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smoothlikealikeasnake · 2 days ago

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Strong Coffee and Sweet Cakes

Chapter One ‘Introduction’

Genre - BTS FF, a/b/o dynamics, a/b/o BTS and MC, Ot7 x fem MC/reader, so fluffy, little angst, eventual smut

Warnings - MC has some appearance description to fit the story, not named however and this is written, a/b/o description and dynamics, slight reference to potential sexual assault, as always let me know if there’s anything to add xx

Summary - A new cafe near the Hybe building will change the 7 members of Bangtan’s lives forever, 7 alphas in a pack? A recipe for disaster. Until a sweet omega starts to stir up their world with a little bit more sugar and slowly their loneliness dissolves

Next Chapter

Author Notes - Hello my lovely readers, this is a new series I’m starting alongside strawberry princess because I’ve hit a serious stump with it right now and the ideas for this fic are just flowing so I really hope you enjoy xx

The last few months had made your dream come true, your cafe/bakery building was finished, staff hired and business had began to bloom like flowers of the spring.

As an omega, it’s instinctual to love to feed, provide, put a smile on others faces and that’s exactly what your baking and the environment you created does and it’s everything you’ve wanted. Sure, it’s less common for Omegas to work let alone own a business but you manage, maintaining a balance of working behind the scenes (baking) and occasionally up front to take orders, serve and make drinks.

Some days your timidness gets the best of you, forcing you to shy away from any sort of attention, that’s why always having other staff on the shift is essential to making your business work. Yuqi, Soyeon and Soojin aren’t only the staff that work with you but have become your best friends.

Yuqi is an alpha, witty personality and always quick to your defensive but she equally gets on with the customers with how easily her (joking) sarcasm and teasing attitude makes them feel comfortable and more relaxed.

Soyeon and Soojin are also alphas, Soyeon taking on a leadership role without you ever having to ask or show it, her just knowing when it’s one of those days by the way you’ll aggressively push your hair back from your face too often to be relaxed and she’ll instantly remind you of small tasks that you should do, in the kitchen or around the building in general, away from the often busy environment of the cafe.

Soojin never fails to tease and push as your limits to coax you out of your shell, gently prying you out of your own head and ruffling your hair when she succeeds. You especially adore Wednesdays where Shuhua (Soojin’s beta girlfriend) comes to spend lunch at the cafe and always asks about your new recipes, requesting to try until it became a routine for you to prepare your newest bake for her to try and rate, thinking about wether to add it to the menu or not.

The days where you aren’t in your own head are the best ones, being able to appreciate and float around the beautiful, peaceful environment you created, the amount of people (large or small) never being able to take away the calmness you put effort into creating with the decor, air quality (so no one is overwhelmed by any scents besides the bakes and coffee) and overall atmosphere you strove to create.

You love to hand out your bakes and make warming or refreshing drinks. Staying a beat longer than necessary sometimes to watch as the often sugary treats sweeten someone’s day even just a little, living for the brightness that builds in their eyes and words of appreciation sent your way that admittedly never fail to make you blush.

Your charm and demeanour is loved by your regulars, on your days in the kitchen your always informed by Soojin that they were wondering where you were, the baker of their favourite treats.

“I heard you were looking for me yesterday Mr. Kim, here’s your mint tea with a little spoon of honey” - You smiled as you approached the older man, his eyes closing with the bright smile he returns, gushing and mildly scolding you for not being there, both of you knowing he was only teasing.

Efforts are made to know your regulars orders and their preferences in terms of time and location, for example you always had a teapot of chamomile tea ready to brew for Mrs. Han who came every evening after work and wanted to avoid coffee to wind down, always staying until closing and finishing the entire teapot. You’d ask her how her work was everyday, she’d give you a tired but relieved smile after her first sip of the hot soothing tea and give you a small brief, always praising you and thanking you for your consideration.

You like the connections you’ve made, the warmth you can bring to the people you serve and it satisfies something deep within you, makes you purr through the evening after the end of your day and go to sleep with your thick duvets, burrowed in your bed in the nest fit for one, often dozing off with a sweet smile.

