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“Hi, welcome to Mouse Rabbit coffee. What would you like today?”
“Hi! Can I get a medium iced latte with low-fat milk and 2 pumps of caramel syrup to go?”
“That would be $5.60,” Jongwoon took the card from the man. He looked up to be met with a young man in dental scrubs, cloaked in a light brown coat. His name tag read ‘LEE HYUKJAE’ in simple black print, and underneath in fine print, ‘nurse in training’.
“For a dentist-in-training, you drink a really sweet drink,” Jongwoon commented.
Hyukjae looked up from receiving his card, smiling slightly, “I brush after.” The barista grinned at that, moving to make Hyukjae’s coffee.
Before leaving, Hyukjae tosses Jongwoon a wink, “See you tomorrow.”
And Jongwoon closed up that night, with a smile on his face as he thought about the charming man he’d met.
Lee Hyukjae,..he must be Asian or Korean by the looks of him.
Jongwoon widened his eyes, oh god now I'm thinking about him?!
He pushed himself drowsily off the couch and headed for his bathroom, maybe it’s just the sleepiness.
He fell onto the king-size, thinking about the sweet smile he’d received. Mind drifting, he thought of waking up to that sweet smile, Hyukjae’s face gently drifting through his sight. And that was how Jongwoon fell asleep.
And it wasn’t so different on Hyukjae’s side, the 22-year-old lay on his single bed in his dorm, sure his roommate/best friend was somewhere studying hard. He should be studying too, but he was too occupied…thinking about the barista. Eyes darker than his stupid latte. Smile sweeter than caramel syrup, blonde hair hanging gracefully, tossing as he turned his head while manning the coffee grinder and machines.
The door banged open and Donghae stormed in, expression full of rage. Hyukjae shot up his bed, worried.
“What happened?”
“Kyuhyun,” Donghae replied shortly, slamming his bag on the floor and his book on the table.
Wincing at the loud sound, Hyukjae walked over and eased his best friend onto his chair, hands on his shoulders lightly massaging the tense shoulders. “Thanks, Hyuk.”
“Do you like him?” came the simple question.
“I-i don't know.”
“Donghae, the man is plainly in love with you. And so are you. So why don’t you give him a chance?”
Donghae held on to the silence for a while, tears blurring his vision as he thought about his ex-boyfriend. Sniffling as the elder held his shoulders.
Donghae felt the warm fingers leave his shoulders and he saw his worried best friend’s face in front of him. Moments later, he was pulled into an embrace, Hyukjae tightly holding him.
“I told you. Kyu is different from Jongjin. Give him a chance to let him show you that,” Hyukjae whispered.
“Hyung, I’m scared. What if he does the same as Jongjin or all of them. Soeun, Minjae, all of them.”
Hyukjae heard the broken voice and his heart ached. His best friend didn’t deserve everything he’d gone through. Jongjin was the last straw.
“Hae, everyone has fears. Remember how you used to be afraid of brooms after Donghwa scared you with one? Heck, there’s one there. But you overcame that.”
“Hyung, it’s a damn broom.”
“My point being, nothing is holding you to your fear but yourself. Let yourself go, try it out with Kyuhyun, or don’t. It’s your life, bestie.”
“Hyuk, did you finally say something helpful?”
Hyukjae pulled back from the embrace, playfully offended.
Safe to say, their night ended happily. With a smiling Jongwoon floating around Hyukjae’s dreams.
Jongwoon woke up with a smile which stayed on until his brother came home. Drunk.
Jongjin stumbled in, carrying scents of his night through the house.
Jongwoon scrunched his nose, frowning at his younger brother. “Would you stop coming into my house drunk?”
“Heyyyyy Hyungg-g,” Jongjin hiccuped, “What are you doing here??”
Sighing, Jongwoon grabbed Jongjin by his upper arm and dragged him to the guest room. He gently tucked the younger into bed.
