damn near fell onto Taehyung, “I’ll only be a minute.”

“It’s nice like this.” Taehyung commented, running his hands up and down Namjoon’s back, “I like how warm you are over me, it comforting after you just fucked my brains out.”

“Yeah?” 

Taehyung could feel Namjoon smiling against his cheek, lips moving against skin as he spoke. 

“Mhmm,” Taehyung hugged Namjoon as tightly as he could. They were sweaty, sticky, but it didn’t matter. And judging by the way Namjoon’s breathing evened out, it didn’t seem to matter to him either.

When Taehyung turned to kiss Namjoon’s temple, the man took it as a sign to move. “I’m gonna pull out,” he warned before doing so, with Taehyung hissing at the mild sting. It took Namjoon a couple tries, managing to tie up the condom before chucking it in the bin. Taehyung idly wondered if the capital’s pace had been a bit much for someone like Namjoon. Hell, Taehyung was barely holding it together himself. 

He stood up and ran a hand through Namjoon’s hair.

“Shower?” asked Taehyung raspily. Namjoon smiled, taking Taehyung’s hand in his own and dragged him to the bathroom.

It was much more therapeutic than the last time Taehyung was in the shower. Namjoon said something about the optimum temperature that Taehyung couldn’t really focus on. He was still ogling the man, but the lull of his deep voice had been relaxing. 

Taehyung knew he would never forget the way Namjoon kissed him under the warm shower. The way they made sure to touch all of each other. 

“Not that one,” Taehyung pointed when Namjoon reached for a pink bottle of shampoo, “That’s Jin-hyung’s, we can use the green one.”

“You’re telling me you’ve never sneakily used your roommate’s products,” Namjoon smirked, pouring some of the liquid in his hands. 

“Of course, I have. But he’s stressed already, I don’t wanna bother him with this. I’ll just make him buy it for me if things get better.”

Namjoon hummed in response to that, busy rubbing shampoo in Taehyung’s hair after they’d already scrubbed the soap off. It was an excuse to stay closer longer, and Taehyung wasn’t complaining. When it was Taehyung’s turn to do Namjoon, the latter rested his hands crossed on the small of Taehyung’s back.

“I’ve never done this with anyone before.” Namjoon muttered, eyes flitting all over Taehyung’s face. 

“Is it good?” Taehyung chuckled, pulling them both under the stream. Namjoon nodded, shaking his head and flicking soap suds everywhere, earning a slap on the chest from Taehyung, even though he giggled.

“Things will get better, Taehyung.” Namjoon said, slowly opening his eyes and pulling Taehyung close enough that they knocked foreheads.

“You think so?” Taehyung shivered slightly in his arms.

“I do.” Namjoon reached over to turn the water off. “You’ve persisted for this long, so, if you can, just hold on a little longer.”

“It’s not like I can think of alternatives besides that,” Taehyung sighed, reaching for the towels, “But I thank you for instilling hope in me.”

“I wish I could do more, but for the moment, it’s all I have,” Namjoons said, not taking the proffered towel, but taking Taehyung’s chin between his fingers instead. He tilted Taehyung’s face up towards him for another kiss.

This one was different from the rest. Because though there was a curiosity in the way Namjoon’s lips had been exploring him all night. Right then, however, there was some kind of promise in the kiss. As if he were trying to reassure Taehyung with just a chaste press of the lips.

“Stay the night, Kim Namjoon,” Taehyung implored.

“Okay,” Namjoon nodded. “But I must leave at 6.”

“So we’ll keep it to just one more round then.” Taehyung whispered in Namjoon’s ear, making the man laugh.

“Are we going to make a mess right after taking a shower?”

Taehyung bit his lower lip and slowly released it, smiling.

“What?” Namjoon asked, and Taehyung could see his pupils dilating.

“Won’t be a mess if I swallow.” shrugged the cafe-owner, enjoying the way Namjoon was chasing him to the bedroom.

