Chapter Text
Hot, sweat, scorching sun and a temperature so high that it should be illegal. And yet someone was out, walking with sunglasses and a white shirt to fight off the sun rays, the things one does when in need of money.
He entered a small coffee shop on the corner of the street, not big enough to be the next big popular thing but enough to always find someone inside. He walked to the back greeting the people working there, he put on his apron and went behind the counter. It was a calm shift, though it would not be called a boring one, until a message popped up on the boy's cell phone.
His face darkened, wrinkles creasing his face, making him look older than he really is.
“Lix? Is everything alright?” a tiny woman asked the blonde boy.
“Yes Minhee”
“Well it doesn't look like it”
The boy sighed, turning back to the coffee machine, pretending to clean it. “It’s just my boyfriend, we fought before I left the house”
“Mmmh, you’ve been fighting a lot lately… listen, i don’t wanna be rude or anything but maybe it’s time to break up? I can see it’s taking a toll on you”
“No it’s fine, it will pass soon don’t worry, we really love each other”
The elderly woman nodded, speaking softly “I just worry about you, but if you say it’s fine I believe you. I’m in the kitchen if you need me, hun” then, she walked out of sight.
"Ehm, sorry, can I order?”
A deep voice suddenly reached the boy’s ears, whilst he was attempting to keep himself as busy as possible in order not to think about that text message.
“Sorry I didn’t hear you coming in. What can I get you?”
“An iced americano with one extra shot of coffee”
“Sure, coming right in, your name?”
“Chris” The customer says, smiling.
“Anything to eat?”
“No thank you, but everything looks great”
“Thank you, the owner makes the sweets, and I help sometimes. You can sit wherever you want, I will call your name when it’s ready”
The boy stared at ‘Chris’ while he walked to the nearest table. He noted that he looked quite cozy with his brown curly hair and the glasses, but the biceps peeking through his shirt told a whole other story. When he realized that he’d been staring at his arms for longer than he should have, he turns his back and finally starts to make his coffee.
He picks up the glass and fills it up with ice, with movement almost mechanical from how many times he’s done it. However, he swore he could feel someone watching him. He felt a gaze heavy like a hand behind his head and a prickle ran down his spine, feeling just like static.
Suddenly a crashing sound snapped him out of his haze, he stares down at his hand, realizing he dropped the glass. Minhee peeked out worriedly, looking at all the glistening shards on the floor. She went to help clean up while the blonde apologized to her and hurriedly picked up another cup.
A few minutes later, he called out for the brunette still sitting at the table.
“Chris, your order is ready”
He watched the boy slowly getting up, seemingly still engrossed in whatever he was doing on his computer. He took his order, smiles and went back to what he was doing.
The blondie watched him for a while, finding himself wondering on what this handsome customer could be so focused on. He picked up a cupcake and, without thinking, he walked up to the only occupied table.
“You seem really busy, I thought you would like a cupcake, it’s lemon and vanilla flavored. It’s a new recipe that I designed, and I want as many customers as possible to try. Tell me what you think about it, if you’d like.”
“Wow!” he exclaimed; “I’ll gladly try it, I’ll let you know my opinion.”
Their eyes met for an instant, and Chris smiled at the pretty barista, making him blush. He walked back to the counter to serve other customers that have just arrived.
With the first bite of the cupcake a strong lemon flavor erupted in his mouth; while the vanilla made it less sour it still was a pretty fresh treat. The frosting was purely lemon and it melted quickly on the tongue, leaving behind a tangy taste that blended really well with the vanilla of the cake.
For someone that seldom ate sweets, Chris found himself wishing for a second and, maybe, even a third bite. He finished the cupcake and the drink quickly while mapping out a verse on FL Studio, his software of choice for music production. He got up, packed his pc and his headphones, and walked over to the blonde boy at the cash register. He looked at him, his work clothes, his blonde hair, which seemed to be longer than how usually boys keep them, the freckles scattered across his face akin to stars cloud the sky in the night, his eyes, that drew him in with the same force of a black hole. For a moment, Chris could not look away.
Lastly, his eyes wandered on the name tag.
