Just like any other day of the week, Jieun found herself preparing mugs of warm coffee for their customers. Sehun’s running a bit late because of a requirement that he needed to finish at school. For a change, Sooyoung’s in the shop to help. She was given a day-off and she opted to use that time to help in the shop since their father’s away to visit a friend who’s in the hospital.

In the middle of doing her work, Jieun couldn’t help but look at Jongin’s direction. He’s busy wiping the tables and mopping the floor. Despite what he’s doing, she could see on his face that he’s thinking about something so deeply and she knew what it was about. She could tell that he’s still finding the courage to talk to Sarang. He’s been fidgeting with his phone most of the time and he’s been lurking around the dance room when they’re at school.

After a while, Sooyoung stepped out of the counter and went inside the kitchen to check on the fresh batch of pastries. Serving the customers their orders, Jieun started counting the money that they’ve earned so far. She was in the middle of what she was doing when she heard the bell chime. Automatically, she welcomed whoever it was and when she lifted her head, she came face to face with a good-looking guy who had a small smile on his face.

“Hi,” he greeted. He had this boy-next-door vibe and Jieun admitted then and there that he could pass as a celebrity with that look.

“Hello,” she greeted in return. “What’s your order?”

The guy looked at the board where their menu was written. He stared at it for a minute before looking back at Jieun. “What do you suggest?”

It took Jieun some seconds to assess the situation before telling him their best selling products. The guy in front of her agreed to get what she suggested. Looking at the guy for the last time before tending to what he ordered, Jieun found herself locking gazes with him. And when he smiled at her, she didn’t know what to think – if he’s just that approachable and smiley or if he’s just trying to make fun of her. Based from her experiences, it’s probably the latter. Who would smile like that to her anyway?

For the whole period after the guy got his order, Jieun couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable by how he’s been following all of her moves with his gaze. It was not really that hard to find out that he’s keeping an eye on her. She caught him looking at her when she happened to look at his direction. And whenever she would look at him, he would just flash her a small smile.

That guy’s creepy. Does he know me? He’s been acting…suspicious.

Shaking those thoughts away, she went on preparing the other orders. Jongin’s constantly tending to the empty tables to be cleaned up. Sooyoung’s busy with her own tasks. While she was wiping the counter, she saw that guy walk near where she was standing.

“Hi there again,” he greeted once again with that same cheery tone.

“Umm…hi. Is there something wrong? How can I help you?”

“Can I order the same cake that you recommended to go?”

“Y-Yeah. Of course.” Jieun quickly nodded her head before reaching for a small box for the cake.

“I’m not really into sweets but your cake tastes so good that I might end up with sweet tooth,” the guy commented as he watched her pack the cake. Jieun just gave him a small smile at his compliment after saying ‘thank you’ with a soft voice. He’s openly and straightly approaching her with a friendly personality but from experience, guys like him tend to have other motives. She’s had her own share of such thing and they didn’t end up good.

“Here you go,” Jieun stated, placing the box of cake in front of him. The guy handed her the money and she quickly gave him his change.

“So…you work here?” the guy suddenly asked, making Jieun slightly raise a brow.

“Yeah…sort of. My parents own this shop…so…yeah…”

“Oh, I see.”

Jieun could sense that he’s trying to start a conversation. She admitted to herself that she’s not really good in judging people. Look at what happened with Ara. People, sometimes, are not what they seem to be. And the guy in front of her, presenting himself as friendly boy-next-door, may be not what she sees him to be.

“Do you need anything else?” she finally asked when he was still not leaving the counter.

“Not really…I just,” he paused, scratching the back of his neck before clearing his throat. “I just want to-”

“Youngho?”

The two looked at the door at the same time. The orange head was looking at the guy in front of Jieun with a surprised expression on his face. She did not even hear the bell chiming when Sehun entered because she was distracted by what was happening seconds ago. Sehun looked at Jieun then at the guy.

“What are you doing here?”

“Is that really how you greet your best friend who travelled for hours just to see you?” Youngho asked, sounding pissed off. Jieun just looked at the two as they exchanged secretive glances.

“You did not contact me. You never told me that you’re coming here,” Sehun said, taking a step towards his friend.

“That’s why it’s called a surprise. Surprise! I’m here to visit you!” Youngho raised both his arms with a wide smile painted on his face.

“Umm…so you’re friends?” Jieun butted in, raising a brow as he looked at Sehun. The latter sighed, nodding. Youngho turned to Jieun and reached his hand for a shake.

“My name is Youngho, Seo Youngho and I’m Sehun’s friend. He told me that he works here so I came here to meet him. Are you close with him?”

Jieun shook his hand. He has a firm grip. “Yeah…I guess,” she replied.

“Nice. Maybe we can hang out together and-”

“Youngho,” Sehun cut him off. “Can we talk?”

“Sure.”

“Outside.”

Jieun noticed how Youngho’s smile disappeared for a second there before he turned to her with his ever bright smile. “We need a little catching up to do. I really enjoyed the cake and the coffee. Nice to meet you Miss Choi Jieun.”

Looking at the two as they walked out of the shop, Jieun couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

“Sehun’s friend?” Jongin suddenly asked when he appeared out of nowhere. Jieun jumped a bit in surprise.

“Y-Yeah,” she quickly replied. Even when the two were already out of sight, she couldn’t help but ask herself how the hell did Youngho knew about her name when she never told him. W-Wait…did Sehun tell him? He told his friend about me? Eyyy~ Impossible. Why would he…talk about me in the first place? But…if that’s not the case, how did that guy knew?

Outside the shop, Youngho could already sense the cold atmosphere between him and Sehun.

“I was just genuinely worried about you that’s why I came,” Youngho started to explain. Sejun just stared at him without any change in his expression. The guy in front of him is the only childhood friend he has and he considers him his best friend. And because of that, despite being taken aback by the sudden visit which he does not like being done to him, Sehun couldn’t help but just let a sigh escape his lips.

Seeing that Sehun’s feeling better, Youngho’s lips slightly curved upwards followed by a comment which he failed to screen first. “I think I know why you suddenly withdrew from the initial plan.”

When Sehun’s eyes met Youngho’s, the former knew better that lie to him. The latter has his skills when it comes to reading the situation. Sehun pursed his lips. “Look, I-”

“Sehun,” Youngho sighed, not being able to hide his worried expression. “I was against the idea of you coming back here after what happened to-” He paused. “-after what happened and so was your mother. I helped you convince her because you said that you need to set things straight. With you withdrawing from the sole reason why you’re here makes me want to drag you back home.”

“Youngho.”

“Do you like her?”

Sehun remained silent for some seconds.

“Yeah.”

Youngho took a deep breath. “You do know that you’re in a messy situation, right?”

Nodding his head, Sehun let a soft whisper leave his lips. “Yes…and I’m already preparing for the worst.”

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