⁷┆𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ⋆˙⟡

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

The next morning

the café smelled of fresh coffee and baked pastries as I tied on my apron. I couldn't help but smile, thinking about yesterday's market adventure.

Jungwon was already behind the counter, arranging cups, his calm presence making the morning feel easier somehow.

Sohee:"Morning," I said, sliding behind the counter beside him.

Jungwon:"Morning," he replied, glancing at me with a faint smile. Jungwon:"You look... cheerful today."

I laughed softly. Sohee:"Can't help it. Yesterday was really fun. Thanks again for coming with me."

He shrugged, though the corner of his lips twitched.Jungwon: "I said I'd go. But... I had fun too."

I grinned, pouring a fresh cup of cocoa for myself. Sohee:"I guess we make a good team—cocoa, lights, and... winning plushies."

He smirked faintly.Jungwon: "Apparently."

I glanced around at the twinkling decorations still up from yesterday. Sohee:"You know, in just a few days it's Christmas. I can't believe how fast the holidays came this year."

He nodded, his gaze softening as he adjusted a cup. Jungwon:"Yeah... and we're both here till six, right?"

I sighed but smiled. Sohee:"Yep. Long day, but at least we get the bonus money. And then... family."

Jungwon:"Exactly," he said quietly. Jungwon:"Dinner, presents... the usual."

For a moment, we both worked in silence, the clinking of cups filling the space. Then Jungwon glanced at me.

Jungwon:"What about New Year's?" he asked casually. Jungwon:"Are you working that day too?"

I tilted my head, thinking. Sohee:"Yeah. Why not? Same shift as Christmas, eight to six. Might as well get the bonus again."

He gave the faintest smile. Jungwon:"Me too."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to pout. Sohee:"So basically, we're spending every holiday together now?"

Jungwon:"Looks like it," he said, the corners of his lips twitching.

I couldn't help but grin at that, my chest warming at the thought. Working didn't seem so bad if it meant being stuck with him.

The café was quieter that evening, the soft hum of the espresso machine blending with faint Christmas music playing from the speakers. I wiped down the tables while Jungwon restocked cups behind the counter, both of us settling into the familiar rhythm after the holiday rush.

Sohee:"Feels weird," I said, breaking the silence. Sohee:"Christmas is almost here, and then... boom. New Year's."

Jungwon looked up briefly, his expression calm as always. Jungwon:"Yeah. Time goes fast."

I hesitated for a moment before leaning on the counter. Sohee:"So... what are you doing after the New Year's shift? You know, once we escape this place at six?"

He paused, placing a cup neatly on the stack. Jungwon:"Nothing. I'll probably just go home."

Sohee:"Really?" I tilted my head, half surprised. Sohee:"No fireworks, no friends dragging you to a party?"

He gave a faint shrug. Jungwon:"Not really my thing."

I fiddled with the cloth in my hand. Sohee:"I don't have plans either. Probably just... watch the fireworks from my window or something."

For a moment, we both fell quiet, the air between us steady but not uncomfortable. There was something almost reassuring in the fact that neither of us had grand plans—that maybe, somehow, we weren't as different as I thought.

I smiled faintly, breaking the quiet. Sohee:"Guess we'll both be pretty boring on New Year's, huh?"

He let out the softest laugh, almost hidden, but enough to make my chest feel lighter. Jungwon:"Guess so."

Days Later

The days slipped by in their usual rhythm—university, the café, late walks home. Nothing out of the ordinary, just the same quiet comfort that had slowly become part of my routine.

But today wasn't like the others. Today was Christmas.

The café was busier than I'd ever seen it, the door chiming constantly as families and couples came in, shaking the snow from their coats, their voices filling the room with warmth. The decorations we had hung up together seemed to glow brighter, almost alive under the soft lights.

I balanced a tray of steaming drinks, weaving between tables, the smell of cinnamon and cocoa clinging to the air. It was exhausting, but the atmosphere made it feel different—like the whole place was humming with joy.

