#Happy Birthday Moon Taeil | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

woozten-x · 1 year

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WHAT— what if reader always walks by the cat cafe but never goes in bc they’re kinda scared of cats but they notice TAEIL playing with cats and get the courage to maybe go in or they watch from the window and they’re always wanting to play but they have this tendency of chickening out. STOPPPP IDK WHY BUT IT JUST FJSKKDD ITS SO CUTE !!! Reader finds taeil so endearing but also slightly jealous that they’re able to play with cats so easily and it’s hard for reader and they really want to be a cat owner one day too but they maybe had a small incident as child nothing too bad but it just made this little insecurity for reader !!!

A Kitty's Heart of Gold | Moon Taeil

[ m.list including other neos! ]

─ Synopsis: There is a cat cafe called Cute Kitty Paws near your university, one you tend to avoid due to your unexplained fear of felines.

But, your own fear did not stop you from an unexpected encounter with the handsome cat cafe owner - Moon Taeil!

─ Genre: so fluffy like cat fur, One-Shot, REQUESTED PROMPT!

─ Concepts: university au (reader is a student), use of they/them, non-idol au, cat cafe owner!Taeil, cats<3, haechan special appearance, reader has a irrational fear of cats, just lots of fluffiness and taeil being soft for cats, haechan sneezing up a storm, jungwoo is mentioned and is reader's friend!, reader and taeil bonding over cats basically, some romantic implications but no romantic progression (reader is whipped bc who isnt)

─ Count of Words: 3.4k

─ Inspiration of the Work: this taeil cat video, Darling by JUNNY (ft. dress)

❒ a/n: hey sweetheart, ty for requesting<3 im so sorry this was late and happy belated birthday!! this was supposed to be your birthday present, but you know...HAHA...you already know, i told u in pms BYE. BUT YES THIS PROMPT HAS BEEN LIVING IN MY HEAD RENT FREE- thank you again for requesting and spamming my messages about this!! i absolutely ADORE taeil and him... him as a cat dad... oh god him... JUST HIM! (from a taeil stan in denial)

＞＜

Summer - the season you are never too fond of due to the heat and the uncomfortable weather cursing you to sweat for a period of time, when standing outside doing absolutely nothing. Though this weather is one to plummet your mood when the time comes, you feel incredibly refreshed when gaining the opportunity to visit the cafe and get an ice cold drink; of course, special summer drinks on the menu is one perk you like about summer.

You are someone who enjoys trying a variety of beverages from a cafe, especially the one a bit further away from your campus. You are a regular there, oftentimes stopping by to study in the serene environment or picking up a drink to keep your tastebuds enlightened by the taste of coffee or whatever beverage you had ordered.

For today, it seems like fate has brought you to one cafe that is near your campus.

You could easily obtain your usual drink, knowing it is one ordinary beverage; but, this particular cafe is one you avoid like a plague. You stood in front of the entrance, staring at the sign above and claiming the name of ‘Cute Kitty Paws’ - according to your close friend, Kim Jungwoo, it was a cafe that has these special summer drinks that have you yearning with curiosity.

It was intimidating, however. It was no ordinary cafe, considering it is cat themed and there are many felines roaming freely inside. You have never visited, not even once have you thought about visiting; until, you took a sip of Jungwoo’s drink and suddenly you are craving for that same taste again on this random day. Oh, why did this cafe have to be cat-themed?

You have walked past this cafe plenty of times before, having to take this specific route towards the usual cafe you visit. Plenty of times have you seen the roaming cats sitting by the window, their small pupil gazes following any passerby; you never bothered to interact with any, feeling some discomfort with such creature regardless of it’s cute appearance to most people.

Although, your attention never lingers too long on the cafe through the glass window revealing the cat-themed interior inside; you’ve seen a young man, a brunette with a very charming smile adorning his features. He caught your eye sometimes as you walked by, sometimes turning your head fully to see him playing with the felines with a hanging feather or he would be laying on the floor.

You have no idea why, but it is endearing to watch someone - even a complete stranger - interact with animals with such gentleness. He never took notice of you, he was in his own world. A man with a heart of gold for these felines, the very same person holding a smile you can’t help but find contagious. In a way, he almost resembled one of them by laying on the floor without a care in the world.

Even if you are interested in this one person, your own fear has prevented you from entering this cafe. The very thought of being in the same room as cats has your heart in turmoil, your own skin crawling like an uncomfortable curse running through your body; was it an irrational fear? Sometimes, you think you are insane or even overreacting by something so cute and fluffy.

