Chapter Text
Izzie sat watching her small daughter run around on the playground. She had made a playmate of a boy her age, and had shooed mom away so she could play on her own. Izzie checked her phone, dreading what was to come next. She was going to have to wrangle the small child and convince her to leave the playground for grocery shopping. Every week it was the same battle with the strong willed girl, and no matter how many warnings she had or how much time she had to play it was never enough.
“Minji, your five minutes are up, it's time to say bye to your friend,
” Izzie called to the girl.
Immediately Minji dropped to the ground, her legs splayed in front of her, her arms crossed and her bottom lip stuck as far out as humanly possible. Izzie couldn’t help but laugh at her dramatics, which only made the girl pout more.
“Come on, Minji. We can get ice cream from the store,”
Izzie knelt down to be at Minji’s level and attempted to bribe her, but Minji only shook her head in defiance.
“I don’t like ice cream.”
“That’s fine, I do and it’s time to go.”
Izzie said, finally giving up and scooping up the girl. Minji let out a shrill scream, as if her own mother was kidnapping her. Minji kicked her feet, and pushed away from her mother’s body, as tears began to stream down her face but Izzie held tight, and kept walking towards the bench that she had left her bag and carrier at. By the time Izzie sat Minji on the bench the child had stopped screaming and only tears and deep sniffles were left.
“
Can. We. Come. Back. Again?”
Minji asked as if they didn’t come to the park every week, at the same time.
“Of course. Now let's dump the wood from your shoes and go do our shopping.”
Izzie gently guided her daughter as she slipped her shoes off and dumped the bits of wood from each one before putting them back on. Minji sat quietly, wiping at her face while her mom buckled the carrier around her waist. Right on cue Minji stood on the bench and latched onto her mom’s back while she slipped her arms through the padded loops and carefully bucked the chest clip, making sure Minji was securely attached to her back.
Izzie loved the neighborhood she lived in, surrounded by highrises, apartments, shops, and a mix of old and new, but it was not very child friendly. The streets were steep, and sidewalks had lots of stairs to navigate, making even short walks on little legs tough and using a stroller nearly impossible. As a mother, Izzie adapted early on, learning to carry her little one comfortably attached to her body.
They walked down the street, chatting about their weekly grocery list. Minji asked for her usual snacks, and once inside their usual store she asked to be let down to walk, promising to stay close. Izzie complied, knowing how her daughter felt about ‘strangers’, and grabbed a cart to begin loading with their items. Minji carefully helped pick out each fruit and veggie, giving Izzie hope that she would actually try them this time, and stuck close by her mom just as she had promised. Izzie focused on her shopping, grabbing the items she needed for their meals for the week, easily recalling most of the list until the moment hit that she was sure she was forgetting something. Izzie took her eyes off her daughter to pull out her phone, and check over her list. It was only for a moment, but by the time she looked up, the toddler had managed to wander off. Izzie turned down one aisle then another, looking frantically before she saw the small child on the cereal aisle pointing up to the top shelf and speaking to a couple of strangers. Her heart raced as she watched her daughter talk to the men, but still, for a reason even she didn’t understand, she hesitated interrupting the interaction.
“Would you please get that one for me? Mommy says I can’t have it because she’s short and can’t reach but you are taller than she is right?”
The two men laughed from behind their masks.
“Minji, you can’t walk off from mommy.” Izzie sternly reminded the child as she knelt down to her level. “Also remember to use your Korean.”
“But eomma, they were speaking English,” Minji whined as she pointed at the men.
Izzie stood and took a look at them. Both men were dressed in jeans with oversized shirts, one in black the other in grey. They each had a mask over their face and a beanie pulled down low on their foreheads. One had long blonde hairs peeking out beneath the back, and the other had tufts of black curls peeking below.
Idols. Izzie thought to herself. She wasn’t unfamiliar with running into idols thanks to the area she lived in, and out of respect for their privacy she avoided interacting with the ones she recognized and of course encouraged Minji not to talk to strangers.
“I’m sorry,”
Izzie apologized to the men, with a slight bow.
“It’s no worries,” the dark haired man answered, with a thick accent. Without hesitation Izzie quirked her eyes up at him, trying to place the unfamiliar sound.
“Australian,” he answered before she could ask. “Do you mind if I…?” he trailed off gesturing to the cereal, not wanting to say the word if the mom said no.
Izzie nodded, not bothering to hide her slight annoyance as her eyes rolled. The blonde reached up and grabbed the colorful box that was obviously filled with sugar. Minji had asked for it every single week, and every week Izzie had told her that she was too short to reach it. It had been much easier that way than fighting the sugar battle with a toddler. But today Minji had found a way around that, and Izzie had finally lost her battle. Minji took the box from the man with a wide toothy smile spread across her face. “Thank you mister!”
