Chapter Text
The restaurant buzzed with noise—laughter, clinking glasses, overlapping conversations filling the warm space.
The entire team had gathered around long tables, food spread out, drinks already flowing.
It was loud.
Chaotic.
Unstructured.
Everything Sunghoon usually avoided.
And yet—
His eyes found only one person.
Sunoo.
Sitting across from him.
Right in front of him.
Nestled between his friends, laughing freely, shoulders relaxed in a way Sunghoon rarely saw during work. His cheeks were already a little flushed—not from alcohol yet, just from excitement, from being surrounded by people he was comfortable with.
Sunghoon’s gaze lingered.
Too long.
Too obvious.
“…You’re staring again.”
Jay’s voice cut in beside him.
Sunghoon didn’t even look at him. “…I am not.”
“You are,” Jay said calmly, taking a sip of his drink. “It’s actually embarrassing at this point.”
Sunghoon finally glanced at him, expression flat. “…Focus on your own business.”
Jay smirked. “Oh, I am. And my business right now is watching you fall in love in real time.”
Sunghoon simply picked up his glass.
Jay sighed dramatically before grabbing a bottle and pouring more alcohol into Sunghoon’s glass. “Here. Drink. Maybe it’ll fix whatever this is.”
Sunghoon ignored him.
Because—
“Alright!” the HR manager suddenly stood up, raising their glass.
The table quieted down a little.
“Well, Sunoo—”
Sunoo looked up, surprised. “Oh?”
“You joined the company just a month ago, and we never properly welcomed you.”
A chorus of “That’s true!” and “We missed your party!” followed.
Sunoo laughed awkwardly. “It’s okay, really—”
“No, no, we’re fixing that now,” someone insisted.
Before Sunoo could react—
A large glass was placed in front of him.
Filled.
Completely filled.
With alcohol.
Sunoo blinked.
“…Wait.”
“Cheers!” someone shouted.
“Drink! Drink! Drink!”
Sunoo laughed nervously, looking around. “Guys, this is a bit—”
“No escaping!”
“It’s your welcome party!”
Sunoo glanced down at the glass.
Then back up at everyone.
And finally—
His eyes flickered to Sunghoon.
Just for a second.
Sunghoon was already looking at him.
His expression—
Tense.
Jaw slightly clenched.
Fingers tightening around his own glass.
Don’t.
Sunghoon’s gaze practically said it.
But Sunoo just smiled.
Small.
Helpless.
And then—
He picked up the glass.
“Okay… okay, fine,” he laughed. “Just this once.”
Sunghoon straightened slightly.
Too much.
That’s too much.
“Sunoo—” he started, voice low.
But—
Cheers erupted again.
And before anything could be said—
Sunoo tilted the glass back.
And drank.
All of it.
In one go.
The table exploded.
“WOAH!”
“No way!”
“Sunoo, you’re insane!”
Sunoo coughed lightly at the end, setting the glass down, face scrunching up. “That’s—strong—”
Laughter all around.
But Sunghoon?
Was not laughing.
At all.
His entire body had gone rigid.
His eyes stayed locked on Sunoo, watching every small reaction—the way his cheeks flushed deeper, the way he blinked a little slower, the way his posture loosened.
This is bad.
“…Hey.”
Jay nudged him lightly.
Sunghoon didn’t respond.
“Hey,” Jay repeated, quieter this time.
Still nothing.
Jay leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
“Don’t you think you’re being a little too obvious?”
That—
Finally snapped Sunghoon out of it.
He blinked once, expression smoothing out instantly.
“…I don’t know what you mean.”
Jay raised an eyebrow. “You were about two seconds away from snatching that glass out of his hand.”
Silence.
Sunghoon took a slow sip of his drink.
“…Focus on your own matters.”
Jay let out a quiet scoff. “Right.”
Then, after a beat—
Sunghoon spoke again, voice calm.
“I’ll tell everyone you’re crushing on Jungwon.”
Jay froze.
“…You wouldn’t.”
Sunghoon looked at him.
Blank.
Unmoving.
“I would.”
Jay immediately shut his mouth.
“…Okay,” he muttered, grabbing the bottle again and pouring more alcohol into Sunghoon’s glass—this time a little too quickly. “Let’s just… drink.”
A nervous laugh slipped out of him.
Sunghoon didn’t react.
Because across the table—
Sunoo was laughing again.
Leaning slightly into his friends, talking a bit louder now, movements a little looser.
And Sunghoon?
Couldn’t take his eyes off him.
Not even for a second.
Because now—
He had a new problem.
A drunk Sunoo.
And a very, very bad feeling about how this night was going to go.
By the time the dinner wrapped up, the restaurant had quieted—but Sunoo had not.
Sunoo was gone.
Completely, utterly, undeniably drunk.
“Sunoo, stand straight—”
“I am standing,” Sunoo mumbled, swaying dangerously to the side.
He was not.
Sunghoon caught him just in time, steadying him by the shoulders.
“…You’re not.”
“Mm… liar,” Sunoo pouted softly, blinking up at him with glassy eyes.
