Work Text:
"Jinnie, I'll go now!"
"Okay hyung, be safe and get well soon!"
With one last wave, Minho left the premises and Hyunjin breathed out a sigh as he was alone again in the café since Minho will be off for a few weeks because of an injury he sustained from his dance practice. There weren't much people coming late at night which is alright in Hyunjin's part. He went back to wiping the glasses and accidentally dropped a mixing bowl creating a loud clatter in the silent café, earning the attention of the few people in there for a moment. At the same time, the bell tinkled and somebody entered. Hyunjin cursed himself for being clumsy and went back to his work, not noticing the person who had just entered the café premises.
When he finished, Hyunjin nearly dropped the tray of glasses when he turned to see a boy with foxlike features standing in front of the counter. Good thing he placed the glasses on the counter on time or else those will be cut off from his salary.
"Geez! You gave me a fright!" He exclaimed then mentally slapped himself for his outburst on the surprised stranger. "I-I'm sorry. Good evening, Sir. Have you been waiting long? I'm really sorry, you could've at least called me." The stranger grinned apologetically, his dimples showing. Now that Hyunjin was able to properly look at him, he couldn't help but find the stranger cute and his dimples added more cute points to him. The stranger who is unaware of Hyunjin's internal struggle, fished out his phone from his pocket, quickly typing in something then showed it to him.
It's alright, I didn't wait that long. I'm sorry if I scared you. Well...I couldn't speak. I am mute.
Heat suddenly flared on Hyunjin's cheeks and his eyes bulged out when he read it. He felt embarrassed then started bowing apologetically.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to ask you that way-OUCH!" He hit his head on the counter as he bowed to the stranger. The other boy was again, surprised and he doesn’t really know if he'll laugh at him or pity him.
It's alright, you'll know anyway. Are you alright?
"Well, yeah I am." Hyunjin rubbed the part of his head that hit the counter top while chuckling sheepishly. The stranger grinned at him and Hyunjin swore that it's the sweetest smile he has ever seen. He realized that he had been staring for some moments as the stranger waved a hand in front of him, a concerned look now plastered on his adorable face. Nope, Hyunjin didn’t thought of that, definitely not. Flushing once again, he cleared his throat and regained his composure. "So, what do you want to have?"
One Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, please!
"One Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, coming right up!" The stranger couldn't help laughing at him. Despite being late and dark outside, the atmosphere inside the café is as bright as day because of Hyunjin's cheerful aura and he definitely found the barista’s clumsiness quite endearing. "Here you go!" Hyunjin was met by a phone again.
Thank you! I'll go now, see you around...Hyunjin :)
Hyunjin glanced at his nameplate on his shirt for a short moment. The stranger paid and with a wave, he turned to leave.
"Wait!" the boy turned to him with raised brows, curiosity morphing on his features. Hyunjin internally panicked as his body suddenly worked on its own. He began to shy away again. "I-uhh... What's your name?" He looked at him in surprise again for a moment then quickly typed in his phone.
It's Jeongin. Yang Jeongin.
Involuntarily, a smile made its way to Hyunjin's lips.
"Jeongin." He let his name roll on his tongue smoothly. "Okay then. See you around, Jeongin!"
With a smile, Jeongin waved again before leaving and Hyunjin was staring ahead with a smile on his face. He realized what he has been doing and snapped himself back to reality. The last group of people also left not long after Jeongin's departure so he started to clean up the place. That night, the boy named Jeongin and his sweet, dimpled smile filled Hyunjin's mind. Somewhere in him was aching to see him again.
The following week, Jeongin came back at the café around the same time and same day as the previous week. Hyunjin was happily humming to Red Velvet's Psycho while sorting the glasses when he heard the bell tinkle.
"Good evening! Welcome to- Jeongin!" The said boy waved at him and grinned. Hyunjin mentally smacked himself for sounding way too eager. He tried to hide the eagerness in his voice but Hyunjin felt a tingling sensation on the tip of his toes when Jeongin grinned. To be honest, he doesn't know why but he has been aching to see him for the past several days. "So, what do you like to have?" Jeongin once showed him his phone.
The same, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.
