#slow cafe

[lenok993]

Source

[aiscapades]

i can't believe i'm doing this instead of sleeping

[clottedscream]

“it’s just a warmup sketch,” i say to myself. “i’m just gonna warm up on shading and coloring. i’m just warming up on anatomy.” my spine crackles from sitting in shrimp stance for 2 hours. “just to warm up.”

[loostinyoureyes-blog]

[flutt3rb4tz]

he fucking cursed me. but anyway ill draw more later

[s4svnn]

Out of bounds . JJK

↳ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬; his love subjected you to the true extent of deception, a merciless lie wrapped in the illusion of paradise, until the truth tore it apart - he was always out of bounds.

↳ Jungkook x reader

↳ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: ongoing

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chapter Four

Today was the day. No more hesitations, no more doubts. I was going to take the first step toward proving everyone wrong.

The early morning light filtered through the blinds, casting faint patterns on the floor as I stretched and rolled my shoulders. My apartment was still half-furnished, cluttered with notebooks, sketches, and car model parts scattered across every available surface. It didn’t look like much, but to me, it was the starting line.

I wanted to celebrate this shift in energy—maybe manifest success by starting the day right. Pancakes seemed symbolic. Who didn’t love pancakes? The only problem was I hadn’t factored in my inability to cook. The first batch was already charred, smoke curling from the pan in thick waves before I even had time to flip it. I panicked, fumbling with the dial and turning the heat up instead of down.

“Shit, shit, shit!”

The fire alarm shrieked, and I grabbed a dish towel, waving it wildly as I opened windows, trying to force out the smoke. My heart hammered as the beeping continued, echoing off the walls.

Then came the knock.

I froze, mid-flap of my dish towel, and glanced at the door. Great. The neighbors probably thought I was burning the building down. Hesitating, I padded over and cracked it open, ready to apologise and potentially get kicked out.

The man on the other side of the door looked like he’d walked off a movie set—tall, broad-shouldered, with black curls that fell loosely over his forehead. His hazel eyes were warm yet sharp, scanning the smoky chaos behind me.

“Everything okay?” His voice was smooth, a little amused.

“Totally fine,” I said, coughing on a puff of lingering smoke. “Just… uh pancakes.”

He arched a brow, clearly unconvinced. “Pancakes?”

I sighed. “Catastrophic pancakes.”

A grin tugged at the corner of his lips. “Mind if I step in before we all die of smoke inhalation?”

I nodded, stepping aside as he walked straight into the kitchen. In minutes, he had the stove off, the windows wide open, and the smoke clearing out. Meanwhile, I stood awkwardly clutching the mixing bowl, wishing I’d at least brushed my hair before attempting this domestic disaster.

“Let me see that,” he said, nodding toward the batter.

I handed it over, watching as he poured perfect circles onto the pan. He flipped them effortlessly, golden brown and fluffy.

“How?” I asked, dumbfounded.

“Cooking’s not that hard,” he teased, glancing back with a grin. “You just need to pay attention.”

“I was paying attention.”

“To what? The fire alarm?”

I glared, but his smirk softened it. “I’m Damian, by the way.”

“Ayl—” I hesitated. “AJ. AJ Banks.”

“So, AJ,” he said, sliding the last pancake onto a plate and handing it to me. “You always start your mornings with near arson, or was this a one-time thing?”

I rolled my eyes, taking the plate. “It was supposed to be a motivational breakfast. You know, new city, fresh start, endless possibilities…” I trailed off, suddenly aware of how desperate it all sounded.

He didn’t laugh like I thought he would. Instead, he grabbed a fork, stole one of my pancakes, and said, “I get it. Sometimes you have to fake it ‘til you make it.”

“Exactly.” I pointed my fork at him. “That’s the plan.”

“So what’s the dream?” He leaned back against the counter, eyes curious but not judging. I hesitated. I wasn’t used to talking about this, especially to strangers who looked like they had their lives together. But something about Damian’s easy confidence made it feel safe.

“I want to design Formula 1 cars,” I said, setting my fork down. “Not just work on them—actually design them. Make something that changes the game.”