There’s of course the days where your nest isn’t filled with happy purrs, instead it’s slightly ruffled as you try to comfort yourself after a particularly hard day or a day where you didn’t have the luckiest encounter with a customer. Some times it’s typical, rude customer, just in general or sometimes directing disbelief and degradation at you because you’re an omega. Other times you have gotten unlucky with a beta or alpha who thinks they have a right to suddenly be handsy and make sly comments simply because you are friendly. One of the girls will step in as soon as they catch a shift in your sweet scent, wavering with uncertainty because you never want to make a customer upset or take their intentions the wrong way but that leniancy also means they get a few extra seconds to try and be vulgar before one of the girls swoop in and swiftly replace you with them, pasive aggressive comments thrown towards whoever thought they had any right and in some, very bad cases, the culprit is forced out of the cafe. Those are the days when you need to recharge, often end up behind the scenes the follow day rather than front of hourse and your friends always understand, also ecnourage you to do just a little extra baking.

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Mondays are hard for everyone, you take extra effort to put out all the bakes, finish up any details and ensure everything is prepared for opening in the early morning before the first rush of customers enter, often for their coffees. Thats how this story begins.

its 6am, Namjoon is rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand, a bad habit, but one that feels necessary considerig hes been awake all night, his thick glasses barely doing much to hide the tiredness in his eyes. He tried to look more alive before leaving the studio, running his hands through his hair and throwing on a fresh black hoodie to match the black trousers he wore but it didnt do much honestly and he knew that. It was an effort however, and thats what mattered.

His friends have been raving about this new cafe, with also the sweetest bakes and amazing coffee and although he hasnt had an opportunity to visit and try before, he had an opportunity, or rather, a excuse now. Monday morning, up all night, in desperate need of caffeine and the cafe was only a 10 minute walk from the company building. A nice change to the quick machine coffee he settles for in the studio every day. And he needs the fresh air, they all do honestly but now more than ever with a comeback creeping up and everyones tension rising.

Its only expected, it happens just before every comeback, tension is high because stress is put on everyone and in a pack purely of alphas? Its multiplied, try multipled 7 times. It gets worked out easily, always does and everyone knows it will only take one foot out of place at this sort of time for a argument to creep up and its easily resolved. Unavoidable, but easily resolved and thats what comforts everyone, knowing its shortlived and that the joy and success that follows during and after a comeback is always worth the exhaustion and hardships taken to create it.

Namjoon is stuck on one song, one gap in the album with a clock ticking in his head, driving him further and further into turmoil. No motivation, no muse, just exhaustion and stress. Nature has always been something to mentally rejuvinate the alpha, so the walk to the cafe is needed to try out this semi-famous cups of coffee and get physical rejuvination (glorious caffeine).

Hes pleasently surprised as the cafe comes into view, its fairly empty from what he can see on the outside considering the first rush of the day tends to be from 7:15 to 8:45 (noted in your one of your cafe note books). The outside is inviting, with your effort to maximise the comfort from aesthetics, a variety of plants and florals decorate the walls, windows, near the door, the earthy, fresh scent immediately clearing Namjoon's airways in a way he never knew he needed, it was literally a breathe of fresh air. Theres a couple small tables out front aswell, some wooden, some a pretty kind of white pattern, almost looking like you'd just followed your heart on every single set you liked the look of rather thna keeping to one theme (you had) and it worked. So well.

Walking to the door, Namjoon already felt lighter, the handwritten 'Open!' in a pretty but effortless cursive so welcoming. A little bell rang as he pushed open the door, a quiet jazz tune playing that he knew Taehyung would appreciate more than anyone and Namjoon just stood in pure awe taking in the place around him. He'd been hit with the scent of fresh baking and coffee, no too strong though, a common theme of plants all throughout the space and its clear how youd taken to making every second spent in and outside of the cafe enjoyable and comfortable. The lighting is dim and warm, not clinical or overwhelming like it is in the company building, homey and without realising, tension was already releasing from his body in waves, replaced with relaxation before he'd even gotten up to the till to order.

The interior is whimsical, instinctual and similar to the exterior, the walls muted colours, an array of different woods, comfortable, worn leather, patterns that could clash but were so expertly placed that they just didnt, no two pieces the same anywhere and it could be overwhelming but again, it just isnt. The other thing he noticed is the pure attention to detail in furntire placement, theres windows everywhere, natural sunlight on multiple tables and chairs of different sizes for different groups but theres also a few corners outside of the light for those who would prefer, a few extra lamps and dim lights placed in those areas to accomodate. Charging points for those who want to stay and study or work, Jugs of Fresh water on every table (all different jugs) with little pots of fresh citrus fruits to add should you want too and glasses to pour into, whimsical little trinkets placed on each table and around the edges and the walls decorated in carefully picked paintings. Its Namjoons heaven, and theres specific features inside that every single member would simply adore.

