#wxw

The scent of coffee filled the air. The sound of the foaming machine. The sound of classical music was playing softly. I hummed as I put the lid on top of the cup and read one last time the order and the name on it before saying it out loud.

"A cappuccino for.. Jennifer! You can pick up your order at the counter, on the left."

The young lady smiled at me and took her drink while I turned to face the other side of the counter. I quickly sighed when I saw the line of customers waiting for their orders to be taken. I reached the machine, thinking of the numerous interactions I’ll have until the end of my shift. A hand patted my shoulder.

"Let me take care of this, just make drinks, and it’ll be fine."

I looked up at my colleague but couldn't answer as he passed by and greeted the first customer of the line with a smile.

"Hello, welcome to the Æsplace, what can I do for you today?"

Like if it was simple, Yeonjun smiled and filled in the check to print the order sticker. His smile was not cold or weird; he was a natural. The way he was always so open and comfortable... I looked down at the cup he gave me and checked the order on the sticker. I sighed and repressed a yawn. Okay, let’s focus on this order. A… frappuccino for… Jimin. How do you make one already? Coffee, milk… ice and caramel. Like usual, I took the ingredients and filled the cup. Coffee went in the shaker, and I quickly added ice and closed the lid. A good shake later, I filled the cup with caramel syrup and poured the drink into the cup. The second I put the lid on top of it, a second order arrives. My eyebrows furrowed as I read the order. A… hot mint-chocolate? Did someone actually order this?

Two months earlier.

"Yeonjun, there’s no way we’re adding mint-chocolate drinks on our menus. Why add it when we know it won’t be bought?"

I said as I kept wiping the counter. He chuckled and circled the words on the sheet of paper.

"It’s because a lot of people don’t like it that we should add it to our menu. Let’s change our point of view. Imagine if you can find your favorite coffee in one place. It’s super rare because a lot of people dislike it. You’ll come more often because you know you won’t be able to have it anywhere else. It’s basically the same with Mint-Choco. People will come because you don’t find this drink everywhere."

I rolled my eyes and smiled.

"So what, it’s like… marketing?"

"Basically, yeah. Let me tell you something. If we sell less than… let’s say, 50 in three months, I’ll give you half of a month of your salary as a bonus. Okay?"

I swiped the counter even harder, grinning.  

"Deal."

I scoffed as I reached for a pen and put a stroke on our sheet. Today marked the 13th one in two months. Yeonjun winked at me as he saw me putting down the pen. I stuck out my tongue as he chuckled before focusing on the next customer.

I poured mint syrup into the cup, frowning my nose as the minty scent hit me. Who drinks this anyway… I then heated the chocolate milk and poured it, adding chocolate shavings. I put the lid on top of it and walk to the counter with both orders.

"A frappuccino for Jimin, and a… hot mint-chocolate for… Minjeong."

I quickly give a head bow and walk away, picking up the next cup. I don’t have time to read the order that I hear a voice calling me.

"Excuse me…"

I turned around, looking at the cup. The Mint-Choco one.

"Do you have straws I could use?"

I leaned towards the counter. No more straws. I leaned down, opened a new pack, and put one down as I filled the tub. I took the order back and put the drinking straw into the opening.

"Here you are."

"Thank you. H-have a nice day."

I looked up, surprised. A customer actually thanked me as I helped with the order. Her order. I took two seconds to look at the young woman who just picked up the weirdest drink on Earth. She walked out of our coffee shop, smiling as she took a sip of her drink. How can… a girl like her have such weird tastes?

I shut the door of my apartment and turned on the light. I closed my eyes, leaning my back against the door. Today… was rough. I smiled as I heard little steps coming towards me.

"Hi baby…"

I kneeled, holding my hand in front of me as my cat walked up and sat in front of me. With her fierce blue eyes, she looked at me, not showing interest in getting caressed.

"You’re not saying hi? No? Okay.."

I chuckled as I removed my shoes.

"Let’s just hope you had a great day."

I stood up and took my bag, walking into my bedroom. I pushed the door open, put my bag down, and let myself fall on my bed. I should eat, feed the little princess, and… check what classes I have tomorrow. I rolled my eyes as I heard the little animal tapping her bowl, asking for her meal.

