Heat Waves

Fairytale

Chapter Sixteen - 

Yeosang settled in the seat across from Jisung checking their surroundings one more time before removing his mask. Woo Young had been selective of where to drop them off and the small bakery seemed a safe destination. It was far enough away from ANG Corp and Seoul University that neither men should find themselves discovered by someone they knew or worse - the press. Even if South Korea's media outlets had no idea what Han looked like, they could still plaster their meeting across the news and eventually piece together the identity of the college student. His secretary chose not to stay, his excuse being that his workload doubled without San's assistance, but Yeosang did not miss his increased agitation. Briefly he wondered if Woo Young's irritation towards San's absence had less to do with work and more to do with the reason for his absence. It was hardly subtle in the way Seungmin regarded the young intern nor Han's teasing of their fated meeting.

"I'm sorry for dragging you out here." Jisung murmured, causing Yeosang's gaze to shift towards him. He was slouched in his seat, head down, and fingers picking anxiously at the hem of his black hoodie.

"I needed a break anyway." Yeosang replied, draping his suit jacket on the back of the chair. "Have you heard anything from San yet?" He decided easing Han into conversation would be better than asking outright as it seemed the poor boy was on the verge of hysterics. He lifted his chin and discreetly sniffed the air, surprised no scent emanated from the alpha. It was unsettling to say the least as hybrids relied on the smell of others to determine emotions as well as personal safety. Of course, Jisung was an open book but somehow Yeosang still felt blind without the accompanying fragrance.

"The last text I received was that he arrived, and the housekeeper was helping him feed Seungmin."

"That's good news." Han nodded, his eyes remaining locked on his feet which he scuffed against the linoleum floor. "Would you like to call him?"

"I trust him." The response was sharp and Yeosang hummed, leaning back to give the other space. He tried to keep his body language as comfortable and open as possible, turning his attention away from Jisung and back to the store. 

There were few patrons in the small shop, not that it bothered Yeosang, and it smelled like freshly baked goods and tea. Flowers covered the windowsills and hung from the ceilings while soft classical music echoed through the space. An older woman was behind the glass counter adding fresh muffins to the gold case, a satisfied smile lifting her lips. She stood dabbing at her forehead with the back of her hand before catching Yeosang's eyes.

"Would you like something?!" she called cheerfully, setting the sheet tray down and wiping her hands on her apron. "Just finished a new batch of matcha flavored muffins."

"Han-ssi," he turned to his fiancé who was now looking at him with troubled brown eyes and messy hair as if he had run his fingers through it several times. Yeosang's voice trailed off at the sight his chest constricting.

"Sir?"

"Do you have chamomile tea? Hot?" he managed thinking of something calming.

"Of course! Please wait a moment."

"Tea?" Han scoffed and Yeosang smirked at his displeasure.

"It's far more comforting than coffee." Silence descended once more Jisung returning to his shell, fingers now scratching against his jeans. "Han-ssi, you can talk to me. I know a part of you realizes that or else you wouldn't have called." 

The scratching ceased and the alpha's body tensed as if he was contemplating bolting from the store. Yeosang hoped he could smell his own scent, one that was often described as warm and maternal, filled with nothing but his desire to calm his fiancé. Han squeezed his eyes shut, breathing deeply noticing the aroma of old books and cinnamon in the air. He licked his lips, willing his heart to slow in rhythm breathing in what he assumed to be Yeosang's pheromones. They were nice, one that made him feel as if he was in the presence of someone who could be trusted, an ally, a friend, someone like him.