Chapter Text
When there is a special occasion, you have to drink a little to celebrate it, and Lee Minhyeong is one of its believers. This time, because he finally got his first job after graduating from university, he decided to have a drink by himself at one of his favorite bars, Heaven's Door.
Heaven's Door is a small bar located at the end of a narrow alley, hidden from most people. But once you step in, there’s no turning back. Lee Minhyeong fell in love with its quiet, warm atmosphere, accompanied by the soft melody of jazz music playing in the background. He became a regular customer from his freshman year until now, making Heaven’s Door one of his most memorable places, forever tied to his youth.
Flashing a smile toward the old bartender, whom he had become familiar with, he moved toward his usual spot near the counter and sat down, ordering a glass of Manhattan. He liked this spot because he could observe the people who came in. By their attire and expressions, he could imagine their life stories, which intrigued him.
After one sip of his drink, the bar’s door opened, and a mesmerizing figure appeared.
A man in his mid-to-late twenties slowly entered. He had beautiful pale skin and upturned pink lips that reminded Minhyeong of a white cat. He wore a navy-blue, custom-tailored suit that accentuated his slim figure and small waist, enough to make any woman envious. Hidden behind silver-trimmed glasses, his slanted eyes enhanced his mysterious charm, creating a perfect harmony.
Sitting at the far end of the bar, the man maintained perfect posture, like a graceful swan. Resting one hand under his chin, he began to look around with curiosity, scanning the shelves full of various drinks. As a regular costumer, he remember most of the people that comes to this bar so he was pretty sure that it was that mysterious visitor first time visiting Heaven's Door that shown from his demeanor like a cat tiptoeing when exploring new territory.
From head to toe, it was obvious this visitor wasn’t an ordinary person. But Lee Minhyeong wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. It was a happy day for him, so why not celebrate it with someone who intrigued him?.
He decided to approach him, bringing his unfinished drink as he sat on the empty chair beside the stranger. From his peripheral vision, Minhyeong noticed that the man didn’t seem bothered, focused entirely on choosing a drink. Just as Minhyeong opened his mouth to start a conversation, the stranger spoke first in a clear voice "I thought this bar was a good place to be alone, not to be bothered by others," he said while glancing at him. His stare feels icy, drawing a distance before he can get closer.
Grimacing, Minhyeong instinctively leaned back, sensing the man’s guardedness like a wary cat, he decided to give him a space. He may be a stubborn person, but he's not a rude person who don't understand manner. "I'm sorry for interupting your time, please enjoy your time" he softly said, adding an apologetic smile on top of it.
His response seems to be the best choice, as the other person immediately said "Oh?" revealing his surprise. "It's the first time someone respecting my boundary" he lightly says as he smile faintly. "Maybe it’s because you’re irresistible, it’s hard for people not to want to get close to you," Minhyeong replied smoothly, taking another sip of his Manhattan.
Amused, the stranger let out a soft chuckle. He leaned slightly toward Minhyeong, still resting his chin on one hand, observing him with newfound interest. "You’re the most straightforward person I’ve ever met," he concluded after a brief pause. "I’ll take that as a compliment," Minhyeong said with a half-smile, raising his glass.
Sensing the man was lowering his guard, Minhyeong decided to seize the opportunity. "I’m a regular here. If you’d like, I can recommend a drink."
"Really?" The stranger raised his thick eyebrow. "What would you recommend?"
"Blue Martini."
"Why?"
"It suits you," Minhyeong answered, gazing at him with gentleness and admiration. "The color is deep blue, mysterious yet alluring, with a refreshing taste that clears a tired mind and body. I like to observe people, so I’d guess you came here to relieve some work stress."
"I take pride in my recommendations, so you can trust me," he added confidently, scratching his nose in a playful, self-assured gesture.
"I can guarantee that’s true," the old bartender chimed in, seemingly taking Minhyeong’s side. The stranger finally curled his lips into a faint smile. "All right, let’s see if you’re right," he said, signaling his approval.
After his drink was served, the stranger picked it up gracefully with his slender fingers and took a sip.
"How is it?" Minhyeong asked eagerly.
"Not bad," he cooly answered. Raising his glass between them, the stranger said, "Cheers."
Minhyeong, playing along, raised his glass too, clinking it softly against the other’s.
It's a pleasant evening, Lee Minhyeong silently thought as he continued to keep up with their conversation. They talked a lot about mundane things like a hobbies, likes and dislikes which were surprisingly similar. Strangely, even after all their talk, the mysterious stranger only revealed a little piece information about himself. His name is Lee Sanghyeok and he actually come from abroad, skillfully dodging any question related to his identity any further. Well, since they are basically still a "stranger" Lee Minhyeong doesn't want to pry much further, afraid to scare the other person.
