Kai hates sweets. Any hint of sweetness makes him cringe in disgust and frown disdainfully. Kai leads an independent yet lonely life ever since his parents died. His café is a reflection of who he is.

The dimly lit café is simple yet intriguing. The cream coloured walls are filled with pictures of the café’s establishment since his grandfather set it up. There are certificates of achievement he earned when he was little, earning him the title of a child prodigy in coffee making.

“I don’t hire anyone to work in my café.”

The girl left with her head hanging down, a depressing aura surrounding her. Sehun shook his head at his childhood friend.

“This must be the fifth one this month. Why don’t you ever want a helper? It’ll be easier for you during the peak hours.” Sehun looked at Kai’s back from across the kitchen counter.

“You already know why. You should go back to the front and entertain the customers.” Kai spared Sehun a glance from the side of his eyes.

This is a common occurrence in L'élégance. It is every girl’s dream to be able to work with the legendary Kim Jongin, or Kai as he is normally called. Day after day, Sehun witnessed girls trying their luck to impress Kai, only to be rejected by him, even the handful of aspiring barista were coldly dismissed.

“Yes sir! By the way, Luhan’s coming over later. You know, my boyfriend? And he’s bringing his cousin along. Heard that he’s an aspiring pa-pati… pati-something.”

“Patissier. There’s a customer waiting in line.”

Sehun rolled his eyes in annoyance at the interuption and turned to greet the customer brightly.

“Hyung!” Kyungsoo called out to his doe-eyed cousin.

Luhan waved from the inside of his car, beckoning him to get in.

“I aced my theory and practical. Now I just need to get a six months internship to get my degree.”

“I’m sure any bakery or café will hire you. You are so talented.”

“But I can’t find a place that my desserts are compatible with.”

They talked about random stuff as they drove to L'élégance, catching up with one another.

“You’ll finally get to meet my boyfriend! I’m sure you guys will get along well.”

As they entered the café, Luhan called out excitedly to his boyfriend. The rainbow-haired boy at the counter looked up and brightened up instantly.

“So your boyfriend works here?”

“Nah, he’s just helping out his friend. Isn’t he sweet?”

While they waited for Sehun, Kyungsoo took his time to observe the café, eyes lingering on the chalkboard menu behind the counter. He broke his gaze when Sehun whizz passed him, taking a seat on the empty chair to his right.

Sehun gave Luhan a peck on the cheek, causing the blooming blush to spread over the span of his cheek.

“Sehun, this is my cousin Kyungsoo. Kyungsoo, this is my boyfriend, Sehun.”

After the brief introduction, the three engaged in a light conversation before Luhan’s eyes wandered around the café.

“Where’s Jongin?”

Speaking of the devil, Kai walked out of the kitchen and spotted the trio. Strolling over to their table with a tray of freshly brewed coffee, Jongin greeted Luhan before turning his gaze to Kyungsoo, giving him a slight nod of acknowledgement.

“I’m Jongin but people call me Kai. And you are?”

“Kyungsoo. Nice to meet you.”

Kai placed the tray of coffee in front of Kyungsoo and introduced it as the café’s signature before taking a seat next to Kyungsoo. Luhan and Sehun started chatting in their own world while Kyungsoo thought of ways to strike up a conversation with the tanned male beside him.

“Did you start up this café?”

“No, I inherited it from my grandfather.”

“Oh. Where are the other workers? There doesn’t seem to be anyone around except you and Sehun.”

“I don’t like to work with others.”

“Oh, I see.”

Kyungsoo started feeling awkward from the cold responses he received and started to sip on his coffee.”

His eyes widened when his palette came into contact with the bittersweet taste of the coffee and the burning question in his mind intensified.

“I think I know of a dessert that will go well with this coffee. Why don’t you include desserts in your menu?”

“I don’t feel the need to.”

Something triggered off in Kyungsoo and he defensively replied, trying to keep his tone even.

“What do you mean by there isn’t a need? I think dessert plays a very important role especially in café. If you will allow me, I would like to convince you.”

“So what do I gain from this? And how are you going to convince me?”

Kyungsoo suddenly stood up and looked at Kai with a newfound determination.

“I’ll come by tomorrow and if I can convince you, I would like to work here, just for six months.”