2014: Newton’s Apple (for EVERYONE)
For: EVERYONE
From: ANONYMOUS until December 30, 2014
Title: Newton’s Apple
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s)/Focus: Baekhyun/Suho
Length: 9,459 words
Summary: Baekhyun is the owner of a small café looking for someone to help his café gain more recognition.
Notes: Hello, my lovely recipient! I really loved all of your prompts and actually wrote a bit for all three before finally settling on this one. I hope you like what I’ve written and that it reflects what you wanted. \(^o^)/
Baekhyun gets up just a little after dawn, hardly getting any sleep the night before. Yixing had come by discussing into the early hours of the morning new ideas for the café, complete with a PowerPoint presentation detailing how everything would work. He laughed when he pulled out his tablet and urged Baekhyun to hurry and sit and listen. It was silly, but Yixing had been completely serious, poking Baekhyun in the side every time he was starting to drift off to sleep.
If he was being honest, they were all good ideas, but there was no way he could afford new windows and wall decals, dishes, a complete paint job, and the list goes on. He doesn’t even know why he thought a band would fit into his measly budget. That was the most ridiculous idea of them all. As a contractor, Yixing should know better. Even with a friend discount, there’s still not enough.
He could afford to keep his café, Gravity, open and running. Sort of. It was a tight budget, but he dreamed of owning his own business since high school. He couldn’t handle anyone else being his boss, ordering him around and treating him like someone worthless. Business was just enough so that the bills were paid and the two employees he could afford were happy. Eating and buying things for himself had been put on the back burner and another month would go by without cable and internet. And sure, he might not be able to keep his electricity on, but that’s what generators were for. If he became really desperate, he could just bum off of Jongdae like he did a few months back. Despite everything going on in his personal life, it was well worth it. He was lucky enough that his parents were a bit too happy to buy all his furnishing for his tiny apartment as a congratulatory gift the day the café opened. Baekhyun believes the splurge was less congratulatory and more of a thank god you left your last job gift.
He kept hope alive, as tiny as it was, and one day business would pick up. People would love Gravity and he’d have regulars that he’d remember the names of besides Jongdae, who really didn’t count because they were friends. Although, his visits could have been out of pity since the café was well out of way of his office and home. There was also that one guy with the bad blond dye job who came in dressed in layers of clothing despite the weather every day in a rush to order an iced vanilla latte, even now when the weather was getting colder as the days went on.
But Baekhyun didn’t know his name. He once tried to have a proper conversation on the one day he came in to sit, but he was quickly brushed off, the man saying he had work to get done. It left a sour taste in his mouth, but thankfully, it was the only time he ever stayed or else Baekhyun would have tried to figure out a way kick him out.
He slowly rose out of bed, almost tripping on the pile of shirts in front of him. It was nearly 7AM, so that meant Gravity had to open soon - 7:30. Baekhyun thinks he has enough time for breakfast and a quick shower since work was only a fifteen minute walk away. It didn’t matter anyway if he was a little late; he was sure Jongin had the keys to open up and prepping by himself shouldn’t be too much work.
He drags himself towards the kitchen, hoping there’s something there. He doesn’t know if he can take another day of living off of muffins and bagels; he really shouldn’t be taking from business stock anyway. Baekhyun looks inside the refrigerator and today is his luck day. He pulls out the carton of eggs and notices the leftover chicken pasta that Yixing must have wrapped up for him, even if there’s hardly anything left. A quick chicken pasta omelet doesn’t sound too appetizing, but it would probably taste like heaven under these circumstances. He goes to shower first, thinking that if his time becomes limited, he can always eat on the way.
After he’s finished showering and his omelet is made, Baekhyun notices it’s already seven-forty; hot showers were always a curse. He grabs a large cup and throws his food in and goes to grab his backpack when he notices it’s already sitting neatly by the door, along with his coat. He silently thanks Yixing and makes a mental note to treat him to dinner once he has the money for it.
He’s out the door, trying to button up his coat before the cold air gets to him too much. It’s a struggle with trying to eat, but he manages somehow.
The café was now in view and thank god it’s open. The mornings were usually busy enough, save for Sundays when people rather have sleep than their morning cup of coffee. There’s a small line of people waiting at the register and it’s Sehun, not Jongin, working on getting the orders in and out in a timely manner.
He smiles sheepishly at the younger, and gives a small wave to hurry to the back to grab his apron. Once in front, he gets a jab in the side courtesy of Sehun.
“Ow. You could be nicer to me. I wasn’t even that late. It’s only eight in the morning.” He rubs his side and he reads the cup first cup of five with the order on it. One medium white chocolate mocha coming up.
“Customers would think that I’m the boss if they knew how late you always are.” Sehun gets in while taking orders. “You owe me. I’ve done the orders and made the drinks all by myself. I think I deserve a raise.”
“Ha, yeah right. You just started a month and a half ago.” Baekhyun pats him on the shoulder and continues on with the drinks, thankful that so many just want black coffee or tea, which required little effort to make.
But Sehun is right; he probably does deserve a raise even with the short amount of time he’s been here. He’s saved his ass more than he can count and is always taking on Jongin’s shifts at last minute. He had hired him on a whim when Jongin came in saying that he was going to be busy this upcoming semester due to dance practice and lab work and a friend he knew was desperate for a job. It had been a blessing and Baekhyun doesn’t know how they even survived when it was only him and Jongin
As the morning rush comes to an end, Baekhyun lets Sehun take his break as he finishes up the last few orders. He then proceeds to sit with Sehun at the staff table after making two cups of green tea for the both of them. The younger takes his cup with a small nod and continues to look through his photo gallery, probably to upload yet another picture of himself in a field of flowers.
“So, are you going to partner with Yixing to make this dump look nice?” Sehun asks after putting his phone away and taking a sip of the tea.
Baekhyun rolls his eyes. “No,” he sighs. “You know I can’t afford that.” Sehun scrunches his nose and he just knows the boy is forever judging the looks of the place. Yeah, Gravity is a little boring with the plain wood paneling for the walls with nothing adorned except for a sticker that reads Be Happy, courtesy of Jongdae. Sure it’s just a bunch of mismatched chairs and tables, but Baekhyun thinks it adds character. It’s a lot better than having nothing since the previous owner took everything with her and left her husband’s business to fail. Baekhyun thinks he scored a deal since he didn’t have to shell out money for new coffee equipment.
“You could always get a business partner.”
“Like that’s the easiest thing to do. I need people I can trust. All of my friends have careers and weddings and babies and a bunch of other legit reasons not to help. You’re all I have left. And Jongin.”
“Oh.” Sehun looks like he’s trying to find the right words to say. “You could still try and find one?”
“I’ve worked too hard on my own to let someone else come in. I just need, maybe something like an investor?”
“Ah, that could work if business had any hopes of growing any time soon.” He snickers.
“Yea- Hey!” Baekhyun flicks Sehun in the middle of his forehead, almost knocking both their teas over. “That’s why it’s an investment. This place has character. It’s just waiting for me to liven it up a bit with someone else’s money.”
“Well, you could always go for loan sharks. I kno-”
“No, we’re not going that route. Do you want me in debt?”
“Yes.” Sehun says with a straight face.
“You’re useless.” Before Baekhyun can say anything else, another customer walks in. “Customer, let’s go.”
It’s later in the evening and Jongdae stops by to give Sehun and Baekhyun dinner as they close up Gravity for the day. He brings an extra-large supreme pizza that Baekhyun all too quickly grabs and Sehun has to pat his back a few times in fear of his boss choking to death. Baekhyun says that it’s just a sign of his appreciation and that he’s more than thankful that he has Jongdae.
“I only do it because we’ve been friends for so long. Plus you helped me out when I was going through university.” Jongdae says as he grabs the last slice. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do if this place fails?”
“It won’t, believe me,” and Baekhyun wishes he could believe those words, but it’s been nearly a year and he doesn’t know if he can even take living in such a poor condition for much longer. “I’ve only just started, so it’ll get better. Don’t worry. I’ve been through worse, I think.”
“Yeah, true. Like that one time you got chased by-” Before Jongdae can finish, Sehun quickly shoving the rest of his pizza in his mouth and laughs. “What the fuck Sehun,” he chokes out. “Water. I need water.” Sehun continues to laugh as he hands him the remains of his cola to drink quickly.
“There’s no need to go into any of Baekhyun’s past stories. I get enough stories of that on a regular basis.”
“Thanks kid. I just might give you a raise.” Baekhyun smiles. Sehun opens his mouth to speak but is punched in the arm before he can let a single syllable out. He rubs at the sore spot claiming that Jongdae always hits too hard whenever he doesn’t like something he says. Both elders just roll their eyes, knowing that most of the time he fully deserves it. “But where are we going tonight?” Baekhyun turns his attention to his best friend. “You always take us somewhere on Wednesdays.”
“Oh, it’s a surprise as always.” Jongdae wiggles his eyebrows and rushes for them to clean up.
When Jongdae said surprise, Baekhyun didn’t have going to a bar in the more sketchy area of the neighborhood in mind. Sure, he had been here and even worked here before, but all of that was in the past now. There were too many clubs and drunks and neon signs littering the streets for his liking. Sehun didn’t seem too bothered it; he was more concerned with trying to peal Jongdae’s jacket off for himself. The elder just brushes him off and leads them down a dark alley way to a door that they would have surely missed if not for the bright LED screen flashing above. Apple, it read. Baekhyun prayed to every deity he could think of to not let this be some strip club.
Jongdae presses a button and it’s three minutes before a man opens the door to let them in. He reminds Baekhyun of the bouncers he used to know and he feels more nervous than ever of running into people he used to associate with. He doesn’t think he can handle awkward conversations of what they’ve been up to and the high possibility of his business failing. The man leads them downstairs to another door and Baekhyun holds his breath before entering.
It’s nothing like Baekhyun feared.
Inside is dimly lit, but it brings a nice atmosphere to the bar. There’s a lot more patrons than he expects for somewhere so secluded, most look like average middle aged workers trying to unwind for the day. The walls are decorated with pictures of various classic car models, and triangle checkered flags. Baekhyun spots a few paintings of pinup models tucked away in the corners. Sticky notes fill one of the walls, probably thanks from the customers or telling the bar how much it sucks. There’s a small stage area where it looks like three guys are getting ready to play a set - tall one on guitar, the other on piano, and he guesses that huge-eyed one sings since all he’s doing is sitting next to a mic stand. Jongdae makes them go take a seat at a table near the back while he grabs drinks; Jongdae says he once ran into a co-worker here and would rather not have a five hour long conversation on rising gas prices when all he wants to do is relax. It’s probably why he still has his shades and hood on.
Sehun is on his phone, getting ready to take pictures of the place. Baekhyun laughs to himself and looks around the bar once more, a sudden sadness taking over. He tells himself that he’s just starting and it takes years before some people make it big and that coffee shops have a lot of competition and that he is doing well despite not being able to afford cable next month. One day he’ll have wooden tables and sofa chairs that give people a sense of ease when they come to Gravity.
He’s so lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t notice Jongdae’s return. Instead, the loud bang of a glass wakes him, bringing his attention back to his friends. Jongdae slides down an English brown ale in front of Baekhyun, while the other two most likely have American pale ales. Sehun and Jongdae carry most of their conversations, speaking of Sehun’s college problems and how Jongdae is trying to get his co-worker fired. Baekhyun chimes in once in a while, only speaking when directly spoken to. He sips slowly on his beer, letting the cool drink calm his nerves. He’s more into the three guys that start playing some acoustic song that sounds familiar yet foreign to his ears.
