Slowly your eyes cracked open. Your room was a muggy grey with the little slivers of early morning light creeping in through the edges of your blinds. Groaning as you fumbled around for your phone you squinted at it. It had become a habit to wake up just before your alarm lately and it couldn’t be more annoying. You loved sleep. Unfortunately there would be no sleeping in today. It was Friday which meant no class and the opening shift at work.

Rolling off to the side of the bed nearest the door and throwing your legs over you wiggled your feet into black fluffy slippers. Stifling a yawn you got up and d for the door knob to make your way to the kitchen. On autopilot you started the coffee maker as well as the rice cooker before glaring at the red number on the stove top. It was only 8 in the morning but you’d been up until 4 am writing more of your essay and skyping Luhan to practice more Mandarin. When he’d fallen asleep on you was when you decided to admit defeat and go to bed as well. Today was going to be hell and a half you were sure of it.

Since you had to wait for your coffee and light breakfast you shuffled towards the bathroom to shower. You didn’t have to be at work until 9:30 and opening was at 10 so you should be able to stay in the shower a little longer than usual today. Turning the nozzle all the way to the right you let it warm up while you shucked off your pj’s. Walking back out of the room you went to the hall closet and pulled out a fluffy black towel before going back. You left the door open just a crack, flipped on the fan, and tossed the towel on the counter before hopping in.

“!” You’d forgotten to test the water in your sleepy state and scalded your tummy as a result. Clutching your stomach with one hand you turned the nozzle with the other until it was a more tolerable temperature. “If I get soap in my eyes I’m giving up and calling in.” You muttered, predicting a long line of small ups from here on out. You shampooed your hair quickly and immediately put in your conditioner. Leaving it in you found your favorite body wash, it was organic and lemon scented, and squeezed some onto the luffa. Humming quietly you scrubbed everything and very lightly your tender belly before rinsing yourself and the luffa.

Normally you’d wash out your conditioner and be finished but you’d skipped washing your face for a couple of days. Looking over the small corner rack you had suctioned onto the tiled wall you pulled out an exfoliating wash and set to work on your face. Putting your hands under the spray you made sure they were clean before putting your face up into the spray. Scrubbing at your face again you made sure all the face wash was gone and the little beads that were mixed into it before running your hands through your hair. Once you were finished you shut it off, shook off as much excess water as you could before pushing the curtain aside and stepping out.

Toweling off your body and then wrapping it around your head you went to your room to change. Your work uniform was simple and uni. Black slacks, a nice quality black crew neck button up t-shirt with the upscale diner’s logo across the chest and some no slip black work shoes. Pulling on everything and snagging a pair of socks on the way out you poured yourself some coffee. Checking the timer on the rice cooker you walked to your laptop and started it up while you sipped your wake up call.

You had another reply from Jongdae which consisted of barely hidden enthusiasm and a request to set up what was called a Play Date. He wanted to do it as soon as possible and you honestly shouldn’t be giving him any time away from your studies but you relented. You were free tomorrow a little after noon since you only opened and were working a double today anyway. You scheduled the play date for tomorrow around 1pm before the rice cooker was beeping at you. Hitting send and shutting the laptop you prepared yourself a quick breakfast.

The coffee came with you into the bathroom as you styled your hair and made sure you didn’t need to touch up your brows too much. You downed the rest of it before brushing your teeth. Snagging your hat from the kitchen table you slipped your work shoes on and were out the door. You probably shouldn’t of stayed in the shower for so long but what’s done is done so you set a fast pace.

Only being two minutes late wasn’t so bad and you knew your boss wouldn’t mind too much. He was very kind as were the other employees. Zhang Yixing was a tall, lithe, and very gentle man. He’d inherited the diner from his family when they’d said they were going back home to China a few years ago. How he managed to split his time between running a business and dancing at the local studio you had no idea but you envied his time management.

“Mornin ___” A soft voice drawled from the backroom when you walked in. You looked over and smiled sweetly at the sleepy boy slumped in the chair. He offered a similar smile and you melted.

