Chapter 6 : Lemon Cheesecake

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When Jongin woke up on that fateful Tuesday morning, the day of his date with Lee Taemin, he jolted out of bed as soon as his alarm clock had gone off. This was quite unusual for him, who usually liked to snuggle his pillow until Chanyeol would barge into his room, kicking and screaming for him to get up and go to work. So when the two roommates met in the kitchen, Chanyeol looked at him with eyes so wide they looked like they could just fall from their eye-sockets and roll on the floor. Jongin dragged his feet all the way to the fridge, with puffy, barely open eyes, and pressed his forehead against the wall with a low whine.

"Jongin?"

A grumble answered Chanyeol's call.

"Are you alright?"

"No," Jongin whimpered, rubbing his face with one hand. "I was so stressed over today that I couldn't fall asleep until very late and now-...," he stopped his explanations to yawn, "now I'm so tired I might pass out."

Chanyeol couldn't help but chuckle as he went back to eat his rice quickly.

Jongin opened the fridge, took some yogurt and hauled himself to the chair in front of his best friend. He gulped down his yogurt before picking up some rice and seaweed Chanyeol had made for himself on the side of his bowl.

"Don't take my food," Chanyeol growled.

Jongin didn't listen.

He rubbed his eyes with his fists once more, and suddenly straightened up, blinking a few times.

"Chanyeol!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah?"

"I got a date with Taemin today!"

"Yes you do," Chanyeol snickered.

It seemed like all previous tiredness had vanished from Jongin's whole body and he got up from his chair in a jump, almost falling on the ground as his legs got tangled with the furniture. Chanyeol laughed wholeheartedly and followed the staggering walk of his roommate out of the kitchen with a smirk.

"Go get him tiger!"

Jongin raised his hand to send him some obscene sign with his fingers before he entered the bathroom. His hair was sticking in all directions, fluffy and defying gravity, his whole face was still swollen from sleep and as he came closer to the mirror to take a look at the extend of the disaster, he gulped at the sight of his puffy, red eyes.

"Oh damn," he winced, scratching the top of his head.

He undertook the task of taming his hair, and get dressed. He had chosen clothes the previous day, but of course, since then, he found them all pathetic and he lost fifteen minutes going through three new outfits to decide which one would be the best.

As he was all focused on his tasks, he hadn't noticed Chanyeol leaning on his doorway, staring at him with a smug grin on his face.

"I've never seen you putting that much efforts, especially into clothes."

Jongin jumped at the sudden noise and blushed all the way from his neck to his forehead. He grabbed a pillow on his bed and threw it somewhere in the vague direction of Chanyeol. It crashed on the wall about a meter away from his best friend.

"Shut up, you monkey," he grumbled.

Chanyeol laughed loudly at the poor insult and entered the room to come pinch Jongin's cheeks.

"You're so adorable, being anxious for your first date," he cooed.

"I swear to all evils in Hell, Park Chanyeol-...," Jongin started, but his best friend interrupted him with a poke on his nose.

"You should go with your pink tee-shirt. And the dark blue jeans," Chanyeol advised.

Jongin stayed silent, staring at Chanyeol with mistrust. But his roommate had lost that self-satisfied smile of his, and was looking at him with gentle eyes.

"You sure?" Jongin asked in a little voice.

"Yeah. Pink just suits you so well. And put your white sneakers. You're gonna slay this poor boy. He won't even understand what's coming for him."

"I don't wanna slay him, I wanna date him."

"That's what I'm saying. The pink tee-shirt will do the job of seducing him even if you can't manage to stutter a proper sentence. Trust the guy who's actually in a relationship here."

Jongin pleated his eyes, but finally nodded and went back to his wardrobe.

"I'm gonna be nice and not point out the fact that your girlfriend actually did all the job of seducing you, and I'm gonna listen to you for once."

"Good boy."

Morning at work had been a slow excruciating torture. Jongin kept glancing at the hour, but it felt like every clock in the whole universe had stopped working and were just playing tricks on him. He could swear he saw one of the hand of his watch going backward at some point.

There hadn't been much customers, and Jongin was stuck with the accounts book anyway, having to prepare an upcoming delivery of new books. Time was by now a very abstract concept. It looked like minutes took hours to pass, but at the same time, he wasn't getting any job done at all and several hours after getting there, his books order was still only half done. Because all he could think about was Taemin. What would he look like today? What would he wear? Would he like Jongin's pink tee-shirt? He shouldn't have listened to Chanyeol, he should have gone with his light blue one. And then what would they talk about? Would he manage to be cool enough? What if Taemin didn't like him in the end?

