Slow?

Take things slowly?

Jun Jin refused to acknowledge the existence of such a word. The 's-word' (as he liked to call it) wasn't allowed in his line of work. He liked to get things done, efficiently yet effectively. Speed runs his work and his life, where everything was churned out almost as if he was being chased by a horse all the time. True to his name, he likes to keep things 'moving forward', in as fast and efficient of a manner as possible.

Getting things done fast was everything to Jun Jin. In his world where telephones ring left and right and his boss is constantly breathing down his back waiting for one wrong move, one late submission, in order to finally have an excuse to fire him, he couldn't afford to slow down. 

He had never learned how to slow down. 

He glanced at his watch.

Twenty minutes, he thought. Twenty minutes before the train comes.

Dressed neatly in a pressed suit, he placed his suitcase down and took in his surroundings. Other commuters were dressed similarly, but not as formally as he was. It was a warm morning, and he looked out of place in comparison to the others who had their jackets folded over their arms. Clearing his throat uncomfortably at the funny looks he was given, he picked up his suitcase and walked about.

Sometimes he hated arriving too early. It meant minutes upon minutes of time being wasted standing idly about, when he could have been at his desk doing more work. There was no time to relax in this field of work; there shouldn't be time to relax. If there was, there would be something wrong.

It had been two, almost three years since he last took a long, good holiday. And even then, he didn't really enjoy it- all he could think about was how he was going to finish his work efficiently when he got back.

Seeing time tick by slowly, he wandered out of the station and found himself window-shopping with a heavy case in tow. A mouth-watering scent filled his nostrils as he passed by a small restaurant. His stomach grumbled; he skipped breakfast to get to work as he was almost running late (for him anyway; his work didn't start in about an hour more, really), and it was nearing noon then.

Looking at his watch for the third time in two minutes, he decided he should grab a bite with the remaining time.

“Welcome, sir,” a man at the counter greeted.

Nodding, he inquired, “May I know what is it that’s cooking? It smells heavenly.”

The man smiled, replying, “You have a good sense of smell, and that was not meant to be insulting. That’s our house specialty, mushroom and white wine pasta.”

“Could I have a serving of that?” Jun Jin asked, settling down in a chair he had been ushered into.

The man stared at him for a while, and then shook his head. Puzzled by his refusal, he questioned if it was not ready yet.

“Oh, no. Of course it’s done. But you look like you are in a hurry. The chef spent an hour making the sauce, I can’t have you wolf down his efforts in minutes.”

He stared at the man, dumbfounded. It was the first time he had been turned down in such a manner. In the cosmopolitan city he lived in, what everyone strived to achieve was efficiency – completing as many tasks as possible in a short time frame.

“So, sir, are you going to opt for something else, or would you like to spend some time to enjoy the house specialty?”

"…" Jun Jin stared at the man for about a minute, half-shocked, half-pondering. How could such a person, such a business who treated their customers in such a manner, exist and survive in such a busy city? No one takes things slowly anymore. No one was concerned with sitting down to enjoy the food; no, there was far too little time for that. Food should be eaten as a means of survival- not to be used as an excuse for slow, idle 'down time'. There's no such thing as down time in this era anymore.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he looked at his watch again and decided to shake his head. "Forget it. My train's almost here."

He then walked out of the restaurant in brisk steps, the man watching him with a confused albeit somewhat amused gaze.

-------------------------------

After yet another exhausting and unfulfilling day at his drab, boring job, Jun Jin began to walk home in a dejected manner. He had taken some of the paperwork home with him as he was not done, and he wasn't looking forward to working on them again all night.

It seems as though that no matter how hard he works, no matter how many all-nighters he pulls, he feels as though he never gets anything done. Once he's done with something, something else will add up and make yet another pile for him to finish. He was stuck in a never-ending boring loop, and he felt that he could go crazy at any point.

Once his mind was unfocused though, the thoughts of the restaurant he had visited that afternoon once again came back. He tried to shake it away, rationalizing with himself, but in the end he decided he wanted to go back and try one more time. Since he was on his way home and has a couple of hours to spare, he figured that he could eat slowly and try to enjoy the food, if that's what the owner really wanted. He couldn't help but remember the smell from before too; it didn't smell like the ordinary fast food he was used to. It really smelled like high-quality ingredients were used, and it was prepared slowly with much care and love.

He even found himself already absent-mindedly walking slowly to where the restaurant was located even as he was deliberating with himself. When he finally got there, the man from that afternoon greeted him with a polite bow, and then his face lit up in a smile as he saw him.

"Oh! You were the man from this afternoon. Are you finally ready to try our house specialty?"

