Chapter 3, For the first time.
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MC's POV
Today, instead of working, we've invited our friends over for lunch. It will be a welcome change of pace from working on the shop, plus it's always good to catch up once in a while. I've just finished making the salad when I hear the bell over the shop door jingle, courtesy of Jaehee since we forgot to buy a lock.
I can faintly here a "Heyyo!", from who I'm assuming is Seven.
I finish setting the plates around our new table, I insisted we get a bigger one in case all the RFA members came over. When I'm done, I start heading down to joining the others.
"MC!" Seven shouts once I enter the room. "You were missing all the fun!".
The guys are all standing by the entryway with Jaehee, who is holding a bottle of wine.
"It's a house-slash-shop-warming gift." Jumin says, noticing my confusion. With an attempted smile, "It's nice to finally see you again.".
"For once, Jumin and I can agree on something." Zen adds, his voice having a slight edge to it.
Entering their little conversation circle, I take a spot standing next to Jaehee.
"It's so exciting to get the whole gang together again!" I chime. "What do you guys think of the paint color we picked out?".
"Did you pick it while thinking of a certain someone?" Yoosung asks, startling me slightly. Before I can question what he means, he says "It's no secret, you picked this color for me!". He points to his hair, grinning like a fool.
"As if." Zen scoffs.
"Oh, c'mon! It was a joke dude!" Yoosung replies lightheartedly.
For the first time since I've been here, Jaehee speaks, saying "Well, I think we should go enjoy the food MC made for us.".
Our resident blond perks up, "Food time!", and dashes up the stairs with a laughing Seven close behind.
Jaehee and Zen turn towards me and almost instantaneously ask "Shall we go?" before looking at each other, slightly baffled.
Jumin chimes in, "Actually, I would like a word with MC before we head up.".
Zen takes this as his cue to leave but Jaehee doesn't seem to get the memo and stays where she is.
Slightly annoyed, Jumin clarifies "Alone, Miss Ka-", correcting himself, "Jaehee.".
"Oh yes, of course.". Jaehee gives me a quick pat on the back, "I'll go make sure those boys haven't gotten into any trouble.". She then heads upstairs, leaving me and Jumin alone.
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Jaehee POV
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I join the guys upstairs to find Yoosung and Luciel have both already piled food onto their plates, neither of them having a speck of green on them. Zen on the other hand is casually munching on the veggie tray.
"Really Luciel? You too Yoosung. MC isn't even here! I expected better than this." I chide.
"Sorry mom" Yoosung grumbles, Luciel also mumbling something as they go to join Zen on the couch.
"Where'd MC go?" Yoosung asks, crunching on a carrot.
"She's with Jumin." Luciel says. Looking pointedly at me with a raised eyebrow, he asks "What do you think they're talking about?".
Why me? Why does he want to know what I think? I eventually reply, "How would I know? I respect people's privacy, unlike some hackers.". He smirks at me, still seeming interested in my reaction. But my passive-aggressive comment seemed to satisfy him for the time being.
"I hope Jumin isn't plotting something." Zen says. "I don't trust that guy.".
Luciel seems shocked at first, but then gives a hearty chuckle. "Oh, It's a triangle!".
"What?". I tilt my head slightly. No matter how much time I spend with Luciel, I don't think I'll ever understand the way his mind works.
"Oh, it's just that-", he quickly swipes off his glasses and gives a charismatic smile, "I, am the king of information!".
After staring for a moment, Zen says "You're a weird little man...".
We all go kind of quiet, silently munching on snacks.
'What could Jumin possibly want to talk about?'.
I strongly hope Zen's suspicions turn out to be false, knowing Jumin, he wouldn't do anything like that though. He's a man of honesty, however, I still cant help but be concerned...
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MC's POV
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After Jaehee's footsteps fade, Jumin launches into the conversation.
"We should be quick. I wouldn't want anyone worrying about us.". He adjusts his cuff's, "I had a few questions for you MC.".
"Alright. What's up?" I ask.
"Firstly, I would like to know if there is any way I could still convince you to be my assistant. You may not be the most qualified, but your loyalty would more than make up for it.". Before I can answer, he continues, "Second of all, If you won't join me, then why? What is holding you back?".
Unsure how to answer, I frankly say "I just want to stay and run the cafe with Jaehee, that's all.".
