Chapter 3

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Sunshine's Café

(Credit Of The Picture Goes To Me)

—

Author's Point of View

The soft chime of the café bell rang as Jungkook entered, a warm smile gracing his lips when he spotted Hoseok chatting with a customer near the entrance. He didn't disturb him and instead made his way upstairs to the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he rolled up his sleeves, ready to start his shift.

Just as he was setting up his workstation, Hoseok's excited voice rang out, filling the space with warmth.

"Kookie! You're here!"

Jungkook turned his head just in time to be engulfed in a side hug by his hyung. Chuckling softly, he nodded.

"Yes, hyung. I just got here."

Hoseok grinned and patted his back. "Good, good. Let's get to work!"

With that, the two of them started preparing orders, falling into their usual rhythm. Between brewing coffee and plating pastries, they chatted about random things—how the café was running, the weather, and Hoseok’s latest attempts at baking a new cake recipe.

—

14:00 | Kim Enterprises

Meanwhile, at Kim Enterprises, Taehyung sat at his desk, going through some reports with Yoongi. His brows were slightly furrowed, his shoulders tense from the long meeting they had just finished. With a tired sigh, he leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms.

"Hyung, can we go meet Hobi hyung? I'm craving his coffee," Taehyung asked, rubbing his temple.

Yoongi, who was organizing some files, glanced at him and smirked. "You're not missing the coffee, Tae. You're just using it as an excuse to get out of here."

Taehyung rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. "Maybe."

Yoongi chuckled and closed the folder he was holding. "Fine, let's go. We deserve a break anyway."

The two left the office and drove to the café, reaching in about fifteen minutes. As soon as they stepped inside, the familiar cozy atmosphere welcomed them.

Hoseok, who had been checking on the customers, spotted them and immediately walked over with a bright smile.

"Hey! Welcome, Tae! Welcome, Yoongi!" he greeted, pulling them into a quick hug.

"Hey, hyung," Taehyung greeted back, his expression instantly relaxing.

"Hey, Hoba," Yoongi said with a nod.

Taehyung let out a dramatic sigh. "Hyung, let's sit. I'm exhausted."

Hoseok laughed. "Alright, alright. Take a seat. I'll order your regular coffee, and then we’ll talk."

Taehyung and Yoongi both nodded, and Hoseok walked toward the kitchen, only to stop midway as a thought struck him.

Oh! Jungkook!

He had always wanted to introduce Jungkook to his other friends, but the timing had never been right. Jungkook worked during the afternoon, while Taehyung usually visited in the evening—if at all. But today, fate had finally aligned.

Excited, Hoseok hurried upstairs.

—

14:15 | Sunshine's Café

Jungkook had just finished preparing a few drinks when he glanced at the clock. His eyes widened.

Ah, it's time to pick up Aera!

He quickly grabbed a small piece of paper and scribbled a note for Hoseok.

Hyung,

I went to pick up Aera. I made you a coffee.

Don't overwork yourself!

Placing the note beside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, Jungkook grabbed his coat and rushed out of the café, completely unaware that Hoseok had been just a few minutes away from introducing him to Taehyung and Yoongi.

—

Hoseok entered the kitchen, expecting to find Jungkook, but instead, he was met with an empty space. His gaze landed on the note and the coffee beside it. A fond smile tugged at his lips as he read Jungkook's words.

"This kid… always so thoughtful," he murmured.

But then, realization hit him.

Damn it! I missed my chance again!

Letting out a sigh, he shook his head. God, when will I finally introduce Jungkook to my friends?

Though disappointed, he knew there would be another time. For now, he had two guests waiting for their coffee.

Hoseok quickly prepared another cup for Yoongi—since Yoongi only drank black coffee—and placed everything on a tray before heading downstairs.

Setting the cups on the table, he sat down across from Taehyung and Yoongi.

"Enjoy, gentlemen."

Taehyung took a sip of his coffee and instantly stilled. His brows furrowed in thought before he glanced at Hoseok.

"Hyung, who made this?"

Hoseok tilted his head. "Why? Didn't you like it?" Then, with a dramatic gasp, he teased, "Tae, if you didn’t like it, you should go to a doctor. It's nearly impossible for someone to dislike a coffee made by Kookie."

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Hyung, you're overreacting. I’m perfectly fine. This coffee is just… too perfect. I know the taste of your coffee, and this isn’t yours."

Hoseok grinned proudly. "You got me. It's Jungkook's."

Taehyung hummed in acknowledgment. "Oh."

Hoseok sighed. "I wanted to introduce him to you both today, but he had to leave."

Yoongi, always practical, shrugged. "Don't worry. There's always a next time."

Taehyung nodded, agreeing. "Yeah."

Hoseok smiled, though a part of him was still disappointed.

As their conversation continued, Hoseok casually brought up Jungkook’s daughter.

"By the way, Jungkook has a daughter."

Taehyung and Yoongi both looked at him with slight surprise.

"Really?" Taehyung asked.

Hoseok nodded. "Yeah. He found her in a heartbreaking situation, but now, she's his entire world."

He wanted to tell them more, but before he could, Yoongi's phone rang, pulling him away from the conversation. The call was from the office, and within moments, both he and Taehyung were distracted by work talk.

The topic of Jungkook and Aera was momentarily set aside, but the encounter between Taehyung and Jungkook was now only a matter of time.

And when it happened, neither of them would be prepared for the impact it would have on their lives.

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Preview ~

Ice cream date