~Jongdae~

To: Chennie
From: Chanyeol

Hyung, where are you? You're still coming right?

I grin down at my phone at the incoming text from one of my boys, feeling a little bubble of excitement push on the inside of my chest. This is the first time the boys have invited me to join them in their weekly coffee meetings. I don't mind though, being their house dad is stressful enough, but I'm glad they're finally taking a liking to me. I was so worried when I first moved here about getting along with the boys, hoping they can look up to me and see me as their hyung, not just their house dad.

I remember back when I was in school, we hated our house dad, he was so strict and we never got to get away with anything. I want to be different for them, I want these boys- who are quickly becoming little brothers to me- to enjoy their college year, to live it up in their twenties.

But with saying that, I also want them to find their paths, to find the right direction for their lives. My college days were a mess, I was a mess. The only things I seemed to concentrate on was how much alcohol I could consume in one night and who would end up in my bed at the end of it. I don't want that for these boys, I want to help guide them to something better, so they can have better. It was a miracle I graduated back then and maybe if I had someone beside me to tell me what not to do with their stories of failure, maybe I wouldn't have had to fall so hard.

I make it to the coffee shop reading the sign above the door 'El Dorado Café'

I smile sadly at the name remembering a time back in college that is bitter sweet for me, but quickly shake it off. I look into the large window covering the front of the shop and find my boys, crowded around a table, sharing a laugh. The image makes me smile, and I start to walk forward to join them.

I stop in my tracks though once I see him, a particular person I was unsure that I would ever see again, let alone find him on this campus. My heart skips a beat. His face is nothing short of an angelic image, just as I had remembered it. Kim Minseok, the cute little guy who I regret not getting closer too back in college. We were in the same fraternity, but he was always running off to different places, and I was always waking up in different places... I never got as close to his as I wanted, which is a shame because I always felt a certain way towards him.

There was that one time where I though something was going to happen, but I lost my shot at the last minute and to this day it remains as one of my biggest regrets. I push that memory out of my head, there's no sense in bringing up the past right now anyways.

I take a deep breath and walk inside the warm coffee house, excited to be reunited with an old friend, and hoping he'll feel the same.

>>>>

~Minseok~

"Hyung, quit messing around over there and come join us." Kyungsoo says, motioning me over with a wave.

I chuckle, shaking my head at the boy. "I'm just trying to get you guys some snacks"

Kyungsoo laughs and gets up from his seat. "i can get those, go sit down. You dote on us way to much."

I roll my eyes and pat the little owl boy on the head. "It's my job as the oldest to take care of my boys."

"And it's our job to take care of our hyung, especially a hyung who has been working all day and deserves a good break." Chanyeol comes over and guides me to the table. "And our house dad is coming over to join us, I think you two will really hit it off."

I raise an eyebrow, shooting the boy an incredulous look. "Park Chanyeol, are you trying to set me up?"

Chanyeol smiles his signature face splitting grin. "I'm just saying you two have a lot in common, and I think you'd make good friends... where it goes from there is up to you guys."

"Oh my god." I groan placing my head on the table as we sit down. "This is not happening."

"Oh look there he is, Chen over here." Chanyeol calls, then leans down to whisper in my ear. "Come on hyung, give it a shot. Chen is a really good guy and he's also really good looking too."

I feel a nervous heat spread across my face and I bury my head in my arms. 'please tell me this isn't happening, lord. Please tell me Chanyeol isn't this stupid.'

"Hey guys, how was everyone's day?" A hauntingly familiar voice asks from beside me.

My head shoots off the table and I spin around wide eyed, looking the stranger from head to toe. My blood runs cold. He looks a bit older and maybe a bit skinnier than he was back in our collage years, but he's still the same boy that I remember. He's still the same guy I was in love with for four years while I was going through school. His eyes find mine quickly and he smiles that same chisire cat smile, he always used to. A smile that made my heart beat erratically in my chest and a smile that I've seen a million times in my dreams since we graduated.

