Chapter Text
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The soft ding of the café doorbells chimed through the air, blending with the faint hum of indie music and the rich scent of roasted coffee beans. The warm glow of amber lights reflected off the windows, casting a cozy hue over the polished wooden tables and the small vases of daisies decorating each one.
Behind the counter, the barista immediately straightened, his practiced smile appearing the instant the door opened.
“Hi! Welcome to Afterglow!” Jay greeted, voice bright and warm as the morning sun. And Sunoo, the newcomer, swore he felt the same flutter in his chest. He always did.
No matter how many times Sunoo walked into this café, that smile never failed to make his heart skip a beat. Jay probably smiled that way at everyone, he was a barista after all, but to Sunoo, it still felt personal. It still felt like that first day, when he wandered into Afterglow on a rainy afternoon and saw Jay for the first time behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, grin soft and effortless.
“Uh—hi,” Sunoo greeted, his voice coming out quieter than he intended as he reached the counter.
Jay’s eyes immediately flickered with recognition. “Hello! It’s you again. Caramel Macchiato? Or is today a Javachip day? Or today's your ‘I’ll let you pick what to drink’?”
Sunoo laughed, a shy, airy sound that made Jay’s grin widen. He’d been here so often that Jay already had his usuals memorized. “It’s Javachip today,” he replied, sliding the bills across the counter.
Jay accepted the payment with practiced ease, his fingers brushing Sunoo’s briefly, accidentally maybe and turned to the register. The steady beep of the cashier filled the pause before Jay handed over his change with that same sunny smile.
“Thanks,” Sunoo murmured, then usually, he would move to the side, take out his phone, and wait for his name to be called. That was his usual routine, to keep his distance, and act normal. Today's just a normal day. It should be just a normal day.
But who was Sunoo kidding? He knew that today felt different.
Maybe it was the way Jay’s sleeves were rolled up higher than usual, or the faint tune he hummed under his breath while preparing drinks, but Sunoo found himself lingering near the counter instead of walking away. He watched quietly as Jay worked, the movements smooth and practiced, pouring espresso, adding syrup, the rhythmic tap of the metal spoon against the cup.
Every little movement made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t expect, and he had to remind himself to breathe.
It wasn’t unusual for Jay to focus so intently while working, there was something captivating about the calmness in Jay’s expression, the way he bit his lip slightly when he concentrated, the white cloud of steam gently curling around him. Damn, I seriously need to get a grip. Sunoo thought.
When Jay finally placed the finished drink on the counter and called his name, Sunoo almost forgot to move.
“Oh—thank you,” he said, taking the cup with both hands, careful not to let his fingers brush Jay’s again. He managed a small smile before turning away, cheeks slightly pink.
The café wasn’t large, just a few tables near the window, a small shelf filled with mismatched books and succulents, and the faint chatter of students and regulars. It didn’t take long for Sunoo to spot Jake, who was hunched over his laptop, earphones in, a half-eaten slice of cheesecake sitting beside a latte gone slightly cold.
Sunoo walked over and slid into the seat across from him. Jake didn’t even look up as he said, “Are you done flirting with the barista?”
Sunoo let out a small laugh, setting down his drink. “I thought you didn’t see me. You looked busy with your laptop.”
Jake finally glanced up, one eyebrow raised, and deadpanned, “I didn’t. But I heard your voice. You greet him like you’re in a drama scene every time. You were losing your mind last night just because he smiled at you, again, like he does to literally everyone who walks in.”
“Oh, shut up,” Sunoo muttered, stirring his drink to avoid Jake’s amused stare.
“Just ask him out already,” Jake said, exasperated but teasing. “You’ve been pining for him for five months, Sun. Five. Months. Do you know how many drinks I’ve ordered here because of you? I could’ve funded half of this café by now. And just to remind you that five months ago, you don't drink coffee.”
“You’re overreacting.”
“Am I, Sun? Am I really overreacting?” Jake leaned forward, narrowing his eyes.
Sunoo pouted and scratched the back of his neck, looking away. “…No,” he mumbled, because Jake was right. He never liked coffee before.
Back then, the smell alone was too bitter for his taste. He used to wrinkle his nose whenever Jake dragged him into coffee shops, always opting for iced chocolate or fruit shakes instead. But that all changed the day he stumbled into Afterglow and met Jay behind the counter.
Now, he couldn’t even remember the last time he didn’t have a coffee in hand. He learned to tell the difference between a latte and a macchiato, memorized which blends were sweet enough for his liking, and even pretended to enjoy the stronger ones, just so he’d have an excuse to talk to Jay a little longer about his drink suggestion and what he thought about it.
It was ridiculous, really. Falling for a smile so badly that he taught himself to like the taste of something he used to hate. But as Sunoo stirred his drink absently, a faint smile tugged at his lips. Maybe that was what liking someone did to you, it made the bitter feel a little less bitter.
Jake sighed dramatically. “That’s what I thought.”
“But come on, Jake,” Sunoo said, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “Can you blame me? He looks so good, like, too good. Just thinking about talking to him about anything other than my order makes my palms sweat.”
He slumped against his chair, arms crossed. “It’s not easy…”
Jake hummed, picking up his fork and cutting another small piece of cheesecake. He looked up, one corner of his mouth lifting. “Have you ever experienced love at first sight, Jake?” Sunoo asked suddenly, eyes still on his cup.
