Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chaewon loved her friends to the bones. She would probably do anything for them, confident they will do the same for her. But being a third-wheel for god knows how long, it can get annoying.

“Uhm, guys? Hello? I’m still here. If you could stop the eye fucking, that would be so appreciated.”

Dodging the pillow thrown at her, Yunjin sticks out her tongue towards her friend and just to annoy Chaewon more, she pulled her girlfriend onto her lap. Not knowing what’s happening, Sakura lets out a shriek that dissolved into giggles when she realized it was just Yunjin and her usual antics. 

“Where is Manchae anyway? At least if she was here, I’d have someone to talk to when the two of you start doing that talking with your eyes thing.” She crosses her arms and huffs like a child.

“She’s closing the café today,” Sakura replies, sliding off from Yunjin’s lap, pausing the movie they weren’t even watching anymore. The red head pouts when Sakura doesn’t sit on her lap but she concedes when her girlfriend gives her a look.

Yunjin settles on pulling Sakura to her side but she’s not about to let Chaewon off easy. “You know, if you just start dating again, it will solve your third-wheeling problems permanently. Theeen maybe, I can eye fuck my girlfriend in peace.”

Chaewon can’t help but roll her eyes at that, “You say that as if it’s the easiest thing to do.” She doesn’t know where it comes from either but the frustration suddenly bubbles up from her. “Not all of us get a meet-cute in a café with the love of our lives. Okay? If I spilled coffee onto someone and blurted out “Are you an angel?” like a fool instead of apologizing, I would’ve been slapped in the face.”

“Woah woah! No need to call me names! I’m just saying you should put yourself out there more!” Yunjin raises her hands in surrender, seeing the frustration in her friend’s face. But, she can’t leave it at that, her pride demands a defense. “And for the record? She told me it was charming! Right babe?”

Used to her girlfriend’s childish ways, Sakura just nods at Yunjin and gives her a kiss on the cheek. The grin she gets in return made her smile, but her eyes drifted to Chaewon. They had gotten lucky, finding each other, spared from the mess of modern day dating. Still, she wishes Chaewon had someone who’d notice how hardworking she was, someone who could soften life for her the way Yunjin had made Sakura’s feel lighter.

“I get that the dating world is a scary place but I do wish you’d give yourself a chance to meet someone, Chae.”

“I know, unnie. Believe me, I want to. I’m just really out of practice. I don’t think I have the patience for all that. Not to mention it was a nightmare the last time I tried.” Chaewon slumps her shoulder and hugs a throw pillow closer.

“Oh don’t remind me. I can’t even say that asshole’s name without getting annoyed,” Yunjin says, trying to pull Chaewon out of her sad mood. But both of them blink in surprise when Sakura suddenly gets up from between them. Chaewon shoots Yunjin a questioning look but the redhead looks just as confused by her girlfriend’s sudden actions.

“Well if it’s practice that you need…” Sakura reappears in the living room, grinning from ear to ear. “I think this can help.” She hands Chaewon something that looked suspiciously like a game. 

“Unnie I know you’re passionate about gaming but I don’t see how this helps in my situation.” Her confusion is so evident in her voice, though her fingers can’t help but trace the cover. Heart’s Choice. That already sounds cringe and cheesy. When she glances back at Sakura to get an explanation, her eyes are glowing the way they always do when it comes to games.

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but this is an otome game I picked up at a flea market Yunjin dragged me into. Do you know what an otome game is? It’s--”

“Yeah yeah, it’s basically a dating sim right?” Chaewon cuts her off before they have to sit through another lecture on game genres.

“Well… yeah more or less.” 

“So you’re basically suggesting that I practice dating using this game? Wow, unnie. Didn’t expect this from you. It sounds more like a Yunjin type of idea, you know.” She shook her head at how absurd the idea is.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Before the two break out into one of their bickering sessions again, Sakura continued. “Think of it as a baby step in getting yourself out there. An exposure therapy of sorts. And if it gets you on the dark side of gaming too, it’s a double win for me!” She left out the fact that she bought the game because she thought it was funny. 

Chaewon couldn’t believe she was even considering it. Maybe Sakura was just so good at getting people to agree with her. No wonder she can keep up with Yunjin’s chaos and keep her café thriving. Shaking her head, Chaewon reached over for her bag to tuck the game away, only to pause at the buzz of a notification.

1 new message.

Mom: Is there progress on your med school applications? I'll see...

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Nothing smothers her mood as fast as the weight of her parents’ expectations. She’s just glad that her friends know her so well already. They didn’t even blink when she made some lame excuse to leave so suddenly. But the hug she received from both of them told her they probably have an idea on what soured her mood. 

She has not made an effort to open the message. She didn’t need to. She can fill in the rest of what her mother has to say, can hear her voice in her head. It had been a year since she took a gap year to pursue her passion for photography and now her parents are only getting more adamant about her medical school applications. She hoped that by now she’d either have made a name for herself, or at least convinced them she has no plans of inheriting their practice. Neither have happened. 

Twenty minutes of tossing in bed later, she gave up on sleep and wandered into the kitchen without bothering with the lights.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to eat chips right now, but I don’t have the energy to make ramen either. This will have to do.” She nodded at her own compromise, flopped onto the couch, and scrolled through her phone with the TV murmuring in the dark. Classic couch rot posture. At some point, she stretched, eyes drifting to her bag. That’s when she remembered the game Sakura had shoved into her hands.

She still hasn’t made up her mind if her friend was really trying to help or was fucking with her this whole time. 

“Fuck it! No time like the present.” 

She powered it on, relieved that it was compatible with the only console she owns. Another present from Sakura, who had never been subtle about her goal of roping Chaewon into gaming. 

When the screen blinks on, she’s met with vibrant colors, an overly cheery tune, and the words: “Are you ready to listen to your heart and meet the love of your life?” 

Chaewon raises a brow at that, not without realizing how ridiculous this is. She presses start anyway and is presented with a screen that resembles a typical dating app. 

“Hmmm. Maybe there’s some truth in Kkura unnie’s idea. At the very least I can practice making a dating profile.”

Name: Wonnie81

Age / Birthday: 25 / August 1, 2000

“’What do you do?’… Hmmm photography but my parents wished it was medicine,” she laughs humorlessly but decides to keep it true to herself. She continues to answer the prompts in the game as if it’s an actual dating profile. 

Love Language. “Acts of service? Quality time? How about, ‘Love me even if I forget to reply for three days straight.’”

Preferences. “Coffee or tea? Of course, coffee! I wouldn’t have the energy to stay up all night to make edits or survive morning shoots without it.”

“Hmmm Go-to Karaoke song? My Japanese is a bit rusty but my go-to will always be First Love”

“Great! Now it’s asking ’What’s your fatal flaw?’ I didn’t sign up for an existential crisis when I booted you up, you know. How did we even come from my perfect date to this question? And do actual dating apps even ask this?” She laughs, but the sound feels heavier than she intended. Because of course, her parents would say her flaw was obvious, taking a gap year, refusing med school, chasing a dream that might not last. They never fail to make me feel like I'm making a mistake by chasing photography. 

“Fine. Put in: ‘Never seeming to make the right choices.’ Happy now?”

But before the game completely spoils her mood, the screen suddenly shifts to character creation. The blonde was amazed with all the options available in the game. She’s almost overwhelmed while staring at the dozens of sliders and toggles. She didn’t expect to spend the rest of her night debating whether her digital self should have bangs or not.

The next thing she knows, the music swells and the words Chapter One: The Beginning of Love flash across the screen in glittering pink font.

Chaewon groans and throws her head back. “Yup. Definitely a Kkura unnie scheme.” But even as she says it, her eyes are glued to the screen, sinking further into her couch as the world of Heart’s Choice materializes. This is ridiculous… so why am I suddenly nervous?

