But What Else Can I Do?

Ships: 2jae, Jinson 

Tags: Fake/Pretend Relationship, Boyfriends, Pre-relationship, strangers to lovers, friends to lovers, Cafe/Bookshop AU, School Reunion, Explicit Gay Sex, Swearing, Alcohol and drinking mentioned, Drunk sex with consent, tinge of angst, ex-girlfriend (that no one likes), Happy endings only in this household 

"But what else can I do?" Jaebeom groaned, sprawling himself out on the bench in exasperation. He started up at the high, old, wooden ceiling, tracing the beams with his eyes. "Go alone" Jinyoung interjected, as Jaebeom's loud voice ruined his calm once more. Jaebeom let out a loud whine of annoyance and sat back up, "I can't, you know that, she'll be there " he hissed, his anger apparent on his face. 

Jinyoung turned his back to him, stacking a shelf with new books. "There's got to be a better option than an escort though" he tutted, still avoiding Jaebeom's gaze. He stood up, stretching tall as he moved to hand the books to Jinyoung who was already climbing a step ladder to reach the higher shelves. "If you've got a better option, lay it on me," he said flailing his arms out dramatically, dropping his body back into the chair lazily.

He should have chosen his words better, at that moment a tall, platinum blonde boy flopped down into his arms, cooing playfully. "You are not a better option. You are a baby" he said shoving him away, but a smile danced on his lips. A loud splutter of laughter erupted nearby as a tall brunette wandered towards them slowly. "The kids are here" muttered Jinyoung, holding his head. 

"Bam-ah come on we have to open!" The taller said, dragging the blonde boy away by his arm. He winked and blew a kiss at Jaebeom as he allowed himself to be dragged to the café counter at the back. Jaebeom sighed, staring at his feet. He watched as the two of them shoved and giggled their way around the counter, preparing for work. Jinyoung had insisted every good book shop should serve coffee and cake too and from then on, they became a family of four, the oldest running the book shop side and the youngest running the café.

He glanced over at them, they were already talking and laughing loudly. Although he found them irritating, they had a certain charm and they gave the place a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Jinyoung climbed down, removing the ladder and Jaebeom followed him out back, like a child glued to their mother's side.

"I really don't know what else to do" he groaned. "It's two months away. Why don't you try going on an actual date?" Jinyoung suggested, shrugging unhelpfully. Jaebeom screwed his face up in response causing Jinyoung to laugh hysterically, he brought his hand up to cover his face as he did. "If an actual date with a stranger disgust you, how, pray tell, are you going to see an escort?" he asked, hitching his eyebrow up as he did, smiling teasingly.

"Hmmmph" he muttered and turned away leaving Jinyoung laughing to himself in the storeroom. He stormed grumpily down to the café, the two youngest had sat down at a nearby table and were doing odd arm movements, nearly smacking each other. Probably another stupid internet challenge he thought, as he left a wide gap so as not to get hit as he wandered around and began making himself a coffee.

"What do you need a date for anyway, hyung?" Yugyeom suddenly asked, his back still to Jaebeom as he continued with his weird gestures. "School reunion" he muttered, Yugyeom finally turned to look at him, a clear oversight of his dangerous situation. Bam spun his arms in a circle, smacking Yugyeom in the shoulder. He whined and moaned loudly, his high pitch scream echoing through the old building.