"Hey Minseok, it's been a long time." He comments, resting his full attention to me.

I blink at him. 'Holy shit he remembers me, how is this even possible?' "hey, Jongdae... yeah it has." I thank whatever higher power supplied my mouth with the ability to form words, while my brain seems to be slowly collapsing in on itself.

"It's good to see you, you look good." He says, seeming to let his gaze travel down my body before reconnecting back to my eyes. An act that almost seemed like he was checking me out, but that's not possible, Jongdae barely knew I existed back in college, let alone held an interest in me. Well there was that one night, but it meant nothing to him, and I'm sure he doesn't even remember it.

"You two know each other?" Chanyeol asks, and I can feel the rest of the tables focus pinned on us.

"Yeah, we were in EXO together back when we went here... though we weren't that close." Chen answers.

I nod. "We kind of ran in different circles."

Jongdae's smile falters a bit. "But we were sort of friends."

I clear my throat, and look away, turning back around in my seat. "Sort of."

Chanyeol and Tao eyes me as Jongdae takes the seat next to mine. I just sit rigidly, focusing on trying to breath normally, and keeping my eyes off of the man next to me.

"This is a nice coffee shop, I've never been here, normally I just go over to the Starbucks close to the fraternity." Chen mentions, then smiles to himself as if he knows something no one else does. "I really like the name though, reminds me of a good memory."

I halt at that and suck in a small bit of air, refusing to look next to me at the man who seems to be producing a type of electricity that is passing between us. What exactly is he referring to as a good memory? Could he possibly remember that night?

Kris laughs and throws an arm around Tao. "It's Minseok's place, actually. He owns it, though he's never explained the meaning of the name even with us asking repeatedly."

Chen stills and glances at me. "Really? so you actually fulfilled your dream of owning a café?" His words come out a little horse, like he just got done choking.

I swallow the thick lump in my throat, how did he know that this was my dream? I don't remember ever telling him, or actually saying more than a couple sentences to him... well except for... "Yeah, it was something I needed to do."

The edges of Jongdae's lips perk up. "That's great, Minseok. I'm really happy for you."

I nod, licking my lips nervously. "And I've told you guys the story behind the name is something that doesn't need to be explained... it's something that belongs in the past." I see Jongdae frown at this, but I push it away and stand. "Who needs a refill? Or anything from the kitchen?"

I can see that Kyungsoo and Chanyeol are about to protest, but then see the distress in my eyes and decide to keep their mouths shut about it, and instead offer to help, following me to the kitchen. The walk there feels torturous, taking too long and not long enough all at the same time.

Once the door to the kitchen is shut behind us, they pounce on me, armed with question after question, making me feel like this is more of an integration rather than a conversation, and i'm struck with the sudden thought that these two would be good in law enforcement.

"What the hell was that? You two knew each other? Was there something going on between you two back then? There was an awful lot of chemistry between you two for there not to have been." Kyungsoo implores, those large round eyes boring into me making it impossible to look away.

"Yeah, seriously. I could literally feel the connection between you two, is there something going on that we don't know about? How come you never told us about him? What happened to your great lost love?" Chanyeol pushes with his own curiosity.

I sigh, ready to just give up and come out with it. "Jongdae is my great lost love, he was that guy that I was in love with but never got a chance to tell."

"That was Chen?" Chanyeol asks, his eyes bulging to Kyungsoo levels.

I sigh. "Back then he was called Jongdae, he never even payed the slightest bit of attention to me." Abruptly I think back to everything Jongdae just said and the way he spoke about the past, almost as if he saw more than I gave him credit for. "Or at least I thought he didn't."

Kyungsoo shakes his head. "I don't know, hyung. He seemed pretty interested out there, like I'm even sure he checked you out."

I shrug. "It doesn't matter. I told you guys, I'm not looking for love. I'm not willing to put my heart back out there, especially not for the guy who broke it in the first place."

