radiant | jung hoseok | ✓

chapter twenty-one | cardamom rose latte

Sam quirks an eyebrow, "Feeling romantic, today?"

I roll my eyes at him, "Perhaps. And a bit sentimental." My expression saddens for a moment, "Knowing that today is Hallowed Ground's last day open."

Sam nods in understanding, "Yeah, it's crazy." He glances around the peaceful cafe. "But no need for a tip, I'll make it for you."

"What's a rose latte?" Hoseok asks curiously, bumping into my side again.

"Its main ingredient is the rose syrup," I explain, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "The syrup is made of honey, roses, and cardamom. Cardamom is a type of seed and can be used in many things, but it works well with rose syrup too. It adds another level of flavor. The coffee side is an espresso shot and foam milk."

Hoseok's eyes widen with interest. "That sounds good."

"Would you like one?"

"Yeah, that would be cool."

I turn back to Sam, "Can you make two?"

Sam's lips turn a smug but warm smile as he looks between us. "You two are cute."

I fight my bashful smile and look down at the freshly wiped counter. Hoseok giggles and nods, "Thanks. We started dating a few days ago."

My heart flutters when he says it. It feels so real when he mentions it out loud.

"That's awesome, you look great together," Sam compliments. He enters in our drinks and winks, "It'll be a few minutes, lovebirds."

Yoongi steps up to the counter and pays for the drinks. I am about the protest but Hoseok predicted my reaction and already was dragging me away from the cashier. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me away, "Oh no no, you're going to let us treat you," he says proudly.

I go limp in his arms and smile ruefully over my shoulder. "Why do you make me suffer?" I lament.

Hobi grins and his face lights up, holding me close to his chest. "I'm taking care of you and you can't stop me."

"It's rotten work," I claim with a shake of my head, still leaning back against his body.

"Not to me. Not if it's you," he says gently.

I pause and take a moment to meet his gaze, touched by his words. "Oh," I whisper.

Hoseok smiles warmly at me and relaxes his arms, allowing me to stand up but not leave his embrace just yet. His caramel-brown eyes are glowing warmly in the cafe light with fondness, and... love. He looks so beautiful right now.

For a moment, my anxieties and worries melt away from my mind and leave me in suspended bliss. I turn around to face him and feel his hands slip down to my waist. I step closer to him and gently cup his face in my hand. He leans his head into my touch and glances up from beneath his eyelashes. "How do you do that?" I question softly, "How do you manage to make me feel so wonderful? Are you magical, Hobi?"

He closes his eyes briefly as I touch his warming cheek. "Maybe," he teases, "but not in that way."

"I don't know what I'd do without you," I say quietly and lower my head out of shyness. "I didn't believe in love until I met you."

"That makes two of us," he replies. I feel him smile against my hand. Then he takes my chin and tilts me up to face him, bringing us closer than before.

"Whoa..."

Our concentration is broken and we both look over to find Jimin standing there in awe. He blinks at us before a fierce blush spreads across his cheeks. "Oh, sorry," he apologizes meekly and dashes over to Taehyung. He throws himself onto the taller boy without hesitation and laughs into his chest, squirming and freaking out.