Izzie scooped up Minji and placed her inside the grocery cart, corralling her urges to take off again, before thanking the men and moving down the aisles again. Minji sat staring at the box in awe of all the colors and pictures meant to captivate small children just like her. Izzie finished her shopping, and headed to the lines to check out only to end up behind the two men. Izzie waited patiently not wanting to crowd them as they waited to check out, but it was the men that turned around and acknowledged them.
“Make sure to be a good girl for your eomma okay,” the blonde said as he looked at Minji staring at him.
“Do you have a wife? My eomma doesn’t have a husband. Maybe you can be her husband.” Minji innocently rambled as she traced the face of the cheery character on the box.
Izzie’s face immediately turned bright red, from her cheeks to the tips of her ears. “Minji” her mother scolded her as the men just laughed.
“I don’t have a wife, but your eomma is very pretty and I hope she finds a husband soon,” the dark haired man said with a wink towards Izzie, causing the woman to blush even more.
“I’m so sorry,” Izzie mouthed.
“I’m Chris,” the man teased with a cheeky smirk. “And this is Felix. Maybe we will see you around again.” Chris paid the cashier, and disappeared out of the shop with Felix and their bags, but not before turning to give Izzie one last look.
Even by the time Izzie and Minji had made their 10 minute walk back to their apartment, Izzie was still flustered by her grocery trip. It was rare she would get hit on, unless it was some creeper who wanted ‘something exotic’. Izzie’s dark complexion, (a result of her mother being a Black American woman, and her father Korean), long black curly hair, light green eyes, and freckles, made her stand out in Korea, and usually not in a good way. When she had first arrived she had struggled deeply with the stares, hushed comments and assumptions that she didn’t know the language but much like her daughter she had spoken both Korean and English since she was a toddler. Eventually she decided it wasn’t going to bother her and she belonged in Korea just as much as any other citizen.
She had been born there, only living in America while she was in school, then returning when her mother had passed away just 2 months after she graduated college. She wasn’t ready to be alone. Izzie had no siblings and her parents had divorced while she was in high school. Her father landed back in Korea, but managed to keep a close relationship with her even across the ocean. It had only made sense that she move to Korea and try life there. It was rough at first, but once she’d found her way she realized it was the best decision she could have ever made.
Minji had settled down on the living room floor with her new treasure, while her mother put away the groceries, quickly getting lost in her own world. Izzie took her time organizing the food and began preparing their usual sunday dinner, Minji’s favorite, kimchi stew and vegetable jeon. The stew was one of the few ways that Izzie could sneak some protein into her daughter’s diet so she made sure they had it every Sunday and that it was loaded with bits of pork and whole eggs.
By the time Minji had been fed, bathed, tucked into bed, read to, and fallen asleep Izzie was exhausted. Still she crawled into her bed and opened her laptop, scanning the inventory for her cafe. She scanned the screen scrolling, but never focusing, her thoughts running back to the men in the grocery store. Izzie was used to being around idols, it was unavoidable living and working in the heart of Seoul. The idols kept to themselves, often followed by a manager while shopping in the grocery stores, grabbing food in the convenience marts, or even enjoying drinks and snacks in the cafes that lined the crowded streets. She’d watched them, but never took note of their names or tried to identify who she saw, even when crowds gathered around. She had no interest in idols, or the celebrities, she only wanted to live her quiet life caring for her daughter and herself.
Izzie tried to focus again, noting that she needed more cocoa powder and chocolate chips, and they were low on the decaf teas they used to make drinks for kids. Her mind continued to wander, focusing back on the two men. They had been so kind and so gentle with her daughter. Other than the ajummas who were happy to see kids around, most people tended to avoid chatting or interacting with Minji, especially the young adult idols that roamed the streets of their neighborhood. Something about how they talked with Minji and even acknowledged her let her know they were different, and even behind their masks she could tell they were attractive. Izzie shook her head, wanting to ward off the thoughts. She had no time for dating or really any interest. She had a 3 year old in tow, a cat to watch, and a cafe to run. There was no time for men. Not anymore.
