Jung Soo Ah's POV

We three followed the cafe owner, who fled outside in a sense of dread. He concealed himself behind the red clay brick wall, just peeking his head out. We found a cop wandering down the street to ensure the safety of children, letting off fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year. When he realized why the cops were there, he relaxed himself and went into the cafe.

"I think he allows individuals below eighteen years into the internet cafe even though it's prohibited," Hoseok said, raising both his hands and waving them through the air.

"How about we go in and find out what's going on?" Yoongi asked us.

"Are you that bored? Remember, we need to get back before midnight," I replied.

"We have a few hours before the countdown. Let's get in, Soo Ah. We can have fun and also absorb what's going on," Hoseok said.

"How did you even find this place?"

"On the internet," Hoseok said.

I glanced over at the cafe. It was the only dazzlingly illuminated place on this street, besides a few people who were playing off with the fireworks. The neon sign of Xiaoyun Internet Cafe flickered between pink and orange, casting a glow on Yoongi's face as he stood with his hands in his pockets. His hair waved softly in the light breeze. He was strikingly hot.

"Stop staring and get in," Yoongi called out to me.

They both went in, leaving me on this haunting, eerie street, where the dried leaves whispered as they shuffled on the pavement, leaving a crunching sound.

Upon entering the cafe, it was filled with occasional murmurs of people and the clacking sounds of keyboards who were playing games enthusiastically. The walls were decorated with paper cuttings. The kumquat trees were planted on the pot, symbolizing prosperity and fortune. The soft Chinese music that played in the background added to the spirit of celebrating the new year.

The robust aroma filled the air as I found people sipping the warm mug of coffee and crunching down some traditional sticky rice cakes offered by the owner to energize themselves while playing. We all sat, switching on the computer, where it turned from black to a gentle glow.

"What are we going to do?" I asked, dragging the mouse.

"We are here to brew coffee," Hoseok replied, tapping my head lightly.

"We are here to play games, what else would we be doing? Also, pay attention to what's going on," Yoongi said as they both immersed themselves in playing games. It frustrated me, as I ended up being killed all the time. Yoongi and Hoseok swiftly snapped the keys, winning most of the rounds.

"Hey, you two, stop playing and look over there. He's allowing underage people to enter, even though the cards they are showing are fake."

"How about we inform the cops?" Hoeseok asked us.

"It's the right thing to do. But look at those three working here on Chinese New Year. If we report it, they might lose their jobs, and finding new ones could take a while."

"Then, what are you going to do?" I questioned him.

"Let's intimidate the owner by threatening him. I understand how tough it is to work a part-time job, so let's resort to this method." Yoongi replied as he strode towards the owner of the cafe.

The cafe owner got scared by their piercing gaze. "What do you want?" He stuttered, trembling.

Does Yoongi know Chinese?

"I hope you know it's illegal to let underage people into the internet cafe. It's prohibited for the reason that they don't surf the internet excessively and from accessing potentially harmful content," Yoongi stared at him, building tension in the atmosphere.

"If you continue to do so, be ready to pay penalties," Hoseok added.

"I won't continue to do it," he said, wiping his sweat dripping from his forehead.

"I hope you remember these words," Yoongi emphasized his words firmly while gesturing for us to follow him.

"Look how scared he appeared. I'm sure he will follow the rules from now on," Hoseok said as we both nodded.

I appreciated his consideration for the part-time workers and for handling the situation adeptly. I was unaware that Yoongi understood Chinese. We always spoke Korean around him. What amazed me was that he could comprehend the Shanghai accent of the cafe owner. I felt relieved that I hadn't cursed at him in Chinese whenever he annoyed me. It would have been quite awkward if I had.

We started walking towards our home when Yoongi got a call. After conversing for a minute, he frowned deeply.

"I have given you my address. If you dare, come and find me there," he yelled into the phone, then abruptly ended the call, staring intently at the flickering screen.

"What's wrong?" I asked, worried.

"Let's reach the house before twelve," he hurried, ignoring my question. I remained quiet, avoiding further questions about what was bothering him.

Upon arriving home, we found Grandma cuddling Hazel and Grandpa holding the chick, eagerly awaiting us.

"Kids, what took you so long? It's good that you all arrived before the countdown." Grandpa said, handing the chick to me.

As the clock struck twelve, the night sky erupted with a cascade of colors. The ear-splitting noise of the sizzling fireworks adorned the sky.

"Xin nian kuai le," we all exclaimed in happiness. Our grandparents gave us the red envelopes, which increased our laughter. We all hugged each other, sharing warmth and joy and hoping for the best in the future.

I stood there, enjoying the crackling stars of gold and the crimson painted in the sky.

"Xin Nian Kuai le Yoongi," I said, and he repeated the words.

He took off his scarf and wrapped it around my neck. His fingers lightly brushed my skin, causing a tingling sensation as warmth spread to my cheeks, turning them cherry red.

Unexpectedly, he wrapped his hand around me, pulling me in for a hug. I did not move, as I sensed him being troubled and worried.

"Yoongi, don't squeeze the chick," I said softly.

He let go, and we both exchanged fleeting glances.

"I thought to warm you up," he said as I blinked my eyes.

"But there's no need for a hug," I said.

His ears turned red as he felt timid, and he scratched his neck. "I find your scent intriguing and delightful, Soo Ah." He blurted out and hurried inside.

I stood there, trying to make sense of what possessed him to do so.

I'm glad that My Serene Lavender has been featured at Romance in the Serialized Spotlight reading list.

Xin nian kuai le - Happy Chinese New Year

I procrastinated a lot to write, so I apologize for the delay.

                                             -Shin Haari