"Ugh, I'd rather sleep…" Taeyong groaned and taps Na Jaemin, one of his juniors, on his back. "Enjoy your lunch!" he waves at them as he makes his way back to the office, glad to have an hour extension to their usual lunch break since their meeting lasted more than it should. They were lucky their boss was cool. And speaking of his boss, Moon Taeil, catches him on the way back to the office.

"Oh, Lee Taeyong!" he calls out and Taeyong turns to face him, bowing. "Are you not going to have lunch? It's a long lunch break!"

Taeyong smiles at him, "that is why I'll be spending it sleeping. I stuffed myself during breakfast and the snacks in the meeting were fulfilling, as well" it was true. He was still full from the coffee and bread Yuta bought him and the snacks in the meeting room were enough to keep him fueled until late in the afternoon.

His boss laughs and pats his shoulder as he makes his way to the elevator. "Enjoy your lunch, sir!" Taeil just waves a hand even when his back was facing him and entered the elevator; Taeyong lets out a sigh.

Taeyong was feeling like and he just wanted to sleep. He was thankful he didn't even fall asleep once in the meeting, he saved his coffee from the moment he got it until the meeting ended. He slumped on his office chair and leaned back, eyes closing and ready to sleep when he remembered meeting Yuta and him driving Taeyong to the office. He grumbles to himself but kept his eyes closed--thinking about Yuta won't make him sleep.

He then remembered how Yuta asked for a second chance and how, in just a few mere hours, his anger and hurt were creeping away from his system. Sure he was still hurting and even Yuta won't be able to fix it, but at the same time, he was excited and happy to be talking to him again. He doesn't even feel the slightest any anger. Although he doesn't think it's fair for the both of them to just jump into and start their relationship again; and it's impossible for them to pick up where they left it. What if Yuta's sober now and he changed his mind? He picks up his phone from the table and chuckles lowly to himself, Yuta didn't even send him anything, but it was just fair considering he didn't even send him anything, too.

He leans back again and closes his eyes and forces himself to take a nap and he does; he'll think about Yuta, later. 

At 5PM, Taeyong clocks out with his office friends, he was starting to feel hungry and they planned to get something to eat before they head home when a car suddenly stops infront of them when they went out of the building. Normally, they wouldn't mind it but the window on the passenger side opened and they all peaked curiously. Some of them gasped and whispered "Isn't that the soccer player Nakamoto Yuta?" among themselves. Taeyong just stared with wide eyes.

"Taeyongie!" he called with his wide smile and went out of the car, a bouquet of flowers in his hands as he walks over to the group Taeyong was in. "For you…" Yuta says and Taeyong takes it absent-mindedly, his friends curious, confused and giddy.

"Uhm…Yuta…" was what he just managed until someone poked him from behind, he gueses that was Kunghang (who they call Hendery) from the way he chuckled, which seemed to wake him up that he just clears his throat, "Uhh.. what are you doing here?"

"I, well, I actually wanted to ask you out for dinner…" Yuta knows he should've sent Taeyong a message first but he wanted to surprise him, which he never did before even though he knows Taeyong liked it.

"We, actually, uhm…"

Ten, their Thai officemate that they can't seem to get to pronounce his real name, stood beside him and kind of pushed Taeyong towards Yuta. "Don't worry, Taeyongie hyung, we can always get dinner together some other time. Mr. Nakamoto came all the way here…" he grins towards their other friends, "…I'm sure he's busy and besides, the training center is far from here. So you should…" he pats on Taeyong's shoulder and walks away with their other friends, whispering happily among themselves then says a synchronized "have fun!" towards the two of them and Yuta waves happily at them; Taeyong blinked but waved at them, lost.

"Uhm, I'm sorry. I should've sent you a message, first. I just thought I'd surprise you with flowers." he smiles shyly, gestures to the flowers, "I know you liked flowers and I'm sorry I never really got them for you as often as I should have…" Taeyong felt his cheeks blush. He used to complain that Yuta didn't always buy him flowers even though he liked them and even though he wasn't really whiny and flowers just die--he still sulked during special occasions when he was expecting Yuta to him even a single stem of a rose.