Lee Minhyeong himself is a chatterbox, likes to share his story and experince with other people that even stranger like Lee Sanghyeok might be feel like he known him for several years. From their interaction, Sanghyeok seemed quiet and reserved, attentively listening to Minhyeong’s stories from start to finish. The topic of Minhyeong’s workplace seemed to capture Sanghyeok’s interest the most, since he stopped tapping his dainty fingers and offered a faint smile, though Minhyeong couldn’t quite understand why.
Time passed quickly in the enjoyable atmosphere. Eventually, Sanghyeok glanced at his silver watch and flashed an apologetic smile, signaling that it was time for him to leave. Minhyeong, with flushed cheeks, grinned back and stood up, trying to escort him like a gentleman.
At the entrance of Heaven’s Door, Sanghyeok suddenly spoke. “Can you get home alone?”
Minhyeong, still grinning, waved his hand dismissively. "It’s okay," he replied. But then his smile quickly faltered, and he pouted. "It’s a pity, though."
"What pity?" Sanghyeok asked curiously.
"When can I see you again?" Minhyeong asked, staring up at him with big puppy eyes while gently tugging at the tip of his sleeve.
Watching his action, Sanghyeok let out a soft chuckle and answered, "It might be soon." Sensing Minhyeong’s dissatisfaction, he playfully added, "What? Do you want me to come over to your house?" and Lee Minhyeong replied "Yes" in a heartbeat.
Before Minhyeong could even process what had happened, Sanghyeok ended up in his humble home. His luxurious suit and elegant posture contrasted sharply with the modest surroundings, making him look like a prince visiting a peasant’s house.
Minhyeong’s hazy mind couldn’t think clearly. Knocking himself lightly on the head, he silently cursed his reckless mouth for saying yes so quickly. Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. Just as he turned to apologize, ready to offer some awkward excuse, Sanghyeok’s voice cut through the silence, calm and composed.
"So," Sanghyeok began, his gaze steady. "Did you really bring me here just for a ride?"
"Huh?" Minhyeong blinked, completely caught off guard.
A teasing glimmer flickered in Sanghyeok’s eyes as he took a step closer. "I thought you had something… more in mind."
Understanding his implication, Lee Minhyeong lowered his face, blushing hard like a ripe strawberries, suddenly feeling embarassed because he remember his inital motive trying to get close to Lee Sanghyeok.
While Minhyeong deep in his thought, Lee Sanghyeok gently raise up his chin with his dainty finger, pulling Minhyeong back to reality with his light touch.
Whispering on his ear, he playfully asked "Are you up for it?" In a low tone that sending a shiver down on Minhyeong’s spine. His voice seems to have bewitches him, making Minhyeong could only nod obediently.
Lee Minhyeong thought he must be dreaming, how could something so good happen continuously? Had he used up all his luck for a lifetime in just one day? There was no explanation for why Lee Sanghyeok was sitting on his lap right now. Didn’t he need to go home? It felt as though he had somehow snatched Cinderella away before she could run away.
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt the other person’s lips on his. Gently moving his lips to match the rhythm, Minhyeong could feel his body heating up, and it seemed the same was happening to Sanghyeok. Softly tugging at his hair while biting his lower lip, Sanghyeok urgently created an opening for a deeper kiss, causing the kiss grew fiercer, more desperate while Minhyeong happily followed his lead.
As their tongue met, Lee Minhyeong can taste the strong citrus of blue Martini. Hugging him tightly, the scent of Sanghyeok cologne, a mixture of sandalwood and mint came rushing in, filling his senses, keeping his hazy mind to stay sober. A soft gasp escaped from both of them, echoing in the quiet bedroom. A lingering testament to the intensity of their passionate kiss.
Breaking away from the kiss, Sanghyeok quickly discarded his expensive suit, throwing it aside recklessly. Slowly, he unbuttoned his shirt, and Minhyeong couldn’t help but gulp as he took in the sight of his pale, flawless skin. The intensity of Minhyeong stare made Sanghyeok feel exposed, but it also drew him in further.
With a half-smile, Sanghyeok inched closer. His eyes twinkling like a mischievious cat. Brushing his dainty finger against Minhyeong's ear, while the other hand slowly tracing his body, he whispered "Let’s see your skills, Mr. Lee." in a low, playful tone. Taunting him to take the next step.
In that moment, all rational thought left Minhyeong. The seductive gleam in Lee Sanghyeok’s eyes drove him to act. Without thinking, he flipped their positions and pinned Sanghyeok to the bed. His only goal was clear: to please the noble white cat all night long.