The cafe buzzed with ambient noise, the clinking of dishes and muted conversations creating a comforting backdrop to their lively chat. The air was charged with the playful rivalry between Loft and Kin, their intense gazes locked on each other. Amidst the banter, Korn finally broke his silence.
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"How's your new song going, Loft?" he asked, drawing Loft's attention away from their little stare-down with Kin.
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"It's progressing well," Loft said, his fierce expression softening. He appreciated the opportunity to talk about his passion for music.
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Just then, Kin's phone buzzed, drawing his attention away from the group. He read the incoming message from Than, asking about his whereabouts. Glancing at the time, Kin realized it was getting late and he should probably head home.
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"I need to get going," Kin announced to the group, his eyes scanning the faces of the three juniors. John appeared surprised,
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"Are you leaving already? I was hoping you'd stay a bit longer, but thanks for today, P'Kin," he said, then added, "Could you tell me your Instagram handle? I'd love to keep in touch."
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With ease, Kin typed his handle into John's phone. Watching this exchange, Korn couldn't help but tease,
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"Easy on him, P'Kin. Don't make him get lost in your hotness too much." His words were playful, but there was a hint of protective jealousy in his tone.
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"I can't guarantee anything," Kin shot back, his playful tone matching Korn’s.
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As Kin was about to leave, Loft's voice cut through, sincere and appreciative. "Thanks, P'Kin, for today," he said, his expression softened.
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Kin nodded at Loft, appreciating the gratitude. "You're welcome. And be prepared, tomorrow you guys will understand the true meaning of pain," he warned, hinting at the muscle aches they were bound to experience from the intense workout.
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Loft smirked, "I guess we're prepared for that, P'Kin." The other two juniors, John and Korn, nodded in agreement.
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With a friendly wave, Kin bid the juniors goodbye and sauntered out of the café. The three left behind watched his retreating figure through the glass window before turning back to each other, resuming their conversation. Korn broke the silence first, his gaze still lingering on the now-empty doorway.
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"P'Kin seemed different today, didn't he?"
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He directed his question mostly at Loft, knowing that John, having just met Kin, wouldn't have a point of reference.
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"How's he usually like?” Curious, John asked.
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"Usually he's a bit more reserved, not this playful, with less energy," Loft offered, reflecting on his past interactions with Kin. He then added, "But I've seen this playful side of him before," subtly hinting at the banter they had shared at the shabu restaurant, a memory that was theirs alone.
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Korn raised an eyebrow. "Really? I've known him for quite a while but have rarely seen this side of him," he admitted, his tone carrying an undertone of surprise.
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Loft blinked, taken aback by Korn's words. He thought to himself that he had seen this energetic side of Kin several times despite their relatively fewer interactions. John, ever observant, broke into the conversation,
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"Maybe he was matching your energy, Loft," he suggested. His words hovered in the air, strikingly close to the truth.
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Suddenly, Korn's attention was drawn to a sleek European car parked across the café. The car door opened and Kin got in.
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"Who's P'Kin leaving with?" he asked, curiosity piquing.
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Loft, as surprised as Korn, replied playfully, "Maybe one of his hot junior boys?" His words held a teasing edge, but beneath it lay a thread of genuine curiosity and care. John chuckled.
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"As you guys said, P'Kin was quite popular. But knowing him in person, I have no doubts now. He exudes a certain vibe that makes people feel at ease, comfortable around him," he added, voicing his impression of Kin.
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"Comfortable?"
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Loft murmured to himself, his mind turning over the word. He began to scrutinize his own feelings when he was around Kin, finding truth in John's observation and perhaps, a bit more than just comfort.
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