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For all the years they'd run the cat cafe there had always been a Halloween party. Not necessarily cat-themed, but it brought in a lot of business.
For all those years, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Jihoon (and later Soonyoung) had always made matching group costumes.
Not this year.
As Soonyoung had announced, he'd made this absolutely brilliant suggestion to Jeonghan.
Jihoon hadn't taken it seriously. Not at all.
And now every couple was now going in couple costumes. And Jihoon couldn't even escape to the kitchen today!
"Don't be so shy, Baby. You look so hot." Soonyoung stared at him. Ever since Jihoon had gone to the hairdresser and dyed his hair dark gray, he'd been even more obsessed with him. Jihoon wouldn't complain. But he didn't think he looked hot in a damn rat costume. He had escaped the cat ears and now had to wear rat ears!
"It'll be better if I carry you. Come on, get on." Soonyoung got down on the floor in front of him.
Would running away still help?
With a sigh, Jihoon swung one leg over Soonyoung's shoulder. Soonyoung had been going to the gym every single day for months. For this one evening. So Jihoon would do him the favor and play along.
He felt Soonyoung's hand on his leg, and Jihoon swung his other leg around Soonyoung's other shoulder. Soonyoung wobbled for a moment, but when he stood up and staggered two steps forward, he was fine.
"I can easily keep this up all evening. You're so light," Soonyoung beamed.
Jihoon could cry!
"If I had known you were serious, I would have talked you out of it," Jihoon grumbled. And yet, he grabbed Soonyoung's hair and held onto the headband he was wearing.
Of course, Wonwoo and Mingyu were already at the cat cafe. Jihoon could see blond hair as he walked by. Had Wonwoo dyed his hair again?
Soonyoung had to duck a little, and Jihoon even more so they could get into the cat cafe unharmed.
The cats had already been banished to the upper floors and they were busy with the preparations.
"You really did come dressed as the mouse and the cook," a blond Mingyu observed.
Jihoon stared at him with his mouth wide open.
"Whoa, Mingyu!" exclaimed Soonyoung.
Mingyu grinned sheepishly and ran a hand through his hair. "Wonwoo had blond hair when we first met?"
They didn't really do what Jihoon thought? Jihoon looked down at Mingyu's blond hair. He was dressed casually, yes. But it wasn't until Wonwoo came out of the kitchen wearing a suit that Jihoon realized the idea. "You guys are even more kitschy than this." They had dressed up as themselves.
"And by the way, that's not a mouse, it's a rat."
He wouldn't complain about the costume anymore! He'd rather be a rat and spend the whole evening on Soonyoung's shoulders than dress up as Soonyoung. No one but their friends would understand?
So that Jihoon could help, Soonyoung put him down. "And he's such a hot rat," Soonyoung sighed, staring at Jihoon. Boah!
Jihoon went into the kitchen. He didn't need this today. He'd been so tense for days. Maybe because they'd finally found THE apartment.
It was perfect. A bedroom for them, a bigger kitchen, three rooms for their kids, and best of all - it was near the cat cafe. But of course, there were other interested parties, and they wouldn't hear back for a few days. But this was it. If they didn't get this apartment, Jihoon didn't know if they'd ever find another one where he could already see where their kids would sleep during the viewing. Where they would play. He really wanted this apartment.
The topic kids was still something. Well, it had only been three months. But finding the right woman for their plans was harder than he'd thought. He didn't want a close acquaintance. The children shouldn't develop a relationship with her. You never knew, right?
"Jihoon! Come out and show yourself!" Jeonghan's voice sounded. He, too, had kept his costume a secret. Jihoon sighed again and left the kitchen.
Of course, Jeonghan had brought Seungcheol and Samuel with him. And it was immediately obvious who they were. Jihoon had forgotten their names, but they were that one dinosaur family. With Samuel as the dinosaur.
"Remy!" he exclaimed when he saw Jihoon.
"You're such a cute little rat. Oh, please tell me I can take pictures. Will you put him on your shoulder later, Soonyoung? Is that why you trained so much?" Jeonghan looked at him, completely smitten.
And just because Soonyoung laughed happily, flexed his muscles, and said, "Of course, I have to show off my Baby," Jihoon didn't flee back to the kitchen.
It was going to be a long evening. A very, very long evening.
At events where they locked the cats away and lots of people came to the cat cafe, they always got help. Even with that, it was still profitable. They reduced the food to finger food that could be prepared in advance or had some of it delivered.
Their job was limited to making guests happy, restocking supplies, clearing away trash, and, in Jihoon's case, playing bartender.
"I have a little announcement to make. I know that some of you come to us every year, and we're really happy about that. We've decided to hold a costume contest this year. Individuals and couples. Feel free to vote for us from the cat cafe, too." Jeonghan, who had changed into his remodeled housekeeper costume from Wonwoo's birthday party as soon as Seungcheol had left with Samuel, was expecting to win. Jihoon snorted.
