I brought another tray of empty glasses and plates back to the counter and still, Do Kyungsoo is making a set of beverages while throwing Kim Jongin long, shy glances. The latter is standing behind the cashier, drawing lots and lots of customers because of his undying charm which nobody--- not even me --- could actually deny. Jongin isn't always around but I'm quite thankful whenever he is.

I sighed loudly and Kyungsoo looked at me, surprised. "You could ask him out, you know," I said, wiping my hands on my apron. "Jongin doesn't really know how to say 'no' to cute guys. I'm pretty sure about that."

Kyungsoo obviously blushed and I don't know if it's because I caught him staring or because I practically called him cute. "N-No," he muttered as he looked down. "Actually... He kind of asked me out again this morning but-- I don't know--" he stopped and threw me a glance. "I don't think I should be telling you this, sir Baek."

I frowned. "What? Why? We're friends."

"Yeah," he blushed again. "And you're friends with him, too."

"I know, I know," I rolled my eyes. "But it's like he's on Chanyeol's team and you're on mine! C'mon, tell me what it is." I raised both brows and leaned on the counter, looking at Kyungsoo dead on the eyes. This barista really looks like a cute, squishy penguin lost somewhere. He seemed uncomfortable for moment but his shoulders slowly drooped and a long sigh left his lips.

Kyungsoo gave Jongin another cautious glance. "I-It's like-- He's out of my league, you know?" he murmured. "And I am witness to so many girls and guys going here in the cafe mad and messed up and looking for him. I-I don't want to be one of those people. It was horrible."

I bit my lip, thinking, because Kyungsoo isn't a bit lying or overreacting. He isn't even wrong. Kim Jongin is not really the faithful or loyal type of guy and he kinda likes messing up with people's thoughts and feelings. But when he puts his heart into something, he gives it his all. And chases after it.

"Look, Kyungsoo," I started before giving him a kind smile. "I've seen Jongin with all his girlfriends and boyfriends and I was there whenever he rants about his trashy relationships that don't work out from the very start. But no matter what other people say or whatever you see, I still believes he likes you. Like, seriously likes you."

Kyungsoo gave me a confused look. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because Jongin never asked anyone out. Not even once," I said. "He's always the one being asked out. You're like a special case and what, he asked you out for five fcking times already. I know you have all the right the doubtful but... maybe not now."

The barista gazed down shyly.

"Kyungsoo, that's something," I smiled. "It's worth a shot. He's worth a shot."

For a moment, Kyungsoo just looked at my face, studying me ever so intently. Honestly speaking, I understand all his worries and if I'm on his place and not know Jongin personally, I won't even consider dating him. Heartbreak isn't something one wants to undergo. But for some reason, Kyungsoo and Jongin just... sounds perfect together. I don't even know why but it's like I ship them so hard.

Finally, Kyungsoo nods. "You're right," he muttered. "We could try."

"Yay!" I cheered, grinning from ear-to-ear. "I assure you, Jongin--"

"What about me?"

As if a knife cuts through the air, I abruptly stopped talking and Kyungsoo casually slipped out, taking a cup of macchiato with him. Come on! How could he be so quick? Kim Jongin is suddenly standing beside me, his apron already draped on his shoulder. He looks curious but he could be dumb, too, so I don't think he overheard anything. "I was just telling Kyungsoo here how many girls you turned into a crying mess," I said, turning to look at his face indifferently. "But he won't buy it."

"What?" Jongin whispered. "You can't--"

But I stopped him mid-sentence, slapping him on the arm. "Hey!" I beamed. "Ready for Chanyeol's stag party tonight?" I asked, changing the subject entirely into something that would really catch his attention.

And just like that, Jongin's face lit up. "YEAH!" he chuckled before giving me a playful look. But when he noticed Kyungsoo not standing too far, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and ushered me to an empty corner. "Taemin and I hired these super hot strippers and they won't even charge extra for, you know, the requests we would like to make," he's not even trying to cover the pure excitement in his voice. "There's going to be ten gorgeous ladies tonight and I'm telling you, Baek, you'll regret not having your own bachelor's party."

