The fresh evening air filled Dae-jin with a rare sense of calm. For the first time that week, he didn't have to rush anywhere, and he fully intended to enjoy that. Even if he had to account for a few… distracting circumstances – like the shamelessly confident Jae-hyun walking right beside him.
Dae-jin hadn't been paying much attention, despite still clearly hearing his thoughts. This time, though, there was nothing particularly loud or strange about them. He had one hand casually tucked into the pocket of his jeans, his gaze wandering through the city streets as if this were just any other day. They passed a slightly more upscale restaurant – one Dae-jin had walked by countless times, but never once had the time or money to stop and explore.
He found himself noticing it now, for no particular reason.
After a while, he realized the silence between them wasn't as awkward as he'd expected. Still, it was probably better to say something before his thoughts started spiraling again. He gathered every bit of courage he had, trying to start a conversation – but nothing came to mind. He was absolutely terrible at this sort of thing. So instead, half turning his head to the side, he just blurted out the exact thought running through his mind.
- So, you're really doing this… Dae-jin mumbled quietly, mostly to himself.
Jae-hyun glanced over at him.
- Doing what, exactly?
- This whole charming-rich-guy-takes-the-poor-boy-out-for-coffee thing.
Jae-hyun gave him a half-smile.
- I'm not that attractive.- he said it knowing full well it was a complete lie.
With every passing minute, Dae-jin focused on one single task: not calling the guy next to him an asshole in his head. It was… a mixed success at best.
Until they figured out how to shut this whole mind-reading thing off, every unspoken word was just as dangerous as the ones they actually said out loud.
Besides, who the hell wanted to hear the other person's horny little thoughts while they sat there smiling sweetly to themselves like an idiot?
- What are you staring at like that? - Jae-hyun asked, a little surprised look noticeable on his face.
They were now sitting across from each other at a quieter corner of the café. It was a calm little place, with a beautifully designed interior, flowers placed next to the tables. The air was filled with the scent of freshly ground coffee and subtle hints of perfume. Around them, young students chatted in soft tones, while others worked with laptops and coffee cups in front of them. Looking around, it was surprisingly cozy.
- Nothing particular. - Dae-jin muttered. - Just… I can't get out of my head the things you're imagining about me right now. Don't you have any sense of shame? Even a little?
Jae-hyun let out a soft laugh, the kind that made Dae-jin want to throw his coffee at him and also not at the same time. He leaned forward slowly, resting his elbow on the table, eyes gleaming with mischief.
- Nope. Not even a drop. - he said with a grin. - Why would I feel shame for appreciating art?
Dae-jin groaned and covered his face with both hands, hoping the universe would swallow him whole. Then he narrowed his eyes at Jae-hyun.
- You're seriously testing my patience.
- And you're seriously underestimating how distracting you are when you bite your lip like that. - Jae-hyun replied smoothly.
| Oh my god. Shut up.
- I heard that. - Jae-hyun said, amused.
| His collarbones. Jesus. If he leaned forward just a little more…—
— STOP! - Dae-jin blurted out way too loudly.
A girl a few tables away turned and blinked at him. He cleared his throat and gave her a polite nod, like Sorry, just mentally imploding over here.
Jae-hyun was now laughing openly.
- I can't help it if my mind wanders. - he said. - You're the one sitting there all… biteable.
- What's wrong with you?! - Dae-jin hissed, leaning closer. - Do you not have a filter? Is this just how you operate, all the time?
Jae-hyun tilted his head.
- Not really. I just don't usually get caught.
Dae-jin slumped in his seat, staring at his drink on the table.
- I can't do this. - he admitted.
- Sure you can. - Jae-hyun said, leaning forward again, now chin resting on one hand. - You're doing great. Adorably angry.
- You're a walking harassment case.
Jae-hyun chuckled, unfazed.
- And you're a walking denial. You seriously think I haven't noticed the way your brain freezes every time I smile at you?
Dae-jin glared at him.
- I'm not here to flirt. You dragged me here.
He dared a glance up at Jae-hyun, who was leaning back in his seat.
Jae-hyun's thoughts completely threw Dae-jin off balance, drifting into bolder and bolder territory with every passing second. Each word echoed crystal clear in Dae-jin's mind. And the worst part? Some of those thoughts were really hard to ignore. Some of them borderline inappropriate. Others… far worse. Some made his face flush with heat he couldn't explain. Others sent chills down his spine. Not because they were threatening – but because they weren't. They were too real, too vivid, and far too specific.
Dae-jin could feel a part of himself responding. He clenched his fist under the table, pressing his nails into his palms as if pain could reset something in his head.
Jae-hyun slowly smiled and traced the rim of his coffee cup with his finger. His eyes flickered playfully toward Dae-jin.
- You know, if you keep reacting like that… I'm going to start thinking you like what I'm thinking.