The last thing he notices is the pillows and blankets on every seat and area, attention to comfort and each were perfectly fluffed up, the indents on the sides suggesting it was done by hand (it was, part of your morning cafe routine), blankets of all kinds all around and across the room he could spot a few wicker baskets overflowing with even more, another hand written sign on the wall just above it, something he couldnt quite make out. And then he finally moves, approaches the pretty display of baked goods, everything he could imagine fully stocked with the exception of one or two bakes being gone from some of the trays where the first customers had come in.

Theres a fancy coffee machine, fresh fruit and juice station and on the shelves is all of the cups for sitting in and their matching - or mismatched - tea plates, he couldnt spot two of the same mug or cup and really it was meant to feel like home, more home than the studio, than the company, than his own large apartment, its a deep rooted kind of home and Namjoon held his breath for a moment without even noticing what he was doing.

No one behind the counter, he worried you werent open before remembering the sign on the door and then right in front of him, an answer. Another bell, small and with yet another hand written sign next to it 'Ring Me for Service!', the dotted 'i' in service slightly smudged and for some reason it made him smile so with a single finger, Namjoon gently tapped the bell, its gently 'ding!' summoning you, clumsily scurrying through the door to the kitchen with wide eyes and a slightly messy ponytail, your apron still on and Namjoon stopped breathing as your scent invades his nose, sugary sweet pastry, cream, warm cinnamon and a little hint of strawberry, just tart enough to make your mouth water but sweet enough to balance it. Namjoon quickly regained compsure, refusing to inhale deeply like he wanted to in fear it would make you uncomfortable and you, clumsily running out at the bell havent really got your two thoughts together just jumping right into your customer service routine before you glance up and realise this is a new customer, another member of the hybe building and groups but that doesnt phase you at all, its his beauty that does. Hes dragon-like, breathtaking, big, tan, ever so gentle but so clearly an alpha and hes scent is perfectly earthy, laced with some sort of deep exhaustion that upon closer look is evident in his eyebags, mess hair and tired eyes and instantly you feel a need to nurture it, to care for him and nurse him back to health in a stronger way than you feel for other customers, you dont know why its stronger with him but you wont let that sway you from your usual gentle approach to customers, you wont overstep any boundaries and neither would he.

'Good Morning! what can i get you today?' - Your positive, bubbly personality even at 6 in the morning warms Namjoon's heart and he finds a smile gracing his tired features instantly, almost forgetting to answer for a moment until you look up at him expectantly. Things started to make sense, hed heard an omega owns the cafe and this was you, so clearly an omega, small in size, cheeks tinted pink naturally, fingers slightly chubby as they hover the screen infront of you and it all came together, the attention to detail, clearly precise placing of furniture and decoration only achievable by an omega skilled in nesting, the blankets and pillows galore, you have his heart in an instant but he clears his throat, rather clumsily and gets back on his train of thought, looking up at the board of contents as if he would differ from his go to order.

'Ill just have an espresso please' - You nod enthusastically tapping a few buttons on your screen and then looking up again

'Do you have a preffered coffee blend?' - Hand reaching towards another handwritten sign with the list of roasts you offer and Namjoon faulters, some he has heard of, others he hasnt so he goes with a quicker, easier answer he really hopes doesnt bother you

'Whatever you reconmend' - The uncertainty in Namjoon's voice makes you soften even more and you once again nod, choosing what you deem a safe and seemingly fitting option, a mid ground.

'Would you like anything else today?' - Namjoon pauses for a moment, looking at the display of so many treats and sweets and considers them but with so much choice and not having thought it through, he settled for going without, even if a few did catch his eye and had him lingering on them a second too long which you instantly picked up and mentally noted for later.

'That's all thank you'

'And will that be to go or sit in?'

'To g- actually, ill sit in thank you' - A few minutes in this wonderful space wouldnt kill anyone right, hes trying to rejuvinate his mind and motivation and he certainly cant do that at the studio so a break was needed. He saw your eyes light up at his change of heart and he wanted to watch that again and again, something so small but so sweet. You nodded enthusastically

He pays via the card machine, leaving an extra tip you would have definitely deemed unnecessary but you didnt see as you quickly got to work on his espresso. Namjoon took his time choosing where to sit, your words encouraging him to do so 'You can take a seat anywhere youd like, ill bring it right over!' and after some contemplation, he chose a singular seat, leather armchair, comfortable and cushiony infront of the direct sunlight, the small space shared with a large plant on the floor and a small table with a few books he hadnt noticed before, a small cup with some sugar cubes and mini tongs right next to it and the entire set up just had him melting, eyes half closed and breathing slow. Now, his eyes are feeling heavy again but maybe its welcomed, a different kind of break that hes needed for days now, even if it isnt sleep, his eyes are barely open when you teeter over, so light on your feet he doesnt even hear besides the light chime as the cup is settled on the table.