"But if I remember correctly," he pauses, thinking, " you mentioned you had a major in Mathematics and a minor in English. Doesn't it seem like a bit of a waste running a coffee shop? However, your skills would be very useful at C&R.".
He got me there, It never was my idea to be a business owner.
"This seems more like Jaehee's dream, not yours. She would be perfectly capable of running it herself.". He crosses his arms at me expectantly.
"I-", he caught me off guard, I'll admit that. He will not make me regret my decision however. "It's true my education would be well suited for an office job." I say directly. I step towards him, keeping eye contact, "This may not have been my original plan, I don't even know what I was going to do after college." I admit. "But this is my life now, and I hope you can respect my decision.".
I spoke with such authority, he flinched slightly at my unexpected response, composing himself before replying, "I'm sorry if I undermined your decision. I won't bring it up again.". Considering things over for a second, he asks "It's something more than running a coffee shop to you, isn't it?".
Was it that obvious? I'm not ready for the whole RFA to know! "Well... I-I uh."
He holds a hand up to silence me. "I'm not sure exactly what your reasons are, but you shouldn't feel obliged to tell me.". With that, he heads towards the kitchen, returning to the group. Before he exits the room, he throws "You don't need to tell anyone anything, unless you feel comfortable to do so.", over his shoulder before he leaves.
I soon after hear his footsteps going up the stairs. I almost said too much, I let my heart control the conversation, not my brain.
'I should be more careful not to slip up. I am not ready for this.'
If someone else finds out... And it gets to Jaehee... I need to be more certain of her feelings. I can't lose her over this, all because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. If I can just stay by her, it will be torture, but it will be better than being without her at all.
I chuckle to myself. "Falling so hard... for a straight girl.". I laugh at myself a little more, realizing my eyes have gotten a little moist from worrying.
'The idea of losing her is scary... Why does everything have to be so complicated?!'
I wipe my eyes. I have to stay positive! Once I'm sure my eyes wont betray me, I head upstairs and join the others.
Once I get at the top of the stairs, Seven notices and immediately shouts "MC IS HERE, LETS EAT!", and proceeds to jump over the back of the couch. He comes and grabs my hand and takes me to the counter where the food is laid out. "Ladies first." he says, handing me a paper plate with a flourish.
We had just finished eating and Seven is already trying to open the wine Jumin brought.
In his usual dorky tone, "MC, we should have a glass or two right? Just a little bit! Please?". He gives me puppy eyes before leaning over, whispering in my ears. "I have an hypothesis I want to confirm, trust me.", before loudly declaring "Let's get Yoosung drunk!".
"I don't drink." he replies nervously.
"Oh yeah," Seven teases, "you're too young to drink!".
"Excuse you! I'm twenty-one!" Yoosung huffs.
With a wink, "I meant mentally.".
Whatever Seven has planned, he's got Yoosung. Hook, line, and sinker.
"Then, let's have a glass or two!" Yoosung says. "I, an adult, can drink wine if I want!".
Jaehee starts to protest, but Seven has piqued my curiosity. "Yeah why not." I say. Bumping her shoulder "A glass or two cant hurt, right?".
"Alright...".
Seven holds the bottle and Yoosung pops the cork as Jaehee gets glasses for everyone.
"Lets sit in the living room, it will be more comfortable." Zen suggests.
"That works out great Zenny boy!" Seven says.
I sit in the middle of the couch, Zen sitting next to me. Yoosung puts the opened bottle on the coffee table and sits on our love seat with Seven. Jumin takes the armchair and crosses his leg over his left knee.
Jaehee brings the glasses over to the living room area and sets them down. Turning to me, she quietly asks "Can you move over please?".
Oh. She just want's to sit next to Zen. "Yeah sure." I mutter as I slide over. This seems to confuse Zen but he doesn't say anything.
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After a while, the alcohol has set in, making me glad I switched to water and am sober enough to see this.
It's an odd sight, I'm not sure how we even got to this point. Seven is an emotional wreck, Yoosung has gotten even more energetic, Zen has become an illiterate gibberish machine, and despite drinking a few glasses more, Jumin seems fine. Jaehee however, well, we had to cut her off because apparently she is incredibly lightweight.
"MC." Jaehee says softly. She leans on my shoulder, making my heart momentarily stop working. "I think you're really warm." she giggles out. She hugs my waist, pulling me in. "I'm cold, warm me up MC!".
