HOW IT ALL STARTED part3

________________________________________________________________________

"I'm hungry," SungYeol groaned regretfully as he dropped the left side of his head on the counter, his eyes were weirdly – because this never happened – looking longingly at the short cake that was being carefully decorated in front of him by no other than his boss. The unusual expression was certainly caught.

"This isn't a house of charity, if you're gonna get something, pay it beforehand."

"...cheap."

After the little show he displayed at the cafeteria, SungYeol found no desire to stay another moment in the building. Not caring that his shift started until four, he went directly to his part time job. He was really stressed and he just wanted to erase the feelings he was having at the moment. No need to feel irresponsible for not attending to his last classes that were surprisingly shared with WooHyun. There was no way he was going to see the other man's face again. Not that day.

"Take whatever you want. It's on the house."

SungYeol wore a grin as soon as he heard those words. Unlike SungGyu, Jang DongWoo was a pretty easy going man. But, just like the owner, the co-owner was a character himself.

"Hyung," SungYeol cooed before kneeling to pick whatever jumped to his eyes from the displayed food.

"How come you arrived this early? So unlike you."

A sigh could be heard from the bottom of the counter before SungYeol popped up with a pretty big italian wrap on a plate. DongWoo, who had made the question, raised his eyebrows as he waited for an answer.

"I just felt like it."

"You even skipped lunch."

"I actually started it..." SungYeol diverted his gaze as his mouth was busy munching the cold wrap – who cares about heating food when one's about to pass out from starvation? – as he was in the middle of swallowing the other half of the wrap, a thought came to his mind. "Hyung?"

"Hmm?"

"Am I really too intense?" The waiter looked up at the co-owner with a grimace. "Like, while being a fan or... a friend?"

DongWoo stared at him for some moments, he didn't even blink. This just made things more awkward for SungYeol. "Well, that's never enough."

What?

"What?"

The dorky smile pasted on the older man's face confused more the sophomore.

"Doesn't everyone like super size? It just leaves one completely full, content. And everyone loves to ask the biggest size. No one likes small size."

Eh?

"Hyung?"

There was always something about DongWoo's words that they never made sense in SungYeol's mind. It had been almost two years since they had known each other and still, the poor waiter had a hard time understanding the other's speech.

"What DongWoo wants to say is that it's good to be passionate."

The enigma was answered when SungGyu reached the counter, seemed he had heard the co-owner words. DongWoo tilted his head as the sharp eyed man gave him a hopeless look. Good for him that had a translator around.

"That too."

SungYeol nodded. "I guess."

"It's true. Just like me, being passionate about my money. So now, pay me that wrap and go change. I don't want you stuck here doing nothing."

♪  ♫ ♪  ♫

That admirable yet annoying persistence—no, BleuBuster's latest digital single wasn't annoying but Hoya's continuous calling was provoking a not so pleasing sensation in Sungyeol's insides. He had thought about turning his phone off but he had no heart to hush his idols' voices. When the thirteen attempt to reach for the tall sophomore arrived, SungYeol cried loudly as he finally picked up, his mistreated iPad flew to the end of the bed where his opened textbooks were laying. All in an attempt to start doing his homework.

"Yes?"

"Don't 'yes' me as if you weren't avoiding my calls a moment ago," came Hoya's controlled voice. "Don't you know I'm sacrificing my lessons for you?"

"Aren't you done yet?"

"I'm in the middle of the last one but I wanted to call before WooHyun arrived from Campanella."

SungYeol sighed finally understanding why Hoya  had been so insistent. His childhood friend surely caught something was off between the roommates, all thanks to their lunch the other day.

"It's thursday, Hoya. You know he always goes out until late," as he said that, SungYeol's eyes diverted unconsciously to the empty bed.

"Ah, and here I am, skipping Neuro."

"Yah," SungYeol frowned. "If it bothers you, hang up."

"Don't be a ," SungYeol could easily visualize the older's smirk at his own words. "So, ain't you gonna tell me what happened yesterday?"

"What do you mean?" SungYeol feigned ignorance.

"I don't have time for you to play around, idiot," Hoya groaned. "We were just messing with you a bit and you left, Yeol-ah. Why suddenly take our teasing to heart?"

How could SungYeol explain his actions to his childhood friend? He hadn't told Hoya yet about what WooHyun had told him. Man, he didn't even have it planned! Somehow, the topic made SungYeol feel embarrassed.