“Good morning Jongin.” You opened your locker and put your belongings away before locking it up again. “I see we both are dragging today.”

“Mm, Kyungsoo and I watched a movie and I actually stayed up the entire time.” Jongin offered, hands going through his chocolate hair before getting up from the chair. “It was a really intense drama. Good movie.” That was all you got before he went out onto the floor to begin setting up. Jongin had always been short and sweet with how he spoke. Sometimes you’d catch him in a goofy mood where he was very childlike but usually it was the former.

He was an old childhood friend who had gotten you the job. When you still lived with your grandparents he’d been back in town to visit his parents. Catching up was easy and it was like the two of you had never been apart. You could see how angry he’d been at what your parents had done and he had made a promise right then and there to help you any way he could. You’d laughed it off and patted his shoulder. True to his word he’d come back a few days later saying you had an interview the day he was heading back into the city and he’d take you.

You’d thought he was a miracle worker until meeting your potential boss, Yixing. He was a bleeding heart if ever there was one and Jongin hadn’t pulled any punches with describing you to him. It wasn’t even an interview. He hired you the moment you introduced yourself and shook his hand. He said you could start training as soon as possible. Commuting was awkward since you’d still been at your grandparents but Jongin insisted on paying your bus fare. Even if you thought you’d gotten away without taking his money you’d find it somewhere on your person sooner or later.

Walking out onto the floor you grabbed menus and stacked them at the hostess stand. It was a good 15 minutes before opening and there wasn’t much to do until then. Looking around you found Jongin checking the salt and pepper shakers to make sure none of them needed refills.

“Hey, can I ask you something?” You plopped down in the booth across from him placing your head on your hand. He nodded without looking up from his task making you smile. “What made you decide to adopt Kyungsoo?” Without breaking from his job he shrugged.

“I didn’t really choose. He pretty much adopted me” Jongin looked up to give his own small smile before returning his focus to refilling a salt shaker. “He was a neighborhood stray who I fed and played with sometimes. When you were at your parents house. I got old enough to head out on my own and my dancing scholarship helped me. It only seemed natural that he came with me. At least that’s what Soo said.”

“I’m sure if I asked him how this all happened he would tell me you begged him to go with you.” You cut in with a grin making your coworker guffaw.

“Yeah, he probably would.” He finished with all the shakers and moved them to their respective tables and you followed. “Why’re you asking all of a sudden?”

“Ah well I’m most likely adopting my own kitty next week after my finals are finished.” You admitted. Compared to Luhan and Minseok you could tell Jongin anything. You’d known each other for so long it was only natural. He turned and set his hands on his hips.

“Are you now? That’s great ___” The smile reached his eyes and it helped ease some of the doubts constantly swirling in your head. Before you both could continue Yixing walked out from the kitchen to go unlock the front doors.

“Good morning everyone! We have fresh sweet buns as the special today and I expect them to sell faster than we can make them so stay on your toes.” His light voice chimed out as he walked back into the kitchen to presumably repeat the message to the kitchen staff. It was hard to have a bad day at work when you worked with two of the happiest people ever.

 

The morning was full of slammed orders and just as Yixing predicted, selling out of sweet buns only two hours into the day. Thankfully none of the customers complained too badly about the delay and you were able to work your section without too much trouble. A bit after the breakfast crowd trickled out a reservation came up in your section and it looked like an expensive one. You glanced at Jongin who was busing your empty tables before walking over.

“Hello, sir. Could I get you anything to drink?” You held up your notepad expectantly and gave him a plastic smile. Four hours of sleep was affecting your sincerity if anything. He was tall even sitting down. Tailored cobalt suit and trendy styled black hair. He looked up and you almost wanted to crumple under his gaze. One of his brows had some razor work done leaving two parallel lines near the end. This guy was terrifying and definitely in the right business, whatever his business was.

“Some green tea would be fantastic and please tell me you haven’t sold out of sweet buns yet?” Though his voice was deep his smile was kind and you were pretty sure he was pouting at you. The smile you had wasn’t so forced anymore.

