Chapter Text
The occasional grunting noise with a curse soon after resounds throughout the space. Three men move about, up and down an elevator with boxes and pieces of furniture being moved with each trip down to the moving truck. Luckily for all of them, not much furniture needed moving.
“Just a few more items.” A man, tall in stature with slender facial features that are alluring cracks a small reassuring smile, wrinkles forming around the corners of his eyes signifying he’s older in age. With a rather bulky box in his arms, Soohyuk walks through the entryway of the new condo space and off to the side where his new bedroom is.
He never saw this day coming. At least years ago he didn't. But here he is.
After one final push, everything is finally in the condo, the space a considerable downsize from his previous home, but Soohyuk is going to make this a home. It has to be. He’ll do everything he can to make it so for his two kids, the other men who were assisting him move in. The lights of his life, Seungcheol and Mingyu.
Standing in the living room, Soohyuk looks around at the parts of furniture and boxes. He truly didn’t have much at the, now, old home. All the years spent raising Seungcheol and Mingyu in what was supposed to be a forever home is so neatly packed away and sitting in boxes before him like it didn’t take years to gather.
But, that’s what divorce is like. Sometimes things don’t work out.
“Thank you, Mingyu.” Soohyuk gives his youngest son a fatherly smile, watching the younger offspring as he places down the final box and dusts his hands off.
“Of course.” Mingyu says coolly then moves towards the wall of windows in the living room. “It has a nice view.”
Mingyu is so kind. Trying to lighten the mood by giving the new place compliments. Soohyuk did his best to find some place with great sunlight, but seeing as he’s now in the city and no longer on the outskirts, he did have to compromise some. The sunlight is decent during the afternoon though.
“You like it? You know, the second bedroom has–”
“Is that all?” Seungcheol’s voice cuts rights through Soohyuk’s speaking with a tone of annoyance. Soohyuk turns and sees his son is standing by the island in the kitchen, looking like he doesn’t even want to travel further into the home. He gets it.
Things aren’t going smoothly between Soohyuk and Seungcheol right now. Since Soohyuk told his sons about the divorce, it’s like Seungcheol doesn’t even want to look at him. The process was grueling and Soohyuk is personally happy the paperwork is finally all submitted. But he isn’t happy about what it’s done to his sons.
Seungcheol was attending university for healthcare administration, but when he was close to graduation he took a break because of the divorce. Before Soohyuk even told Mingyu about the divorce, Mingyu took a break from school and hasn’t returned. Maybe Soohyuk didn’t do a great job at hiding his marital problems from the kids, but he thought it would be fine with them at school, but it wasn’t.
Soohyuk did his best. He really did do everything he could think of to keep the marriage together with his ex-husband. But it really just came crashing down, and hard. Soohyuk was tired and there were so many things that happened that he’d never tell Seungcheol and Mingyu about. Never.
A gentle smile forms on Soohyuk’s lips and he nods his head, “Yes, that’s it. I can unpack, I’m sure you’re busy.”
“Dad, don’t be ridiculous. You only took today off from the hospital. We’ll help you.” Mingyu’s face flattens like his voice as he gestures around at the boxes. His eyes look towards his older brother, perhaps giving him a look of disapproval.
“Well, it’ll take us some time; why don’t we go get something to eat? Since it’s a new neighborhood I’m sure there’s plenty of spots to explore.” Soohyuk’s posture straightens, hoping to get a yes from both of his sons.
“That sounds great, actually! I was looking as we drove in and there’s a place a few blocks down that looked good!” Mingyu perks up, eyes going bright at the prospect of eating after doing manual labor for hours.
“Are you kidding? These boxes need to be unpacked.” Seungcheol is typing on his phone before he looks up and addresses the room.
Biting his lips together and sensing an argument about to brew between his two kids, Soohyuk decides to end it before it can even begin. “Why don’t we order in? I’m sure that place delivers.” Soohyuk looks between the two and gets a disgruntled nod and silence. So order in it is.
Fortunately the place does deliver and Soohyuk is happy for another ray of light in the day. The trio were able to unpack more boxes and properly place furniture before the food arrived. Mingyu did make sure the dining table was perfectly set if nothing else.
The sun setting, a soft glow being cast in the living area, the family sits at the dining table and quietly eats their dinner. The stark contrast from previous family meals is startling. A stranger would think they were always like this. But they used to share how their day went, their worries, highlights, and just enjoy each other’s company. There wasn’t a dull moment at the dining table. But that was when Seungcheol and Mingyu were kids. And pre-divorce.
Soohyuk fucked up.