Jake paused, fork midair. After a beat, he said, “No. Jungwon and I were enemies to lovers.” He said it casually, like it was nothing, before offering the fork toward Sunoo. “Here. Try this.”
Sunoo leaned forward without hesitation, taking the bite. The sweetness of the cheesecake melted on his tongue, but all he could think about was the smile behind the counter and how even after five months, he still hadn’t found the courage to ask for anything other than a cup of coffee.
Jake leaned back in his chair, sipping what was left of his latte before setting it down with a small clink. His eyes flicked to Sunoo, who was still absently tracing circles on his cup lid, lost in thought.
“Did it even come to your mind?” Jake asked suddenly, breaking the short silence.
Sunoo looked up, head tilting slightly to the side. “What is?”
“You know,” Jake said, leaning forward with a knowing grin, “To shoot your shot. To actually ask him out?”
Sunoo blinked, caught off guard. “Uh, yeah,” he replied, his voice uncertain.
Jake arched a brow. “Really? When?”
Sunoo hesitated, fingers fidgeting with the cardboard sleeve of his drink. “Just last night…” he admitted, eyes lowering to his cup. “I—uhm, I’m planning to ask him out before Christmas.”
Jake’s grin widened instantly, his tone dripping with amusement. “Oooh, let me guess—Christmas Eve?”
Sunoo’s eyes darted up, surprised. “How’d you know that?”
“Just a guess,” Jake said, smirking. “That’s so romantic of you, Sun. But what if he’s not free that day?”
Sunoo sighed, slumping a little. “Then there goes my love life, straight down the drain.”
Jake groaned and smacked his palm lightly on the table. “Yah! That’s not how it should work!”
Sunoo chuckled at his friend’s reaction, trying to hide his embarrassment by sipping his drink. “I’m just being realistic,” he mumbled.
“Realistic? No,” Jake said, shaking his head with exaggerated disapproval. “That’s called defeatist thinking, Sun. You’re out here making heart eyes at him for months, and your grand plan is to maybe ask him out if the stars align?”
“Hey, at least I have a plan now,” Sunoo shot back with a playful pout.
Jake’s laughter filled the small corner they occupied, light and teasing. Around them, the café buzzed softly with conversations and clinking cups, but for Sunoo, it all faded into background noise. The only thing clear in his mind was the thought of Jay. His smile, his laugh, and the courage Sunoo swore he’d gather before Christmas came.
Jake leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as if about to deliver a life lecture. “You have to make your plan work, Sun! If he’s not available on that day, then ask when he’s free. Don’t give up so easily. Come on, that’s not how I raised you.”
Sunoo blinked, then let out a laugh, the sound soft and genuine. “Raised me? You’re not my mom or dad.”
Jake rolled his eyes, clicking his tongue. “I know that—just…listen to me, it’ll be worth it.” He flicks Sunoo’s forehead, playful grin betraying the facade of seriousness.
Sunoo raised both hands in surrender, still smiling. “Fine, fine.”
“Good,” Jake said, leaning back with a satisfied hum, crossing his arms like a proud parent. “That’s my boy.”
Sunoo shook his head, amused, then took another sip of his drink to hide the shy smile tugging at his lips. His heart still fluttered at the thought of Jay, how he smiled, how he moved, how Sunoo always felt a little lighter just being near him.
Maybe Jake was right. Maybe it was time to stop just watching from afar and finally do something about it.
Sunoo glanced down at his drink, the ice already melting, and let out a quiet sigh. His heart beat a little faster at the thought of actually talking to Jay, not just about coffee or change or orders.
He lifted his gaze toward the counter, where Jay was laughing softly with another customer, sunlight catching in his hair.
Sunoo smiled to himself.
Maybe it was time.
He just hoped he wouldn’t chicken out when the moment finally came.
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December 1
Today was the day, the day he’d promised himself and Jake that he’d finally ask Jay out. And yet, standing there outside the café’s familiar glass doors, Sunoo’s stomach twisted painfully, as if his nerves had tied themselves into a hundred knots.
For the first time in five months, he didn’t want to go inside. The thought of hearing the bells chime, of seeing Jay’s smile, made his chest tighten, not because he didn’t want to see him, but because he was terrified of what might come after. What if he ruined everything? What if Jay said no?
He glanced down at his phone and checked the date. December 1. The number glowed at him mockingly from the screen. This was it, the day he’d been talking about for weeks, the one he’d promised himself he’d be brave enough for. Once December came, he said, he’d gather every bit of courage left in him and finally ask Jay out.
Sunoo took a deep breath, trying to steady his heartbeat. His palms were clammy, and his reflection on the café window looked paler than usual. He gave himself a little pat on the shoulder and muttered under his breath, “You can do this, Sun. It’s just a date. Haha… yeah, just a date. It’s not like you’re going to ask him to marry you. Just one date, then done.”
But even as he said it, his voice trembled slightly, and the corners of his lips twitched in nervous amusement. Because deep down, he knew this wasn’t just a date for him.
It was the moment he’d been waiting for.
Sunoo took one last deep breath before reaching for the café door handle. The metal felt cold against his clammy fingers. With a shaky exhale, he pushed it open.
The familiar ding of the bells rang out, warm and welcoming, just like always. The comforting scent of roasted beans and caramel syrup enveloped him instantly, and for a brief second, it almost eased his nerves, not until his eyes found Jay behind the counter.
“Hi! Welcome to Afterglow!”
Jay’s voice came out as bright and cheerful as ever, the same tone he used with every customer, but it still sent Sunoo’s heart racing. That smile, the reason he’d come here almost every day for months.
