Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

 

Minseok sighed as he glanced at the clock which hasn’t seemed to move at all since the last time he checked it. It felt like that was ten minutes ago when in reality it was only two. He was certainly eager to get home and away from the meticulous job of brewing coffee for ungrateful customers.

 

Don’t get him wrong, he absolutely loves being a barista. However sometimes it was just absolutely dreadful to pull himself out of bed early to work his shift because of the rude customers that it was inevitable to encounter. Working in this industry was far from easy.

 

But one of the customers he can’t stand is sitting at a table next to one of the windows, sipping on an Americano while reading a novel. His name is Jongdae - well at least that’s what Minseok assumed it was since that’s what he always was told when he had to ask for a name. Jongdae was rather new in the Black Pearl Café but he has not failed in flirting his way through ordering with the barista.

 

Minseok let out an exasperated sigh just remembering all of the cringe worthy attempts of Jongdae trying to get his attention. Minseok simply wasn’t interested in listening to the other’s attempts to woo him and in his opinion, he has communicated that very well while trying to remain civil. However Jongdae continues to flirt with him. If it wasn’t for him being a customer, Minseok probably would have some words to say to him that were not appropriate for the work environment.

 

At that moment, the bell on the door signalled a new customer had entered the coffee shop and interrupted Minseok’s thoughts. Minseok’s gaze shifted towards the door and he just rolled his eyes when he recognized who it was. The man approached the counter and grinned at him.

 

“So how’s my favorite baozi doing today?”

 

“I told you to stop calling me that.” Minseok grumbled.

 

"But you seriously do look like one! I'm actually impressed no one has came up with this nickname before." The boy said with a playful look on his face.

 

"Maybe because you're the only one that has enough time to time to think about these things." Minseok laughed. "Don't you have work to do?"

 

"Nope!" The boy said with a smile. "I'd rather just waste my time here."

 

Minseok just laughed and went to take the next person's order.

 

The person who Minseok was just talking to is his best friend Lu Han, who frequents the café a lot. He's the owner of a flower shop and since he has many employees that do the work for him, he ends up having lots of free time. He usually comes in the afternoon which is when he usually comes to the café.

 

When he's finished taking the customer’s order he began making the drink. Lu Han watched as he carefully made the cappuccino, admiring the skill his friend possessed. It was easy to tell that Minseok was extremely good at his job, as his coffee was probably one of the best in their town.

 

“So what gossip did you come here to bore me with this time?” the older man teased before calling out the name of the customer that ordered the cappuccino and handing it to them with a polite smile and a ‘have a good day’. He turned his attention back to his friend.

 

Lu Han just simply shrugged. “Surprisingly, I got nothing today. It’s probably because Krystal took a vacation day and she usually tells me the interesting things.”

 

Minseok was going to reply but he noticed someone approaching the counter out of the corner of his eye.

 

“One sec, Lu.” he faced the customer and fought strongly against scowling at the sight of Jongdae.

 

“What else can I get you, sir?” he said, almost cringing when he saw the corner of Jongdae’s lips pull up in a smile.

 

“I would have thought you would know my order by now since I come here everyday and talk to you.
 

Minseok resisted the urge to roll his eyes. What Jongdae did was not talking, it was just blatant innuendos and ridiculous comments. Luhan’s eyebrows raised at this exchange, why did this man seem so interested in his friend?

 

“I deal with a lot of customers, it’s hard to remember everybody’s orders. So what will you be having?”

 

Jongdae didn’t retort this time and just said, “A medium Americano to go please.”

 

Interesting....he wasn’t really flirting with him this time. Maybe he finally took a hint.

 

“And can I get a name?” he asked.

 

Jongdae leaned forward slightly with a smirk. “Your future boyfriend.”

 

And hint not taken.

 

Luhan almost burst out laughing and had to bite his tongue hard so he wouldn’t piss Minseok off. But man was the look on Minseok’s face priceless.

 

Minseok’s cheeks turned a bright shade of pink and he couldn’t help but stutter, “E-Excuse me but please pick a different name…”

 

Jongdae chuckled, “Jongdae then.”

 

“Your total will be $6.70.”

 

When the other man paid for the drink, Minseok cleared his throat before muttering. “Please wait...over there...while I make your drink thank you…”

 

He quickly began making the Americano, cursing Jongdae in his mind for making him so embarrassed with his flirting. Ugh.

 

Luhan had a hand covering his mouth to stifle his laughter but giggles could still be heard from him. This earned a glare from Minseok, not appreciating his friend’s amusement at his pain.

 

“J-Jongdae.” Minseok called out after pouring the Americano in the to-go cup. He averted his eyes from the taller man’s, still embarrassed from the incident and quite annoyed.

 

Jongdae smirked and took the cup from Minseok’s hand, purposefully brushing his fingers against Minseok’s.

 

After Jongdae left the shop it took no longer than a second for Lu Han to burst out laughing and becoming a crying and clapping mess. He kind of looked like a seal when he slapped his hands together.

 

Minseok let out probably the longest sigh to ever be made by someone ever. "It's not that funny, Lu Han." He whined.

