Genre: Fluff, Friendship, Romance, 

Summary: Eunbi stole Chaeyeon's Iced Americano. It's just coffee, not a big deal until she realized, Eunbi had stolen something else.

Word Count: 10469

Hashtag: #KwonChaeng_Stolen

 

Stolen

 

"Iced Americano for Chaeyeon!"

 

Chaeyeon went to the counter to get her drink but she was surprised that another customer reached for it. A bit confused, she stared at the woman who took her drink. She was just ignored as the woman was on her phone. Chaeyeon smirked as she watched the woman casually left the cafe'. As she was about to ask for her order, a new order was called.

 

"Mint Choco Frappe for Chaewon!"

 

No one came to claim the order. Chaeyeon inquired about her order but the staff said, it was already out. She was about to argue when she saw the cup in front of her. 

 

"Chaewon"

 

Chaeyeon chuckled.

 

"I think my order got switched"

 

The staff apologized and told her they'll prepare a new one. Chaeyeon declined as she just took the mint choco frappe. She insisted that it's okay as the staff kept saying sorry for their mistake. In Chaeyeon's head, this is what's on repeat: "It's her fault".

 

Chaeyeon left the cafe' with the frappe she didn't order. She went to meet her best friend, Sakura who works as a DJ at a radio station. She stayed outside the booth as she waited for her best friend to clock out.  As soon as the last song was played, Chaeyeon signalled to Sakura to come out.

 

"Hey! You came early. What's up?"

 

"Let's go, Yena is waiting"

 

"The party starts at 7, right?"

 

Sakura reached for Chaeyeon's drink then took a sip, something she usually does. But as soon as she tasted the drink, she spit it out.

 

"Yah! Since when did you start drinking this toothpaste?"

 

"Just today"

 

"For real?"

 

"Someone took my iced Americano"

 

Chaeyeon showed the name written on the cup.

 

"How can that happen?"

 

"It actually happened right in front of me?"

 

"Huh?"

 

"I was about to grab my order, suddenly, this woman who came out of nowhere, took it then walked away."

 

"Why didn't you say something?"

 

"I was surprised. Plus, I have no idea that our orders got switched."

 

"It's your fault then"

 

"Yah!"

 

"You should've spoken up"

 

"She was on the phone the whole time"

 

"Why did you accept this?"

 

"The staff felt bad but I knew it wasn't their fault so…"

 

"Chaewon. Chaeyeon. That woman probably misheard it"

 

"She should've paid more attention so that she won't cause any mishap."

 

"Well, it happens. But if you weren't so nice, you could've actually prevented it. Try not to be nice sometimes, Chaeyeon"

 

Chaeyeon just smirked.

 

"So, it really tastes like toothpaste, huh?"

 

"Yeah. You can never change my mind."

 

"I wasn't planning to"

 

"Wait! You haven't drank…"

 

Chaeyeon shook her head. Sakura gave her a slap on the shoulder.

 

"Why did you let me sip?"

 

"You always do it, so I just let you"

 

"I wish you can be nice to me as much as you are nice to other people"

 

Sakura got laugh as a response. 

 

The two went to Yena's party. On the way, they received a text from the celebrant.

 

"No gift, no entry."

 

The two laughed as soon as they read the message.

 

"I can't believe Yena is throwing this kind of party", Sakura said.

 

"She's a grown up woman but she's forever a kid to us", Chaeyeon replied.

 

"What did you get her?"

 

"A hoverboard"

 

"You're spoiling our friend"

 

"She said she wants one. How about you?"

 

Sakura pointed at the skateboard on the backseat.

 

"Look who's talking about spoiling"

 

"She sent me a message with the picture of that specific skateboard."

 

The best friends shared a good laugh.

 

When they arrived at the venue, Chaeyeon and Sakura were surprised how it was beautifully decorated. From the outside, they can hear a band playing too. They quickly went inside to greet Yena. 

