Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"But that isn't fair dad! Bahiyyih gets to spend as much as she wants!" Huening Kai crosses his arms. This is entirely unfair. "Do you know how embarrassing it was for my card to decline at the store?" Kai continued on and on about the embarrassment he had suffered while his father was suffering through this conversation. His father reclined further into his chair. How was he being lectured by his own son? 

"Kai please-" 

"You literally don't get it! I mean I love you dad but how could you do this to me?" Interrupting his father, Kai was prepared to go on another further rant. A slap to the back of his head prevented him from doing so. He held his head in shock as he turned to see Lea standing there with an annoyed expression and crossed arms. He looked at his dad to say something but the sense of relief washing over his dad kept him quiet. "That hurt!" 

"Then quit your yapping and just listen to dad. Bahiyyih is still young and she should be focusing on her studies. You're old enough to get a job and study Kai." As if taking the lecture right from her father's mouth, Lea spoke in a firm tone. Kai could only furrow his eyebrows in frustration. Sure he was old enough to do both but who said he wanted to? Lea got lucky with her streaming to the point where she didn't need to ask for money from her dad anymore but where was Kai going to find something like that? 

"Your sister's right, Kai. I love you bud but your spending is our of control and if you want me to trust you with your card again, you're going to have to show me some sort of responsibility." His father sat up in his armchair. He never did really discipline his children at least not harshly and he had no need to. The three of them were always sweet and obedient though Lea would argue that Kai was spoiled because he's the only boy. Their mother was better at discipline but when their parents got divorced, it was harder for them to keep that strict discipline. "Your mother agrees with me." 

Kai looked at him with shock. "You called mom?!" 

His dad slightly pouted. He would always make sure to keep their mother updated on anything that happened in the house. While divorced, they still shared a home in order to both have a place to raise and see their children though their father was mainly the one home. Their mother was still deep in her career and maintained her role as an actress while their dad occasionally guest starred on different shows and taught music. "She called to check in and I happened to mention it. You know that she was going to see it eventually." The shared bank notices. Kai shut his eyes completely forgetting about that. His mom provided half of his allowance and he's lucky he hasn't spoken to her directly or he'd be getting chewed out. "It was her idea to freeze your card but..." 

"But what dad?" Kai crossed his arms waiting for the rest of his fathers sentence. 

"If you want your card unfrozen, you're going to have to getajob." HIs father mumbled the last part and cleared his throat. 

"I have to what?" 

"Mom said you have to get a job." Lea butts in again. Kai's eyes widen and his jaw slightly drops. A job? Huening Kai getting a job? It's not like he wasn't ever going to get a job but it was going to be in something he was passionate in. Now he has to get a minimum wage job?! He couldn't even find the words. He was frozen in place. Lea put a hand on his shoulder and shook her head. "Just swallow your pride and go fill out a job application, Kai." 

"So easy for you to say little Ms. Streamer!" Kai pushed her hand from his shoulder. "Do you even get how terrible the job market is right now?!" 

"How would you even know that? You've never applied for a job." HIs sister looked at him with a flat expression. She was tired of Kai's overdramatic behavior and quite honestly was enjoying the fact that he'd have to get a job. 

"That's not the point!" He crosses his arms and pouts like a child. A spoiled child. Despite growing up tall, Lea could see him as that kid shorter than her again. She swung at the back of his head again. 

"Just walk around campus and find something." 

Kai looked at his father who was avoiding eye contact. His only son would get the better of him but he'd rather Kai get this job than his ex wife find out that he allowed Kai to be free of his sentence. And with that Kai was 3-0, defeated. He now had no choice but to get that job. 

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Kai sat on his bed, drying his hair and swiping through his phone. None of his well off friends had any good advice and his only close friend, Min-Seok, just teased him about having to get a job too. Kai rolled his eyes in response, it just wasn't fair. Bahiyyih was still getting babied and Lea and Min-Seok had successful careers in things they enjoyed. What was Kai supposed to do? He groaned in frustration and fell back on his bed. A knock came from his bedroom door and the last thing he wanted was for Lea to be driving this job thing home again but he still answered. "Come in." 

The door creaked open as Bahiyyih peeked her head in. "Oppa, are you busy?" She didn't wait for him to answer, walking in on her own accord and shutting the door behind her. She lightly tiptoed over to his bed and sat down next to him. "Is it true that you have to get a job?" 

He groaned and sat up. "You too?" 

"What? I'm not rubbing it in, I'm just asking. Plus I think I could help." Kai's ears perked up at the mention of Bahiyyih's help. He thought it over for a second. Anytime she'd offer her help with something, it'd go wrong in some way but even if it did go wrong here, he could get the job and quit. He raised his eyebrows at her to show interest. She smiled brightly. "Well one of my friends was recently walking near your campus and saw this shop with a hiring sign. She was thinking of applying but her parents wanted her to get a job closer to home. I mean at least they really think of her because imagine having to make that walk everyday.." Hiyyih's suggestion turned into a run on sentence. She really did have a one track mind when it came to conversations, just allowing her mind to take her down whatever turn it chose. Kai's eyes began to bore before he placed a hand on her shoulder. She stopped and raised an eyebrow before being reminded of why she started the conversation. She pulled out her cell phone and searched for the photo her friend had sent her. She put her phone in front of him showing off the sign. 

Kai looked over the photo. The sign was hand written asking for people to apply as they are searching for new employees. It listed hardworking, ready to learn, and friendly as the requirements. The hand writing is relevantly neat with lots of cute decorations of stars, bear heads, and colors. In bright sky blue was the name of the shop "The Sweet Spot." There wasn't much to what the job called for, just basic customer service and knowledge of coffee making. They must really need employees. The owner of the shop must have put a lot of care into looking for employees. Kai sighed and asked Hiyyih to send the photo to his phone so he could get around to it on Monday. Hiyyih put a hand on his shoulder soothing him. She was better at consoling thing than Lea but that was okay because it kept a healthy balance between the three of them.

Hiyyih parted with Kai after dumping her daily dose of gossip. Kai wasn't terribly interested in high school drama but it was nice to unpack with his sister after the day. He wouldn't admit that to her face but he's sure that she knew that deep down. Somehow he'd have come to known that some girl named Hari and her boyfriend, Min-Hyuk had broken up and then Min-Hyuk had gotten with a girl who was a year older two days later causing a huge fight. He took a deep breath trying to think about his own school life. Aside from Min-Seok and one other friend, he didn't have much going on. Even with those two, they were always busy with something from school or personally. He couldn't recall the last time he'd hung out with Min-Seok aside from last week but the entire time, it was in a gaming cafe and he had just watched Min-Seok play. Maybe he did need some more friends of his own but he tended to be so private with his life. Even Min-Seok would complain that he would barely know anything about him if he didn't ask him weekly what was going on in his life. 

Kai could feel his eyes start to slowly shut on their own and decided to call in the towel for today. He crawled underneath his sheets and cuddled with his molang stuffie. Sometimes he felt guilty for his other stuffies but the molang one was perfect for cuddling. Despite his inner guilt, he drifted off. 

                                                                                                                     -)-

Over the weekend, Kai attempted his best to not think about the entire punishment of job hunting. He dedicated his time to practicing the guitar with his father, doing his schoolwork, or practicing cooking with Lea and Bahiyyih. They were good distractions during but after he'd find himself drifting back to the idea of having to walk into a shop and ask for a job. He'd been lost in thought while mixing vegetables into ground meat for a dumpling recipe Hiyyih insisted on. 

"Kai, your mother wants to speak to you!" His dad called from the living room. He swallowed nervously already knowing his ass was grass. He snapped his glove off and walked toward the living room. Lea and Hiyyih looked into the bowl Kai's hand was in before looking up in disappointment. 

"He was supposed to mix it, not crush it. I swear he doesn't realize his own actions sometimes." Lea sighs and takes the bowl attempting to salvage it. 

In the living room, Kai takes the phone from his father and hesitantly holds it up to his ear. There's silence between the two of them as his father winces in preparation for something that hasn't happened yet. 

"How are you baby?" The sweetness of his mothers voice only made his stomach turn. 

"I'm good. How's your show going?" 

"It's well. Let's cut to the chase Kai. I'm sure your father has already told you that your card is frozen for irresponsible use." And there it is. "And the only way you'll be getting that card unfrozen is by getting a job and proving to your father and I" .Really she meant just her, "that you are responsible enough to handle your finances again." Kai hummed in confirmation. "Great. I expect to hear positive news in two weeks. I love you baby. Now hand the phone back to your father." 

"I love you too mom." Kai did as he was told and his father gave him a comforting smile. He survived the phone call and his mom's loving strict sandwich way of speaking. Kai sighed and walked back into the kitchen. The girls continued with their work as Kai leaned over the counter watching them. 

"You okay?" Hiyyih's eyebrows furrowed in concern. Lea continued chopping vegetables choosing to just listen rather than say anything yet. 

"Yeah. You know how mom is. I just thought she'd be angrier, it was kind of scary how calm she was." 

"Take it as a sign of good faith." Lea didn't look up. While her voice steady, her face betrayed what she wanted to say. She was red in the face, blushing like she was embarrassed about something. Kai tilted his head before making eye contact with Hiyyih. Hiyyih chuckled and put her arms around Lea's shoulders. 

"Aww Lea, did you smooth things over with mom for Kai?" Kai intently waited for the answer but Lea just shoved Hiyyih's arms off of her changing the subject to Hiyyih needing to wash her hands again and scolding her on cooking etiquette. Lea looked up to meet Kai's eyes as he mouthed a thank you. She just nodded her head in response. He appreciated the way Lea took up for him even if she'd never admit to doing it. As kids, she'd just say that he owed her a favor now. Regardless of what the favor was, he did it as a thank you for his sisters protection. 

