Give Me Love
Pairing: HimUp
Rated: PG
Length: 6.4K
Listen to the music okay. Please. -_- It's the whole reason I wrote this.
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Jongup watched the man in the corner drinking his coffee and staring out the large glass window with a thoughtful expression on his serious face. It had become a daily routine between the two of them. The dark-haired boy would come in, order his drink, sometimes a dessert, lately he had been favoring the chocolate cupcakes so Jongup always made sure he saved one in case they ran out, and then he would sit by himself. And just stare.
Himchan.
That was his name. Jongup knew it of course, he knew almost everything about him, but he had to pretend for a while until it was finally offered to him.
Himchan. All teeth and shaggy hair and happiness. "My name's Himchan. You see me enough. Might as well know my name!"
"Jongup." He gave him a shy smile. Even though he knew all of his likes, all of his dislikes, he never knew that his grin was infectious or that he had a dimple under his eye.
What was that spark inside his ribs? He rubbed his chest and frowned. Maybe he ate something he shouldn't have.
Himchan turned to him, breaking him out of his musings, and smiled. "You're working hard today, Jongup." He teased.
"I own the place, I can slack if I want to." Jongup shot back. He pulled a plate with two cinnamon cookies of the case, dying to take a break and dig into it. The new additions had gone quickly so he snagged some earlier to put back for himself.
He sat down at a table by the door and quietly started in on it and a bottle of tea. A chair scraping across the floor had him jolting in surprise.
"Can I sit here?" Himchan was already making himself comfortable anyways, his cupcake long gone and a mug of warm coffee clasped between his hands. "What are you eating?"
Jongup was frozen, the cookie halfway between his plate and his lips. No one ever tried to talk to him as much as Himchan did. It was a little disconcerting. Even his own employees could sense something off about him. Could tell that he wasn't quite the same as them.
"Cinnamon cookie." He held it out towards him when he saw the needy expression. "Want to share it?"
It became natural for the two to sit together for Jongup's break. He would immediately head over to Himchan's table as soon as he got a free moment and spend the next twenty minutes getting to know each other.
Well, getting to know Jongup. He was already well-versed in all things Himchan.
He knew that his favorite color was pink, that he loved romantic movies and that he hated bananas. He knew that Himchan favored red wine over white and that he dreamed of adopting two or three kids one day.
The only thing about him that Jongup didn't know was who would be adopting those kids with him.
Usually when he was given a new charge to couple up he found it easy. He could look at two people and tell instantly that they would be a perfect match.
He hadn't been a Cupid for twenty-one years and learned nothing.
But Himchan?
Himchan was... difficult.
Every person that walked in was scrutinized, evaluated and then eventually discarded. No one was deemed good enough in Jongup's eyes. He needed to be paired with someone perfect, someone who understood him, someone who knew that when he came in with his tie already undone that it meant he had a bad day and needed an extra shot of vanilla in his coffee. Someone who could make that dimple show up under his eye just by entering the room.
"How was your day?" He asked happily, sliding in across from him.
Himchan shrugged, his attention focused on stirring his drink. "It was okay."
"Is something wrong?" Jongup felt another pang in his chest, this one not quite the rush of electricity he had gotten the first time they had really spoken. This feeling made his heart hurt, his hand automatically coming up to cover it, to make sure it was still beating properly.
Maybe he had heartburn...
"I just get tired, you know?" Himchan's brows pulled together. "Going to work, coming here, then going home. Every day. That's all I ever do and for what? What's the point?"
This wasn't the usual casual banter they normally had. “Are you lonely?” Jongup asked the question before he realized how flirty it sounded and immediately turned red.
Thankfully Himchan didn’t seem to notice. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
He needed to step it up, Jongup realized. It didn’t look good on him if his customers were unsatisfied. His father had passed the Cupid genes on to him and he would be highly disappointed if he found out his son was slacking on the job.
Jongup thought for a second about all the potential candidates he had turned away for Himchan. Maybe he was just being too picky because Himchan was his friend.
“What kind of person are you looking for?” He finally asked, ignoring that annoying twitch in his chest.
Himchan looked at him for a second, deep in thought. “Someone attractive.” He finally answered. “Is that conceited? I just want to come home to something nice to look at after spending all day at work with people I can’t stand to be around.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you eventually find other things to connect over.” Jongup told him. He knew the perfect person, too. Someone who had come into his café on numerous occasions and had eyed the silent boy in the corner with a look that lasted longer than just curiosity. Now to just get the two together.
---
He watched the person in question enter, the ever present mask over his lips and nose. Jongup ran through his bio in his head to make sure he was one hundred percent sure the boy was even worthy enough to be introduced to Himchan.
Jung Daehyun
Age 24
Likes: Food, soccer and late-night infomercials
Dislikes: Loud talkers and hugging
And as for Himchan’s request, Daehyun wore the mask partly to keep himself hidden because of his shyness, but mostly because it was because he was swarmed with admirers every time he took it off.
“A cheesecake, please.” His voice was muffled, but he ordered the same thing every day without fail so Jongup just nodded and leaned over to the cheesecake tray.
“Oh darn.” He clicked his tongue. “I forgot I sold the last piece an hour ago.” He motioned towards the tables. “If you don’t care to wait about fifteen minutes I should have another one ready. On the house, of course.”
Even though he was disappointed at the lack of available cheesecake, Daehyun was intrigued by the offer of a free piece. That meant he could eat the free one and then buy another piece to take home. He bowed happily and took a seat where he could watch Jongup’s every move.
Himchan came in ten minutes later, just like clockwork. He ordered his regular drink and cupcake and turned around to sit at his table. “Shoot.” He mumbled, seeing someone else already sitting in it. In fact all the seats were taken. Jongup had made sure of it.
“Oh I’m sorry Himchan! We had a big sale on cookies today so we’re a lot busier than we normally are.” Jongup forced his lips out and tried to look contrite. “But I’m sure someone would be more than willing to share a table with you. Hey! You!” He pointed at a shocked Daehyun and nodded. “Yes, you. The guy who I’m giving a free piece of cake to. Would you be willing to share your table?”
Daehyun and Himchan both looked uncomfortable but Jongup figured that sometimes you had to do awkward things to get the results you were looking for. When Daehyun nodded, Himchan gave him a small smile and sat across from him, sipping bashfully on his coffee.
Jongup tried to keep an eye on their table but there was another rush for cookies and he lost track of them for a few minutes. By the time the crowd had cleared the only person left at the table was Daehyun, still waiting for his slice of cake.
“I’m sorry about that!” Jongup smiled cheerily at him, but his eyes roamed around the room. “Are you alone again?”
Daehyun pulled his mask down and showed him exactly why he was the first choice for Himchan. As soon as he heard ‘someone attractive’ Daehyun was the first person to pop into his mind. His plushy lips and adorably crinkled eyes weren’t quite what he would have gone for, for some reason Jongup had a newly developed love for heart-shaped lips and eyes that could stare daggers at you, but he had to admit that the other boy was good-looking.
“Mmhmm.” He mumbled around a mouthful of food. “Himchan left a few minutes ago.”
“Himchan?” Jongup felt a mixture of pride and pain at the use of his name. “You two get along well then?”
Daehyun nodded. “We’re actually going out this weekend. He mentioned he liked sushi so I’m taking him to my favorite sushi house.”