After they finish their set, they introduce themselves as X.O, and thank whomever for listening. Baekhyun gets a closer look at one of the guys and he thinks he’s seen him from somewhere before. He looks familiar, dressed in one too many layers for the warm enough bar and he needs a touch up on his roots and Baekhyun gets it. He’s the regular at Gravity that didn’t want to have a conversation with him. Realizing, it makes Baekhyun frown at the thought that someone who played the piano so beautifully could have a rotten attitude.
“I know him.” Baekhyun says rather loudly, getting the attention of both Sehun and Jongdae, though Sehun looks like he’ll pass out at any moment. He’s always been a light drinker.
“What do you mean you know him?” Jongdae asks as he’s trying to keep the youngest from banging his on the table.
“The guy with the bad blond dye job comes to Gravity nearly every day. He blew me off once when I tried to have a conversation with him. I hate him.”
“The pianist? You can’t hate him; you don’t hate anyone.”
“I don’t like him.” Baekhyun cross his arms and takes another swig of his beer to finish it off. “But I do like the way he plays the piano. And his friend on the guitar and that bug-eyed one who can sing.” He sounds more enthusiastic by the second.
“What are you getting at?”
“They are going to play at my café.” Baekhyun sounds so sure that they’ll agree and gets up to look around the bar for X.O.
“They won’t earn anything.”
“Like they’re making anything here, plus I’d make like an IOU or something. I can compensate later when my business takes off.”
“And what if it doesn’t?”
“I’ll return to the streets.”
“You were never in the streets.”
“A life of drug dealing awaits me.”
“You’re not -” Before Jongdae can finish, Baekhyun leaves their and walks over to the bar when the guitarist and singer currently sit. He thinks he hears Jongdae say something about tired of being interrupted, but chooses to ignore it. He sits himself next to the guitarist and orders himself another beer. He sits next to the guitarist, thinking that he’ll be the easiest to talk to.
“Hey, you guys were good.” The guitarist puts down what seems to be whiskey straight and Baekhyun cringes at the thought. His friend seems to have a bit more sense with his blackberry smash.
The guitarist looks to his left and gives Baekhyun a smile. “Thanks. We don’t hear that too often.”
“Really? Your music sounds great. I wouldn’t expect it in a bar like this though.”
“Yeah, it’s kind of the only place where it gives us a home kind of feeling. I’m Chanyeol by the way. This,” Chanyeol gestures to his right, “is Kyungsoo.” Kyungsoo just raises his glass and gives a simple nod of acknowledgment and continues his conversation with the bar tender. “He’s not a big people person. He has to warm up to people first; Kyungsoo’s been like that since we were little.”
“Oh, you all know each other then?” Baekhyun props his elbow on bar counter and rests his head on his hand to give Chanyeol his full attention.
“Yeah, we met Junmyeon in high school though. Kind of a weird combination if you think about it too much.” Baekhyun assumes this Junmyeon is the pianist that frequents his café and nods to nothing. “Our friend Tao sometimes comes and helps too, but he’s busy a lot of the time.”
Baekhyun laughs. “From what I can see you three work well together.”
“Good, I hope so. It took us forever to convince Junmyeon to play piano for us instead of sitting in boring student council meetings.” Chanyeol scoots in closer. “So, I’ve never seen you around here before. What brings you down here?”
“Oh, my friend Jongdae over there,” Baekhyun glances over his shoulder to see Jongdae trying his best to get a sleepy Sehun off of him gently. “He’s the one who dragged us here after I closed up my café.”
“Ah, I recognize him. He’s really nice.”
“Yeah, he’s one of my best friends. We’ve been through a lot together.” Chanyeol hums and turns to whisper something to Kyungsoo. His eyes almost look as if they’re going to pop out before he calms his face to whatever Chanyeol has told him. He turns his full attention back to Baekhyun. “So, what happened to your pianist friend? Um, John something?”
“Junmyeon.”
“Yeah, him,” and Baekhyun feels slightly embarrassed for getting the name wrong of someone he’d like to convince to work for him.
“Ah, he’s probably in the back storing the equipment and instruments up. We always tell him it can wait since we’re the only ones that play and no one even comes down this alley. But he always talks about how it’s his equipment and it’s expensive. ”
“Oh. How much do you make doing this? I mean there doesn’t really seem to be anyone here, so I don’t know how busy it gets or how you guys would get paid or anything like that, you know what I mean? I’m rambling, sorry.”
“It’s okay. We do it for free. No one else will let us play, so we’re hoping to get a start here.” Baekhyun hums and he knows that they’ll probably be a lot better off playing at Gravity. It would attract a diverse crown to his own business and them.
“Have you ever thought of playing at a café?” This gets the attention of Kyungsomething, and he turns to face Baekhyun and Chanyeol.
“Not really. We just kind of listen to Junmyeon since we have nothing else better to do but live off of him for the time being.”
“Ah, but would you consider it? I mean, I wouldn’t be able to pay you guys right away, but I could put out a tip jar until business picks up.”
“Yeah, would you Kyungsoo?”
“Beats working nights here without a goal in mind. We don’t even get tips, let alone pay.” Kyungsoo’s voice is a tad deeper than what he expects and wonders if it’s just for show. “Sounds good. Oh Junmyeon’s back.”
“Well, Soo and I would like to play at your café’. It beats playing in some no-name pub that’ll get us nowhere. Right Junmyeon?” Chanyeol looks hopeful and Baekhyun thinks Kyungsoo is too even with that stoic face he’s got going on at the moments which means it’s a good sign.
“Right what?” Junmyeon says as he steps in front of Chanyeol and Kyungsoo. Up close, he’s a lot more handsome than Baekhyun remembers and the blond hair doesn’t look too bad in this light.
“We should play at umm, did you even give me your name?”
“Baekhyun.” He whispers, not too quietly.
“We should play at Baekhyun’s café.” Junmyeon rolls his eyes and scoffs. “What? Don’t make that face. Besides I thought you would agree considering how ho- Ow! Let go of my ear!” Baekhyun wants to laugh, but he can’t at his newly found friend who is being pulled off the bar stool by his ear by someone much smaller than him. He makes a mental note to never stand by Chanyeol.
“No. I recognize him and I’ve seen his café. There won’t be any benefits to play there. Let’s go.” Before Junmyeon can walk away Baekhyun grabs him by the wrist.
“And what’s wrong with Gravity? It mustn’t be too bad if you’re going there every day.”
“It looks like shit.” Junmyeon says and Baekhyun knows he’s serious. “You hardly get any business and what good will that do us? At least we know recruiters come in this part of town so there’s still a chance. What does Gravity have besides great vanilla lattes?” He doesn’t say anymore and X.O, walks out silently with a mouthed sorry from Chanyeol in Baekhyun’s direction.
Baekhyun heads back to his table where Sehun is sound asleep on Jongdae’s shoulder.
“I told you so.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I’m giving up.” For the first time in a long time, Baekhyun is confident that he can believe his own words.
A week goes by and Junmyeon, to Baekhyun’s surprise, still stops by every single day after the little incident to order an iced vanilla latte. He gives himself time to think about the best way to approach Junmyeon since he’s one, an asshole, and two, even denied his own friends. But maybe asking him again directly will get him somewhere. He waits for him to show up, usually sometime after 10:30 in the morning.
Jongin is at the register trying and failing to flirt with a customer while Sehun is making the orders. Baekhyun feels a bit relieved that both of them are here together for once and it makes things go a lot smoother and quicker. As he’s cleaning the tables, he notices Junmyeon walks in. Baekhyun quickly drops his rag and goes behind the counter to tell Sehun to finish cleaning up. Sehun obeys, only after pinching Baekhyun as hard as he can since he was supposed to be off cleaning duty for a week after that kid threw up all over the tables and floor and poor Sehun was left to clean it up.
Baekhyun gets to work on an iced vanilla latte, making sure to take more than necessary time with the order. When he finally gets to the pick-up counter, Junmyeon stares expectantly at him, probably wondering why Baekhyun is holding his drink hostage.
“Will you please hand over my latte?” Junmyeon huffs.
“On one condition.”
“Please don’t ask for X.O to play here.” Ah, he can see right through Baekhyun.
“No, I would never ask that after you’ve already said no. Just tell me when X.O plays at Apple.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to finish a conversation about, um, singing with Kyungsoo. Yeah.”
“And you can sing?”
“You doubt me? I am a man of many talents. So, please?” Baekhyun tries to look and sound as desperate as possible. “Kyungsoo’s really good at singing and yeah, I just want to learn a few things from him. That’s all.”
“Okay. We play every Wednesday through Sunday there.” Baekhyun smiles and thanks his dad for his lying capabilities and hands over the cold drink. Junmyeon walks away before he can say the standard have a nice day.
Baekhyun walks into Apple sometime after 11:30, spotting X.O immediately. He greets all three of them and goes to the bar to watch them play a song about being a wolf. It would probably make a ridiculous pop song, but the acoustic sound that the band has makes it sound nice. He listens to two more songs with lyrics along the lines of butterflies and growling. Kyungsoo is the first to sit next to him at the bar, followed by Chanyeol. Apparently this wolf song was a late night creation of Kyungsoo’s after they had stayed up watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy without any sleep. After nearly thirty minutes of talking, Baekhyun brings up the topic of working at Gravity.
“I mean, the only reason why I said I wanted vocal tips from Kyungsoo was to see if I can convince Junmyeon to let you work at Gravity.” Baekhyun takes a huge gulp of his drink.
Kyungsoo snorts. “Of course. Junmyeon told us. He said he wanted to see if you were desperate enough to come by here.”
“That fucker. I knew he was an asshole.” And here Baekhyun thought he was a decent liar. “Oh well, but since I’m here it doesn’t hurt to try.”
“See, we need more optimistic people like Baek here around. Kyungsoo and Junmyeon need to loosen up once in a while.” Chanyeol slaps his bandmate on the back a bit roughly and puts his hands up in self-defense as soon as he realizes it almost gets a slap in his arm right back. Baekhyun is amused by their friendship. Chanyeol is so lively and talkative and Kyungsoo is much more on the quiet side of things, but they make it work and he wonders how Junmyeon fits in to all of this.
Junmyeon joins them an hour later, having them all move to a table instead of sitting at the bar. Baekhyun looks at Junmyeon nervously and questions why his friends give him so much power to decide what they want to do about the group. The X.O members and Baekhyun tell stories of their first encounters with alcohol and is shocked to hear about high school days and Junmyeon. The pianist turns red from the embarrassment as Kyungsoo recalls him crying about he thought his dog didn’t love him.
But Baekhyun keeps his eye on Junmyeon the entire time, and Junmyeon does the same like he’s waiting for Baekhyun to bring up working at his business. So when the laughter dies down and Chanyeol wants to hide away from the shame of streaking through his school’s baseball field, Baekhyun takes the comfortable silence as an opportunity.
“So, Junmyeon, you already know why I’m here right?” Baekhyun asks.
Junmyeon gives him a look that says no kidding, but answers anyway. “Of course and my answer still is no.”
