Chapter Text
Jisung loved cafes. He loved dragging his friends to every new cafe he heard about and tasting whatever new delicious thing each had to offer. But there was one place he absolutely disliked: the cafe right in front of the art building of the university he attended. He had many reasons: it was always full of people going in and out and talking way too loud, the coffee was disgusting, the pastries were straight-up offensive, the tables were tiny and the chairs uncomfortable. Every one of Jisung's friends knew that because he didn’t miss any opportunity to talk badly about the place. That’s why he didn’t understand why his friend was dragging him to that awful spot in the middle of campus.
“I want you to meet someone,” Chan explained as he was pulling Jisung by his hoodie.
“And does it have to be there?”
“Yes, c’mon. I know you will like him.”
“Why do I have to meet this person? I just wanted to return to my room and sleep in peace. And maybe eat something delicious but you know, I can’t do that if I eat there.”
Chan laughed. “Did you wake up in a bad mood today?”
“Yes. I had my last exam today and I was about to cry when you called me.”
“Was it too bad?”
“I don’t think so. I was just relieved because I don’t have to study anymore,” Jisung chuckled. “At least for the rest of this month.”
They were about to arrive at the place when Chan decided to tell the truth. “This guy needs a favour and I think you will be the perfect person to do it. I just want to make sure that it could work out.”
“Why would a stranger need me to do a favour for them? And what favour?”
Chan was simply smiling, which made Jisung even more confused. “Don’t worry about that now. Let’s just go inside and meet him, and then I will go to that bakery you like and buy you a piece of cheesecake. What do you think?”
It was a good deal, Jisung had to admit that. So he agreed and they entered the cafe. As he expected, it was crowded and the line to get coffee to go was so long that it was hard to see where it ended. He sighed and followed Chan and they waited for about ten minutes before it was their turn.
Jisung was looking at his phone, mindlessly scrolling through social media while listening to Chan talk about his day. He was so into it that he didn’t realize it was already their turn. His friend elbowed him and he put his phone back in his pocket and looked up.
That’s when Jisung saw him. Light brown hair, almond eyes, a sharp nose and a gorgeous smile. Easily the most handsome guy Jisung has ever seen in his life, there, at the counter of that horrible cafe, asking him what he wanted to order.
“Oh,” he turned to look at his friend but Chan was already talking to the other worker there, who was taking his order. “Iced americano please.”
The guy nodded. Jisung paid and as he was putting his wallet back inside his backpack, he heard “What’s your name?”
“What?”
“To write on the cup,” the guy smiled at him which made Jisung almost forget his name for a second.
“Oh, right.” He mumbled his name and walked a few steps to his right to wait for his coffee.
“You look like a deer caught in headlights.”
“What?”
Chan laughed. “ It’s like you forgot how to speak. I’ve never seen you like this.”
“That guy, he’s so…” he whispered, afraid of being heard. “I don’t know. I thought I was handsome but he’s just- I don’t know.”
“You don’t know,” Chan repeated with the same tone.
“What’s with that smirk? ”
“Oh, me? Nothing.” Chan giggled. “I’m just happy I’m getting coffee with you.”
Jisung knew Chan too well to not believe what he had said. “Is your friend coming or not?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Jisung didn’t care enough to ask for more details. And then a minute later he heard his name being called. In his life, he had heard his name countless times but now that it was this guy saying it, it was like the first time he had ever heard it. Even if it was impossible to hear it clearly among the noise that reigned in that place, suddenly he didn’t even care that he just wasted money on a coffee he wouldn't like, the soft voice of that guy was quite worth it.
He and Chan walked to get their orders and that’s when he understood why his friend was being this weird all along.
“Sorry I didn’t say hi earlier, you were too busy and didn’t want to bother you.”
“It’s okay,” the guy replied to Chan.
They knew each other, Jisung thought. He tried not to look too dumbfounded but he was clearly failing since Chan took one look at him and started to laugh. His friend grabbed him by the shoulders and introduced him to the guy.
“This is the friend I told you about, Jisung.”
The guy smiled and waved at him. “Jisung. Here’s your coffee.”