“Felix”
Immediately, he thought the name really suited him, the only thing that did not was his deep, rich and warm voice. It was oddly captivating how a boy that looked like a fairy could have a voice so deep that could shake the sea.
“Felix huh? What a nice name. I really enjoyed the cupcake you gave me. It’s really fresh for something sweet, the lemon frosting is one of the best I ever tried.” said Chris, with a sweet smile on his face.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it. Do you want to pay with cash or card?”
Chris took out a Fendi leather wallet and slided an AmEx golden card to Felix.
“With card, thank you”
Felix run the card in the register, while thinking about how he never saw a card like that in his life until that moment. He never would have guessed based on how the boy was dressed that he possessed such a credit card. He gave it back to him with a soft smile;
“Thank you for coming in”
He watched him leave, looking closely at the way he walked, how he carried himself. He looked like he could be more or less Felix’s age, maybe a bit older. He found himself thinking how such a young boy could be that rich, maybe it came from his family, or maybe he was a celebrity and he didn’t even noticed it. Upon realizing that possibility, Felix felt a surge of embarrassment creep up inside him.
“What a handsome young man, don’t you think?” Minhee reappeared from the kitchen with her usual smile.
“Indeed, but may I remind you that I already have a boyfriend? You should really stop trying to set me up with every nice customer, it’s not very professional” Felix said, tiredly, as if he had repeated the same sentence a lot of times.
“I know… but I really don’t like him”
The shift ended after a few hours with no memorable events. Felix took off his work clothes and left the shop, he had at least 20 minutes of walking before he got back to his apartment. He put on his favorite playlist and started to think about his day.
It started wrong, he woke up with a text form Minhee, she needed him to come fill in after his colleague who fell ill, even though it was his day off and promised his boyfriend, Boram, a date. When he told Boram they broke up in yet another fight.
“Today was supposed to be a day about us, you always make time for others, but never for me. I honestly can’t anymore with your bullshit” Boram half screamed.
“Honey it’s not my fault, it’s work. It’s not like I can say no. Plus, extra money is always useful. I’ll make it up when I get back, I promise”
Felix hates fighting, he has always hated making the people he loves feel bad, even if, sometimes, it’s not his fault.
The fighting then shifted on other things, like it always does, and he left the house feeling guilty.
While lost in his thoughts he passed a nice flower shop, “Maybe I should get him some flowers”. He ended up entering the it.
“Hello, welcome” a nice girl greeted him.
Felix smiled back and started browsing the shop. He scanned through the flowers: there were roses, pansies, tulips and mums, all of them with various vibrant colors. He thought which of them would Boram like, but he realized that the information eluded him: when he thought about Boram all that came to mind is the loud sound of his voice. He shook his head and asked the girl to make him a bouquet of roses. Everyone likes roses, he couldn't go wrong with them, right?
With the bouquet in hand he headed back home, feeling better.
Felix arrives home, he opened the door quietly and entered while tiptoeing. He looked around to see if Boram was home, and if he was still angry at him. When he saw that he was not in the living room, he sighed.
“Honey I’m home! I have something for you”
No response.
“Honey? Are you home?” he started to worry. “What if he got so mad earlier that he went away?” he thought.
He started looking for him, the nice white kitchen still had some dirty plates on the table. “Okay, at least he had lunch at home”.
The living room was still empty and the TV was turned off, he started looking for him in the bedroom, but he found it empty. “He really got away. I screwed up really bad this time”
A sudden hand on his shoulder then made him jump and scream.
“Jeez babe, you just got home and you’re already this loud” said Boram, fresh out of the shower.
“Sorry, you scared me, I thought you left” Felix apologised, lowering his eyes. “I got you something as an apology for ruining our day. And maybe we could still go out for dinner. My treat”
Boram smiled, “You are so cute. What did you get me?”.
Felix went back to the living room to pick up the bouquet that he had previously left there.
“Here you go!”
“Ah… roses… they’re nice…” the boyfriend said, unimpressed.
“You don’t like them?”
“They’re nice… but basic… and flowers… What a pitiful apology… But I appreciate the dinner. Come on, let’s get ready” Boram said, putting the flowers on the table and disappearing behind the door of the bedroom.