"I…thank you…" he says finally, smiling softly. "They're lovely. And very unexpected…" they were just standing as they didn't know what else to say but then he remembered Yuta asked him to dinner. He wanted to say no because he thinks it's too soon but his stomach suddenly grumbled, quite embarrassingly, that he knew Yuta heard and he just groans. "Dinner, yes. I haven't had lunch so…sorry, if you heard that…" Yuta just laughs and shakes his head, leading Taeyong to his car and opening the passenger side for him. He slips and puts on his seatbelt then Yuta drives away.

Taeyong suddenly realizes, while they were stuck traffic, that this was the first time Yuta approached him in public and even gave him flowers; but he was suddenly nervous. Yuta was rich enough to rent a whole restaurant and dine with him in private, this sends his stomach flipping and it wasn't a good feeling. He might be okay with facing Taeyong's officemates but it might be different somewhere else. He holds a bit tighter on the bouquet and tries to just accept it, it won't be easy for Yuta to be public with his gender.

When they arrived at the restaurant Yuta had reservations for them, Taeyong was obviously surprised to see that they weren't going to be alone. Yuta took his surprise as something else. "You must really like it here, huh?" he teases and goes out to open the door for Taeyong again. It wasn't that he really does it on purpose, to not go down on his own but he was genuinely shocked that they'd be dining out in public. Even if you're not a football fan, you would know Nakamoto Yuta. He was not the best player but he was the most famous, with his face on every corner of Seoul as he was endorsing a lot of products. That and he was handsome enough to always be on TV just for anything. The team liked his popularity and used it a lot for Yuta's and their own sake.

Taeyong slowly goes down, suddenly feeling under dressed as he places the flowers on the passenger seat and stands beside Yuta. "I think I'm a little under dressed to be eating here, Yuta…" he says and Yuta gives him a comforting smile, shaking his head, "You look great, Tyong." he says and gestures to his shoes, he was still wearing the pink chucks even though he was wearing a plain black long sleeve polo and black leather pants. He looked so handsome with his white blonde hair styled to show his black undercut, Taeyong sighs then immediately shakes his head when Yuta looks confusedly at him.

"Uh, yeah! I really like it here. My noona took me here some time ago." Lies. He hasn't even heard of this place since he and the people he knew only go to places they can afford, and this place seem like somewhere they can't. Yuta just nods, knowing Taeyong's noona would be the type of older sister who would spoil their younger siblings. "Shall we?" Yuta asks and Taeyong just follows him, not really know how he should be acting around Yuta in public--he was never and never got used to it.

Yuta was recognized right away and they were led to their table, it was quite private but not so much that they're still seen by other people. Taeyong actually appreciated the privacy although he liked how they weren't hidden; Yuta was really making up for all those years he hid him. This was more public exposures than they had when they were still together when Yuta started to play for the national team.

"Is there anything you want to eat?" Yuta asks him as they read the menu, Taeyong looks up and just says he'd want some fish and chips with some pasta. Yuta looks at him, "you sure that's what you want?" he asks softly, "Steak is fine,  you know." Taeyong just grins at him, "I know. I just don't feel like eating red meat, now. I still feel ty from last night that I'm craving for something oily. Will probably have ramyeon when I go home later, too, though." he chuckles and Yuta couldn't help but do the same, he nods and calls a waiter to tell them their orders. They stayed away from alcohol and just chooses a cucumber juice for Taeyong and coke for Yuta.

"How was your day?" Yuta asks as they were waiting for their food and before Taeyong could answer, their appetizers and soup were getting served. "Have some while it's hot..." he gestures to the soup and pushes the basket of bread to Taeyong and he does, he was hungry after all.

