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[ JULY 23RD, 1939 ]
It’s 1:27pm. Hao’s sitting in his old, run-down cafe, mindlessly playing with his tea set waiting for the rattle and ring of the phone or the possible high-pitch sound of a bike bell. The telephone rings sometimes, and he expects a cheery, hamster-like tone but the phone fills the silence with a barrage of people just asking him questions about the cafe. A waste of time and his morale.
He wants to call Hanbin, but he won't. He thinks it makes him sound desperate. I mean he is but…
He gets up, climbs up the staircases into a dimly lit bedroom with green walls, pulling out a drawer of letters he’s collected over the months to re-read. A black-haired boy sat on the floor re-reading the handwriting and words like a little love-brained fool. Maybe he is. Who knows? He opens the first one, begins reading.
2:13pm, 02/07/1939
I slept extra late today, whoops! I’m so tiredd my but I can’t seem to sleep early. Anyway, there’s 23 more days until your birthday, I’m so excited!! Why don’t you ever come out to talk to me :( Please!!! I really want to talk to you, in person, or on call, not via these letters. Give me a call sometime! 019-XXX-XXXX ~♥︎
Hanbinbin~
He never called him. But at least he knew the number to call back. If he ever worked up the courage
12:54am, 05/19/1938
Zhanghao! I woke up earlier today! Proud eh? Hahaha~ I regret it. I can barely keep my eyes open. I hate thiisss. You work in a cafe right? Can you send over some tea, pleaaase!!! I need it, desperately! Now! Jasmine tea, thanks!
Cheng. Han. Bin.
He actually remembers replying to this. Didn’t send over anything though. Wrote something along the lines of “Well done, Hanbin. I can’t send over any hahaha. Order something the next time you come around.”
The man did actually stop by to order the same drink mentioned in the letter, guess he’s a fan of jasmine tea?
1:56am, 25/12/1938
Hao-ge. I can’t sleep right now so I’ll write this. How’s the cafe going? Anybody dropping by, ordering drinks, recommending to friends? If not, I’ll make sure your cafe is so filled with so many people you won’t be making drinks fast enough even with 10 people working with you. Also, Merry Christmas!
Binbin!
He remembers thinking that this guy had gone crazy at the time. Why the hell would he want that? But, it was cute he could say, who else would do this type of thing. Quanrui? Maybe. If Kuibin worked some job that had him on a 50/50 chance of being a hit or just some underground cafe only the aunties and college students use.
He wrote back to that one. “The cafe’s doing fine, enough to keep it running and make a profit. Please don’t do that. I might get less sleep than you.”
3:56pm- 2:37pm- 5:42am- 1:43pm- Four more letters read until the ringing rattle of his phone traveled throughout the cafe-house-thing. Hao sprinted down the stairs, nearly tripping on nothing as he ran. He picked up, rushing out a quick “Hanbin!” before moving the phone away from his mouth, but enough to still hear the other line, to catch his breath without Hanbin to hear him.
“Hao-ge?”
Oh. Shit. This isn’t Hanbin. This is Kuibin. Shit. He just called Kuibin Hanbin. Kuibin doesn’t even know who Hanbin is.
…
…
“Ge?” Who’s Hanbin?”
Fuck.
“N-no one.” He gushed out quickly, stuttering on the syllables.
“Are you sure? You sounded… uhm… really excited.”
“Yeah! Sorry. Uh. Talking to myself. Maybe I’ve been going a little crazy recently.” And yeah. He fucking was. Like a little 13 year old girl in pigtails having a wild crush on someone.
“Maybe we should get you checked out.”
“Ya! You little punk!”
“Hahaha~ sorry ge~! Anyway! You know how to make pastries, right?”
“Depends on what you want me to make.”
“Do you know how to make the butter cookies the chinese grandmas always buy for the new years?”
“Yes. Why..?”
“Quanrui’s been craving some.”
“Alright fine I got it. When do you want these?”
“Whenever you can.”
“Mm. Bye now!”
“Thanks! Byebye~”
Sigh. Back to… something… he guesses. He wanted to grab a cup of water, barely taking a step away from the phone before the familiar bell ringing sounded outside. He ran as fast as he could, racing to the door and composing his face and breath before he opened the door.
Wait. What if it isn’t Hanbin? What if it’s some teen on his bike signaling for someone to get out of the way? And if he sticks his head out and screams Hanbin’s name just for him to embarrass himself again? Scratch flinging the door open. We’re looking out the blinds. Maybe. But what if he misses his chance to see Hanbin? Fuck. Whatever, the time he’s taken to think about scenarios was probably enough for Hanbin—or whoever was out there, to leave.
He sticks his head out the door, nothing out of the usual. No new person, nothing new at the door, nothing- Oh nevermind there's a letter at the mailbox with a flower. Wait. There's a letter with flowers.
Fuck.
He just missed his chance to talk to Hanbin.
He sighs, releasing his grip from the door frame to reach out further and take the letter. What's it gonna be today?
