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way-of-the-sun · 1 year

Text

Made with love

@exols-silver-christmas

A romantic and fluffy slice of life fic for my lovely Secret Santa giftee @dreamylittlesugarcube

Pairing: Kyungsoo/Reader

Words: 4.390

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“Empathy” was a nice little restaurant that opened a few weeks ago. First you saw a moving company bring in all the furniture, accompanied by a young man around your age. You watched them from your window, seeing as you lived right above the now newly opened restaurant.

You lived in your apartment for quite some time and this was the first time that the small place directly under you was rented out.

Your friendly neighbour from down the hall told you, that there once was a restaurant but the owners had to give it up due to old age. So it probably was only appropriate that a new restaurant opened in it’s place.

Sadly you hadn’t had the chance to check it out yet. After a long day of talking and interacting with many people you just liked to relax a little bit at home. That’s not to say that you didn’t like spending time with friends and having a fun time out getting drinks, but you also enjoyed a quite evening on your own, watching some random series or cooking and baking something for yourself. You apartment might be small, perfect for one person, but your kitchen was your marvel. Baking and cooking was an important part of your life so you didn’t spare any expenses when it came to your kitchen. Your parents only shook their head when you told them how much you spent on that. Still, you didn’t regret it one bit.

It was Saturday morning and you stood in your kitchen making some breakfast for yourself, when you saw the young man again. It was the same man which you had seen when the moving company came to bring all the furniture.

He might be working at the restaurant… you thought to yourself.

Curious you looked out of the window to catch a glimpse of him. He had short black hair and wore a hoodie and jeans. From the distance you couldn’t make out anything more, like his face or his height. The only truly noteworthy thing were the huge and heavy looking bags full of groceries he was carrying all by himself.

Shortly after he opened the door to the restaurant and walked inside. You scrambled some eggs and poured them into a hot pan, the man already forgotten.

It was Friday late in the afternoon and you just came back home from a long day. It was raining and your shoes were completely drenched. You cursed and fiddled with your keys to open your front door. As soon as the door closed behind you, you let out a long sigh. Originally you’d planned to buy some groceries and cook something warm and filling for yourself. This torrential downpour just stopped you from taking the detour to the supermarket so now you didn’t have anything to eat for tonight.

“Brilliant…” you murmured to yourself.

You took off your jacket and your shoes and let them out to dry. You stood awkwardly inside your apartment, unsure what to do about the food situation now.

“Maybe a cup of tea first…” you went to your kitchen to grab a teabag and a mug when you suddenly saw the sign of the newly opened restaurant right underneath your window. You fiddled with your teabag for a second before putting it back into it’s container. The mug also was put into it’s usual place.

You walked to your entrance hall and grabbed a dry jacket and a new pair of shoes. You checked your bag for your purse and your other necessities and left your apartment.

“It might be time to check out the new restaurant. Let’s see if it’s any good.” You smiled to yourself, relieved that you would get something warm to eat tonight.

The doorbell jingled and a warm gust of air hit your face when you entered the restaurant. It was a cosy little place with only a few tables. The name “Empathy” fit the atmosphere of this establishment. At the end of the room you could see the open kitchen with a bar running around it and some chairs to sit on. The chef was preparing some food that smelled delicious. He was standing with his back towards you. He was slender and had an apron tied around his small waist. The chef also seemed to be on the smaller side height wise. But before you had the chance to observe him some more a server came over and asked you with a blinding gummy smile: “Hi welcome to Empathy. Seat for one person?”

You peeled your eyes away from the chef and looked at the server with a friendly smile. “Yes please. Only one person.” The server nodded and brought you straight to the bar which wrapped around the open kitchen.

“Is this place all right?” You nodded and noticed the name tag he had on his apron. “Yes thank you Minseok.” He gave you that gummy smile again and handed you a menu.

“Just call me when you found something.” Minseok smiled at you again and left for the next table. There were some tasty sounding dishes on the menu and it wasn’t easy for you to choose one. In the end you decided on something warm and filling and Minseok came over to take your order of soybean stew.