Chanyeol reaches out and grabs my hand gently. "Just because you're not looking for it, doesn't mean it's not looking for you. Maybe all you need is to give Jongdae a shot, besides it's not like he broke your heart on purpose. You never told him how you felt, so how was he suppose to know not to hurt you?"

I blink at him, dumbfounded by the words coming out of this boys mouth. "wow Channie, that was deep."

Chanyeol smiles shyly and lifts an indifferent shoulder. "I have my moments."

Kyungsoo rolls his eyes. "Anyways, we're just saying, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to get to know him, be friends at least."

I pout out my bottom lip, and turn on my best puppy eyes, a face I know they can't refuse. "But he's still so cute, and God have you heard that voice, it still makes my damn knees weak... don't make me go back out there."

Chanyeol steps back and gasps. "Soo, he's using the pouty face, make it stop."

Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, "Minseok hyung, stop being a little bitch and get out there, sit next to that little piece of man candy and make him fall in love with you before I actually give you something to pout about."

I drop my pout immediately and blink at him. I forgot about the power of Satan Soo, the only immunity to my aegyo.

"You're being mean." I say, furrowing my eyebrows.

"And you're being a pansy ass, now go."

I huff. "Fine, but I'm going to sulk the whole time."

Chanyeol laughs, ushering us out of the kitchen. "Compromise, this is good, this is progress."

>>>>

~Jongdae~

The rest of the evening was a little awkward, after Minseok and the other boys came back out of the kitchen, I sensed something had happened. It's almost like something was said that made Minseok close in on himself because the rest of the time, he sat next to me with his arms across his chest and an adorable little pout plastered on his lips.

Normally I would be obsessing at how cute he is and trying to get him to smile or at least come out of his shell, but I can't help but feel that his actions are aimed at me.

I was so excited to see Minseok when I first noticed him outside through the window, but now that I get the impression that those feelings aren't mutual, all I feel like, is an intruder. Like I don't belong here, having coffee with these boys.

Maybe there's only room for one hyung in this group and Minseok doesn't want me taking his boys away from him, or maybe he doesn't think I'm a good influence for them. Honestly, with the way that I acted back in college, I wouldn't blame him for thinking that way, but it still hurts to think he doesn't trust me.

After and hour or so of feeling like an outsider, listening to the boys talk but never actually contributing. I decide its time for me to just to remove myself from the awkward atmosphere.

"Well guys it's getting late, I should really get back to the house. I have some paperwork to go over before tomorrow still." I mention, gaining everyone's attention.

"What? You just got here." Yixing complains, giving me a worried look, and getting agreed complaints from everyone else.

I smile and wave them off. "oh, it's fine. I'm just really tired, and like I said I have some things to do."

"Come on, Chen. Stay for at least a couple more minutes, Kyungsoo baked a really good cake for tonight." Tao tries his own tactic of luring me back with food.

I shake my head, appreciating the attempts, but remaining firm in my decision. "I'm not really in the mood for sweets, I really should go. I'll see you guys back at the house, okay?" I don't wait for their answer, instead I get up and head towards the door, giving one last glance at Minseok before stepping outside, noticing that it's a little colder than when I entered the coffee shop.

>>>>

~Minseok~

"Minseok what is up with you?" Tao questions me once Jongdae disappears out of sight. "You've been sulking all night, and you never sulk."

I shrug, feigning innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're kind of acting dickish, hyung." Baekhyung adds his opinion, which is never wanted, but always annoyingly honest. "I mean it was clear that Chen wanted nothing more than to catch up with you and talk to you, but you just shut him out and pouted all night."

"Minnie hyung can't help it, he's being defensive about his broken heart." Kyungsoo replies before I have to.

"What broken heart? What are you talking about?" Yixing asks confused, which, unfortunately, isn't always rare for him. Bless his heart.