Jongup’s heart clenched. He had done his job, he should be relieved. “Great!” He forced a smile on his face, the only giveaway of his real feelings were his fists squeezed tightly behind his back. “That’s… That’s really just great!”
He turned robotically and went back into the kitchen, his hand covering his pounding heart again. “This is your job, Moon Jongup.” He mumbled to himself. “Rule number one: don’t ever let it get personal.”
---
Himchan never mentioned the date when he came in the next day. Or the day after that. Jongup was about to go crazy.
Finally on Monday when Himchan came in, large bright smile on his face, Jongup couldn’t take it anymore.
“What did you do this weekend?” He blurted out before he had even sat down.
Himchan’s mouth dropped open and he frowned. “I-I went out.” He finally said. “And I sat around the rest of the time. Why?”
He shrugged, his veins feeling like there was insects crawling inside of them. “Just wondering. Daehyun… He mentioned that you two were going out together.”
Himchan’s lips formed into an oh face. “We went to a restaurant he recommended. It was nice. They had really good food.”
When he offered no other information, Jongup chewed on his lip wondering if he should question him more.
“He’s not really my type though.” Himchan finally spoke up, his spoon making little waves in his coffee. “Cute, but there wasn’t much else. After we finished talking about the food it was just awkward silence the rest of the night.”
Jongup tried to stop the grin from creeping up on his lips. He knew Daehyun wasn’t right for him.
“So you want someone you have things in common with.” He stared off to the side and thought carefully.
Himchan looked up at him through his bangs and smiled softly. “Well not necessarily. Just someone that I enjoy being with.”
And that was how Jongup “accidentally” broke one of his ceiling lights a few days later and just had to call someone to come in to fix it in the middle of the day.
Bang Yongguk
Age 26
Likes: Laughing and rap music
Dislikes: People who think they’re better than others
“Thank you for coming on such short notice!” Jongup put his hands on his hips and shook his head at the broken light. “I don’t know what happened, I was just trying to carry a ladder to the front of the store and glass just went everywhere!”
Yongguk gave him a large teeth-filled smile. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind coming out to fix it especially when you offer me a free box of cupcakes!”
He turned around to grab another bulb off the floor when Himchan walked through the front door and slammed against his chest.
“Oh shit!” Yongguk grabbed him as he fell backwards, pulling the flailing boy to his chest. “Are you alright? I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize my equipment was blocking the door.”
Himchan nervously pulled away and gave a shy smile. “Accidents happen.” He replied. “No harm done.”
Yongguk still looked concerned. “Are you sure? I feel horrible. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”
Himchan snuck a glance at Jongup. “I don’t know…”
“Of course you can!” Jongup grabbed Himchan’s arm and pushed him towards his seat in the corner. “Go ahead and sit and I’ll tell him exactly what you want.”
He was so intent on getting them talking that he missed the flash of something cross Himchan’s face.
When Himchan was done eating, he gave Yongguk a happy smile, waving rapidly to him as he passed on the other side of the window and headed home.
Yongguk watched him go, an amused tilt on his lips. It made a spike of anger go through Jongup, his fists clenching under the counter.
Sometimes he really hated what he was.
---
Yongguk came in with Himchan quite a few times over the next couple weeks. It got to where Jongup didn’t even take his break when he saw Himchan walk in because the other boy would almost always be stumbling in not long afterwards.
He needed two hands to count the number of days it had been since he and Himchan had even had a conversation together and he hated it. Hated the way Yongguks’s eyes would light up the second he pushed the door open. Hated how Himchan would automatically order two coffees and an extra dessert, not eating or drinking until the boy slid in across the table from him.
Jongup missed him. He missed his friend, he missed their talks, he missed Himchan. It had even started to infect his work, his few employees knowing to stay out of his way because he was prone to snapping for the smallest accident.
He was trying to change the filter in the coffee machine, grumbling under his breath when it didn’t pull out correctly when he heard the bell over the door jingle.
“Just a second!” He barked over his back, not bothering to see who it was. If he offended them and they left then so be it. When he had it tugged free and changed, he turned around to face a frowning Himchan.
“You in a bad mood, Jongup?” He asked curiously, tilting his head to the side. He still had his glasses on from work and his shirt was slightly wrinkled giving him a ruffled look.
Jongup wondered if he would get arrested for slapping him.
“It’s nothing.” His voice was curt, not leaving any room for friendly banter. He rang in Himchan’s usual coffee and dessert with sharp stabs to the register. “Do I need to add more?”
Himchan nodded slowly. “Another coffee and a cinnamon cookie please.”
With a sneer, Jongup gathered his items. Of course Yongguk would be eating that type of cookie. It was Jongup’s favorite, why shouldn’t Yongguk just take it, too. He had taken everything else from him.
He slammed the tray onto the counter and glared at Himchan, the older boy’s eyes calm as he gazed back at him.
“Was there anything else?” He finally asked when Himchan made no move to pick up the tray. “I’m kind of busy here.”
Himchan looked around the half-empty seating area and over to the two employees in the corner folding napkins. “I can see that.” He motioned towards the corner booth. “Want to come sit with me?”
“No.” Jongup shot back. When he saw the crumpled expression on Himchan’s face some of his anger melted and he quickly back-tracked. “I mean, you’re waiting on Yongguk and I don’t want to get in the way.”
“No I’m not.” Himchan picked the tray up and smiled. “I got these for you. Cinnamon is your favorite, not his.”
He walked off, leaving Jongup watching him with a dumbfounded expression. Only when Himchan settled himself in the booth and raised an eyebrow his direction did he realize he was supposed to move.
“Watch the counter!” He called over to the other employee’s, trying to walk smoothly to Himchan’s table.
A plate and a mug were pushed over to his side but he didn’t yet dare to look up into the eyes he knew would show disappointment in his actions.
After a while Himchan let out a small chuckle. “You don’t seem like the type to have a temper, Jongup. You’re always so quiet and smiley.” When Jongup didn’t answer, Himchan tried again. “Do you want to tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help you.”
Jongup finally glanced up through his light brown bangs. “I’ve just been in a mood lately. I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to take it out on you.”
“That’s alright.” Himchan smiled shyly at him. “It’s actually refreshing to see you actually have a more dominant side. I was kind of worried you let everyone walk all over you and never said anything.”
He shrugged. “I don’t like losing my temper. It looks bad.”
“It makes you look human.” Himchan interjected, not understanding the wry smile on Jongup’s lips.
If only you knew, he thought.
“So how’s Yongguk?” He really didn’t want to know, but figured it impolite if he didn’t ask about him. Might as well confront the elephant in the room.
“He’s fine.” Himchan’s smile grew a little bit bigger, much to Jongup’s chagrin. “We’re going to the movies later. Do you want to come with us?” His hands tore nervously at the napkin under his plate. “I’d like it if you went, Jongup.”
The last thing in the world that he wanted to do, right before step into a swarm of bees, was to crash a date with Himchan.
“I don’t think Yongguk would like that very much.” His cold exterior came back. “I wouldn’t want someone to third wheel one of my dates if I were him.”
Himchan’s nose crinkled. “Oh god, Jongup. Is that what you think this is?” His lips curled up in disgust. “Guk and I are not dating, oh geez. Far from it. He actually has a thing for Daehyun, that boy I went out with a few weeks ago. We’re going to the movies because he knows Daehyun goes there every Friday night and he wants to spy.”