 

"Happy birthday!"

 

"Thank you! You got me a gift, right?"

 

"It's in the car, don't worry."

 

"Yes!"

 

"This is quite a party, huh?"

 

"Well, you know, it's a special day"

 

"I knew it! I've been thinking why you suddenly threw a party like this"

 

"It just doesn't suit a kid like you"

 

"Yah! I'm not a kid anymore."

 

"Okay, okay. So, where's the food?"

 

"There. Help yourselves, I'll catch up with you two later"

 

They proceeded at the buffet table but Sakura went to the washroom first. Chaeyeon decided to have a drink. She was about to grab a cup when someone sneaked in to get one too.

 

"Sorry. I'm in a rush, our set is up next"

 

A familiar face showed up. She can't believe what's in front of her. Trying to be as nice possible, Chaeyeon speaks up.

 

"Is this your habit? Stealing someone else's drink, sneaking in out of the blue…"

 

"Are you talking to me?"

 

"Yes, you"

 

"I'm sorry. I don't understand what you're saying."

 

Chaeyeon just sighed.

 

"Go ahead, get your drink. You said you're in a hurry"

 

Still in disbelief, Chaeyeon finished her beer in one go. The woman who stole her coffee is here and appeared in front of her again. A call from Sakura, interrupted her moment of thinking.

 

"Where are you?"

 

"Beer"

 

Chaeyeon handed a cup of beer to Sakura. 

 

"Guess who I saw just now"

 

"Your ex?"

 

"Yah! I don't have one"

 

"Kidding. Who?"

 

"Mint choco…"

 

"Huh?"

 

Chaeyeon nodded.

 

"I can't believe it"

 

"Congratulations!"

 

"What for?"

 

"For leaving the 'singles club'"

 

"What are you saying?"

 

"It's destiny, Chaeyeon. Don't you get it? You met her twice. Not only that, twice on the same day. Woah! Talk about meant to be"

 

Chaeyeon walked out.

 

"Yah! Where are you going?"

 

"I'll find someone who will talk with more sense"

 

"I'm not joking. I've seen it all. In dramas, movies…"

 

"Whatever"

 

They continued to walk until they reached the place where the band is playing.

 

"So, is she pretty? Did you get her name? She's here, maybe Yena knows her. Let's ask later"

 

"The one playing the guitar"

 

"What?"

 

"The stealer"

 

"Oh…"

 

Chaeyeon just stayed silent.

 

"She's pretty, talented too. Chaeyeon…I think we'll have a problem…you just got competition"

 

"What are you spewing this time?"

 

"I think my heart just skipped a beat"

 

Chaeyeon laughed.

 

"You like her?"

 

"I don't know but…"

 

"Okay, Miss Destiny. There goes your love at first sight"

 

As they watched the band playing, Chaeyeon saw Yena heading towards them. She was with someone.

 

"Enjoying the music?"

 

"Sakura is having a blast"

 

"Chaeyeon wants to ask you something"

 

"What is it?"

 

"It's nothing. Who is…she?"

 

"Ah! She's one of the reasons why this party is special"

 

Chaeyeon and Sakura looked at each other as if saying "I told you".

 

"She's Chaewon, my girlfriend."

 

Chaeyeon gave a confused look while Sakura held her laughter. 

 

"This is Chaeyeon and Sakura, my best friends"

 

"Nice to meet you, Chaewon"

 

"Nice to meet you too"

 

"Sorry about our reaction. It's just I had an incident this afternoon at a cafe'. Our names are kind of similar so…"

 

"What happened?"

 

"Her iced Americano was stolen and she had to take a mint choco frappe which she don't drink"

 

Chaewon was surprised. But she wasn't able to hide her smile.

 

"What a small world"

 

"Huh?"

 

"I'm actually that Chaewon"

 

"Really?"

 

"Really."

 

The four of them laughed.

 

"So, you know that woman?"

