Chapter Text
Ding!
“Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon! What can I get you?”
A new tea shop popped up just on the corner of your street, so you decided to check it out. You weren’t intending on going alone, but unfortunately, things don’t often go according to plan.
A kind, portly old man was tending the tea shop, waiting for your order.
“Hi, sir, could I have a jasmine tea?”
He chuckles. “Sir sounds much too formal. Call me Uncle Mushi, please. Anything else I can get you?”
You smile, unable to remain serious around this jolly old man. “No, thanks, Uncle Mushi!”
“Anytime (on business days during operating hours)! Now sit tight at one of these tables around here, and my son will bring you your tea shortly!”
You nod and head over to an empty table with a small smile on your face, humming quietly with the satisfaction of a nice conversation under your belt.
Suddenly, not even a minute later, a boy around your age with golden eyes and a gruesome burn on his left eye comes to your table with a teapot and two clay cups.
Ooh, eye candy.
“Order for…” he squints at the receipt in his hand, “‘the pretty girl with the dark green clothi-‘“ He looked up at you and froze.
In his head, your face was in perfect lighting, with the wind blowing in your hair (there was no actual wind), cherry blossom petals drifting in from seemingly nowhere, and “Love, Maybe” playing in the background. Total K-drama moment.
You, of course, didn’t know this.
“Oh, is that me?” Your ears turn red because of embarrassment.
Also, maybe because of the guy staring at you. Very intently. Almost too intently. As attractive as he is, it’s getting kinda creepy.
“Pretty is an understatement.”
“Um, I’m sorry?”
He snaps out of it. “OH! Um, sorry about that, um, my brain, uh, stopped working for a second…”
You smile back, unsure what to say, “You’re fine…”
Did he call you pretty? Well, none the matter. You’re a strong independent person! What a hot guy says about your appearance doesn’t matter! You take a deep breath and compose yourself.
“Um, there’s two cups?”
He immediately turns bright red, maybe from being caught staring at you too long, “Huh? O-Oh, sorry, I’ll take the extra one back to the kitchen-”
Uncle Mushi almost crashes into you with how fast he bolts up to you two. You didn’t even know someone could run that fast, much less someone of his… stature. “That’s ok, son, why don’t you take a break from running the shop? Breaks are the key to a healthy body.” Uncle Mushi laughs cheerfully. “I can handle the customers for an hour, maybe even two, if you two are feeling ✨lovey dovey.✨” He winks, and you feel a wave of mortification wash over you, your ears burning brighter. You’re pretty sure they can be seen from space.
Is Uncle Mushi trying to play matchmaker?
Apparently, that wave of mortification is infectious, because Pretty Boy, here, turns even redder, if that’s even possible. If you could be seen from space, he could be seen from the other side of the universe. “Unc- Father!”
Uncle Mushi leaves with a knowing smile on his face, leaving the two of you sitting at the table, burning with embarrassment, the pot of jasmine tea between you.
You sit there in silence for a couple of minutes, unsure how to start a conversation with this gorgeous introvert. Starting conversations - or just talking - is NOT your strong suit. Especially when there’s someone good-looking involved. Doesn’t help that Pretty Boy is good-looking as FU-
“Um, so,” You pour him a cup of tea. “What’s your name?”
Ok, not a bad start. Perhaps you could do this, go you!
“My name is Zu- Lee!”
“You’re Zulee?”
Nope, you’re so dead. Crashed and burned, RIP. It was a good run.
“No!” He chuckles a little. “I’m, uh, Lee.” He holds out a hand to shake.
Was that a smile? Did you make Pretty Boy smile? Hell yeah, you made Pretty Boy smile!
You shake his hand. “Nice to meetcha, Zulee.”
He smiles and shakes his head. “You are not going to let me live that down, are you?”
Pretty Boy’s smiling again??? Today must be a good day for you. Maybe you have the Avatar’s blessing.
Ok, keep it cool, you can’t show Pretty Boy you find him pretty just yet.
“Where’s the fun in that?”