𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 norenmin

13: envy turns to embarrassment

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NA JAEMIN.

I shift positions slowly as my arm becomes numb from being at the same angle for so long. The sun that filters through the window in front of me feels comforting, like an invisible someone is hugging me.

I'm sure that Chenle gave me the book so that I didn't get in the way of his kitchen preparations, but I don't mind.

It's the first sense of peace I've felt in a very long time. I could sit here all day, soaking up the sun with a book in hand as I watch the cupcake shop workers come and go.

"I'm finished now, I'll catch you later at Sangeyon's right?"

"Indeed you will! We haven't had a movie night in ages! See ya later, Changmin!"

"Bye, Eric!"

The two co-workers grin at each other, before one of them turns and leaves the shop, the other disappearing behind the counter to serve again.

"One vanilla and one chocolate please!"

The boy behind the counter smiles at the customer in front of him, chuckling a little under his breath.

"Still the same boring old order? Lee Jaehyun what on earth am I going to do with you?" The boy known as Eric teases, and I feel my heart pang a little.

"Shh, you know this is my go-to after my night shift idiot!"

Do they all know each other? I can barely even remember the last time I hung out with anyone, purely for the fun of it.

I hear them both talking about this movie night arrangement again, before the customer named Jaehyun leaves with two warm little cupcakes in a brown paper bag.

I didn't realise I was staring until I notice Eric looking at me, one brow raised in slight amusement.

I feel my cheeks heat up with embarrassment as I realise how long it's been since a customer has entered the shop... I must have been staring for at least five minutes.

Before I know it, Eric has walked himself over to my little corner of sunlight.

"Can I help you?" The words leave his mouth so effortlessly that I immediately envy his confidence.

Before I can reply, Chenle appears from the kitchen, calling out to me.

"Jaemin! I need to speak with you- Oh?! You two know each other?" His brows furrow in confusion as he looks between the two of us, me in my jeans and t-shirt, Eric in his apron.

"Not at all, the poor guy looked a little lost, so I was about to ask if he wanted to buy a cupcake." Eric explains, grinning slightly.

"No need, Jaemin never pays for anything here. Remember that for the future and go back to the register, please and thank you." Eric chuckles at Chenle's over the top gesture and bounds back over to serve a lady waiting by the front counter.

"Jaemin, I want you to meet someone. Well, I believe you may have already met them... but I'd like you to meet them properly. They'll be here in an hour or so. Please just listen to me without contesting." I abruptly shut my mouth I had opened immediately in protest.

Chenle has a manic look of excitement in his eyes that takes me by surprise a little.

I look him up and down for any telltale signs that this is some sort of joke or a waste of time, a habit I seem to have picked up over the years, but I sense nothing.

A sigh of relief follows my answer.

"Deal."

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