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It was a regular routine for him by now; Jeongguk sat at the same table as always in the small café, his hands wrapping around the cup of coffee he usually orders. Wasting his time with either work he couldn’t finish on the day or by looking around, paying more attention to his surroundings than on other days.
Today, he finished earlier, hence why he arrived at the café first. Often he was the one who got welcomed by a warm smile, making his day better, even if it wasn’t a bad day for him. Jeongguk was tired from earlier. Still, he was glad today wasn’t as stressful as he was used to.
Nothing was better than after a day of hard work to sit in a small coffee with an iced coffee and waste your time with riddles.
Jeongguk got bored with it after some time, however, leaning back as he took a sip of his coffee, humming, satisfied at the taste of it.
Instead of continuing the riddle he got stuck on, he spared a glance outside. The sun already started to disappear, getting darker and darker as the time passed. He saw an older person taking their dog for a walk.
On the other side of the road, he noticed a group of teenagers sitting on the grass while playing a card game. Next to them on the bench were three other people, probably around the same age as the ones, it appeared to be at least.
The moment he caught a similar silhouette approaching him, the small smile on his lips disappeared just as fast as it came. The sound of a familiar voice filled his ears.
“You won’t believe what happened today,” Jeongguk turned his full attention to the person now sitting across from him, taking a long sip of his coffee this time. With a nod, he assured him that he was listening.
Before Taehyung carried on, he gave Jeongguk a paper bag. In it was a chocolate croissant. Before he took a bite of it, he thanked Taehyung, his voice sounding excited.
Taehyung gave him a smile in return, seconds later replacing the smile with a pout and continued to share what happened throughout the day.
“Some people are unbelievable. I already had a lot of stress at work today and my co-worker dares to tell my boss I do nothing. Can you believe that? How disrespectful,” Taehyung complained, not caring about how loud his voice may be. As he spoke, his eyes wandered to the cup he was holding, cooling his skin in such warm weather.
As Jeongguk munched peacefully on his croissant while nodding uncontrollably, Taehyung stopped talking. Jeongguk looked furious, like he didn’t like what he was eating. It confused Taehyung. Is he not liking the taste? Why is he eating it then?
It was never easy to read what Jeongguk felt or thought, it never had been easy. Especially in the beginning, it was hard.
The first few he tried getting close to Jeongguk, well, not quite trying to because he never intended to get closer to the other one. It just so happened that they met each other.
The café wasn’t normally full of people; especially not in the late afternoon, according to his experiences, at least. On this day, however, something like an event must have been held. The tables seemed to be all occupied, not one table was free.
Back then, Taehyung needed to get some work done. Whenever he must do it anywhere but where he lives. His ‘workplace’ was either in the café or in the library.
Since the library was a half an hour walk while the coffee shop was a ten minutes walk away, he decided most of the time to go to the café. Besides, it was past ten in the late evening; the library closed at 6 on weekdays. Even if Taehyung wanted to go to the library, he couldn’t.
He looked around, hoping to find a table he overlooked where he could sit down, just for twenty minutes if he would need to mention a time.
He deserved it after a hard shift at work, after all. Working until he couldn’t feel his legs anymore. Sitting down to finishing writing his recipes was his only priority. Everything else didn't matter to him.
Luckily, as he saw a table with only one person, he politely asked the person if he could take the seat opposite of them. The moment the stranger agreed, Taehyung acknowledged the kindness of the person with a smile, thanking them with a nod.
The next day, Taehyung came back to the café in the afternoon just after lunchtime. He sat by the window at the same table just like yesterday, somehow. Hoping to meet the same person to thank them, probably since the café was busier than usual, expectantly also a bit loud, with all the people talking over each other.
He didn’t see a person sitting beside him, his thoughts kept him too busy to do so.
It was the same person he shared a table with yesterday.
Taehyung sighed loudly, wherefore the person beside him, he finally noticed, winced powerfully once.