                                                                                                                         -)- 

"Hiyyih! It's cold! Hurry up already!" Kai called from outside as he shivered. He nuzzled against his scarf and he rubbed his gloved hands together. He shut his eyes hoping that somehow that would bring him a sense of warmth. His eyes shot open as he could feel the violent bump of someone's shoulder against his. He turned and shouted, "Hey, watch where you're-" His shout trailed off as he spotted another man. He was tall with dark hair and thick black rimmed glasses. He was rubbing his own shoulder in pain. He was....handsome. Kai could feel his face start to warm up. 

"I-I'm so sorry." The other man bowed in apology. "I'm in a rush, I'm really sorry!" He continued to bow as he ran off. Kai could only stand there blinking in surprise as the other man ran off. He couldn't say anything to accept or deny the man's apology, all he could do was stand there. 

"Oppa? Oppaaaa. Kai." Hiyyih shoved Kai causing him to grab the strap of his bag and look down at her. "What's up with you? You're all red in the face. I wasn't taking that long." She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him causing him to blush further. He shook his head refusing to say anything and just pushing her forward toward the car. 

Hiyyih could tell there was something going on, that much Kai knew but he was just grateful she decided to let it go for this morning. She opted for being on the phone with her friend. Kai sat there as the car strolled down the streets. He looked out the window and could feel a dull ache. His hand reaching for where the man had bumped into him earlier. Kai wanted to be angry about it, the harsh bump and the rushed apology and even though he was, he was more so caught by the man. He just had to be handsome. Kai fiddled with his sleeve thinking about the situation again. Before leaving the car, Hiyyih wished him luck on the job application. He was alone with his thoughts again before ultimately arriving at the school gates. He thanked the driver and stepped out, the harsh cold slapping him with reality. 

Everything felt so uneventful especially because Min-Seok wasn't there. He barely got through his class awake and mentally cursed himself for sleeping so late last night but he had the worst sleep habit so this self scolding came everyday. He checked his watch, 3:00 PM. His classes were finally over and he could only thank himself for registering for a similar schedule to high school. The only thing weighing him down now was the job. He begrudgingly walked down the cement path to the front gate. He yawned and looked around out of habit. He spotted a senior in one of his classes talking to another guy who looked about Kai's age. The conversation hadn't seemed to be going well as they both looked nervous. Kai walked carefully around them before feeling an arm around his shoulder. 

"Kai! It's good to see you. Can I walk with you?" His eyes wandered to the older man's face. Choi Yeonjun, pretty much every girl and guys dream except that he was known for notoriously being bad at relationships.  Kai avoided giving into those rumors as he knew Yeonjun for his dancing talents but in all fairness he'd never dared to try and date him. Though Yeonjun was attractive, Kai hadn't seen himself as the type to be with Yeonjun. Kai nodded softly before giving Yeonjun a curious look. Yeonjun caught it and gave him a smile. "Honestly, I wanted to get out of that conversation with Taehyun back there. We hooked up and he seemed to think he'd be getting more out of me." The way Yeonjun talked felt scummy but Kai hadn't known him well enough to say that confidently. He just quietly listened to Yeonjun as he spoke. Yeonjun turned back to see whether Taehyun was still standing there and suddenly stopped stopping Kai with him. He thanked Kai before patting his back and walking off on his own. 

Kai watched as Yeonjun left his side, at least he'd have gossip to relay to Hiyyih. Though he wasn't big on the sudden physical touch, he missed the warmth that Yeonjun's body brought to his own. Eventually Kai's feet walked long enough to make it to The Sweet Spot as he confirmed with the sign on the window. He took a deep breath before pushing the door open and entering. A small chime above the door rang as Kai stepped in. He wiped his feet on the carpet and sighed happily at the warmth in the shop. It was quiet and there were some students working on their laptops while others quietly chatted in the corners of the shop. The music was soothing and calm. Though it was low, it was loud enough for Kai to recognize the song; Show Me How by Men I trust. At least whoever controlled the music had good taste. Kai looked around and spotted booths lining the walls with windows along with a few tables with five chairs each. There were plants everywhere and the color palette of sky blue and greens of dark and pastel satisfied his eyes. His eyes wandered to the counter and the case of pastries. His nose joined him in the experience as it was quickly flooded with sweet and coffee scents. Kai could even smell hints of bread baking and tea. 

"Hello! Welcome in, how may I help you?" A man's voice coming from what Kai assumed was the kitchen to the counter. Kai's eyes met the man's as both widened. It was him, the guy from this morning that had bumped him. Kai unconsciously lifted his arm to point at the man. The man blinked before he started turning a bit red in the face. "I-it's you..."

Chapter Text

"Hello! Welcome in, how may I help you?" A man's voice coming from what Kai assumed was the kitchen to the counter. Kai's eyes met the man's as both widened. It was him, the guy from this morning that had bumped him. Kai unconsciously lifted his arm to point at the man. The man blinked before he started turning a bit red in the face. "I-it's you..."

Kai quickly dropped his arm realizing how strange he looked with his blue gloved hand. He rushed over to the counter leaning toward the man. Kai looked him over as the man nervously leaned back. He was only slightly taller than Kai now that he could get a good look at him. His eyes were beautifully round watching Kai and his lips turned into this nervous pout. Kai narrowed his eyes, not as a sign of anger but rather because he just couldn't figure out why his heart was racing so quickly. They were engaged in a weird staring contest that was making the man grow more uncomfortable by the second. 

He cleared his throat and gave Kai a nervous smile. "So did you want to place an order?" He was probably just trying to relieve the tension but the only thing that did for Kai was make his face all warm again. Kai leaned back quickly turning around and covering his mouth. Why was he so warm? Why did this random man's beautiful smile and warm smooth voice make Kai this embarrassingly red in the face? Kai shook his head and took a deep breath. Come on Huening, don't get distracted by the handsome man in front of you. You're here for business only. 

Kai turned back around sure that he was still red in the face. The man looked at him with a smile and raised eyebrow. "I...I saw your sign on the window." 

"Oh! Are you here to apply?!" The man practically almost jumped over the counter. Kai's eyes widened in surprise and he swallowed his nervousness down. He nodded to which the man quickly walked around the counter. The man took Kai's hands in his own shaking them with a bright smile. "I'm so glad. Thank you so much for coming in! We've really been waiting for someone to respond to the ad!" Kai must have been the first to do so judging by this reaction. Even through his glove, Kai could feel the warmth of the man's hands. Not only were they warm but they were large around his. Just one of the mans hands engulfed his, a hard feat considering how large Kai's hands were. "Please sit down anywhere! I'll be back in a second." The man let go of Kai's hand and shot back around the counter. 

"What just happened?" Kai mumbled to himself still reeling from the sudden attack of physical contact he was receiving today. He turned on his heels, sitting at one of the booths near the door. His bag sat next to him as he patiently waited for the man to come back. Kai kept his hands together hoping to get back some of the warmth or feeling of the man's hands around him. He shook his head. What was he thinking? He didn't know a single thing about this guy and he could potentially be his coworker. It'd be wrong to think this way. The man happily walked over to Kai. If this was a cartoon, Kai could see the sun rays and flowers shining off him. Now that he was standing, Kai could see the uniform he was in. White button down shirt, black slacks, and a terracotta orange waist apron with the logo of the shop handstitched. Damnit he looks good.  The man sits down with a clipboard and a pile of papers. 

"I'm so glad you've decided to apply. I'll be conducting your interview but really this is just a formality." The man's bright smile was practically blinding. Kai couldn't help but compare him to a bunny. Must resist the urge to pet. The man started looking over all the paperwork before suddenly pausing and looking at Kai. "A-also about this morning..." Kai blinked absentmindedly before remembering their sudden meeting. "I'm really sorry about that and I hope this doesn't affect our working together or your decision to want to work here! I really didn't mean to bump into you! It was just that there was no one here this morning to tend to the shop and!" Kai stopped him there. The need to over explain and ramble reminded him of his sister. He could already tell where this was going. 

"It's fine. I understand it was an accident." Kai slipped his gloves off as he spoke. "I really have no bad feelings about it and I'm just hoping this goes well enough for me to get the job." He followed the man's gaze down to his own hands. Kai tilted his head at him. The man looked back up at his eyes and that same nervous expression was back on his face. Copy and Paste. 

"A-Ah sorry! I mean thank you for understanding. I was just...you have very nice hands." Kai blinked. Nice hands? If it was visible and possible, Kai's head would be steaming from how hot he just got. The man must have noticed the red tinge on Kai's face. "I-I didn't mean for that to sound weird! I just noticed it since you took the gloves off!" Kai nodded quickly understanding. Were job interviews always this awkward? The man cleared his throat and looked through his papers again. He put them to the side and focused on the sheet on the clipboard. "So let's begin the interview." 

Kai was grateful for the subject change and the man started on his questions. "Would you say you're hardworking?" Yes. "Are you willing to learn new things for this job?" Yes. "Do you any experience in coffee making?" Yes. (thanks to Lea) "Are you friendly? Well I can check that off." The man smiled and hummed to himself writing something Kai couldn't see down. "Well that's all I have for the interview. Like I said it was just a formality so you're hired!" The man took Kai's hand shaking it. He handed over a pen and the paperwork for Kai to fill out as a part of onboarding. The chime above the door rang altering the man to new customers. "Ah excuse me while I help them. If you need any help with anything, just ask!" And with that the man was already heading to the counter. 

Kai looked down at the papers before him and then back at the man. Just like that? Getting this job was so easy. He turned his gaze back to the paperwork and started working on it. There wasn't much to get through aside from the important banking information. Kai could already feel the relief of his card use back in his hands. Once he was finished, he looked back at the man who was now cheerfully making a drink. The man begun walking back to Kai. He smiled at him causing Kai's stomach to turn. He sat back down and set the drink in front of Kai. 

"It's a hot cocoa. I figured since it was cold, it'd be nice to enjoy." 

"Oh thank you. I finished the paperwork." Kai handed the sheets back to the man who happily took them. Kai took a sip of the drink as the man reviewed his work. He let out a hum of satisfaction. The drink was smooth and perfectly light but rich in it's chocolate flavor. 

