Chapter Text
"Welcome to Callie's Café. We're known for the best drinks and desserts in all of Los Angeles. I'm Callie, by the way, and I'll be your server. Here is a menu for the table. I'll give you and your friends a few minutes to look it over before coming back to take your order."
Min Ho takes the "menu", a folded piece of pink construction paper decorated with crayon, scented markers, and glitter, from the business owner, a most adorable six-year-old who happens to be quite proud of her establishment.
"Thank you, Callie," Min Ho responds kindly. "You have quite a charming café. My friends here only have great things to say about it and insist that I try it too." Min Ho gestures to a four-foot-tall stuffed polar bear sporting oversized novelty sunglasses and a beige sunhat sitting to his left and a Barbie doll wearing a chic but work appropriate two-piece light blue power suit to his right.
"Ah, these are two of my regulars, Frosty McMarshmallow and Jill. Welcome back you two and thanks for introducing a new guest to my café."
Callie leaves the group and goes to her toy chest, pulling out a few plastic plates and teacups. She lines them up on her bed, in preparation for the incoming order. She then grabs a small notepad and a pencil from her desk and returns to the party at table 1.
"So, what will you all have?"
Min Ho orders for the table. "Jill will have an ube matcha latte and a pandan waffle. Frosty would like a vanilla cold brew in your largest size along with a dozen chocolate croissants. I'll just take a cup of hot cocoa, but do you have anything I can add to it to make it Irish?"
"Huh?" asks Callie.
"You know how when you're on an airplane with your mommy and daddy and they sometimes order those drinks that come in a small dark brown bottle and smell a little funny?"
"Ohhh, um, I'll have to check. So, are you stressed out about something? That's usually why my parents order them. They don't like to fly."
Min Ho smiles back at Callie. She has the emotional intelligence of someone much more mature. It truly amazes him just thinking about it. "How about after you bring us our food and drinks, you join us and I'll tell you a little story," he says while giving her nose a tiny poke.
As Callie goes off to prepare the order, Dae and Madison enter the little girl's bedroom.
"Thanks again for babysitting Callie this weekend," says Dae. "Madison has been looking forward to this weekend getaway for months."
"Yes! Thank you, Min Ho," expresses Madison gratefully. She hugs the former flame, currently sitting awkwardly in a bright pink plastic chair made for someone half his size, from behind.
"No thanks needed. I am her godfather after all," replies Min Ho.
Callie brings a few cups and plates over to the table, setting them down haphazardly, before running over to her parents, giving them a tight hug.
"Bye Mommy. Bye Daddy. Have fun this weekend. Bring me back something from your trip."
"She's definitely your daughter, Madison," says Min Ho. He gets a playful, gentle whack to the back of his head from the red-headed matriarch in return.
Dae picks up the little girl in his arms and twirls her around. "Are you going to make things easy for Uncle Min Ho this weekend and be good and listen to everything he says?"
"I'll be good and listen, but I can't promise it'll be easy for him," Callie says with a grin.
"That's my girl! Two out of three isn't bad," says Dae.
After setting her back down, Dae and Madison make their way out of the room and towards the front door with their luggage. Min Ho promptly picks up Callie and carries her, following the two parents.
"Alright, you two. You should head out now unless you want to be stuck in traffic. I got things covered. Callie and I will be just fine, isn't that right?" Min Ho asks the little girl in his arms.
Callie enthusiastically nods while shooing her parents out the door. "Hurry and start having fun. We have to get back to the café because Uncle Minny was just about to tell me why he's feeling sad."
"I never said I was sad. I only inferred that I might be a little stressed," Min Ho says.
"I know, but I changed my mind," says Callie.
The look on Madison and Dae's face says it all. Their daughter is too smart for her own good, but at least they get one weekend where that's someone else's, namely Min Ho's, problem.
Dae and Madison make their exit and Min Ho and Callie make their way back into the room. Callie climbs out of Min Ho's arms and scoots her way over to where Jill the Barbie doll is sitting. Jill is temporarily displaced to the middle of the table while Callie usurps the seat. Min Ho takes his seat next to her and within a second of his butt touching the chair, Callie asks, "So, what's gotten you down?"