 

It took almost a minute for the other man to be able to finally speak. "Okay, okay, I'll calm down." He said while giggling. "But who was that and why were you as red as a freaking tomato every time he looked at you?"

 

"He's just an annoying customer that obviously wants something with me." Minseok stated. "And wouldn't you blush too if someone said anything at least half as cheesy as what he just told me?"

 

Lu Han let out a laugh.

 

"I would, you're right." he nodded. "That was hilarious though. That guy is very funny, I can see why you like him."

 

"I do not-"

 

Suddenly a loud voice coming from the back room was heard by the two, interrupting Minseok’s defense.

 

“Will you get back to work Minseok? We still have a business to run in case you haven’t noticed.”

 

Yifan came out of the room and glared at Minseok and Lu Han.

 

“As usual, your distraction is here. Great.”

 

Lu Han grinned and waved at him. “Happy to see me as usual Wu.”

 

“Yeah yeah. Stop distracting my employee now.”

 

Lu Han glanced around the empty coffee shop. “I’m not really distracting him if there’s nobody here.”

 

Yifan let out a huff. “Don’t you have your own business to attend to?”

 

“Nope, Victoria and Amber are taking care of the shop right now. Unlike you, I can go and have a life because I trust my employees. Plus I don’t have a husband that’ll get involved in my business.” he smirked, resting his chin on his palm, looking at him with a smug look.

 

Yifan choked on his own saliva. “What husband are you talking about?”

 

“Junmyeon.”

 

Minseok couldn’t help but chortle. Yifan and Lu Han always have the most interesting conversations. Lu Han always teased the younger for anything, while Yifan fueled the fire by letting himself get agitated, spurring Lu Han’s taunts.

 

“Junmyeon and I aren’t married.”

 

This time both Minseok and Lu Han laughed.

 

“You own a business together and you’ve lived together for like four years.” Minseok said, finally butting into the conversation.

 

“Sharing finances and a home isn’t marriage.” Yifan rubbed the back of his neck, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. He always got a little flustered when people mentioned his relationship with Junmyeon in non-platonic ways.

 

“Last time I checked, marriage involves a big part of that.” Luhan pointed out. “Also you guys aren’t having - at least we don’t know that - so you’re already covering the less marriage stereotype!”

 

Lu Han seemed a little bit too excited with his comparison of a marriage to the friendship of Yifan and Junmyeon.

 

Yifan just let out a sigh. “I’m not even going to try and argue with you on this. Junmyeon and I are friends in a business relationship. That’s all. Literally. I’m going out now so Minseok I’m leaving the shop to you and Kyungsoo, don’t mess up and focus on your work.”

 

Luhan grinned at him. “Going on a date with your beloved Junmyeonnie?”

 

“Have I told you I hate you?”

 

The elder just shrugged and Yifan left the shop.

 

After a while of bored waiting for the current shift to end, the bell on the door jingled, signalling a new customer had entered.

 

Both men at the counter looked over at the door, Minseok smiling at seeing a couple of other regulars.

 

“Jongin! Taeminnie! It’s been awhile since you’ve been in here.”

 

Jongin and Taemin approached the counter, a big grin on the latter’s face. They were good friends of Lu Han and Minseok. They had helped the single dad when his son was born, as he was adjusting to the life of a single parent ever since his wife died.

 

“Min hyung! Lu hyung!” he said excitedly. “I lost another tooth and the Tooth Fairy came in and gave me five dollars!” his grinned widened and he was trying to show where he lost his tooth. This caused Lu Han’s nose to wrinkle in disgust. Man he hated seeing other people's’ teeth.

 

“Wow! Nice, kiddo.” Minseok leaned over the counter and ruffled Taemin’s hair, ignoring the whine of protest from mussing the boy’s hair.

 

He looked over to Jongin. “Hey Jongin, what would you like today?”

 

“A small hot chocolate for Taemin and a small espresso for me.”

 

Taemin tugged on Jongin’s sleeve and cleared his throat and Minseok had to stifle a chuckle at the adorable kid.

 

“And a slice of strawberry short cake.” A smile spread on Taemin’s face when his father finished the order.

 

Minseok was about to register the order when he remembered that there wasn't any more strawberry short cake on the counter.

 

"Um, we actually ran out of it." He said trying not to disappoint the little kid, but the latter had already turned his mouth into a small pout.

 

"But, I could still check if we have some left in back. Is that okay?" He said to Taemin with a smile and luckily obtained the same response from him.

 

"This doesn't bother you, right? I wouldn't want to make your job any harder." Jongin said apologetically.

 

"Harder?" Minseok let out a laugh. "It's not like I am the one making the cake, Jongin." He said with a smile. "It's okay, just wait a second and I'll be right back."

 

Minseok went to the kitchen in the back and opened the door.

 

"Hey, Kyungsoo! Can you check if there's any more strawberry short cake left?"

 

The man looked up from where he was rolling some dough.

 

“We don’t have any left, sorry.”

 

“Hm, what a shame.” Minseok said.

 

Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow at how he was still in the kitchen, watching him as if he was expecting him to do something. “Why are you saying that?”

 

Kyungsoo didn’t miss the corner of Minseok’s lips pulling up in a small smirk.