Taking a deep breath, you step away from the cafe’s door. You couldn’t bear the thought of entering despite your own gluttony speaking otherwise, you wanted to have the peach-mango flavored drink that Jungwoo had brought that one day; unfortunately, you lost all confidence. Well, it was one quest you have failed! Time to move on.

Walking away from the door, you walk past the window where you are exposed to any cat lover’s heaven. Several felines lay around, a few watching you; awkwardly you met a few of their gazes, your hand twitching slightly at the thought of touching them to rake your fingers through the slick fur they usually have. Yet that parasite called ‘fear’ remains in the back of your head.

Suddenly, the man you adored from afar had come into view. He stood with the usual smile he reserved for these cats, his pretty yet large hands extended out when he leaned down; a feline approaching with a furry head bumping against it, gently nibbling on his fingers and you felt your own heart drop. Not a crushing one, but one to make your own heart ache in the most pleasant way.

The way his fingers stroke the fur of the feline’s head, you felt oddly comforted by the sight. In your head, these creatures aren’t too bad especially with how he interacts with them. You stood dumbly, the fond smile playing at your lips and you did not notice the quizzical gaze meeting yours. Meeting eyes with the worker inside through the window made your own body tense up, embarrassment rushing through you like a tidal wave.

Momentarily, the two of you stood and stared at one another without breaking eye contact. Your thoughts racing, telling you to run away or let the world swallow you whole; but, your feet remain glued to the floor from the bewilderment with a mix of embarrassment. You never thought about it until now, but the gentle cat-person is incredibly handsome.

Oh, why did you have to meet someone like that in this type of situation?!

Finally, he walks away and you are blinking back to reality. Out of your sight, the felines remain and you are ready to run off like a stray frightened by a stranger. Once you begin to move, you hear the door open and the chiming bell above makes you turn your head instinctively. You met eyes with the handsome cat-person, once again.

He politely smiles at you, “Would you like to come in? We are open.”

You did not reply instantly, only staring at him with wide eyes like a deer in the headlights. You didn’t fully process the question, letting your eyes roam along his figure; a white apron tied around his waist, the cat-themed badge on his chest and revealing his name to be Taeil. It was a pretty name for such a pretty person.

He shifts before you, your eyes instantly meeting his. Clearing your throat, you slowly nod - “Yes? I just…Yeah.” You had mentally facepalmed at your words, not sure what you were trying to say. In fact, you wanted to reject his offer! Your mouth having a mind of its own, answering for you without comprehending your actual feelings; maybe it was the small guilt you felt for being a creep for watching him.

He nods, not affected by your awkwardness; he gestures for you to come in, a hand beckoning you to come closer. Suddenly, you are following through, a spell casted on you by the same gentle hand petting those cats inside. Something about him seemed so relaxing, you can’t understand what it was exactly; he held such a soft and welcoming demeanor.

Entering inside, you are met by the scent of sanitization which is one you aren’t exactly complaining about; it is a different aroma you are used to. You could hear some felines meowing from afar, your head slowly turning to see the four-legged furballs roaming; some eyeing at you with their unreadable gazes, and a few meowing towards you in greeting. Hesitating, you froze and felt the prickling sensation run through you.

“Is there something wrong? Are you allergic? I should have informed you this is a cat cafe,” Taeil spoke to you gently, catching onto the anxiety cursing your well-being. You turned towards him, swallowing the lump stuck in your throat - “Oh…I knew that…It’s just…” You glanced at the cats on the other side, thankful for the high gate the felines couldn’t walk past through or jump over.

“I-I have a fear of them, that’s all…” You admit barely above a whisper and Taeil seemed surprised by your confession. He nodded in understanding however, his tender gaze holding no judgment whatsoever; he smiled kindly, “I can make your drink and give it to you outside. I understand, if this could be overwhelming. Tell me what you like to order.” He suggests, compromising with your fear.

Considering his words, you take a deep breath and slowly shake your head - “The thing is…I don’t hate them. You know that exposure thing in psychology? Maybe I can do that! I mean, how can I be in a cat cafe without interacting with any?” You say with a laugh, trying to relieve the tension with the forced enthusiasm. Taeil briefly pursed his lips at your words before nodding in understanding, “I am sure you will enjoy your time here. I can stay by your side.”

“Y-You don’t have to!” You sputter out, surprised by his willingness to help you with your ‘exposure’ experiment. He only shook his head with the same gentle smile, the one that has your heart feeling warm - “I am the owner of this cafe, I take pride in all the cats being taken care of here and my customers’ comfort is my responsibility. These cats are socialized with humans, I can assure you that nothing will happen.”

