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"Welcome to Pear Café, what can I-," Jacob found himself stuttering as his mind short-circuited. "What can I, can I, get you?"
The man before him paid no mind to the weird barista's behavior, looking above at the large list of drinks and treats. The man wore large golden circle framed glasses that were slipping to the tip of his nose, fog now forming softly at the bottom. The man wore a black beanie with 3 white circles alike to the moon lighting a night sky, where he folded it up. It covered his head snuggly to the point where only a peak of raven black hair could be seen. Around his body hung a large puffy coat, that by looking over the countertop, Jacob noticed went down to his knees. But the thing to catch his eye the most was the stars that radiated off the new customer. Ebony black paint with speckles of white freckled upon the canvas creating the shimmer in his eyes. But there was more, a child-like innocence and wonder, curiosity that most lose once they stepped into high school, feeling the need to grow up and fit in, wanting to mature as quickly as possible.
Something Jacob had done himself.
But this man . . . or boy . . .
He was filled with so much purity that one couldn't help but feel the urge to hug them tight and never let go, wanting to protect them from everything the world wanted to throw at them. Be their buoy when the waves got rough, the ships anchor in a thunderstorm.
A shield in a duel.
A noble stead for them to ride into the sunset, laughing maniacally though they were close to death.
The hazy fog in his head, the pounding sound in his chest, the acrobatic stunts his tongue did but still not making a peep was all foreign to Jacob. Abnormal to feel around a stranger, yet it made sense.
"Yeah, I think I'll get an Iced Americano." Pushing his glasses up as the mist dissipated, the man smiled brightly, now filled with more certainty rather than curiosity.
He smiled.
At Jacob.
It was like a wave of positivity thrown his way, filling Jacob with that strange bubbling in his chest.
It felt . . . nice.
"No, no problem, your order, should, should be ready soon!" Flashing a shy customer service smile, Jacob gestured for the man to step to the side. The angelic man did just that, giving his own little smirk of confusion over his shoulder, patiently awaiting for his drink.
Jacob rang other people's orders, not able to spare a glance the cute guy's way, instead facing blonde haired ladies who wanted to speak with managers, and more polite citizens in warm coats with scarves wrapped around their necks. Some with glove covered hands in glove covered hands, others alone only in their pockets, some with no pockets holding onto their drinks like life saviours.
So many different people with different lives Jacob caught small glimpses of, and might never see again or remember.
It's not like they remembered him.
It was then that Jacob realized he didn't get the guys name, but it must have worked out fine considering the guy was no longer in the café.
The next day Jacob had the afternoon shift, and that's when he heard a familiar voice.
"Hi! An Iced Americano please?"
It was the same starry eyed kid from before. An oak brown beanie with a white tag instead of moons, a black velvet coat on top of a plain white hoodie that matched the snow from merely a few days ago, now somehow melted off the streets. A few seconds of wordless eye contact made the stranger break into a soft smile that Jacob hoped to never forget.
"You ok there?"
Jacob shook his head before looking back up with his best smile, this one with more of a genuine intent. "Yeah, 1 iced americano, just wait over there."
"Thanks." The man turned but before Jacob forgot he called,
"Oh wait, can I get your name?"
The man stopped and turned back, spinning on his heel. "Oh, yeah, it's Kevin."
"Kevin, what a beautiful name." Jacob held against the smile that threatened his lips as he cheerily said, "Alright, your order should be done soon."
The man Kevin gave a salute with a grin before stepping over to wait for his drink again.
Today was less busy and so Jacob carefully watched Kevin walk then stop to take his phone out, a white case with only one sticker Jacob could clearly make out, that being the word 'dive' written in green and black. Kevin's ungloved hands tapped at the device that glowed a light white against his opaque jacket.
Jacob was quickly caught off from his staring by possibly a college student which quickly he dealt with. By the time Jacob looked back Kevin's way, Kevin had his drink in hand, shyly smiling at Jacob's co-worker Chanhee before heading over to a table where he already had a notebook and laptop out.
"Is he a nearby college student?"
Chanhee walked over Jacob's way, giving a friendly pat to the shoulder. "What're you thinking, Jacob?"
Jacob sighed with crossed arms. "Nothing too important."
