Silent
Genre: Coffee Shop!Au, FluffÂ
Pairing: Soonyoung x Jihoon (Soonhoon)
Word Count: 4k
A/N: I had this idea and iâd just been entertaining it for a bit. Finally wrote it yEeT.
Jihoon was a quiet boy, heâd come in every day at the same time, order the same thing, and sit at the same spot, occasionally changing books. It seemed like the only thing that changed about him were his outfits, and- once in a blue moon- his hair. He greeted the barista with the sweetest smile every time, sometimes he didnât look so cheerful, he could only suppose that he wasnât feeling it on those days. Still, nothing changed.
This was just the way things were.
One day, he didnât come in. The day after the same thing happened. A week passed and there was no sign of Jihoon anywhere. In the middle of the second week of his absence, he showed up.
â Jihoon! How are you? You kinda fell off the face of the Earth for a bit! I almost went out of business without you!â The barista joked, to which he chuckled a bit with that warm smile of his, dimples and all. Truthfully, Jihoon was the cutest person heâd ever seen.
âHappy to see you too, Soonyoung. Sorry for disappearing like that, I took a little break from everything, you know? I needed a little change of scenery, some inspiration.â He said, still smiling. The air around him felt peaceful, it was warm and light just as he was.
He took up his routine again, except he didnât pick up books now. He sat at his spot and wrote. He brought in a little notebook and just wrote for hours on end. Soonyoung took it upon himself to take another cup of coffee to Jihoonâs table every so often to try to catch a peek of his writing. He didnât get much at first, but what he did see were fancy, discriptive words. It peaked his curiosity, but you didnât want to invade his privacy so Soonyoung didnât ask about it.
So, Jihoon worked like this every day, he saw less and less bad days and more good, productive days.
Every so often he made little changes to his routine, from ordering a different drink, to chatting a little longer than usual, on one of these days Soonyoung heard Jihoon laugh for the first time, it wasnât just a giggle or a hearty chuckle. It was a loud, genuine laugh; which, in turn, made him laugh too.
Soon he started staying until the shop closed, so he saw Jihoon more as he would be the last person out. Theyâd chat as Soonyoung  closed the front doors, then theyâd say their goodbyeâs and walk off in the dark down separate ways. He enjoyed talking to Jihoon when he got the chance, so he took up sitting with him while he wrote. It didnât matter that nothing was said, Soonyoung understood he was concentrated in his own little world. Heâd often remind Jihoon that taking a break now and then is good so he wouldnât overwork himself, so when he did take little breaks in between writing sessions, they talked.
He came to know Jihoon better, he told Soonyoung about how he hoped to be a published author in the coming years. That he was just writing little stories or poems for now, or writing down ideas that came to him. Not necessarily long detailed things, maybe some dialogue or a clever way to describe something. Some pretense, some context sentence that he could use sometime, even just words or names. All in anticipation that one of these days a grand idea would come to him and he could begin writing something lengthier from it.
Jokingly, Soonyoung told him that he should show him one of his poems. Â Jihoon became flustered by his request and immediately tried to hide the words on his page with his hands, insisting that âit isnât any good.â He didnât believe it for a second, but he let it go with a laugh stating the obvious that he was kidding. Jihoonâs face had turned a bright shade of red, seemingly embarrassed by his own inordinate reaction to something so mundane, but he composed himself and he, too, carried on like nothing happened.
For some reason, Soonyoung found this the cutest thing in the world. What could he possibly be hiding in that little notebook of his? Whatever it was, he would probably never find out.
The problem was that Jihoon never left his things unattended, so this made things slightly more difficult; meaning Soonyoung would have to find a way to make him leave the table even for a minute. Which proved harder than heâd anticipated. Soon, however the whole idea had to be discarded, since Jihoon came in one day with a brand new notebook. So he gave up on his little quest of figuring out what that precious notebook contained.
âDo you like working here, Soonyoung?â Jihoon asked one day. To be perfectly honest, he really did love his little shop.
Heâd opened it a few years back and Jihoon was one of the first people to keep coming back. He can recall it perfectly, heâd walked in and looked around taking in the environment. The smell of brewed coffee being particularly strong since it was a very busy day. Heâd ordered an espresso, and looked around for a place to sit while he waited for his coffee. Most of the tables were taken except one in a corner that had two bookshelves forming said corner. It was a table for four people, but Jihoon sat there alone. He began examining the rows of books around him, settling for 1984 by George Orwell. He was there until he got about halfway into the book, and said nothing on his way out except giving Soonyoung a brief glance and small smile. He definitely thought heâd never see that mysterious boy again, so of course it came as a surprise to him when he walked in a few days after, ordering the same thing, sitting in the same place, and picking up the same book. Thatâs how his little routine had started, and now here they were.