Behind the counter, Jungwon moved quickly but calmly, his hands steady even with the endless stream of orders. There was a tiny crease in his brow, but also something softer in his expression, as though he didn't really mind the chaos.

I caught his eye as I set down a plate of cookies at a table. For a second, in the middle of the noise and laughter, it felt like we were sharing the moment just between us.

Christmas in the café was louder, busier, and more exhausting than usual—but also brighter, warmer. And for the first time, I didn't mind working on a holiday.

By the time the last customer left and the café quieted down, my shoulders slumped with exhaustion.

Sohee:"That was... insane," I muttered, pulling at my apron strings. Sohee:"I've never seen it this busy."

Jungwon leaned against the counter, his expression calm but his voice carrying the same relief. Jungwon:"Yeah. A long day."

For a moment, the silence settled between us, only the faint hum of the heater filling the air. My heart pounded as I reached into my bag.

Sohee:"Um... I, uh, got you something," I whispered, sliding a small wrapped package across the table.

He blinked, eyebrows lifting slightly. Jungwon:"For me?"

I nodded quickly, cheeks warming. Sohee:"It's nothing fancy. Just... I thought of you."

He unwrapped it slowly, revealing the hardcover book I'd noticed him eye once while organizing the shelves. His fingers lingered on the cover, his expression softening in a way I rarely saw.

Jungwon:"This is..." he cleared his throat, his voice quieter than usual. Jungwon:"Thank you."

My chest fluttered at the way his usual calm expression had softened. But then he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small box, setting it in front of me.

Jungwon:"I wasn't sure what to get you," he admitted, his gaze lowering. Jungwon:"I haven't given a gift to anyone outside my family in a long time. But... here."

My hands trembled slightly as I opened it. Inside lay a delicate gold necklace, a tiny sun-shaped pendant catching the warm café light.

Jungwon:"I thought..." he hesitated, his voice softer than usual. Jungwon:"You're always smiling. You make this place brighter—like the sun."

For a moment, my breath caught. Sohee:"Jungwon... it's beautiful."

Jungwon:"Can I...?" He gestured faintly toward the necklace, his ears turning red.

I nodded before I could even think. My pulse hammered as I turned, brushing my hair aside. His fingers were careful, almost hesitant, as he clasped the necklace around my neck. His touch lingered for a second, featherlight against my skin.

The tiny click of the clasp felt louder than it should have. My heart was racing so wildly I was sure he could hear it.

Jungwon:"There," he said quietly, stepping back. Jungwon:"It suits you."

I turned back around, clutching the pendant. Overwhelmed with warmth, I threw my arms around him.

Sohee:"Thank you—it's perfect."

He stiffened, then slowly hugged me back, his voice low. "It's nothing special. But... I'm glad you like it. And... thank you for the book. Really."

When we finally let go, both of us were smiling more than usual, as if the long day had melted into something warm.

Outside, the air was crisp and cold, our breaths visible in the dark.

Jungwon:"Merry Christmas, Sohee," he said gently.

Sohee:"Merry Christmas, Jungwon," I replied, clutching the little box close to my chest.

As we walked off toward our families, I couldn't stop grinning. For the first time in years, Christmas didn't just feel like tradition—it felt like something quietly magical.

Christmas with my family was just like every year—loud, warm, a little chaotic. The smell of freshly cooked food filled the air, my little cousin ran around the living room laughing, and my mom kept piling more food onto my plate no matter how many times I said I was full. I laughed along, enjoying the gifts, the chatter, the closeness.

But again and again, my hand found its way to the necklace. The small golden sun rested cool against my skin, and every time I turned it between my fingers, the same thought slipped into my mind: I wonder what Jungwon's Christmas looks like right now.

Was he with his family? Was he laughing like this too? Or was he sitting somewhere quiet, like he sometimes did, lost in thought?

The following nights, I stayed over at my family's house. The place was full, cozy, alive. And yet... in the middle of all the noise, I caught myself checking my phone, debating whether to text him. Sometimes I did—just a simple How are you? Did you eat? And when he replied, short but kind, I'd smile a little too wide at the screen.

