#writinx

He was referencing to the mug shaped piggy bank with sheets of paper and a pen next to it. Tae explained that the shop was taking suggestions about what they could do to help improve the atmosphere of the coffee shop, especially with the younger crowd.

“Any good suggestions, yet?” The shy boy asked.

“Nah, mostly just menu things that we can’t afford and some stray coins or whatever.”

“Can I write something?”

Taehyung motioned to the container, “Go ahead.”

The foreign YouTuber wrote something and put in into the piggy bank. The next time Taehyung looked at the clock, it was 8:21 at night. He’d be here soon, and so the brown haired young man started preparing his order. Four minutes later, the bell rung and a young man in a purple jacket came in with a group of his friends.

They all set down their backpacks at the seats they chose. Some started unpacking while others began to line up.

“(Y/N)~!” Taehyung’s husky voice called out.

The young man in the purple jacket turned around and smiled. He approached the counter with a smile to get his pre-made order.

He chuckled, “You know you don’t have to do this every time.”

“You’re a loyal customer. It’s my pleasure.”

“There might be a day I order something differently.”

Tae shrugged, “It’s been four months. I highly doubt it.”

The young man huffed, “That just means I’ll surprise you next time.”

He went back to his friends, and Taehyung just sighed. The barista loved the boy in the purple jacket more than words could describe. He had started coming about four months ago to study for an entrance exam or something and had returned every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The first night, he had asked Taehyung for the best coffee.

“Oh, I don’t drink coffee, but the tea here is really good.”

His chuckle had made the barista’s heart go !!!, “If you don’t drink coffee, why are you working here?”

“Money’s good and I like the atmosphere. The people are mostly nice too. I’d suggest hot chocolate or the butterfly pea tea.”

 By the end of the day, there were about 50 suggestions Taehyung had to go through before closing. The boss wanted to help go through them, but there was no way his most loyal employee was going to let him.

“You need your rest, sir. I’ve got it. I’ll let you know if we have anything interesting when we open tomorrow.”

After going through them, he found that there were mostly usless suggestions or ones that would cost way too much money. There was one that was actually a really good idea, however. Live music. Having a coffeehouse musician was popular nowadays, and there would probably be a lot of untapped talent in the local area.

After suggesting it to the boss later the next day, he thought it was a wonderful idea as well. | Soon enough fliers and posters were hung up in the shop and also around town displaying the time and date of auditions to sing in the coffee shop. They were looking for someone with a gentle and clear voice, hopefully they could play guitar. It wasn’t a requirement since instrumentals could be found online at any time.

The day of auditions came, and Taehyung was annoyed. They were being held at the back of the coffee shop as to not bother the patrons. He didn’t understand why so many people thought screemo or rap would do well when the flier said “gentle and clear”

“Next!” He called as he scratched out yet another name from his list and balled up their application. He grumbled to himself about how people didn’t know how to read nowadays.

The next person that showed up sounded familiar, “Um, hi?”

“Hi. So you’re called the...” He looked up to see the man in the purple jacket and swallowed. “The Pa-bros? Is that correct?”

Both Tae’s crush and the broad-shouldered man next to him nodded. The other man was someone who visited but never dressed so casually. Taehyung sat up straight and asked them to give their real names for him to write down.

“I’m Kim Seokjin.”

“And I’m (Y/N). We’re the Pa-Bros.”

He wrote down both names and then asked to hear what they had. Seokjin began to strum on his guitar and (Y/N) sung out in a pristine and beautiful voice that carried the most human of souls in it. He was singing “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey Rae. It made Taehyung’s heart flutter, and he could’ve sworn he forgot how to breathe until the end of the song.

Everyone in the room let out a breath.

“Wow.” The barista said. “That was amazing. I’ll let you know how you did within the week. Yeah, I’m speechless. Thank you for your time.”

“Thank you.” Both said and bowed. Seokjin packed up his guitar and slung it over his shoulder while the other placed his stool against the wall.

Several patrons of the coffee shop were standing outside the door when the two left. It surprised the two performers, but it also gave the barista more of a reason to hire them. There had been only two other decent auditions the whole day other than (Y/N) and Seokjin.

“So, how’d it go?” The boss asked as he helped to clean up the tables as his brown-haired employee swept the floors.

“It went well. I’ll show you the footage of the top three once we’re done cleaning up.”

The two men sat at a table and watched the performances on Taehyung’s phone in the silent shop. They had all done incredibly well. It was hard for them to choose a favorite and decided to do one final test to see who they could have perform for them. Of course, there was only a certain amout of money that could go towards paying these talents, so they had to be worth it.

Once home, Taehyung sat at his laptop and sent out rejection emails to the 34 people who did not make it. Then you sent emails to the final three: Pa-bros, Mia Kim, and a brother sister trio called Gro Up. The message explained that they would have to do a live performance the upcoming Wednesday to see how well their visitors liked their talents.