 

"Yeah. She's actually my best friend."

 

Chaewon pointed at the guitar player.

 

"I'm sorry for what happened. She didn't know she took the wrong drink until she handed it to me. She took an important call that time so…"

 

"Ah…I see"

 

"I'll introduce you to her"

 

"No, it's okay."

 

Sakura butted in.

 

"Can you introduce me too?"

 

"Sure."

 

Yena joined the conversation.

 

"Chaewon knows the band pretty well. They're friends. You can meet them after their set."

 

"Yeah, sure. They are actually an indie band."

 

"Maybe you can have them in your radio show, Sakura."

 

"Why not?"

 

"That would be great. I'm sure they'll like it"

 

Chaeyeon doesn't show interest but Sakura dragged her. They got free meet and greet with the band. Chaewon introduced them one by one. 

 

"On drums is Yuri, on bass is Wonyoung, on keyboards is Minju, the vocalist is Yujin and on guitar is Eunbi"

 

Chaeyeon was silent the whole time. After saying her name, she just listened to the conversation. After the quick meet up, Chaeyeon and Sakura said thanks then excused themselves. Yena ran after them.

 

"Chaeyeon! Chaewon wants to talk to you"

 

"Tell her it's okay. It's not a big deal"

 

"Yah! My girlfriend is reaching out…"

 

"You really pulled that card, huh?"

 

"She said she just wanted to apologize properly"

 

"Okay, fine"

 

Sakura was about to tag along but Yena pulled her.

 

"Yah!"

 

"Just let them be"

 

"But…"

 

"Let's go for now"

 

Chaeyeon approached Chaewon then smiled.

 

"Actually, my best friend wanted to talk to you…"

 

"Ah…okay"

 

Finding a more quiet spot, Chaeyeon waited for Chaewon to come back with her best friend. An awkward silence occured as soon as the three of them gathered.

 

"Chaeyeon, this is my best friend, Eunbi."

 

"Hi. I'm Chae-Yeon"

 

"Hi. I'm Eunbi"

 

"So, I'll leave you two? Don't pull each other's hair, okay?"

 

The two smiled.

 

"I'm sorry about your coffee and what happened earlier", Eunbi uttered.

 

"It's okay. Let's not make it a big deal. I'm sorry about earlier too", Chaeyeon replied.

 

"Let me buy a coffee for you"

 

"I told you, it's fine"

 

"I insist"

 

Chaeyeon sighed.

 

"Okay."

 

"Saturday? Same time. same cafe'."

 

"I'll be there"

 

"See you then"

 

After agreeing to meet again, the two went back to their friends. Chaewon quickly asked Eunbi how it turned out. She even checked if her best friend was hurt. 

 

"Yah! We didn't hit each other, okay?"

 

"Just making sure"

 

"She accepted my apology and I told her I'll buy her coffee"

 

Chaewon chuckled.

 

"What's funny?"

 

"It's not that. I just find the situation amusing, how small our world is."

 

Chaeyeon approached Sakura and Yena.

 

"How did it go?"

 

"It was okay. We said our apologies. She wanted to treat me coffee"

 

"Oh…"

 

"Why that reaction?"

 

"She wanted to see you again"

 

"She's just going to return the iced Americano she took"

 

"Can I come with you?" Sakura asked.

 

"You really like her, huh?" Chaeyeon replied.

 

"I'm just interested in her"

 

"How about you go instead of me then"

 

"Won't that be rude?"

 

"You'll invite them in your radio show, right? That's your chance then"

 

***

 

Chaeyeon met up with Eunbi. The moment she entered the cafe' she saw someone waving at her. 

 

"I'm still on time, right?"

 

"Yeah. That was around this time"

 

They both chuckled.

 

"Iced Americano, right?"

 

"Hmmm"

 

"Okay. Wait here, I'll place the order"

 

Chaeyeon browsed her phone while waiting.