I couldn't help it. Every time I touched the necklace, every time his name lit up on my phone, my heart fluttered in a way I didn't fully understand.

What am I even feeling right now?The days after Christmas passed slowly, almost lazily. Without classes or café shifts, I suddenly had more time than I knew what to do with. My family kept me busy—games, movies, endless meals—but still, in the quiet moments, my thoughts drifted back to him.

I texted Jungwon every now and then. How are you? Did you rest? His replies were always short, sometimes just a simple I'm fine. Don't worry. But I could feel him behind the words, his calmness somehow reaching me even through a screen. And each time, I found myself smiling at the smallest things he wrote.

I didn't see him at all during those days, and strangely, that made me miss the café even more. The routine we had built, the quiet comfort of working side by side—it felt like something was missing without it.

At night, I'd lie in bed, fingers brushing over the golden sun at my neck, wondering if he ever thought about me, too.

And just like that, the days slipped by. Before I knew it, the year was almost over. New Year's Eve was waiting.

New Years Eve Day

New Year's Eve arrived faster than I expected. The café was buzzing from the moment we opened—families stopping by for hot drinks, couples holding hands, laughter spilling across the tables. Even though it was busy, the atmosphere felt light, festive.

And maybe it was just me, but when I spotted Jungwon behind the counter, carefully handing a latte to a customer, my chest tightened with something like relief. It had only been a few days since Christmas, but seeing him again made me feel... whole.

Sohee:"Hey," I said as I tied my apron.

He glanced at me, and that small, rare smile appeared. Jungwon:"Hey. You look... happy."

I grinned. Sohee"Well, it's New Year's Eve. And—" I hesitated, then added softly, Sohee:"—I missed this place. I missed... working with you."

His gaze lingered for a second longer than usual before he looked down at the cups again.Jungwon: "Me too."

The day passed quickly in a blur of orders, laughter, and music. By the time the last customer left, my legs ached from standing, but I felt warm inside. The decorations sparkled brighter than ever, and the café seemed to hum with leftover joy.

Sohee:"Finally," I groaned, stretching my arms as I headed toward the back. Sohee:"Shift over."

Jungwon gave a small nod, wiping down the counter one last time. Jungwon:"It was... a good day."

I slipped into the staff room, pulling out a small bag I'd hidden earlier. Tonight wasn't just about the café—it was also Yuri's New Year's party. I had promised her I'd go. Quickly, I changed into the dress I'd chosen: simple, but elegant, with just enough sparkle to feel special. I fixed my hair in the mirror, nerves buzzing in my stomach for no real reason.

When I stepped out, Jungwon looked up—and froze for just a moment. His eyes widened slightly, and then he quickly busied himself with stacking cups.

Before I could say anything, the bell above the door jingled and Yuri came rushing in, her energy filling the room instantly.

Yuri:"There you are!" she said, giving me a dramatic once-over. Yuri:"Wow. Gorgeous. I knew you'd clean up nice, but seriously—you look amazing."

I laughed, embarrassed.Sohee: "Stop exaggerating."

Then Yuri's eyes slid over to Jungwon, and a sly smile spread across her face. Yuri:"Ohhh. So this is him. The guy who's been driving you crazy lately."

My face heated instantly. Sohee:"What? No, it's not like that!" I protested, waving my hands.

But when I glanced at Jungwon, I caught it—the faintest twitch of his lips, like he was holding back a smile.

Yuri:"Don't deny it," Yuri teased, looping her arm through mine. Then she turned to Jungwon. Yuri:"You should come with us. A café shift on New Year's Eve is no way to end the year."

I blinked. Sohee:"Wait—what?"

Yuri smirked. Yuri:"Why not? He probably has no plans. Right?"

Jungwon looked startled, opening his mouth like he wanted to protest.

Before he could, I blurted, Sohee:"Actually... she's right. You don't have anything planned, do you?"

He hesitated. Jungwon:"Not... really."

Sohee:"Then it's settled." Without giving him a chance to refuse, I reached out and grabbed his hand. Sohee:"Come on. You're coming with us."