He switched on the AC as he left the room, knowing his brother wouldn’t be up until tomorrow morning. Grabbing his keys, the blonde tugged on his shoes and left for the cafe. I’m seeing Hyukjae again.
As he drove past the usual buildings, banks, and schools, Jongwoon’s mind once again drifted to Hyukjae. The way his eyes lit up as he smiled his gummy smile. Double lids pushed into crescents. Snap out of it, idiot.
You like him. You like a man you met 24 hours ago.
“No I don’t,” he said.
Liars don’t go to heaven.
“I’m catholic.”
Catholics believe in heaven.
“I hate you.”
I am you.
“Hate me then.”
Love you too. By the way, sane people don’t talk to themselves in their cars.
Jongwoon let out a string of curse words as he parked in a lot and rushed out to the cafe, desperate to ignore the voice in his head.
Stupid.
Hyukjae, contrastingly, was having a good day. He’d arrived early at the clinic. He was on reception duty for the morning and then he had his break, which was the perfect time to go and see Jongwoon. After which he would have to return to the clinic to assist the dentist in giving a kid braces.
By the time Jongwoon arrived at the cafe, Hyukjae had greeted 5 people into the clinic. And as Mouse Rabbit’s first crowd peaked, Hyukjae was on his second cup of instant coffee, wishing it was made by Jongwoon. And when Kyuhyun called, it was time for Hyukjae to head over to the cafe.
“Hello? Kyu? What’s up?”
“Hyung, recommend me a cafe to bring Donghae and hurry. Also, meet us there,” Kyuhyun whispered.
“Actually, I’m heading to one now. I’ll meet y’all there?” Hyukjae replied.
He texted Kyuhyun the address to Mouse Rabbit and headed there himself.
He pushed open the door and looked around, spotting Kyuhyun and Donghae at one corner, talking happily. He walked over to them, not noticing Jongwoon’s gaze on him.
“Hey, guys. Have you ordered?” He greeted, sitting down.
“No, we were waiting for you,” Donghae replied, looking over at Hyukjae while Kyuhyun looked at him.
“I’ll go order then? Hyung, come with me,” Kyuhyun said, standing up and grabbing Hyukjae’s arm to lead him toward the cashier.
Jongwoon.
“Oh shit. Kyu, let go of me,” Hyukjae said, tugging the younger’s hand off his arm.
“What? No! I need to talk to you.”
And so it was. Standing in front of Jongwoon with his friend dangling on his arm asking for relationship advice.
“Hi, welcome to Mouse Rabbit Coffee. What can I get you both today?” Jongwoon smiles through gritted teeth, carefully avoiding Hyukjae’s eyes.
“Uh hi, can I get a Large Iced Americano and a Large Blended Mocha? And…uh Hyuk, what do you want?”
Ripping his eyes off Jongwoon at Kyuhyun’s question, he hurriedly said, “A large Iced Latte with 2 pumps of caramel syrup please.”
“And can I get a name for that?”
“Kyuhyun.”
“Kyu?” Jongwoon looked straight at the said man.
“Hold up. Jongwoon hyung? What are you doing here?”
“It’s my cafe, Kyu…what are you doing here?”
“Wow, I haven’t seen you in so long!” Kyuhyun said, avoiding the question.
If Jongwoon noticed, he chose to ignore it. “Right?! When was the last family reunion?”
“Long ago. How’s Jongjin?”
Jongjin?!
“Useless little brother. He gets drunk almost daily and shows up at my apartment, thinking it’s his.”
At this, Kyuhyun chuckled, not seeing the dark expression on Hyukjae’s face. But Jongwoon did.
“Hyukjae? What’s with that face?”
The man latched onto him turned to face him, “Hyung?”
“Nothing…You have a younger brother?”
“Hold up. Do you two know each other?”
The barista and dentist nod.
“How?”
“We met here?”
