𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 norenmin

16: jealousy blossoms where love grows

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NA JAEMIN.

"Would you like anything else?" Eric asks, after his fifth attempt at giving me food.

I stare down at the cupcake on a little saucer sitting in front of me with an expression that probably screams 'Are you insane?'  but I'm not too surprised, the usually bubbly employee has been acting strangely all morning.

Every time he thinks I'm not looking, he stares at me with an unreadable expression, like he thinks if he looks away for a moment I might disappear.

Maybe I should stop observing and just ask him if he's okay? I feel guilty, only now realizing that I've barely said a word to him all morning.

Before I can open my mouth to call Eric over, the familiar chime of the door registers in my ears and there he is again, standing in the morning sunlight, his silhouette mesmerizing to me for some unknown reason.

Jeno turns to face me, his smile blinding me so much that I have to avert my eyes.

Any day now, the sun will issue it's resignation because of this man.

As if he's answering my subconscious plea to meet him, he strolls over to my little sunlit corner, still smiling.

"Fancy seeing you here!" He laughs at his own poorly constructed joke and yet I can feel my heartbeat in my ears.

Only yesterday I wanted nothing to do with him; knowing Chenle's intentions and all.

Yet today something seems different; it's scaring me. I can feel my face heat up as he stares, waiting for a response.

"Oh, yes haha. Hi Jeno." I mentally slap myself for sounding like a schoolgirl.

"And hello to you too, Jaemin." He beams at me again and I suddenly figure out that maybe eating the extra cupcake from Eric wasn't the brightest idea - my stomach has decided to try out for gymnastics today.

I realize he's still standing and stutter some more as I ask him to sit down.

God, what is with me today? We were literally just talking yesterday?

He seems to notice this though, and immediately takes it upon himself to lead the conversation.

It's not long before I remember how easy he is to talk to, and soon enough I feel myself slowly ease into the frivolous small talk that seems ten times easier with him.

HUANG RENJUN.

"I have to ask-"

Chenle jumps about a meter into the air, screaming like a banshee.

"SOHN ERIC! WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT COMING UP BEHIND ME LIKE THAT? ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!"

The taller boy jumps back, just as frightened at the sudden outburst. They look at each other for a couple seconds before doubling over, laughing until tears run down their faces.

I stay in the corner, watching everything with a slightly amused expression. It's not like Eric can see me, so I can eavesdrop rather comfortably on whatever he has to say.

I'm fairly certain it was him outside the kitchen door yesterday.

Eric opens his mouth to speak, but no sound comes out, which only makes the two friends laugh harder.

It takes them a good minute or two to calm down before he finally speaks.

"I was just wondering... well not wondering... I guess I... well you see..." He stalls, causing the man in front of him to roll his eyes.

"Just spit it out dude, I don't bite. Just because I'm your boss does not mean you can't tell me whatever's bothering you - we can set work aside for a minute or two. " At that, he smiles and breathes a little before continuing.

"So... I kinda overheard you in the kitchen yesterday... I think you were on the phone to someone? And well, I overheard you talking about setting Jaemin up on a date... and I guess I was just kinda curious...? He seems to be talking to the same person he was yesterday..."

Chenle misses the slightly bitter undertone in the last sentence, but I can see it straight away.

Eric is jealous.

This could be a bit of an issue... I can't quite place how he could become so snotty so fast, though I figure he must have his reasons.

The blissfully unaware cupcake shop owner just smiles reassuringly at his friend.

"Oh that? Don't worry about it, we're just trying to get Jaemin out of his shell again. He's been moping for a little too long and I'm worried, y'know? Ever since his boyfriend passed two years ago he hasn't quite been the same. I just don't want him to waste his life away. So even if setting him up amounts to nothing, at least he's talked to someone other than his family and I, right?"

Eric's expression is hard to read as he takes in everything Chenle is saying. He looks thoughtful for a second, before resorting to the confused yet jealous look he wore when he first entered.

It's as if he'a desperately trying to justify his jealousy to himself, yet failing to find a good reason why he should be.

"If you say so. Well, I've done my snooping - I'd better get back out there! I left Jacob at the register and he's still not too confident with all the buttons." He flashes Chenle a smile as he escapes the kitchen, but I notice it falter slightly and I feel sorry for him.

I know how hard it is to watch someone you love be with anyone who isn't you - regardless of the fact that Eric's feelings are merely superficial.

Still, I might have to bring this up with Chenle, before things get messy.

SOHN ERIC.

I sit down on the stool behind the counter,  pretending to look over Jacob's shoulder to assist him.

I hate the way my eyes find Jaemin almost immediately, narrowed slightly in spite of myself at the sight of him laughing yet again because of the man in front of him.

Laughing as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Yet I can't bring himself to hate Jeno, for he obviously makes Jaemin happy, and that is very much worth the silly little heartache. 

I sigh softly as my thoughts race.

Jacob doesn't bother questioning me, though I know he's noticed something is off, and for that I'm grateful.

I want to be happy for him, because a good friend would be delighted for his good fortune.

But what can I do? I never expected feelings like these to surface so suddenly.

Not when I've had a crush on my business partner ever since our first training...

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