Sunoo froze near the entrance, clutching the strap of his bag like it was the only thing keeping him upright. His mind screamed at him to move, to walk up to the counter, to say something, but his feet felt glued to the floor.
Jay’s eyes flickered in recognition when he saw him. “Oh! You’re here early today,” he said with a grin, already reaching for a cup. “What will be the pick today?”
Sunoo blinked rapidly, forcing his lips into a small, awkward smile as he finally made his way to the counter. “Y-you choose please.”
Jay chuckled softly at his stammering. “Got it,” he said, turning to prepare the drink. His movements were so smooth, so natural, Sunoo had watched him do this countless times, yet right now, every second felt amplified.
The hiss of the espresso machine filled the air. Sunoo’s fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sweater as he watched Jay work. He tried to steady his breathing, mentally repeating you can do this, you can do this, like a mantra.
When Jay finally set the drink down on the counter, Sunoo’s name written neatly on the cup, he looked up with that same gentle smile that had started it all. “Here you go,” Jay said, handing it over. “Extra whip cream, just how you like it.”
Sunoo accepted it carefully, his fingers brushing against Jay’s for a fleeting second that sent warmth shooting up his arm. His mouth went dry, and before he could stop himself, he blurted out, “Jay, I—uh…”
Jay tilted his head slightly, curious. “Hmm?”
Sunoo swallowed hard, his heart thundering so loudly it drowned out the café noise around them.
‘Come on, Sunoo. This is it.’
He took a shaky breath, eyes flicking between the cup in his hands and Jay’s expectant gaze. “I was wondering if maybe… if you’d want to go out sometime?”
The words finally left his mouth, barely a whisper but enough to make Jay’s eyes widen slightly in surprise.
As soon as the words slipped out of his mouth, Sunoo’s heart stopped.
Jay blinked, lips parting slightly in surprise. The brief silence that followed felt like an eternity.
And suddenly, panic surged through Sunoo’s chest.
“I—uh, I mean—forget it,” he stammered, his voice cracking as his brain screamed ‘what did you just do?!’ “It’s nothing! I just—haha—yeah, never mind!”
Jay blinked again, brows knitting together in confusion. “Wait, what?”
But Sunoo was already shaking his head, clutching his drink like it was a lifeline. His pulse pounded in his ears, and his face burned hot enough to rival the steam from the espresso machine.
“Thanks for the drink!” he blurted, his words coming out too fast, too high-pitched. Then, before Jay could say another word, Sunoo spun on his heel and hurried toward the door.
The bells above the entrance jingled again as he pushed it open, the sound somehow sharper than usual, echoing through the café. The cold December air hit his flushed face the moment he stepped outside, but it didn’t cool the heat spreading through his chest.
Behind the counter, Jay stood frozen for a few seconds, cup towel still in hand, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and concern. He glanced toward the door, half expecting Sunoo to come back, but the spot outside was already empty.
Jay frowned softly, murmuring under his breath, “What just happened?”
Meanwhile, down the street, Sunoo kept walking, gripping his cup tightly, his heart still racing. He didn’t even know where he was going, only that if he stayed another second inside that café, he might actually combust.
“Oh my god,” he muttered to himself, burying his face in his hands as he walked faster. “I wasn't ready for that.”
The worst part? He could still hear Jay’s voice in his head, gentle, bright, and completely unaware that Sunoo had just run away from the very thing he’d been waiting months to do.
“I messed up, oh my god”
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December 7.
After that incident, Sunoo stopped coming to the café for a few days. He told himself he’d let what happened die down first, give Jay some time to forget about the whole embarrassing incident so things could go back to normal.
He still planned to ask him out again, of course. He just… wasn’t sure how yet.
But he would.
One of these days.
At least that’s what he hoped for.
The days without his usual café routine felt dull. The crisp December air no longer felt refreshing, it just bit at his cheeks as he walked back to his dorm, alone. Instead of the cozy hum of espresso machines, he was met with the faint buzz of his heater and the silence of his room. The fairy lights strung along the hallway of their dorm building blinked faintly, but even that small warmth couldn’t lift the heaviness sitting on his chest.
Jake had asked him once about his “progress,” and Sunoo didn’t have the courage to admit the truth, that he did ask Jay out but immediately took it back, not even a minute later. So instead, he just lied and said he was still “planning it out.” Which wasn’t even remotely true. There was no plan. There was just Sunoo, his impulse and his regret.
A sigh escaped his lips as he found himself staring at the café door again. The windows were fogged from the warmth inside, fairy lights gleaming faintly behind the glass. The air outside smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts and coffee, carried by the wind that rustled through the holiday garlands hanging from nearby lampposts.
After days of avoiding the place and convincing himself not to go, there he was, standing right in front of it again.
He missed Jay. He missed how the barista would greet him with that gentle smile the moment he stepped in, and how Jay somehow always knew what to say to make the start of his day feel lighter. Maybe it was all part of his job, maybe that smile was something Jay gave to everyone, but Sunoo didn’t care. As long as he could see it, it was enough.
Today, though, Sunoo didn’t plan to go inside. He just wanted to take a quick peek, maybe see Jay from a distance, then go back to his dorm like nothing happened. So he stood outside, tiptoeing to look through the glass, the December cold nipping at his ears as his breath misted in the air. The jingling of the café’s doorbell sounded faintly each time a customer went in or out, and the cozy laughter inside only made him ache more.
