Between lattes and lyrics

The brewed beginning

Chapter:1

The brewed beginning

The golden morning sun spilled into the cozy little coffee shop nestled on a corner of Hongdae, the smell of freshly ground beans dancing in the air. It was called Between Brews, a place where indie music met hipster charm, and where Kim Mingyu had somehow become a part-time barista despite being clumsy enough to drop a tray at least once per shift.

Mingyu wiped the counter with a towel, his broad smile lighting up the space. Customers didn’t mind waiting when he was around — his good looks, clumsy charm, and endearingly deep voice made him a favorite among regulars.

"Mingyu, the foam goes on top, not around the cup," called a sarcastic voice from behind the espresso machine.

Jeon Jungkook, the cafe’s tattooed latte artist with a soft spot for puppies and punk rock, was both Mingyu's coworker and lowkey rival. His drinks were always perfect, his latte art so detailed it once made a customer cry.

"I’m giving it character," Mingyu grinned, holding up a cup with an almost-foam heart that looked more like a potato.

Before Jungkook could retort, the doorbell chimed.

In walked Jeon Wonwoo — dark sweater, wire-framed glasses, and a novel tucked under one arm. He moved like someone who preferred silence to noise, but even the clatter of the coffee shop seemed to quiet as he entered.

Mingyu froze, hand still holding the misshapen coffee. Jungkook looked up, eyes narrowing slightly.

Wonwoo sat at his usual corner, nodding politely. He’d been coming every Saturday for months now, always ordering an iced americano and staying for hours, immersed in books or scribbling into a well-worn journal.

Mingyu, mustering his best casual swagger, approached.

"Hey, the usual?" he asked, heart hammering.

Wonwoo smiled. "Please."

Behind the counter, Jungkook made the americano with mechanical precision, handing it to Mingyu without a word.

As Mingyu placed the drink on Wonwoo’s table, their fingers brushed.

"Thanks," Wonwoo said, voice soft.

"Anytime," Mingyu replied, lingering for half a second too long.

From behind the counter, Jungkook’s eyes didn’t leave them.