"Okay then!" Hyunjin went to work while Jeongin patiently waited for his drink. When Hyunjin was about to give him his drink, Jeongin clumsily flashed him his phone again.
Thanks! Uh...do you mind if I stay here for a while?
Hyunjin turned to him and saw the other staring at him with hopeful eyes causing him to chuckle.
"Not at all." he grinned at Jeongin, sliding him his drink. It's a really good thing that there are only a number of people who drops by in his shift. The two of them had more time to get to know each other. Jeongin found out that Hyunjin was older by a year so he apologized again and again for calling him just Hyunjin and he ended up being the one to hit the counter this time making Hyunjin laugh. Jeongin felt a tickling sensation in his chest upon hearing Hyunjin's laugh. It's so bright and perky- he wants to hear it again. Jeongin stayed until it was closing time, the two of them getting to know each other. Hyunjin patiently waits for Jeongin to type his queries and answers, the younger boy being really grateful at that.
I'll go now. It's nice getting to know you hyung. Thank you for your time.
"Awww it's nothing Jeonginnie." The younger perked up at the nickname. "I had fun too. Be safe on your way home. See you soon!" Jeongin chuckled and did a hand signal saying the same. Hyunjin didn't know it exactly but understood what he meant. He made a mental note to ask his bestie, Felix, who is a SPED teacher, for help. After cleaning up, he closed the café and went home with a huge smile plastered on his face.
"Hey Lixie, can you teach me sign language basics? Pretty please?" Hyunjin cooed at his buddy when he dropped by for his daily caffeine fix.
"Sure I can! But wait- what's the sudden interest with sign language?" Felix squinted his eyes at Hyunjin as he slides on the bar seat. Hyunjin fumbled to explain himself.
"I just want to learn!" Felix continued squinting his eyes at him as Hyunjin shifted nervously in his place. "Well, I met a new friend who has mutism and I want to be able to communicate with him because he always types in his phone."
"You're so cute Jinnie- of course, I will help you!" Felix agreed to come over the weekend and teach him how to do basic sign language.
"Am I doing alright?" He asked while doing some hand signals awkwardly, making the other boy laugh at him.
"A bit-You just told me that you're pretty." They both laughed at that.
"This is hard." Hyunjin pouted as Felix patted his head.
"N'awww you'll get the hang of it later on." Felix said and they continued for the rest of the day with Hyunjin being able to memorize several sign language basics.
Weeks have passed and Jeongin never failed to drop by- every Wednesdays to be exact. They would talk about random things and sometimes Jeongin would help him in the cafe no matter how much Hyunjin protests. They would also hang-out sometimes during their day-offs. At some point, Felix and Jeongin got introduced and Jeongin was happy to know that Felix is a SPED teacher and is fluent in sign language. Felix would sometimes match his visit when Jeongin does so they all hang out in the café together while Hyunjin is on shift. When Minho recovered from his injury, he also got to meet Jeongin and immediately decided to adopt him as one of his 'babies' much to Jeongin's amusement. Minho made sure to tell his boyfriend, Chan, that they have a new kid aside from Felix and another boy named Jisung.
Hyunjin and Jeongin got closer and fonder of each other and that made Jeongin scared upon realizing it. He let Hyunjin in too deep and began to grow feelings for the older boy but he can't. Hyunjin deserves someone better than him- someone who is normal and won't be difficult to communicate with. As much as Jeongin wanted to tell Hyunjin about what he feels, he knows that he can’t. He’s afraid that the good relationship they have will be ruined and Jeongin thinks it would break his heart more. Jeongin sighed and laid down, not knowing what to do.
"Someone seems happy today." Felix said when he dropped by the café after his shift from school.
"I'm always happy, Lixie."
"Let me correct myself." He cleared his throat and smirked at the taller boy. "You seem happier during Wednesdays, why is that?" Hyunjin rolled his eyes at him.
"What are you talking about?" He stuck a tongue at him and Felix just continued smirking at him.