“I’ll double check on the sweet buns but I’ll have your green tea out right away!” Nodding to him you walked away, stopping at another table to check in on the family there, before pushing through the double doors into the kitchen. The heat hit you first making you a little woozy before you shook out of it and went to get the tea. “We outta sweet buns yet!?” You called while pouring hot water into a single serve tea pot.

“We’ve got a few sheets left! How many ya need?” Yixing’s accented call came back from near the ovens. Whenever he was engrossed in something his accent came out and you found it adorable. You placed the tea inside the metal pot, put a lemon slice on the side, and a packet of honey on the plate as well.

“Just two, it’s slowing down a little out there!” You grabbed a tea cup before heading back out the double doors. Smile back on you winked at a toddler standing on a booth in another section before making your way to your reserved table. “Here’s your tea and you’re in luck. We’ve got plenty of sweet buns left right now” Setting it all down in the middle of the table you pulled back and grinned at him.

“Ah wonderful. I’ll take three for now thank you.” The relief on his face was laughable but also understandable. The sweet buns were incredible. You jotted his request down and before looking up again.

“Will that be all, sir?”

“Tell Yixing that Yifan is here if you could?” He gave you a gorgeous smile that completely shifted your entire outlook on him. All you could do was nod before walking back to the kitchen.

“Here’s your two sweet buns, ___” Yixing scooted the plate towards you when you walked back toward the ovens.

“Sorry make that three sweet buns. My bad Yixing. Also these are for a guy named Yifan who wanted me to let you know he’s here.” You relayed the information to him as he scooped another bun onto the plate.

“Oh! He told me he was visiting again. Quickly go bring these too him and make sure you pay a lot of attention to him. He’s a very good friend of mine.” Yixing was smiling again and it took you a moment to really catch what he was saying as his excitement made his accent thicken.

“Gotcha!” You snagged the plate and sped out of the kitchen. Bee lining for Yifan’s table once more you made a show of smiling brightly and presenting him the sweet buns. It must have gone over well because the seemingly imposing business man gave a cheer and thanked you around a mouthful. How you weren’t sure but he was a cute gentle giant. “Yixing is busy in the kitchen right now but I’m sure he’ll be out to see you soon. I’m ___ so please let me know if you need anything”

He gave a closed lipped smile as he ate and you walked away to tend to your other tables. Not too long after serving Yifan you saw Yixing come out of the kitchen and you pointed him towards his friend. Keeping to yourself you and the other workers watched your boss catch up with his friend from out of town. He was always animated when speaking but he was even more so now. You caught snippets of Mandarin as you passed by but a lot of it was lost on you because it was a mix of traditional and current slang.

“Look how happy he is.” Jongin motioned a shoulder towards Yixing as he shuffled the tub in his hands full of dishes.

“Isn’t it adorable?” Wiping down the counter you looked over at the pair again. “I bet you he’s missing his family and home more than he lets on.”

“Well yeah, it’s been about three years since he’s seen any of them in person.” He replied, placing some more dishes in his tub. That was true. You’d only been here a little over a year so you’d never met them but Jongin had worked here since he was 16. You watched Jongin go into the kitchen before heading to a newly seated table in your section. With a glance at your watch you realized it was your lunch break in a few minutes. You let the hostess, a girl who was still training, know you’d be switching with someone in the back for your break before going to let Yixing know.

“Excuse me, sir” You bowed your head to Yifan and to your boss. “Yixing I just wanted to let you know I’ll be going on my lunch break.” Then turning back to the other. “Another one of our servers will be taking care of you.”

“___ come sit with us!” Yixing’s outburst startled you but you smiled politely automatically. “Please, you’ve never met my family so my best friend is close enough. Sit.” He motioned to one of the chairs which Yifan reached around to pull out for you. Sitting down you couldn’t help but wonder if this was entirely appropriate. “Yifan this is one of my hardest workers ___. ___ my best friend Wu Yifan” He grinned happily as he gestured between you both.

“Very nice to meet you, Mr. Wu” You stuck to formal. He still had you on the fence with how to interact with him. He oozed business and seriousness but spoke enthusiastically like your boss. Yifan gave a throaty laugh completed with his large hands slapping the table.

