Chapter Text
The semester was finally over. After weeks of burning himself out, he’d finally finished last of his requirements and cleared what felt like a never-ending to-do list. Now, he could pick up the embers of what was left of him and rest—a kind of rest he hadn’t felt in a while, the kind that didn’t come with guilt or a looming deadline. Everything that needed to be submitted were turned in, tests were finished, and presentations were over. HIs days—no, weeks—spent hunched over his laptop were finally behind him.
As Donghyun thought this, he tugged of his blazer, already feeling a little less constricted. He had to wear full business formal today: long sleeves, a blazer, a tie, slacks, and loafers. Even suit socks, because yes, apparently those mattered too. The outfit was stiff and uncomfortable. The multiple layers were stiff and stuffy, but they were necessary. Today was his final presentation, and this attire was the unspoken rule.
He’d dressed up for Scales of Justice: Balancing Conservation and Commercial Fishing, the paper he had spent the entire semester working on in preparation for his final presentation. As a fish enthusiast, he argued for conservation not just for nature’s sake, but for the long-term survival of people’s livelihoods too. It was a delicate balance, and he’d tried hard to present it that way.
But before he could even step into the room and present, his nerves had nearly undone him. The waiting room had been cool, but he’d burned up anyway, breaking into a cold sweat, trembling, stomach churning with dread. He imagined all the worst-case scenarios: forgetting a slide, stumbling over words, going blank, or worse, failing to come up with a rebuttal to the questions thrown at him.
Thankfully, as he began speaking, none of those fears came true. His throat may have gotten parched from all the talking, but he pushed through. He didn’t blank, didn’t trip over his words, and managed to respond to every question thrown his way. By his own standards, he presented well and that was more than enough.
Now that it was over, Donghyun could finally rid himself of his stifling outfit. Besides the blazer, he loosened and took of his tie, folding it before packing it in his back. His required yap session was done and the suit had served its purpose. He could finally breathe, as his term had, quite literally, ended with the completion of this presentation.
As he exited the university gates, how could he forget to grab a sweet treat to reward himself for his hard work? He deserved it, he thought. While he may have pumped himself full of caffeine and sugar over the past weeks, one more day wouldn’t hurt, right? And it wasn’t like it was to give him energy to prepare for a long day ahead of working on his tasks—it was to prepare him for a long day ahead of indulging himself in his hobbies.
Since he was already treating himself, why not add another fish to his tank? He’s been eyeing this beautiful halfmoon betta with scales shifting from a rich blue along its body to a vibrant red near its tail. Its wide, D-shaped tail fanned out like silk in water. It was graceful, dramatic, and impossible to ignore. When would be a better time than now to get that fish?
Crossing the street, Donghyun started the walk to the mall closest to his school. It was a ten-minute walk from campus. As he took slow, deliberate steps, he began planning his vacation—thinking about what he would do now that school was over. He could start by playing Pokémon again, maybe collecting cards. He had already filled one A4 binder, so if he started collecting again, he’d have to buy another one. He could also play on his Switch all day and all night. He could redecorate his fish tank—or even build a new one, since he was getting a new fish.
Donghyun smiled to himself at the endless possibilities for how he could spend his term break. He felt himself adding a slight jump to his step as excitement began to build. At this point, he figured he probably looked a little ridiculous to the strangers he passed along the way. Here was a grown man in semi-formal attire—shirt tucked in, slacks slightly wrinkled from the day—smiling and lowkey skipping on the way to the mall. A few people glanced at him curiously, but he barely noticed.
Donghyun could care less.
As he finally entered the mall, he fished for his phone from his back pocket. With a few taps, he opened Instagram and searched for the cafe he’s been meaning to visit to ever since it popped up on his Explore Page. With finals swallowing up all of his time, even if it was nearby, he couldn’t find the time to visit. Now that it was over, he could head there at last without any worries, aside from his finances of course. But he pushed that thought aside for now. He deserved at least one indulgence.
He opened the café’s page and read their bio multiple times. Then, as if trying to commit it to memory, he repeated the directions to himself under his breath. He wasn't about to wander around lost. Not today. Not when freedom tasted this sweet.