…
Perch is one of the trendiest rooftop bars in all of Los Angeles and while it's not uncommon to find Min Ho there or at other similar places on any given Saturday night, tonight he feels slightly more indifferent than he should about being there.
Walking through the space, he immediately sees the group of people he's meeting up with. It isn't difficult to spot the rowdy party that is commandeering two couches in the corner of the open air patio. Sitting in the middle seat of the couch facing the city skyline is Kitty, looking beautiful as usual in a simple black halter and form fitting faded blue jeans. Next to her is her boyfriend, Jacob, leaning back into the seat with one leg crossed over the other and his left arm draped across Kitty's shoulders. To Kitty's left is her best friend since elementary school, Alison. Alison and Kitty had been inseparable minus the one year that Kitty spent at KISS. After Adler, the two of them ended up going to UCLA together and remained roommates since graduating.
Sitting across from them on the other couch appear to be another couple, though Min Ho doesn't recognize them. They seem to be having a jovial conversation with Jacob, despite Min Ho not being able hear what's being discussed.
As Min Ho nears the group, Kitty happens to turn around and immediately sees her male model of a friend walking over. "Minny!" she shouts, a little louder than necessary. She gets up from the couch, hurdles the table in front of her and throws herself at the taller man.
Years of rock climbing have strengthened Min Ho's arms, shoulders, core and legs (basically his entire body), allowing him to effortlessly catch the petite girl who he is now holding up by the waist, several inches above the ground. Her momentum still causes him to have to take a step back, but he just uses the force to twirl the two of them around 360 degrees, causing Kitty to scream out in glee.
Min Ho carefully sets the laughing Kitty down on the ground, and greets her with his usual British accented, "Hello, Love," before leaning in and giving her a soft kiss on her cheek.
Min Ho can see Jacob staring at the two of them out of the corner of his eye, but he ignores it.
Kitty reaches for Min Ho's hand and drags him over to the couches, guiding him to the open seat next to the unknown couple. She then takes her middle seat again between Jacob and Alison.
"Minny, meet Chris and Becca," introduces Kitty, gesturing to the couple sitting next to him. "Chris is Jacob's older brother and Becca is his wife. They are visiting from Denver."
Min Ho turns towards the couple, extending his hand for them to shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Min Ho."
Becca perks up even more than she was already, if that were even possible. "Are you Kitty's friend from Korea? The model?"
"Unless she knows more than one model, I guess that would be me," replies Min Ho, as humbly as he can.
"I knew it! I recognize you from that Ralph Lauren ad from last year. And aren't you currently the face of D&G? You're literally towering over Wilshire Blvd. right now. You look hotter in person."
Min Ho has the decency to blush a little. He doesn't usually get recognized when he's out, so this is unchartered territory for him.
"Becca!" shouts Chris.
"Oh, relax," replies Becca, placing her hand on Chris' cheek and giving him a cheeky smile. "Me saying that he's hot is purely observational."
"Ignore them," says Alison, from her seat directly opposite Min Ho.
"Hey, Alison," says Min Ho with a warm smile. The two of them lean in, reaching over the table and give each other a friendly hug.
"Ok, everyone," Kitty says to the group. "Let's order one more round of drinks, two for Min Ho, who still has to catch up since he's down a drink. Then, I'll share why you're all gathered here tonight. I admit, I have an ulterior motive beyond just wanting to hang out."
With drinks in hand, Kitty continues on from earlier. "So, as I was saying, the reason that you're all here tonight is more than just because we wanted to hang out with you. It's because Jacob and I have some news to share."
Kitty and Jacob glance at each other, smiling, before they both say in unison, "We're engaged!"
Min Ho's vision suddenly starts fading to black and he's thankful that he's already sitting down. It takes a few seconds, and a couple of deep breaths, but his vision starts returning to normal. The scene in front of him is now that of Chris giving Jacob a hearty pat on the back while Kitty is showing Alison the ring on her finger. A few moments later, Kitty walks over to Min Ho, with the most radiant smile on her face.
"After all of these years, trying to take in all of your beauty is still like looking directly into the sun," Min Ho thinks to himself.
