Please excuse any spelling/grammar mistakes, I write mostly late at night :)

~

Wooyoung is happy with the way his life turned out.

Well, turning out. His life has just started. He used to dream of owning a cafe and living a stress free life as his own boss and now, young Wooyoung would be proud of him for doing exactly that.

He and one of his best friends Seonghwa have carried out their dream together, co-owning their small business in their quaint cafe. They've been open for nearly two years and they're proud to say that they're doing well. They've been lucky with everything. They managed to secure the perfect spot in the city where they'll get plenty of customers, plus they've been able to afford to hire a few staff (friends) to help around.

They're even quite popular because of their aesthetic interior, with people coming in to take pictures and coming back because of the food.

Seonghwa is the one who bakes everything, and Wooyoung specialises in making the drinks. With the plethora of cafes in the busy city, Wooyoung and Seonghwa's are fortunately always full of people. He likes to praise himself for being an amazing barista.

Although, with the success of their cafe, it was difficult for just the two of them so now they have employees that do most of the serving. Seonghwa stays in the kitchen to bake and Wooyoung trains the staff on how to make the best drinks. Being one of the owners meant that he didn't have shifts, he just worked when he felt like it.

Which is a lot because they're busy all the time. But they have plenty of staff at the counter so he is always either inside the kitchen helping Seonghwa out or making drinks. He hates working at the till, he'd rather stay at the back making the drinks.

It's a particularly busy day today, the weather's good and it's a Monday, so Wooyoung decides to help out at the till, one of his staffs, Yunho has already called in sick today and San is currently the only one at the till, stressfully trying to take orders.

With their understaffed situation, Wooyoung has to take orders and make drinks at the same time, which isn't ideal but they have to make do with what they've got.

"Jongho, help hyung out and work on this till please" the younger nods and opens the till next to Wooyoung, a queue immediately forming in front of it.

"Excuse me!" Wooyoung, who was watching Jongho, turns to the customer who called him. "I've been waiting for you to take my order! Can you focus on your job please?"

Wooyoung puts on his best customer service smile. "I'm sorry for the wait sir, what can I get for you?"

"latte" he grumbles, and pays in annoyance, clearly thinking Wooyoung would argue with him. He goes to quickly make the drink, the queue is too long for him to take his time. Luckily, he's an expert and can make drinks quickly with the same quality. He calls for the man and hands him his drink.

The man grabs the drink, taking a sip. A scream echoes through the shop as everyone turns in confusion.

"I said iced latte! You made me burn my tongue!"

Wooyoung frowns, "you ordered a normal latte, sir" he says the last part with clenched teeth.

"No I didn't, I drank this expecting it to be iced- I'm going to sue you for physically harming a customer!"

Wooyoung sighs, "our iced drinks come in a different cup with a straw, how did you think this normal coffee cup had an iced drink in it?"

The man scoffs, "don't talk to me like that, I'd like to see how your manager feels about you treating a regular customer like this! Bring your manager to me!"

It's hard to hide his smirk, this is Wooyoung's favourite part. He pouts and the man looks pleased with himself, watching as Wooyoung turns around to the staff room. Before he can open it, he turns back around with a smile. "I'm the manager, can I ask what's going on?"

The man's face drops, then looks at him with a glare, "what kind of idiot manager are you? You don't know a thing about treating customers right, I'm going to send you my medical bills for the burnt tongue- or you will be seeing my lawyer"

"Sir, if you just wanted £2 for some ointment you should have asked" snickers are heard, as everyone is listening to their argument. It only seems to make the man angrier.

"Shut the fuck up!" He yells, probably embarrassed now. "You've just lost a regular customer!" He says, taking the drink.

Wooyoung scoffs, watching him take a sip of the drink he caused so much of a fuss about. "Good riddance" he whispers under his breath.

Suddenly, the man took the lid off. Before Wooyoung could even react, he was throwing the drink at him and then storming away.

Hot liquid splashes all over him, getting on his hair, face and shirt. Everyone gasps and Jongho and San are running to him.

"Wooyoung are you okay!" San says with wide eyes, Jongho is grabbing tissues and wiping his face.

Fortunately, in the time the man had been pettily arguing with him, the drink had cooled down a bit. It wasn't boiling but it was still hot. And hurt.

Of course, working at a place where you interact with the public, Wooyoung always gets classless hooligans, this isn't the first time he's had a drink thrown at him. He just hates that it always ruins his mood, he should be used to it by now.

Jongho and San are frantically trying to dry him, getting him a cup of ice to press against his face. "You should take a break, Jongho and I can carry on"

Wooyoung shakes his head, he's feeling fine and he doesn't want to make the queue that was at his counter suffer just because of some rude man. "I'll carry on, don't worry about me- you guys go back to your registers"

They nod sadly and the three of them all go back to their places.

"I'm really sorry for the wait, what can I get for yo-"

Wow.

Wooyoung is having a whiplash of emotions today. First with the annoyance and anger with the man and now-

"Just a mocha please"

Wooyoung has never seen such a beautiful person before. He doesn't even realise he's staring open mouthed at him. His heart races as he scans his ethereal features. His light brown eyes looking at him in confusion, those soft lips frowning.

Wait. Confusion? Frowning?

Wooyoung coughs, cheeks burning. He just realised now that he'd been literally gawking at him. "Right. Sorry, one mocha".

He quickly walks away, shaking his head as he makes the drink. His face and clothes are sticky because of the latte that was thrown at him but that is the last thing on his mind. Funny how a pretty boy is all it takes to cheer him up.