The game is set in downtown Tokyo with the art style resembling a studio Ghibli movie. It has managed to capture the culture of the city with a bit of a dreamy aesthetic. Not knowing how this game works yet, Chaewon just makes her character walk around the map for now. There are a few NPCs she comes across but it seems like these are not one of her romantic options. 

“Oh! Is that a coffee shop? I should probably get some fictional coffee if I want to survive this game.”

Entering the café, the music suddenly shifts and she’s met with characters that looked more interesting. There’s a good looking man reading a newspaper at a corner table. At the bar of the café, there’s a younger looking character that seems to be playing a game on their phone. It perfectly captures the ambiance of a Japanese café. 

“Wow, I think this was where I was supposed to go. Maybe I do have gamer instincts in me.” She laughs while giving herself a pat on the back. Well, not as much as gamer instincts but coffee instincts.

“Before I face these people I should really order my liquid courage first.”

She guides her character to walk up onto the counter. She selects “Order Coffee”. The barista then greets her. 

“Konnichiwa! Welcome to Heart’s Blend! What can I do for you?” Even without a voice, Chaewon can feel the barista’s enthusiasm with the way her face is lighting up. It suddenly reminded her of a samoyed. 

Three options appear on the screen:

A “Give me coffee. Stat!”

B “H-hi! I, uh, Can I have coffee? Please?”

C “I don’t know, beautiful. Surprise me?”

“Are these really the only options? Whatever I choose, I would seem like either an asshole, a loser, or a creep. And those are really not good choices.” For some reason, she’s determined to impress this pretty barista. Maybe because she really is pretty. She has a beautiful smile framed by wavy hair that seems so smooth even through the screen. Chaewon doesn’t know if it’s just the game but she looks so dreamy. 

“So in the real world, maybe, I’d be just like the first option. But since this is fictional and I’m trying to get better at this. Let’s go for option C!” She does just that and clicks the last option.

It seems to work in her favor because the barista honest to goodness blushes. “Oh, um.. okay I got you. Wonnie81, right?” She hates to admit it but it makes her proud of herself. I didn’t know making pixels blush would make me feel good about myself. If only she can pull that off in real life. 

With that first character interaction going well, she feels giddy to start exploring the game more. She then turns around to wait for her coffee, and bumps into another character. Before she can try to dodge, the colors of the screen suddenly change with the music. In that same glittering pink font, the screen says: CG Unlocked: Meeting the Doctor.

Her character now is drenched in coffee, courtesy of a very well designed woman, who’s apparently a doctor. She looks straight out of the webtoons Chaewon would never admit she binges. “Did I really just get Yunjin-and-Sakura-ed? With a doctor no less?” Chaewon can’t believe just how absurd all of this is. Now she’s faced again with three options on how to react to this situation.

A "You should look where you’re going!"

B "Oh my god! I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you coming!"

C "Well, at least you’re as hot as your coffee."

“Seriously! What are these options? Do the people that made this think this works?” Shaking her head in disbelief is apparently becoming a habit while playing this game. 

“I don’t think I can choose that last option this time. There’s a line I would not cross even in a fictional world and I’m afraid this is it.”

She then goes for the safest option and chooses B. This is a doctor after all. If that CG just for having her character be drenched with coffee indicates anything, it’s that there’s a high chance that this is the winning option in this game. She can’t help but think at the back of her mind that her parents would definitely agree to that. Being a doctor and marrying one is the dream, according to them anyway. Wanting to shake off the thought, she decides to focus back on the game.

“No! It’s me that should apologize! I wasn’t looking. I was too distracted by the beauty in front of me. Reina, by the way. You are?”

With how good looking this doctor is, Chaewon gives her a pass with how cringe that line was. Her character then takes Reina’s hand and introduces herself. The doctor offers to buy her a drink in apology and tells her to take one of the booths. There was no option to tell her she already has a drink on the way, so Chaewon proceeds as told. 

Before she knows it, she’s having a virtual date with Reina. She commends the makers of the game for making it as realistic as it was, despite the ridiculous line options when conversing with the characters. As she continued interacting with Reina, she found herself sticking to the safer options because she can’t honestly endure the cringe and for some reason she doesn’t want to fuck up this fictional love life she has. 

Eventually, despite being hooked in the game; the stress of the day catches up with Chaewon. As the screen blurred and sleep dragged her under, one wishful thought slipped out, if only dating was this easy in the real world.

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“Who the heck knocks this early in the morning?” Annoyed by the loud knocking at her door, Chaewon gets up from her couch. She attempts to stretch away the back pain she earned sleeping on the couch. She shakes her head when the actual reason for her uncomfortable sleep catches her eye. She woke up at some point in the night, just enough to turn off the game but not to walk back to her bedroom. 

“I can’t believe I spent that long playing that game, Kkura unnie is gonna have a field day when she finds— KNOCK! KNOCK! — Oh my god stop it! I'm coming!” 

She stomps her way towards the door. Already thinking of a few choice words this person will get. They know better than to piss her off in the morning. Thinking she’d be faced with her demanding landlord or some poor courier, she opens the door already indignant. 

Nothing would’ve prepared her for what greets her.

“Wonnie81! Finally!!”

It might be the asshole option but Chaewon slams the door in the face of the intruder. That’s the pretty barista. No way. Maybe I’m still dreaming? Chaewon slaps herself in the face so hard. Too hard. She lets out an “OUCH! Okay, definitely not dreaming.”

“Wonnie81? Are you alright? I brought you your coffee!”

She might not be dreaming but if the pretty barista of Heart’s Blend is standing at her doorstep, she’s officially lost her mind. 

Chapter Text

Why is she here?

HOW is she here?

Am I being pranked right now? Is this some elaborate prank by Kkura unnie?

Chaewon had no choice but to let the barista into her apartment before the loud knocking and shouting got her a noise complaint from the landlord. Apparently, her name is Kazuha. At least, that’s what her nameplate says. Now, Kazuha is wandering around her living room like it’s the first apartment she’s ever stepped foot in.

“Kazuha?” The blonde tries to get the barista’s attention, hoping to get some answers on what she’s actually here for. Instead, she got a blinding smile that short-circuits her half-asleep brain. Too early in the morning to deal with her gay panic.

“Yes, Wonnie81?”

“Well, first of all, can you not call me that?”

“But… you’re Wonnie81, right? We met at the cafe!”

Chaewon blinks. The adorable head tilt is really not helping her brain to function, but she tries her best to explain to this annoyingly pretty barista that she’s not exactly Wonnie81. “Just… Call me Chaewon, okay? And about that, what do you mean, we met at the cafe?”

“Okay, Chaewon,” Kazuha says, as if it’s a bizarre request. “Yeah, you ordered coffee, remember? Telling me to surprise you. Y-you even called me beautiful.”

Chaewon almost didn’t hear the last part with how shy Kazuha has become, not to mention the obvious blush she’s sporting now. The barista would not meet her eyes now, but she offered the drink that she had been insisting on giving to Chaewon since the door. 

Thinking that this just might wake her brain up, she takes it and immediately takes a sip and nearly chokes. It tastes exactly like that coffee. The one from a hole-in-the-wall café they went to on a trip, the one she’s been chasing ever since. She’d even tried to make Sakura recreate it with the very vague recipe of “like the heavens opened and angels sang.” Impossible. Until now.

She can’t believe she got to taste it again. When she looks back at Kazuha, the barista is looking at her like an eager puppy waiting for treats.

“Is it good, Wonnie81? I mean– Chaewon?”

“I don’t know how you managed this, but… wow. It’s really good!” She might be in a weird situation right now, talking to a character she met in a game, but she will not deny giving compliments to a good cup of coffee. 

Now that she’s properly awake, thanks to the drink from the heavens. Chaewon decided to get back to getting answers from Kazuha, who has not stopped smiling at her since she complimented her coffee. 

“Why are you really here, Kazuha? Did Kkura unnie send you to mess with me? I swear those two are gonna hear it from me.”