 

“Guess who ordered it.”

 

“Minseok how the hell am I supposed to know who ordered it?” Kyungsoo let out an exasperated sigh at this. Honestly, he really didn’t feel like guessing who ordered it, it wasn’t like he knew any of the customers or anything.

 

“Kim Jongin.” was all Minseok said, waiting for the baker’s reaction.

 

Kyungsoo went quiet, lips pressed tightly together as he just stared at Minseok.

 

“I think I made some cupcakes.” he said quietly after a minute and scampered off to another counter in the kitchen to grab the cupcakes he had baked earlier. A cheshire cat grin broke out on Minseok’s face.

 

Minseok left Kyungsoo to his devices and went back to the counter.

 

“There was no strawberry short cake left, sorry guys.” Minseok decided to keep quiet on Kyungsoo giving them cupcakes; he thinks it would be a nice surprise for them.

 

Taemin let out a huff of annoyance and Jongin sent his son a look.

 

“It’s fine, you didn’t have to go back and check though, so thank you.” Jongin said, smiling at his friend.

 

"No need to thank me." Minseok said with a smile as well.

 

Minseok gave the total and Jongin paid, going to sit at a table near the window with his son to wait for their order to be finished. The younger seemed to be talking animatedly about something.

 

Minseok started making the espresso and hot chocolate for Jongin and Taemin while Lu Han looked at him.

 

"What a bummer, right? Little kid won't be getting his cake." Luhan said resting his head on his hand.

 

"Actually." Minseok said with a smile. "I have something else prepared for them." Lu Han raised an eyebrow after hearing this. "Okay, so I suppose you already know Kyungsoo, right?"

 

"Yes, he's the scary guy who works at the kitchen."

 

Minseok sighed. "He's not scary, Lu Han. You just have to get to know him." Lu Han just gave a stare to Minseok. "Anyways." he leaned in closer. "Please don't tell this to anybody or Kyungsoo will kill me."

 

Lu Han laughed. "Just tell me what is it."

 

"Kyungsoo has a crush on Jongin." Minseok whispered.

 

Lu Han covered his mouth after letting out probably the loudest gasp in history.

 

"Always loved how subtle you are, Lu Han." Minseok said with a disappointed look on his face.

 

Lu Han let out a laugh. "I'm so sorry but, Kyungsoo? Having a crush? On Jongin? Or anyone?"

 

Minseok shrugged. "All I know is that he's liked him for a while now."

 

Lu Han nodded with his mouth open. "Oh!" He remembered.  "What was the surprise that you had for them?"

 

"Kyungsoo just made some cupcakes." Minseok said smiling to his friend.

 

"And?" Lu Han replied.

 

"And? For real?" He stared at his friend in astonishment. "They're amazing! I can't believe you've never tried them considering how much time you spend here."

 

"Hey, don't insult me." Lu Han pushed his friend jokingly. They both laughed for a while.

 

Suddenly they heard a series of knocks coming from the back door. Minseok went over to see what was it.

 

"Kyungsoo? What is it?" Minseok asked.

 

"I was wondering if..." He went quiet for a few seconds. "If maybe I could give the order to Jongin?" Minseok saw that he already had the cupcakes on a plate on the kitchen counter.

 

"Of course you can!" Minseok said with excitement. "I was actually just finished making the rest of the order, so you can already go give it them."

 

"Thank you, Minseok." he said as he went back in the kitchen to take the cupcakes.

 

Minseok put the two drinks on a tray for Kyungsoo to be able to carry everything together and waited for the younger to come out with the cupcakes. Once he did, he placed the plate of cupcakes on the tray and picked it up. He sent a nervous smile to Minseok, to which the elder gave him a thumbs up in support, and he made his way to Jongin and Taemin’s table.

 

Minseok and Lu Han were watching Kyungsoo, silently cheering him on as they saw him give the order to Jongin and Taemin. They could tell Kyungsoo was nervous, but he seemed to be doing a good job at talking to his crush.

 

Lu Han let out a sigh. "Young love, right?" he raised an eyebrow to Minseok to see his reaction, which was a straight poker face.

 

"Says you." said Minseok before laughing at his friend's irony. Lu Han just rolled his eyes.

 

After they laughed a while at the simplicity of their conversation they heard the door's bell jingle, and waited until the person came closer so they could see who it was.

 

"Namjoon! I was just starting to wonder when my shift was going to end." Minseok said with happiness.

 

"Yeah, I got stuck on the traffic. But I'm here so that's good." Namjoon looked over at Lu Han. "So I see you're here, as always." Lu Han just nodded in agreement. "Well, I'm gonna take things from here Minseok, you can go home now."

 

"Thank you." Minseok went to the back to take off his apron and get his bag, and smiled when seeing how Kyungsoo was glowing while talking to Jongin. He was a little worried of how he would handle the situation, but he seemed to be doing very well on his own.

 

"So you ready to leave?" Lu Han asked his friend while pointing the door at him with his eyes.

 

Minseok laughed. "Yes, let's go."

Before closing the door they both wished the remaining people in the store and Namjoon a good day and left.