Black Rose ~ A Taemin Fic Pt. 2

Chapter 20

   I woke the next morning to a phone call. Eyeing the unknown number, I hesitate for a moment, wondering if it's a stalker or something. Finally, I pick it up. "Hello?"

    "Yuki!" squeals a high voice. Sohyun. "You're up, great. Hey, what do you say you and I get brunch?"

    My eyes softly close as I picture Sohyun and I out in public, disguised and drinking coffee together. Adam eyes me from the foot of the bed, his eyes still droopy. I have to think quickly though, which leads me too–

    "Yeah sure. Give me 30 minutes."

    "Sweet! I'll see you soon!" Hanging up, a text pops up from a new profile that lists the cafe south of where I am.

     I pull myself out of bed, hopping in the shower quickly before choosing appropriate attire. I end up going with a black baseball cap paired with a white crewneck and black skirt. Slipping on a pair of sneaker, I leave the house to find my driver waiting for me. The drive is quiet, but my thoughts are loud. My thumbs twiddle the entirety of the time.

     When we do reach the spot, the driver parks in a space in the back before helping me out. I feel better knowing that he's following me as I round the edge of the building towards the front. It's not so busy in this area outside of downtown. The suburb would usually be bustling with activity, but it's a Sunday. I keep my head lowered as well as throw on a mask. Eyeing the sidewalk before, I tilt my head to the side to read the sign of the cafe only two doors down from the corner pharmacy where I stand.

     I start the walk there, just when I catch sight of her. She doesn't have to cover up as much as me, but she's also wearing a cap, only her slim arms and legs are exposed in an all white tennis outfit that matches her form perfectly. She's talking to a man, a man wearing a mask, beanie, and an all-black outfit to cover every inch of skin.

     She smiles at something he says, the two conversing further as I slow my walk towards them. Suddenly, she whips her head to find me. Waving, the mysterious guy bows before waving her off and hurrying away from us.

      "Hey! Sorry, I was just talking with an old friend I ran into," she points back, her eyes then landing on the menu taped to the window. "Have you been here before?" She points. "I hear they have good coffee."

     "I have not," I manage, eyeing the menu briefly before opening the door for myself. She follows behind me, her head whirling back to my bodyguard standing outside the establishment. "Taemin has guards following you around?" She snorts, bowing to the hostess and she seats us in the semi-crowded space. I pull off my mask but keep my hat on. 

     "We agreed it was a necessary precaution. Y'know, with everything that happened last year and us being together." I sit down, my back facing the display window where the guard stands.

      Sohyun nods once, peeking behind me to get one last look at him. "At least he's handsome," she chuckles mostly to herself before picking up the menu. "Order whatever you want; it's on me."

    My fingers carefully pick up the pink menu, but my eyes stay on the dancer. "Why did you call me to meet here?" I ask, her eyes flying up to catch my stare.

    Snorting another laugh, she says, "Why not? We've never formally hung out outside of practice. I dunno, I also thought it'd be a nice treat before Taemin gets back tomorrow."

    Tomorrow. 'That's right,' I think, my stomach flipping in both excitement and nervousness.

    "God, you must be so excited. How's married life anyways? I mean, I know you two haven't had a lot of time left but," she coaxes on with her hand, the waitress arriving to get our drink order. "Oh! Can I get the raspberry scone with a chai latte?"