"I didn't take it to heart. It's just," with his foot, he pulled the iPad to his hand's reach and absentmindedly unlocked it. "I've been thinking..."

"Think quicker, my class is about to end."

" HoWon," SungYeol made a frustrated noise. "You won't die from skipping one lesson. You're sickly smart."

A snort sounded on the other end. "Right. You were saying?"

"Well, we've known each other ever since we used diapers, right?"

"Yeah, we were forced to be friends."

"That's the thing," SungYeol whined as he rolled to the side. "We've shared a lot of time together, to the point that it wasn't weird for our parents to see the other suddenly enter the house like we actually lived there."

"I did knock, you just opened my house's door," Hoya corrected him but got ignored.

"In all this time, mainly back then, the thought that I was way too present in your life ever came to you?"

"Well yeah, I've always thought that."

SungYeol paused.

"Does it bother you?" His words came hesitant.

"I'm used to—oh," the way Hoya cut his own speech mid sentence proved he had been enlightened and SungYeol found himself closing his eyes tight. This stupidly smart guy. "That's what's going on."

"I was just asking—"

"Did WooHyun tell  you something like that?"

"I was just—"

"That might be it. But, unlike him, I always thought it was the natural thing, given by the fact that you were there from the very beginning. Yet it's true both of you share a lot, and I really mean a lot, of time and space together."

"Hoya!"

""Yeol-ah, don't take his words to heart," the voice easily said there was a warm smile pasted on the medicine student's face. "Remember he's an overdramatic lady."

SungYeol snorted. "Are you sure I've never—"

"Thousands of times," Hoya interrupted him. He knew so well the younger male. "But that's part of being your friend. I can handle the hole intense deal, you know?"

"Smartass."

"So, I take that's the reason why I haven't seen you around with him lately."

"Not really. He’s the one that’s been avoiding me, or finally doing whatever he wanted to do now that I don't drag him around."

"Hmm," the medicine student hummed understanding. "WooHyun goes out, what about you?"

"Read fanfics," he answered nonchalantly.

"For god's sake, SungYeol!" He didn’t even flinch as he  had seen that coming. "You aren't antisocial! Go and hang out with your friends. You know a of people!"

"But you're studying."

Again the nonchalant voice that made Hoya release a desperate noise.

"Apart from Hyun-ah, I'm not your only friend."

SungYeol grimaced, annoyed with his childhood friend's persistence. "I’m not in the mood to hang out with them."

Yet Hoya was right, he did know lots of people – SungYeol was easily likable – he just didn’t feel like meeting them. He never felt that happy or connected like he did when going out with his two closest friends. Plus, his mood wasn't the right one at the moment.

"What about the freshman?"

"Who?"

The question took the younger by surprise.

"That Kim MyungSoo," Hoya said as the noise from the background got louder. It seemed his last class was over. "I seriously have no idea why you keep stalking him. You’ve been doing that for a week now. Why not try and befriend him? You said he likes Bleu Busters too. I'm sure you'll get along pretty quick. And I bet he will actually enjoy talking about those dudes."

"Come on, you love it when I talk to you about SunKyu," SungYeol grinned finally leaving his bed. Talking to Hoya had surely cheered him up.

"I seriously have no idea what you're talking about."

"Bleu Buster’s maknae. The one  that looks like a girl and you—"

"Why would you show me his picture crossdressing?"

SungYeol laughed at his friend's rushed words. "Cuz he looked cute!"

"It was weird!"

"You said you would def tap that."

"Cuz I thought he was a girl!"

"Don’t worry, HoWon-ah, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me."

"Yah!"

♪  ♫ ♪  ♫

After the scene SungYeol made when he found out MyungSoo was a Bluebelle, SungGyu had him forbidden to leave the bar counter until further notice. It wasn't that bad if you didn't count the fact that he had to prepare all the coffees asked, following the multiple and specific details – no whipped cream and light milk, decaffeinate but with whipped cream, a bit of chips, not too much whipped cream and light non-lactose milk. That without getting into the flavours details.

Fortunately for SungYeol, the café had never experienced the sensation of being completely full. Campanella Café had managed to survive for a year now thanks to its loyal customers and a few adventurous people that decided to enter the old English-styled house establishment located in the middle of a traditional Korean zone.

Pretty good way to call the attention, huh?