I laughed, shaking my head in amusement. "Nah, I'm good. Besides, I have to start packing tonight for the Jeju exhibit," I said. "Just make sure everything's taken care of. Chanyeol told me he'll leave office earlier for the party so arrive there before he does, okay?"

Jongin gestured to his apron. "I'm actually leaving early, too," he said. "Minho wants me there at the bar already. We've got to finalize everything before tonight."

"So how many guests would be there?" I asked.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "But I called a few and the other guys did to. So I'm guessing around twenty? And! I'm inviting you now so I'm still hoping you could come. Chanyeol would love that."

"It's his party, not mine," I shook my head. "And I have the feeling we'll just be stuck making out in a corner if I come. Let him enjoy his own party, alright?"

"And enjoy naked women?"

I nodded, laughing. "And enjoy naked women," I agreed, then the barista caught my attention and I gestured to Kyungsoo with my thumb. "Hey. And why not invite Kyungsoo? I'm pretty sure he'll like to come." I know a bar full of strippers isn't the perfect place to get lovey-dovey but I really like this two to be together so I'm taking all chances. I could be a good match-maker, too, you know? 

Jongin's brows raised in surprise. "Kyungsoo?" he frowns, unsure. "You sure he'll like to go to a stag party?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "Don't you think he'll judge me?" Then he kind of throws himself a quick glance, like all his sins are written all over his body.

"What 'judge me'?" I rolled my eyes. I cannot believe he's worried about such a stupid thing. "It's a fcking stag party, Kim Jongin. You watch women get naked, you get a lap dance, that's what the party is all about! Why are you worrying about him judging you? He's a fcking dude, too! He'll probably love the party. You're such an idiot sometimes." I gave him another eyeroll before slowly walking to the counter to retrieve another tray of beverages. Kim Jongin stands in the same corner, contemplating unto what he should do next. Why can't he realize the fact that the party could be a good place for them to be alone in a corner and discuss things? Unless he wants to concentrate on the strippers. 

And I'm right about Kyungsoo being a dude, right? I mean, he could be a little too quiet for someone like Jongin. He could be a little mysterious. But he's definitely more manly than any gay person I've ever known. Besides, being gay doesn't really mean you don't appreciate the opposite sex, especially in their nakedness. I nod my head. Yeah. Kyungsoo will like the strippers. 

"Watch out!" 

With a gasp, I stopped on my tracks and swooped back into my senses in an instant. I was too busy thinking about Jongin and Kyungsoo that I almost bumped into Park Chanyeol entering the cafe. He was actually the one who opened the glass doors for me, letting me serve coffee to a couple sitting outside but I didn't know how come I almost spilled the whole thing on him. His large hands grabbed my arm, steadying the tray in my hands as I let out one, long shaky breath.

 "That was close," he said, looking down at me with worry. "Are you okay, baby?" 

"Hey, honey," I smiled at him. "Sorry. I was just... thinking." 

"Alright, but be careful," he said and I nodded. He watched me as I went over to the couple, serving their drinks and hugging the empty tray against my chest after. Chanyeol stands on the entrance, waiting on me and I can't help but notice his clothes. They aren't his business suit anymore. Is he not out here for a quick break?

"What are you doing here this early?" I asked just as Chanyeol and I walked back inside, the cold air welcoming us in an instant. "Don't tell me you're that excited for your stag party?" I faked a glare.

With that, Chanyeol laughed like I just said something stupid. "Why?" he raised a brow. "Will you be stripping for me tonight?" 

"Fcking no," I answered.

"Then I'm not excited," he said, taking my hand and guiding me to an empty table. We sat down across each other and Kyungsoo went almost immediately to serve us some tea and retrieve the empty tray from me. "I got off early from work because the last two meetings got cancelled," Chanyeol explained, his thumb tracing the back of my palm. "And you told me yesterday you'll be working here all day so I dropped by to check on you. I wasn't actually thinking that much about the party and don't you think it's a little bit too early for that?" 

