EXO STORIES

Rejected {SeKai}

Following the same setting as the previous story, but this time it's focused on Sehun and Kai.

Sehun's work exists out of making coffee, serving customers, and rejecting a heavily crushing boy.

-

"No, I won't go on a date with you," Sehun said, annoyed as he continued wiping the counter. "But why?" Jongin whined, facing rejection for the umpteenth time. "I'll pay for dinner, it'll be fun."

Repeatedly met with a cold response, Jongin finally decided to give up and walked away. He'd try again tomorrow, as always. Jongin groaned and tugged at his hair in frustration. Why was it so hard to get Sehun to agree to a date? No pick-up line or flattery ever worked, yet it only encouraged Jongin to try harder. He wouldn't give up, not until Sehun agreed.

Once Jongin left, Baekhyun strolled in, chuckling while busy drying the dishes. "You know he likes you. Why not give him a chance? He seems like a nice guy."

Sehun scoffed, continuing his work. He had no intention of going out with Jongin, as he'd made clear each time he was asked. But the older man seemed unbothered, showing up every day.

As expected, Jongin appeared the next day, armed with an extremely cheesy pick-up line, asking Sehun out once again. Sehun looked bored and sighed, repeating the standard answer. This made Jongin frown, leaning on the counter. "Why do you always reject me? It's just a date, what's your issue with me?"

Sehun met Jongin's gaze, placing his hands on the counter. "Because I have no intention of wasting my time with a good-for-nothing playboy who'll treat me like he did everyone else he dated. You're childish, arrogant, selfish. You come here every day, distract me from my work with those stupid pickup lines, and then leave, only to return again. Let me make it clear for the umpteenth time—I'm not interested."

He spat the words out, leaned back, and crossed his arms. Perhaps this would finally discourage Jongin. Sehun watched as realization dawned on Jongin's stunned face.

"Oh..." was all Jongin muttered before he stood up, head hanging low. "I'm sorry for bothering you." Sehun watched him leave, feeling a twinge of guilt. Maybe he shouldn't have lashed out like that. Nevertheless, it was done, and he let it be.

Days passed without Jongin showing up. Initially satisfied, Sehun eventually found himself missing the older man. Missing? What was he thinking?

He shook his head, acknowledging that Jongin's everyday presence had grown on him. It felt like a missing piece of his daily routine. Even Baekhyun noticed after a while, considering it a loss for Jongin not to visit. Sehun responded coldly, as usual, but he couldn't deny a sense of agreement.

Sometimes, Sehun felt bored at work. He'd chat occasionally with Baekhyun or his boyfriend Chanyeol, who frequented the cafe, but he found himself preferring the conversations with Jongin. He couldn't pinpoint when Jongin's crush towards him began.

Maybe it was when they were first paired in class due to their shared passion for dance, or maybe it happened from being the first person to reject Jongin.

Sehun bit his lip, realizing he needed to apologize. He'd given too much thought to rumours and hurt the person who relied on him the most. It was his fault.

Sehun immediately stopped his work. Despite having half an hour left in his shift, he believed Baekhyun could manage the cafe, even in its busy state.

He changed into casual clothes and hurried from the cafe, heading towards Jongin's house. He knew the way from the projects they worked on together, just as Jongin knew where he worked. Soon, he reached Jongin's house, panting from the sprint.

Regaining his composure and steadying his breath, he hesitantly knocked on the door. Initially unanswered, Sehun panicked. What if Jongin wasn't home? Or perhaps he saw Sehun coming and didn't want to talk? 

Just as he was about to knock again, the door swung open, revealing a confused Jongin. "What are you doing here?"

Flustered, Sehun gathered his thoughts. He had a reason for coming.

"Jongin, I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have lashed out like that. You were cheering me up every day and I failed to notice your efforts until you were gone."

Jongin appeared surprised and nodded slowly, prompting Sehun to continue. "I was being selfish, and I apologize for that. I've been thinking about your offers, and you know, going on a date doesn't seem like a bad idea. I wanted to tell you that I..." 

Sehun paused as Jongin raised an eyebrow. "Yes?""

Gathering his courage, Sehun faced Jongin, looking directly into his eyes. "I like you, Jongin. I'm sorry for treating you poorly. I was fed up with the rumours I'd heard about you and went along with them. That was wrong of me..."

Jongin looked taken aback, processing Sehun's words. He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "Well, this is...awkward." Sehun raised an eyebrow, sensing his heartache. "Yeah, you see, I kinda moved on. It was a high school crush that didn't mean much. I didn't expect you to reciprocate. After what you said, I realized my behaviour and started moving forward."

Sehun's heart shattered as Jongin spoke, "I like someone else now..." Jongin looked apologetic, shrugging as if to convey 'don't dwell on it.' Sehun's eyes widened, and he remained silent before clearing his throat. "You're right, it was just a small crush." Jongin bit his lip, "I'm sorry, too bad it went differently." 

Sehun shook his head, "Don't feel sorry, I wasted it after all." Jongin nodded, exchanged a few words, and then closed the door. 

Sehun walked back to the cafe, fighting to maintain his poker face. Tears silently streamed down his cheeks.

"I'm such an idiot..."