“Anything different at the hospital lately?” Mingyu is the first to speak, and Soohyuk is thankful for it. He’s going to do his best to make the place as warm and welcoming as their old family home, but he must admit he’s currently tired himself.
“No, no, the usual chaos that is the emergency room. My team did save a patient who was coding last week, so that was good.” Soohyuk places his fork down, leaning against the table and makes sure he actually looks at his son when he’s speaking to him. “But more importantly, didn’t you start working at a flower shop?”
Mingyu shifts in his seat, a grin spreading across his face. “Yes! It’s more fun than I thought it would be. The owner is nice, too. His name is Wonwoo.”
Soohyuk chuckles at Mingyu’s excitement. “Good, I’m happy you like the work you’re doing.” Soohyuk decides to push his luck and address the person pretending he’s invisible. “Cheol, what about you? How’s–”
“Everything is the same.” Seungcheol’s answer is short, but at least it’s an answer. Soohyuk will take it.
Dinner goes by like that and the trio go back to at least making sure there’s a place to sleep. Soohyuk knows his sons are adults now and they have options of where they wish to stay. They can either go stay with his ex-husband, Kibum, or stay with him. Since they’re both college students, even if they’re taking breaks, paying for their own places is tough in the city. Hence Soohyuk did his best to get a place with three bedrooms. Just in case.
“Where are you boys staying tonight?” Soohyuk questions from his bedroom door, hoping his sons will be willing to stay with him.
“I’m staying here. You think I did all that to stay anywhere else?” Mingyu half jokes, but Soohyuk can hear the sincerity in his youngest’s voice. He’s thrilled to hear that.
Seungcheol, however, already has a backpack hanging off one arm. “I’m staying with a friend tonight.” Of course.
Soohyuk’s heart undeniably sinks from the news, but he should’ve expected the answer. Seungcheol wants nothing to do with him. “Oh, okay, be safe.” Soohyuk manages to get out as Seungcheol is already making his way out the door like he can’t get out of there fast enough.
Soohyuk watches as the front door closes, and then turns to see Mingyu lingering by the living room couch. “Give him time.” Mingyu glances at the ground then back up. “Goodnight.”
Mingyu also disappears into his bedroom and Soohyuk slowly retreats into his own room. Closing the door behind himself, he leans against it and exhales. Really exhales for the first time that day. Shoulders sagging, his eyes feel heavy with exhaustion and tiredness is seeping its way deep into his bones.
Pushing off the door, he walks into his room and lets his body collapse onto his bed. The feeling isn’t totally unfamiliar. He is used to spending nights alone. Rolling onto his back, his dark eyes stare up at the unfamiliar ceiling, his heart sinking further as his body fights to relax into the bed sheets. He knows it’s not only fatigue he’s feeling. There’s another emotion that is weighing heavily and was truly around for a long time in his marriage, despite his constant interactions with other people.
Loneliness.
—
It’s just not fair.
Seungcheol finds himself storming down the sidewalks of their new side of town, and seeing the new to him scenery and animals and feeling his temper bubble more and more by the second. The buildings are too close together. The grass is fake. The people are walking around too much.
Nothing is like it used to be.
Back at their home, the houses in his neighborhood had decent sized yards that Seungcheol would take Mingyu to play in. They had people in cars driving slowly so as to not hit the children walking in the streets because there weren’t any sidewalks. Their grass was real and changed colors with the seasons.
He wants his old house back, he wants his old life back.
Blazing down the street, he moved with a purpose to one of the few morsels of normalcy he has from before all the changes. As he strolls through the main entrance of a high rise apartment building, Seungcheol doesn’t even bother with the front desk and heads straight for the elevator. On the seventeenth floor, Seungcheol keeps up his momentum and all but stomps his way to his friends’ door and lets himself in with the spare key he was given.
He must scare the living daylights out of his friend because suddenly a high pitched scream is piercing through the air and a pillow is harshly thrown Seungcheol’s way. He ducks and swipes it off the ground to throw right back and laughs for the first time all day when it smacks square in Seokmin’s face.
“Why do you always barge in here like that? You know I’m sensitive!” Seokmin whines and pretends to cry as Seungcheol secures them in the small studio apartment and makes himself comfortable in the space. He pops out of his brown, suede shoes, leaving them by the crowded shoe rack at the door, and shrugs off his jacket, draping it over the couch on his way to sit on the floor next to his friend.
The studio is small, a little dark for this time of day, and as messy as you would expect a college aged boy to be when he’s living alone for the first time. The couch takes up most of the space in the room and there’s an unmade twin bed shoved in the far corner of the space. The kitchen, if it can even be called that, is just a couple of appliances lined up against the wall right by the front door that ensure there’s always something blocking egress into the space, be it the front door, the fridge, the stove or the couch.
