Puppy Love (1/2)

[kaisooficrec]

Title: Puppy Love
Author: TBA
Genre: Fluff, Cafe!AU
Rating: G
Length: ~7,500 words
Side Pairings: (highlight for spoilers) Broken!Kyungsoo/OC, Minor!Luhan/Jongin, Implied!Luhan/Sehun
Summary: a not so ordinary, ordinary coffee shop au
Note: there’s a character here who has the same name as one member from another idol group. but rest assured it’s not him. he’s just a totally random original character that shares the same name as him.



Kyungsoo stares at the address he has on his phone then looks up from it to confirm he’s looking at the right place.”Jjangu Cafe” it said in a soft pink and brown text. He can’t see much from the outside since the curtains are drawn, probably to protect the customers inside from the 3 o’clock afternoon sun. But judging from the cars parked outside and the students he just saw leaving the place, giggling and laughing, it was packed.

Kyungsoo checks the time. He still has about fifteen minutes for his interview. His roommate, Baekhyun, was the one who recommended the place. He’s been on three job interviews with no luck and this one is making him all antsy. The coffee shops he applied to don’t seem to care for his skills as a barista but made it pretty obvious that what they want is a tall, pretty faced staff behind their counters. Kyungsoo doesn’t exactly fit the criteria with his small stature and odd wide eyes, and it’s making it difficult for him to land a job.

After going back and forth whether or not to stay where he is, he decides to head inside. It’s better to be early anyway so he can take a good look around. He’s nervous about this and sitting inside would help him calm his nerves. He approaches the doors but steps aside when it opens and a couple with a kid emerges, the little girl proclaiming out loud she wants to come back again tomorrow. Kyungsoo smiles. He likes the customers he’s seen so far. So far, the cafe seems to give off that friendly vibe and that soothes his anxieties.

There’s something different in the air when he steps inside but he dismisses it quick for a few more customers emerge. Kyungsoo steps aside once more, letting them all pass. He catches sight of a few senior citizens, more students, some office employees and another family. He holds the door open for them and he stands there, impressed by all these people. For a 3 o’clock on a Wednesday, it’s surprisingly packed.

There’s another door leading to the main cafe. It’s a strange looking cafe. There are shoe racks outside and a waiting area. Kyungsoo slides the doors open, hands sweaty from being nervous about this interview, when he looks down and stops in his tracks to find a large grey and white wolfish dog greeting him. It isn’t unusual for cafes to allow pets inside, but with a dog this size, his height almost reaching Kyungsoo’s waist, he’s a little surprised. Nevertheless, Kyungsoo steps aside once more to let the dog out since its owner is probably just behind, ready to leave too, when a loud voice yells at him to close the doors.

“Quick! Before Jin gets out!”

The warning comes a little too late for the dog lunges at Kyungsoo. He’s too startled to utter out anything but an oof! when he lands on the ground on his back, the large dog settling on his chest. For a moment, he can’t breathe, the weight of the animal too heavy on him, and fear fills Kyungsoo. He instinctively raises his arms, protecting his face and his neck, when he hears footsteps and someone hauling the weight off of him.

“We talked about this, Jin.” The voice, though deep, whines. “Get inside. You know you’re not allowed to go out without me.”

Kyungsoo wheezes, rising up on his elbows. He looks down at his clothes and breathes a sigh of relief when he sees it’s still in good condition and he’s spared. It would have been embarrassing if he went for his interview with his shirt all ripped or if he had paw prints all over him. And well, it would’ve been something if he literally got mauled on his interview day.

“Hey, you okay? I’m so sorry. We forgot to put the sign out.”

Kyungsoo is helped up to his feet by a tall lanky guy in a brown uniform with a pink apron on his front, much like the cafe’s text and interior. His hair is long and the front of it framing his face while the rest is tied to a ponytail. His ears are poking out on the sides.

“I’m alright. Thanks.” Kyungsoo mutters, picking up his backpack.

“Jin’s usually calm. But I guess he really wanted to go out for a walk today.” The guy explains, blocking the door. Behind him, Jin, the dog, keeps walking and poking his head in between the man’s long legs, finding a way out.

“We’re closed for the rest of the afternoon. Weekly cleaning.”

Strange, Kyungsoo thinks. Cafe’s usually don’t have weekly cleanings. There’s not much to clean when cafes are small anyway.

“I’m here for an interview.” Kyungsoo answers. He dusts off his front shirt and his pants, trying to look presentable. The guy’s eyes widen at what Kyungsoo said and Kyungsoo leans back when he breaks out into a wide smile, teeth filling his whole face.

“Oh great! Come on in! We’ve been expecting you!”

The enthusiasm behind the man’s tone adds curiosity to the butterflies in Kyungsoo’s stomach. He follows him, leaving his shoes on an empty space on the shoe rack. He noticed the man wasn’t wearing any shoes on either.