“You’re not even looking at the possibilities. Don’t you want to take chance on a small café owner?” Baekhyun tries his best to sound positive and happy instead of sad and irritated.
“No. I’ve already rejected your offer twice. What makes you think I won’t do it again?”
“Third times a charm?”
“Go home Baekhyun.” And he does just that.
Baekhyun shows up at Apple for the next week and a half and he’s determined that Junmyeon will eventually say yes. So far, it’s looking like a long shot, but with two members already willing to play for only what’s given in a tip jar, he’s crazy to let a deal like this go to waste. Junmyeon even let’s Baekhyun place a bet on a game of Black Jack, but turns out Junmyeon is a pro at the game. It’s like he takes joy in Baekhyun’s sorrow and will never cave in, but Baekhyun still has hope that he can figure out what makes the pianist tick and agree to the deal.
He’s back at Apple for the nth time, just to hang out since X.O isn’t playing today. There, he finally meets Zitao, the other guitar player slash singer that completes their groups. He doesn’t expect him to be so tall and he’s kind of scary looking with the multiple piercings, all leather attire and jet black hair. He quickly learns that Tao is nothing but a sweetheart and kind of childish in his ways. He opens up to Baekhyun quickly and even lets him meet his dog, Candy.
“Wow, why is everyone in this group so nice, but Junmyeon? Are you sure he’s supposed to be a member?” They all laugh except Junmyeon who glares at Baekhyun. “I’m serious! Even Tao agreed and yet I’ve been bugging Junmyeon non-stop and he won’t budge. Not that I’m asking now, but if you change your mind, let me know.”
“You know that’s not going to happen. I’m shocked you still haven’t given up. It amazes me.” Kyungsoo adds. “Junmyeon is stubborn so once he sets his ways that’s it.”
“Hey, I’m not completely stubborn! I give in sometimes.” Junmyeon tries to defend himself.
“Yeah, like in uni you ran to be a part of the student government seven semesters in a row and didn’t win until the eighth. That takes a lot of patience.” Baekhyun looks over to Junmyeon and almost laughs before he sees the hurt on his face.
“Don’t bring up my failures.”
“Please do.” But Baekhyun remembers that Junmyeon is kind of an asshole or maybe he’s really just blunt, but pushes it aside. “If your friends can see me get constantly rejected by you then I am owed at least one embarrassing story per day. It’s only fair.” Baekhyun raises his glass and the X.O members minus Junmyeon clink theirs together in agreement. Junmyeon sulks in his seat and Baekhyun jokes that they must’ve been enemies in their past lives to lighten the mood for him.
As Apple closes for the night, they all head home, but Baekhyun stops Junmyeon before he can leave.
“You know, I didn’t mean for them to bring up that thing you did back in college.” Baekhyun doesn’t know why he feels like he should apologize on behalf of X.O, but the image of Junmyeon’s face when reminded of failure gets to him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. If it really bothered me then I would have told them to stop. Besides, I’m used to them bringing it up. I just didn’t expect for a stranger to hear about it.”
“Oh. Well I still feel kind of bad. I’ll give you a free iced vanilla latte tomorrow if you stay more than an hour at Gravity tomorrow.”
“It’s a deal. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Baekhyun.”
“’Night.” Baekhyun leaves Apples for the first time with a smile.
Junmyeon doesn’t show up the next day or the next or even the day after that and it makes Baekhyun kind of worried. He knows Junmyeon has missed coming to Gravity once in a while, but never days in a row. He almost calls one of the X.O members before Junmyeon walks right through the door. He comes to the counter like nothing’s wrong and orders his iced vanilla latte. Baekhyun remembers the deal from a few days ago and doesn’t charge and Junmyeon takes a seat by the window, bringing out his laptop. There aren’t too many customers so he tells Jongin to take over while he goes chat with a customer.
He sits across from Junmyeon, waiting for him to say something, but he only glances at Baekhyun when he starts tapping his fingers annoyingly on the table in a warning to stop. Baekhyun doesn’t know how to start a conversation with him and it’s the first time they’ve been alone together; it’s usually someone else in X.O starting things off with Junmyeon joining in later. It feels weird in a good way to finally be able to talk to him, if Junmyeon would actually pay attention.
In the daylight he can finally see how handsome Junmyeon really is. His hair doesn’t look so bad and he has really nice skin. And when Junmyeon chuckles to himself, Baekhyun is able to see how pretty his smile really is. And he knows they’re not friends, but he feels something, and wonders if it would be rude to ask why he hasn’t come to Gravity.
“You look like you need to ask me something.” Junmyeon interrupts him from his thoughts.
“What makes you think that?”
“You keep opening your mouth like you want to.”
“Oh, well, why didn’t come here for three days?” It looks as if Junmyeon is shocked that his question doesn’t concern working here and instead is more personal and Baekhyun thinks he probably won’t answer. Aside from his friends spilling all his secrets, he’s never told Baekhyun anything about himself directly.
“I was sick. That’s all.” And Junmyeon goes back to working on whatever it is on his computer.
“Are you okay now?” Baekhyun looks over Junmyeon and he does seem a bit paler than usual. He hopes that he isn’t stressing himself too much. “Do you want me to get you something warm to drink?”
“Why are you so overly concerned?”
“Because we’re somewhat friends? I mean we don’t really get along, but I was worried.”
“Oh.”
“Well, I guess I won’t be asking if you’re okay again.”
“No, it’s okay. I mean I’m just a bit surprised since we don’t really talk about anything else other than trying to work here or embarrassing stories. I’m actually grateful.” And he thinks he catches a blush on Junmyeon’s cheeks, but he throws that thought to the wind and blames his imagination.
“I have to get back to work so just let me know if you need anything. Also, give me your number so I won’t be worried anymore. I already have everyone else’s.” Junmyeon hands him his phone without hesitation and it’s the first time he thinks he sees a smile directed at him for once.
Baekhyun notices after he gets Junmyeon’s phone number that he starts to actually stay at the café a bit more than before. Junmyeon tells him it’s because he rearranged his lunch hours and nothing more, but Baekhyun is always happy to see him. Tao seems to become a permanent fixture in the corner of the café, saying a writer needs a good place to relax, even attracting a few new customers with Candy always near. Even Chanyeol and Kyungsoo pop in with him once in a while trying to mooch free drinks from Sehun and Jongin, and when they see Baekhyun and Junmyeon sitting together at a table, it’s a bunch of teasing them that they’ll end up falling for each other.
Baekhyun’s heart speeds up at the thought and Junmyeon turns red and laughs it off saying he has a better chance of convincing him to work at Gravity. It stings a little to know that he has no interest in him, that Junmyeon offering to drop dinner off after work is only because he learned Baekhyun never eats enough and concerned about his health. When Junmyeon walks him to the crosswalk holding hands it’s just to keep his hands warm because Baekhyun never wears gloves. When they sit together in the café, they link their legs together out of a good friendship that’s started to form and he does it with everyone. When Junmyeon is the only one he tells that Gravity did horrible this month and he might have to let Sehun or Jongin go and cries, Junmyeon hugs Baekhyun tight until he calms down because it’s just the right thing to do. And when Baekhyun teases him and gives him complements of how cute he is, the blush on his face is just from embarrassment. It hurts, but Baekhyun figures he has plenty of time to fall properly in love.
It’s weird how Baekhyun looks to Junmyeon just to seek his company and it’s been a while since he was last in love. That was years ago with Yixing and he’s always busy these days to even think about trying to find someone again.
When Baekhyun’s free to sit with Junmyeon, he tells him stories of how he always wanted his own business and that he saved up a lot of money over the years just to afford it. He questions him on what kinds of jobs he had to buy his own business, but Baekhyun doesn’t answer instead saying it’s a story for another day. And Junmyeon in return shares stories about his childhood dreams of being a cartoonist even though he can’t draw. It’s nice to just spend time with Junmyeon rather than bothering him about playing at Gravity. He finds himself just wanting to be around him without using Gravity as a connection.
It stings how all the little small things add up in Baekhyun’s head, but Junmyeon doesn’t see them the same way.
And It’s nice for Baekhyun not having Kyungsoo, or Chanyeol, or Tao around and just getting to know him for a peace of mind that he can have him just for a little while. So it’s no surprise to Baekhyun after their many coffee “dates” and lunches with friends when Junmyeon invites him out on a whim to see some movie together. It’s not a date, Junmyeons says, and Baekhyun is disappointed, but he can’t help but wish it was. He hardly pays attention to the movie and instead focuses on Junmyeon.
Junmyeon repeatedly tells Baekhyun to pay attention to the movie and he does until he catches himself watching Junmyeon again. After the movie, they decide to take a walk around the park that’s near. Hardly anyone is around except for couples and people who were probably too busy to exercise during the day.
They walk in silence and it’s not uncomfortable in the least bit. Baekhyun thinks back to the conversation he had with the other X.O members the other day, trying to figure out what’s the best way to bring up the topic without upsetting Junmyeon.
Baekhyun meets the X.O members for lunch, excluding Junmyeon. He looks around constantly hoping for him to show up, but he never does. Tao realizes this and tells him that he’s busy with office work, but they wanted to meet Baekhyun without him anyway.
“Why do you want to see me separately?” Baekhyun takes a bite of his chicken alfredo and gets sauce on the corner of his lips. Both Tao and Chanyeol laugh.
“We wanted to talk to you about Junmyeon,” Tao says like it’s no big deal, but with three of his best friends here, it sure does feel like it. “We know that you want us to play at Gravity, but you haven’t brought it up to him in a while. You two just two that whole coffee date thing that you’re doing.”
“It’s not da-” Baekhyun is cut off by Kyungsoo.
“Whatever, we just want to say that we’re unhappy at Apple and just ask Junmyeon one more time for us. We’re tired of making nothing there and just doing this because it’s Junmyeon.”
“Yeah, he takes care of us, but we just want something more, you know?” Chanyeol adds.
“What do you mean he takes care of you?”
“We all dropped out of college” Kyungsoo simply states. “We didn’t like it and Junmyeon was the only one who graduated. You know Tao never went, but he’s a successful writer. Chanyeol and I, we have nothing except Junmyeon. Our parents kicked us out after they found out we dropped out to do music and he’s all we can count on.” Kyungsoo pauses to take a sip of his lemonade. “He said it was okay for us to live with him and not work and do music so that’s been our life for the past few years.”
“We’re tired of it.” Chanyeol sighs and takes a bite of Kyungsoo’s steak and expects him to shove him away, but he realizes Kyungsoo only ever shoves him away when he’s being annoying or overbearing. That Kyungsoo and Chanyeol only ever look at each other with such fondness and it clicks. “We’re tired and we just want this to go somewhere, even if it’s a small café.”
“So what do you expect out of me? What makes you think he’ll listen to me?” Baekhyun doesn’t see how he, out of all people, will have any effect on Junmyeon when even his best friends can’t.
“Just let him know that Chanyeol and Kyungsoo are frustrated and say it in a not so nice manner.” Tao chips in. “He likes you, and values your friendship, so he really shouldn’t say no. If not, then think about how miserable your new friends will be.”
They eat the rest of their meal in relative silence, Baekhyun doesn’t even think he can speak even if he wanted to.
