Work Text:
Jisung has developed a weird hobby. But, it’s out of reason. Sure, the collection of hard stacked paperboard coffee cups in the corner of his desk are a bit difficult to explain. However, he assumes once the story tied to them is told, people will give him more grace.
Park Jisung — 22 and pursuing a Masters in English — is constantly digesting words. It’s second nature as it's factual that you can find words anywhere. On the road, in the classroom, on nutritional labels and more. They’re everywhere . Even on white, paperboard coffee cups in the color blue from the new café called Bear Brew near his favorite reading spot on campus. Jisung, in need of rejuvenating his spark, tried the new shop as he would also give back to the small business. A win-win he’d say.
He waited patiently in line, twirling parts of his auburn brown hair and constantly looking back at the time on his phone to keep himself busy. He encouraged himself to look deeper at the menu, however, he was quite set on his order. A large hot hazelnut latte with soy milk — that’s all he needed to keep him steady through his next readings.
So, when Jisung’s turn came, He recited the order perfectly. A large hot hazelnut latte with soy milk. Ensuring he expressed all the necessary details to make the barista’s life easier.
And it did. Because the boy in front of him commented on it immediately. He had pretty blonde hair, suiting his chiseled face as it made him appear softer. The cashier gripped the machine, evidently stressed by opening week as the printer was practically shitting out orders. Jisung looks behind, noticing the kiosk people zoom through which explains the influx. Maybe they should have closed the kiosk option for the first week. It would’ve been easier on the printer that was working overtime.
“You’re the first person who knew how to order a coffee today. It really brought me some peace knowing someone on this planet had common sense.” He jokes to Jisung.
Jisung looks down at his name tag before responding. He reads his name: Chenle.
“Oh…I saw a Tiktok about it. It seems pretty efficient everywhere I go.” Jisung expresses.
“Does social media also tell people that ordering several blended drinks at 8 a.m is the devil's work and they should stop doing that?”
Jisung blinks a couple times, trying to hide his smile from the odd question. “No…”
“Well, the more you know. 5.62 is your total.” Chenle picks up a large paperboard cup and writes down the acronym for his order. “Your name?”
“Jisung.”
“Alright Jisung, it should be out in a little. Next!”
It was a minor interaction. Silly, but easy. He was sure Chenle was like that for all incoming customers.
___
Until he came again. Chenle remembered him. The Bear Brew slowly died down as it outgrew novelty. However, it had been a week since Jisung’s first visit.
Chenle is on the hot bar as he stands away from the cashier. He gives Jisung an acknowledging smile while he orders his hazelnut latte. But, Jisung assumes it’s because he’s a friendly barista with a good attitude.
Waiting for his order, Jisung has his iPad in his hand as he takes notes while on the go. He wouldn’t be able to touch the set of words until he got back to his reading spot which is about an eight minute walk from the café. He’s losing a lot of time, meaning he needs to utilize what he currently has. Especially since discussion is soon. He couldn’t be humiliated in front of the professor after indulging in the wrong folder of readings and being cold-called to summarize the findings. Jisung left the class with a stomach ache caused by embarrassment.
But, his order is simple. A hot hazelnut latte with soy milk can be made in seconds if the barista really wanted to test their hot bar skills. After only a couple minutes of ordering, Jisung saw his drink gliding on the pick-up table and behind it, Chenle yelling out his name.
“Order for Jisung!”
He tucks his iPad into his left armpit and drops his stylist into his sweater’s pocket. Jisung grabs it by the protective sleeve, giving Chenle a smile before saying, “Thank you.”
“You seem busy, are you going to class or something?”
Jisung nods, “I have a discussion soon, so I’m trying to cram since it’s in the next hour.”
“Want an extra shot in your coffee?”
Jisung shakes his head. “It should have about three already, right?”
Chenle nods, “Yeah. But, I know some maniacs who order seven. So, four wouldn’t make me flinch.”
“Sounds like it would taste awful.” Jisung comments. The small talk is making him feel awkward. Only because he wants to get out of the conversation for the sake of his reading – but, he also can’t help but enjoy it as the pause from academics makes his brain heal – whatever, he can’t stay for long. “Um, catch you later?”
“Sure. Come again.”
Jisung takes his coffee and holds it by his chest. He exits the door with full hands and luckily someone holds the door open for him. While walking back to the physical science building, he notices blue marks on his coffee cup. They’re in weird shapes, colored in and hidden under the sleeve.
