“Huh?”

“Let me reword it. I mean, why the big smile today? Got a crush or something?"

Hanbin's face reddens a little at the tease. "No, nothing like that. I'm just feeling good today. Is it wrong to be happy?"

Jibeom laughs, "Of course not! I was just curious." He goes to grab some trays to help Hanbin with the display.

Hanbin watches Jibeom's retreating back, a soft smile playing on his lips. There was one reason behind his good mood: that extra sprinkle of happiness that you always brought into this month.

When Jibeom comes back to also start putting things onto the shelves with Hanbin, he can’t stop the curiosity getting to him. “Okay but seriously, why are you smiling?”

“It’s nothing!”

“That’s the biggest lie I’ve ever heard in my life,” Jibeom teased, gazing into Hanbin's eyes again. "Go on, spill it."

"Um, well, the thing is, I'm thrilled because it's December."

"Just because of that?"

"Yeah, it's when the girl comes to our café," Hanbin elaborated, his grin growing wider. “Hot choco girl.” Jibeom appeared confused, more concerned – what had his friend gotten himself into?

"Hot chocolate girl? Who on earth is that?" Jibeom inquired, driven by curiosity.

"A girl who comes in for hot chocolate…?" Hanbin remarked, glancing at Jibeom, who sported a bored expression.

"Even a toddler would be aware of that," Jibeom shook his head, lightly tapping Hanbin with the tray. "Who is this customer? I can't recall our regulars, to be completely honest."

“You’ll see who she is later,” Hanbin said, moving away quickly from Jibeom. He rolled his eyes, quickly following him behind, “Hey! You can’t just say that!”

The minutes turned into hours, and Hanbin remained fixated on the entrance, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the person he longed to see. Each time someone entered who wasn't the one, a hint of disappointment flickered across his face, though he clung to a glimmer of hope.

Jibeom, as always, notices his friend constantly drifting his attention to the doors, once again sneaking up on his friend. “She’s not here yet?” He scared Hanbin a bit, making him calm his racing heart. “You really need to stop sneaking up on me like this.”

“Sorry!” Jibeom chuckled, and looked at the entrance. “Hey, is it her?” Hanbin immediately whipped his head around, not being able to contain his smile. “Yeah. That’s hot choco girl.”

Jibeom could tell Hanbin had hearts coming out of his eyes, not being able to keep his eyes off of you. “You’re down bad.” Hanbin rolled his eyes, playfully pushing Jibeom away, “Yeah, yeah–whatever! Just go!”

With a swift adjustment, Hanbin flashed his widest smile as he headed towards the register. His gaze met yours, and you returned the same smile.

"Back again?" he asked.

"Yeah—oh, you remember me?" You responded, a touch flustered, rubbing your hands together to warm them up.

"I tend to remember a few faces around here and there," Hanbin replied, not entirely dishonest; he couldn't recall everyone, but he certainly remembered you.

"I see," you chuckled, ready to place your order when Hanbin interjected once more.

"Hot chocolate with extra whipped cream?" Hanbin was already punching in the order, exchanging a soft smile with you. Your eyes widened, curiosity sparking within you.

"Oh – I just remember because you only order this during this month," Hanbin explained, his response seeming quite reasonable. After all, what barista wouldn’t recognize their regular customers?

"You're quite attentive," you remarked, reaching into your bag for your wallet. "Do you need my name too, or do you already have that in your head?"

Hanbin's face slightly flushed, he accepted your card without saying a word. Dodging your question, he remarked, "Your order will be ready in a bit," as he busied himself. You chuckled, retrieving your card. "Thank you."

Exactly five minutes later, Hanbin finished preparing the drink, securing the lid tightly. He took a black sharpie, jotting something down that brought a smile to his face. "Order for YN," he called out, noticing you hastening over to collect the drink. You expressed your gratitude, taking the hot cup. Before taking a sip, you glanced at the cup once more, noticing "For: Hot Choco Girl — XXX-XXX-XXXX" written on it.

He really just gave you his phone number.

When you looked up, you found Hanbin, completely flustered and unable to maintain eye contact. The thought of him finally making a move made him feel excitement, but also anxiousness.

Feeling a mix of surprise and amusement, you took a sip of your hot chocolate, the warmth spreading through you. Before leaving the shop, you caught Hanbin's eyes once more, noticing his still evident embarrassment.

"Thank you," you said with a playful smile, lifting the cup slightly.

Walking away, you turned back and grinned. "I'll have to call you about this later, Hanbin," you teased, noting his bashful expression. With that, you headed out, leaving Hanbin behind, visibly flustered and fidgety behind the counter.

As you left the shop, Hanbin found himself placing a hand over his chest, sensing his rapid heartbeat. It wasn't the familiar cold sensation during this time, but rather a rush of warmth, a nice and comforting feeling spreading within him.

Well, he guesses that's what "hot choco girl" does to him.

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