Sunghoon froze for half a second.
This is bad.
Very bad.
“Hey, Sunghoon!” one of their coworkers called out while grabbing their coat. “You’re closest to him, right? Can you drop Sunoo home?”
Sunghoon opened his mouth—
Then looked down at the barely-conscious boy leaning into him.
“…Alright,” he said quietly.
Because there was no way he was leaving Sunoo like this.
—
Getting him outside was already a challenge.
“Sunoo, walk properly.”
“I am walking,” Sunoo insisted again, dragging his feet.
“You’re leaning on me.”
“That’s because you’re… comfy.”
Sunghoon’s steps faltered.
“…What?”
Sunoo hummed, completely unfazed, resting more of his weight on him. “You’re warm…”
Sunghoon looked straight ahead.
Do not react.
Do not react.
But Sunoo was not cooperative.
At all.
He kept mumbling nonsense, occasionally stopping mid-step for no reason.
At one point, he just—
Stopped.
“Sunoo,” Sunghoon said, trying to nudge him forward.
No response.
“…Sunoo.”
Still nothing.
Sunghoon looked down.
Sunoo was blinking slowly, staring at nothing, lips slightly parted.
“…Are you sleeping?”
“M’thinking,” Sunoo mumbled.
“…About?”
A pause.
“…You’re pretty.”
Sunghoon stopped walking.
Completely.
His brain went blank.
“…What?”
But Sunoo just giggled softly, like he said something completely normal, then leaned forward—
Almost falling.
Sunghoon reacted instantly.
And that was it.
He had no choice.
“…I’m carrying you.”
“Mm… okay,” Sunoo agreed way too easily.
Sunghoon bent down slightly and lifted him—
And froze.
Because Sunoo—
Immediately curled into him.
Arms slipping around Sunghoon’s neck, head resting against his shoulder, body relaxing like he had been waiting for this exact moment.
“…Comfortable,” Sunoo murmured softly.
Sunghoon’s grip tightened instinctively.
His heart?
Not okay.
Not even a little.
Because Sunoo fit perfectly.
Like he belonged there.
Sunghoon swallowed hard and started walking again.
—
He didn’t even consider driving.
Not after drinking.
So instead—
He stopped a taxi.
Carefully getting in with Sunoo still in his arms.
“Where to?” the driver asked.
Sunghoon looked down.
“…Sunoo.”
“Mm?”
“Where do you live?”
Silence.
“…Sunoo.”
Sunoo shifted slightly, nuzzling closer instead.
“Don’t know…”
Sunghoon blinked.
“…What do you mean you don’t know?”
“Mmm… don’t wanna go,” Sunoo mumbled, voice soft and sleepy.
Sunghoon exhaled slowly.
“Sunoo, I need your address.”
No response.
“…Sunoo.”
Nothing.
Just quiet breathing and the occasional soft hum.
Sunghoon leaned his head back against the seat for a second.
This is unbelievable.
He couldn’t take him home—
Because he didn’t know where that was.
And Sunoo clearly wasn’t going to help.
The driver glanced at him through the mirror. “Sir?”
Sunghoon hesitated.
Then—
“…Take us to the nearest hotel.”
—
The lobby lights were bright.
Too bright.
Sunghoon adjusted his hold on Sunoo, who was still clinging to him like a koala.
“…Stay awake,” Sunghoon muttered.
“M’awake,” Sunoo whispered, clearly not.
As they reached the front desk, Sunoo suddenly shifted again—
And buried his face deeper into Sunghoon’s neck.
“…Too bright,” he complained softly.
Sunghoon stiffened.
“…Just a minute.”
He handled the check-in as quickly as possible, ignoring the curious glances.
—
The moment they entered the room—
Sunghoon gently placed Sunoo on the bed.
Or at least—
He tried.
Because the second he attempted to pull away—
Sunoo tightened his grip.
“No,” he mumbled.
Sunghoon paused. “…Sunoo.”
“Stay.”
The word was soft.
Barely audible.
But it hit harder than anything else.
Sunghoon stood there, frozen, Sunoo still holding onto him, eyes half-lidded, completely vulnerable.
“…I’m not leaving,” Sunghoon said quietly.
Sunoo relaxed a little at that.
“…Okay…”
His grip loosened.
Finally.
Sunghoon stepped back slowly.
Watching as Sunoo curled slightly on the bed, hugging the pillow now instead.
“…Warm…” he mumbled again, nuzzling into it.
Sunghoon let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair.
This night—
Was not going how he expected.
Not at all.
He glanced at Sunoo one more time.
Soft.
Peaceful.
Completely defenseless.
And Sunghoon?
Was in serious trouble.
Because if this continued—
If moments like this kept happening—
Then there was no way—
No way—
He’d be able to pretend this was just a small, temporary feeling anymore.
The room fell quiet.
Too quiet.
Only the faint hum of the air conditioner and Sunoo’s soft, uneven breathing filled the space.
Sunghoon stood there for a moment, hands at his sides, unsure.