"My day was fine..." he answers, "Our meeting lasted for almost half the day, the rest was usual work." he nods then realizes that Yuta might not be aware what he does, he laughs, "I work at an entertainment agency, you must've noticed that from the building." Yuta nods, "We're the ones who look after our artists. Not as managers but more of damage control." Yuta nods again, understading. "I'm familiar." he smiles, "They signed me up in one of the entertainment agencies that handles athletes, for my public appearances and endorsements."

Taeyong lets out an "oh-" and nods with a smile. He was happy he was getting to know the Yuta now. "I see. Uhm, how was your day, though?" he asks back, genuinely concerned how Yuta spent his day.

"Oh, well, after I drove you to work, I went back home and slept some more." he grins and Taeyong suddenly felt guilty since he was part of the reason Yuta stayed up late and even sacrificed a few hours of sleep to buy him breakfast and take him to work. "Then I went to work out then after that, I finished reviewing a few contracts for my next endorsement." he nods and takes a bread with Taeyong just staring at him.

This Yuta was different from the Yuta he was with years ago and he knows he should have expected that because Yuta can't be the same person who he was. Even he was different from how he was years ago. They've matured now. It was actually endearing to see how much they've changed, physically, emotionally and mentally, and to know both their feelings remain--although he wasn't sure if the feelings that remained were the same, or if it changed or it was the feelings they think they have. Taeyong wasn't sure. And he was hungry. He was thankful for the temporary silence until their main courses arrived.

"Let's eat!" Yuta says happily to which Taeyong returns with a smile and nods, happy to be finally eating as he was hungry for a while now. 

After they're stuffed and full from their dinner, Yuta invited Taeyong for coffee and he couldn't say no; partly because he had so much oily food that coffee could be his dessert and because, honestly, he wanted to spend more time with Yuta.

They walk to a nearby coffee shop and Yuta orders an iced americano for him and Taeyong had an iced caramel macchiato; he wanted something sweet to balance with his dinner. They sat at a corner, thankful that the coffee shop was almost empty.

"Thank you..." Yuta began and Taeyong glances at him as he was sipping his coffee, "for what?" he asks

"For saying yes to having dinner with me." he smiles and it was shy, opposite to the Yuta he knew. It was kind of cute.

Taeyong chuckles, nodding. "I needed to eat, anyways." they both chuckle and they fell into silence again. It was actually kind of awkward to be sitting infront of each other again after so long, even though there's familiarity, the awkwardness can't be denied.

When they finished their coffee, they both agreed that it was time for them to go home since Taeyong had work the next day and Yuta had to train early.

Taeyong insisted to take the bus but Yuta didn't want that since he wanted to spend more time with Taeyong and at the same time, he wanted to know where he lives.

"You're not going to stalk me, are you?" Taeyong asks as they drive away from the coffee shop, making Yuta laugh and it made Taeyong blush. He missed Yuta's loud laughter and it was still the same. He was the handsomest when he was happy.

"Even if I wanted to,  I wouldn't be able to hide properly as people might recognize me."

Taeyong faces him, rolling his eyes, "Okay, Mr. Famous." this earns him another laughter from Yuta. He really did miss Yuta and them sitting in one car, laughing and joking, it was like they didn't part for two years at the same time he could feel that it wasn't the same. Maybe it was for the best.

They arrive at Taeyong's place faster than they wanted although Taeyong was partly glad because he just wanted wash up and fall asleep.

"Thank you, Yuta... for dinner. And coffee..." he says as he looks up at his apartment building, they were still inside Yuta's car.

Yuta just nods and they stay quiet, again, not wanting to part. "Uhm, I still want to apologise. For last night, and for whatever happened to us two years ago."

"Taeyong, it wasn't your fau-"

"I know." he cuts him off, a small smile on his lips, "But I still owe you an apology. For not understanding you better. For not giving you a chance to explain yourself. For not giving you a proper break up..."