Once Jisung makes his way to his spot, on the third floor, a familiar circle table is planted in the middle of the hall and he sits. Putting down all his items before making the grand reveal. He removes the sleeve and he’s made a discovery. A shitty drawn bear, with a poorly colored bowtie that evidently was messed up and needed saving (which it didn’t get) was hidden on his cup. The bear has a bubble saying, Have a good day! And, it ultimately makes Jisung smile.
He takes a sip of his coffee after admiring the drawing. It’s a tad bitter with a hint of nuttiness from the hazelnut syrup. But, he can appreciate the drink as the soy milk makes the treat creamier. Jisung savors it, hosting the cup between both hands as he allows the hot paperboard to warm him up. He sinks into his seat, looking at his iPad which held all his readings. Then, his coffee, that held the interaction between him and this nice guy – Chenle.
___
Jisung began visiting him even when he didn’t need to. Unfortunate for his bank account, necessary for his data collection. But, at least he had a good way to play coy – he’s a student. Every student on campus indulged in several café at least once a week. Convincing themselves they didn’t need a sweet treat but somehow finding themselves stepping through the café doors. It was instinct, nobody would question it.
“You seem to like this place a lot. But, you never order anything different.” Chenle is at the register when Jisung orders. “Scared to think our other menu items are trash? I know some are. So I won’t recommend them if you need something new.”
Chenle is outgoing, extroverted and extremely loud when saying the wrong things as he’s representing his workplace. Jisung can see how genuine he is, “I just like this shop’s hazelnut latte.” – Sure, he likes every café’s hazelnut latte. They all taste fairly the same (except the one on Widow’s St – that one tastes like ass ).
“You’ve been accumulating a lot of points.” Chenle comments. Watching as Jisung inputted his number before paying. “What do you do for a living to pay for a six dollar drink every day?”
“I’m a MA student.”
Chenle’s eyes glisten. “I’m a MS student!”
Jisung doesn’t believe it. No fucking way . This guy is always working, he has to be part-time or he’s failing his classes to be here so often. Wait – Jisung was here often – did he have the same assumptions? No…Jisung would only pop in and out, occasionally he’d sit in to do some readings and write-ups. However, he was fairly active in class.
“Really?” His tone almost comes off wrong.
“Yeah, I have classes Monday and Wednesday only. Stack them up during the night so I can take more shifts since the shop is open from morning to early evening.”
Oh . That makes more sense.
“What is your focus for your MS?”
“Astrophysics.”
Cool motherfucker . That meant he would be a student who’d often be in the physical science building Jisung studies in.
“You?”
“English.”
Chenle raises his eyebrows. “Would’ve assumed you were business management if I never asked.”
“I have no comments.”
Chenle smiles, trying to hold in his laugh. “Sorry, but English is cool. Hefty stuff, lots to digest. I admire that.”
“Astrophysics…” The word rolls off of Jisung’s name like an unspoken ex. He hastily removes his wallet from his pocket, searching for his debit card. “I would have loved to be a part of that program.”
“Really?” Chenle leans against the counter, wanting to hear more. “Why did you pursue English?”
“People said I was good at it.”
“Doesn’t mean you had to stay in the field.”
Jisung shrugs, “I guess.”
He’s sure Jisung is lacking context for personal reasons. So, Chenle decides not to budget, “Total’s 4.25.”
“Why is my drink a dollar cheaper than usual?”
“Just pay for the drink.”
“I just–”
“Jisung, pay for it.”
He taps his card without further question and Chenle smiles from satisfaction. “It’ll be out soon.”
Chenle walks away from the counter and Jisung is the only customer inside the store. His drink doesn’t take long and as he examines the sides. He finds a drawing made by Chenle.
Meteor Incoming! A large textured ball heads towards the bear’s face that trademarks the cup as the Bear Brew’s. Jisung laughs, looking at Chenle who wipes away the coffee machines with a smile.
“Chenle, have a good day.” He says without any thought.
Chenle nods, “You too, Jisung.”
___
Jisung began keeping the cups. Not out of habit, out of forgetfulness. He would hold on to the cup the entire day, waiting for a trash can and continuously missing each one. Leading him to think, I’ll get the next one. But, he would once again get sidetracked. Forgetting he needed to dispose of the cup.