Felix sighed, again.
He went into the kitchen to clean the plates that Boram left from his lunch. He never cleaned up after himself.
Then, he headed to the bathroom to take a shower, he really needed it.
He got undressed, and he stared at his figure in the mirror. He stared at his face, his arms, his torso and lastly, at his legs. He continued staring for a few minutes, then he sighed yet again and entered the shower.
He took his vanilla body wash and he started scrubbing every inch of his body; it has been a long day and the humidity made him feel all sticky and dirty. He then took his purple shampoo to tone his long blonde hair, he really liked it, it has been a few years since he dyed it and now he can’t see himself anymore with his natural color. The blonde just made him look more like himself in some way, and at the same time, more whimsical.
He exited the shower feeling refreshed, he dried himself and then he headed to the bedroom, thinking about what to put on. He didn't feel like dressing up too much, it was too hot outside to care.
He entered the bedroom, and saw Boram already dressed up and some of his clothes on his bed.
“You’re here! Since you’ve been neglecting your appearance lately, I chose something for you. You don’t want to embarrass me, right?”
Felix didn't answer, he looked at the clothes on the bed. A white fitted wife beater, a black leather skirt, a skinny belt, some sheer black tights and his knee high boots.
Usually Felix wouldn’t mind an outfit like that, actually he would love it. He didn't mind wearing ‘girly’ outfits, he thought that fashion and clothes should have no gender; that was also the main theme for his fashion line for university. He was majoring in fashion design, and ideating a collection is among his assignments.
“That’s a really nice outfit honey… But isn’t it a bit too hot to wear tights and boots, don’t you think?” He forced a smile.
Boram sighed “You wanna fight again? I’ve spent so much time carefully creating this outfit for you, you’re being ungrateful. Plus I don’t want you to make me look bad. Ah and please put on some makeup, nobody has to see those eyebags”
Felix complied. He didn't want to start another fight, this should be his apology.
So he dressed up, put some makeup on and then sprayed himself with some perfume. He did an easy brown smoky eye, added some contour, bronzer, concealer, some pink blush and then his favorite lipstick.
He looked at himself, he didn't like wearing wife beaters, he thought they put all the focus on his arms and belly, and he didn’t like that. It didn't feel comfortable. After a few minutes, due to Boram’s voice calling him, he stoped looking at the mirror and grabbed a random bag.
“See? I was right! You look amazing” Boram smiled at him, going in for a kiss.
After the quick kiss they leaved the apartment and they headed towards the car, Boram drove, he always did.
The drive was silent, only the music on the radio can be heard. It was playing ‘Tear in my heart’ by Twenty One Pilots.
They arrived at a kinda fancy Italian restaurant, not the type to be extremely expensive but also not the type Felix was willing to pay for. The bright sign, ‘Butterfly’, on top of the entrance was almost blinding, and the small fountain at the entrance confirmed his suspicion of being definitely out of his range.
“Honey? Isn’t this a bit expensive” Felix asked awkwardly.
“It’s perfect for a date and the food is great”
They entered, Felix tried to feign no hesitation, he didn't want to cause a scene, especially not in front of the nice restaurant.
“Good evening sir. Do you have a reservation?” a woman smiled at Boram.
“Yes. It should be under the name Kim Boram, I’ve called a few hours ago”
“Ah yes, it’s here. Please follow me.”
The polite woman accompanied them at a table on the second floor, near the window. It was a really beautiful restaurant, with frescoes on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
“Wow, it's really beautiful!” Said Felix in awe.
When the waiter brought them the menu the first thing he did was check the prices.
“Okay, could be worse… I certainly won’t be taking the lobster or the pasta with the truffle. The rest is pretty okay. But there goes all I’ve earned today...”
He started scanning the options, he wasn't really hungry despite this being the first meal of the day. Summer takes away all his hunger.
“I think I'll take the glazed stake with the smashed potatoes. What about you?”
“I’m looking at the gnocchi with tomato and burrata sauce”
“The gnocchi? They are really fat and not good for you, you should take something lighter or you won’t fit in your clothes anymore…”
Felix lowered his eyes, he knows he’s right, he always said these things because he is concerned for his health.