No luck. Jay wasn’t there.
Pouting, Sunoo was about to turn back when a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Oh, hey! It’s been a while since the last time I saw you. Have you been busy?”
Sunoo froze. He didn’t even need to turn around, he already knew that voice.
Jay.
‘Okay, shit. Why is he here outside?’
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Sunoo slowly turned around, and there he was. Jay, standing there with that same disarming smile that made Sunoo’s knees weak. The soft golden glow of the café’s window lights haloed behind him, snowflakes settling in his hair like tiny stars.
Sunoo’s heart started hammering. His cheeks burned despite the cold. His palms were sweating even though his fingers were freezing. “H-hey! Haha, yeah—it’s been like a week?”
Jay nodded “Something like that.” his smile never fading as he continued. “I was waiting for you, you know?”
The December wind brushed past them, carrying the faint sound of distant carolers and the jingling bells from a passing bike. Sunoo’s eyes widened. “W-what? You were waiting for me?” he squeaked, his voice pitching higher than he intended.
“Hmm? Yes.”
And before his brain could stop his mouth, words came tumbling out, his breath puffing out visibly in the cold.
Because again, Sunoo has no plan, just impulse.
“I-if you’re waiting for me, then just go on a date with me.”
Sunoo froze. Jay froze. Even the snow seemed to stop mid-fall.
Then Sunoo’s eyes went wide in panic. “Just kidding!” he blurted out, laughing awkwardly. “I’m just kidding! Hahaha, I just thought it’d be a funny joke! Nevermind that! Bye!”
And once again, before Jay could say anything, Sunoo was already sprinting away from the café, his scarf trailing behind him like a white streak in the night. His laughter echoed faintly, mixing with the wind and the soft chime of Christmas music from inside the café.
Jay blinked, watching the spot where Sunoo had just been, then let out a small laugh and shook his head. The cold air bit at his cheeks, but there was warmth spreading through his chest.
“What a weird guy,” he murmured softly, smiling to himself as he looked up at the faint snow drifting down. “Cute.”
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“Wait, hold on. You what?”
Jake’s incredulous voice nearly made the students at the next table glance over. They were sitting by the window of the campus café, sunlight pouring through the glass, making the steam from Jake’s latte swirl like thin ribbons in the air.
Sunoo stared down at his hands, avoiding eye contact. “You heard me.”
Jake leaned forward, expression caught between disbelief and amusement. “You asked him out. Twice. Then you said ‘just kidding’… and ran away?”
Sunoo groaned, covering his face. “You don’t have to say it like that.”
Jake blinked, deadpan. “But that’s literally what happened.”
“Yeah, well…” Sunoo mumbled, dragging his hands down his face. “It sounds worse when you say it.”
Jake let out a sharp laugh, slapping the table once. “Sun, that’s not worse, that’s iconic. You’re like one failed confession away from becoming a legend.”
“Stop laughing!” He hissed. “And I didn’t confess, I just asked him out.”
“That’s like the same thing.” Jake bit back another grin, but his eyes were still dancing with amusement. “And hey, you have to admit, it’s kinda funny. The guy must be so confused.”
Sunoo sighed, staring at the window, watching students pass by outside. “He probably thinks I’m weird. I just panic, Jake. Every time he smiles, I forget what words are. Then my mouth decides to ruin everything.”
Jake leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, still grinning. “You’re hopeless.”
“I know,” Sunoo muttered.
“But you know what?” Jake smirked, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Third time’s the charm. Maybe this time, you’ll actually go through with it.”
Sunoo groaned again, hiding behind his cup. “If I mess up again, I’m changing my name and transferring schools.”
Jake snorted. “Or and this might sound crazy, you just don’t run away next time.”
“Easy for you to say,” Sunoo said flatly. “You’re not the one whose brain melts every time Jay smiles.”
Jake leaned forward, smirking. “Then prove me wrong, lover boy. Third time’s your redemption arc.”
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For the next few days, Sunoo didn’t step inside the café again.
He told himself it was because of school, which wasn’t entirely a lie. Final projects, group reports, and exams were all crammed into the last week before Christmas break, leaving his desk buried under papers, highlighters, and half-empty cups of instant noodles.
He could’ve gone, of course. There were plenty of times he passed by Afterglow Café on his way back from class. But every time he did, every time he saw the soft golden light spilling through the windows and the familiar silhouette behind the counter, his chest tightened. His feet would slow, his heart would ache a little, and then he’d tug his scarf higher, pretending not to look as he hurried past.
He’d always peek through the glass door, though.
And every time, he’d catch Jay inside, laughing with a customer or humming along to the café’s soft Christmas playlist and Sunoo would freeze for a few seconds before whispering, “Next time,” under his breath.
But the “next time” never came.
Between the exhaustion from school and the embarrassment that still burned in his chest, Sunoo just couldn’t bring himself to go in.
Still, Jay never left his thoughts. When Sunoo stayed up late finishing reports, his mind would wander to Jay’s laugh, to how gentle his voice sounded when he said Sunoo’s name, to the way his smile could light up the dullest morning. And then, frustrated, he’d shove his face into his pillow and groan, “Get a grip, Sunoo.”
By the time the semester finally ended, the city had settled into that soft December glow, fairy lights tangled in lampposts, the faint sound of carolers in the distance, the scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon wafting through the cold air.