When he's done, he walks back to the counter, giving the man his drink.

"Thank you... Wooyoung" He smiles gently and Wooyoung's heart races, wondering how he knows his name. His mind is full of this man's smile that it doesn't even occur to him that he is wearing a name tag.

Before he leaves, the handsome man hands him a napkin from the counter. "Please don't mind me saying this but, you should take a break, your face is red and you could get sick if you overwork, after what happened".

Wooyoung touches his cheek, he's pretty sure the redness is not caused by that angry man from earlier, but he doesn't need to know that. "Thank you," he says with a smile, taking the napkin.

He watches him leave, eyes still on him as he takes the order of the next person. It's too busy to not work right now and he doesn't mind anyway. Seeing a pretty boy energises him, one that gave him the cutest smile.

Closing time couldn't have come sooner and as soon as the last customer leaves, they all sigh a breath of relief. As San and Jongho clean up, Seonghwa puts some medicine on his face.

"You should have left the till and taken a rest with an ice pack on your face". Seonghwa sighs but not angrily. He understands Wooyoung's workaholic nature. Starting a business from nothing requires you to put everything you have into it, and it's hard to let go of that mindset even when the place is doing well.

"We were too busy, I couldn't leave a till closed"

"I could've taken your place, why didn't you tell me," Seonghwa says. Even though he spends all his time away from customers, in the kitchen baking, in their early days when it was just them two, Seonghwa mostly worked at the till.

"I know, I just really didn't mind," Wooyoung says with a pout.

Seonghwa looks at him sadly. Wooyoung is desensitised to everything now, proof that he's encountered too many bad customers to the point that he's unaffected now, even when it causes physical pain. He gently applies a protective balm on his face. Luckily, there are no burns but he'd rather be safe than sorry. "Okay but if it ever happens again, or even if you're feeling tired- You know I don't mind, I'd rather you take a break while I take your place ok?"

Wooyoung nods, though he knows he's most likely not going to want to bother Seonghwa but he'll try. Everyone tells him to take breaks because he works too much, even that pretty stranger did.

He thinks about the stranger's apprehensive words, hoping not to overstep any boundaries. Wooyoung must really look like a working zombie even to strangers. His mind wanders to the stranger that stole his attention. He's never seen him before, it must have been his first time at the cafe, Wooyoung would remember such an ethereal face otherwise.

"Is this balm irritating you? I didn't know you had sensitive skin- your cheeks are all red" Seonghwa says, worried that Wooyoung is allergic to the medicine.

Wooyoung doesn't even realise that he's been blushing, it seems like only a few seconds of thinking of him gets him all flustered. "No, it's not that it's..." He hesitates, wondering if he should tell him, it doesn't matter anyway. "One of the customers I had today was really handsome. Like exactly my type, he had a warm smile and pretty eyes, oh and a deep voice which doesn't suit his cute face but that's exactly what makes him more attractive you get what I mean?"

Seonghwa smiles at him rambling on about this new crush of his. "So, you got his number?"

Wooyoung sighs and shakes his head. "No, I was completely entranced by him I couldn't even say a sentence let alone ask for his number" he pouts.

"Wow, we've solved the mystery of what can shut you up- handsome guys" Seonghwa says sarcastically while patting his back.

"He was so nice too! He gave me a napkin to wipe my face- well it was our napkins we leave on the counter for customers but it's the thought that counts!" He whines, what if it was this guy's first and only time coming here, he's lost his chance already.

"What's this, you've got a crush?" Jongho says in surprise, San following behind him with the same expression.

"Since when? You didn't tell me about this" San says.

Everyone stares at Wooyoung as he sighs. "It's because I just saw him today, like a few hours ago"

"But you didn't go anywhere today, you've been working all day" San says with a confused frown. Wooyoung rolls his eyes as he waits for him to put the pieces together. Then, San's eyes go wide. "A customer? I don't even look at their faces I'm too busy taking and making orders how did you have time to develop a crush"

"Trust me all you need is one glance at his face and it's the only thing that will be on your mind," Wooyoung says pointedly, making the others laugh. "He has sparkly eyes, sharp jawline, the cutest birthmark near his eye-"

"Damn hyung did you even make his order right or were you too busy analysing his face" Jongho says with a smirk.

"You guys just need to see him then you'll understand, but don't go falling for him because I saw him first!"

"How do you know if he's single, or even likes men?"

Wooyoung shrugs. "I'll become friends first, then find out."

"If he even comes to the cafe ever again" San says, crushing Wooyoung's fantasies.

"He'll probably never come again after seeing how hyung was giving him the heart eyes, did you drool too?" Jongho teases and Wooyoung hits his arm making the younger run away.

"Don't say that! What am I going to do if he never comes here again" Wooyoung pouts, really hoping he'd come again one day.

"Live your life exactly how you've been living it" San says and Wooyoung has heard enough from everyone.

"Fine. I'll forget about this guy, I won't get my hopes up"

~

Wooyoung does not in fact forget about the guy and he does get his hopes up.

The next day is calm, Wooyoung doesn't need to work since there are enough employees but he still spends the day helping out.

One might think he is a very hard working and present boss but he's just looking out for the guy from yesterday. He doesn't usually help out if they're not busy.

Yunho, who wasn't in yesterday, looks confused as Wooyoung hovers around him, making orders for him. "Wooyoung it's okay I can make them"

Wooyoung smiles. "Oh my hardworking employee, I will make them for you" he pats the confused man's shoulder.