Kyungsoo steps inside once the man has Jin moved back from the door. Kyungsoo makes sure to close it this time lest the dog tries to head for it again. Kyungsoo turns around, ready to greet his interviewer when the words die on his lips when he sees the sight in front of him.

There are more Jins. Dogs of all colors and sizes. He spots a few he’s familiar with, a dalmatian, a chihuahua, a large german shepherd, and one that Baekhyun likes calling a hot dog dog. They’re everywhere. There are two Jins, the other a reddish brown and a small poodle on the side. There are tiny dogs and big dogs and Kyungsoo is just stunned seeing all these dogs at a cafe that he barely hears the man calling out to someone.

“Jongin! Your 3 o’clock is here!”

Another guy pops his head out from the back. He’s tall with a tan complexion and an insanely attractive face that Kyungsoo is momentarily distracted from the amount of dogs he just saw.

“Baekhyun’s friend?” He asks, wiping his hands on a towel hanging by the rack. He’s wearing the same uniform and apron that the first guy was wearing.

Kyungsoo nods. A dog brushes past his leg as the guy, Jongin, walks towards him. It’s the brown poodle. Jongin bends down to carry the dog in his arms before giving his attention back at Kyungsoo.

“What,” Kyungsoo breathes, finally taking his eyes off of Jongin to scan the room once more. “Is this place?”

“Didn’t Baekhyun tell you?”

“He told me it was a cafe.”

“It is. A dog cafe.” Jongin smiles at him. Kyungsoo can only blink back at that really cute smile. “Welcome to Jjangu’s!”

A dog cafe. He’s heard of them but he’s never actually been to one. Baekhyun didn’t tell him this bit. Kyungsoo shouldn’t be this surprised. Baekhyun’s always the kind to pull this stuff on him. Last time, he set him up on a date and forgot to tell him the guy was five years his junior and practically illegal.

Everything made sense then. The smell in the air. The shoe racks outside. Waiting areas. Customers of all ages and a kid that was excited to come back tomorrow. Kyungsoo should’ve read and picked up on the signs earlier.

“This is Jjangu.” Jongin raises the poodle’s tiny paw and gives a small wave. “And you are?”

“Mistaken.” Kyungsoo answers, shuffling back and giving a low bow. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware this wasn’t a cafe. Well, not the usual one. You probably don’t need a barista. I’m sorry to bother you at this time.”

Kyungsoo turns to leave when another dog blocks his path. It’s looking up at him curiously that Kyungsoo, still flustered, gives it a small awkward bow as a goodbye.

Jongin chuckles behind him. “We actually do need a barista. Our last one left to go back to finish university and we’ve been struggling with the espresso machine. We’re only using the coffee maker for now.”

Kyungsoo looks back at Jongin. “I’m not sure I’m cut out for this job...”

“You’re not afraid of dogs, are you?” Jongin looks really concerned about this. Kyungsoo isn’t afraid of them. But it’s not like he likes them either. Dogs are dogs. He’s never paid much attention to them when having a pet was never something he wanted. It was another added responsibility on top of all the things he has to do.

“No, not at all.”

“Good. I thought Jin scared you earlier.” Jongin says, relieved.

“No. It’s...” Kyungsoo tries to think of a nicer way to say this. “I was expecting a... human cafe? I’m not trained to work with animals.”

Jongin laughs again. It’s a really nice sounding laugh and with a poodle in his arms, he looks even cuter.

“If you’re worried about taking care of the dogs, Chanyeol and I do that. He’s the guy that greeted you. Another one is Sehun. He’s our server so you don’t have to deal with roaming around carrying food and drinks with all the dogs in the way. We just need someone to man the espresso machine, the counters and the cash register.” Jongin explains.

Kyungsoo looks around the place once more. On the far end, Chanyeol and another guy Kyungsoo presumes to be Sehun, are ushering the dogs to another area while they clean and mop the floors. They’re having a hard time doing it though when some of them keep on jumping and playing with them.

“We really really need you here.” Kyungsoo turns back to look at Jongin who is giving him a pleading look. “Baekhyun said you’re good at what you do and make really good coffee. Right now, it’s the one thing we need since, what’s a cafe without it?”

Kyungsoo should ask Baekhyun all the details next time before he makes a fool of himself. He should’ve learned by now not to completely trust his roommate.

But he does need the job. He’s been unemployed for three months and he has to pay for groceries and rent. And here is a cafe that doesn’t actually need his looks. He’s not great in dealing with customers so being behind the counter should be fine. And like Jongin said, he wasn’t going to take care of the dogs. He should take it.

“Okay.” Kyungsoo finally agrees and he’s surprised to find that his response have placed the light back in this man’s eyes.

“Thank you! You’re hired!”

“Wait, that’s it?” Kyungsoo asks as he’s lead to the back where Jongin is starting to point out things to him.