"Jaehee, you're drunk." I tell her, unsure of what to do about the situation.
"I'm not drunk!" She pouts, oblivious to Sevens wailing as Yoosung tries to comfort him. She suddenly says, "You're kinda cute though.", smiling as she hugs me tighter.
Jaehee... I don't think you understand the stress you're causing my heart. My face feels like it's on fire. Hopefully if anyone notices, they'll think its the wine. I never thought Jaehee would be the type to get flirty when drunk, but then again, it's always the one you least expect.
"Like a puppy! Except without the hair." she giggles.
Oh. That's what she means.
"I always feel warm, I think? When I'm with you." she resumes. "I don't know what this is." she giggles again. "I'm really happy we're friends.". She nuzzles her face into my shoulder.
My poor gay little mind has shut down by now and all I can do is sit there in shock. I notice Jumin looking at us closely, smirking so slightly I almost couldn't tell. I'll worry about him later, right now, I have to focus on keeping my heart from bursting.
With that, he gets up and calls someone. "You can be here in five? Good.". He hangs up and starts corralling Seven and Yoosung towards the staircase. "Move along. We should leave MC and Jaehee be. We've already troubled them enough for one afternoon.".
"But I don't wanna go~". Seven says as Jumin ushers him down the stairs.
Yoosung all but runs down the steps as he enthusiastically talks about LoL and other games, followed by a thud as he nails the corner. "Ow!".
"You too Mr. albino." Jumin hollers as he gestures towards the stairs, causing Seven to burst into histarical laughter.
The red-head pipes up, "Albino! I'm going to start using that. Albino bunnies are cute... Unlike me...". Jumin rolls his eyes and pokes Seven urging him to keep going down the stairs.
"I wassh goin ta talllk to MC ss-shome more. I canns getta cab... I don na-eed sshome CEO in train-en tellin me wh-", Zen is cut off by Jumin.
"I didn't ask you, did I? I said, we. Are. Going." He says with a death-glare fitting for a business leader.
Zen mumbles something incoherently and slowly stumbles down the stairs.
Turning to me, Jumin says "She should sober up in a few hours. Give her water so she doesn't get a headache.".
And with that, he leaves. Leaving me tasked with getting the now sleeping Jaehee to bed, while trying not to have a heart attack. "Piece of cake." I sarcastically mutter to myself.
After waking her up and getting her to drink some water, I take her to bed, making sure to lie her on her side. Her room is a lot nicer than I thought considering it's in a corner. She was right about one thing, you'd get a gorgeous view of the sunrise over the city.
Before I can leave, she latches onto my hand. "I'm glad you're here, MC.". Her grip soon loosens within a few minutes as she falls asleep.
...I'm going to die if Jaehee drinks too often.
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Jaehee POV
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I wake up to the smell of food. I sit up, head spinning slightly. Spotting a glass of water on my nightstand, I quickly chug it in hopes it will help ease the faint headache.
'I have got to learn my limits. What if I d-'
Mid-thought, I remember. Oh no. My face gets hot with what I can imagine is shame as I recall all the things I said, all the hugging and latching I did. I bury my face in my hand.
'I was acting like a child, in front of MC no less.'
Should I just stay in here the rest of the night? But I am hungry, and whatever MC is cooking smells really good. I groggily get out of bed. Upon opening the door, I'm hit by a wave of smells.
"Is that honey glazed pork?" I ask, stomach rumbling a little as the smell wafts up my nose.
"Oh! You're up." I notice MC, getting dishes out for us, wearing a pink apron and her hair up. She looks... really nice in it, I catch myself about to stare and quickly avert my eyes. "I wasn't sure how long you would be out, but Jumin said you would be waking up by now.".
I wasn't expecting this. She doesn't normally tie her hair up or wear an apron. There's white stuff on the apron too... Was she baking?
"You said you liked honey pork right?" she asks. I nod yes to her, my mouth already drooling a little. "Great!" she says as she puts our plates on the table. "I made us some rice cake dumplings too.".
So it is flour on her apron. "That sounds lovely. Thank you MC.".
"No problem, I like to cook and bake.". She sits down and gestures for me to do the same.
I sit and look at the delicious food MC has prepared, pushing me over the edge a little. "Thank you." I say holding back tears.