His eyebrows lifted. “That’s big.”

“I know.”

“Big is good,” he said simply, like it wasn’t crazy at all.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“But let’s be real,” he added, stealing another pancake. “You’re not getting there by burning down your kitchen.”

“Noted.”

His smirk returned. “Lucky for you, I make a mean breakfast. And, since we’re neighbors, I guess I’ll have to keep you alive.”

I shook my head, but I couldn’t help smiling.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Damian insisted on walking me out of the apartment complex. The sun was brighter than I expected, making me squint as we stepped outside.

“You’ll be fine,” he said when we reached the street. “Just don’t let them scare you.”

I swallowed. “Thanks. For the pancakes. And the pep talk.”

“Anytime.”

I took a deep breath in before stepping into what could be my future. The design company was sleek and intimidating, the kind of place where every surface gleamed and the people walking through the halls looked effortlessly important. Even the receptionist seemed polished, her hair in a perfect twist and nails painted a sharp, glossy red.

She barely looked at my sketches before sliding them into a folder, her smile tight and professional.

“We’ll be in touch,” she said, and just like that, the meeting was over.

I walked out feeling smaller than when I’d walked in, clutching my portfolio like it was a lifeline. I told myself this was just part of the process—that everyone faced rejection before they made it. But as the days dragged on in silence, my confidence began to unravel.

I kept refreshing my email, triple-checking my phone to make sure I hadn’t somehow missed their call. Nothing. The longer it went on, the harder it became to stay positive.

I tried to keep busy, pouring over my designs, tweaking lines and angles, convincing myself that if they saw more, they’d have to call back. But every sketch started to look the same, and no matter how many ideas I put down on paper, it didn’t stop the doubt creeping in.

Maybe I hadn’t impressed them. Maybe I wasn’t good enough to stand out.

The thought made my stomach twist. I hated how quickly insecurity had replaced excitement. I’d come here ready to take on the world, and now I felt like I was already falling behind.

By the third day, the waiting started to feel personal. I stared at my phone, daring it to ring, but the screen stayed blank. My apartment, which had once felt like a space full of possibility, now felt stifling. Sketches were overflowing the bin, and instead of inspiring me to try harder, they just reminded me of how far I still had to go.

I knew I should keep pushing forward—keep designing, keep applying—but it was hard to drown out the doubts circling in my head. What if I’d already blown my only shot? What if this dream I’d chased so hard wasn’t meant for me after all?

I was pulled out of my thoughts when a loud knock landed on the door.

I opened it to find Damian standing there, his curls messier than usual, like he’d just rolled out of bed.

“You alive in there?”

I laughed weakly. “Barely.”

He stepped inside without asking, glancing at the notebooks and sketches scattered across my desk.

“What’s going on?”

“I applied to a design company, but it’s been days, and I haven’t heard back.”

His expression shifted. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because it’s not a big deal?” I tried.

He shook his head. “I used to race, AJ. I know people in the industry. Let me help.”

“You raced?”

“Yeah. Retired early, but I still have connections.”

“And you failed to mention this before why?”

He just laughed, shaking his head before calling out for me to hurry up or risk being left behind. I couldn’t help but smile, a warmth spreading through me that I hadn’t felt in days. Maybe just maybe the world wasn’t as against me as I’d thought.

The company Damian took me to felt even more intimidating than the last one—like it had been designed to impress and intimidate at the same time. The marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of recessed lighting, and the glass walls made every movement visible, like the entire building operated under a spotlight.

The people inside looked like they belonged on magazine covers—sharp suits, designer watches, and an air of confidence that made me feel out of place in my slightly wrinkled blouse and scuffed heels.

Damian, however, moved like he owned the place. He strode straight to the receptionist without hesitation, flashing a charming smile.

“I need to speak with the director,” he said, leaning casually against the counter.

The receptionist blinked up at him, clearly recognising him, before quickly making a call. Minutes later, we were ushered into a sleek office where the director sat behind a desk so polished it could’ve doubled as a mirror.