Jongup’s heart leapt into his throat and he had a sudden surge of happiness so strong he felt like breaking into a dance. “You’re not dating him?” He asked, always a little slow on the uptake.
“No, no.” Himchan’s eyes narrowed. “Is that why you’ve been so cool to me lately? You thought I had a boyfriend so we couldn’t be friends anymore?” He cooed and leaned forward to pinch his cheeks. “Oh that’s so adorable! Don’t worry Jonguppie, I wouldn’t let anyone come between us, okay?”
Jongup’s cheeks burned and he had to look down at his half-eaten cookie so that Himchan couldn’t see the pleasure bursting in his expression. “I just don’t want to get in the way.” He murmured.
A soft hand covered his, squeezing his fingers lightly. “That would never happen.” Himchan whispered. His thumb darted under his hand, stroking across the palm. “Do you really think I’m going to give up on you so easily?” He teased him.
“So what’s wrong with Yongguk?” Jongup awkwardly pulled his hand away and placed it on his lap. “Why are you two still hanging out so much if you’re not dating?”
“He’s a pretty awesome guy.” Himchan answered. “We have a lot of fun together. We don’t really have very much in common but he likes to make me laugh and it’s nice to just be able to enjoy myself and have a good time when I’m not working. But there’s no spark, trust me. Besides,” He chewed on his lip for a moment, embarrassment crossing his cheeks. “He isn’t very… Nurturing…”
Jongup frowned. “What do you mean? I thought he seemed nice.”
“Oh he is!” Himchan’s head flew up and down in agreement. “He’s very nice. He just doesn’t really catch on to things. For instance, we played basketball in the park a few days ago and he tripped me and I fell on the concrete.” Himchan gently tugged his shirt up over his arm, exposing a rash from his wrist to his elbow. Jongup gasped and reached forward to cradle it as if it would somehow make it better. “Yongguk apologized but it didn’t really seem to faze him. I wasn’t asking for a hospital visit or anything, but a little bit of sympathy would have gone a long way.”
Jongup brushed his thumb over the raw skin. “Did you put anything on this? It could get infected.”
“I bandaged it overnight and put some cream on it.” Himchan pulled his shirt back down and carefully moved it back to his side. “It’s fine.” He watched Jongup chew on the side of his cookie, concentration etching his features as he ate. “It’s nice to have someone who you have a good time with.” Himchan said, stirring another packet of sugar into his drink. “But it also means a lot when that person tries to take care of you even if there’s nothing they can do.”
Jongup missed the pained look that crossed Himchan’s face as he spoke, his mind only on who he had that would fill that checkpoint.
---
Yoo Youngjae
Age 23
Likes: Jogging, comedy movies and fresh out of the dryer bed sheets
Dislikes: People who don’t stand up for themselves and brown M&M’s
“So as you can see, I’m not too sure if I’m going to sell right now, but it never hurts to see what my options are.” Jongup ended the building tour in the seating area, coincidentally right near Himchan.
Youngjae nodded and made some notes in his folder. “Well I’ll do my best to figure out how much the place is worth and if it would be a good idea to sell at this time.”
“You’re selling?” Himchan jumped up, his face turning ashen. “Why?”
“I’m not sure yet. I have had a few buyers interested in the last couple years and just wanted to see how much I could get for it.” Jongup motioned towards the table. “Youngjae if you’d like to have a seat then I can go get you something to refresh you from the walk-around. I’m sure Himchan wouldn’t mind some company.”
The black-haired boy looked suspiciously at the intruder but nodded anyways.
Youngjae turned to Jongup with a frown. “Please no coffee. I’ll be up all night. I prefer tea. One lemon. Thank you”
Jongup hoped Himchan knew what he was getting into when he asked for someone to take care of him. Youngjae had bossiness in droves.
---
“I’m not supposed to wear the color blue anymore.” Himchan widened his eyes and looked helplessly up at Jongup through his hands. “He says blue washes my skin tone out and that I need to wear happy colors. What is a happy color? Jongup, I have no idea what makes a color happy!”
Jongup laughed under his breath, his hand reaching over to stroke across Himchan’s bangs. “He’s just trying to look out for you.”
“But he’s so domineering! I ordered the fish at the restaurant last night and he changed my order! Said the chicken is so much better there. I wanted fish, Jongup! I wanted some damn fish! Why couldn’t I just eat the fish?” He grabbed Jongup’s hand off his forehead and pressed it to his cheek. “I couldn’t even get a word in edgewise between his constant questioning and it was like a game of 20 Questions only he asked everything and I never got to learn a single thing about him.”
Jongup murmured sympathetically. “I thought you said you wanted someone to take care of you? Sounds like Youngjae was doing a pretty good job of that.”
The other boy grumbled under his breath. “He did too good of a job. I felt like I was in a cage. I want to take care of someone, too.”
Jongup felt a headache coming on. Himchan was the most difficult charge he had ever had. But it was partially his own fault. He had babied Himchan this whole time, telling himself the older boy deserved the best and that no one was good enough. Maybe he had unconsciously projected his thoughts onto Himchan and now he was just being overly picky.
But Jongup was a Cupid first and foremost. His job came first, he told himself. No matter how close he had gotten to his subject he had to remember that this was his job.
“I’m sure everything will work out the way it’s supposed to, Himchan.” He brushed his thumb across the silky cheekbone, letting himself have a brief moment of pretend.
---
The last person on his eligible bachelor list was the kid who picked his trash up every Tuesday and Friday. He was still a teenager so Jongup thought he would be perfect for Himchan’s newest request of someone he could nurture.
Now to just convince Himchan that dating the six foot tall gangly boy would be in his best interest.
“Himchan!” Jongup struggled under the heavy bag and put a fake grimace on his face! “Do you think you could-“ He tilted a little under the weight and was close to toppling when Himchan’s strong hands were wrapped around his waist, pulling him back up.
“Lift with your knees.” He teased him, easily grabbing the trash and throwing it over his shoulder. “Where does this go?”
Jongup pointed out the back door knowing the trash pick-up would be happening in just a few moments.
Choi Junhong
Age 19
Likes: Skateboarding and manga
Dislikes: Paying rent and his college math class
Himchan came in twenty minutes later, a smile on his lips and a piece of paper held tight in his hand. “I have to do some work at home tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?” He left without waiting for an answer, Jongup still standing at the register with his finger hovering over the buttons.
“You didn’t even stay and order anything.” He mumbled dejectedly.
He was still in a bad mood the next day. Himchan was constantly texting on his phone and laughing at whatever the other person sent him. He had never seen him use the device this much in the few months they’d been growing closer.
“You seem happy.” Jongup grumbled, dropping in across from him with a frown. He didn’t even bother to bring a drink with him, choosing instead to just glare hatefully across the table at the one person he wanted to see the most but didn’t want to see at all.
Himchan could tell he was angry at something but ignored it. “I have a date this weekend!” He said happily. “Yesterday when I took your trash out, I met the boy who picked it up and we hit it off. His name’s Junhong!”
Jongup already knew all this but pretended to be interested anyway. “That’s nice.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Himchan put down his phone and tilted his head to the side. “You’re grumpy again.”
“Don’t you think this is getting a little old?” Jongup shot back. He had had enough. He was tired from trying to match him up over and over again and if he didn’t do it soon he might be called in and that was the last thing he wanted. His father would never let him hear the end of it.
And they might question him as to why he’s so hesitant on finding Himchan a good, solid match.
