The first time Changmin meet Ryeowook, it was at a restaurant. A restaurant co-owned by one of his close friends, Kim Junsu, and Lee Eunhyuk. Bribed with the offer of a free meal, Changmin decided to visit his friend’s new restaurant that had been open for about four months already. What he hadn’t expected was for the restaurant to be a posh place, filled with modern décor from the leather seats to the intricate light fixtures.

He felt a little ashamed that he didn’t dress up nicer, only a little bit, because it wasn’t enough to make him go home and change – not when the food smelled so appetizing and looked just as delicious.

His eyes eagerly scanned the menu, biting his lip to hold his excitement. He could practically order the whole menu if he wanted – although Junsu would kill him, since he particularly stressed over the phone last night about having a meal, not everything in the menu.

“Hello, my name is Kim Ryeowook and I will be your server for the evening,” A short man greeted him. “What can I get you for today? Is there anything you would like to drink?”

Changmin didn’t look up from the menu, eyes transfixed on a particular dish picture. “Yeah, I want a glass of red wine. Any wine brand will do.”

“Okay,” The Waiter said, “Is there anything else I can get you? An appetizer or do you still want time to think it over?”

Changmin looked up from the menu, prepared to kindly reject the offer, but suddenly the words all died in his throat. He honestly hadn’t expected his waiter to be a short man with wavy auburn hair, and a bright smile on his young face. The only word Changmin could think of describing him is cute. The man was just plain cute.

“I still need time to think,” Changmin admitted shyly, peeking down at the menu.

“Okay, take your time. I’ll be right back with your drink.” Ryeowook smiled at him, before walking towards another table. Changmin nodded, struggling on what to pick as everything sounded delicious to him.

It didn’t take long for Ryeowook to return with his drink, kindly placing it on a coaster. The Waiter was extremely patient with him, reciting the specials of the week and offering a little bit of advice on what’s good. Changmin eventually ordered, handing back the menu before digging into the bread rolls.

He entertained himself by playing games on his phone, trying to beat Minho’s top score before his food will arrive. Every now and then, he would take a sip of wine or stuff a whole roll into his month in between game levels. After a few minutes, he glanced up to find Ryeowook balancing a tray with his order. He watched excitedly, eyes shining brightly at the alluring aroma as his fingers eager reached for his utensils.

“Can I get you anything else?” Ryeowook asked, surprised how someone could get so excited for…well, food. Changmin shook his head, already in a trace as he took his first bite. He didn’t even wait for Ryeowook to leave and immediately began to devour his food.

Over-stuffed and satisfied from the unlimited bread rolls, wine refills and meal, Changmin waved over his waiter. He politely declined ordering dessert, asking for the bill – merely out of curiosity, since he knew he wouldn’t have to pay a cent thanks to Junsu. Knowing the owner of the restaurant certainly had its perks.

Ryeowook returned with the bill at hand, curious when he found his customer at complete ease. He vaguely heard the customer chuckle quietly, mumbling under his breath, “Ha! So the wine was expensive!”

“Ryeowook-sshi,” Changmin asked, starling Ryeowook as he had not looked up from the receipt. “Can I speak to your manager?”

Ryeowook blanched, his skin turning a ghostly pale at the thought of getting a manager. He gripped his apron anxiously, trying to think of anything he could’ve done that possibly offended the young man. He couldn’t think of anything, which made him grip his apron tighter, his knuckles turning white.

 “I…Why would you want to talk to him, Sir? Did I do something to upset you?” Ryeowook asked, unable to keep the nervousness out of his voice.

Changmin looked up at him in surprise, blinking a couple times. Ryeowook’s reaction confused him, until he realized what he had said.

“Oh,” Changmin said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound that way. I’m not going to complain about you. I’m a friend of one of the owners here.”

Changmin couldn’t help but smile a bit at how visibly relieved the small waiter suddenly looked.

“No, I’m sorry. I thought you were…I’m really sorry. I’ll just go get him now,” Ryeowook shuffled away eagerly after being thoroughly embarrassed. Unfortunately, he came back shortly to ask who exactly Changmin wanted to see.