Yunho looks at Jongho, looking for some sort of explanation and the younger smirks. "He served a hot guy yesterday and he's hoping he'll come back"

The taller laughs, looking back at his boss scanning the customers from the back like crazy. "I told him not to bother but he doesn't listen" Jongho says, shaking his head.

Wooyoung hears their conversation but chooses to ignore them, he doesn't care that they all think he's crazy, even he himself is questioning his own actions. It is a bit weird to be searching for a customer he interacted with for one minute max. He decides he'll only look for him for a few days and if he never shows up again then it's not meant to be.

The next day goes by normally. Wooyoung doesn't need to work as they're not busy and have enough staff, but he still stays at the counter on lookout. Usually, he's in the kitchen hanging out with Seonghwa. But it's the same as yesterday, hours go by and still no prince charming and Wooyoung's feet begin hurting from standing all day.

"Wooyoung why don't you take a break the whole day's nearly passed I don't think he's coming today" San says while making a drink. Wooyoung looks at him tiredly. "Go to Seonghwa hyung and eat something"

He sighs, listening to his friend and heads to the kitchen. Who knew it would be this tiring to stand all day looking for someone, his eyes ache.

Seonghwa turns around when he hears the door open. "No luck yet?" By the look on Wooyoung's face, he can tell that the stranger didn't come today.

"No" Wooyoung says, grabbing a pastry and stuffing it in his mouth. "I'll try one more day" Seonghwa grimaces at Wooyoung talking with his mouth full. "You know what they say- third times the charm!"

Wooyoung eats a few more things. It's nearing the end of the day so Seonghwa has stopped baking, leaving the extras for the staff. With a final gulp of water, he heads back into the store to check on how the others are doing.

San and Yunho make drinks as Jongho takes orders, it works since they're practically empty now as they usually are around this time.

"Back already?" Yunho says with a smile. Jongho is serving only one customer while San makes the drink so he's free at the moment.

Wooyoung pats his back. "Of course, every good boss must check on how their employees are doing".

"I didn't know they hover around them like this all day" Yunho teases and Wooyoung hits his arm lightly.

"I'm on a mission alright" Wooyoung leans on the counter, mirroring Yunho as they both watch the other two at work. San finishes making the drink and hands it to Jongho to give to the customer. Wooyoung is proud to have hired skilled workers (though they were all friends before this)- his cafe is practically a family run business except with friends.

The customer thanks Jongho and takes the cup. When the younger slightly moves to the left Wooyoung gets a glimpse of his face.

It's him. He came back.

Wooyoung widens his eyes, grabbing whatever is closest to him which happens to be Yunho's arm, making the taller yelp in surprise.

The stranger has a smile on his face, the same as two days ago and Wooyoung's heart races. When he's out of the store he runs to the younger and grabs his shoulder, making him face him. Jongho gasps in surprise, suddenly having his boss all up in his personal space.

"Jongho my lovely employee, no- friend, no- brother" Wooyoung bats his eyelashes and Jongho only blinks in confusion. "Wasn't that guy you served right now very handsome?"

Another blink. "Um yeah I guess"

"Didn't he have the most ethereal face, sexy deep voice and illuminating aura?" Wooyoung practically interrogates him.

There is a shift in Jongho's eyes when he realises. "Oh. That was him?"

"YES, that was him" Wooyoung scoffs, "so you're telling me you served him and didn't faint at the sight of his attractiveness? AND you didn't tell me? You were going to let him just walk away without me knowing?"

"Okay. One, I'm professional I don't faint at the sight of hot customers. Two, how was I supposed to know that guy was him?"

"I described him perfectly! it's your fault you didn't understand"

"Guys! It's fine- at least Wooyoung has found his little crush now and there is a possibility he'll come again" San says, stopping their silly debate. It seems to work as Wooyoung is smiling brightly. "Right? He came again so the chances of him becoming a frequent customer are getting higher!"

Yunho giggles at Wooyoung's newfound interest. "So are you going to be camping out behind us every day in case he comes?"

It sounds ridiculous, it is ridiculous. But Wooyoung has his hopes up, and he wants to talk to that man again so why shouldn't he when he's found the chance?

~

They find out that this guy comes every Monday and Wednesday, much to Wooyoung's despair as he hadn't shown up for three whole days (they're closed on Sundays). He had almost thought the stranger was not going to come again, maybe he was a tourist and his stay was over. But fortunately, Monday came and on that busy day, they coincidentally met at the till again.

When it registers in his head that he's serving his maybe-crush again, he had to hold back himself from gawking at his face like he did last week. "Hi what can I get for you?" He tries his best to sound normal, praying his voice doesn't crack.

"Just a mocha please" The deep voice fills his ears and Wooyoung's heart races. He nods and makes the drink, quickly turning away before he sees his face starting to turn red. Once it's made, he hands it to the man who smiles. "Thank you Wooyoung".

Wooyoung blushes, glancing at his own name tag. He's suddenly thankful to have it otherwise he wouldn't be able to hear him saying his name. "No problem" he says, watching him leave like a coward. He couldn't muster up the courage to actually have a conversation. It's not like he hasn't had conversations with customers before, in fact, Wooyoung is always chatting with customers about random things. So why can't he even say a word to him?

He is broken out of his trance when the next customer says their order, forcing Wooyoung to look away from his crush's back.