"Yeah, Millie... I’m coming…"

Letting myself fall on the bed, I closed my eyes and sighed. I leaned on my side and unlocked my phone.

"Tomorrow… I have History of arts… then.. I might go back to the Cafe and work for 5 hours.."

I started to answer messages I received today when a notification caught my eye. A smile came to my face as I clicked on it. I took my headphones, connected them, and sat on my bed. The familiar intro rang in my ears, then a song started. Notes of guitar flew out of the headphones as I recognized the song. An acoustic version of Virtual Angel.. A feminine voice arrived, adding even more magic to the cover. As the song ended, I opened my eyes. I scrolled down the description and downloaded the guitar tabs. My eyes flew to the empty guitar holder standing in the corner of my room. I don’t have a guitar, and I don’t know how to play guitar. But one day, I’ll have one. Like usual, my fingers started typing a comment. I then turned off my phone and leaned under the cover. One day… I’ll have my guitar.

"Oh. So…you’re leaving?"

I blinked as Yeonjun continued wiping the floor.

"For a week, yeah. It’s my midterms exam week and I won’t be able to come every day. It’s my last year of uni, I really can’t fail them. And I need to work with friends."

I bit my lower lip, anxiety rising.

"But it should be okay? You’ve been working for so long now, I’m completely okay knowing that you take care of the Cafe while I’m gone. You always work very hard, and I trust you."

I looked down, starting to fidget with my hands.

"I… I don’t think I…"

I stopped talking as someone entered the Cafe. Yeonjun smiled and bowed quickly.

"Welcome to Æsplace!"

He then looked at me and patted my shoulder.

"We’ll talk about this later. But I wouldn’t ask you this if I didn’t trust you. I know you can do it. I’ll continue with the floor, I'll let you make the drink."

I nodded, a bit disoriented, and walked behind the counter. I adjusted my cap and scratched my throat.

"H-hello, Welcome to Æsplace. What can I do for you today?"

I quickly typed the order into the computer and picked a cup. I turned around, picked up the cup, and placed the sticker on it. I quickly made the drink, put it on the counter, and looked up. I bit the inner side of my cheek as I saw people coming to the line. I walked back to my spot and tapped on the screen for a new order.

"Welcome to Æsplace, what can I do for you ?"

"I’ll have a coffee."

The loudness of the voice surprised me. I looked up, noticing how tall the man in front of me is. A shiver ran down my back.

"W..which type, sir?"

"Hm… a double espresso. And for her.. we’ll take one hot chocolate too. With a lot of whipped cream. Right?"

I looked down and finally understood who this man was talking to. A little girl was hiding behind that tall man, all shy and flustered. I smiled and nodded as I typed the order down, adding the name.

"Is it to stay?"

"Yes, please."

"You can go sit down, I’ll call your name when your order is ready."

The little girl looked up at me as the man walked away. I waved at her and smiled as she ran away.

"You seem to be a natural with children?"

I blinked twice before looking at the person who talked. The mint-chocolate girl. I blushed and stuttered, looking down.

"W-Well, um.. I’m not really good with them but.. let’s say some of them are kind of cute. But I don’t.. I don’t know."

She chuckled, her eyes closing as she smiled. I looked down, creating a new order file.

"Welcome to the Æsplace, what can I do for you today?"

"I’ll take a Hot Mint-Chocolate. With… extra whipped cream. And I really liked the chocolate shavings you added last time, so I would love it if you add them again."

She looked at me, pushing a strand of her blond hair behind her ear. I nodded as I typed on the screen, not daring to make eye contact. She scratched her throat and looked up.

"It’s… it’s funny because I never found a cafe that made mint-flavored drinks. So.. it’s great you guys decided to add it to your menu."

I pressed my lips together. If she knew I was originally against this… Not knowing what to answer, I headed towards the cup.

"Is it to stay or to go?"

She tilted her head and furrowed her eyebrows for a second.

"To go."

I nodded, printing the sticker.