Damian wasted no time talking me up.

“She’s not just creative,” he said, flipping through my sketches as though they were worth millions. “She’s sharp—understands aerodynamics, engineering, the whole package. Look at this—no one’s designing like this right now.”

The director leaned back in his chair, studying my sketches with an expression I couldn’t read. His fingers tapped against the glass desk as he flipped through the pages.

“This is... interesting,” he finally said, nodding slowly. “You’ve got a good eye. I like what I’m seeing.”

I held my breath.

“I’ll consider it.”

Not a promise, but not a rejection either. It was enough for me to cling to.

The sun hung low in the sky as Damian and I made our way toward the exit, my mind still filled with everything I’d just seen. The polished hallways, the sleek car models, the legendary names etched into plaques—it all felt unreal. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I was finally moving forward.

But just as we reached the glass doors, footsteps echoed behind us.

“Miss Banks! Wait!”

I turned to see the receptionist from earlier hurrying toward us, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She looked slightly out of breath, clutching a folder in one hand.

My stomach twisted. Had they made their decision? Had I been rejected again?

“Yes?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The receptionist paused to smooth down her skirt before speaking. “One of our lead racers just reviewed your portfolio, and he’s interested in hiring you as his personal car designer.”

I blinked. “What?”

Damian’s head snapped toward me. “Are you serious?”

She nodded. “He saw your sketches and specifically requested to meet with you.”

I couldn’t stop the grin that broke across my face. My chest felt light, like the air had shifted and I could finally breathe properly.

“Oh my God,” I breathed. “He wants to hire me?”

“Yes, but there’s one condition.”

My excitement faltered. “What kind of condition?”

“He wants to remain anonymous until your meeting next week.”

Anonymous? My brows knit together. “So... I can’t know who he is?”

“Not until the meeting,” she confirmed. “He’ll discuss the contract and expectations with you then.”

It didn’t make sense. Why the secrecy? Still, I wasn’t about to question it. This was the break I’d been waiting for—what I’d dreamed about for years. I wasn’t going to let a little mystery stop me.

“I accept,” I said quickly. “Tell him I accept.”

The receptionist smiled. “Perfect. I’ll send you the meeting details soon.” She handed me a business card and nodded. “Congratulations, Miss Banks.”

I turned to Damian as soon as she walked away, my heart racing. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Damian grinned, grabbing my arm and giving it a quick squeeze. “I told you—you’ve got talent. Now the rest of the world is starting to see it too.”

I was too stunned to speak, but the smile on my face said everything. We stepped outside, and the cool air hit me like a wake-up call. This wasn’t a dream. It was real.

Damian led me toward his car, but my mind kept drifting as we walked. I couldn’t stop replaying the moment over and over again—the receptionist’s words, the feeling of validation, the rush of excitement that still hadn’t worn off.

I’d finally done it.

I’d proven them all wrong.

My mom, who told me I was chasing a fantasy. The teachers who said I didn’t have the technical skills. The so-called friends who laughed behind my back when I said I’d make it.

They were wrong about me.

And so was Jungkook.

I thought about the way he’d looked at me like I was just another nobody trying to claw my way into his world. He’d brushed me off like I wasn’t worth his time—but now I’d get the chance to prove him wrong too.

Next month’s World Grand Prix would be my moment.

I imagined walking alongside the driver who’d hired me, standing in the pit lane while the cameras flashed. Jungkook would see me then. He’d see how far I’d come and how I wasn’t going anywhere.

I leaned back in my seat as Damian pulled out of the parking lot, letting the hum of the engine steady me.

“You’re quiet,” Damian said, glancing over.

“Just... thinking.”

“Good thoughts, I hope.”

I smiled. “The best.”

But even as the city lights blurred past the windows, my mind drifted again—to the mysterious racer who’d chosen me, to the designs I’d have to perfect before the meeting, and, despite myself, to Jungkook.

I wondered how he’d react when he saw me standing where he thought I’d never belong. Would he regret underestimating me? Would he even care? One thing was certain—I wasn’t backing down. Not from him, not from this opportunity, and definitely not from the future I’d spent my whole life chasing.