âI do, I love it actually. I enjoy what I do a lot, even if not many people come in. Like any place thereâs busy days and days that itâs like a ghost town, except for you.â He answered, giving Jihoon a little nudge. He smiled at Soonyoung, and looked at the cups in front of him.
âYeah, I liked it here the first time I came in. Itâs quiet, the coffeeâs good, the aura is nice and calm, plus youâre here.â His head shot up when he spoke the last word, so did Soonyoungâs. They looked at each other without saying anything. âI- I mean⊠i- itâs just⊠youâre really nice. To me. Not many people talk to me y- you know?â Jihoon lied, stumbling over his own words making Soonyoung laugh. Jihoon had plenty of friends, but Soonyoung did something to him that was inexplicable. He hoped his cover was good enough.
âYeah, I guess I am, huh? I consider you my friend, so why shouldnât I treat you like so? Youâre also my best customer, things feel odd when you donât show.â He said, Jihoon seemed a little more relaxed. Just a little. They continued like nothing, but his words echoed in the back of Soonyoungâs head, âyouâre here⊠youâre really nice to me.â It was all very surreal for some reason. He couldnât quite put his finger on it. That night while he walked home, he couldnât help but keep thinking about it. Why had Jihoon reacted that way to something so seemingly ordinary? His heart raced a little when he thought of what heâd said, his tone, his little fond smile. He caught himself smiling about it. Jihoon did something to him, although he wasnât really sure what that something was. Soonyoung only hoped that, whatever it was, he felt it too.
The weeks that followed were particularly busy ones, âtis the season after all. It was always in the winter that people filled Soonyoungâs otherwise quiet little shop. It was during this time that he put up books for sale, some wrapped so people could maybe try something new. Regardless of how busy the place was, the table they always shared remained empty. Not many groups of 3 or more came in, it was mostly couples and people looking for a place to warm up for a bit.
As a result, Soonyoung was busier than usual, meaning he had less time to spend with Jihoon throughout the day. Jihoon didnât mind, sometimes when he was catching a break he stared at Soonyoung, he saw him working away at the counter. Flashing that cute eye smile of his at the customers. Although he was busy, he was happy. He was doing what he loved doing. Jihoon watched him intently, his heart fluttered unexpectedly when Soonyoung caught a sight of him staring, causing Jihoon to blush and advert his eyes to the mug before him, smiling shyly to himself. For a while, that was the routine, Soonyoung would stay at the counter most of the day, and Jihoon quietly worked in the corner, occasionally stealing glances of Soonyoung making 3 cups of coffee at a time, or dealing with a particularly annoying customer. All the same, he always had a smile on his face.
When everything calmed down a bit, Soonyoung took his place at Jihoonâs corner and reversed the roles by observing him write page after page.
The night before Christmas day, as they were about to part ways, Jihoon spoke up.
âHey, Soonyoung, a-are you doing anything tomorrow?â He sounded so shy, it melted Soonyoungâs heart.
âI was thinking of opening the shop. I think Iâll close early and go home, but Iâm not sure yet. Why?â
Jihoon seemed unsure of if he should speak, he thought it over for a second.
âI was just wondering, if you wanted to spend the day with me. Y-you donât have to, I understand if youâre busy...â His voice trailed off at the end of his sentence.
âThat sounds great, Jihoon! We can spend the day together!â Soonyoung sounded ecstatic, he was practically beaming. Jihoon opened his notebook, wrote something, ripped the page out, and handed it to him. He examined it, it was Jihoonâs number. Soonyoung thanked him, they said their goodbyeâs and walked off. He was so happy, he texted Jihoon immediately so heâd have his number too. And even though he wouldnât admit it, Soonyoungâs cheeks burned and turned a deep crimson color. It was an unexpected happiness, he sort of scared himself.
His mind went back to what Jihoon had once told him.
â⊠youâre here.â
That night, as Jihoon cleaned up his place, he must have gone over the exchange a million times. He groaned when he thought about how weak his voice must have sounded. No one made him nearly as nervous as Soonyoung, but why? They were friends, he reminded himself, but his heart couldnât help but race whenever he got a little too close to him while trying to catch a peek of whatever it was that he was writing. He thought of how comforting Soonyoungâs voice was, and how great his laughter was⊠He quickly tried to shake it from his mind.
He realized then, he was afraid of what it all might mean.