"Huening Kai." His name coming from the man's mouth sent a shiver down his spine. The man smiled again. "It's nice to formally meet you. I'm Choi Soobin." Soobin extend his hand for a handshake which Kai took. Soobin's hand was soft against his own and warm. The warmth he seemed to miss even after being out of the cold for so long. Their handshake went on for longer than it was supposed to as neither one knew the right time to let go. Soobin took his hand back placing it back on the papers and scanning over them. "You're a sophomore at K-Arts?" Kai nodded softly and Soobin returned that bright excited smile. "Me too! I mean I'm a senior but I also attend! What do you study?" 

"Music in the composition department." Kai didn't often talk about attending K-Arts. Not that he had anyone to talk about it with but sometimes he'd feel like he was gloating or bragging about attending such a prestigious school especially since his family was already well off. His parents never hesitated to brag about it though but that's just the way parents are. Even Lea would mention it sometimes on stream but he knew she was more proud than bragging. 

"i study music too! I study vocal music." Maybe this was Kai's chance to make a new friend though his heart sped up thinking of Soobin being his friend or more than just fr- No don't go there Kai, you just met him. "It's good to meet another student. I'm glad we'll be working together." 

"Yeah, right." Kai softly replied unsure of what to say next. He'd never seen Soobin around campus before despite being in the same major. The campus is big and Kai did keep to himself all the time. It was a miracle that he managed to make friends with Min-Seok. 

"Well I'm happy to have you here. We can talk more about work tomorrow. Come in after your classes." Kai nodded in response and they both stood up. Soobin waved him off as Kai headed for the door. His phone buzzed, it was Hiyyih. He rushed out the door. 

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"I already told you I'm sorry." Kai exhaustedly huffed as Bahiyyih pouted and turned away from him. 

"You were supposed to pick me up from the store today and you left me on my own." It's true he had earlier promised to get the car and pick her up himself but he was so caught up with Soobin. Instead she started walking and he was forced to catch up with her so she wouldn't be on her own walking. Now he wouldn't hear the end of it from her. 

"I caught up with you. You could've called dad or the driver to get you." 

"That's not the point! I wanted my brother to pick me up. Excuse me if I sometimes like spending time with you." She crossed her arms. He sighed, feeling guilty. They did spend time together but more recently Hiyyih had been busy with her friends and Kai had a lot of assignments to work on.  

"I...I got the job." That wasn't nearly interesting enough to get her attention. He sighed again. "And my coworker is pretty handsome..." With that Hiyyih fully turned her attention on Kai. Of course that would be the thing that brings her out of her pout, gossip. She got all close to him pulling on his sleeve to make sure Kai wasn't just messing with her. This walk just got a whole lot longer. 

"Is he tall? Is he smart? What's his name? How old is he?" The barrage of questions was more than Kai could handle. "Oh my goodness, look how red you're getting in the face. Not only do you think he's handsome but you like him!" Hiyyih's teasing was getting to him. 

"I do not! He's just...good looking okay? Besides I can't like him, he's my coworker so whatever scheme you're thinking of, don't" Kai huffed at the look on Hiyyih's face. She was going to try and do something about this whole Soobin situation. Anytime he'd even think another person was attractive, Hiyyih was there to try and match make. He poked her cheek as if to say stop it. 

"Your hands are freezing!" Her hand shot up to her cheek. "Where are your gloves?" Kai looked down at his hands in response. He wasn't wearing his gloves. He patted his pockets and checked his backpack, they were nowhere to be found there either. He thought about when he last had them, back in the cafe. 

'You have very nice hands.' Soobin's words flashed through his mind causing him to lit up like a stoplight. He covered his face hoping the cold would cool him down. "I-I left them at work. I'll just grab them tomorrow." They were already down the street from their house so there was no point in walking back now. 

"Okay, just make sure you have them. It's supposed to snow this Friday and I want to go to that sparklers event my friends are talking about. Maybe you could bring your boyfriend or something." Hiyyih cheerfully walked ahead of him as he short circuited. Boyfriend! There was no way that Soobin was his boyfriend! They didn't know anything about each other! 

"That's not funny Hiyyih!" He pulled at his backpack strap and continued walking. He took a few steps toward his front steps before suddenly feeling a hand grabbing at his arm. Kai took a step back at the grab and looked up. He blinked, was he hallucinating or was Choi Soobin standing in front of him? "S-Soobin hyung?" 

Soobin quickly let go of Kai's arm and cleared his throat. "You forgot your gloves." Kai looked down at Soobin handing him the gloves. He walked all this way just to give him his gloves? Kai looked back up at Soobin with some confusion. "Oh well, I just finished my shift and was walking home. I saw you walking and figured I'd give them to you now." 

Kai took the gloves from Soobin's hands, warm. "You live around here?" 

Soobin nodded and smiled. "I live a few streets down that way." Kai could feel his heart thump. Not only was he going to be working with Soobin but they attended the same university and lived close to each other? This was either fates cruel joke on him or he was really in trouble here. Soobin looked up and Kai joined him. It started to snow. "I was going to keep your gloves with me till tomorrow but I'm glad you got them now. It won't be too cold for your hands in the morning." Soobin's consideration and smile made Kai's heart thump even louder. He was shocked Soobin couldn't hear it when it was practically the equivalent to a bass drum. 

"Thanks hyung." 

"You should get inside. I'll see you tomorrow okay?" Soobin waved him off as he walked away. Kai stood there watching him walk away. His grip tightened at the gloves in his hands and he headed inside. He stood in the doorway as Lea made eye contact with him. 

"Why are you so red?" She questioned him and he could only reply in a mumble, something about snowing, before kicking his shoes off and heading upstairs. 

                                                                                                                          -)- 

"Hyung. Hyung. Kai Hyung!" Min-Seok elbowed Kai softly. Kai's eyes looked around before landing on Min-Seok. "What's up with you today? You've been staring out into space and you haven't eaten any of your lunch. You just keep poking it with your fork." Kai looked down at the growing pile of food stuck to his fork. He gently put the fork down and placed his hands in his lap. 

"I'm just didn't get enough sleep last night." True but that's true every night. The real truth was Kai was trying his best not to think about Soobin. He wanted to get to know more about him and he was actually excited to have a job. Min-Seok ruffled his hair scolding him about sleeping late though it's not like he was any better. Kai pushed his hand away and started to fix his own hair. He looked around the lunchroom and spotted that same guy from yesterday, the one that Yeonjun had been talking to. Kai wasn't terribly interested in drama but he was curious about it. Min-Seok followed Kai's gaze to the guy. 

"You like him or something?" Kai shook his head. Why was everyone accusing him of liking everyone now? He explained what happened yesterday and Min-Seok replied with a hum. "Well I happen to know what happened." 

"How? You weren't even here yesterday and I know too. Yeonjun hyung told me." 

"You doubt my insider knowledge? Besides you only know hyungs perspective. That's Kang Taehyun from the vocal department. Relatively quiet guy with a gorgeous voice who just so happened to be dating Yeonjun hyung for a bit before hyung broke up with him out of nowhere. At least that's what his friends say." Min-Seok bites into his sandwich. Kai can only feel bad for Taehyun. To be in a relationship with someone only to be suddenly dumped with no explanation. Just the thought makes him shiver, he'd hate for that to happen to him. It's in part one of the reasons he's not big on dating people. He takes another glance at Taehyun. The vocal department, just like Soobin. Soobin seemed nice enough but he really should stay away from being more than just friends with him. Not that Soobin seemed like the type to do what Yeonjun does but it's better to be safe than sorry. Kai would be alone forever thinking that way about everyone.

Soobin. He'd see him after classes today. Kai sighed to himself, he was screwed. 

Chapter Text

“Kai hurry up. I agreed to walk with you but I’m going to miss my chance at a gaming tournament if you take any longer.” Min-Seok huffed, holding himself up against the green tiled bathroom wall as he watched Kai grip the sink and stare at himself in the mirror. “Trust me you’re as beautiful as you’re going to get here.” Kai could see Min-Seok rolling his eyes in the reflection and his head dropped. 

“Okay fine. Let’s go.” Kai stepped away from the mirror even though he wanted to stay. Analyzing his face to make sure he was prepared for seeing Soobin his first day of work. He and Min-Seok walked out of the bathroom and directly outside only to have the harsh elements meet them. They both shivered in response and started their walk. 

“Next time you want me to walk with you, remind me to say no unless its a warm season.” Min-Seok retreated into his scarf. Kai allowed his eyes to wander only to spot Taehyun again. This time sitting alone on a bench with his eyes shut. Was he asleep? Kai and Min-Seok talked a little more about the whole Taehyun and Yeonjun situation during lunch. Apparently Taehyun was just the quiet type who always appeared stoic. Right now to Kai, he just looked like a sleeping kitten. Maybe Hiyyih’s insatiable need for knowing things was rubbing off on him but part of him just wanted to talk to him. 

Kai shrugged off the feeling. It’s not his business. He continued his walk with Min-Seok toward The Sweet Spot. He quietly listened as Min-Seok talked passionately about the new gaming system he was hoping to get for Christmas. Kai was thinking about getting it for him but the last time he got Min-Seok an expensive gift, Min-Seok almost killed him for even spending that much. The two stopped as they reached the entrance of the shop. Kai looked in through the window to see Soobin at the case organizing some pastries. Min-Seok peered in and hummed. “This place looks cozy. You’re lucky you get to work in a cafe with all those tasty snacks.” Of course his friend was just thinking about the food benefits. Min-Seok patted him on the back and wished him good luck as they parted ways here. 

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Kai stepped inside the shop to feel that familiar warmth and sweet scents. He met Soobin’s eyes as the older man looked up in time with the ring of the chime above the door. Soobin’s eyes seemed to light up seeing Kai as he straightened up and smiled. 