“Hyung! You’ve been in a relationship before right?” Kyuhyun asked. Jongwoon turned to Kyuhyun as if the answer was obvious.
“Kyu, you were the one who set me up with my first boyfriend.”
“Great! Make our coffee and join us at the table.” Kyuhyun grinned and dragged Hyukjae back to their table.
Jongjin…we should tell Kyu.
“Uh kyu. About Jongjin…” Hyukjae started. Donghae looked up from his game in surprise, eyes already tearing up. Hyukjae hurriedly put his arm around Donghae, rubbing circles on his back.
“Yeah…my cousin?” Kyuhyun looked over worriedly at Donghae.
“He’s your cousin?!” Donghae choked out.
“What…what’s going on?”
Hyukjae looked over to Donghae, indicating the need to explain. The latter nodded carefully before plugging in his earphones to block out the conversation.
And Hyukjae started explaining, shortly after Jongwoon joined in and Hyukjae explained to him too.
‘Hae, where were you?!”
‘Jin-ah, relax I went to buy coffee. An americano for you right?’
Jongjin’s expression darkened, ‘I drink Iced Black coffee.’
‘oh…I’m sorry.’
‘Who drinks Americano, Donghae?’ Jongjin interrogated.
‘No one. I’ll get rid of it.’
Jongjin’s expression softened, ’I’ll take care of it.’
He grabbed the cup of coffee and dumped it harshly on Donghae’s front, the hot liquid scalding the innocent man. Tears of pain pooled in Donghae’s eyes but he quickly brushed them away, knowing Jongjin didn’t like him crying.
*
‘Jinnie, can we go to the amusement park tomorrow?’ Donghae looked over at his peaceful boyfriend.
Jongjin turned his focus from the movie toward Donghae, thinking on the younger’s suggestion.
‘Of course, Hae. After work, I’ll meet you at the entrance of the park, okay?’
Donghae nodded happily, glad to be going out with his beloved.
But Jongjin never showed up, as the luminous green numbers on Donghae’s watch slowly moved on, Donghae was losing hope.
5 pm
The crowds were coming.
6 pm
The queues were long.
7 pm
Couples were leaving, hand in hand, souvenirs sitting carefully on their heads.
8 pm
Families were leaving, exhausted and happy.
9 pm
Students were leaving, content with the experience with their friends.
10 pm
The park closed.
But he stood, for a good five hours. By the time his watch chimed at 10 pm, he’d given up. Donghae sank to his knees and sat there. Just waiting, slightly hoping, his boyfriend would show up. He never did.
‘WHERE WERE YOU?!’
Alarmed, robins flew from their trees in a panic. Jongjin was home. And he was drunk. And reeked of sex.
‘Hae babe, relax. I had a bad day at work and went for a shot. I’m fine.’
‘And you forgot about our date.’
‘Yeah, 'cause it wasn’t important enough to go into my calendar. Get over it,’ Jongjin replied.
‘I’m not important enough to be put on your calendar??’ Donghae turned.
‘We’ve been together for 4 years! 4 fucking years since high school. AM I NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO BE PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR?’
Donghae took a deep breath before asking, ‘Are you cheating on me?’
Something in Jongjin’s mind switched off and he reached forward to grab Donghae’s hair.
‘Listen up whore. If I cheat, you don’t ever look at anyone else. If I’m late, you’re going to wait for me. And never ever question me. Do you understand?’ Jongjin’s hold tightening as he spoke.
All Donghae could do was nod.
*
“In the end, Donghae asked me to help him break up with Jongjin. But Hae’s been scarred. On top of that, all his previous lovers were jerks and assholes,” Hyukjae finished.
Without a word, Jongwoon stood up and went to Donghae, squatting silently in front of him. The younger removed his earbuds questioningly before Jongwoon pulled him into a tight embrace.
“I’m sorry for all that you’ve been through. And I’m sorry for what they did to you. You don’t deserve that.”
Tears formed in Donghae’s eyes and he leaned carefully into the older’s embrace.