He couldn’t leave him alone like this.
But staying—
Staying felt… dangerous.
Sunoo shifted slightly on the bed, mumbling something incoherent, his brows furrowing like he was arguing with someone in his sleep.
“…Sunoo?” Sunghoon called softly.
No response.
Just another quiet mumble.
Sunghoon exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair.
“…I’ll just book another room,” he muttered to himself. “It’s better.”
Safer.
He took a step back.
Then another.
Turning slightly toward the door—
“Mr… paaarrk…”
Sunghoon froze.
Completely.
His hand stilled mid-air.
Slowly—
He turned back.
Sunoo was still lying on the bed, eyes closed, face flushed, lips slightly parted.
“…What?” Sunghoon asked, voice lower now.
Sunoo shifted again, turning his head slightly toward him.
“You’re so mean…”
Sunghoon blinked.
“…What?”
“You’re mean,” Sunoo repeated, voice soft, slurred, but… clearer.
Sunghoon stepped closer without realizing.
“…Why?”
Sunoo let out a small, breathy laugh.
“They always say I’m cruel…”
A pause.
“Because I leave you hanging like that…”
Sunghoon’s heart skipped.
“…What are you saying?”
Sunoo’s fingers curled slightly into the bedsheet.
“They say you like me…”
Silence.
Heavy.
Thick.
Unavoidable.
Sunghoon didn’t breathe.
Sunoo’s brows knit together faintly, like he was frustrated—even in his half-asleep state.
“If you really do…” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper, “why don’t you show me?”
Sunghoon’s chest tightened.
“…Sunoo—”
“Why am I the cruel one…?” Sunoo mumbled, almost pouting now. “It’s your fault…”
Each word landed softly—
But hit hard.
Sunghoon stood there.
Frozen.
Mind blank.
Heart racing so loudly it felt like it might burst out of his chest.
Sunoo shifted one last time, nuzzling into the pillow.
“…Dummy…” he mumbled faintly.
And then—
Silence.
He passed out.
Just like that.
Leaving behind—
Words that didn’t feel like drunken nonsense.
Words that felt…
Real.
Too real.
Sunghoon didn’t move.
Didn’t speak.
Didn’t even blink for a few seconds.
“…What…” he whispered under his breath.
His thoughts spiraled, replaying every single word.
They say you like me.
Why don’t you show me?
It’s your fault.
Sunghoon clenched his jaw slightly.
So he knew.
Sunoo knew.
Or at least—
Suspected.
And instead of saying anything—
He just…
Left.
Every time.
Sunghoon let out a slow breath, stepping closer to the bed again.
His gaze softened as he looked down at Sunoo—now completely asleep, expression peaceful, like he hadn’t just dropped something that turned Sunghoon’s entire world upside down.
“…Unbelievable,” Sunghoon murmured quietly.
But there was no frustration in his voice.
Only something deeper.
Something softer.
He sat down on the edge of the bed.
Carefully.
Not wanting to wake him.
“…You’re calling me mean,” he said under his breath, almost amused.
His eyes lingered on Sunoo’s face.
On the faint pout still resting on his lips.
On the way he had curled slightly into himself.
“…You’re the one who runs away every time.”
A pause.
Then, quieter—
“…And you expect me to chase you? Why can't you show some love too huh..”
Sunghoon looked away for a second, exhaling softly.
Because the truth was—
He would.
He already was.
Just… too slowly.
His gaze returned to Sunoo.
“…Fine,” he whispered.
A decision settling in.
This time—
He wouldn’t be late.
Not again.
He leaned back slightly, staying right there beside him.
Not leaving.
Not yet.
Because for once—
Sunoo wasn’t running away.
And Sunghoon finally had nowhere else he wanted to be.
Sunoo woke up like he’d been personally hit by a truck.
No—worse.
Like multiple trucks.
“Ugh…” he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as a sharp wave of pain throbbed through his head. “Why does my brain feel like it’s… melting…”
He shifted slightly—
Big mistake.
The room spun.
“Okay—nope—nope,” he muttered, clutching his head. “I’m dying. This is it.”
After a few painful seconds, he forced one eye open.
Then the other.
He squinted around.
Ceiling… unfamiliar.
Walls… unfamiliar.
Bed… definitely not his.
Sunoo froze.
“…What.”
He blinked again, slower this time.
“…Wait.”
A beat.
“…WAIT.”
Sunoo shot up—
“Ah—!”
Immediate regret.
His head pounded so hard he flopped right back down, groaning dramatically. “Oh my god, okay—kidnapped or not, I’m not surviving this headache anyway…”
He pressed a pillow over his face.
“Great. Amazing. Love this for me.”
The door clicked.
Sunoo jolted.
Actually jolted—like a startled kitten—eyes wide as he turned his head.
“Wha—who—”
He froze.
Because standing there—
Was Park Sunghoon.
Calm. Composed. Holding a small paper bag.
Sunoo blinked.
Once.
Twice.
“…Mr. Park?” he said slowly, voice hoarse. “What are you doing here?”