Unbeknowest to him, you watch him fondly as you bring over the espresso, hoping he'd feel even a bit better after some time in the cafe and the drink he'd requested. He's loosely gripping the arms of the chair and his head is tilted back, your careful to very gently place the cup down but he seems to hear and you feel slightly bad for snapping him out of his own mind, he sits up again slightly and watches you step back, listening to your every word, its a simple statement but the way he catches every little tinge of your voice makes you feel giddy and you dont know why.

'Here you go, i hope you enjoy it' - You say not only as a reference to the drink in general but also specifically because you chose the blend he was about to try. You only stay for a moment before slowly walking away so that he can have his privacy.

'Thank you' - Namjoon instantly picks up the hot mug and takes a small sip but he has to hold back a loud groan of satisfaction as the espresso mellows on his tongue, its not bitter at all, smooth and somehow refreshing and lacks acidity which is perfect for him. He fails to hold it all back so in that moment a small humm of satisfaction leaves him and you keep your ears out for his reaction when your walking, smiling and blushing slightly, feeling warm and fulfilled when you hear him mumble about it being 'so good'.

Taking his time, Namjoon slowly sipped at the small drink, savouring every drop hitting his tongue with his eyes closed at every taste. You half watched in the distance, just glancing over every now and then between your tasks and tending to the few customers who came in and when you had a few minutes free, just teetering behind the counter you noticed Namjoon standing up and walking over, instantly setting yourself behind the small screen you use again.

'That was amazing, could i have another by any chance' - The fondness in Namjoons words and how hed blurted it out before you could even get a word in made you falter and your scent sweetened in an instant, a happy smile taking over your lips and head bouncing in a eager nod. Namjoon watched you with the same happiness, glad to be the reason your scent sweetened and mood lit up even more, he gently slides the cup over and pays on the machine, an unnecessarily large tip once again. He made his way back to his seat as he waited, the stress he was holding within just half an hour ago pretty much gone now, temporarily, he doesnt know how but he just feels so much better.

You moved over the machines with practiced ease, finishing up the espresso but with a quick thought, you realised he came in, has ordered two espressos and its 6 in the morning, you doubt hes had anything to eat, he'd denied anything else but you caught his eyes lingering on the apple and cinnamon pretzels with caramel drizzle, its a long shot what you want to do but you cant push away the dismay you have for drinking that much caffeine at this time on an supposedly empty stomach. Its a sugary, filling and sweet treat thatll be perfect with the strong espressos hes ordered so grabbing a small plate, you place one on and grab his espresso, making your way back over to him, his eyes reopening just as before when the ceramics touch the table. His eyes light up in delight, then curiosity as he sees the pretzel and you speak before he can say a word.

"You should'nt have this much caffeine on an empty stomach" - Fast, the words tumble out rather clumsily, now hesitant when you see his slightly parted lips still processing your words. You clarify its on the house and Namjoon stumbles on his own words for a few moments before you can feel the appreciation tumbling out of him in waves, his scent stronger but not in a discomforting way, its pleasant, maybe a little mind numbing but any hesitance you had melts in a single sigh and smile"

“Thats so sweet, thank you" - Namjoon instantly reaches to try to pretzel and the accumulation of flavours make his eyes widen comically, the sugars perfectly balanced, texture just perfect, flavour combination incredible and he looks at you incrediously.

"'Its incredible, i should of ordered it earlier-" - Its fond and in awe for he speaks and with a small sip of espresso it only seems to make it better and quietly Namjoon groans and melts in his seat, the warmth of it all re-energising his body just how he needed.

Your absolutely blushing, giggling before you can think at his reaction and feel proud of yourself, like youve done something right. Practically purring with accomplishment, you have to keep your own instinctual reactions in check but the rest of the day your light in your steps, all smiles and gidiness, you got this reaction so often but for some reason it feels different coming from this stranger.

"Oh im so glad!" - Is all you can manage with the sheer size of your smile, your eyes forced almost closed from it and you saunter away leaving him to enjoy, briefly hearing him mumble something about others having to try, not that you know what others hes talking about.