"Eh? Ah, yeah. I've got a couple minutes to spare, so I thought I'd drop by." Jun Jin shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant and not making it obvious that this establishment pretty much pulled his thoughts away from work all day. The man merely flashed him a knowing smile as he beckoned him to an empty table, before disappearing into the kitchen.

There were only a few other people in the restaurant, but it was still pretty busy for a place like this (at least, Jun Jin thought so). The place itself was very simply furnished, yet pristinely clean; sky blue walls, light brown couches and chairs, and white tables. There were a few paintings hung up on the wall, overall giving the place a truly relaxing, peaceful vibe.

Now that Jun Jin had taken the time to observe everything, he did find out that something was oddly calming about everything, despite it not fitting his tastes at all. So this is how it must feel like to slow down and have no worries. He thought as he allowed himself to lean back more into the chair and relax his rigid, formal, businessman posture.

His eyes flitted to the man who was the mastermind of everything; the polite, patient man with the knowing smile. He watched as he walked around the room with a slight skip in his step, as if he loved what he was doing. He also watched as he spoke and interacted with the customers while they were waiting for their order, his soft, almost childlike yet still manly voice a soothing melody to his ears that were used to the sounds of the rapid firing of the office printer and the loud, raspy voice of his beast of a boss.

For reasons unknown even to himself, he quickly averted his gaze when the man turned to smile at him. He was usually outspoken and confident wherever he went and he can talk to whoever, but right now, he couldn't help but feel… embarrassed, almost shy. And he didn't really know what triggered those feelings. He found himself trying to sink back further into his chair without looking stupid as he could see the man walking towards him through the corner of his eye. When he finally reached his side and took the chair beside his, Jun Jin quickly sat up and cleared his throat as if pretending that everything was normal.

"I've been really curious about you ever since this afternoon." The man started, the smile not leaving his face. Now that Jun Jin was able to look at him closely, he could see that he wasn't necessarily handsome. Somewhat good-looking, bordering on cute. He had a certain brightness that emanated from his features, possibly because of his constant smiling. His smile was wide, exposing all his straight, white teeth, which made him appear younger than he really is. How old is he? Somewhere around his age, maybe?

"How… do you manage to keep your business afloat in the middle of this bustling city?" Jun Jin blurted out somewhat formally, which caught him a little bit off-guard. It was as if his mouth was detached from his mind just that little second. The other man looked surprised, but he still managed to laugh a little.

"What do you mean? We get normal business like everyone else. Mostly tourists on vacation, really, but we do have some loyal Korean customers who come here all the time."

So it was a normal restaurant. But somehow, Jun Jin still thought it was some kind of fantastical restaurant that lured people into wanting to eat in or something, the same way he was lured and distracted by it. There was just some kind of different feeling to it, not like the feeling he gets from fast food restaurants or street-side kiosks.

It made him want to come back here afterwards, even though everything was slow-paced and not fit to his lifestyle at all.

For the first time, Jun Jin felt relaxed.

He realized that he must have been quiet and pondering for a while, when the man smiled at him and stood up from the chair to take his order from the kitchen which was finally done. Without realizing what he was doing, Jun Jin leaned forward and grabbed the man by the arm, which caused him to blink at Jun Jin in surprise.

"Is there anything else you need, sir?"

"What's your name?" Straightforward, somewhat rude. He hoped that didn't put off the man.

"Lee Sunho, but the foreigners have dubbed me Andy." He replied with a smile, without the slightest hint of having been offended.

"Andy…" Jun Jin slowly let go of him, as Andy bowed and went to fetch his order. He found his eyes trailing after the other, fascinated by his relaxed ways.

As soon as Andy left, Jun Jin took the liberty of once again observing the surroundings, but this time he focused on the customers. Even though it was somewhat late into the night, there were still a sizable number of people. And he noticed one thing about them, that he never notices in fast food or street-side restaurants- instead of slumping over, wallowing away whatever sadness or problems they have over mountains of soju bottles, the customers here were… happy. They were happy, even if they were sitting alone. They seemed at peace, relaxed, even in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of this stressful city.

And at that moment, Jun Jin realized just how hectic and harassed he was feeling with living in a fast-paced environment, with all of his tight schedules and endless loads of work.

Andy finally came back with a plate of the mushroom and white wine pasta that he had been wanting to try. "Enjoy." He declared cheerfully with a hint of matter-of-fact in his voice as he smiled at him and started to go back to the counter. "Ah, before I forget," He suddenly piped up, turning back to Jun Jin who was just about to dig in, "What's your name? I'm afraid I forgot to ask."

"…Choongjae. Park Choongjae. My co-workers usually call me Jun Jin though, since it seems like I’m always moving forward." Jun Jin didn’t really know why he needed to elaborate like that, but he somehow felt like he needed to say it. He carefully twirled the pasta around his fork, focusing on the plate before him while avoiding Andy's gentle yet somehow piercing gaze.