His hand felt warm in mine, and for a moment, I thought he might pull away. But he didn't.

Instead, he let me drag him toward the door, where Yuri was already jingling her car keys with a triumphant grin.

Yuri:"New Year's party, here we come," she said, ushering us outside.

And just like that, the three of us piled into her car—the night stretching ahead of us, full of possibilities I couldn't quite name yet.

At the Party

The party was alive with noise—music thumping through the floorboards, people shouting and laughing, glasses clinking. The room glowed with colored lights, bodies swayed and spun to the rhythm, and the air was thick with warmth and the sweet, bitter scent of alcohol.

Yuri disappeared into the crowd instantly, already laughing with friends. I stayed closer to the center, pulled along by the beat of the music. Jungwon, however, lingered near the wall, hands in his pockets, his eyes scanning the room with quiet caution.

I could feel his gaze on me every so often as I laughed with Yuri, trying a drink I instantly regretted. It burned down my throat, and soon another glass followed, and another. I wasn't good with alcohol—I knew that. But tonight... it felt like everything was glowing, spinning, alive.

Sohee:"Jungwon!" I shouted over the music, grinning too wide as I stumbled a little. He blinked, pointing at himself, almost like he wasn't sure I was calling him.

Sohee:"Yes, you! Come dance with me!"

He hesitated, glancing at the crowd, then back at me. I tugged his arm, laughing. Sohee:"Come onnnn. Just once. For me."

Something softened in his expression, and finally, he gave the smallest nod.

And then—he danced.

At first, awkwardly. His shoulders stiff, his movements unsure. But as the song pulsed and I spun clumsily, giggling too much, his lips curved into a laugh I had never seen before. He moved more freely, matching my rhythm, just enough to keep me from falling over. And for a few songs, it was just us—laughing, celebrating, spinning under the lights.

But soon, the alcohol hit me harder. My head grew heavy, my body swaying too much.

Sohee:"I... I don't feel so good," I mumbled, pressing my fingers to my temple.

Jungwon instantly leaned closer. Jungwon:"You should rest."

Before I could argue, he guided me gently through the crowd, his hand steady on my arm. We climbed the stairs to a quieter floor, away from the pounding music. The air felt cooler here, fresher, and the hallway opened to a wide set of glass windows with a breathtaking view of the city.

The party pulsed below us, a blur of voices counting down the final minutes of the year. But up here, by the wide glass windows, everything felt distant. Quiet.

The city glowed beneath us, lights scattered like stars, and I leaned against the cold glass, my head spinning slightly from too many drinks. Jungwon stood close, one hand braced against the window, his face angled toward the ground, cheeks flushed in the dim light.

I laughed softly, though it came out uneven. Sohee:"You're... really pretty, you know that?"

His head jerked up, eyes wide. Jungwon:"What?"

Sohee:"You are," I insisted, swaying a little as I pressed my shoulder against the window for balance. Sohee:"Pretty. Too pretty. And... you smell nice. And your eyes..." My words tumbled out without control, slipping past the filter I no longer had.

His ears turned red. He swallowed, looking anywhere but at me, his knuckles whitening where his hand met the glass. The silence stretched, heavy, broken only by muffled shouts from below—"Two minutes!" someone yelled.

And then... he looked at me.

Really looked.

His eyes locked on mine, deep and warm, pulling me in. For a long moment, neither of us moved. The air between us tightened, charged, as though the world outside the window had fallen away. My heartbeat thundered, too fast, too loud, and all I could hear was the countdown echoing faintly from below.

"Fifty-nine! Fifty-eight!"

Without thinking, I reached for him. My hands cupped his face, my fingers trembling against his skin. His breath hitched, lips parting in shock—

And I closed the distance.

Our lips met in a messy, desperate kiss.

The world went still. The countdown roared in the distance, but here—nothing existed except the warmth of his skin under my hands, the way his body froze in surprise, and the dizzying realization of what I had just done.

Did I just kiss him..?

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･