"Jongin?"

The man perked up from his notebook and looked at his colleague who was staring at him.

"Are you done with the order yet? I could use some help to order the new arrivals on shelves. I can't do it properly when I have to constantly run to the cash register."

Jongin swallowed up his guilt, as he realized he had left Eunjung by herself all morning.

"I'm sorry, I'll be there in a minute. I'm almost done, I swear."

Eunjung only smiled gratefully at him and went away again. Jongin sighed, slapping his hands on his cheeks a few times to wake himself up as he did his best to focus on his work. He tried to stop thinking about Lee Taemin to get his duties done; but even though he actually managed to be productive, getting his crush out of his mind had completely failed. Taemin was constantly back in his thoughts.

He still found himself busy enough to not check his watch every twenty-two seconds.

"Hello there."

Jongin was crouching on the ground, getting a few books from a carton box to put them nicely on display. He frowned, looked up, and felt his heart smash against his ribcage.

Here was Taemin, in all his glorious beauty, smiling brightly at him from above with his head tilted a bit to the side. Jongin's face crumbled, one of his hand rushing to shakily take the glasses that had been sitting on his nose all morning, off, as he swallowed hard.

"Oh, hello."

He saw a hint of concern flicker in Taemin's eyes and Jongin finally realized he should get up.

"Everything's alright?" Taemin asked in a low voice.

Jongin blinked a few times and nodded, nervously looking at the watch on his wrist before he gave Taemin a tentative smile.

"Yeah... uh-... You're a bit early."

He hadn't meant to say it like that. He hadn't meant to say this at all. And he beat himself up mentally when he saw Taemin furrow his eyebrows.

"I'm sorry, I was scared of being late actually, so-... I didn't think it would be a problem."

Jongin felt his heart sink in his chest at the sound of Taemin's insecure voice.

"It's not," he whispered immediately.

Now Taemin looked extremely confused by his whole behavior and Jongin was starting to sweat because this was getting awkward and everything was terrible. He glanced around them for a second, and was relieved to see that they were alone in the little corner of young-adults books.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Was I rude? I didn't mean to be rude. It's just-... You weren't supposed to see me in glasses. I thought I would have time-... I was supposed to take them off before meeting you. My eyes were just so red this morning..."

He was ridiculous, and he knew it the second he heard himself pronounce those stupid words. He was also shaking and he wanted to hide somewhere.

Taemin was staring at him, his whole face relaxing, and he let out a slight laugh. It wasn't a mean one. It was soft and sweet, and Jongin's heart came back to life at the sound of it.

"Oh dear... you got me scared. I thought you were reconsidering getting on a date with me right now," Taemin murmured.

Jongin shook his head, one of his hand coming to rub at his ear with unease.

"I'm sorry," he repeated. "I'm not reconsidering anything at all. I'm very happy to see you."

Taemin was smiling again.

"I'm very happy too," he giggled. "So, what's the matter with your glasses exactly?"

"I'm ugly in them," Jongin said softly with a wince.

Taemin looked very surprised. Then he smirked.

"I will have to be the judge of that then. Would you put them back?"

Jongin pouted.

"Only if you promise to still come on our date afterwards," he whined.

Taemin laughed, and he had to cover his mouth with his hand. He even looked around, hoping he didn't attract too much attention. But they were still alone.

"I promise."

Jongin sighed, and reluctantly put his glasses back on his nose with a cringe. He was so weak for this man, it was a damn joke. He hold his breath and looked at Taemin, his lips pinched, waiting for any comment.

"Well, I inform you that you are a liar," Taemin said casually.

"What?" Jongin chocked.

"They don't make you ugly. At all. Really."

Jongin looked at him, in total disbelief, his mouth open in surprise. Taemin only nodded, more to himself than to Jongin, and winked cheekily.

"Will you be a sweetheart and keep them on for our date? Please. It's my birthday-date after all, do that for me."

"Are you serious?" Jongin squeaked.

"Very much. You're unreasonably handsome like that."

Jongin felt his whole face burning with embarrassment and delight. His heart was hammering so loudly in his chest he could feel it pounding in his ears.

"Okay then," he said, after a difficult swallow.

He had no idea how he even ended up in this situation and why he let it happen.

"Thank you," Taemin chirped. "I will let you finish your work now... I'll just wait for you around, is that alright?"