“Kai! Welcome in.” Soobin’s eyes wandered down to Kai’s hands. His smile seemed to sweeten as he was Kai wearing the gloves Soobin returned yesterday. Kai stepped closer to the counter as did Soobin on the other side. “Are you ready to get started?” 

“Hi hyung. I’m as ready as ever I guess.” Regardless of whether Kai thought Soobin was attractive, this was his first job and he didn’t want to screw it up. It was a weird feeling considering he thought if this all imploded, he’d just easily quit. 

“Great. Come around the counter and we’ll talk more in the break room.” Soobin started his walk into the kitchen. As Kai walked around the counter, he could hear Soobin talking with someone else. Once Kai made it into the kitchen, he could see Soobin standing there with an older man. “Kai, this is my older brother. He’s usually here when I’m off shift or to help out with making pastries.”

 Kai gave Soobin’s older brother a respectful hello and immediately began looking for the similarities in their faces. They both had the same mannerisms when speaking. Soobin’s mouth was more expressive while his brother’s eyebrows were his main focal point. They were definitely an attractive set of brothers. 

Soobin walked Kai through the parts of the kitchen. Where to bake, where to wash, where ingredients were held, what was baking in the moment. They watched through the golden oven screen as some croissants were puffing before moving on to the break room. The room was big enough to fit three tall lockers, a round table with two chairs, and a mini fridge next to a blue couch. There are a few string lights hanging sadly from only one wall. 

“It’s not really much but I hope you aren’t too uncomfortable here.” Soobin shyly chuckles, leading Kai to one of the lockers. Kai shakes his head. It does look like someone’s very sad attempt at cheering up a depression group but even he can understand it’s hard to focus on the break room when baking is more important. “This’ll be your locker so you can set your stuff down. Oh and your uniform should already be in there too. You can get dressed in the bathroom. I’ll be in the front waiting for you.” Soobin smiles before giving Kai a gentle pat on the shoulder and walking out. 

Kai could breathe a little easier now that Soobin was out of the room. He looked up at the locker tag. It was decorated with his name and flowers. Soobin must have done it sometime between yesterday and today. He could tell because Soobin’s locker tag looked the same. “He’s so cute.” Kai shut his eyes and laid his head against the locker door. He picked his head back up and opened the door. In plastic on a hanger was a freshly pressed white button down shirt and an apron just like Soobins. Kai quickly put his things away in order to get dressed as he didn’t want Soobin to be waiting on him any longer than he had to be. He headed for the bathroom and got dressed. It had been a while since he wore a button up shirt. While his mother liked the business casual look on him, he had gotten used to the casual casual aesthetic of dressing. 

He looked at himself in the mirror. The shirt was almost a perfect fit. It was surprising especially since Kai had recently started working out or more so forced to work out because his father is a fitness freak and he couldn’t drag Lea out as easily. His broad shoulders in the shirt was a strange look but he just rolled up his sleeves and put the waist apron on. In the mirror he could see the shop's logo. He was as ready as he’d ever be. 

He walked back out to the counter where he could see Soobin helping a customer. He allowed Soobin to finish up the interaction before getting his attention. Soobin happily turned to Kai and they got started. 

While Soobin was really nice to look at, actually having to learn all the requirements and responsibilities of a job were more mentally taxing than Kai thought. Soobin instructed him on proper cleaning techniques, where dirty rags go and where to find clean rags, when to sweep and vacuum, which pastries go where, how to work the coffee machine, where they store all the ready to go cold desserts, how to work the P.O.S system and how to properly tend to the cash portion of the register. 

At some point after all of that, Soobin started Kai on helping out customers. It wasn’t the hardest thing ever but having Soobin breathing over his shoulder for sure distracted him. Kai was sure that Soobin was just trying to be helpful in making sure that if he needed help Soobin would be there but he was just so close every step he took. Kai wasn’t sure how he hadn’t exploded yet but he was making it through his shift fine. 

Soobin eventually relaxed on being so close to him and let him handle customers alone. Soobin would be in and out of the kitchen helping his brother with baking or out front cleaning. Kai was surprised to see that everything Soobin did was with a smile. Maybe he just really liked his job or he was really grateful to have an extra pair of hands now that Kai was here. Either way the work day went by quicker than Kai could have anticipated. 

30 minutes before closing, the chime rang. “Welcome in! How can I…help you?” Kai’s smile slightly faltered as he saw Taehyun step into the shop. Taehyun stepped to the counter without a word. They were both just eyeing each other as if they were two wild animals attempting to see if they would get along. From here Kai noticed that Taehyun was handsome though he had noticed that earlier. Taehyun had large eyes which Kai could only compare to boba. His hair was black and fluffy but the fluff looked good on him. Kai titled his head slightly, he felt like he had seen Taehyun’s face somewhere before but he just couldn’t put his finger on it. Taehyun’s slender face and beautiful nose, honestly Kai was surprised Taehyun was a music major. Taehyun could be a model with that face. 

Taehyun titled his head as if copying Kai. Soobin stepped back out to see the interaction and watched as they both just titled their heads from side to side. 

“Taehyunnie, welcome in.” Soobin cleared his throat, grabbing both of their attention. Taehyunnie? That’s such a comfortable nickname. Kai could feel a tightening in his chest he really disliked. “Have a seat, I’ll get your drink to you in a second.” Soobin extended his hand toward the seating area and Taehyun nodded, giving a respectful bow before turning and sitting in the booth closest to the door. It was strange, Taehyun hadn’t said a word yet Soobin seemed to know exactly what he wanted. Maybe Kai was overthinking it. He should just ask Soobin about it. 

He watched as Soobin made caramel macchiato with extra caramel in a to go cup. Soobin then turned to grab a mini strawberry cream tart and headed around the counter with both items to where Taehyun was situated. He seemed very friendly with Taehyun though Taehyun’s expression never changed from that blank 300 yard stare. He didn’t say anything either and only nodded to what Soobin said. Soobin ruffled his hair lightly and told him to enjoy. There was that tightening feeling in Kai’s chest again. 

Soobin came back around and started cleaning as he told Kai they would be closing soon. With Soobin sweeping, Kai was wiping down the countertops. Kai felt like he couldn’t hold himself back. All the mystery around this Taehyung guy first with Yeonjun and now with Soobin. He told himself he would stay out of other people’s business but Yeonjun was one thing and Soobin was another. Kai shook his head, wait no, if Soobin was another then that would mean Kai is falling for him. No No No. Kai barely knows anything about Soobin. For all he knows this could all be a cover for a murder basement Soobin is hiding. 

Soobin must have noticed Kai slowing down because the next thing Kai knows is that there’s a hand on his shoulder. Kai jolts harshly to which Soobin puts his hands up. 

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you! YoujustseemedlikeyouwerereallylostinthoughtandIfiguredIwouldjustaskbecauseIwouldn’twantyoutobelostaboutnaythingIcanhelpyouwith!” It seemed like all the words coming out of Soobins mouth were stitched together. Kai shook his head. 

“No, sorry hyung. I was just thinking.” Kai’s head turned toward Taehyun who was silently enjoying? his drink and pastry. 

“Oh. About Taehyunnie?” There it was again. Kai nodded but he got that feeling that made him want to hurl. “Yeah he is a little strange but he’s nice to be around.” Soobin chuckled lightly. 

“Strange? How do you know him?” 

“Taehyun has been a regular for a while. We’re both in the vocal department and he never seemed to hang around anyone. I mean he does have a couple friends but none that I’ve seen outside of school. One day I just sat next to him and he didn’t really say anything besides introduce himself and a couple other words but it was okay with me. I invited him to visit the shop and he did surprisingly enough. Since then he comes in every 30 minutes before closing and gets the same thing.” Soobin scratches his head. “I guess I’d call us friends since he keeps coming and lets me hang around him at school.” 

Friends. They were just friends. Kai took a sigh of relief and nodded as he took in the information. He turned his head in Taehyun’s direction again. So this was just the way that Taehyun was, oddly quiet and blank. Maybe it was just because neither Soobin nor Kai knew him that well. Now that this thing with Soobin was squashed he could relax a little but his curiosity for what happened between him and Yeonjun grew a little. 

“I heard what happened between him and Yeonjun hyung.” Kai meant to keep that thought in his head but it came out of his mouth. 

“Oh, yeah. I heard about that but Taehyun said he didn’t want to talk about it. That Yeonjun guy is a jerk.” Soobin continued to sweep. Kai wanted to say something. Maybe to defend Yeonjun but how could he? All the rumors and the way Yeonjun acted in the first place. The truth was he didn’t know Yeonjun that very well either aside from the limited interactions he’d had but could he really be such a jerk? Kai packed his thoughts away from the day and continued to clean. 

Right as Kai and Soobin finished cleaning, Taehyun came back up to the counter and attempted to pay, to which Soobin rejected his payment. It was a small back and forth of paying and rejection but Taehyun opted for putting money in the tip jar when Soobin wasn’t looking. They chatted for a few minutes and by that, it meant Soobin rambled and Taehyun just stared at him, occasionally nodding. Kai decided he’d clean the table Taehyun was sitting at. He walked around Soobin and took a few steps toward the table. 

“You.” He paused and looked toward Taehyun. He fixed his posture from the deer caught in the headlights stance he was in. 

“His names Huening Kai, Taehyunnie. You guys are almost the same age you know. You’re older than him by a few months. Be nice to my employee Taehyunnie.” Soobin cheerfully smiled watching the interaction. 

“Huening Kai.” The way Taehyun said his voice made him relax. Taehyun’s voice wasn’t deep but it wasn’t squeaky either. It was like the perfect middle ground. Kai’s ears might just be tuned for this kind of thing but he could understand why Taehyun was a part of the vocal department. Kai was relaxed but nervous to hear what Taehyun had to say to him. “Thank you for joining Soobin hyung’s team. Please take care of him and I hope we get along well.” 

