Summers & Starbucks - Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Kaiden
It's been almost two months since Jeff and Sam joined us in my flat. And it's nice to say, Nathan and Sam are on good terms, except for the occasional horsing around and calling each other names.
Jeff and Sam still haven't labeled their situation.
I occasionally catch them being cute in the kitchen on weekend mornings, when it's their turn to make brunch, much like today. Sam is rather reserved with his affections towards Jeff.
I wonder why because it isn't the case with me...
Damn, why did I think that suddenly?
I shake my head and walk to the balcony, looking at the bustling city below.
New York is awesome in winters. The degrees are dropping lower and I love the anticipation of snow after having lived in warm humid climate most of my life.
Nathan has joined an adventure club where they go hiking or exploring alternate weekends. His pre-med Psych course is demanding and keeps him on his toes all the time so these little getaways help him stay sane. He's at one of these treks today.
He's really been getting into his element here. I cannot believe it's already been four months of us moving in together and we've hit minimal bumps so far. I am grateful for that.
I have a flexible schedule thanks to a semi module, where I take my theory classes online. Dad is annoyed again that I'm leaning towards fashion design and management but I find it really interesting. I have a very crazy class, with people of all kinds and colours.
It's been fun and I am participating in campus events too, which is a first for me, as I wasn't very socially active in high school.
I have a part time job at an atelier, which is demanding yet I am learning so much about marketing, sewing and even meeting some upper east siders who come to get their outfits custom made and fitted. Very gossip girl-esque, as Bella often teases me.
The atelier is close to where Sam works at a pharmacy owned by his dad's giant company so we meet often.
"Christmas is coming up soon!" Jeff says as I help him lay the table for brunch. "Do you have plans? Are you going back home for winter break?"
It's a very lazy day, a bit gloomy with the skies and I am still sleepy. The candles that are lit around the house release a warm cinnamon aroma that is making me drowsier.
"No, not this time. I'll probably just explore around New York. I wanna go see the Rockefeller, it's been years since I've been here for Christmas season!" I smile. "Are you going home?"
"Hm yeah. I already booked my flight and I'm skipping a day before break starts to fly back as it takes a while. I'll be back mid January probably."
"Ah, a long vacay! That's great. I hope Sam survives without you," I tease.
He blushes like always. Sam is in their room, he probably went to shower.
"I don't wanna pry but I'm curious, what's up between you both?"
Jeff sighs and fills the glasses with water. They made traditional Korean food with a lot of side dishes too. It took them a while. Even if Jeff is a natural in the kitchen, instructing Sam took up most of his time.
"I don't know where we stand. It's been odd. Like, I know we like each other and he is protective and takes care of me but somehow, I feel it's still in the friend territory. I want to make the move but I'm still afraid I'll get rejected."
"So you're not sure about his feelings?" I frown.
"Nah, there seems to be something holding him back. I wonder what. He told me about his dad and how he's never had a real relationship. Maybe he's scared of messing things up? I asked but he just says he needs time."
"Hm... that's not like him at all. Usually he's pretty sure of what he wants and does not hesitate to get it. He definitely needs some time."
"I hope I'm not mistaking his friendly approach for something more."
We fall silent as Sam comes out of the room, towelling his hair. He drops his towel in the laundry basket and joins us at the table.
"Thank you for the meal!" Sam says, smiling and we all dig into the food.
It's cute he's catching on to Jeff's cultural mannerisms. Jeff smiles back and we eat, the room filled with chatter.
"Are you flying back for winter break?" I ask Sam, slurping on the black bean noodles. They're spicy but sweet and might just be my new favourite.
"This food is soo good, thanks Jeff!" I moan.
"Excuse moi, I helped too!" Sam grunts indignantly.
"Heh, you did the prep. It has nothing to do with the taste, but thanks I guess?"
He chucks a piece of vegetable at me and I stick my tongue out. Jeff snickers.
"And no, I am here. I don't feel like going home. I'll just video-call Anthony."
"Nathan is going to Harvard this week for some doctor thingy. He'll be back on Christmas. I guess it'll be just us two here then. The atelier is busy as it's wedding season so I'll be at work all day."
Sam nods. Jeff looks at him, waiting for some comment on the food but nothing comes. I frown. Is Sam getting cold feet?
I hope Jeff doesn't get hurt somehow.
The spirit is just different in New York. It's been snowing for a few days and I'm excited. It's not much, but enough to have a white Christmas! It's accumulating and I want to make snow angels and all that cheesy stuff.
My mum calls just as I wrap my shift at the atelier. I wave to my coworkers and leave the shop, updating her on my day-to-day life.
"How's Nathan? Give my love to him. I just met Dylan at the hospital, we had lunch together."
"Oh, Nathan left today for his visit to Harvard. Honestly he's been great. He really likes being here and so do I. It's crowded and the subway is mad during rush hours but it's fine. I like the experience. It's a very fast life compared to back home. I wonder how you managed raising us and doing your internship here. Sounds mad and exhausting!"