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December 13
The golden light from the late afternoon sun spilled across Afterglow Café, painting the counter and the small wooden tables in soft warmth. Outside, the wind carried the crisp scent of winter, but inside, everything felt golden and slow.
The familiar chime of the door bells rang as Sunoo stepped inside, his heart already beating too fast.
Behind the counter, Jay was in the middle of steaming milk, sleeves rolled up, his forearms dusted with a faint sheen of warmth from the machine. For a moment, he didn’t notice who had come in, until he glanced at the door.
And then his eyes lit up.
It was quick, barely half a second, but the way his face brightened, the way his lips parted in surprise before curving into a smile, said enough. His chest fluttered with something he didn’t want to name. He hid it fast, his expression returning to its usual calmness as if nothing had happened.
Sunoo, on the other hand, didn’t notice. He was too busy trying not to panic.
“Hey,” Jay greeted, voice gentle and warm. “You’re finally back.”
Sunoo froze for half a second, then forced a shy smile. “Y-yeah. Been… busy with school.”
Jay chuckled softly, a quiet, rich sound that made Sunoo’s stomach twist. “I get that. You want your usual?”
Sunoo nodded, avoiding his gaze. “Yes please.”
He waited as Jay rang up the order, fingers fidgeting with his scarf, trying to act normal while his heart pounded like crazy. When Jay turned to prepare his drink, Sunoo exhaled quietly and reached for his wallet.
Between the folded bills was a small, slightly crumpled piece of paper. He had written it earlier during class, erased it twice, then rewrote it again, his shaky handwriting surrounded by doodled hearts that he regretted immediately after.
Taking a deep breath, Sunoo slipped the paper between the bills and handed them over.
‘Go on a date with me pleeeeease :(’
Jay accepted the money, glancing down for only a second but that was all it took. His eyes caught the bright red ink and the messy letters. The corner of his mouth twitched, amusement softening his expression.
Sunoo realized his mistake a moment later. His eyes widened in horror.
“Oh! Haha, I—uh—I didn’t know I gave you that!” he blurted, voice a pitch too high. In an instant, he leaned over the counter and snatched the note from Jay’s hand, quick enough to make the barista blink.
Jay raised a brow, hiding a laugh. “Oh?”
“Yeah! Must’ve slipped in there with the cash!” Sunoo laughed awkwardly, clutching the note to his chest like it could erase what just happened. “That’s so embarrassing haha, yeah, sorry about that!”
Jay’s lips curved into a small smile, gentle and unreadable, though his eyes held a glint of amusement. “It’s fine. It happens.”
“Y-yeah, haha, it happens.” Sunoo fumbled for his drink, forcing another nervous laugh. “Okay, thank you, bye!”
The bells above the door jingled as he practically bolted out of the café.
Outside, the December air hit his face like a splash of cold water, sharp and sweet, tinged with the smell of coffee that clung to his scarf. He exhaled, his breath turning to mist. “Oh my god, I’m so stupid,” he muttered, clutching his cup tighter. “Third time’s not the charm. Third time’s the curse.”
Inside, Jay quietly set down the change tray and leaned on the counter, glancing toward the window. The memory of Sunoo’s flustered expression and the bright red handwriting on the note replayed in his mind.
He hadn’t meant to read it, but he did.
And it made his chest feel light.
He chuckled softly under his breath. “Go on a date with me, huh?” he murmured, smiling faintly to himself.
When his coworker Ni-ki asked what was so funny, Jay only shook his head, still smiling.
Outside, the sky had begun to tint orange, the faint sound of a Christmas song humming from the radio.
Jay didn’t need to say anything, the quiet warmth in his eyes said more than words ever could.
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It had been a few days since Sunoo’s third failed attempt.
Jake was staring at him like he had just confessed to committing a crime.
“You what? You gave him a note asking him out, then snatched it back before he could react?”
Sunoo groaned, dropping his face into his hands. “I didn’t mean for him to see it okay, that's why I snatched it back. I just tried.”
Jake leaned on his desk, staring flatly. “You really are something else, Sun. You’ve been trying to ask him out for weeks, and every time, you find new ways to back out. Are you sure you even want this to work?”
“Of course I do!” Sunoo snapped, cheeks flushing as he sat up. “It’s just… when he smiles at me like that, I forget how to function! My brain just—” He waved his hands wildly. “—dies. Like, poof. Gone.”
Jake snorted, unimpressed. “You sure that’s just your brain? Maybe your soul leaves your body too.”
“Ha-ha.” Sunoo glared, but his lips twitched. “I’ll do it this time. Maybe third time’s not my charm, but maybe the fourth is.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “Do you want help? I could distract him while you—”
“No!” Sunoo practically jumped. “No, Jake. I can do it myself. It’s my mess, I’ll fix it. This time for real. Promise.”
Jake sighed, but a small smile curved his lips. “Alright, Romeo. Fourth time’s the charm.”
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December 18
Christmas break had officially started.
The campus was quiet, the kind of silence that made footsteps echo down empty hallways. Most students had already gone home, but Sunoo still had one last thing to submit. His professor had insisted on a printed copy of the final paper, so there he was, trudging across the chilly campus with his scarf wrapped high and his breath fogging in the air.
The skies were gray, heavy with clouds that promised rain. He handed the folder to his professor’s assistant, thanked them, and stepped out of the building just as the first drops began to fall.
By the time Sunoo reached the gates, the drizzle had turned into a steady shower. He opened his umbrella, the soft patter against its surface oddly soothing as he started his walk back to the dorms. The streets shimmered with reflections, holiday lights, car headlights, and puddles catching hints of red and gold.