I sighed. "Babe, the guys arranged it for you so you can't back out now," I said with a shrug. "Besides, judging from the type of friends you have, I'm having the feeling that this will be your first stag party but definitely not your last." I took the cup of tea and sipped from it, watching Chanyeol's expression turn incredulous. Maybe he didn't consider the idea until now. With a laugh, I reached out and brushed hair from his face, fixing it. "So look good tonight, okay? Don't look like you want out." 

"I still prefer you stripping for me, though," he pouts. "Can we do that tonight, too? I could spend the night at your place." Chanyeol smirked and I have to purse my lips to keep myself from giggling like some fcking teenager. I felt my face heat up, though, despite the cold and I looked down until he touched my cheek and brush the skin with the back of his fingers. "Baby, I'm kidding," he laughed softly. "Still don't want to come tonight?" 

I met his eyes again and smiled. "Just enjoy yourselves," I said. "And don't drive drunk."

Chanyeol frowned. "I don't get drunk." 

"Yeah. Okay," I rolled my eyes. "Just in case." 

"Okay," he grinned. Then he suddenly stood up and walked over to sit beside me on the couch, taking me by surprise. He scooted too close as he placed his arm behind me. "Hey, how's your day?" he asked and his smile is too bright and too contagious I have to back away a little because if not, I might end up kissing him. Chanyeol followed, though, until I am trapped between his handsome face and the wall behind me. 

"What are you doing?" I muttered, looking frantically around the cafe. 

"Asking you how your day was," he answered, obviously enjoying my reaction. "Why do you look like you're afraid of me or something?" 

"J-just because..." My gaze slowly traveled from his eyes and to his lips. Oh my god. I could just kiss him right now. Why does Park Chanyeol has too look good every fcking time? And why do his lips look like they're made for kissing? I snapped out of the thought almost immediately. "M-My day was fine, though. I'm just a little tired, that's all. How about you?" I swallowed and let out a breath through my lips. And when Chanyeol's eyes dropped to my neck and up my lips, I froze just as his lips slowly pressed unto mine. My whole body tensed and my insides started trembling. But when I felt his hand cup my face and travel to the back of my neck, I just feel myself slowly relaxing. My lids dropped close with his fingers brushing my hair, kissing me ever so gently. I reached up until my palms are pressed against his chest, gripping the shirt his wearing as he suckled my bottom lip. 

Soon enough, he pulled back and I'm left breathless as he rested his forehead against mine. "My day's better now," he grinned, his thumb caressing my cheek. "I've missed you. I've missed you so much and it's killing me." 

"I know," I whispered back, giggling as I reached up to wipe his bottom lip with my fingers. "I've missed you, too, honey. You've been quite busy with all your meetings and projects these past two weeks, huh?" I gave him another peck on the lips. "I really hope you're doing fine." 

Gently, Chanyeol wrapped his arm around my waist to pull me close. "You're here so I'm fine now," he whispered against my hair. "You always make everything a whole lot easier." 

I closed my eyes and rested my head against his chest. "I'm glad," I whispered. "I love you, Park Chan." I felt another kiss on my hair and we stayed like that for a few more minutes until Kyungsoo walked over to our table, his quiet presence making me open my eyes to look at him expectantly.

Chanyeol was the first one to speak. "Yes, Kyungsoo?" 

The barista looked uncomfortable and a little worried. "I'm sorry, sir, but someone's looking for you." 

"Who is it?"

Kyungsoo looked at the doors and we followed his gaze. 

I frowned in pure confusion. "Jung Daehyun?" 

x x x

a/n: sorry for super late updates huhuhu 

it's just that i have too many things going on right now in my life. 

but don't worry cause i try my very, very best to make every update worth the wait. :) hope you guys are fine with that. 

AND! i also want to take this opportunity to thank the ones who've been here since 'In Places'. you guys are the best. i won't ever trade you for anything. love you~ xoxo.