Jongin nodded and with that, Taemin went away, disappearing in between bookshelves with a wink. Jongin stood motionless for a whole minute before a small smile tugged at his lips. Then he went back to order the books he still had to take care of with a newfound eagerness, as he really didn't want to keep Taemin waiting more than necessary; Taemin who was strolling around at his workplace, looking ridiculously attractive. Jongin's breath went shaky when his thoughts headed back to the man. He had combed his hair backward; Jongin's favorite thing in the whole world. And he was wearing a loose grey shirt; Jongin had caught a glimpse of his collarbones when Taemin had moved around a bit. And those tight light blue faded jeans were heavenly. Everything about Taemin was dreamy.

How was Jongin suppose to survive all of this?

As soon as the clock hit 4pm, he disappeared to the locker room. He quickly grabbed his personal stuff and checked himself on the mirror hanging in the small bathroom; one hand came to ruffle his hair a bit and when his eyes fell on his glasses, he sighed.

"You can do this," he whispered as a small pep talk.

He frowned to his reflection, nodded once and decided to go for it. With his glasses on. Taemin wanted him to. Who was he to deny any wish Lee Taemin had? As that thought crossed his mind, he realized he was completely screwed. Taemin already had him wrapped around his finger and Jongin couldn't even find it in himself to complain and fight it.

Taemin was waiting for him next to the front door of the shop, stunning as he always was, looking through a book he picked up from a display unit. Jongin's heart was bouncing around in his chest at the sight of him.

"Are you ready?" Jongin asked, his voice tight, as he reached the man.

Taemin blinked away from the book in his hands and offered him a large smile. His eyes were shining with happiness as they fell on Jongin's glasses.

"Hm, yes I am."

They left Jongin's workplace, and Taemin put his hands in the pockets of his jeans, as he came to walk a bit closer to him.

"So-... the tea room is actually not so far away from here. We can walk, or the bus would only be one stop away."

"I'm okay with walking."

Taemin looked pleased. They had barely made two steps that Jongin started to feel nervous and he felt bad for not preparing anything to talk about on their way to the tea room.

"I'm really excited," Taemin whispered next to him, and Jongin looked at him with raised eyebrows. "I mean, hm-... to go to the tea room. It's really nice. I've always wanted to take someone there. Not as a friend. You know."

One of the thing Jongin liked most about Taemin, was the way his whole face was coming to life as he spoke. He always made so many littles faces and pouts and expressions as he talked, it was incredibly entertaining. Sometimes it even involved his hands. He was already like that in his tea shop, behind his counter, but in that moment, it was ten times more intense. Jongin was mesmerized.

Then Taemin's words actually made it to his brain and he couldn't help but smile with happiness. Taemin, on the other hand, was starting to blush and stutter.

"Of course you-... You don't have to feel pressured or anything. It's still only a tea room. Am I putting pressure on you now? Damn. I should stop talking. I just haven't done this in a while, I'm a bit nervous."

Seeing Taemin that agitated somehow helped Jongin tame his own anxiety.

"I'm nervous too," Jongin admitted, looking away. "But I'm happy to go there with you. Not as a friend."

"Good," Taemin answered softly.

He nudged Jongin's elbow playfully.

"Also...," Taemin whispered, "Thank you for keeping your glasses on. And I would like to say that I think you look gorgeous today."

Jongin's choked on thin air and coughed a bit, his eyes wide.

"Thank you," he managed.

Taemin was laughing sweetly besides him.

"I think so too," Jongin continued with a trembling voice, and then cringed. "I mean-... I think you look gorgeous too. Not myself. You know what I mean, don't you? Oh god, why am I so awkward."

"Thanks," Taemin answered with a pleased little smirk.

He stole a glance at the man walking next to him and noticed how tensed Jongin looked. Taemin wanted to take his hand and hold it, but they were in the middle of the streets, with lots of passersby around, and it was the beginning of their very first date, so he definitely didn't feel brave enough to try that. Instead, he smiled fondly at him.

"I developed a crush on you by watching you blush and stutter in my tea shop, you know. There's nothing new to me here. I like your little awkwardness. It's endearing."

Jongin let out a hesitant laugh.

"I'm not sure if this helps, but thanks."

Taemin's hand on his arm stopped him and he looked over at him with questioning eyes.

"It's here," Taemin only said, pointing at a little shop on their right.

"Oh, okay."

Taemin tugged at his sleeve and dragged him inside. The tea room was small, decorated in soft, warm colors, from light brown to orange, rich red, cream and maroon. It was rendered extremely cosy by plants spurting everywhere next to large armchairs and loveseats, disposed in a way to create little intimate booths. It was calm, the quietness only perturbed by murmurs of customers, tinkles of cups and water boiling.