"Come on, you look a little off, what's going on?"
"Fine." Jacob uncrossed his arms to face Chanhee. "You know the guy who order an ice americano a few minutes ago?"
"Kevin?"
"You remember his name?"
"It was only a minute ago so yeah, but what about the guy?"
Jacob pushed before solemnly shaking his head. "Nevermind, it's nothing important."
Chanhee scoffed, "Alright, if you say so. Oh, and thanks for covering for Eric."
Jacob quirked a brow. "Why are you thanking me?"
"Cause I'd rather work with you than him. Don't get me wrong, love the young guy, but he talks a lot and I can only stay in a conversation for so long before I pass out." Jacob couldn't help but chuckle. "Honestly the same."
Chanhee giggled too before springing a question onto Jacob. "So, I was actually wondering if you could maybe take my shift tomorrow?" Chanhee took a step back, and mentally prepared himself for the worst. Perhaps this would be the day Jacob Bae snapped and ended Chanhee.
"Oh, sure, any reason?"
"My mom is visiting a little earlier than expected."
"Oh? Didn't even know she was visiting at all."
"She likes to check up I guess, and maybe tell me everything I'm doing wrong." Chanhee looked down a little sad at the last comment.
"Well I don't mind taking the afternoon shift again, but would you mind switching with me in the morning then?"
"Oh? What's your reason?"
"Other than the fact I don't want to work more for less pay, I also have a test tomorrow morning. I was going to let Eric repay me back for today but if you're ok then I'll stash my 'make eric take my shift' card another day."
Chanhee gave another chortle before agreeing then heading back to his station as a new customer walked in.
Jacob looked over to where the raven boy had sat and he was still there, eyes glued to the screen, brows scrunched with serious intent.
It was kind of cute.
A few more customers came in and out, but Kevin stayed until closing time.
Chanhee told Jacob to tell the guy out, and Jacob, unable to lie well enough, walked over shyly.
"Um, sorry sir, but we're closing up in 10 minutes so we need you out soon." Jacob then noticed the earbuds and assumed he hadn't been heard. So despite all the thoughts he had of what could go wrong, he tapped the raven boy's shoulder.
Kevin took his earbuds out as he looked up in a daze. Eyes readjusting to the bright fluorescent lights. He blinked a few times as Jacob smiled bashfully.
"Sorry, but we need you to leave now-" Kevin quickly turned his phone on, exclaiming,
"Oh shoot, it's late! I'm so sorry, I'll get going now!"
It was only 4:51pm but Jacob didn't ask much, instead trying to assure it was alright.
Kevin gave one weary smile to Jacob before he rushed out as the sun glowed orange across the streets.
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Jacob walked out into the sunny winter day, a scarf around his neck and a sense of relief which then morphed to panic quickly. Trying to calm himself down, he decided to head home and make himself a cup of herbal tea (he was trying to cut down on the caffeine intake which was ironic since he worked at a café) then perhaps enjoy some personal time. Final tests completed before the winter break.
The tinkle of a tiny golden bell bounced around as Jacob entered with a bright smile.
"Oh Jacob, great, I have to go, like, right now!" Chanhee rushed whilst ripping his apron off, throwing it into Jacob's arms before picking up his bag. Chanhee kissed his hand then blew it Jacob's way before waving his hand daintily.
"That dramatic boy," Jacob chuckled to himself.
It was quiet this afternoon so Jacob saw no harm in going on his phone.
While in the middle of meme scrolling on reddit the jingle of their bell went off again. Jacob pocketed his phone with a giggly smile.
In came Jacob's new favourite customer.
"Hi Kevin," Jacob said without thinking it through, in a happy mood with all the dog videos he just saw, adding the cute café goer he kind of liked was just the cherry on top.
"Oh." Kevin's eyes went wide, not in repulsion but more so surprise. Quickly he gave a shy smile and rub of his neck. "Hi?" Kevin drew the 'hi' out with a question mark at the end as if he had more to say, and more he did. "Jacob?"
"Oh, you know my name?"
"You kind of have a nametag on, yeah." Jacob looked down at his chest as Kevin laughed softly, eventually having Jacob chuckle too.
"Almost forgot about that. Either way, what can I get you? Your usual?" Jacob placed his elbow on the counter, resting his chin against his hand, watching Kevin with an innocent smile.
