Yoon Jeonghan had always been the angel the world adored-perfect smile, perfect life. But perfection was a mask, and behind it was a secret darker than anyone knew. Stalking had never been part of the plan. Yet here he was, eyes glued to Choi Seungc...
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Joshua didn't often lose his cool. He was, after all, a seasoned flirt. But the second Seokmin walked into the café, his composure unraveled faster than he could catch his breath.
The man was... sunshine, personified. Joshua found himself staring like a complete fool, heart hammering as he took in Seokmin's effortless warmth, that open smile, those bright eyes that crinkled with every grin.
God help me, why is he so... glowy? Joshua thought, almost bitterly, as Seokmin scanned the menu. And why does it feel like he's lighting up the entire place just by standing there?
Swallowing hard, Joshua forced himself to say something. Anything. But his voice sounded too soft, even to his own ears, when he greeted, "Hi there, what can I get started for you?"
Seokmin looked up, meeting Joshua's gaze with a grin that was both innocent and deadly. Sweet. Lord, Joshua's brain screamed, the simping intensifying by the second. This isn't fair. People shouldn't be allowed to look like that.
"Can I get a caramel latte, please?" Seokmin's voice was warm, casual, like he wasn't aware that Joshua was a complete mess on the other side of the counter.
What is this, a romance movie? Joshua internally groaned, heart pounding as he nodded a little too eagerly. Get it together, Josh.
"Coming right up," he managed, channeling every ounce of self-control to keep his voice steady. But the words sounded rough, like he'd just run a mile. Which, internally, he practically had, sprinting through one overdramatic thought after another.
Joshua focused on making the drink, but his mind had other ideas. Look at those hands. His hands could... Joshua Hong, stop it. This is a customer, not your daydream come to life.
But it was impossible to ignore how stunning Seokmin looked, leaning casually against the counter, clearly oblivious to the havoc he was wreaking. Joshua had heard Seungcheol mention a manager named Seokmin a few times, but he hadn't expected him to be this, well... distracting.
"Are you new around here?" Joshua asked, genuinely curious but also hoping to buy more time to admire him. "I haven't seen you before."
Seokmin shook his head. "Oh, no, I usually get my coffee on campus. But I heard about this place, and it's cute." He flashed another bright smile, seemingly unaware of the way it was setting Joshua's pulse ablaze.
Cute? Joshua felt his heart twist. He thinks my café is cute. Which means he thinks I'm cute. Or-does it? His brain looped into a spiral of overanalyzing every single word, and for once in his life, he had no smooth comeback.
"Well, I'm Joshua," he said, trying his best not to sound too invested. "If you ever need coffee, or... anything," he added, cringing internally at how he probably sounded desperate, "just let me know."
Seokmin's smile widened. "Thanks, Joshua! That's really nice of you."
Nice of me? Oh, honey, that's just the beginning. But Joshua couldn't say that, so he smiled instead, praying it looked cool. This guy really has no idea, does he?
Trying to calm himself, Joshua handed over the latte, but before Seokmin could walk away, he found himself blurting, "Actually, can I get your number?"
Idiot, his mind hissed, but the words were out now, no taking them back. "You know, so you can place an order ahead next time," he added quickly, desperately hoping he didn't sound like a creep.
But Seokmin, bless him, didn't even blink. Instead, he beamed, eyes crinkling in that painfully endearing way. "Sure! That would be convenient." He took Joshua's phone, typing in his number without a second thought.
Joshua's heart practically did a victory lap. This is the best day of my life, he thought, watching as Seokmin's fingers moved over his screen. When Seokmin handed the phone back, Joshua glanced at the number, barely suppressing a triumphant grin.
As Seokmin left, waving over his shoulder with that same sunlit smile, Joshua leaned back against the counter, completely dazed. This man has no idea what he's doing to me, he thought, smiling like an idiot as he saved the contact, adding a little sun emoji by Seokmin's name because, really, there was no other way to describe him.
Yeah, Joshua thought, his heart still pounding, I'm in trouble.
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A/N: how are you guys? Are you liking the book so far? Also don't get confused with Joshua's and wonwoo's job wonwoo works at a coffee shop that only sells beverages and Joshua is a cafe owner where both beverages and snacks are sold💗
