The next morning, Jeon Jungkook woke up earlier than usual. The golden light of dawn filtered through the curtains of his hotel room, casting soft shadows on the walls. For someone who rarely started his day before noon, it was uncharacteristic. Yet, the thought of returning to Blossom Brew nagged at the edges of his mind.

Pulling himself out of bed, he showered and dressed in casual black slacks and a fitted gray turtleneck that emphasized his broad shoulders and sculpted physique. Jungkook rarely paid attention to his appearance, but today, he glanced at himself in the mirror a little longer, smoothing his hair before stepping out into the brisk morning air.

The town was already awake, bustling with activity. Street vendors set up their stalls, shopkeepers swept the sidewalks, and the scent of freshly baked goods wafted from nearby bakeries. But Jungkook's focus was singular. His steps naturally led him back to the café, as if drawn by an invisible force.

When he reached Blossom Brew, the sight was just as he remembered, warm, inviting, and charmingly quaint. Pushing open the door, he was once again greeted by the soft chime of the bell.

"Good morning!" Taehyung's cheerful voice rang out, just as melodic as the first time.

Jungkook's gaze immediately found Taehyung, who stood behind the counter in a simple cream-colored apron over a white shirt and light blue jeans. His hair was slightly messy, as if he had rushed to tie his apron on before opening. Yet, that imperfection only added to his charm.

"You're early," Taehyung remarked with a bright smile. "Most people don't come in until later."

"I wanted to beat the crowd," Jungkook replied, his voice calm but tinged with a warmth he didn't realize was there.

Taehyung chuckled. "Well, you're just in time. The morning rush hasn't started yet." He gestured to the menu. "What can I get you today?"

"The same as yesterday," Jungkook said, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Caramel macchiato."

"Coming right up!" Taehyung chirped, turning to prepare the drink.

Jungkook took his usual seat by the window, his eyes trailing after Taehyung. There was an effortless grace in the way he worked, moving between the espresso machine and the counter with practiced ease. His bubbly personality seemed to fill the entire space, making even the quiet corners of the café feel alive.

As he waited, Jungkook pulled out his notebook and pencil. He opened it to a blank page and began to sketch, his hand moving instinctively as he tried to capture the essence of Taehyung. The soft curve of his lips, the sparkle in his eyes, the way his hair framed his face, it all came together on the page.

He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't notice Taehyung approaching until a cup of steaming coffee was placed in front of him.

"Here you go," Taehyung said, his voice breaking through Jungkook's concentration.

Jungkook quickly shut the notebook, his movements a bit too abrupt. Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a curious smile tugging at his lips.

"Are you working on something?" he asked, gesturing to the notebook.

"Just passing the time," Jungkook replied curtly, avoiding Taehyung's gaze.

Taehyung didn't press further, sensing Jungkook's reluctance. Instead, he leaned against the edge of the table, his playful grin never fading. "You know, you're the quietest regular I've ever had."

"Regular?" Jungkook repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, this is your second day in a row here, and you're back early in the morning. I'd say that qualifies you as a regular," Taehyung teased.

Jungkook allowed a faint smirk to appear. "I suppose it does."

Taehyung's laughter was light and infectious, and for a moment, Jungkook found himself smiling too. It was rare for him to let his guard down, but there was something disarming about Taehyung's sincerity.

Over the next few days, Jungkook continued to visit Blossom Brew, always taking the same seat by the window. Taehyung, true to his nature, greeted him warmly each time, treating him no differently than any other customer. It was a stark contrast to the treatment Jungkook was accustomed to, no whispers about his fame, no lingering gazes of admiration or envy. To Taehyung, he was just another face in the café, and Jungkook found that oddly comforting.

Taehyung's personality was as vibrant as the café itself. He moved through the space with an infectious energy, chatting with customers, recommending drinks, and even humming along to the jazz tunes that played softly in the background.

Jungkook, on the other hand, remained an observer. He rarely spoke unless spoken to, preferring to watch from the sidelines. But his notebook told a different story. Each day, he filled its pages with sketches of Taehyung, capturing his every expression, every subtle movement.

One afternoon, as the café buzzed with activity, Jungkook's pencil hovered over a half-finished sketch of Taehyung. The barista was laughing with a group of customers at the counter, his eyes crinkling at the corners and his smile radiant. Jungkook's hand moved almost of its own accord, desperate to preserve the moment on paper.

"You're really good at that."

The sudden voice startled Jungkook, and he looked up to find Taehyung standing beside him, holding a tray of freshly baked pastries.

"What?" Jungkook asked, quickly closing his notebook.

"Drawing," Taehyung said, nodding toward the notebook. "I've seen you sketching every time you're here. You're talented."

Jungkook felt a rare flush of embarrassment. He wasn't used to being caught off guard, especially not by someone as unassuming as Taehyung.

"It's just a hobby," he muttered, his tone clipped.

Taehyung tilted his head, studying him for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Well, you must really enjoy it, then. Your sketches seem so detailed."

Jungkook didn't respond, instead taking a sip of his coffee to avoid meeting Taehyung's gaze.

"Anyway," Taehyung continued, setting the tray down on the table. "These are on the house. I figured you might like to try something new."

Jungkook glanced at the pastries, flaky croissants, buttery scones, and delicate macarons. They looked like they belonged in a high-end patisserie, not a small-town café.

"You made these?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Taehyung nodded proudly. "Every morning. Baking is kind of my passion."

Jungkook picked up a croissant, taking a bite. The layers were perfectly crisp, the flavor rich and buttery. It was, without a doubt, one of the best he'd ever tasted.

"This is good," he admitted, his voice soft.

Taehyung beamed. "I'm glad you like it! You know, you're not as cold as you look."

Jungkook's eyes flickered up to meet Taehyung's, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "What makes you say that?"

Taehyung shrugged. "I don't know. You just seem...different. Like there's more to you than what you show."

For a moment, Jungkook was at a loss for words. No one had ever spoken to him so openly, so casually. It was both unsettling and refreshing.

"Maybe," he said finally, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles.

Taehyung grinned in return before heading back to the counter, leaving Jungkook alone with his thoughts.

As the evening wore on, Jungkook found himself lingering in the café long after most of the customers had left. He wasn't sure why, but the idea of leaving felt...wrong.

When he finally stood to leave, Taehyung called out to him. "See you tomorrow?"

Jungkook paused, his hand on the door. He glanced back at Taehyung, who was wiping down the counter with a cheerful smile.

"Yeah," Jungkook said softly. "Tomorrow."

As he stepped into the cool night air, Jungkook realized he was no longer just passing through this town. Something, or rather, someone was keeping him here.

And for the first time in years, he didn't mind staying.

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