But at least it’s familiar.
Plopping down next to Seokmin, he ignores his theatrics and crisscrosses his jean clad legs and levels him with an unamused look. “You’re fine,” Seungcheol mutters. He glances at all the papers and books sprawled about around them and feels himself sag.
Seokmin was doing school work. Maybe research for a project or studying for an exam, but he was doing it. That’s another change to Seungcheol’s life. Him and Seokmin met on their first day of university, both sharing the same intro class for their major, health administration. Something they were both passionate about, if not a little overwhelmed by at some times. Seungcheol had to take the semester off because it was all becoming too much.
The divorce did a lot to Seungcheol.
Seokmin gets to continue with his schooling undisturbed because both of his parents are still married and in love. Must be nice.
Seokmin’s loud voice shakes Seungcheol out of his thoughts. “Yeah, well, clearly you aren’t.” He places his pencil down like a bookmark in one of his textbooks and gives Seungcheol his full attention. “Lay it on me, I’m all ears.”
Seungcheol frowns but the beauty of his friendship with Seokmin is the man can handle anything Seungcheol throws at him. Seokmin stares at him expectantly so Seungcheol sighs and opens his mouth. “My dad finished moving out of our house.”
Seokmin cocks his head curiously. “Which one are we talking about?”
“Daddy Soohyuk,” Seungcheol clarifies. “He moved us closer to his precious job.” If he rolled his eyes any harder they’d get stuck.
Seokmin hums, actively listening and nodding as he thinks. “Well, his job is important.” At Seungcheol cutting his eyes at him, Seokmin waves a hand at him lazily. “Nursing is one of the most strenuous, thankless jobs, man. It’s probably almost as hard as being your dad.”
Seungcheol shoves his shoulder into Seokmin’s bonier one, “Hey,” he grunts testily, “you’re supposed to be making me feel better.”
Seokmin chuckles as he shoves Seungcheol back. “We’re getting there, we’re getting there. You should be more excited about the move! You’re closer to campus, you’re within walking distance to so much food, and you’re closer to me, the light of your life!” He bats his eyes for added effect but he just looks like a fish.
“Last time I checked, you’re a little too short to be Mingyu so that’s a lie.” Seungcheol’s voice is flat but he feels himself unclench, just a little, at Seokmin’s words. Stubbornly, though, he lets his bad mood win again. “I didn’t mind the commute.” His grumbles are only heard because of their close proximity.
Seokmin boo’s him. “Lame, the world is at your fingertips now. You just gotta let yourself see it. How about this,” Seokmin leans into Seungcheol’s space and does a grand gesture with his hand to his blackout curtain covered window. “You and me, a couple drinks, and something fun. I’ll show you what the city has to offer.” He’s doing that smile that splits his whole face in half and scrunches his eyes cutely.
Seungcheol is ready to answer, when he feels a buzz in his pocket he pauses to make sure it isn’t someone important texting him. Nope, just Soohyuk asking him if he’s okay. Of course he is. He’s not at home. “That sounds good.” Seungcheol responds, half reciprocating Seokmin’s grin.
“Perfect! I’ll even invite some of my other friends too.” Seokmin leans back up, grabbing his phone like he’s ready to send off a thousand messages.
Seungcheol isn’t sure what he’s about to get himself into, but anything is better than going home at this point.
The afternoon passes, and like promised, Seokmin takes Seungcheol out. He did say he would show him what the city has to offer, but that really just means take Seungcheol to a bunch of bars. Not that he really minds though. He could use a few drinks at this point.
Walking along the street, Seungcheol silently listens as Seokmin explains where they’re going to meet the rest of his friends. Even when Seungcheol was going to school, he didn’t really mingle with Seokmin’s larger friend group. But since his friend is trying to be nice, he might as well go with the flow on this one thing.
“So, it’s a pretty low key place. Mostly students like us, I mean people around our age go.” Seokmin pivots away from the ‘students’ line, casting a glance in Seungcheol’s direction. “Right over here!” His tone raises as he points out a small storefront, the windows dark and not allowing people to see inside.
“Are you sure this isn’t a place to get murdered?” Seungcheol’s tone is sarcastic, his eyes looking at the stone exterior and tinted windows.
“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Seokmin laughs loudly, slinging an arm over Seungcheol’s shoulder and guiding him inside as he opens the door.
