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Donghyuck was currently craving a caramel machiatto to fight his excessive exhaustion. He hadn't had much rest after all, he had an important project for his design class. Some architectural plan that had gotten him out of sorts. His professor was really torturing him.
He was walking absentmindedly around his college campus when he noticed his friend Jeno approaching him.
"Hyuck." His friend as pale as a sheet of paper appeared with a smile. "I was going to say good morning but from what I can see you're not too happy."
Jeno pointed out the obvious.
Many times Donghyuck admired his friend's good humor, other times he wanted to punch the smile off his face. There was no middle ground.
"You guessed it. I didn't get any sleep making the project for my design class." Donghyuck rubbed his eyes seeking to get rid of the burning that bothered him.
Jeno nodded at his words. "But I know what will cheer you up. Come on." He grabbed his wrist practically dragging him with him.
The campus cafeteria attracted students like honey to bees. Many of them motivated by tiredness and the satisfaction of the sweetness of the desserts and the slightly bitter but delicious taste of the coffee. Donghyuck was one of those who sought to draw energy from the hot drinks and cookies sold there.
The closer they got to the place the more they could perceive the aroma of vanilla and coffee, it filled their senses in a pleasant way.
Donghyuck was practically guided by his sense of smell and his friend Jeno.
"I'll go order the drinks, Hyuck. I'll be right back." Jeno walked up to the counter where a brown-haired girl stood taking orders. Her name was Jiyu, they already knew her from the number of times they frequented the cafeteria.
But something caught Donghyck's attention. He didn't know the other guy behind the counter, surely he was new.
He was quite attractive. He had big, bright eyes, rather pronounced cheekbones. Yes, attractive would be the adjective he would use.
The boy realized he was being watched and that's when he met Donghyuck's eyes. There seemed to be a small glint in them, the boy sketched a very small smile. Donghyuck's sure his blush went from his cheeks to his chest, he averted his gaze to the napkins on the table.
Well, that was embarrasing. He wasn't an insecure teenager anymore, though maybe it was playing into the fact that he hadn't combed his hair much before leaving the house. Maybe he looked like he had a nest on his head. Silly, Donghyuck. Just today he was supposed to meet a cute guy at the coffee shop.
"A Caramel machiatto for you and a well-filled Americano for me." Jeno placed his drink in front of him before sitting down as well.
"Thanks, Jeno." He nodded to his friend.
"Why do you look like a tomato?" The younger man held back a smile.
Donghyuck gave him an annoyed look. "Because I was eyeing that boy at the counter and he caught me." He whispered.
Jeno let out a slightly uproarious laugh. Blame his friend for being an indiscreet fool.
"I guess on the other side of campus they didn't hear you." The boy rolled his eyes.
"You're hopeless, Hyuck."
So now Donghyuck had a better excuse to come daily to the cafeteria if it meant admiring the cute boy behind the counter.
Donghyuck had managed to approve his project and was already somewhat at ease. Although exams were coming up and that meant more hours of studying and isolating himself inside his room with his face buried in his books.
Since he had started his career he had been completely dedicated to approving each of his subjects. It had become a challenge and Donghyuck often wondered if he had made the right decision, but he was also sure that if he worked harder he could graduate.
Since he had worked so hard with his project he thought it would be the best time to indulge his craving for a Caramel Machiatto and a mini brownie at the campus cafeteria. Taking the opportunity to see the cute guy behind the counter.
This time Jaemin was joining their adventures with the excuse that he was craving a piece of lemon pie but Donghyuck knew that wasn't the real reason.
The boy had a huge crush on Jeno.
Jaemin was Jeno's classmate in political science. They had met in the first semester and hadn't left each other's side since. He knew that Jeno was also somewhat attracted to Jaemin but he was a coward. His excuse to his Hyung was that Jaemin was possibly out of his league or maybe he was in love with someone else.
Donghyuck was frustrated with his best friend for being such a coward. But, oh well, he was no better than Jeno. He chickened out too. The difference was that Donghyuck was sure that Jaemin reciprocated Jeno's feelings.
Jaemin had also become very close to Donghyuck because of the amount of time they shared.
They had entered the cafeteria and Jeno had gone to order desserts. Donghyuck was unconsciously looking for the cafeteria barista but couldn't locate him.
