The soft hum of the café filled the air as you sat by the window, scrolling through your phone. Sunghoon, your older brother’s best friend, slid into the seat across from you, holding two cups of coffee. He placed one in front of you, the steam curling up into the crisp autumn air. “Chai, no sugar, just how you like it,” a small smile tugged at his lips.

“Thanks.. How do you even remember that?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugged, leaning back in his chair, his usual cool demeanor intact. “I pay attention,” he said simply, though his ears turned a faint shade of pink. You didn’t notice, too busy sipping your chai, but Sunghoon’s eyes lingered on you for a moment too long before he quickly looked away.

Sunghoon was known for being cold and distant, the kind of guy who barely acknowledged anyone unless he had to. But with you, it was different. He was always there, hovering in the background, ready to swoop in with a jacket when it got chilly or a snack when you looked even slightly hungry.

Today he seemed more fidgety than usual. He kept adjusting his sleeves and glancing at you when he thought you weren’t looking. “So, uh,” he started, clearing his throat, “you got any plans this weekend?”

“Nah.. Why?”

He hesitated, his fingers tapping nervously on the table. “There’s this new movie coming out. I thought maybe… you’d want to go. With me.” The last two words came out in a rush, and he immediately looked down, pretending to be very interested in his coffee.

You blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, are you asking me out?” you teased, a grin spreading across your face.

Sunghoon’s head snapped up, his cheeks flushing. “No! I mean, not like that. Just as friends. Or, you know, like...” He stumbled over his words, his usual cool composure crumbling under your gaze.

You laughed, “Relax, Hoon. I’m just messing with you. Sure, I’ll go.”

He let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, a small smile back on his face. “Cool. It’s a date—I mean, not a date. Just… cool.”