SungGyu gives all credits to DongWoo.

Just as he was carelessly spreading the cinnamon on two chai lattes, the sound of the front door opening rang in his ears. The instant reaction he had was to greet, no matter what – SungGyu had been the one in charge to make his employees that way – but just as he was about to start his welcoming phrase, his eyes caught sight of the arrived customer. What was supposed to sound warm and smooth, ended up sounding a tad hesitant and crooked.

Why was it so hard to breathe? Was it because of the blank stare the customer was giving him? Or because of the short nod of greeting given in return? No, it all had to do with the fact that his idolized author had just met his eyes. Lkimnit was at Campanella Café. Again.

The tall sophomore couldn't help it but follow the younger with his gaze as he went to seat on the same spot he had sat a week ago. Was this really happening?

"Are the chai lattes ready?"

A deep voice broke SungYeol's stalking habit before he noticed his co-worker standing on the other side of the counter. The obvious judging look the older waiter was giving him made SungYeol notice his dramatic pose. Mouth half open and the cinnamon container pressed tightly to his chest. Instantly he dropped it and fixed his expression.

Before the drinks were taken to the customers, SungYeol held the taller waiter's arm. With a head gesture he indicated to where the fanfic writer was seating.

"There, Hyung," he said almost in a whispered voice. "Kim MyungSoo."

"What—?" It took a moment for the other to understand SungYeol. "Ah, new customer."

The word customer jumped to him.

No, it wasn't just a customer, it was Kim MyungSoo. The unfamous writer, Lkimnit.

"No, Kim MyungSoo."

There was a short pause as the older waiter gave him another judging look.

"Now we go calling our customers by their names?" Before SungYeol could keep on saying it wasn't a customer, the waiter snatched both chai lattes. "Tell SoRyong, I'm busy with my tables."

As the waiter walked away from the counter, SungYeol kept having an internal debate with the word, customer.

"Why not try and befriend him?"

As he had surely said it before, Kim MyungSoo was a fanfic writer, his idolized Lkimnit, who was also a Bluebelle, a freshman and a customer. And then there was he, Lee SungYeol who was a fanfic reader, the reposter Bleuyeolee, who was also a Bluebelle, a sophomore and a waiter.

There wasn't such a big difference or something that should make him act that awkward stalkerish way towards the younger student.

"But he's Lkimnit!"

SungYeol's groan got covered with his sudden gasp as he saw SoRyong approaching the writer.

He never took his eyes off of them. He saw the whole interaction. Giving the menu, a short glance to it, some exchanged words and finally, SoRyong walking SungYeol's way to give him the order MyungSoo had demanded.

White mocha with double shot of coco and a single shot of vanilla, the shorter waiter couldn't help it but recite along SoRyong the order.

"He asked for that last week," SungYeol explained getting a shrug.

"Is he willing to die of diabetes?"

"He just likes sweets."

It was interesting how that phrase made SungYeol's heart get warm. Knowing something about his favourite writer that other people didn't.

Then it hit him.

He was going to prepare the infamous Lkimnit's drink. He. Lee SungYeol. What if he messed it up?

"Aish..."

Fighting against his sudden insecurity and being too conscious of his every move, he prepared the warm drink that soon got delivered. From his place, SungYeol stole the writer some glances as he gave the drink a try. Last time he made it, he didn't found out if it pleased the younger's like. To be honest, he had never given a damn to what the customers thought of his drinks as long as he got tips. But this wasn't just a nameless customer like DaeRyong had told him. This was Lkimnit.

His internal battle kept going on but his mind went on pause as he caught the young writer standing up. The cup of mocha was held on his hands. Surely he wasn't done drinking it, right? That quick? Maybe he didn't like it? Red lights began to flash as his inner self started to run in circles. Their eyes had met. Those unreadable eyes.

Damn.

"Hum," why was it that such an expressive author could have such a monotone voice?

"I-is there something wrong?" SungYeol asked slowly as MyungSoo placed the almost full cup on the counter. Were they actually standing that close? About what? A metre of distance? Too much stalking to have the stalked person look out for him. His life surely had fun teasing him.

A crooked obviously awkward smile appeared on the waiter's lips as the silence got longer. Somehow the way MyungSoo was looking at him made SungYeol think if he remembered what he had done last friday. His hands had started to get sweaty.

Oh my goodness, this is Lkimnit standing right in front of me.

"I think it misses something."