Himchan sat back, his eyes flashing with hurt. “What’s getting old, Jongup?” His voice was soft and Jongup almost regretted snapping at him.
“How many boys have you gone out with lately?” He pushed himself up with his elbows and jutted his jaw as he stared hatefully, wanting to wipe every smile, every laugh out of his system. If Jongup had to sit and be a miserable asshole then Himchan should have to do the same.
“I didn’t know you were being bothered with me and my personal life. I’m sorry.” Himchan grabbed his bag and scooted out of his seat. “Maybe I should leave.”
Jongup knew he should stop him, he realized that he was being a rude little jerk. But he couldn’t take it anymore.
So he let him walk away.
---
Himchan didn’t come in for the rest of the week. Every time the bell rang around 5:30 Jongup would jump up expectantly only to be disappointed that it wasn’t him. He was going crazy without seeing him.
By Saturday night he had lost all of his energy, his brain a muddled mess and his body exhausted from over-work. He had sent his employees home early and had closed the store down a whole hour before he normally did.
Maybe he needed to call Youngjae back and tell him he actually was interested in selling…
A pounding on the door had Jongup jerking up from behind the counter where he was cleaning the donut box. He saw Himchan’s desperate face peering at him behind the door so he hurried over to let him in, his heart pounding in both surprise and anticipation.
“Himchan? It’s nine o’clock, what are you doing here this late?”
“I need coffee. Please, I know you’re closed and I know you hate me and you think I’m the most pathetic person, but I really just don’t want to go home yet.”
He wasn’t really in the mood for this. It was late, he was exhausted, and Himchan smelled like another man’s cologne.
And pizza. Himchan also smelled a little bit like a pizza.
“Sure.” He sighed, sweeping his arm out. “I haven’t cleaned the coffee machine yet. Let me get it going.” He bit his lip and looked awkwardly up at the frazzled boy across from him. “And I would never hate you.”
Himchan let out a deep breath of relief and smiled, thanking him profusely for opening back up just for him as he sat down at a chair against the counter. Jongup watched him for a moment and wondered what was so wrong that it would make him act so out of character.
“How was your date with Junhong?” He tried to sound interested when all he really wanted was for Himchan to leave.
He hated the ache he felt when the other boy was near.
“Zelo.” Himchan’s lips curled up in disgust. “He made me call him Zelo. First he wanted to go to a pizza place that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month. Then he took me to an arcade. An arcade. I’m twenty-six years old, I do not belong in an arcade!”
Jongup shrugged, busying himself with the coffee maker. “You said you wanted someone to take care of.”
Himchan froze. “What?”
“You said you wanted someone to take care of since Youngjae smothered you. Junhong is only nineteen so I figured-“
Hands slammed angrily down on the counter, making Jongup jerk in surprise. “Did you somehow set me and that brat up?”
He realized then his mistake. Himchan’s face wasn’t thankful at all. He looked downright pissed, his eyes black and nostrils flaring.
“Well y-yes.” Jongup stammered, wondering if he had enough time to run to the door to his upstairs apartment. As if he sensed his plan Himchan growled out a warning.
“Were you responsible for the others too? Daehyun? Yongguk? Youngjae?”
Jongup licked his lips nervously. “Yes?” He squeaked out. “Just-just… You were so upset that day you came in and you said you were lonely and I just wanted to help you!”
The older boy’s chest rose and fell quickly as he tried to calm down. Jongup didn’t understand why he was so angry. Didn’t Himchan want to fall in love? Hadn’t he said himself that he needed more and that what he was doing wasn’t e-
“Why?” The word was so quiet that Jongup barely heard it. He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the angry boy, his head lowered so that Jongup couldn’t see his eyes. “Why them?”
“You said you wanted someone attractive so I thought of Daehyun. Someone you could have a good time with, that would be Yongguk. And Youngjae’s a bit possessive so I figured he would be a good person to take care of you. And then Junhong is still just a teenager so I knew you would be able to take care of him and-“
“Did you ever think that maybe I wanted all of those characteristics in just one person?” Himchan lifted his face incredulously. “That I want to be with someone that I can’t take my eyes off of, that I want to spend every spare second with and never be bored, someone that will take control when I need them to but will also let me take care of them the way they deserve?”
Jongup racked his brain for someone that fit all of is criteria. “But there’s no one else… That was all of my options!”
Himchan rolled his eyes. “You’re missing someone.”
His shoulders slumped as he thought again. “I can’t! That was it!”
His father had taught him that the only way the match wouldn’t set was if one of the targets weren’t open to it. With four dud matches Jongup finally had to admit that Himchan wasn’t even putting in an effort to fall in love with anyone.
“Jongup…” Himchan’s face softened. “You’re missing the one person who fills every role I need. Everything I told you that I wanted was because I had already seen it in someone.”
“But with w-“ He let out a muffled gasp when he was jerked forward over the counter, Himchan’s hand fisted in his shirt and his lips pressed firmly against Jongup’s open ones.
Himchan pulled away after a moment, his eyes wide in shock. “I’m sorry!” He let go of Jongup and took a step back. “I didn’t- I wasn’t planning on-“ He swallowed and quickly hurried to the door.
It took a second for Jongup to snap out of his shock, his fingers tugging on his lips as he still felt Himchan’s covering them, his breath warm on Jongup’s cheek. By the time he realized what had happened, Himchan was already at the door, his shaky hand struggling to turn the knob.
Jongup grabbed him the second he had the door open, slamming the taller body against it. He didn’t give him a chance to speak before he reattached their lips, hands tangling in the black hair as he tugged him even closer.
Himchan recovered quickly, his arms encircling Jongup’s slim waist and tightening their bodies together, lips moving with his as effortlessly as if they had been doing it for ages. They pulled apart for just long enough to take a breath before diving back in, Himchan’s tongue swiping across Jongup’s bottom lip.
A quiet groan left his lips when Jongup hesitantly parted his mouth, his own tongue emerging just slightly to meet his. He tasted like cinnamon cookies and he smelled like coffee and Himchan wasn’t sure which one he liked more.
“Himchan…” A soft voice brought him back to his senses. He was panting as he pulled away, a groan low in his throat at how rough Jongup looked just from his kisses. His cheeks were stained red, lips parted and swollen, and eyes half-closed in lust.
“I was talking about you, you idiot.” Himchan whispered, nuzzling his nose against the warm cheeks. “It was always you.”
Jongup felt a grin creep up on his lips, the ache in his chest magically disappeared and replaced with a different kind of ache. A good ache. One that made his body vibrate with electricity and his hands itch to grab onto that black hair and never let it go. “I never wanted you to date those boys.” He admitted, sighing at the barely there pecks against his jaw. “I just wanted you to be happy.”
“I only went out with all of them because I loved how jealous you looked. I don’t want them. I already am happy.” Himchan showed him the proof with a large teeth-filled grin. “With you. Only with you.”
He pulled Jongup into his arms and rested their foreheads together. “Why do you think I come in every single day? Do you really think I need to be eating cupcakes six days a week? I have to work out for an extra thirty minutes every day just to get rid of it!”
Jongup laughed, the sound unfamiliar to his ears. “I love you.”
Himchan knew Jongup was different from other people, he could tell that the moment he first stepped in and saw him behind the counter.
But he didn’t care. He never had.
“Love you, too.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also wrote a teeny tiny little HimUp drabble HERE if anyone wanted to read it.