"Are you a mouse or is there some purpose to this?" a familiar voice asked.
Jihoon looked up and met Hyerim's gaze. She was dressed as a witch.
"It was Soonyoung's idea," Jihoon said tersely, confirming nothing.
"Of course it was. He's totally into this couple stuff," grinned Minjae, who appeared next to Hyerim.
"And you're going as a nuisance?" Jihoon asked the undisguised Minjae.
"Thanks! I told him to dress up. But he said he didn't need to."
Minjae just rolled his eyes and looked around.
Had Jihoon touched a nerve? "What can I do for you guys?"
"Give me a beer. I'm looking for Soonyoung," Minjae said. Jihoon handed him one across the counter, and Minjae disappeared.
Hyerim sighed. "He became so unbearable since Soomin got a boyfriend."
Ah, right. Soonyoung had mentioned something. That was also why Soomin wouldn't be coming today. Jinho had to work, and although Soonyoung was there, he wouldn't have much time. Jihoon smiled at her conciliatorily.
"Then stay here with me and keep me company. What can I do for you?"
There was something good for him being only at the bar and being able to keep an eye on everything. Especially since Soonyoung always knew where Jihoon was and kept coming by to "show off their couples costume" or steal a kiss. Hyerim stayed close to him. She seemed sad. And Jeonghan was flirting with customers a lot. He wanted to win. But Jihoon wasn't going to let that happen.
"Okay, here's what we'll do. Hyerim, you go down to the dressing rooms. You'll find our old costumes there. Sorry, but your witch costume won't cut it. And if Minjae isn't dressed up, you can choose something better. Pick one, get dressed up, and go dance. I want you to win the singles costume, do you understand?"
Perhaps Jihoon was exaggerating a bit when it came to the bets or stuff like this. But when Jeonghan won every time, it inevitably led to such drastic measures!
Hyerim, sipping her non-alcoholic cocktail, looked up. It was as if she needed Jihoon's cue. She nodded, took her cocktail, and headed down to the cellar. Jihoon watched her go.
He scanned the crowd for Soonyoung, and when he found him, he beckoned.
"Are you missing me?" Soonyoung asked cheerfully.
"It's time we put what we've been practicing to the test. Are you ready?" Jihoon asked, still determined to win. And they hadn't practiced for this evening in vain.
Soonyoung grinned. "Of course. Come on, hop on my little rat," he winked at Jihoon.
At first, Jihoon wanted to go into the kitchen. They would stand out. But it was better if they did it here and stood out immediately. Oh, they would so win! Soonyoung squatted down again, and Jihoon swung his left leg over his shoulder. This time, he held onto the counter as he swung his other leg over Soonyoung's other shoulder.
He heard the murmurs as Soonyoung stood up. Jihoon smiled. He didn't do it often, but he could flirt with customers (when he wasn't crushing for them). He gently took two strands of Soonyoung's hair between his fingers and moved them. Soonyoung resumed his job of serving the customers.
It worked. Jihoon felt things were getting more stressful. They had to serve more drinks, mix more (and Soonyoung did a fantastic job!), but they were also getting more compliments on their costumes.
Soonyoung carried Jihoon on his shoulders for a long time. But he needed a break, and when Jihoon spotted Hyerim alone on the dance floor, he decided the assistants could take over the bar for a moment and kept her company.
"Where's Minjae?" Soonyoung asked when they reached her. She had grabbed one of the werecat costumes, and it suited her so much better than the witch costume. But would she win with it?
"He's probably pouting." Hyerim rolled his eyes. "I don't know."
"I'll go and find him." And with that, Soonyoung left them alone again. Jihoon watched him longingly. He wanted to dance with him…
“Oh yeah, rub it in my face even more that you two are happily in love,” Hyerim sighed. Something was wrong with her. She was usually so loving and kind, not so…grumpy. Was it because of the fight?
“Sorry,” she apologized immediately. “We need someone for Jinho, then hopefully this will stop. Think about it, now that Soomin has someone, and I hope they’re a good match for us, Jinho will be all alone. Then we could all do things together more often. Couples’ nights.”
She sounded like Soonyoung. He would definitely love that. “Do we know anyone who might be a good match for Jinho?” Jihoon was slowly starting to get caught up in their enthusiasm. He didn’t need this every week. But the vacation had been pleasant. And Jihoon had gotten along best with Hyerim and Jinho. So why shouldn’t he help out? “Do you even have time to take care of this? Shouldn’t you be planning your wedding?”
"Pfft! I can handle everything. Finding a boyfriend, raising mine, planning the wedding, and-" She trailed off as if she'd said something she shouldn't have. "If he'd at least support me about his mother! I'm telling you, that woman is a nightmare!"
Hyerim spent several more minutes ranting about Minjae's mother, and Jihoon was so relieved when Soonyoung showed up with him. Before Jihoon could say anything, Soonyoung grabbed his hand and pulled him along. Towards the kitchen?!