While you were waiting for your dish you observed the chef again. His moves were clean and efficient. He was clearly a professional when it came to cooking. Just when you were sipping on your water the chef turned around and you did a double take. Luckily you didn’t choke on your drink but it was a near thing.

“Oh, it’s you!” you blurted out after swallowing your sip of water. Surprised by your outburst the chef looked up and indeed it was the young man you’ve seen a few times during the last few weeks. The one you observed from your window with the huge grocery bags.

“I’m sorry, but do I know you?” he asked. His round eyes widened behind his horn rimmed glasses. You felt the heat climb into your face when you realized that you disgraced yourself in front of your new neighbour. Your new very handsome neighbour… For he indeed was handsome with his short dark hair, pillowy lips and smooth, tan skin. Even his eyes were mesmerizing and drew you in. You only realized that you’ve stared at him for longer than you should have, when he cleared his throat.

Your eyes widened and you stammered: “I… I mean I think I’ve just seen you around you know? I live right above this restaurant and… yes.” You smiled, embarrassed about this whole situation. Realization dawned on his face.

“Ah well then. Nice to meet you neighbour.” He nodded at you and put the dish you ordered right in front of you. You hadn’t even realized that he tried to bring you your meal before you pulled this little stunt.

“My name is Kyungsoo.”

“Oh, nice to meet you Kyungsoo!” you also told him your name.

“Well then, enjoy your meal.” he said with his smooth and gentle voice. You thanked him and grabbed your cutlery. As soon as you tasted the first spoonful of his soybean soup you were in heaven. It tasted better than any soybean soup you’ve eaten before and you let out a moan of contentment. As soon as this sound left your mouth you heard a small laugh. Your head whipped up and you directly looked into the twinkling eyes of Kyungsoo. His full lips were curled into a little smile and you could see that he was clearly amused but also a tad bit satisfied.

“Well, I’m glad you enjoy your meal.” His voice was full of teasing and your face got warm again. It seemed as if you wouldn’t catch a break today. Why did you have to embarrass yourself in front of this handsome man not only once but twice? Usually you were more composed than that. You swallowed your nervousness and squared your shoulders.

“The food is really tasty. I might have to come back every day!”

Kyungsoo grinned at you.

“I’m looking forward to it, neighbour.” With that he ended this little tragedy you manoeuvred yourself into and went back to cooking. Even though you felt embarrassed for the rest of the evening you swore to yourself, that you would definitely be back soon.

After you finished your soup and Minseok took your money you put on your jacket and stood up from your chair. Before you left though you couldn’t help yourself and called out to Kyungsoo.

He turned around to you, a questioning look in his eyes.

“See you tomorrow, Kyungsoo!” The corner of his mouth turned upwards.

“See you tomorrow.”

You left the shop with a spring in your step.

It became routine to eat your dinner at “Empathy”. You always sat right at the bar where you could overlook the kitchen and watch Kyungsoo prepare the dishes for the costumers. You loved how concentrated he was and how his nimble fingers prepared each ingredient with love and care. During all these evenings you ate at the restaurant you got to know him better. You now knew that Kyungsoo wasn’t just a chef but the owner of the place. Minseok was one of his best friends who sometimes helped out during rush hours.

If you were honest with yourself you enjoyed Kyungsoo’s company probably more than you should. He was kind and soft spoken, yet could get quite scary when things didn’t go to plan. Still, you admired him. A few weeks earlier it still might have been able to prevent this crush from truly developing but you just didn’t want to. He was someone you could see yourself with. You just weren’t sure if he felt the same. Kyungsoo was hard to read if he didn’t want you to. Despite that you hoped that one day he might show you that he liked you as well.

During one of your regular visits at the restaurant you exchanged numbers with Kyungsoo. You wheedled his number out of him and now you texted him from time to time. He wasn’t a fan of texting, saying it was too bothersome to type. So you were quite surprised when you got a text with his name one afternoon.

I know it’s really short notice but do you have plans tonight?

Your heart started racing, you felt butterflies in your stomach. You couldn’t believe what you just read. Just to be sure you read his message again.