They spent the next hour teasing each other. Ticking, nipping, kissing and even scratching as they let primal desires take over. When Namjoon sucked on Taehyung’s cock idly, like a popsicle, he fucked Taehyung’s throat with abandon, gushing about the gagging sounds that came from Taehyung’s throat.

Taehyung didn’t remember falling asleep, but the sound of dishes clanking woke him up.

“You don’t have to do that,” Taehyung groggily patted Namjoon’s waist at the sink. He was already wearing his own clothes, with Taehyung’s clothes laid folded on the arm of the couch.

“I’m almost done,” Namjoon shook the water off the last plate and keeping it on the rack.

“You’re good. I’ll wipe the sink later.” Taehyung knew he sounded curt. But it wasn’t exactly a joyous occasion. “There’s frozen triangle bibimbap I can heat up. Take it with you.”

“That won’t be–”

“Kim Namjoon!” Taehyung raised his voice, dreading the misery that was going to engulf him once Namjoon left. “Eat it or don’t. But take it with you. You can wait for two minutes while I pack you a box.”

Namjoon left Taehyung with a kiss on the cheek. “I have been enamoured by you Kim Taehyung. I’ll never forget that.” 

No promises. No number.

Although the painting in the cafe held the signature of Rkive, there was no account online with that name, or Namjoon’s, that Taehyung could stalk. One would think someone in PR would have a social media presence. 

Two days later, when he asked Jimin about Namjoon over the phone, Taehyung was told that Jimin had bought the painting when Namjoon was selling his apartment. They hadn’t met before that and Jimin didn’t know where Namjoon had gone after. 

“I did look, though.” Jimin said, “He was hot.”

“Yeah, he is.” Taehyung nearly cried.

On the third day after meeting Namjoon, Seokjin returned, and right as they opened the cafe for the day, a group of 4 people approached the cafe.

“Is this the place with the psychic barista?”

“Oh my gosh, Look how handsome they are!”

“Sajangnim, can we film in your cafe?”

The two cafe owners said yes. Yes to them all. Taehyung didn’t know if it was a stroke of luck, or if he was especially intuitive that day, but he was able to guess their drink of choice down to the topping. 

“Guess we needed the calm before the storm, eh, Taehyung-ah?” Seokjin chirped with glee in the cafe kitchen. Only a day after the influencers had visited, they began having footfall in double digits. “If this goes on we’ll have to hire more staff!”

“Sure, yes!” Taehyung said, stirring in citron syrup in a cup behind the counter, “Right after we pay off the loan for this place.”

“Let’s work our socks off,” Seokjin patted Taehyung’s back, “hwaiting!”

Three months from then, the cafe had regulars. It was an idle Wednesday afternoon. Seokjin had taken the day off to go on a date. And Taehyung decided he’d do the thing he’s been avoiding thus far. Looking at the reviews.

He scrolled up all the way to the top, and the first one was written 3 months ago.
“This was the only cafe open on a night where everything was closed. Believe me when I tell you, the delicious tea the handsome sajangnim served me breathed life into me. The ambience, too, is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect place for a date. The most interesting part of my experience was when the host could predict what drink I wanted. Must be psychic, because he was really accurate.”

There were many replies to the review asking for pictures of the drink he was served. But Taehyung felt like he recognised the language. Only he couldn’t remember whom it reminded him of.

Feeling sleepy as he scrolled through more comments, positive and negative, Taehyung went into the staff restroom to wash his face, then to the kitchen to fix himself a snack. That was when the bell signaling the entry of a customer rang.

“Be with you in a minute?” Taehyung hollered, grateful for even one walk-in. While it was an opportunity to rest, an empty cafe always made Taehyung uneasy.

“Can I have a chai , please?” A voice bellowed from up front, “with ginger in it!”

Taehyung was sure he'd dropped the can of spam as he ran out to the counter. 

There he was. Kim Namjoon in the flesh. He stood there, leaning on the counter, dimples on display.