The empty stained cups began taking a part of his desk. He separated them based on category. Animal drawings, written notes. Occasionally, he would just have the initials HSL(h) which meant hazelnut, soy latte and he assumed the small letter in the parentheses meant ‘hot’.
Jaemin, Jisung’s step-brother, shares an apartment with him. He walks by his room from time to time, visiting only minorly as they have their own lives to attend to. However, he can’t help but notice the three stacks of white cups growing whenever he takes a look inside. At one point, he gets curious.
Jaemin walks into the door frame, leaning against the wood and calling out to Jisung who works on his PC. “Jisung.”
“Hyung,” He immediately responds, not turning his back. “What’s up?”
“What’s with the trash in the corner?”
The comment makes Jisung swivel his chair. He faces his brother and Jaemin is faced with an offended expression. “That isn’t trash. They’re coffee cups.”
“Used.”
“Yeah I–”
“So it’s trash.”
Jisung rolls his eyes as Jaemin gives him no room to speak. “Hyung, I’m doing…I’m doing some data collection.”
“With cups? You’re telling your brother, who is in medical school, that you are collecting cups for data collection. Now, let me ask you this, what type of disturbing bacteria are you trying to find and what are you going to do with it?”
“It’s not that type of data collecting. I’m trying to figure out patterns. See if they hold any meaning.”
“Okay, so you’re psychoanalyzing.”
“Sure, whatever.” Jisung groans, he runs a hand through his hair. Stressed out by Jaemin’s games. “There’s this guy and–”
“Oh, so you like him?”
God. He really doesn’t know when to stop . But, Jisung can’t lie, Jaemin is kind of right . Jisung visits the shop often, watches his bank account plummet by six dollars each day and he can’t stop. He can’t pinpoint why – except for the fact that he knows he likes talking to Chenle.
His cup count has probably hit above twenty and at this point. Which is distinct evidence of his addiction to the Bear Brew and it’s not because of the coffee. Disposing of them would be embarrassing as he’d have a whole grocery bag of them. He definitely has some talking to do.
“I mean…”
“How does he look like?”
Jisung bites his lip, thinking for a moment. “Pretty..blonde..”
“Oh, is he a student?”
“He’s pursuing an MS.”
Jaemin walks inside, taking a seat on Jisung’s bed which is right across from his desk. “What area?”
The younger takes a deep breath before answering. Jaemin leans in with interest, knowing the preparation had a reason. “...Astrophysics.”
Jaemin raises his eyebrows. “Oh, your dream program.”
“Hyung.”
“Jisung, I know you mourn it. It’s okay, it would’ve been okay. Mom doesn’t know what she’s talking about. It’s real science, just because she doesn't give a shit about astronomy. Doesn’t mean you have to hold the same beliefs.”
Jisung laughs, reminiscing on the moment. “She got even more mad that I pursued English over it. Thank god you’re becoming a doctor.”
“I still think you should’ve taken a gap year to reapply. You would’ve been accepted on the spot. Shit, you could’ve been in the same cohort as your dream man.”
“He’s not my dream man.”
“Why do you keep visiting the café then?”
“I..I don’t know.”
Jaemin walks over to his left side and picks up the stack that is dedicated to the animal drawings. There are bears, cats – all particularly drawn in relation to planets and stars. He looks through each and every single one, rebuilding the stack from under after he’s done examining.
“Do you talk about astronomy together?”
Jisung hums to himself, thinking back to their last conversation. “Not really, the last conversation we had was about how the moon turns red. It was because a cosplayer came in with makeup and their contacts were red.”
“How often do you talk?”
“It’s like a short three minute conversation at the register.”
“Does he talk to anyone else?”
“His coworkers?”
Jaemin smiles, finding the answer endearing. “Jisung, that’s a given.”
“Hyung, I don’t know. I’ve barely talked to him. He’s nice, pretty and draws me cute things on my cup when he doesn't need to.”
Jaemin places down the stack and reaches for the next. There are notes. A lot of them.
Seriously, can I give you something other than hazelnut? I’m getting sad that you only drink one thing . It’s the first cup he pulls from the stack, meaning, it’s the most recent note.
Jaemin places it on the desk and reads the next one .
Guess this drink is…out of this world…HAHAHA, wasn’t that good? God I’m terrible at jokes thank you 77 Best Meteor Jokes and Puns for this .