[andrewdi8]

Every now and then I crave an escape from the crowded city streets and I let myself get lost in the narrow, hidden alleyways. I love wandering through unfamiliar places until I stumble upon a cozy, quiet cafe, where I can sit with a warm cup of coffee and maybe a little dessert. ☕🍰

In these tucked -away spots I can pause from the daily routine, savore the peaceful atmospher and let my thoughts drift.

It's a little gift to myself a moment to recharge, daydream and remember the beauty of slowing down and enjoing the simple things.

...

[janetfraiser]

reblog this post and tell me in the tags what your cat’s favourite toy is, purchased or not

sam’s fav toys are the pull tabs from frozen pizza boxes and milk rings. cosmo loves plastic springs, mice, and tin foil balls.

[the-forest-library]

Vienna - October 2024

[lascitasdelashoras]

Ole Marius Jorgensen - Slow Night, 2018

[thistransient]

CNY lights by Shuanglian Station 雙連站

[cafesweetvn]

I WANTED TO SHARE THE MUSIC I'VE PICKED OUT SO FAR!!

I want to keep looking just in case I want to add or change anything but this list is already pretty packed, but as I said I would do last night, I looked for music to use on my phone and have a few songs!! All the songs I'm using are by PeriTune!! I really like their music! Feel free to check these out if you want to! in parenthesis are the albums/singles/compilation and any second set are my own thoughts or trying to explain why that song is in that section!

Mc's house theme: Catnap(Melodic Collection)

Cafe themes!

Coffee_Lounge(Sparkling Sea)

Cafe Musette(Romantica)

Cafe Seaside(Melodic Collection)

Artemis theme: TaishoRoman Theme2 Piano(Romantica)

Sanka theme: Lollipop Lane(Cuddly Moments)

Hyun-ae theme: Laid Back3(Cuddly Moments)

Davi theme: Guitar Melancholy2(Cuddly Moments)

Valeria theme: Laid Back(Cuddly Moments)

Imani theme: Afternoon Garden(Cuddly Moments)

Fritz theme: Kittens Caprice(Cuddly Moments) (I swear I didnt JUST choose this for the name guys, I PROMMY!!)

Archie theme: Silent Witness(Misty Veils)

Good end: Music-Box Pleasant(Misty Veils)

Bad end: Music-Box Sad(Misty Veils)

Cheerful moments

Piano Melancholy 3(Sparkling Snow)(I imagine it to be more of a hopeful kind of feeling)

RetroRoman March(Romantica)

Sugar Sprinkle(Cuddly Moments)

Noway3(Cuddly Moments)

Sad moments

Entangle(Dimly Chamber)

Grief 2(Dimly Chamber)

Rain Drop(Misty Veils)

Romantic moments

Piano Melancholy 2(Sparkling Snow)(Sad romance moments fr)

Alleyway(Cuddly Moments)(This is such a date theme to me idk)

Memories 5(Misty Veils)

Gentle Harp(Melodic Collection)

Time and Pray(Sacred Ode)

Scary/tense moments

Obsession(Dimly Chamber)

Creep(Dimly Chamber)

Echoed Art(Misty Veils)

[saintsaki]

Aaaaaa omg I'm so honored that my silly ask inspired more Anharu art!! They are THE best friends with secret gay feelings Of All Time, to me. Thank you for this blessing 🙏 the Anharu nation, all like. 5 of us, are being FED good today!!

I don't have much I can offer in return, but I did write this itty bitty Anharu fic a little while back? https://archiveofourown.org/works/59091166

On the lighthearted side of things: I think An tries flirting with Haruka at some point but realizes that it's just too similar to the playful banter that they've always done so it just flies completely over Haruka's head. They've been holding hands since they were little, of course Haruka doesn't think anything of it when An does it now.