3rd Floor, Atrium, it said in their bio. Donghyun headed to the escalator, riding it up twice before walking a bit further to reach the Atrium. There weren’t many people in the mall yet, since it had only opened around thirty minutes ago. It was perfect timing, really. Donghyun had scheduled his presentation in the morning so he could finish quickly and get here while the crowds were still thin.
Just as he pushed open the door to the cafe, he had only taken about three steps inside when a guy, who looked to be the manager, approached him. He was wearing a completely different uniform from the rest of the staff: a navy blue button up with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, though he still wore the same complementary beige apron on. The man smiled as he walked over, and Donghyun, slightly confused, gave him a puzzled look in return. He had just stepped into the café and was already being approached by the manager. Is something wrong? Should I leave? But there were only around eight customers in the café, including him.
“Good morning, sir!” The manager greeted as he stopped in front of him. “Hello,” Donghyun replied. Because of his doubts, his voice came out slightly lower than usual. “Ah, just a heads-up—we have a special event happening today,” the manager said with a warm smile. “It’s not a private one, so the café’s still open as usual. But it does involve a bit of customer participation, and I wanted to ask if you’d be okay with being filmed?”
Nothing could ruin his day today. He was in too good a mood to be bothered by a small request like that. If that was the café’s request, then he was amenable to it. He doubted he’d have much screen time—or be seen at all. Without thinking, he nodded, the confused look now gone but replaced by a light expression of understanding and quiet curiosity.
“Sure,” he said. “What’s the name of the event, though? And are you taking orders already?”
If he had to wait, that was fine too—he had his iPad with him to keep himself entertained in the meantime. “The event’s called the Formerly X Café Event, and we’ll be starting around eleven, if that’s alright with you,” the manager replied with a friendly tone. “We’re still setting up the equipment before we begin filming the vlog.” Donghyun nodded at that and mumbled a thanks. The manager then gestured him toward a vacant table for him to sit.
Donghyun removed the backpack slung over his shoulder and set it down beside him at the booth. He opened it, dug out his iPad, and folded its case so it could stand on its own on the table. As he opened Netflix, browsing through his Continue Watching list, he noticed—just in his peripheral vision—people dressed in all black moving around to set up cameras on stands and position studio lights. Some wore headphones, others had walkie-talkies, and a few had cameras slung over their shoulders. The manager from earlier was speaking to someone wearing headphones, probably the producer of the vlog.
At the same time, the café was starting to fill up. Because of the number of customers arriving, one of the café staff handed Donghyun a number and menu. He accepted both reluctantly, placing the number in the holder on his table before scanning the menu—even though he already had a good idea of what to order, thanks to stalking the café’s Instagram more than once.
Most of the new arrivals were girls, he noticed. They were whispering and squealing among themselves, and many of them carried an assortment of trinkets: card holders with photos, small plushies, and keychains. They were taking pictures of these items, either posed against the café's entrance sign, arranged neatly on the table, or framed aesthetically within the café interior. Donghyun, feeling slightly pressured by the wave of enthusiasm around him, also snapped a quick photo of a corner of the café he deemed aesthetic enough.
After that, he finally decided to continue watching Solo Leveling as he waited. With only two episodes left of season two, he was close to finishing it. He only stopped watching it because of his godforsaken finals which forced him to put it on hold, much to his frustration. While he did of course took breaks in between working, he felt that it wasn’t enough for him to continue the series, especially if he really wanted to understand what he was watching.
He was already at the part where the cameraman inside the cave, together with the S-rank hunters got the livestream back on when screams erupted in the cafe. He had been so hyped to see Sung Jinwoo finally face off the Black Ant at Jeju Island, but instead, Donghyun was thrown off by the sudden raucous. People were rushing toward the entrance, phones held up high. They were screaming names Donghyun couldn’t quite make out.
The cameramen finally had their cameras rolling, quickly shifting their lenses toward the commotion. He paused the episode, frowning as he peeked over the edge of his booth. Whatever was happening, it clearly wasn’t just part of the café’s vlog event. However, it did mean that things were officially starting and he could finally order his food. He had come here for their mochi cheesecake, something he’d been wanting to try ever since he saw it in their ad.