“How the hell did he write that all on the cup?” Jaemin points to the current one he reads.
“I don’t know, I genuinely don't.”
Jaemin adjusts Jisung’s cups back into position and sits back onto the bed. “It looks like he enjoys indulging in you. Maybe there’s some reciprocation going on?”
“Maybe. But, I genuinely think he’s an outgoing guy who likes conversation. Maybe I’m just a favorite regular. You know how people go to their favorite bar and befriend the bartender? This is how it feels like.”
“But, the bartender isn’t leaving cute animals on the glasses. Or, fun notes related to your interest.”
“That’s because Chenle’s resources allow him to.”
“Jisung, you know there’s deeper meaning to this. And, it’s okay if you’re in denial. I will guide you.”
“Hyung, I don’t want your romantic advice.” Jisung bluntly lays out. “The last time you gave me advice, I went on a Hinge date and got catfished by a 53 year old man.”
“How the fuck was I supposed to know “Max” was a 53 year old dude? You win some, you lose some.”
Jisung swivels his chair and returns back to his screen. He waves his right hand around with a loose wrist. “It’s fine hyung. I’ll figure it out myself, I know Chenle better than you anyway.”
“And what do you know about this Chenle guy?”
“He's a year older than me. Is from Shanghai and will probably return to Shanghai when he’s done with his program. Which is practically soon.”
“It’s a two year program, you have time to get to know him. This year just started.”
“It’s just a coffee shop crush, I’ll get over it..” (Or, so he hopes).
Jaemin groans, sitting up from the bed to head towards the door with heavy feet. “You seriously are no fun. Let me know how the development goes since you don’t want my help. Oh , wait. There probably won’t be any.” Right after, Jaemin slams the door and shortly his footsteps become faint.
Jisung shakes his head, getting back to work and he reminds himself – it’s a coffee shop crush . Chenle is a mere enthusiastic and extroverted barista – he meant nothing to him.
___
“Chenle…” Jisung holds the object in his hand, “what is this?...”
Chenle smiles from behind the counter. His expression is so large, it probably stretches ear to ear. His skin beams red as his cheeks flushed. On top of Jisung’s hot, large hazelnut latte with soy milk was an orange cat with white stripes.
“I mean, your hair is more reddish. But, um, it kinda looked like us if our hairs were mashed together. You know?”
The other customers who get their drinks slid to them look at the random cat on Jisung’s cup. He picks it up by the sleeve, gently and slow as he balances the plush perfectly in a stable hold. “So, it’s us. A cat, representing the Bear Brew?”
“Yeah, I mean. We met here.”
“Are we..are we friends?” Jisung is so damn awkward – after asking the question, he knows this could go wrong.
Chenle laughs, “Of course we are. Wait, are we?”
“I want to be.”
Chenle bites his bottom lip, nodding his head as he could not stop smiling from the response. “Well, let’s be friends then. Jisung.”
This definitely was going to impede on his mere coffee shop crush standpoint.
___
After the interaction, Jisung and Chenle had exchanged numbers. The cat has become a new addition on his bed and they began texting often. Often to where they got comfortable fast. Chenle would send funny reels he found on Instagram, Jisung would like them as a way of acknowledgement. Chenle would then spam him for more interactions and as an apology, he’d sent fun pictures of the cat Chenle gifted him. The most recent one was it sitting on Jisung’s shoulder as he completed work.
Their comfort towards each other was a result of them zooming through the small talk. Jisung learned more about Chenle, Chenle learned more about Jisung. It wasn’t much of an equal trade as Chenle went on about his life story. Regarding how he left Shanghai multiple times for different opportunities, only to find himself at a coffee shop in South Korea, pursuing higher education.
Jisung spoke about himself humbly. Expressing his love for astronomy, but falling into a world of words that now eats him alive because of familial expectations (that he isn’t even meeting at this point). The personal dilemma ends with them bonding – as Chenle reveals his desire to become a singer – which surprised Jisung slightly.
The engaging energy, pretty face and smile that could light up a whole room. Chenle has singer potential – however, his mouth was now being used to take orders and talk about topics under astrophysics for the time being.
It’s late at night when they have their conversation. 2:47 in the morning to be exact. Jisung doesn’t know what’s gotten into him, the moment Jaemin offers a late night drinking opportunity. He shuts the door as an answer. So, being up at this time is definitely out of character for him.
