𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 // Jihan

forty-three

Jeonghan was once again dancing to Seventeen songs.

It was past 9 pm, and he showed no signs of leaving. He was completely engrossed in singing and dancing.

As I mentioned, he was so absorbed in his performance that he didn't even notice when someone entered the cafe.

"THIS IS MY SONG!" Jeonghan shouted as 'To You' started playing. He threw himself into an enthusiastic dance, lost in the music.

You should've seen his reaction when he finally realized that someone was sitting at one of the tables.

"What the heck?! This place is-"

"Closed. You should go." Joshua interrupted him.

Jeonghan gasped. Why had Joshua returned? He had been so content these past months. Why was Joshua re-entering his life?

"What do you want this time? I don't like you. Please leave. I won't let you ruin my life!" Jeonghan said with an annoyed expression.

"Just keep dancing. I just want to watch you." Joshua replied.

"Now what? Do you think I'm listening to you? Pathetic. Just leave already!"

"Did you even realize that today marks one year since you started your job here? Of course not. I had to remind you." Joshua said with a smile.

"Nice joke. Ha— Wait, what? How do you know that?" Jeonghan asked, his frown deepening.

"How could I forget the day when I promised to change your life? The day we first met." Joshua said as he got up and moved closer to Jeonghan.

"Don't make any moves. And stop being romantic, you're talking to a wall."

Jeonghan thought he had cleverly rebuffed Joshua. Joshua just chuckled, his smile growing wider.

"You're so cute. I can't resist your words."

"Then just leave me alone if you can't resist them! It's easy."

"Did you wear the shoes I got you for Christmas?
I don't see you wearing them." Joshua said, glancing down at Jeonghan's feet.

"Did you think I liked them? Of course not. I gave them to Seungkwan."

"I know that's not the case, Jeonghan. Besides, Seungkwan has larger feet than you. Nice try!" Joshua laughed.

"Are you spying on me? Just tell me what you want. Don't drag this conversation out." Jeonghan said, avoiding eye contact by looking away.

"You wanted me to leave earlier, and now you want me to tell you what I want? Soon you'll be asking me to kiss you..." Joshua grinned.

"STOP TALKING! Just go. I don't like you." Jeonghan pouted.

"Don't disgust yourself. I only wore them today." Joshua replied as he got down on his knees.

"WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! DON'T PROPOSE TO ME, I'M NOT READY YET—"

"Propose? I wanted to give you these!" Joshua handed Jeonghan a pair of shoes, the very ones he had lost on Christmas.

"Oh- Forget everything. Thanks for the shoes. But how do you have them?" Jeonghan asked, confused.

"Magic, I think?" Joshua smiled. Why did Jeonghan jump to the conclusion of a proposal? And why had he said he wasn't ready?

"Okay, thanks for everything. Now, please go because I need to head home too."

But Joshua took his hand and pulled him closer.

Jeonghan blushed, unsure of how to react. He had roasted Joshua just minutes ago, and now this?

"You know that nobody comes to your cafe after 7 pm. I'm the only one who does. If you're still here, that means you were waiting for me. So I think it's better if you keep that little mouth of yours shut!" Joshua teased.

"What if I don't?" Jeonghan raised an eyebrow and looked directly into Joshua's eyes.

"Why are you acting like this now? You told me to leave earlier."

"Who said I like you? I'm just messing with you! Don't fall for me too hard, you'll regret it."

"I've never seen this side of you before... Since when have you been like this?" Joshua smiled, gazing at Jeonghan's lips.

"I don't know. You know what? I hate you."

Jeonghan leaned in and pressed his lips against Joshua's. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Joshua's neck.

Joshua was taken aback by the sudden kiss. He had never expected this turn of events, but since he had a chance, he decided to make the most of it.

Joshua kissed him back and took the opportunity to be the one to introduce tongue into the kiss.

If Seungkwan had been there, he would've been flabbergasted because that kiss was better than anything he had seen in movies.

"What are you doing?" Joshua asked in a low voice after a brief pause.

"You like me now, don't you?" Jeonghan inquired.

"I do. Do you?"

"This time, I do too." Jeonghan smiled.

War was over. They finally liked each other after a year. Joshua had finally found the happiness he deserved, and Jeonghan had someone who genuinely loved him.

"I love you." Joshua whispered.

Jeonghan giggled and maintained some distance.

"Let me change my uniform first. You can wait for me here." he said.

***