Chapter 7: Brewing Trouble (18+)
Sung-Min woke up the next morning with a grin already plastered on his face. The clock read 7:15 a.m., and the faint ache in his legs from yesterday's yoga class was a badge of honor. Tae-Ho's visit had rattled him, sure, but he'd dodged that bullet with style. Now, it was a new day—Soo-Jin at 8, free coffee, and maybe a little more if he played his cards right. The netori train was rolling, and he was the conductor.
He rolled out of bed, splashing cold water on his face and throwing on a clean shirt—black, fitted, just enough to show off the subtle definition he was starting to notice in his arms. Charm 22 and a sprinkle of system magic were working wonders. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed it: same old Sung-Min, but sharper, bolder. He ruffled his hair, grabbed his backpack, and headed out, the crisp morning air hitting him like a shot of espresso.
Café Luna was just waking up when he arrived at 7:58. The bell chimed as he stepped in, the warm scent of coffee beans wrapping around him like a hug. A handful of early birds dotted the tables—students cramming, a guy in a suit reading the news—but Sung-Min's eyes zeroed in on Soo-Jin behind the counter. She was in her apron, pouring a shot of espresso, her short bob swaying as she moved. When she spotted him, her lips curved into that mischievous smile he was starting to crave.
"Morning, hero," she called, waving him over. "Right on time."
"Wouldn't miss it," he said, sliding up to the counter with a grin. "You look way too good for this hour."
She laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Flatterer. Your iced americano's coming up—on the house, like I promised."
"Best barista in Seoul," he teased, leaning on the counter. "Min-Soo still giving you grief?"
Her smile faltered, just a flicker, as she tamped down the coffee grounds. "Yeah. He's been texting me all night, whining about how I'm 'distant.' Wants to meet up later to 'fix things.' God, he's exhausting."
Sung-Min's grin widened. Opportunity knocking. "Sounds like he's digging his own grave. You deserve better than a clingy crybaby."
Soo-Jin's eyes flicked up to meet his, a spark dancing in them. "Oh? And who's 'better,' huh?"
He leaned closer, voice dropping. "Take a wild guess."
She smirked, handing him his drink, her fingers brushing his deliberately. "You're trouble, Sung-Min. Keep that up, and I might not survive my shift."
[Mission synergy detected! Target: Kim Soo-Jin. Relationship strain with Min-Soo: High. Suggest escalating.]
Sung-Min took a sip, holding her gaze over the rim. "When's your break?"
"Ten," she said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Why, planning another rescue?"
"Something like that," he replied, winking. "Stick around after you're done here. I'll make it worth your while."
Her laugh was low, almost a purr. "Deal."
He grabbed a table near the back, settling in with his drink and a textbook he wouldn't read. The next two hours crawled by, but watching Soo-Jin work kept him entertained—every bend to grab a cup, every smile she flashed at customers (though none as warm as the ones she threw his way). By 9:50, the café had hit its mid-morning lull, and Soo-Jin untied her apron, nodding at him as she slipped into the back.
At 10:02, she emerged, sans apron, in a tight black top and jeans that hugged her hips like a second skin. She sauntered over, sliding into the seat across from him. "Alright, hero. Rescue me."
Sung-Min grinned, standing and offering his hand. "Follow me."
She took it, her touch electric, and he led her out the side door into the alley behind the café. The narrow space was shadowed, lined with trash bins and a fire escape, the hum of the city muffled. Soo-Jin raised an eyebrow. "Classy spot. What's the plan?"
"No plan," he said, stepping closer until she backed against the brick wall. "Just you and me."
Her breath hitched, but she smirked. "Smooth talker."
He didn't waste time. He kissed her, hard and hungry, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand. She moaned into his mouth, pressing her body against his, all soft curves and heat. Her lips parted, tongue teasing his, and the taste of her—coffee and something sweet—lit him up like a fuse.
"Sung-Min," she gasped as he broke the kiss, trailing his mouth down her neck. He nipped at her pulse, feeling it race, and her hands tugged free to grip his shirt, pulling him closer.
"Tell me to stop," he murmured against her skin, echoing their storage room tryst.
"Never," she shot back, and that was all he needed.
He slid his hands under her top, pushing it up to expose her bra—red this time, lacy and bold. She helped him yank the shirt off, tossing it onto a nearby crate, and he groaned at the sight of her. Small but perfect breasts, nipples already hard through the fabric. He shoved the bra up, not bothering to unclasp it, and took one in his mouth, sucking hard.