"Jun Jin, 'moving forward'… I think that name somehow suits you very much, Jun Jin-ssi."

Without looking up, Jun Jin's mouth curled up into a small smile as he ate the pasta slowly, leisurely, savoring each and every bite that he took. It had been such a long time since he had enjoyed a meal like this.

-------------------------------

Ever since that day, Jun Jin had been faithfully going back to the restaurant everyday after work. He had now made sure that he clocked out on time (no more overtimes unless it was absolutely necessary), did things at his own pace, and didn't scream at his subordinates anymore for deadlines that are only a few minutes late. He had seemed more carefree, laid back, and most importantly, happier. He had a better work relationship with everyone, including his beast of a boss, which he found out to be quite an easy person to talk and negotiate with. He had been using the wrong approach these past three years he had been working, when all he really needed was to relax.

"Jinnie-yah, I'm really glad you seem to be happier and more upbeat these days." Hyesung, one of his co-workers, approached Jun Jin one day and tapped him on the back playfully with his clipboard. "It was almost as if you were a changed person overnight. One day you just came barging in here emanating such happiness and energy. What came over you that you suddenly changed?"

“I finally just realized the importance of taking it slow sometimes.” Jun Jin let out a relaxed sigh as he let his rigid shoulders slump over and rest. It was almost time for work to end in a few minutes, and he could hardly wait.

He loved going to that restaurant. Their food was good, the vibe was relaxing, and most of all… Andy was there. He had come to enjoy his presence more than anyone’s, and being around him made him feel even more relaxed. He didn’t know what it was about him that has such a calming effect on him- perhaps it was his soft-spoken yet manly voice, or the way his eyes scrunched up at the sides when he smiles, or the sound of his laugh, an audible ‘haha’ that came out in short bursts.

Once the clock struck 8, Jun Jin excitedly bade goodbye to Hyesung as he shot out of the office, leaving the latter a little surprised yet amused. He was at the restaurant once more in no time (really, this was the only thing he hurried for these days), and as usual, Andy was at the door to greet him.

“Jinnie!” They had gotten close enough to each other for Andy to call him by such a nickname. “I’ve been waiting for you, there’s food ready inside.”

Somehow, this restaurant, with Andy’s presence, felt more like a home than his actual home. At home, there was no one waiting for him- just an empty room and darkness. But here, there was warm food, warm surroundings, and a warm man.

“Thanks, I knew I could count on you.” Jun Jin flashed the other a bright smile as he took his place at his customary table, with Andy sitting on the other side facing him with a meal of his own. They had made it a habit to eat together every time Jun Jin came by, which was everyday. There weren’t many customers tonight either, so they basically had the whole restaurant to themselves.

“So, Jinnie…” Andy started, albeit a bit hesitatingly, peering at Jun Jin unsurely while he spooned some rice into his mouth.

Jun Jin looked up from his meal. “Yeah?”

Andy swallowed the rice and cleared his throat, before putting down his spoon and resting his chin on his hands, looking straight at Jun Jin. Jun Jin blinked at him questioningly.

“If I may ask… before you knew of this restaurant, why were you so… hurried and rigid all the time? It was as if someone was chasing you every time you took a step. I remember you couldn’t even stay for a little bit to eat before you had to go catch your train.”

Jun Jin glanced at Andy, his genuine curiosity and somehow, concern, written all over his face. He shrugged, somewhat amused at Andy’s expression, before shoveling some food in his mouth. “Nothing important, really. I guess I’m just an extremely time-oriented person.”

“I know that you certainly are, but the degree to which you hurry is almost abnormal.” Andy replied as he picked up his spoon and started eating again, somewhat relieved that it wasn’t a heavy reason like some childhood trauma or something.

“I don’t know… I’ve started becoming like this three years ago, when I finally got a job, this job that I’m working at right now.” Jun Jin started his anecdote as he slurped soup. “Before that, I was just an unemployed street singer who managed to get by with the little tips I earned from singing in subways and on street corners. When I finally landed the job, I guess I got too enthusiastic after I promised my boss to ‘do my best and to get everything done as speedily and efficiently as possible.’ It was my first real paying job in years, and the prospect of getting a permanent source of steady income excited me.”

He continued. “I thought that if I did everything fast, then results will be fast, too. My job is okay, it’s not something I’d want to have forever though, so I wanted to make as much money as I can as soon as possible. The thought of finally being able to retire in luxury after working my off all my life was what kept me going and what drove me to do everything faster, faster, until I didn’t even realize that it was harming everything and everyone around me, including my work relationships, and my own health. I had forgotten the word ‘relax’ and ‘slow down’; I hadn’t relaxed or slowed down in the three years I’ve been working, no matter how much my friend and co-worker reminded me to.”