“Yup,” Jongin says. “As promised, you don’t need to worry about the dogs. Leave them to us and we’ll leave the coffee to you.”

Kyungsoo can’t believe he finally has a job. He might just have to thank Baekhyun afterall.

A dog cafe works just like a regular cafe except that the customers play with the dogs while they have their coffee. Each customer buys a ticket stub that’s good for an hour inside the cafe where they can play with the dogs that roam around the space freely. The ticket stub comes with a free drink and some cookies or pastries that customers can enjoy whenever they like.

Jongin owns the place and all the dogs, which were all rescued and were once strays. They’ve been completely nursed back to health, given the proper vaccinations, spayed and neutered. They were all trained not to eat the food in the cafe and are potty trained so they don’t dirty the space. It’s been up and running for a year and a half, the amount of dogs and customers growing more and more through time.

Kyungsoo is handed the same uniform just as the rest of them have. Thankfully, the last barista had the same built as him so he was able to fit into them perfectly. Baekhyun had laughed when he came home that night, carrying the uniform and his name tag pinned on it.

“I can’t believe you actually took the job.” Baekhyun snickers, taking his pink apron and trying it on himself. “And I can’t believe you haven’t yelled at me for it.”

“Not yet.” Kyungsoo glares at him, pulling at the straps of the apron so it chokes his friend.

The cafe runs from Mondays to Sundays, except on Wednesdays where the cafe closes early so they can clean the area, take the dogs out for walks or whatever else they need to do.

His co­workers are easy to work with and are all fit for their jobs. Chanyeol and Jongin help assist the customers, both new and old, in playing with the dogs. It’s amazing how they never run out of energy, always going from customer to customer and dog to dog to make sure everyone is comfortable and having a great time. Sehun, unlike Chanyeol and Jongin, is the most quiet between the two. He goes about his business, serving customers their coffee or tea and doesn’t interact much with them. But he does reel in the customers with his looks. He’s tall, broad shouldered and naturally handsome in his brown uniform and pink apron. The customers eventually stay and come back for the dogs but it had been Sehun at first who they kept coming back to.

Jongin stayed true to his word. Kyungsoo didn’t get to interact with the customers or the dogs and stayed behind the counter. He liked it. He had a job doing what he did best. It was very tiring though for the cafe was packed almost everyday. Kyungsoo never expected to feel sore and tired from being up on his feet all day just making coffee. His hands and arms shook at the end of the day from making latte art and hauling sacks of beans. But it was fine. Each of them had their own roles to fill in the cafe and they were all equally tired by the end of the day.

A week in the cafe has Kyungsoo compare his co workers to the dogs they have. He’s learned a few of the dog breeds by now. Chanyeol was like Jin, a siberian husky, full of energy and had the loudest bark. Kyungsoo doesn’t think he could ever bite though. Like Jin, Chanyeol looked intimidating with his stature. But he was friendly and playful most of the time.

Jongin was like a labrador retriever, shy at first but very outgoing after a while. His smile won his customers, just like how a retriever would just tilt it’s head and people would instantly coo. He’s cute and large, presence very much felt in a room filled with people but one that’s comfortable hanging around with. He’s nice and friendly, just like their own cafe’s labrador retriever. Kyungsoo finds he’s distracted by his smile and the way he goes about the cafe a lot.

Sehun didn’t fit any of the dog criteria making Kyungsoo think of him as more of a cat.

Closing time is at nine in the evenings but they end up staying an hour and a half after that just to clean up, help the dogs back in the houses they have at the back of the cafe so they can get some rest, and prepare for tomorrow. It’s Jongin who opens and locks up everyday but they all leave at the same time.

“Sehun and I are grabbing a quick dinner. You guys want to come?” Chanyeol asks, fastening his beanie on while Sehun wraps his scarf around him. Kyungsoo declines politely. He’s tired and he can’t wait to just lie down in bed.

“Jongin said he wanted to head home too.” Chanyeol says. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow then.”

Sehun and Chanyeol wave at Kyungsoo as they head to the opposite direction. Kyungsoo is about to leave when he hears the doors of the cafe opening and then closing again, keys rattling in the night air.

“Thanks for your hard work today.” Jongin says after locking up. Inside his jacket where he had zipped it up halfway is Jjangu, the poodle.

“You’re bringing one of them home?” Kyungsoo asks as they both walk down the street.

“I usually do. This week was just busier than usual that I wasn’t able to bring him home. He gets jealous when I don’t.” He chuckles. Jjangu sticks his head out and Jongin ruffles his curly hair. “Jjangu’s my first dog. He’s been with me for a long time.”

Kyungsoo finds that adorable about him. How Jongin loves all those dogs to death even if they cause a lot of mayhem.