“Hey! I can take care of myself. And I’m older!” Soobin protested Taehyun’s remark but Kai was practically giddy. Kai smiled brightly and nodded rapidly. He wasn’t expecting something so sweet or friendly. Maybe Taehyun just needed to warm up to him a little. Soobin continued his protest but Taehyun just waved at Kai and headed out the door. 

Kai’s heart felt a little warmer. New friend!

Chapter Text

Getting a job hasn’t been so bad. Kai got to make a brand new friend, he got to work with the guy he thought was handsome, and he got to eat tasty pastries. 

“Kai!” Soobin skipped out of the kitchen toward Kai who was helping a customer at the register. Soobin patiently waited for Kai to finish up before giving him a warm smile. 

“What’s up hyung?” His smile is so cute, Kai thought to himself. He really tried hard to listen to Soobin all the time but whenever Soobin would go on one of his yapping monologues, it would all go in one ear and sound like wedding bells to Kai. 

“Kai? Are you listening?” Kai’s shoulders shot up and he nodded rapidly. His pants would go up in flames if they could. “Well like I said, I know it’s not much but as our first worker we really appreciate you and hope this is okay for your first paycheck.” Soobin hands him a small yellow envelope. Kai would see these in Lea’s room sometimes when he’d go in there to pester her when she was in high school. Now Kai could earn. 

He took the envelope and got a warm feeling in his stomach. Maybe it was because he was being rewarded for his hard work, maybe it was because it was Soobin, or maybe it was because he was finally making his own cash. Kai opened up the envelope to check the amount, 208,120.39 won. Kai’s eyes widened. Was that a normal amount to make at work? It was less than his allowance but this was only after a week of working. He looked up at Soobin. 

“Like I said sorry if its not much-”

“No! This is plenty. Thank you hyung.” Kai warmly smiled at Soobin. Soobin went red in the face, unsure of what to do except laugh nervously. Kai joined in with a slight chuckle unsure of what they were laughing at. The chime above the door rang, grabbing their attention to see Taehyun cleaning his shoes on the carpet. He seemed to shiver slightly. 

Both Kai and Soobin blinked before Soobin suddenly rushed to start getting Taehyun’s regular order and Kai rushed around the counter. Taehyun looked up at Kai. 

“Hyung! Are you okay? You’re not wearing a scarf today.” 

“I’m okay Kai. I just forgot my scarf at home today.” Taehyun watched as Soobin rushed over to his usual table, setting down his usual order before rushing over and wrapping his arms tightly around him. Taehyun pulled his head away slightly but allowed Soobin to hug him. 

“Taehyunnie! We can’t have you getting sick! I’ll see if hyung has an extra scarf in his locker you can borrow.” Soobin continued to hold Taehyun, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, tightly. Kai just smiled at the interaction, feeling that uncomfortable feeling in his stomach a little less. 

Kai and Taehyun had managed to get a little closer over the week. At least in Kai’s eyes, Taehyun had warmed up to him. He’d greet him around school and they even had lunch once too. It was a little strange for Min-Seok but Kai had enjoyed himself

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“And then I accidentally spilled some juice on my controller so now I-” As Min-Seok ranted about his troublesome incident, Kai chewed on his food listening before spotting Taehyun looking for a place to sit in the lunchroom. Kai stood up and waved his hands around. Taehyun could mistake him for one of those inflatable tube things at car dealerships. He walked over as Kai sat down. 

Once Taehyun was seated, Kai opened his mouth to say something but immediately choked on his food. It took Min-Seok several minutes to try to get him to calm down and stop coughing. 

“You really should wait until all your food is swallowed to speak Kai. I wouldn’t want you to choke again.” Kai looked up at Taehyun after he managed to stop dying. Taehyun had a concerned look on his face. It made Kai smile and grab onto Taehyun’s hand. 

“I promise I’ll be careful hyung!” Maybe it was just something about Taehyun but just like Soobin, Kai wanted to be on Taehyun’s good side and be friends with him.

The rest of their lunchtime went silent. Taehyun calmly ate his lunch while Kai watched him and smiled brightly all while Min-Seok looked at both of them confused.  Lots of questions were running through Min-Seok’s mind like ‘since when have Kai and Taehyun gotten close?’, ‘why were they eating lunch with Taehyun?’, and ‘why were they so silent?’. But Min-Seok let all of that go for the simple fact that now Kai had another friend like he wanted so Min-Seok shrugged and continued to enjoy his lunch. Oh and continued to complain about his ruined controller. 

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Kai sat with Taehyun as he ate his pastry. Soobin insisted on Kai sitting while he cleaned up a bit and even as Kai protested, Soobin had already pushed him into the seat. Kai watched Taehyun until Taehyun met his eyes. He tilted his head to the side. 

“Oh nothing hyung. I was just wondering…” It was too soon into their friendship to ask about the Yeonjun thing so he’d ask about something else. “How come you always seem to be alone?” 

Taehyun shrugged. “I have a few friends but they’re always busy with work or school. It was just a lot easier to walk around alone I guess.” Kai pouted with a sad expression as if he was going to cry. The thought of his hyung alone all the time made him so sad. “Don’t cry Kai. It’s really not a big deal. Besides, I see you and Soobin hyung all the time now.” Taehyun nonchalantly sips on his drink but Kai still looks like he’s ready to burst into tears. Now for different reasons though. 

He rose from his seat and hugged Taehyun from across the table. “Ah Taehyunnie hyung! You’re so sweet!” 

“Kai-yah!” Soobin called for him from behind the counter. He opened his eyes to see Soobin watching both of them with a smile. “Your phone keeps ringing down here.” Kai quickly let go of Taehyun who was unfazed by the sudden affection attacks that both Soobin and Kai gave to him. 

Kai sped behind the counter and grabbed his phone. Oh. oh no. He was dead. He was so dead. Not only were there a bunch of missed calls and texts from Hiyyih but now there were a couple from Lea. It would’ve been one thing with Hiyyih but Lea? He might as well go home on his knees to beg for forgiveness. Kai told Soobin he’d step into the break room for a second to take a call and Soobin nodded, letting him go as he continued to clean up. 

Kai stepped into the empty and quiet break room and called Lea back first. Even if he was more scared of Lea, she wouldn’t yell as soon as she answered. He waited as the line trilled. His heart was pumping anxiously. The call connected. “Hello?” 

“Kai. Where are you right now?” 

“I’m at work. I’m getting off in another 20 minutes, is everything okay?” He could hear Lea sigh. 

“Stop promising to do stuff with Hiyyih if you’re not going to follow through.” Kai furrowed his eyebrows. What had he promised to- oh shit. 

“I completely forgot. I-I’m supposed to be home soon, is she still there?”  

“No, she got all upset and left with her friend. Uh what’s his name?”

“His? Hiyyih left with a boy? You let her leave with a boy?!” 

“She’s 17 Kai. Besides, they're just going to go watch the snow fall with the sparklers.” Lea was so nonchalant about this. Kai’s head was practically spiraling. His precious little sister alone with a boy?! “Kai? Hell-” Kai hung up and quickly pulled his apron off.  He stopped before grabbing his coat. He couldn’t just leave Soobin to close up all by himself. 

He ran back out the front where Soobin and Taehyun were talking at the counter. 

“Kai, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Soobin leans on his arms on the counter as Taehyun sneaks some cash into the tip jar again. 

“I..I need to go but I don’t want to leave you to do this all by yourself.” 

“Is everything okay? Everything's practically done anyway, just need to sweep and vacuum.” Soobin stands up straight and walks over to Kai. He puts a hand on his shoulder with a face of concern. “What is it?” 

Kai’s face went red, they seemed worried and now it was silly that he was making a big deal out of this whole thing. “Well..” Kai explained his situation to them both. They didn’t seem to particularly see the big deal like Kai did but they understood how he was feeling. 

“If you want, I can drive you there.” Taehyun speaks up. Kai’s ears perk up. 

“Really hyung?!” Taehyun nodded and Soobin smiled. He was happy to see them both getting along. Kai remembered what Hiyyih had said, ‘you can bring your boyfriend~”. His ears went red as he looked at Soobin. He could just ask, the worst Soobin would say is no. And if Taehyun joins then they are all there just as friends. 

“W-would you guys want to join me?” Kai’s heart thumped nervously. He smiled as Taehyun nodded. He looked at Soobin and chewed at the inside of his lip. The worst he could say was no but a no made Kai’s heart sink. 

“Watch the snow and set off sparklers? That sounds…fun! I haven’t done anything like that since I was a kid. I’d love to.” Soobin smiled that cute smile that made Kai melt. His heart thumped louder. “Let’s get this cleaning done quickly so we can rescue your sister!”

Chapter Text

The drive was quiet. Soobin was in the back seat organizing a box of pastries he insisted on bringing in case any of them got hungry. He also wanted to make a good impression on Kai’s sister as his coworker. At least that’s what he claimed. 

Kai sat in the passenger's seat continuously trying to call Hiyyih but it seemed like she turned her phone on do not disturb to continue being mad at Kai. At this did though was make a million and one thoughts run through his mind of his sweet little sister being alone with a boy. They could be….HOLDING HANDS!

Taehyun peaks over at Kai who looks like he’s going to hyperventilate. “Do you do this every year?” 

“What? Freak out because my sister is alone with a boy?!” 

“No, I mean this sparklers in the snow thing.” 

“Oh. Sort of. At least we try to. Today’s my moms birthday but since she’s always overseas most of the time we try to find other ways to celebrate. My dad will sometimes fly out with Lea to go and see her so me and Bahiyyih stick around and do stuff at home for her. My mom would enjoy us coming out too but she says there needs to be an order to maintain at home.” Kai seemed to calm down a bit talking about it. Taehyun continued to keep his eyes on the road as he drove. “Anyway, for the last few years she’s been super busy so we were trying to come up with something to do for her. We decided on sparklers in the snow because she said that was the story of how her and our dad met.”