That familiar loneliness settled into her chest. She was fulfilled. She had a beautiful life with her kid, and the support of her father, but still there was a small part of her who longed for someone to hold her at night, someone to help with the meltdowns or even just reassure her on the daily that she absolutely isn’t ruining her daughter. Her dad did his best, but she knew that having a partner with her daily would be different, and maybe one day she would find her person, but right now, at this phase in her life she had no time to even look. Dating apps were filled with men who just wanted to hook-up, and though that was nice sometimes, scratching that needed itch, there was more she was craving. The comfort of a person’s presence, the realization that they would need her as much as she wanted to need them. She knew she didn’t NEED a man, but she wanted to have one. Some days so desperately she would find herself considering walking the night streets of Hongdae just looking for comfort, but the thought of leaving Minji with a sitter other than her father was just too much.
Izzie finally gave up, closed her computer, sat it on her nightstand and went about arranging her pillows into the perfect nest, surrounding her body, making her feel safe and comforted, at least until Minji inevitably would end up in her bed in the wee hours of the morning.
Like usual, sleep found Izzie easily, and she didn’t wake until her alarm went off, and a small hand poked her face. “Eomma turn it off,” Minji whined. Izzie complied, turning off the alarm before pulling her daughter into her arms to snuggle her. Minji fought the embrace pushing away, but Izzie only squeezed her tighter, laughing as Minji squealed. They both found comfort in their early morning routine of snuggles and tickles before rushing off to start their day. Warmth filling both their hearts before taking on whatever the day was going to throw at them. They crawled from bed and began their strict routine.
Right on time they were ready, and heading out the door of the apartment. Minji pushed the elevator buttons and they waited quietly, neither of them morning people and ready to have a conversation just yet. They made it out of the building, after greeting their doorman, and were then on their way to start their day. Izzie dropped Minji off at her daycare, with a quick hug and kiss to the little one, before heading to her cafe. The lights were already on, and the building filled with the smell of fresh pastries and brewed coffee. Her manager was amazing, and Izzie trusted her almost as much as she trusted her dad.
Hana had worked for Izzie for 6 months now, immediately showing the drive to help her run the place, something Izzie had desperately needed. Hana took on opening the shop every day, and baking Izzie’s recipes alongside their assistant baker. She’d help hire more employees when the cafe got so busy they couldn’t handle it alone anymore, and when Minji was sick Hana always sent Izzie home to take care of her kid, guilt free. There was no denying how invaluable Hana was to Izzie, and she swore to herself that she would properly thank Hana, but for now she paid her as much as she could even when Hana told her it was too much. Izzie was a hands-on owner, but thanks to Hana she got to start her day after Minji was at school, and go home when it was time to get Minji to bed.
Owning a cafe in Korea was a challenge, there were several on every block and if yours wasn’t unique, inspiring, and delicious it wouldn’t survive. Izzie had tried something outside the box, she knew it would be niche, but hoped with the Children’s museum around the corner that it would work, and she had been right. Her child friendly cafe was almost an instant hit, drawing families from all over Seoul to come check out her unique space.
It was a large shop, and she had filled every corner of the space with purpose. Booths for those who wanted to work, a glass encased play area for littles with kid sized tables and even a play cafe counter that Minji loved to run when she was there after school. The open space of the cafe had tables of various sizes and heights, and above all she made sure there was accessible seating for those with disabilities. She wanted her space to work for as many people as possible but first and foremost for families. She wanted a safe space for kids to be rowdy and have fun, and enjoy the cafe experience with their families, even if she was located down the street from one of the largest entertainment businesses in Korea. It always made her and Hana laugh when a group of idols wandered in, shocked to see the colourful walls, kids, and play area. She was convinced one day she was going to have to fight some trainees to stay out of the ball pit, but a warning look from their supervising manager was enough to stop them. Hana had been so amused by the situation she eventually talked Izzie into hosting an adults only playnight, and the first one was coming up in just a couple week's time. If successful they would run them once a month.
“You look awfully smiley this morning,”
Hana teased Izzie as Izzie slipped on her apron.
“Wait, did you meet someone? Did you finally meet a man?”
“No!”
Izzie responded a little too loud and enthusiastically to be believable.
“Oh my god, you did.”
“I did not. I’m just in a good mood.”
Izzie moved past Hana who kept staring at her as she moved through the cafe.
“There were no tears at drop off, and our delivery will be on time for once
,” Izzie continued to explain her mood. Hana nodded, but still refused to believe Izzie, knowing she could trust her gut.
Not only did their Monday go well, so did the next few days. Izzie had all but forgotten about the men she’d met in the market until one evening when she was working the front counter with Minji at her side. The door to the cafe opened and in came with it a set of 3 men, loud, and energetic.
Great, I’m gonna have to babysit adults.
“Are you serious that these brownies are better than Felix’s?”
“You can’t tell him I said that, he will cry, but seriously you have to try one.”