The next morning as Soonyoung got closer to his shop, he saw a small figure leaning on a streetlight. He smiled wide when he realized who was standing there. It was Jihoon, and he was holding a wrapped package under his arm.
âYouâre up early! I didnât expect to see you so soon!â He chuckled, Jihoon smiled at this. Â
âAh, merry Christmas to you too, Soonyoung.â He said with a laugh, and allowed him to open.
Once they were inside, Jihoon handed him the package. âI brought you something, but you canât open it yet okay?â Reluctantly, Soonyoung complied. For the first time, Jihoon saw how he got the shop to look so nice all the time. Today it was just Soonyoung, usually he had other baristas helping out but he predicted the day would be the calmest one.
He was right, only a total of 10 people came in throughout the morning. By afternoon he was ready to close, until the phone rang. Which was a little unusual, but he answered anyway. It was someone asking if they were still open, he wanted to host a little get together in around an hour in the shop. Soonyoung very reluctantly replied that heâd host them, he just needed to know how many people were coming and what theyâd like to have. After exchanging details, he hung up and let out a long sigh and leaned into the wall behind him.
âYou okay there?â Jihoon asked, a little concerned.
âYeah, just some guy who wants to host a thing here. I have to get everything ready in an hour, Iâm guessing theyâre not going to leave until closing time.â He replied, sounding defeated. Still he moved to the back and stayed there for a bit. Jihoon heard the clanking of metal materials, and grew curious so he got up and went to check up on him. There he found Soonyoung getting ingredients for what he could only guess would be some sort of dessert. He looked at Jihoon standing there and called out.
âCare to help?â Soonyoung asked, he nodded so he motioned for Jihoon to move closer.
âThis is top secret, if you show anyone this cinnamon roll recipe Iâll find you.â He said in a fake serious voice and a mischievous smile. Jihoon laughed and moved closer to Soonyoung, at that moment he noticed how short Jihoon is. He couldnât help but pat him on the head, Jihoon immediately slapped his hand away, grabbed a fistful of flour, and threw it in Soonyoungâs face. He stumbled backwards while laughing, wiping the flour away.
âAlright alright, no more patting, got it.â He said getting most of it off his face. Jihoon seemed quite pleased with himself, a smile spread across his face, and turned his attention to the ingredients Soonyoung had laid out on the table.
âAnyway!â he continued, âAre you going to lend a hand, or are we reversing the roles?â Jihoon nodded, which didnât really give Soonyoung a clear answer. He noticed, so he said that he wanted to help. Soonyoung beamed as moved over to a rack on the wall where he unhung an apron for Jihoon, and walked back to where he stood reading the labels on everything. He handed the apron over and proceeded to start explaining what everything was. Not that Jihoon didnât know, of course he knew what these things were, but he felt confused as to why there would be salt in a dessert. Or corn starch. However, Soonyoung explained that salt makes things taste sweeter without the need to add more sugar than was necessary, so adding a teaspoon of it did the trick. Itâs not like he was just going to dump the whole salt container in there. He then got his measuring cups and began rationing out the ingredients.
âWait,â said Jihoon, âarenât the people going to be here in an hour? How long does this take to be ready?â He was more concerned than Soonyoung was, but he glanced at the clock before speaking.
âThis will be ready in two to three hours, if theyâll be here in a little less than an hour now, then the cinnamon rolls will be ready after theyâve eaten. Theyâll probably want coffee, given where theyâll be. So thisâll be perfect for then.â He looked at Jihoon expecting some protest, however there was  none. It dawned on Soonyoung that he hadnât set up the tables to accommodate the amount of people who were coming. He didnât say anything else and continued to work in front of him as Jihoon watched.
Eventually he did give Jihoon instruction on what to do. He just rationed everything out for him and proceeded to guide him in the preparation process. As the bread was rising, they moved back to the front of the shop to rearrange the tables. Once that was done, Soonyoung retreated to the kitchen to clean up a bit, Jihoon followed closely behind. There they began butting away everything they werenât going to need anymore, leaving only the flour on the counter. Soonyoung checked on the bread, he then showed it to Jihoon, who seemed amazed at how it had doubled in size seemingly by magic. He stuck his finger in it, giving it a little dimple. Soonyoung set the bowl aside, and began sprinkling flour on the countertop and covering his rolling pin with it, then handing it over to Jihoon who took it in his small hands and examined it while Soonyoung plopped the ball of dough on the flour-covered counter, causing a small cloud to jump out at them. He once again instructed Jihoon what to do as he watched intently, until he heard the doors open and the sound of people speaking amongst themselves. He went to tend to the new guests that filled his little shop, picking up Jihoonâs notebook and other belongings in the process.