"Are you looking for someone?" Jaemin looked at him curiously.
"Uh, no."
"Donghyuck, you're really blushing." The younger boy laughed under his breath.
What on earth was wrong with him lately and those unbearable blushes?
"Don't tease or I swear I'll tell Jeno."
Jaemin opened his eyes wide.
"You wouldn't dare."
"He wouldn't dare what?" They both watched Jeno arrive with the dessert tray and the drinks.
"Nothing, we were talking about those dare games and all." Jaemin was quick to come up with something to distract Jeno.
"Dare games? That sounds like fun."
Jeno put all the desserts on the table as he smiled softly.
That friend of his was too sweet for his own good, that's why Jaemin was so in love with him. God, how cheesy.
Donghyuck continued to scan the shop looking for the boy until he finally saw him again behind the counter, his back was turned and he was using the coffee machine.
The boy spun around and his eyes connected with Donghyuck's. He was still just as handsome. He had his hair elegantly combed to the side, he was wearing a white button down shirt, with the first 3 buttons unbuttoned. Even with the black apron he was wearing he looked very handsome.
He could feel the blush on his face again.
"Donghyuck" Jeno's voice snapped him out of his little trance.
He tore his gaze away from the boy to focus it on his friend.
"What?"
"You weren't here for a second."
"I'm sorry. What were you talking about?"
"That you really need to go on some date." Jaemin was grinning widely, almost like the joker.
Mhm, this was not good.
"Date? Like, romantic date?" He looked at them both with a raised eyebrow.
"Exactly." Jaemin answered.
"Why would you think I need a date?"
"Dude, you don't have a life besides drawing buildings until 3 a.m."
This time it was Jeno giving his opinion.
"It's more complex than just drawing buildings." Donghyuck rolled his eyes.
Jeno took a sip of his iced tea before leaning over the table to say in a whisper, "How about a date with the guy at the counter?" His gaze directed at the handsome boy, who was still pouring coffee with a sweet smile, oblivious to the fact that he was being watched by three pairs of eyes.
Donghyuck was sure his face must have looked funny judging by the amused looks both of his friends were giving him.
"Yah! Jeno! You're insufferable."
"What do you say then?" Jeno was still grinning broadly.
"How do you plan to make that happen?"
"Ah, so, you are interested in the barista, then? I knew it."
Donghyuck restrained his urge to spill the iced tea on his friend. He could be sweet but also a pain in the ass.
"Well, how would you do it?"
It had piqued Donghyuck's curiosity, he didn't want to sound desperate but the boy really caught his attention and the idea of going on a date with him excited him.
"I have my ways, Donghyuck. Don't worry."
Johnny was lying on the couch while eating buttered popcorn, the movie he was watching wasn't exciting at all but he had nothing better to do while waiting for his roomie to come home from work.
The sound of the door opening made him take his eyes off the boring movie.
"Hey, hyung." Mark, his roommate, said as he closed the door behind him.
"Ah, I thought you'd never make it with dinner, bro."
Mark shook his head softly and walked over to the dining table to drop the bags of his dinner on it.
"What are you doing here?" Mark asked his Hyung.
"Ah, you know. I finished my work earlier and had nothing else to do."
Johnny got up to go to the table and start pulling the food out of the bags. Chinese food, his favorite.
As he sat down to eat he looked at Mark curiously. The younger boy seemed distracted.
"Something wrong?"
"Ah, no Hyung. You know, I'm kind of tired." He smiled slightly.
Oh, that was noticeable.
Mark was someone too responsible for his own good and it was admirable that someone so young had so many responsibilities.
He had moved away from home to come to Seoul to study music production.
His dream was an expensive and difficult thing to achieve. As best he could, he entered college and was completely happy with what he was studying. If he had to serve coffee to get his degree that was fine with him.
"You have a coffee stain on your shirt." Johnny pointed out, before taking another bite of his food.
"Hyung, I noticed that." He chuckled under his breath. "I'm still getting used to the job."
Johnny besides being Mark's roommate, was also his best friend and they had known each other since Mark had arrived in Seoul over two years ago. He's the person he trusted the most in the city.
"Mark, I know what might cheer you up."
"Mhm?" He looked at him curiously as he took a bite of the rice into his mouth.
"You need to get laid."