It would also show who could handle performing live in front audience. Tae didn’t send the message to them yet since he wanted his boss’s approval to make sure it had everything he wanted in it. Instead, he listened to jazz in the shower and while he microwaved his dinner, humming along to the brassy notes

He really hopped the Pa-Bros made it just so that he could see (Y/N) every other day of the week.

The day came, and Taehyung made sure his uniform was clean and had even fixed his glasses for tonight. He had seen people talking about the coffee shop competition on SNS. Even though it wasn’t marketed like that, he figured that’s what this basically was. A competition to see who got the job.

Wait, fuck! Does that mean it’s gonna be busy today? Tae thought as he picked up his speed to the shop.

The answer was yes. Luckily, the boss had anticipated this and restocked two days earlier even ordering extra for the crowd. The store would be getting more popular after this, huh?

Tae put his stuff into his locker after clocking in and put on his apron. Getting to work was fun as he watched speakers be set up where the stage would be sooner or later. It wouldn’t be that big, just a bit higher than the rest of the store for better viewing. The orders came quickly, but the interest made most people more patient. That was good.

Then the boss said that the two Park Jimins could take over the counter, and he could introduce the acts and work the floor due to his natural charisma. He nodded and went to do just that with nothing prepared.

“Hi, everyone. Glad to have you here.” He said into the taller microphone. “We have three amazing acts for you to watch tonight. The winner will be decided by your applause and will become perminant entertainment for the store!”

A few people clapped, making him smile despite his nerves.

“Anyways, first up is a band of twin sisters and thier little brother. Please welcome to the stage, Gro Up!”

The trio began to sing and play their instruments, but something was off. It quickly came apparent that one of the sisters weren’t feeling well. She darted towards the bathroom to throw up. Her twin followed as the youngest thanked the audince for their attention, but they were going to withdraw from the competition. He scampered off to check on his sisters.

Taehyung was pushed back on stage where he introduced Mia Kim who did well despite the events that literally just happened seconds ago. Then Tae introduced Pa-Bros. Another stool was set up in the space and microphones were placed where the best sound could be heard from each.

Today (Y/N) wore a vest over a checkered dress shirt. The sleeves were rolled up halfway which made him look more handsome than usual. Jin was also dressed nicely, but Taehyung’s eyes were glued to (Y/N) His face was so handsome and he seemed comfortable under the stares of the largest Wednesday afternoon crowd they’d ever had.

“Hi, we’re Pa-Bros, and we’ll be singing ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz.”

The Barista closed his eyes as he listened to the singer. It felt as if he were transported to an island where it was just the two of them in swim trunks exploring the forest with smiles on their faces. They played in the water until sunset where they made a bonfire and slow danced under the stars. They now sat by the ocean in a blanket with the fire crackling near by.

He laid his head on Tae’s shoulder and smiled at him, “I really love you.”

Taehyung snapped out of his daydream while people applauded and felt his cheeks get warm, but he clapped as well. What kind of daydream was that? He had never let his imagination go that far when thinking about the man, but this time was different. (Y/N) looked at the blushing barista who gave two thumbs up in return.

Then people voted for the two artists. Ten minutes later, they were counted up by the female Jimin who texted Taehyung the winners. Gro Up had apologized and gone home out of embarassment but said they wished Mia and Bros luck since they had both done so well.

“Alright, folks.” He adjusted his glasses as everyone quieted down. “Before I announce the winner, I wanna thank all of you for coming to see the show and ordering while you’re here. It means a lot.” He clapped and smiled.

“I’d also like to give a round of applause to our lovely entertainment. All of you were absolutely stunning tonight and are both winners in my book.” Applause and cheers.

Taehyung continued, “However, in the payroll, there can only be one or the other. We’ve counted up all the votes three times and by two different people. The winner is...” He opened the text message and beamed as he saw the name, “The Pa-Bros!”

The whole coffee shop became an uproar of cheers. The two boys hugged each other and then bowed to Mia who congratulated them. As Taehyung moved to congratulate them as well, (Y/N) pulled the barista in by the collar and kissed him square on the lips.

After the two parted, he said, “Sorry, I just promised myself I would kiss you if I won.”

“Good.” Tae said and kissed back.

A few months passed and the coffee shop was doing better than ever. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they would have a poetry slam. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays were when The Pa-Bros--who renamed themselves to Koffee Kings--performed on the new stage.

Taehyung clocked in as usual, humming jazz. He always showed up half an hour earlier to watch his boyfriend (Y/N) perform a couple of songs. By the time he clocked in, it was a five minute intermission. Sometimes when his love was in a really good mood, Tae’s boyfriend would dance with him after giving people their coffees.

He was wearing the purple jacket tonight, “Don’t forget to tip your waiters, especially cuz that one’s my boyfriend! I love you, Tae!”

“Love you too!” The barista replied, blushing with the biggest smile on his face.

You were at a ski resort with friends but your legs were one more slope away from turning into absolute mush. So as your friends went back out, you decided to get some food and something hot to drink from the snack counter. However, as soon as you turned around, you noticed the broad shoulders in a padded coat too late.

