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Changbin walked into the café, his heart pounding like a drum. It was a routine he’d followed for over a year—stepping through the door, feeling the warmth of the place, and making his way to the counter where Hyunjin stood. But today, the usual comfort of the café felt different, charged with a nervous energy that made his palms sweat.
Hyunjin was behind the counter, effortlessly crafting drinks with a grace that always left Changbin in awe. The soft hum of the espresso machine and the rich aroma of coffee filled the air, creating a cocoon of familiarity. Changbin’s eyes were drawn to Hyunjin’s smile, which was always bright and welcoming, and today it seemed even more captivating.
“Hey, Changbin! The usual?” Hyunjin asked, his tone as warm as the latte he was preparing.
“Yeah, thanks.” Changbin managed a nervous smile, his fingers gripping his wallet more tightly than necessary. He had planned this moment a thousand times in his head, rehearsing the lines he hoped would sound casual and confident. Yet now that he was here, the words seemed to escape him.
Hyunjin glanced up, his gaze curious. “You okay? You seem a little... off today.”
Changbin swallowed hard, trying to steady his racing thoughts. “Actually, um, yeah, I am a bit nervous. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk curling his lips. “Oh? What’s up?”
The words tumbled out in a rush, his heart racing with every syllable. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me sometime. Like, on a date. Maybe this weekend?”
For a heartbeat, Hyunjin’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened into a smile that made Changbin’s heart flutter. “Really? I’ve been hoping you’d ask me that,” Hyunjin said, his voice gentle and sincere. “I’d love to go out with you.”
A wave of relief washed over Changbin, making him feel lighter than he had in weeks. “Great! How about Saturday?”
Hyunjin nodded, still smiling. “Saturday sounds perfect. I’m looking forward to it.”
Changbin felt an unexpected surge of confidence as Hyunjin handed him his coffee. Their fingers brushed briefly, sending a spark of electricity through him. “I’ll see you then,” Changbin said, trying to keep his voice steady.
As he walked out of the café, clutching his coffee like a lifeline, he couldn’t stop grinning. The weight of his nervousness had lifted, replaced by a giddy anticipation. He imagined their upcoming date, the possibility of holding hands and sharing stories over coffee, and felt a thrill of excitement.
Changbin glanced back at the café, seeing Hyunjin through the window, still smiling and waving. He waved back, feeling a rush of warmth spread through him. Saturday seemed like a lifetime away, but it was a wait he was more than happy to endure.
With each step away from the café, Changbin’s heart felt lighter, buoyed by the promise of what was to come. He couldn’t wait to see Hyunjin again, to share moments that might turn into memories, and to finally turn this long-standing affection into something real.