"I’ll call your name when it’ll be ready. I’d say in something like ten minutes, considering the number of clients we have. Any… any name I could call?"

"Minjeong."

I looked up at her and nodded.

"Minjeong… I’ll.. I-I’ll call you. I mean, for the drink."

I nodded once more, sticking the little receipt on the cup and turning around to put it to the side. I continued with the next client as she walked to the side. As I printed the fourth and last receipt, I couldn’t stop myself from looking at her cup with a skeptical face. What is wrong with me?

Ten minutes later, I placed the drinks on a tray. I added two little candies and walked to the table where the little girl and the man sat down earlier. I nodded to them as I put the drinks down.

"Here’s the.. espresso and the hot chocolate. Feel free to call me if you need anything."

I said as I put the candies in front of the hot chocolate. I then walked towards the counter and put the drink on it.

"A hot Mint-Chocolate for Minjeong!"

As I called her name, I looked at her putting her phone in her pocket. I took a straw and placed it next to her drink. I then took the dishcloth and wiped my hands.

"You said… you weren’t such a fan of children."

I looked at her drink as she softly spoke.

"You said you weren’t a fan, but I couldn't help noticing how you gave candies to the little princess down there. It was cute. And the way I didn’t even have to ask for a straw… sorry if I'm going too far. But thank you. It’s actually nice. Have a beautiful day."

The blond smiled and turned around, walking towards the door. I couldn't stop myself from looking at her as she left, so much so that I didn’t hear my colleague walking up to me.

"Is she someone you know?"

I jolted as his voice reached my ear. I blushed, looking away.

"No! I… She’s just a customer. I don’t know her."

He nodded, smiling. I couldn't help but blush even harder as he looked at me without saying anything.

"W-What!?"

"Nothing, nothing…"

He chuckled, filling the milk machine with the refill.

"I’m pretty sure it’ll be okay when I'm gone."

Two weeks later, I groaned as my alarm rang. As soon as I opened my eyes, I could feel anxiety flooding my body. Today marked the first day of me… taking care of the cafe by myself. I took a breath, sighed, and sat up. Yeonjun showed me how to open the shop; it’s not a problem. He also showed how to run the shop daily, but it’s more of… one week. Of only one managing the cafe. I pressed my palms on my eyes, sighing. If Yeojun said I could do it.. It should be okay.

As I brushed my teeth, my phone buzzed. I reached for it, checking who texted me.

« You can do it Y/niiie~~~~ » « I believe in you, call me if you need anything »

I smiled and answered, thanking my colleague. I know I’ll never call him; I don’t want to disturb him. But that’s nice to hear. I finished rinsing my mouth and started applying my makeup. My shaky hands made it way more complicated, but I managed to do it. As I put my shoes on, I looked up at my clock. 8:04. I’m good. I waved my cat goodbye and closed the door behind me. Æsplace, here I come. 

"Bye, have a nice day."

"Thank you for coming…"

I pressed my fingers on my nose bridge, sighing. Today was… long. Extremely difficult. I started to close the different machines as the end of the day was coming, since a couple of last clients had just left. I started to wipe the counter for the last time of the day when the door opened. I spoke up without looking at the customer.

"We… We’re almost closing. Welcome to the Æsplace, what can I do for you?"

"I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how late it was. What do you suggest?"

I looked up as I started to recognise the voice. As I was still wearing my cap, I couldn’t really look at the face of the customer. I looked at the hands that were resting on the counter while I tried to think of a recommendation. Pink.. with pearls and white details. I look up, realizing who I have in front of me. Her.

"Maybe I should give you a list of things I like? It would be easier to find something."

She tilted her head, trying to catch my eyes. I blinked, using my cap to ‘hide’ myself.

"I like anything sweet… I like chocolate. And milk too. I love mint-choco."

"I… I have milk pudding left. There’s a lot because we haven't sold it today.. I normally have to throw it away or bring it home. But I can give it to you. I.. Like, you can have it if you want."

"Really? Oh, that’s sweet. How many do you have?"

I walked towards the back shop, opening the fridge. God, we have… only six left. That would be a shame to throw four of them. I took two, closed the fridge, and walked back to the main room. I put them down and reached for a box.