Kazuha looks at her, confused. “Kkura unnie? No one sent me. I’m just here to give you your coffee. You disappeared when I was done making it. Then I saw you talk to that doctor.” She said the last sentence as if it tasted bad in her mouth. 

Is she talking about that Reina character? Why does she keep mentioning things that happened in the game? This is making my head hurt.

Chaewon takes another sip, trying to make sense of everything. “Okay… But how did you get here? Where are you from?”

“I…I don’t know. You were really nice to me, and I just… I knew I wanted to give you your coffee,” Kazuha’s brows knit together as if the answer might come to her if she concentrated hard enough. She lets out a shaky little sigh, shoulders dropping, “I can’t remember Wo— Chaewon. One second I was at the cafe, and the next… I was at your door.”

Seeing Kazuha struggle to give her answers, Chaewon decides to drop it for now. It’s either she’s a talented actress… or she’s actually from the game. Which means this is my life now. Either way, she decides to call Sakura just to make sure this is not her doing or to at least get advice on what to do when a character from a game shows up at your doorstep. She’s a gamer. She must have an idea, right?

Before she can make the call, she receives a text from Yunjin asking her to pick up bagels for them on her way to the shoot. Right! The shoot! Chaewon gets up from the couch and runs to her room to get ready. She misses how Kazuha jumped because of her sudden actions. 

Chaewon yanks a jacket over her wrinkled shirt, running a hand through her hair in a poor excuse for styling. She darts around her room, snatching batteries, memory cards, the tripod, ticking items off a mental checklist as fast as she can. Just when she thinks she’s ready, she freezes. Where’s my new lens? I swear it was just here.

She rushes back to the living room and nearly trips at the sight of Kazuha giving the missing lens an experimental shake, like she’s testing a maraca.

“Whoa whoa! I don’t think that lens did anything to deserve to be manhandled like that!” Chaewon runs to save her baby from all the aggressive shaking.

“Oh! Sorry, Wonnie81! It looked like a really weird portafilter. I was wondering how it would fit in a coffee maker.” Kazuha bows her head but still looks at the lens like she was imagining making coffee with it.

“This is not a portafilter. This is my new 100mm macro lens, thank you very much! And pleaaase stop calling me Wonnie81. I can even deal with Wonnie. Just… drop the 81, okay?” Chaewon pleads while trying to pack her portafilter-mistaken lens into her camera bag. 

Looking sheepish because of her mistake, Kazuha nods and continues exploring the living room, like everything is fascinating. Just as Chaewon finished zipping up her work bag, a loud clatter startles her.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! The puppy was just so cute!” The barista almost screams, just as surprised when the keys clattered from the basket held by a white puppy figurine.

“It’s okay, Kazuha. It’s just my keys. We need to leave anyway. I’m so gonna be late for that shoot.” Chaewon tries to calm Kazuha and picks up the apartment keys from the floor, ready to leave.

“We’re leaving? Where are we going, Wonnie?” As if she didn’t just freak out, Kazuha is back to being an eager puppy.

In the short amount of time she had to prepare, Chaewon decided to just bring Kazuha along for the day. She clearly couldn’t leave the girl alone in her apartment. Either I bring her with me, or I come home to a flooded kitchen and my lens brewed into espresso. Not really a choice, huh? She did consider just sending Kazuha on her own way, but it felt so cruel with how clueless she was.  

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Chaewon is having one of those mornings. She can’t believe she has to explain how an elevator is not a teleportation device multiple times, with people from her building giving them side looks. Kazuha would not stop insisting that it brought them to this new world. Chaewon can’t help but think about the absurdity of that statement. It’s you who’s not from this world, not me.

“Wonnie, where are we? Your house is gone! It’s not here!” Kazuha bolts out of the elevator, patting the walls looking for her apartment door. 

Chaewon catches the curious stares from her neighbors and groans. Without another word, she grabs Kazuha by the wrist and marches her straight out onto the street.

“Kazuha, for the nth time, we’re still in Seoul. It was just an elevator. We took it, so we don't have to take the stairs.” Chaewon stops mid-step, pinching the bridge of her nose like she’s physically holding her patience in place.

Kazuha’s shoulders droop at the sharp edge in her voice. “Okay…” she whispers, falling into step behind her with the careful distance, afraid to upset the girl again. 

Kazuha’s lips trembled into the saddest pout, her wide eyes glistening with hurt. Guilt pinched at Chaewon’s chest. She forced a steady breath and tried again, softer this time.

“You see that tall building?” She pointed upward. “One of those high windows is my apartment. Elevators are there so we can climb that high. Imagine taking the stairs,” She shivers in horror. “I’m already tired just thinking of it.”

Kazuha’s expression brightened instantly. “Oh, so elevators take you to high places! Can it take us to the clouds? That would be so cool!” She tilted her head back, grinning at the sky, nearly bumping into a passerby until Chaewon tugged her closer. 

At least you’re smiling again. “Well, we don’t have those kinds of elevators yet.”

“Aww, too bad.”

Chaewon caught herself staring, her own lips quirking despite herself. I don’t think your smile is good for my heart, tho. “Yeah… too bad.”

Once Kazuha settles in the wonders that are elevators, she’s craning her neck at every single thing Seoul has to offer, the convenience store on the corner, the bus stop, even a passing delivery scooter. 

“Wonnie? What part of Tokyo is Seoul? I don’t think I’ve been here before. Everything is so cool,” Kazuha says with evident wonder in her eyes, bowing slightly at the scooter driver, who doesn’t even notice. She looks like she wants to touch everything her eyes land on.

Chaewon opens her mouth to answer, but her brain short-circuits at the sound of “Wonnie” in Kazuha’s voice. I know I suggested she call me Wonnie, but why does she have to sound that adorable saying it? She swallows hard and forces herself to focus on the actual question.

Do I correct her? Or would it start another elevator debacle? 

Deciding against it, she opts for a vague answer just to satisfy the barista. “Well, this is very far away from Tokyo. Maybe that’s why you haven’t been here before.” 

She quickens her pace, checking the time. They really need to hurry, or even Yunjin will not be able to buy them time. When she looks back to grab Kazuha so they can walk faster to the bagel shop, the barista is waving earnestly at a very confused old lady watering her plants. Chaewon awkwardly smiles at the old lady, hoping it conveys ‘I’m sorry for my very strange companion,’ and pulls Kazuha along.

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Chaewon finally makes it to the studio, dragging in a sigh and a Kazuha happily munching on salt bread. 

“Finally! You’re here! You'd better have bought me two bagels with how much effort it took to stall for you. You owe me, unnie!”

She hasn’t even laid eyes on her yet, but Yunjin’s booming voice carries across the room like a foghorn. She’s just relieved that it was a shoot with Yunjin. If it had been anyone else, she’d have lost the gig by now.

“Yes, yeeesss. Here’s your bagel, it’s on me. And really, thank you for having my back, Jen. It was just… a crazy morning.” Chaewon hands over the bag and begins setting up her equipment. 

Yunjin squints, bagel in hand. “Uh-huh… So crazy, you had to bring the barista from the shop? Although I don’t think I’ve seen her there before.” Yunjin looks at the gorgeous barista that her friend came with, who is studying her with as much curiosity. 

Chaewon stops what she’s doing. “What are you–” She turns and finds Kazuha in a wide-eyed stand-off with Yunjin. It looks less like suspicion and more like two golden retrievers meeting at the park. 

“Wonnie, who is this?” 

Yunjin nearly chokes. “Wonnie? She calls you Wonnie?” A grin spreads. “I like you already. I’m Yunjin, Wonnie’s best friend.” She offers her hand with mock formality. 

Still confused by this new person, but deeming her friendly, Kazuha beams and shakes her hand. “I’m Kazuha! Nice to meet you.”

“Yes, this is Kazuha. Kazuha, meet my least favorite best friend, Yunjin. And you–” Chaewon glares at Yunjin, “shut it. I need to start working. I’m late as it is.” 

