Our Struggles | A Jeongcheol story

Jeonghan

The restaurant had become my favorite retreat. Since our first visit, it had felt like a hidden gem, a sanctuary away from the chaotic pace of my daily life. Seungcheol's place was more than just a restaurant—it was a warm, inviting haven where I could unwind and enjoy good food and company. The charm of the place, the quality of the food, and the friendly atmosphere made it a comforting escape.

On this particular day, I was looking forward to the lunch shift. Joshua and Seungkwan were with me again, taking advantage of Seungkwan's school break. We walked into the restaurant, greeted by the familiar and welcoming sight of Seungcheol at the counter. His smile was as bright as ever, and it had become a small part of my daily routine to exchange a few words with him whenever we visited.

"Hey, Jeonghan!" Seungcheol called out, his eyes lighting up as he saw us. "It's great to see you again. How's everything going?"

"It's going well, thanks," I replied, smiling back at him. "I'm really enjoying my days off. This place has been a fantastic escape."

Seungcheol chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that. It's always nice to know people appreciate the little things we do here."

As Joshua and Seungkwan settled into a booth, I watched Seungcheol move around the restaurant with a sense of ease and confidence. There was something soothing about his presence, an aura of calm and competence that made the place feel even more like home.

The lunch rush had a pleasant rhythm today, and I found myself enjoying the familiar banter with Seungcheol as he occasionally stopped by our table to check on us. As the meal went on, I couldn't help but notice how Seungcheol seemed to be stealing glances in my direction, his usual casual demeanor replaced by a slightly more reserved but attentive presence.

When the lunch crowd had thinned out, Seungcheol approached our table with a thoughtful look on his face. "Jeonghan, can I talk to you for a moment? Away from the table?"

Curiosity piqued, I nodded and followed him to a quieter corner of the restaurant. My heart raced a bit, unsure of what to expect. Seungcheol had always been friendly, but there was a new, slightly nervous edge to his behavior today.

"So, um," he began, rubbing the back of his neck with an awkward but endearing gesture, "I've been meaning to ask you something. I know this might be a bit forward, but I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime. Like, on a date?"

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, I was stunned. My mind raced through a flurry of emotions—surprise, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of happiness. I hadn't expected this, but the idea of spending more time with Seungcheol felt incredibly thrilling.

A wide grin spread across my face as I looked at him. "Are you serious? I'd love to! I've actually been hoping you'd ask."

Seungcheol's expression softened, and he let out a relieved chuckle. "Really? That's great to hear. I was worried I might have come off as too forward."

"No, not at all," I said, my excitement barely contained. "I've really enjoyed our conversations and this place, and getting to know you better sounds wonderful."

He smiled, a mix of relief and joy evident on his face. "I'm glad. How about this Saturday? We could go to that new Italian place downtown. I hear it's pretty good."

"That sounds perfect," I agreed, feeling a rush of anticipation. "I'm looking forward to it."

Seungcheol's smile broadened, and he nodded. "Great. I'll make a reservation. Thanks for saying yes, Jeonghan. It means a lot."

We returned to the table where Joshua and Seungkwan were waiting. As I took my seat, I couldn't help but feel a giddy excitement bubbling inside me. The restaurant had become more than just a comfort zone; it was now a place where something new and promising was beginning.

Joshua raised an eyebrow at my expression. "You look pretty happy. Everything okay?"

"Everything's great," I said, unable to hide my grin. "Seungcheol just asked me out on a date."

Seungkwan's eyes widened with genuine excitement. "That's awesome! I hope it goes well."

I laughed, feeling a warm glow of happiness. "Thanks. I'm sure it will."

As we finished our meal and prepared to leave, I glanced back at Seungcheol, who was busy preparing for the evening shift. The thought of our upcoming date filled me with anticipation, and I couldn't wait to see where this new chapter would lead.

Walking out of the restaurant, I felt a sense of contentment and hope. The restaurant had truly become a special place for me, and with Seungcheol's invitation, it was clear that it was about to become even more significant.

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I have to go to sleep early... so second update today i think

Why do i feel like this shit is going bad

-published 19/08/2024-