"There are four left if we don’t count these two. Any… any friend you’d share with?"

"Actually yeah. I’ll take four of them."

I looked up, surprised. As our eyes met, she smiled even more. She chuckled, scratching her cheek. I couldn't help but notice a little dimple on her left cheek.

"It shouldn’t make me this happy but… I finally get to see your eyes."

I blushed, looking down. I knelt down, switching the little box for a medium one.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable."

"N-No, it’s…"

I stood up, not realizing that she leaned a bit over the counter. Her head bumped into my cap, pulling it down my face.

"Oh!"

"I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to…"

I stepped back, removing my cap. I pushed my hair out of my forehead, looking up at her.

"I hope I didn’t hurt…"

I closed my mouth as she looked at me, not saying anything. Embarrassed, I started to blush. I looked up at her forehead. It’s… red. It’s probably where my cap bumped on her. Feeling very awkward, I started to chuckle.

"I-I’m… I’m sorry, I.. The day was pretty long."

I looked up at her, wondering why she hadn't said a word. I blushed even more, pushing my hair away, and I put my cap back.

"So… Four milk pudding?"

She nodded, showing a sudden interest in the food.

"Yeah. Four please. I’ll.. I’ll buy them. I’ll give them to my friends and my roommate. I.. I should come with them one day. It’s a cute place. Plus… I’m starting to have a reason to come here more often."

She looked up at me, not adding anything to the sentence. My cheeks flushed as I started to stutter. She looked around, smiling as I walked to the fridge, taking the other two puddings. As I came back, she was typing on her phone. She put it down on the counter when she saw me.

"Talking about.. about the puddings, I can’t let you buy them when I was about to throw them away."

"I insist. I want to buy them."

"Um… Then, let’s say half the price."

I turned toward the screen of the computer, adding the products and putting a discount.

"It’ll be 9,840₩."

She took her phone, paying with her digital card. She then closed the app, and I couldn’t stop my eyes from looking at her wallpaper. I saw her hugging a red-headed girl. She noticed how I was focusing on it, not as discreetly as I wanted.

"She’s my roommate. She’s named Yizhuo. But I love to call her Ningning. It’s weird, but people think we’re together since we live together, but… no. I’m single, haha. I…  Sorry, it was awkward."

I chuckled as I printed the receipt.

"No, it’s okay. If.. If you… Maybe it won’t help but.. I don’t have anyone either. We’re.. We’re equal now."

I smiled, handing her the receipt.

"Sorry, I forgot to ask. Did you want anything more?

"No, it’s perfect like that. Thank you. If I want anything more, I’ll come back another day."

She smiled back, taking the receipt. She also took the box I handed her, but stayed in front of the counter instead of leaving. As I turned the computer off, I gave her a quick look.

"Do you need.. anything more?"

She shook her head, pressing her lips together. She seemed to be hesitating.

"It… might be weird but… You’re really pretty without your cap. I know it might be a part of your uniform, but… Yeah. I wanted to say that."

Once more, I couldn't repress the blush from creeping on my cheeks. By the time my mouth wanted to answer anything, she was at the door, waving at me. I waved back, a tiny smile on my face. Why did she leave… I could have… I don’t know. I put the back of my hand on top of my mouth. What would I have answered anyway… 

The next day was basically the same as Monday. Opening the cafe, preparing tables, food and machines, serving customers, closing the cafe, cleaning everything and then leaving. Wednesday and Tuesday were the same. Except for those two days, she came. She had her usual order and left. As I was the only staff member, I didn’t have time to have a real conversation with her. She made sure I saw her smile to me every time before she left.

I put the key in the lock and turned it, opening the cafe for the last time of the week. Today marked the last day of my managing the Æsplace all by myself. I pushed the door open, entered, and pushed the key inside the other side to close the door. I locked it and started to walk towards the back shop when soft knocks caught my attention. I jolted as I saw someone standing on the other side of the transparent door. Trying to calm my heartbeat, I walked to the door. I gasped as I realised who stood there. I unlocked the door and opened it.

"Minjeong? What are you doing here?"