"The story of the guy that Minseok hyung was in love with back in college, the one we've all heard... well that guy was Jongdae." Chanyeol buts in this time.

"No way." Tao says bouncing in his seat, clapping his hands excitedly, making the rest of us confused by his actions. "That's fantastic, it means that you have a second chance. Oh how romantic, a love that is thought to be lost, but comes back years later to reclaim its rightful home"

I roll my eyes. "I don't want to fall in love with Jongdae again, I just want him to disappear from my life as quickly as he's re-entered it."

Tao gives me a pointed look. "You don't want to fall in love again? Or you don't want to get hurt again?"

I blink at him a couple time and swallow thickly. "Isn't it the same thing?"

Yixing sighs, placing his cheek on his hand, with his elbow resting on the table, almost reminiscent of a princess pose "he messed you up bad, didn't he hyung?"

I advert my gaze away from the rest of the boys and breath out deeply. "I just want to act like this night never happened, I just want to forget that Kim Jongdae ever walked back into my life. Can you guys do that for me?"

I recive mostly a couple nods and agreeing grunts from the other boys, but when I catch the narrowed and thoughtful eyes of Tao and Baekhyun across the table, I know that it's not going to be that easy.

>>>>

I'm cleaning up after the boys left, but I can't seem to make my mind focus on anything I'm doing because every turn my thoughts take leads me back to Jongdae.

I laugh bitterly. 'it took you years to get that boy out of your head, now we are right back where we started.'

I'm about to just say screw it and call it a night, deciding to clean up when I come in tomorrow morning, but I stop abruptly when I notice something hanging from a chair. I walk over to it, only to suck in a sharp breath when I realize what it is.

Jongdae's jacket, lays across the back of the seat he sat at hours before. A light, but thick looking, dark leather jacket. I pad over and hesitantly pick my hand up, letting my fingers glide over the smooth texture, the coolness beneath my touch sending slight shivers though my body.

Jongdae's worn this jacket, and from the looks of its condition, multiple times. I grab onto the jacket and pick it up, slowly bringing it towards my face and inhaling deeply. It even smells so much like Jongdae, a warm, but spicy sort of smell that has me addicted to the comfort it brings me.

I hug the jacket to my chest, thinking that I need to give it back to him, but my heart clenches at the idea of letting go of it so soon. I sigh and put the jacket on, figuring that at least I can keep it for tonight, then I can give it to one of the boys to give to Jongdae.

I set to sweeping, an almost high feeling taking me over from the intoxicating smell that steadily invades me from the jacket, which is a bit large on my small frame, but comfortable nonetheless.

"You know, I have half a mind to let you keep that, since you look so good in it." A voice, that voice says from behind me.

I freeze instantly, even air refuses to enter or exit my lungs. How did I not hear him come in? And more importantly what is he doing here this late?

"But, that does happen to be my favorite jacket, so I would kind of like it back if you don't mind." He says, a slight bit of amusement hanging in his voice.

I swallow thickly, hoping to God the burning in my cheeks doesn't look as bad as it feels. I turn around and nod at him, starting to take his jacket off.

"Slowly." He says, from his position leaning against the wall by the door.

My eyebrows knit together and I blink at him. "Excuse me?"

He smirks slightly, his eyes dancing with a fire I've only seen once before. "It's an old jacket, wouldn't want it ripping."

I wet my suddenly too dry lips. "Right." Then slowly slide his jacket off, his eyes watching me with an animal like concentration. I reach out my hand for him to come take the jacket from me, and he pushes off the wall, sauntering over to me.

Jongdae smiles wickedly. "I'm curious though, why did you put it on?"

I gape my mouth open, moving it like a fish trying to breathe. "I... it smelled good" I mentally kick myself in the ass for that one, 'real intelligent Minseok, why don't you just come out and say his voice alone could get you hard.'

Jongdae's smile turns softer. "So you're saying, I smell good?"