It’s hard for Baekhyun to think of the right words to say and not screw things up. It almost feels like he’s giving a confession except more than one person is involved and everyone’s feelings is riding on him. He doesn’t like and wishes Junmyeon could just see and understand what his friends feel and give them what they want, but it never works out how people want it.
Baekhyun finds the courage deep, deep down somewhere to finally speak up and break the silence. “Hey, I know I haven’t mentioned this in a while, I don’t even remember the last time, really.” He takes a deep breath before the next words come out. “What do you think about X.O working at Gravity?”
Junmyeon sighs. “You already know how I feel about that.”
“No, I mean how do you really feel, my desperation aside. Do you ever think it would be possible if we weren’t friends?”
“Baekhyun, why does it matter so much?”
“Because of Chanyeol and Kyungsoo, and Tao. They obviously want it, so why don’t you?” Baekhyun pleads.
“Listen, I just don’t want us playing there. That’s all.” There’s a certain bite to Junmyeon’s voice and Baekhyun can’t stand it.
“But why? It doesn’t make any sense. You obviously want to make it with them so what’s stopping you?” Junmyeon tries to walk away, but Baekhyun grabs hold of his wrist before he can even turn around to leave. He tries to wrestle his arm free, but it’s no use. “Who knows you besides a few nobodies from the late night crowd. You think you’re better off playing at some bar in a basement where nothing but old people frequent? You really think that’s doing Chanyeol and Kyungsoo any favors? They don’t work and this is the only thing they’re doing because they trust you to actually take this somewhere.” Baekhyun says in a rush and all too angrily. Junmyeon’s are wide and he opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. “Please, I need you guys.” He knows he sounds desperate, but it’s desperation for him and X.O and they all really needs this. He can’t afford to fail and go back to some life where he felt slightly better than okay. Baekhyun gently grasps Junmyeon’s other hand pulls him closer. “My business will fail and you’ll never have amazing iced vanilla lattes again.”
Junmyeon looks Baekhyun straight in the eye and laughs, hard. He then falls to the ground, taking Baekhyun with him. He clutches his stomach and tries to calm himself down. “I wanted, I wanted to do this all on my own without anyone’s help, that we could somehow start from the bottom and be okay.” He gets out. “But most of all, I’m scared.” Baekhyun makes out through the laughter. “I’m scared of people seeing that I’m nervous and shaking every time I go on stage. I’m scared of being out in daylight because that will show. I’m scared of failing. And scared letting Chanyeol and Kyungsoo down. And scared they’ll never talk to me again.”
Baekhyun sits himself upright next to Junmyeon and waits for him to settle. “And you think I’m not?” Junmyeon shakes his head no. “Everyone is afraid of failure. I mean look at Gravity. I tanked this month and Jongin is blaming himself for it. But I’m not going to give up and I’m doing my best to cheer Jongin up.”
“But what if you lose Gravity?”
“I know I won’t, but if by some weird happening that I do, then I just do. I’ve worked my whole life with this dream in mind, so it wouldn’t stop me from trying to do it again.” They sit in a comfortable silence, a few night walkers and cyclists giving them strange looks as they pass. Baekhyun hasn’t sat like this with anyone in a long time, not since Yixing and he feels a slight pull at his chest. As he thinks, Junmyeon really isn’t the asshole he thought him to be; he’s kinder than expected and really sweet and really does care about his friends. He feels something heavy land on his shoulder and looks down to see Junmyeon’s head resting there. Baekhyun wraps an arm around him, pulling him just a bit closer.
“I’m sorry.” Junmyeon whispers so softly that Baekhyun almost misses it. “For not agreeing sooner. And being selfish. And being afraid.” Baekhyun doesn’t say anything; he just squeezes Junmyeon’s arm lightly to let him know that everything will be fine.
Sehun and Jongin pick up the last of the tables to throw out to make room for the stage area. Jongdae tells them to be careful and watch out for the tip jar. Chanyeol nearly has his guitar ready and Junmyeon waits until there’s enough room for his piano to be brought in. Kyungsoo is in the back, warming up his throat and Baekhyun knows it’s their first gig here, but he can’t help but try to make the younger mess up on his high notes by lightly pinching his side each time he goes to put a dish away. He gets a punch to the gut in return.
The customers look on curiously, trying to figure out if the piano is just for aesthetics or if that dude with the guitar is really going to play. It makes Baekhyun smile and he thinks just maybe this will work and things are starting to finally look up. Even though there was a sharp decline in sales with the customers, even the somewhat regulars, were disappearing, he never gave up. It only took about a month for them to slowly start trickling back in and ordering their favorite drinks and bagels again. He also calls and thanks his parents nearly every day for bailing him out of his financial mess and promises to do better.
Junmyeon slowly eases himself into the kitchen area and tells Kyungsoo that Chanyeol needs him for something. He walks over to Baekhyun and taps him on the back from behind, almost scaring him as he dries off more dishes.
“Jesus, don’t do that next time. I could have broken a dish!” Baekhyun clenches at his heart a bit too dramatically.
“Sorry,” and he knows Junmyeon doesn’t mean from the smirk on his face. “I just came back here to thank you. I know working with me for the past month hasn’t been easy.”
Baekhyun remembers rehearsing with Junmyeon after work in his apartment, telling him over and over again that he didn’t look like a deer caught in headlights when he played and that it was okay to mess up. He wasn’t a professional or should be held to professional standards because even the best screws up. He remembers drinking three too many coffees together to keep them awake through the nights. He remembers back to leaning over Junmyeon, guiding his hands to right keys and him being surprised that Baekhyun could even play. He remembers sitting next to him on the piano bench, heart ready to burst just from being near. He remembers shy touches and them falling asleep on each and being mad at themselves for not being able to finish the lessons.
But more than that, Baekhyun remembers Junmyeon gaining confidence with each passing practice and being able to perform not only in front of him and the X.O members, but Jongin, and Sehun, and Jongdae, and the occasional Yixing. That he no longer stumbled through keys when it felt like a million eyes were on him and that yes, it was okay to mess up, but pretend like nothing had happened. He’s seen a positive change in Junmyeon and feels a bitter happiness that he’s the one who helped cause it, but can never be close to Junmyeon the way he wants.
Junmyeon looks at him weirdly and Baekhyun realizes he was so caught up in his own thoughts that he probably has a stupid look on his face right now.
“No, it hasn’t,” Baekhyun teases and Junmyeon slaps his arm. “But I really did, um, like working with you. No problem for me at all. I really happy you decided to play here.”
“Me too. Hell, I’m even happy I quit my job, but that’s what savings are for, right? We’re almost ready to start, so finish the dishes quickly.” He pats Baekhyun on the shoulder longer than necessary and heads out to the front. Baekhyun joins them ten minutes later and unlike Apple, there is no introduction, instead opting to just get straight to the music. They play a song Chanyeol wrote, something he recalls being named Run. It’s a nice piece that he knows he’ll want the mp3 for later. Junmyeon plays wonderfully, without flaw and it’s Chanyeol who misses a note, suddenly stopping and heading straight back into the song a moment later. Kyungsoo glares at him while he sings through the first two lines of the chorus and Junmyeon shakes his head.
They go through five songs before a thirty minute break and replay the set again with a different order. And Baekhyun notices the large tip jar filling rather nicely and passersby staring into Gravity’s windows, trying to see the source of the music. It gets overwhelmingly busy and Baekhyun is glad for the holiday season that puts Jongin and Sehun on break from course work and that they’re willing to spend it at the café.
As they close the shop for the day, Tao stops by with six large pizzas that they all easily devour as a congratulatory gift for a successful first day.
“But seriously, thank the gods Junmyeon listened to Baekhyun,” Chanyeol starts as he pats the tip with fondness. “We made more here in a day than we have in months at Apple.”
“Yeah and I can go back to a normal sleeping schedule.” Kyungsoo adds. “I’ve always hated working nights.”
“I’m sorry,” Junmyeon says sheepishly, “but really thank you Baekhyun. We’ve couldn’t have done it without out.”
“I should be thanking you guys; business was great today. Too bad you’ll only be able to play four days out of the week.” Baekhyun pouts and it’s ridiculous for a twenty-four year old man. Junmyeon leans over the table to push his bottom lip back and Baekhyun fights back the urge to pull Junmyeon forward and kiss him. Instead he sticks out his tongue in a mocking manner.
They all leave one by one and it’s only Baekhyun left as he heads out to lock the front door and pull the metal gate down. When he exits, he sees Junmyeon waiting for him at the crosswalk. He quickly locks up and runs to him.
“Hey, I thought you left with Kyungsoo and Chanyeol.” Baekhyun is slightly out of breath and Junmyeon reaches up to pull Baekhyun’s scarf tighter around his neck.
“I did, but I decided to stay. I wanted to thank you again.” Junmyeon grabs his hand as the crosswalk sign flashes white for them to go. Baekhyun almost instantly jerks his hand away, but Junmyeon’s grip is tight.
“You didn’t have to wait for me though. You could have done that back at Gravity.”
“I wanted to thank you properly without anyone around.”
“But what’s a proper thank you anyway? Walking me home is nice I guess.”
“No, I’m going home with you.”
Baekhyun’s caught off guard and he stutters out, “W-w-wait, what? You just want to hang out back at my place?”
“Something like that.” Junmyeon stops as Baekhyun continues forward and he almost doesn’t notice until he feels the warmth in his hand leaving quickly. He turns back to Junmyeon, confused as to why he’s just standing there, attempting to tug him forward because it’s cold and he wants to get back to his cozy apartment as quickly as possible. Junmyeon stays grounded in his spot, reaching forward to cup Baekhyun’s face with both hands. Baekhyun holds his breath as he feels a soft pair of lips meet his. Junmyeon pulls away to wrap his arms around Baekhyun’s neck and bring them even closer together. “I like you, so let me thank you properly. We can go on a date later.” He kisses Baekhyun again.
Oh.
Baekhyun sings to himself as he makes a large English toffee and pours a smoothie blend into a cup and hands it to a customer. Junmyeon should be here by noon to take him out to lunch.
“Baekhyun, your singing is getting annoying.” Jongin flicks him on the ear.
“I can’t help it. I’m happy. You know I have to sing when I’m happy. It’s like therapy or something.” Baekhyun rubs at his ear and continues to sing to one of X.O’s new songs, Moonlight, as he reads the next few orders. He really should be happy with the way business with Gravity has been going. He can finally afford all of his bills for more than one month in a row and not have to depend on Jongdae and Yixing as a source of food. He even hired Yixing to paint one of the walls with a galaxy theme. Who knew a little live music would make his situation a lot better.
“I know it’s nice and all that Gravity is doing well and you’ve been fucking Junmyeon for the past seven months, but please, stop singing. I can’t deal with it every single day, especially an X.O song. We listen to them play live every other day. I’ll quit like Sehun if you don’t stop.”
“Sehun did not quit; he’s studying abroad dumbass. And no, I will not. If you quit I’ll just give Minseok the hours he’s been asking for.”
“Ugh.” Jongin pouts as he takes the next few orders while Baekhyun laughs at Jongin’s misery until he sees Junmyeon walking through the door. He waves Minseok and Jongin goodbye for the day and greets Junmyeon with a kiss. There still aren’t wooden chairs and soft sofa chairs that remind people of home, but it’s a goal. He knows he’ll eventually succeed and it just takes time. With the way things are now and having Junmyeon and X.O in his life, he doesn’t mind at all.
