𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 // Jihan

thirteen

"YOU DID WHAT?" Seungkwan yelled.

"Shut up! You'll wake up mom!" Jeonghan whispered.

"You did what? You went with a stranger to a karaoke place?! You never wanted me to go with you!" Kwan was offended. He had always wanted to accompany his brother to a karaoke place, but now he heard Jeonghan went with a stranger?

"I'm too embarrassed to face him now! I even cried in front of him the other day... My life is such a mess!" he groaned.

"Look, it's been a week since you started working. You barely get any sleep or free time. Why don't you change your schedule or take a vacation? It might be better for you" the younger brother hugged the older one.

"You're not wrong, Kwan. But I really want to help our family. Mom is always upset with me for not making enough money. If I close my shop for a while, things will get worse! I have no customers in the evening except for that boy Joshua. So, I do have free time," Jeonghan explained, his determination to support his family evident.

"I understand, Jeonghan. It's your choice, and if you think it's best, then do it."

"Thanks for understanding. Now, I have to get dressed." he said, preparing for his day.

"Okay, I have to head to university early today too! Good luck!" Seungkwan squeezed the older one's cheek and left for his car.

Jeonghan smiled and got dressed, making his way to his coffee shop.

Upon arrival, he found two young boys waiting at the door.

"Hello? Are you waiting for the shop to open?" Jeonghan asked softly.

"Yes! Are you the owner? Please open! We love your coffee, and hurry, we have to go to school after this!" the taller boy said.

"You drink coffee at school?" Jeonghan raised an eyebrow.

"Ah! Yes, we do. Our mom doesn't know, though. Please don't tell her!" the shorter boy pleaded.

"How could I tell her if I don't even know her?" Jeonghan chuckled, preparing two cups of coffee. "Here you go! Have fun!" he smiled.

"Thanks! Have a nice day!" the boys said.

It was a pleasant surprise to see two kids eagerly waiting for Jeonghan's coffee shop to open. It brightened his day.

***

"Look, I know you hate him, but at least give me some advice!" Joshua said, following Seungcheol into the kitchen.

"You're reminding me of him, and that annoys me." Seungcheol replied.

"But wait, why do you even want to make amends with him when he's my crush? You don't like him, right?" Joshua asked.

"I don't. You already know who my crush is" he said, clearly annoyed.

Joshua actually didn't knew who it was, but he didn't say anything. "Then why are you acting like this? You don't have feelings for him!"

"That was in the past. I just want to know that he doesn't hate me. That's all. But he does, so how do you expect me to feel? Happy? Grow up, Joshua." Seungcheol looked at the younger boy with a stern expression.

"Tell me why you want him to forgive you, and I'll leave!" Joshua crossed his arms.

"Just get out of my house. I've had enough."Seungcheol said calmly.

"Give me a reason why you want him to forgive you, and I'll go!" Joshua insisted.

"Fine." Joshua said, rolled his eyes and left the house.

Why was Seungcheol acting this way? It was so perplexing. Only God knew what was happening.

***

In the evening, Jeonghan knew that no customers would come except for Joshua, so he patiently waited.

He felt delighted to know that Joshua consistently visited his shop. He understood that the more often Joshua came, the better it was for his business. No, he wasn't using him for money, but he was genuinely happy that Joshua liked his place.

To pass the time, he even played some music, hoping it might bring Joshua in sooner. What a strange idea, but yeah.

He waited for one hour. No one. He waited for another hour. Still, no one. Then, almost miraculously, someone finally arrived.

***