He should’ve gone straight back. He told himself he would.
But as he turned the corner, he found himself standing in front of Afterglow Café.
The familiar glow behind the fogged-up windows pulled at something in his chest. Before he could talk himself out of it, Sunoo pushed the door open.
The bell chimed softly, and a rush of warmth washed over him, the scent of roasted beans, caramel, and faint cinnamon filling the air. The café was quieter than usual, the hum of low music blending with the rain outside. A few customers sat tucked into corners, typing on laptops or chatting in hushed tones.
And there, behind the counter, was Jay.
His hair was slightly damp, a few strands clinging to his forehead, and his sleeves were rolled up as he wiped the counter. The soft yellow light caught the sharp line of his jaw and the gentle curve of his smile and when he looked up and saw who it was, something in his expression shifted.
His eyes brightened, barely noticeable, just for a heartbeat but enough for warmth to flicker in his chest. He quickly masked it, slipping back into his calm, easy smile before Sunoo could notice.
“Hey,” Jay greeted, tone light but warm. “It’s been a while.”
Sunoo froze mid-step. For a second, all he could do was stare. The way Jay’s voice blended with the faint music, the curve of his smile, the familiar calm that seemed to fill the whole place, it all hit him at once.
He’d missed this. He’d missed him.
“Hey,” he said quietly, unsure if he should even be there. The warmth of the café wrapped around him, but his heart was racing far too fast to feel it.
Jay’s gaze met him for a brief moment, steady, unreadable, before he looked down, pretending to busy himself with the tray of cups. “The usual?” he asked, voice calm, like nothing about this felt strange.
Sunoo nodded quickly, fumbling with his wallet, trying not to make it obvious how nervous he was. The soft hiss of the espresso machine filled the space between them, a sound he’d heard a hundred times before, but right now it only made the silence louder.
His fingers tightened around the wallet. The words sat heavy on his tongue before finally slipping out, quiet but clear.
“Are you… uhm, single?”
Jay blinked. “…What?”
“Are you single?” Sunoo repeated, a little too quickly, his words tumbling over themselves.
Jay chuckled softly, setting down the rag. “Uh, yeah?”
“Okay, since you’re single,” Sunoo said, nodding like he was negotiating a deal, “I have this friend, he’s also single. If he asked you out, would you go on a date with him?”
Jay’s brows arched, amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned a little closer across the counter, elbows resting on the polished wood. “Does your friend like me?”
Sunoo hesitated, tapping his fingers against his wallet. The rain’s rhythm outside filled the silence. Jay waited patiently, his lips curling into a teasing smile.
“Uhhh, yeah, I mean, why would he ask you if he doesn’t like you, right?” Sunoo said finally, his cheeks warming despite the cold.
“Right,” Jay murmured, smile deepening. “But I think it depends.”
“Depends on what?” Sunoo asked, curiosity lighting his eyes.
Jay tilted his head and shrugged his shoulders, his voice playful but low. “It depends.”
Sunoo frowned, pretending to be annoyed. “Then what if I’m the one who asked you? Would you go on a date with me?”
For the first time in all his attempts, he didn’t sound panicked. His heart still raced, yes, but this time, it wasn’t fear, it was excitement. The tension between them wasn’t awkward anymore. It felt easy, almost natural.
Sunoo doesn’t quite understand why, but this time, he didn’t panic like the previous times. Maybe because it’s already the fourth time? Maybe because of the way they converse today? Or the way Jay was talking to him?
Who knows, but what’s important is that Sunoo didn’t fumble his words today. Progress.
Jay’s lips parted slightly, his tone softening. “Why don’t you try?”
The challenge or maybe invitation in his voice made Sunoo’s pulse stutter. He took a tiny breath and smiled, his voice quiet but steady. Then he went for it.
“Would you go on a date with me?”
Everything else seemed to fade, the chatter, the clinking cups, even the rain. There was only Jay, looking at him with warmth and something deeper flickering behind his eyes.
Jay opened his mouth to answer—
“Eyy, you took too long!” Sunoo blurted out, laughing nervously. “I take it back! Hay!” There he goes.
Jay blinked in surprise, then laughed, a soft, genuine laugh that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “I was about to answer, you know.”
“No, no, I’m just kidding anyway!” Sunoo said quickly, waving his hands. “Don’t think too hard about it!”
Jay shook his head, still smiling as he slid Sunoo’s drink across the counter. “That’s the fourth time,” he murmured under his breath.
“Huh? What is?” Sunoo asked, tilting his head.
“Nothing,” Jay said, the same soft smile still on his lips, though his eyes were warm, as it lingered on Sunoo a little longer.
He already knew what his answer would’ve been.
Jay always knew.
🍑🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍑
When Sunoo stepped out of the café, the rain had softened into a light drizzle. He walked slowly, the cup warm in his hands, steam rising and curling into the cool December air.
Unlike his first three tries, all nerves, panic, and awkward stammers, this time had felt different.
It felt comfortable.
And as he sipped his drink, a small, helpless smile tugged at his lips.
Because somewhere between all the teasing, laughter, and failed attempts, Sunoo realized one thing.
He really, really liked Jay.
No, scratch that.
He’d already fallen.
Fallen for the barista, completely and without meaning to.
And that was one thing he was sure of.
🍑🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍑
After his fourth failed attempt, Sunoo didn’t stop going to Afterglow Café.