“Mr. and Mrs. Park, the old couple who comes in at around six, said that the coffee tasted good these days.” Jongin smiles at him, that cute smile that always won customers around. “I told him it was because of you. Thanks.”

Kyungsoo can’t help but blush at that. He’s thankful it’s dark and Jongin can’t see his cheeks possibly reddening.

“Your machines are in good shape and well taken cared of. And the beans are of good quality. Thank both of them.”

“Nah, it’s really you. Chanyeol brewed a cup last week and it did not taste as good as the one you made for me this morning.”

Kyungsoo ducks his head as a nod in thanks to hide the blush he feels that’s warming his cheeks further.

“Ever had a pet?” Jongin asks as they make a right. It’s just the two of them since it’s late now and a couple of cars passing by.

“No. I don’t really know how to take care of one.” Kyungsoo answers.

“It’s not easy,” Jongin acknowledges as he keeps on petting Jjangu. “But it’s worth it. It’s like being in a relationship without all the drama.”

Kyungsoo laughs. That was a simple way of putting it.

“If you ever think of having one, you can practice with the dogs at the cafe and can ask me how to take care of them any time.”

Kyungsoo declines politely. “I don’t really think I can handle a dog.”

“Sure you can. Anyone can.” Jongin smiles and then stops as he motions to a street on the left. “My stop is here. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Kyungsoo waves, watching Jongin as he heads home with Jjangu in his jacket.

He doesn’t think he’d ever own a pet. It’s just too much work. But he does imagine what it would feel like to stroke Jongin’s hair and feed him and make him smile all the time.

Kyungsoo groans at the obvious infatuation he has with his boss as he walks home.

Sometimes, when Jongin takes a day off on a Wednesday to bring one of the dogs to the vet for check­ups, he leaves the keys with Chanyeol so he can lock up. Chanyeol’s the only one who lives closest to the cafe next to Jongin and it was easier for him to bring the keys to Jongin’s place or check on the dogs in case of emergencies.

One afternoon, when they finally have everything cleaned and ready to lock up by five, Chanyeol asks Kyungsoo if he can lock up for him. He and his girlfriend have gone into a spat because Chanyeol had missed a lot of dates. He’s going to rush over her place to try and make it up to her.

“I’ll owe you for this. You can ask anything of me and­ “

“Go,” Kyungsoo chuckles. “Sehun and I will lock up.”

Sehun helps him close up the inside of the shop and then leaves for his own dentist appointment. Kyungsoo is left locking up the last of the locks from the outside when someone familiar calls his name.

“I haven’t seen you in a long time.” Kyungsoo turns around, not looking forward to seeing the face behind that voice.

“You didn’t answer any of my calls.” The voice continues. The face belonged to an ex, a past boyfriend who Kyungsoo caught seeing someone else behind his back. Sungjae is in his car with the window down. He’s sitting there with a smile, as if what he did to him in the past was something easily forgotten. He also looks like a model behind his sunglasses, his face looking immaculate. Kyungsoo sees a few students passing by stop to gush over him.

“I didn’t want to.” Kyungsoo simply answers, turning back to the cafe. He tugs at the doorknob to check he had locked it and then pockets the keys.

“Oh, come on Kyungsoo. I said I was sorry.” Sungjae says, following him down the street by driving beside him slowly. Kyungsoo sighs out loud, making sure he completely heard it.

“And I told you we were through. What else do I need to say to get through that thick skull of yours?”

Sungjae laughs. “Ah, that sassiness. I missed that about you. Why don’t we catch up over a cup of coffee?”

Kyungsoo can’t believe he ever went out with a guy like Sungjae and he feels kind of embarrassed that he did. How he only fell for that model­-like face and smile. He’s not sure what he was thinking when he hooked up with him but he sure as hell wasn’t going to do this all over again with the same guy.

“Look, Sungjae.” He says slowly and clearly. “Didn’t we talk about this already?”

“I think I forgot a few things.” Sungjae says, flashing him an innocent look Kyungsoo used to fall for. “Why don’t you hop in and we can talk about it back at my place.”

Kyungsoo is utterly disgusted.

“Why don’t you just drive away? I have somewhere else better to be.”

“Where?” Sungjae snorts, taking his glasses off so he can look at Kyungsoo better. “You’ve been alone for a long time.”

Kyungsoo is about to throw another remark when someone interrupts.

“Is everything alright here?”

Kyungsoo and Sungjae both look to the side to see Jongin. He probably finished at the vet earlier. With him on a purple leash is Bora, the cafe’s labrador retriever. Behind him, the windows on Sungjae’s side roll up a little and Kyungsoo hides back his laugh. He remembered how scared he used to be of dogs.

“It is. Thanks Jongin.” Kyungsoo says but a hand grabs his arm and Kyungsoo glares at Sungjae, trying to tug himself away from him.

“Get in the car, Kyungsoo.”