The stranger apologized with red ears, ready to move tables until Taehyung assured him he wouldn’t mind the space in front of him — in this case next to him — being taken. Still with red ears, the stranger, who later turned out to be Jeongguk, took his place again and made himself comfortable.
And with that, it became a natural thing without either of them noticing. Meeting up in the late afternoon, drinking their drinks together while they were busy finishing their own work.
The talking developed itself on its own, too. Taehyung looked forward to talking about his day to someone, while Jeongguk looked forward to listening to it.
As time passed, they somehow ended up here; sitting opposite of each other and making their days in different ways better. Taehyung with his choices of words and Jeongguk just being here at the moment; paying attention to every little move the one across from him made.
Taehyung was usually the one leaving first. However, recently it has been Jeongguk who insisted he couldn’t stay as long as he did before. Still, nothing was abnormal. Sometimes, work is getting more stressful at times.
What Taehyung noticed the more days passed was that Jeongguk didn’t look into his eyes as much anymore. If he did, it was only for a few seconds, never more than 5 seconds.
Coming back to the current situation, seeing Jeongguk not looking in his eyes wasn’t the surprising part. Normally, when he ate something, his attention went all to the plate in front of him; it didn’t mean he wasn’t listening.
It buffed him why Jeongguk refused to look at Taehyung, nonetheless. It seemed like Jeongguk forgot there was another person sitting in front of him.
Jeongguk never minded Taehyung’s presence. He always preferred to listen rather than do the talking. Jeongguk was thankful that the others didn’t push him to do anything. Jeongguk talks when he wants, and Taehyung respects it.
Taehyung didn’t know everything about Jeongguk, of course not. They knew each for only a few months. It wasn’t difficult to find out Jeongguk was much of a private person. If he says something, he thinks before talking. Nothing leaves his mouth without rethinking it.
Seeing Jeongguk opening up more and more did make him feel happy. He took baby steps, and Taehyung was more than glad to get new information here and there, no matter how small they were.
He was sure there were many more sides of Jeongguk he had yet to discover. At the thought of it, his lips curled into a small smile, excited to know what the future may bring him into.
With Jeongguk still strangely focused on his food, Taehyung took a napkin, folded it into a fan-looking-like and brushed it gently against the clothed arm. Not wanting to snatch Jeongguk out of the trance he seemed to be in, too harsh. He learned it once in school, since then it has been stuck in his head thanks to his friends.
Big eyes stare at him in surprise, the food he had in his mouth swallowing in one go. With a confused expression on his face, Jeongguk took another smaller bite, this time.
Taehyung watched everything and failed to see a slight reaction about whether Jeongguk liked the food or not. So he straight forward asked. He knew he could ask Jeongguk such a question. And besides, it also told Taehyung if Jeongguk was in the mood for talking, will he choose a short or long answer?
Just as he was about to ask, Jeongguk let out a cheerful hum, shaking his head after taking another bite.
Something clicked and Taehyung understood. Still, asked because why not confirm his speculations?
“I can’t tell if you like it, or if you just eat it to be nice. You kind of look like you don’t know what to think about it,” Taehyung points out, feeling less confused. How could he? It was the first time he felt like someone genuinely enjoyed his pastries for once.
Even if seconds ago his confidence was the size of a grape, Jeongguk’s shiny eyes while eating the pastries could make his confidence go up instantly.
Jeongguk looked at Taehyung, swallowed the rest, and took a sip once again.
“I did hear what you said. Where did you buy it?” Back to eating the croissants, curious eyes stare once again into his own ones.
“I didn’t. Its self-made. Is it bad?”
“It’s good and don’t be afraid to tell me more. I’m listening,” was all he said before going back, only having around three bites left.
Now where he knew the other actually enjoyed it was the best someone could say when trying his food for the first time.
“I’m serious when it comes to food,” Jeongguk added, only adding it because he felt like letting the other know.
He always ate the food offered to him, even if he wouldn’t eat it again. He appreciated each food his eyes laid on, no matter how it tasted in the end.
