Begin Again

Chapter 3

"I feel so bad. I didn't mean to make you think I left all together. I had a tense phone call that caused me to lose track of time. I'm so sorry." The guilt ate up Jacob seeing the other walk out visibly disappointed, but he was glad to have caught him in time.

Kevin chuckled. He sent a soft, reassuring smile to the other to try to calm him down. "It's okay. I understand. I was worried for a bit thinking you decided to bail, but you're here now and I'm happy."

The last part of his statement sent a blush through Jacob's face. He giggled. A silence fell upon the boys. It had gotten a lot colder out and Jacob regretted not bringing a jacket along with. His knit sweater wasn't sufficing.

"Here, have my jacket. You seem cold."

Jacob looked up into the other boy's eyes, his own wide with surprise. "Oh no, I couldn't do that to you. You'll be cold, as well."

Kevin shakes his head, "No, seriously. I just got out of an overheated building. I'm perfectly fine right now and you need it more than I do." Kevin cooed at the older in his head, finding his selflessness to be adorable.

After sending a small thank you to the other, Jacob graciously takes the light jacket and wraps it around his own shoulders, already feeling a difference in the temperature.

"Looks good on you. Burberry models, watch out." Kevin jokingly commented, while admiring him in the jacket. He did mean some truth to his words, though. No other model could come close to comparing to the older's beauty. Jacob was breathtaking.

The two laugh and continue on their way. The cafe eventually comes into view and Jacob sighs in relief. They could get out of this annoying cold once and for all.

"What's your usual when you go to coffee shops?" Kevin asks after a moment of comfortable silence.

"Oh, um, I usually get hot chocolate. I'm not too big on coffee." Jacob replies, a blush coating his already rosy cheeks. Many people thought it was childish of him to order that, including his boyfriend, so he rarely got it. Although, with Kevin, he felt he wouldn't be judged for it.

"That's always a good go-to. You can never go wrong with a classic. This place makes a salted caramel hot chocolate around this time of year. You have to try it, it's so delicious!"

Kevin grabs ahold of the younger's hand and pulls Jacob along down the sidewalk. They finally find themselves in front of a small, rustic entrance that made them feel welcomed instantly.

When they entered, they walk up a small set of stairs into a room filled with maps, some art pieces, and old newsprints scattered all over the wood-like walls. Couches mainly scattered the place to give it a more homey feeling, along with the color theme being warm neutrals.

"I'll go order, you find a spot to sit." Kevin announces softly to the older, still feeling proud to show off one of his favorite coffee places.

Before Jacob could protest about the other paying, Kevin was already standing in front of the main counter. It didn't bother him that the other was paying, but he didn't want the younger to feel like he had to.

Finding the perfect couch near a window, Jacob collapses into the warmth that the couch had after basking in the autumn sun. His mind immediately began to reminisce what had happened all day and how it was filled with so many ups and downs. Jacob was very grateful for the distraction that the younger gave him. He really didn't want to deal with his boyfriend when he got back home because then it would just lead to the continued, stressful arguments. For now, he was just going to focus on Kevin, happy for this new found friendship.

"One salted caramel hot chocolate for a Mr. Jacob Bae." Jacob giggles at this and takes the drink from the younger's hand while the other takes a seat beside him.

"So, I want to know more about you. How do you like your eggs in the morning? Are you a dog or a cat person? Or neither? It's okay to be neither, but it would be better if you were an animal person. Unless you aren't, then I'm okay with that, too."

Jacob giggles again at the rambling boy, finding his presence to be comforting and exciting all at once. Kevin smiles at this. He really loves hearing the other laugh. It brings butterflies into his stomach and makes him feel light.

The two continued their conversation, discovering more about each other and just getting lost in the moment. Jacob didn't want to have to leave this moment when the time came to depart. Apart of him even wanted to just go home with the other instead of retreating back to his own abode, but that would mean running even longer away from his problems.

This was real life and Jacob knew he had to eventually face his boyfriend. He hated the thought of the confrontation, it scared him.

The time went by too quickly for either of the two's liking, but both knew it was time to part ways.

"I'll walk you back to your car."

Jacob shook his head, "Thank you, but I walked here."

"Oh! Then, I'll drive you home!"

"No, really it's fine I want to walk."

"Then, I'll walk you home. I could use the exercise."

Jacob hesitated, a sad and disappointed look covering his face, as well as filling his gut. "My boyfriend wouldn't be too happy about that, but I really appreciate your offer."

Kevin's stomach drops, "Oh, you have a boyfriend? Okay, no problem. I'll back off."

Jacob opens his mouth to clarify the situation, but he couldn't seem to get a word out. He watches Kevin's retreating figure leave his side.

Jacob wanted so desperately to stop the boy, but he didn't know what to say. The feeling of guilt filled his stomach. Another person he's let down today. Except, maybe Jacob wanted things to be right with Kevin and maybe he wanted to be with Kevin instead.

Maybe in another life. Maybe we can try then.