"Fuck," she hissed, fingers tangling in his hair as she arched into him. Her other hand fumbled with his jeans, popping the button open with a desperate edge. Sung-Min grinned against her skin, switching to her other breast, teasing with his tongue until she was squirming.
"Impatient?" he teased, voice rough as she shoved his jeans down his thighs.
"Shut up," she snapped, but her eyes were dark with want, and when she palmed him through his boxers, he groaned, hips bucking into her touch.
"No time for games," she said, yanking his boxers down. He sprang free, hard and ready, and her smirk turned wicked. "Damn, Sung-Min. Min-Soo wishes he had this."
"Min-Soo wishes he was me," he shot back, grabbing her hips and spinning her around. She braced her hands against the wall, ass out, and he tugged her jeans and panties down in one swift pull, leaving them tangled around her knees.
She glanced back, hair falling in her face. "Hurry up, hero."
He didn't need the invite twice. He gripped her hips, lining himself up, and thrust into her—deep, fast, no preamble. She cried out, loud enough that he winced, half-expecting someone to poke their head out a window. But the alley stayed empty, and he didn't stop, driving into her with a rhythm that made her moan with every stroke.
"God—Sung-Min—" Her voice was a mess, breaking on his name, and it fueled him. She was tight, wet, and perfect, her walls clenching around him as he pounded harder. The slap of skin against skin echoed in the narrow space, raw and filthy, and he loved every second of it.
Her hands slipped on the wall, nails scraping brick, and he slid one arm around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. His free hand found her breast, squeezing as he thrust up into her, hitting deeper. She shuddered, head tipping back onto his shoulder, and he kissed her neck, biting down just enough to mark her.
"Fuck—right there—" she gasped, and he felt her tense, her whole body trembling as she came, hard and loud, her cry bouncing off the walls. The way she tightened around him—hot, pulsing—dragged him over the edge too. He buried himself deep, groaning as he spilled inside her, the pleasure hitting like a tidal wave.
They stayed there, panting, her back pressed to his chest, his arms still around her. The alley smelled like coffee and sex now, a heady mix that made him grin. Soo-Jin laughed, breathless, turning her head to kiss him—sloppy, lazy, satisfied.
"You're insane," she said, pulling away to tug her jeans back up. "I've got five minutes left on my break."
"Worth it," he replied, fixing his own clothes. His legs felt like jelly, but the smug glow in his chest was worth every ache.
She smirked, smoothing her hair. "Min-Soo's gonna flip when he sees this hickey."
"Tell him it's a coffee burn," Sung-Min said, winking. "He's dumb enough to buy it."
She laughed, shoving him playfully. "You're awful. I love it. Tomorrow again?"
"Count on it," he said, watching her slip back into the café, hips swaying like a victory lap.
The system dinged as he leaned against the wall, catching his breath.
[Bonus encounter completed! Target: Kim Soo-Jin. Reward: +5 Stamina for repeat performance. Current stats: Charm 22, Stamina 18, Stealth 2, Deception 3. She's hooked—watch for Min-Soo's reaction.]
Sung-Min chuckled, running a hand through his sweaty hair. "Hooked, huh? Good to know." Stamina 18 felt right—he was still standing, after all. But Min-Soo loomed in his mind, a nagging itch. The guy was a whiner, not a fighter like Tae-Ho, but clingy types could get messy.
Back inside, he grabbed his stuff and waved at Soo-Jin as he left. She blew him a mock kiss, earning a glare from Eun-Bi, who'd finally noticed something was up. Sung-Min just grinned wider. Let her wonder.
The walk home was a blur, his head buzzing with plans. Soo-Jin in the morning, Ji-Yeon tonight, Eun-Ha tomorrow at yoga class. His life was a juggling act, and the balls were on fire—but damn, he was good at it. Still, as he unlocked his door, a shadow of doubt crept in. Tae-Ho, Min-Soo, Joon-Hyuk. Three pissed-off guys, and he was the common thread.
"Future me's problem," he muttered, collapsing onto the couch. For now, he'd bask in the glow—Soo-Jin's moans still echoing in his ears, the system's rewards piling up. The netori life was a high-wire act, and he was loving the thrill.