Chaewon turns on her professional mode. Yunjin, clearly itching to tease more, throws up her hands in surrender and heads to the set. The blonde doesn’t miss the smirk her friend has, promising her that she’s not done and she has some explaining to do. 

Kazuha sensed the shift in atmosphere and tried her best not to be in anyone’s way. She hovered close to Chaewon, eyes wide, utterly absorbed by the photographer at work. 

Chaewon, meanwhile, was in her element. If there’s one thing she doesn't have to second-guess at every turn, it’s photography. Every choice, every adjustment of light or angle, clicked into place with practiced ease.

Once Yunjin was ready and Chaewon had achieved the lighting she’s aiming for, the photoshoot moved quickly.

“That looks good, Jen. Yes.”

“Keep that pose, and look more to your left. Just like that.”

“Oookay, I think we got it. Thanks, Jen.”

Yunjin gives her a hug and murmurs a thank you before she gets out of the set. 

Chaewon checks her shots while the next model prepares to get on set. She then remembers her companion, who has been suspiciously quiet the whole shoot. She roams her eyes around the studio only to see Kazuha already looking intently at her, smile soft, eyes shining like Chaewon had just hung the moon. She even waved when their gazes met.

Chaewon’s chest squeezed. She looks away, ears hot. Why is she looking at me like that? How do I focus now? Come on, Chaewon. Lock in. 

“Are my eyes deceiving me?” Yunjin’s voice rang out, smug as ever, “Or is THE KIM CHAEWON actually blushing?” She re-enters the room, continuing right where she left off. 

Chaewon nearly fumbled her camera. “What? No. I don’t know what you’re talking about, Yunjin. The lights are really warm. That’s all.” She touches her cheeks, definitely the lighting. “Maybe that’s what you’re seeing.” She goes back to her camera to avoid dealing with her friend’s teasing. 

Yunjin rolled her eyes dramatically. “Yeah, right, and I’m the Queen of England. Anywaaay, can I borrow Kazuha? I bet she’s bored watching you scowl at screens.”

Chaewon glanced at Kazuha. The barista shifted uncertainly. “Uhm… I don’t want to leave you, Wonnie. Can’t you just come with?”

Chaewon’s heart stuttered. “Not yet, Kazuha. I still have work to do. Go with Yunjin, I’ll be here when you get back.” Maybe then I can breathe.

Turning to Yunjin, she added, “Jen, she’s really new here, so be careful. Don’t go far, okay?”

Yunjin saluted with exaggerated seriousness. “Yes, unnie. I would never harm your pretty girlfriend.”

“She’s not–” Chaewon tries to protest, but the two puppies are already walking off, chattering like they’d known each other forever. 

Chaewon groaned. “She’s really not…”

With her current distraction off to an adventure with her friend, Chaewon was able to focus on the rest of the shoot. Everything went smoothly, and after wrapping up the final cuts with the director, she bowed politely and began packing her gear. I wonder what those two are up to now?

A tap on her shoulder cut the thought short.
“You’re back?” she asked, turning, only to find Soobin instead of Kazuha and Yunjin.

“Hi, Chaewonnie!” the model beamed, offering a cup. “Chai latte. I asked my manager to grab something for you, too.”

“Oh… Soobin-ssi. It’s you.” Seriously, what’s with people giving me drinks today? And a Chai latte? Try, tea, trying to cosplay as coffee. 

Still, with curious eyes around them, Chaewon could hardly refuse. This wasn’t the first time Soobin had hovered after a shoot. He’d been persistent, and she couldn’t exactly tell him to back off and make things awkward when she knew they’d inevitably work together again.

She was just about to take the cup when a voice came sharply from behind him.

“Wonnie doesn’t like tea, and she’s already had her coffee.”

Both Chaewon and Soobin turned. Standing there was Kazuha, eyes narrowed, posture stiff like a guard dog ready to bite.

“...Excuse me? And you are?” Soobin asked, frowning at the interruption.

Kazuha stepped closer to Chaewon, still glaring.

“Uhm… This is Kazuha, my— she’s… a friend.” Chaewon stammered, desperate to diffuse the tension.

Kazuha only puffed her chest and stayed put.

“A friend?” Soobin clicked his tongue, annoyance seeping into his voice. He glanced back at Chaewon with a practiced smile. “Anyway, I’ll see you next time, Chaewonnie.”

He winked deliberately, then handed the drink off to a random staffer before strolling away.

“Oh! That was gold!” Yunjin finally stepped in after spectating from a distance, grinning like she’d just scored front-row tickets. “It was like watching a scene from a movie!”

“I’m thrilled my suffering is entertaining for you, Yunjin.” Chaewon rolls her eyes, still recovering from the awkwardness.

“Did I upset you, Wonnie? I’m sorry.” Kazuha’s voice went small as she lowered her head. “It’s just… I know you don’t like tea. And you looked uncomfortable.” Her brows knit together, irritation flashing again at the thought of Soobin.

Chaewon softened. “It’s okay, Kazuha. You didn’t upset me. Yunjin’s the annoying one,” She shot the redhead a look before resuming her packing. She hears the two bicker behind her.

“Why do I have to apologize? I didn’t do anything!”

“But you did annoy Wonnie! Apologize to her!” Kazuha shot back, urging her new friend.

“Ughhh! Fine, fine.” Yunjin dragged her feet dramatically, then clasped Chaewon in a sudden bear hug. “I’m sorry, Wonnie,” she cooed in the sweetest, fakest tone possible.

“Yunjin! Let me go—” Chaewon tried to glare, but her composure cracked the second Yunjin started aiming exaggerated kissy noises at her cheeks. She burst out laughing. “Kazuha! Save me from this menace!”

Kazuha giggled but stepped in, tugging Chaewon free. Yunjin finally released her, leaning close to murmur in Kazuha’s ear, low enough for Chaewon not to hear, “You owe me for that, Ha-chan.”

Chaewon doesn’t know what those two are whispering about, but for the first time that day, the weight on her shoulders feels a little lighter. Maybe all this chaos isn’t the worst thing to happen after all. 

Chapter Text

“So… how did you two meet?” Yunjin asks as the trio heads out of the studio.

“We met at the—”

“It’s complicate—”

Chaewon and Kazuha blink at each other, caught off guard by their mismatched answers. Well, she’s not wrong. The photographer sighs. “Like Kazuha was about to say, we met at a café.”

Yunjin smirks. “Did you find her so irresistibly gorgeous you just had to take her home with your coffee? Damn, unnie, I didn’t know you moved that fast.”

“Wh–what? It wasn’t like that!” Chaewon stammers, but her protest only fuels Yunjin’s laughter.

“You didn’t even deny it! Hey, Kazuha! This unnie definitely thinks you’re irresistible.” She bumps Kazuha’s shoulder, delighted at the sight of both girls flushing pink.

Kazuha freezes, cheeks heating. She looks at Chaewon with hopeful eyes, but just sees her embarrassed. “I-I’m sure she didn’t mean it like that, Yunjin-ah. Stop teasing, Wonnie!” She playfully slaps her friend on the shoulder. 

Watching the two sputter for a moment, Yunjin relents, deciding to rescue them from combusting. “Anyway… Unnie, you got another shoot today? I’m heading straight to the café since this is my only schedule. We could grab lunch there together. Maybe introduce Kazuha to my Sakura.” She twirls her keys, a grin still plastered on her face.

Grateful for the subject change, Chaewon opens her calendar app. “Nothing else today… But I think we’ll just meet you there later. I need to pick something up from Seulgi unnie’s studio later this afternoon.”

“Want Kazuha all to yourself huh?” Yunjin wiggles her eyebrows, trying to get another reaction from the two. This time, both Chaewon and Kazuha swat her from both sides. 

“Fine! I don’t want to be a third wheel to both of you anyway,” The redhead dramatically clutches her chest. “I understand your struggles now, unnie.” 

“Stop saying nonsense, Yunjin. I’ll see you later, okay? I promise I’ll explain everything.” Chaewon pulls her friend into a quick hug. 

