Introduction to Romance

IV - Good Morning

At the cozy ambiance of a café branded A Twosome Place, Joohyuk found himself getting Suzy a morning coffee, as he promised last night. He stood at the counter, his mind still replaying their playful banter from the previous evening.

It's a good thing Go Eun noona and Suzy are friends, Joohyuk thought to himself as he glanced at the menu board. "Now I know what coffee blend she likes."

As he approached the counter, a friendly barista greeted him with a smile. "Good morning! What can I get for you today?"

Joohyuk returned the smile and said politely, "Good morning. Two cups of Iced Americano, please."

The barista nodded and began preparing their order, while Joohyuk leaned against the counter, lost in his thoughts. The anticipation of seeing Suzy again made his heart race.

Minutes later, the barista handed Joohyuk two neatly prepared cups of iced coffee. He thanked him with a nod before making his way out of the café.

With every step towards Yonsei University's Student Union building, Joohyuk's excitement grew. He couldn't wait to see her reaction when he delivered her favorite coffee personally.

Upon reaching the campus building, he took a deep breath to steady his nerves before entering through the glass doors.

As he walked inside the GAC office located at the top floor, he couldn't help but notice how empty and quiet it felt compared to that chaotic day when he and Suzy had a misunderstanding.

Finally reaching Suzy's desk, Joohyuk found her engrossed in studying - reading her medical school book with utmost focus. She seemed so immersed that she didn't even notice him standing there for a moment.

Clearing his throat to catch her attention without startling her too much, Joohyuk said softly yet playfully, "I believe someone ordered an iced coffee?"

"Oh, you're here. Mr. Jerk," Suzy said, narrowing her eyes at him. Joohyuk was taken aback by the nickname, his playful demeanor fading for a moment. He had expected a teasing smile or an eye roll, not this coldness in her gaze.

"Hey," he said with a serious face, regret evident in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

Suzy couldn't help but be amused to see him this way for the first time. Joohyuk always looked playful, flirty and confident, so seeing him so sincere right now seemed like witnessing a different side of him.

She sighed and motioned for him to sit down on one of the empty chairs nearby. "Alright," she relented, her voice softer than before. "Apology accepted."

Joohyuk's shoulders visibly relaxed as he took the seat opposite her. He placed one of the iced coffees on the desk between them and pushed it towards Suzy with a small smile.

"I thought you might need some caffeine. Final exams are near." He said gently.

Suzy couldn't help but feel a tinge of gratitude at his thoughtfulness. She took a sip from the cup without breaking eye contact with him.

"You know," she began slowly, studying his expression carefully, "you really surprised me yesterday."

Joohyuk's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he leaned forward, eager to understand what she meant.

"In all our encounters before that impulsive kiss," she continued, emphasizing each word deliberately, "you were always so cocky and charming. But yesterday, you showed me another side of you."

His expression softened even further as he nodded solemnly. It was clear that Suzy's words had struck something deep within him.

"I guess I wanted to prove myself to you," Joohyuk admitted quietly. "I wanted to show you that I'm more than just a flirt."

Suzy smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh well, modesty suits you. Wear it often, please," she said playfully, taking another sip of her coffee.

Joohyuk chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on her ethereal face. Mornings could never be spent even better than seeing Suzy.

"How's the coffee?" Joohyuk asked, breaking the brief silence that had settled between them.

"Perfect," Suzy replied with a smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She took another sip, savoring the rich flavor.

Joohyuk leaned back in his chair, studying Suzy intently. There was a weight to their conversation now, an unspoken tension hanging in the air.

He couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking at this very moment that they are facing each other again.

"Glad you like it," he finally said, breaking the silence once more.

Suzy set her cup down and looked at him earnestly. "Thank you for the coffee," she said sincerely. "But Joohyuk, this isn't just about a cup of coffee."

He frowned slightly, unsure of what she meant. "What do you mean?"

She leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate your gestures and your apologies," Suzy began softly. "But if you really want us to be something, flirty encounters and playful banters aren't enough."

Joohyuk felt his heart sink as her words sank in. He had hoped that their connection would deepen after their misunderstanding, but it seemed like there were still barriers between them.

"I understand," he replied quietly. "I really want to show you how much I care about you."

Suzy nodded slowly, her gaze searching his face for sincerity. "Actions speak louder than words," she said firmly.

A determined look crossed Joohyuk's face as he reached across the table and gently took Suzy's hand in his own. His grip tightened slightly as he met her gaze with unwavering determination.

"I promise you," he said firmly yet tenderly, "that I will prove myself to you through my actions."

Suzy's eyes softened as she looked into his eyes that were filled with sincerity. The hesitation that had clouded her mind with thoughts of him began to lift ever so slightly.

"I want to believe you," she whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability. "But you have to show me."

Shortly after their serious conversation, someone opened the door. It's Go Eun.

"Oh. Why are love birds not flying freely and are stuck here in the office," Go Eun teased as she entered the room and made her way to her desk.

Suzy choked when she noticed Go Eun's presence, her eyes widening in panic. She was suddenly reminded that Joohyuk's hand was still placed above hers, which she really did not mind until Go Eun arrived.

Damn, this is embarrassing, Suzy thought to herself as she quickly pulled her hand away from Joohyuk's and palmed one cheek to somehow hide her blushing face.

As she got her composure back, she replied with a forced nonchalance.

"Oh, Unnie. He just brought me a coffee." Suzy played innocent, hoping that Go Eun wouldn't see through the obvious lie.

Go Eun let out a chuckle that made Suzy flush inwardly. She just eyed them suspiciously.

"Really? Just coffee?" Go Eun raised an eyebrow suggestively.

"W-what's with the gaze, unnie," Suzy stammered nervously, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks once again.

"You two look cute together," Go Eun teased with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Together? We're not together," Suzy said defensively, trying to ignore the fluttering sensation in her stomach at the thought of being with Joohyuk.

"Not yet," Joohyuk spoke up suddenly as he looked at Suzy with a lovey-dovey gaze that made her heart skip a beat.

Suzy felt herself spellbound by his words and intense stare. This wasn't how she expected things to go today-caught between Go Eun's teasing and Joohyuk's undeniable attraction towards her.

Nevertheless, she thinks it was a good morning.