“I don’t know much about what’s happening. But one thing for sure, Kyuhyun’s a good guy,” Jongwoon whispered so no one but Donghae could hear him over the noise of the cafe.
Jongwoon pulled back, returning to his seat and changing the topic.
“By the way, are you two Korean?” Jongwoon turned to Hyukjae, who was sitting opposite him.
Startled from the sudden eye contact, Hyukjae looked down and mumbled, “Uh-huh.”
“That’s great! It’ll be easier for us to converse!” Kyuhyun cut in happily in their native Korean.
The four talked and got to know each other until Hyukjae’s phone rang and he was called back to the clinic. “Hyung, can I get one more order to go?”
“Sure! The usual?” Jongwoon replied and Hyukjae nodded in response. And Hyukjae and Jongwoon got up to go to the counter.
“You should brush twice,” Jongwoon grinned.
“Oh I definitely will,” Hyukjae returned with a laugh. He extracted his wallet from his pocket to pull out his card. But Jongwoon closed his hand over his and pushed the card away.
“This one’s on the house.”
Struggling to keep his heart from pounding (he failed), and his face from turning red (again, failed), from the physical contact, Hyukjae quickly pulled his hand away to grab his coffee. He winked and left with a ‘See you tomorrow.’
Little did they know, they would see each other much sooner. And things were not going to be pleasant.
Hyukjae hated blood. Unfortunately, the last patient that night was a heavy bleeder. He sighed, washing his arms under the warm running water, hands scrubbing. His hands stilled, remembering that afternoon when Jongwoon touched his hands. He looked up at his reflection and his neck turned red, to match with his already red face. Oh god had my face been this red just now?
Yes, you’re an idiot.
“Shut up.”
Stupid.
At that moment, thunder crashed and rain started pouring. Thank god you have an umbrella.
Hyukjae turned off the tap and gathered up his belongings, “Dr. Lee, I’ll head off first!” He said in native Korean.
“Okay!! Also, take the day off tomorrow. I know you have exams coming,” the mid-40 man said.
“Thank you so much, sir. See you Friday!”
He quickly opened his umbrella and rushed to the bus stop, but to his despair, the last bus had gone. So he walked to the next nearest bus stop, the one next to Mouse Rabbit Cafe. As he neared the bus stop, his eyes wandered to the cafe, spotting a dark figure moving quietly from the dark cafe to a lone car in the parking lot. Who was that and where was Jongwoon? He stood and watched as the cloaked man moved things from the cafe to his car. Hyukjae’s eyes widened and without a second thought, he dashed toward the man who was headed back to the cafe.
“Hey! Who are you and what do you think you are doing with the cafe’s stuff?!” He raised his umbrella to attack the man. But the taller one intercepted the swing and caught the umbrella.
“Hold up. Who are- Hyukjae?” The man raised his hood, to reveal…(shocker) Jongwoon.
“Hyung?”
“Why are you attacking me?”
“I- uh thought you were a thief…?”
Idiot.
“Shut up,” Hyukjae mumbled.
“I haven’t said anything yet though,” Jongwoon responded before laughing out loud. Hyukjae felt his face heat up as he swatted at the blond’s shoulder.
“Hyung!” he whined.
“That’s kinda cute, Hyuk,” Jongwoon offered.
“Shut up!!” Hyukjae howled and reached over to smack the elder again but he dodged.
“Stop hitting me!”
“Stop teasing me!”
They stared at each other before bursting into giggles. They laughed for a good 5 minutes under the rain. Under the…rain.
“Oh my god, Hyuk. You’re drenched.”
Hyukjae looked down at his outfit before waving a hand, indicating it was fine.
“Not fine. Get in the car.”
“What? No! Just give me my umbrella. I’ll be fine.”
Silence ensued as Jongwoon studied the younger’s impassive face, determined to head home alone. Jongwoon walked away, behind Hyukjae and before the latter could turn around, he felt arms around his waist.
