Minho's arm "Sorry!" Han gasped, his face heating up.Minho didn't flinch. He just quickly stabilized the tray with one hand, his touch brief but firm. "Watch your feet, Hannie," he said softly, a unique pet name he only ever used for Han. "You're doing great, just slow down." After the rush died down, Han found himself leaning against the counter, completely exhausted but exhilarated. Minho walked over, handing him a cold bottle of water."You survived," Minho said, a genuine, proud smile on his face."Thanks to you," Han replied, taking a long drink. He hesitated, then blurted out the question that had been nagging him. "Minho... why are you always nice to me? I mean, you're a gentleman, but you're... different when it's just us. You smile."
Minho's smile faded, replaced by an expression Han couldn't quite read—vulnerability. He looked down at the counter, fiddling with a coaster.
"I... I came to Seoul alone," Minho started, his voice quiet. "My parents love me, but being a single child, it's all been a bit too much pressure. I put on this 'mean' act because it's easier to keep people away than to let them in and then have them not understand. But you," he looked up, his eyes meeting Han's, "you're different. You're kind, you're funny, and you're genuine, I don't know but you just attract me".He took a slow, deep breath. "And the truth is, Han, I don't know why, but seeing you—your face, your confusion, your laugh—it makes me happy. It makes me feel... less alone. I don't want to act mean to you, I can't. You're the one person I don't have to put on an act for."
Han was speechless. He hadn't realized how much Minho was holding back. The mean act wasn't indifference; it was a wall. And Minho had lowered it, just for him.The awkwardness I felt before wasn't annoyance; it was just... confusion. But now I get "ohh i mean "."Minho's eyes crinkled in a beautiful, genuine smile. "Good. Now stop yapping, Hannie. You have a shift to finish."
Han laughed, feeling a warmth spread through his chest that had nothing to do with the cafe heater. He had a job, and he had something even better: a connection with his 'mean-hearted' roommate. It was a good day.The bell above the cafe door chimed. Bangchan walked in, clapping his hands together. "Alright, Han! Final report: The staff loves you. You're fast, you're focused, and you have that nervous energy that makes the customers feel sorry for you, which is great for tips. You're hired. Welcome to '143 Cafe'."Han grinned, looking from Bangchan to Minho, a weight finally lifted from his shoulders. His new life in Seoul, which had started with a frantic, late dash to class and an anxious secret, was finally falling into place.