"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.."

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Hongjoong POV:

"Goodnight Mrs. Kim, I'll see you tomorrow morning! And goodnight to you Hongjoong-hyung!" Wooyoung waved us goodbye as Halmeoni locked up the coffee shop. The rain had finally stopped, leaving us under nothing but a dark sky with stars scattered all over. The sight itself was rare, yet not unwelcome, as it created a beautiful sight to accompany us back home.

"Goodnight Wooyoung, get home safe!" Halmeoni smiled.

A laugh escaped my lips as I shook my head in disbelief. "Did you hire him for his cheerful personality or something? It seems as though nothing can ruin his mood."

"All of my workers are like that, Joong. Therefore yes, yes I did." She sighed softly. "I'm grateful for each of them."

Nodding to myself, I hooked my arm around hers and began our walk back home. The walk wouldn't take long since the rain had passed, but there was no rush as I took enjoyment in these moments with her. Ever since my parents passed away, she had taken me in and raised me almost as if I was her own child. In return, anything she wanted me to do, I would drop everything to complete it.

I would do anything to keep a smile on her face...

"Speaking of your workers...Wooyoung had mentioned something about one who apparently had to leave early? I believe his name was Seonghwa?"

Halmeoni looked up at me with an amused smile. "Why are you asking about him, Joongie?"

"I'm just curious that's all. I think I might've bumped into him on my way here..." I trailed off. "Or rather, he bumped into me..."

She paused mid-step, causing me to pause along with her. This time, with a heavy sigh, she shook her head. "Seonghwa is a really hard worker, so much so it worries me. I can tell he's not as happy as he tries to make it seem, but he's one young man that I truly believes deserves nothing but happiness in his life..."

I raised an eyebrow curiously. "How well do you know him? Is there anything we could do to help him?"

"Be careful sweetheart, it almost sounds like you care." She playfully teased while being the one to start continuing our walk home. "It's funny that you're asking about him, because I actually mentioned you to him earlier today. I think you two would get along quite well."

"Halmeoni...you need to stop trying to play matchmaker..." I muttered. "I'm not looking for a boyfriend and I'm way too busy with work to entertain the idea."

She laughed her usual hearty laugh before joking flipping her hair back. "You say that now, but I bet you my entire coffee business that he's someone you'd be interested in."

My eyes grew wide in shock at the prospect. "No way! You're that confident in him being someone I might like, to the point of betting your pride and joy?"

"Yes I am, and you know me, I don't go back on my word." She looked at me confidently. "Come back on Wednesday in the daytime since I gave him the day off tomorrow. Once you see him, you'll understand what I mean sweetheart....I at least want to see you get married before I pass away."

"Halmeoni....stop saying that..." I mumbled. "I'll be open minded and come on Wednesday, but regardless whether I like him or not, the coffee shop is yours okay?"

Halmeoni patted my arm and nodded with a smile, and with that, we continued our walk home in a comfortable silence.

•••

Laying down in bed, I couldn't help but consider Halmeoni's words. Based on the brief encounter of the male I now knew to be named Seonghwa, I couldn't help but find slight interest in the mystery behind him. For her to want 'nothing but happiness' for him, that meant he was someone worthy of praise. Despite my reservations on possibly giving the idea of liking him a try, I couldn't ignore the idea of learning more about him.

The time was nearing midnight, and sleep was nowhere near calling my name. Groaning to myself, I pulled out my phone and scrolled for the one person I knew I could trust and vent about anything. With a simple click, I placed the phone to my ear and waited for about three rings until it connected. "Hey, Mingi."

"Let me guess, you can't sleep because you're stuck on something..."

"Am I really that predictable?"

Mingi laughed loudly. "Hyung, we've been friends for years...but I hope you don't mind if Yunho listens in because we were currently watching a movie..."

I smiled. "Not at all, and hi Yunho. But, to answer your question, yes I'm stuck on something..."

"Hi, hyung!" Yunho chimed in before Mingi spoke up. "Alright, we're all ears..."

"Well...I bumped into someone tonight...and I agreed to meet said person on Wednesday at a certain place...just to meet them officially of course!" I quickly clarified before clearing my throat. "Anyway...I don't know how to feel about it..."

"Why does this sound like you were asked out on a date...?" Mingi snickered, and I could've sworn I heard something similar to a slap in response.

"Hyung, do you at least know his name?! Maybe I know them? Where did you bump into them?" Yunho asked curiously.

"I don't want to say their name yet because it's probably not worth mentioning, so let's call him...Star." I said softly. "I bumped into him in the rain..."

Yunho hummed. "Well, my advice is just to meet him with an open mind, no judgment. Who knows if they even swing that way, if you know what I mean."

"Listen to my boyfriend. It's just a simple meeting. Treat it like you meeting a business executive or something, if that helps." Mingi added.

I nodded to myself, a smile growing on my face in understanding. "Right...I'll do that. Thanks guys."

"No problem, let me know how it goes." Mingi responded proudly. "Goodnight, hyung."

"Goodnight hyung! You got this!" Yunho yelled before the call ended.

Placing the phone on my bedside table, I took a deep breath to relax my nerves and take in their advice. "You can do this, Joong. It's just a simple meet up and that's it. No strings attached..."

I couldn't remember the last time I ever felt this nervous over something other than presenting my music, let alone over just seeing a human being, and yet the thought of Wednesday seemed terrifying.

Shaking my head, I plugged in my earbuds and began playing music, and before I knew it, sleep finally welcomed me...