“So the frown between your eyebrows is a good sign?” Taehyung wasn’t quite sure why he still kept asking. It was obvious by now, Jeongguk enjoying the taste of it, let alone he confirmed it himself. Taehyung still wanted to hear it from Jeongguk himself, wanting to feed his backing self.
“Don’t get too full of yourself. I simply appreciate the time it took to make it.” Jeongguk’s tone was different, something challenging was more presentable.
It was such a Jeongguk thing to do. Praising something indirectly while being kind of oblivious. If you look at it from a different perspective, however, Jeongguk always had his own way to show appreciation, a unique way some say.
As long as the people around him–the people he learned to love over a long time and wants to hold them close—know how he expresses his emotions, why should he care? At the end of the day, no one shows love exactly like one another. There was always going to be a slight difference, no matter how a person would want to turn it.
“So good,” despite the fact Jeongguk said it in a whisper, Taehyung still caught it. The sight following after didn’t go unnoticed, either.
“Should I make some for you only?” Taehyung didn’t think much as the words left his mouth, but when Jeongguk nodded in agreement, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I would love to bake pastries for you,” Taehyung’s voice had a teasing undertone, curious how the others would react. Despite the fact he didn’t get the reaction he hoped for, the following answer was, and maybe a bit obvious.
“Even if the risk of you putting something in increases, I’m gladly taking it. They are delicious.”
Just as the last bite disappeared into Jeongguk’s mouth, he stood up to throw the paper bag into the trash. With a sigh, his back touched the soft fabric of the upholstery, his eyes met the one’s Taehyung.
“So that’s how you think about me, is that correct?”
“I may have a sensitive nose, so I can smell when something fishy is in it? Ever thought about that?” Despite Jeongguk’s serious face, Taehyung knew he tried hard not to let out a giggle. This was one of Jeongguk’s trades Taehyung liked. Behind the wall Jeongguk put out for most of the time, there were times when he was as obvious as an open book.
Every time Jeongguk joked and tried to hide his amused look, he made the same slight mistake all over who exposed him. The slight eyebrow raise and tongue against his cheek exposed him.
“Besides, not to be mean, but you don’t look like someone who would put something dangerous in your pastries. You seem too sweet to do so,” now with a small smile, Jeongguk closed his eyes, breathing visibly deep in and out before opening them again.
Taehyung wasn’t the type to be competitive much, usually letting others win to see the excited faces and joyful noises. Seeing the sparkle in Jeongguk’s eyes on the other hand, he knew it. Knew what he wanted from Taehyung.
Having a strong and weaker competition situation, the outcome of who would win is most of the time obvious. Having the same energy and stamina would be far more interesting. Taehyung grinned back, letting Jeongguk know he got the hint.
The game shall begin.
“Well, when you are saying it like this. What if I told you the one you just ate was just a test and the pastry I planned on giving you is actually in my bag? Did the thought ever cross your mind? Apparently not,” Jeongguk’s mouth opened a bit because he expected everything but this. Not in a bad way. Taehyung’s playful side surprised him.
“Another worker made it. I helped him and looked over his shoulder from time to time so he didn’t mess anything up. The one I made is here,” Taehyung chuckled,“ I wanted to know how you would react when I told you I wasn’t the one making it.
Taehyung glanced at the clock, reality hitting him across the face. Time passed too fast. He didn’t notice it was already seven in the evening. He still needed to buy some things. Most grocery shops in his neighborhood were closing at eight in the evening.
Jeongguk watched Taehyung panicking, packing his things in the bag, a bit confusing. Taehyung explained he needed to rush home before he was too late.
“See you,” Taehyung waved one last time before walking out of the café, satisfied with the day.
Barely a minute later, he felt a weight pressing against his shoulder. He didnt question because he already knew who the person next to him was.
“What was that?” Not even a minute later, his friend, Namjoon, sat next to him and asked him dozens of questions.
“Good evening to you, too. How are you, hyung?” is the only thing Jeongguk responded to, leaning back to cross his arms in front of his chest.