The space is quiet, as promised, a couple of people sitting around a small u-shaped bar on the right side of the room. The rest of the space is filled with couches and coffee tables, all being illuminated with dim-lighting.
“Hey, you beat us here.” Seokmin’s arm slips from Seungcheol’s shoulder as he waves at a man who is sitting down on a dark green crushed velvet couch. Seungcheol hasn’t met this person before, but he looks familiar? Even though he’s sitting, he can tell the man is tall, his hair short and black, skin on the tanner side.
“Wonwoo, this is Seungcheol, Seungcheol, Wonwoo.” Seokmin sits down on a couch opposite of Wonwoo, and Seungcheol chooses to sit next to his friend.
“So you’re the infamous Seungcheol, pleasure.” Wonwoo speaks calmly, it reminds Seungcheol of someone that he is at odds with right now. He watches as the man grabs the drink in front of himself and takes a sip.
“Seokmin has been speaking about me, huh?” Seungcheol tuts and turns to his friend.
“Nothing bad, no worries.” Wonwoo chuckles, placing his cup of amber liquid back down.
“Jesus, you think I’d say something shitty about you?” Seokmin pouts, grabbing the menu in front of himself and shaking his head in disapproval.
Just as Seungcheol was about to respond, he sees Wonwoo wave to someone behind him and he isn’t left to wonder long before three more people join them. One person, a rather cheerful looking guy with short blonde hair, chooses to sit in a solo seat at the head of the table. Another, a rather pretty man with black, shoulder length hair sits next to Wonwoo, and a third with chocolate brown hair sits on the other side of Seokmin.
“Everyone, this is Seungcheol, Seungcheol, this is everyone.” Seokmin says lazily, and waves his hand about.
“Your introduction sucks.” The pretty blonde chuckles, before leaning forward in his seat. “I’m Jeonghan.” So his name is Jeonghan. Pretty, like him.
“I’m Soonyoung, but you can call me Hoshi.” The one closest to Seungcheol beams and waves his hand. Seungcheol can’t remember the last time he’s met someone so naturally happy.
“Hey, you can call me Vernon.” The brunette leans back and nods his head at Seungcheol.
“No, don’t call him that. Definitely use his actual name of Hansol.” Seokmin cuts in quickly and shakes his head from side to side.
Raising a brow, Seungcheol folds his arms over his chest. “Is there a reason for that?”
“Yeah, whenever he starts calling himself Vernon, then that means he’s planning on causing havoc. I just want a peaceful evening.” Soonyoung holds his hands together like he’s saying a silent prayer.
“Oh? Considering recent events, that doesn’t sound so bad.” Seungcheol speaks lowly, getting several looks from the group.
“That’s right! He’s new to living in the city and I said I would show him what it has to offer.” Seokmin suddenly stands up, startling the people around him. “So you know what,” Seokmin smiles, turning to the bartender, “a round of shots for the table please!”
“Fuck.” Wonwoo exhales, sliding down in his spot looking defeated.
“This isn’t what I was told.” Jeonghan frowns, but isn’t making any move to leave.
“Well, we should show him what the city has.” Soonyoung shrugs, despite what he said earlier. “I guess Vernon can make an appearance.”
“This is why we’re all friends.” Hansol grins, like he’s the reason for the change in group plans.
Seungcheol laughs, taking in the people in front of him. They're so interesting, and one of them keeps attracting his attention. He’ll have to see how the night goes.
—
Being the youngest isn’t easy. Seungcheol would probably disagree with him, but Mingyu doesn’t care. The past year of his life was spent trying to be some sort of glue for his family. He knew his dad Soohyuk was doing that as well, and him being the youngest, means the slightest indication of not being okay, would be like a slap in the face to Soohyuk. So Mingyu is holding all of it in.
He isn’t like Seungcheol. He isn’t making his unhappiness about the divorce so known. He is an adult after all. But still, it just came out of nowhere for him. When did his parents stop loving each other? When did their arguments so bad that breaking up was better than sticking together? Who knows, maybe Seungcheol does and that’s why he’s so angry at Soohyuk.
But if there’s one thing Mingyu knows, it’s that he’ll never be angry at Soohyuk. He sees the strides his dad is taking, unlike his other father, Kibum. But that’s for another day.
Mingyu can feel the warmth of a ray of sunlight licking his cheek. His dad was right, this room does have good lighting. Did he miss his alarm? Cracking one eye open, his eyes adjust to the light in his room as gaze falls on his phone screen. 7:06am . No, he’s just up before his alarm. No sense in fretting over 9 minutes though.