She chuckled as she tried to catch her breath.

"Did you… Run? Are you okay?"

She nodded, smiling.

"I.. I actually saw you from afar and I wanted to say ‘hi’ to you.  But.. I might be too early. I’ll wait, don’t worry."

I pressed my lips into a thin line and looked up at her.

"Do.. you want to come in? While I open the cafe?"

She looked up at me, surprised. As soon as I pushed the door open, she smiled even more and followed me.

"Make sure to lock the door behind you. I’ll open it later when the cafe opens. You can go sit down. I need to change for the day."

She nodded as she does and put her bag next to a table. I quickly walked to the back shop and closed the door. I removed my jacket and my top, holding the fabric against my chest. What am I doing?! Am I even allowed to do that? I pushed my shirt into my locker and quickly put the cafe’s shirt on. I took the apron and put it on. I reached for my cap but stopped, my hand freezing in front of it. 

‘You’re really pretty without your cap.’

I bit my inner cheek and closed the locker door. Yeonjun isn't here, so I don’t necessarily need to wear my cap today. Plus, he told me I don’t need to wear it every day.

I opened the door of the back shop and walked out, finishing tying my apron. Mechanically, I started all the machines, placed all the pastries on the display stand. As I placed the last ones, Minjeong walked up to me.

"Do you need help with anything?"

I smiled as she leaned on the counter.

"It’s nice to ask but it’s okay. I’m not supposed to let you in, I won’t.. Ask you for more. But thank you… M-Minjeong."

She smiled, scratching her throat.

"I… It might be weird but… I never asked for your name."

I looked at her and chuckled.

"I’m.. Y/n. Kim Y/n."

She nodded, still leaning against the counter.

"Kim Y/n. I guess you’re older? Since you always called me by my name…"

I blushed as I realized my mistake.

"To be honest.. I never asked myself the question. I’ll soon be 22. You are?"

She smiled even more. 

"Are you telling me I’m older than you? God… I just turned 23."

I looked away, fidgeting with my fingers.

"Okay…"

She burst into laughter.

"What was that reaction? You’re not into elders?"

"No, I…"

I blushed so hard when I realized what she just said. Oh god. Did she really say that? I started to stutter, not knowing what to say.

"I… God. N-No, it’s just that… I’ve never been a dater, I… Had several experiences with girls my age but.. It.. It wasn’t that deep."

I froze as I realized what I just said. Did I just admit that I liked girls in front of her? I looked down, not knowing how to act. My breath quickened as silence deepened. My hands started to shake as I scratched my neck. I tried to calm my breath until a laugh came to my ears.

"I’m sorry, I’m not laughing at you. It’s just… great to see people assuming their sexuality. And… To be honest, I was wondering if… you were just being nice, or if I…"

She blushed and shook her head.

"No, sorry. We’ll talk about this later. I’ll go sit down, I won’t disturb you."

She patted my hand and walked away. As she sat down, I couldn’t stop myself from looking at her. She rested her elbows on the table and hid her face. I chuckled, noticing how her ears had become bright red.

The rest of the day went really well. Minjeong came to see me every time I wasn’t busy with other customers or working on her laptop. I might not have been really discreet with the way I looked at her throughout the day since we both caught ourselves looking at each other several times in a brief spare of time. If customers complain, I would understand. I wasn’t really focusing today…

"It was actually impressive! I don’t think I would be able to do this every day."

I chuckled as I locked the door of the cafe behind me. Minjeong actually stayed all day long, from the beginning to the end of my shift.

"It’s just making and giving drinks to customers, you know… It’s not like you who dances all day long. Plus, you’re a uni student? That’s impressive too."

I smiled as we started to walk towards my apartment, as she insisted on walking me home. Night fell pretty fast, and stars were slowly arriving in the sky. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder as Minjeong walked in front of me.

"So…Today was your day off?"

She nodded, intertwining her hands behind her back. A smile came to my face as I noticed her thumbs pressing against each other. She tilted her head, her hair flying around. I pressed my lips into a thin line, wondering what was going on in her mind. It’s weird how the feeling went well… We met… one month ago? And we’re already… friends, I’d say.