“Before you go, can you do something for me?” Changmin asked, grinning at the possible prospect of teasing his ‘beloved’ hyungs. Ryeowook merely stared at him warily, cautiously waiting for the favor. “Can you tell Junsu-hyung that a food critic is here and that he’s giving his restaurant a bad review? I want to freak him out a bit.”

Ryeowook smiled, nodding in understanding. “Okay.”

Changmin didn’t see Ryeowook after that. Instead, he got a lengthy lecture about how food critics shouldn’t be joked about from Junsu, before getting another lecture for drinking so much wine – Oh my god; did you drink a whole bottle?

After the bill was settled –which was merely Junsu saving the receipt to put it under ‘restaurant expenses’ later– Changmin decided it was time to leave, having loitered around enough talking to his hyung.

That day, oddly enough, Changmin was feeling particularly generous. So before heading out, he decided to give one big tip to the waiter named Kim Ryeowook.

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The second time Changmin returned to the restaurant, he was accompanied by his hyung, Kim Jaejoong. It was Jaejoong’s birthday, and following his hyung’s birthday wish, they decided to go to Junsu’s restaurant. Jaejoong had claimed he only visited a couple times, but never had the chance to actually try the food – and since Changmin said it was a pretty good place, he really wanted to try the food himself.

Changmin didn’t say anything when Jaejoong slipped away to the restroom, after they were seated. He leisurely looked through the menu, trying to remember what dish he had wanted to try last time.

“Oh, it’s you.”

Changmin stiffened in his seat. ‘It’s you’ was never a good phrase to hear in public, because it meant meeting someone that Changmin didn’t really want to see outside of work, or his small social circle. It also meant it could be anyone; one of his co-workers from work, his wonderful sisters with their annoying friends or even worse –an ex-classmate wanting to catch up on old times.

Reluctantly, Changmin lifted his gaze, only to be surprised to find his previous waiter standing near the table.

“Shim Changmin-sshi, right?” Ryeowook tilted his head a little, smiling brightly at him.

“Oh,” Changmin quickly glanced at the waiter’s name tag, “Kim Ryeowook-sshi. Hello.”

“Sorry, we never properly introduced ourselves last time. Junsu-hyung warned us not to give you any free meals anymore, so he made the staff memorize your name.” Ryeowook explained, noticing the confusion of the man’s face.

“Well, that’s just rude,” Changmin glared at the direction of what he knew to be the manager’s office, offended that his friend thought so lowly of him. Though in all honesty, he was hoping for a free meal again because free meals are the best kinds of meals.

Ryeowook just chuckled, amused by Changmin’s reaction. “Plus, how could I forget the person who tipped me 100,000 won*?” [*roughly a hundred U.S. Dollars]

When Ryeowook first discovered the tip, he couldn’t really believe it. He immediately sought out his boss, Junsu, to explain that his friend probably made a mistake, since the cost of the meal wasn’t even that expensive. But Junsu waved off his concern, saying ‘Changmin spares no expense when it comes to food. If he really enjoyed it, then he doesn’t care about the price’ and urged Ryeowook to keep the money instead –That jerk deserves to be broke after drinking all my wine!

“Oh, I did?” Changmin said, unintentionally making it sound as a question. He remembered tipping him, but he couldn’t recall how much.

Ryeowook furrowed his eyebrows, now not so sure anymore. “Yes?”

An awkward pause ensued, leaving both men clueless of what to do. Although Changmin couldn’t help but admire the beautiful man standing before him, actually taking notice of more than just his facial features this time. The Waiter had wavy auburn hair resting just above his eyelashes that looked soft to the touch, molten brown eyes that held a certain mystery to them, and small pouty lips. He looked rather lean in his white pressed button shirt, his black apron highlighting his skinny hips, with matching black wrinkle-free pants and polished shoes.

“Um, Ryeowook-sshi,” Changmin broke the silence. He flashed the Waiter a small smile, hoping it was disarming enough for the man to relax. “It’s seems like I’m always asking favors from you, but it’s my hyung’s birthday today and I was wondering if this restaurant does anything special for birthdays?”

“We can sing, while giving him dessert,” Ryeowook said, “It’s a free piece of chocolate cake, but it’s a really small piece of cake, though.”

Changmin chuckled softly, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “So it this how Junsu operates a business? What a cheapskate.”