Was he asking you out? You squealed and jumped around your apartment. Out of breath and with shaking fingers you typed a reply. You didn’t want to seem too eager so you just wrote one small sentence.

Depends on why you’re asking… :)

Your phone chimed only a few seconds later. You opened the message with sweaty hands and a fluttering heart.

Minseok is sick and I need someone to serve tables tonight. I don’t know who else to ask.

Your excitement vanished. Why did I think that he would ask me out on a date? You thought. Of course it’s not that. Your heart started slowing down and the huge grin you sported only a few minutes before vanished without a trace. You sighed and opened your messages again.

I’m free tonight. When should I start?

Even though Kyungsoo unknowingly just crushed your hopes you still couldn’t leave him hanging. He was a dear friend in need of help and you just couldn’t stand the thought of him having to manage the restaurant all on his own.

Would 6 p.m. work for you? Thank you, I know why you’re my favourite neighbour.

You laughed.

I’m the only neighbour you know.

But yes, 6 p.m. is fine!

You waited for a reply but none came. You laughed a little, fond and amused. That was just typical for Kyungsoo. You put your phone away and went to the bathroom to get a shower. It wasn’t that much time left before your impromptu shift started and you didn’t want to look like something the cat dragged in in front of Kyungsoo’s costumers.

6 p.m. arrived faster than you thought possible and you stood in front of Kyungsoo who explained to you the inner workings of his restaurant “Empathy”. You weren’t completely new to serving tabled so you were confident in yourself.

“And lastly you need to put on this apron.” Kyungsoo showed you the apron he wanted you to wear. It was a dark grey one which only wrapped around your waist. Kyungsoo looked at you with his head cocked to the side, contemplating something.

“It might be a little bit big on you. Minseok normally wears this one so I’m not sure if - “ You interrupted him. “Hey! I’m not that small. Look!” You made yourself as tall as you could and looked him straight into the eyes. His eyes started to form crescents as a heart-shaped smile took over his face.

“I see. Then maybe it might fit. Let me try.” Kyungsoo gripped the apron tighter in his hands and took a step towards you. Your eyes grew large. The both of you never were that close before. You could even feel his warmth and his breath tickling your face. He was still looking straight into your eyes and he leaned even closer to your face. You jolted as you felt large and warm hands around your waist. He guided his hands around your hips, directly to the small of your back. You were mesmerised and didn’t dare move even a little bit. You heart was racing inside your chest and your breathing was getting unsteady. His fingers swiped along your back where he was tying the apron. You got lost in his eyes and you felt his fingers still. For only a second you thought that he might lean in to kiss you but he closed his eyes, took a deep breath and slowly de-tangled himself from you. You instantly missed his warmth and his arms around you. He felt so strong and safe. You could have stayed like that until the end of the night.

Kyungsoo stepped away from you and looked around the kitchen while his hands played with the ends of his own apron which he had donned before you. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. If you didn’t know better you might think that he was bashful. He looked at you again and then at the apron he so charmingly put on you. A small smile found his lips again.

“Well it seems like you were right. You aren’t that small.” And he was right. The apron fit you quiet well and you looked at him, satisfied.

“I told you so!” This childish response was followed by a deep laugh from Kyungsoo. You couldn’t help but laugh with him. After the two of you recovered from your small laughing fit he got serious again.

“Then we can start now. The first costumers should arrive soon.” You nodded and took your place at the register. When you heard Kyungsoo call out to you, you turned around.

“Thank you, really. I don’t know what I would have done without you tonight.”

“It’s my pleasure.” And only a few seconds after you answered him, the first costumer arrived. The night was a blur after that and when you came home that night you were dead on your feet. When you fell into bed you could feel the first fingers of sleep already gripping at you and you fell asleep with a smile on your face, thinking about Kyungsoo tying this little insignificant apron around your middle.

When you awoke the next morning you saw a notification on your phone. Surpirsed – because who would write you on a Saturday morning – you opened the message and saw it was one from Kyungsoo. You were awake immediately. You sat up and rubbed your eyes to get all the sand out of them and then promptly read his message.

Thank you again for yesterday.

Do you have plans tonight?

You groaned. How could he send you the same question twice in a row? A little grumpy you replied

Don’t make me help out again tonight!