"Well, aren't you going to say something?" asks Kitty expectantly.
Min Ho rises from his seat and takes Kitty's left hand, examining the small diamond ring on her finger. He has an opinion on the quality of ring that Jacob got her, but he decides it better to keep that to himself. He then leans down a little crushing Kitty in a tight hug that she immediately returns. It's a seemingly nice gesture, but really, it's so that Min Ho doesn't have to show Kitty his pained expression when he whispers in her ear, "Congratulations, Covey. You will undoubtedly be the most beautiful bride to ever walk the Earth."
As the two break their hug, Kitty looks up at Min Ho and says simply, but genuinely, "Thank you, Min Ho."
For a moment, Min Ho lets himself believe that he and Kitty are the only two people present. It feels like the two of them can just get lost staring into each other's eyes. However, Jacob makes a noise, clearing his throat and it breaks the spell between Kitty and Min Ho.
Kitty blinks away the stars she was starting to see and returns to her spot next to Jacob.
As the round of congratulations subside, Min Ho tells Kitty to close out her tab as the drinks for the rest of the evening are on him. Cheers erupt from the group again and Min Ho says he'll order everyone's first drink on his tab before letting them go crazy.
A few minutes later, a server brings to the table a bottle of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades and six champagne flutes.
"Min Ho! No, you shouldn't have," says Kitty exasperatedly. "I know you have money, but this is still too much."
"Kitty, this is one of the most important moments in your life. I'm honored that you even invited me to be part of it. This is the least I can do."
While what Min Ho said is one hundred percent true, he does leave out the fact that he's masking what he truly feels with a shit eating grin. His more righteous, younger self would have definitely felt that this is lying by omission, but he's older and wiser now. The truth is still the most important thing, but it's not something that everyone needs to know.
After filling each glass and handing one to each guest, they all raise their glasses and Min Ho simply says, "Cheers to the happy couple."
An hour later, the group of six dwindles down to just Kitty and Min Ho. Alison met a guy and decided to bid the group adieu. Jacob, Chris and Becca left a few minutes after Alison as the trio have plans to meet up with Jacob and Chris' parents in the morning for brunch. Kitty thinks it's to tell them about her and Jacob's engagement, and thinks she's invited, but Jacob explains that his parents are very old fashioned and might be overwhelmed finding out that their youngest son is now engaged. He tells her that they will arrange for another time to break the news to his parents.
Kitty is a little saddened and taken aback by the situation with Jacob, but she does well in hiding her true feelings. However, Min Ho can always read Kitty like an open book and knows that she's bothered.
Min Ho and Kitty talk for another hour, reminiscing about their time at KISS. Before they know it, the bartender announces "last call" over the speakers and Min Ho is surprised to see that it's 10 minutes until 2:00 AM.
"Let's head downstairs and I'll call you an Uber," says Min Ho.
"Thanks, but I left my keys to my apartment in my room, and I doubt Alison is back already."
"How about Jacob's place?"
"He's probably asleep now. I don't want to disturb him when he has to meet his family in the morning."
"Then you're welcome to come over to my place," offers Min Ho.
"Are you sure I won't impose?" asks Kitty.
"Of course not. You know I'd do anything for you."
Kitty blushes a little and Min Ho realizes how what he said could be taken out of context. Once the redness fades from her face, Kitty loops her arm through Min Ho's and the two make their way outside.
Upon arriving at Min Ho's condo, Kitty takes off her heels before entering his living room and plopping down on the sofa. Min Ho joins the exhausted girl, sitting so close to her that their bodies are in contact. This causes Kitty to lean her head against Min Ho's shoulders, while she lets out a loud yawn.
Less than a minute later, light snores come from Kitty and Min Ho can tell she is in deep sleep. He eases himself from under her head and picks her up bridal style, carrying her into his bedroom. The irony of this action does not elude him, but he too is exhausted and doesn't have the capacity to think too deeply about it.
Min Ho sets Kitty gently down on his bed, and tucks her in. He makes his way to his bathroom and quickly changes out of his outfit and into a tank and plaid pajama pants. Then he grabs a spare pillow from his closet before making his way back out to the living room sofa.