“Please, just Yifan is fine. It’s a pleasure to meet you ___” His easy going smile soothed your nerves. Suddenly Jongin appeared next to you and placed your typical meal down in front of you.

“Cooks were wondering if you’d begun to hate their food” He joked. With a nod to the other two men he went back to work. It was just the soup of the day and a sweet bun on the side. Not entirely too concerned with conversation you dug in and nodded when was appropriate. It was interesting to listen now that they’d switched languages to include you.

“I’ve only got a few more days here before I fly back. You’re going to come to the dinner right?” Yifan suddenly fixed the other with what you thought was a pout if that was possible.

“Yes, yes I already told you I was going with you. I had to go through some of the clothes my father left behind to find a suit.” Yixing responded before sipping his tea.

“Why didn’t you tell me you needed a suit? Look, let me find out when I’ve got some time and we’re going to get you a proper one. No, you can’t refuse. It’s a gift.” Immediately the larger pulled out his phone and began planning everything out. A new suit sounded more than just plain old expensive when coming from him. A mumbled complaint in Mandarin came from the other side of the table. “Ah, it’s later than I thought. Yixing I’ll call you later to fill you in on the dinner. Don’t overwork yourself.” He rose to his full height and clapped a hand over the younger man’s shoulder.

“I don’t overwork myself. It’s you who works too much, FanFan.” Yixing’s teasing lilt cooed back. You got up with them and began to stack up the dishes.

“For your excellent service, ___.” A large hand placed several large bills on the table in front of your hands.

“O-Oh no I couldn’t possibly, this is too much sir!” You tried pushing his hand back, sputtering and wide eyed. All you got was his loud laughter in return.

“I insist. Have a good day!” Pushing it back into your hands he nodded and was out the door leaving his paid bill with the hostess. Staring down at your hands you couldn’t help the shaking as you counted and counted again. His actual meal had been quite cheap and yet he’d given you several days’ worth of work in one tip. A warm hand slid onto your shoulder and your boss’s dimpled smile appeared on your other side.

“Yifan is always like this. No need to worry about it too much. You deserve it, ___” He squeezed once lightly before walking off into the kitchen. Shaking your head you stuffed it into your pocket and continued to clear the table. There was no way you could accept that much money so you thought to split it with Jongin since he’d been busing your section.

The rest of your shift went without a hitch and you prepared to leave for the day. Since it was Friday the bar and dance floor was open upstairs; music already humming through the floor. Pulling your coat and bag from the locker you emptied your pockets to find the large tip Yifan had given you. Knowing Jongin was upstairs having an after work drink you popped open his locker. You slipped half the money into his coat before stuffing the rest of it back into your own. You figured he’d eventually figure it out and settled for the excuse of pay back for bus fare.

On your way out of the back room you stopped in the kitchen to let Yixing know you were headed home. He was always the last one in the diner kitchen before heading upstairs to make sure the night would run smoothly. You walked through the double doors to find him wiping everything down one last time.

“Alright sir, I’m on my way out. I’ll see you in the morning.” You called from the doorway with a smile. His head shot upwards with a dazed and confused expression before he returned the smile.

“Ah! Yes, good night ___! Come here though, we haven’t chatted in a while and I’d like to know how you’re doing. You’re not in a hurry I hope?” He walked towards you, towel in hand as he leaned against the stainless steel counter. Checking your phone you hadn’t received a text from Kyungsoo yet saying that he was here to walk you home. Shaking your head you moved into the kitchen and stood near your boss.

“I have some time. What did you want to talk about?”

“How are you?” He laughed, arms extended in question. “Classes are coming to an end soon so I’m sure I’ll see more of you”

“Yes, my finals are this week. I’ve been studying nonstop.” You lamented. “After that I’ll make sure to turn in my new availability form though.” I need the hours, you added to yourself, Zitao on your mind again.

“Thank you, and make sure you let me know if work interferes with school. I don’t want to make studying any more stressful than it needs to be.” He patted your shoulder in support. “How about you though?” He met your eyes as he asked. Heaving a sigh, you gave him a small smile.

