Encore

06. Dim sum

Jackson's heart did somersaults. Many somersaults.

Jackson had figured out that the symptoms of his 'heart attack' only happen when he thinks about Jaebeom.

After university, he became a trainee under one of Korea's music companies. Being in the music industry, he learnt who Jaebeom was. He started reading about him. Thinking about him. His heartbeat always quickening.

Jaebeom was struggling to eat the soup dumpling (; xiao long bao). Frowning in concentration, he would attempt to pick up the soup dumpling with his chopsticks, only for the dumpling to break and the soup spilling out.

It would have been a cute sight. But with Jaebeom being in his suit and looking hot af, that frown only sent shivers down Jackson's spine. Good shivers.

Here goes nothing.

"Hi, can I join you?"

Jaebeom huffed.

He was already annoyed. And now a person is going to add to that annoyance. The eatery was empty. Why couldn't that person sit somewhere else?

Looking up, he was about to reject that person's request.

But the words got caught in his throat. Stunned by the sight before him.

Jackson was wearing a set of fluffy light blue sweater and sweatpants. Making him look like an adorable ball of fluff. His hair was swept to the side, the caramel brown shade shining softly under the dim lights.

"Of course! Have a seat." Jaebeom broke out from his reverie, over the moon at finally meeting Jackson.

"Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I am Jackson Wang." Jackson said sheepishly.

"No worries. I actually saw you on stage as one of the hosts of the award show so I knew your name. " Jaebeom smiled.

Jackson's heart skipped a beat.

Jaebeom knows me!

Just then, the elderly shopkeeper placed Jackson's order before him.

"Here are your xiao long bao and guo tie dumplings." She smiled.

"Thank you!" Jackson said happily.

"Such a polite young man. Let me get you two handsome men some drinks. It is on the house."

"Oh no, it is okay." Jackson and Jaebeom shook their heads, smiling apologetically. They didn't want to trouble her.

"Don't worry. It is no trouble. Take it as thanks for allowing me to be graced by the pleasant sight of two handsome men." She winked.

Jackson blushed and thanked her happily. He even insisted to help her take the drinks so that she can rest more. Jackson came out of the kitchen, carrying the tray which had the cups, soju bottles and yakult. The elderly lady walked beside Jackson, the two walking back to the table.

Placing the items, Jackson went back to return the tray.

Before leaving, the elderly lady turned to Jaebeom.

"Young man. Don't let him get away. He is a good one." She said sternly to him.

Jackson was walking back when he heard what the elderly lady said. He nearly tripped, causing him to sit down clumsily.

Letting out a small whine, he buried his head in his arms. Jaebeom and the elderly lady could see the tip of his ears tinge red.

"I won't." Jaebeom said coolly. Hs smile grew wider upon seeing the tip of Jackson's ears turning more red.