Ryeowook laughed, the bright smile returning on his face. “Eunhyuk-hyung is worse. He doesn’t like buying food for people, even me and I’ve been his dongsaeng for years.”

Changmin smiled, ready to play this game on who had the stingiest friend. “Actually-”

“Ryeowook, what are you doing?” Junsu asked, his stern gaze flickering between his employee and his troublemaking friend. Junsu wasn’t alone though, accompanied by Jaejoong, who seemed awfully too amused for someone who came from the restroom. Especially since the man was gone for more than five minutes – probably stopping by Junsu’s office on the way there before or after.

Changmin didn’t know how long they were standing by their table, but he didn’t like how panicky Ryeowook acted. He hoped they hadn’t heard much, but Jaejoong’s teasing smile was saying otherwise.

“Sir,” Ryeowook bowed immediately, gazing at the floor nervously. “I’m sorry.”

Junsu stared hard at the young waiter, struggling not to pity on the shaking man.

“Aw, don’t be so mean to him, Xiah!” Jaejoong said, purposely emphasizing Junsu’s embarrassing old nickname. “He was just keeping our little Changie entertained.”

“Changie?” Changmin reiterated in disgust, completely offended.

Junsu sighed heavily, patting Ryeowook’s head. “I’ll let it go this time, but make sure you pay attention to your assigned tables. I got two customer complaints on the way here, but I won’t tell Eunhyuk-ah. Just get back to work, okay?”

“Ah, okay,” Ryeowook nodded eagerly, “Thank you so much!”

“Don’t worry about it,” Junsu smiled, kindly shooing him away. “As for this table, I’ll wait on them. Just focus on the others.”

Ryeowook bowed again, before turning his attention to Changmin. Changmin stiffened under his gaze, not really knowing what to expect. “It was nice to meet you again, Changmin-sshi. Enjoy your dinner.”

Changmin nodded; momentarily dazed by the blinding smile he received. He waved Ryeowook good-bye, watching as the thin man moved on to another table. He didn’t take his eyes off of him, until he heard a forced cough. He glanced at Jaejoong, frowning at his hyung’s wide grin.

“He’s cute.” Jaejoong commented, casually playing with his napkin.

“He’s single too,” Junsu added.

Changmin’s jaw dropped, gaping at what his hyungs’ are insinuating.

“He has a nice body.” Jaejoong grinned, amused by Changmin’s reaction. To further, Jaejoong patted Changmin’s cheek, satisfied at how red they were.

“He’s gay too,” Junsu said nonchalantly, winking at his dongsaeng. “Just in case you were wondering.”

“I wasn’t!” Changmin snapped, quickly searching for a distraction. He snatched his menu off the table, unnecessarily burying his face in the pages.

“I saw the way you looked at him! You are clearly interested!” Jaejoong grabbed the menu out of Changmin’s hands. Changmin growled, glaring at his hyung for stealing it. Jaejoong stared back at him, not the least bit terrified by Changmin’s threatening glare after receiving it for years.

“I don’t even know him,” Changmin grabbed his menu back, nearly hitting Junsu in the face with it.

“Then get to know him,” Junsu pushed the menu away. “Ask him out on a date.”

“You should, Max. He looks interested in you,” Jaejoong added.

“No,” Changmin persisted. “I’m done talking about this. Let’s just eat already.”

Junsu and Jaejoong rolled their eyes, knowing just how stubborn their dongsaeng could be. However the topic dropped the minute Jaejoong’s stomach growled. The rest of the dinner was spent laughing and conversing, unknowingly becoming the noisiest table when Junsu started making jokes about Changmin’s nonexistent love life.

The only time Changmin saw Ryeowook again the evening was when a group of waiters came to sing the happy birthday song to Jaejoong. He couldn’t even really look at him, because he was too embarrassed by his hyungs’ earlier comments.

That night after celebrating Jaejoong’s birthday, Changmin couldn’t stop thinking about the waiter; even when he went home.

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The third time they meet was just too much a coincidence. Junsu was playing hostess at the moment, guiding Changmin to the familiar small table in the corner. It was the same exact table Changmin sat at when he first met Ryeowook. Changmin watched, unamused when Junsu playfully winked in his direction before heading back to the front of the restaurant.