“You better.”

Then, turning to Kazuha, Yunjin beams, “Ha-chan, let’s do what I taught you earlier. Dap up!” 

Like an eager puppy, Kazuha immediately raises her hand, landing the cleanest dap, even Chaewon was impressed with how crisp the sound was. 

“Seriously, Yunjin. A few minutes with you and this is what you teach her.” The blonde shakes her head but can’t help but smile, seeing how proud Kazuha was of their handshake. 

“Well, Yunjin told me that’s what bros do. She said we’re bros now!” Kazuha explains proudly.

“Be careful what you believe from this menace, Zuha,” Chaewon mutters without thinking. 

“Zuha?” The barista tilted her head, eyes twinkling. 

“Oh–sorry! It’s just a nickname. Kazuha is… just so long you know… Three syllables and all that.” Chaewon waved her hands like she could fan away her embarrassment. 

“A nickname?” Kazuha repeated, glancing at Yunjin, who was just grinning like a kid in the candy store.

“Yunjin told me, too, that nicknames are for people you like. That’s why she calls me Ha-chan. And… I call you Wonnie.” 

Chaewon froze. Why does Yunjin have to put these ideas in her head? Why did that nickname have to slip out now, of all times? 

“Does that mean you like me, Wonnie?” Kazuha asks, voice curious but tinged with something hopeful.

Enjoying the chaos she unknowingly orchestrated, Yunjin can’t help but pile on. “That’s right, does it Wonnie?”

Chaewon shot her a glare, fumbling for a lifeline. “O-of course, I like you, Zuha. You gave me coffee, remember? That makes us… friends!”

Kazuha nods at that, her lips curving in a small smile. Not quite what she hoped for, but still warm.

Satisfied with her successful wingman shenanigans, Yunjin bids goodbye to the pair, promising to see them later at the café. 

Not about to let her escape easily, Chaewon pinches her side before they part ways. 

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Chaewon figured a quiet lunch would help her sort through the morning’s chaos. Even then, she was not sure if she should be grateful or annoyed that Yunjin didn’t tag along. Chaewon leads Kazuha toward her favorite bench at the park near Seulgi’s studio. They’d grabbed food from one of the small restaurants nearby and settled in for lunch. Despite the busy midday, the autumn air kept the temperature cool and easy. The place is not crowded, but there are a few people also taking their lunch and going on a stroll. 

If you only looked at Kazuha, you’d think this was the perfect place. Her wide-eyed wonder hadn’t faded since they sat down, her gaze darting from the leaves overhead to the quiet bustle of people passing by. After bowing yet again to another passerby, the barista turns to Chaewon, eyes bright.

“Wonnie, the people are so nice here. And this food is really amazing! What’s it called?”

“Zuha, chew your food first. You’re gonna make a mess!” Chaewon giggled, leaning closer to wipe at Kazuha’s mouth. She doesn’t realize how close their faces were until the barista reaches for hers in return.

“Wonnie, you’re one to talk. You have some red sauce here, too.”

Chaewon stiffens, and she can feel her face heat up in real-time. She immediately pulled back, fumbling for a napkin to wipe off her own face instead. Why are her eyes so pretty? And seriously, what’s with me today? I’ve just met her and I can’t get a hold of myself already. What am I? A schoolgirl with a crush?

“Wonnie? Are you alright?” Kazuha waved her hand in front of Chaewon, who was looking at her food with furrowed brows. 

“Y-yes, Zuha, I’m fine. The tteokbokki was just a little spicy, that’s all.” Chaewon tries to cover up a cough that has more to do with embarrassment than heat.

Believing her excuse instantly, Kazuha struggles with the cap of the bottled drink until it pops open. She hands it over with earnest eyes. “Oh, Wonnie, you shouldn’t have ordered the spicy one then! See? Your face is even red now.”

Yep, definitely from the food and not from you being two inches away from my face. “Yeah… I shouldn’t have done that.” Chaewon awkwardly laughs, pressing the cold plastic against her cheeks.

Kazuha just shakes her head at her, smiling before going back to her food and watching the bustle of the park.

When her pulse finally steadies, Chaewon decides to poke at the question that’s been bugging her since the shoot. “So… What did you and Yunjin get up to while I was working?” 

“Oh! We went to a bakery! Turns out, Yunjinnie loves bread too!” Kazuha says brightly, as if recounting a grand adventure.

Chaewon chuckles. “Huh. Didn’t think I’d find another person this enthusiastic about bread. No wonder you two hit it off so quickly.”

Kazuha beams at her, happy to have found a new friend with Yunjin. Seemingly remembering something, she furrows her brow in confusion. “She also asked me a lot of questions. I don’t know what she meant by it, but… she asked what my intentions were with you?”

Chaewon almost spits the drink she just sipped. “S-she asked you that?” Yunjin, I swear I’m going to strangle you with a baguette!

“Yeah. Well, I just told her that I wanted to give you your coffee. Then she just smiled and patted me on the back?” Kazuha shrugs, still puzzled.

Hearing the confusion in the barista’s voice, Chaewon exhales in relief. “Just don’t mind Yunjin. Like I told you, she sometimes says nonsense things.”

Kazuha nods, taking it as a sign to stop figuring out what her new friend had meant. 

After their conversation winds down, Chaewon checks the time and starts gathering their trash. “Come on, Zuha. We should head toward Seulgi unnie’s studio. She might be in already.”

They toss their wrappers in the bin and stroll along the path, autumn leaves crunching underfoot. Chaewon’s camera hand twitches when she catches sight of the way the light filters through the trees. A few shots wouldn’t hurt. 

With the camera in front of her face, she gets absorbed in angling her shots, trying to take advantage of the natural lighting courtesy of the afternoon sun. She takes shot after shot. She even gets a few of Kazuha looking up in wonder. After a few more shutter clicks, Chaewon notices that her lens hasn’t caught the barista in a while. She finally lowers her camera and realizes that Kazuha was nowhere in sight.

Shit! Shit! Did I just lose her?

“Zuhaaa?!” Her voice rises, sharper than she intends. “Kazuhaa! Where are you?” I’m sure she’s just nearby. Chaewon tries not to let herself panic as she retraces her steps. When she gets to the bench they occupied and still no Kazuha, her chest tightens. 

Where could she be? I haven’t been on my camera for long, right?

Not knowing where else to look for the barista, Chaewon breaks into a run. “Zuha! Answer me!”

As she was nearing a tiny playground, she heard a giggle that sounded suspiciously like the person she had been trying to locate. 

“Oh Bonnie, stop it! You’re gonna ruin my gift!”

Chaewon rushes over and nearly collapses with relief. There’s Kazuha, flat on the ground, smothered by a golden retriever’s wagging tail and wet kisses.

“There you are!” Chaewon gasps, bent over and panting. “I thought I lost you!” 

“Wonnie!” Kazuha beams, laughing as the dog swipes her cheek with its tongue. “I found you!”

What do you mean you found me? I found you! Chaewon can only gape, still shaking from her panic. 

“Bonnie! Come here! Let the poor girl breathe.”An ahjumma hurries over, tugging at the retriever’s leash. Then she glances at Chaewon, smiling knowingly. “Ah… is this the pretty friend you were talking about, Kazuha?” 

The barista freezes in her tracks. “Obachan! Shhh!” Her wide eyes flick to Chaewon, waiting to see how she’ll react.

Chaewon for her part pretends to not be affected by the compliment. However her nonchalance is betrayed by her reddening cheeks. She shyly bows towards the dog owner, “Ahjumeoni, thank you for keeping my friend company,” She then turns to Kazuha. “Don’t run off like that again! You made me worried, Zuha.”

Kazuha walks closer to Chaewon, bowing her head apologetically. “I’m sorry, Wonnie. I just saw these pretty flowers and I… wanted to give them to you.”

The barista hands her a delicate bundle of pink and white cosmos flowers. The varying shades of pink mixed with the white ones made the small bouquet look professionally arranged. Chaewon can’t help but admire them.