On the more angsty side of things: I often think about An seeing Haruka's initial rise to fame from afar and being increasingly worried about the worse parts of the idol industry. It chews up the person she knew and spits out something manufactured and Not Right; someone constantly aware of what she's wearing, what she's eating, what she's doing in public, all to maintain that idol image. Haruka her best friend and Kiritani Haruka the Idol are almost different people and it scares her a little. MMJ being such a source of positivity was a massive relief.

more than 2 weeks late reply but anyway,, (looong post ahead ksjsghj)

ur very welcome anon!! im glad to know that im feeding us 5 anharuers. we deserve this tbh. we deserve good fucking food from the Very Cool Pair of Childhood Friends Who Are Obviously Gay And In Love With Each Other. and since ive done a few anharu art already i might as well continue doing more to feed us all 🥹 (goodbye minoharu and more more jump /j)

and your fic. OH MY GOD ANON YOUR FIC. im gonna be real with you ever since i got your ask i still have the fic opened in my browser 😭 i will keep it open and read it forever!! idc if its short!! i LOVE it!! Absolute Chef's Kiss 👌!! I NEED MORE ANAHRU IN THAT KIND OF FLAVOR HKAFGJBS 😭😭😭 ALSO idk why but after reading it, i imagined that this is a recurring convo of theirs. it starts with whatever topic then one of them deviates and it ends just like the fic. this happens over adn over and over and we're just out here wisHING ONE OF THEM CONFESS ALREADY OR SMTH 😭😭

lastly, your lighthearted anharu reminded me of that 'i love you too, egg' meme so, as what youd expect from me, i cant help but put the two sillys in that meme:

Just In: Sources Have Confirmed That Kiritani Haruka Is Dense (real)

and even if An would outright kiss her—a simple, long one or sloppy style even, your choice—Haruka STILL wouldn't think her Bestest Childhood Friend is in love with her, nope! (someone save them)

[arrloww]

Café Oasis

Chapter Two

In where you apply for a job at a café. Café Oasis, although everyone calls it Café 141, due the number of military things in the café, and the army cadets that wonder into the café on their downtown.

SERIES CONTENT WARNING: xreader, Swearing, Sexual innuendos, fucked up sense of humor, Baking inaccuracies, military inaccuracies, Smut?

Master list

< Previous || Next >

After getting home, you packed the things you got from the market. You forgot to do it earlier, and small candles and soaps and wool and a small basket of various things had now been put in their places.

The hazelnut latte filled your senses as you cozied up on the couch, a small throw blanket that was made by an old elderly neighbour, covered your lower half. The television played an episode of Criminal Minds and the glow from your phone screen shone in your face. This is where you stayed for most of the day, scrolling on your phone before it was time to make dinner.

After dinner, you scroll through your emails, checking if you had gotten anything from the café or any other jobs you applied for. Most of the emails were just spam, Jobs hiring that you couldn’t apply for or Spotify Spam.

Sighing while tossing and turning in bed hours later, thoughts travelled, and soft music played. You worried that you wouldn’t get the job and that you wouldn’t be able to get a job at all and you would get kicked out…

The room is dark, and you were still awake at two in the morning. Why were you awake? Did you leave a light on? The water? The oven? Did you lock the front door?

Shaking the thoughts away, you weren’t in the mood to psych yourself out tonight. Needing to be awake for calls, emails and other adult stuff you’ll think of tomorrow. Twisting around to face the wall you pick up your phone, opening a simple game to help put you to sleep or to pass the time. And soon enough you’re asleep without even realising it.

If you knew you’d wake up in such a shitty way, you wouldn’t wake up. It’s 11 AM and your phone was buzzing against your pillow loudly, the ticking of the clock was vibrating all around the room, echoing around in your head. Not to mention your shirt felt all types of wrong on your body. Without meaning to, you missed the call with the distant feeling of throwing up.

(Not a surprise pregnancy, promise)

You were too hot. Opting to walk out into the cooler kitchen, placing yourself on a cool faux leather stool, the cold bench to welcomed you to place your head. It started to ground the racing thoughts, and your reasonable thinking came back.