Jongin looked around with curiosity, and followed Taemin as the man walked all the way to the corner at the back of the tea room, plopping himself in a very large beige armchair. Jongin made his way to the light red recliner in front of him and sighed at how comfortable it was. He could feel his whole body dive into the soft furniture, it was incredibly nice.

"You like it?" Taemin asked, wiggling on his seat with anticipation.

"I do, it's a really nice place."

"Wait until the see the menu," Taemin laughed, gliding said card to him with a smirk. "I love coming here for both the tranquility and their wonderful teas."

Jongin brought the menu closer and his eyebrows rose on his forehead with surprise at the very large amount of choices. He his lips as his eyes flickered through all different teas. They all looked delicious, and there was already three blends he'd like to try in the black teas section only. This was going to be difficult. After a few minutes, he looked back at Taemin, who was sitting cross legged on his seat, staring at him. The man jumped a bit at being caught in the act and Jongin sniggered at his failed attempt to come out casual. He still acted as if nothing had happened.

"Do you already know what you'll take?" Jongin asked.

"Yes. My favorite is the Lemon Cheesecake."

Jongin seemed surprised; he turned the menu in his hands and found the page listing all the different cakes and cookies they could also order.

"Oh, okay. And as a tea?"

"No I mean, I'm taking the Lemon Cheesecake tea," Taemin chirped. "It's quite fabulous actually, they managed to create a tea that taste like cheesecake. Isn't that the ultimate dream?"

Jongin looked at him with round eyes and went back to the teas section, searching for it. He had half assumed that Taemin was kidding him, but he did found a Lemon Cheesecake white tea and stared at the little title in disbelief.

"And it's really good?"

"Damn right it is," Taemin nodded.

"I want to try it too then," Jongin started, before he stopped himself and puffed his cheeks. "Ooh wait."

"What did you find?"

"Raspberries Mascarpone? Is this real?" Jongin squeaked.

Taemin was giggling in front of him, visibly very happy with how things were going, and Jongin sighed.

"How can they expect me to choose from all those wonderful stuff?"

"They don't. That's how they trick you into coming back, I suppose," Taemin answered mischievously. "You can take the Raspberries Mascarpone, I tried it, it's really good. And I'll let you taste my Lemon Cheesecake, is that okay?"

Talking about tea with Taemin was easy and comfortable. It was a safe subject that he was used to.

"Thanks," he murmured.

Taemin waved one hand and whispered that there was nothing to thank for. Jongin looked over the card once more before nodding.

"Do you want some cake with it? Talking about cheesecake made me want some. I think I'll go with the brownie, though."

Taemin pouted, visibly pondering over it and Jongin smiled with mischief.

"Please let me treat you to some cake. It's your birthday date after all."

"Oh," Taemin said, "you don't-... you don't have to. Treat me, I mean. The birthday date-... It was just a joke."

"Please, let me buy you some cake."

Taemin suddenly looked very shy, but a smile bloomed on his lips and he took the menu Jongin had just put back on the table. He murmured some little thank and disappeared behind the paper to choose a cake.

A waitress came to take their orders, and as she went away again, Taemin glanced at Jongin.

"So," he started, and somehow that simple little word got Jongin tensed again. "I have a first question, may I?"

Jongin nodded.

"You work in a bookstore," Taemin announced, matter-of-factly, "is it because you like books, or because you needed a job and they offered and you had no other choice?"

Jongin relaxed as soon as Taemin pronounced the word “books” and his whole face lightened up.

"I do," he answered eagerly. "I love books actually. I've always loved to read, and you?"

Taemin's eyes were shining with glee. He seemed to have found on first try the one thing to talk about to get Jongin to stop freaking out, and he was quite proud of himself.

"I do too," Taemin admitted. "What kind of books do you enjoy?"

Jongin straightened in his armchair, sitting closer to the edge as he twiddled his glasses again. Taemin could see how hooked up in the conversation he already was; the man was so excited to talk about books that he was becoming restless. It was such an adorable part of Jongin, that he hadn't seen, up until now.

"Well, I read lots of different things. I like everything that is well-written, I guess. I might have a soft spot for thrillers though, and psychological stories. But hm-... I like fantastic novels too. Oh and lately I just-... I got this book and I'm very happy about it. Do you know Homer? The Greek author who wrote the Odyssey... You know about him?"

Taemin only had to nod once for Jongin to continue talking, stars exploding in his eyes.