Mark almost spit out his food and consequently started coughing. Thank God he had poured himself a glass of water before he started eating, that helped himself from choking to death.
Johnny threw his head back as he laughed uproariously.
After Mark snapped out of his little meltdown and Johnny stopped teasing his friend relentlessly, he looked at him more seriously now.
"Hey, take it easy. We're in confidence here, how long has it been?"
"I-" Mark passed saliva. "Hyung, I don't think...I mean-"
"Oh hell, Mark. It's just sex, you know? It helps you relax and drain frustrations. Dude, the way you're reacting makes me think you've had enough time without a little action."
The younger boy was so embarrassed, he almost wanted to hide so his Hyung wouldn't see him. He could feel his cheeks heat up.
"Well, yeah" he whispered "I mean it's not because I haven't even had the chance but-"
"Don't bother. I know what we'll do to solve your problem. It's easy."
Mark looked at him curiously waiting for him to say what the heck he was referring to.
"A blind date, bro. And I've already got the candidate for you." Johnny smiled complacently.
"I don't think that's a good idea, hyung."
"You won't know until you try it."
It was an early Saturday afternoon and Donghyuck was just finishing studying some concepts about Roman architecture when his doorbell rang. He quickly stowed his things in his backpack before heading for the door.
"Hey, Hyuck." Jeno appeared at his door accompanied by Jaemin, both sporting huge grins.
These two sure were a dangerous pair.
Donghyuck wanted to slam the door in their faces.
"Guys, I don't mean to be rude but what are you doing here?"
"We wanted to come and get you ready for your date." Jeno answered.
"Date?" This surely was a joke.
"Yeah, with the guy from the coffee shop."
Oh, no.
"How the hell did you do it, Lee Jeno? This wasn't blackmail, was it?"
He didn't mean to sound rude but he didn't want a date with the barista boy to happen under the concept of blackmail or lies.
"I can't believe you think that way about me." Jeno made his best to look disappointed. "Actually, you have Jaemin to thank, he's the one who knows someone close to the barista."
"You're welcome." Jaemin smiled.
Donghyuck shook his head.
"Let's get you gallant, buddy."
Jeno grabbed him by the wrist leading him to his room to look for his perfect outfit.
After a while of searching through Donghyuck's clothes, they decided on Jeans and a somewhat wide button down shirt that would show off part of his collarbones, along with some gold chains adorning his neck.
He rolled his eyes as he listened to Jeno talk about how he should take advantage of his elegant neck and use it as his weapon of seduction.
Really, what had he done to get a best friend like Jeno? Many times as a blessing and other times as quite the opposite.
His friends also insisted that he should use highlighter on his cheekbones and cupid's bow, according to them it would bring out his tanned skin and make him irresistible.
"All set."
Donghyuck looked at himself in the mirror and was pleased with how he looked. He gave his friends a small smile.
"I must admit, I look good." Donghyuck ran his hands through his honey-colored hair.
"Of course you do. Now go see your prince charming."
Mark was nervous, more than he would care to admit. He didn't consider himself overly skilled in the art of dating and the whole love thing. He had only one relationship in his life and it had ended thanks to his decision to move to the city, plus it was something he would describe as a teenage, inexperienced romance. It was short and simple. So this whole blind date thing was making him anxious and he didn't know what to expect.
Johnny had convinced him that it would be a good idea to relax a little and give this a chance, but he hadn't wanted to give Mark too many details about who to expect. Of course, that was what blind dates were all about and it was what made him most nervous.
Still, he had prepared himself to go on the date. He had made sure to look as presentable as possible. He had chosen a denim jacket and jeans, along with a black button-down shirt and sneakers. At least Johnny had said he looked good, as he tried to restrain his urge to make fun of how nervous Mark was.
He was supposed to meet his date in the city park, all he knew was that he would be wearing a button-down shirt and gold necklaces, as Johnny had described in a text message.
How was he supposed to recognize his date with such a generic description?
Mark had been waiting on one of those benches for at least five minutes.
What if he had been stood up?
He'd really kill Johnny for dragging him into this.
"Excuse me?"
Mark looked away from his cell phone to find a boy with tanned skin, dark eyes and heart-shaped lips. He looked flushed and his face glowed with golden sparkles on his cheeks and lips.
He knew him. He had seen him before in the coffee shop but up close he was even cuter.