Min Ho is typically an early riser and this weekend would be no different. Despite not falling asleep until close to 3am, he finds himself awake just five hours later at 8am. When he wakes, he heads back to his room, poking his head through the door, only to find Kitty still sleeping away. Not only does he not mind Kitty being there, but he rather enjoys the extra time he gets to spend with her. He also gets a bit of satisfaction knowing that for a couple of days at least, Kitty's scent will remain on his pillow and bed.
Before he exits the room, he grabs his white hoodie, the one he's had since high school, and a pair of boxers only because they are the bottoms that are most likely to fit Kitty and drapes it over the headboard of his bed. Leaving the room and going back to the kitchen, Min Ho decides to cook breakfast for Kitty, in case she wakes up hung over or with just a minor headache.
Kitty wakes to the smell and sound of bacon sizzling, being cooked on a pan. She's still wearing her outfit from the previous night, but finds the clothes that Min Ho has left for her. Kitty is usually a shy person who carries a good amount of modesty in most situations, but around Min Ho, those inhibitions never seem to make their presence known. Kitty discards her halter top and jeans, standing next to his bed in only a pair of panties. She then slips on the hoodie and boxers and makes her way over to his bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she's happy she still looks cute, with the exception of her wild hair now splayed in various directions.
Stepping out of Min Ho's room and into the living room, Kitty can see Min Ho in the same apron that he's had since their junior year at KISS, cooking away at the stove. She walks up to him from behind as he doesn't sense her presence yet. She taps on his shoulder causing him to jump and turn now facing her.
"Good morning, angel" says Min Ho.
Kitty just rolls her eyes at him, though she secretly enjoys the subtle compliments and affectionate names he's given her over the years.
"I figure you might be hungry so I'm making breakfast," says Min Ho.
"You figure correctly," Kitty retorts.
"Make yourself comfortable and I'll have the food plated shortly."
Kitty walks back over to his couch again and lays down across the seats. She turns to face the large wall mounted TV, grabs the remote, and turns it on.
Min Ho watches Kitty perform this mundane action, but seeing her do it in his clothes makes it much more appealing to him.
"Stop it!" he mentally chastises himself. "She just got engaged. Get your head together and don't say or do anything stupid."
Min Ho brings over two plates of food, placing them on the coffee table in front of the couch. Kitty devours it shamelessly while Min Ho just chuckles at her.
"Keep laughing. I'm about to eat your portion too if you don't hurry," chides Kitty.
After breakfast, Kitty grabs her phone and sends Alison a text, seeing if she's back at their apartment.
Kitty: Ally! I know it's early, but are you home yet? I forgot my key and am hanging out at Min Ho's place
Alison: I'll try to be home in an hour. I'm still figuring out where exactly I am, but don't worry, I'm safe at least
Kitty: I want details later
Alison: Likewise!
Kitty: What details? I spent the night at my best friend's place. It's a bit pedestrian don't you think?
Alison: And yet you always leave out the fact that this best friend is one of the hottest guys on the planet and oh, btw, is in love with you
Kitty: WAS in love with me. But that's beside the point. He's my best friend, plain and simple
Alison: I was hoping you caught yourself the first time, but, ummm, excuse me?
Kitty: Second best friend
Alison: That's what I thought
Alison: I'll text you when I get back. Tell Minny I say hi
"Mind if I hang out here for a little while longer? Alison won't be back home for at least another hour."
"You already know the answer to that question. In fact…" Min Ho disappears in his bedroom only to return a minute later. "Here, catch."
A small, shiny object soars through the air and lands in Kitty's cupped hands that are resting on her lap. "What's this for?" she asks.
"C'mon, Covey. What do you think it is?" laughs Min Ho.
"You're giving me a key to your condo?" Kitty asks.
"You're not going to use it to rob me later, are you?" Min Ho jokes.
"Shut up, Min Ho" she says, trying to muster all the seriousness she can.
Min Ho gives Kitty a dramatic sigh, but also a wry smile. "Basically, yes, feel free to hang out as long as you like. And if the need ever arises after today, you now have a key to my place that you can consider your own, at least until you no longer have a need for it."