"You remember what I usually get?"
"Iced Americano, classic and pretty easy to remember." Kevin laughed a little louder before biting the inside of his cheek. Jacob continued to smile adoringly, loving the way Kevin's lips curved up, how his cheeks rose a bit too, eyes forming crescent, and the saccharine flavour his laugh had was angelic.
"Well, I'm just not too sure what else to try. What do you like?" Kevin posed with a pout.
"Hmm." Jacob stood up properly to become eye level with Kevin. "I'm also basic and like regular Americano's, and other than that I usually just get sweets!" Jacob chuckled which Kevin joined.
"You enjoy sweets?"
"Yeah, I'm a very sweet person!"
"I would agree." Kevin gave a lopsided grin as he shot a finger gun, causing Jacob to be confused for only a minute.
"Oh wait-"
"Sorry, bad joke on my part." Kevin started to shrink into his coat a little before Jacob tried laughing it off.
"No, it just took me a minute to get it." The two laughed softly together before Jacob remembered,
"Right, but your order?"
Kevin's laughter faded out into a hum. "I guess I'll just get a REGULAR Americano." Jacob chuckled to himself as he wrote the order. "But I'll also take whatever your favourite sweet here is!" Jacob looked up with large eyes to be met with a cheeky smile.
"Alright, your order will be ready soon."
10 minutes later Jacob held a warm cup of coffee in one hand and a slice of red velvet cake in a box.
"Kevin?" He called over, holding the treats out energetically as Kevin walked over. He felt the soft warmth of the other males skin graze his own, letting time slow down as it dragged lightly like a feather, tickling the skin to leave only goosebumps left to show.
"Thanks!" With another grin Kevin took the items and walked over to the table he sat at yesterday. A small table almost in the middle of the café, close enough to the counter to see all the desserts on display, the fairy lights intertwined with vines, that adorned the walls. A general view of other café goers without being spotted yourself.
It's peaceful and quaint.
"Hey Jacob!"
"Oh, Eric, you alright?"
Eric stepped around the counter, heading towards the back door (a/n skz?) as he took off his hat and scarf. "Yeah, why?"
Jacob furrowed his brows with a frown. "Chanhee told me you were a bit hungover from some party last night."
Eric went bug eyed before yanking his scarf off. "That prick! I can so handle my alcohol for one, and I didn't even go to any party!" Eric sighed as he shrugged his jacket off before giving Jacob a tired expression. "My roommate just broke up with their boyfriend so I've had to deal with the aftermath."
Eric started to unlock the door, fumbling with his keys, letting Jacob ask one more question. "I see, your roommate . . .?"
"My roommate Younghoon."
"Oh, have you mentioned them before?"
Eric paused for a moment. "I don't think so. He wasn't much of a talkative type, well, until this break up. He was dating another friend of mine."
Jacob tilted his head before shrugging it off. "Cool, well, see you in a minute?"
"Roger that!" Eric called as he disappeared behind the door.
Eric returned soon enough, the two discussing Eric's roommate's break up and college life for them both. Jacob mentioned his panic after taking the test. Eric tried to calm the elder down . . . through jokes . . . it worked in his defense!
The day passed sweetly, Jacob taking kind, sometimes adorably awkward customers orders, Eric throwing jokes every now and then, and Jacob grabbing glances Kevin's way unnoticed.
Kevin eventually left a few minutes before closing time without Jacob or Eric bothering him.
There was a twist in Jacob's heart when he saw the raven haired boy step a foot out the door, the tinkle of the bell rang dully with his exit.
With each shift Jacob waited for the starry-eyed beanie wearing boy, and each shift he did come. They would smile, and for once Jacob could ask,
"The usual?"
And most times he'd hear a melodious, honey dripping from a spoon,
"Yep!"
Jacob would then ask (or prepare if his co-worker suddenly disappeared) an iced americano with a surprise dessert, surprising Kevin with some of Jacob's personal favourites. Other times Kevin would ask for a specific dessert.
"I really liked the Rainbow ice cream you recommended last time, so I think I'll get it again!"
Other times he was surprised altogether.
"Two cups of tea please!"
"Tea?"
