My Love... by My Side [COMPLETED]

18: Pre Birthday

"It's gonna be the best party ever!" says Taylor. He and Mint walk towards the car park to go home after practice. Cole is waiting for them, and he smiles and waves at them.

"Hi, baby.."

"Hi.." Cole kisses his cheek. Taylor giggles and puts his hand around Cole's waist.

"So, when does the party start?" Cole asks.

"You need to be there at seven," says Taylor.

"Did your brother agree to come?" Mint asks. He looks a bit desperate.

"I don't know yet. But I'm trying to convince him. I told him he's been too gloomy lately and needs to go out sometimes," says Cole.

"Why all of a sudden, all the adults seem so gloomy? Your brother, Rae, even Mr. Bing.." says Mint.

"What's wrong with him?"

"I don't know. He was just staring at his phone when I came to remind him about the party. He looked like a mess," says Mint, lifting his shoulders a few times.

"Maybe it's just a gloomy week for them.." says Taylor. Soon, Youn comes out from the building.

"Mr. Wu!" Mint waves at him. Youn smiles weakly.

"Oh, what's the topic?" he asks, trying to be friendly.

"We were talking about the party at Taylor's house. Are you coming?" Mint asks.

"I don't know yet. Jazz is coming over," says Youn.

"Oh, we can invite him too! There's still room for more people," says Taylor.

"Please~~?" Mint coaxes his voice. Cole can't help but giggle. Taylor frowns as he finds Mint's cuteness a bit strange. Mint rarely uses that voice with anyone besides him.

"Alright, I'll think about it later, hmm? Cole, let's go.." says Youn, smiling at him. They get into the car and leave.

"What was that?"

"What?"

"Why were you acting so cute in front of Mr. Wu?" Taylor asks. Mint just smiles, bobbing his eyebrows up and down.

"That's a secret!" he teases Taylor.
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"You should buy something for Tay's sister too.." suggests Cole. They are all on the way to Taylor's house for the party. Jazz is driving the car, while Youn still feels gloomy as ever.

"What does she like?"

"Tay said she loves carnations. Oh, there's a flower shop over there..." Jazz slows down the car and stops right in front of the flower shop. Cole quickly gets down from the car and runs inside the shop.

Youn looks at the shop, and suddenly, something reminds him of an old memory.

"Cole, let's just get some carnations for her," Jazz calls out from inside the flower shop.

Youn nods, trying to shake off the memories that keep haunting him. He knows he needs to focus on the present and enjoy the celebration with his friends.

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Youn tiptoed towards the girl who was waiting for him under the tree. She pouted and frowned, looking at her watch a few times. He purposely came late to tease her a bit.

"Honey.." he whispered into her ear. The girl turned around and sulked.

"Why are you late~~!"

"I'm so sorry. I had to take care of something. But I brought you these.." he handed her two boxes of pastries.

"Donuts! My brother must love these!"