Chenle: i really think i was meant to be on stage. mayb i chose astrophysics because i felt like a star???? and having a place to study astronomy is kinda nice! or maybe i’m telling myself honestly idk anymore
Jisung: have you tried auditioning for a company?
Chenle: i fear mistreatment LOLLL
Jisung: oh..fair I guess
Chenle: yeah its fine honestly i don’t wanna think too much abt it
Chenle: i mean cause like i got ot meet you
Chenle: to*
Chenle: like imagine i got to be a singer but you hated my singing or something
Chenle: i think i’m saying too much
Jisung: I don’t think I’d hate your singing
Chenle: think???
Chenle: the fuck jisung
Chenle: you’ve never even heard me before!!!
Jisung: I didn't mean it to come off like that I’m so sorry
Jisung: I think
Jisung: no i’m sorry that’s my fault
Chenle: LOL I’m teasing jisung
Chenle: sorry if that gave you a scare
Chenle: your so easy to mess with
Jisung wipes the sweat away from his neck. Uncertain if the banter made him nervous or, because of something else. Whatever it was, he was sure he could fill a cup of his sweat at this point.
Chenle: am i talking too much abt myself?
Chenle: i dont wanna hog the conversation
Chenle: or like anything you wanna know???
Chenle: i’m super open
Jisung wanted to confront him about the drawings and notes. Driven by his curiosity to know, the explanation could give him insight into what this was. Only because he felt different towards Chenle – he wasn’t going to waste time on a guy who did over the top customer service if that was the case.
Jisung: do you
Jisung: or if it’s okay to ask
Jisung: um idk if i should ask
Jisung: sorry i’m thinking
Chenle: continue
Chenle: you need to ask me so i can judge the question haha
Chenle: i don’t bite
Chenle: i can tho >:))))
Jisung: T____T don’t bite me
Jisung: well okay..
Jisung : um..
Chenle: im gonna fall asleep
Jisung types it quickly, knowing that minutes were passing and if he waited any longer – the sun would be a part of their conversation at this point.
Jisung: do you draw for others um yk
Chenle: ???
Chenle: i guess i don’t know
Chenle: this question isn’t very questiony
Jisung: you know
Jisung: the notes and drawings you give me
Jisung: when i order coffee
Jisung: it’s something new every time
Chenle: oh
Chenle: what about it
Chenle: do they make you uncomfortable??
Chenle: sorry, it became a habit
Chenle: you always smile at them
Chenle: and like
Chenle: you’re really cute when you smile
Chenle: um yeah
Chenle: it’s like fun to do
Jisung throws his phone. It hits the wall beside him and he doesn’t register that it chips off a part of his wall’s paint. He hopes Jaemin didn’t hear the contact between his device and the surface – only because he’ll know his brother will yell at him when he finds out.
He almost forgets about the conversation. So he scrambles to find his phone that’s fallen around his feet. When he finds it, there are still messages flowing from Chenle.
Chenle: but like
Chenle: does it make you uncomfortable?
Chenle: i can stop
Chenle: but lowkey ill be offended
Chenle: i only do it for you
Jisung’s eyeballs almost escape from their socket. Only for him? Is that true?
Jisung: only for me?...
Jisung: like..only for me?
Chenle: lol what else does it mean
Chenle: is there another park jisung
Chenle: you don’t have a clone..right?
Jisung: definitely not
Jisung: do you think they exist?
Chenle: clones?
Chenle: i think like
Chenle: i think if someone were to clone me
Chenle: they wouldn’t get me right
Chenle: look at my face
Chenle: it be hard to perfect it
Jisung: yeah you’re right
Jisung: you are pretty
Jisung: it would be difficult
Chenle: oh
Chenle: really? :)
Chenle: how pretty?
Jisung squints looking at the message he sent. High on adrenaline, but extremely tired as the clock strikes 3 a.m – he was definitely getting possessed by demons as he read his bold text.
Chenle: jisung
Chenle: deleting your message doesn’t mean i didn’t see it
Chenle: is someone shy?
Chenle: fuck you’re so cute
Jisung: don’t call me cute
Jisung: ohmygod
Jisung: i’msoryr
Jisung: i get easily embarrassed
Jisung: but um
Jisung: it is true
Jisung: you’re pretty
Jisung: i thought you were pretty the moment i met you
Chenle: oh
Chenle: since opening day?