I’m totally knackered…

You only had to wait a few minutes for his reply.

I actually wanted to repay you for yesterday. But if you don’t have time I can see if I’ll find another date?

You couldn’t believe your eyes! He wanted to repay you? How?

I mean I’m free tonight…

You stared at your screen and waited for a message to plop up. You didn’t have to wait long. Your eyes roved over his reply hungrily.

Good. Please come to the restaurant at 8 p.m.

You couldn’t believe your eyes so you quickly typed

I thought you didn’t want to make me work. :(

Three little dots appeared, indicating that Kyungsoo was writing something in return.

I won’t, please don’t worry.

And unbidden grin forced its way onto your face. You couldn’t wait to see what he had planned for tonight now that he reassured you again that you wouldn’t need to work.

Alright Soo… then I’ll be there.

I’m glad. See you tonight.

After this last message from him you fell back into bed and let out a long breath. You couldn’t wait for tonight and the surprise Kyungsoo prepared just for you. Your poor little heart started fluttering again and you felt anticipation rise within you.

Evening came faster and yet slower than you wanted. You were nervous, even though you didn’t know exactly why. You knocked on the door of the restaurant, because it was already closed. Kyungsoo opened you soon after.

“Hi…” You said. He stepped aside to let you in and as soon as you came inside you saw a nicely decorated table. Kyungsoo put up some candles and prepared a table for two. It looked very intimate and cosy. He even strung up some fairy lights. You could see that he took great care in decorating everything and you felt very touched by his effort.

Suddenly he spoke up. “I hope it’s alright that I prepared a nice dinner for us?” He seemed a bit unsure, as if he was scared that his efforts would scare you away.

“It’s lovely, thank you.” You gave him your best smile and you saw that his shoulders relaxed the tiniest fraction.

“Come sit,” he beckoned you. “I’ve already prepared everything.” You followed him and sat down.

Kyungsoo went to the kitchen and soon after he came back with a big bowl of soybean stew. You happily hopped around on your chair. “My favourite!” You exclaimed. He sported an indulgent smile on his handsome face.

“I know.” He didn’t say anything more, just went to the kitchen again and brought a bowl of soybean stew for himself. You impatiently sat in your chair, waiting for him to wish you a pleasant meal. Finally he uttered the blessed words.

“Enjoy your meal.” As soon as this sentence left his mouth you tucked in. You hadn’t tasted his cooking in way too long. Even though you came to his establishment nearly every day, each day without his tasty cooking was one wasted in your opinion. As soon as the first bite entered your mouth you were in heaven.

“Why does it always taste so good?” You moaned around your spoonful of soup. Kyungsoo watched you with his face supported on his hand. He had a gentle look in his eyes as he watched you eat. “It’s made with love.” He whispered. “Hm?” You looked up from your bowl and swallowed. “What did you say?”

“I said it’s made with love, that’s why it tastes like that.” The atmosphere changed. Suddenly the air felt charged and the light from the fairy lights seemed more intimate, almost romantic. You put down your spoon and truly looked at Kyungsoo. He hadn’t even started eating. Instead he was watching you with his deep and soulful eyes. You didn’t move, you barely dared to breathe. It felt as if you were on the edge of something huge, something monumental.

And your feeling proved true, when Kyungsoo stood up and walked over to your side of the table. You looked up at him, heart hammering in your chest. You felt breathless.

Kyungsoo slowly lifted his hand and brought it to your cheek. He softly and gently laid his hand on your face and his thumb started caressing your cheek. Your eyes fluttered closed. You couldn’t believe what was happening. Was this a dream? It felt like it. Kyungsoo stopped stroking your cheek so you opened your eyes. A question in them. Why did you stop? He mustered you, intently. And as slowly as he lifted his hand, he leaned towards you.