"Thought I'd lay off the coffee for a bit."
"I see, but why 2?"
"Well, I was wondering, when do you get off work?"
"Pardon?" Jacob could feel the heat creep up his neck into his cheeks.
"I was wondering if I could sit and chat with you. You've memorized my order already."
"Well, I could get someone else to take over my shift, they kind of owe me." Jacob chuckled a little.
"I still wouldn't want you to take time off just to speak with me."
"It's not a problem at all, you're right about me memorizing your order but you not knowing much about me."
"Cool, your co-worker will take over . . .?"
"He's coming now, I'll get that tea."
As Kevin waved a small good-bye, Chanhee walked up behind Jacob to whisper, "You're such a simp."
Jacob jumped and smacked Chanhee who was cackling harder than Jacob had ever seen before. "You brat!"
"Just stating the truth! Now get changed, I'll take over till Eric gets here!"
"How'd you know-"
"I'm a genius, bitch!" Chanhee had shoved Jacob into the back room before strutting back to the cash register where a customer already stood waiting.
Jacob approached the little table with sweaty palms he dried against his jeans. He wondered why if his outfit was good enough, was his hair fine? Was this a bad idea?
"Hey!" Jacob froze. "Come take a seat!" Kevin ushered.
Jacob awkwardly pulled a chair out before looking at Kevin, his own hands clasped together tightly as Kevin locked and placed his phone on the table casually. "Someone else bringing the tea?" Jacob nodded slightly with thinly pressed lips. "You alright man?"
"Yep! Totally, just worried if my . . . boss were to come, haha . . . ha!" Kevin smiled, chuckling softly himself.
"As said, maybe it was a bad idea to ask."
"Not, at all, I've been curious about you too!" Jacob knew it, he was an idiot, he didn't need anyone to say anything.
"Oh . . . really?" Kevin smiled dopily.
"Yep! You come here the most often of all the customers I remember so I was just curious to why!" Jacob wasn't sure if that was a good save but Kevin seemed to take it.
"Well, I go to a college nearby and am bad at sleeping which then makes me bad at staying awake in the day, so I come here for something to help wake me up!"
"What about afternoons?"
"Roommates are crazy loud and have so many friends I've lost count, a guy needs to get away from all that sometimes."
"So you come to an even more crowded café?" Jacob joked.
"Trust me dude, compared to my dorm, this café seems like a library!"
Jacob laughed along as Chanhee placed two cups of tea before them.
"Gentlemen, your tea?"
"Thanks Chanhee!" Jacob chirped. Kevin gave a quiet nod of gratitude. Chanhee gave a tiny wink Jacob's way before smiling at Kevin as he left, silent laughing.
Jacob blew at his tea, testing it before cringing back at his now burning tongue. Kevin sipped at his, however happily. Jacob had half a mind to laugh aloud before Kevin said between a sip,
"Tell me more about yourself!"
"Me?"
"Yeah, why do you work here?"
"Oh, well, I needed a job, I love coffee, so a café made sense."
Kevin hummed in understanding. "Do you go to college here?"
"Nah, I'm doing schooling online."
"Oh, cool, what're you working towards?"
"Degree in music, you?"
"Psychology major!" Kevin clicked his tongue, leaning back in his chair. "Why music?"
"Um, I kind of had the vague plan of becoming a music teacher possibly?"
"Oh cool! I also wanted to work as a teacher!"
"So you went into psychology?"
"Well, I was also thinking of working in like, music therapy, and my plan was to get my psychology degree before going into education."
"Ah, I see." Jacob smiled as he stared into his tea, the leaves barely visible.
"What made you want to become a music teacher?"
"Well, I was kind of a sporty kid but realized I needed a job, so I picked up the guitar and enjoyed it a lot. I had some great teachers who are inspiring and I think working with kids would be fun." Jacob smiled softly as he continued to look into the dark abyss of his drink. He then looked up to Kevin smiling at him adoringly, crescent eyes staring intently on him. "How about you? What was intriguing about music therapy?" Jacob managed.