Swinging his feet over the edge of the bed, long arms stretch towards the ceiling, his muscles thanking him for stretching already. At least there wasn’t too much that needed to be moved yesterday. He’s thankful for that, no, his body is thankful for that.
After getting himself ready for work, Mingyu walks out of his room and sees there’s a plate with a cover atop it on the kitchen table. “He,” Mingyu starts but shakes his head. His dad is too much. He really didn’t need to also make him breakfast this morning. Mingyu can be a heavy sleeper, but if there’s one thing he knows about his dad’s job, it’s that some days he leaves when it’s still dark outside.
Mingyu takes a seat at the table, his hand lifting the cover and seeing the breakfast his dad so nicely put together for him. Pancakes, fruit, eggs, toast, even bacon. The walls in the condo must be thick, because Mingyu didn’t smell any of this being made. Sliding down in his chair, his shoulders sag as he looks over the food. Despite waking up early, moving yesterday, and the divorce, his dad is still trying.
So Mingyu will, too.
Sitting up straight, he grabs his fork and does his best to clear his plate, not much of a problem really. Cleaning up after himself, Mingyu makes his way to work. The location of the condo is nice honestly, it’s not far from the hospital their dad works at, the university where Seungcheol and Mingyu are taking a break from, and from Mingyu’s job.
The sounds of the busy city morning accompany Mingyu as he makes his walks down several city blocks to ‘ Pinwheel ’. He randomly came across the job white searching. He really wasn’t looking for anything specific, but on one a job board he saw the shop was hiring. It seems like a stroke of luck to find the quaint shop and the boss who seems heaven sent at this point.
When Mingyu first arrives, Wonwoo isn’t there yet. They already established that Mingyu can take care of things while Wonwoo is out. He must be taking care of something else work related. Looking at the calendar and checking the delivery shelf, Mingyu sees there’s already orders lined up for the morning. Putting his work jacket on, a dark green jacket with the shop’s logo on the breast pocket, he grabs the first couple of orders and makes his way back out the shop.
He’s found there’s several kinds of customers while doing deliveries. The ones early in the morning tend to be more pleasant. The partner wishing their loved one has a great day or happy anniversary, well wishes, or some celebration. Afternoon orders can be scarce, but the evening? Strange times. It’s either another celebration or someone apologizing for an affair. Why do the affair apology flowers come later in the day?
But this morning, one of his stops was the university hospital. His dad’s place of work. Even better, it’s the emergency department, so maybe he can quickly say hi or something. He’s hoping for a slow day in the ER.
Mingyu slows the car to a stop, double parking by the curb in front of the hospital. Quickly getting the bouquet of beautiful assortment from the back, he knows this is for someone receiving a celebratory gift.
Holding the flowers close, Mingyu walks inside the doors of the hospital, glancing down at the card for reference, making sure he’s delivering to the right person. Looking back up, he walks towards the admissions desk and announces his reasoning for being there.
As the assistant checks that someone with that name actually works there, Mingyu scans the area and looks for his dad. Maybe he should just ask directly?
Like no one wanted to see him content, he hears rapid footfall and hurried voices. Turning, he sees Soohyuk with other nurses rushing a patient past on a gurney, one of the staff members performing CPR as they move.
Well, they won’t be talking.
Soohyuk looks tired, but engaged, instructing the others on what to do and leading the charge as they disappear behind the emergency department doors. Exhaling, Mingyu turns back around when the assistant calls him. Nodding his head, he gets her to sign off on the order and hands over the flowers. Pivoting on his heels, Mingyu makes it a few steps before pulling his phone out his pocket and glancing at the time.
He should be able to do it.
Picking up the pace, he gets back in the car and goes down a few blocks to a small coffee shop. He’s heard nothing but great things about the place from Wonwoo, so he’ll get something for his dad! A little pick me up. Mingyu isn’t a coffee expert, so he orders whatever the barista recommends along with a scone.
He books it back to the hospital and goes back to the same assistant from before. With a kind smile, he explains to her who the food is for and she seems happy to oblige. “Oh, do you also have a sticky note?” Mingyu remembers the next part of his plan. Quickly scribbling on the note, he sticks it to the side of the coffee cup. Mission success. Mingyu is so excited, he’s looking forward to receiving a message from his dad about what he left for him.
Checking the time again, he notices a message from Wonwoo.
Wonwoo
‘So does anyone work at this flower shop? 🤨’
Chuckling, Mingyu locks his phone screen and heads back to the van. Yeah, he needs to actually start working again. But he did achieve something minor but great!
—
Kibum
‘Seriously, you left so much shit.’