From: ANONYMOUS until December 30, 2014
Title: Newton’s Apple
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s)/Focus: Baekhyun/Suho
Length: 9,459 words
Summary: Baekhyun is the owner of a small café looking for someone to help his café gain more recognition.
Notes: Hello, my lovely recipient! I really loved all of your prompts and actually wrote a bit for all three before finally settling on this one. I hope you like what I’ve written and that it reflects what you wanted. \(^o^)/
Baekhyun gets up just a little after dawn, hardly getting any sleep the night before. Yixing had come by discussing into the early hours of the morning new ideas for the café, complete with a PowerPoint presentation detailing how everything would work. He laughed when he pulled out his tablet and urged Baekhyun to hurry and sit and listen. It was silly, but Yixing had been completely serious, poking Baekhyun in the side every time he was starting to drift off to sleep.
If he was being honest, they were all good ideas, but there was no way he could afford new windows and wall decals, dishes, a complete paint job, and the list goes on. He doesn’t even know why he thought a band would fit into his measly budget. That was the most ridiculous idea of them all. As a contractor, Yixing should know better. Even with a friend discount, there’s still not enough.
He could afford to keep his café, Gravity, open and running. Sort of. It was a tight budget, but he dreamed of owning his own business since high school. He couldn’t handle anyone else being his boss, ordering him around and treating him like someone worthless. Business was just enough so that the bills were paid and the two employees he could afford were happy. Eating and buying things for himself had been put on the back burner and another month would go by without cable and internet. And sure, he might not be able to keep his electricity on, but that’s what generators were for. If he became really desperate, he could just bum off of Jongdae like he did a few months back. Despite everything going on in his personal life, it was well worth it. He was lucky enough that his parents were a bit too happy to buy all his furnishing for his tiny apartment as a congratulatory gift the day the café opened. Baekhyun believes the splurge was less congratulatory and more of a thank god you left your last job gift.
He kept hope alive, as tiny as it was, and one day business would pick up. People would love Gravity and he’d have regulars that he’d remember the names of besides Jongdae, who really didn’t count because they were friends. Although, his visits could have been out of pity since the café was well out of way of his office and home. There was also that one guy with the bad blond dye job who came in dressed in layers of clothing despite the weather every day in a rush to order an iced vanilla latte, even now when the weather was getting colder as the days went on.
But Baekhyun didn’t know his name. He once tried to have a proper conversation on the one day he came in to sit, but he was quickly brushed off, the man saying he had work to get done. It left a sour taste in his mouth, but thankfully, it was the only time he ever stayed or else Baekhyun would have tried to figure out a way kick him out.
He slowly rose out of bed, almost tripping on the pile of shirts in front of him. It was nearly 7AM, so that meant Gravity had to open soon - 7:30. Baekhyun thinks he has enough time for breakfast and a quick shower since work was only a fifteen minute walk away. It didn’t matter anyway if he was a little late; he was sure Jongin had the keys to open up and prepping by himself shouldn’t be too much work.
He drags himself towards the kitchen, hoping there’s something there. He doesn’t know if he can take another day of living off of muffins and bagels; he really shouldn’t be taking from business stock anyway. Baekhyun looks inside the refrigerator and today is his luck day. He pulls out the carton of eggs and notices the leftover chicken pasta that Yixing must have wrapped up for him, even if there’s hardly anything left. A quick chicken pasta omelet doesn’t sound too appetizing, but it would probably taste like heaven under these circumstances. He goes to shower first, thinking that if his time becomes limited, he can always eat on the way.
After he’s finished showering and his omelet is made, Baekhyun notices it’s already seven-forty; hot showers were always a curse. He grabs a large cup and throws his food in and goes to grab his backpack when he notices it’s already sitting neatly by the door, along with his coat. He silently thanks Yixing and makes a mental note to treat him to dinner once he has the money for it.
He’s out the door, trying to button up his coat before the cold air gets to him too much. It’s a struggle with trying to eat, but he manages somehow.
The café was now in view and thank god it’s open. The mornings were usually busy enough, save for Sundays when people rather have sleep than their morning cup of coffee. There’s a small line of people waiting at the register and it’s Sehun, not Jongin, working on getting the orders in and out in a timely manner.
He smiles sheepishly at the younger, and gives a small wave to hurry to the back to grab his apron. Once in front, he gets a jab in the side courtesy of Sehun.
“Ow. You could be nicer to me. I wasn’t even that late. It’s only eight in the morning.” He rubs his side and he reads the cup first cup of five with the order on it. One medium white chocolate mocha coming up.
“Customers would think that I’m the boss if they knew how late you always are.” Sehun gets in while taking orders. “You owe me. I’ve done the orders and made the drinks all by myself. I think I deserve a raise.”
“Ha, yeah right. You just started a month and a half ago.” Baekhyun pats him on the shoulder and continues on with the drinks, thankful that so many just want black coffee or tea, which required little effort to make.
But Sehun is right; he probably does deserve a raise even with the short amount of time he’s been here. He’s saved his ass more than he can count and is always taking on Jongin’s shifts at last minute. He had hired him on a whim when Jongin came in saying that he was going to be busy this upcoming semester due to dance practice and lab work and a friend he knew was desperate for a job. It had been a blessing and Baekhyun doesn’t know how they even survived when it was only him and Jongin
As the morning rush comes to an end, Baekhyun lets Sehun take his break as he finishes up the last few orders. He then proceeds to sit with Sehun at the staff table after making two cups of green tea for the both of them. The younger takes his cup with a small nod and continues to look through his photo gallery, probably to upload yet another picture of himself in a field of flowers.
“So, are you going to partner with Yixing to make this dump look nice?” Sehun asks after putting his phone away and taking a sip of the tea.
Baekhyun rolls his eyes. “No,” he sighs. “You know I can’t afford that.” Sehun scrunches his nose and he just knows the boy is forever judging the looks of the place. Yeah, Gravity is a little boring with the plain wood paneling for the walls with nothing adorned except for a sticker that reads Be Happy, courtesy of Jongdae. Sure it’s just a bunch of mismatched chairs and tables, but Baekhyun thinks it adds character. It’s a lot better than having nothing since the previous owner took everything with her and left her husband’s business to fail. Baekhyun thinks he scored a deal since he didn’t have to shell out money for new coffee equipment.
“You could always get a business partner.”
“Like that’s the easiest thing to do. I need people I can trust. All of my friends have careers and weddings and babies and a bunch of other legit reasons not to help. You’re all I have left. And Jongin.”
“Oh.” Sehun looks like he’s trying to find the right words to say. “You could still try and find one?”
“I’ve worked too hard on my own to let someone else come in. I just need, maybe something like an investor?”
“Ah, that could work if business had any hopes of growing any time soon.” He snickers.
“Yea- Hey!” Baekhyun flicks Sehun in the middle of his forehead, almost knocking both their teas over. “That’s why it’s an investment. This place has character. It’s just waiting for me to liven it up a bit with someone else’s money.”
“Well, you could always go for loan sharks. I kno-”
“No, we’re not going that route. Do you want me in debt?”
“Yes.” Sehun says with a straight face.
“You’re useless.” Before Baekhyun can say anything else, another customer walks in. “Customer, let’s go.”
It’s later in the evening and Jongdae stops by to give Sehun and Baekhyun dinner as they close up Gravity for the day. He brings an extra-large supreme pizza that Baekhyun all too quickly grabs and Sehun has to pat his back a few times in fear of his boss choking to death. Baekhyun says that it’s just a sign of his appreciation and that he’s more than thankful that he has Jongdae.
“I only do it because we’ve been friends for so long. Plus you helped me out when I was going through university.” Jongdae says as he grabs the last slice. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do if this place fails?”
“It won’t, believe me,” and Baekhyun wishes he could believe those words, but it’s been nearly a year and he doesn’t know if he can even take living in such a poor condition for much longer. “I’ve only just started, so it’ll get better. Don’t worry. I’ve been through worse, I think.”
“Yeah, true. Like that one time you got chased by-” Before Jongdae can finish, Sehun quickly shoving the rest of his pizza in his mouth and laughs. “What the fuck Sehun,” he chokes out. “Water. I need water.” Sehun continues to laugh as he hands him the remains of his cola to drink quickly.
“There’s no need to go into any of Baekhyun’s past stories. I get enough stories of that on a regular basis.”
“Thanks kid. I just might give you a raise.” Baekhyun smiles. Sehun opens his mouth to speak but is punched in the arm before he can let a single syllable out. He rubs at the sore spot claiming that Jongdae always hits too hard whenever he doesn’t like something he says. Both elders just roll their eyes, knowing that most of the time he fully deserves it. “But where are we going tonight?” Baekhyun turns his attention to his best friend. “You always take us somewhere on Wednesdays.”
“Oh, it’s a surprise as always.” Jongdae wiggles his eyebrows and rushes for them to clean up.
When Jongdae said surprise, Baekhyun didn’t have going to a bar in the more sketchy area of the neighborhood in mind. Sure, he had been here and even worked here before, but all of that was in the past now. There were too many clubs and drunks and neon signs littering the streets for his liking. Sehun didn’t seem too bothered it; he was more concerned with trying to peal Jongdae’s jacket off for himself. The elder just brushes him off and leads them down a dark alley way to a door that they would have surely missed if not for the bright LED screen flashing above. Apple, it read. Baekhyun prayed to every deity he could think of to not let this be some strip club.
Jongdae presses a button and it’s three minutes before a man opens the door to let them in. He reminds Baekhyun of the bouncers he used to know and he feels more nervous than ever of running into people he used to associate with. He doesn’t think he can handle awkward conversations of what they’ve been up to and the high possibility of his business failing. The man leads them downstairs to another door and Baekhyun holds his breath before entering.
It’s nothing like Baekhyun feared.
Inside is dimly lit, but it brings a nice atmosphere to the bar. There’s a lot more patrons than he expects for somewhere so secluded, most look like average middle aged workers trying to unwind for the day. The walls are decorated with pictures of various classic car models, and triangle checkered flags. Baekhyun spots a few paintings of pinup models tucked away in the corners. Sticky notes fill one of the walls, probably thanks from the customers or telling the bar how much it sucks. There’s a small stage area where it looks like three guys are getting ready to play a set - tall one on guitar, the other on piano, and he guesses that huge-eyed one sings since all he’s doing is sitting next to a mic stand. Jongdae makes them go take a seat at a table near the back while he grabs drinks; Jongdae says he once ran into a co-worker here and would rather not have a five hour long conversation on rising gas prices when all he wants to do is relax. It’s probably why he still has his shades and hood on.
Sehun is on his phone, getting ready to take pictures of the place. Baekhyun laughs to himself and looks around the bar once more, a sudden sadness taking over. He tells himself that he’s just starting and it takes years before some people make it big and that coffee shops have a lot of competition and that he is doing well despite not being able to afford cable next month. One day he’ll have wooden tables and sofa chairs that give people a sense of ease when they come to Gravity.
He’s so lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t notice Jongdae’s return. Instead, the loud bang of a glass wakes him, bringing his attention back to his friends. Jongdae slides down an English brown ale in front of Baekhyun, while the other two most likely have American pale ales. Sehun and Jongdae carry most of their conversations, speaking of Sehun’s college problems and how Jongdae is trying to get his co-worker fired. Baekhyun chimes in once in a while, only speaking when directly spoken to. He sips slowly on his beer, letting the cool drink calm his nerves. He’s more into the three guys that start playing some acoustic song that sounds familiar yet foreign to his ears.