On Wednesday, with the encouragement of his friends, Wooyoung plans to befriend the guy and at least find out his name. "Remember, you are THE Jung Wooyoung, the ultimate extrovert. Just do what you usually do and chat to him with no ulterior motive, you can think about asking him out once you know him more" Yunho had hyped him up this morning. Well, he was kind of forced to since Wooyoung was freaking out telling everyone "it's Wednesday! what if he comes again? What if I make a fool out of myself?". Everyone eased his worries with kind words and encouragement, giving him suggestions on what to say and backup plans for almost every solution possible.

Fate was on his side today. Wednesdays were one of their quiet days so it wasn't difficult for Wooyoung to keep track of everyone who came in. Around 1 pm was when he arrived. He walked to San's till and ordered a mocha, also mentioning that he'll sit at a table instead of getting it to go. San and Wooyoung watch him sit at a table and bring a laptop out. "This is your chance Wooyoung! you can give him his drink and start a conversation"

"I don't know, he looks busy" Wooyoung mumbles, something about this guy makes him feel shy. He finds it very weird because he's dated plenty of people and none of them have ever made him feel shy. Maybe it's because he hasn't dated in a long time.

"Stop making excuses, now go" San hands him a mug, taking it in surprise, he was thinking too hard he hadn't even noticed that San was finished making the drink. He reluctantly trudges over to the guy, taking a deep breath before he gets his attention.

"You ordered a mocha?" Wooyoung asks even though he already knows. The guy looks up from his laptop screen to Wooyoung. "Ah yes, thank you" He takes the mug with a smile, leaving Wooyoung just standing in front of him. Think Wooyoung think.

"You're becoming quite the regular here aren't you?" Wooyoung says with a smile.

The other chuckles with a nod, "yeah, you guys make really good mochas"

"If you don't mind me asking, why do you only order mochas?" Wooyoung noticed the man only ordering the same thing every time he visited.

"ah- it's not because I think your other drinks aren't good! I just like sweet drinks a lot, coffee is too bitter for me". He explains, cheeks displaying an embarrassed blush.

"Don't worry! I was only curious, even if you're the only one that ever orders our mochas, I'll keep it on the menu for you" Wooyoung says with a wink, he's starting to feel a bit more confident now that he's actually talking to him. "What's your name by the way? I like to know all my regular's names so that they feel special and keep coming back" Wooyoung jokes, making the other laugh. The sound makes his heart race, knowing that he made him laugh.

"My name is Yeosang". Wooyoung can finally put a name to the face that has been occupying his mind, and he thinks that Yeosang could not have a more suitable name for the gorgeous man he is.

"I'm Wooyoung, but I think you already know it" He says, pointing at his name tag and Yeosang nods. Hes about to say something when he hears Seonghwa calling him. "Ah, i have to go but I'll see you around?" He has to bite his tongue not to say see you on Monday, Yeosang would have reported him for stalking otherwise.

Yeosang nods with a gentle smile and Wooyoung heads back to the kitchen with a wide grin, heart racing. He excitedly tells Seonghwa all about their conversation.

~

Yeosang comes on his designated days without fail, which makes Wooyoung extremely happy. He gets to talk to Yeosang more and slowly build a potential friendship. After a few weeks, they become comfortable with each other and they end up having long conversations almost every time. Yeosang has also become more likely to sit and work for a few hours instead of taking the coffee to go.

Today he is also sitting at a table working on something and as usual, Wooyoung brings his drink to him. "One mocha for you" he hands his drink and a pastry.

Yeosang looks at him confused "oh I only ordered the mocha"

"It's on us don't worry, for being a regular and also for chatting with me... I know I can go on talking for ages, its just a thanks" Wooyoung smiles shyly.

Yeosang takes the pastry, cheeks turning a pretty pink. "Thank you, and you're not a bother Wooyoung, I like hearing you talk. I feel like I'm annoying because I never have anything to say".

Wooyoung widens his eyes "you could never be annoying!" He says loudly, a bit too surprised at Yeosang's words. The other just blinks at him, caught off guard. "I mean- nothing about you could every be annoying to me" Yeosang looks down, trying to hide his smile while Wooyoung internally panics, blushing furiously. "I mean- never mind".

Seeing Wooyoung all flustered amused Yeosang, finding it cute. He decides to change the subject since it seems like Wooyoung wants to run away. "Wow this pastry is really good... how should I repay you for this" Yeosang says, but it seems to make the other more flustered.

"You don't have to repay me! It's just an appreciative gesture" Wooyoung shakes his hands, he doesn't want Yeosang thinking he has to give something in return.

"Oh thats a shame because I was thinking of repaying you with some food... another day, somewhere else" Yeosang says it so softly Wooyoung almost misses it over his racing heartbeat. His mouth hangs open at the suggestion, there is no way this is happening right now he thinks.

Wooyoung must have been frozen for a while because Yeosang takes the silence as disinterest, "I mean if you don't want to its fine, I just thought-"

"No! I want to!" Wooyoung quickly says before Yeosang could even think about taking back his offer. He takes his phone out of his pocket and hands it to Yeosang "here, give me your number so we can confirm a time and place". Yeosang also hand his phone to Wooyoung and they exchange numbers. He cannot believe he has Yeosang's number in his phone, and that they're planning to go somewhere together, just the two of them. He sneaks a look at Yeosang's face while he's looking at something on his laptop. Wooyoung doesn't know if he'll ever get over how gorgeous this man is. From his big eyes to his sharp jawline, everything is perfect. Suddenly, he's woken up from his daydream with San calling his name. Right, he forgot he was working.

"Text me" He says with a wink before leaving, and Yeosang nods happily.

He must've had the biggest grin on his face because San is looking at him weirdly. "What were you two talking about for ages?'