Your vanilla chai landed straight on the floor and your individual apple pie was properly smushed. Not even looking at the person, you fell to your knees and just make whimpering noises. Like legit, you sounded like the saddest little puppy mourning over your lost meal. Did that really happen?

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!”

You were about to rip him a new one until you saw who it was. His face was legit everywhere, and what a handsome face it was. Kim Seokjin in his tall and broad shouldered splendor was in complete shock as some staff wiped the back of his jacket. The man then got onto all fours to do the lowest bow you have ever seen.

“I’ll buy you another whatever that was. I’m so sorry. I should’ve been looking at where I was going.”

I stood as the liquid began to spread even more. We were pushed out the way for the janitor to clean up the mess even though Jin profusely said that he would do it. Jin bought you a new drink and apple pie and the two of you sat down while things settled. He was there for a photoshoot for his newest acting role. Even though you had been ready to rip his head off not even ten minutes ago, you found yourself falling for his every word currently.

Jin had to leave just after he was complimenting you on how well you spoke Korean, though. An idol never rests! Before he left, however, he gave you his phone number as secretly as he could on a napkin. He winked at you.

“Hopefully, I’ll see you again soon.”

That hope died down as both of your schedules just kept getting more full. You had his number but never the time. Like never. Most of the year passed along those lines of never being able to meet up.

You decorated your Christmas Tree last second. It was small, so it didn’t take too long except you were really enjoying the eggnog you had made a whole bowl of. Christmas music played loud enough to drown out the carolers outside your window. Yeah, the spirit was to be shared and all, but you just were tired of people. It would be fun to share this day with someone though, someone special. Not just anyone.

Reading Christmas cards was fun. Got some money out of it. You sighed and grabbed your camera to take some photos of the snow outside. It looked so pretty in the setting sun.

Your guilty pleasure Justin Bieber song came on and you sang along, “It’s the most beautiful time of the year. Lights fill the street spreading so much cheer…”

Right, the Christmas in July party that happened on vacation a few months ago. That’s where you saw Jin again.

He looked so good in a floral printed dress shirt and matching shorts. You were sort of hoping to slide past him, but he somehow recognized you in a huge sunhat and bright yellow sundress.

“Hey, I’m about to take a boat ride. You wanna come with?” He asked as you two had been catching up for a bit.

“Umm…well…” You said and looked up at him, your face was boiling and peeling at the same time. Third degree sunburn. There were boils all over your legs.

He said that he hoped you felt better soon and that you’d get to do it another time. You said sure and ran off to get into some shade and buy some ointment or something, anything to get rid of the pain.

Now the calendar was just one page, barely even a week left. You were making some last minute calls this Christmas Eve to your parents and friends and other family members that you actually spoke to. Today and tomorrow were days for some self pampering and a time for rest. Even the parties that didn’t cancel on you, you cancelled on them or turned them down.

The last time you even had a chance like this it was Halloween. Jin called that night and said he would pick me up from the party I was at and then we could go hang out together at his dorms. Everyone was out that night partying, but he just wanted a night in with someone he cared about. You said sure even though it was really hecking late, but his car didn’t start. No one else was answering, so you two just texted until you lost your phone in a Halloween punch bowl.

He did send you turkey and spam for part of your Christmas dinner since he was  so busy and couldn’t do it in person. Yes, Spam. He was Korean, and you had gotten used to this tradition pretty quickly. It was in the oven as you looked around for the cranberries you were going to use to make homemade cranberry sauce. Oh no. You forgot them in the basket cuz some weird guy in a Burberry coat was approaching you when you were shopping.

Probably stole your damn berries too.

Either way, you put on your boots and bundled all the way up since it was snowing and went to the all night Lotte store nearby. You went straight back to the produce section and searched for the bag of cranberries. You grabbed them and went to the line with people buying last minute gifts and sch. A familiar sight was standing in front of youin crushed red velvet. Then you couldn’t help but sneeze due to the weather.

The guy turned around and said, “Bless you...wait, (Y/N)?”

In the line was the guy you’ve been chasing all year.

“Oh my god, hi!”

“I thought I’d just be spending the day with my bros. Just got back from a fansign.” Jin laughed. “This year’s been crazy! Like, at least I have a little time for a break.”

You replied, “Yeah, me too. But why are you…” Your eyes wandered to his hand basket. “You mean you forgot cranberries too?”

You two started laughing and laughing in line and as he was called up to be next, you realized maybe Christmas was more magical than you thought. You wouldn’t be spending it alone or with annoying coworkers since Jin asked if you wanted to hang out at his place with the others of course. They were doing the same thing you were, watching movies, drinking eggnog with way too much rum in it and helping Jin cook.

You said yes if you able to turn of your oven at home first. As you walked to his waiting car, the last bit of an English Christmas song played over the store’s speakers.

Merry Christmas; Merry Christmas Couldn't miss this one this year. Merry Christmas; Merry Christmas Couldn't miss this one this year. Merry Christmas; Merry Christmas Couldn't miss this one this year.