After they finish their set, they introduce themselves as X.O, and thank whomever for listening. Baekhyun gets a closer look at one of the guys and he thinks he’s seen him from somewhere before. He looks familiar, dressed in one too many layers for the warm enough bar and he needs a touch up on his roots and Baekhyun gets it. He’s the regular at Gravity that didn’t want to have a conversation with him. Realizing, it makes Baekhyun frown at the thought that someone who played the piano so beautifully could have a rotten attitude.
“I know him.” Baekhyun says rather loudly, getting the attention of both Sehun and Jongdae, though Sehun looks like he’ll pass out at any moment. He’s always been a light drinker.
“What do you mean you know him?” Jongdae asks as he’s trying to keep the youngest from banging his on the table.
“The guy with the bad blond dye job comes to Gravity nearly every day. He blew me off once when I tried to have a conversation with him. I hate him.”
“The pianist? You can’t hate him; you don’t hate anyone.”
“I don’t like him.” Baekhyun cross his arms and takes another swig of his beer to finish it off. “But I do like the way he plays the piano. And his friend on the guitar and that bug-eyed one who can sing.” He sounds more enthusiastic by the second.
“What are you getting at?”
“They are going to play at my café.” Baekhyun sounds so sure that they’ll agree and gets up to look around the bar for X.O.
“They won’t earn anything.”
“Like they’re making anything here, plus I’d make like an IOU or something. I can compensate later when my business takes off.”
“And what if it doesn’t?”
“I’ll return to the streets.”
“You were never in the streets.”
“A life of drug dealing awaits me.”
“You’re not -” Before Jongdae can finish, Baekhyun leaves their and walks over to the bar when the guitarist and singer currently sit. He thinks he hears Jongdae say something about tired of being interrupted, but chooses to ignore it. He sits himself next to the guitarist and orders himself another beer. He sits next to the guitarist, thinking that he’ll be the easiest to talk to.
“Hey, you guys were good.” The guitarist puts down what seems to be whiskey straight and Baekhyun cringes at the thought. His friend seems to have a bit more sense with his blackberry smash.
The guitarist looks to his left and gives Baekhyun a smile. “Thanks. We don’t hear that too often.”
“Really? Your music sounds great. I wouldn’t expect it in a bar like this though.”
“Yeah, it’s kind of the only place where it gives us a home kind of feeling. I’m Chanyeol by the way. This,” Chanyeol gestures to his right, “is Kyungsoo.” Kyungsoo just raises his glass and gives a simple nod of acknowledgment and continues his conversation with the bar tender. “He’s not a big people person. He has to warm up to people first; Kyungsoo’s been like that since we were little.”
“Oh, you all know each other then?” Baekhyun props his elbow on bar counter and rests his head on his hand to give Chanyeol his full attention.
“Yeah, we met Junmyeon in high school though. Kind of a weird combination if you think about it too much.” Baekhyun assumes this Junmyeon is the pianist that frequents his café and nods to nothing. “Our friend Tao sometimes comes and helps too, but he’s busy a lot of the time.”
Baekhyun laughs. “From what I can see you three work well together.”
“Good, I hope so. It took us forever to convince Junmyeon to play piano for us instead of sitting in boring student council meetings.” Chanyeol scoots in closer. “So, I’ve never seen you around here before. What brings you down here?”
“Oh, my friend Jongdae over there,” Baekhyun glances over his shoulder to see Jongdae trying his best to get a sleepy Sehun off of him gently. “He’s the one who dragged us here after I closed up my café.”
“Ah, I recognize him. He’s really nice.”
“Yeah, he’s one of my best friends. We’ve been through a lot together.” Chanyeol hums and turns to whisper something to Kyungsoo. His eyes almost look as if they’re going to pop out before he calms his face to whatever Chanyeol has told him. He turns his full attention back to Baekhyun. “So, what happened to your pianist friend? Um, John something?”
“Junmyeon.”
“Yeah, him,” and Baekhyun feels slightly embarrassed for getting the name wrong of someone he’d like to convince to work for him.
“Ah, he’s probably in the back storing the equipment and instruments up. We always tell him it can wait since we’re the only ones that play and no one even comes down this alley. But he always talks about how it’s his equipment and it’s expensive. ”
“Oh. How much do you make doing this? I mean there doesn’t really seem to be anyone here, so I don’t know how busy it gets or how you guys would get paid or anything like that, you know what I mean? I’m rambling, sorry.”
“It’s okay. We do it for free. No one else will let us play, so we’re hoping to get a start here.” Baekhyun hums and he knows that they’ll probably be a lot better off playing at Gravity. It would attract a diverse crown to his own business and them.
“Have you ever thought of playing at a café?” This gets the attention of Kyungsomething, and he turns to face Baekhyun and Chanyeol.
“Not really. We just kind of listen to Junmyeon since we have nothing else better to do but live off of him for the time being.”
“Ah, but would you consider it? I mean, I wouldn’t be able to pay you guys right away, but I could put out a tip jar until business picks up.”
“Yeah, would you Kyungsoo?”
“Beats working nights here without a goal in mind. We don’t even get tips, let alone pay.” Kyungsoo’s voice is a tad deeper than what he expects and wonders if it’s just for show. “Sounds good. Oh Junmyeon’s back.”
“Well, Soo and I would like to play at your café’. It beats playing in some no-name pub that’ll get us nowhere. Right Junmyeon?” Chanyeol looks hopeful and Baekhyun thinks Kyungsoo is too even with that stoic face he’s got going on at the moments which means it’s a good sign.
“Right what?” Junmyeon says as he steps in front of Chanyeol and Kyungsoo. Up close, he’s a lot more handsome than Baekhyun remembers and the blond hair doesn’t look too bad in this light.
“We should play at umm, did you even give me your name?”
“Baekhyun.” He whispers, not too quietly.
“We should play at Baekhyun’s café.” Junmyeon rolls his eyes and scoffs. “What? Don’t make that face. Besides I thought you would agree considering how ho- Ow! Let go of my ear!” Baekhyun wants to laugh, but he can’t at his newly found friend who is being pulled off the bar stool by his ear by someone much smaller than him. He makes a mental note to never stand by Chanyeol.
“No. I recognize him and I’ve seen his café. There won’t be any benefits to play there. Let’s go.” Before Junmyeon can walk away Baekhyun grabs him by the wrist.
“And what’s wrong with Gravity? It mustn’t be too bad if you’re going there every day.”
“It looks like shit.” Junmyeon says and Baekhyun knows he’s serious. “You hardly get any business and what good will that do us? At least we know recruiters come in this part of town so there’s still a chance. What does Gravity have besides great vanilla lattes?” He doesn’t say anymore and X.O, walks out silently with a mouthed sorry from Chanyeol in Baekhyun’s direction.
Baekhyun heads back to his table where Sehun is sound asleep on Jongdae’s shoulder.
“I told you so.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I’m giving up.” For the first time in a long time, Baekhyun is confident that he can believe his own words.
A week goes by and Junmyeon, to Baekhyun’s surprise, still stops by every single day after the little incident to order an iced vanilla latte. He gives himself time to think about the best way to approach Junmyeon since he’s one, an asshole, and two, even denied his own friends. But maybe asking him again directly will get him somewhere. He waits for him to show up, usually sometime after 10:30 in the morning.
Jongin is at the register trying and failing to flirt with a customer while Sehun is making the orders. Baekhyun feels a bit relieved that both of them are here together for once and it makes things go a lot smoother and quicker. As he’s cleaning the tables, he notices Junmyeon walks in. Baekhyun quickly drops his rag and goes behind the counter to tell Sehun to finish cleaning up. Sehun obeys, only after pinching Baekhyun as hard as he can since he was supposed to be off cleaning duty for a week after that kid threw up all over the tables and floor and poor Sehun was left to clean it up.
Baekhyun gets to work on an iced vanilla latte, making sure to take more than necessary time with the order. When he finally gets to the pick-up counter, Junmyeon stares expectantly at him, probably wondering why Baekhyun is holding his drink hostage.
“Will you please hand over my latte?” Junmyeon huffs.
“On one condition.”
“Please don’t ask for X.O to play here.” Ah, he can see right through Baekhyun.
“No, I would never ask that after you’ve already said no. Just tell me when X.O plays at Apple.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to finish a conversation about, um, singing with Kyungsoo. Yeah.”
“And you can sing?”
“You doubt me? I am a man of many talents. So, please?” Baekhyun tries to look and sound as desperate as possible. “Kyungsoo’s really good at singing and yeah, I just want to learn a few things from him. That’s all.”
“Okay. We play every Wednesday through Sunday there.” Baekhyun smiles and thanks his dad for his lying capabilities and hands over the cold drink. Junmyeon walks away before he can say the standard have a nice day.
Baekhyun walks into Apple sometime after 11:30, spotting X.O immediately. He greets all three of them and goes to the bar to watch them play a song about being a wolf. It would probably make a ridiculous pop song, but the acoustic sound that the band has makes it sound nice. He listens to two more songs with lyrics along the lines of butterflies and growling. Kyungsoo is the first to sit next to him at the bar, followed by Chanyeol. Apparently this wolf song was a late night creation of Kyungsoo’s after they had stayed up watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy without any sleep. After nearly thirty minutes of talking, Baekhyun brings up the topic of working at Gravity.
“I mean, the only reason why I said I wanted vocal tips from Kyungsoo was to see if I can convince Junmyeon to let you work at Gravity.” Baekhyun takes a huge gulp of his drink.
Kyungsoo snorts. “Of course. Junmyeon told us. He said he wanted to see if you were desperate enough to come by here.”
“That fucker. I knew he was an asshole.” And here Baekhyun thought he was a decent liar. “Oh well, but since I’m here it doesn’t hurt to try.”
“See, we need more optimistic people like Baek here around. Kyungsoo and Junmyeon need to loosen up once in a while.” Chanyeol slaps his bandmate on the back a bit roughly and puts his hands up in self-defense as soon as he realizes it almost gets a slap in his arm right back. Baekhyun is amused by their friendship. Chanyeol is so lively and talkative and Kyungsoo is much more on the quiet side of things, but they make it work and he wonders how Junmyeon fits in to all of this.
Junmyeon joins them an hour later, having them all move to a table instead of sitting at the bar. Baekhyun looks at Junmyeon nervously and questions why his friends give him so much power to decide what they want to do about the group. The X.O members and Baekhyun tell stories of their first encounters with alcohol and is shocked to hear about high school days and Junmyeon. The pianist turns red from the embarrassment as Kyungsoo recalls him crying about he thought his dog didn’t love him.
But Baekhyun keeps his eye on Junmyeon the entire time, and Junmyeon does the same like he’s waiting for Baekhyun to bring up working at his business. So when the laughter dies down and Chanyeol wants to hide away from the shame of streaking through his school’s baseball field, Baekhyun takes the comfortable silence as an opportunity.
“So, Junmyeon, you already know why I’m here right?” Baekhyun asks.
Junmyeon gives him a look that says no kidding, but answers anyway. “Of course and my answer still is no.”