Jisung grabbed his cup and looked at it, there was a “Jisunggie” written in all caps, followed by a tiny smile. He didn’t know how to react, or how to hide the blush he was sure was spreading across his cheeks.
“This is Minho,” Chan said. “I met him when we started college and he’s going to move in with Changbin soon.”
“Oh,” that was news to him. Jisung knew his friend was looking for a new roommate but didn’t know he had already found one. “That’s great! Nice to meet you.”
Minho smiled at him and then turned to Chan. “I’m sorry, I told you my shift ended at this time but they asked me to do extra hours and-”
“Don’t worry,” Chan reassured him. “I just wanted to say hi and for you to meet Jisung. You should come to visit when you have more time!”
“Yeah, yeah, I will,” Minho promised and then said goodbye as he returned to work.
As soon as they exited the cafe, Chan asked “So, what do you think?”
“Why didn’t you tell me he was the person you were talking about? I will kill you,” he laughed. “Really.”
“I just wanted to see your first impression of him. It was quite a sight.”
Jisung wanted to dig a hole in the ground and just disappear. “And I told you I thought he was pretty, I hate you.”
Chan laughed as he poked Jisung’s nose. “I love you too Jisunggie.”
“Oh, god,” he hid his face in his hands. “Let’s go to the bakery before I die of embarrassment.”
His friend continued laughing as they both started to walk the few blocks that separated them from the place.
It was hard not to think about Minho. Jisung didn’t believe in love at first sight, not at all. Those kind of things only happened on movies, it was impossible to fall in love with someone you have barely interacted. He wasn’t really a romantic person and wasn’t really looking for love at the moment, but the need to see that guy again was inexplicable, so, ignoring his better judgement he started to frequent the campus cafe.
He found himself in front of the place, it was not his fault, it was a few steps away from the building he had most of his classes. Jisung looked at it, full of people as always, but squinting his eyes and being in his tiptoes, he could catch a glimpse of Minho. He sighed as he entered the place and was greeted by the barista’s warm smile and genuine interest in how he was doing.
Jisung always ordered the same thing, a small iced americano, because it was the cheapest option and it was not that bad after all. Maybe he just grew to love the coffee, because the guy serving it was too sweet and it compensated for the bitterness of the beverage.
In just one week he learned so much about Minho. The first few days they only talked about college and coffee but when Minho saw Jisung’s phone lock screen, it was over. Minho would get teased by his coworkers to continue with his job and stop talking about anime. They both would laugh and Minho would apologize as he waved goodbye and returned to taking orders.
This was new to Jisung. Clicking this fast with a stranger, it was weird but nice. He usually would just say hello and goodbye and have a superficial conversation but that was impossible with Minho. With him he didn0t even need to think.
One afternoon, Jisung’s class ended later than usual but he still went to the cafe, hoping that Minho’s shift wasn’t over. He couldn't see him anywhere so Jisung decided to leave. As he was on his way to the exit of the place, he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
When Jisung turned around he saw Minho walking between all the people at the cafe, making his way toward him. He couldn't help but smile
“Were you leaving?”
“Yeah, I just… it was a bit late and I thought-”
“Were you leaving because I wasn’t here?”
One of the things Jisung had learnt about Minho during the short period of time they had known each other was that the guy really love to tease him. Mostly because Jisung always froze and Minho found his reactions cute, so he would do it more and more, and maybe just hearing Minho’s laugh was worth it.
“No!”
“Ah, really? For a moment I thought I was special. Too bad.”
This guy, Jisung thought, was a menace. “Shut up,” he laughed, softly hitting Minho’s arm.
“Do you have any plans?”
“Not really, why?”
“Well, my shift just ended and I’m really hungry, do you wanna join me?”
Jisung tried not to look too excited when he said yes. But then he looked hesitant, the cafe was full as always and he was really hungry too. And the food there was not tasty at all.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, no. It’s okay,” Jisung sighed. “Mmm… to be honest, I don’t really like the food here and-”
“Oh, no. I hate this place, let’s just leave okay? I know a cafe that is a hundred times better than this place,” Minho pushed Jisung so they could both exit through the door. “I hate to be around that many people all the time and the food is not good at all.”