Sunghoon paused for a fraction of a second before stepping inside.
“…You passed out,” he said, tone even. “It felt inappropriate to leave you alone.”
He placed the bag on the side table.
“I brought hangover medicine.”
Sunoo stared at him.
Then at the bag.
Then back at him.
And suddenly—
His expression softened completely.
“…You did?” he mumbled.
Sunghoon nodded once. “…Yes.”
Sunoo looked like he might actually cry.
“Mr. Park,” he said, voice wobbling slightly, “you’re… you’re a lifesaver.”
Sunghoon stiffened a little.
“…It’s nothing.”
“It’s everything,” Sunoo insisted weakly, reaching for the medicine like it was his last hope on earth. “I genuinely thought I was about to see my ancestors.”
Sunghoon almost smiled.
Almost.
He handed him a bottle of water. “…Drink slowly.”
Sunoo nodded obediently, taking the medicine and gulping some water.
A few seconds later, he let out a long sigh, shoulders relaxing.
“…Okay. I think I’m back among the living.”
Sunghoon sat on the chair beside the bed, watching him quietly.
There was a small pause.
Then—
“…I’m really sorry,” Sunoo said suddenly, looking down at his hands. “I caused you trouble, didn’t I?”
Sunghoon’s brows furrowed slightly.
“…It wasn’t trouble.”
“It was,” Sunoo insisted, glancing up at him with a small, sheepish smile. “You even had to stay here because of me, right?”
Sunghoon hesitated.
“…Yes.”
Sunoo groaned, covering his face. “That’s so embarrassing…”
A small silence fell.
Then—
Sunoo peeked at him through his fingers.
“…But thank you. Really.”
Sunghoon’s gaze softened, just a little.
“…You’re welcome.”
Another pause.
A quieter one.
And then—
Sunoo tilted his head slightly, studying him.
“…You’re really nice, you know that?”
Sunghoon blinked.
“…I’m not.”
“You are,” Sunoo said immediately, a faint teasing lilt slipping into his voice now. “You just pretend you’re not.”
Sunghoon looked away slightly. “…You should rest.”
Sunoo hummed.
But instead of lying back down—
He leaned a little closer.
Just enough to make Sunghoon notice.
“…Did I say anything weird last night?”
Sunghoon went still.
Completely.
“…No.”
A lie.
A terrible lie.
Sunoo narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Hmm.”
He leaned back again, pretending to think.
“Because I feel like I would say something weird.”
“…You didn’t,” Sunghoon replied quickly.
Too quickly.
Sunoo smiled.
Slow.
Mischievous.
Cruel.
“Really?” he asked softly.
Sunghoon nodded once.
“…Really.”
A beat.
Then Sunoo laughed lightly, stretching a little despite the lingering headache.
“Okay, I’ll believe you… for now.”
Sunghoon exhaled quietly.
But Sunoo wasn’t done.
Of course he wasn’t.
“…You took care of me all night?” he asked, voice softer now.
“…Yes.”
“Hmm,” Sunoo hummed again, eyes glinting faintly. “You must like me a lot, then.”
Sunghoon choked.
Actually choked.
“…I—”
Sunoo giggled.
Soft. Playful. Dangerous.
“I’m joking,” he said innocently, though his eyes said otherwise.
Sunghoon stared at him.
Speechless.
And Sunoo?
Just smiled sweetly, leaning back against the pillow like he hadn’t just turned Sunghoon’s entire brain into static.
“…Thank you again, Mr. Park,” he added, voice gentle this time.
But there it was again—
That tiny, teasing curve of his lips.
And Sunghoon?
Was completely, utterly—
Gone.
God someone help Sunghoon before he melts into a puddle.
By the time morning settled properly, Sunoo looked… alive again.
Still a little pale.
Still moving slower than usual.
But definitely not on the verge of death anymore.
“Can you walk?” Sunghoon asked, standing by the door, already composed as ever.
Sunoo nodded, stretching lightly. “Yeah… I think so. If I collapse, just pretend you don’t know me.”
“…I won’t.”
Sunoo laughed softly.
They checked out quietly.
The lobby felt brighter now, less overwhelming than last night—but Sunoo still squinted a little, staying just a step closer to Sunghoon than necessary.
Not that Sunghoon minded.
Not even a little.
Outside, the morning air was cool.
Sunghoon raised his hand, stopping a cab with ease.
As it pulled up, he opened the door for Sunoo.
“Thank you,” Sunoo said, then paused before getting in.
Sunghoon looked at him.
“…What is it?”
Sunoo shifted slightly, holding onto the door, his expression softening.
“Mr. Park,” he started, voice gentler now, “thank you so much for today.”
Sunghoon shook his head lightly. “…It was nothing.”
“No,” Sunoo insisted, a small smile forming. “It wasn’t.”
A pause.
Then—
“I’d like to repay you.”
Sunghoon blinked.
“…There’s no need.”
“There is,” Sunoo said immediately.
“There isn’t—”
Sunoo pouted.
Actually pouted.
Lower lip slightly pushed out, brows knitting together just a little.
