New Beginning | Tao vs Chanyeol x Reader

Chapter 15

I whistled to myself as I walked along the street. I had taken the weekend off from socialization and spent my time in my room, reflecting and reading. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about everything that happened at the Pot Luck. But I did know that I was very glad it had happened. I was growing up now and I was going to have to think about the things other than soccer. Although whether or not love was on the list remained to be seen.

I reached Chanyeol’s cafe and sauntered in. The place was even more full than usual. I guess the Pot Luck had been a success after all. I headed right up to the counter, expecting to be greeted as usual. Instead I got a friendly, but very low key greeting.

“Hey, what can I get you?” he asked me.

“I was thinking the usual today.” I replied.

“Coming right up!” he said with a thumbs up. His words were the same, but his demeanor was entirely off. Instead of being over the top and boisterous, he seemed distracted and distant. This wasn’t my best friend.

“What’s wrong?” I asked directly.

“Huh? Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.” he said back.

“Please, fine is the word people use when nothing’s fine at all.” I looked at him. He handed my drink and I took a long sip as I gave him a patient look.

“I suppose I should have known better.” he said.

“Wanna come to the back with me? It’s not exactly something I wanna talk about out here.” he then looked back at me. Now that had my interest peaked. I nodded and followed him.

“So, what’s going on?” I asked again. He turned to me, a worried expression on his face despite his still-sweet smile.

“So you’ve heard about Tao’s apprenticeship right?” he asked.

“Of course. It’s one of the first things I knew about him.” I replied to his question.

“Yeah, well it was me who convinced him to apply for the position. He think he’s not good enough, can you believe that?” he paused a sec and continued, “Anyway, he said he wouldn’t do it unless I applied to this fancy program for bakers.”

He looked at me, “So I did. I knew nothing would ever come of it.” I watched him as he paced back and fort nervously. You’d think I would be used to his stature, but there was something adorable about his worry.

“I’m guessing that has something has happened with that program. That’s what had ants in your pants?” I asked.
“Oh, something happened alright. I just got a letter, they want me to film my creation of several dishes. ANDDDDDD to include ten recipes of desserts I’ve created” he finished.

“Channie! That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!” But I took in the flush to his cheeks and the concerned crease in his forehead. I realized it wasn’t just nerves that was bothering his.

“Alright, what am I missing?” I eyed him narrowed my eyes. He didn’t answer, but that was probably because his upper body was in the fridge. He pulled out a bowl of cookie batter and one of mousse, then helped himself to a spoonful of either. I tried not to giggle.

This was obviously very serious, and I wanted Chanyeol to be happy, but it wasn’t my fault that everything he did was inherently cute.

“It’s in France. I would have to leave everything, if they even want me in. And what are the chances of them wanting me in. I’m literally a self taught nobody with a rinky-dink cafe” he said.

“What does any of that matter?” I asked back. He looked surprised at my blunt answer.

“Everyone here loves your cafe and that’s more important than Four Stars. You love baking so much that you’ve dedicated everything you have to it. You’re not a carbon copy of a famous chef. You’re your own person.”

I gasped for air then continued, “As for leaving the cafe, I’m sure you can find someone reliable to run it for you. You would only be gone for a year or two at most, right?” I asked. His smile was practically big enough to illuminate the whole room.

He put the spoons down and next thing I knew, I was being picked up and hugged. I let myself enjoy the affection and buried my face in his sizable chest and laughed.

He smelled like vanilla, with a hint of caramel to it. It was a good smell, a happy smell.

“I tell ya, I wouldn’t know what I would do without you!” he said as he spun me around.

“Who would think, the mysterious girl would turn out to be best friend with the ex-thug.” I playfully kicked my legs, still bound up in his hug.

I was definitely just enjoying the moment, when my phone let off three buzzes in a row. Chanyeol kindly put me down and I pulled out the device.

*Phone text*

Nana : OMG! I need your help.
Nana : we have a secret.
Nana : A super secret-secret!
Nana : Can you plz come to the dojo?
Nana : I’ll love you forever.

I laughed quietly to myself and texted her back.

Hyaka : I’ll be right there. I’m at the cafe.
Nana : K. See you soon!

“So it looks like I have to go. But you text me if you get down again, okay?” I said to Chanyeol.

“Of course! Pinky swear.” he replied back while letting out his pinky towards me. We link our pinky and laughed.

“Pinky swear!” I cheered. I gave him one last affirming nod, then we went out to the front.