“You’re not even looking at the possibilities. Don’t you want to take chance on a small café owner?” Baekhyun tries his best to sound positive and happy instead of sad and irritated.
“No. I’ve already rejected your offer twice. What makes you think I won’t do it again?”
“Third times a charm?”
“Go home Baekhyun.” And he does just that.
Baekhyun shows up at Apple for the next week and a half and he’s determined that Junmyeon will eventually say yes. So far, it’s looking like a long shot, but with two members already willing to play for only what’s given in a tip jar, he’s crazy to let a deal like this go to waste. Junmyeon even let’s Baekhyun place a bet on a game of Black Jack, but turns out Junmyeon is a pro at the game. It’s like he takes joy in Baekhyun’s sorrow and will never cave in, but Baekhyun still has hope that he can figure out what makes the pianist tick and agree to the deal.
He’s back at Apple for the nth time, just to hang out since X.O isn’t playing today. There, he finally meets Zitao, the other guitar player slash singer that completes their groups. He doesn’t expect him to be so tall and he’s kind of scary looking with the multiple piercings, all leather attire and jet black hair. He quickly learns that Tao is nothing but a sweetheart and kind of childish in his ways. He opens up to Baekhyun quickly and even lets him meet his dog, Candy.
“Wow, why is everyone in this group so nice, but Junmyeon? Are you sure he’s supposed to be a member?” They all laugh except Junmyeon who glares at Baekhyun. “I’m serious! Even Tao agreed and yet I’ve been bugging Junmyeon non-stop and he won’t budge. Not that I’m asking now, but if you change your mind, let me know.”
“You know that’s not going to happen. I’m shocked you still haven’t given up. It amazes me.” Kyungsoo adds. “Junmyeon is stubborn so once he sets his ways that’s it.”
“Hey, I’m not completely stubborn! I give in sometimes.” Junmyeon tries to defend himself.
“Yeah, like in uni you ran to be a part of the student government seven semesters in a row and didn’t win until the eighth. That takes a lot of patience.” Baekhyun looks over to Junmyeon and almost laughs before he sees the hurt on his face.
“Don’t bring up my failures.”
“Please do.” But Baekhyun remembers that Junmyeon is kind of an asshole or maybe he’s really just blunt, but pushes it aside. “If your friends can see me get constantly rejected by you then I am owed at least one embarrassing story per day. It’s only fair.” Baekhyun raises his glass and the X.O members minus Junmyeon clink theirs together in agreement. Junmyeon sulks in his seat and Baekhyun jokes that they must’ve been enemies in their past lives to lighten the mood for him.
As Apple closes for the night, they all head home, but Baekhyun stops Junmyeon before he can leave.
“You know, I didn’t mean for them to bring up that thing you did back in college.” Baekhyun doesn’t know why he feels like he should apologize on behalf of X.O, but the image of Junmyeon’s face when reminded of failure gets to him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. If it really bothered me then I would have told them to stop. Besides, I’m used to them bringing it up. I just didn’t expect for a stranger to hear about it.”
“Oh. Well I still feel kind of bad. I’ll give you a free iced vanilla latte tomorrow if you stay more than an hour at Gravity tomorrow.”
“It’s a deal. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Baekhyun.”
“’Night.” Baekhyun leaves Apples for the first time with a smile.
Junmyeon doesn’t show up the next day or the next or even the day after that and it makes Baekhyun kind of worried. He knows Junmyeon has missed coming to Gravity once in a while, but never days in a row. He almost calls one of the X.O members before Junmyeon walks right through the door. He comes to the counter like nothing’s wrong and orders his iced vanilla latte. Baekhyun remembers the deal from a few days ago and doesn’t charge and Junmyeon takes a seat by the window, bringing out his laptop. There aren’t too many customers so he tells Jongin to take over while he goes chat with a customer.
He sits across from Junmyeon, waiting for him to say something, but he only glances at Baekhyun when he starts tapping his fingers annoyingly on the table in a warning to stop. Baekhyun doesn’t know how to start a conversation with him and it’s the first time they’ve been alone together; it’s usually someone else in X.O starting things off with Junmyeon joining in later. It feels weird in a good way to finally be able to talk to him, if Junmyeon would actually pay attention.
In the daylight he can finally see how handsome Junmyeon really is. His hair doesn’t look so bad and he has really nice skin. And when Junmyeon chuckles to himself, Baekhyun is able to see how pretty his smile really is. And he knows they’re not friends, but he feels something, and wonders if it would be rude to ask why he hasn’t come to Gravity.
“You look like you need to ask me something.” Junmyeon interrupts him from his thoughts.
“What makes you think that?”
“You keep opening your mouth like you want to.”
“Oh, well, why didn’t come here for three days?” It looks as if Junmyeon is shocked that his question doesn’t concern working here and instead is more personal and Baekhyun thinks he probably won’t answer. Aside from his friends spilling all his secrets, he’s never told Baekhyun anything about himself directly.
“I was sick. That’s all.” And Junmyeon goes back to working on whatever it is on his computer.
“Are you okay now?” Baekhyun looks over Junmyeon and he does seem a bit paler than usual. He hopes that he isn’t stressing himself too much. “Do you want me to get you something warm to drink?”
“Why are you so overly concerned?”
“Because we’re somewhat friends? I mean we don’t really get along, but I was worried.”
“Oh.”
“Well, I guess I won’t be asking if you’re okay again.”
“No, it’s okay. I mean I’m just a bit surprised since we don’t really talk about anything else other than trying to work here or embarrassing stories. I’m actually grateful.” And he thinks he catches a blush on Junmyeon’s cheeks, but he throws that thought to the wind and blames his imagination.
“I have to get back to work so just let me know if you need anything. Also, give me your number so I won’t be worried anymore. I already have everyone else’s.” Junmyeon hands him his phone without hesitation and it’s the first time he thinks he sees a smile directed at him for once.
Baekhyun notices after he gets Junmyeon’s phone number that he starts to actually stay at the café a bit more than before. Junmyeon tells him it’s because he rearranged his lunch hours and nothing more, but Baekhyun is always happy to see him. Tao seems to become a permanent fixture in the corner of the café, saying a writer needs a good place to relax, even attracting a few new customers with Candy always near. Even Chanyeol and Kyungsoo pop in with him once in a while trying to mooch free drinks from Sehun and Jongin, and when they see Baekhyun and Junmyeon sitting together at a table, it’s a bunch of teasing them that they’ll end up falling for each other.
Baekhyun’s heart speeds up at the thought and Junmyeon turns red and laughs it off saying he has a better chance of convincing him to work at Gravity. It stings a little to know that he has no interest in him, that Junmyeon offering to drop dinner off after work is only because he learned Baekhyun never eats enough and concerned about his health. When Junmyeon walks him to the crosswalk holding hands it’s just to keep his hands warm because Baekhyun never wears gloves. When they sit together in the café, they link their legs together out of a good friendship that’s started to form and he does it with everyone. When Junmyeon is the only one he tells that Gravity did horrible this month and he might have to let Sehun or Jongin go and cries, Junmyeon hugs Baekhyun tight until he calms down because it’s just the right thing to do. And when Baekhyun teases him and gives him complements of how cute he is, the blush on his face is just from embarrassment. It hurts, but Baekhyun figures he has plenty of time to fall properly in love.
It’s weird how Baekhyun looks to Junmyeon just to seek his company and it’s been a while since he was last in love. That was years ago with Yixing and he’s always busy these days to even think about trying to find someone again.
When Baekhyun’s free to sit with Junmyeon, he tells him stories of how he always wanted his own business and that he saved up a lot of money over the years just to afford it. He questions him on what kinds of jobs he had to buy his own business, but Baekhyun doesn’t answer instead saying it’s a story for another day. And Junmyeon in return shares stories about his childhood dreams of being a cartoonist even though he can’t draw. It’s nice to just spend time with Junmyeon rather than bothering him about playing at Gravity. He finds himself just wanting to be around him without using Gravity as a connection.
It stings how all the little small things add up in Baekhyun’s head, but Junmyeon doesn’t see them the same way.
And It’s nice for Baekhyun not having Kyungsoo, or Chanyeol, or Tao around and just getting to know him for a peace of mind that he can have him just for a little while. So it’s no surprise to Baekhyun after their many coffee “dates” and lunches with friends when Junmyeon invites him out on a whim to see some movie together. It’s not a date, Junmyeons says, and Baekhyun is disappointed, but he can’t help but wish it was. He hardly pays attention to the movie and instead focuses on Junmyeon.
Junmyeon repeatedly tells Baekhyun to pay attention to the movie and he does until he catches himself watching Junmyeon again. After the movie, they decide to take a walk around the park that’s near. Hardly anyone is around except for couples and people who were probably too busy to exercise during the day.
They walk in silence and it’s not uncomfortable in the least bit. Baekhyun thinks back to the conversation he had with the other X.O members the other day, trying to figure out what’s the best way to bring up the topic without upsetting Junmyeon.
Baekhyun meets the X.O members for lunch, excluding Junmyeon. He looks around constantly hoping for him to show up, but he never does. Tao realizes this and tells him that he’s busy with office work, but they wanted to meet Baekhyun without him anyway.
“Why do you want to see me separately?” Baekhyun takes a bite of his chicken alfredo and gets sauce on the corner of his lips. Both Tao and Chanyeol laugh.
“We wanted to talk to you about Junmyeon,” Tao says like it’s no big deal, but with three of his best friends here, it sure does feel like it. “We know that you want us to play at Gravity, but you haven’t brought it up to him in a while. You two just two that whole coffee date thing that you’re doing.”
“It’s not da-” Baekhyun is cut off by Kyungsoo.
“Whatever, we just want to say that we’re unhappy at Apple and just ask Junmyeon one more time for us. We’re tired of making nothing there and just doing this because it’s Junmyeon.”
“Yeah, he takes care of us, but we just want something more, you know?” Chanyeol adds.
“What do you mean he takes care of you?”
“We all dropped out of college” Kyungsoo simply states. “We didn’t like it and Junmyeon was the only one who graduated. You know Tao never went, but he’s a successful writer. Chanyeol and I, we have nothing except Junmyeon. Our parents kicked us out after they found out we dropped out to do music and he’s all we can count on.” Kyungsoo pauses to take a sip of his lemonade. “He said it was okay for us to live with him and not work and do music so that’s been our life for the past few years.”
“We’re tired of it.” Chanyeol sighs and takes a bite of Kyungsoo’s steak and expects him to shove him away, but he realizes Kyungsoo only ever shoves him away when he’s being annoying or overbearing. That Kyungsoo and Chanyeol only ever look at each other with such fondness and it clicks. “We’re tired and we just want this to go somewhere, even if it’s a small café.”
“So what do you expect out of me? What makes you think he’ll listen to me?” Baekhyun doesn’t see how he, out of all people, will have any effect on Junmyeon when even his best friends can’t.
“Just let him know that Chanyeol and Kyungsoo are frustrated and say it in a not so nice manner.” Tao chips in. “He likes you, and values your friendship, so he really shouldn’t say no. If not, then think about how miserable your new friends will be.”
They eat the rest of their meal in relative silence, Baekhyun doesn’t even think he can speak even if he wanted to.
It’s hard for Baekhyun to think of the right words to say and not screw things up. It almost feels like he’s giving a confession except more than one person is involved and everyone’s feelings is riding on him. He doesn’t like and wishes Junmyeon could just see and understand what his friends feel and give them what they want, but it never works out how people want it.
