When The Clock Strikes Twelve; Chapter 2

Snow.

Pretty fluffs of snow, floating to the ground.

A field of white.

Someone was there, amidst the beautiful scenery.

His smile was much more beautiful, you thought.

Joon.

“Hey, wake up already and stop having perverted dreams of Korean idols!”

Your eyes opened to see Cherry’s head over yours – a wicked smirk across her face. “Mumbling idol names in your sleep? Tsk, tsk – I’ll have to tell mom about this!”

Pushing Cherry back so you could sit up, you gave her a glare. It turned out more of a sleepy stare, and your cousin laughed. “C’mon, get dressed! We’re heading out for lunch before we go for our shifts!”

Lunch was more than a meal. The family ended up strolling through a mall – thus, more 'souvenirs' were bought – and you were more than desperate to get your pay. By late afternoon, Cherry and you were already bathed and prepared to head off to work.

The café was almost full by the time your shift started. Heading to the backroom, you changed into the café’s uniform – a plain but cute coffee-colored dress with a pretty red apron to go with it.

Despite being pretty anxious, work started out smoothly. There were times when you weren’t too familiar with the menu items, but your friendly and open attitude towards the customers got you by.

By midnight, the café was more than full – just as you expected. You were already feeling tired out, and took a break in the backroom. Cherry came in a bit later, shaking her head at you. “Already slacking on your first day?” She plopped down beside you. “I’m just kidding.” She stuck her tongue out. “You’re doing well! The lady boss seems to be really happy with your work! She was skeptical when I mentioned about you – knowing you weren’t too fluent in Korean. She’s surprised! I guess some good came out of all your Korean-obsession, eh?”

You smiled at her. She had helped you a lot in picking the language up. “Thanks, unni.”

“Ah, don’t go all mushy on me now! I’m heading back out! The floor’s so packed! Come out soon alright?”

Nodding as she exited, you leaned back into the sofa and closed your eyes.
A moment later, the door burst open. Cherry stood in the doorway, panting. “Come out!”

Standing up on shock, you sprinted over. ‘Did the boss complain? I wasn’t in here that long!’ You panicked. “What’s wrong? Am I in trouble?”

“Well,” your cousin gasped, still catching her breath. “- it depends.”

“Depends…?”

“On whether you can still focus on working when you walk out there.”

Cherry was a very random and happy-go-lucky girl, but sometimes she just didn’t make sense. This was one of those times. “Do I seem like I’m out of focus?” You asked, wishing that she would be more straightforward. ‘Tired, yes – but I’d never slack off like that!’

“No.” She put her hands on your shoulders, still panting. “I said that. Because. MBLAQ is here.”

“Excuse me?”

“M. BLAQ. Is. Here!” She threw her hands up – and honestly at that point, you thought she had gone crazy. ‘Did they overwork her?’

Then she regained her composure and pursed her lips. “You look like you think I’m crazy.” You nodded in reply.

“Fine. Come out then. I already asked the other waiters and waitresses to let you serve them – so you better come out quick before they get impatient!”

Somewhat anxious, you followed Cherry out of the backroom and peered around the bustling café. ‘I don’t see the - Oh. My. Joon!’

Seated at a somewhat secluded area of the café were none other than who Cherry had mentioned. The five members of MBLAQ were chatting animatedly. Seung Ho was looking around, and when his gaze fell on you – raised his hand, charming smile on his face. He was clearly enjoying the mood in the café.

Cherry leaned over and hissed “Go take their orders. NOW!”

You didn’t need to be hissed at twice. Grabbing a notebook, you made your way over – with your heart threatening to jump out of your body any moment.

“Good evening, sorry for the wait. May I have your orders?” You smiled at them, hoping very badly that your voice would not crack. The chatter ceased as the boys pointed out their orders on the menu. When it was Joon’s turn, he pointed and said “I’ll have a House Specialty Hot Choco- ” and stopped midway. “Hey it’s you from yesterday!” Without waiting, he flashed a charming grin at you.

“You?” Byung Hee looked at Joon, raising an eyebrow.

“Her!” Joon exclaimed, as if it the situation at hand was the most natural thing to understand.

“…Joon hyung, place your order, I’m hungry!” Mir whined, but curious all the same.

“Ah, right, sorry. I’ll have the House Specialty Hot Chocolate.” Joon finished.

“Not eating, sir?” You enquired. Joon smiled again. ‘I think I’m melting. Someone save me!’

“I’ll think about that. Go feed Mir first!”

After repeating their orders, you headed towards the kitchen to pass it on. Cherry walked pass, a mischievous smile on her face. “You?” She whispered. “You have a lot to explain later, missy!”

Nodding timidly, you made your way back to the table with five glasses of water and some cutlery. You bit your lower lip, noticing that your hands shook while serving them.

“Hey, are you scared?” Joon asked, and reached out to grab your hand.

Surprised at the sudden gesture, you let out a gasp – but it was drowned in the waves of conversation in the café.

“Hey Joon, stop scaring the girl!” Seung Ho gave him a I-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-you look.

“Isn’t it enough that you knocked her down yesterday?”

“Well, I’m trying to apologize and make up for it!” Joon defended himself.

You giggled, pulling your hand back and hugging the tray to your chest. “I’m alright, Joon-ssi. Thanks for your concern.”

“If he ever scares you again, don’t hesitate to punch him!” Mir stated, directing a wicked smile towards his hyung. Joon was about to roll his eyes, but stopped and looked down, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m not scary…”

Blushing at the sight, you tried comforting Joon. “I know you aren’t. No worries. Ah, your orders are out! I’ll go get them!” Hurrying towards the kitchen, you heard Byung Hee ask Joon if he was blushing. The others laughed at the statement – or maybe you misheard?

‘I can’t tell. All I can hear is my heart thumping very anxiously.’