Jinki and Mari became closer after meeting for five months. Slowly, they became more open to each other.
He would always go visit her during his free times; his alibi never changed, 'I just wanted to read some books and have some tea.' But to be honest, he will sit in at the pastry shop just to peek at her and admire her from afar.
Although some customers recognize him, he would always say that he just didn't like hanging out on his own shop and liked the taste of the pastries served there.
In which regular customers thought so too.
It was reposeful for him. Savoring his cup of tea which is usually made by the one he likes, reading books across the grimacing cold weather, and a perfect front figure of his lovely calf love.
However, something felt inadequate; he found himself feeling discontentment when he shouldn’t. He tried to ignore it but he couldn't. He knew that he wanted it somehow in his heart but he never wished to cross the line.
He wanted more about their relationship.
He wanted for her to be officially his; to exchange sweet words with him; he wanted to caress her face and look at her in the eyes; he wanted to hold her hand, hug her, and tell her every day that he loves her.
But of course, he does not have the courage to do so.
So he decideded to be contented.
Even if he clearly wasn't.
"Jinki-ssi!" Mari called while shaking him lightly. He fell asleep while waiting for the shop to close down for that day. Apparently, once in a while, he would offer to send her home. Mari would always try to disagree but Jinki would insist.
Even if it guilts Mari that Jinki is always so tired yet he would choose to hang out at her shop, it made her happy.
Her mood would always change in a heartbeat with the sight of Jinki in the doorstep of the pastry shop. She could enthusiastically work without feeling tired. His bare presence vitalizes her to the fullest.
She wanted more about them too. She wanted to do things that couples do. However, she's scared that what Jinki shows her are nothing but false hopes. Maybe he wasn't really into her; maybe he's just good in nature.
To be honest there are times that good guys are harder to read. They are more likely to give girls some false hopes.
"Did I fall asleep?" He said as he rubs his eyes. "I'm sorry." He stretched a little then tapped his cheek. He actually woke up at 5AM to attend his vocal coaching class. He's starting to take up that carreer for his future. Although his pitch goes wrong at times, he would still make a good teacher.
Maybe.
"It's okay. You shouldn't have waited for me." She felt apologetic towards him. He looked exhausted but he would always wait for her to end the day.
"I'm doing this in my own accord, Mari-ssi. You don't need to worry." He flashed a smile on her and unconciously, Mari reached for his cheek and softly pinched it.
Jinki didn't miss the deed. It startled him in a very good way. He felt energized and his soul was awakened by that action. "Thank you." Mari almost whispered but loud enough for Jinki to hear.
And make his heart beat uncontrollably hard.
_______________________
One afternoon at the pastry shop;
Jinki just finished his classes and the shop isn't that busy. It was 3PM and almost nobody visited the shop. They sat across each other and read some book.
Clang.
The pastry shop's bell rang signalling there's a new customer to serve. "Welcome." Mari left herr seat and bowed respectfully.
"Hey. Do you offer some coffee here? I need some badly." She looked desperate and Mari felt the urgency in her voice.
"I'm sorry ma'am but we only serve teas and pastries." She quickly bowed and apologized.
The customer sighed and flees out of the shop. Same goes for Mari, she sighed and settled back at her seat. Jinki watched her eyes, full of wories.
"What's wrong?" He finally got to say a word after some time.
"I need a barista. She's the fifteenth customer who asked for coffee this week." She pointed out.
Jinki witnessed it. Why do people of this country love coffee so much?
"We should post ads in the internet. Or maybe some job agency would be able to help you in finding one." Jinki suggested. Mari just shook her head off "There are part timers but it's the same shift with Joohyun because they are all students. I don't need that much of helper at one time. I need a full timer so the shop would also be able to serve coffee whole day."
After quite some time, someone came in; a good-looking young man whose hair is longer than a normal guy's. It felt like he was a band member or something.
"Anyeonghaseyo. Welcome to-" Mari's greetings were interupted by him.
"Do you hire baristas? I want to apply if you do."
And no, Jinki's first impression of him wasn't that good.
(A/N: sorry for these short paragraphs and update. I wrote this on my phone thinking it was long and good enough. I'll be more cautious from now on ^^~)