“You know what? You are right, I’ll take the salad with grilled veggies”
“Good”
They made small talk until the waiter came back.
“Are you ready to order?”
Boram ordered for both of them.
“I’d also like a glass of red wine”
“Sure sir. Let me get the maître”
A few minutes later Felix saw this handsome, jaw dropping man coming up to their table.
“Sir, you wanted a glass of wine? May I know what you’ve ordered?”
“I’ve got the glazed steak”
“May I recommend a glass of red wine from Italy? It comes from the hill of Chianti in Tuscany. It’s protected, so it can only be made there with 80% Sangiovese grapes. It pairs very well with red meat.”
Felix got lost at the word ‘recommend’, he was too busy looking at the young boy.
He was wearing a tailored black suit, with a pink tie. His black hair was gelled back but a few strands broke free from the hairdo, framing the face beautifully. He had sharp eyes that look like those of a feline animal, he had a straight high bridge nose that could pass for an european one, the jaw was so sharp it could cut the air. He should be one year older than him, maximum two, to be so young and to be already working as a maître at this kind of restaurant, that was impressive.
The boy bowed and went away.
“Felix? Felix!”
Felix snapped back to reality and turned toward Boram.
“Yes?”
“You were staring… Do you think that’s acceptable behavior to have while on a date?”
“I’m sorry.. I was just looking at the suit for inspiration, I promise, honey” he forced a smile.
“I don’t believe you, you were staring at him, not at his suit” said Boram, getting angry.
“Baby come on, I swear I was just interested in the manufacture of the suit. Do you really think I would be looking at another man while on a date with you? Plus I’m your boyfriend not his.” He said, while taking his hand and smiling softly.
“Fine. I don’t want to fight in a nice restaurant either”
They stayed silent until the food arrived.
“Here’s your meal, enjoy”
The salad, while just being a salad, was really delicious; the grilled eggplant and zucchini brought some nice texture, the dried tomatoes brought flavor and the dressing with balsamic vinegar tied it all together. Meanwhile, Boram’s stake looked incredibly juicy, the glaze looked tasteful and the rosemary gave off a powerful aroma; the smashed potatoes seemed really velvety. The recommended wine had a garnet color with the slightest bit of transparency, the scent was fruity, with varied notes of strawberry, cherry and plum and even traces of wild violets; and its high, mouth-watering acidity made it feel fresh and snappy.
After dinner, Felix excused himself to the bathroom. He asked for directions to a waitress that pointed to the floor beneath.
While getting down the stairs his right foot missed a step and he fell down the stairs expecting to hit the ground. But the hit never came.
“Are you alright?” a suave voice made him open his eyes. It was the maître.
“Ah! Thank you so much! I’m so clumsy” said Felix shyly.
“Wow. I can feel his muscles through his shirt. I definitely couldn’t notice his frame from his attire earlier” thought Felix.
A voice called for the boy. “Minho, table 08 is asking for advice”
Felix got up, apologized and run into the toilet with his heart racing.
“Get a hold of yourself, okay he’s hot, but you are in a relationship”. He slaps his face, then washes it with cold water.
He got back to the table after a few minutes.
“It took you a lot of time…” Boram put his elbows on the table.
“Sorry I couldn't find it. Should we go?”
Felix picked up his bag and he walked downstairs again with his boyfriend, hand in hand. He paid for the meal and they headed home. The ride was surprisingly quiet considering how the dinner went. There was a quiet understanding to not speak about the staring incident.
They arrived home safely and Felix brought his books to the kitchen to study, he had an exam coming up, about the history of asian fashion. Boram didn't speak to him and went straight to bed.
Felix tried to study, but he was too tired, and ultimately headed to bed. Before falling to sleep he recalled the day, the fight, his shift at the caffe, the handsome boy, the dinner, the other handsome boy. He indulged in his fantasies and started thinking about both Chris and Minho. He wondered about what they could be doing at that very moment, what they liked, if they were in a relationship. He thought about what would be like to be taken care of by Chris and what would it feel like to be held by Minho. Lastly he asked himself the same question that has been bothering since high school “Why is it frowned upon to have multiple partners?”