Rated: PG
Length: 6.4K
Listen to the music okay. Please. -_- It's the whole reason I wrote this.
------------------------------------
Jongup watched the man in the corner drinking his coffee and staring out the large glass window with a thoughtful expression on his serious face. It had become a daily routine between the two of them. The dark-haired boy would come in, order his drink, sometimes a dessert, lately he had been favoring the chocolate cupcakes so Jongup always made sure he saved one in case they ran out, and then he would sit by himself. And just stare.
Himchan.
That was his name. Jongup knew it of course, he knew almost everything about him, but he had to pretend for a while until it was finally offered to him.
Himchan. All teeth and shaggy hair and happiness. "My name's Himchan. You see me enough. Might as well know my name!"
"Jongup." He gave him a shy smile. Even though he knew all of his likes, all of his dislikes, he never knew that his grin was infectious or that he had a dimple under his eye.
What was that spark inside his ribs? He rubbed his chest and frowned. Maybe he ate something he shouldn't have.
Himchan turned to him, breaking him out of his musings, and smiled. "You're working hard today, Jongup." He teased.
"I own the place, I can slack if I want to." Jongup shot back. He pulled a plate with two cinnamon cookies of the case, dying to take a break and dig into it. The new additions had gone quickly so he snagged some earlier to put back for himself.
He sat down at a table by the door and quietly started in on it and a bottle of tea. A chair scraping across the floor had him jolting in surprise.
"Can I sit here?" Himchan was already making himself comfortable anyways, his cupcake long gone and a mug of warm coffee clasped between his hands. "What are you eating?"
Jongup was frozen, the cookie halfway between his plate and his lips. No one ever tried to talk to him as much as Himchan did. It was a little disconcerting. Even his own employees could sense something off about him. Could tell that he wasn't quite the same as them.
"Cinnamon cookie." He held it out towards him when he saw the needy expression. "Want to share it?"
It became natural for the two to sit together for Jongup's break. He would immediately head over to Himchan's table as soon as he got a free moment and spend the next twenty minutes getting to know each other.
Well, getting to know Jongup. He was already well-versed in all things Himchan.
He knew that his favorite color was pink, that he loved romantic movies and that he hated bananas. He knew that Himchan favored red wine over white and that he dreamed of adopting two or three kids one day.
The only thing about him that Jongup didn't know was who would be adopting those kids with him.
Usually when he was given a new charge to couple up he found it easy. He could look at two people and tell instantly that they would be a perfect match.
He hadn't been a Cupid for twenty-one years and learned nothing.
But Himchan?
Himchan was... difficult.
Every person that walked in was scrutinized, evaluated and then eventually discarded. No one was deemed good enough in Jongup's eyes. He needed to be paired with someone perfect, someone who understood him, someone who knew that when he came in with his tie already undone that it meant he had a bad day and needed an extra shot of vanilla in his coffee. Someone who could make that dimple show up under his eye just by entering the room.
"How was your day?" He asked happily, sliding in across from him.
Himchan shrugged, his attention focused on stirring his drink. "It was okay."
"Is something wrong?" Jongup felt another pang in his chest, this one not quite the rush of electricity he had gotten the first time they had really spoken. This feeling made his heart hurt, his hand automatically coming up to cover it, to make sure it was still beating properly.
Maybe he had heartburn...
"I just get tired, you know?" Himchan's brows pulled together. "Going to work, coming here, then going home. Every day. That's all I ever do and for what? What's the point?"
This wasn't the usual casual banter they normally had. “Are you lonely?” Jongup asked the question before he realized how flirty it sounded and immediately turned red.
Thankfully Himchan didn’t seem to notice. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
He needed to step it up, Jongup realized. It didn’t look good on him if his customers were unsatisfied. His father had passed the Cupid genes on to him and he would be highly disappointed if he found out his son was slacking on the job.
Jongup thought for a second about all the potential candidates he had turned away for Himchan. Maybe he was just being too picky because Himchan was his friend.
“What kind of person are you looking for?” He finally asked, ignoring that annoying twitch in his chest.
Himchan looked at him for a second, deep in thought. “Someone attractive.” He finally answered. “Is that conceited? I just want to come home to something nice to look at after spending all day at work with people I can’t stand to be around.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you eventually find other things to connect over.” Jongup told him. He knew the perfect person, too. Someone who had come into his café on numerous occasions and had eyed the silent boy in the corner with a look that lasted longer than just curiosity. Now to just get the two together.
---
He watched the person in question enter, the ever present mask over his lips and nose. Jongup ran through his bio in his head to make sure he was one hundred percent sure the boy was even worthy enough to be introduced to Himchan.
Jung Daehyun
Age 24
Likes: Food, soccer and late-night infomercials
Dislikes: Loud talkers and hugging
And as for Himchan’s request, Daehyun wore the mask partly to keep himself hidden because of his shyness, but mostly because it was because he was swarmed with admirers every time he took it off.
“A cheesecake, please.” His voice was muffled, but he ordered the same thing every day without fail so Jongup just nodded and leaned over to the cheesecake tray.
“Oh darn.” He clicked his tongue. “I forgot I sold the last piece an hour ago.” He motioned towards the tables. “If you don’t care to wait about fifteen minutes I should have another one ready. On the house, of course.”
Even though he was disappointed at the lack of available cheesecake, Daehyun was intrigued by the offer of a free piece. That meant he could eat the free one and then buy another piece to take home. He bowed happily and took a seat where he could watch Jongup’s every move.
Himchan came in ten minutes later, just like clockwork. He ordered his regular drink and cupcake and turned around to sit at his table. “Shoot.” He mumbled, seeing someone else already sitting in it. In fact all the seats were taken. Jongup had made sure of it.
“Oh I’m sorry Himchan! We had a big sale on cookies today so we’re a lot busier than we normally are.” Jongup forced his lips out and tried to look contrite. “But I’m sure someone would be more than willing to share a table with you. Hey! You!” He pointed at a shocked Daehyun and nodded. “Yes, you. The guy who I’m giving a free piece of cake to. Would you be willing to share your table?”
Daehyun and Himchan both looked uncomfortable but Jongup figured that sometimes you had to do awkward things to get the results you were looking for. When Daehyun nodded, Himchan gave him a small smile and sat across from him, sipping bashfully on his coffee.
Jongup tried to keep an eye on their table but there was another rush for cookies and he lost track of them for a few minutes. By the time the crowd had cleared the only person left at the table was Daehyun, still waiting for his slice of cake.
“I’m sorry about that!” Jongup smiled cheerily at him, but his eyes roamed around the room. “Are you alone again?”
Daehyun pulled his mask down and showed him exactly why he was the first choice for Himchan. As soon as he heard ‘someone attractive’ Daehyun was the first person to pop into his mind. His plushy lips and adorably crinkled eyes weren’t quite what he would have gone for, for some reason Jongup had a newly developed love for heart-shaped lips and eyes that could stare daggers at you, but he had to admit that the other boy was good-looking.
“Mmhmm.” He mumbled around a mouthful of food. “Himchan left a few minutes ago.”
“Himchan?” Jongup felt a mixture of pride and pain at the use of his name. “You two get along well then?”
Daehyun nodded. “We’re actually going out this weekend. He mentioned he liked sushi so I’m taking him to my favorite sushi house.”