Rushing back into your room, snatching your phone off the bed, almost breaking the cord in the progress. Opening your phone, there was a voicemail auto text saying that it was ‘Kate’ asking or you to call back whenever you were available. You walked to the kitchen, getting yourself some breakfast as you called the Café.

After a few rings the line picks up. “Hello, Café 141, Kyle speaking?” A guy’s voice echoed from the phone; you cleared your dry throat. “Hello, I would like to speak to Kate?” You asked, feeling a little anxious. Kyle replied with a ‘sure, one sec’ before murmurs and shuffling on the other line. It gave you a bit of time to grab a glass and fill it with water.

“Hello, Kate speaking?” You quickly swallowed the water, before responding.

“Hello, you called earlier?” Saying your name and Kate let out a small ‘oh!’. “Wonderful, I was calling to let you know that you got the job!” She halted to let you answer.

You suddenly stood straight muttering a ‘really?’, you were so happy. “Yes really!” Giving a small laugh, “Is today or tomorrow good for you to come in so we can get your uniform and to meet everyone?” Asking you, you nodded.

“Yeah, today is fine, what time?” Walking towards your bathroom, grabbing a fresh towel on the way. Kate responded when ever you could come in today. Before hanging up you told her that you’ll be there with in two hours.

After having a shower, getting your hair dry and everything else done, you basically run down to your car. Making sure to lock your door behind you.

It wasn’t too busy today; it was cold out and warm inside the café. Wondering up to the counter, a bulky guy with a mohawk and flour all down his front walked up to you. A large boyish grin on his face as some of his co-workers yelled at him from the kitchen.

Trailing your eyes down to his nametag, read ‘Johnny’. He notices and his grin gets a little wider. “How can I help ya?”

(Guys I don’t know how to write him talking in uhhhhh Scottish, please forgive me its almost three am)

“Hi, could I please see Kate Laswell? ���Asking, tapping your fingers on the countertop in front of you. He nodded, turning and wondering around to the back. You hear his voice but not what he is saying. Not too much time he comes back, Kate behind him.

“Hey, come around back and we will get you a uniform!” She lifted the little section of the counter so you could walk through. You hadn’t noticed the first time; you made a note of it as you walked through. Following Kate to the back office, she bent down to pick up a box filled with shirts in plastic and another with pants.

Kate asked what your size was in both, and she handed them to you. “Do you have non-slip boots at home?” She asked, placing the boxes back. “They are a part of the uniform, and you won’t be allowed past the counter with out them on, so you don’t slip.” She continued.

“I don’t but I can go get some after this.” Kate nodded, gesturing you to follow her. She led you to the kitchen, asking you to be careful where you step and to not touch anything.

“So, the kitchen, self-explanatory.” She gestured around the working people, making sure you knew where everything was and what she expected from you. “So, all I ask is to keep your space clean, if something needs to be washed, rinse it in the hot water and then into the dish washer.” You nodded along, making note and to make another note to write it in a notebook when you get home. “Now, I am lenient with phone usage, but not when its busy, or if we have a flux of online orders. There is always something to do, but in the event there’s not, just make sure you’re conversing out the front. Okay?”

“Understood.” A skinner male catching your eye, he was loading the dishwasher and plunging his hands in to clear steaming water in a deep sink. He looked tired and had almost a constant look of ‘I’m bored, help me’. Kate continued her tour around the kitchen, pushing taller men out of the way and excusing herself past other female employees.

Once out the front of the Café, Kate showed you the layout of the pastries and other things in the glass cases and how to use the barista area. “Now if you have any trouble with anything, ask your co-workers. If they can’t help you at that time come to me.”

It wasn’t for another half hour before you were out of the café, heading to your nearest shoe store to buy a good quality pair of not slip boots.

[coffeviews]

Coffee and churros for breakfast ☕🥞

[flutt3rb4tz]

okay now i actually put effort into it other than messy colouring and whatever. writing text with a mouse is harder than it looks man. also the white purse dog with every disease energy nagito has was on purpose yeah

worlds 3 worst comfort characters get stuck in a room. 72 dead 349 injured