"Are you on Insta?"

I looked up at her, a shiver running on my skin. I nodded, pulling out my phone.

"Yeah, I… I can give it to you if you want."

"I’d love to."

I kept looking at my phone, opening the app. I gave her my phone while she searched for her account.

"Here!"

I slowly took it back, my fingers brushing against hers. I blinked, glancing up at her, then at my phone.

"Oh wow. 70k? What are you, an idol?"

She burst into laughter as I scrolled down her profile.

"I didn’t know you’d be a dancer AND post dance covers. You’re so…"

I didn’t finish my sentence, watching the video I clicked on. Blush colors my face as I recognize the dance. The contrast between her video and… her. God, it’s so…

"Hot…"

"Y/n? Are you okay?"

I looked up, my eyes meeting hers. God, pardon me for loving women. I choked on my spit, starting to cough.

"Yeah I… God, I.. Yeah."

She chuckled as I looked away.

"Come on. Let’s get you home."

She smiled as she leaned in, reaching for my hand. I’m internally screaming. We walked in silence, my cheeks showing me how cold the night seemed. As I started to get lost in my thoughts, I didn’t even realize when we arrived in my neighborhood. 

"It’s… almost there. You don’t have to walk me to my door; it’s already very nice of you to… I mean, you walked me all the way home…"

She smiled, letting my hand go.

"Okay. I’ll text you when I get home."

I nodded, looking up at her. As she was smiling, I couldn’t prevent myself from smile back. I looked down at her dimple, at her lips, then at her eyes. Was she… looking at my mouth right now? Once more, my cheeks gained several degrees of temperature. I looked away, hiding my mouth with the back of my hand.

"I’ll go now."

I looked back at her, nodding.

"Okay…"

She took a step, her cheeks taking a pretty shade of pink. My heart started beating faster, my hands getting slippery. What. Is. Going. On. She raised her hand, pushing my hair behind my ear. I closed my eyes, and her face leaned towards me. What. The Fuck. A shiver ran down my spine as her lips met my cheek. I closed my mouth as they touched me a second time. Did she just kiss the corner of my mouth? Her hand grabbed mine, raised it, and my brain crashed as I opened my eyes. She leaned, her lips brushing against my knuckles.

"I’ll see you later, yeah?"

She let go of my hand, all flustered, and started to walk away, a smile on her face. My legs didn't answer; my brain was all fuzzy.

I closed my door, not realizing what had happened 10 minutes ago. A meowing brought me back to Earth. I kneeled, raising my hand.

"Hi Millie…"

My cat walked up to me, not coming closer than usual. She looked at me, her blue eyes judging me. "Still not saying hi ? Okay… Let’s hope you had a great day."

I smiled as I lowered my hand. A notification grabbed my attention as I took my phone out of my pocket.

« Thank you for today, Y/nie~ » « I actually can’t wait to see you again » « Sleep tight <33 »

I can feel my cheeks getting even hotter as I read the three messages. I look at my cat, who’s looking at me like I'm crazy.

"Let’s say that mine was… mint flavored."

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Thank you for reading! Feel free to give constructive feedback!

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Please consider that English is not my mother language.

© 2025 ddearina. All rights reserved. Do not plagiarize, copy, translate or repost my work to any platform.

No ai used.

*Charlie’s POV*

If there was one thing I’ve learned from hanging around the Winchesters, it was that there was always something weirder around the corner. Ghosts? Sure. Demons? Unfortunately. Leviathans? Still traumatized. Dean trying to flirt during an active murder investigation? Basically guaranteed. Which was exactly what was happening right now. 

“So,” Dean said casually as we walked through the parking lot of a tiny sheriff’s station in rural Montana. 

“Three bodies. Hearts ripped out. Sounds like a werewolf.” 

Sam sighed. I sighed. Dean ignored us. 

“What?” He asked. 

“You’ve said that six times.” Sam replied. 

“Because I’m right.” 

“You also said it was a werewolf in Nebraska.” 

“I was close.” 

“It was a ghost.” 

I snorted. 