Honestly, when the manager mentioned something about being filmed, he thought it was just a promotional shoot for a new menu launch or something. He did find it a little strange, though, that it required customer participation if it was only for a new item.
But as he watched the scene unfold in front of him, cameras set up in every corner, customers giggling and whispering excitedly behind their hands as they were pressed in their seats, others trying to discreetly record the staff moving through the café, he saw him.
Library Taesan.
Taesan who still owed him gummy bears and sour gummy worms.
Clearly, this wasn’t the promotional shoot for a new food or drink that Donghyun had assumed it was. Not with people watching so closely as Taesan approached him, barely trying to hide their eagerness to see what was going on, trying to lower their voices to hear Taesan’s.
"Good morning! Welcome to the Café Next Door. Can I take your order?" Taesan asks him.
What was the name of the event again? Formerly X Café Event? Formerly X: Your Baristas Next Door.
Taesan wasn’t just working the event. He was the event. How could he not be, with the way all eyes were on him as he pulled out a notepad, ready to take down whatever order Donghyun had in mind? He wore that standard customer service smile, the kind every service worker was expected to have. But the way it was plastered on his face felt too careful, like he recognized Donghyun, but couldn’t afford to show it on camera. To Donghyun, though, it felt like there was more underneath it. A hint of teasing, like he was saying, Found you.
Taesan wanted to combust.
Who knew Donghyun would be at this event? Not to mention, looking this good. If he completed the look with a blazer, a tie, maybe some hair wax and makeup, he’d be ready for their wedding.
Taesan was used to fan events. He knew exactly how to charm everyone: the right words, tone, and gestures to make the fans’ hearts flutter. At this point, fanservice came easily to him. It was practically engraved in him. So, he thought today would be like any other fan event.
But no. He was here. From zero, Taesan’s world did a complete three-sixty the moment he saw Donghyun. The boy with a tragic addiction to gummy candy and the cutest pout when he got sulky.
Taesan still remembered the look Donghyun gave him when he ate his green gummy bears. He remembered the deadpan stare when Donghyun found out Taesan had saved him only one piece of a gummy worm. He was very expressive, doing little to hide his reactions, so much so that Taesan had them pretty much etched into his mind. They may have only had minimal interactions so far, but he was far more memorable than any fan Taesan had ever met. If anything, Taesan felt like he was the one attending a rare and fortunate fan meeting whenever he saw Donghyun.
Most importantly, he remembered the way Donghyun looked at him that time he said they couldn’t have another autograph session at the library—not unless they wanted someone to recognize him again.
And now, it looked like today…Taesan was finally going to reveal who he really was to Donghyun.
Taesan felt both excited and dreadful about it.
Excited, because first of all, he couldn’t wait to see the look on Donghyun’s face when he finally realized who Taesan actually was. His words and actions back at the library would all click into place: the way he had been wrapped up from head to toe, the signature he gave to the library staff, the way he claimed he couldn’t buy Donghyun gummies despite the store being just a short walk away—it would all make sense.
But dread crept in just as quickly. What if Donghyun wasn’t amused? What if he was disappointed that Taesan had hidden something this big, this important, from him? What if he thought Taesan had been playing him all along?
Worse, what if Taesan tripped over his words, got too flustered, and made a complete fool of himself in front of him? He couldn’t risk revealing how badly he had a crush on him. Not here. Not like this. Not in front of people and cameras.
Taesan took a deep breath before putting on his best customer service smile. Act normal, he told himself. Keep it cool. Be professional.
Today, Formerly X was supposed to work as a barista—well, more of a server. Yesterday, they had taken on more of the actual barista role, learning how to make coffee and even creating a secret menu just for today as a special treat for the fans. But right now, they wouldn’t be doing all the cooking or drink-making. Mostly, they'd just be taking orders and serving them to customers. Literally, fanservice.
When Taesan saw Donghyun among the customers, he just knew he had to be his first. Donghyun was one of the only ones who wasn’t eyeing him, trying to get closer, or calling out to him. He seemed completely unaware of what was actually going on, judging by the way his brows were furrowed and his face was slightly scrunched. Didn’t the manager tell him what was happening at the café today?