Once the people were settled, Soonyoung asked them if they needed anything. They assured him they didnât and he made his way to the back once again. He set Jihoonâs things down on a little table away from where they were working, he walked back to where he stood supervising before, and carried on as if heâd never left. Jihoon thought to himself how weirdly attractive Soonyoung was when he was being professional, he became a little flustered by his own thoughts as he tried to focus on what Soonyoung was saying.
Soon enough, he was called back to the front, where his patrons wanted some drinks. He pointed at the menu above the front counter and told them to take their time choosing what they wanted. Some already knew, others didnât. So while those who werenât sure made up their minds he began working making what was asked of him. Meanwhile, Jihoon was waiting for him to return, the rolls were ready to go in the oven by this point so he just needed to put them in the oven and then do some more waiting. So, he just stood there, waiting. Surrounded by an environment that was so foreign to him, yet something that Soonyoung was so used to seeing, like his second home. It was very clear that Jihoon was out of his element here, still he wasnât too intimidated, it was almost like he wanted to impress Soonyoung.
Being too caught up in his own thoughts to notice, Jihoon didnât even see Soonyoung slip quietly into the kitchen before he felt a light touch on his nose. He looked bewildered, but the taller boy just smiled at him holding in his laughter, but he didnât see what was so funny. He then saw himself in the reflection of the metal bowl beside him. Soonyoung had gotten flour on him. âYouâre dead.â Jihoon thought to himself, as he put his hand in the flour and reached for Soonyoungâs face.
He tried covering his face, he was a little slow, however, as Jihoonâs small hand had already stained him. So in return, he threw some of the flour on the counter at Jihoon. They both had wicked smiles as they watched for their next move. Suddenly, however, a voice called out to Soonyoung. They both turned their attention towards the little hallway and Soonyoung composed himself, telling Jihoon to carefully place the baking tray, that was still out on the counter, in the oven. Placing a handful of flour on Jihoonâs laps before he excused himself.
âDonât get your hands caught!â He called cheerfully before he walked out to the front. Jihoon looked at the oven terrified, what if his hands really got caught.
That irrational thought filled his mind. Regardless, he gathered up his quickly fleeting courage and attempted to put the tray in the oven. As he opened it, the hot air from inside hit him; he cautiously placed the tray inside being careful not to burn himself.
Unlucky.
As he slid the tray farther inside, he felt the sharp singeing sensation of the ovenâs hot wire. Quickly his hand recoiled and he let go of the oven door, holding his wounded finger. The door loudly slammed shut, grabbing Soonyoungâs attention. One of the guests he was talking with asked him about it, he responded it was probably just his âapprenticeâ messing around. He dismissed it, but internally, he was worried. He hurried and tended to what he had to do, and excused himself once more.
There he found Jihoon holding a slice of tomato to his finger, looking gloomy. Soonyoung couldnât help but smile a little at the sight. He resembled a child with the way he was holding on to his little digit.
âDidnât I tell you the oven bites?â He joked, while Jihoon shot him a deathly glare. Soonyoung walked back out of the kitchen to go get two chairs. Once he retrieved them, they sat in silence. Jihoon was the first to speak.
âHow much longer are they going to be here?â He asked quietly, still recovering from the ever so fatal burn on his finger. Soonyoung thought for a moment, he really wasnât sure since it looked as if theyâd just settled down.
âI donât know, two hours? Three hours? Maybe more.â He looked at the clock which read 1:24PM. Still he looked uncertain, Jihoon simply sighed and looked around. He got up to get his notebook and a pen, Soonyoung stood, too, to clean the counter so Jihoonâs things wouldnât get dirty. Once they sat again, Jihoon simply began writing and remained writing while Soonyoung occasionally disappeared to the front; only to come back rather upset after the fourth or fifth time.
Soonyoung was a very patient person, very happy and light. Hardly anything wore him down, especially if people were rude; he usually dismissed it as nothing more than someone having a bad day. For some reason, he almost seemed angry upon returning.
âDid something happen?â Jihoon asked, not really expecting an answer since he probably wouldnât want to talk about it.
âHalf the people left without paying their share, and the guy who set up this thing didnât want to pay for what they had and for keeping me here longer than I was supposed to be.â Soonyoung said, clearly irritated. He assured a rather concerned Jihoon that it was fine, and that it didnât matter. At least now they could leave. It was already dark out by the time Soonyoung closed, so he suggested they grab some dinner and call it a day. Jihoon agreed and they walked together in the dark.