"Oh really? Well, I think the Iliad is a masterpiece. But I never got to find a really good translation. I mean, the problem with Homer is that his style is almost 'too' rich. So most of the translations cannot grasp the entirety of his work. Either they translate far too literally, and you get the sense, but Homer's poetry is completely lost and it's so sad. I think it's really so sad. Or they get the sounds and poetry of the story, but then they can't translate the actions and adventures properly, and we lose the accuracy of it. And I was really upset for a long time. But as I said, I'm very happy lately because I think I found just the right translation and it's like-... I'm rediscovering one of my favorite book of all time and it's so much better than before because this time, I got the perfect translation and I'm-... like-... wow. It's incredible."

He was interrupted by the waitress coming with their orders and as Taemin was smiling at her and telling her where to put their drinks, he missed how Jongin's face suddenly crumbled back down into anxiety.

Taemin thanked the woman, and was surprised to find Jongin staring at his feet when he turned back to him.

"Jongin? What's wrong?" he asked, worried.

"I- hm... I'm sorry."

"Why?"

"I don't want to bore you out. I just... get really excited with books, sorry."

Taemin wished he could take Jongin's hand and poke his button nose, because that man was really too adorable to be real. But he only nudged Jongin's feet with his own and when Jongin looked up again, he gave him a soft smile.

"Please, don't apologize. I won't pretend that I understood everything you just said, but I don't mind listening to you when you're so passionate about something. It's touching. You can explain it a bit slower for me, perhaps."

A tiny smile appeared at the corner of Jongin's lips and he hunched over to take his cup of tea, as to occupy his hands. Taemin's words had been so caring, and they had sounded so sincere that he could feel his insides melting.

"W-what about you?" he stuttered. "Are you reading anything lately?"

Taemin chuckled and nervously scratched his nose.

"Well to be honest, it might seem a bit silly compared to what you read..."

"No," Jongin immediately answered. "Please, I'm not like that. I'm not some elitist or whatever. I'm just curious about what you read, even if it's the gossip section of any magazine."

Taemin laughed again, and took the tea bag out of his tea cup. That reminded Jongin to do the same before his tea would taste too bitter.

"Actually, I'm reading children books those days."

"Which ones?" Jongin inquired, taking a bite out of his brownie.

Taemin smiled behind his cup of tea. The look of interest and cheerfulness on Jongin's face really didn't seem faked.

"There was a book I really liked when I was a kid, it was “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, by Roald Dahl. And I actually found it back at my parent's house a month ago or so, and decided to reread it. I loved it so much all over again, that I wanted to try more books from this author. I'm reading them so fast and I'm currently with the one called “Matilda”, if you know it..."

"I do, I know it. I love it quite a lot too. Did you read “the Witches”? I can't exactly choose a favorite, but he's in my top three from Roald Dahl."

Taemin nodded eagerly.

"Yes, I found it wonderful. I actually love how he wrote books aimed at children, but he's not sugar-coating anything. There are real adventures and villains and it's scary, but the hero is always a child, saving the day by thinking in a childish way. I love all the magic in those books, how funny they always are."

"My thoughts exactly."

Jongin was delighted. They were talking about books, and Taemin kept explaining things about his favorites authors and series and he didn't seem tired of hearing Jongin's opinion either. They were agreeing on so many things, and Taemin actually took note of one book Jongin told him about. It was so lovely Jongin could barely believe this was all real. He had finally managed to work through his nervousness and it was going great and he really hoped Taemin was having as much of a wonderful time as he was.

His tea was fantastic too, and Taemin had let him try the Lemon Cheesecake, as he had promised. Jongin had been bewildered at how much it tasted like an actual cheesecake.

"May I ask you something?" Jongin tried at some point, when he was feeling comfortable enough.

"Of course, what is it?"

Jongin opened his mouth, and then closed it, and bit his bottom lip. He wasn't sure how to actually phrase his question. Taemin sipped on his tea, waiting patiently for him.

"How come you can speak French?"

Taemin gave him a knowing smirk and Jongin swallowed with some difficulties.

"I mean," Jongin continued, "I'm curious about why you learned it. And to be honest, I also wanted to ask how much you understood... you know... that day."

Jongin stared at the cup of tea in his hands, unable to look Taemin in the eyes.

"I didn't get much of it actually," Taemin confessed. "I started learning French a few months ago, because my older brother married a French girl, and they're talking about moving there sooner or later. She's a really nice person and I like her a lot, and I guess I just wanted to be able to say a few words to her. I don't know, I got interested while talking to her. So when you came in there with your friend, I understood you two were whispering about me, and it made me a bit upset to be honest, because you were talking too quietly and fast and I couldn't get it. But then I got two or three... hm-... very interesting words and well... I didn't really know how to react. I was also a bit scared of being wrong."