Your eyes got bigger and it felt as if no air was reaching your lunges any more. He came ever closer and as soon as you could feel his breath on your face your eyes drifted to his sinful lips. They were closer than ever before and you could admire them in all their beauty. They would be perfect for kissing. Pillowy and soft. Kyungsoo noticed you watching his lips and you felt his breath hitching on your skin. You looked into his eyes again and in them you saw a kind of certainty, a kind of resolve. Your hands moved without your consent and you gripped his upper arms. They felt lean and muscular under your hands. As soon as Kyungsoo registered your touch he leaned in further and whispered in a husky voice that sent goosebumps all over your body. “Last chance to stop this, darling.” But as soon as this endearment left his lips you knew you were hopelessly lost.

You didn’t move away, you even leaned a little bit further in. This was what you dreamed of. What you yearned for all these last weeks. Feeling his touch, his warmth. Hearing his endearments. Kyungsoo noticed you getting closer and you saw relieve in his eyes. But a second later all you felt were his warm and soft lips on yours. Your eyes fluttered closed, you were fully emerged in the sensation of his full lips resting against yours. Kyungsoo breathed out a shuddering breath and immediately after he gripped you tighter, his hold on your face tightening and a hand sneaking to your neck, bending your face upwards. This caused the angle of your mouths to shift and Kyungsoo started kissing you in earnest. He was a good kisser. He softly engaged you in your kissing and playfully teased your lips with his wicked tongue. You sighed, unable to resist his charms. As soon as your lips opened, Kyungsoo used his opportunity and sneaked his tongue inside your warm mouth. He tasted like peppermint toothpaste and something uniquely Kyungsoo. You were addicted immediately and never wanted this moment to stop.

Way too soon he slowed the pace of the kiss. He was only pecking your lips now and even though the kiss was more than innocent at the moment you felt as if he brought you to other spheres. You yearned for his touch, his kiss for way too long. Even some little pecks were bliss to you.

After a last soft peck he stopped kissing you completely. He took your face in both his hands and leaned his forehead against yours. You opened your eyes and looked directly into his face. His lips were glossy and swollen from the kiss you just shared and his eyes glimmered with fondness and affection. Yours mirrored the same emotions. Your hands slid up his shoulders and your softly gripped his neck without breaking eye contact. The two of you stood there in this position for a few more seconds until Kyungsoo released your from his hold and straightened himself out again.

You looked at him, never once did your eyes leave his face, searching for a hint to his emotions. But you didn’t need to worry. In his eyes shone adoration and his lips were curled into an endeared smile.

“Darling.” This word again. His voice sounded husky.

“Yes?” Your voice wasn’t much better. You cleared your throat. That elicited a wider smile from him.

“That’s not how I planned this evening to go if I’m honest.” He admitted.

“No?” You asked a bit unsure. “How did you want it to go?”

Feeling your uncertainty Kyungsoo grabbed your hand and interlaced your fingers. His hands were so much bigger than yours and you marvelled at the difference. He squeezed your hand and your looked back at him. Trusting, hoping.

“I wanted to eat some nice dinner with you. Then some dessert and after that I wanted to ask you a very important question.” You heart fluttered.

“What question?” You couldn’t help but ask. He took a deep breath and squeezed your hand again, as if he was nervous. His eyes were shifting around the room. Still you gave him all the time that he needed and patiently waited for his answer.

“I wanted to ask if you’d like to go on a date with me?” This sentence completely blew your mind. You never thought that he might be interested in dating you! That your crush might be reciprocated. But it seemed as if your feelings weren’t one-sided. As soon as you processed his question you immediately nodded your head. You couldn’t contain your happiness and started skipping on your chair.

“Of course! I’d love to go on a date with you!” You blurted out. Even though you were a little bit embarrassed about your outburst, the blinding heart shaped smile on Kyungsoo’s face let you forget your embarrassment.

“How about tomorrow?” He asked. He seemed eager and happy about your consent. A warm feeling spread in your chest and something akin to contentment settled in your heart.

“That sounds lovely. But before that…” Kyungsoo looked at you imploringly. “How about another kiss?” You grinned at him mischievously and he laughed his pretty, deep laugh.

“Everything for my darling.” And then he leaned in and gave you a kiss you might never forget again.

#exo l secret santa 2022 #exo fanfiction #exo fanfics #kyungsoo fanfic #exolss22 #d.o. fanfic

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