“When I was done picking them, you were gone! I-I really tried to find you but… I couldn’t.” Kazuha continues, playing at the hem of her apron. 

“It’s okay, Zuha. Just tell me when you want to go somewhere next time, okay?” Chaewon pats the barista's shoulder, trying to get her to look up. She sends Kazuha a genuine smile. “Thank you for these, they’re really pretty.” 

Kazuha looks away shyly muttering a small, “Just like you.” Thinking Chaewon hadn’t heard her. 

“Oh, to be young and in love.” The ahjumeoni says to Bonnie before they walk away without the pair noticing. 

Chaewon tucks the flowers carefully into her bag, still feeling the warmth of Kazuha’s shy words as they finally make their way toward Seulgi’s studio.

The bell chimes when they step inside. A reception desk greets them, along with a small corner that displays Seulgi’s curated works. Whenever her sunbae likes a particular photo that Chaewon took, she insists on including it in the display. Right now, the collection displayed is from Seulgi’s recent trip to Jeju. 

“Chaewon! I was wondering when you’d come by.” A blonde woman waves from behind the counter.

“Sooyoung unnie! Hi!” Chaewon brightens at the sight of her sunbae’s girlfriend. “Why are you manning the studio?” 

Sooyoung circles the counter and pulls Chaewon into a hug. “You know… Perks of dating the owner: cover for her when she gets stuck in a shoot.” She then gestures to Chaewon’s companion, “And this is?”

“Oh! Sorry for not introducing you.” Chaewon turns. “This is my friend, Kazuha. Zuha, this is Sooyoung unnie, also a friend.” 

“Hi! I’m Kazuha!” The barista bows politely.

“A friend huh?” Sooyoung smirks, earning a silent plea from Chaewon’s eyes. She lets it go with a chuckle. “Anyway… Are you here to pick up that photo you had framed last week?” 

“Ah, y-yes. Seulgi unnie said I could get them today?” The photographer answers quickly, seizing the chance for escape.

“Well, it’s in the back. You’ll have to help me find it. No one understands Seulgi unnie’s organized chaos better than you.” Sooyoung beckons her along.

Chaewon glances at Kazuha, who is admiring a dazzling photo of ocean waves. “Zuha, do you want to come with?”

Kazuha shakes her head, eyes still lingering on the framed sea. “Can I stay here and look around Wonnie?”

When Sooyoung gives a nod of approval, Chaewon turns to Kazuha. “Okay, we’ll be quick. Just shout if you need anything.”

The two step into the workshop. Like Sooyoung had described, there are printed photos everywhere, some stacked on desks, others clipped to lines. A few are already framed and ready for display. Chaewon is used to this kind of environment seeing that it is almost identical to her home office. 

Luckily, Seulgi has left her piece right on top of her desk with a yellow post-it reading, FOR CHAEWON, complete with a doodle of a cheetah.

“So, where is this masterpiece of yours headed, Chaewon-ah?” Sooyoung asks as they walk back to the front of the studio.

Chaewon hugs the frame close, cheeks warming. “Kkura unnie offered to have it displayed at the café.” 

“Oh! That reminds me, we haven’t been there in a while. I should ask Wendy unnie. She’s been missing their pastry.” 

“I’m sure Kkura unnie would appreciate it. Especially if Wendy unnie brings Joohyun unnie along.” Chaewon replies with a conspiratorial grin.

Sooyoung laughs “Saku-chan still hasn’t gotten over her crush on Irene unnie?”

“She tries,” Chaewon sighs dramatically. “But you know what they say, first love never dies. Even Yunjin has given up and just accepted her eternal competition.”

When their laughter died out, Chaewon looked around for Kazuha. She found her across the studio, mesmerized by a particular display. It’s a silhouette photo of a ballerina in arabesque with the Han River sunset as the backdrop. The barista doesn’t even notice that Chaewon has walked up beside her to admire the photo as well. 

“I didn’t know Seulgi unnie still has this up.” Chaewon quietly mutters, not wanting to disturb Kazuha.

“It feels… alive. Like I was there. It’s beautiful.”

Chaewon has heard a lot of people compliment or even criticize her work. She’s learned to filter who’s being genuine or not. But her heart warms at the awestruck wonder from Kazuha. 

“I remember this day. I spontaneously went to Han River to maybe take some photos and eat ramen. I didn’t want to go home yet again to an empty house after a draining day.” Chaewon recalls the memory, she had just finished a long day of shoots then her mom decided to call. It ended up being a “catch up” full of veiled criticisms. 

Chaewon’s voice trails off, but Kazuha hasn’t spoken yet. Instead, she reaches out and takes Chaewon’s hands into hers.

“Then I found her there, practicing for an audition, I think? I was lucky she agreed to be photographed.” Chaewon continues, smiling at the bittersweet memory. 

“I don’t know how you do it… but you capture things so perfectly, like you manage to keep a beautiful moment alive” Kazuha looks at her earnestly and gives her hand a squeeze. 

“T-thank you, Zuha. That means a lot.” Chaewon says not able to look into Kazuha’s eyes. Again, I have just met her. Why are her words… affecting me so much? 

The moment breaks when the bell chimes as a visitor enters the studio. Chaewon gratefully squeezes Kazuha’s hands back before she lets go. She mouths her goodbye to Sooyoung as the blonde greets the newcomer.

As they step toward the door, Chaewon can’t help sneaking one more glance at the ballerina’s silhouette. I wonder if Kazuha realizes she’s just given me a memory even brighter than the Han River sunset that day. 

Chapter Text

The bell above the café door jingled, carrying with it the smell of roasted beans and the soft chatter of people winding down with their evening coffee or pastry. Chaewon felt her shoulders loosen as the familiar warmth of Bloom & Bean wrapped around her. She closed her eyes for a moment and just let herself bask in her favorite scent.

Which was why she nearly missed the blur that shot past her.

“COFFEE MACHINEEEE!!”

Her eyes flew open just in time to see Kazuha charging full speed toward the counter. Sakura managed to intercept her at the last second, arms out like a goalie. Behind them, the staff looked visibly relieved that their espresso machine had been saved from the overexcited stranger.

“Uh-uh. Excuse me? And where do you think you’re going?” Sakura asked, arms crossed, voice dipped into mock authority. 

Kazuha froze mid-step, glancing back at Chaewon with wide pleading puppy eyes. 

Sakura followed her gaze only to see Chaewon standing there, visibly fighting the urge to facepalm. “Chaewon? You know this person?” 

I can’t believe we just shared that warm moment a while ago and now she’s back to being a big puppy. 

“I-uh… I can explain unnie.” Chaewon hurried over to the pair, flashing her best friend an exasperated smile. “This is-”

“Oh hey, Ha-chan! Finally, you guys are here!” Yunjin’s booming voice cut across the café as she emerged from the back after hearing Chaewon’s voice. She immediately raises her hand to dap Kazuha who happily meets her in the middle. 

Sakura blinked between them, incredulous. “Wait– WAIT! I’m so confused! Someone better start explaining how the girl who nearly hijacked my café machine knows my best friend and gets greeted by my girlfriend like they’re long time friends.”

Chaewon and Yunjin immediately ducked their heads in apology. Kazuha shrank behind them, looking like she’d rather disappear.

“I’ll explain unnie, I promise. Let’s just sit down first, yeah?” Chaewon gently reached for Sakura’s hand. “I don't want to disturb the customers as much as we had already.”

Reluctantly, Sakura allowed herself to be guided toward a back table. Yunjin slung an arm around Kazuha’s shoulders as they trailed after. 

“Don’t worry,” Yunjin stage-whispered. “Kkura unnie is not that scary once you get to know her. It’s Chaewon unnie you should be afraid of.” 

Chaewon shot her a glare over her shoulder. Kazuha gave a nervous laugh, but the familiar bickering made her relax a little. 