Jongin couldn't help the sudden sigh of relief that he breathed out and Taemin chuckled.

"Oooh, you have to tell me what you actually said," he laughed. "Was it that embarrassing?"

"Yes, it was," Jongin moaned. "Please don't make me say it again. But hm-... it's nice that you're learning a language for your sister-in-law."

Taemin fluttered his eyelashes at him, and Jongin's brain suddenly stopped functioning properly. He looked at the man giving him an exaggerated pout with pleading eyes.

"Pretty, pretty please?" Taemin begged. "Tell me! It's not very nice to say things behind my back like that."

Jongin's eyes widened impossibly and the grip he had on his mug tightened. His cheeks were growing carmine.

"Well," he tried to defend himself, "it wasn't very nice either to not tell me you could speak French. You also once said that you couldn't pronounce “Jardin du Luxembourg” correctly..."

"Ah, I'm sorry," Taemin chuckled and he stopped to torture Jongin with his begging face. "To be honest, I really can't say those words properly because my accent is super thick and I'm ashamed of it. And I would have loved to talk to you, more personally and all, but I just didn't know how to place it in a conversation without sounding like I was bragging about being able to stutter three words of French. And I'm actually quite glad I didn't say it, in the end, because you seem to be fluent in French and I would have embarrassed myself quite much if I had tried to boast about my French skills."

"It would still have been less embarrassing than me confessing my huge crush on you like that," Jongin grumbled.

Taemin hid his laugh behind one hand and nodded.

"Fair enough," he mused. "but if all of that terribly awkward scene hadn't happened, would you have asked me out?"

Jongin rubbed at his ear with a sigh.

"Probably not. And by probably, I mean definitely."

"Then I'm so glad for my horrible French accent which somehow prevented me from telling you I could understand “love of your life” in French."

Jongin whined and hid his face in one of his hands.

"Of course you got that part," he cried out.

Taemin let out an evil laugh as he wiggled on his armchair.

"Of course I did," he teased. "I also got the hint that it was a joke."

Jongin exhaled a frustrated little whimper and grabbed his plate, stuffing his mouth with brownie to cope with how ridiculous he felt. Taemin's foot gently nudging his own again forced him to look up to the man, and he pouted. Taemin was glancing at him with those mischievous sparkles in his eyes and it was strangely calming.

"So, how did you end up learning French?" Taemin asked back.

He wanted to take the conversation back to a safer subject, where Jongin wouldn't look like a kicked puppy. As much as he enjoyed how adorable Jongin was when he was blushing, he didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

"I learned for 'Soo. I mean, Kyungsoo, my friend," Jongin explained. "I love languages. I love to learn them I mean. And I befriended Kyungsoo online, and then I figured out he was French and, I don't know... at some point I thought it would be interesting to learn."

"That's so cool. Do you know other languages?"

"Hum yeah. I learned English in school, and uh-... I taught myself Chinese. I have a Chinese friend who helps me a lot though."

Taemin looked at him almost in awe, his mouth hanging open, and Jongin started fidgeting again.

"You're incredible," Taemin murmured.

"Am I?" Jongin stammered with an hesitant laugh.

"Yes, you're so passionate and curious... it's-... you're captivating."

"Thanks."

Jongin was cowering in shyness behind his cup of tea again and Taemin could feel his heart swell with tenderness. He had completely lost track of time, and he didn't care in the least, because the man sitting in front of him was so full of wonders. He wanted to learn everything there was to know about Kim Jongin. And so he did. He asked him about his Chinese friend, and then if he had friends around too. He learned about Chanyeol, and rolled in his armchair laughing when he understood that he was the friend he had met once in his tea shop. Jongin even admitted with red cheeks that Chanyeol had only come to check him out because Jongin couldn't stop talking about him, and Taemin was on cloud nine.

They talked about Taemin's friends too, and Jongin wondered if they knew about Taemin being gay. It turned out that they did, and Jongin learned that in all his group of friends, four of them had taken the news with a shrug and open arms, but two former friends weren't around anymore. Then Jongin admitted that besides Chanyeol, Yixing and Kyungsoo, he didn't have many other friends, and that the other guys he knew through his best friend didn't know about his uality. It was making him too anxious.

By the time they were done with the difficult subjects, their cakes were finished, and they ordered another cup of tea each.

"Chanyeol does sound like the perfect best friend."

"He is, but please don't ever tell him I admitted it so easily."

"I promise not to tell anything next time I see him," Taemin teased.