Baekhyun finds the courage deep, deep down somewhere to finally speak up and break the silence. “Hey, I know I haven’t mentioned this in a while, I don’t even remember the last time, really.” He takes a deep breath before the next words come out. “What do you think about X.O working at Gravity?”
Junmyeon sighs. “You already know how I feel about that.”
“No, I mean how do you really feel, my desperation aside. Do you ever think it would be possible if we weren’t friends?”
“Baekhyun, why does it matter so much?”
“Because of Chanyeol and Kyungsoo, and Tao. They obviously want it, so why don’t you?” Baekhyun pleads.
“Listen, I just don’t want us playing there. That’s all.” There’s a certain bite to Junmyeon’s voice and Baekhyun can’t stand it.
“But why? It doesn’t make any sense. You obviously want to make it with them so what’s stopping you?” Junmyeon tries to walk away, but Baekhyun grabs hold of his wrist before he can even turn around to leave. He tries to wrestle his arm free, but it’s no use. “Who knows you besides a few nobodies from the late night crowd. You think you’re better off playing at some bar in a basement where nothing but old people frequent? You really think that’s doing Chanyeol and Kyungsoo any favors? They don’t work and this is the only thing they’re doing because they trust you to actually take this somewhere.” Baekhyun says in a rush and all too angrily. Junmyeon’s are wide and he opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. “Please, I need you guys.” He knows he sounds desperate, but it’s desperation for him and X.O and they all really needs this. He can’t afford to fail and go back to some life where he felt slightly better than okay. Baekhyun gently grasps Junmyeon’s other hand pulls him closer. “My business will fail and you’ll never have amazing iced vanilla lattes again.”
Junmyeon looks Baekhyun straight in the eye and laughs, hard. He then falls to the ground, taking Baekhyun with him. He clutches his stomach and tries to calm himself down. “I wanted, I wanted to do this all on my own without anyone’s help, that we could somehow start from the bottom and be okay.” He gets out. “But most of all, I’m scared.” Baekhyun makes out through the laughter. “I’m scared of people seeing that I’m nervous and shaking every time I go on stage. I’m scared of being out in daylight because that will show. I’m scared of failing. And scared letting Chanyeol and Kyungsoo down. And scared they’ll never talk to me again.”
Baekhyun sits himself upright next to Junmyeon and waits for him to settle. “And you think I’m not?” Junmyeon shakes his head no. “Everyone is afraid of failure. I mean look at Gravity. I tanked this month and Jongin is blaming himself for it. But I’m not going to give up and I’m doing my best to cheer Jongin up.”
“But what if you lose Gravity?”
“I know I won’t, but if by some weird happening that I do, then I just do. I’ve worked my whole life with this dream in mind, so it wouldn’t stop me from trying to do it again.” They sit in a comfortable silence, a few night walkers and cyclists giving them strange looks as they pass. Baekhyun hasn’t sat like this with anyone in a long time, not since Yixing and he feels a slight pull at his chest. As he thinks, Junmyeon really isn’t the asshole he thought him to be; he’s kinder than expected and really sweet and really does care about his friends. He feels something heavy land on his shoulder and looks down to see Junmyeon’s head resting there. Baekhyun wraps an arm around him, pulling him just a bit closer.
“I’m sorry.” Junmyeon whispers so softly that Baekhyun almost misses it. “For not agreeing sooner. And being selfish. And being afraid.” Baekhyun doesn’t say anything; he just squeezes Junmyeon’s arm lightly to let him know that everything will be fine.
Sehun and Jongin pick up the last of the tables to throw out to make room for the stage area. Jongdae tells them to be careful and watch out for the tip jar. Chanyeol nearly has his guitar ready and Junmyeon waits until there’s enough room for his piano to be brought in. Kyungsoo is in the back, warming up his throat and Baekhyun knows it’s their first gig here, but he can’t help but try to make the younger mess up on his high notes by lightly pinching his side each time he goes to put a dish away. He gets a punch to the gut in return.
The customers look on curiously, trying to figure out if the piano is just for aesthetics or if that dude with the guitar is really going to play. It makes Baekhyun smile and he thinks just maybe this will work and things are starting to finally look up. Even though there was a sharp decline in sales with the customers, even the somewhat regulars, were disappearing, he never gave up. It only took about a month for them to slowly start trickling back in and ordering their favorite drinks and bagels again. He also calls and thanks his parents nearly every day for bailing him out of his financial mess and promises to do better.
Junmyeon slowly eases himself into the kitchen area and tells Kyungsoo that Chanyeol needs him for something. He walks over to Baekhyun and taps him on the back from behind, almost scaring him as he dries off more dishes.
“Jesus, don’t do that next time. I could have broken a dish!” Baekhyun clenches at his heart a bit too dramatically.
“Sorry,” and he knows Junmyeon doesn’t mean from the smirk on his face. “I just came back here to thank you. I know working with me for the past month hasn’t been easy.”
Baekhyun remembers rehearsing with Junmyeon after work in his apartment, telling him over and over again that he didn’t look like a deer caught in headlights when he played and that it was okay to mess up. He wasn’t a professional or should be held to professional standards because even the best screws up. He remembers drinking three too many coffees together to keep them awake through the nights. He remembers back to leaning over Junmyeon, guiding his hands to right keys and him being surprised that Baekhyun could even play. He remembers sitting next to him on the piano bench, heart ready to burst just from being near. He remembers shy touches and them falling asleep on each and being mad at themselves for not being able to finish the lessons.
But more than that, Baekhyun remembers Junmyeon gaining confidence with each passing practice and being able to perform not only in front of him and the X.O members, but Jongin, and Sehun, and Jongdae, and the occasional Yixing. That he no longer stumbled through keys when it felt like a million eyes were on him and that yes, it was okay to mess up, but pretend like nothing had happened. He’s seen a positive change in Junmyeon and feels a bitter happiness that he’s the one who helped cause it, but can never be close to Junmyeon the way he wants.
Junmyeon looks at him weirdly and Baekhyun realizes he was so caught up in his own thoughts that he probably has a stupid look on his face right now.
“No, it hasn’t,” Baekhyun teases and Junmyeon slaps his arm. “But I really did, um, like working with you. No problem for me at all. I really happy you decided to play here.”
“Me too. Hell, I’m even happy I quit my job, but that’s what savings are for, right? We’re almost ready to start, so finish the dishes quickly.” He pats Baekhyun on the shoulder longer than necessary and heads out to the front. Baekhyun joins them ten minutes later and unlike Apple, there is no introduction, instead opting to just get straight to the music. They play a song Chanyeol wrote, something he recalls being named Run. It’s a nice piece that he knows he’ll want the mp3 for later. Junmyeon plays wonderfully, without flaw and it’s Chanyeol who misses a note, suddenly stopping and heading straight back into the song a moment later. Kyungsoo glares at him while he sings through the first two lines of the chorus and Junmyeon shakes his head.
They go through five songs before a thirty minute break and replay the set again with a different order. And Baekhyun notices the large tip jar filling rather nicely and passersby staring into Gravity’s windows, trying to see the source of the music. It gets overwhelmingly busy and Baekhyun is glad for the holiday season that puts Jongin and Sehun on break from course work and that they’re willing to spend it at the café.
As they close the shop for the day, Tao stops by with six large pizzas that they all easily devour as a congratulatory gift for a successful first day.
“But seriously, thank the gods Junmyeon listened to Baekhyun,” Chanyeol starts as he pats the tip with fondness. “We made more here in a day than we have in months at Apple.”
“Yeah and I can go back to a normal sleeping schedule.” Kyungsoo adds. “I’ve always hated working nights.”
“I’m sorry,” Junmyeon says sheepishly, “but really thank you Baekhyun. We’ve couldn’t have done it without out.”
“I should be thanking you guys; business was great today. Too bad you’ll only be able to play four days out of the week.” Baekhyun pouts and it’s ridiculous for a twenty-four year old man. Junmyeon leans over the table to push his bottom lip back and Baekhyun fights back the urge to pull Junmyeon forward and kiss him. Instead he sticks out his tongue in a mocking manner.
They all leave one by one and it’s only Baekhyun left as he heads out to lock the front door and pull the metal gate down. When he exits, he sees Junmyeon waiting for him at the crosswalk. He quickly locks up and runs to him.
“Hey, I thought you left with Kyungsoo and Chanyeol.” Baekhyun is slightly out of breath and Junmyeon reaches up to pull Baekhyun’s scarf tighter around his neck.
“I did, but I decided to stay. I wanted to thank you again.” Junmyeon grabs his hand as the crosswalk sign flashes white for them to go. Baekhyun almost instantly jerks his hand away, but Junmyeon’s grip is tight.
“You didn’t have to wait for me though. You could have done that back at Gravity.”
“I wanted to thank you properly without anyone around.”
“But what’s a proper thank you anyway? Walking me home is nice I guess.”
“No, I’m going home with you.”
Baekhyun’s caught off guard and he stutters out, “W-w-wait, what? You just want to hang out back at my place?”
“Something like that.” Junmyeon stops as Baekhyun continues forward and he almost doesn’t notice until he feels the warmth in his hand leaving quickly. He turns back to Junmyeon, confused as to why he’s just standing there, attempting to tug him forward because it’s cold and he wants to get back to his cozy apartment as quickly as possible. Junmyeon stays grounded in his spot, reaching forward to cup Baekhyun’s face with both hands. Baekhyun holds his breath as he feels a soft pair of lips meet his. Junmyeon pulls away to wrap his arms around Baekhyun’s neck and bring them even closer together. “I like you, so let me thank you properly. We can go on a date later.” He kisses Baekhyun again.
Oh.
Baekhyun sings to himself as he makes a large English toffee and pours a smoothie blend into a cup and hands it to a customer. Junmyeon should be here by noon to take him out to lunch.
“Baekhyun, your singing is getting annoying.” Jongin flicks him on the ear.
“I can’t help it. I’m happy. You know I have to sing when I’m happy. It’s like therapy or something.” Baekhyun rubs at his ear and continues to sing to one of X.O’s new songs, Moonlight, as he reads the next few orders. He really should be happy with the way business with Gravity has been going. He can finally afford all of his bills for more than one month in a row and not have to depend on Jongdae and Yixing as a source of food. He even hired Yixing to paint one of the walls with a galaxy theme. Who knew a little live music would make his situation a lot better.
“I know it’s nice and all that Gravity is doing well and you’ve been fucking Junmyeon for the past seven months, but please, stop singing. I can’t deal with it every single day, especially an X.O song. We listen to them play live every other day. I’ll quit like Sehun if you don’t stop.”
“Sehun did not quit; he’s studying abroad dumbass. And no, I will not. If you quit I’ll just give Minseok the hours he’s been asking for.”
“Ugh.” Jongin pouts as he takes the next few orders while Baekhyun laughs at Jongin’s misery until he sees Junmyeon walking through the door. He waves Minseok and Jongin goodbye for the day and greets Junmyeon with a kiss. There still aren’t wooden chairs and soft sofa chairs that remind people of home, but it’s a goal. He knows he’ll eventually succeed and it just takes time. With the way things are now and having Junmyeon and X.O in his life, he doesn’t mind at all.