Despite the confusion on his face, there was a sparkle in his eyes. Maybe it was the café lighting—bright yet soft and diffused, even with all the studio lights around. When the lights reflected in his eyes, which Taesan remembered had a gentle softness to their irises, they seemed to glow even more, making his eyes appear wider and full of innocence. Or maybe it was the fact that, despite having no idea what was going on, the uncertainty didn’t scare him. In fact, that sparkle was probably a flicker of curiosity—wondering, patiently waiting for what was next.
Oh my god, Taesan felt like he was swimming in them, slowly drowning despite being just by the shore. He was just walking toward him, he wasn’t even standing in front of him yet.
Taesan could feel himself unconsciously tidying up as he took deliberate steps toward Donghyun. First, he patted himself down, brushing away any dust or lint that might still be lingering on his clothes. He adjusted his apron, making sure it was properly tied at the back. Then he rolled his sleeves again, ensuring they rested neatly on his elbows.
All that mattered was that he looked good—charming—in front of Donghyun. Unlike back at the library, when he had looked absolutely disheveled. His hoodie had clung to his body, damp with sweat, his hair a mess and sticking to his forehead. He’d even worn sunglasses and a mask, trying to conceal himself. And now here he was, doing the opposite—wanting to be seen.
Of course, he didn’t forget to glance at the camera and smile. From the corner of his eye, he could see Woonhak and Jaehyun doing the same, their expressions just as practiced. They had probably served more customers than he had at this point.. Both of them were incredibly attentive to the customers, slipping into their roles effortlessly. Their eyes were wide with thoughtfulness and focus, their voices gentle, measured—speaking in the kind of polite, carefully reserved tone that was expected of service workers in a place like this. They made it look natural, as though this wasn’t all a performance, as though the camera and lights weren’t constantly buzzing at the edges of everything they did. It was part of the illusion—being warm, approachable, yet distant enough to maintain the fantasy.
Taesan could tell just how successful this event was already. But he also certainly hoped to be successful with Donghyun.
Stopping right in front of him, he pulled out his notepad from his back pocket and a pen from his shirt pocket, then said, "Good morning! Welcome to the Café Next Door. Can I take your order?"
Taesan tried hard to suppress the smile threatening to stretch across his face at Donghyun’s reaction. He was completely speechless—his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, scrambling for something to say. His eyes looked even wider now, but this time with pure bewilderment at seeing Taesan standing in front of him.
Library Taesan was gone. In his place stood Formerly X Taesan. No—he is Formerly X Taesan.
Trying to hold himself back, Taesan felt his eyes crinkle at the corners instead. His hands trembled slightly as shallow giggles bubbled up in his chest. Still, he fought to maintain his composure. He didn’t want to tease Donghyun too much, especially with the cameras around. He couldn’t risk exposing either of them—not now. No one could know there was something between them.
Donghyun coughed lightly, trying to mask his embarrassment. “Um… pesto cream carbonara…one slice of Basque burnt mochi cheesecake… and a vanilla frappé.” As he listed his order, he pointed to each item on the menu. “What size would the vanilla frappé be? Medium or large?” Taesan asked. Donghyun stared at him for a moment before breaking eye contact and glancing back at the menu.
“Large, please,” he replied.
Taesan quickly jotted everything down. “Anything else?” he asked.
Looking back at Taesan—as if challenging him, the shy Donghyun now gone—he replied, “Well, what would you recommend?” There was even a tilt in his head and a small pout, prompting him further.
As if on cue, Taesan pulled out the secret menu. “Actually, we have a special item just for today, made specifically for this event. I’d recommend trying Performative Green—a drink I personally created. It’s an iced matcha latte topped with a smooth, creamy cloud crème and just a hint of peppermint. It’s sweet and incredibly soothing.” Taesan boasted. He spoke of the drink with quiet confidence, proud of what he’d made, yet silently hoping Donghyun would choose it without asking if there were any other special items on the menu.
He didn’t want him to pick what Jaehyun or Woonhak made, not without trying his first.
