My Love... by My Side [COMPLETED]

4: New Boy

"Okay, that's all for today. Thank you so much!" They stood up and applauded. It seemed like practice was over for the day.

It had been a week since Youn joined the orchestra, and they had been rehearsing for quite some time now. Taylor and Mint couldn't be happier these days. The practice sessions had been going smoothly ever since Youn arrived. He was truly a musical genius.

"Hello..." Taylor stuttered. Thankfully, he didn't choke on his water. Cole stood in front of him, holding a camcorder in his hand. He always accompanied Youn to the practices, enjoying watching his brother at work.

But more than that, he saw it as an opportunity to get to know Taylor better. Initially, he had been too afraid to say hi to him, but today he gathered his courage and was ready to take the first step.

"Hi, it seems like you really love this orchestra," Mint smirked at Taylor. The boy maintained his poker face and packed up his things.

"Yeah, actually, I play some instruments. I play the drums," Cole smiled, revealing his bunny teeth.

"Ohh..." Mint suddenly lost his focus on Cole. He noticed one of the orchestra members walking towards Youn with a sweet smile on her face. He felt a pang of sadness. Taylor looked at him, his face filled with confusion.

"Say, how about grabbing a coffee after this?" Cole suggested, looking at Taylor expectantly.

"I don't drink coffee," Taylor replied with a hint of reluctance.

"He loves ice cream," Mint chimed in unexpectedly, bursting with words and a smile on his face. Despite his previous reservations, Mint had managed to overcome his feelings. That's the magic of Mint – he's a 'hot and cold' kind of person.

"Oh, I noticed a new ice cream shop just across the street!" Cole exclaimed, still gazing at Taylor with excitement. Mint chuckled and gave Taylor a playful glare.

"Ah, yes. We actually knew about it, but we haven't had a chance to go there yet due to our practice sessions," Taylor explained.

"Really? That's quite frustrating!" Cole pouted slightly, clearly disappointed.

"I suppose we could hang out today..." Taylor finally gave in. He couldn't help but feel sorry for this adorable boy who had tried his best to ask him out. As Mint had suggested, there was no harm in saying yes.

It wasn't that Taylor didn't want to hang out. He had his reasons for being hesitant. Avoiding this boy meant avoiding the possibility of love entering his life. And truthfully, love scared him.

"Say, how about you and Cole go ahead? I'll catch up with you later," Mint suggested, his eyes still fixed on Youn and the girl who were engaged in conversation, sharing smiles and giggles.

"Alright then! Shall we, Taylor?" Cole asked, eager to seize the opportunity.

Taylor had no choice but to reluctantly nod, shooting Mint a glare that seemed to say, "If you don't show up, I'm going to kill you!"

Mint chuckled sheepishly, fully aware of the awkwardness on Taylor's face.

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They arrived at the ice cream shop shortly after that.

"So, what would you like?" Cole asked, looking at Taylor with curiosity.

"I'll have a strawberry ice cream with chocolate syrup, please. And vanilla, too," Taylor replied, placing his order with the girl behind the counter.

"I'll go with mint chocolate," Cole said, catching the girl's smile as she looked at Taylor. She seemed quite flirtatious. Taylor returned her smile, unaware of Cole's internal intimidation.