1:42pm, 23/07/1939
Haohaohao! Your birthday is in 2 days! I haven’t thought of what to get you… Should I get you a raccoon plush? Ugh I’ve been so bored lately, I have nothing to do on vacation.. My friends all want to study but it’s so boring!! Save me Hao-ge!
Anyway, I hope you have fun today~ I’m so hungry… Write back please!! I need to know what you want for your birthday. Pleaaasseee don’t say something like “Oh, it’s okay Hanbin! I don’t need anything" Please don't write that.. don’t.
CHB
He can relate to the first half of this. Sort of. He spent his college vacay studying but now that he's out, he has nothing to do except serve the aunties and wait for Hanbin. Speaking of doing nothing, he’ll probably re-read this letter for the rest of the day.
Actually speaking, it’s already like 2pm. He was supposed to meet his friends at 2:30 but the drive out to the city… he’ll arrive at 2:40pm at best.
Hao bolted up the stairs, grabbing some fresh clothes to change into before running down and into his car just as fast.
—
“Ya! Zhanghao! Where have you been?”
“Sorry!” He jabbed a finger towards the tallest person's face, "Jin Kuibin! You called me earlier and didn’t think to remind me?”
Kuibin put his hands up, feigning innocence, “I thought you knew! You always remember!”
“…” Hao deadpanned him, “If I wasn’t at home would I have picked up?”
Kuibin rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue, not caring about the elder’s words
Hao turned to look at Quanrui, a silent gesture telling him to contain his puppy dog boyfriend, to which he only replied with a shrug.
“Let’s just go already, I’m starving,” Quanrui started, turning his body away from the other two — leaving them to fight while he went to the agreed restaurant. The two trailed behind once they noticed his lack of presence.
“Where are we going again?” Hao said, jogging to his side.
“Some newly opened restaurant, I can’t remember the name.”
“Then how’ll you know we’re going to the right place?” Kuibin chimed in.
Quanrui flicked his forehead. “I know these streets like the back of my hand. I visit here whenever I’m free and bored.”
They walked for a while before Hao pointed to an unfamiliar place, “Is that the one?”
“Yep. Lyney and Lynette’s.”
“It looks so nice inside.”
“Maybe. Let’s head in.”
The server lightly bowed at them before speaking, “Welcome! Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes. Mr. Shen, 2pm, table for three.”
“Right this way,” the server said, guiding them to their table.
The three of them sat down, grazing eyes over menu.
“What should we get…” Kuibin started.
“Just let Quanrui pick. He knows the good stuff.”
He sighed out loud, snagging the opportunity to order now instead of awkwardly waiting with his hand up later since the server was bringing over a pot of tea and glasses, rattling off some expensive dishes the other two didn’t really care about
“Of course,” the server said while writing that down, "Anything else?”
“No, that's it. Thanks.” to which the server nodded and left.
He didn’t notice Hao and Kuibins’ grins until he was done talking to the server. He gave both a smack on the head with the back of his hand, “No you two are not getting high off alcohol at 3-fucking-pm.”
The two of them pouted, in which Quanrui once again almost smacked them again but stopped before his hand could connect with either’s forehead.
The rest of the time spent passed easily, finishing up their food, spending a whole lot of money on stuff they needed and didn’t need(Quanrui’s money being the funding), and buying Hao an early birthday present (still Quanrui’s money) since the couple were leaving for Korea tomorrow.
“Byebyeee!” Hao waved at them while walking backwards “Have fun in Korea!” he said before turning back around and walking properly.
—
[JULY 24TH, 1939]
This fool keeps checking the door every 5 minutes.
What the fuck? He might as well give up the icanlivewithouthanbin act at this point.
He’s reread every letter. He’s made the cookies Quanrui wants. He’s personally delivered the cookies to him. He’s cleaned every surface of the cafe. He’s talked to the aunties. The aunties already left. He’s reread every letter. Again. He’s went on a run. And Hanbin.
Hanbin is still. not. here.
Is this guy dead or what?
At this rate Hao is gonna go fucking insane.
He so wants to share a drink with Quanrui right now, but there are two problems. One, he doesn’t know Hanbin, and doesn't need to know either. Two, he left for Korea in the afternoon already.
He grabs the telephone. Finally. Finally he builds up the courage to call a man named Cheng Hanbin. And he’ll probably throw it to the ground and stomp on it if he picks up but that’s besides the point.
He dials in the numbers, and calls..
Okay so nothing happened.
He calls again, still nothing.
He calls five more times.
Again, nothing.
Wow, okay. Fuck this shit Hao is going to sleep it is 11pm and he is gonna kill himself if he can’t find something to kill time.
…
…
…
Scrap going to sleep its 3am and he’s tossing and turning around the bed.
—
[JULY 25TH, 1939]
Who knew a 3am sleep could make Hao match Hanbin’s sleep schedule? Good afternoon Zhang Hao, the morning is over!
He tumbles out of bed, groaning his way to the bathroom and freshens up. Brush his teeth, morning (not really but) piss, comb his hair and… okay done.