And Sunghoon—
Sunghoon folded.
Immediately.
“…Alright,” he said without hesitation.
Sunoo’s pout disappeared instantly.
Replaced by a small, satisfied smile.
“Good,” he said lightly.
And somewhere in his mind—
He was definitely chuckling.
Then, tilting his head slightly, he added—
“Give me your number.”
Sunghoon froze.
“…What?”
“Your number,” Sunoo repeated casually. “How else am I supposed to repay you?”
Sunghoon’s brain short-circuited.
Completely.
“Oh—right,” he muttered, fumbling slightly as he pulled out his phone. “Of course.”
His fingers felt… less coordinated than usual.
Which never happened.
Ever.
He told Sunoo his number.
Carefully.
Twice.
Just in case.
Sunoo typed it in, nodding. “Got it.”
Sunghoon opened his mouth.
Ready to say something—
Anything—
But before he could—
“I’ll text you,” Sunoo said with a small smile.
And just like that—
He got into the cab.
The door shut.
The driver started the engine.
And within seconds—
The car began to move.
Sunghoon stood there.
Watching.
As the cab disappeared down the street.
“…Take care,” he murmured, too late.
He lifted his hand slightly—
A small wave.
Even though Sunoo probably couldn’t see it anymore.
And then—
Silence.
Sunghoon stood there for a moment longer.
Still.
Unmoving.
Until—
He became aware of it.
The warmth.
On his ears.
He reached up slightly.
…Hot.
Very hot.
“…Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath.
Because somehow—
In just a few minutes—
Kim Sunoo had managed to completely dismantle him again.
And the worst part?
Sunghoon glanced down at his phone.
Waiting.
Already waiting.
For a text that hadn’t even been sent yet.
“…This is bad,” he whispered.
But the small, barely-there smile on his lips said otherwise.
The weekend felt… quiet.
Peaceful.
Sunoo flopped onto his bed with a dramatic sigh, phone landing right on his chest.
“…Finally,” he mumbled, staring at the ceiling.
No work.
No deadlines.
No Mr. Park staring at me like I’m his entire world—
Sunoo paused.
Then smiled to himself.
“…Cute.”
He rolled onto his side, unlocking his phone.
His thumb hovered over his contacts for a second before—
He tapped.
Park Sunghoon.
A small pause.
Then—
He started typing.
Because he did say he’d repay him.
And honestly?
He kind of… wanted to see him.
Sunoo:
Mr. Parkkk
Sunoo:
Are you free this evening?He hit send.
And not even—
Not even two seconds later—
His phone buzzed.
Sunoo blinked.
“…No way.”
He opened it quickly.
Sunghoon:
Yes.
Sunghoon:
I’m free.Sunoo stared.
Then let out a small laugh.
“…You were waiting, weren’t you?”
He bit his lip slightly, thumbs moving again.
Sunoo:
That was fast 🤨
Sunoo:
I was thinking… dinner?
Sunoo:
I said I’d repay you, rememberThis time—
There was a pause.
A longer one.
Sunoo watched the screen.
Typing…
It appeared.
Then disappeared.
Then appeared again.
Sunoo raised an eyebrow.
“…What are you doing?”
He waited.
One minute.
Two minutes.
Three.
Still typing.
Still deleting.
Still typing again.
Sunoo’s smile grew slowly, eyes glinting with amusement.
“…Oh, you’re panicking.”
Five minutes.
Five whole minutes.
The “typing…” bubble was basically living there at this point.
Sunoo let out a soft laugh, shaking his head before typing again.
Sunoo:
You know I can see you typing… right?
Sunoo:
It’s been 5 minutes 😭The typing bubble—
Vanished.
Gone.
Completely.
Sunoo burst out laughing.
“NO WAY—”
“…He went offline.”
He buried his face into his pillow, shoulders shaking.
“This man…”
A few seconds later—
His phone buzzed again.
Sunghoon:
Dinner sounds good.
Sunghoon:
I’ll pick you up.Sunoo peeked at the screen, grin widening.
“…Recovered.”
He typed back, softer this time.
Sunoo:
Okay
Sunoo:
I’ll send you my addressHe hit send.
And then—
He didn’t move.
Just… stared at the chat.
At the name.
At the last message.
At the quiet space where Sunghoon might type again.
And right on cue—
Typing…
Sunoo’s eyes sparkled.
“…Again?”
The bubble stayed.
And stayed.
And stayed.
Sunoo smirked, resting his chin on his hand.
“Say it, Mr. Park,” he murmured softly. “I know you want to.”
But this time—
He didn’t interrupt.
He just watched.
Patient.
Amused.
Waiting to see what Sunghoon would do next.
Night settled softly over the city, lights flickering to life one by one.
Sunoo stood in front of his mirror, staring at his reflection for the third time in five minutes.
“…Okay. Calm down.”
He wasn’t even sure why he was nervous.
It was just dinner.
Just… repaying someone.
Right?
“Right,” he muttered, not sounding convinced at all.