Jisung nods, thinking Chenle can see him. But, his thumbs go on autopilot. He texts what comes to mind as Jisung comes to terms that this is how the conversation will go.
Unfiltered. Exhausted. Dry-eyed.
Jisung: yeha
Jisung: sorry i know we just met
Jisung: this is soawkward
Chenle: why?
Chenle: this pretty boy thinks you’re pretty cute too
Chenle: does this make things more awkward^
Chenle: i already called you fucking cute earlier, not point
Chenle: HAHAHA wait
Chenle: is that why you were asking abt the cups?
Chenle: ahh jisung
Chenle: you are really cute
Chenle: gosh I really like you
Jisung: i’m going to stop talking to you
Chenle: sure, i’lll see you at the cafe~
Chenle: ;))
___
Jisung woke up exhausted.
His messages with Chenle were all a blur. Jisung woke up, hot and with an oddly faster heartbeat than usual. The boy clutches his shirt, wrinkling the fabric as he notices the chipped paint from his overreaction. He shakes his head, hands fly to his hair. Pulling it with brute force.
He checks his phone and based on the time, he’s missed class for the day as it was already noon. Great . At least he’s all caught up. However, he finds messages from Chenle.
Chenle: good morning! see you are the shop today?
Chenle: i have a treat for you
Jisung’s teeth clench at the side of his mouth. He chews on it until it hurts. Bringing him back to reality so he can respond.
Jisung: i’ll see you there
___
Jisung tries to dress well. He puts class aside for the day and makes himself feel better through wearing a nice outfit. It’s a dark charcoal button up with a greyish undertone, paired nicely with white buttons and black plants to make himself look tall. He pairs it with his thick black-framed square glasses and ruffles his hair to make the shape fluffier.
He takes a couple of deep breaths before exiting home. That’s until he ran into Jaemin. Heavy eyebags, frantic as he runs around the kitchen as his nespresso machine pours the dark liquid into a thermal cup.
“Hyung, you okay?”
Jaemin’s eye twitches, however, he ignores his question. “Why are you dressed up?”
“Oh. I’m um–”
“Seeing that guy?”
He always knows. It’s scary . Jisung thinks to himself. He gives Jaemin a nod.
“Good luck, have a fun date.”
“Hyung, you don’t–”
“Accept my advice. Have fun .”
Jisung nods once more and heads out the door. It’s a quick 12 minute walk to the Bear Brew from his apartment. Which isn’t too terrible as he appreciated the double digit number to give himself more time to process. Jisung thinks about what he’s going to say, how he should act, what is Chenle going to give him ?
The thoughts blur his head, words taking over his entirety and because of it – he arrived. He stood outside of the café, hesitant to walk in. But, feeling a sense of eagerness mixed with nervousness.
Jisung bites the bullet and walks in. He can’t hold himself back. The conversation happened. Words were said. And none of them he would choose to take back. Even if he was driven by fatigue and was definitely possessed by 3am demons that unfiltered his ability to keep his mouth shut. He would let the events happen even if he had a time machine.
Chenle is working the register (as usual). He has a short sleeve white polo paired with his typical brown Bear Brew apron that wraps around his tiny waist. Jisung walks up to the register, giving him an acknowledging nod.
“Can, um. Can I? Wait, can I get a um–.”
Jisung has never stumbled so much while ordering. He’s looked directly into Chenle’s eyes multiple times throughout a week, reciting the words perfectly. Today was different. The moment Chenle had locked eyes with him, it was almost as if speech was impossible.
The moment makes Chenle laugh. He finds Jisung’s mess up endearing, only because it's atypical of him to fail his perfect order. Chenle taps on the register screen in front of him.
“A large hot hazelnut latte with soy milk. Right?”
Jisung gulps, embarrassed to speak. He responds with a nod.
“Give me a moment.” Chenle says. He walks away from the register, not charging him. Which confuses him. However, as he waits for the amount to pop on the screen. Chenle shoos him away from the other end of the counter – he ultimately obeys and waits at the pick up counter.
It’s a bit awkward.
This time they didn't have a conversation at the front. Chenle didn’t initiate any funny stories, or ask him a question about astronomy? Did he fuck up? Jisung rewinded the conversation in his head – maybe he dreamed about the reciprocation and now things were… awkward ?