I clear my throat. "I-i don't know, uh, sure."

Jongdae steps closer to me and places his hands on the sides of my waist, pulling me to him. "Go ahead, tell me, take a good smell."

Without really thinking I take in a large breath, overloading my senses with Jongdae. His smell alone is addicting, but now with his hands on me setting fire to my body, and just him being this close, it makes me slightly dizzy.

Jongdae suddenly laughs and steps back. "well?"

I nod. "yeah, y-you smell good."

He beams at me. "It's a cologne I've been wearing since high school,m. It's my favorite, but I heard a while ago that they were going to stop making it, so I went and bought like an entire case of... and I.. I don't know why I just told you that." He says scratching at the back of his neck, laughing nervously. The predator from earlier disappearing in a flash, like that person never even existed.

To my surprise I feel the corners of my lips lift and a slight chuckle leave my lips, to which he stares at me shocked as if I am incapable of such a thing.

Jongdae places a hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "you look good when you smile, Minnie."

I groan internally 'don't call me that, it only makes everything harder'

"T-thanks."

Jongdae nods and let's go of me, much to my unneeded disappointment. "Well, I'll just get going, thanks for keeping my jacket warm."

My cheeks heat up again and I duck my head down, just nodding at him. I hear him get closer to the door, but don't hear the jingle of the bell, which prompts me to look up and meet eyes with him.

"Seriously, Minseok, it was really good to see you again." He offers me one last Jongdae signature smile, then leaves, no trace of what just happened ever existing. But that spicy sweet smell that hangs in the air, that smell that wraps around me like a warm safety blanket, assuring me that Kim Jongdae is in fact back in my life, whether I want him here or not, remains.

>>>>

~Jongdae~

I walk down the street, thinking about what just happened. Maybe I had read all of this wrong, maybe Minseok doesn't hate me, maybe it's just the opposite.

I noticed back in college the way he looked at me, I saw the way he seemed to yearn to be close to me. Truthfully, I was just waiting for him to make a move, because every time I attempted one of my own he ran away like a frightened wild bunny.

I was disappointed and slightly sad when we graduated and nothing ever came of us, we weren't even friends really. I guess I could have made more of an effort to get to know him, but I was stupid back then, and it's possible that a part of me wasn't sure I could be the guy he deserved.

I guess it's possible to say that I had a small crush on Minseok back then, but I was too much of a coward to think that he would actually like the person he found underneath the forced smiles and stupid jokes. I always thought that the boy was too good for me, he was always smarter, friendlier, and just all around better, I never wanted to ruin that.

I kept my distance back then because I knew I didn't deserve to have him, but it's amazing what a reality check can do for a boy straight out of collage, who finds out there's more to life than partying and getting laid. Minseok was kind of my wake up call, after I graduated and lost my chance with him, I realized that I wanted to be the guy that deserved to be with someone as amazing as him. I wanted to be the guy that someone like Minseok would be proud to have next to them.

I just hope that the person I managed to become is good enough for him, because in my eyes Minseok is perfect in almost every way. So maybe it was a bit more than just a crush and maybe... just maybe this is my second chance, this is my chance to have what I've never allowed myself to want, and maybe, just maybe Minseok will want me too, flaws and all.

I feel a small smile tug at my lips as I walk down the street towards EXO, I pull my jacket on, breathing in the new smell that has now taken over my jacket. A wonderful smell, that i never want to fade, One of coffee and pastries, one of Kim Minseok.

✨✨✨✨✨

My Chickens!!

How are you my dears?? Well I hope you're doing well after this update!!

I have an interesting story planned for Minseok and Jongdae, it's going to be cute and sickeningly fluffy, with some slight angst. I hope you guys will love it and treat it well. But just the same for the others, it's just the beginning so there's not much to talk about, though if you have any questions, comments, concerns... you know the drill, my message box is always open!!

I love you guys!!

사랑해💕

~M~