“You’re a great friend you know.” He broke some cold sweat as he nervously laughed while saying this. Boy, didn’t you know this was the worst move you have done in your life?
Mari nodded with disappointed heart. Feeling friend zoned just after that heartwarming speech which made her heart jump for only God knows how many times. “Yeah, you are too.” She tried to sound as natural as she can. It was heartbreaking for her since it was already him who claimed that it was just some mere friendship; nothing less, nothing more.
Maybe I was asking for too much. Maybe I should feel contented of what we are right now. She thought.
On the contrary, Jinki was regretting it. He wondered why he had to lie. It just rolled off his tongue thoughtlessly. Then he remembered that for him to save their current relationship, he had to keep it since he believed that everyone who have great ravenousness about something, never succeed. He’s happy and he can’t put that on the line. If ever Mari rejects him, it’s the end for the two of them.
To wrap it up, he was scared.
The question is: are they really contented? Clearly, they want more but they were scared and never really tried to learn how they actually feel for each other. Both were too busy to just think of how they feel, not how the other feel. If they only tried to look closely on the situation, they would have found the answer long before. They want each other.
And that’s the only thing that should matter.
_________________________
Jinki didn’t attend his lessons the day after. The thought of Minwoo lurking around the café starting that day worries him. That’s why he wanted to keep a good watch in it. He know that it was sort of creepy and stalker like but he didn’t care. He had to watch the two of them closely as he eats his breakfast.
Or maybe even lunch and dinner.
“Jinki-ssi. You came early today.” Mari welcomed Jinki with a smile like nothing happened that night. Actually, they shrugged that conversation off and communicated normally. “Yeah, I had a lot of time.” Lies Jinki, lies. Even if I had a lot of time, I wouldn’t purposely come to a pastry shop at 6:30AM.
“Oh, Ahjussi.” Minwoo poked out his head from the kitchen. “You’re early today.” He blew his gum into a balloon and started chewing again as he came closer to Jinki. “Yeah, it’s already open so I can come right?” he sarcastically smiled at him and proceeded to his seat. “Here’s the menu. Oh wait, I guess you have already memorized this?” Minwoo playfully smirked at him, starting another round of mocking battle.
“Almost.” Jinki acquired the menu off Minwoo’s hands and started scanning it.
Mari sensed the uproaring mockery between the two so she interrupted. "Jinki-ssi. Why won't you try our coffee? Well, you'll be the first one to taste it so please tell us what you think." Jinki nodded and watched the two disappear to the counter where Mari had setup the coffee machine.
He watched them as closely as possible; at how Mari tried to start the machine but failed so Minwoo had to do it for her; at how they both chortled at her 'mistake; at how Mari observed Minwoo as he made the first coffee they will serve; at how it gives off some loving feel.
And he couldn't help but clench his fist in return.
He was jealous but he couldn't do anything about it. To be honest, Minwoo made it real hard for him. He has no right to be jealous, he has no right to get a hold of her or better yet, he has no right to keep her by himself. He knew it was childish and pointless but it is how he truly feels. And he can do nothing about it.
"Here!" Jinki’s sentiments were cut off by Mari serving her the coffee she made with Minwoo. He didn’t want to try it. He wanted to puke just by looking at it. Something that they made together? His feelings were shattered by that thought. He might be overacting or whatnot but, isn’t it right for him to feel overprotective to the one he likes?
Maybe not.
“It’s delicious.” Jinki lied after taking a sip. “I need to leave, Mari-ssi.” He decided that he couldn’t see them together anymore. He knows that Minwoo was interested with her and maybe Mari was too. He’d just hurt himself if he would continue to see such sight.
“Where are you going, Jinki-ssi? You haven’t finished your breakfast yet!” Mari tried to call him but he already stormed off the restaurant. Mari witnessed Jinki’s weird action since Minwoo came in. She had this theory that Jinki might be jealous but what if he’s not? She couldn’t confront him. She couldn’t ask why.
She’s scared she won’t get the answer she wants to hear.
On the other hand, Jinki started the engine of his car, feeling frustrated. His phone rang and found Key on the caller ID. “Hello?” Jinki picked up. “Hyung, it’s been awhile.” Key went to America for a while to do some internship or something and Jinki totally forgot that today was his return.
“Do you have time? Can you pick me up from the airport?” Key inquired. “I’m not really in the mood, Kibum-ah. Can’t Jonghyun or Minho do it for me? or maybe Taemin?”
“They are both busy. Jjong was still sleeping when I called him and he was panicking about going to work while Minho was filming till 3AM so I don’t think I can ask him. I don’t like taking a cab; you know how many things I bring with me when I go abroad. And Taemin..he needs sleep! And besides you're awake now so come and pick me up. Please?” He explained for him although Jinki already know all of these.
“I get it, I’ll be there in 10.” He assured. What else can he do anyway?
