Coffee Shop

• 12 •

"So, how's life?" Jun's smiling face lit up my phone screen as I sat back on Mr. Paul's chair, guarding the shop on a Monday morning. I could almost hum at my brother's question, because, well, how was my life? It was great.

See, Brian's plan of a "day by day" turned into a "week by week," and before I knew it, a month had passed. I spent my nights tangled in Brian's arms—at least, I did when I could. And when morning would come and he needed to leave, I'd pout like a sad puppy as I watched him walk out of my front door.

"Yo, Bubbles," Jun laughed as he tried to grab my attention, "you're glowing."

A car zoomed by on the street outside. I watched it honk at a person trying to cross the street before I looked back at my phone. "Am I?" I asked Jun as I giggled. "I mean...."

"What is it?" Jun was leaning against his car steering wheel. We'd made it a habit to talk before he clocked into work. "Tell your big bro what's up."

"Well..." Brian and I never put "relationship" over whatever it was we were doing, so I couldn't just tell Jun, "Oh, hey, I have a boyfriend now."

Besides, I didn't like the idea of possibly being attached to Brian's arm like a golden trophy. Not that I thought he'd do it, but that was the sort of thing Mario would do... and it left a sour taste in my mouth. Being paraded around like some collectible doll... I'm not an object.

"Earth to Kay?"

Brian's perfect anyway.

"Hellooo?"

He wouldn't do anything like that. I trusted Brian. And that's why I didn't question his phone calls or the night he wouldn't come upstairs. Everyone had issues, secrets, and I told myself to take Rianne's advice; just leave it all alone.

Because he's a great guy. Can't let his past define him.

"Yes?" Glancing back at my phone, giving Jun my full attention. "Life's great. Really great. Fun. Lively."

Jun's brows shot up high. "Sis," he said, laughing, "who's the guy?"

My jaw dropped, and my mouth hung open. Was it that obvious? I could've been glowing because of the sunlight outside. The reflections from passing cars. But... "A guy?"

Jun pursed his lips, amused. "Kay."

The shop's door opened, the little bell dinging over its top. Moving my phone aside, I looked up, ready to greet the person who had walked in. But my expression changed from the chipper customer service smile to a grin, one that spread ear to ear.

"Brian."

Brian smiled at me as he stood in front of the counter. His white tee absorbed the sunlight, making him angelic, in a way. And of course, his eyes absorbed the light, too. When he looked around the shop, at the shelves lined with snacks and canned goods, I couldn't help but swoon.

And Jun, still waiting on our video call, called to me, "Hello, Kay? What's going on?"

I fumbled for a second, looking at Brian as his eyes met mine. I reached for my phone like an awkward teen and quickly turned to hide it. Bringing it to my face, I looked at Jun on the screen and whispered, "The guy is here."

"Oh?" Jun's eyes widened as he tried to look around me. I fought to hide my surroundings, keeping just my face in view. Jun couldn't help but laugh, "Can't I say hi?" he asked. "I'm your brother."

"I know, I know," I whispered. Behind me, I heard Brian approach the counter. "But, but, you know, I—"

"Who's that, Kay?" Brian's voice, polite yet amused, was close to my ear. I turned my face just enough to see he'd leaned over the counter to look at the phone. And because I'd moved, he had a clear view of the screen, and Jun could see his face. Waving at my brother, Brian said, "Hey."