Wooyoung giggles, he is over the moon right now. "Guess who got his number!" He says while waving his phone at his friends face.

San raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Really! This fast? Wow this guy must like you back"

Wooyoung lightly punches San's arm, making him yelp. "Stop, he's just being nice" Wooyoung says, smirking and covering his blushed cheeks. San shakes his head, complaining about how gone he is for Yeosang.

~

Yeosang had messaged Wooyoung first about meeting up for lunch somewhere. Wooyoung panicked at the text, he had been eagerly wearing for Yeosang to contact him, still unsure if he had actually wanted to hang out together. They ended up deciding on sushi, not too formal and not too casual like a fast food place. He didn't even know what this was... just them hanging out? A date? Or maybe Yeosang really did want to repay him for the free pastry the other day.

He enters the restaurant, thinking he'd be the first one to arrive but Yeosang is already sat at a table, catching his eye and waving. "Hi" He says, taking a seat in front of him.

"Hi, you look nice" Yeosang says, making Wooyoung glance down at his clothes. "Ah- I mean I'm just sued to seeing you in your work clothes, seeing you in regular clothes is nice, it feels like were friends." Wooyoung nods slowly at that. "No I mean! Uhm, It's not like I didn't think we're friends before! it just felt kind of formal because you were just serving me drinks and we did small talk..."

Wooyoung smiles at Yeosang fumbling over his words "I get it, don't worry".

Yeosang's cheeks have gained lots of colour from embarrassment "I just- I wanted to be friends with you and see you outside of your cafe"

It was Wooyoung's turn to blush "Me too, I wanted to be friends with you since we talked the first time". He didn't mention that it was actually since he first laid eyes on him... he didn't want to scare Yeosang off. "I'm glad you suggested this, it would have taken me way too long to pluck up the courage to ask you out"

Wooyoung is widening his eyes before Yeosang could respond back. "Not that I think this is a date! I mean ask you to hang out". Yeosang nods with a smile while the other looks down at his lap, wanting to smack himself for talking to much. The rest of the afternoon goes with both thinking twice about what they're about to say, now wanting to let anything stupid slip up.

Before they part ways, Yeosang stops Wooyoung, holding his wrist gently. "If you want to, I'd genuinely like to be friends with you Wooyoung... this wasn't really about paying you back for the pastry."

Wooyoung's heart is racing for the hundredth time today. Yeosang is looking at him so innocently, how could he ever reject him. "I'd like that too Yeosang, we should hang out regularly!" Nothing in Yeosang's expression really changes, but his eyes give away his happiness with bow brightly it sparkles, it makes Wooyoung's stomach swoop.

"Great, I'll see you soon then, text me when you get home" Yeosang says with a happy smile, waving before he walks off. Wooyoung waves back, watching Yeosang until he's no longer visible. He bites his lip, stopping himself from grinning in excitement to avoid strange stares. The progress with his crush is going so well its hard to believe. He pinches himself to check if he's dreaming. He's not.

~

Along with small chats in the cafe, Wooyoung and Yeosang hang out whenever both of them are free, doing all sorts of things like eating and going to the movies. Wooyoung finds out that Yeosang is a graphic designer at a huge company, which is why he's always on his laptop, making presentations to propose his designs. He also subtly finds out that they went to the same university, except that although they were in the same year, they never saw each other because they went to different campuses. Which is a shame, all those wasted years not being Yeosang's friend.

After a couple of months hanging out, Wooyoung feels like they're getting closer. He had introduced Yeosang to the others at the cafe, and even showed him the back one day when he stayed after closing time.

"These are my friends, San, Yunho, Jongho and Seonghwa" The four of them wave, excited to properly meet Yeosang. "San and Yunho are our age, Jongho a year younger, and Seonghwa hyung a year older. I met them all at university, and we've been inseparable ever since".

Yeosang introduces himself too. "Hi, I'm Yeosang, you've probably seen me come every week"

"Nice to meet you! We've heard a lot about you, Wooyoung hyung wont stop talking about you" Jongho says, making Yeosang red while also earning a smack from Wooyoung. The others laugh in agreement and Wooyoung drags Yeosang away from them to stop them saying anything else that would embarrass him. Instead, he shows him around the store like the kitchen where Seonghwa bakes. Thankfully, the others had the decency to not follow them inside, and instead focused on cleaning up the tables and counters.

"Here" Wooyoung hands Yeosang a pastry. "Since we're closed now we can sell these anymore, so we usually eat whatever's left or give them to other people". Yeosang hums, taking a bite. "Oh, and don't worry, you don't have to repay me for this" Wooyoung laughs, "unless you want to".

Yeosang glances at him "what could I possibly give you in return for this amazing pastry?" He says with a smile, taking a step closer. Wooyoung freezes, wanting to take another step closer but the door suddenly opens.

"Guys, Yunho's about to lock up lets go" San says, poking his head through the door, oblivious to what was happening in the kitchen, to what was potentially about to happen.

Wooyoung lets out a breath he did know he was holding. "ah yes, lets go" he looks at Yeosang with a small smile, who nods, cheeks turning red. The two of them head out with the others, "Text me when you get home Wooyoung" Yeosang says, waving bye to the others before walking away. Wooyoung nods and waves back, their usual routing when they part ways.

"What's with that look Wooyoung?" San says, wondering why he looked like a kid who lost his favourite toy. Wooyoung said nothing and instead playfully smacked San's arm, the other shouting in surprise. "What was that for!"

