"You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen..."

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Hongjoong POV:

Tuesday went by in a blur, where my day consisted of finishing up the song for the record label earlier than planned. Maybe it was the inspiration gathered by the mystery male I had agreed to meet for a brief encounter, or maybe it was just a random spark of energy that overcame me, but all in all it was done and I was satisfied. The lyrics seemed to flow out of me without any explanation, and with a few minor changes in the music to fit the tone, I knew this song would be perfect for the deadline on Friday, and proud would be an understatement. If accepted, the paycheck would be the biggest one I've earned yet.

Now it was Wednesday, and according to Halmeoni, the mystery male would be working today. It was almost noon and the sun was bright, a stark contrast the gloomy start of the week. My nerves were on an all time high, but I tried my best to keep myself calm. Playfully, I scoffed to myself. "You're getting nervous for no reason...relax."

Just as I was about to get up from bed, my phone vibrated with a message from Halmeoni.

"Seonghwa just clocked in for work and doesn't get off until closing. Remember our bet ;). Dress decent or else I'll disown you!"- Grandma

"This lady, I swear..."

Typing back a quick response, I got from bed and walked over to my closet. Most of my clothing options were black color, but I did notice a pale blue sweater peeking out from the never-ending darkness. Deciding to wear that, along with light color jeans and white sneakers to match, I felt satisfied enough with my selection before making my way over to the bathroom.

Once inside, I noticed that the blue dye in my hair was beginning to fade in the mirror, but I didn't have enough time to fix that as I knew Halmeoni was more than likely watching the clock for my arrival. Last thing I wanted was for her to be upset, so I mentally made a note to fix it as soon as I reach back.

Breezing through my shower routine, I quickly dressed myself with my usual accessories before taking one final look in the mirror. With a playful scoff, I shook my head. "This isn't a date...this isn't a date..."

Walking out and grabbing my personal belongings, I made my way to the front door with keys in hand to start my walk toward the shop. Stepping outside and locking the door, I plugged my earbuds in and began playing "Maestro" by a group named Seventeen while on my leisurely journey.

Each step I took, I could the nerves slowly grow as I realized what I was about to do. Just from the glimpse of the male in the rain, he had a beauty that was unique in its own form, one that I knew would be a lie to deny the fact that curiosity was etched on me the moment upon impact. There wasn't any initial plan per se the embark on pursuing the male, but now I was practically being told to confront said curiosity head on.

Amidst my deep thoughts, I didn't even notice that the walk had been made in a short timeframe, with me standing mere inches away from the front door of the shop. My breath hitched as amongst the line to the counter, I could see Seonghwa at the front making drinks while Wooyoung was taking the orders. My nerves instantly skyrocketed within me, but with a deep breath, I pulled open the door and made my way in.

The bell above chimed as usual, marking another arrival of a potential customer. Wooyoung peaked his head around to see who entered, and once he noticed me, his eyes grew wide and a grin etched itself onto his lips before he refocused his attention on the customer in front of him.

Thank goodness he didn't yell my name...

Standing in the queue, I was grateful that there was about five other people in front of me, enough people to allow me time to gather myself and my composure. The coffee shop itself wasn't full, a few other patrons seated at different tables all around, but it did little to settle my anxiety.

One by one, the line began to move and decrease, until there was only one person left in front of me. Almost if on purpose, Halmeoni walked out from the back room and grew wide eyed herself, before a small teasing smirk grew on her face as she whispered something in Wooyoung's ear.

I raised my eyebrow skeptically as it was finally my turn to be served, but Wooyoung shook his head and mouthed a quick 'sorry' before tapping Seonghwa on the shoulder. "Can you take over please for a moment, hyung? I need to use the restroom."

"Of course Woo, no problem."

Well played Grandma, well played....

Seonghwa turned toward the sink near the back to wash his hands, not sparing me a glance as he rushed to clean himself up. Once satisfied his hands were clean enough, he turned around with a brief closed-eye smile and made his way to the counter before opening to greet me. "Hi, how can I help.....you..."

I could hear his breath stop as he stared at me with shock, a face I knew was mirroring my own. My face looked at every single detail about him, from his beautiful brown eyes and unique undereye piercing, to how soft his skin looked under the warm lights. The way his now fully black hair was pinned back neatly to show his face more, to how plump his lips seemed, all of it stunned me.

Clearing my throat, I smiled, ignoring the fluttering feeling in my chest. "Just an Americano please, black."

He stared at me for a moment longer before shaking his head and nodded silently, a faint blush on his cheeks as he looked down at the register. "R-Right...it'll be $3..."

Pulling out my wallet to hand him my card, his attempted to grab it had our fingers temporarily touching, one where we both gasped at the same time in the fleeting feeling. I could the blush on his face grow deeper, and I knew there was one on my face as well as I turned away nervously.

He scanned the card and instead of handing it back, he looked at the name and raised an eyebrow. "You're Hongjoong?"

I sighed with a shrug. "Guilty as charged."

"I shouldn't have charged you then! I'm so sorry, let me reverse the-" He rambled nervously, but I shook my head with a smile.

"It's fine..." I peered at the tag on his shirt to feign ignorance to his name, "...Seonghwa...I always pay to my grandmother anyways. I support the business."

Seonghwa smiled, a smile that instantly made my chest warm. "Well alright...let me make that drink for you, okay?"

"Take your time...I'm not going anywhere."

A chuckle escaped his lips as he strolled over to the coffee machine, and I couldn't help but watch him the whole time. Although the drink was simple, there was something about him and the intricate care he took in preparing it that made me admire him a little more. It was clear that he enjoyed the job, but it was almost as if he felt a home working here.

Taking a subtle glance toward the back, I could see Halmeoni and Wooyoung watching with interest as Seonghwa was still focused on the task. Halmeoni gave me a look of encouragement to push further with the interaction, and honestly I felt truly compelled to at least try and see where it goes. However, the idea of possibly asking him out brought forth a sense of uneasiness.

Just as I turned my head back to him, Seonghwa finally finished the cup of coffee with a smile as he handed it towards me. "Here you go..."

"Thank you..." I smiled, taking the cup hesitantly before clearing my throat. "I appreciate it."

We both stood there for a moment, locked in a stare that made everything around us seem to disappear. I couldn't help but feel that there's something about him that was worth trying to explore further, and I didn't want to waste the opportunity.

Suddenly, I blurted out of nervousness. "..Would you be willing to go out on a date with me?"

I could see his eyes grew wide and his face become flushed. "W-What?"

"I'm asking you out on a date Seonghwa...would you let me take you out?" I asked again softly. "Nothing crazy, I promise..."

Seonghwa bit his bottom lip and nodded slowly, a smile breaking out onto his face at the idea. "..I'd like that...Hongjoong. I'm off on Saturday if you're free...?"

This time I smiled. "Even if I wasn't, I would become free. Saturday works, is 2 in the afternoon okay?"

"Sounds perfect..." He paused, looking around for a moment before spotting a pen and piece of receipt paper. I watched as he scribbled his phone number on it and held it out to me with a gentle smile. "Here's my number..."

Taking it with a sense of relief, I placed it in my pocket. "Thank you...I'll message you when I get back home."

He nodded with a deep blush, and with that, I turned around to make my departure. For once in what I could remember, I could feel myself eager to get to someone again. Saturday couldn't come any faster, and I had the perfect idea for a date that would be perfect for learning more about him.

I hate to admit it, but thank you Halmeoni...you were right...