He smoothed down his outfit—a soft cream shirt with a v-neck collar, his collarbone peeking out just enough. Slim black trousers hugged his frame neatly, paired with clean white sneakers. Simple.
But—
The details mattered.
A little makeup to even out his skin, just enough to make it glow under the lights. A light swipe of lip gloss that caught the shine when he moved. His hair—soft brown—slightly curled at the ends, giving it that effortless, fluffy look.
He stepped back.
“…Okay.”
A beat.
“…I look good.”
His phone buzzed.
Sunoo’s heart skipped as he grabbed it.
Sunghoon:
I’m here.Sunoo’s lips curved instantly.
“…Already?”
He quickly slipped his phone into his pocket, grabbing his jacket.
“Okay okay—don’t keep him waiting.”
And then—
He rushed out.
—
The night air greeted him as he stepped outside.
And there—
Leaning casually against his car—
Was Park Sunghoon.
Sunoo slowed down.
Just a little.
Because—
Sunghoon looked…
Unfair.
A crisp black button-up shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal his forearms. The top button undone, giving him a slightly relaxed look that contrasted dangerously with his usual composed demeanor. Dark tailored pants, perfectly fitted. His hair styled neatly, but not too rigid.
And in his hand—
A bouquet.
Sunoo’s breath caught.
Sunghoon looked up.
And froze.
Completely.
Because Sunoo—
Looked…
Beautiful.
Soft.
Warm.
Glowing under the streetlights.
For a second—
Neither of them moved.
Then Sunoo walked closer, a small smile forming.
“Hello, Mr. Park.”
Sunghoon straightened immediately.
“…Hello.”
He stumbled.
Actually stumbled over that one word.
Sunoo bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling too much.
Cute.
Very cute.
Sunghoon cleared his throat, stepping forward and holding out the bouquet.
“…This is for you.”
Sunoo blinked.
“…You brought me flowers?”
“…Yes.”
A pause.
“…Is that alright?”
Sunoo’s smile softened.
“It’s more than alright.”
He took them carefully, fingers brushing against Sunghoon’s for the briefest second.
Both of them froze.
Just a little.
Then Sunghoon quickly stepped back, opening the car door.
“…Please.”
Sunoo nodded, getting in.
“Thank you.”
Sunghoon closed the door gently before walking around to the driver’s side.
Once inside, he adjusted his seatbelt, glancing at Sunoo briefly.
“…Where to?”
Sunoo looked at him, still holding the bouquet.
“I made a reservation,” he said, naming a cozy restaurant not too far away.
Sunghoon nodded. “…Alright.”
The car started.
And then—
Silence.
Soft.
Awkward.
Comfortable… but not quite.
Sunoo stared ahead for a moment.
Then sideways.
Sunghoon was focused on the road, hands steady on the wheel, jaw slightly tense.
Nervous.
He’s nervous.
Sunoo smiled faintly.
“…You didn’t have to bring flowers,” he said gently.
Sunghoon didn’t look at him. “…I wanted to.”
Sunoo’s fingers tightened slightly around the bouquet.
A small pause.
“…Thank you,” he said again, softer this time.
Sunghoon nodded once.
Silence again.
Okay.
Enough.
Sunoo turned slightly in his seat, resting his elbow against the window.
“So,” he started lightly, “do you always go offline when someone calls you out?”
Sunghoon almost missed a turn.
“…What?”
Sunoo laughed quietly.
“You know exactly what I mean.”
Sunghoon cleared his throat, eyes still on the road. “…I had nothing to add.”
“After typing for five minutes?”
“…It was unnecessary.”
Sunoo grinned.
“Mmhm.”
A pause.
Then—
“You’re cute.”
Sunghoon’s hands tightened on the steering wheel.
“…Focus on the road,” he said.
Sunoo laughed again, leaning back comfortably.
“Relax, Mr. Park. I’m just talking.”
“…I am relaxed.”
“You don’t look like it.”
Silence.
Sunoo watched him for a second longer—
Then smiled to himself, turning his gaze back to the window.
The tension wasn’t awkward anymore.
It was…
Something else.
Something warm.
Something that made his heart feel a little lighter.
And Sunghoon?
He stole a glance.
Just one.
At Sunoo.
Holding the bouquet.
Smiling softly.
And for the first time—
Driving didn’t feel like a routine task.
It felt like—
He didn’t want the road to end too soon.
The restaurant glowed warmly under soft golden lights.
Sunghoon parked the car and stepped out first, quickly walking around to open the door for Sunoo.
“…Thank you,” Sunoo smiled, stepping out carefully, still holding the bouquet.
Sunghoon nodded, trying not to stare.
But he did.
Just a little.
“…Let’s go,” he said quietly.
—
Inside, the atmosphere was calm and intimate—low music, quiet conversations, the gentle clink of cutlery.
They were seated by a window.
Facing each other.
Which—
Was already dangerous.
“So,” Sunoo started, placing the bouquet carefully beside him, “you come to places like this often?”
“…No.”
Sunoo raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“…Not often,” Sunghoon corrected.