“Why did you never tell me you have a friend?” Namjoon Was curious and Jeongguk understood why he behaved the way he is at the moment. Still, he couldn’t help but feel weird. He doesn’t like talking about a person he barely knows, meeting here and there.
“What’s–”
“Don’t touch it,” Jeongguk’s words came out harsher than expected, taking himself back from the tone of his voice. Even so, he didn’t take his words back. Putting the brown paper bag into his bag, he sighed before hiding his face with the palm of his hands.
“What are you hiding?” It wasn’t a serious question from Namjoon’s side, more like saying his thoughts out loud. Jeongguk didn't answer, too busy with his thoughts because why did he react that way.
Taehyung wasn’t hard to love. It was hard not to like him. Jeongguk would never say it out loud how lovable Taehyung was. Even after only such a short time, Jeongguk was fond of Taehyung.
“Nothing. Do you want to meet him?” Jeongguk’s eyes flicker up to Namjoon’s, “he doesn’t bite.” He added, now grinning.
Confusion was crystal clear written on Namjoon’s face. Jeongguk was usually a person you had to think ahead to understand, not like he would mind. Rather than the opposite, Namjoon liked Jeongguk the way he was. His little habits the younger didn’t know about amused him.
Nonetheless, Jeongguk also confused him; just like he did now.
“Why would you tell me he doesn’t bite?”
“Forget it. Here’s the two CDs you asked for; your raw vocals and the instrumental only. Why do you need them again?” Namjoon handed him two CDS, one titled ‘instrumental’ and the other with ‘vocals’ .
“Thank you, I owe you,” is the only thing Jeongguk said before standing up too, ready to go home himself. Namjoon only sighed. What did he expect?
Namjoon and Jeongguk often went home together. It wasn’t unusual for them to go home because they needed to go in the same direction.
As they left the café, Jeongguk gasped, making Namjoon turn to him.
“Wait,” Jeongguk stopped, “he didn’t finish telling me about his day.”
And all Namjoon could do was look because what?
—
A week later, Taehyung and Jeongguk sat outside the café, changing their usual table once for the warm weather. They talked about whatever came to mind.
“When you are comfortable enough, do you want to see my cat?” Taehyung asked it with no second meaning behind it, straight out telling his thoughts out loud. His cat was an important part of his life. He loves the small ball of fur.
Jeongguk couldn’t help but just stare. He knew what Taehyung meant. It still caught him off guard. How could he say no to such an offer? He loved animals, especially cats. He must have felt physically unwell when he rejected such an offer.
“Why are you looking at me like that? You don’t like cats? I’m telling you, you're missing out,” Taehyung wasn’t the type to want to convince someone ever. Jeongguk wasn’t part of it, however.
“I have a dog too. He lives with my family, though. They are taking care of him the whole winter, while I get him the rest of the year.”
“Do you have a pet?” Jeongguk nodded, not understanding why Taehyung looked at him with an interest to know more about the said pet.
“A bunny.”
“What is the name of the bunny?”
“Bun-bun,” Jeongguk smiled, remembering his roommate along with his bunny welcoming him daily. Today was no different, he was looking forward to going home just like any other day.
He got distracted as he heard Taehyung snoring, wondering why Taehyung out of all the times he had to laugh.
“Why are you laughing?” Jeongguk never pouted fast, yet here he was. Pouting as his eyes followed Taehyung, still laughing.
How can a person be so adorable? Taehyung wished he could answer it. Maybe in the future he could answer it, short or long.
“It’s such a simple yet cute name. Any reason behind it?” Taehyung calmed down a bit when he asked, and couldn't hide the smirk on his lips.
“I named her bun-bun because I saw a Bonbon on my way home when I was a child and decided one day I will be able to have a bunny, I’m gonna call it bun-bun.” Remembering it, Jeongguk chuckled too. Not because he was embarrassed, but because he would have never thought to fulfill his younger self's promises to name his bunny bun-bun. Let alone having a bunny in the first place, but he wasn’t complaining.