Soohyuk’s eyes blankly stare at his phone screen. He could’ve sworn he got everything out of the old house, but apparently not. He did so many walkthroughs before leaving, wanting to make sure nothing was left, no traces of his existence in that house. But looks like he failed at that too.
Kibum
‘When are you getting it? I’d like it all gone.’
‘I’ll get it this weekend.’
Read 10:32am
Kibum
‘It can’t be sooner?’
Soohyuk gently exhales, trying to relax himself. Leaning against the counter at the nurses station, his elbows press against the cool surface as he continues looking at the text.
‘I’m working all week, Kibum.’
‘I promise to do it this weekend.’
Read 10:36am
Kibum
‘Fucking work, of course!’
“Soohyuk?” A feather light tap on his shoulder gets Soohyuk’s attention. “This was dropped off for you.” One of his coworkers holds up a small bag and a cup of coffee.
“Thank you.” Soohyuk grins and takes the treats left by a mystery person.
“You look tired, go enjoy the snack.” The other nurse pats Soohyuk on his shoulder and nods in the direction of the break room. With the way gossip works in the department, everyone probably knows about his divorce by now.
“Thanks, I’ll just be a couple of minutes.” Before he would probably turn her down, but she’s right. He’s tired. Soohyuk makes his way into the break room and is happy no one else is in there. He can take some time to himself and enjoy the coffee and snack left for him.
Sitting down at the table, he looks at the logo on the coffee cup and sees it’s a small crescent moon with ‘ Moonlight Coffee ’ written underneath. He’s never heard of the place before. His eyes fall upon a green sticky note, grabbing it he reads it over and a silent smile makes its way across his face. Mingyu is the sweetest kid. He has impeccable timing too. The day wasn’t going very well, and then here comes Mingyu with the kindest gesture.
Smile firmly on his lips, Soohyuk pulls his phone out and takes a picture of the coffee in his hand. He happily informs his child that he’ll enjoy the drink.
Heart feeling lighter than before, Soohyuk sits in silence for the rest of his break and enjoys the moment of pause. But it’s short lived when a code is called over the speakers. Jumping up from his spot, he rushes out of the break room, and makes sure to keep Mingyu’s note in his pocket.
The rest of the workday goes by normally. After bidding his farewells to his coworkers for the day, Soohyuk is back in his regular clothes and walking back home. His body feels so heavy from the number of times he had to perform CPR. Also arguing with an ex husband over texts isn’t fun either. Not to mention his oldest child ignoring him.
Walking down the street, Soohyuk suddenly stops when his eyes catch the same crescent moon logo across the street from him. So that’s where the shop is. Curious, Soohyuk crosses the road and peaks inside the shop. It’s small on the inside, only a few tables. The décor looks simple, wooden furniture and soft looking cushions. No one is inside right now and the place looks cozy, inviting.
Biting his lips together, Soohyuk contemplates for a moment before deciding to go inside the shop. The chime from the bell above the door alerts the barista, a blonde haired man coming from behind a curtain blocking the rest of the kitchen from the space behind the counter. “Welcome!” The other’s voice is so cheery, his face beaming at Soohyuk who is standing awkwardly by the front door still.
“Hi,” Soohyuk faintly smiles back and walks further into the shop. Approaching the counter, he glances at the black chalkboard menu.
“Would you like a recommendation?” The barista questions, his eyes looking at Soohyuk expectantly.
“What’s the ‘ Moonlight Secret ’?” Soohyuk points at the menu, seeing as the other items are self explanatory.
“Oh, that’s something I make as a surprise you could say. You don’t know what it is until you taste it. Customers love it!” The barista smiles, practically encouraging Soohyuk to order that exact drink.
Nodding his head, he might as well see what the drink is. “I’ll have that then.” Soohyuk pulls out his card to pay.
“Okay, have a seat. I’ll bring it over to you.” The barista takes the card and hands it back over after charging it.
Soohyuk turns, looking for a spot that’s calling his name. He chooses a small table, right by the window where plenty of evening sunlight is still pouring in. Sitting down, he knew the cushions appeared comfy and they are. He leans against the wall, eyes looking at the city street and people walking pass. It’s so peaceful here.
“Here you go, enjoy.” The blonde hair barista’s teeth flash as he places the coffee mug down in front of Soohyuk. Such a happy individual.
“Thank you.” Soohyuk kindly responds, and lifts the mug to his lips, a sweet aroma immediately floating its way into his senses. He’s so focused on the coffee, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that the pair of eyes on him from across the shop go unnoticed.
Soohyuk doesn’t realize it but time goes by like that. His cup empty, and heart not as heavy, he leaves the shop. He’ll definitely be back.