"Whatever, Jinnie . I'd like to stay and wait for Innie but I have to be early at class tomorrow- say hi to Innie for me." He left, still smirking. Hyunjin whacked him with the towel he's holding as Felix briskly avoids, laughing like a maniac. He shook his head, chuckling at his bestfriend's antics and continued wiping glasses. Wednesdays become Hyunjin's favorite day of the week. The thought of Jeongin made him all giddy- he really can't wait to see him. The usual time that Jeongin comes already passed but the younger boy still hasn't showed up. Hyunjin kept on glancing at the door every now and then.
"Are you waiting for someone Hyunjin?" Daehwi, a co-worker on shift with him, asked noticing that Hyunjin glanced at his watch for the nth already. It will be closing time soon and still no sign of Jeongin. He let out a sigh.
'Maybe he's busy or something came up' he thought and sighed again.
"Nope. Let's go clean up."
Hyunjin went home feeling a bit glum. He didn't get to spend some time with Jeongin that day. There was a twinge inside but he ignored it thinking that maybe he had other plans today. When he got home, he sent him a message.
From Jeongin: I'm sorry Hyunjin. Something came up.
To Jeongin: It's alright Innie. See you next week =)
On his day off, he asked him they could hang out but the other said he's visiting his family. He asked him sometime that week but Jeongin said they will have a reunion with his middle school batchmates. For two weeks, things continued to be like that. From jolly and bubbly, Hyunjin became gloomy. Another Wednesday came, Hyunjin was hoping that he would drop by so he asked him. Again, all of his hopes was shattered when Jeongin said that he can't because of work. This time, Hyunjin didn't let it pass. He knows something is up with him. Jeongin has been avoiding him and he wanted to know why.
"Jinnie, are you alright? You're spacing out again." Minho snapped him from his thoughts. The older male looked at him with a concerned expression, he too, noticed a change in Hyunjin's mood these past weeks.
"Yes I am, hyung! Was just lost in thought" He forced out a smile missing the uncertain expression of the other. "Ooh! That table is ordering something." Minho didn’t bought that he’s fine-it’s obvious that something’s bothering him but he did not want to press him further until Hyunjin is ready to open up about it so he just left to assist the customer and Hyunjin sighed.
It became clear to him that Jeongin has been avoiding him and the thought of it makes the twinge in his stomach worse. He really wanted to spend time with him and have some fun like they used to. Plus, he missed seeing Jeongin's sweet smile- he just missed Jeongin in general. Before Hyunjin knows it, he realized that he had liked the younger for a while now.
On the other hand, guilt washed over Jeongin. He's hurting someone who showed him nothing but kindness and accepted him for who he is. He missed Hyunjin's bubbliness, his endless laughter, his jokes, and the time they spend together. The boy cursed himself for being stupid and for screwing things up so he grabbed his coat and hurried off shooting Minho a text explaining everything.
"Jin, would it be fine if we go ahead? I would need to pick up Soonie, Doongie and Dori from pet boarding since Channie is away for a business trip." Minho lied smoothly, silently thanking the universe for having a perfect excuse to use today.
"Sure Minho-hyung. I'll close the cafe." Hyunjin told him with a smile. "You can go too Daehwi."
"You sure Hyunjin? There's still some work left-" Daehwi said but Minho grabbed him by the shoulders to push him to the backroom.
"You are coming with me DaeHwi, I need help to herd my three kids." Minho pushed Daehwi before he could protest further. Hyunjin chuckled at them, used by Minho's weird antics not really thinking if it should be suspicious or not. Minho briefly explained to Daehwi some things before they prepared to leave.
“Jinnie. we'll go now, goodnight!" Hyunjin waved at him before the two left with Minho hurriedly dragging Daehwi out of the café. Hyunjin then, proceed to finish the tasks left.
Jeongin stopped in front of the cafe. He saw that there are no more customers inside but the sign wasn't flipped to CLOSED yet. With a pounding heart, he took a deep breath and entered. He'll admit, he missed the sweet coffee aroma of the cafe and it's warm, homey atmosphere so much. He didn't see anyone inside and thought that maybe Hyunjin left already. There’s a pang in his chest as he heaved a sigh before turning to leave fishing his phone out to message Minho.
'Maybe I should just go...aish...but you're here...Aigoo what to-'
"Innie?" Jeongin's hand froze on the door handle at the sound of the familiar voice. He turned to see Hyunjin with surprised expression but with a hint of sadness. Seeing that, the younger boy gulped and felt guiltier than ever. He doesn’t know what to do or what to say to him. With shaking hands, he typed in his phone.