“Yeah, I’m not a big fan.”
“Right? I know it has to be cheap because it’s for students but would it kill them to spend a bit more money on better ingredients?”
Jisung laughed out loud. Minho’s comment was just too funny. He was so blunt and real, it was rare to meet people like him.
“Are you laughing at me?”
“Not at all,” Jisung quickly reassured him. “It’s just that- wait. Yeah, but not in a bad way. You’re really funny.”
“Am I?” Minho looked genuinely confused.
“Yes!”
“Most people say the opposite.”
“Well, that’s just nonsense.” His comment was received with a soft grin from his friend.
Then, when they both realized they had been walking with no direction for the last minute, Minho exclaimed. “Oh right! I know a really good place but it’s about 15 minutes walking from here, is that okay with you?”
15 minutes of walking and talking with Minho, to go to a place where they would eat and continue talking? That was better than anything he could have expected when he decided to go to the cafe today.
Jisung and Minho almost passed by the place because they were too into their conversation. Minho realized just as they were about to cross the street.
“Oh, we’re here. I’m sorry if it was too far away.”
Jisung told Minho not to worry as they entered the place. It was smaller than he expected. Most of the tables were empty and the rest were occupied mostly by older people. The music was calm, the lights were a bit dim and it was full of plants. But what caught Jisung’s attention was the variety of sweet desserts that were on display. He couldn’t help but run excitedly to look at them.
He realized he was maybe being a bit too childish in front of an almost stranger but as he was about to say something about it, Jisung noticed Minho was staring at him.
“Cute.”
“Sorry?”
“I think it’s cute how excited you got,” Minho replied.
“Oh… really?” Jisung could feel his cheeks turning soft pink as he laughed nervously.
Minho hummed a “Yes” without giving it much thought and then walked towards an empty table for two that was located right in front of the display of pies. “Do you wanna seat here?” Minho was already sitting on a chair when Jisung said yes.
A few seconds later they got the menu but they didn’t even look at it. They ordered right away.
As they waited for the food, Jisung got a bit nervous. One thing was talking for a short couple of minutes while Minho was working but now they were both sitting in front of each other and it just dawned on him that it was just them. Not Minho’s coworkers, not the million people that went in and out of the cafe, just them. Jisung involuntarily started bouncing his legs and playing with one of the rings on his fingers until Minho asked him if he knew Changbin.
“Sometimes I wish I didn’t.” Jisung’s joke made Minho laugh, he was glad to at least get him to laugh. He was suddenly too afraid of being annoying or boring. “We are friends from school. He, Chan and me. So we’ve known each other for a long time.”
“Oh, that’s cool,” Minho commented. ”I will move in with Changbin soon, so I think we will see each other more often now.”
“That’s right!” Jisung had completely forgotten about it. “I know he seems a bit chaotic but he knows when to be serious, I’m sure you will get along just fine.”
Minho nodded. “I’m surprised that you didn’t move in with him.”
“I wish I could but this is just my first year at college and I barely have money. I’m sure my parents would gladly pay but I don’t know…”
The waitress appeared with their orders. Jisung realized he was too focused on their conversation to notice anything outside their little bubble.
With two medium cups of latte and two portions of cheesecake between them, Minho resumed their conversation. “That’s why I started working in that place, you know? I needed the money really badly. I can't stand living with my roommate anymore. That dorm room is hell.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. Is he too messy?”
“Not necessarily. It’s… complicated. He just doesn’t talk to me anymore because he is angry about something that I did, but he doesn’t understand…” he sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I won’t have to deal with him anymore. What about you? Do you get along with your roommate?”
Jisung nodded. “He’s great! At first, we almost killed each other but when some friends told us we were being too dramatic we realized they were right. So we’re good now. On the first day, we met the guys living next door to us and the four of us have been inseparable since. They’re really nice.”
“I’m glad. It’s hard to make friends. I don’t have too many. Two from school but they go to a different university so we barely see each other lately.”
“Oh.”
“And here… My coworkers are nice and all and some classmates too but I think calling them friends is too much. We’re not that close.”