He knew it was a set-up to get Ryeowook to be his waiter again. It wasn’t fate this time, it was forced.

Changmin’s only regret was not figuring it out sooner; there was no way Junsu really wanted him to try out his new dish for free. He felt stupid for falling for such a tempting offer, though it was obviously a lie. He sighed heavily, deciding to leave before the waiter could spot him.

“Oh, Changmin-sshi?”

Changmin cursed Junsu under his breath, throwing Jaejoong into the curse as well, since they could be working together.

“Hello Ryeowook-sshi,” Changmin said carefully, trying to hold back his frustration. He looked up from his table, immediately noticing that Ryeowook straightened his hair today.

“Oh, you remembered my name,” Ryeowook smiled softly, gazing shyly down at his pen. “I didn’t think you would.”

Changmin didn’t know what to say to that.

So he just smiled. Awkwardly.

“Oh…um, will you be dining alone this evening or should I wait for someone else?” Ryeowook asking, snapping out of his thoughts.

“I’m alone today,” Changmin fiddled with his menu. “Junsu-hyung wanted me to try today’s special.”

“Okay, anything to drink?” Ryeowook scribbled his order down on his small notepad.

“Just a glass of water.”

“Alright. I’ll just place your order and be right back with your drink,” Ryeowook flashed him a brief smile, before walking away.

While waiting for his order, Changmin managed to kill time by texting Jaejoong ‘harmless’ threats, played a quick game, and sent a few silly pictures to Yoochun. He didn’t really get to talk to Ryeowook after that. Once Ryeowook delivered his order, he stealthily moved on to the next customer.

He honestly felt a little ignored, but he couldn’t really blame the waiter, since it was the dinner rush. Throughout the meal, he refused to acknowledge Junsu; his hyung was practically lurking around his table, purposely passing by it a few times with an amused smirk on his face.

He rolled his eyes, finding it harder to eat each time he saw Junsu.

His stomach churned uneasily and Changmin sighed heavily, putting down his chopsticks. With his appetite gone, Changmin waved Ryeowook over to ask for a to-go box and the bill. He was willing to pay anything at this point to get away from Junsu.

“It was very nice seeing you again, Changmin-sshi. I hope you can come again soon,” Ryeowook said as he handed back the receipt and Changmin’s credit card.

Changmin just nodded, watching as Ryeowook was called to another table. He took out his wallet, putting away his credit card before searching through it for the right amount of cash for Ryeowook’s tip. He placed it on the table, as he stood up and gathered his belongings. He walked away, his stomach still feeling unsettled.

He sighed, knowing exactly what he had to do.

He spun around on his heel, making his way back to the table. Albeit a little nervous, he stuffed his hands into his pockets as he approach Ryeowook, too distracted in picking up his tip.

“Ryeowook-sshi,” Changmin called, startling the waiter.

“Huh? Changmin-sshi? What’s wrong?”

Changmin bit his lip, carefully approaching the waiter until there was little distance between them. Ryeowook didn’t seem to notice it, or at least, that’s what Changmin hoped for.

“Will you go out on a date with me?” Changmin asked, peering down shyly at the Waiter. His lips twitched a bit at the look of Ryeowook’s shocked face. His cheeks were a rosy red, mouth agape in surprise and Changmin thought he looked just plain adorable.

“It shouldn’t be that surprising,” Changmin grumbled teasingly when he had yet to receive an answer.

“I…uh, sure,” Ryeowook squeaked out, still blushing profusely. “I mean…yeah.”

“Great,” Changmin smiled softly at him, leaving Ryeowook speechless again. “I’ll stop by tomorrow and tell you the details.”

“O-okay.”

Changmin just grinned, before turning around to leave. Until he remembered something he forgot to do. “Oh, and one more thing – I almost forgot to tip you.”

“What are you talking about? Your tip is-”

Changmin kissed his cheek, pulling away with a satisfied smile. For some reason, he liked seeing his waiter look so flustered.

“See you tomorrow, Ryeowook-sshi.” He yelled, winking on his way out.

Little did Changmin know that tomorrow was the start of one of many dates with Ryeowook, that eventually led them to being lovers for over four years before Changmin finally had the nerve to propose to him at that very same restaurant.

He had never expected any of this to happen. But he couldn't be any happier.