„Dude, how did the meeting go?“

„Damn well, Bae, I don’t want to brag but I think my new collection will become pretty popular this time.“

„All of your collections become popular.“

Youngbae used his typical teasing voice that Jiyong usually got to hear when the older wanted to annoy the out of him. Right now, though, he didn’t mind, no one could ruin his mood right now because he was in freaking heaven.

„Yeah, but I have a really good feeling with this one. Like, really really good.“

„If that isn’t a reason to go out tonight and get some drinks, what do you think?“

„You would’ve found some reason for going out anyway, no matter what. Let me guess, you took a nap? Your sudden flow of energy has to come from somewhere.“

„Got me there, but to my defense I had nothing to do and I was tired.“

„Never mind, I will go with you, celebrating a bit can’t hurt but I might leave a bit earlier than usual. Or I might just arrive later, I think I need a nap too or else I’ll fall asleep on the spot.“

„Sounds good to me. I’m going to meet up with Bom and Mino later, they are here as well so we thought it’d be nice to hang out after not having seen each other for over three years now. When you are ready, just write us and we’ll tell you where we are.“

„Really?! They are here? That’s ing awesome, is Chae here too?“

„No, she’s in Japan I think.“

„Too bad, I miss her. Ah, whatever, I will go get something to eat and then I’ll take a quick nap.“

„Good, don’t take too long though, it’s already 7pm, any longer and you won’t experience much of this night.“

„WHAT THE- IT’S SEVEN ALREADY?! Bye Bae, gotta hurry!“

Jiyong could hear the remains of something that sounded like ’have a good rest’ or something but he didn’t wait for his best friend’s reply and instead hung up on him so he could order something to eat. Originally he wanted to walk off to some store in order to buy something edible because he really felt the need to walk but now he didn’t have the time and just wanted to get a bit of sleep after all. Where were those days when sleep was something he didn’t need?

Looking at the menu of his hotel he couldn’t help but shake his head at the prices of the food he was offered. Even if he had enough money, it still didn’t sit right with him to pay a price worth half a smartphone for a tiny piece of meat. 

But he didn’t have much of a choice so he continued scanning through the different dishes when suddenly there was something on the list that the designer hadn’t seen in a while.

He didn’t think about it for long but instead took the phone and called the room service.

„Hello, I’d like to order something to eat. Could you please deliver the Belgian Strawberry Waffles to my room? Thank you.“

★

„Jiyongie, look!“

„What’s there?“

„It’s a waffle café!“

„Wait, you can read the sign already?!“

Jiyong gaped at at his younger friend as said on pointed at a small, cozy looking building. It was snowing and Seungri’s mother had allowed her six year old son, under supervision of Jiyong, to stay outside until it got dark.

„No, but my mum once told me when we walked past it. She told me that she especially loved… what was it… Bel-Belgum…Belgium Waffles-“

„Belgian Waffles?“

„Yeah! Belgian Waffles! She especially loved them when she was younger.“

„Do you want to try them?“ Jiyong asked with a smile and watched how Seungri shook his head.

„I would love to but we don’t have the money. One day maybe.“

„I will treat you. Happy belated birthday!“

„But you already got me something for my birthday.“

„Then merry early Christmas!“

„You told me that you already got me something for Christmas.“

„Err, then… happy… friendship day! It’s a present from me to you as a symbol of our ever lasting friendship.“

The older could see how Seungri began contemplating his words, thinking about whether to accept the offer or not. Jiyong was pretty sure that the younger knew that he just wanted to make him happy.

„Mmh, okay. But in return you have to wish for something that I can give you, okay?“

„Okay, but let me think about it until after we ate.“

„Alrighty!“ Seungri beamed and jumped on the spot like he always did when he was overly excited.

They went inside the little café and were greeted by a nice looking elderly woman who guided them, with a big smile on her face, to a table by the window. While the two boys started to take off their thick coats the old lady brought them the list with what the café had to offer.

„Do you boys need my help choosing or can you read already?“ She asked in a friendly manner as she handed them the menus.

„I can read, we are good, thank you.“ Jiyong said politely while Seungri looked at the pictures of different desserts.

„I thought so, you look smart. I will be back in a few minutes, take your time.“

„Thank you.“

After the old woman had slowly shuffled away, Seungri raised his head and stared at Jiyong expectancy.

„What should I get?“ He asked and it looked like he had a hard time not to drool. Jiyong could just barely hold back his laughter.

„If you want waffles, they offer the Belgian kind. You can have it served with chocolate, caramel or vanilla sauce, whipping cream, banana slices, strawberries, or ice cream. You can also combine, it’s your present so you can choose whatever you like.“

„Really?!“ Seungri gaped and tightened his grip on the menu.