"Could you not have waited one more minute! We were having an important conversation!" Wooyoung didn't know if they would have kissed or not, maybe Yeosang went closer to him to reach for something behind him... but it didn't stop him from hoping.

"Hey its Yunho who told me to call you guys!" San complains.

"It was Seonghwa hyung who was rushing me to close up!" Yunho also complains.

"Guys who cares! Wooyoung you can continue your conversation next time you see Yeosang, which is probably in a few days so don't worry" Seonghwa says and Wooyoung scoffs. He wishes he had the courage to continue where they had left off.

~

The next time they see each other is in the cafe, Yeosang ordering his usual and taking a seat. And as usual, Wooyoung brings it to him with a warm smile. "Hi Yeosang! Do you mind if I sit down?" Yeosang shakes his head, and motions for him to sit down. "Hey Wooyoung how have you been?"

Wooyoung laughs, they see each other so often now that they know what they've been up to. "Terrible... its been four days since I last saw you".

Yeosang blushes and Wooyoung stops himself from staring at him. He's realised that he loves it when Yeosang is flustered, the pink that colours his cheeks, his pretty cheekbones that appear when he smiles shyly. He hopes Yeosang gets his subtle hints that he likes him, he obviously doesnt want to scare him away so he occasionally makes 'jokes' like this, trying to see Yeosang's reaction. Seeing that he's not instantly disgusted is a good sign so far.

His comment seems to make Yeosang shyer than usual so he changes the subject. "So what are you working on?" Wooyoung says, gesturing to his laptop.

"I'm just finishing off a draft thats due soon, I want to get it done before next week because I have plans, otherwise I'll be too busy". Yeosang speaks quieter than usual, Wooyoung has discovered that he's a person with a more reserved nature than him but today it seems more. He picks up his drink and takes a sip.

That's when something shining on his finger catches his eye. It's a ring. And its not just any ring, its a silver band, on his ring finger. On his left hand.

Wooyoung's heart drops. Was Yeosang dating someone this whole time? Is he engaged? He tries not to show it in his expression but he feels like his heart is breaking. Yeosang glances worriedly at him, wondering why he's suddenly gone silent. Wooyoung realises, trying to look as normal as possible."Oh, what plans do you have next week?" If Yeosang says engagement party, Wooyoung swears he'll throw up right there and then.

"Oh, just a Christmas party my company is hosting... hey you should come! I could show you around" Yeosang says hopefully. Is this what he was nervous about? Asking Wooyoung to attend his company Christmas party?

Wooyoung understandingly doesn't feel up to it. He has just found out that his crush, which he thought things were going well with, is engaged. "Oh, I'm not too sure... I don't think I'm free that day"

"But I didn't say what day it is?" Yeosang pouts, probably getting the hint that Wooyoung doesn't want to go.

Wooyoung looks at his deflated expression, cursing Yeosang. Why was he so sad that he didn't want to go... it makes him really want to go. He wants to make Yeosang happy. But clearly someone else makes him happier. Did Yeosang just think of him as a friend? It's no use anymore, he doesn't want to intrude on a clearly happy relationship of Yeosang's.

He doesn't want it to be over though, he at least wants to stay friends. He'll just have to deal with the heartbreak on his own, along with uncomfortable situations because if he wants to stay friends, he's going to have to accept his invitation. "I was just kidding with you, I'm free whenever, just text me the details!" He says, putting on his customer service smile, something he's never had to do with Yeosang before.

The way Yeosang's face lights up at his response makes Wooyoung angry. "Great! I'll see you then" Wooyoung nods then walks away, tears threatening to spill. Why was Yeosang leading him on like this?

He storms into the kitchen, making Seonghwa gasp in surprise. "You scared me! I told you not to barge in lik- Wooyoung? Are you crying? What's wrong?" Seonghwa rushes to his friend who is slumped on a chair, head in his hands.

'Stop, I'm not crying" Wooyoung mutters, looking up at Seonghwa.

"Well you look like you're about to. What happened?"

"Yeosang is engaged."

Seonghwa gasps "you're lying" he says, but judging by the empty look on Wooyoung's face, it seems to be true. "Did he tell you today?"

"No, I saw the ring on his finger" Wooyoung does not want the image of Yeosang's hand in his mind again.

"Are you sure its-"

"Yes I'm sure! It's an engagement ring on his ring finger!" Wooyoung says frustrated, head in his hands again. "I really liked him hyung" The tears start now. "I thought he liked me too". All that happiness he felt with him when they hung out, did Yeosang not feel it too? It makes Wooyoung sick to think about it now. How Yeosang probably came home to someone else after leading Wooyoung on.

"How could he spend time alone with me, make me happy, say such sweet things to me! Was it fun for him?" Wooyoung cries, cursing himself for thinking he even had a chance with him. He knows Yeosang is way out of his league, but he really did think that, at one point, his feelings were mutual.

"Wooyoung listen, I'm sure its not what you think. You said it yourself, Yeosang is the nicest person you've met, even we felt the same when we met him. I don't think Yeosang would ever do something like that." Seonghwa tries calming him down. He knows its hard to be calm right now, but if Yeosang never mentioned anything about being taken, there's still a 1% hope that he just likes plain jewellery and prefers to wear it on his ring finger... on the left hand.

Wooyoung doesn't leave the chair for the rest of the day, Seonghwa updating the others when it's closing time and they question why Wooyoung is sulking in a corner. The others are shocked beyond words, unable to imagine Yeosang doing such a cruel thing.

