People Watching ★ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐒𝐮𝐧

10: Cafe Madness + Family Matters 2

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Without a word, Sunoo rushed to the table where Hanna sat, dropping into the chair opposite her. His journal clutched tightly in one hand, Jungwon's wrist in the other, he announced, "I'm here. Ready to help."

Hanna's eyes flickered from Sunoo to Jungwon, her brow furrowing. "Sorry, but... who's this?"

Before Sunoo could respond, Jungwon spoke up, his voice quieter than usual. "Yang Jungwon. Sunoo's best friend." He forced a faint smile. "I've got his back... and that means helping his clients, too."

Hanna gave a slow, thoughtful nod, her fingers absentmindedly adjusting her glasses. The usual brightness in her eyes seemed dimmed by a shadow of uncertainty. She leaned in closer to the table. "Alright. Where do we begin?"

Sunoo took a deep breath, trying to shake off the growing tension in the air. He stood abruptly, raising a hand as if he were preparing for some heroic speech. "This is it... my time to shine," he whispered inwardly, though the energy felt hollow, like a reflex to stave off the weight pressing down on him.

With a forced smile, he set his journal on the table and pulled out a pencil. "Okay, listen up. First thing we need to do is figure out Sunghoon's type, fast." The pencil twirled in his fingers, a nervous habit he hadn't noticed until now. "That's step one."

Hanna's eyes sparkled, briefly betraying the hope she clung to. "You think you can really get him to fall for me?" Her voice was soft, almost pleading.

Sunoo plastered on a confident smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Hanna, I can make anyone fall in love. Trust me."

She beamed, her worries momentarily forgotten. "That's amazing! So, how much will it—"

"Don't worry about money," Sunoo cut in, raising a hand to stop her. "I'm doing this for free." His voice wavered just enough for Jungwon to notice.

Hanna's smile faltered. "Free?" She leaned back, her expression darkening with suspicion. "You know what they say about things that are too good to be true..." She glanced down at the table, then back at Sunoo. "It's not that I don't trust you, but..."

Sunoo let out a nervous chuckle, shaking his head. "It's not about the money. Believe it or not, I'm actually close with Sunghoon. I want to help a friend."

He avoided her gaze, turning to Jungwon for backup. Jungwon sighed softly but smiled. "They've got a... close bond," he added, though his tone suggested otherwise.

Hanna seemed reassured by this, her excitement returning. "You're amazing! If anyone can help, it's you. Just ask Sunghoon what his type is. You're buddies—it'll be easy, right?" She grabbed her bag, barely giving Sunoo time to react, and dashed out of the café.

Sunoo stared after her, stunned. His mind raced, the weight of the lie pressing down on him. Jungwon chuckled softly beside him. "Well, that went smoothly," he teased. "What's so hard about asking a friend what they like? Oh, wait..."

Sunoo groaned, burying his face in his journal. "He thinks I like him. How am I supposed to ask that without looking like a total creep?"

Suddenly, Sunoo grabbed Jungwon's collar, shaking him in frustration. "How do I ask Sunghoon what his type is without him thinking I'm interested?"

"Hey, calm down!" Jungwon grabbed Sunoo's wrist, prying him off just as the bell above the door jingled.

Sunoo froze. He looked up to see Sunghoon walk in, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his gaze fixed on the floor as he approached a table near them.

At that table sat a man, older, his sharp features twisted in irritation. Sunghoon sat down across from him, his movements stiff, as if bracing for something.

Jungwon leaned closer to Sunoo. "Are you with me, or—?"

"Shh," Sunoo whispered, trying to listen in.

The man slammed his hands on the table, making both Sunoo and Jungwon jump. "Three strikes, Sunghoon. I can't keep covering for your screw-ups!" His voice was low, but each word landed like a punch.

Sunghoon remained silent, his face unreadable.

"You're just gonna sit there?" The man's voice rose, his face red with fury. "What are you good for if you can't even act like a normal person?"

Sunoo's heart pounded in his chest as he watched, barely able to breathe. His mouth hung open as he exchanged a look with Jungwon, who was just as stunned.

Finally, Sunghoon spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Have I ever been good enough?"

The man recoiled, his face darkening with anger. "What did you say?"

Sunghoon lowered his head. "I'm sorry. I'll do better."

The man stared at him for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh before grabbing his coat and storming out of the café. Sunghoon didn't move, his eyes following the man until he was gone.

For the first time, Sunoo noticed something he hadn't seen before—tears in Sunghoon's eyes. Sunghoon blinked them away, quickly standing up and walking out of the café.

Sunoo sat there, numb. His mind raced with a single thought: Did he take the blame for me, knowing this would happen?

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Hey guys if this gets one comment I will draw whatever that comment says -Alex's brother

For the lazy, by yours truly 10 ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ

Chapter summary: Sunoo and Jungwon were planning to meet Hanna at the local cafe, but little did Sunoo know that he was in for a surprise. As they settled down and chatted away, a familiar face walked through the door - it was none other than Sunghoon.