IT’S EARLY IN THE morning and while coffee’s normally his saviour, right now it’s barely enough to keep him awake and fully coherent. though thankfully, the library’s nearly empty and those who are there seem to be immersed in other things ---- he’s assuming schoolwork. minjae sets his notebook on the desk in front of him, having opted for a decently sized table, one where he’s able to spread out the materials he needs for his lesson while also giving his student room to do the same. he doesn’t do this often, tutor individuals, but he’s recently been struggling with his job and figures teaching someone korean won’t be too difficult ! it’s more of a side project if anything, and it’s an easy way to earn extra money. he’s fluent in the language himself, which helps greatly, and he’s tutored friends in the past while living in london.
fitting stiff, cold fingers around his coffee cup, minjae brings the beverage to his lips, sipping slowly, savouring the bitterness he’s grown fond of over the years. it’s gratification is instant and only lasts a moment before it’s gone again, and he sets the cup down gently. he eventually sorts through the notes he’s made ; he’s just finishing when he hears someone approaching. he waits until the very last minute, aware they’re close by as he glances up, gaze falling onto the person in front of him. “ you must be ace ? ” his expression remains unreadable, features unchanging. “ i’m minjae, though i’d prefer if you just call me jae. please, sit. ”