Just by how interesting Minho was, Jisung couldn't wrap his head around the fact that a person could meet him and not want to be his friend immediately. “But…I know that Chan is friends with half of the students here, but he really likes you. And I’m sure Changbin will love to have you as his roommate. You have them.”
“And you.”
“And me,” Jisung repeated.
“Aren’t we friends?” Minho asked as he took a sip of his coffee.
“Of course we are,” Jisung was surprised at the question. “See? You have friends. I will introduce you to my roommate and our friends too, they will love you. Oh, and Chan’s roommate too. He and Chan live in the apartment building as Changbin. He’s like his little brother.”
“Ohh, that’s a lot of people at once,” Minho pretended to hide his face out of shyness which made Jisung laugh. “Alright, stop talking, I want to see your reaction to the piece of heaven that is this cheesecake.”
Jisung took the first bite of the cheesecake and he was in awe.
“Is it good or not?”
“This is the best thing that I have ever eaten in my life.”
Minho smiled as he also started to eat his portion. “I’m glad you like it.”
The hour flew by and Jisung's nervousness was long gone. It felt like talking to someone he had known his entire life. As the sun was setting, it was obvious that neither of them wanted to leave the place, it was so cosy and calm, and it was like they were the only people there. Maybe they actually were, that cafe was not busy at all.
Jisung checked his phone to see the time. It was later than expected (and wanted). He also saw that he got a text from Chan who was inviting him to dinner at his apartment. Then he got an idea.
“Hey.”
Minho was also looking at his phone, he looked up when he heard Jisung’s voice. “What?”
“Do you want to come with me to Chan’s apartment? He invited me to dinner.”
Jisung could see that his friend was hesitant. “It’s okay if you don’t want to but I just thought that maybe if you don’t have anything to do and I…” he wanted to say that he didn’t want this day to end because he loved talking to Minho, but he was such a coward. “I- I’m sure Chan would be glad. It would just be us and probably Changbin too if he is free tonight-”
“Okay,” Minho accepted.
“Really?”
“Yeah, why not? Chan told me I should visit him so I will.”
“Okay,” Jisung smiled. “If we leave now we could buy some ice cream and arrive just in time for dinner.”
Minho agreed and asked for the bill. When the waitress gave it to him, he was already looking for his wallet.
“Oh, wait. How much is my stuff?”
“No, no.” Minho completely dismissed him and gave the money to the waitress. “It’s on me.”
Just when Jisung was about to complain he was interrupted. “I invited you here after all. Next time it’s on you, alright?”
Next time. Those words made Jisung happier than he wanted to admit.
As Jisung had expected, Changbin was there too. He was the one who opened the door for them and the cheeky smile on his face when he saw the two of them arriving together was just infuriating.
“Minho!” Changbin hugged Minho, who was reluctant at first but ended up giving up. “What are you doing here? Did Jisung kidnap you?”
“Very funny,” Jisung said as he entered the apartment, trying to hide the smile on his face. He waved hello to Felix who was sitting on the couch playing a videogame. Felix paused the game when he saw Minho.
Jisung introduced them to each other but by the awe on Felix’s face, his friend probably knew Minho already.
“Why do you look like you just met someone famous?” Changbin teased Felix.
“He’s famous. At least between me and my classmates.”
“What do you mean?”
Minho looked a bit uncomfortable. “I don’t think I’m the person you-”
“Yes, yes, you! You dance so great! Wow. You’re the best, I can’t believe you’re here now. I really admire you.”
“Really?” Minho was surprised. “I don’t think I’m that good.”
“You are!” Felix looked at Jisung and Changbin. “Have you never seen him dance? He’s amazing!”
Jisung shook his head. He knew that Minho loved to dance and remember he once told him his major was something related to that, but since his new friend didn’t talk much about it, Jisung never asked too many questions.
“I’m sad you weren’t in that dance competition last month.”
“Oh,” Minho sighed. “Yes. I… It was a last-minute decision actually. But they still won so…”
“They weren’t that good, you know? I’m sure they only won because you practised with them all the time.”
Minho nodded and shyly thanked Felix for the compliment. It was crystal clear that he didn’t want to expand on that matter so Jisung and his friends decided to change the subject immediately.
