Chapter Text
Minhee thinks working in a café is part of the problem. He meets too many people and when he says people, he meant sleep deprived college students who flirt with him every single day. Their café is open 24/7 and the owner thought of a gimmick to attract college students. Well, aside from building it a safe distance from their university--close enough that you can pass by the café before your class and you won’t be losing minutes of sleep but far enough that you can’t see it from the glass walls in front so your mind can be at peace for a while if you decide to stay.
They also offer a service where you give a note to the staff and they’ll wake you up in your chosen time. So, he sees them when they’re all soft, too comfortable in their hoodies, trying to wake themselves up and he sees them when they’re in the verge of breaking down over an exam they think they’re about to fail.
And Minhee, the good soul that he is, always talks to them. He tries to chat them up when they’re about fall asleep on the counter as they wait for their coffee in the morning. He wishes them a good day and sends them a smile to make sure they get at least one each day and on very desperate times, he sits down and attempts to comfort them and convince them that they are not going to fail this semester and they’ve done enough. Maybe Minhee is the problem. It’s safe to say that idea has been brought up once or twice.
“Good evening, Mini.” Hyeongjun greets him as he finishes the drink he’s making before calling out the customer’s name.
“How bad is it?” Minhee asks right away, putting on his apron. He was welcomed by a crowd when he got in for his shift.
“Long exam for 3rd years from the Engineering Department.” he informs him.
“Oh.” Minhee knows it’s going to be a busy night for them.
“All blocks.” Hyeongjun adds, and they both look at each other with terror. “But the good thing is, most of them came in groups so, I don’t think we have to wake up too many people.”
“Oh, thank God.” Minhee says, “I really am not in the mood right now.”
Two hours after that, they finally get a breather. The café is full but everyone’s just talking and eating, they get one to two people in the counter for water and extra plates but that’s about it. Minhee decides to take the last person they have to wake up.
“Hey.” Minhee starts by shaking the person’s shoulder. The boy has his hood up, looking very comfortable on the table, it might take him a while. Minhee sits down, preparing to stay there for a while since he's used to him. He tries again and shakes the person’s arm. “Hey, wake up! Wake up.”
The person starts blinking and Minhee sends them a smile which was returned right away. “I thought, we’re gonna take another half an hour!” he complains teasingly.
“Hey.” The person’s voice is so deep, a contrast to his chubby cheeks and heartful smile. “I’ve been good lately. I haven’t given you trouble, right?”
“Whatever you say!” Minhee says, getting up. “You need anything?”
“Nope. I’m just waiting for a friend.” The person says. “Thanks.”
“Alright! You know where to find me.” Minhee responds and returns to the counter. He was just about to start arranging the mugs that Hyeongjun just washed when he hears the voice.
“Excuse me.” The voice says and his body stiffens. “Uhm, sorry. Hello?” The voice tries again when he doesn’t turn around.
Minhee takes a deep breath and convinces himself that it’s probably just a similar voice. He puts a smile on his face as he turns to the owner of the voice. “Hello! Good evening. How may I help you?”
“Minhee?” the guy in front of him asks instantly, sounding as surprised as he looked—eyes wide, mouth agape.
Minhee makes sure his smile doesn’t falter. If he learned anything from working as a food service worker is how to fake his smile perfectly. “Yes, that’s me! What can I get you?” He even gives his nameplate a tap to keep it very casual.
“Just an iced americano…” the guy replies, still sounding a bit distracted.
“Alright. Coming right up.” Minhee says too enthusiastically with a grin which is getting more difficult to hold up.
Before he could turn around and make the drink himself to avoid more interaction, he sees Hyeongjun coming out of their room. He sneaks a glance on the screen. “Americano… I got it!” Hyeongjun says.
Minhee was kind of hoping he would stay inside so he doesn’t have to stand there and talk to the person who just came up to the counter but I guess, fate has other plans.
“It’s really you…” The customer says again. “Do you still remember me?” His face looks toubled, like there's something he couldn't understand.
“Sorry, no.” Minhee says politely, smile still present on his face. “I meet a lot of people here.”
“It’s Yunseong.” He says, sounding a bit unsure, his brows knitting together.
Minhee hands him the receipt and then speaks again, “Alright, Yunseong, you can just wait over there for your drink.” He motions to the other side of the counter before talking again. “Thank you for coming!”
He sounded cheerful but there's something in his voice that signals it's the end of the conversation. Minhee busies himself, returning to the mugs he arranges and rearranges until Yunseong leaves,. He makes sure he keeps his back to him who keeps trying to catch his eye.
He sees Hyeongjun finishing the drink and handing it to him in his peripheral vision. Only when he hears him walk away does he let himself fall to the floor, hidden from everybody else. He recalls Yunseong’s words earlier. “Do you still remember me?” he utters to himself, “Well, I wish I don’t.”
He heaves a big sigh once again which catches Hyeongjun’s attention. “You okay?” he asks.
“Ask me again in a bit so I can say yes.” He says, trying for humor.
Hyeongjun knows he doesn’t want to talk about it so he lets him be. Minhee isn’t really subtle when he wants attention and affection and that’s why their friendship works well. They spend the rest of their shift in silence, letting the soft music in the speakers and chatters from their customers fill the air.