Kitty stares at the key in her hand for a while longer and can't help thinking about how lucky she is to have a friend like Min Ho. The thought isn't anything that's new to her, but she tries to never take it for granted.
"So, what can we do for about an hour?" asks Kitty.
"I can think of a few things, but an hour might not be enough time," quips Min Ho.
Kitty blushes, but soon regains control of the conversation. "That's a bold statement, Minny."
The two of them stare into each other's eyes, seeing who will break first, but they both end up laughing at the same time.
"Sorry, it's just that you set me up so perfectly that I couldn't pass it up," exclaims Min Ho.
"I know. I heard it too, as soon as the words left my mouth."
"But what I had meant was that maybe we can call the old gang, Q, Florian, Yuri, Juliana, Alex, Dae and Madison and you can share with them the good news."
Kitty's face lights up as it had been a while since she talked to some of them. Min Ho reaches for his iPad which he keeps in a drawer under his coffee table and makes a massive group facetime call, seeing how many people will be able to respond. And so, for the next hour, Kitty shares with everyone the good news and also catches up on what everyone else has been up to.
Shortly after, Kitty gets a text from Alison, saying that she's back at home.
"I'm heading out now, Minny. I'm just going to get an Uber and head home."
"I'll drop you off. I have some errands I need to take care of anyways," says Min Ho.
"Thanks, if you don't mind."
Ten minutes later, Min Ho is parked in front of Kitty's apartment building and she's getting out of the car. "Thanks again for the ride," she says to him. After closing the passenger door, she leans back into the car through the open window and gives Min Ho a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll talk to you later," she says before making her way towards the building.
Min Ho watches Kitty walking up the pathway leading to the main doors. She saunters a little, while her hips gently sway back and forth, hypnotizing Min Ho.
He's proud of himself for breaking out of the trance on his own and soon drives off to continue with the rest of his day.
…
"So, you're sad because Aunt Kitty is going to marry another person, but you still love her?" asks Callie.
"That's mighty presumptuous of you," smirks Min Ho. "What do you mean 'still love her'?"
"It's ok. Mommy and Daddy already told me about when you were all younger and how you loved Aunt Kitty then."
"Did they now?" asks an amused Min Ho.
Callie nods excitedly. She knows she's right and being right always makes her happy.
"Well, that was quite a while ago," says Min Ho.
"But I think that you still do," replies Callie.
Min Ho asks, "Did anyone ever tell you that you're too smart for your own good?"
"All the time," replies Callie, immensely proud of that fact.
"Do your parents think that I'm still in love with Aunt Kitty?" asks Min Ho, cautiously.
"I don't think so," the little girl responds.
"Good. Let's try to keep it that way," says Min Ho.
"You mean like our very own secret?" asks Callie, looking at Min Ho with her doe eyes.
"Exactly. Think you can do that for me?"
"Can I tell Frosty McMarshmallow and Jill?"
Min Ho rubs the bottom of his chin, acting like he's thinking about it. "Fine, but make them sign a blood oath that they won't divulge this secret."
"I don't think they can bleed, but I'll still make them promise," says Callie.
After a moment of silence, and with the playful banter aside, Callie tugs at Min Ho's shirt to get his attention again. "Are you ever going to tell Aunt Kitty that you still love her?"
"I don't know, Callie. I really don't know."
"Maybe I can help you decide," the little girl offers. "I'm a good listener and you, Mom, and Dad always say how smart I am. Besides, we have the whole weekend together. What else are we going to do? So why don't you start at the beginning and tell me how you got to this point."
"Fine, but only if you promise not to make your judge-y face. The last thing I need is a six-year-old questioning my life choices."
"I'll try, but I can't make any promises," retorts Callie. Sensing that Min Ho might need one final thing to convince him to go along with this idea, she continues. "Uncle Minny? You know that I love you right? And it's not just because you're rich and buy me stuff all the time. I think you should get to be happy too."
Min Ho can only stare at the girl in amusement. It's amazing and a bit frightening to him, seeing how like-minded Callie and Kitty are. If he's not careful, one of those two will be the death of him.