"They're trying for a baby! A Baby, Jihoon!" Soonyoung blurted out as soon as they were in the kitchen and the party noise died down a bit.
Was that why she wasn't drinking alcohol?
"It would be perfect if we could find someone now. Our child would have a playmate right away," Soonyoung sighed.
"Should we ask someone we know? Maybe Yuna could help us?" Jihoon wondered. They had said they didn't want to rush things. And they didn't even have an apartment yet.
"No. I want someone we trust, a stranger. Like we agreed. Fate won't make us wait that long. But now would be perfect. It could play with Jun's girl and Minjae's child." Soonyoung sighed again. Sadly.
Jihoon grabbed his hands. "We still have Soomin. And maybe Hyerim and Minjae want another child?" he tried to cheer his boyfriend up.
Soonyoung understood his intentions. He pouted. "Can we make out a little?" he asked.
Jihoon snorted at the sudden change in mood. He took two steps back until he was at the work counter, braced his arms against it, and hopped onto it.
"So you're into rats?" he asked with a grin.
Soonyoung's gaze lingered on his ears - or was it his hair?
"You have no idea how hot you look with that, Baby. Promise me you'll keep the gray for a little while longer."
So it was his hair. Jihoon grabbed his ears and pulled them off his head. "Didn't you want to make out?" he asked, running his hand through his hair.
Soonyoung's eyes lit up as he approached him.
Of course, they won the couples costume. A guest won the individual costume. Jihoon didn't really pay attention. The couples costume was going to be their thing! They'd have to start thinking about next year now. Jihoon wasn't going to let anyone else win first place. Their reputation was on the line!
Jihoon was incredibly relieved when they could finally close up the cat cafe. The essentials were cleaned up, and they would take care of the rest after a good night's sleep. With Bul and Tiger in the car, they drove home. Jihoon almost fell asleep. His eyes kept drooping shut.
"Stay put. I'll take the kids inside and get you," Soonyoung said affectionately as he parked. It wasn't far, and Jihoon could easily walk it himself. Soonyoung must be tired of carrying him all the time. He probably felt exhausted and was tired too. But Jihoon stayed put. He watched as Soonyoung left his sight with both carriers and closed his eyes.
He was probably dozing off. A knock on the car window startled him awake. The car door opened.
"Awww, is my little rat tired?"
Jihoon was allowed to take advantage of the situation. "Mmm, tired," he mumbled. The cold night air was already making him more awake. But he continued to act sleepy as Soonyoung leaned over him to unbuckle him.
"You're so strong," he whispered as Soonyoung placed one arm under his knees and the other behind his back, awkwardly heaving Jihoon out of the car.
Soonyoung beamed. He slammed the car door shut with his foot and carried Jihoon into their apartment.
He would spoil him tomorrow. A delicious breakfast. A massage. Cuddles. He would anticipate Soonyoung's every need!
"What are you thinking about, Baby?" Soonyoung showed no signs of tiredness. He carried Jihoon into their bedroom and laid him down on their bed. Jihoon sat up. He still had to get rid of the rat makeup.
"I'm so lucky to have you. And that I'll spoil you tomorrow."
Soonyoung, who had it easier, took off his chef's uniform. "Really? Can I wish for whatever I want?" he asked cheerfully. And then yawned a moment later.
They should go to sleep. There would be plenty of time tomorrow.
Jihoon got out of bed. "Whatever you want, Honey."
He went into their bathroom and washed his face.
"Oh! Oh! JIHOON!"
Jihoon looked up. What had happened? He quickly dried his face when the bathroom door burst open.
"We got it! Oh Baby, we got the apartment!" Soonyoung exclaimed, overjoyed. He held his phone and showed Jihoon a message, which he couldn't read because Soonyoung was waving his hands around.
They got the apartment? Their dream apartment?
"This is fantastic!" Jihoon breathed. One step had been taken. They could move into their dream apartment. Fate was smiling on them. The rest would follow.
“We have to tell Mingyu that we’re moving out of his apartment.” Soonyoung grimaced. Until now, no one knew their plans. Absolutely no one. The two children’s rooms would serve as the “cat room” if anyone asked. Since Soonyoung was still talking about his cat-sitting idea, no one would suspect a thing.
“Let’s not discuss this today. Or tomorrow. We did it, Honey,” Jihoon said. “We’re moving into the apartment where we’ll raise our children. I love you. I love you so much.”
Soonyoung placed his phone on the sink. “I love you too.” He picked Jihoon up again. Jihoon should continue washing. Soonyoung’s phone lay abandoned in the bathroom. They should go to sleep because it was incredibly late, and the others would be expecting them at noon tomorrow.
But for now, they wanted to celebrate the good news.
Jihoon and Soonyoung.
On their way to their happy ending.