I'll just go…
"No, wait-" Hyunjin grabbed his wrist and made him turn to him. "Why Innie? Why are you avoiding me? Have I done something wrong?" Hyunjin stared at him for a moment. He sounded so sad and it made his heart crumble. Jeongin shook his head. "Then why?" The shorter boy was mentally arguing with himself. It was all his fault and everything will be screwed because of him. He had no choice now but to tell him everything-Hyunjin deserved to know.
I'm so sorry Hyunjin. I know you're really disappointed for the whole thing. I'm really sorry I hurt you. You've been nothing but kind to me and this is what I do in return. I'm really, really sorry Hyunjin for being so selfish. I understand if you're mad, I can't blame you for that. But really, I'm sorry.
Jeongin bowed his head down staring down at the floor feeling really guilty.
"I'm not mad, Innie." That made him look up to him. "But why?" The younger boy gulped again.
Jeongin found it really hard to tell him because of the long list of 'what ifs' circulating in his mind. He began to panic. 'I like you, Hyunjin.' he suddenly burst out through a hand signal surprising Hyunjin. He always does that when he panics. He knows that he didn't understood what he meant so he calmed himself first before gathering up some courage to type it in but he got a sudden, unexpected reply.
"I like you too, Jeongin." Hyunjin said with sign language too causing shock to the younger boy. A wide grin etched on Hyunjin's lips for the first time in weeks. He wanted to surprise Jeongin with his sign language progression. He's not very fluent at it yet but can hold conversations already with his practice with Felix. He also made a mental note to thank Felix for teaching him-all those signing sessions paid off. Jeongin still can't believe what he had just said as mixed emotions swirled inside him while the other can't contain his happiness when he knew that his hyung likes him too. "Uhmm...I asked Felix to teach me sign language so we could talk in another way. I don't want you to tire yourself from typing too much." He explained when he saw his shocked and questioning face. "But really Innie, I do like you." With shaking fingers, Jeongin typed with whatever strength he was left with.
Y-you do? I don't know what to say... B-but you deserve someone better, hyung-someone whole and complete. Not someone like me. I will just burden you. I don't want to make things more complicated and more difficult for you.
"I don't care Innie." He said staring straight into his eyes. "You are not a burden-never was and never will be. You're perfect the way you are, Jeongin and I'd still choose you above anything else. I'd do anything just to be with you and I will do my best to make you happy. Nothing will stop me from loving you."
Jeongin was speechless. He saw the truthfulness and sincerity in Hyunjin's eyes and it made his erratically beating heart swell with unexplainable joy. A grin finally made its way to his lips and Hyunjin felt his breath hitch-damn, he really missed seeing that smile. Jeongin doesn’t know how his smile does things to Hyunjin’s heart.
People like Jeongin are seen as weak, vulnerable beings in the society. They are being taken advantage of, discriminated and are being treated differently. But Hyunjin was one of the few who treats him as a normal person which is how it should be. Having a disability doesn't make anyone less human, they should be still treated with equal respect and love. The older male never judged him nor treated him same as the other indifferent and ignorant people did. He will always be grateful that Hyunjin gave him the understanding and acceptance he needed.
'Thank you, Innie, so much.' He mouthed while expressing it in sign language. Jeongin can't contain his happiness so he launched himself towards him. The smile on Hyunjin's lips widened even more as he hugged the shorter boy as tightly. He liked how Jeongin fits perfectly in his arms and he'll definitely never going to let go of him.
"I missed you so much, you know that?" Jeongin giggled behind his hand.
'I missed you too.'<,em> he signed.
"So are you going here next Wednesday?" He showed off his sign language skills, trying to hide his smug face making Jeongin snort with a fond eyeroll.
'Wow, you're doing good.' He responded back with another silent giggle. 'Everyday and all the days to come if you like.'
"I would really like that Innie." He grinned like a kid in a candy store. They both laughed.
Hyunjin is the missing piece that completes the jigsaw puzzle of his heart and Jeongin couldn't ask for anything more.