When they reached the table, Chaewon sat across from Sakura, hoping the distance would help Kazuaha relax, even though the eldest had already calmed down.

“So…” Sakura leaned back, arms crossed. “Do we order drinks first, or is someone going to explain?”

Chaewon lifted a hand, shielding her mouth from Kazuha and Yunjin. “Actually unnie, can Zuha help Manchae prepare our drinks? I need a minute with the two of you.”

Luckily, the two were already engrossed in chatting about what they had for lunch. Sakura arched her brow at the request but gave her approval.

Chaewon then turned to Kazuha. “Zuha? Want to help make our coffee?”

Kazuha instantly lights up at the idea of making coffee, though her eyes flicker nervously toward Sakura.

Sakura caught it and sighed, softening. Up close, the girl actually looked harmless. “Hi. Sorry about earlier.” She offered her hand. “I’m Sakura.”

Encouraged by Chaewon and Yunjin’s nods, Kazuha reached out. “I-I’m Kazuha.” 

“Kazuha?” Sakura repeated. “Sounds like a Japanese name. Nihon no kata desu ka? (Are you japanese?)” 

“Hai! I’m from Tokyo!” Kazuha perked up, smile returning. “Wonnie says it feels like a whole world away from here tho.”

“Wonnie?” Sakura’s brows shot up. Chaewon winced. Yunjin snorted. 

“I’ll explain later,” Chaewon muttered, kicking Yunjin under the table.

Sakura gives her friend a look but pressed on. “I’m actually from Japan too. Not Tokyo though. Do you know Kagoshima?”

Kazuha furrowed her brow, thinking hard, before giving a sheepish smile and shaking her head. “Gomen, I don’t know it.”

“It’s okay. It’s not as famous as Tokyo anyway.” Sakura said warmly. “So… You wanna make us coffee? Judging by your outfit, I’d say you know your way around an espresso machine.”

Kazuha nodded eagerly. “Yes! I love making coffee. I’ll make sure to prepare it well for you guys.”

Sakura glanced at Chaewon, who was already nodding along. 

“She's really good, unnie.” Chaewon offered quickly. “I’ve tried her coffee earlier.”

“I’m sure you did.” Yunjin drawled, smirking as she shot Chaewon a knowing look.

Sakura chuckled, shaking her head at their antics, before turning back to Kazuha. “Alright then. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Eunchae.”

Kazuha practically bounced to her feet as Sakura stood. Chaewon was about to follow them but the eldest stopped her with a gentle hand. “It’s okay. We’ll be fine. I’m sure Manchae will love her.”

Chaewon hesitated, glancing at Kazuha. The barista’s smile landed on her, bright and eager, as if to say she’d be okay. Clearly too hyped to make coffee to notice her own nerves. “Okay then, just call me when you need anything, yeah?” 

“Yes, Wonnie!”

“Wow, I don't think I’ll get over that nickname.” Sakura shakes her head, guiding Kazuha to the counter. “Let’s go and meet Eunchae, Kazuha-san.”

Chaewon has a hard time not worrying about Kazuha but she smiles when she sees her shake Eunchae’s hand eagerly. 

“She’ll be fine, you know. Manchae is a good kid. And it’s not like Kazuha has just been dropped into this world.” Yunjin suddenly says, watching Chaewon worry about the barista. 

I’m quite sure she actually has. Chaewon tries to mask her wince with an awkward smile. “You’re right.” 

“So what are you gonna tell us, unnie? Are you secretly engaged to her or something?” Yunjin leans forward, grinning.

“I wish it were that simple.” Chaewon exhales, the weight of her day pressing back on her. 

“But hey, if it landed you a pretty lady, I’d say it wasn’t all bad.” Yunjin wiggles her eyebrows, attempting to ease the tension.

“Who are you calling pretty behind my back?” Sakura’s voice cuts in as she slips back into her seat.

“No one, baby” Yunjin says quickly, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I’m just saying Chaewon unnie has finally got herself her own lady.”

“Kazuha is not my lady.” Chaewon insists but the couple’s twin smirks tell her they’re unconvinced. 

“So who is she, then?” Sakura asks, eyes narrowing. “Why does she seem familiar? I feel like I’ve seen her before somewhere. Old friend of yours?”

Chaewon shakes her head, pulling in a deep breath. Her chest tightens as she steels herself. This was going to sound insane. “I need you two to believe me okay? I swear I don’t even understand how all of this happened myself.”

Sakura and Yunjin exchange a glance before nodding. “Okaaaaay” Sakura says gently, though het curiosity sharpens. “Tell us.”

If I don’t say it, they’ll think I’m keeping secrets. If I do… they’ll think I’ve lost it. But there’s no other explanation, is there?

“I-think-zuha-is-from-that-otome-game-you-lent-me.” The words tumble out of Chaeeon in one rushed breath.  

“Whaaat?” Yunjin nearly chokes on nothing. “Unnie, did you just say Kazuha is from a game?” 

“I know it sou–”

“That’s why she looks familiar!” Sakura blurts out, snapping her fingers. “She’s on the cover of that game! She was a bit on the side tho, I don’t think she was the main character…” Her voice trails as she notices the two just staring at her. 

“I’m glad you figured that out, babe,” Yunjin mutters, still dazed. “But did you hear the rest of what Chaewon unnie just said?” 

Sakura goes quiet for a few seconds, then “WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S FROM THE GAME?!”

Chaewon scrambles to cover her mouth and calm her down. “Unnie! Can you not let the whole café know?!” She shoots a glance at Kazuha and Eunchae, who are thankfully busy with the espresso machine. “Especially Zuha. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t realize she’s from a game.”

“Is this a prank?” Sakura looks around the café, expecting a camera to be filming them right now.  

Chaewon lets out a dry laugh. “Funny, I thought YOU TWO were pranking ME!”

“Thanks for the confidence but I don’t think we can pull off something this big.” Yunjin chuckles. “Even with Manchae’s help.” 

Sakura narrows her eyes. “Okay… Not a prank then, but how did you come to the conclusion that she’s from the game? Well, aside from the fact she does look like one of the characters on the cover.” 

“How can I not when she showed up at my door this morning yelling ‘WONNIE81’ in the hallway!” 

Yunjin bursts into laughter. “Wait, is that why she calls you Wonnie??”

Rolling her eyes, Chaewon huffs. “Yess… I’m just glad I got her to drop the 81.” She turns to Sakura who had gone quiet. “Unnie? What do you think?”

Sakura crosses her arms, giving Chaewon a dead-serious stare. “First of all…” Her voice drops into mock disappointment. “Why would you put Wonnie81 as your in-game name in an otome?” 

Chaewon scoffed and was about to defend herself but Sakura’s warning look shuts her down.

“This is all so messy. Start from the top. I’m guessing you played the game last night?”

“For the record, if I’d known a pretty barista would come out of that game, I would have picked a better name. But I digress.” With another sigh, Chaewon recounted the whole mess, playing Heart’s Choice, meeting Kazuha in-game, and then waking up to the real one ringing her doorbell.

Sakura exhales and shakes her head. “Wow. This is either some magical thing or the most elaborate marketing stunt in history.” 

“Hmmm.” Yunjin scratches her chin, pretending to ponder. “What I’m getting here is that if Kazuha is from a dating sim… does that mean you guys are dating now too?” 

“Jen, I appreciate your HUGE concern over my love life,” Chaewon groaned, “but can we focus on the fact that Zuha literally came out of a game?” Chaewon says exasperatedly. Telling her friends about this has made everything too real. 

Yunjin ducked her head with a muttered, “Sorry.” 

Sakura covered her girlfriend’s hand with her own then turned to Chaewon. “Okay, let’s figure this out together. Do you have other reasons to believe she’s from the game? Maybe you’ve used that IGN elsewhere and that’s how she knew?”