When the phrase came, SungYeol couldn't help it but gently frown. The sudden answer had surely taken him by surprise and it just didn’t make sense. What was missing what?

"Oh!" SungYeol raised his eyebrows when MyungSoo pointed at the cup. "I could do it again if you—"

"No, it's just," the customer kept talking with his expressionless face. "It tastes a bit different than the one from last week."

SungYeol blinked. That was it?

"I'm pretty sure I did the same thing last time..." he spoke to himself as his eyes roamed through the utensils and products from the café. "Should I do it again? It's okay, really."

"You did it last week?"

The way his eyes opened slightly made him look younger. The waiter couldn't help it but grin.

"Yeah," he kept the grin as he took another cup to prepare another mocha. His hands almost going in automatic. "You can go take your seat. I'll get someone to bring it to you."

Although he said that, he found the writer taking a seat on one of the counter's chairs – the one right in the middle. His gaze was completely concentrated on the waiter's hands. The stare made SungYeol feel nervous. Lkimnit was looking at his hands.

"There you go."

It took him a bit longer, SungYeol had been more conscious about his actions but he was pleased with the result. He knew he had made no mistakes. Now it was Lkimnit's turn to say if it was right. Slowly, he leaned forward to see the younger's reaction as he drank the beverage.

After some moments, the red cup was placed next to the first yellow one. The look on MyungSoo’s face never changed. Such an enigma.

"Try them."

Well, that wasn't what SungYeol was expecting.

"I don't really like sweets..."

As if he had said something really unpleasing, a soft frown appeared on MyungSoo’s face making SungYeol feel instantly uncomfortable. Had he annoyed the writer? He should have kept that a secret. What a stupid move, SungYeol.

"Those two taste the same but they're not like the one from last week," the younger male said as he rose the red cup, insisting for SungYeol to try it, but the older slightly pushed it back.  Even if MyungSoo was the one offering, he couldn’t accept it. He seriously didn't like sweets.

"I don't know. I did the same as always," came his quick defensive answer.

"But it's different," finally the monotone voice changed, carrying a soft wave of annoyance. The cup kept being pushed to SungYeol's side.

"I could prepare another drink if—"

MyungSoo shook his head. "No, I want the moka from last week."

"I'm not sure why it's different," well, the young writer was surely strong headed. "I'm sorry."

His words obviously took MyungSoo by surprise since he stopped pushing the cup to the waiter’s side. His sharp eyes lowered and the frown on his face got controlled. The face went back to the inexpressive one SungYeol always saw while following him around the campus.

"I guess I can just drink this one."

Just as he said that SungYeol found out that the lack of expression on the younger’s features meant he had given up in the mocha. In other words, he had failed as a fan, taking away his idolized writer's chance to try the beverage he had been so insistent in drinking. What a lame fan he was.

"No, don't. You didn't like it."

SungYeol wanted to try again so he pulled the drink to his body. He couldn't let Lkimnit drink that half assed mocha.

"I never said that."

How did it happen? SungYeol wasn't so sure but now both were pulling instead of pushing.  No way in hell, he was going to let his beloved writer drink that.

"I insist, let me give you another."

"No."

SungYeol whined. Why couldn’t the writer understand?

"Come on, Lkimnit—!"

It all happened in a blink of an eye. The way MyungSoo let go of the cup and hit the yellow one that was in the way. How SungYeol tried to stop it from following gravity while holding the other drink. How their hands ended up making a tangled mess. How both drinks fell getting the counter and the writer’s clothes dirty in the process.

"Yah! Lee SungYeol! Stop destroying my business!"

Ranting Zone

Dang, I did take a long to post this, huh? Sorry bout that. I had fun planning this thing but I never found the time to write it. I finished it about half an hour ago. It's fresh! I know it's going a tad slow but from here on we will go real quick. Now that the secret is out in the open, how will both react? Will MyungSoo act as if he isn't?

I fianlly understood how to write this Hoya, and let me tell you, I'm loveing every bit of him and his manly personality. I have a bit of trouble thinking like a boy when it comes to their friendship, I don't want something girly. I want the real deal, how boys get along and a MANLY LOVE. haha! lets see how that goes. Don't laugh.. :(

I take this time to thank everyone! the past followers and the new ones! 84 is a nice number! also thanks for your lovely comments! If you think it's worth it, please give an upvote ^^

Until next time!