Everything feels so out of schedule. Hao was late for the first time ever, Hanbin didn’t show up yesterday, he woke up late as hell for the first time since a high school party.
He drags his feet downstairs, makes his usual t— “AH!”
“…”
“…”
The other replies with a wave and a cheeky smile
“…Cheng Hanbin!?”
“Hi.”
Hao walked his way over to him, setting down his tea, “You bastard! Where the hell were you yesterday!?” He said, hitting Hanbin every vowel as Hanbin yelped.
“Sorry! Sorry!” He said, putting his hands up in fake defeat, Hao crossing his arms in a sassy demeanor. “I didn’t show up yesterday cause I wanted to surprise you today.”
“Also, how did you get in?”
“You left the back door unlocked.”
Hao sucked in the air from gritted teeth, hand up in preparation to deliver another blow
Hanbin turned around before he could and produced a decent sized cake adorned in white frosting and gorgeous roses from the table behind him, “Happy birthday,” he smiled a cherry red.
“Oh my god.” Hao exclaimed, lowering his hand and bending down to inspect it, “It’s so fucking pretty!”
“You wish you could take a picture right now don’t you?”
“I can, actually,” He said while running up the stairs, grabbing a camera Quanrui had gifted last year.
“Ta-da!” He barely got a shot before Hanbin stuck a candle smack in the middle of the cake.
“You!” Hao yelled
“Sorry~” Hanbin fished out a lighter from his pocket to light the candle, “Make a wish?”
Hao rolled his eyes and let out a breathy huff before shutting them, clasping his hands together to blow out the candle with a quick gush of air.
Hanbin smiled softly, “What’d you wish for?” asking as Hao left into the kitchen, “Wishes don’t come true if you say them out loud,” he simply replied, returning with a knife and two plates.
“Let me,” Hanbin said, smoothly taking the knife and removing the candle with the other hand in two fluid motions. “First slice is yours,” he topped with a joking ‘tsk’ wink sound, cutting a slice for himself after.
Hao tasted a bite, nodding in approval, “Made this yourself?”
“Is it good?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s good, I practiced a lot for this.”
…
…
“What do you think about love?”
Hao blanked for a few moments, “What a question,” he replied back.
“So what do you think about it?” Hanbin was properly looking at Hao now. Oh this was a gorgeous sight to take in. Perfectly styled hair, an effortlessly alluring face, biceps not too toned but not too flaccid either.
“It’s weird. But it’s nice.”
“Why do you say that?”
“What makes everyone so afraid… afraid of two girls or two guys being in a relationship? What’s so wrong about that?”
Hanbin let out an airy laugh, “So you don’t mind the idea of two people of the same gender being together?”
“Yeah. I don’t. I just don’t get why people are weirded out by it. All the things in the world to fear, and we pick love.”
Hanbin nodded at that, moving on to his next question, “Are your parents planning to marry you off?”
Hao shook his head, “They’re dead.”
“Understood.” He reached out for the plate of cake Hao was eating, placing it down on the table beside his.
“Wanna know why I’ve been sending these letters?”
“Why?”
“From the day I started sending until now, it’s been 520 days.”
“520… You.. you like me?”
“Correct. Zhang Hao, I really, really do like you.”
Hao froze. He can’t think of anything to say back. Oh he wants to sink into the ground, travel back in time even. He shouldn’t . He truly shouldn’t. But every part of his body is telling him to say, I like you too, and kiss him or something like that. But here he is. Wide eyed and stuck in place. I like you too. It’s right there. on the tip of his tongue. But it’s at the same time somewhere in his body where you could cut him open and still not find it.
Hanbin’s reaching in for a kiss. Tucking raven colored strands behind the ear. Hao doesn’t really mind actually. Hell he even enjoyed it a bit.
“You okay?” Hanbin said, cupping Hao’s cheeks in hand.
“Y-yeah. I’m fine.”
Hanbin stares at him, rubbing his thumb around. He’s so lost in the look of the man in front of him.
“So what’s your answer?”
“I..” That wide eyed stare is back again. “Sure.”
Hanbin smiled a crescent moons into his eyes, leaning in for another kiss to pull Hao and embrace him in a warm hug this time.
Hanbin patted his back softly twice, “You know, before I met you, I thought I only liked girls.”
“How’d you even meet me?”
“Your cafes on the way to my college. Anyway, I always saw you talking to the aunties in here. You looked nice. Kind and warmhearted.”
“And what, you liked me from there?” Hao pulled back to look at Hanbin’s face, “Love at first sight?”
“Yeah…” Hanbin admitted sheepishly.
“You sent the letters cause you liked me?”
“Also correct.”
Hao snorted at that. “Shut up,” Hanbin said dryly, Hao saluting at that.
…
…
“You know..” Hanbin started, “Maybe we’ll get married one day?”
Leaning back into the hug, he mumbled a, “You’re thinking too far,” into the back of his neck, “But maybe. When the law allows it.”