Once upon a time, that tone would’ve made Kyungsoo lower his head like a kicked puppy and follow him. He would’ve done anything for Sungjae. But now, he’s over it and smarter. He’d never fall for a douchebag like him again.

Kyungsoo is about to wrench his arm away when Bora suddenly lunges at the windows. Sungjae yelps, lets go of Kyungsoo’s arm and leans to the passenger side away from Bora’s face.

“Get that dog away from me! It’s scratching the car!” The terrified look on his face makes Kyungsoo laugh out loud.

Jongin walks over and picks up the leash and tugs back gently for Bora to get down. Bora obediently does so and heads over to Jongin who starts scratching behind the dog’s ear.

“Sorry about that. Leash must’ve slipped through my fingers.” Jongin is smiling apologetically but Kyungsoo can tell he’s not sorry at all.

Sungjae huffs, shooting Jongin a threatening look and then at Kyungsoo.

“We’ll talk about this next time.”

Kyungsoo sighs. “I already told you. We’re through.”

But as usual, Sungjae ignores him, rolls up the windows and then drives away.

Kyungsoo crouches down to look at his life saver.

“Thank you.” He says. Bora gives a small bark, as if she understood what Kyungsoo just told her.

“You alright?” Jongin asks, motioning at his arm. Kyungsoo finds Sungjae’s marks on him where he had grabbed him tight earlier. It doesn’t hurt and he’s sure it’ll fade later.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Thanks.”

“I know it’s none of my business but I hope he isn’t a boyfriend.” Jongin frowns, staring at where Sungjae drove off.

“Ex.” Kyungsoo says, proud of the fact that he’s not with him anymore. Jongin looks relieved at that as well.

“Good.”

Bora keeps on pawing at Kyungsoo’s pockets that the keys inside rattle.

“Oh before I forget,” Kyungsoo hands Jongin the keys to his cafe. “It’s all locked up.”

“Thanks.” Jongin smiles. “I owe you one.”

“You already gave me a job and saved my ass back there so you owe me nothing.” Kyungsoo laughs.

Jongin laughs as well. “Alright. Well, I guess you should head home now. Enjoy the rest of the day off.”

Kyungsoo nods. He waves at Jongin and Bora who are heading towards Jongin’s street.
Kyungsoo stands there, watching them walk home and smiles, replaying the events earlier in his head and wondering why his heart fluttered at that little rescue Jongin did for him.

Sungjae drives by the cafe every chance he gets now that he knows where Kyungsoo works. And every single time he does so, he never fails to get on Kyungsoo’s nerves. He’d be there every closing time, leaning against the car doors looking out of place in his designer shoes and flashy outfit in a small quaint neighborhood. He’d greet Kyungsoo with that flirtatious smile and throw insults at him when he wouldn’t get in the car.

Chanyeol had threatened to call the police once when he saw Sungjae yelling at Kyungsoo when he wouldn’t follow him. Kyungsoo told him not to since he didn’t want to cause trouble in front of Jongin’s cafe.

One night, after a long tiring day, Kyungsoo is faced with an impatient Sungjae. He had been waiting for him for an hour and demanded Kyungsoo’s time and attention.

“Go home, Sungjae. Before I take my friend’s advice and really call the cops on you.”

“You wouldn’t.” Sungjae snickers. “You’ve never been able to do something like that.”

“Try me.” Kyungsoo says out of irritation. He’s tired. He burnt the side of his palm while pouring hot water earlier and he has a migraine starting to form in his head.

“Alright. Maybe if I do this, you’ll finally come with me.”

Kyungsoo isn’t prepared to have Sungjae hold the sides of his face with his large hands and have his lips pressed to him. He smells and tastes like cigarettes and his kisses are rough. Kyungsoo struggles under his weight as he presses him up his car.

It had been awhile since Sungjae messed with him and Kyungsoo is reminded of how stubborn and strong he is than him. He’s taller than him too, which always makes it easier for him to manhandle Kyungsoo whenever he wanted.

It takes awhile but Kyungsoo finally manages to push himself away from him.

“Are you crazy?!” Kyungsoo exclaims, wiping his mouth with the back of his palm. He feels hot tears gathering on the corners of his eyes. He’s not crying because of being kissed that way. A kiss from him didn’t mean anything. Sungjae didn’t mean anything to him. He’s crying because he’s exhausted at the moment.

“Awww, baby, I’m sorry.” Sungjae tilts his head at him. “Why don’t I try that again.”

Kyungsoo only slaps his hand that had tried to reach for him again. This makes him angry and Sungjae pulls at Kyungsoo so he can slam him against the car. Kyungsoo grunts at the impact, and his body slumps weakly. He’s about to duck and just run out of there when he sees Jongin’s face behind Sungjae. Kyungsoo is surprised to see him and his eyes widening must have given it away, for Sungjae turns around to see who it is. It’s when Jongin pulls his arm back and throws a punch.

