It was a breezy afternoon, and Serendipity Brew hummed with the soft murmur of life—friends laughing over cappuccinos, a couple exchanging shy smiles over shared pastries, and a student furiously typing away on their laptop in the corner. Jimin loved this time of day when the café felt alive but not chaotic, its warmth drawing people in like a comforting embrace.

The bell above the door jingled, and Jimin instinctively looked up. His breath hitched for the briefest moment when he recognized the man who walked in. Jungkook.

Yesterday’s interaction flashed in Jimin’s mind, and he couldn’t help but grin. He came back. Guess my charms worked.

Jungkook seemed less hesitant today, though his eyes still wandered around the café as if he was soaking it all in. He approached the counter, his bag slung over one shoulder, his dark hair tousled just enough to make Jimin’s heart skip.

“Welcome back!” Jimin chirped, leaning casually against the counter. “Is it my world-class coffee, my dazzling smile, or my incredible pickup lines that brought you back?”

Jungkook’s lips twitched, the faintest ghost of a smile. “The coffee,” he replied, his voice steady but soft.

Jimin clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch. And here I thought I made an impression.”

This time, Jungkook’s smile was more apparent, even if it was fleeting. “You did,” he admitted, his tone light.

That small victory was enough for Jimin to brighten even more. “One Americano coming right up,” he said, already reaching for a cup.

As he worked, Jimin’s mind raced with ideas for today’s pickup line. He wanted to see that faint smile again—or maybe even hear a laugh. Scribbling quickly on the cup sleeve, he turned back to the counter and handed the coffee to Jungkook.

“Here you go. One Americano,” Jimin said, his tone playful. “And a little something extra, just for you.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow as he looked at the sleeve. His eyes scanned the message:

Do you believe in love at first sip, or should I brew you another cup?

A soft chuckle escaped Jungkook before he could stop it, and Jimin felt a surge of pride.

“You’re really committed to these,” Jungkook said, shaking his head slightly but looking amused.

“Of course! It’s not every day someone like you walks into my café,” Jimin replied with a wink.

Jungkook’s ears turned the faintest shade of pink. He murmured a quiet “thanks” and retreated to his usual corner by the window.

As the hours ticked by, Jimin found himself stealing glances at Jungkook. He noticed the way Jungkook’s brow furrowed slightly as he sketched, the rhythmic way he tapped his pen against the table, and the small, thoughtful sips he took from his cup.

Jimin’s curiosity grew. He wanted to know more about this quiet, intriguing man who had an artist’s soul and the kind of smile that felt like a reward.

When the café quieted during the late afternoon lull, Jimin seized the opportunity. Grabbing a fresh cup of tea, he made his way to Jungkook’s table.

“Mind if I join you?” Jimin asked, balancing the tea carefully.

Jungkook looked up, surprised, but he nodded. “Sure.”

Jimin sat across from him, placing the tea on the table. His eyes flickered to the sketchbook. “So, what are you always drawing in there? Or is it a top-secret project?”

Jungkook hesitated before turning the book slightly toward Jimin. The pages were filled with intricate sketches—beautifully detailed buildings, serene landscapes, and even a few abstract patterns.

“Wow,” Jimin said, leaning closer to admire the work. “You’re amazing! Are you an artist?”

Jungkook shook his head modestly. “Not really. I’m an architecture student. Drawing helps me think.”

“That’s so cool!” Jimin exclaimed, his admiration genuine. He pointed to one of the designs—a charming little café with large windows and plenty of greenery. “This one—it looks like a café. Is it for a project?”

Jungkook nodded. “Yeah. We’re supposed to design a small community space. I wanted something cozy, where people could relax and feel at home.”

Jimin’s heart swelled. “You mean… like this place?” he asked, gesturing around them.

Jungkook’s gaze softened as he looked around. “Yeah. Like this place.”

Jimin felt a flutter in his chest. He didn’t know why it mattered so much, but knowing Jungkook liked his café made him ridiculously happy.

“Well, if you ever need inspiration, you’re welcome to sketch here anytime,” Jimin said. “I’ll even throw in a free coffee or two. You know, for artistic purposes.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Bribery, huh?”

“Not bribery,” Jimin corrected with a playful smirk. “Strategic encouragement.”

Jungkook chuckled, the sound low and warm. For a moment, they just sat there, the easy rhythm of their conversation filling the space.

As the sun began to set, painting the café in golden light, Jungkook packed up his things. He paused by the counter on his way out.

“Thanks for the tea,” Jungkook said, his voice softer than usual. “And for… everything else.”

Jimin leaned against the counter, his grin impossibly wide. “Anytime. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

Jungkook hesitated for a second, then gave a small nod. “I’ll see you around,” he said, and with that, he was gone.

Jimin watched him walk away, the smile lingering on his lips. He couldn’t explain it, but something about Jungkook felt… special.

As he cleaned up for the day, Jimin found himself humming a cheerful tune. He had a feeling this was just the beginning of something wonderful.