“I’m… stressed. Studying is my main priority as always but my friends are after me about my lack of a companion” You rolled your eyes but smiled. You knew it was just because they cared about you.

“They want you to date? I can see why that would be stressful”

“Oh! No, they want me to adopt a kitty” Yixing’s brows shot up towards his hairline and he smirked. “Sir!” Glaring at him you felt your cheeks grow red from what his expression insinuated.

“Ah, my employee is growing up so fast” He teased, arm slinging across your shoulders.

“You’re making yourself sound like an old man” Was your grumbled retort. He gave you a dimpled smile, patted your cheek, before squeezing you close for a moment. Pulling away from you he held you at arms length, hands on your shoulders, looking proud.

“This old man is here to help you if you ever need it, okay? You’re an important part of this diner. We want you to be happy.” This was the true nature of your boss. Almost all of his employee’s were like strays. He took them in and made sure they were well taken care of. Before you could get anymore sappy your phone buzzed signaling Kyungsoo’s arrival.

“I know, I know. Get some rest too boss.” Patting one of his hands you headed to the side door. “Goodnight!” You called before popping outside. Dusky grey ears perked up and you were met with wide deep blue eyes behind wire framed glasses. “Hey Soo,” his tail flicked in greeting before he shoved a scarf into your hands.

“It’ll chilly tonight and I figured you weren’t prepared.” His voice was low but kind. Nodding, you wrapped the soft black scarf around your neck and walked with him out of the alleyway. “How was work today?” He asked, glancing at you before looking back towards the sidewalk.

“Busy at first, nothing out of the ordinary.” You shrugged. “Ah, I did get to meet on old friend of Yixing’s today. He left a stellar tip too.” Turning to the small kitty you smirked. “Jongin will find his share later. See that he keeps it this time, yeah?”

“He hates when you do that” Kyungsoo gave a heart shaped smile, face crinkling adorably.

“I know”

When you had first moved to the city you insisted on walking to save money and stay active. Thinking you had been using public transport Jongin was furious when he found out especially since you had been working nights often. Once again he insisted on paying for your fare which turned into an argument between the two of you. Irritated at how stubborn you both were Kyungsoo ended it by offering to walk you home after night shifts. It’d been the arrangement ever since. With the café opening up now though you weren’t sure how this would work out.

“I’m a baker so I have early morning shifts. It won’t interfere at all.” He answered when you asked him. “You’ll come see me if you can right? I want to run some pastries by you and get your opinion.” His hands were stuffed into his hoodie pocket but you could still tell he was wringing them. Though fierce looking he was still quietly insecure from time to time.

“Of course. I’ll be there on the grand opening with Lu since Minseok works there too.” You assured him. His ears perked up and a his mouth quirked up at the corners. Arriving at the door to your building you gave him a quick hug and ruffled his hair. “Can’t wait to try the pastries! Night Kyungsoo,” He waved back at you before heading towards his own apartment.

Upon getting home you immediately dropped your things on the couch and booted up the laptop. An email from one of your professors was among the new ones and you opened it up in case it was important. Instead it just ended up being a jab at slackers and a reminder to get projects done in a timely matter. Thinking of your classmate you shot Chanyeol a text asking about his progress on studying your notes. You could fit some studying in tonight but not as much as you’d of liked to.

The Play Date was nagging at your thoughts again. You should get decent sleep since you’d be seeing Zitao right after work. With a sigh you pushed away from the desk and into the kitchen. Throwing together some left overs you scarfed it down, cooling it while you chewed. At the thought of dishes your body reminded you just how tired you actually were. They could be done tomorrow, cutting yourself some slack here and there isn’t too bad.

Going through your nightly routine as quick as you could it wasn’t long before you were curled up in bed. You snuggled down into your comforter and then turned a little. This continued for a good ten minutes.

“Oh come on, sleep early just this once please.” You pleaded to your dark ceiling. Instead your brain supplied images of golden ears and honey colored skin. You weren’t going to be getting as much sleep as you thought you were, that was for sure.