Stay Stay Stay ||Choi Yeonjun||

10

Cafe 'Honeysuckle' was named after Hana's favourite flowers. The night of its opening was particularly engraved in the mazes of my mind. It was nearly midnight when the last of our college friends left and we returned to Jaehan and Hana's tiny apartment for our own tiny celebration.

We had all sprawled over the sofas drunk off of the cheapest alcohol, Hana totally out in Jaehan's loving embrace. Watching the two lovebirds I hadn't realized when sleep stole me. It was in the early wee hours of dawn when the clock showed half past three, I was woken up from my slumber. Bleary - eyed, I was disoriented but I was snug against Jake, his fingers buried in my hair. He was drawing soothing circles which had soon lulled me back to sleep.

It had always surprised me that the only thing I remembered was this tiny detail, his soothing touch indented in my mind, because I had one of the worst hangover the next day.

Of course Cafe 'Honeysuckle' went on to become a core part of our lives, witnessing many birthdays, anniversary, and other tiny celebrations full of love. I had known every nook and corner of this little soulful cafe.

But as I stood there, beside Mr. Choi, I felt dissonant. I felt so cut off from that old me I was almost hesitant to enter. However, this time I got to see the place with a different perspective. Mr. Choi guided me to his 'favorite' table, which was actually at a little corner.

"I like sitting here cause I can see almost anyone, but they couldn't see me. I'm an obscure observer. "

We soon ordered two plates of Omurice and iced teas. As we waited for the food, Mr. Choi rested his elbows and looked out. I waited for a beat because I thought he looked like he was about to say something. But he changed his decision at the last moment, instead opting to look away.

"What do you like to do in your free time? "

He looked startled and then sheepish, fidgeting with the cuff of his shirt.

"I... dance..? "

"Oh woww! That was so unexpected. But nice. I would definitely like to see it! "

"No, no.. Okay maybe, someday. Only you and Hueningkai know so.. I kinda would prefer it that way.. "

"Gotcha! "

He let out a small smile at that. We sat there beaming at each other. Until he looked away again, pondering on something.

" What do you like to do? Other than designing, of course. "

"Hmm... I love singing. I used to sing a lot in high school and college. Also.. Oh! I love watching romcoms! And definitely painting. I love art."

"I would love to hear you sing, too..."

"Maybe one day... "

Of course Yeonjun wouldn't blabber, but tonight he talked a lot. To others it might not seem a lot, but to me it almost seemed everything. I was getting to know the enigma of a man I had been wondering about these last months. To be honest, it was from the first day, the day when I walked in for the interview. Mr. Choi left a delectable impression, a sharp contrast to most men I met. He was calm and patient, understanding and thoughtful. He wasn't arrogant or rude, just because he was the boss. And now and then his humour peeked out with a quick joke or a subtle sarcastic remark.

The waitress came and placed our dishes. We were about to dig in, when a familiar baritone called out my name. Jaehan was almost bounding in our direction. Reaching our table, he didn't stop but almost pulled me out of my seat and into his arms.

"Dumpling! Why didn't you tell me you'll come today? Did you have to wait? I came as quickly as I could! "

"I didn't know we were coming here... I just, I didn't know you would be here—"