Introductions
Trouble
The weather outside of my apartment windows seemed particularly dreary today, light snowflakes falling slowly as they waited for the rush of wind to carry their weight for them. It had just started snowing, and I had just finished showering, so I figured I could go out and get a cup of coffee or tea without much trouble. After a few minutes of messily drying my hair, I got dressed in a pair of black jeans, a white button up, and a black winter coat that would hopefully keep me warm enough on the walk there.
As soon as I opened the door the temperature dropped instantly and I hurriedly shut it so that my house wouldn’t get filled with chilly air. I walked slowly, enjoying the sights of winter at night. All of the buildings were lit up and the neon signs had small piles of frost decorating the top. All children that ran by had smiles on their faces and I was curious as to what they were so happy about. Since today was my day off, as I only worked part time four days a week, I decided to make it last. My part time job was really the only thing that kept me busy, so afterwards I would have all the free time in the world to do absolutely nothing. I work at a dance studio for children, teaching them basic moves, but because the main teacher is going to be on maternity leave in a few months, I’ll soon have to kiss all of this free time goodbye.
I snapped out of my thoughts and realized that I had almost passed the small shop up. Within two steps I was at the door, reaching for the handle. When I was a centimeter away, I saw another hand reach for it and open it for me. I looked up and over the arm to the man holding it and nodded in thanks but was slightly confused.
Do I look like an adjussi or something?
The strong smell of lattes and cappuccinos filled my nose and I couldn’t help but decide on getting one instead of tea. This café was amazing- the best one in town. And I don’t say that because of how good the drinks are, but because of the warm and inviting atmosphere it has. No matter how many people are in there, it always has a peaceful and calm aura, and it just makes me want to stay here as long as possible, even if I would only be sipping a drink slowly. The walls and furniture were also a warm shade of brown, adding to the welcoming environment.
When I was ready I walked up and ordered my drink, getting it a few minutes later. I had planned on sitting down to enjoy it but one look around the lobby told me that there was barely any seating. The only place left was a spot on a sofa for three, but there was already someone on one end of it.
Well, he would just have to deal with the awkward atmosphere. I want to sit.
Without further ado did I walk over in his direction. He had his head down, reading a newspaper of some sort -did they even make newspapers anymore?- and looked up when I got closer. I couldn’t help but notice that it was the same man that had opened the door for me, and, when my eye’s met his, I could have sworn his eyes were the size of bowling balls. When he noticed I was looking at him, he appeared to get startled and look back at his paper. Nevertheless I sat down on the free end with a comfortable distance between us.
He was incredibly silent. I just had to peek at what he was reading. Sneakily, I leaned my head back and looked over.
This man was reading the comics section. My eyebrows twitched- this wasn’t a little kid. He was probably in his twenties, and he was still reading newspaper comics?
I smirked and took a sip.
Well, to each his own.
I don’t know how much time had passed, but when I was about half way done with my coffee, a worker came by me and told me they would be closing in ten minutes. I nodded my head and thanked her for the notice, and saw that every customer that had been there the first time I saw them were now all gone. It was just me and the other guy at the end of the sofa.
Those ten minutes came faster then I wanted them to and I eventually got out of my comfortable position and stood up, placing my empty cup on the table in front of me. I was about to leave when I saw the man was still there holding his paper. When I stepped closer to rouse him, I noticed something.
This man was asleep.
His chocolate brown hair hung over his eyes as his head lay to the side, giant eyes now shut and mouth hanging open slightly. When his eyes weren’t bulging out of his head, he actually looked a lot younger. And it didn’t help that he was reading comics earlier.
As much as I didn’t want to disturb someone I didn’t know, I forced myself to reach forward and shake his shoulder.
Instantly did a hand reach forward and grasp mine.
I pulled back, trying to get him off, but his hold didn’t loosen.
He whispered something I couldn’t hear, so I leaned closer to hear it again.
“…No… Marmaduke… I can’t take you for a walk now…”
Oh. My. God.
He was dreaming about what he was reading earlier. A smile crossed my lips at how cute it was.
Even though he was dreaming and still holding onto me, I had to wake him up or he would be kicked out. I nudged him again, this time with a little force, and shook him awake. He opened his eyes the slightest bit and they traveled up to my legs, then to my torso, then to my face, and finally slowly down my arm to the hand that he probably didn’t realize was wrapped around mine. His eyes opened fully, all traces of sleep gone, and he let go of me as if I were the black plague.
He stood up instantly and bowed three times, all while repeating ‘I’m sorry’ over and over again.
After the fourth ‘sorry’, however, he stopped randomly and brought his hand up to his forehead. I stared confusedly and watched with horror as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and his knees became limp.
I don’t know why I did what I did next- hell, I didn’t even know this man- but I lurched forward and caught his body before he could fall to the ground. Placing him back on the couch I looked around for the workers but of course there were none in sight. I brought my sight back to him and saw that he was conscious, but all of the color had drained out of his face.
“I’m s-so sorry, sir.” The use of ‘sir’ surprised me. “I just stood u-up too fast.” He breathed out unevenly.
I swear if he apologized one more-
“I’m sor-”
“No, no. Stop apologizing. Are you alright? Do you need to go the hospital?” I looked into his eyes and saw that even though they were huge, they were quite…
beautiful.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I feel like such a burden- and I don’t even know you.” He looked off to the side, embarrassed.
Should I change that?
Yes.
I held out my hand. “My name is Kim JongIn. But you can just call me Kai.” The man looked at my hand confused until he placed it in mine for a handshake.
“Kyungsoo. Do Kyungsoo.”
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