“That’s sweet. Don’t you bring your friends too Kai?” Soobin leaned forward in between the two front seats. Kai looked elsewhere. Was he now supposed to admit that he’s sort of a loner with only one friend? Did he mean loner or loser? Kai sighed and twiddled his thumbs. 

“Min-Seok doesn’t like the snow besides he’s always busy with his gaming stuff.” It was silent for a minute after that. Taehyun nodded, seeming to pick up on what Kai meant when he didn’t go on about anyone else. 

“What about your other friends?” Soobin cheerfully asked. Kai could turn to stone there and forever be immortalized in his embarrassment. Having to say he has no other friends to the guy he thinks is cute is more than he can handle. Maybe he should consider opening the door and just rolling the rest of the way there. Taehyun clears his throat and pulls his elbow back to elbow Soobin a little. 

“We’re here. Save your questions hyung.” Taehyun parks the car and turns his headlights off. He turns to Kai. “Do you know where she is?” 

“We usually go to the bridge. She likes to see the frozen lake.” They all get out of the car. Soobin and Taehyun follow behind Kai as he guides them around. 

Taehyun and Soobin take in the scenery as they walk behind him. Even though the plants are essentially dead, it was hauntingly beautiful. Neither Soobin nor Taehyun have ever bothered to visit this little garden since it was so tucked away. There were no real lights except a couple of street lamps in the parking lot. They had to use their flashlights to walk around but Kai knew this place like the back of his hand. They continued on passing a small gift shop and what looked like a place to rent bikes. 

It would be a cute date idea to rent bikes and ride them through the garden. At least that’s what Soobin thought when he saw them. Taehyun was creeped out by the whole thing especially with how dead silent and dark it was. Sure he could see this being a beautiful place in the sun and when the plants were alive again but right now as is? He was getting a chill up his spine and it wasn’t just from the cold. He tucked his face further into the scarf Soobin let him borrow and shove his creeped out thoughts into the corner of his mind. This was about finding Kai’s sister, not being afraid a serial murder was going to pop out from behind a tree. 

As they got closer to the bridge, sounds of laughter got louder. Kai picked up his pace in the direction of the laughter and the bridge. 

“YAH!” The three stopped right at the bridge path as Kai yelled. They shined their lights at the bridge, shining Hiyyih and a boy. Kai stormed next to them and pulled Hiyyih closer to him. “Who are you?” 

“Oppa, what the hell?” Hiyyih pulls her hand out of Kai’s grasp. 

“Me what the hell? You what the hell? Hiyyih you can’t just leave the house with some guy! Lea said she didn’t know his name and I don’t know who this guy is! What if he kidnapped you? You only come with your friends, where are they? Soobin and Taehyun stood there awkwardly unsure of what to do as Kai scolded his sister. 

“Hikaru unnie and Yeeun went to grab some drinks we left in the snow over there.” Hiyyih crosses her arms. “And you do know him, it’s Sunghoon oppa.” Kai looked over at the guy and shined his light directly in his face. He looked him over before shining the light down. 

“Sunghoon-ah? Our neighbor?” Sunghoon waved his hand awkwardly. 

“He offered to give us a ride because dad was busy and Lea didn’t want to come out. And before you ask, the driver went home for the night.” Kai nodded at Hiyyih’s words and crossed his arms as he walked over to Sunghoon. 

“You didn’t do anything with my sister?” 

“Come on hyung, I wouldn’t do that.” Sunghoon pleaded his innocence and Kai seemed to believe it enough. He laid off him. Soobin and Taehyun felt like they could take a breath again after all that. Kai turned back to Hiyyih and hit her on the head. 

“Ow! What was that for?” 

“Always tell someone who you’re going with, don’t be pouty and not answer your phone, and you guys should all have stayed together.” Just as Kai was saying that Yeeun and Hikaru returned with drinks in hand. Their smiles dropped when they spotted Kai scolding Hiyyih. They stopped and tried to slowly back away but Kai had already spotted them by then. They got the same treatment as Hiyyih. 

Once the dust settled, Kai started helping them set up lights and other things they brought. Once again Soobin and Taehyun were left standing there awkwardly. That is until Hiyyih walked over to them. She extended both her hands. 

“Hi, I’m Huening Bahiyyih.” They took her hands, shaking them. 

“I’m Choi Soobin and this is Kang Taehyun.” Soobin took the liberty of introducing them both. As they stood there, Hiyyih inched closer, checking them out from head to toe and walking around them. She examined their faces, their clothes, their hair, if she could’ve she would’ve examined their brains. Kai grabbed her by the back of her coat and pulled her back toward him. 

“Quit it. You’re gonna freak them out.” Kai sighed and Hiyyih huffed as she pulled herself from Kai. 

“Well which one of them is the ho-” Kai immediately covered Hiyyih’s mouth. He gave Soobin and Taehyun a wide nervous smile. Kai dragged Hiyyih away from everyone else. “Gross! Your gloves taste like lint.” 

“You can’t just go around asking things like that Hiyyih. It’s awkward.” Kai crosses his arms and Hiyyih mirrors him. 

“Just tell me which one it is. I want to guess it’s the nerd with the glasses but you like the silent type too.” Kai’s expression fell more serious and Hiyyih backed off. 

“My coworker is the tall one.” 

“You say coworker like that’s going to convince me of anything oppa. I know how you are when you like someone and you can deny it all you want or you can say we barely know each other but I know you. I’m your sister.” Hiyyih had a point. Of course she had to have a point, that's just who she was. It annoyed Kai to no end that he couldn’t hide himself from his sisters the way he could with everyone else. 

“Whatever. Just don’t go acting weird about it okay? I still have to clock into work tomorrow.” Hiyyih nodded and pranced away. Kai watched Soobin and Taehyun became more comfortable with the rest of the group though Sunghoon seemed to be in the same boat as they had really only ever spoken sometimes. Even though Kai didn’t like the idea of a boy being around his sister, he didn’t mind having someone else around who could protect her and her friends. Not that they really needed it since those 3 girls could probably fight their way out of a bear attack if they really needed to. 

Kai walked over to the blanket that Taehyun and Soobin sat themselves on. He took a seat in between them both. He peered over to the other blanket and watched as Sunghoon sat there quietly, basically babysitting the 3 loud girls. 

“So what do we do now?” Taehyun looks down at the pastry box like he can’t wait to grab a treat. 

“Well Hiyyih usually stuffs her face a bit before we lit the sparklers but it looks like she already has that handled.” He looks over at Hiyyih again and back at Taehyun. “But since Soobin hyung brought stuff, we should enjoy it.” 

Soobin’s face lights up as he opens the box to reveal tasty treats. There were desserts that he knew both of them liked including Taehyun’s usual order. They dig in and sigh in satisfaction at the taste. Even with Kai working there and knowing the recipes as well as how they make everything, he was still always in awe about the taste and perfection of it all. Maybe it was something magical about the Choi brother but the desserts that are made from their hands are to die for. Kai was surprised that the cafe wasn’t more popular with the way everything tasted. He had meant to ask Soobin about it one of these days but for now he was happy just munching on his pastry. 

Kai continued to munch before noticing Soobin’s eyes on him. He turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. Soobin didn’t say anything at first, just stared at him. It made Kai’s heart flutter in a way that it had never before. He let out a breath you could see as the air turned colder. Soobin reached forward and placed a hand on his cheek. Soobin’s thumb brushing over the side of Kai’s mouth. They were both still for a moment before Soobin pulled away holding up his thumb covered in a small amount of frosting. The frosting from the pastry. Which was on Kai’s mouth. 

Kai turned red in the face and not before long Soobin realized what he had done causing him to also go red in the face. Soobin started his long apology with big hand motions as Kai sat there and basically short circuited. Taehyun watched them as he ate his pastry and shook his head. 

After they both had calmed down, Hiyyih handed out the sparklers and they lit them. It was nice to see in the darkness and the moon joined them to shine some light. While Hiyyih and her friends stood up running and walking around with the sparklers having fun, the 3 of them stayed seated messing around with the sparklers. 

Taehyun calmly waved the sparkler around and Soobin and Kai watched as the light reflected from his round eyes. When Taehyun questioned them, they explained how pretty Taehyun’s eyes were which made Taehyun’s face go slightly pink. He had a smile. Kai and Soobin then proceeded to freak out over how cute Taehyun is and saying he should smile more often because of how cute it was. 

Soobin lit Kai’s sparkler with his own as they sat there just waving them around. “So Kai, is there anything to this sparkler thing? Like why did your mom do it?” 

“She said it was just something her and her friends started doing because one of them insisted on it. When she asked why her friend told her that it was because it would bring them luck, kind of like a four leaf clover or pennies face up. My mom didn’t believe in that kind of thing but she still did it anyway for fun. Time went on and eventually my mom went on to be pretty successful but what she says was most successful was meeting my dad.” Kai crossed his legs before continuing his story. He could see Soobin leaned forward in interest. “It was on this very bridge. My dad had been wandering around because he was still exploring Korea even after living here for a bit. My mom thought he was a foreigner who got lost before he explained himself. She asked if he wanted to join them and he did. Since then they got together and created a family.” 

“So romantic luck?” Taehyun chimed in. 

“Maybe. I guess it could go for any kind of luck since my parents are both pretty successful in their careers but they had luck on their side when it came to romance.” 

“What kind of luck are you looking for, Kai?” Soobin smiled as he leaned back on his arm. Kai’s heart skipped a beat as Soobin asked. He looked into his eyes, he couldn’t just blurt out the luck for them to fall in love and happily ride off into the sunset. 

“I don’t know yet.” He smiled and Soobin smiled back. Just then Soobin’s eyes migrated to Kai's hair. Kai mirrored looking at Soobins hair. It had started to snow. It was cold and snowy. Sitting there with Soobin as they watched each other with smiles on their faces, he was warm. 

