In The Nick of Time

Chapter 3

(June 22, Friday)

"Hyung, we just need to finish some papers and we'll go straight there."

Jinhwan heard his brother on the other line informed.

"It's fine. You could've just texted me. I'm almost in the restaurant. I won't be able to use my phone, so just come." He replied.

After saying goodbye, Junkyu hung up the call and Jinhwan buried his phone in his pocket when he was about to enter the restaurant where he works as part-timer.

Once a month, or often than not, Jinhwan would treat his brother in the restaurant because he knew Junkyu loves eating meat so much. Of course, Junkyu and his boyfriend are now a package deal. So, Haruto has always been part of their little family time ever since. Jinhwan never minded at all. He was so glad that Junkyu found someone who always protects and takes care of his brother. Haruto is a good person, that's why he couldn't fathom how did he end up having Junhoe as his older brother.

At the thought of the insufferable man, he immediately cleansed his mind before entering the restaurant. He already had so much struggle erasing the last encounter with Junhoe from his head for a week already. He didn't want to start his job with bad vibe. However, when he opened the door, he was surprised to see an empty eatery. He walked straight to the counter where his other female colleague was busy punching something on the register, and when he saw Jinhwan, her face lit up. As if she just won a lottery.

"W-Why is no one here? Do we have any event or reservation?" He mindlessly inquired while putting on his own work apron with the logo of the restaurant.

"Oppa! You didn't tell me you have a rich friend!" Jinhwan had been working in the restaurant for almost a year already, so the female staff had gotten closer to him and has been calling him oppa for a while now.

When he heard those last 2 words, he immediately felt his stomach churned, thinking of the only 'rich' person who annoys him in mind.

After what happened in the club, it had been almost a week that passed that their life was peaceful again. No signs of Junhoe for a week. But the peace they enjoyed was just about to end tonight as he thought.

"I don't have rich friends, Yejin-ah." His tone was already coated with irritation even without the confirmation of who that rich friend was from his co-worker.

"Ey... I don't believe you. He even won't order until you're here. He rented the place for a whole night until closing time! I'm so happy! We will get to have some rest tonight!" She was obviously exhilarated.

It was indeed such good news for her and Jinhwan if only it was a different person he had in mind. He truly wished it wasn't Junhoe. But the initial reaction he had, clearly say otherwise.

Jinhwan needed to take a moment in the staff room to collect his thoughts and prepare himself. He was going back and forth on texting Junkyu whether it would be a good idea to let the two come or just reschedule their meal tomorrow. But his decision was left in the staff room together with his device, sending not a single text for his brother.

"Oppa! He just called you when I told him you're already here." Yejin informed him.

Jinhwan took a deep breath and didn't even bother to wear his usual bubbly smile every time he works in the restaurant and headed to the corner table inside the place. His eyes instantly met Junhoe's, who looked like he was already expecting Jinhwan to pop out from the counter area. Jinhwan's chest weirdly pounded the moment he saw the man. He looked even more of a 'bad guy' because of what he was wearing. But the staff noticed the other person beside the annoying man.