We arrived in a town called Cedar Ridge after reports of three bizarre murders in two weeks. Victims found in wooded areas, with massive claw marks, and hearts missing. Classic hunter case. The sheriff’s been cooperative enough, mostly because Dean flashed an FBI badge and smiled. Dean could get away with murder when he smiled. After getting the copies of the reports, we headed back toward the Impala. 

Dean stopped suddenly. “Huh…” 

I looked up, and there was a black motorcycle parked next to Baby. A really nice motorcycle. And leaning against it was a woman. She couldn’t have been much older than thirty. Her Y/H/C pulled into a ponytail, black leather jacket, combat boots, a knife strapped to one thigh, a gun holster visible under her jacket, and the expression on her face suggested she could kill every person in the parking lot without raising her heart rate. Dean looked delighted. Sam looked concerned. I was impressed. The woman crossed her arms. 

“You the fake FBI agents?” 

Dean grinned. “Depends who’s asking.” 

The woman rolled her eyes. Definitely not impressed. 

“Y/N.” She held up a badge. Also fake FBI. She was a hunter. 

I blinked. Dean stepped forward. 

“Dean Winchester.” 

“I know.” 

“Sam Winchester.” 

“I know.” 

Dean pointed at me. “And this is Charlie.” 

The woman’s eyes landed on me. I offered a small wave. 

“Hi.” 

She looked at me for a moment, then shrugged. 

“Don’t know you.” 

I blinked. 

“You don’t know Charlie?” 

“No.” 

“Seriously?” 

“Should I?” 

Okay, rude… Not actually rude, just unexpectedly blunt. I pointed at myself. 

“The Charlie? Queen of Oz? Slayer of evil? Professional nerd?” 

Nothing. The woman stared at me with absolutely no recognition. Dean looked offended on my behalf. 

“She’s kind of a big deal.” 

The woman shrugged again. “Good for her.” 

Then she looked at Dean. “You done?” 

I immediately liked her. Dean looked personally attacked. 

“Wow.” 

“I’m on a case.” 

“So are we.” 

“Then let’s stop wasting time.” 

Sam snorted. Dean shot him a glare. Y/N pushed herself off the motorcycle. 

“I’ve been working this case for five days.” 

Dean’s eyebrows rose. “Five days?” 

“Found the first body before the sheriff did.” 

Okay, that was impressive. The kind of impression that made me immediately want to know everything about her. Dean crossed his arms. 

“Then why haven’t we heard about you?” 

Y/N smirked. “Because I didn’t tell anybody.” 

An hour later, we were sitting in a diner comparing notes, and wow, Y/N was good. Like really good. Scarily good. The kind of hunter who clearly knew exactly what she was doing. While Sam and Dean had been interviewing witnesses, she had already mapped every attack location. While we were researching local lore, she had already checked every abandoned property within twenty miles. And while Dean had spent half the morning trying to charm a waitress, Y/N had actually solved part of the case. I was trying very hard not to stare… and failing spectacularly. She was sitting across from me, flipping through case files while drinking coffee. Black coffee, no sugar, no cream. Which somehow made her even cooler. How was that possible? 

Dean suddenly leaned forward. “So.” 

Y/N didn’t look up. “No.” 

Dean blinked. “I haven’t said anything yet.” 

“You were about to flirt.” 

Sam immediately started laughing. I nearly choked on my milkshake. 

Dean looked offended. “You can’t know that.” 

“I absolutely can.” 

Dean pointed at her. “That’s profiling.” 

“We’re hunters.” 

“Still profiling.” 

She finally looked up. “Do you have information about the case?” 

Dean paused. “No.” 

“Then stop talking.” 

I had to look away because I was smiling too hard. 

Over the next two days, we worked together. The case turned out to be a rugaru. Which Dean insisted couldn’t be right. Until Y/N literally showed him evidence. Twice. 

“You know, I usually like being right.” Dean said as we walked through the woods one afternoon. 

Y/N looked at him. “That must be difficult for you.” 

Sam laughed so hard he nearly walked into a tree. 

Dean pointed accusingly. “Nobody appreciated me.” 