Taehyun watched the exchange and smiled to himself. They are so clueless, Taehyun thought as he shook his head. Those two are having luck of their own, they just didn’t know it yet. Kai turned back to Taehyun to give him a smile as the three started a conversation. They were lucky. And so was Taehyun. The luck of beautiful friendship. This was his friendship. 

Chapter Text

“Soobin hyung, I didn’t ask initially but…why does the cafe always seem so dead?” Kai leaned against the counter. It was Tuesday, one of their slowest days even amongst the already slow days. A few weeks had passed since their sweet moment with the snow and sparklers though nothing too eventful happened. 

Nothing too eventful except Taehyun seeming to become more outgoing with them. He smiled more often and his laugh, his laugh was just too cute for them. He was like their precious little kitten though Taehyun would still revert back to his stoic blank looks at times. Other than that nothing too big had happened, especially not between Soobin and Kai. 

Kai was trying not to act awkward around Soobin and Soobin was just trying to keep his hands to himself after thinking he freaked out Kai last time. There were accidental brushes and their hands touching when they went and reached for the same item. Kai figured that this wasn’t really going to go anywhere other than being a silly crush. He wasn’t brave enough to admit that he actually likes Soobin and Soobin was in an entire world of his own. Hiyyih wasn’t giving it up while Lea just silently listened, often taking Hiyyih’s side. It was unfair but he knew Lea just liked to mess with him sometimes even in all her maturity. 

Soobin looked up from adjusting the pastries. “Uh to be honest, we just aren’t that popular of a shop.” He chuckled nervously. “My dad opened up the shop when he retired from his first job and he taught me and my brother to make the pastries and run the shop. After a while he retired and left this to my brother and me. Since my brother has a family of his own, he just works on the baking aspect plus he has no eye for design.” 

Kai listened carefully. He liked when Soobin talked. 

“I try but my promotional skills don’t really work.” Right on cue, Taehyun walks through the door. They both smile and he smiles back approaching the counter. 

“What are we talking about?” Taehyun buried himself into his scarf as he attempted to warm up after being in the cold. 

“I was telling Kai about why the cafe isn’t particularly… popular.” 

“You mean because you scare everyone off?” Kai’s interest peaked. If anything, Soobin made him want to learn more about the cafe and be around this place more. Besides, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is calming. Soobin looked like he wanted to protest but the words caught in his throat. “Soobin hyung had a bit of a too strong approach. He raids groups of people to ask if they want to visit a good food spot but it makes him seem creepy and they walk away not before long.” 

Soobin’s head hangs. “My poster skills aren’t that great either.” They all hang their heads in a sort of defeated silence. 

“Maybe you just need something else that attracts customers. You could set up a table on campus to sell some pastries from the cafe and once they see how good they are, they’ll come visit!” It was something he was forced to do with Lea when she was in a modeling club but instead of getting people to come to a cafe, they were treated to a fashion show. It was annoying to sit there at the time but now his sister does model and has a good career streaming so something must have worked. 

“That sounds great! I’ll start a list of things to bring. When should we do it? Where should we do it? It’s cold out.” 

“Soobin hyung, you know that if we do it indoors that means you have to ask the student council where we could do it and when. That should cross that off the list.” 

Everything seems to pause and Soobin drops his pencil. He quickly goes to stand in a corner with his head hung down. Kai raises an eyebrow at Soobin’s sudden action and Taehyun’s sigh. There was clearly something he was missing. He elbowed Taehyun lightly. 

“Well…Soobin hyung doesn’t exactly get along too well with the student council. Not like they find him annoying or anything, it’s actually the other way around.” Was Kai hearing this right? Soobin finding someone else annoying? It wasn’t hard to believe but with Soobin always being rainbow and sunshine, it came as a shock. Soobin turns back around with a pout on his face. Kai smiles wishing he had his phone to take a picture of his cute expression. He really does look like a pouty little bunny. 

“It’s not the entire student council, it’s just….him.” Soobin crosses his arms. 

“I’m definitely missing something. Who is him?” Kai felt a chill down his spine. Was whoever they were talking about really that scary? And did they have to refer to him as if he was lord Voldemort? 

“The student council president. Hyung’s not fond of him because they had a minor disagreement in the past.” Taehyun sets his things down and walks back over to the counter leaning against it. 

“It was not just a minor disagreement!” Soobin pouts again. 

                                                                                                                               -)-

“Soobin hyung!” The student council president skips happily over to Soobin who was quietly enjoying his lunch. He plops down next to him. “I read your proposal.” 

Soobin’s eyes light up as he finishes chewing and cleans his mouth. “Really? So what do you think?” 

“I’ve read better but anyway unfortunately we’re going to have to pass on this.” The student council president passes Soobin back his pages of proposal. It took him a week to write it and come up with fun graphics. He blinks in disbelief. 

“B-But why?!” 

“Well unfortunately there’s just no room in the budget right now and there’s also no place for you anywhere on campus.” 

“But the gaming club just got upgraded to that brand new room with space so their old room should be available!” 

The student council president gets up and lets out a chuckle. “Right well, the student council just approved the brand new knitting club. We had read their proposal before yours just last week.” 

Soobin could feel himself seething. “I gave this to you a month ago.” 

“Right, whoops. It was lost but then we found it. Anyway hyung, it’s a no.” 

Soobin gritted his teeth. “You’re doing this to spite me. You’re letting all that power go to your head!” 

The student council president just smiled, putting his hands behind his back. “It may all be going to my head but it’s still mine. And you still have no baking club. Bye now hyung.” He laughed as he walked off.

                                                                                                                             -)-

Soobin already looked to be angry again. The anger in his eyes completely taking over him. “That stupid smug bastard. He thinks he’s all that because he’s president.” 

Kai had never heard Soobin call anyone stupid much less a bastard and by the look on Taehyun’s face, he wasn’t expecting it either. Soobin looked at both of them before turning around, taking a breath, and turning back around with a more relaxed but still annoyed expression. He couldn’t imagine Soobin doing anything terrible enough to warrant that treatment.

“What do you mean by spite hyung?” 

“The student council president and I used to be friends until one day I did something by accident. His first year at university was when we met and like I said we became friends. Then during his second year, I was in a play for a friend. What I didn’t know was that the mic I was wearing was fully on and everyone in the auditorium practicing could hear me. What I did know was that he called me with a super important secret and it spilled because of the mic.” Soobin shut his eyes and hid his face behind his hands. 

Kai could see the whole thing play out in his mind. Soobin was a bit forgetful and clumsy at times. “What was the secret?” 

“It was who he liked.” Soobin’s face burned with embarrassment. Kai was practically feeling second hand embarrassment. 

“Yeah it wasn’t just who he liked. Hyung didn’t get the hints the council president was saying and completely outed him by having him say his name and description.” Okay scratch that, Kai understands the student council's position now. If he was in that position, he’d transfer schools and never look back. 

“It was a total accident! I apologized over and over but he claimed I did it on purpose because I was jealous of him liking someone else which was insane. I would never do something like that. But either way he never forgave me and now he hates me.” 

Kai patted Soobin on the back. There wasn’t really anything he could say that was going to make this any better. No, maybe there was something he could do to help Soobin. Maybe he could even try and mend their friendship. He took Soobin by the shoulders and looked at him determined. 

“Hyung, we are going to get that spot. You can count on me.” Soobin looked at Kai with some shock but then smiled and nodded. 

“You’re the best Kai. I’m counting on you then.” He pulled Kai in for a hug. Kai’s brain was on overdrive especially since they hadn’t been in much contact lately. The sudden hug was enough to set him on fire but he gathered enough of his senses to hug Soobin back. Soobin smelt like freshly made pastries and vanilla. Kai felt like he could die right now. 

Taehyung watched them unamused. They should just make out already, he thought to himself. But they had a different challenge ahead of them. Convincing this student council president and making his friendship with Soobin alive again!

Chapter Text

“You haven’t thought this over have you?” Taehyun and Kai walk through the halls past bustling club rooms. There’s a pit in Kai’s stomach. Why had he made such a bold promise? Taehyun patted his back in a way that was sort of soothing. 

“He’s not that scary right?” Kai fidgeted with his fingers as they continued their walk. 

“Eh, not scary looking. He kind of looks like if a teddy bear came to life or if a puppy wished to be a person.” Taehyun’s eyes looked up as he continued to think. Kai joined and if a thought bubble could appear and connect their thoughts, he’s sure they’d be thinking the same thing. How could such a cute person cause Soobin so much grief? 

They stopped in front of the student council room. Kai tried to gather his thoughts and nerves but maybe the tacos he stress ate earlier weren’t a good idea. Min-Seok did scold him for that but he just couldn’t help it. Even Taehyun commented on how good they looked and smelled. But that’s not what he was here for right now. The mission is to get that spot for the cafe! And hopefully repair a friendship. Just as Kai raised his hand to knock on the door, it opened. 

He was met face to face with the student council. They moved past him as if he wasn’t even there. Taehyun stood behind him without having to move much, he thought that maybe it was a good thing to have a tall friend at this point. Once the crowd was gone, Kai and Taehyun were left standing in front of the room. The room was big with vintage bookcases on both sides. A wooden polished table stood in the middle of the room with matching chairs, presumably for when the student council held meetings. Just further past the table were plants adorning the windows along with curtains pushed to the side to allow sunlight into the room. Though with the snowy winter skies, there wasn’t much of that right now. Everything about the room screamed high standard and elegance. Kai swallowed, if this is what the room looked like according to the president then what was he like himself? 

They stepped into the room and looked around. The student council president wasn’t in at the moment. Had they missed him? No, they couldn’t have. Kai couldn’t just go back to Soobin with bad news. 

“Kang Taehyun, what a lovely surprise.” Kai turns his head toward the voice. He adjusts his sight lower to notice a man wearing a pin like the rest of the student council does but in gold. The student council president. Taehyun doesn’t seem to appreciate being called out by the man and crosses his arms but still acknowledges him. 

“Hyung.” Hyung? Kai raised an eyebrow. If Taehyun was younger than this guy then that meant Kai was basically a baby in the room. Ironically he was also the tallest. The older man’s eyes wandered to Kai. 