Jongup’s heart clenched. He had done his job, he should be relieved. “Great!” He forced a smile on his face, the only giveaway of his real feelings were his fists squeezed tightly behind his back. “That’s… That’s really just great!”
He turned robotically and went back into the kitchen, his hand covering his pounding heart again. “This is your job, Moon Jongup.” He mumbled to himself. “Rule number one: don’t ever let it get personal.”
---
Himchan never mentioned the date when he came in the next day. Or the day after that. Jongup was about to go crazy.
Finally on Monday when Himchan came in, large bright smile on his face, Jongup couldn’t take it anymore.
“What did you do this weekend?” He blurted out before he had even sat down.
Himchan’s mouth dropped open and he frowned. “I-I went out.” He finally said. “And I sat around the rest of the time. Why?”
He shrugged, his veins feeling like there was insects crawling inside of them. “Just wondering. Daehyun… He mentioned that you two were going out together.”
Himchan’s lips formed into an oh face. “We went to a restaurant he recommended. It was nice. They had really good food.”
When he offered no other information, Jongup chewed on his lip wondering if he should question him more.
“He’s not really my type though.” Himchan finally spoke up, his spoon making little waves in his coffee. “Cute, but there wasn’t much else. After we finished talking about the food it was just awkward silence the rest of the night.”
Jongup tried to stop the grin from creeping up on his lips. He knew Daehyun wasn’t right for him.
“So you want someone you have things in common with.” He stared off to the side and thought carefully.
Himchan looked up at him through his bangs and smiled softly. “Well not necessarily. Just someone that I enjoy being with.”
And that was how Jongup “accidentally” broke one of his ceiling lights a few days later and just had to call someone to come in to fix it in the middle of the day.
Bang Yongguk
Age 26
Likes: Laughing and rap music
Dislikes: People who think they’re better than others
“Thank you for coming on such short notice!” Jongup put his hands on his hips and shook his head at the broken light. “I don’t know what happened, I was just trying to carry a ladder to the front of the store and glass just went everywhere!”
Yongguk gave him a large teeth-filled smile. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind coming out to fix it especially when you offer me a free box of cupcakes!”
He turned around to grab another bulb off the floor when Himchan walked through the front door and slammed against his chest.
“Oh shit!” Yongguk grabbed him as he fell backwards, pulling the flailing boy to his chest. “Are you alright? I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize my equipment was blocking the door.”
Himchan nervously pulled away and gave a shy smile. “Accidents happen.” He replied. “No harm done.”
Yongguk still looked concerned. “Are you sure? I feel horrible. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”
Himchan snuck a glance at Jongup. “I don’t know…”
“Of course you can!” Jongup grabbed Himchan’s arm and pushed him towards his seat in the corner. “Go ahead and sit and I’ll tell him exactly what you want.”
He was so intent on getting them talking that he missed the flash of something cross Himchan’s face.
When Himchan was done eating, he gave Yongguk a happy smile, waving rapidly to him as he passed on the other side of the window and headed home.
Yongguk watched him go, an amused tilt on his lips. It made a spike of anger go through Jongup, his fists clenching under the counter.
Sometimes he really hated what he was.
---
Yongguk came in with Himchan quite a few times over the next couple weeks. It got to where Jongup didn’t even take his break when he saw Himchan walk in because the other boy would almost always be stumbling in not long afterwards.
He needed two hands to count the number of days it had been since he and Himchan had even had a conversation together and he hated it. Hated the way Yongguks’s eyes would light up the second he pushed the door open. Hated how Himchan would automatically order two coffees and an extra dessert, not eating or drinking until the boy slid in across the table from him.
Jongup missed him. He missed his friend, he missed their talks, he missed Himchan. It had even started to infect his work, his few employees knowing to stay out of his way because he was prone to snapping for the smallest accident.
He was trying to change the filter in the coffee machine, grumbling under his breath when it didn’t pull out correctly when he heard the bell over the door jingle.
“Just a second!” He barked over his back, not bothering to see who it was. If he offended them and they left then so be it. When he had it tugged free and changed, he turned around to face a frowning Himchan.
“You in a bad mood, Jongup?” He asked curiously, tilting his head to the side. He still had his glasses on from work and his shirt was slightly wrinkled giving him a ruffled look.
Jongup wondered if he would get arrested for slapping him.
“It’s nothing.” His voice was curt, not leaving any room for friendly banter. He rang in Himchan’s usual coffee and dessert with sharp stabs to the register. “Do I need to add more?”
Himchan nodded slowly. “Another coffee and a cinnamon cookie please.”
With a sneer, Jongup gathered his items. Of course Yongguk would be eating that type of cookie. It was Jongup’s favorite, why shouldn’t Yongguk just take it, too. He had taken everything else from him.
He slammed the tray onto the counter and glared at Himchan, the older boy’s eyes calm as he gazed back at him.
“Was there anything else?” He finally asked when Himchan made no move to pick up the tray. “I’m kind of busy here.”
Himchan looked around the half-empty seating area and over to the two employees in the corner folding napkins. “I can see that.” He motioned towards the corner booth. “Want to come sit with me?”
“No.” Jongup shot back. When he saw the crumpled expression on Himchan’s face some of his anger melted and he quickly back-tracked. “I mean, you’re waiting on Yongguk and I don’t want to get in the way.”
“No I’m not.” Himchan picked the tray up and smiled. “I got these for you. Cinnamon is your favorite, not his.”
He walked off, leaving Jongup watching him with a dumbfounded expression. Only when Himchan settled himself in the booth and raised an eyebrow his direction did he realize he was supposed to move.
“Watch the counter!” He called over to the other employee’s, trying to walk smoothly to Himchan’s table.
A plate and a mug were pushed over to his side but he didn’t yet dare to look up into the eyes he knew would show disappointment in his actions.
After a while Himchan let out a small chuckle. “You don’t seem like the type to have a temper, Jongup. You’re always so quiet and smiley.” When Jongup didn’t answer, Himchan tried again. “Do you want to tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help you.”
Jongup finally glanced up through his light brown bangs. “I’ve just been in a mood lately. I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to take it out on you.”
“That’s alright.” Himchan smiled shyly at him. “It’s actually refreshing to see you actually have a more dominant side. I was kind of worried you let everyone walk all over you and never said anything.”
He shrugged. “I don’t like losing my temper. It looks bad.”
“It makes you look human.” Himchan interjected, not understanding the wry smile on Jongup’s lips.
If only you knew, he thought.
“So how’s Yongguk?” He really didn’t want to know, but figured it impolite if he didn’t ask about him. Might as well confront the elephant in the room.
“He’s fine.” Himchan’s smile grew a little bit bigger, much to Jongup’s chagrin. “We’re going to the movies later. Do you want to come with us?” His hands tore nervously at the napkin under his plate. “I’d like it if you went, Jongup.”
The last thing in the world that he wanted to do, right before step into a swarm of bees, was to crash a date with Himchan.
“I don’t think Yongguk would like that very much.” His cold exterior came back. “I wouldn’t want someone to third wheel one of my dates if I were him.”
Himchan’s nose crinkled. “Oh god, Jongup. Is that what you think this is?” His lips curled up in disgust. “Guk and I are not dating, oh geez. Far from it. He actually has a thing for Daehyun, that boy I went out with a few weeks ago. We’re going to the movies because he knows Daehyun goes there every Friday night and he wants to spy.”
