PROMPTS

Coffee Lover - End

A/N: I hope you liked the multiple updates this weekend! 

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Jeong Hyeok found out just how many of those insecurities Se-ri had. 

It wasn't easy and there were times that it hurt, primarily because she seemed to want to hurt him and see if he was still willing to stay. But, they promised honesty, so he gave it. "Do you wish to hurt me by saying this and then telling me to leave?"

There were moments when she would not respond and then apologise but one time she finally admitted that "I still worry that one of these days you'd give up on me. I worry that this is the day we finally end."

"I promised you I won't give up but that does not mean you can treat me badly," Jeong Hyeok told her.

"I'm sorry. I... I don't know with my moods sometimes and I feel more insecure than usual," she said.

Because of that clue that she willingly shared, he had been more observant. Jeong Hyeok became aware of a couple of things: one, she was more insecure around the monthly hormonal changes that women went through. In these moments, he found that the thing that helped the most were words of assurance that he loved her, a few cuddles and then asking her what she craved for.

Second, was a genuine melancholy that would come when she hears of friends who had broken up or when there was a life event that made her sad. In these moments, she doesn't need a lot of words, just hugs. 

Se-ri was initially surprised at how Jeong Hyeok stood up to her. In the past, she was able to get away with a lot of emotional outbursts then she would be surprised when things would end. With Jeong Hyeok, he told her when he felt she was being unfair but always assured her that he was willing to talk it out. 

He was speaking up because he wanted them to work not because he wished for a break up.

It was uncomfortable to tell him that she was feeling vulnerable or to even just say that she was insecure but she wasn't sure why but Jeong Hyeok never judged her and always allowed her to speak. 

More and more, they were able to find a balance to make sure that Se-ri's needs were met but that Jeong Hyeok wasn't neglected either. It was hard work but they were both willing to do it.

For her part, Se-ri loved taking care of Jeong Hyeok. Whenever she bought something, clothing or food, she would always get something for him. If they didn't have a date, she would pass by the coffee shop to drop food or even just a note for him.

"I missed you today. Video call me later so I can see your handsome face, please?"

Or

"I bought these donuts for you at a bakery. I think I'm tired of kissing a handsome man with abs. Can we try a Jeong Hyeok version with a belly?"

Or

"I woke up today feeling thankful that I have you and I just wanted to let you know."

And sometimes,

"You're cute. Are you single? Ditch your beautiful and sexy girlfriend and spend a night with me? P.S. This is Se-ri and if you think it's another woman be ready for the fight of your life."

In response, Jeong Hyeok would have her coffee prepared and on her way to work, he would be waiting by the pavement to hand her the cup as she passed by. At work, she would check what her message would be for the day.

"I love you! Enjoy your day, my Love!"

or

"Day 301 and I still adore you."

or 

"You drooled on me last night but guess what? I still love you."

or

"I'm sorry about burping loudly at dinner. Your cooking was amazing."

And often,

"You're the most beautiful woman I have ever met. How lucky am I that you love me, too?"

Not every love story deals with problems caused by external forces. Sometimes, it is the disquiet within one's heart that has to be overcome. And that is scary... because when it fails, there's no one else to blame but yourself.

Jeong Hyeok understood this and appreciated that Se-ri took the risk. 

Luckily, people come along that see all of that -- all the imperfections, the insecurities and the not so good side of your personality -- and still decide to stay and work with you on it. After all, they aren't perfect, too, and no one should be expected to be.

Se-ri learned this and appreciated that Jeong Hyeok was generous in his assurances with her.

There were a few important elements to every great love story, as Se-ri and Jeong Hyeok learned.

One, finding a kind person and a great partner was underrated. Kindness and partnership can seem boring, surely not the stuff that dramas and movies were made of.

Two, that happiness can be found even in the most imperfect situations and people. 

Three, which is the most important, is choice. To choose to be together whether things are good or not. To choose to work it out with this person and not give up. To choose to fall in love over and over again with the same person.

They took their time building their relationship. Jeong Hyeok wanted Se-ri to feel his sincerity and show that she can feel secure with him. Se-ri wanted to show Jeong Hyeok that, as scared as she was, she was willing to make them work. 

As they came up on their two year anniversary, on a random weeknight, Se-ri dropped by the coffee shop that had witnessed their beginning and many of their special moments after. 

As planned, Jeong Hyeok was at the cashier's post again. "Hey!"

"Hi! I would like to order a medium mint tea latte to go," Se-ri said, ordering the first ever drink he recommended for her.

Jeong Hyeok frowned at her formality. She normally just waved and waited for her order at the bar so it was unusual for her to fall in line like all the regular customers. "Alright. I'll have it ready at the bar."

"Wait! Don't you have to ask who you should make it out to?" Se-ri widening her eyes at him, prompting him to say the regular spiel at the coffee shop.

"But I --"

"Ask meeeeeee!" She demanded, pouting at her long-term boyfriend.

Jeong Hyeok chuckled but indulged the love of his life because he wanted to make sure he got kisses later. "Okay. Okay. To whom do I make this out to?"

"Can you please put 'Will you marry me?'"

Jeong Hyeok's eyes widened, jaw dropped and stared at Se-ri. "What?"

"Will. You. Marry. Me."

The girls behind Se-ri gasped but Se-ri's face remained passive even as her eyes were twinkling. "I'm going to give it to this barista I've had the biggest crush on for a number of years now. You think he'll say yes?"

Jeong Hyeok gave her the brightest smile. "Pretty sure he can't resist. But," he dropped his voice to a whisper before continuing. "I don't have the ring here, my Love."

"I don't need a ring. I just need you to say yes," Se-ri declared.

"Chi Su, can you take over here?" Taking off his apron, he pulled Se-ri to the section above the coffee shop where he wanted to take her years ago. Once they were alone, he pulled her tightly to him and kissed her until she forgot where they were and what her name was.

"Wait," Se-ri said, breathlessly, pushing him away just a little. "Is that a yes?"

"Yes! Of course! Yes!" Then he kissed her again. "Yes!" Kissed her again and again and again.

THE END