Given the day, not many places were open; they did find a place to eat after all, it was a little restaurant that Jihoon used to eat at often, but he traded his evenings there for evenings with Soonyoung. So, he ordered for them once they were seated. They sat in silence for a while, there was nothing to be said; but even then in the stillness, it wasnât awkward. It was a comfortable type of quiet, the sound of breathing, the warmth, the atmosphere, the vibe. Even if they were very different, when their auras meshed they created a unique feeling of ease, nothing needed to be said in all honesty. They simply sat and gazed at each other, as if trying to communicate without a single spoken word. As if they were afraid theyâd somehow break the beautiful atmosphere theyâd created, with words.
âDo you have plans after this?â Soonyoung asked, unsure of if Jihoon had other things to tend to, but he shook his head.
âI was kind of hoping that we could back to my place or yours, just-â He stopped himself, thinking heâd just said something that wasnât meant to leave his head. He looked at Soonyoung, but he just looked blankly at him.
âJustâŠ?â He asked, looking at Jihoon expectantly.
âI just want to see your face when you open your gift.â He said, even though that wasnât what echoed in his mind. Again, Soonyoung seemed to buy into it as his face flushed red and a shy smile played on his lips. He truly was the most beautiful person Jihoon had ever seen.
Hopefully, Soonyoung thought so too.
âSo after this, weâll go to your place or mine?â He asked Jihoon, he promptly answered that his place closer than Soonyoungâs. It was a ten minute walk, compared to a one hour walk to Soonyoungâs.
With things settled, they ate. Laughing and talking the whole time. Soonyoung couldnât get enough of Jihoonâs laugh. It was the sweetest sound to him. They sat there for a few minutes, Soonyoung looked fondly at a smiling Jihoon; he almost wanted to reach out and touch him. He abstained, however unsure of if he would cross some boundary. He was contempt with just looking at him, though.
âDo you drink, Jihoon?â It was a poorly worded question, but Jihoon answered all the same.
âOccasionally, I enjoy a drink from time to time.â
âGreat! How about we have a drink? You know, for the holidays or whatever.â
Jihoon complied, and Soonyoung ordered them a drink each. To be honest, he just wanted to prepare himself for the possible awkwardness that loomed in Jihoonâs place. It helped liven him up a little. After a little more than a few drinks had come and gone, and the check was paid, they headed out into the night.
The walk was nice, even if the cold was merciless. They talked about their surroundings, how everything was so festive, the air felt cheerier than usual. Until they were walking up to the complex Jihoon lived in.
He lived in a nice area, in a nice complex, which seemed to be quiet. As he opened the door, Soonyoung noticed his hands shaking. Heâd never let it show, but Jihoon almost regretted inviting him over. He really had no choice, so he unlocked the door and let Soonyoung step through. Friends Jihoon reminded himself, trying to convince himself that he had nothing to be nervous about.
âMake yourself at home.â He said as he closed the door behind them.
Soonyoung took in his surroundings, it was a nice, modern apartment. Very minimal furnished and decorated, it matched the person living there. As he looked around he noticed two bookshelves in disarray. Oops Jihoon thought, as he looked around to make sure everything else was in order. Soonyoung decided to take a seat on the small couch in Jihoonâs little living room. He looked at the little wrapped package in his hands, being almost certain it was a book.
âWant anything to drink?â Jihoon asked from the kitchen.
âDo you have tea?â
While Jihoon made them tea, Soonyoung sat and took it all in. It felt oddly domestic. As if this was a very familiar thing, as if heâd been there before. Which was impossible, he thought. Maybe it was just the drinks? Or maybe his nerves. It all just made sense.
Jihoon emerged from the kitchen with two mugs, setting them down on the table in front of them before sitting next to Soonyoung.
âYou can open your gift now.â Jihoon told him, âIt might not be much, but I hope you like it anyway, I-â
Soonyoung had only torn the top half of the paper when he realized what he held in his hands.
Jihoonâs notebook.
He looked at Jihoon in awe.
âW-why this?â
âYou donât like it?â
âNo, i- itâs not that. I just⊠do you really want me to have this?â
âWhy donât you open it?â
With trembling hands he opened it.
âHis smile can light up a whole city alone, his eyes can outshine any star.â
âKwon Soonyoungâ
Soonyoung hid his face in his hands. He felt it too. Jihoon felt what he felt. Where did they go from here? They obviously werenât just friends, but was it too soon? Was it a good idea even? He faced Jihoon, not really knowing what he was doing.
Innocent.
Itâs the only word to describe his actions, innocent. He planted a kiss on Jihoonâs cheek before leaning into him, hand intertwined with his, almost embarrassed to be the subject of his writing.
âMerry Christmas, Soonyoung.â
