The Way It Burns - BbangNyu

[24]

An overwhelming scent of sweetness attacked Chanhee's senses, as he entered the apartment. Still clutching the lilies, he wandered towards the kitchen, where the aroma was seemingly coming from. 

"Oh darling, I need your advice." His mother said, ushering Chanhee into the room. She was standing near the center of the room, completely surrounded by every type of cake, pastry, and dessert, you could think of. "I can't decide between dark chocolate and hazelnut, or white chocolate and passion fruit. We need a flavor that will wow the guests. Try some of each, and tell me what you think." 

Chanhee took the fork his mother handed him, taking a bite of each of the cakes. The dark chocolate and hazelnut, was rich and gooey, but was a little heavy. where as, the white chocolate and passion fruit, was light and refreshing, he much preferred eating that one. "I think the white chocolate and passion fruit, it'll definitely stand out." He stated.

"Perfect! That should be everything I believe. My assistant will be in contact within the next few days, we'll need everything ready for three weeks time, but I'm sure she'll discuss that with you further." His mother explained, directing it at the three chefs standing in the kitchen. "Thank you for your time, the maid will show you out once you've finished tidying up." She added, walking out of the kitchen.

Chanhee followed after his mother, who was storming down the hallway. "Mum do you have a second?" He asked, stopping her as she was grabbing her handbag.

"I wish I did, I've got a lot to do today. I barely had time to do the tasting, things are so hectic at the moment." She replied, swinging her long coat over her body.

"Can I just ask you something quickly?"

"Fine, what is it?"

His mother stood by the side of the elevator, holding her hand over the metal doors, to stop them closing. Chanhee clenched the bottom of his shirt, nervously staring at his mothers firm expression. "You know when you got married, did you love dad?" 

This was something he'd always been curious about, though, he'd been too scared to ask the question. His father would probably lose it if he asked him, so his mother was the safer choice.

"No."

Chanhee's eyes widened, looking at his mother cold appearance. She stepped back from the doors, letting them shut, only saying one more thing before the elevator went down. "You're lucky that Sangyeon is nothing like your father, find a way to love him."

It's like his heart sank, hearing those words from his mother. How could he find a way to love Sangyeon? That's not how love works, you can't force yourself to have feelings for someone. Sure, he use to believe he loved his boyfriend, but times have very much changed. He was hoping for some real advice, or some comforting words from his mother. However, what he got was almost more realistic. The truth was, he'd be married in three weeks, then he'd have no choice but to find a way to love him.

____

The place stank of cigarettes, beer, and sweat, not really the most appealing smells for an angel. Kevin grabbed onto Juyeon's shoulder, for some kind of protection, while they walked towards the pool table. The clink of the pool ball, rang in Kevin's ears, as he watched Younghoon step back with his cue. He instinctively pulled his hood further forward, making sure his halo couldn't be seen. 

"You're really whipped for that angel." Hyunjae sneered, taking his shot at the pool table.

Younghoon nudged the boy as he lined up his cue, garnering a moan from Hyunjae. "You're one to talk." He muttered. 

"You messed up my shot!" Hyunjae grunted, realigning his cue. "I'm taking another one as compensation." 

The group watched, as Hyunjae knocked two balls into the pockets with ease. He jumped back, swinging up his pool cue, nearly knocking out Younghoon in the process. "Fuck you! Not even your sabotage can stop me!" He screamed. 

"Am I gonna have to kick you out again Hyunjae? Keep the volume down." Mr. Park shouted from across the pool hall.

"Sorry Mr. Park it's all Younghoon's fault." Hyunjae shouted back, receiving an eye roll from the demon.

Mr. Park swatted his hand, brushing off Hyunjae's explanation. "Yeah, yeah, always someone to blame."

Shaking his head, Younghoon pushed Hyunjae towards the table, telling him to take his shot. Hyunjae finished the game by potting black, meaning he was the winner. 

"Does Kevin want to play?" Younghoon asked, collecting the balls from the pockets. 

Juyeon turned to the angel, raising his eyes brows, almost silently reiterating Younghoon's question. He'd planned to meet up with his friends today, at their favourite hang out spot, 'Dark side pool hall.' With no intentions of bringing Kevin, but when he ran into the angel, he decided to invite him on a whim. He didn't know if Kevin would want to play, or just watch, though, he was glad he agreed to come.

"I've never played before."

"Of course he hasn't." Hyunjae scoffed. "He's just like all the other angels, lame and boring."

Younghoon let out a breathy laugh, running his tounge along his bottom lip. "So Jacob's lame and boring?" 

"No, he actually isn't! I meant every angel apart-"

"And why are you boys talking about angels." Mr. Park interrupted, holding a tray of beers.

Kevin immediately stepped back, hiding behind Juyeon, he couldn't be caught here. His parents were already unsure about his friendship with Juyeon, but still gave him a chance. If they found out Juyeon took him to a sketchy spot downtown, he'd be in so much trouble.

Grabbing the tray off the old man, Younghoon tried to change to subject. "Thanks for the beer Mr. Park, hows your wife been?"

"She's alright, been a little poorly lately, but it's nothing life threatening." He replied, which flooded the boys with relief...until he opened his mouth again. "No need to hide the angel from me, I welcome all creatures here. Though, this is the first time an angel has ever visited my establishment." He continued, turning to look at Kevin.

"Oh he's not an angel Mr. Park, you old people always get confused." Hyunjae rudely remarked.

"I'm not that old kid." He chuckled, he was use to Hyunjae's cheeky comments. "And I'm not stupid either, his scent is so strong, he's obviously an angel."

Juyeon gulped, seeing Mr. Park walk closer to Kevin. He tried to block Mr. Park, but the man had already grabbed a hold of Kevin's hood, yanking it down. "Explain that."

Kevin's halo was on full display for a second, before he hiked up his hood again. The group didn't know what to say, standing there with their jaws hanging low. 

"Seriously, I have no qualms with angels. You can stay, but it's probably not safe for you. I heard Donghyun's lot is coming down here later." Mr. Park stated, picking up the tray, and walking away from the group. "Enjoy the beers." He added.

Both Juyeon and Hyunjae looked to Younghoon, who let out an exaggerated sigh. "Lets go."

Kevin followed the boys out of the building, not getting any explanation to why they needed to leave. Suddenly, he felt Juyeon latch onto his wrist, pulling him around the side of the pool hall. He brought his finger up to the angels lips, silencing him, as he peeked around the corner.

"What is-"

"Shut up please." Juyeon shout whispered. "Donghyun's here."