"You, uh, you're Mark right?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry, this is so embarrassing, did my friend do something to get you to come here?" He looked at him a little worried.
"Wait, you're my blind date?"
He didn't think he was lucky enough to have this happen to him. He had been thinking of asking the guy out at some point however he panicked and didn't dare, a guy like that shouldn't be available but oh look, he was in front of him looking flushed and so pretty.
Mark then detailed that the boy was wearing gold necklaces, it was just like Johnny had said. God, he was a fool.
"I guess I let you down." The boy smiled bitterly.
"No, no. It's just-" he cleared his throat "I didn't know what to expect."
"So, was it a good surprise or a bad one?" The boy looked at him with an amused expression on his face.
"A good surprise." Mark smiled at him.
"I'm Lee Donghyuck."
Donghyuck, a name as cute as he was.
"Mark."
"I know that." Donghyuck laughed under his breath. "I think our friends made a plot to make this happen."
Mark would remember to thank Johnny later.
"I think so. How does my friend know your friend?"
"My best friend has a friend and he's the one who knows your friend."
Mark laughed under his breath. "I think I'm lost already."
Donghyuck was laughing too and the older boy felt his heart tickle. His laugh was very beautiful.
"Mhm, Donghyuck, would you like to go to the movies?"
"Sure."
Donghyuck really was in heaven and he would be sure to thank his friends for setting up this date, without their help he would never have dared to ask the barista out.
Mark was so sweet. He blushed every time Donghyuck found him looking at him.
They had gone to see a movie of which Donghyuck didn't remember the name nor had he paid that much attention as he could only listen to his own heart beating hard against his chest. He was nervous but excited to be with the boy who had captivated him.
As they sat watching the movie Donghyuck felt a terrible urge to hold Mark's hand but feared it was too much for just a first date. So he tried to concentrate on the movie, to forget that for a moment.
He was popping a handful of popcorn into his mouth when he noticed Mark looking at him.
"Donghyuck?"
He turned his attention away from the huge screen to see Mark. His eyes were glowing and it was more noticeable because of the darkness of the movie theater. He was so cute.
"Can I hold your hand?" He asked him after a second.
He was simply too sweet for his own good.
Donghyuck nodded and brought his hand closer to Mark's. He intertwined their fingers and gave his hand a light squeeze.
Thus they spent the rest of the movie with their hands intertwined, both with hearts beating wildly and happy to be in each other's company.
He didn't want to leave just yet, it would mean having to let go of Mark's hand. He felt like a kid with his first crush. But to his fortune and happiness, Mark didn't let go of his hand when they were to leave the room, unconsciously Donghyuck was smiling. His heart was still pounding.
Mark had asked him to go to dinner and Donghyuck accepted.
Donghyuck was beautiful. He was funny and his laughter was infectious.
Mark had dared to hold his hand and he would make sure not to let go as long as they were together.
The boy was warm as summer. He had a hard time keeping his heart in a normal rhythm when what he wanted to do most was to hold him and see if he could convey all that warmth to him in a second.
They were having dinner at a nice restaurant in the city and Donghyuck looked even prettier bathed in the night light. Mark had never been so attracted to someone before.
"Have you ever been on blind dates before?" Donghyuck looked at him curiously with those big eyes.
"Ah, never. It's not my style. How about you?"
"Well, my friend Jeno made me go on a few. None of them were really successful."
"They weren't your type?"
"You can say that. They were either very narcissistic guys or just interested in fleeting romances."
"I see. What's your type, then?" Mark dared to ask.
Donghyuck smiled. "That's easy. Someone attentive, romantic, intelligent, and handsome."
Well, he could be several of those things, Mark thought.
"How about you, Mark?" He looked at him with a small smile.
"I like someone warm, smart and sweet." He felt his cheeks burn because it was obvious he was referring to the boy in front of him but he didn't want to give himself away with the look he surely had in his eyes.
Donghyuck laughed softly. "That's cute."
Mark had offered to escort Donghyuck to his apartment, like the good gentleman he considered himself to be.
They walked together with their hands clasped, as Donghyuck told him about his family in Jeju and how he had learned to fish at age 8, how much he had cried when his kitten had passed away. He told him about summers on the island and how beautiful the sunsets were.