Mum chuckles.
"Your grandma helped a lot with you. And dad took a break from work. I had the best people. Anyway, so have you made an itinerary for your New York Christmas week? There's a lot to do."
"Yeah I'll look it up. Anyway, I gotta go. I'm meeting Sam for dinner at this new restaurant he wants to visit."
"Good to know you're still in touch with him. Charles is a control freak but I hope his son is better?"
I snicker. The restaurant comes into view and I spot Sam standing in the patio, scrolling through his phone. He towers over everyone else, looking regal as always.
"Yeah, he's cool. I'll speak to you soon again Maa. Take care. I love you."
"Love you too my honey bunch!"
I hang up and Sam smiles wide at me, throwing an arm around my shoulder.
"I thought you ditched! Been waiting a while."
"Nah, I wouldn't ever pass on free food."
He laughed and many people stared, mostly girls. Sam has a spellbinding effect on the female population. Too bad for them he's completely and utterly gay.
"So you're only here for the food? Damn Kai, you hurt my feelings." he pouts.
"Shut it you big baby, dessert's on me. We're going to this French place I heard of to have pain au chocolat."
He smiles immediately and ruffles my hair.
Soon, we're given a table and he pulls my chair out for me. Did I mention Sam is an impeccable gentleman too? He's been getting a lot into period dramas and tries to incorporate the manners in his life too.
God, Jeff is a lucky guy.
"I'm craving steak. You?" he asks.
"You can order for me but something different than what you order. Then we can taste two items."
He nods and gracefully signals the waiter, who fills up our water glasses, takes our order and takes the menu away.
"I feel so grown up!" I chuckle. "Like I'm married and on a very romantic dinner with my spouse, earning enough to afford a trip abroad every year and owning a few apartments."
"Aw, that's cute. We could pretend it's real!" he says softly. I laugh.
I don't know if it's the lighting but he looks... flushed? He picks up the swan shaped napkin and places it in his lap.
"My beloved wife, how was your day?" he asks, taking my hand in his.
I laugh, feeling my ears grow hot.
"Darling, all I did was stitch and hem and speak with people who were fussy and had outgrown their measurements. Then we had a few wedding fittings for men and trust me, I have never wanted to sleep more. How was your day? Pray tell."
Sam chuckled.
"It was alright, love. Medicine doesn't provide a choice of variety for people watching. It's mostly sick people and teenagers looking to steal gum and buy condoms."
"At least your job helps people get better. I'm proud of you dear husband."
Sam goes red and I snicker, dropping the act.
"That felt odd. Our generation could never deal with calling each other dear and darling. We'd probably even call our partners bro, sis or dude."
He nods, laughing. The girl on the table beside us with her parents is interested in our conversation and keeps sneaking glances at Sam. I decide to tease her a bit.
"Miss, didn't you see us flirt? We're both very much together and I would appreciate if you would stop making bedroom eyes to my fiance."
She coughs and turns away, clearly embarrassed. Her parents send me weird looks which I ignore completely.
Sam hides a smile.
"Ever the sassy one aren't you, Kai?"
I shrug.
"Would they serve us wine? I am really craving some."
"Unless you have a fake ID, nah they won't."
Our food arrives and we dig in. It's delicious like expected and I compliment Sam for his choice. He feeds me some from his own dish. We laugh and chat, in our own world.
"Oh that reminds me, I got the concert tickets to the fest show. I had told Nathan I would get the front row. He said two of your friends were joining us too?"
"Really?! Front row? That's fucking awesome Sam! Oh, Alex and Ryan are gonna be ecstatic. Thank you so much! I owe you one."
"Oh? Then how about we go see the Rockefeller together after the dessert?"
"Alright, if you wish."
After dinner, we stroll around, enjoying the decor on the streets. The lights, cute installations, Christmas decor of various town houses and the smell of peppermint and cinnamon wafting through random cafes is just a whole vibe. Sam takes several pictures of us.
The Rockefeller tree is lit up beautifully and we ask a couple of girls to click our picture.
"My eyes are shut in every single one!" I grumble. "How do the models pose man? I suck at it."
Sam laughs.
"Let's find someone else to take a picture too."
"Nah, let's just take a selfie."
He puts his arm around my shoulder and we pose. He winks and I make the victory sign. It's cheesy but cute. He airdrops the picture to me and I send it to Nathan who replies immediately.
Nate xx
Aw, you look adorable! UwU
Have fun! But not too much fun.
It's Sam.
I roll my eyes. He's still so possessive. I wonder why.
Kai Pie
Sheesh jelly bean.
I miss you bb
come soon xx
I can feel Sam's gaze on me as I'm smiling at my phone. I look up and he looks away, pretending to be absorbed in a giant present bow under the tree.
"What?" I nudge him.