 

"Here"

 

Eunbi handed the coffee to Chaeyeon. The latter smiled as her name was written on the cup.

 

"I made sure you got the correct order"

 

"Thanks"

 

"You know, I'm not usually like that. I mean, I always pay attention to what's happening around me. But that day, I got a call I've been waiting for for the longest time. Enough to make me lose my focus"

 

"It happens, I guess"

 

"It's from my girlfriend. As far as I know she's still my girlfriend, until she became unreachable. It would have been better if she just said that it's over than leave me hanging like that. That day, when I took your order, she finally called."

 

Chaeyeon sipped her coffee as she listened to Eunbi. This is not what she expected. She thought, after getting the drink and some small talk, she gets to leave. 

 

"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say"

 

"Ah! Sorry. You don't have to say anything, I guess I'm just explaining myself"

 

"Well, I assume after that call you got answers…"

 

"I did."

 

"Isn't that a good thing?"

 

"It is. I don't have to wait anymore. It's over"

 

"I'm sorry to hear that"

 

It went silent for a moment. Eunbi handed two tickets to their next gig to Chaeyeon. 

 

"Is this for free?"

 

Eunbi chuckled.

 

"Yes. You can bring Sakura with you"

 

"Thanks for this. She'll like it"

 

"I already returned your coffee. That's for what I did on your friend's party."

 

"This is not necessary. I told you, it's not a big deal."

 

"I know. I just want to do it. I guess I don't want people getting the wrong impression of me"

 

"I see"

 

"See you on the gig?"

 

"Ah…yeah…I'll talk with Sakura about it"

 

"I need to get going, we have a band practice"

 

"Okay. Thanks again for this and this"

 

Chaeyeon lifted the coffee cup and the two tickets Eunbi gave. After Eunbi left, Chaeyeon immediately called Sakura. 

 

"Hello!"

 

"Where are you?"

 

"I just left the radio station"

 

"Let's meet at the cafe'"

 

"Is Eunbi still there?"

 

"She just left for band practice"

 

"Aw…"

 

"I got better news so come here quickly"

 

"What is it?"

 

Chaeyeon hangs up. While waiting for Sakura, she checked her schedule and the date of the gig. After a while, she saw her best friend running towards her.

 

"What's up? Tell me"

 

"Yah! Sit down first"

 

"This got to be something good or else I'll really smack you"

 

Chaeyeon chuckled. She handed the gig tickets to Sakura.

 

"Eunbi gave me that and she specifically said to tag you along"

 

"Really? That's nice of her"

 

"Go with Yena"

 

"You don't want to go?"

 

"I have a schedule that day"

 

"It's at night, Chaeyeon. I'm sure you're done by that time and Yena will probably go with Chaewon."

 

"Wow! You sure know my schedule"

 

"Of course I do. Let's go. I'm sure we'll have a good time. Their music is good, let's support them"

 

"Fine. We'll go."

 

"Yes!"

 

"How about their radio guesting?"

 

Sakura laughed.

 

"Why?"

 

"Nothing. You just can't help it, huh? Showing concern, helping other people, being nice, you just have it in you"

 

"It just comes out naturally I guess"

 

"I'm glad you're my best friend"

 

Chaeyeon has always been nice, it's like her monicker. She channels that nice personality and innate kindness in the youth center she's managing. The center helps out of school youth, providing them shelter and food. Aside from physical needs, they are also home schooled, given workshops to hone their talents and skills. For her, she wanted to give them hope for a better future.

 

***

 

Sakura and Chaeyeon went to the gig. Yena and Chaewon came too. When they met up, Chaewon's question got them laughing.

 

"Are they together?"

 

"No. They are just like that. They're best friends"

 

"Should we just cross the line? They always mistake us as a couple"

 

"It's not the first time that someone asked about them so they're used to it"

 

"I'm sorry, I was just curious"

 

"No harm done"

 

They entered the venue and picked their table. They enjoyed the music while having beer. Sakura hit Chaeyeon with her elbow getting the latter's attention.

