“Uhm. Excuse me?” Hyukjae asked as he approached the barista at the counter.

“Yes, Sir? Is there anything you need? Oh, your order’s ready, sir. Let me get it for you.” The barista left and returned to him with his latte and sandwich.

“Oh. Thank you. Uhm.” He’s still hesitating if he should ask or not.

“Is there anything else you need?” Hyuk showed a picture of Hae to the barista. A photo he took two years ago because he doesn’t have any recent photos of him. “Have you.. seen this guy before? Or do you know him?” The barista looked closely to his phone and her brows were frowning like trying to recognize the person on the photo. Suddenly the barista’s eyes widen and let out a small laugh. “Oh it’s him. I almost didn’t recognize him. He looks young there and his hair was short in the picture.” Short? So Hae has long hair now? He thought to himself. “He’s actually a regular here. He comes here a lot. He was here a few hours ago to get his daily coffee. Is he your… friend or something?” He’s still processing everything the barista told him. He’s a regular here. He was here a while ago and I just missed him. But was I ready to meet him? A lot of things are running through his head right now.

“I’m—uh. I’m his friend. I’m on a vac—” Someone suddenly entered the coffee shop. “Donghae! You’re here! Right on time. Someone is looking for you.” Fck. Fck. Sht! He’s here! Hyuk was frozen in his spot at the counter. He can’t move. His heart’s beating fast. He can hear Donghae’s footsteps coming towards the counter. But he still can’t move.

“What? I didn’t hear you. I’m here to get another coffee. My coffee was spilled when someone bumped into me in the office.” Donghae arrived at the counter. He was standing beside Hyukjae. He still doesn’t know that Hyuk was there. Beside him.

Hyuk felt again those damn butterflies. He missed his voice. He hasn’t heard his voice in person for the past two years. He can feel his palms sweating from the nervousness he’s feeling. His heart’s beating so fast because finally. Finally. He found Donghae.

“I said this guy’s looking for you.” The barista was pointing at Hyuk with her lips. Donghae looked at his side and he suddenly felt like a bucket of cold water was poured at him. He knows who it is.

There was a moment of silence. Donghae, Hyukjae and the barista. The barista was looking at the two and puzzled why none of them is moving nor talking. “I, uh. Will go to the back first. Please excuse me.” The barista excused herself as she felt the tension between the two.

Hyuk let out a deep sigh. After a minute of thinking between running away and just facing him. He decided the latter. He turned sideways and he was welcomed by this gorgeous man in front of him. He was in awe. He wouldn’t be surprised if mouth was a bit open. Donghae’s hair is long now, tied in a half pony. His hair is shoulder length. He’s wearing glasses matched with black turtleneck long sleeves and slacks. He can’t seem to say anything as he's still processing that the man he has been looking for and waiting for for two years is finally here in flesh in front of him..

Donghae was the same. He was looking at Hyukjae and realized he has changed a bit. But he can still see those pouty lips and round eyes. Keep yourself together. He told himself. Donghae realized that he has to at least say something as Hyuk looks like he has been paralyzed.

“Well. You found me.”

-

Thank you so much to OdetteSwan for the cover photo!! I really really love it!! 🥺❤️