You nod at his words, glancing warily at the felines awaiting for you and Taeil to join them on the other side. “I can show you how to interact with them. Maybe you can visit often, we can take our time familiarizing yourself with them; is that okay with you?” He asks, taking a step forward with a hand resting on the gate.

His patience and gentle words had made you feel more at ease, the idea of him sticking by your side through the process is enough to comfort you; even if it was only little. Small words of gratitude are given towards him, Taeil only smiled back at you before opening the gate.

“Take your time going inside,” He assures you, the pressure upon your shoulders uplifted once you heard the gate unlock with a click. Loudly the felines purr by his feet, rubbing themselves against the leg sticking out to prevent them from walking past the open gate. Slowly you inhale, gradually building the confidence despite the leeching fear; slowly you approach Taeil and the three cats crowding around him.

Avoiding stepping on the cats near your feet, you take a step into the cat-themed cafe with the counter in full view with another worker behind it. He stood behind the counter with raven locks of hair, a finger rubbing at his sniffling nose; you weren’t able to greet him just yet once feeling a cat press against your legs, a small gasp leaving you at the contact.

A hand is placed on your lower back to prevent yourself from losing balance from the surprise, Taeil smiling at you as you meet his handsome face - “Don’t worry, I got you. For now, we can look at the menu; you don’t have to pet them for today, if you aren’t comfortable.”

“Thank you…” you murmur out, Taeil’s hand never leaving your back as he guides you towards the counter. The cat badge on the barista’s apron read Donghyuck, he looks at you with a curious look; he doesn’t seem to understand the situation. “Are you dating someone, Hyung?” He suddenly asks, the younger male looking towards the brunette with raised eyebrows and a smirk drawn over his lips.

Taeil shook his head with a smile, “They are a customer. They aren’t familiar with cats, so I am helping them.” He tells Donghyuck, not exactly exposing your fear with the felines which you are grateful for. His gentle touch leaves your back and you are left with roaming eyes reading the menu above Donghyuck’s head. You consider the options, easily finding the iced drink that Jungwoo had before.

“Oh, I am sorry!” Donghyuck exclaims, his head bowing in apology towards you. You looked back at him and shook your head, “No worries. Can I get the iced peach-mango?” You order with Taeil standing next to you. Donghyuck grins at you, “That’s one of my friends’ favorites! Were you recommended to come by here?”

Nodding, “Yeah a friend of mine from Uni.”

In the corner of your eye, you see Taeil moving away to quietly crouch down to the felines eye level. The affectionate smile playing at his pink lips once more, fingers running through a cat’s fur; you are suddenly feeling the familiar tranquility you’ve always felt, whenever Taeil interacted with the cats. His heart of gold worn upon his sleeve, it is revealed to you like treasure twinkling back at you.

“Oh yeah? I know someone from the nearby University also! It’s Jungwoo-hyung. Hyung, he came by today right?” Donghyuck replies back to you, the familiar name of your friend’s name regaining the attention back to the raven-head.

A bright expression overtakes your features with a nod, “I know Jungwoo too! I had a sip of his drink and I’ve been wanting it ever since. It’s super refreshing for this summer weather.”

Donghyuck smirks proudly at your words, “I know right? I am the one who created that drink. What can Hyung do without me?~”

Taeil chuckles at the younger’s words and looks up at the two of you, “Jungwoo did mention someone liking the drink a lot.”

You laugh and point at yourself, “Well, that’s me! My name is Y/N, by the way.” You finally introduce yourself, completely forgetting to tell. You felt more relaxed, knowing you are surrounded by the friendly staff members. Donghyuck points at his tag, “At your service~” He hums while placing down the drink you’ve ordered. You thank him, taking out your wallet to pay.

“It’s on the house.” Taeil offered once standing up, you looked at him in surprise. Shaking your head, you quickly interject - “No, no it’s okay! You can treat me like any other customer–”

“You aren’t just a customer. You are a friend and I think, you coming by is enough to repay.” Taeil simply tells you, the words of complaint becoming stale on your tongue; you had no idea whether to argue further or to accept it. You can’t argue with his handsome face, his eyes holding a sea of kindness with a smile to have you swimming in captivating waves.

Sighing, “Only this one time!” You tell him and Taeil nods with a smile. Donghyuck looks between you, a melodic tune whistling drifting through the air from his pursed lips - “Wow, hyung must really like you…Are you liking me less now, hyung?” Donghyuck pouts whilst looking at the brunette.

Taeil didn’t answer, simply ignoring the younger’s teasing and he kept his gaze on you; somehow, all attention towards the barista is drowned out by Taeil’s presence itself. “Would you like to stay here a bit longer? You can play with the kittens, they are less intimidating in comparison to the adults.” Taeil suggests. You’ve completely forgotten where you were, for a moment.

