GLASS INSIDE THE FRAME

"A PEERLES HEART OF SOMEONE'S SMOOTHED BEAUTY BORN WITH SWEET IMMUNITY,"

Hei Bao arrived at the cafe and parked the car in the nearby parking lot. He opened the door and exited the vehicle, then shut the door behind him. He was dressed in the suit that had been hanging on the rack earlier. He walked into the entrance and paused for a moment. He could smell strawberries even from outside the cafe. He is aware.

He knows that person was inside without even having to look. He could tell by the smell. Hei Bao made a fist with his left hand. It wasn't because he was upset. Because of the sweet aroma, his inner wolf was about to emerge. He forced himself to open the glass door.

The familiar sound of chiming bells rang in his pointy ears once more. He noticed Hao Mingyu standing by the counter, as usual, happily conversing with a couple of customers while dressed in white long-sleeves and a black apron tied around his waist. Hao Mingyu's head turned sideways as he heard the bells chime.

Hei Bao bowed his head slightly, and so did Hao Mingyu. Hei Bao looked around for an empty table, but instead found people staring and whispering at him in awe. Fortunately, his gaze was drawn to a familiar figure: Cheung Qi. Cheung Qi was conversing with Chu Yan, and based on their facial expressions, they appeared to be having a good time. Hei Bao wishes to accompany Cheung Qi and questions why he made the decision to come here without first informing him.

Hei Bao was about to walk over to Cheung Qi and Chu Yan's table when he smelled strawberry for the second time. A familiar sweet and gentle voice then followed, making his heart skip a beat.

"Mr. Bao? " Lianhua spoke up.

Hei Bao turned around to see Lianhua standing beside Hao Mingyu, holding a tray. They exchanged a brief stare. Hei Bao was already walking towards the counter before he realized it. As they approached the counter, a group of customers stood to the side and giggled.

Upon seeing a good-looking man, with no mind of others picture about him, Hei Bao walked up to the counter without looking away from Lianhua.

"It's s-surprising to see you here," Lianhua said, his face awkward and shy.

"I've actually been here before," Hei Bao said, smiling.

"Oh... I… I had no idea," Lianhua admitted, embarrassed.

"It's fine. I was brought here by Cheung Qi, but thanks to him," Hei Bao said, smiling brightly.

"Th--thanks to him?" Lianhua inquired, puzzled and a little curious.

"It's nothing," Hei Bao replied quickly.

"Ahm… Then, what do you want to order? " Lianhua stumbled, inquired, and smiled at Hei Bao. He cleared his throat and returned his gaze to Lianhua's.

"I'd like cold brew coffee and anything with a strawberry flavor in it, please," Hei Bao said, teasingly smirking at Lianhua.

Lianhua flushed tomato red after Hei Bao smirked at him. He lowered his head and secretly smiled.

"S-so… Do you enjoy strawberries?" Lianhua inquired shyly.

"I do a lot," Hei Bao replied, smiling.

"I liked strawberries as well," Lianhua admitted shyly.

"Do you?" Hei Bao inquired, grinning once more.

"Y-yeah," Lianhua replied, stuttering between words as his heart raced with excitement.

A cough was heard, prompting Lianhua to look beside him. He noticed his brother Mingyu standing there, arms crossed and left brow raised.

"Please excuse me... This isn't a club or a place where you two can flirt," Hao Mingyu abruptly stated.

He'd been standing there for about an hour, but it seemed like the two hadn't noticed him or didn't care that he was there.

Hei Bao pretended not to notice, but Lianhua was blushing so much that his ears and nape were also red. Hei Bao did not take his gaze away from the lovely sight. Lianhua was embarrassed, so he looked down. Lianhua was also unaware that his brother was standing nearby.

"Moreover. I was in charge of the counter. You, on the other hand, A'Lian, were assigned in the kitchen," Hao Mingyu gently scolded, making his brother's skin turn bright red like a fresh tomato.

To be continued.