Jongup’s heart leapt into his throat and he had a sudden surge of happiness so strong he felt like breaking into a dance. “You’re not dating him?” He asked, always a little slow on the uptake.
“No, no.” Himchan’s eyes narrowed. “Is that why you’ve been so cool to me lately? You thought I had a boyfriend so we couldn’t be friends anymore?” He cooed and leaned forward to pinch his cheeks. “Oh that’s so adorable! Don’t worry Jonguppie, I wouldn’t let anyone come between us, okay?”
Jongup’s cheeks burned and he had to look down at his half-eaten cookie so that Himchan couldn’t see the pleasure bursting in his expression. “I just don’t want to get in the way.” He murmured.
A soft hand covered his, squeezing his fingers lightly. “That would never happen.” Himchan whispered. His thumb darted under his hand, stroking across the palm. “Do you really think I’m going to give up on you so easily?” He teased him.
“So what’s wrong with Yongguk?” Jongup awkwardly pulled his hand away and placed it on his lap. “Why are you two still hanging out so much if you’re not dating?”
“He’s a pretty awesome guy.” Himchan answered. “We have a lot of fun together. We don’t really have very much in common but he likes to make me laugh and it’s nice to just be able to enjoy myself and have a good time when I’m not working. But there’s no spark, trust me. Besides,” He chewed on his lip for a moment, embarrassment crossing his cheeks. “He isn’t very… Nurturing…”
Jongup frowned. “What do you mean? I thought he seemed nice.”
“Oh he is!” Himchan’s head flew up and down in agreement. “He’s very nice. He just doesn’t really catch on to things. For instance, we played basketball in the park a few days ago and he tripped me and I fell on the concrete.” Himchan gently tugged his shirt up over his arm, exposing a rash from his wrist to his elbow. Jongup gasped and reached forward to cradle it as if it would somehow make it better. “Yongguk apologized but it didn’t really seem to faze him. I wasn’t asking for a hospital visit or anything, but a little bit of sympathy would have gone a long way.”
Jongup brushed his thumb over the raw skin. “Did you put anything on this? It could get infected.”
“I bandaged it overnight and put some cream on it.” Himchan pulled his shirt back down and carefully moved it back to his side. “It’s fine.” He watched Jongup chew on the side of his cookie, concentration etching his features as he ate. “It’s nice to have someone who you have a good time with.” Himchan said, stirring another packet of sugar into his drink. “But it also means a lot when that person tries to take care of you even if there’s nothing they can do.”
Jongup missed the pained look that crossed Himchan’s face as he spoke, his mind only on who he had that would fill that checkpoint.
---
Yoo Youngjae
Age 23
Likes: Jogging, comedy movies and fresh out of the dryer bed sheets
Dislikes: People who don’t stand up for themselves and brown M&M’s
“So as you can see, I’m not too sure if I’m going to sell right now, but it never hurts to see what my options are.” Jongup ended the building tour in the seating area, coincidentally right near Himchan.
Youngjae nodded and made some notes in his folder. “Well I’ll do my best to figure out how much the place is worth and if it would be a good idea to sell at this time.”
“You’re selling?” Himchan jumped up, his face turning ashen. “Why?”
“I’m not sure yet. I have had a few buyers interested in the last couple years and just wanted to see how much I could get for it.” Jongup motioned towards the table. “Youngjae if you’d like to have a seat then I can go get you something to refresh you from the walk-around. I’m sure Himchan wouldn’t mind some company.”
The black-haired boy looked suspiciously at the intruder but nodded anyways.
Youngjae turned to Jongup with a frown. “Please no coffee. I’ll be up all night. I prefer tea. One lemon. Thank you”
Jongup hoped Himchan knew what he was getting into when he asked for someone to take care of him. Youngjae had bossiness in droves.
---
“I’m not supposed to wear the color blue anymore.” Himchan widened his eyes and looked helplessly up at Jongup through his hands. “He says blue washes my skin tone out and that I need to wear happy colors. What is a happy color? Jongup, I have no idea what makes a color happy!”
Jongup laughed under his breath, his hand reaching over to stroke across Himchan’s bangs. “He’s just trying to look out for you.”
“But he’s so domineering! I ordered the fish at the restaurant last night and he changed my order! Said the chicken is so much better there. I wanted fish, Jongup! I wanted some damn fish! Why couldn’t I just eat the fish?” He grabbed Jongup’s hand off his forehead and pressed it to his cheek. “I couldn’t even get a word in edgewise between his constant questioning and it was like a game of 20 Questions only he asked everything and I never got to learn a single thing about him.”
Jongup murmured sympathetically. “I thought you said you wanted someone to take care of you? Sounds like Youngjae was doing a pretty good job of that.”
The other boy grumbled under his breath. “He did too good of a job. I felt like I was in a cage. I want to take care of someone, too.”
Jongup felt a headache coming on. Himchan was the most difficult charge he had ever had. But it was partially his own fault. He had babied Himchan this whole time, telling himself the older boy deserved the best and that no one was good enough. Maybe he had unconsciously projected his thoughts onto Himchan and now he was just being overly picky.
But Jongup was a Cupid first and foremost. His job came first, he told himself. No matter how close he had gotten to his subject he had to remember that this was his job.
“I’m sure everything will work out the way it’s supposed to, Himchan.” He brushed his thumb across the silky cheekbone, letting himself have a brief moment of pretend.
---
The last person on his eligible bachelor list was the kid who picked his trash up every Tuesday and Friday. He was still a teenager so Jongup thought he would be perfect for Himchan’s newest request of someone he could nurture.
Now to just convince Himchan that dating the six foot tall gangly boy would be in his best interest.
“Himchan!” Jongup struggled under the heavy bag and put a fake grimace on his face! “Do you think you could-“ He tilted a little under the weight and was close to toppling when Himchan’s strong hands were wrapped around his waist, pulling him back up.
“Lift with your knees.” He teased him, easily grabbing the trash and throwing it over his shoulder. “Where does this go?”
Jongup pointed out the back door knowing the trash pick-up would be happening in just a few moments.
Choi Junhong
Age 19
Likes: Skateboarding and manga
Dislikes: Paying rent and his college math class
Himchan came in twenty minutes later, a smile on his lips and a piece of paper held tight in his hand. “I have to do some work at home tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?” He left without waiting for an answer, Jongup still standing at the register with his finger hovering over the buttons.
“You didn’t even stay and order anything.” He mumbled dejectedly.
He was still in a bad mood the next day. Himchan was constantly texting on his phone and laughing at whatever the other person sent him. He had never seen him use the device this much in the few months they’d been growing closer.
“You seem happy.” Jongup grumbled, dropping in across from him with a frown. He didn’t even bother to bring a drink with him, choosing instead to just glare hatefully across the table at the one person he wanted to see the most but didn’t want to see at all.
Himchan could tell he was angry at something but ignored it. “I have a date this weekend!” He said happily. “Yesterday when I took your trash out, I met the boy who picked it up and we hit it off. His name’s Junhong!”
Jongup already knew all this but pretended to be interested anyway. “That’s nice.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Himchan put down his phone and tilted his head to the side. “You’re grumpy again.”
“Don’t you think this is getting a little old?” Jongup shot back. He had had enough. He was tired from trying to match him up over and over again and if he didn’t do it soon he might be called in and that was the last thing he wanted. His father would never let him hear the end of it.
And they might question him as to why he’s so hesitant on finding Himchan a good, solid match.