“I mean, maybe… but that was ages ago. I don’t think she’s found me through Naver Junior.” Chaewon laughs awkwardly. “Oh! Another big thing, when we first met, she referenced events that happened in the game as if they’d really happened. That’s why she gave me coffee because my character ordered one.”

Sakura’s brows knit. “Okay… That is strange. But it could still be that she has played the game before and knows what happens already.” Sakura contemplates, trying to make sense of the situation.

“She’s also clueless about most modern stuff though. It seems like the only thing she’s confident about is being a barista.” Chaewon countered.

“That’s true,” Yunjin chimed in. “We went to a bakery earlier and she was greeting everyone and was so amazed by everything we passed by.” Yunjin says, remembering their short time together. “I just assumed she’s from the countryside, you know.”

Chaewon chuckled. “Did you know how hard it was to explain to her how elevators work?”

“Oh, I can imagine it. I bet Ssamachi made an appearance.” Yunjin laughed. “Still, she’s so adorable about it.”

Sakura frowned in deep thought. “It could be that she’s a genius con artist deceiving us all… but I don’t feel that at all from her.”

“Yeah, Kazuha looks too innocent-looking.” Yunjin said with a grin. “Besides, she loves bread as much as I do. So I kinda trust her already.”

“You and your bread devotion.” Chaewon muttered, though she added, “And seriously, I don’t even know what a con artist would even gain from pretending to be a barista from a dating game, especially targeting me?” 

Sakura nodded. “So let’s observe her some more. See if she’s just pretending to be who she says she is.” 

“Yes, and while we’re at it,” Yunjin piped up, “Wonnie here can continue practicing her dating skills. With a real person this time!” Yunjin suggests proudly. Sakura raises her eyebrow at Chaewon who got flustered at the idea.

“Really? I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean Zuha is–”

“Right behind you with coffee.” Yunjin says smiling to the barista.

Chaewon turns around, smiling back at Kazuha who was already looking at her. “Hey, Zuha. How was it?”

“Wonnie! I have your coffee! Eunchae, I mean Manchae, is really nice.” Kazuha greets her back and starts placing the coffee in front of everyone. “I didn’t know what you all liked, so I just prepared Wonnie’s drink for you.”

Sakura picks up the coffee cup in front of her and inhales deeply. “Oh that smells nice. Okay let’s see what you got.” She takes a zip and pauses, eyes widening. “This, this is… This tastes like heavens opened and angels sang.”

Sakura looks at Chaewon who sends her a knowing smirk. 

“Told you she was good.” Chaewon says proudly. “And yes, this is what I kept asking for you to remake! Now you get me!”

“This coffee is legendary, Ha-chan!” Yunjin declared. She turned to Sakura, pleading jokingly. “Babe, if Chaewon unnie doesn’t keep her, can we adopt Ha-chan?” 

“You know, we just might. Bloom & Bean could actually use this for our menu. But I don’t think she’ll allow us.” Sakura nodded, glancing at Chaewon who’ already absorbed in Kazuha’s cheerful retelling of her time with Eunchae.

“Zuha, what happened to your hand?” Chaewon asked suddenly, taking Kazuha’s reddening fingers in hers.

“Oh, it’s nothing, Wonnie. I was teaching Manchae a technique with the steamer, but she dropped the cup.” Kazuha tried to pull back sheepishly, but Chaewon wouldn’t let go.

“We’ll have to put a cream on it when we get home.” Chaewon said, voice firm with concern.

“Speaking of home… Where do you live, Kazuha-san?” Sakura cut in, taking the chance to interrogate the barista.

Chaewon blinked, only now remembering they weren’t alone. She let go of Kazuha’s hand, waiting for the answer too.

“Tokyo? That’s where I’m from.” Kazuha replied, confused with the question.

“Yes, but Tokyo is far from here. Do you have a place here in Seoul?” Sakura pressed, testing her.

“I… I don’t really know.” Kazuha frowned, then she turned to Chaewon. “Wonnie, how do I go back to Heart’s blend? I don’t remember how I got here.”

Chaewon’s heart squeezes at Kazuha’s concern. I can’t really tell her that Heart’s Blend is not a real place, can I? “It’s okay, Zuha. You can stay at my place for now.”

Kazuha beams, forgetting her worries. “Really? I’d love that. We can ride the elevator again!” She spun toward Yunjin with wide eyes. “Yunjinnie, do you know what elevators are? They’re so cool!”

“I do! We actually have one in our building too.” Yunjin said, matching her enthusiasm. 

Chaewon chuckled at Yunjin’s indulgence. She’s grateful her friends are there for her. These two really had her back. She then remembers the photo they came to deliver. “Oh unnie.. I got this framed already if you still want it?”

“Of course, I still want it. I already know where to place it.” Sakura reaches out for the framed photo Chaewon gives her. 

“Wonnie is really good at taking pictures! I love her photos.” Kazuha pipes up when she sees the photo. “I especially love the one at the river with the dancer.”

“That’s my favorite of hers too!” Yunjin agreed immediately.

Chaewon’s ears burned with all the compliments. “Okay guys, it’s not that big of a deal.” 

“I told you not to do that,” Sakurs scolded gently. You’re good at what you do, Chaewonnie.” 

The moment was cut short by Kazuha unsuccessfully trying to stifle a yawn. Her face went scarlet when she realized everyone noticed. “I’m sorry!”

They all burst into laughter, even Kazuha joined in. 

Chaewon stretched, the weight of the day finally sinking in. “I think we should head out. It’s been a long day.” 

“Yeah, we should help out Manchae too,” Sakura agreed. “I’m sure she’s already complaining about handling the evening rush alone.” 

“Zuha, why don’t you say good bye to Manchae. I’ll go to you after we clean up here.” Chaewon urges the barista, wanting to have another moment with her friends again.

“Okay, Wonnie. I’ll wait for you there.” Kazuha says standing up. She bows to Sakura then offers her hand to Yunjin to dap. She beamed at them. “It was so nice meeting you.” 

As Kazuha walked.off Yunjin shook her head. “She’s really too much of a puppy. I'm having a hard time seeing her as a potential con artist.” 

“I agree,” Sakura admitted, though concern lingered. “But are you sure about taking her with you, Chaewonnie?” 

“Yeah, unnie. I feel like she’s my responsibility now. It doesn’t seem right to leave her to her own devices.” Chaewon says.

Sakura sighed. “Alright. She seems harmless anyway. But if she turns out to be a weird asshole don’t hesitate to call us okay?”

“Thank you for understanding my ridiculous situation guys. I really appreciate you not thinking I’ve gone insane.” Chaewon chuckled.

“Oh I’ve known you’re insane since you tried to lock me in that charcoal sauna that one time.” Yunjin says in mock horror.

“You survived didn’t you?” Chaewon shot back.

“Okay, okay,” Sakura cut in, laughing. “Stop bickering you two and help with these.” 

Together they tidied up before heading over.

“Manchae! I’m sorry I didn’t get to say hi earlier.” Chaewon greets the youngest, opening her arms for a hug.

“Unnie!” Eunchae falls into the hug. “It’s okay, Zuha unnie kept me company.”

“I see, you’ve met her. I’m glad you like each other.” Chaewon says, messing with Eunchae’s hair.

Eunchae beamed. “Yeah, she’s really nice and she taught me a few tricks.” 

“Just… be careful with the steamer next time.” Chaewon gave her a look, though her smile softened it. 

Eunchae was surprised and smiled sheepishly. “Yes, unnie. Can I ask Zuha unnie something before you go?”

“Okay, just be quick.”

Chaewon watches as Eunchae drags Kazuha to the side and whispers something to her. Kazuha looks confused but nods and says her good bye to Eunchae. 

Finally, with goodbyes exchanged, Chaewon and Kazuha stepped out together. Chaewon still doesn’t understand how Kazuha appeared out of nowhere but after talking it through with her friends, she feels lighter. 

Questions still circled in her mind, but with Kazuha by her side, the strangeness of it all felt less like a burden and more like the beginning of something she wasn’t meant to understand just yet.