Chapter Text
Valentine’s Day.
Almost Everyone’s favorite holiday of the year. Getting the chance to spend time with your significant other or with friends or just with yourself.
Usually, Yoo Jonghyuk didn’t celebrate Valentine's Day. The only time he got to celebrate it was with his family or whenever he went to school, he’d get a handful of chocolates and letters from his secret admirer’s.
In which he’d find that it became very annoying later on.
He preferred to stay alone and only accepted gifts from close friends of his or from his family.
Other than that, he didn’t trust strangers who gave him gifts. He would normally throw them away or give it to someone else around his circle.
In a way, Yoo Jonghyuk held a love and hate relationship on Valentines Day.
Although, that fact started to change after meeting the red head beauty on Christmas Day.
“You know,” Alberu clench’s his fist, tightening the shopping bag handled. A vein popping out of his forehead, his eyes closed while contemplatively smiling.
“When you said you needed help with choosing a gift, I didn’t think you’d actually use me as your walking hanger.” Alberu addressed, gripping onto some bags he was currently holding. Yoo Jonghyuk slightly turned his head over his shoulder, his eyes glinted. Alberu could only stare back.
Repeatedly cursing him inside his head.
‘Seriously, if he needed a hanger man, he should’ve called someone else! Not me! Don’t you have any friends, you emo introvert bastard!?’
Yoo Jonghyuk rotated his head back up front, ignoring Alberu’s remarks. Causing him to fume at his nonchalant reaction.
Alberu gawked at Yoo Jonghyuk, he jogs up to Yoo Jonghyuk, pasting his speed.
Yoo Jonghyuk frowned, increasing his speed, pasting Alberu.
Alberu scowled, he rushed after Yoo Jonghyuk who had already darted across the street. Alberu follows along from behind.
“STOP RUNNING SO FAST!!”
“No.”
“HAH?! NO?!” Alberu repeated, “I’M GOING TO TELL CALE ABOUT THIS-“
Yoo Jonghyuk stopped in his tracks as Alberu bumped his head behind his back. Forcing him to tumble down, Alberu wailed while he covered his nose with both his hands. Trying to suppress the pain.
Alberu scrunched up his face, about to speak up before Yoo Jonghyuk pulled up Alberu.
Holding him up in a lion king reference of Simba being held by Rafiki.
Yoo Jonghyuk blankly looked at Alberu.
“Say that again and I throw you across the street” Alberu snorted at Yoo Jonghyuk warning.
“If I die Cale will be devastated about my sudden death. We wouldn’t want that would we, Jonghyuk-ssi”
“What’re you blabbering about?”
“You know what I’m talking-“
“I never said you’d die from it,” Yoo Jonghyuk assured. Alberu looked at Yoo Jonghyuk, appalled by his words.
“What-“
Yoo Jonghyuk released Alberu from his hands, Alberu was now on his feet.
The two looked at each other intensely. Yoo Jonghyuk breaks the silence.
“Let’s go. We don’t have all the time in the world, Crossman” Yoo Jonghyuk turns his back, walking forward. Alberu claps both his cheeks with his hands, waking himself from his sudden daze.
Alberu stared at Yoo Jonghyuk, drilling holes behind his back before catching up to Yoo Jonghyuk.
“When this is all over, I want my sanity back” Alberu stated, Yoo Jonghyuk glances at Alberu. Shrugging his shoulders.
“Then therapy will help”
“Not after this”
As the two left the scene everyone around who witnessed it, found their sibling interaction adorable.
As all of them presumed that the young blonde haired man is an adopted child from a foreign country who the black haired man is taking care of as his older brother.
Both Yoo Jonghyuk and Alberu felt chills all over their bodies, wondering why they felt a sudden chill when their bodies should be all warmed up after all the running they both did.
Ignoring the chill, Yoo Jonghyuk felt a tug from Alberu, he looked at Alberu with annoyance about saying something to him till Alberu cut him short.