Himchan sat back, his eyes flashing with hurt. “What’s getting old, Jongup?” His voice was soft and Jongup almost regretted snapping at him.
“How many boys have you gone out with lately?” He pushed himself up with his elbows and jutted his jaw as he stared hatefully, wanting to wipe every smile, every laugh out of his system. If Jongup had to sit and be a miserable asshole then Himchan should have to do the same.
“I didn’t know you were being bothered with me and my personal life. I’m sorry.” Himchan grabbed his bag and scooted out of his seat. “Maybe I should leave.”
Jongup knew he should stop him, he realized that he was being a rude little jerk. But he couldn’t take it anymore.
So he let him walk away.
---
Himchan didn’t come in for the rest of the week. Every time the bell rang around 5:30 Jongup would jump up expectantly only to be disappointed that it wasn’t him. He was going crazy without seeing him.
By Saturday night he had lost all of his energy, his brain a muddled mess and his body exhausted from over-work. He had sent his employees home early and had closed the store down a whole hour before he normally did.
Maybe he needed to call Youngjae back and tell him he actually was interested in selling…
A pounding on the door had Jongup jerking up from behind the counter where he was cleaning the donut box. He saw Himchan’s desperate face peering at him behind the door so he hurried over to let him in, his heart pounding in both surprise and anticipation.
“Himchan? It’s nine o’clock, what are you doing here this late?”
“I need coffee. Please, I know you’re closed and I know you hate me and you think I’m the most pathetic person, but I really just don’t want to go home yet.”
He wasn’t really in the mood for this. It was late, he was exhausted, and Himchan smelled like another man’s cologne.
And pizza. Himchan also smelled a little bit like a pizza.
“Sure.” He sighed, sweeping his arm out. “I haven’t cleaned the coffee machine yet. Let me get it going.” He bit his lip and looked awkwardly up at the frazzled boy across from him. “And I would never hate you.”
Himchan let out a deep breath of relief and smiled, thanking him profusely for opening back up just for him as he sat down at a chair against the counter. Jongup watched him for a moment and wondered what was so wrong that it would make him act so out of character.
“How was your date with Junhong?” He tried to sound interested when all he really wanted was for Himchan to leave.
He hated the ache he felt when the other boy was near.
“Zelo.” Himchan’s lips curled up in disgust. “He made me call him Zelo. First he wanted to go to a pizza place that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a month. Then he took me to an arcade. An arcade. I’m twenty-six years old, I do not belong in an arcade!”
Jongup shrugged, busying himself with the coffee maker. “You said you wanted someone to take care of.”
Himchan froze. “What?”
“You said you wanted someone to take care of since Youngjae smothered you. Junhong is only nineteen so I figured-“
Hands slammed angrily down on the counter, making Jongup jerk in surprise. “Did you somehow set me and that brat up?”
He realized then his mistake. Himchan’s face wasn’t thankful at all. He looked downright pissed, his eyes black and nostrils flaring.
“Well y-yes.” Jongup stammered, wondering if he had enough time to run to the door to his upstairs apartment. As if he sensed his plan Himchan growled out a warning.
“Were you responsible for the others too? Daehyun? Yongguk? Youngjae?”
Jongup licked his lips nervously. “Yes?” He squeaked out. “Just-just… You were so upset that day you came in and you said you were lonely and I just wanted to help you!”
The older boy’s chest rose and fell quickly as he tried to calm down. Jongup didn’t understand why he was so angry. Didn’t Himchan want to fall in love? Hadn’t he said himself that he needed more and that what he was doing wasn’t e-
“Why?” The word was so quiet that Jongup barely heard it. He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the angry boy, his head lowered so that Jongup couldn’t see his eyes. “Why them?”
“You said you wanted someone attractive so I thought of Daehyun. Someone you could have a good time with, that would be Yongguk. And Youngjae’s a bit possessive so I figured he would be a good person to take care of you. And then Junhong is still just a teenager so I knew you would be able to take care of him and-“
“Did you ever think that maybe I wanted all of those characteristics in just one person?” Himchan lifted his face incredulously. “That I want to be with someone that I can’t take my eyes off of, that I want to spend every spare second with and never be bored, someone that will take control when I need them to but will also let me take care of them the way they deserve?”
Jongup racked his brain for someone that fit all of is criteria. “But there’s no one else… That was all of my options!”
Himchan rolled his eyes. “You’re missing someone.”
His shoulders slumped as he thought again. “I can’t! That was it!”
His father had taught him that the only way the match wouldn’t set was if one of the targets weren’t open to it. With four dud matches Jongup finally had to admit that Himchan wasn’t even putting in an effort to fall in love with anyone.
“Jongup…” Himchan’s face softened. “You’re missing the one person who fills every role I need. Everything I told you that I wanted was because I had already seen it in someone.”
“But with w-“ He let out a muffled gasp when he was jerked forward over the counter, Himchan’s hand fisted in his shirt and his lips pressed firmly against Jongup’s open ones.
Himchan pulled away after a moment, his eyes wide in shock. “I’m sorry!” He let go of Jongup and took a step back. “I didn’t- I wasn’t planning on-“ He swallowed and quickly hurried to the door.
It took a second for Jongup to snap out of his shock, his fingers tugging on his lips as he still felt Himchan’s covering them, his breath warm on Jongup’s cheek. By the time he realized what had happened, Himchan was already at the door, his shaky hand struggling to turn the knob.
Jongup grabbed him the second he had the door open, slamming the taller body against it. He didn’t give him a chance to speak before he reattached their lips, hands tangling in the black hair as he tugged him even closer.
Himchan recovered quickly, his arms encircling Jongup’s slim waist and tightening their bodies together, lips moving with his as effortlessly as if they had been doing it for ages. They pulled apart for just long enough to take a breath before diving back in, Himchan’s tongue swiping across Jongup’s bottom lip.
A quiet groan left his lips when Jongup hesitantly parted his mouth, his own tongue emerging just slightly to meet his. He tasted like cinnamon cookies and he smelled like coffee and Himchan wasn’t sure which one he liked more.
“Himchan…” A soft voice brought him back to his senses. He was panting as he pulled away, a groan low in his throat at how rough Jongup looked just from his kisses. His cheeks were stained red, lips parted and swollen, and eyes half-closed in lust.
“I was talking about you, you idiot.” Himchan whispered, nuzzling his nose against the warm cheeks. “It was always you.”
Jongup felt a grin creep up on his lips, the ache in his chest magically disappeared and replaced with a different kind of ache. A good ache. One that made his body vibrate with electricity and his hands itch to grab onto that black hair and never let it go. “I never wanted you to date those boys.” He admitted, sighing at the barely there pecks against his jaw. “I just wanted you to be happy.”
“I only went out with all of them because I loved how jealous you looked. I don’t want them. I already am happy.” Himchan showed him the proof with a large teeth-filled grin. “With you. Only with you.”
He pulled Jongup into his arms and rested their foreheads together. “Why do you think I come in every single day? Do you really think I need to be eating cupcakes six days a week? I have to work out for an extra thirty minutes every day just to get rid of it!”
Jongup laughed, the sound unfamiliar to his ears. “I love you.”
Himchan knew Jongup was different from other people, he could tell that the moment he first stepped in and saw him behind the counter.
But he didn’t care. He never had.
“Love you, too.”
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I also wrote a teeny tiny little HimUp drabble HERE if anyone wanted to read it.