And Soohyuk goes back again, in fact the very next day after work. Unlike the day before, the next day just somehow seemed even worse for work. There were so many patients because of a major accident on the highway. Soohyuk did his best all day long and just needed another moment of tranquility. He knew exactly where he could go to get it.
Once again in the same spot as the day before, Soohyuk patiently waits for the barista to bring him his coffee. He can probably stay longer today. Mingyu said he wasn’t coming home anytime soon and Seungcheol, well he just hasn’t said anything. What is Soohyuk going to do about that? He can’t let things continue as–
“Here you go. Another ‘ Moonlight Secret ’.” The barista places the cup down with the same infectious smile as before.
“Thank you.” Soohyuk gives his standard response, but this doesn’t make the barista leave. Still standing by Soohyuk’s side, the man places his hands in the pockets of his apron.
“What’s your name?” The barista suddenly asks and Soohyuk’s head pivots to stare up at him. Well he’s probably going to become a regular at this point, so he should introduce himself.
“Soohyuk, and yours is?” Soohyuk questions, realizing the barista isn’t wearing a name tag. Is he the only one who works at the shop? Maybe he’s the owner.
“I’m Soonyoung.” Pulling out the chair across from Soohyuk, Soonyoung sits down. Head leaning to the side, he looks Soohyuk over and slowly nods his head. “How was your day, Soohyuk?”
The question takes the older man by surprise. It’s been a long time since someone asked him about his day. Better yet, since someone asked and it wasn’t out of pity after hearing about the split from his now ex-husband. Soohyuk blinks, readjusting himself in his chair to sit up more. “It,” he begins slowly, “it was fine.”
“Glad it was fine. I hope you come again tomorrow too, Soohyuk.” Soonyoung pushes away from the table and walks away, leaving behind a mildly confused Soohyuk. The conversation is brief, but still manages to lift Soohyuk’s mood.
He should’ve asked Soonyoung how his day was, too.
—
The dimly lit condo is misleading. As Soohyuk walks inside, he thinks no one is home, but he’s soon proven wrong by Mingyu’s presence. The youngest is sitting on the living room couch and scrolling away on his phone. Soohyuk relaxes, happy to see one of them is home. Taking his shoes off by the door, Soohyuk hangs his jacket up in the closet by the front door then walks further in.
“Is your brother home yet?” Soohyuk questions, his voice sounding hopeful, but seeing how the room for Seungcheol is dark, the answer is more than likely no.
Mingyu places his phone on the coffee table and sits up, resting one arm on the back of the couch he shakes his head. “No, he hasn't come back yet. But he said he’ll be here soon.”
Soohyuk hums and gently exhales. Walking into the kitchen, he rolls his sleeves up as he thinks about what he should make for dinner. Though the day is long, so were all the others before it. He needs to do what he can to maintain something that resembles what the family had before.
“Dinner will be ready soon.” Soohyuk announces as he settles on what to make for everyone. If Seungcheol is headed home, then Soohyuk needs to start so dinner will be ready when he arrives.
It goes unnoticed by Soohyuk, but Mingyu watches the entire time Soohyuk is moving around the kitchen and preparing a meal for the whole family. Including Seungcheol who may or may not show up.
Not much time passes, maybe a half hour or so before Soohyuk finishes as promised. He sets all the plates down on the square dining table, including one for Seungcheol. “Let’s eat while it’s warm.” Soohyuk takes a spot at the table and waves for Mingyu to sit down as well.
Jumping to his feet, Mingyu types away on his phone before placing the device in his pocket. Soohyuk smiles as Mingyu sits down in front of him, Soohyuk did his best in making something both his sons would like. He’s spent years balancing different taste buds in the house, he knows this is something he can’t mess up.
“Is Seungcheol close?” Soohyuk questions, fork in hand and ready to eat, but wants to make sure he doesn’t leave his other son out.
Mingyu looks down at his phone and is, unsurprisingly, greeted with no new notifications. “Yeah, he should be on his way,” he says, squinting at his phone trying to will his brother into contacting one of them.
Soohyuk hums, and gestures for Mingyu to start eating. Placing his fork down, he might as well just let Mingyu eat. Reaching for a water pitcher on the table, Soohyuk grabs Mingyu’s glass and begins filling it up. “How was your day? Have you begun arranging flowers yourself yet?”
At the conversation shifting off of Seungcheol and on to him, Mingyu perks up and smiles cheekily. “Not yet! I’m hoping to learn more soon. Wonwoo knows so much about flower language and planting things, I have so many questions for him. I hope I can learn more from him.”