„Really.“

„Then… Oh god, what should I choose? Uhm… I think want the waffle with chocolate sauce and strawberries.“

„Are you sure?“

„Yes!“

„Okay.“ 

Jiyong grinned happily and stared at the younger boy as they waited until the elderly lady came back to order. The older of the two felt so content at that moment, he wouldn’t have minded if the waitress left them alone for a little longer.

„Two waffles with chocolate sauce and strawberries please.“

„Alright, anything else?“

„No thank you.“

„You two young boys need something warm to drink, it’s so cold outside. I will get you two cups of hot chocolate, it’s on the house, don’t worry.“

„Oh, m’am, thank you so much.“

„It’s nothing.“ She smiled at the friends and left again to get their orders ready.

When she was out of sight Seungri giggled as he leant over and started playing with Jiyong’s hands which he had placed on the table as soon as he gave the menus back.

„What’s so funny?“ He asked but let the younger do what he wanted anyway.

„Nothing, I just feel really good. Warm. Happy. I don’t know, I don’t want it to end.“

„Everything will end at some point but that doesn’t mean we can’t repeat it. And memories are important to, aren’t they?“

„Hmm, you are right. Neh, Jiyongie.“

„Hm?“

„Our friendship will never end. Never.“

„Right, never. Promise?“

„Yes! Promise!“

They intertwined their hands, soft skin meeting even softer skin in a tiny but familiar embrace with warmth and fondness when the grandma came back with a tray on which the waffles and the hot chocolate was placed.

„Here you go boys.“ She said and put the food and drinks down on the table, right in front of them. „Enjoy it.“

„Thank you.“ They said in union and she hadn’t even left when they dug in already as if they hadn’t eaten in days. 

There was a comfortable silence between them, they probably didn’t even notice that nobody was talking as they were devouring the waffles.

„Oh my god, this is so good!“ Jiyong sighed before he stuffed another piece into his mouth.

„Mhmm~“ The other boy agreed and took a bite of a strawberry. „Thank you so much hyung, this is the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten!“

„I can see that, you look like you are overwhelmed.“

„That’s because I am. One day, I want to buy my mum a Belgian Waffle Café so she can eat all the waffles she wants while making money with them.“

Jiyong laughed at that idea, Seungri really was such a positive person despite his family’s obvious personal struggles, especially financially. But maybe Seungri hadn’t really realized how poor his parents really were just yet.

„That’s a great idea, Ri. You are an awesome son to you mum, you know? Like a hero.“

Seungri giggled a small ’thank you’ before he continued eating.

Jiyong was smart enough to know that this boy was a blessing, not just to his mom but to Jiyong as well.

„I love you Seungri-yah.“ He whispered quietly, so quietly that the little boy couldn’t hear him.

But that was okay. Jiyong would tell him some day.

★

The ringing of his phone woke Jiyong up and it actually took him some time to remember where he was and what he was doing there.

It was only after the ringing had stopped that he realized he should’ve probably answered his phone but to his luck not long after a message from Youngbae reached him.

from: Youngbae

Dude, still asleep? If so, hurry up man.

We are currently at this club called Dazed so if you decide to join any time soon, that’s the place to look for

sent: 11:12 pm

! He was late! He only meant to take a short nap, not to become the next sleeping beauty!

Having tested his ’getting ready in record time because he’s late’ abilities before he went to Hongkong already, he was familiar with how fast he could actually get dressed and styled appropriately for a night out clubbing.

In order to save time he decided to leave his hair up, like it was the entire day, and only made sure it looked neat and clean again. He also put on a bit make up, especially some subtle but sharp eyeliner, and chose some earrings that would enhance his edgy style. 

The outfit he put together contained of black skinny leather pants as well as a tugged in dark button down that hugged his slim figure perfectly. To complete the outfit, other than accessories, he chose a pair of shiny black dress shoes with sparkly details. That’s right, there always had to be some glam.

All in all he was pretty content with his appearance and even though he was usually rather modest about it he had to admit that he did look pretty damn good. Perhaps even hot but he didn’t know if he wanted to go there, at least not when he was the one saying that about himself.

After having observed himself in the mirror for a while he nodded and took his belongings to finally get going.

Dazed, that was the name of the place, right?

Hopefully the club was at least a bit classy, Youngbae didn’t have high standards and often chose places Jiyong would rather not be at.

„Well, who knows, perhaps he’s got a bit of a taste now. Ah, who am I kidding.“

~

It was shortly before midnight when Jiyong arrived at the club called Dazed. He had texted Youngbae that he would be there soon but as of now he hadn’t received an answer so the designer guessed he’d just wander around searching them and if he could find his friends, there was also a bar and certain drinks to keep him entertained.

Heading inside Jiyong was surprised to find that the club was well visited but inste