"Nothing... the red scarf looks good on you," he mumbles. His ears match my scarf.
"Thank you! Wow, getting a compliment from a Greek God feels like I've unlocked a new achievement!" I cheer, clapping my gloves hands.
"Why? Are you implying I don't compliment people often?" He huffs, crossing his arms.
"Well, yeah honestly, it's hard to find things that impress you! You're just so above everything!"
"That's not true! You're impressive!" he says rather too loud.
The next sentence dies in my throat. He's flirting with me again, isn't he? But... shit, was Nathan right? Is he not over me still?! Is that why he's not giving Jeff any hints? I'm the one that's holding him back from having a happy relationship?
Or am I just full of myself and jumping to conclusions? That's most likely. Nathan, ever since he started psychology, tells me I have narcissistic tendencies as per his books. I tend to make everything about myself.
Main character energy, if you ask moi.
"Sam?" I whisper hesitantly, as he's still quiet.
It begins to snow at that moment, tiny flakes descending from the inky sky. I look up, forgetting the problem at hand.
"Oh my gosh, yay! I've always been asleep everytime it snowed! Come on Sam, let's go to the park!"
I grab his hand and drag him along, running towards central park. It's late and there will be less people around so it's a perfect spot to make snow angels!
"What? Why?" he asks, stumbling behind me.
The snow is getting heavier now and I'm excited. We reach soon enough and I find a nice flat lawn covered with an undisturbed layer of snow. Immediately I flop down like a starfish.
"Snow angels!" I laugh.
"Really? You made me run a marathon after eating just to do this?" Sam sighs, looking down at me in amusement. He clicks a picture of me, much to my surprise. He smiles at his phone.
"Come on join me!" I urge.
"Absolutely not!"
"Why not?! The great Sam Everton will lose his dignity? It will be a blow to his ego to indulge in his inner kid?" I taunt, laughing. "Come on Sammy, you know you want to!"
He rolls his eyes, shaking his head. I give him my best puppy eyes.
"For me?" I ask.
"Ugh, fine!"
He lays down beside me and copies my actions. I whoop in victory. He huffs again, sending a puff of cold breath into the sky.
"I feel really silly by the way."
"Shh, listen!"
I stop and he falls silent too. A distant owl is hooting and a faint noise of Christmas bells carries over from the part of the park where decorations are being put up.
He faces me and our hands touch. There's a look on his face I can't quite understand.
"You're still beautiful," he whispers, linking our fingers together.
My heartbeat begins to race immediately. I sit up and he follows my actions. He turns to me, shifting a bit closer.
"I wish... God, Kai, I wish you were mine."
"Sam..." I warn.
This isn't happening!
"I know and I'm sorry! I thought I could get over you if I stayed with Jeff and watched with my own eyes that you belong to Nathan. I respect you both, I promise and I don't want to be a homewrecker but I can't help but wish things would be different."
He sighs and runs his free hand down his face. His warm breath fans my face.
"Sam... it's not fair to Jeff. He really thinks you like him back. At least tell him the truth instead of just saying you need time."
"I know. I'm a shitty person. But tell me, how should I get over you? I see you being amazing everyday. You're always cheerful and just incredible. I'm so jealous of Nathan you have no idea."
I blush and look away from his pools of deep blue. God it would help if he was even slightly ugly but no, he has to look like fucking Adonis decided to walk earth.
"I'm flattered but I can't help you in anyway, Sam. I made Nathan trust me that you're staying because you don't have any lingering feelings for me. He will kick you out the second he gets to know any of this."
"Should I move out? I mean, staying around you isn't helping me either."
"No, don't do that. You were saying your dorms aren't that great anyway. Just, maybe... try diverting your attention to Jeff."
"What if I don't like him like I like you?"
"You wouldn't know until you give him a chance."
"What if even after it doesn't work out?"
I sigh.
"Sam, Jeff likes you. He's a really good person and you should focus on him. I love Nathan. I always have and always will."
Sam leans forward and I panic.
"What -?!"
He kisses my cheek, softly. It's barely a brush of lips but it's there and it lingers. He pulls away and looks at my hands in his.
"A piece of my heart will always belong to you."
He pushes my hair out of my eyes and smiles sadly before letting go of my hands.
He stands and offers me a hand. I take it, stomach swirling with relief. Nothing escalated, thank fuck. I wouldn't have hesitated to punch the daylights out of him if he had kissed me.
He stops walking suddenly. I turn around and am met with a snowball to my face.
"Haha, gotcha!" he snickers. He points at me and bends over, laughing, clutching his stomach.
"You fucking brat!" I yell.
He runs away and I chase him with a snowball. I hurl it at his legs and he trips and falls. We play in the snow, like little kids, out of breath and red in the face.
If Nathan is the summer of my life, Sam is the winter. Both charming in their own ways and both make me happy. I wouldn't change a thing.