—
As Taehyung approached the café, he saw Jeongguk standing outside the café, holding two cups in his hand.
“I want to show you something,” is the first and last thing Jeongguk said, giving a cup to Taehyung as he walked in the different direction Taehyung came from.
After a ten-minute walk, Jeongguk stopped and turned to Taehyung fully, tilling his head to the left.
“I come here when I don’t feel well. I often come here after my shift’s end too,” Jeongguk explained, even if he didn’t need to, nor was it necessary to mention. He wanted Taehyung to know it, though the reason was unknown.
Taehyung sighed, knowing Jeongguk knew something was up. Yet, Jeongguk didn’t speak up on it because he knew if Taehyung wanted to talk about it, he would have already started “Feel free to come here, too. It helps,” Jeongguk smiled at him, wanting to make sure he was serious with his words.
“Maybe we are meeting each other at some point here. A second place to meet up is nice. Do you think it’s different?” Jeongguk spared a glance at Taehyung, only to already meet Taehyung’s eyes on him.
“I wonder what you think about the whole day?” Taehyung didn’t mean to speak out loud, a bit embarrassed about it after he realized.
“When I’m with you, I don’t really think about anything else. It’s surprising. Especially because my thoughts never seemed to be quiet for a long time,” Jeongguk answered honestly, looking at the slowly disappearing sun. Taehyung stayed silent, nodding.
He didn’t think Jeongguk would answer. It was surprised if he’s honest. It would be a lie to say his mood was still bad.
They spend a few minutes in silence, enjoying the hidden place no one else seemed to use. At least that’s what Jeongguk thought. He had never seen anyone around when he was present.
“Can I give you a hug?” Just as fast as Taehyung spoke those words out, he wished he didn’t.
Jeongguk’s eyes grew bigger, expecting everything but this. He may overreact in the sight of others. He wasn’t ready yet. Not because he didn’t want to hug Taehyung, quite the opposite, actually. Jeongguk was scared of not knowing how he would react to it.
Taehyung wanted to take it back, but hesitated. He hesitated as he saw Jeongguk turning to him, his head down. Just as he wanted to let Jeongguk know he can say no without having to worry, he shouldn’t feel forced to say yes.
Taehyung felt a lightweight on his shoulder. Jeongguk’s hand touching Taehyung’s for a second didn’t go unnoticed, either. Jeongguk’s hair tickled Taehyung as he relaxed against Taehyung’s body, sighing loudly.
They stayed like this for a while until Taehyung removed his head, signaling Jeongguk to look at him.
“I like having you around.”
Taehyung chuckled as he saw Jeongguk’s reaction to his words, his ears turning red. He wanted to let him know he liked having Jeongguk around, no matter if they were having a conversation or not. Jeongguk’s presence cheered him up.
“We are going to be great friends. I can already see it,” Taehyung yawned loudly while laying on his back, the grass tickling his exposed skin. One glance at Jeongguk was enough for Taehyung to chuckle once again.
“Why do you look like a kid whose candy stick got stolen? Did I say something that made you upset?” Jeongguk was still standing in the same spot, touching his neck for a reason Taehyung didn’t catch.
“I’m re-thinking everything at the moment,” Taehyung laughed at the comment, knowing he didn’t know how to react to compliments well.
The blush on Jeongguk’s ears, however, had no chance of being able to hide. It made Jeongguk look cuddly, the baby blue shirt adding to it too.
“Your ears turn red so easily. Did you know that?”
Taehyung, the person he slowly was getting to know over the past few weeks, was quite the opposite of Jeongguk. He liked to talk about his day to the fullest, Jeongguk didn’t. Taehyung liked telling about the things he wouldn’t talk to anyone but Jeongguk. While he encouraged Taehyung, he should do whatever he wanted to do with his life.
Who knows what the future holds for them. It was safe to say for both of them they want each other in their lives for a long time.
Jeongguk was just as much as Taehyung loveable, both in their own way.