Sunoo smiled. “It suits you.”
Sunghoon paused.
“…What does that mean?”
“It means,” Sunoo leaned forward slightly, chin resting on his hand, “you look like you belong in places like this.”
Sunghoon looked away for a second.
“…You say things very easily.”
“I do,” Sunoo nodded proudly. “Unlike someone.”
Sunghoon didn’t respond.
But the corner of his lips twitched.
—
Dinner was…
Nice.
More than nice.
Easy.
They talked about work at first—safe topics, familiar ground.
Then slowly—
It shifted.
To small things.
Habits.
Preferences.
Sunoo talked a lot—about random things, about how he hated waking up early, about how he once almost missed an interview because he overslept.
Sunghoon listened.
Quietly.
But attentively.
Always.
At some point—
Sunoo picked up the wine bottle.
“Want some?” he asked, tilting it slightly.
Sunghoon shook his head immediately. “…No. I’m driving.”
Sunoo blinked.
Then smiled softly.
“…Right.”
He poured himself a little instead, taking a small sip.
And continued talking.
—
Time passed faster than either of them expected.
Soon—
Dinner was over.
Sunoo reached for his wallet.
“I’ll pay.”
Sunghoon’s hand stopped him.
“…No.”
Sunoo frowned. “I invited you.”
“And I accepted,” Sunghoon replied calmly. “I’ll pay.”
“That’s not how this works.”
“It is.”
“No, it’s not.”
A small silence.
Then—
“I said I’d repay you,” Sunoo insisted, crossing his arms slightly.
“And you did,” Sunghoon said.
“…How?”
“You came.”
Sunoo blinked.
“…That doesn’t count.”
“It does.”
“It doesn’t.”
“It does.”
They stared at each other.
And then—
Sunoo huffed slightly. “…You’re impossible.”
Sunghoon calmly handed his card to the waiter.
“…I’m older.”
Sunoo froze.
“…That’s your argument?”
“…Yes.”
Sunoo narrowed his eyes.
“…That’s a terrible argument.”
“It worked.”
Sunoo looked at the paid bill.
Then back at Sunghoon.
And pouted.
Fully.
Cheeks puffed slightly, lips pushed out.
“I’m not happy.”
“…Noted.”
“You’re not even sorry.”
“…I’m not.”
Sunoo turned his head away dramatically.
“I don’t like you right now.”
A pause.
Then Sunghoon said quietly—
“…You’ll get over it.”
Sunoo blinked.
Then—
He laughed.
Soft. Defeated.
“…Unbelievable.”
—
They stepped outside.
The night air was cooler now.
A gentle breeze brushing past them.
“Let’s walk,” Sunoo said suddenly.
Sunghoon nodded. “…Alright.”
They walked side by side.
Down the quiet path by the river.
The city lights reflected softly on the water, the sound of it flowing steady and calming.
For a while—
Neither of them spoke.
And somehow—
It wasn’t awkward.
Just…
Peaceful.
Then—
Sunghoon stopped.
Sunoo turned slightly. “…Hm?”
Sunghoon’s hands tightened slightly at his sides.
“…Sunoo.”
Something in his tone—
Made Sunoo go still.
“…Yeah?”
Sunghoon inhaled slowly.
Exhaled.
“…I want to tell you something.”
Sunoo’s expression softened.
He turned fully toward him now.
Waiting.
Patient.
“…Okay.”
Sunghoon looked at him.
Really looked.
And for once—
He didn’t look away.
But still—
He hesitated.
His mind racing.
His heart louder than ever.
Say it.
Now.
“…I—”
He stopped.
Closed his eyes for a brief second.
Then—
“…I like you.”
There.
It was out.
But he didn’t stop.
Because if he stopped now—
He’d regret it.
“I’ve liked you for a while,” he continued, voice steady but quieter now. “Longer than I should have.”
Sunoo didn’t interrupt.
Didn’t react.
Just listened.
And that—
Made Sunghoon keep going.
“You make it difficult,” he admitted, a faint, almost helpless breath escaping him. “You talk to everyone easily. You smile like it’s nothing. And I—”
He paused.
“…I don’t know how to do that.”
A small silence.
The wind brushed past them again.
“I kept thinking it would pass,” Sunghoon said. “That it was temporary. That I just needed time.”
He let out a quiet breath.
“…It didn’t.”
Sunoo’s gaze softened.
“…Sunghoon—”
“But you—” Sunghoon cut in gently, not harsh, just… needing to finish. “You keep leaving before I can say anything. And I let you.”
A small, almost amused huff.
“…That’s on me.”
Sunoo blinked slightly.
And then—
That familiar, teasing softness returned to his eyes.
“…So you finally decided to not be slow anymore?”
Sunghoon looked at him.
“…Yes.”
A pause.
Then Sunoo smiled.
Soft.
Warm.
A little cruel.
“…Took you long enough.”
Sunghoon exhaled.
“…I know.”
Another pause.
The air between them shifted.
Something changed.
Sunoo stepped a little closer.
Just slightly.