If anything, he found himself there more often.
He no longer tried to ask Jay out. No more clumsy notes, no accidental confessions, no awkward “just kidding” escapes. He’d just walk in, order his drink, and stay a while, long enough to chat a bit, long enough to see Jay smile.
The first few days, it felt a little awkward, not because of the realization that he had about his feelings for the barista but because it was like he was walking back into the aftermath of a small, quiet disaster he had created four times.
But Jay never treated him differently. He still greeted Sunoo with that same warm smile, still made his drinks with care, still met his eyes with that soft patience that always seemed to undo Sunoo’s composure.
And so, Sunoo stayed, until the awkwardness he felt was gone.
He’d sometimes sit by the counter when it wasn’t busy, asking Jay random questions about coffee beans, playlists, or the café’s décor.
Sometimes, Jay would ask him back, about school, about his friends, about what he was studying. Their exchanges were short, simple, and yet they became Sunoo’s favorite parts of the day.
He learned that Jay didn’t like overly sweet drinks but had a weakness for vanilla lattes. He worked part-time because his uncle needed someone to cover while finding a barista, and he somehow enjoyed the work so he continued working. “But mostly because I like this view,” Jay once said offhandedly while wiping the counter, glancing at the window. Sunoo pretended not to wonder if he meant the street outside, or him.
He also learned that Jay hummed while cleaning, soft and low, a tune that Sunoo could recognize now even from across the room.
And in turn, Jay learned that Sunoo had a thing for caramel, liked rainy afternoons, and always smiled whenever the song “Moonstruck” came on the café’s playlist.
Their words were light, their laughter small, but there was something unspoken growing quietly between them, the kind of warmth that didn’t need acknowledgement to be felt.
Days blurred as it passed by.
And before Sunoo realized it, December 24 had come.
And he didn’t succeed asking out Jay.
🍑🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍑
December 24
Sunoo was at Jake’s dorm, face pressed dramatically against the table, arms sprawled beside him.
“I think I give up,” he mumbled, voice muffled. “Maybe a date with him’s not for me. Maybe… friends. I’m fine with that.”
Jake sighed, spinning slowly on his chair to face him. “Okay, no. I refuse to accept that after months of watching you make heart eyes at him and fail four times trying to ask him out.”
Sunoo groaned. “Jake, please.”
“Nope.” Jake stood up, grabbing his jacket. “That’s it. Stand up. I’m coming with you.”
Sunoo blinked. “What—now? Jake, it’s Christmas Eve! I can’t—”
Jake crossed his arms, unimpressed. “You promised you’d ask him before Christmas, remember? It’s now or never.”
“But—”
“No buts. You’ve got, what, an hour before closing? Move.”
Sunoo could only whine as Jake dragged him out of his seat, muttering under his breath about regretting ever telling Jake anything.
🍑🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍑
The café was warm when they stepped in, too warm compared to the air outside. The bell above the door chimed softly, followed by the faint jingle of something festive. Snow had started falling heavier that afternoon, catching on his scarf, melting against his collar before he even noticed.
Sunoo hesitated by the door, brushing the flakes from his sleeves. He hadn’t meant to come today. He wasn't planning to. But somehow because of his friend, he’d found himself walking the same path again, the one that always ended here, at the place where Jay was.
The air smelled of coffee and cinnamon, a smell that by now, he was very familiar. The sound of the espresso machine hissed faintly in the background, steady like a heartbeat. He could almost pretend his heart wasn’t racing beneath his coat.
Then he saw him.
Jay.
Just there, behind the counter, wiping down the surface with a towel. His sleeves were rolled up, forearms dusted faintly with sugar. He looked so effortlessly calm, so at home, that Sunoo forgot for a second how to breathe.
He looks so cool, so good, so handsome, so beautiful, oh God his future partner is so lucky. Sunoo's thoughts are just full of Jay the moment he sees him.
And then Jay looked up.
“Oh—hey Sunoo. Didn’t expect you here today,” he said, voice casual, warm.
Sunoo froze, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag. He hoped the snow melting on his shoulders hid the nervous heat crawling up his neck. “Hey,” he managed to say back, quietly.
Jake nudged him from behind, the smirk on his face irritatingly knowing. “Go on,” he murmured.
Sunoo glared at him before making his way to the counter. His heart thudded louder with every step. Jay looked different up close, softer, somehow. There was something about the light hitting his hair, the quiet curve of his mouth, that made it impossible to look away.
Not that Sunoo's planning to look away.
“The usual?” Jay asked, the same question he always asked, the same tone that always made Sunoo feel like it meant more than it should.
“Yeah,” Sunoo said softly. “Caramel macchiato, please.”
He tried to smile, but his lips felt unsteady. Jay smiled back, easy and small, before turning to the machine. The hiss of steam filled the air again, and Sunoo watched his movements, familiar but mesmerizing, steady hands, patient rhythm, the way he focused completely when he worked.
And like always, he thought about saying something. About finally just telling him.
About the four times he tried before and failed.
The machine clicked softly. Jay set the cup down in front of him. “Here you go. Caramel macchiato, extra drizzle, right?”
“Right,” Sunoo murmured, wrapping his hands around the warm paper cup.
He didn’t drink right away. He could feel Jay watching him, maybe, maybe not, but either way, the thought made his pulse skip. He stared down at the coffee, his reflection blurring slightly against the caramel swirls. His voice came out before he could stop it.