“And you brought along a friend. Introduce me, why don’t you?” The older man walks into the room and sets down his jacket on the chair at the head of the table. He takes a seat and urges both Taehyung and Kai to sit. They do as instructed. The man leans forward as if he was trying to examine Kai better. 

“I’m Huening Kai.” Kai smiles shyly and extends his hand to shake. The man takes it and Kai is left in wonder at how soft his hands are. Would it be inappropriate to ask for the kind of lotion he uses? 

“Huening Kai.” The man repeats with a smile. Kai looks at him and Taehyun was right. Just the smile is making him want to squeeze his cheek or give him a big hug. With how short he was compared to Kai, he’d make a cute teddy bear. “So what brings you both by? You should visit more often, Taehyunnie.” That nickname, is that where Soobin got it? 

“I’ll visit when I have a purpose.” Taehyun seems to coldly respond which makes the man pout. Just one squeeze, that’s all Kai wants. Taehyun elbows Kai who clears his throat refocusing on why they are here. 

“Student council president hyung-” That’s quite the mouthful, maybe he should just stick with hyung. “Hyung, we wanted to promote a business on campus.” 

“You are free to do so as long as you put in a request form, you didn’t need to come all the way here for something like that.” The man chuckles. 

“Right but that’s for something outdoors. And this is a little more complicated.” Kai mumbles the last part but the man just chuckles again. 

“The same applies for anything indoors.” He looks between Kai and Taehyun. “Ah this requires space and time. Understood. Well what is your proposal?” 

This got Soobin shut down last time, Kai sat straight and looked at the man. “We want to promote our cafe by having a table where students can buy the things we sell there.” 

“Oh, well, I love a good ol bake sale. I can approve that.” The man walks over to a desk in the corner and reaches in. He pulls out a blue slip, the approval slip. He walks back over to the table and starts writing some things down. “Alright now will it just be the two of you?” 

Taehyun and Kai make eye contact, uh oh. “T-There’s actually another person.” 

“Alright, I’ll just need their full name.” The man looks at the paper at the ready. 

“It’s Choi Soobin hyung.” Taehyun speaks up. The man drops his pen and blinks rapidly. 

“You walked into my office for this Taehyunnie?” 

“Come on hyung, he apologized a million and one times.” 

“Get out.” The man’s tone changes drastically. No wonder Soobin was so worried about this. It makes a shiver run down Kai’s back. “Go.” Taehyun sighs and stands up. Kai stands up behind him and Taehyun storms out. Kai turns back to look at the man. His expression seems sad. He has to do something. 

He leaves a card on the table. “He really is sorry. He didn’t mean to and he just wants to make up but you don’t give him a chance. It was a mistake and sure you can be angry about it but is that anger really worth losing someone like Soobin hyung? He’s funny and smart and so nice and amazing. If you can’t just give him a chance then…then…you never deserved a friend like him in the first place!” The man looks up at him. Kai can only give him an apologetic look before rushing out to look for Taehyun. He can’t believe he just did that. 

                                                                                                                    -)-

“Hyung, don’t look so upset. It looks scary on you.” Kai held onto Taehyun’s arm with a pout. Taehyun had an expression that could challenge the weather with how frosty it looked. 

“It’s upsetting. I get that it sucked for him but Soobin hyung tried so hard to apologize and every time he shut him down. It just feels like he wants to embarrass hyung too but it’s been years.” Kai understood both sides. The embarrassment of what Soobin did even if it was by accident and how sorry Soobin feels. 

The walk to the cafe continued with trying to come up with a plan to get that space or at least finding somewhere else to promote. Kai just felt like sulking because he couldn’t get the space. He was thinking too high to think he could repair a friendship. The warm air in the cafe hit Kai like a bag of bricks, he felt useless. Soobin came out from the kitchen with a bright smile. He could sense that things didn’t go as planned considering Taehyun looked all grumpy and Kai was sulking. He walked around the counter and pulled them both in for a hug. 

“I appreciate it guys.” Soobin rested his head on top of Kai’s. Kai couldn’t see him but even with that smile, he knew Soobin felt sad about the whole thing.  He was just trying to be brave about this. 

The rest of Kai’s shift went on quietly. Taehyun sat in his usual spot ranting about how upset he was and how ridiculous he felt the whole thing was. It was the most Kai had ever seen him talk. Soobin just quietly cleaned the cafe. It was the least Kai had ever seen him talk. Kai groaned to himself, he had to do something. Maybe if he wished hard enough, the student council president would walk through the door. 

He shut his eyes as hard as possible and brought his hands together. Come on fate, do something good for Soobin hyung. He opened his eyes and looked around but still this moody stale air stayed. He sighed, had he not wished hard enough? 

The chime above the door rang and without looking up, Soobin spoke. “Welcome in, how can I help you?” He sounded so sad while trying to stay positive. Kai could see Taehyun stand up and stand in front of the counter out of the corner of his eye. He brought his own head up to see.. The student council president?! Kai looked down at his hands and brought them together again to thank whatever brought him here. Taehyun crossed his arms with a bitter face. 

“Hyung.” The man spoke which caused Soobin to lift his head. 

“Beomgyu?” It was awkward now. Taehyun guarding Soobin, Beomgyu standing there no longer on his high horse, and Kai unsure of what to do. 

“You had to come down here too? Was embarrassing him at school not enough for you hyung?” Taehyun was snappy. It made Beomgyu pout. Soobin put a hand on Taehyun’s shoulder. 

“Let him talk, Taehyunnie.” Taehyung turned to Soobin but was defeated by the gentle look on Soobin’s face. “Kai, how about you take a break with Taehyun while Beomgyu and I talk?” 

Kai nodded his head and walked around the counter to Taehyun. He took Taehyun’s hand and pulled him lightly away from in front of the counter to sit at his usual table. Soobin seemed to still want them to stick around in case this conversation didn’t go the way he wanted it to. They both sat trying to pretend they weren’t listening but it was obvious. 

Beomgyu approached the counter slowly with a dejected look. Soobin didn’t seem to be too sure of what to say but all he could do was muster a smile. “Did you come to have a pastry or to talk?” 

“To talk.” Beomgyu’s voice came out small. It was unfamiliar to what Kai had seen earlier and heard from their stories. Soobin nodded softly and urged Beomgyu to speak his mind. Kai couldn’t help but notice that Soobin’s eyes wandered toward the display case as Beomgyu was figuring out how to start. He wanted to give Beomgyu a pastry anyway, Kai had learned that that was Soobin’s way of easing tension and relaxing people. 

Kai got up and walked back behind the counter. He looked at Soobin who pointed toward the honey rice cakes. Kai grabbed a few, placing a few of them nicely on a plate. He pushed the plate toward Beomgyu who looked up at him with some shock. Kai smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up as if to encourage him. He patted Soobin on the back before walking back over to Taehyun who seemed ready to jump if needed be. 

“Hyung, I..I wanted to apologize. For what I did after what happened.” Soobin seemed to want to interrupt him but Beomgyu stopped him. “I knew it was an accident and I still went off on you. It wasn’t reasonable for me to do that and I was and am a jerk. Taehyunnie was right, it’s been years and I’m still hellbent on this stupid urge for revenge. I stopped being mad so long ago but I didn’t know what else to do. I thought I’d already lost my friend.” Beomgyu swallows and slides a blue paper toward Soobin. “The spot is yours if you want it. I figured that it would be one good thing I do before my end of being student council president.” 

Soobin takes the slip. “End?” 

“It’s a story.” Beomgyu chuckles. He looks over at Kai. “It seems you’ve got yourself a really good new friend hyung. He snapped some sense into me and he’s right, I don’t know if I ever deserved to be friends with you and I just…don’t know if we can still be friends?” 

The entire cafe was silent aside from the hum of machinery and light jazz music in the background. It was tense but Soobin moved quick around the counter. He pulled Beomgyu in for a hug. Beomgyu bit his lip before burying his head in Soobin’s shoulder and hugging him back. 

“Of course I want my best friend back, you idiot.” Soobin moved his head to look at Kai and mouthed a thank you. 

Kai smiled. He could cry, it was like a scene out of a movie. Kai was glad to be able to fix their friendship. He looked at Taehyun who seemed to be zoning out. He tapped Taehyun’s hand. 

“I just don’t have anywhere to put my anger anymore.” Taehyun crossed his arms and it made Kai chuckle. He watched as the sweet hug ended and Beomgyu quickly apologized for getting Soobin’s shirt all wet with tears. Soobin didn’t seem to mind, he was just concerned with getting his friend back. Beomgyu looked at Taehyun with a pout and teary eyes. Taehyun groaned but stood up and extended his arms for a hug. 

Beomgyu quickly went in for the hug and cuddled up to Taehyun. Taehyun seemed a little more bothered with the fact that his neck was getting all wet but allowed it. Kai walked over to Soobin, letting Beomgyu and Taehyun have their own moment. Kai sighed before feeling Soobin’s head on his shoulder. He froze, he’s close again.

“Thanks Kai. I appreciate someone like you. I guess fate had good things ready for me once we met.” Kai turned around to meet Soobin’s eyes. He’s burning in the face and Soobin joins him once he realizes what he’s said. “I-I mean like! Y-You know!” Kai nods quickly. They both laugh nervously. Kai calms down a bit before just going for it. He hugs Soobin who freezes before clearing his throat and wrapping his arms around Kai. They had the same thought, can he hear my heart beat? 

Not before long, the hug was over but Kai appreciated it. He turned back to see Beomgyu still holding onto Taheyun. It seemed like Beomgyu was really cuddling up to Taehyun. 

“Uh, hyung, what’s that about?” 

Soobin looked over at them both and smiled. “Oh, Beomgyu likes Taehyunnie.” 

“Oh.” Kai says before actually processing. oh, Oh, OH! “WAIT WHAT?!”