Seemingly convinced, the pout on Donghyun’s face disappeared, replaced by a small smile. “Sure, I’ll try that instead. I won’t order the vanilla frappé anymore. Please remove it from my order.” Taesan drew in a shallow breath, surprised, before releasing it and breaking into a wider smile. “Coming right up,” he said. He crossed out the vanilla frappé from his list and wrote down his own drink before turning on his heel and speed-walking to the counter.
Taesan spotted Jaehyun nearby, handing a page of his order form to the kitchen staff before heading back to the counter to start making his drinks. When he noticed Taesan doing the same, he raised a brow. “Dude, you’re so obvious. That was the gummies guy from the library, right? The one you told us about?” Jaehyun teased, nudging him with his elbow. “I didn’t even have to look at him to know. Your smile said it all.” Taesan scoffed and shoved him back with his shoulder, not even bothering to deny it.
Laughing at his reaction, Jaehyun added, “You didn’t even look around. Well, you did once. But when you saw him, it was like your whole world stopped and you immediately went to him.” It was as if Jaehyun had totally forgotten to make his drink and had just decided instead to bother Taesan, who couldn’t even defend himself, because he knew Jaehyun was right.
Grabbing a chasen and chawan to prepare the matcha, Jaehyun pointed out again, “See? You’re not even going around to take a few more orders so you can make them all at once. You’re doing it one by one.” Taesan chose to ignore him entirely—didn’t even respond to a single thing Jaehyun had said.
As he was whisking, he suddenly thought back to his hopes of being successful with Donghyun. Honestly, he hadn’t thought far ahead—didn’t think he’d get that far ahead. He thought there would be nothing more between them besides library rendezvous, except that one time Donghyun never showed up. That absence lingered in his memory longer than any of the moments they had actually shared, leaving him wanting even more.
He didn’t expect they’d meet again here, of all places. And with his facade—though it wasn’t really a facade; he hadn’t exactly tried to hide who he was from Donghyun. It was more like unrecognition, the comfort of being unnoticed—now slowly, unmistakably, turning into recognition.
He was thinking how else could he get close to him, without being too obvious nor too forward.
As bubbles began to form in the bowl, so too did the ones in his mind—rising and shifting, however unlike in the matcha, bursting just as quickly. Thoughts floated to the surface only to dissolve before he could grab onto them. His mind was a quiet mix of hesitation and hope, clouded with uncertainty, the way foam builds up in a bowl—light, airy, and fleeting.
Unexpectedly, he finally thought of something. It was classic, cliché, but probably the most discreet way he could make a move. Taesan thought it was corny and so unlike him—but deep down, the thought excited him. Just like his drink, the idea was sweet; and just like the hint of peppermint in the cloud crème, it was fresh and cool. Taesan thought he was going to be so smooth with his plan.
After pouring the matcha, ice, and foam into the cup, Taesan placed it on a tray along with a thin straw and some tissues. He smiled at the cameras as he walked back to Donghyun to hand over the drink. Just like his smile, he carried the tray with the same effortless ease, balancing it on one hand—showing that he was a very capable waiter.
When he was finally in front of Donghyun again, he placed the drink on the table, carefully sliding the straw and tissues beside it. “The rest of your order will be served shortly, in around 15 minutes,” he said, his tone calm and professional. However, internally, he was anything but calm. He thought, Yes!—his plan had worked, at least partially. He still had to wait for it to come to fruition, though—not that waiting would rain on his parade at the moment.
He walked happily over to the next customers, pulling out his notepad and pen again to take their orders. As if finally in tune with their supposed routine—only ever breaking it because of Donghyun—he moved like clockwork. Taking multiple orders at once, handing them to the kitchen, making his secret menu item, and serving customers their food, he moved with the efficiency of a full-time staff member at the café. He was amusing the fans, and he knew it. Actually, even he was amazed at his own capabilities—who knew he could work like this at all? Maybe back at their dorm, they could all make their own food and drinks instead of relying on takeout all the time.
However, amidst all the bustling in the café, between taking orders and serving customers, his eyes kept drifting back to Donghyun. Every time he glanced over, his heart raced with anticipation. He wondered how Donghyun would react to the drink Taesan had carefully crafted just for him—the secret menu item he’d perfected in the back. Would Donghyun’s eyes widen in surprise? Would a smile of disbelief spread across his face, amazed at how good it tasted?