"Hey..." she says, concerned. "What's wrong? You can talk to me.".
"It's just that...", my eyes dampen, "No one has ever done something like this for me, not because they wanted to anyways. Since high school, I've always been, alone." I say, looking at my food.
Why am I so emotional all the sudden? When I'm with MC, it feels like I'm both unstoppable, but also, vulnerable. Like nothing bad could happen, but all my feelings are on display. It's just, something about her... I cant put my finger on it, it makes it near impossible to cover my emotions. I'm acting like such a fool...
In a soothing voice, she replies "Well I'm here now, and you don't have to be alone.".
I look at her. I see her genuine concern and the kindness that shines through her eyes.
'I don't deserve to have such a friend like you.'
Blinking away the tears, I gather my composure once again. "Sorry." I chuckle. "Maybe the alcohol still hasn't gotten out of my system completely.". She looks at me, still visibly worried. "We should, um... We should eat before the food gets cold. You spent a lot of time cooking it and it would be a waste.".
"If you're sure you're alright.". I take a bite of the pork and let out an audible 'Mmm' making her giggle a little. "That good huh? Glad you like it." she says with a smile. My heart jumps a bit. Is the wine causing heart problems? I thought it was supposed to be good for your heart health.
We finish our meal, and soon devoured most of the dumplings. She then suggests, "We should watch a movie.", and then pops one of the lone survivors into her mouth.
My headache having faded and my energy back up, I decide it would be nice to enjoy a nice movie. "Alright. What should we watch?".
"You pick.".
I know exactly what. I walk over to the TV stand, looking for a particular CD. "Found it!". I hold it up for her to see. "Zen's Tei's Tea Leaf*!" I say with a slight squeal. "This was his debut performance! Because of this, it's really hard to find them, but Zen gave me one of his extra copies.".
She laughs a bit. "I should have guessed you wanted to watch one of Zen's musicals."
I pop in the disc and curl up on the couch, her taking a seat next to me. I don't know anyone else other than Zen I can talk about this stuff with, so it's really exciting to watch a performance with MC. I can hardly contain my excitement and I'm soon whisked away by Zen's acting and watch in awe as he perfectly depicts emotions of love, pain, and even jealousy.
Fully immersed and focused on the story, we soon get to the climax of the show. "Here's the big part, MC." I say.
No answer.
I turn to her and see looking downwards a bit, her cheeks are a deep red. I follow her gaze and see my hand firmly grasping hers. "Oh my, I'm so sorry!" I quickly apologize, letting go of her hand. "I must have grabbed your hand in excitement, I was really into the story.".
"It's alright." she says quietly.
"Are you alright? Your face is a tomato red." I say. I must have really embarrassed her.
Her eyes widen a little. "Oh, that's probably because t-there was just a shirtless Zen scene.".
"Wait what?!". I missed it. I missed the best part of the show. "Oh."
Seeing my disappointment, she suggests "We could rewind it.".
"No, it's ok." I tell her. "Wouldn't want to ruin the momentum of the movie.". Plus I don't want to accidentally grab her hand again, but I'll leave that part out.
"We should do this more often. Maybe even make it into a monthly thing?" she suggests, mostly recovered from her embarrassment.
Mind elsewhere, I agree "Yeah. We should.", only half paying attention.
It's strange, but for the few seconds I was aware of holding her hand, it gave me an odd feeling. I can't quite describe it, but I just know that I liked it.
I told her months ago over the phone, I would figure out my feelings. I've thought long and hard about it, eventually reaching the conclusion that they're feelings of 'loving a close friend'... I've never been this close to someone, so of course I can't compare these feeling to anything else. But I'm positive that's what it is...
...Right?
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Chapter 3. End.
A/N: Sorry for the late update! I got sick and was unable to write, I'm better now though!
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*This actually was Zen's debut musical. Praise the Wiki for giving me info that would otherwise be useless!
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The spaceship's sensors have caught the RFA members meaningless thoughts...
Jaehee: "We're running low on Coffee. We only have a few bags left, that's only going to last a few days."
Seven: "I was just trying to help MC, why did I drink so much."
Thank you for reading this chapter of Mystic Radio! If you liked it, make sure to leave a like and subscribe so you know when the next update is! Now, go enjoy some Honey Buddha chips, and I'll see you next chapter! ~Des
