ALL BARK NO BITE | SADISTIC BEAUTY SPINOFF

Chapter 90

- The Perfect Matcha Café, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Minhyuk loitered in front of the cafe plexiglass, sunbathing the front of his canvas shoes as he stood just behind the awning. Among the yellow and green stripes, it read The Perfect Matcha in cursive print. He sure hoped they were, Minhyuk thought, straightening the front of his best cardigan. He looked at the fray of his ripped jeans.

He wasn't one to think over things too deeply but now he was skittish thinking if he had suggested a date too soon or if... things wouldn't go that well. This was the first time he had genuinely liked someone... it was another thing that they had an age gap... what if Namjoon Doh thinks he's too immature or silly.

Plus they're meeting outside the hospital for the first time what if-

Shhh

He quieted himself, checking his wristwatch

He was doing what Minho Hyung always did. Looking for things to fall apart before they did.

He wasn't going to be like that. He was going to make sure the date goes just well and he wouldn't resist love if it came knocking.

Just then, Dr. Namjoon Doh's car swerved into the lane, slowing down before the café. He parked and got out, concerned.

He was sporting an olive flannel shirt with dark pants. His eye bags were less visible. He looked... brighter... happier. His hair was freshly washed, tied back in a half bun with loose locks framing his face. His mustache and beard were trimmed and styled.

"Have you been waiting for long?" he sounded anxious.

"I got stuck at this really bad cross-section and I wanted to call and tell you I'm on the way but this traffic cop kept glaring at me so I-"

Minhyuk stepped forward, reaching up for Namjoon's chin and leaning in to kiss his cheek. It was light and sweet, but he lingered long enough to smell his aftershave... beard oil and cologne.

It hit the back of his head and he could've sworn the doctor saw hearts in his eyes.

"You made me wait for a solid 10 minutes... but it's okay..." Minhyuk smiled and Namjoon returned an even shier, small smile.

"Because you look so good..." colour immediately rose to his face and Minhyuk bit his lip.

"I have a question..." he tilted his head and Doh tucked some loose hair behind his ear, leaning forward to hear closely.

"Do my ripped jeans look okay?" he asked, forcing Namjoon to glance down at the distressed denim sections exposing his thigh and knee, instantly tongue-tied.

"Those... God... I mean, yes! They look amazing... you... you look amazing... your knees... look strong..." he struggled to get his words out and Minhyuk raised his brows

"My knees look strong?" he asked, holding back laughter and Namjoon Doh averted his eyes to look at the street, unable to hold eye contact as he turned berry red.

"You know what I mean..." Namjoon's Adam's apple bounced as he braved holding Minhyuk's delicate hand, stroking the inside of his palm with his thumb.

"Do I?" Minhyuk raised a brow, letting out a chuckle as he held Namjoon's hand tighter "Okay fine, I'll stop teasing you, Doc" he relented

"Thank you" Namjoon's eyes crinkled sunnily,

"And you don't have to call me Doc... just Namjoon will do" he reckoned and Minhyuk shrugged in agreement "Will do..."

"Namjoon," he said in a silky voice and watched him waver. "Come on!" he turned around, putting his date's hand on his shoulder and pulling him inside.

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