But what he was really looking forward to was his reaction to the addition he had secretly made.
A few minutes had already passed, and it seemed like only now was Taesan getting what he’d been waiting for. Donghyun had held off on trying his drink until the rest of his food arrived—honestly, Taesan was surprised by his patience. Of course, Donghyun had to take a picture first. During that time, Taesan had somehow managed not to lose his mind, stealing glances now and then, waiting for a reaction.
And finally, it came.
Donghyun took a tentative sip. His eyes widened in surprise. His lips curled into a thin line—a kind of backward smile—clearly impressed by the taste. He took another long sip, nodding slightly as he savored it. As he dug into his pasta, he continued to take small sips every now and then, like he wanted to make the drink last but also needed it to help push down the food.
Taesan mentally patted himself on the back for a job well done. He maintained his smile as he briefly looked away from Donghyun to grab another table’s tray of orders. As he walked toward them, he passed by Donghyun’s table, subtly taking the longer route to get a closer look at him once more.
Suddenly, Donghyun looked like he was searching for tissues to wipe his lips. His eyes darted around the table until he finally found some. He picked one up, and just as he was about to use it, something caught his eye. There was ink on it—not just the ink from the café’s printed house and coffee logo, but a scribble, like it had been deliberately written there.
Taesan held his breath when he noticed Donghyun staring at the tissue. His brows were furrowed again, lips pulled to one side in curiosity as he studied it. His eyes scanned the handwriting over and over, left to right, as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
As Taesan lowkey speed-walked back to the counter to make another drink, he could feel the blood surging to his neck, cheeks, and ears. They were burning—red with embarrassment, but also with excitement. At last, Donghyun had noticed it.
When he got back to the counter, Woonhak was there, looking at him with barely contained disbelief over what he had just witnessed. “Did you just...write your number on a tissue?” he asked, blinking slowly in pure incredulity. “No way you actually did that.” Taesan shrugged. Although he did it as if it were the most casual thing in the world, he couldn’t quite meet Woonhak’s eyes, feeling too ashamed at being found out. “Hey, I thought it was smooth,” he mumbled, the last word coming out quieter as a wave of shyness hit him. Woonhak stared at him, deadpan. “How smooth can you really be with all the cameras around, hyung? Not to mention the fans.”
Taesan had nothing to defend himself with. Woonhak was right. All he could do was hope that, despite being caught on camera and under the fans’ watchful eyes, no one would say anything about it. The producers and editors would cut this out—along with his most embarrassing moments in today’s vlog, his most out-of-character scenes—and save him some face.
As he picked up the bowl and whisk to make another batch of matcha, Taesan wondered if he was being delusional. Though he was well aware that multiple people were watching, there was something else he felt. It wasn’t the admiring gaze of onlookers—it was more like a burning stare, as if someone was expecting something from him. Was Donghyun looking at him? Staring at his spot behind the counter beside Woonhak? Taesan blinked, then stared back. When it became clear that, yes, Donghyun was indeed watching him—waiting for something—Taesan tilted his head slightly, prompting him to go on, signal what he wanted to tell him.
Donghyun lightly lifted his phone above the table, making just half of it peek out. Taesan could see the stickers on it. They were small ones of the same white dog. It was very fitting of Donghyun, definitely to his tastes. Then, Donghyun pointed at it, clearly signaling to his phone. Taesan understood—his message was unmistakable. That also meant Donghyun understood Taesan’s message earlier.
A quiet determination settled over Taesan. He returned to whisking the matcha, but now with renewed vigor, as if Donghyun’s silent encouragement had given him a fresh boost. Next to him, Taesan heard Woonhak say exasperatedly, “I can’t believe that worked!” But Taesan could only smirk smugly in response, letting Woonhak’s complaints fade into the background noise just like the buzzing of the café and Jaehyun’s teasing laughter as he returned to his spot beside him.
All Taesan could think about was how this was probably the best vlog they’d ever filmed and how much he couldn’t wait to see what would come next with whatever Donghyun was hinting at.