“Hyung- Whatchu doin’” He mumbled.
“Getting you in the car.”
The passenger door opened with a pop and Hyukjae was forced into the seat by Jongwoon.
The elder quickly got into the driver's seat, making sure Hyukjae didn't run away.
They were on their second beer. And Jongwoon discovered Hyukjae was not a good drink buddy. Seeing as the man was now running wild around his apartment, screaming something about Disney princesses not having a better voice than him, then singing warbly in his drunk voice. That was kinda cute, thought Jongwoon.
And all was fine. Soon after, Jongwoon had joined Hyukjae on the couch, watching Tangled. Hyukjae’s head was in Jongwoon’s lap and Jongwoon’s hand in Hyukjae’s hair. They were on their seventh beer when Jongjin woke up.
“Hyung? Who’s this? Are you drunk? Where am I?”
Jongjin rubbed his eyes sleepily, and he couldn’t do much before Hyukjae had pounced on him, rage-filled eyes glaring, landing a blow where he could get his fists.
“HYUK! WAIT!” Jongwoon snapped sober at the sight. He desperately pulled Hyukjae off his brother. Tears pooled in Hyukjae’s eyes.
“MOTHERFUCKER HURT DONGHAE! I’LL KILL HIM!” The dentist in training struggled in Jongwoon’s arms as Jongjin cowered.
“Donghae?” Jongjin raised his head, “I-”
“You hurt him,” Jongwoon glared at his brother. Overcome with memories, Jongjin stumbled out of the house mumbling Donghae’s name over and over.
Hyukjae screamed, he scratched, eyes seeing nothing but anger. Jongwoon cradled Hyukjae’s head, whispering sweet nothings to calm him down.
Suddenly, Hyukjae pulled his head out of Jongwoon’s embrace, flipping Jongwoon onto the floor, his own head right above the elder’s. Hot tears dripped onto Jongwoon’s face as Hyukjae looked straight into his eyes.
“He hurt Donghae, hyung. Your brother. Hurt my best friend. Would your cousin do it too? Would you hurt me?”
“I would never. Could never,” Jongwoon whispered.
“I like you, hyung. But what if you hurt me too? What if you don’t like me?”
He paused, “Do you like me?”
Jongwoon smiled softly and whispered, “I do.”
“But you just met me.”
“So did you.”
Hyukjae rolled his eyes, “You’re spoiling the mood hyung.”
Jongwoon grinned cheekily, “Bring it back then.”
“Sure,” Hyukjae smirked and leaned in. His lips found Jongwoon’s and the elder wasted no time in reciprocating the kiss. Jongwoon’s hands found their way to Hyukjae’s hair and buried themselves there as the younger sucked on his lower lip. Hyukjae moved his legs to straddle Jongwoon’s waist and pulled the older man up into a seating position. In their new position, Hyukjae’s hands were free to wander and he found them under Jongwoon’s shirt, hands ghosting over his toned abdomen before grabbing tightly onto his hip. They parted for air and Hyukjae rested his forehead on the other’s.
“Go out with me, Hyukjae.”
“I was gonna say that!”
“Say yes instead then.”
“No.”
Jongwoon’s smile fell. He motioned for Hyukjae to get off him and Hyukjae did. The blonde walked out of the living room, headed for his bedroom and the brunette followed, a smirk on his face. As Jongwoon made to close to the door, Hyukjae slipped in.
“Why are you here?”
“I’m not going to say yes,” Hyukjae repeated.
“I heard you,” Jongwoon scowled and Hyukjae’s smile widened.
“Yeah. No. I’m gonna show you.”
The door snapped shut as Hyukjae pushed Jongwoon against it. The kiss was filled with sweet words that never needed to come out. Promises that would never break. Love made just for them. A bond for eternity.
And Hyukjae definitely didn’t brush that night. No morning kisses for him.