Unexpected Connections ⭒ Haechan

⭒4

"Love is the sun that brightens our lives and warms our hearts." 

Haechan was taken aback the next day when he opened his office door to find all of his friends huddled inside. "What the hell are all of you doing here? Don't you have work that you need to get back to?" Haechan asked, sitting himself down to start work.

"Right now there are much more things." Chenle walked to Haechan's desk and shut the computer that the older had just turned on. 

"And what seems to be more important than work right now?" Haechan cocked an eyebrow.

"I don't know, maybe our best friends love life and possible wedding?" Chenle said sarcastically.

"What happened during dinner yesterday?" Renjun joined Chenle in the interrogation.

"It's too early to say anything just yet. We have only just met, and we both agreed that we will have to meet each other a couple more times before we can decide on anything."

"Well what was your first impression of her?" Jisung the youngest was curious.

"She's, well, nice?" The boys eagerly waited for Haechan to continue.

"That's it? That's all you have to say about her, that she is nice?" Mark slapped his forehead with his hand, and muttered a quiet "no wonder he is still single".

"I can hear you know?" Haechan looked at his best friend in disbelief and let out an irritated sigh. "I made sure you did, dumb bitch." Mark said, making Renjun snort.

"Guys Haechan is doomed to stay single his entire life. Why don't you just become a monk?" Chenle pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Was she pretty?" Jaemin asked. 

Haechan hesitated a little, "Well.." His friends could sense it and noticed how the tips of his ears had slightly turned red. "So she is pretty." Renjun got his answer from Haechan's silence.

"Does Haechan actually have some hope in his romantic life? I haven't seen Haechan this flushed in a while." Jaemin shook his head, laughing jokingly.

"Okay that's enough now get back to work everyone. Jeno, don't forget that I need that report in by 13:00." Haechan quickly distracted everyone.

Hearing this everyone quickly scattered, not wanting to have to work overtime.

⭒

A few days later, Chaewol and Haechan arranged to meet in a charming little coffee shop. Although Haechan had offered to pick her up, Chaewol gently declined, not wanting to trouble him unnecessarily.

Haechan arrived early, studying the menu to see what the cafe had to offer. Chaewol joined him shortly after, offering a quick apology for any wait she might have caused. Haechan, however, greeted her with a small smile and reassured her that it was no bother.

"Did I keep you waiting for a long time?" she asked, taking a seat opposite him.

"It's fine. I just got here myself," he replied, handing her the menu. "Take a look and see what you'd like."

As they perused the menu, the topic turned to beverages. Chaewol inquired about Haechan's coffee preferences, to which he nodded affirmatively. When asked about her own preferences, she shrugged, admitting, "Mmm, I'm more of a tea person."

Haechan, intrigued, questioned her aversion to coffee. Chaewol, with a playful nose scrunch, explained, "No offense to coffee enthusiasts, but it tastes like actual hell to me. I really like coffee-flavored candy and cake, though. I think the main problem for me is that it's just so bitter."

Amused by her candor, Haechan shared a chuckle and suggested, "You should meet Jaemin; that kid inhales coffee like air." Continuing the discussion, he pointed out, "But if you think about it, isn't tea also bitter?"

After a thoughtful pause, Chaewol replied, "I suppose? But in my defense, it isn't as bitter as coffee and it tastes better."

Curiosity lingered in their conversation, with Haechan probing, "What's your favorite tea, then?"

"Peach tea, but milk tea has got to be the winner. What about you?" she inquired.

"I drink a lot of milk tea as well. My friend Renjun is also crazy about tea and has packets and packets of it at home."

Eager to delve into specifics, Chaewol asked, "What's your go-to milk tea order?" Without hesitation, Haechan answered, "Taro milk tea."

"We need to go and get milk tea together someday," she suggested, to which he replied with a warm smile, "That sounds like a plan." Their conversation, sprinkled with laughter and shared preferences, set the tone for a delightful meeting in the cozy coffee shop.

Haechan found himself entranced once more, lost in the depths of his thoughts as he fixated on her captivating smile. The way her red lips and rosy cheeks illuminated her features was unparalleled; he couldn't recall ever encountering someone as stunning as her. Gazing up, he sought to meet her eyes, only to discover that she was already locked onto his.

In that moment, he marvelled at the beauty within her eyes, a beauty that seemed to reflect something deeper. There was just something so extraordinary about the way she looked at him. The more he observed her, the more he found himself captivated by the subtle nuances of her expressions. It was a slow, gradual descent into a realm where admiration metamorphosed into a tender affection that hinted at the prospect of deeper emotions.

As the waiter approached, interrupting Haechans's enchanting reverie, he was brought back to the present moment. The waiter inquired about their drink preferences, and Chaewol swiftly responded, "I want the peach tea, and you Haechan?"

Haechan mirrored her choice with a playful grin, "I would like the same." The waiter nodded and departed after jotting down their orders.

"Didn't you say you li-" Chaewol was cut off by Haechan saying "Well, if I have to get married to you in the future, I need to start liking your preferences too."

Chaewol was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise. Could he really be willing to change his taste for her? The unexpected sentiment struck her, and she couldn't help but break into a genuine smile. Her laughter makes Haechan break into a smile.

As they sipped their peach tea, Chaewol and Haechan discovered a shared love for food, making their conversation more relaxed. Chaewol learned about Haechan's close friends, the Dreamies, and shared stories of her life in Canada.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was time to part. Haechan, previously free, had to return to work for a meeting. Despite enjoying their time together, they said their goodbyes, leaving a sense of anticipation for a future meeting.

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