Leaving is harder than Namjoon originally imagined it would be when he finishes everything, quicker than before because its 6:45 and he should really be back for 7. Reluctantly, Namjoon stands and takes the plate and mug over to the counter, just to thank you again, your whizzing around refilling the trays ready for the morning rush and he patiently waits until you notice him, your nose twitching from his scent and you shoot up, back straightening and give him a big smile

"I just want to thank you for this, it was really amazing, so sweet of you too" - Namjoon got out rather shyly, adjusting his glasses on his nose and sending you his dazzling smile and you listened with wide eyes and a resurfacing blush from the praise/compliment. It makes you stutter over your words as you reply, taking the mug and plate over the counter with slightly shaking hands half because you get jittery right before rush times and half from his presence

"Im so happy you enjoyed, m-make sure you eat when your drinking your espressos" - You got the last bit out fast like it was a gamble and while you tried to say it teasingly it came out surprisingly assertive in your caring manner and Namjoon looked at you surprised for a moment before his smile came right back and he laughed gently

"I will do, take care"

"You too!" - You happily reply before he turns on his heel and makes his way out, visibly less tense and tired than before and that makes the pep in your step even more obvious, you hope he'll come back.

"Whats got you all happy sweets?" - Yuqi asks as she just clocked in, teasing but equally curious and you gently blush again

"Oh, nothingg-" - But the tone you say it in blatantly gives it away ad Yuqi just nudges you with her shoulder and a prying smile before getting to attend the first customers of the morning rush.

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Its been 6 months since BTS has been back together, everyone finishing military service and it was joyous and then it was hard. Friends all around of the same age are getting married, having children and none of BTS have been able to settle down with who hey think is forever. Of course theyve had their flings, relationships both long and short term but in the end, they are where they are now, no one in a relationship and it does take a toll. It can be lonely.

Especially with the stress of they're arguably most important comeback yet, everyones beyond exhausted, drained. Theyve changed in good ways since the military, more confident than ever, comfortable in themselves and everyones put on a lot of muscle but none of that changes that fact that something is missing, a small hole in each of their hearts, collectively a hole in their pack. They dont talk about it- about what would happen if one of them did settle down with someone forever, if their pack would split but collectively no one can see it happening, they go through everything together and any sort of split would feel like heartbreak.

Rejoining Yoongi and Hoseok in the studio, 7am sharp, Namjoon walks with a bounce, eyes no longer trying to close on themselves and hes brought back to life in a way the company's coffee definitely can't bring. The two older members are sitting in pure confusion at the easy energy Namjoon has just gained out of nowhere and they watch silently for a second at the small smile settled on his lips before they decide to actually ask.

"Where did you go to get all happy?" - Because surely he hadnt got laid in the hour that he left- thats not like Namjoon but the blush that graces his face at being called out makes them oh so curious as to what their leaders been up to.

"I just went and got some coffee and breakfast"

"From here?" - Hoseok said with disbelief because he knows it isnt good like that

"No uh- you know that cafe everyones been talking about?"

"Im sure ive heard of it in passing, that good huh?" - Yoongi thinks it must be glorious because wow Namjoon seems as happy as he did the day he got to go home from the military

"Ah yeah its really good- i only went there for a coffee to go but i didnt really want to leave, youve got to go and see what i mean"

"what, like the atmosphere or the coffee?"

"well both and- theres this really sweet omega"

"come on spit it out Joon"

"She made my espressos and they were so good but she bakes- i think shes the one who bakes atleast- and she brought me over a fresh pretzel telling me i shouldnt be drinking caffeine on an empty stomach and hyung she just cared-"

"Joon you sound like- lovestruck." - Yoongi added in a flat tone, really not understanding where he was going with this

"Yeah, it sounds more like she was lecturing you" - Hoseok adds hesitantly

"You just have to see, it was really sweet and it made my morning better alright?" - Namjoon sighed and the two elder members decided to lay off and just appreciate the energy he was bringing

"Come with me, later or tomorrow and we will go get coffee there, its really nice" - Yoongi hummed in agreement because he never said no to caffeine and Hoseok agreed because he wouldnt help but be jealous of the joy Namjoon was experiencing considering how they'd all been recently.

Namjoon couldnt wait to go back and get another apple and cinnamon pretzel.

Hi everyone! I really hope you enjoyed the first chapter of this new fic, please do let me know what you think, as always my asks are open!

Thank you so much for reading!

Mwah 💖

ཐི♡ཋྀ

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