"He is so wonderful that he let me move in with my dog even though he's allergic. He actually takes medication all the time to bear with it. He keeps saying that it's not a problem because he really loves dogs too, and I know it's true, but still... he sacrifices his health to make me happy. That's exactly how dedicated he is."

Taemin had suddenly straightened up from his seat and a beaming grin flourished on his face.

"You have a dog?!" he squealed.

Jongin froze, and a smile identical as the one dancing on Taemin's lips, appeared on his mouth.

"I do," he said excitedly. "Do you like dogs too?"

"Of course, who doesn't?!" Taemin snorted. "What's his name? How is he? Show me some pictures, please!"

Jongin positively trembled with happiness as he took his phone out of his pocket to search for pictures of his precious Monggu.

"He's a poodle and I'm positively sure he's the cutest poodle in the whole world," Jongin chirped. "His name is Monggu, look!"

He shoved his phone to Taemin's face, waiting for any reaction. Taemin cooed, his lips coming to a pout and he scrolled through pictures.

"He really is adorable," Taemin whispered.

"I know right," Jongin said, with the smile of a proud parent.

Then Taemin glanced at him and bit his lips. He took his own phone out and typed on it for a few seconds, before showing a pictures of two puppies.

"Are they-...," Jongin started, with a surprised smile.

"This is Eve, and here is Adam. They're mine."

If Jongin had any doubts left about Taemin being the most perfect human alive, they disappeared in that moment.

"Unfortunately, I don't live with them," Taemin continued with a sad little frown, as he took his phone back. "They're staying with my parents. My apartment is too small and dogs aren't allowed anyway. I might be able to move out soon though, and I swear I won't live anywhere that doesn't allow Adam and Eve to be with me."

"Well, I really hope you'll find the perfect place then. You must miss them a lot," Jongin said in a sympathetic tone.

He couldn't imagine living without Monggu. He would be far too miserable without his precious poodle.

"Thank you."

"Is it weird if I say that I hope I can meet them someday?"

Taemin stared at him silently. His face was serene but he seemed to be pondering over a thousand thoughts at the same time. Jongin felt like the man in front of him was piercing his soul with those deep eyes gazing at him, and it was making him regret opening his mouth to blurt out those words.

"It's not," Taemin finally whispered after what seemed like an eternity to Jongin.

And Jongin sighed with relief.

"Actually," Taemin continued, and he bit his bottom lip, giving Jongin a teasing grin. "What would you think about a dogs-date?"

Jongin appeared a bit lost. He glanced back at Taemin with a quirked eyebrow.

"A dogs-date?" he repeated.

"Mhm," Taemin mused out loud. "We could take the puppies to the park, together. I'd meet Monggu and you'd meet Adam and Eve. For our second date. If you want a second date, that is."

"I do," Jongin exclaimed before he had time to even comprehend all Taemin had said.

That made Taemin laugh sweetly, and Jongin scratched his forehead with a low moan.

"I mean, yeah... I'd like a second date with you. And a dogs-date would be perfect," he whispered.

"I'm glad you like the idea," Taemin chuckled, sipping on his tea. "Besides, this will save us some time. I have to warn you, if Eve doesn't like you, I won't be able to see you anymore. It's better that you meet him soon, so I don't get too attached in case he rejects you."

Jongin looked up to him; Taemin had a glint of mischief playing in his eyes, but his face was serious. For a moment, he wondered how much of this was a game, and if Taemin could really stop seeing him if his dog disliked him. But all dogs loved him anyway, there was nothing to worry about. Right? Dogs could usually feel his undying love for them and answered the same way.

"Are you worried?" Taemin snickered.

"Maybe a bit. I will make sure to be decent and make a good impression. What about Adam? What will happen if he doesn't like me?"

Taemin laughed. A real laugh that got him to squirm on his armchair and Jongin stood there, wondering what was so funny as he took in the the beauty of Taemin giggling like a child.

"Well... Eve actually loves the whole world, there's no way he'll dislike you. He's super duper affectionate and he will probably cling to you if you so much as play with him for twenty seconds. But Adam is a little and I'm not even sure he likes me, so I won't put that much pressure on you. If I waited for him to approve of a man for me, I'd probably die single."

Jongin felt the little weight on his stomach lift to the sky and disappear. But then he smirked at Taemin, a small challenge igniting his eyes.

"Then... what if Adam likes me?"

Taemin pursed his lips in a little pout, and scrunched his nose.

"You're becoming greedy, Kim Jongin."

"You're the one to blame for making me want more," Jongin said.

Taemin looked at him, a bit taken aback by that sudden burst of confidence coming from the man who had been blushing every time their eyes met, a few hours ago. Then he saw it, the flicker of awkwardness in Jongin's eyes, and Taemin's face softened. A confident Jongin was exciting, but a shy Jongin trying to sound confident was even more charming.