Felix invited Jisung and Minho to sit on the couch with him and play the video game he and Changbin were playing before they arrived. Jisung realized that Chan was nowhere to be seen and asked Changbin where their friend was.
“One of his classmates just called him to ask for some notes about an exam they have soon so he decided to go and give them to him in person.”
Jisung chuckled. Of course Chan did that. “He promised me dinner, you know?”
“He told us to start cooking but this game is just too good,” Changbin excused himself.
Minho got up and went to the kitchen. It was just a few steps away from the couch, after all, it was an apartment big enough for two people. Jisung realized Minho was there and decided to follow him.
“What happened?”
“The ingredients are here so I thought maybe I could start cooking,” Minho replied softly. “Is that okay?”
“Yes!” Changbin and Felix exclaimed without taking their eyes off the screen.
“You don’t have to, you’re our guest.”
“But I want to,” Minho said as he washed his hands. “Where’s the knife?”
Jisung knew that kitchen as if it was his own and after realizing that his new friend was more stubborn than he thought, he stopped complaining and offered to help him.
By the time Chan returned, the meal was almost done. He found his home full of loud noises and laughs. Chan got surprised when he suddenly saw Minho tasting the soup and checking on the rice at the same time as Jisung stared at him in awe.
“I don’t know how you do it. I can barely manage cooking instant noodles,” Jisung commented.
“It’s just practice. I’ve always helped my mom to cook so I think I got better over the years. Here,” Minho offered him a piece of meat he had just cut. “How is it?”
Jisung opened his eyes wide and smiled as he covered his mouth and uttered a loud “Ohhh”. Minho chuckled, “Is that a good or bad reaction?”
It was a fun sight, to say the least. Chan was glad to see a rather quiet and calm person be this outgoing and visibly comfortable. He greeted them and was met with teasing from the four guys who accused him of leaving them with his work. He promised to do the dishes after.
“I must say, I was surprised to see you here today,” Chan broke the silence that reigned as all of them were too busy eating.
“Oh, you told me to visit, didn’t you?” Minho smiled sweetly.
“I did, yeah.” Chan chuckled. “I didn't think you would actually come. I’ve been inviting you ever since I moved here”
“You see, those two,” Changbin pointed at Jisung and Minho who were both sitting next to each other, in front of Changbin and Felix.” They had a date today, and came together.”
“Really? Well, that makes things easier, doesn’t it?”
Jisung didn’t understand Chan’s comment and why it made Minho almost choke on the rice he had just put in his mouth. Felix was also confused but Changbin laughed out loud. “What do you mean?” He asked, clueless.
He looked over at Minho who was staring at Chan, with a face that clearly said “I will kill you.” The older guy completely dismissed it. “Remember that I told you Minho needed a favour?”
“I know where the knife is, you know?” Minho threatened.
Jisung had completely forgotten about it. Time had passed since that beautiful day when they met each other and Chan told him about someone needing him with a favour. Minho’s charm clearly blurred his mind. “Ohh, right, right.”
Chan looked at Minho, waiting for approval from the guy to start talking. Minho sighed as he said, “You will tell him anyways-”
“I need you to pretend to be Minho’s boyfriend.” Chan blurted out at Jisung.
“What?” Jisung chuckled as he continued eating, sure that he had misheard his friend.
“The favour was you pretending to be this guy’s boyfriend,” Chan touched Minho’s arm while Minho was covering his face, laughing nervously and whispering “I will kill you” mostly to himself. The rest were laughing too loud for his words to be heard clearly.
“Why? What? Why?”
Chan was unable to speak because Jisung’s confused face was just too funny so Minho decided to intervene. “It was their idea, please don’t think of me as someone that stupid.”
“Hey!” Changbin exclaimed.
Minho sighed before speaking again. “Long story short I have a shitty ex-boyfriend who did me very wrong and when I told them about it,” he pointed at Chan and Changbin who both made peace signs and smiled at him, “they thought the best way to get revenge was either expose him or make him jealous.”
“Expose him for what? What did he do? Are you okay?” Jisung’s worry surprised Minho. He clearly didn’t expect his new friend to take the matter that seriously.