"Don't go to that party! Don't let Yeosang carry on playing his games with you" Jongho says angrily.

"What if its just a misunderstanding?" Yunho says, if this was all a misunderstanding, then Wooyoung would be the guilty one, jumping to conclusions.

"Really Yunho? The ring, the ring finger, the left hand? And he was wearing no other rings? Just that one?" San asks and Wooyoung nods with a pout. "See? There's a reason Yeosang didn't tell him before and just suddenly showed up with a ring, he's toying with Wooyoung!"

"He's not like that!" Wooyoung jumps in, sulking. He really doesn't want to believe that this was all a sick game. Yeosang must be one hell of an actor because he really made Wooyoung fall for his sweet and caring facade. "I can't just not go after I told him I would, it would seen suspicious".

"Just tell him that something last minute came up" Jongho suggests.

"No, you need to get to the bottom of this, Yeosang needs to tell you that he's engaged. Otherwise this may be a huge misunderstanding. Once he tells you, you can be angry at him, ask him why he lead you on. But for now, there must be a reason why he's not telling you, and we'll hope that there's no malice behind it". Seonghwa says, trying to think of a rational strategy, the others were suggesting too emotional solutions, which always ends up in regrets. "The party is the next time you see Yeosang right? Go and try to act normal. See how Yeosang is acting too, if he's acting how he usually is, tell him to stop leading you on. If he breaks the news to you, then thats that. We'll sort it out afterwards".

Wooyoung nods, his stomach churning at the idea. He never though he'd say this but he really does not want to see Yeosang any time soon. He feels like he's just broken up with him even though they've never dated. He can't imagine acting normally at the party.

~

The dreaded day comes too quickly, but Wooyoung is prepared. He's been receiving daily pep talks from his friends and now he's ready to confront Yeosang.

Speaking of Yeosang, the man that has been on his mind 24/7, shows up in front of him where he'd been waiting.

"Hi Wooyoung" Yeosang says with a shy smile, "you look nice".

Wooyoung smiles stiffly, looking at his hand. Yep, the rings still there. "Hi" he doesnt return the compliment, although Yeosang looks so good right now he would have been over the moon if he didn't find out that he's taken. He hates the way his smile makes him feel warm, and his black shirt that fits all the right places makes his heart beat faster.

He lets Yeosang lead him into the party, greeting some colleagues and introducing Wooyoung as his friend. He wants to roll his eyes but he has to keep acting like everything is normal.

"Hi Jackson!" Yeosang says to a man who's handing out drinks, "he's the one who organised this party" Yeosang says and Wooyoung smiles blankly at Jackson, who gives him a drink. The night goes on with Yeosang showing him around, chatting with other friends. Wooyoung gets tires very quickly. He's never wanted to leave a party early but this is torture for him.

Yeosang is acting completely normal, holding Wooyoung's arm to show him around, cracking jokes to which he has to fake laugh to. It's been too longs and Wooyoung's got the idea that Yeosang doesn't plan to bring this up. He even has the nerve to try and hold his hand, to which Wooyoung avoids like the plague, not noticing Yeosang's sad expression.

"I need some fresh air" Wooyoung says, not even wanting for Yeosang's response and walking off to the garden.

He sighs, finally some peace and quiet. It's freezing out so not many people are in the garden, making it easier for Wooyoung to drop his act and sit on a bench to collect his thoughts. Is Yeosang really planning to keep this a secret, its not even a secret since he's proudly wearing his ring. So does he want Wooyoung to bring it up instead? No, he won't do what Yeosang wants. But there's no sign of Yeosang mentioning it, he cant wait any more. What if next time they meet up Yeosang introduces him to his dreaded fiancée. Wooyoung grimaces at the thought.

He wishes he never came to this party, he'd rather be anywhere else but here. Wooyoung carries on feeling sorry for himself for a while, imagining his warm bed. Maybe he can sneakily leave without Yeosang noticing-

"Wooyoung? Are you okay?" Yeosang is walking up to him. Great.

"Huh? Yeah im fine." He replies quietly, and Yeosang sits next to him, a bit too close. Wooyoung wants to get up and run away. But he can't, he has to fight back, tell Yeosang to stop whatever games he thinks he's playing.

"You seem a bit unlike yourself today, I'm sorry if I did anything wrong"

Wooyoung hates how he's feeling guilty for making Yeosang think he did something wrong. Even though he did! He should be confronting him right now but all he can do is shake his head. "No its not you, work has just been busy lately, y'know, Christmas and all". His friends would be smacking him right now if they saw him.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have invited you to this party, you could've rested at home"

"It's okay, I like parties!" I hate this one though. He thinks.

"To tell you the truth..." Yeosang starts, making Wooyoung look at him nervously. This is probably when his heart gets officially rejected. "I was only going to go to this party if you came with me". Wooyoung raises his eyebrows, not expecting to hear that. "Since the first time we talked, you seemed so friendly and kind, I really wanted to be your friend". Wooyoung almost scoffs. How ironic. "I still remember that day, we barely talked but you left quite the impression on me, which is probably why I kept coming back".

Wooyoung's heart races, why would he say something like that. If he wasn't taken, Wooyoung would have thought Yeosang is about to confess to him. He hates that he keeps making him feel this way, so hopeful that he likes him back.

Yeosang smiles and looks at the sky, remembering the awkward situation Wooyoung was in when they first met. His eyes suddenly catch something hanging above them, a little plant. A mistletoe.