"Alright," Taemin conceded. "If you manage to make Adam like you, I might consider a movie date at my place one evening. And I would let you choose the movie. How does that sound?"

Jongin was beaming.

"I'm in."

It was Taemin's turn to blush a little. It was a bit stunning, how quick Jongin was to answer and how honest and blunt he was with his indubitable crush on him.

They were interrupted by a small cough next to them, and both turned to a waitress, who bowed deeply to them.

"Sir, I'm really sorry to obstruct, but we have to close now..."

Taemin frowned and took his phone out of his pocket to look at the time, as Jongin was stuttering a litany of apologies to the waitress, bowing even deeper than her. And Taemin's eyes widened impossibly when he realized it was past eight o'clock already and they had stayed there, talking, for four hours.

They got up in a rush, excusing themselves over and over again, and Jongin went to pay for their orders. Taemin tried to argue about that, not wanting him to pay the whole bill of everything they ate and drank all afternoon and evening, but Jongin was hearing none of it and he kept giving Taemin's birthday as an excuse.

They were on the street, walking down side to side, and Jongin wondered how he could not have noticed the sun going down and the afternoon disappearing like that. There had been only Taemin in his mind all afternoon, and it had been even more delightful than everything he could have imagined.

"I can't believe we made them close late," Taemin laughed. "I feel a bit bad."

"I do too. I usually get so mad at people lingering in the bookstore when closing time is coming..."

Jongin discreetly shifted closer to Taemin, and their arms brushed against each other as they continued to stroll around.

"How do you get home? Can I walk you there for a bit?" Jongin asked in a murmur.

"I have to go take the line two," Taemin answered, and his eyes were so soft that Jongin felt his heart melt. "You're welcome to come with me if it's not a bother."

Jongin assured him that he didn't mind, and they walked in silence for a while. It wasn't uncomfortable or uneasy, it was gentle and soothing; the kind of relaxed calm that Jongin usually found with Kyungsoo. They didn't need to talk anymore, the space between them was reassuring.

They had spent hours together, and yet, when they arrived on the platform of Taemin's metro, it felt too soon.

"Can I be honest with you?" Taemin whispered, all of a sudden.

Jongin felt his lungs contract painfully and his heart bolted.

"Yes," he said, with apprehension.

Taemin seemed to noticed the way his shoulders tensed, because he poked his nose.

"Don't be like that. I already asked you on a second date... I just wanted to say that this was without any doubt the most wonderful first date I've ever had."

Jongin's smiled his largest, most beaming grin.

"I found it fantastic too," he laughed.

Jongin's eyes fell on Taemin's lips and his breath went shaky. He wanted to kiss him more than anything, he wanted to feel that plushy mouth against his and he wanted to hold Taemin in his arms and kiss his nose and cheeks too. Taemin must have realized where his thoughts were going, because he pinched his lips and looked sheepishly on the side. They were standing on a platform, surrounded by a dozen of people, and they both knew that.

The subway was arriving, it was roaring in the distance. Taemin swallowed and coughed lightly.

"Maybe we'll get a better chance in our second date," he said, with shining eyes staring at Jongin's lips.

"Maybe," Jongin muttered.

"I hope so."

"Me too."

The metro stopped next to them and Taemin laughed. His hand came to give a squeeze on Jongin's arm.

"Good night, Kim Jongin. Have sweet dreams of me," he purred, before he receded, and disappeared inside the subway.

Jongin let out a long sigh as he watched the wagons pass before his eyes. He wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh or pout. He wasn't sure if he felt light as a feather, or heavy as a rock. But he wanted to waltz right there and bounce and sing. His date had been every kind of perfect. And he was falling so hopelessly in love with Lee Taemin.

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Hello dears,

how have you been?
So, this chapter was actually pretty hard to write. I had so many things in mind, it was difficult to order everything correctly... I hope the result was interesting and nice to read, and not too boring or long. Any feedback is always appreciated, as to make the next chapters better.
I hope you're still enjoying this sickeningly slow and soft Taekai... ♥♥

Today's tea is “Lemon Cheesecake”. Yes, it is real and yes, it tastes and smells like cheesecake. I found this wonder in my small tea shop in Germany, but unfortunately, I cannot find any brand name with it. I have no idea if it's a blend made only by my tea shop or not. If you find any cake-tea in your tea shop, I always recommend smelling them to oblivion. And if it smells good, try it.

Until next time, I wish you all the best.