♫ : love, maybe - babymonster

After returning to downtown Seoul, life went into a slow, comforting rhythm.

You and Jake had decided not to live together just yet, even though it had crossed both of your minds more than once. There was something special about having your own spaces and walking the ten seconds it took to meet each other halfway.

Your café had been busy as usual, especially with people craving warm drinks and pastries in the winter cold. Jake, on the other hand, had officially started his new brand under the jewelry company, a promise fulfilled after he chose to stay in Seoul.

He explained everything to you in detail one evening, his eyes sparkling. His role wasn't just designing now, he was building something of his own.

"It's still under the company," he said, leaning back on his couch that night with you practically lying on him. "But I have creative control over the brand. It's like a dream project."

You listened, feeling some kind of pride you didn't think was possible to feel for another person. "And you'll still have time to stop by the café after work?" you teased.

He laughed, reaching out to ruffle your hair. "Always."

True to his word, Jake made it a habit to stop by your café after finishing work.

Some evenings, he'd walk in and order his usual, a latte. He would settle into the corner booth, his laptop open in front of him as he worked on designs or replied to emails.

Other times, when his workload was lighter, he would pass by the old dumpling vendor near your apartment complex, the one you always bought from, buying two boxes before heading to the café. One for you and one for him.

Tonight was one of those nights.

The familiar doorbell ring caught your attention as you wiped the counter and you saw him walk in, holding two boxes of dumplings. He was still in his work clothes although he loosened his tie and ditched his blazer for a black coat.

"Thought you might be hungry," Jake said, placing the boxes on the counter with a smile. "It's dumpling night."

You glanced at the clock - it was almost 7:40, just twenty minutes before closing. "Why'd you always spoil me like that?" you asked, reaching for one of the boxes.

"Someone has to," he said, leaning against the counter. "And besides, I get to eat too. Win-win."

You rolled your eyes, taking a bite of the dumpling. The familiar flavors filled your mouth and you sighed happily. Jake watched you, his chin resting on his hand as if you were the most fascinating thing in the place.

"What?" you asked, your voice muffled by the food in your mouth.

"Nothing," he replied. "Just thinking how cute my girlfriend looks when she's eating."

By the time you closed the café, the streets outside were quiet, with only the occasional cars passing by. Jake helped you lock up, his hands stuffed into his coat pockets as he waited for you to finish.

As you walked back to the apartment complex, Jake wrapped an arm around your shoulders. Instinctively, you leaned into him, your head brushing against his shoulder.

Through his coat, you could feel the hardness of his collarbone and the warmth of the muscles beneath. The fabric had the heat of his body and there was a light hint of his cologne remaining on the exposed skin of his neck.

It wasn't too much, just enough to make you want to breathe him in. And when you did, trying to capture that faint scent, his quiet chuckled reached your ears.

"Enjoying yourself?" he teased, tilting his head to look down at you.

Caught red-handed, you quickly straightened up, your cheeks burning. "Shut up."

Jake laughed, pulling you closer. You groaned but didn't pull away, letting him guide you through the familiar streets until you reached your building.

The dumpling vendor was still there, packing up for the night, and she waved at the two of you with a knowing smile.

Jake's return to Seoul isn't just another long business trip anymore.