 

"Why?"

 

"Eunbi is yours, I think I just fell for Minju"

 

Chaeyeon threw nuts on Sakura's face.

 

"Yah!"

 

"Are you planning on hitting on every one of them?"

 

"No! That time we were focused on Eunbi because of you so I haven't noticed that they actually have an angel in the band"

 

"Just shut up and listen to them"

 

"Look at how she plays that keyboard"

 

Chaeyeon just ignored Sakura. 

 

When their set is done, the band thanked everyone for coming. Chaewon waved her hand to them. Sakura immediately went to them, the rest followed along. Chaeyeon paused as she receives a call. She signalled to them that she'll take it outside. After greeting the band, Chaewon, Sakura and Yena gave their compliments. The band thanked them for supporting their gig. While Sakura can't take her eyes off of Minju, Eunbi asked her where Chaeyeon is.

 

"Ah! She's with us. She just stepped out to take a call"

 

"I see."

 

"Let's drink together", Yena suggested.

 

"Sure"

 

"You should complete your sentence. Let's drink together, it's on me", Sakura said.

 

Laughter followed after. Yena answered back.

 

"You heard her, right? It's on her"

 

"Yah!"

 

"Okay. It's on Chaeyeon, let's tell her when she comes back"

 

"Let's prank her"

 

Yena and Sakura managed to convince them to pull the prank. They settled down and conversations over drinks began. Eunbi excused herself to go to the restroom. Sakura told her to get Chaeyeon on her way back. Eunbi was torn if it's serious or it's a joke but she agreed. Coming from the restroom, she was about to go out but she bumped into Chaeyeon. 

 

"Where are you going?"

 

"To you"

 

"Huh?"

 

"They asked me to pick you up since I went to the restroom"

 

"Ah…I bet Sakura asked you to"

 

"Yeah. We're actually drinking together…"

 

"Really? With the whole band?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Let's join them"

 

"Thank you for coming"

 

"I enjoyed it. Thanks for the tickets."

 

As they were walking, Eunbi suddenly stopped then turned away. Chaeyeon was clueless on what's happening so she just followed Eunbi.

 

"Why? Is there something wrong?"

 

"Ah…ahm…"

 

"What? You're making me nervous"

 

"Remember what I told you about the phone call?"

 

"Hmmm"

 

"She's here. I just saw her and I think she saw me too"

 

"So what? You said you're through"

 

Eunbi's expression suddenly changed. Chaeyeon noticed it.

 

"What do you want to do?"

 

"I don't know"

 

"Why did you turn away? Are you embarassed? You can't face her? After what she did, she's the one who should be feeling that"

 

"She found someone new…"

 

Chaeyeon quickly glanced around and asked Eunbi where is her ex. 

 

"Why?"

 

"I just want to check"

 

"2 o'clock, long black hair, jeans, purple top"

 

"She's looking…in our…direction…"

 

Chaeyeon paused as recognized the person Eunbi described. She suddenly chuckled making Eunbi confused.

 

"I know her"

 

"What?"

 

"She's Hyewon, right? We're schoolmates in high school. Even then, she's known to be a heartbreaker. I can't believe she hasn't changed."

 

"You really know her?"

 

"Yes. So, what can I help you with?"

 

"Let's just avoid her."

 

"Why do you want to avoid her?"

 

"She's coming towards us", Eunbi said in a worried tone.

 

"Why do you sound afraid? You still like her? She replaced you already"

 

"I don't want to face her…let's just go"

 

Chaeyeon took a deep breath before she spoke. 

 

"How about we show her that you have moved on too?"

 

"What do you mean? She's approaching with her girlfriend"

 

"Let me steal something from you this time"

 

"Huh?"

 

Chaeyeon stepped closer then kissed Eunbi's lips. When their lips parted, Chaeyeon held Eunbi's hand.