“Let’s go in here. I know someone from here that Cale occasionally visit’s” Alberu pointed at a small two story bookstore named ‘The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry’
Yoo Jonghyuk skeptically scans the bookstore, before finally, he nods asking Alberu to lead the way in which he does.
When the two walk in, they're greeted by a person who they’re all too familiar with. Alberu smiles with delight.
“Billos. It’s been a while hasn’t it? How’s your uncle?”
With a pig-like appearance with squinty eyes, smiles towards Alberu, nodding at his comment. “Yes, it has been a while. My uncle was fine overall. How are you? You must be stressed lately since you’ll be a soon-to-be heir of the Crossman CEO.” Billos claimed, Alberu nodded with a contemptuous smile.
“I wouldn’t say that becoming the future CEO is more stressful than it was today” Alberu heard Yoo Jonghyuk click his tongue. The two gushing out a very tense aura.
Billos looks back and forth at the two with his still kept smile, but really if you were to look closely you can see how Billos wanted out of this situation.
Billos gulp’s, he coughs earning Alberu’s and Yoo Jonghyuk attention, “Well... is there anything that you two are looking for in my store?” Alberu nodded.
“Yes, you see, we’re-“
“Ahem”
“He’s trying to look for a gift for Valentines Day”
Billos nodded, understanding Alberu’s explanation, “I see, may I ask who it is for?” Alberu about to answer was quickly shot down.
“Cale Henituse.” Yoo Jonghyuk confidently said, Alberu dangerously smiled. “Yes, what he just said before cutting me off.” Billos shockingly looks at Yoo Jonghyuk.
Cale Henituse? His favorite seller? Billos quietly thinks to himself, pondering about Cale’s relationship with this tall, handsome man. He already knows about Alberu and Cale’s relationship, including his other relationship with his family members he considered. Yet how come he doesn’t know about this one? Billos stuttered out.
“I’m sorry, but you’re here for Cale Henituse? As in trying to buy him a gift?” Yoo Jonghyuk firmly nodded.
“Yes.”
“And it’s for Valentine's Day?”
“Yes.”
“Like as if you two are in a relationship?”
“...yes?”
Billos and Yoo Jonghyuk stared at each other, Billos jaw felt like it dropped while Yoo Jonghyuk looked at Billos with confusion rewritten in his eyes.
Should he just have told him how both his and Cale’s relationship is in some type of contract fake dating relationship? Then again he thinks that this man doesn’t need to know since it’s his and Cale’s business.
Billos ponders into his thoughts.
How come he didn’t know about this? He knows almost everything that’s been going on since he can use it to his advantage.
Billos sharply looks at Yoo Jonghyuk. Wait. Maybe he’s some type of craze fan of Cale or maybe he’s delusional? Billos hesitantly asks.
“I’m sorry, but may I get your name? I should’ve asked for yours before”
“Ah yes...”
‘Before?’ Alberu thought with his still smile. Yoo Jonghyuk extended his hand out which Billos shook.
“It’s Yoo Jonghyuk. But my Streamer name is Secretive Plotter.”
‘Ah-‘ Billos immediately knew him now. Yoo Jonghyuk, a popular gamer in the gamer community and the type that everyone has a crush on due to his sharp yet clear voice.
Billos sighed, ‘How dumb of me...’ Billos should’ve quickly grasped Yoo Jonghyuk's voice, but he didn’t since Yoo Jonghyuk didn’t show his face on the internet.
He would come on and wear an endless black mask that looked like it had stars in it. He started streaming on New Year’s which of course he blew up very quickly, earning quite a number of subscribers and has a strong fan base.
Billos couldn’t believe that this man is the Secretive Plotter and how he has a relationship with Cale. What a surprise.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Yoo Jonghyuk. Names Billos. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Yoo Jonghyuk nodded, the two let go of their hands. Billos smile’s, “So you’re here to look for a gift for Cale? Right?” Yoo Jonghyuk once again nodded.