Mark just listened and smiled. He was fascinated just listening to him talk about his family and home, he looked so happy and his eyes seemed to sparkle even more.
"I'm sorry I didn't let you talk." Donghyuck looked apologetic.
"Don't be sorry. I like listening to you." He smiled at him.
The younger boy blushed too much at those words.
"I had fun today."
"Me too." Mark smiled weakly at him.
They lapsed into a somewhat tense silence. Mark didn't know what to do. Should he just say goodbye and leave? Should he kiss him? Because he was dying to but it was only the first date and Mark didn't want to seem desperate and scare him off.
"Mark" he whispered.
"Yes?" His eyes connected with Donghyuck's, and they were darker and brighter.
The air became even thicker and Mark wished, wished with all his heart to melt into a kiss with that warm boy.
Donghyuck moved closer to him stealing his breath and joining their lips in a sweet kiss, as sweet as he was. Donghyuck tasted like the peach dessert they had eaten at the restaurant. Mark sighed into his mouth because damn, this boy sure knew how to kiss and his lips were soft and plump.
Mark put his hands on his cheeks and gently caressed him, his skin was as silky as it looked.
The younger boy traced his lower lip with the tip of his tongue before leaving a chaste kiss on Mark's lips and finally pulling away.
"Wow" he whispered. Donghyuck let out a chuckle.
"I'll see you later?"
Mark managed a nod as he tried to calm his uncontrollable heartbeat.
"Donghyuck." he called to him.
The boy spun around looking at him curiously.
"Hey, I was wondering if you could give me your number. Only if you want to, of course." Mark cleared his throat.
Donghyuck smiled and reached over to take his cell phone and write his number on it.
"Good night, Mark."
"So? How did it go?" His Hyung was on the couch looking at him curiously.
"He's amazing." Mark sighed before sitting down next to Johnny.
"Damn, bro, you've only went to a date with him. Don't tell me you've already fallen in love."
It was too early to say he'd fallen in love but with someone like Donghyuck that wasn't a distant possibility. The guy was totally intoxicating as much as the wine they'd had at the restaurant, and it made him feel like his heart was on fire.
He wanted to see him and kiss him again, feel his hands on his face like a gentle breeze. He wanted to stroke his hair and check if it was as soft as it looked.
That night he had a dream. He dreamed of a warm eternal summer and glimpses of golden, silky skin under his fingertips. He dreamed of a fine voice and sweet lips.
Donghyuck was in class and couldn't stop thinking about a certain bright-eyed boy. This was getting out of hand, he couldn't wait to see Mark again.
Jeno was waiting for him outside his classroom surely to bombard him with questions about his date with the barista.
"Hyuck." He sang.
"Jeno." He replied.
"How was it? How did it go? Did he kiss you? Did you kiss him?"
He knew his friend too well.
"You ask too many questions but it was good. Very good indeed."
"Really?"
Donghyuck nodded.
"Mark is very sweet."
"God, Hyuck. You look all lovey-dovey."
"I already want us to go on a second date."
"Second date? Or do you mean second base?"
Donghyuck nudged his friend lightly, Jeno responded with a laugh.
"Don't be grumpy. Let's go get a coffee so you can see your barista boy."
When they arrived at the coffee shop they were met by Jaemin who had already ordered their desserts and drinks.
Donghyuck could only focus his attention on Mark, who looked terribly handsome in his white button down shirt and apron.
The boy smiled at him as soon as he realized Donghyuck was looking at him.
"Well?" Jaemin looked at him amused. "How was your date?"
"It was perfect but I won't give you details so stop asking."
"From the way you're acting I can conclude that you didn't sleep with him."
"Shh, Jaemin. You're such an idiot. And no, I didn't."
"Did he at least give you a kiss?"
Jaemin really felt like messing with him today.
"I said I wouldn't give any details." He shook his head.
Against his will he had blushed at the memory of the sweet kiss he had stolen from Mark.
"I'll take that blush as a yes." He laughed.
Donghyuck rolled his eyes and took a sip of his caramel machiatto.
Donghyuck was tracing the lines of a house facade on one of his sketch pads when his cell phone activated with a notification. He set his pencil and ruler aside to check what it was about. His heart skipped a beat when he realized it was a message from Mark.