Soohyuk’s lips pull into a grin, leaning onto the table in interest. “You’re a fast learner, I’m sure it’ll happen soon.” Soohyuk tilts his head to the side, “I hope you take a picture of your first arrangement. I’m sure it’ll be lovely.”
“Thank you, thank you,” Mingyu says in between bites. “You know, one thing I’m really looking forward to doing there is–”
Because no peaceful moment can last forever, the front door slams open and close. Both men at the kitchen table jump from the abruptness. Soohyuk leans around Mingyu’s head, seeing who came into the home like that. Of course it can only be one person, but still. “Cheol?” Soohyuk calls out.
Mingyu visibly deflates as Seungcheol makes his grand entrance into the space. He glances at his brother for a hot second before laying his heated gaze on their dad. Seungcheol’s face is flushed, his eyes are slightly glassy, and his overall appearance looks unkempt like he was out getting rowdy with his friends.
Mingyu rolls his eyes at Seungcheol just standing there like a video game character waiting for a task. “Hello to you, too,” he snarks. He shoves another fork full of food and leans his elbow onto the dining table in annoyance.
Soohyuk’s brows furrow, a look of worry quickly settling on his features. His son is drunk. Soohyuk sees from the clock on the wall that it’s pretty early in the night still, and yet here his son is drunk. He’s legally allowed to drink, but still. Soohyuk has never seen Seungcheol like this. “Come sit down, Cheol. Dinner is ready.” Soohyuk points out the place at the table for his eldest son.
Seungcheol grunts but he does as he’s told. He pulls a chair out from the table and plops down in between his two present family members with all the grace of a beached whale. The plate of food in front of him is still warm, little streams of steam huffing out when he tears into it with his fork.
Soohyuk leans back in his seat, at least Seungcheol is home. He’s had too many drunk college students in the ER, but at least his son is safe at home. He’ll take a positive anywhere he can get it. Reaching out, Soohyuk fills Seungcheol’s glass up with water. “Glad you’re home.” Soohyuk acknowledges Seungcheol. “Gyu, what were you saying?”
Mingyu barely gets his mouth open before Seungcheol is cutting in. “So now you’re interested in what this family has to say?”
Mingyu’s mouth snaps shut as the dark cloud of pent up emotion that is his brother gears up to storm on them all. Again. He just wants to have one good dinner; they haven’t had one in such a long time.
Soohyuk gently bites the inside of his bottom lip and slowly inhales. At least Seungcheol is talking to him. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy. “Cheol, I’m always interested in what you both have to say.” His voice is calm, eyes steadily going between both of his children.
“Oh, really?” The question is rhetorical, but that doesn’t stop Soohyuk from opening his mouth to try to answer. Seungcheol doesn’t give him an inch, though. “It hasn’t felt like that for a while.”
Soohyuk’s mouth falls into a flat line as he tries to think of something, anything to say to calm the tension in the air. “I know this hasn’t been the easiest time for all of us, but-”
The chair Seungcheol is sitting on screeches as it’s abruptly scraped across the floor. Seungcheol gets up in a huff, dramatic and broody. “For all of us?” He repeats angrily, tone almost demanding an explanation.
Soohyuk remains in his seat, his chest getting heavier by the second. “Seungcheol.” Soohyuk softly speaks. “This, it’s not something that was planned.” Soohyuk tries to explain. “It just didn’t work out.” Soohyuk’s tone dips, defeated.
“I’m sure it didn’t work out because of how pathetic you’re acting.” Seungcheol’s tone sounds cruel, his eyes looking at Soohyuk with anger in them before he walks away from the table towards the living room.
Mingyu frowns at Seungcheol and stands from his seat, as well. “Not cool, bro, dad’s trying his best. Have you ever considered it’s the way you act that’s the problem?” He grabs his now empty plate, seeing as he was the only one actively eating thanks to Seungcheol being late and their dad wanting to wait for him before digging in, and makes his way to load it into the dishwasher.
“It’s okay, Gyu.” Soohyuk doesn’t want the brothers to begin arguing. Not over him. Shaking his head at his youngest, Soohyuk watches as Seungcheol lays down on the couch, still refusing to even step foot into the bedroom that is clearly for him. “Go get some rest.” Soohyuk speaks, proceeding to clear the rest of the table.
The rest of the night goes by in silence and with none of the family members speaking to each other. It isn’t until Soohyuk silently walks out later in the night that there’s any movement in the home. Looking down at Seungcheol sleeping on the couch, Soohyuk covers him with a blanket before returning back to his room.
Mingyu watches from the open archway from the kitchen and just shakes his head.