“You know, Jay…”
Jay hummed, glancing up. “Hmm?”
Sunoo swallowed. His chest felt tight, his palms cold despite the warmth of the cup. “I’ll be honest,” he said, words shaking just a little, “I’m not sure if you noticed, but I… tried asking you out four times.”
The towel in Jay’s hands stilled. Sunoo could almost hear his own heartbeat in the silence that followed. Then Jay looked up, and the warmth in his eyes, he swore, it nearly made him lose air. He almost forgot to breathe.
“Yeah,” Jay said quietly, smiling faintly. “I noticed.”
Sunoo blinked. “You did?”
“Of course,” Jay said, leaning slightly closer, voice low and kind. “It’s kind of hard to miss someone trying their best to be brave.”
Sunoo’s throat tightened. He laughed softly, helplessly, even as his cheeks burned. “That obvious, huh?”
“Maybe,” Jay teased lightly.
Something inside Sunoo ached. He wanted to say more, to tell him everything, the way his heart always felt lighter around him, how his day felt incomplete when he didn’t see him, but instead, what came out was different, a confession.
“I like you. No, actually, I’ve already fallen more than what I expected.”
His laugh was weak, breathless. “But I think I’m good with whatever we have right now. Soo yep! For the sake of drama, can I do it again for the last time before I stop?”
Jay’s expression softened, and for a second, Sunoo thought maybe he’d overstepped. But Jay only nodded, quietly encouraging.
Sunoo’s chest twisted. Before I stop. He meant it, he really did. If this was going to be the last time, he wanted to make it count, even if it hurt. Just one last time then I’ll stop.
He forced a trembling smile. “Would you please go on a date with me?”
A pause. A quick silence then he immediately breaks right ater it. “Just kidding!” he blurted, voice too loud, too fast.
He laughed weakly, waving a hand. “Thank you for the drink!” he said before Jay could answer, because he wasn’t sure he’d survive hearing him say no.
He walked off quickly, the warmth of the cup now burning his palms. He dropped into the seat beside Jake, trying to pretend he wasn’t shaking. Jake gave him a look that was equal parts pity and disbelief.
“I know,” Sunoo muttered before Jake could even speak. “I know, I know.”
He tried to focus on the drink. Tried to ignore the lump in his throat. But his eyes flickered toward the counter, and there was Jay, still there, still watching him, lips pressed together like he was thinking too hard about something.
Then Jay untied his apron and Sunoo immediately looked away, not wanting to see more or make himself embarrassed further.
“Ugh.” He groaned as he ruffled his hair before leaning his back on the chair, he then looked at Jake who looked like he was watching some drama, eyes on Sunoo then at the direction where Jay was.
Jake did that for a few more times before he froze mid-sip and looked like his favorite drama just showed an insane plot-twist that would make everything upside down.
“Shit, Sun. He’s coming,” Jake whispered, eyes widening.
“What?” Sunoo frowned, startled. He barely had time to process what Jake just said and turn before Jay was suddenly there, standing right in front of them.
“J-Jay?” Sunoo stammered.
Jay smiled faintly, but his eyes, God, those eyes, were steady and unreadable. “Hey.”
Sunoo’s heart skipped. “Did I—uh, forget to pay or something?”
Jay shook his head. “No.” He hesitated for a breath, then exhaled. “You can’t just walk away after saying all that.”
Sunoo blinked. “Huh?”
“You can’t just tell me how you feel and then say you’ll stop,” Jay said, voice low, trembling slightly. “You don’t get to drop that and run. That’s… unfair.”
The words hit him like a shock. His chest tightened. “Then why didn’t you say anything before?” Sunoo asked, barely more than a whisper.
Jay’s gaze softened. “I tried,” he said quietly. “But you always beat me to it. You’d laugh or say you were joking, and then you’d stop coming by for a while. So I figured maybe… you didn’t want to be reminded of it. And I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
Sunoo’s breath caught. Every word felt like it sank somewhere deep in him, right where the ache lived. So he did notice. He always noticed.
Jay laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck, the tension in his voice easing. “But I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel the same anymore.” His eyes lifted, meeting Sunoo’s. “Are you free this Christmas?”
Sunoo stared at him, blinking fast. “Huh? Uh—yeah, I guess? No plans yet.”
Jay smiled faintly, lips trembling. “Good,” he said softly. “Because just like you, I’ve fallen too. No taking back, no just kidding. I’ve already fallen too, Sunoo.”
The world seemed to still.
Sunoo couldn’t breathe for a moment, couldn’t think. All he could do was stare, his heart pounding so hard he was sure Jay could hear it.
When Jay smiled again, small, nervous, but sure, it hit him that this was real.
Everything was real and Jay just told him their feelings are mutual. Holy shit.
“So,” Jay said quietly, “would you like to go on a date with me? Spend your Christmas with me?”
Sunoo blinked, stunned, then let out a short, shaky laugh. “Oh god, you’re serious?”
“Very,” Jay said simply.
Something inside him broke open. All the tension, the wondering, the waiting, it melted into warmth so sudden it almost hurt. “Okay,” he whispered, then stronger, laughing softly through the rush in his chest. “Okay. I’d love to.”
Jay’s smile widened, soft and bright, and Sunoo swore his heart had never felt this full.
Outside, snow continued to fall, gentle and endless. Inside, his world felt new, quiet, warm, and finally at peace.
And when their eyes met again, Sunoo thought, maybe this time, neither of them will have to run.
🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