“If these are better than Felix’s I’m dragging him here myself.”
Their friendly banter continued as they made their way to the counter, pausing to take a look at the array of pastries in the case. The men were obviously idols, in beanies and masks, but Izzie didn’t really give them a second glance as she waited patiently for them to order.
“May I take your order?”
Minji spoke up, with her notepad and pink crayon in hand. One of the men paused, staring at the child.
“Minji likes to help take orders, but I’ll make sure they are correct,”
Izzie assured the man.
“Oh, hi little one,” the man’s thick Australian accent came out. “Do you remember me?”
Izzie paused, frozen, as she recalled the man from the grocery store. Minji stared up at the man as she pressed the tip of her crayon to her forehead as if pulling memories from a file. “You are Chris, right? You helped me with the cereal!” Minji finally recalled. The other two men were staring at Chris with their arms crossed and what Izzie could only assume was a smirk behind their masks.
“That’s me. Can you get us 3 brownies, 2 iced americanos and pineapple juice?” Chris asked as he slipped off his mask, allowing Minji and Izzie to see his full face. Izzie had seen his eyes and knew by his aura he was attractive but now seeing his whole face, she had no choice but to acknowledge to herself that he was hot.
“And a cheesecake,” one of the other men piped up.
Izzie was pulled from her thoughts and began tapping buttons on the ipad before presenting them with their total. Chris tapped his phone to the screen, but kept his eyes on Izzie. Both of them seemingly distracted by the other. “You are number 8,” Minji said as she handed them a wooden star table maker with the number on it.
“Jiji, it's getting late. We should head home for dinner.”
“Eomma, I want to take Chris and his friends their order,”
Minji whined with big round eyes. Izzie sighed but nodded and got to work making the drinks. She sat them carefully on a tray with the 3 brownies then gave Minji her mini tray with the cheesecake, making sure she was steady before they walked over to the booth where the 3 men had settled in, all now without their masks or beanies.
“Here’s your order,” Minji said proudly. Izzie waited until Minji had sat down the cheesecake before handing out the drinks and brownies, only to remember then that she had forgotten the forks. Minji skipped off as soon as Izzie apologized, glad to have a job and another reason to avoid going home, even if for only a moment longer.
“What’s your name?” Chris’s voice came as Izzie turned.
“Iseul. But everyone calls me Izzie.”
“Wait, is this the one you’ve been talking about?”
the man with round puffy cheeks gasped.
The one he had been talking about, Izzie thought, as she gave a curious look to Chris who’s ears were now beet red. “Yah,” the third man half yelled with a smack to the chubby cheek man’s head. Izzie couldn’t help but laugh at the interaction.
“It’s not nice to hit,” Minji’s tiny voice came from behind Izzie as she approached the table with 3 forks in hand.
“Yeah, It’s not nice to hit,” the man repeated as he rubbed the back of his head.
“I’m sorry that Changbin and Han aren’t behaving,” Chris apologized to the girl. Minji turned and studied the two men who sat next to each other, one with his cheeks already full of cheesecake. “I’m Minji. Eomma said I shouldn’t tell strangers my name but I don’t think you are strangers anymore, right Eomma?” Minji asked her mother for reassurance.
“It’s okay Minji.”
“Your Eomma is right, you shouldn’t talk to strangers. Especially these guys, they are the strangest,” the chubby cheeked man added as he gestured to the other two men.
Chris and Changbin both glared over at Han, but Minji laughed. “I’m Changbin,” the buff man introduced himself.
“I’m Han,” the third man said. Minji repeated their names, committing them to memory, in a way that only she did, then climbed into the booth, taking a seat next to Chris, unashamed and comfortable. “Where is Felix?”
“Minji, I think it’s time we go and let them enjoy their drinks and snacks. Plus you need dinner.” Izzie half whispered, slightly embarrassed at her daughter’s bold behavior. Minji stuck out her bottom lip, full pout, and Izzie knew it was about to be not only a battle but a meltdown.
“I’m not hungry,” Minji stubbornly proclaimed while crossing her arms.
“Minji.” Izzie warned.
“Hey, how about you go have dinner, and then we will come visit another day. I’ll even bring Felix. He’s def going to want to try a brownie,” Chris offered.
“Promise?” Minji asked as she stuck out her tiny pinky finger. Izzie watched hesitantly, she didn’t want her daughter to be lied to, and idols schedules were crazy. She didn’t need her daughter to have a broken promise.
“Minji, they are very busy…”
“I promise.” Chris wrapped his pinky with Minji’s, with a smirk sent towards Izzie.
“Chan hyung never breaks promises,” Han reassured them both.