Wooyoung notices Yeosang staring at something so he glances above them too. When he finds the mistletoe hanging above them he widens his eyes. He makes the mistake of glancing at Yeosang, because he's also looking at him with something in his eyes that Wooyoung cannot decode at the moment.

Yeosang moves closer to Wooyoung, the action reminding him of the day in the kitchen. If Yeosang was dating someone why would he be in the personal space of someone else? Is Yeosang actually a player? "Can I..."

Wooyoung raises his eyebrows, there is no way Yeosang is trying to kiss him right now. Not with that ring on his finger. He jerks away from Yeosang, creating a large gap between them on the bench.

Yeosang looks genuinely surprised at the action, then hurt, looking down at his lap. "I'm sorry, I thought you... I must've thought wrong".

"What?" Wooyoung says with a grimace, feeling very uncomfortable with the fact that Yeosang tried to kiss him while dating someone else.

"I like you Wooyoung, I'm sorry for assuming you felt the same way..." Yeosang says with his head still hanging low, embarrassed with the obvious rejection from Wooyoung.

Wooyoung on the other hand has his jaw open. Yeosang likes him, this is not good. "You like me? But what about..." Wooyoung bites his lip, slowly pointing at Yeosang's hand,

Yeosang furrows his eyebrows, glancing at his own hand. "What about what?" With a confused expression, he lifts the hand Wooyoung is pointing at.

It's when Yeosang lifts his hand to properly display the ring that it clicks.

Oh.

That's his right hand.

Wooyoung really wants to run away now. "Oh" He squeaks. "I thought..."

It finally registers in Yeosang's head too and he gasps in understanding "You thought I was engaged?" The embarrassed blush from Wooyoung is all the confirmation he needs, holding back a smile. "Is that why you've been acting weird this past week? I'm sorry"

Wooyoung pouts. "What are you sorry about! This is all my fault" all the guilt rushes up to him, he had thought the worst of Yeosang, made his friends curse him out, made Yeosang sad. He has to use all his strength to stop himself from smacking his own forehead. "I can't believe I thought you were engaged, I was so sad".

Yeosang looks at him with bright eyes "does that mean, you like me too?"

Wooyoung stills, oh yeah, Yeosang had confessed to him. His emotions are all over the place right now, he needs a second to think. All his anger for Yeosang has turned into guilt. All that heartbreak for a silly mistake, all that overthinking. And now, his gorgeous crush said he likes him. He's ecstatic, guilty, angry at himself, relieved and embarrassed all at once. He needs something to ground him. "Can I kiss you?" He says.

Yeosang nods enthusiastically, scooting closer to Wooyoung. The moment their lips meet all the noise in Wooyoung's head pauses. Yeosang's lips are as soft as he imagined, sighing into his mouth. Yeosang cups his cheek, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss.

Wooyoung pulls away first but keeps their foreheads touching, mostly because he doesnt want Yeosang to see his red face right now. "I like you too Yeosang, a lot. I'm sorry... I jumped to conclusions when I saw your ring, I didn't even double check what hand it was on".

"It's okay, I'm glad you realised quickly otherwise I would have been unknowingly confusing you for a long time" Yeosang laughs, making Wooyoung cringe at himself.

"I'm so stupid, I like you so much that when I thought you were taken, I was so confused and sad"

"Oh my gosh you must've thought I was playing with your feelings" Yeosang puts himself in Wooyoung's shoes and grimaces, he would have been completely heartbroken.

"I'm sorry I even doubted your sincerity Yeosang... I swear everything you've done for me is precious-"

"It's okay Wooyoung, its just a misunderstanding that is solved now, don't beat yourself up over it." Yeosang takes his hand squeezing it.

The other nods, this could have gone way worse if Wooyoung had instead decided to completely cut off Yeosang from his life. Yeosang would never know what he 'did' and Wooyoung would never forgive himself for making Yeosang feel even an inch of sadness.

"So now that you know I'm single, I'd actually like to change that" Yeosang says, cupping Wooyoung's face again. The other gulps, this time it actually registers in his head that they're this close. Yeosang looks just as ethereal one cm away from his own face, his pretty cheeks a similar pink to his, lips looking so inviting.

"I want to change that too" Wooyoung says, gathering up the courage to grab Yeosang's shirt and close the gap between them. Their lips fit perfectly together, as if they were made for each other. Wooyoung groans when he feels Yeosang's tongue lick his bottom lip, opening his mouth to let their tongues curl agains each other's.

Amongst the wet kisses Yeosang suddenly remembers that he's at his workplace, pulling away from his new boyfriend. "Want to go back to my place?"

Wooyoung smiles and nods, this is a dream come true for him. He takes Yeosang's hand and they leave the party. "What ring is that anyway?" He asks, feeling it through their entwined fingers.

"Oh I got it for my birthday, my sister gave it. I hadn't worn yet it and she got upset so I started wearing it, and I apparently chose the wrong finger" Yeosang jokes, earning a smack from Wooyoung.

"I'm sorry okay!" He whines, he will never hear the end of this from his friends and Yeosang. He is already dreading telling his friends.

Yeosang kisses his cheek. "You're too cute". Another kiss. "I can't believe you're my boyfriend" Another.

Wooyoung laughs happily, he can't believe that this terrible day ended in the best way possible. He is now dating his little crush, the most handsome and kind person he's ever met.

Although, he's going to have to deal with a lot of teasing for the next few months.

~

End
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! I'm two days late but thats fine haha. This isn't really a Christmas themed fic except for the end.
And if you don't celebrate, hope you're having a happy and restful holiday!
Thank you as always for reading <3