Kyungsoo hears his fist colliding with his face. Sungjae groans, holding his nose as he staggers. Kyungsoo stares at him lying there on the ground in disbelief.

“Get out of here before I give you another one.” Jongin growls at him. Sungjae, still covering his nose in one hand, glares at Jongin before getting in his car and finally driving away.

“I called the police and submitted his name already.” Jongin says, rubbing his knuckle. “You don’t have to worry about­”

Jongin looks at Kyungsoo, his eyes widening. Kyungsoo looks back in confusion when Jongin reaches out, cupping his face. His touch is light and warm and Kyungsoo, even if he’s surprised by the gesture, can’t help but lean into him.

Jongin is staring at something on his lip intently.

“What?” Kyungsoo asks. For a moment, he wonders if there was something caught between his teeth.

Jongin doesn’t answer him. Instead, he asks Kyungsoo to shine the light on his phone down on his face while he rummages through his pockets for something. He pulls out a handkerchief and then starts dabbing at a corner of his lip. It stings and Kyungsoo wrenches his head away from him, hissing.

“Sorry,” Jongin apologizes. This time, it’s Jongin who steps forward to touch him again. “Just, let me wipe that off...”

Kyungsoo stays still and endures the sting once more until Jongin is finished. He then shows him the handkerchief and Kyungsoo sees a spot of red.

“Huh. Not the first time that happened.” Kyungsoo mutters to himself, remembering the times Sungjae was rough with him. This has Jongin frown.

“That bastard.”

“It’s nothing.” Kyungsoo sighs. He’s used to Sungjae. He’s just glad he got away from him and broke things off before it got worse. Right now, he’s more concerned and a little embarrassed that his boss still has his face in his hands and he’s flustered from having him stare at him so closely.

“Um, Jongin?”

Jongin’s thumb swipes across his cheek, wiping off a tear that had traveled down earlier. He remembered tearing up from frustration. Kyungsoo blinks back at the gesture, surprised, and he steps away from him, wiping it off on his own.

“Thanks.” Kyungsoo says.

Jongin only continues to look at him. Kyungsoo looks away, his heart, that had been fluttering earlier from Jongin’s close proximity, was starting to beat frantically against his chest. He tries to calm it down and hope that Jongin doesn’t hear it.

“You should head home.” Kyungsoo speaks up, just to fill the awkward silence.

“Let me take you home.” Jongin replies.

“No, I’m fine. Really. Sungjae won’t come back. He’s probably too busy fixing that nose.”

Jongin laughs. This makes Kyungsoo’s heart finally calm down, enough to return to it’s fluttering at the sound of Jongin’s laugh.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kyungsoo waves, turning towards his street but stops and turns to face Jongin once more. “Thank you. For earlier.”

Jongin nods, smiling at him.

Kyungsoo waves and heads home, ready to forget about that evening and just go to sleep.

It isn’t easy to forget. Jongin having his back that night keeps on replaying in his head while Kyungsoo works, that it was difficult to go about the day.

Whenever he’d catch Jongin’s eye, he’d feel his cheeks reddening and he’d instantly look away. He’d feel bad about it afterwards and give Jongin a smile at the next chance he got but it would only lead to Jongin coming up to him and talking to him that Kyungsoo has to focus or else he’d get all tongue tied.

Whenever he handed Jongin something, Kyungsoo would try not to let their fingers brush. He’d remember him cupping his cheeks that night so he avoided any physical contact. Jongin doesn’t seem to notice anything. But he had looked at him all funny when Kyungsoo almost spilled coffee on him when he made sure their fingers wouldn’t touch.

He also avoided being alone with him. Which was sometimes impossible since Jongin was in charge of supplies and Kyungsoo obviously had to be there with him to help carry all the sugar and creamer and beans from the supply room. He tried asking Chanyeol to do it for him but the man was also busy with his work that Kyungsoo had no choice but to endure being alone with Jongin for a few minutes.

It didn’t help that Sungjae was still hanging around the cafe. For once, Kyungsoo was glad he was working at a dog cafe. The dogs were his first line of defense in case Sungjae ever tried coming inside. He can deal with him himself. But at the end of the day, when he’s tired and irritable, all he wants is to go home in peace. But with Sungjae around, he doesn’t see another way out of it except to be prepared with all the confrontation.

Jongin intervenes most of the time. Or Kyungsoo deludes himself into thinking Jongin intervenes for him. He’d drag Kyungsoo out for dinner or somewhere to drink along with Chanyeol and Sehun when they leave. Sometimes they’d order in and stay until midnight. Some nights, Chanyeol would bring his girlfriend over so she can play with the dogs and they all stay behind, having a small party of their own. Kyungsoo ends up even tired as usual when he gets home but it was better than heading out there and dealing with Sungjae.