“It’s been a while, sajangnim !” He greeted Taehyung, bowing his head just a bit. “I missed your voice,” he was saying before he realised his mouth was moving.

“I missed all of you, you beautiful, beautiful man.”

Trying his best not to run and throw himself at Namjoon, Taehyung walked around the counter to hug the man.

“I heard you were looking for me.” Namjoon mumbled, squishing Taehyung in his big arms.

“I wasn’t successful,” Taehyung managed not to cry, “How have you been?”

“Oh, sweetheart, I have so much to tell you!”

Fetching him a bottle of chilled barley water, Taehyung sat with Namjoon at the very sofa seat from 3 months ago. This time, they sat a lot closer, holding hands as Namjoon described his big project back in Jangsan.

“I deactivated my other accounts because the company I worked for at the time demanded it. Part of the NDA. But now it’s done, and the first thing I did was to come here and see you.” Namjoon lightly flicked Taehyung’s nose with his finger.

“Wha–Why’s that?” Taehyung blinked, pouting slightly

“We had something magical that night, Taehyung. At least, I think so.”

“The chemistry was undeniable, I’ll give you that.” Taehyung was blushing, absently playing with a loose thread on Namjoon’s distressed jeans. So what if he used it as an excuse to touch Namjoon’s bare thigh? They’d done far more than that.

“I…” Namjoon reached down, tangling his fingers with Taehyung’s and bringing it to his chest. “I think we’d be good together, Kim Taehyung.”

Taehyung smiled, frowning right away, “But… Namjoon-ssi, I remember you implying the big city wasn’t for you and… are you really okay with the whole long distance thing?”

“I think any relationship takes work, and time.” Namjoon nodded. “But if this works out between us, I can work remotely. I do most days from home anyway.”

“Okay,” Taehyung said without meaning to again. But with the way Namjoon’s eyes lit up, leaning in as searching Taehyung’s face as if he couldn’t believe what he’d heard.

“Okay?”

“Yes, let’s um… We should date, Kim Namjoon.” Taehyung said, without a shadow of a doubt. He remembered every moment from when they’d first met and hadn’t stopped thinking about that one night stand. It was much more than a one night stand.

Namjoon leaned in, slowly, as if still giving Taehyung time to push him away from the kiss if needed. Taehyung went to meet him halfway, but gasped when it clicked.

“Kim Namjoon!” he stood up abruptly. “Was it you who sent the influencers and mukbangers here?”

“No?” Namjoon paused, trying to recall, “I did write the first review though. You asked me to, remember?”

“Hmm,” Taehyung rolled his eyes, “you called me a psychic.”

“I made sure it came off as my personal assumption,” Namjoon defended himself, pulling Taehyung closer by the waist, “wouldn’t want to expose your superpowers like that, would I?”

It felt good. The way Namjoon made him laugh again.

“You also didn’t mention the chai you liked so much.” Taehyung teased, poking a finger in Namjoon’s cheek.

“I wanted to keep it all to myself,” Namjoon said cheekily. He rubbed his nose against Taehyung’s, leaning further in for a kiss. He then lifted Taehyung and twirled him around, startling the man and making him break the kiss.

“Speaking of,” Namjoon sighed, putting Taehyung back on the ground, “can you please make me chai just like that day?”

“I’m afraid that’s an exclusive item,” Taehyung bit his lip and stepped out of Namjoon’s embrace, “on the secret menu.” 

“Oh yeah?” Namjoon followed Taehyung, “How would one get it?”

“Well, it’s only available… upstairs.” said Taehyung coyly.

“Lead the way, darling.”

Closing the cafe for the day, Taehyung grabbed Namjoon’s wrist and dragged him upstairs, much like he did 3 months ago.

Only this time;

“Joonie,”

“Hmm?” Namjoon said, panting in the after glow next to Taehyung in his bed.

“Was it rain drops or snow?” Taehyung asked.

“Hah! I guess we’ll never know!” Namjoon chuckled, “Heh, that rhymed.”

“Kim Namjoon!”

~keut