Sweet barista boy:
Today, 07:08 pm
hey, Donghyuck. was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me on Saturday? ;)
Summer boy:
Today, 07:09 pm
ofc, where are we going? :)
Sweet barista boy:
Today, 07:10 pm
It will be a surprise :)
I'll pick u up at 6
night, donghyuck
Summer boy:
Today, 07:10 p.m.
gnight, Mark <3
Saturday had arrived and Donghyuck was so excited that he had made sure to finish all his homework so that he could enjoy his date without worry. He couldn't let some homework from his design class ruin his day. He would finally have Mark to himself.
He had changed into a leather jacket and Jeans, along with a Rolling Stones t-shirt and black sneakers.
He got a text from Mark letting him know he had arrived at his building so he hurried downstairs to meet him.
Mark was wearing a gray sweatshirt and Jeans and white sneakers, he looked adorable, his dark hair a little tousled by the breeze. He wanted to run his hands through it and kiss him but limited himself only to smile broadly at him.
"Hi." He whispered. He was smiling slightly and was also blushing.
God, Donghyuck was thrilled.
He couldn't contain himself and gave him a somewhat shy hug, he could smell Mark's manly scent and wanted to melt right now. Mark seemed to think for a second and then wrapped his arms around him, putting his nose on the younger's neck.
After a second, and against his will, he pulled away from Mark and looked at him, he was more flushed than before, he shouldn't be much better.
"Where are we going?"
"I told you it was a surprise. Come on." Mark held out his hand and he unhesitatingly took it and intertwined their fingers.
They took a cab and Mark continued to refuse to give the younger boy details about where they were going, until finally after about half an hour they arrived at their destination.
It was the planetarium.
Donghyuck had always wanted to visit it and that he would finally have the chance and in Mark's company excited him.
"What do you think?" Mark asked him, when they had finally gotten out of the car.
"I love it." He gave Mark a small smile, before taking him by the hand again to enter the place. "Come on!"
To say the planetarium was impressive was an understatement.
It had exhibits about the solar system, with rotating models of each of the planets. Everything was dark inside to give it much more resemblance to space and its vastness, on the ceiling you could see thousands of little stars that seemed to be hand drawn.
It was as if they were in the Milky Way. Surrounded by all that expanse of infinite universe. At the same time it was romantic because he had Mark by his side, and even the vastness of space didn't compare to what he was feeling right now.
It had gotten dark and they could go to the big observatory to see the real stars in the sky.
Donghyuck felt like a little kid as he looked at the stars in detail and thought about how insignificant they were compared to it all.
"It's beautiful." He whispered still concentrating on the view in front of him.
"It is."
Mark looked at him as if he was the one holding those stars in his hands because to him, not even the brightness of the sun itself compared to Donghyuck.
Donghyuck with that gorgeous smile. Donghyuck with those dark eyes and tanned skin. Donghyuck with those sweet lips.
They had left the planetarium after they had toured all the exhibits, after Donghyuck had read all the fun facts about the planets and felt, he said, much wiser. Mark kept smiling at the younger boy's witticisms.
They were walking through the brightly lit streets of Seoul, holding hands, and Donghyuck looked very happy, or at least that's how he perceived it.
"I always liked the stars you know?" Donghyuck said after a while. "It meant a lot that you took me to that place."
"It was fun."
"A lot." Donghyuck smiled broadly at him.
Mark believed he might be able to give him the stars if that was what Donghyuck wanted. Not only was he up for that, he could lay the entire universe at his feet, if it meant seeing him smile like that.
"Donghyuck."
"Mhm?"
"I like you a lot." He whispered to him and leaned closer to leave a kiss on his cheek and then another one on his temple.
He seemed to have taken him by surprise with his words because the boy was so flushed, he looked like he would die at any moment.
"Mark, I don't like you."
Oh.
Now Mark was the surprised one and he was speechless.
"It's so much more than that. I don't just like you, I love everything about you." He smiled sweetly at him.
Mark was delighted.
"I don't know if it's too soon but I'd like you to be by my side. To behold the stars with me whenever we can." He whispered.
The older boy walked up to Donghyuck and took his face in his hands and stole the sweetest, softest kiss.
And he wished that feeling he could not name would never disappear. That all the unspeakable things he felt for Donghyuck would never disappear and continue to shine like the stars the boy seemed to carry in his eyes.