Jisung reflects deeply. He can’t rely on his memory. So, he decides to reach for his phone in his back pocket. However, Chenle’s perfect timing interferes as his name is called. He stops his hand and walks closer to the counter.
Chenle doesn’t say much. Jisung doesn’t either – only cause he’s about to shit himself and he hasn’t even consumed his coffee. Or anything today.
“I made a note.” Chenle breaks the silence, “it’s on me today. So, don’t worry.”
“I feel weird not paying. I feel like I’m robbing the store.”
Chenle covers his mouth, trying to hide his contagious laugh. So cute – Jisung thinks.
“You aren’t. I got you.” Chenle reassures.
Jisung mouths a quiet ‘thank you’ and grips the cup from its protective sleeve. He notices the blue marks peeking from the brown paper. Jisung takes a quick glance over to Chenle, who stares intensely. He also holds a blue pen, Jisung assumes it's the one he writes with.
“I know it’s a little hot right now, but…this is for you when it cools down.” Chenle hands over the pen and Jisung silently takes it. “Just um..let me know what your answer is. Okay?”
“Oh, um..okay.”
Jisung holds the pen tightly in his right hand and holds the coffee in his left. He walks over to a table and overthinks the short interaction. Jisung typically dives into the drink immediately, however, scared of what is under the cup. He takes more time to prepare himself.
When Chenle becomes busy with handling customers and drinks. Jisung takes the initiative to remove the sleeve with squinted eyes. The cup drowns in blue. He doesn't know how Chenle did it, but all of the words were perfectly hidden by the protective sleeve.
Okay um. I don’t know where to start. I ONLY HAVE SO MUCH SPACE. (AHH THE UPPERCASE TOOK A LOT). Oh gosh. Okay, Jisung. I’m going to cut to the chase. You think I’m pretty. i think you’re cute and i really like you (since…like..the beginning awk) would you like to get to know each other better? LIKE..ermm. you know…go on a date?(pealsepleasepelease) gosh I spelled pelase wrong TWICE. don’t kill me master of english … (check answer below)
And Jisung does look. Two boxes, with only one choice.
Yes, or yes.
Jisung can’t contain his smile. It's painful to continue the expression as his face gets sore. He shakes his head, laughter escaping from time to time. Not realizing that Chenle’s outwardness would hit him so hard as it pulled him out of the uncertain slump.
Jisung has always acknowledged his directness in conversations, over text – but this . Their own shared thing that holds sentiment, it made his heart skip. Jisung removes the cap from the blue pen, marking his answer.
He takes a photo, sending it to Chenle who is working at the hot bar. The older probably won’t see it for a while. So, Jisung takes his leave to not cause any disruption.
However, five feet away from the shop. His phone buzzes uncontrollably. Jisung removes it from his pocket as it attacks him relentlessly.
Chenle: DOUBLE YES
Chenle: HOLY
Chenle: YOU CHECKED BOTH
Chenle: i was conspiracizing whether or not you’d do both or one
Chenle: i knew you wouldn’t choose none
Chenle: because you know, i’m pretty
Chenle: ;))
Jisung shakes his head, loving the way Chenle talks to him as it is evidently genuine – he’s fearless and it gets him places. Chenle’s words stick with Jisung, in person, on texts and most importantly – through his personalized coffee cups that started with an impromptu visit and now has taken their relationship so far.
Jisung: you are pretty
Jisung: i checked off both without hesitation
Jisung: so…
Jisung: dinner at 8?
Chenle: i have a discussion for quantum mechanics til 8:15
Chenle: would my date be able to wait?
Chenle: (you’d have to, please wait for me)
Jisung: I’ll be waiting outside the department building
Jisung: for long as you need
Jisung: it’s my favorite building
Jisung: it might even hold my favorite person soon
Chenle: i just spilled coffee on myself
Chenle: so worth it
Chenle: i’ll see you at 8, jisungie <3
Jisung takes a sip of his coffee, savoring the same flavor that stayed familiar throughout his journey with Chenle. Through small-talks, blue pens and ugly animal drawings – Jisung thanks himself for indulging in the basic elements of language that helped him to indulge in Chenle’s antics. Because at the end of the day – his minor analysis was correct, there was something underlying and now, the pretty boy he’d admire from behind the counter – is going to be his date across the dinner table. It’s fun how the world works – or maybe, how words work.