He’s thankful for the guys. Sehun would park his motorcycle that he uses to ride to the cafe each day over at Sungjae’s spot so the guy would find it difficult to stay around waiting for Kyungsoo. Chanyeol would bring the trash down and let it rest right near his car so the smell would get to him. Jongin would always walk with him home, just right before the intersection that separates them, making sure Kyungsoo gets home halfway safe. Kyungsoo is thankful for what they’re all doing but he also feels bad about it since the guys probably have something better to do than to help him out.

One night, Kyungsoo has to leave early since it’s his brother’s birthday. He promised he’d take time off to go to dinner with his family and his brother’s girlfriend. Sungjae is out there as usual but Kyungsoo is prepared. He’s used to dealing with him on his own.

He’s surprised when Jongin follows him out. He’s not wearing his uniform and has his cap on. He looks ready to leave.

“You’re not locking up tonight?” Kyungsoo asks, putting on his jacket and stowing away his apron.

“Chanyeol’s locking up for me.” He simply answers. Kyungsoo doesn’t ask why.

They head down and Sungjae is there, already waiting for him. He smiles and waves, making Kyungsoo roll his eyes at this. He heads to a different direction this time since he needs to catch the bus. Strangey enough, Jongin follows him.

“So you’re not going to say hi?” Sungjae calls out as he walks beside him. “I waited for you all night.”

“I didn’t ask for you to wait on me.” Kyungsoo says.

Suddenly, Jongin throws an arm around his shoulder and pulls him close. Kyungsoo, taken aback by that, is unable to say anything but just stand there. He looks up at Jongin but Jongin isn’t looking back. He’s looking over at Sungjae.

“What will it take for you to stop hounding after him?” Jongin asks, facing Sungjae who’s staring at the arm Jongin draped across Kyungsoo’s shoulders.

“That’s none of your business.” Sungjae spits out.

“It is my business. You’re harassing my boyfriend.”

Kyungsoo nearly chokes on this. Boyfriend. He’s suddenly Kim Jongin’s boyfriend.

“Boyfriend?!” Sungjae laughs. That high haughty laugh snaps Kyungsoo out from his shock. “Since when?”

“Awhile.” Jongin answers. “So why don’t you leave him alone before I fix your nose up for you again.”

This actually has Sungjae back off. “Whatever, man.” He huffs. But he doesn’t test Jongin. Instead, he looks at Kyungsoo, as if threatening him is going to make him call Jongin off. Kyungsoo stays silent, the pads of Jongin’s thumb making small circles on his shoulders distracting him.

“I’ll be here tomorrow.” Sungjae mutters, looking at Kyungsoo. He gives Jongin one last glare and gets inside his car.

Jongin doesn’t let go of Kyungsoo, not until Sungjae is out of sight. When he’s sure he’s gone, Kyungsoo finally feels the weight of Jongin’s arm on his shoulder and how aware he is of how close they are.

“What just happened?” Kyungsoo asks, stepping away from Jongin. He’s sure Jongin was just playing around. And he’s expecting an answer similar to what he had in mind. But Jongin merely smiles at him, tugs at his cap and motions to the bus stop.

“Your bus is here. Where are we heading?”

Kyungsoo looks at him agog. Jongin only pulls at his hand, leading him on board before the bus leaves without him.

They don’t have a chance to talk about what just happened. The bus is crowded and talking about it publicly wasn’t appropriate. They’re also standing close together, Jongin’s hand curled around his back to protect him from hitting someone behind. He’s not actually touching him. But Kyungsoo can see their reflection on the windows and he hopes Jongin doesn’t notice how stiff he is.

They get off at a small restaurant his family frequents. Jongin brings him to the door, smiles at him again and bids him a goodbye.

“Wait,” Kyungsoo stops him. “About earlier­”

“I’ve heard about this place.” Jongin glances up at the restaurant behind them. “They serve really good cheese ribs.”

“Jongin,”

“And kimchi stew. My sister said so.”

Kyungsoo feels a little frustrated that Jongin is dodging the subject. He wants to know why he said all those things earlier at Sungjae.

“Jongin, can we talk about­”

“Kyungsoo?”

Kyungsoo turns around to see his mother there. “We saw you from inside. We wondered why you weren’t coming in.” She turns to Jongin and smiles. “Hello there.”

Jongin bows and greets Kyungsoo’s mother.

“Would you like to join us for dinner?”

Jongin politely declines. “I wouldn’t like to impose.”

“Oh, no. Please. Kyungsoo’s friends are always welcome.”

Jongin joins them for dinner, earning the attention of his parents, his brother and his brother’s girlfriend with talks of dogs and how to take care of them and how to train them. It was an unusual dinner conversation for them. But when Kyungsoo’s father asked Jongin what he did, the topic just went on and on. His whole family is enamoured by Jongin and Kyungsoo sits there, stunned at how his family seems to love him. They hadn’t even made an effort to like Sungjae when they were dating. But Kyungsoo guesses it’s not that surprising since Jongin is warm. He’s quiet and shy but when he gets to talking about the things he loves, he easily charms everyone.