"I don't know, I also picked the guitar up at some point but originally played piano since I was, like, 4? My mom actually told me whenever I felt like quitting that I should keep learning just so I can play for my girlfriend." Kevin shook his head laughing before continuing on. "As for going into therapy, I've kind of been fascinated by my own brain for a while, wondering how my thoughts kind of work, I'd like to refer to it as an inebriated spider. With this curiosity, I eventually became curious for others, so looking into others minds then helping seemed fitting!"
Jacob smiled wordlessly, making Kevin shrink again.
"Sorry, got a little excited there."
"Don't apologize, it's nice to hear more about you." Kevin smiled graciously as they sipped their teas together.
Soon enough the evening air was creeping in. Kevin waved good-bye as Jacob walked back to check in with Chanhee.
"So, how'd your date go?" Jacob punched the shorter boy.
"Shut it! Where's Eric?"
"Bathroom."
"Did you tell him anything?"
Chanhee gasped dramatically. "How dare you accuse me of being a snitch!"
"Hey, hey, I didn't say anything!"
"Well, I'll let you know I did not because I know how he'd get if he knew!" The two chortled as Eric returned.
"What're you guys laughing about?"
"Oh, nothing," Chanhee said slyly.
Eric, not being the most observant, shrugged it off, mentioning they should close up for the day.
Those tiny interactions would happen once a week, Jacob coming to the cafe when Eric and Chanhee were on in the afternoon, grabbing desserts and drinks for him to share with Kevin. Discussing more about their lives, Kevin telling stories and questions his philosophy teacher posed, Jacob looking for a full time job, worrying about their futures, anything they could think of. They eventually got each others contact info, messaging in the evenings and day. Kevin shooting a message as he giggled at his usual table, Jacob chuckling too, before dealing with another order.
Kevin slowly integrated himself into Jacob's universe,
and Jacob accepted without hesitation.
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It was another day of work, almost 1 year since Jacob started working at the tiny café. He placed his coat on a nearby hook, and quickly wrapped the apron around his waist as usual. Opened the employees only door to the relaxing café, taking in the scent of espresso, fresh baked goods with vanilla, cacao, and caramel.
"Good afternoon Jacob."
"Afternoon Chanhee!" Jacob cheered, Chanhee giggled at the enthusiasm Jacob held. It was pretty cloudy out, there were many customers, and yet the man didn't falter the genuine smile he possessed.
"What's got you excited?" Chanhee asked once the current customers had their orders.
"Nothing special!" Jacob said in a sing-song voice.
"Whatever!" Chanhee laughed back to his station.
Jacob looked to the closest table, the one with the best view of all the desserts on display, the spot farthest from the windows and decently far from the restrooms, the table he grew to love with a portion of his heart, the majority going to the man who sat there.
Kevin still hadn't arrived but Jacob remained hopeful.
"Hello?" A deep voice called, Jacob broke from his spell to be met with a black haired man who was incredibly tall, and objectively good-looking. If he wasn't so whipped for Kevin, Jacob might have fallen for this man instead. He contained a dark mysterious aura that broke as soon as Jacob spoke.
"Hi, what can I get you?" The man pouted slightly before stating,
"Two iced americanos?"
"Alright, and what's your name?"
The older man seemed to jump but Jacob couldn't be too sure. "Oh, Younghoon."
Jacob imputed the name before asking,
"Hey, do you know Eric by any chance?"
"Oh yeah, I have a roommate named Eric who works here."
Jacob chuckled. "Ah, I see."
The man frowned a bit with furrowed brows. "He talks about me at work?"
"Well." Jacob wasn't sure how much to tell this guy, he didn't really want Eric to get whooped but at the same time he thought it'd be funny. In the end, he opted not to disclose much. "Just off-handedly mentioned you."
"Oh."
Jacob printed the receipt before handing it over to the handsome customer.
"Your drinks will be ready soon!" Jacob grinned brightly as his eyes fluttered shut. Younghoon gave a shy smile back before he walked away.
It had only been a few minutes but Jacob glanced back at the table, then the door . . .
There was still no sign of Kevin.
Jacob sighed, feeling his morale drop by a bit, along with his head, hanging it sorrowfully. But when he looked up, he noticed someone sitting in that seat. A taller man than Kevin, and with a few seconds Jacob noticed two iced americanos.
Younghoon was sitting at Kevin's spot.
Kevin mentioned really liking the spot, could Younghoon be a friend of Kevin's?