“…So,” he said quietly, tilting his head, “what now, Mr. Park?”
Sunghoon didn’t hesitate this time.
“…Now?”
His voice softened.
“…I don’t want to be late anymore.”
And for once—
He wasn’t.
For a second—
Everything stilled.
The wind.
The distant city noise.
Even Sunghoon’s thoughts.
All that existed was Sunoo standing in front of him—close, warm, right there.
And this time—
Sunghoon didn’t wait.
He stepped forward—
And closed the distance.
Their lips met.
Soft at first.
Careful.
Like he was still giving himself one last chance to pull back—
But he didn’t.
Because Sunoo didn’t let him.
Sunoo’s arms slipped around Sunghoon’s neck, pulling him closer, pressing into the kiss like he’d been waiting for it just as much.
And that was it.
Whatever control Sunghoon had left—
Gone.
The kiss deepened, just a little—still gentle, still hesitant—but full of everything he hadn’t said for weeks.
When they finally pulled apart—
Both of them stayed close.
Too close.
Sunoo’s lips curved into a soft laugh, breath still warm against Sunghoon’s.
“…That took you long enough.”
Sunghoon exhaled quietly, forehead almost brushing his.
“…I know.”
Sunoo chuckled again, eyes sparkling mischievously.
“You know,” he added, voice light, teasing, “it was actually really fun.”
Sunghoon blinked slightly. “…What was?”
“Teasing you.”
A beat.
Sunghoon stared at him.
“…I knew it.”
Sunoo grinned.
“I knew you were doing it on purpose,” Sunghoon continued, lifting a hand and gently tucking a loose strand of Sunoo’s hair behind his ear. His touch lingered just a second longer than necessary. “…You’re cruel, Sunoo-yah.”
Sunoo gasped softly—mock offense.
“I’m cruel?” he repeated, eyes widening just a little.
Sunghoon raised an eyebrow.
“…Yes.”
Sunoo scoffed lightly, though the smile never left his lips.
“Oh, come on,” he said, nudging him slightly. “It’s your fault.”
“…My fault?”
“You were too slow,” Sunoo shot back immediately, tilting his head with that same playful expression. “What was I supposed to do? Wait forever?”
Sunghoon went quiet.
Looking at him.
Really looking.
And then—
A small, helpless smile slipped through.
“…I deserved that.”
Sunoo smirked. “Exactly.”
A pause.
“…But not anymore,” he murmured.
And before Sunoo could reply—
Sunghoon kissed him again.
More sure this time.
More certain.
Like he finally understood what it meant to not be late.
Sunoo laughed softly against his lips, arms tightening around him, completely giving in.
“See?” Sunoo mumbled between it, voice light and teasing. “Much better.”
Sunghoon didn’t answer.
Didn’t need to.
Because right now—
With Sunoo in his arms, smiling against him—
He was already a complete, helplessly whipped mess.
And for once—
He didn’t mind it at all.
Sunoo didn’t step away.
Instead—
He grabbed Sunghoon’s collar lightly, pulling him closer until their breaths mixed again.
Sunghoon’s heart jumped.
Sunoo leaned in, lips brushing just near his ear—
“My place,” he whispered softly.
Sunghoon froze.
Completely.
And before he could even process it—
Sunoo pulled back, eyes sparkling.
“Catch me to the car.”
And then—
He ran.
“Sunoo—!”
Sunghoon blinked once—
Then immediately chased after him.
“You’re unbelievable—!”
Sunoo laughed, the sound bright and breathless as he darted ahead, glancing back once.
“Too slow, Mr. Park!”
“Not this time—”
Sunghoon caught up faster than expected, grabbing Sunoo gently by the wrist and pulling him back.
Sunoo stumbled slightly—
Right into him.
Both of them laughing now, breaths uneven.
Sunghoon tightened his hold just enough to keep him there.
“…You little—” he started, almost breathless.
Sunoo looked up at him innocently.
“What?” he said, lips twitching. “I didn’t do anything.”
Sunghoon narrowed his eyes slightly.
“…You did everything.”
Sunoo just smiled.
Soft.
Teasing.
Dangerous.
For a second—
They just stood there again.
Close.
Too close.
Then—
Sunghoon leaned in.
Not to kiss him—
But to brush his lips lightly against the shell of Sunoo’s ear.
Sunoo shivered.
Actually shivered, his grip tightening slightly on Sunghoon’s shirt.
“…Sunghoon,” he whispered, voice lower now.
Sunghoon pulled back just enough to look at him.
“…I’ll take my revenge,” he said quietly, tone softer but carrying a hint of promise.
Sunoo’s eyes flickered.
Then—
He smirked.
“Let’s see,” he replied, almost like a challenge.
A pause.
The air between them shifted again—
Still playful.
Still light.
But undeniably charged.
Sunghoon shook his head slightly, a quiet laugh escaping him.
“…Get in the car before you run off again.”
Sunoo grinned, slipping out of his hold just barely.
“No promises.”
They had a DELICIOUS night ahead now let's leave them alone before they catch your single ass smiling.