Jongin only stays for a short while afterwards. He politely bids them a goodbye for he has to catch the last bus. His family is already promising Jongin they’d come visit the dog cafe next week to which Jongin thanks them with a deep bow.

“Thank you,” Kyungsoo says as he walks him to the bus stop. “For coming with me and... for earlier.”

Jongin shakes his head. “No, thank you. I rarely have dinners with my own family what with my sisters being away. Tonight was nice.”

Jongin motions at the restaurant. “You should head back. The bus is going to be here any minute.”

“Jongin,” Kyungsoo says, reaching for his arm. Jongin looks at him and Kyungsoo, for the first time in weeks, doesn’t feel so awkward about being this close to him and touching him.

“About earlier with Sungjae,”

“We can talk about it tomorrow.” He smiles. Kyungsoo doesn’t like this smile. It seems kind of sad.

“I’d like to talk about it now.” Kyungsoo wouldn’t be able to sleep just thinking about why Jongin did what he did and why he had to say those things too. “What did you mean about... me being your...”

Jongin lowers his head at that.

“I didn’t like what that Sungjae guy was doing to you. I wanted to do something about it.”

“You didn’t have to.” Kyungsoo says. “I can handle him on my own.”

Jongin frowns at that. It isn’t a nice look on him.

“You’re not really doing a pretty good job of it on your own.”

Kyungsoo laughs at how straightforward he is. He wasn’t delusional then. His friends really have been intervening for him.

“Trust me, I can. So you don’t really have to step in all the time. I appreciate it, but to go through lengths to even portray as my boyfriend­”

“What if it was real then?”

Kyungsoo blinks up at him. He’s not sure if he understood that correctly. A car just passed by. Maybe he hadn’t heard that right.

“What if I didn’t have to pretend?” Jongin plunges his hands down his pockets. “What if I was your boyfriend?”

Kyungsoo stares at him. He heard that loud and clear now and he still can’t believe Jongin said that.

“The moment you stepped in the cafe, I...” Jongin gives a small embarrassed laugh and he scratches the back of his head. “Please don’t take this the wrong way. But you reminded me a lot like a puppy.”

Kyungsoo just blinks back at him.

“I don’t mean for that to sound offensive,” Jongin explains quickly. “It’s just that I work with dogs a lot and I don’t know how else to describe it. I know, I should really go out more and­”

Kyungsoo touches his arm to stop him from rambling. It’s cute. Jongin’s cute.

“Sorry.” Jongin breathes. “But the thing is, I like you.” Jongin looks into his eyes and Kyungsoo can see how genuine his words are. It’s making him feel things that he hasn’t felt in a long while. “And it sucks seeing you around Sungjae when you can be with... me.”

Jongin had been wrong about him. He isn’t the one that’s like a puppy. It’s Jongin who is one. All adorable and warm and genuine. He’s a full grown labrador retriever to him most of the time but right now, he’s a puppy, and Kyungsoo’s heart swells at that.

“That’s really sweet of you,” Kyungsoo replies. “But I just got out of a really bad relationship. You saw that with Sungjae.”

“I’m nothing like him.” Jongin says, a look of disgust in his eyes at the mention of Sungjae’s name.

“I know that.” Kyungsoo smiles. “I don’t doubt that either. But I just want to be alone for now. For myself.”

Kyungsoo hopes Jongin understands this. It’s nice feeling things when Jongin’s around. When his heart goes pit­a­pat and there’s a rush of giddiness down his stomach when he looks at him or talks to him. When he sees him smile and Kyungsoo feels his cheeks starting to warm up. He feels like in highschool all over again and it’s nice and ridiculously carefree. But now is really not a good time. He has bills to worry about and just trying to get through another day as a responsible adult. He needs to think of himself for now rather than go on dates. Crushing on Jongin was fine and all but dating him would carry on a bigger responsibility and commitment, and Kyungsoo just doesn’t have the strength and time for that now.

“I just want to work at your cafe, making coffee for everyone. I like being friends with you and Chanyeol and Sehun. I like having nights where we all drink and laugh. ” Kyungsoo looks at his feet. “I’m sorry.”

There’s a finger tipping his chin up and Kyungsoo is faced with Jongin’s smiling eyes.

“I think I just liked you even more just for being honest.”

Kyungsoo does blush at that.

“I understand.” He continues. “It was worth asking.”

The bus arrives just then and Jongin hops on board.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jongin waves and Kyungsoo stays until the bus drives out of sight.

Kyungsoo knows he made the right choice but he can’t help but think about what could have been if he did say yes to Jongin.

One | Two