Delivering More Than Just Food

The bell above the door jingled, announcing the arrival of yet another delivery driver. Gray Yeon-shi, known to everyone as Suho, stepped into the small bookstore-cafe, his helmet tucked under one arm. His scooter keys dangled from his finger, and his uniform was slightly rumpled from the day's work. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on a familiar figure hunched over a textbook in the corner.

It was the third time this week he had delivered to this specific spot, and each time, the same boy was there: straight-backed, glasses perched on his nose, fingers stained with ink from his pen. He was the epitome of a studious nerd, and Suho found him irresistibly intriguing.

"Delivery for Kim Sieun?" Suho called out, his voice carrying a lazy drawl.

The boy looked up, startled. His eyes were wide behind his glasses, and he blinked a few times before nodding. "That's me."

Suho sauntered over, sliding into the seat opposite Sieun without being invited. He placed the takeout bag on the table, but instead of leaving, he leaned back, crossing his arms. "You know, for someone who orders jajangmyeon three times a week, you sure don't eat much. You’ve barely touched your last two orders."

Sieun's cheeks flushed. He pushed his glasses up his nose, avoiding eye contact. "I... I eat later. At home."

"Liar," Suho said, a slow smirk spreading across his face. He reached out and tapped the cover of Sieun's textbook. "You're too busy studying to eat. Tsk tsk. That's not healthy, smart boy."

"Smart boy"—the nickname made Sieun's stomach do a weird flip. He didn't know how to respond, so he simply said, "Thank you for the delivery. You can go now."

"Rude," Suho teased, not moving an inch. Instead, he propped his chin on his hand, his elbow on the table, and stared at Sieun with open amusement. "I'm on my break. And you look like you need a break too. Your brain's gonna overheat."

Sieun tried to ignore him, turning back to his book, but he could feel Suho's gaze on him, hot and insistent. It was distracting. Annoying. And yet, he didn't tell him to leave again.

Over the next few weeks, Suho made sure to be the one to deliver to the cafe whenever Sieun was there. He learned Sieun's schedule: Mondays after school, Wednesdays during lunch, and sometimes Saturdays. He'd always linger, making conversation, cracking jokes, and watching Sieun's ears turn red.

"You're blushing," Suho said one afternoon, leaning in close. His face was inches from Sieun's, and he could smell the faint scent of soap. "Is it because of me?"

Sieun jerked back, nearly knocking over his drink. "I'm not blushing! It's hot in here."

"It's literally freezing. The AC is on full blast." Suho's smirk widened. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Sieun's forehead. "You're cute when you lie."

Sieun's heart hammered against his ribs. He wanted to swat Suho's hand away, but his body refused to move. He was frozen, captivated by the mischievous glint in Suho's eyes.

"What do you want?" Sieun finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Suho tilted his head, pretending to think. "Hmm... I want to see you smile. You never smile. That's a tragedy."

"I smile."

"No, you don't. At least not around me." Suho's voice dropped, taking on a teasing lilt. "I'll make you smile one day. I promise."

And he did. Slowly, painfully, Sieun found himself cracking. Suho would text him random memes, show up at his school with bubble tea, and once, even helped him study for a history exam by quizzing him in a ridiculous, high-pitched voice. Sieun couldn't help but laugh, and when he did, Suho's face lit up like he'd won a prize.

"There it is," Suho whispered, his eyes soft. "My favorite sound."

Sieun's face burned, but he didn't look away. He was starting to get used to Suho's clingy behavior—the way he'd sling an arm around his shoulder, lean in to whisper nonsense in his ear, or steal his fries. It was overwhelming, but also... nice.

One evening, after a particularly long study session, Suho insisted on giving Sieun a ride home on his scooter. "You live too far. And it's dark. And I'm your personal chauffeur now, deal with it."

Sieun hesitated, but Suho was already handing him a helmet. "Hold on tight," he said, a wicked grin on his face. "I drive fast."

"That's dangerous."

"Life's boring without danger."

Sieun climbed on behind him, his hands hovering awkwardly. Suho grabbed his wrists and wrapped them around his own waist. "Hold on like you mean it, smart boy. Else you'll fall off."

His body pressed against Suho's back, Sieun felt his face ignite. The ride was exhilarating, the wind whipping past them, and Sieun found himself tightening his grip, his fingers clutching the fabric of Suho's jacket. When they stopped in front of his apartment, Suho turned around, their faces close.

"See? Fun, right?"

Sieun didn't answer. He was too busy trying to catch his breath, and not just from the ride.

Suho leaned in, his lips brushing against Sieun's ear. "I had fun tonight. Same time tomorrow?"

"I... I have a test."

"I'll help you study." Suho pulled back, his eyes dancing with mischief. "But you have to promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Let me take you on a real date. After your test."

Sieun's mouth went dry. He wanted to say no, to retreat into his shell, but the look in Suho's eyes was so sincere, so hopeful, that he found himself nodding. "Okay."

Suho's face broke into a brilliant smile. "It's a date, then." He gave Sieun a quick peck on the cheek, then revved his scooter. "See you tomorrow, smart boy!"

Sieun stood there, frozen, his hand touching the spot where Suho's lips had been. A small, involuntary smile crept onto his face.

And he knew, right then, that he was in trouble.