A cat hops onto the counter, you backed away and Donghyuck sneezes from behind the counter. Taeil apologizes quickly, picking up the large cat - “Did you not take your allergy medication?” He asks when glancing at the younger. Donghyuck continues to sneeze, his head turned away with a few more sneezes escaping him. He grumbles, “I ran out...I didn’t take one today.”

Standing closely to Taeil, you seeked comfort from his presence. He doesn’t seem to mind, a hand stuffed into his apron and you are watching the brunette take out a pack of medication; he hands it towards the younger. Donghyuck grins at the older, his bubbly nature returning once being taken care of.

“Thanks, hyung!”

Taeil doesn’t answer back, looking towards you - “Sometimes, the cats do whatever they want. Sorry about that.” He chuckles and you smile back at him with a shake of your head. Hearing the many stories of cats, you knew how independent they could be. “I think I can handle kittens. I don’t mind staying here longer,” You answer back.

Nodding his head, you are following him through the cafe and approaching a door. “All these cats are up for adoption. They are all rescued…I usually foster them before bringing them here though,” He tells you and you nod with a pleased smile; a newfound admiration towards the man you've watched from afar for these past seasons.

“You really love cats huh?”

Taeil looks at you with a smile, “They are often misunderstood. I love them dearly.” He turns back to the door to open it and reveals two kittens playing inside. Entering after him, you are feeling relaxed by the smaller felines scampering around with their big heads, and tiny legs; you laugh a little, placing down your cup on a table before slowly kneeling down. Maybe your exposure experiment will go along just fine.

Joining next to you, Taeil picks up a string toy and lets it hang above the kittens’ head. They were distracted by the toy, not approaching you nor sparing any attention towards you; an envious pang felt within your heart, as you watched Taeil play with the kittens. He looks at you, “Usually they warm up quickly when you play with them. They can be really sweet, once they warm up to you.”

He hands you the string and you take it, fingers brushing against his warm ones. A faint smile played at your lips by the contact, turning your attention to the kittens while swinging around the string above them; they hop and climb on top of each other, trying to reach for the toy.

You let out a laugh, “How cute!” you exclaim while playing with the kittens hunting down the string you dangled above their heads.

In a comfortable silence, you drag the string along the floor and the kittens pounce onto it, trying their best to catch it. Taeil watches the felines play, “Are you feeling more comfortable around them?” He asks and glances at you. Your eyes didn’t leave the kittens, nodding your head - “I definitely am…But, I think it’s because you are here, you know?” You admit with a sheepish smile once meeting his eyes.

“Progress is progress. That’s what matters.”

His words made your heart skip a beat, a flustered smile appeared on your lips and you hung your head to hide your bashfulness. Unexpectedly, one of the kittens had climbed into your lap and you instantly stiffened at the contact; Taeil let out a chuckle next to you, “They seem to really like you. Relax. He is just napping.”

He reaches out, gently rubbing a finger at the small head of the kitten. “Kittens sleep a lot more than adult cats. They have so much energy that’s why,” He laughs and you laugh with him; feeling relaxed by the cute fact and Taeil’s presence. Looking down at the kitten in your lap, you smile to yourself - a sense of proudness radiating you, as you lift up a hand to pet the small body.

The fur was soft against your skin, you easily stroke the smooth fur and Taeil smiles next to you. “How do you feel?” he asks and you look up at him with a grin. “I feel great! I finally got to pet a cat,” You laugh a bit and he nods at your words; fondness overtaking his handsome features, the soft expression having your breath hitching.

So, this was the world he was living in. A world filled with your fear, yet it became a very relaxing experience for you. You want to live in his world more often.

“I want to come again.” You tell him, your mind determined to overcome your fear and grow closer to the cat-person with a heart of gold. He looks up from the kitten he was playing with, meeting your determined gaze with his gentle one - “You can visit whenever you like then. We are open every weekday until 10 p.m., and on weekends we close at 8 p.m.”

You nodded, “I also want to come again to see you more.”

Taeil looks at you, eyes widening slightly at your words and his lips twitching up into a bashful smile. Faintly, a dust of red overcame his cheeks and he looked away with a chuckle - “I would love to see you more also.”

Grinning at him, you let out a pinkie to ensure the promise shared between the two of you. “I will come by then!” You promise, awaiting for his pinkie to intertwine with yours. He glances at your hand before nodding his head, his larger pinkie intertwined with yours.

“I promise to welcome you anytime.”

It was one step to getting closer with the cat-person with a golden heart.

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