“I see…” Andy nodded as he listened to Jun Jin recount everything. Now he finally understood; he could never imagine himself being anything like that. “What… made you change?”

“Well, when I came across this restaurant, I was reminded of the slow-paced, relaxed life.” Jun Jin paused, then he flashed a small, sweet smile at Andy. “And most of all, it was you who helped, no, made me change.”

A slight blush found its way to Andy’s cheeks, tinting it a light pink as he cleared his throat. “Wh-what makes you say that? I didn’t say or do anything to make you change.”

“Maybe not directly, but indirectly. Seeing you, observing you and the way you did things and carried yourself… just somehow encouraged me to take it slow, too. You just have this relaxed aura that’s contagious. Just your presence is enough to melt all of my worries away.”

Andy managed a small, shy smile, his cheeks a shade of baby pink now. “I’m glad I could influence someone positively in that way, then.” After hearing Jun Jin’s story, he went back to eating silently. Jun Jin glanced at him as he went back to his own food too, and with an amused shaking of his head, reached over and gently flicked a rice bead off of Andy’s cheek, which caught him by surprise.

“There was rice on your cheek.” Jun Jin pointed out matter-of-factly, shrugging his shoulders as he merely flashed a grin at the other. Andy cleared his throat but made no reply as he rolled his eyes and went back to eating, the slightest of smiles making its way to his lips.

For the first time, Jun Jin felt happy and fulfilled.

-------------------------------

“Is this really your first vacation in years, Jinnie?” Andy suddenly asked as he walked with him along the forest trail. Jun Jin had finally decided to take a vacation, and had invited Andy along for a hike.

“Yes, it is. I don’t even remember the last time I had one.” Jun Jin breathed in deeply, savoring the feeling of fresh air being seeped into his lungs. “Back when I didn’t have a demanding job like I do now, I used to go through here all the time. It’s surprising it hasn’t changed a bit.”

“…You know what, I have something to show you.” Reaching over and grabbing Jun Jin’s wrist, Andy hauled him up the hill and started to run, dragging the other with him. Stumbling a bit in surprise, Jun Jin managed to match Andy’s pace in a few steps, though puzzled as to why the other was hurrying.

“Where are we going?”

“I think there’s one place near here that you didn’t know about.” Andy merely replied, and then turned right to deviate from the trail.

“Woah, wait! We’re getting off track!”

“That’s how you discover new things, Jinnie- you don’t just follow a straight path.” After a few minutes of half walking, half-running, the two men came across a wide, open plain, and at the end there was a clear, beautiful lake.

Jun Jin couldn’t help but marvel at the beautiful sight. “How did you ever manage to find this?”

Andy was already laying the picnic blanket down by the side of the water. “I deviated from the path one time and accidentally discovered this place. I was lost for a while, but I learned to just relax and let nature guide me. And it led me here.”

“This… is beautiful.” It was all he could utter as he kneeled by the side of the water, dipping his hand in to test the temperature and to see how clear it was. He scooped a bit with both hands and washed his face with it, liking the feel of the icy water against his tired skin.

They both spent the remainder of the day doing nothing but talk and laugh and tell stories. Jun Jin had never felt so carefree before, and it was all thanks to Andy.

Once night came, Andy beckoned Jun Jin to lie down on the blanket beside him. He pointed upwards towards the sky, pointing out stars and telling him amusing legends and stories about the constellations.

Jun Jin listened, the quiet yet energetic drone of Andy’s voice a soothing sound to his ears. To others, his voice may be ordinary; but to him, it was like music.

After a while, Jun Jin shifted his gaze from the stars to the man beside him, just staring at the way the soft breeze tickled his hair and the dim light highlight his features. Andy stopped speaking to look at Jun Jin, a gentle smile grazing his expression.

“Thank you for showing me how to relax, Andy.” Jun Jin suddenly whispered, reaching over to brush Andy’s bangs away from his face so he can get a better view at his features. A soft tinge of pink found its way to Andy’s cheeks, a nice contrast to his pale skin which made him appear somewhat… cuter, in Jun Jin’s eyes.

“You’re welcome.” He replied simply as he turned his eyes back up to the stars, clearly embarrassed yet somewhat shy.

Jun Jin merely smiled, and turned his attention back up to the stars as well, as he listened to Andy speak about them again.

And for the first time, Jun Jin felt that his life finally had meaning.

___________

A/N: Aish, I’m really not such a oneshot person. >.< Hope that you guys enjoyed it as much as I had fun writing it, though. :D Oneshots aren’t my forte, but I’ll get better at them and offer better ones in the future, I promise. xD Thank you for watching this and supporting me even though updates are slow! I’m just one of those writers who rely heavily on inspiration, because if I have none then I can’t write at all T_T