“That competition Felix talked about earlier, I had a problem that day so I told my group that I was unable to participate and they got angry at me,” Minho explained. He avoided Jisung’s eyes as he said those words. “I hated how my boyfriend at that time reacted so I broke up with him immediately and he decided to kick me out of the group.”
“That he started, by the way,” Chan added and Minho nodded.
Jisung was angry and speechless. He couldn’t wrap his head around what those people had done to Minho. He knew that they had only known each other for a short amount of time but he was sure that Minho was one of the nicest people he had ever known and didn't deserve that kind of treatment at all.
“Why don’t we just kill that guy?” Jisung’s offer made his friends laugh. “I mean it. Who would miss someone like that?”
“How come people don’t know this?” Felix wondered. “Most of the people that take part in those competitions are dance majors and me and my classmates had no idea about it.”
“We told him he should expose that idiot,” Changbin intervened. “And all those people in the group. They did him dirty, everyone should know.”
Minho shook his head. “I don’t want more problems. I just want to dance again without remembering that and… reliving that day. More drama would make things worse.”
Chan stood up from his chair and went straight to hug Minho, who was reluctant at first but then sighed and gave up. “That’s why Changbin and me came up with this idea,” Chan said with a smile on his face.
Felix laughed, “Do you think it will work?”
“It won’t,” Minho said.
“You and Changbin watch too many romantic dramas,” Jisung told Chan who was still with his arms wrapped around Minho’s neck, hugging him from behind and resting his chin on Minho’s head. Minho’s serious face made Jisung chuckle. “But-”
“But?” Minho asked as he pushed Chan’s arms away.
“Why not? If you don’t want to expose how trash he is, just make him suffer. Was he a jealous person when you were together?”
Minho nodded, looking away.
“Well,” Changbin clapped once. “That’s perfect, isn’t it? I’m sure he still likes you and if he sees that you have already moved on, it will drive him crazy.”
“I guess.” Felix, Changbin and Chan exchanged looks as the three of them smiled at Minho’s words. “But I wouldn't ask Jisung to do something like that.”
“Oh, he doesn’t mind,” Chan intervened. “It’s not like he has someone.”
Jisung pretended to be offended by his friend's words. “You’re really hurting my pride today, you know?” He asked failing to hide a smile on his face, then turned to Minho. “I really don’t mind. Helping you to make that asshole suffer will be a pleasure.”
Minho took a few seconds to find what to say but was still surprised. “Really?”
“Yeah. Although I think you could get a better fake boyfriend. My roommate Hyunjin is really pretty, I’m sure it would be more believable if you date someone like him. Or any of the guys here…” he stopped for a moment. “It’s not that I don’t wanna do it but I think you have better options.”
“What are you saying?” Minho looked almost offended. “Why would it not be believable for me to date someone like you?”
“Because…” Jisung looked around trying to get help from his friends but they were giving him the same confused looks Minho was. “You.. I mean- You’re pretty and I am-”
“Shut up,” Chan interrupted. “I will hit you if you finish that sentence. Stop saying nonsense.”
“But-” he was interrupted again so he decided to drop it.
When the dinner came to an end Jisung decided to leave since it was getting late and he had a class very early the following morning. Minho also decided to leave so they both walked together for a few blocks, talking about nothing and everything at the same time. It was a cold night but still, they were a few people hanging out in the park that was the last stop before they had to go in different directions to arrive at their respective dorm rooms.
Minho stopped walking, his hands were in his pockets and he was looking at the people playing on the swings. “Thank you for today. I had a great time,” he smiled warmly.
Jisung told him he had a great day too and then they exchanged numbers after realizing they had no way of communicating besides Jisung going to Minho’s work
“So…” Minho looked nervous. Jisung could guess what was on his friend’s mind. “About the whole fake dating thing-”
“Oh, I meant what I said. We should do it, I don’t mind. Really.”
“That’s… Thank you.” Minho smiled again. It was weird to see him this doubtful, Jisung had the impression that his new friend was more confident than him. He probably still was.