I did a little. Mostly because he kept getting shut down, and it was hilarious. The more time we spent with Y/N, the worse my crush got. She was smart, funny, confident, completely fearless, and somehow managed to look cool doing literally everything. At one point, she jumped down from a second-story fire escape. Just jumped, landed perfectly, like she was in an action movie. Meanwhile, I nearly twisted my ankle stepping off a curb. Life wasn’t fair. 

The hunt finally came to a head on the third night. The rugaru had holed up in an abandoned sawmill outside town. The fight was brutal. Dean got thrown through a stack of lumber, Sam got punched in the face, I got chased through half the building, and Y/N? Y/N was terrifying. The rugaru charged her, she sidestepped and swept its legs out. Drove a knife into its shoulder, then shot it. Twice. I think I fell a little bit in love. Not a lot, just enough to be embarrassing. 

The next morning, the hunt was over, the town was safe, and everyone was getting ready to head their separate ways. Dean leaned against Baby. 

“Well.” 

Y/N was strapping a duffel bag onto her motorcycle. 

“Well what?” 

“You ever find yourself in Kansas-” 

“No.” 

Dean sighed. “You don’t even know what I was gonna say.” 

“I know exactly what you were gonna say.” 

I laughed. Sam laughed. Dean looked betrayed, again. 

A few minutes later, Y/N finished packing. Guess this was it… A weird disappointment settled in my chest. We’ve only known each other for a few days, but still… She was awesome. And now, she would probably disappear into the hunter network forever. Y/N turned toward us, she shook Sam’s hand first. 

“Stay safe.” 

“You too.” 

Then Dean. He grinned. “Sure you don’t want my number?” 

“No.” 

“Your loss.” 

“Definitely not.” 

I laughed. Dean looked wounded. Then Y/N turned toward me, and suddenly I forgot how words worked. 

“Hey.” 

“Hey.” 

Excellent. Incredible conversion. Ten out of ten. Y/N smiled, not one of her tiny smirks, an actual smile. The kind that made my brain short-circuit. Then she pulled a pen from her jacket. My heart immediately started beating faster. Wait… Was she? No. No way! She gently grabbed my hand and started writing across my palm. I stared. Then stared some more. Then looked up. Y/N capped the pen. 

“Call me sometime.” 

My brain stopped functioning entirely. “Uh…” 

Wow. Great response, Charlie. Y/N laughed softly. 

“I’ll take that as a yes.” 

I was pretty sure my face was bright red. She stepped back toward her motorcycle. Then paused. 

“See you around, Charlie.” 

And then she was gone. Engine roaring, motorcycle disappearing down the road. Just like that. I stood there staring at the number on my hand. Completely frozen. Behind me, there was silence. 

“Oh.” 

I turned, and Dean was staring after the motorcycle. Then at me. Then at the number on my hand. Then back at me. 

“No wonder.” Dean pointed dramatically. 

“What?” 

“No wonder my moves weren’t working on her!” 

I immediately started laughing. Sam groaned. 

“Oh my God.” 

Dean ignored him. “She wasn’t interested in me.” 

Sam deadpanned. “Your moves shouldn’t work on anyone.” 

Dean gasped. “Excuse me?” 

“They’re terrible.” 

“They’re not.” 

“They absolutely are.” 

Dean pointed at me. “Charlie.” 

I looked up from the phone number I’ve already memorized. “Hm?” 

“My moves work, right?” 

I exchanged a look with Sam. Sam exchanged a look with me. Then we both burst out laughing. Dean looked horrified. 

“Hey!” 

“They’re awful.” Sam said. 

“Objectively awful.” I agreed. 

Dean threw his hands up. “You know what? Fine.” 

“Believe whatever you want.” 

“We will.” 

Dean pointed at both of us. “Chicks dig my moves.” 

Sam climbed into the passenger seat. “Sure, Dean.” 

“They do!” 

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” 

Dean huffed. I climbed into the backseat, still grinning. Then looked down at the number written across my palm. A huge smile spread across my face. The hunt had started with monsters, but it ended with a badass hunter giving me her number! Honestly? That was a much better ending than other hunts I’ve been on.