 

"Let's go"

 

As soon as they turned, they faced Eunbi's ex who's with her new girl. They didn't give her a chance to speak, Chaeyeon quickly dragged Eunbi away from her. As they near their table, Chaeyeon finally let go of Eunbi's hand. An awkward silence followed after. Chaewon save them from awkwardness as she called Eunbi. The two approached the table and acted as natural as possible.

 

"You really brought her", Sakura said.

 

"I bumped into her on my way back"

 

"Did you tell her?"

 

Eunbi almost forgot about the prank.

 

"No, I didn't"

 

Chaeyeon began to get curious.

 

"Yah! What are you talking about?"

 

They just laughed.

 

"Yena said you're going to pay for this", Sakura said.

 

"Seriously?"

 

"Yup!"

 

"Okay. Drink all you want"

 

The band members and Chaewon were shocked on what Chaeyeon said while Sakura and Yena just smiled.

 

"That's our Chaeyeon", Yena said.

 

"She's always like that", Sakura added.

 

"What are you two blabbering about all of a sudden?", Chaeyeon said.

 

"Don't worry, we won't take advantage of your kindness tonight. We got this. We're just playing with you"

 

They continued drinking while having silly conversations. While all of that is happening, Eunbi and Chaeyeon kept glancing at each other. They were seated with them but their mind is somewhere else. When they finally decided to call it a night, they said their goodbyes and agreed to drink together again. Chaeyeon grabbed Sakura who can barely walk by herself. 

 

"Chaeyeon…are you…okay?"

 

"I should be the one asking you that"

 

"I had…so much…fun"

 

"Yeah. I can see that. Let's go, I'll take you home"

 

"Why…did you…stay quiet? You didn't…even drink…that much…"

 

"So I can drive you home"

 

Chaeyeon dragged Sakura in the car. Her best friend just won't stop talking. She can't help but smile seeing that Sakura really had a good time. 

 

"Chaeyeon…you can…have Eunbi…"

 

"Yah! Let's just go home"

 

"I'm saying…Eunbi is…yours…I got…Minju's…number"

 

"That was quick"

 

"I…want to…get to…know her…You should…do the same…with Eunbi…"

 

***

 

It's been a week since Chaeyeon kissed Eunbi. She found herself constantly reminded of what she did. She tried to not think about it but it just pops up all of a sudden. "Why did I do that?" She kept telling herself. After keeping it to herself, she finally decided to open it up to Sakura and Yena. She texted the two.

 

"Emergency"

 

"Will be there right away"

 

"I'll buy beer on the way"

 

"Okay"

 

Sakura arrived first. She immediately asked Chaeyeon what happened. The latter said to wait for Yena as she don't want to repeat what she's going to say. Sakura kept nagging but Chaeyeon didn't budge. When Yena arrived, the three gathered in the living room. After taking a deep breath, Chaeyeon spoke.

 

"I did something"

 

"Just say it"

 

"You said it's an emergency"

 

"I kissed Eunbi"

 

Yena and Sakura gave different reactions. Yena was shocked while Sakura was so happy. Chaeyeon just looked at them. Yena expressed her disbelief.

 

"Did you really pursue her? Are you dating? How come I don't know?"

 

"Yah! Can you ask one at a time? We're not really on a rush in here"

 

Sakura butted in.

 

"I'm just happy for you"

 

"It's not what you think it is."

 

Yena began to get confused. She told Sakura to shut up and let Chaeyeon speak first. As the two kept their mouth shut, Chaeyeon told them everything. She told them why she kissed Eunbi, insisted that she was just trying to help. Since Sakura knew Hyewon also, she was not able to control herself and gave a reaction. In the end, Chaeyeon told them that she wanted to talk to Eunbi as the latter might get the wrong idea. After explaining the situation, Chaeyeon asked them for advice. Yena grabbed a can of beer then chugged it before speaking.