Yuta looks at him, confused. Was this their proper break up? "Taeyong, are you, uhm...properly breaking up with me?"

Taeyong couldn't help but laugh. That wasn't his intention. He didn't even know what he wanted now. He knows his mind wants him to do just that, but his heart wanted Yuta back.

"Uhm, no, I mean. We had a sort of break up years ago. We don't need to do that again...unless you want to."

Yuta immediately shakes his head, "I wouldn't  be asking for a second chance if I wanted that, Tyong..."

Taeyong was about to say something when a sudden loud knock on his window shocked both him and Yuta. He instinctively snapped his head and saw his best friend, Doyoung, standing outside--scandalized. He opens the door and goes out to meet him.

"D-doyoung, hi!" he stammered, Doyoung tapping his foot on the floor. "Uhm, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" he gestures to Yuta, who was just coming out of his car. "Hi, Doyoung." he greets, earning him an eye roll. "What is he doing here?"

"Uhm..." Taeyong didn't know what to say

"We had dinner." Yuta answered for him and it seemed to worsen the situation. Doyoung grabbed Taeyong's arm and pulls him close to him.

"Thank you for taking him home. I'll walk him to his unit."

"But-"

"Good bye, Yuta!" Doyoung says firmly and pulls Taeyong with him, both of them not realizing he's left his bag and bouquet in Yuta's car.

"Wait!" Yuta called out but Taeyong and Doyoung already disappered into the building. He didn't pursue as he had another reason to see Taeyong again.

"Explain." Doyoung demands the moment the door closes behind them, Taeyong slumps on the couch and Doyoung follows beside him. "I was so worried, you didn't message or call me last night. I couldn't call you for some reason and I rushed to your work place after my work and I chanced upon Ten and the others and they told me "Mr. Nakamoto" picked you up." he rolls his eyes with a sigh.

"Did you spend the night with him?" Taeyong shakes his head in defense "But it's not like what you're thinking!" he sighs and lays his head on Doyoung's shoulder, "We needed to talk and we did. Then I was so drunk to go home so he offered for me to stay the night. He drove me to work and brought me breakfast. The dinner, I had no idea. I was surprised when he arrived there. Dodo..."

Taeyong wanted to defend Yuta but he knows Doyoung would scold him but he wanted some advice from his bestfriend, too.

"He... I think he's changed..." he begins, unsure. "He took me out to dinner in public, we walked to a coffee shop...He talked to my officemates and..." he pauses, making Doyoung face him, he sits straight. "He asked for a second chance..."

"Taeyongie.."

"I don't know... I'm...I feel like giving it to him, or make him suffer a bit to see if he'd still pursue me or if he'll change his mind and think maybe I'm not worth it..."

Doyoung sighs, "Look, I'm in no position to dictate your next actions. But Taeyongie... I'm just worried about your heart. It took you two years to finally take the courage to admit to yourself that you were ready to move on from him. And I hate that he just had to come and ruin that again. But..." he sighs. "But if you feel like giving him another chance and you think you can handle it, then but all means, go. And if he ever hurts you again..." he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I will be here. I and all your other friends. But I will be here, not to kill Yuta even if I wanted to, but I will be here to be your crying shoulder. If we have to get drunk and cry all night, I'd be here, okay?" Taeyong hugs him tight, thankful for Doyoung's existence. "don't forget the ice cream, please."

This gets them to laugh and Doyoung tells Taeyong that he'll be staying the night, too tired to go home.

"Can I borrow some jammies? I'll just call Jaehyun..."

Taeyong nods and prepares clothes for Doyoung before going to wash up. He places his phone on the bedside table and was about to go to the bathroom when a message popped up. "Thank you for tonight. 🥰 Good night, Tyong..." it says and it made him smile, he replies, "Get home safely. Good night, Yuta."

He decides he'll tell Yuta they'll take it slow. If they really wanted to be together, they'll do it right this time.

A smile on his lips as he starts to shower.