With those thoughts, suddenly came the jingle of their dingy bell.
And at the door . . .
Was Kevin.
Kevin yanked his beanie off to let bits of newly dyed hair fly, before laying back flat on his scalp. Kevin threw his head quickly, scanning the shop hastily.
In seconds he came to a complete stop, eyes seeming to have found their target and zeroing in.
Quickly, Kevin speed-walked over to his usual spot with a large smile, bigger than Jacob had ever seen when around him.
Being so close, Jacob heard the whole conversation well, even with the chatter surrounding him.
"Hey!"
Younghoon looked up from his phone to break into a large grin, and damn was it cute.
"Kevin!" Younghoon stood up and gave a quick hug before sitting back down, gesturing towards the two cups. "I got the Iced Americanos!"
Millions of thoughts raced through Jacob's mind, the first one being if Eric knew and could have hooked him up with Kevin, the next being what the two were.
Friends can hug.
"Awe, thanks babe!" Kevin cooed.
"Can friends call each other babe?" Jacob pondered, then remembering Kevin calling him babe, and how it made him blush. "Kevin just calls people babe, so maybe they're just friends? Wait, I never even stopped to ask, does Kevin like guys or girls? Both? Doesn't care? Neither-"
Younghoon's melodious voice then broke Jacob out of his thoughts. "Oh, you know what's funny?"
"What's up?" Kevin chirped, playing with the straw in his drink, letting the ice swirl clink against his glass.
"Did you realize Eric talks about us at work?"
Kevin looked up with those beautiful star eyes that Jacob saw the first day Kevin came. "How'd you figure that out?"
"One of the workers here asked if I was Eric's roommate and mentioned that Eric talked about me."
"Oh, which worker?"
Jacob held his breath, waiting for his name, but also seeing Younghoon and Kevin's hands inch awfully close to each other.
"I didn't check his nametag, but he has blond hair, nice jawline, surprisingly toned muscles, like, being honest here. With that innocent smile and sweet airy voice, I did not expect him to be so jacked!"
Jacob was shocked but smiled at the relentless compliments, that smile quickly disappeared when he saw the two hands interlock. Jacob had a stab in his chest when he saw the pout on Kevin's face, then a shot to his leg when Younghoon stared into Kevin's eyes, but the next words that left the think peach pink lips he thought of kissing for months was what gave the final blow.
"Wow, I'm getting jealous, I thought I was your boyfriend?" Kevin tilted his head only slightly, but enough to make Jacob drop to his knees.
Jacob hid behind the counter which caught Chanhee's attention.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Table 16," Jacob groaned.
"What?"
"The boy I've been crushing on's table."
Chanhee glanced over to the table Jacob always pointed out and walked to.
There he saw Kevin . . .
And the boy he least expected.
"Wait . . ."
"What?"
"Is that . . ."
"Younghoon, Eric's roommate!" Jacob yelled only loud enough for the two of them.
"That's the guy I told you about!"
Jacob finally looked up with a confused face. "Who?"
"On my shifts that dude comes every time, and he's kind of cute." Chanhee mumbled the last part. "I never really spoke to him like you did with Kevin, just watched him from afar."
Jacob finally got off the floor to face Chanhee eye to eye. "You're telling me, the guy I like, and the guy you like . . . are dating each other?"
The two men looked over to the happy couple, faintly they both heard the two mention something about getting a house together, with a white picket fence, the idea of sitting together, talking about their future until 4am in the same bed. Then one of them interjected, throwing them off track about their metaphysical philosophy class.
Both of them noticed the new rings that adorned their fingers, it wasn't on their left hand at all, but they were matching, undoubtedly intentional.
Chanhee sighed. "You want to eat a bunch of cake together while watching the Notebook?"
Jacob looked at Chanhee who still watched the cheerful lovers. Chanhee and Jacob were friends in the sense they were co-workers who got along, it was rare to talk out of work, it was rare to see the solemn expression Chanhee wore then, but Jacob assumed Chanhee would be surprised to see the angel not smiling.
At least Kevin was happy.
As much as Jacob wanted to feel all that love and emotion . . .
He couldn't.
He wanted to be happy for the two . . .
But he couldn't.
He felt . . .
no emotion