“No problem. Tomorrow we can talk better about it. What to do and all of those things. I’m not 100 percent sure that it will work but-”
“Me neither. I… don’t really want to create more drama, but the guys sounded so convincing that this would be harmless that… I don’t know…”
“Don’t worry about it. He will just feel like shit and that’s all. If it was up to me I would really expose him for the asshole he is but this will do. You really deserved better, you know?”
“Thanks,” Minho said and then turned around ready to leave but suddenly he blurted “You know, I’m sure your roommate is as pretty as you say but I don’t think people wouldn’t buy that I’m dating someone like you. You’re pretty too. You’re-” He sighed as he looked at Jisung right in his eyes. “You’re you.”
And with that, Minho said goodbye leaving Jisung staring at him as he walked away, speechless and not sure if what he had just heard was real. Those words lingered in his mind for the remaining minutes of his walk back to his room, with red cheeks and ears, probably because of the cold. But the reason was most likely another one.
“So… I have good news,” Minho said with a smile on his face as he gave Jisung his coffee and sat at a little table with him.
“Aren’t you supposed to be working right now?” Jisung teased. He knew that Minho always took breaks when Jisung went to greet him lately, so the question was just to mess with him. This afternoon was one of the rare occasions where the cafe was not full of students since most were outside enjoying the nice weather. Today was probably one of the last warm days of the year.
Turns out Minho’s good news was that Changbin’s roommate was finally moving out which meant he could finally move in. Jisung couldn’t be happier about it.
“When are you moving in? Do you need help? Just ask me. Me and my friends are not busy at all these days so we can-”
“Thanks,” Minho put his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand, taking a sip out of his coffee. “Actually, I wanted to ask you if you could help me pack my things today. Apparently, the guy is moving out tomorrow and I want to get out of that dorm as soon as possible.”
Jisung accepted immediately. After all, the only plan he had for the rest of his day was to watch a movie with his friends back at their dorm. He knew they would nag him a bit for cancelling but they would understand. Jisung could already hear all three of them teasing him about it.
“It won’t take long and I will pay you back. Whatever you want, just ask me.”
“I want you to meet my friends.”
“But I already know your friends, I’m going to live with one of them.”
“Not them, idiot,” Jisung slightly hit Minho on the arm. “You know which ones I’m talking about.”
Minho looked thoughtful as he continue drinking his coffee. For a moment Jisung was about to say that he didn’t need to if he didn’t want but then his friend spoke. “Changbin told me he wanted to celebrate that his annoying roommate was finally leaving so he was saying we could have a little party. We could invite your friends, after all, they all know each other right?”
Jisung nodded enthusiastically. “You will love them. They already like you, after all, I’ve told them about y-” He stopped talking when he realized what he had just said.
With a smirk on his face and eyebrows raised, Minho asked “You talk to them about me?”
“I mean- Yeah…” Jisung was having a hard time finding the right words. “Hyunjin admires you as much as Felix so when he realized it was you the Minho I’ve been talking about, he started to ask me about you, and Jeongin and Seungming, well they’re just really curious, you know?”
Minho nodded, holding his laughter.
“And also I told them about the whole fake dating thing so when we start with it they don’t ruin it by telling people there’s no way I could have a boyfriend.”
“Why would they say that?” Minho tilted his head in confusion.
“Oh, it’s just a joke,” Jisung noticed his friend was not satisfied with his answer. “It’s just… I’ve never dated anyone so we always say that it’s more probable for all of us to graduate before I get a boyfriend.”
“It could have been fun if you have never told them about the whole fake thing. Don’t you think?”
“Ohhh, they would have been so surprised,” Jisung laughed at the thought of it. “But I think a lot of people will be so it’s going to be interesting.”
“It will,” Minho left his empty cup of coffee on the table. “Talking about it, we will need help because I have no idea how to make people think we’re dating but not being too…”
“Obvious?”
“Yep.”
Jisung sighed. He would be the last person to know about these things. They agreed to ask their friends for ideas when they all got together. For now, Jisung would still go to Minho’s job every day since it already had Minho’s coworkers teasing them. Without even trying, they already had people speculate about them since they both genuinely enjoyed those 10 minutes a day of talking and drinking coffee together at the most crowded cafe on campus. Jisung thought maybe it was going to be easier than expected.