“Yes... Do you have anything that he might like here?” Billos grinned, “Of course, whatever Cale likes, I have for him. Follow me, please.” Both Alberu and Yoo Jonghyuk follow behind Billos, as the two look around the store, including the ones they were passing by.
Billos stops forcing the two behind to stop at their tracks. Billos extended both his hands out, showing a few old book shelves that were filled in with writhed, dusty books.
“This side of the town is the older books that I got my hands in! Please, take a look around.” Billos beamed with a smile, Alberu smiled back, nodding while Yoo Jonghyuk just went ahead himself to look at a single section by himself as where Billos and Alberu went together to the one next over his.
Upon looking through each and every book, he couldn’t help, but think as to why does Cale like these kind of books? A lot of them were in different genres that weren’t even in category, a lot of them had weird summaries that seem too confusing for Yoo Jonghyuk.
He frowned, thinking that this Billos guy was just lying about his statement till he remembered what Cale said to him during New Years Eve.
。゚•┈୨♡୧┈•゚。
“You wanted to know what I like?” Cale enquired, curiously staring at Yoo Jonghyuk from across a
restaurant table that they were currently at.
Yoo Jonghyuk nodded, looking downwards at his empty plate, “Yes... I realized after spending some time with you over the 6 day’s together that I don’t really know much about you other than your love for money and for your slacker life. I’d... like to know everything about you, not just your like’s, but everything.”
Cale's eyes lit up with wonder and amazement at how Yoo Jonghyuk already knew about his two most precious needs in his world. Cale shifted his eyes around the restaurant.
‘Well he’s not wrong about those two’ Cale takes a sip from his glass cup that has wine in it. He gently lowers down his glass cup, staring at Yoo Jonghyuk.
‘Then again... this could be an opportunity for the two of us to get close to one of another.‘ Cale heaved out a sigh, already knowing that tonight is going to be an interesting night for the two.
He gently puts down his glass cup on the table, bringing his arms onto the table, both elbows on the table and both his hands blended downwards as he rests his chin on top of them.
“Okay. Go ahead. Ask away.” Yoo Jonghyuk shot his eyes back up to Cale, earning Cale’s attention. The two examined each other.
Yoo Jonghyuk could feel his heart beating from excitement yet nervousness filled inside his stomach.
‘So this is what butterflies inside your stomach feels like...’ Yoo Jonghyuk kept trying to calm himself down, but the more he did the more he felt anxious whenever he thought of a question or when he met Cale’s eyes.
Yoo Jonghyuk deepened his frown, ‘I’m too sober for this.’ He takes the glass cup and gulps it down.
Cale upon witnessing this felt a mixture of concern and confusion that he couldn’t keep on his stoic expression. But quickly realized that today is New Year’s Eve, they’re much allowed to have fun. The year is coming to a close.
Cale nodded at his explanation to himself, thinking that’s the reason why Yoo Jonghyuk decided to drink. Yet Cale couldn’t help, but be concerned for Yoo Jonghyuk.
Yoo Jonghyuk lowers his glass cup down on the table, wiping away the leftover liquid from the corners of his mouth. Staring at Cale with a hardened expression makes Cale feel nervous.
‘Is this where I die?’
Cale coughed, not wanting to keep thinking about it or else he’ll quickly lose his appetite and Beacrox will sincerely be upset if that happens.
“What’re your favorite foods?”
“Meat and Pie. But really I like any types of foods if it’s made good”
‘Noted.’
“What’re your hobbies?”
“Easy. Sleeping, reading, photos, and looting” Cale proudly said as he dramatically put his hand on his chest. Yoo Jonghyuk, dumbfounded, stared at Cale’s response.
“....”
“....?”
Silence filled the area. Enough to hear everyone’s chatter around the restaurant.
Cale offendedly looked at Yoo Jonghyuk, “Aren’t you going to say something?” Cale addressed. He doesn’t know why, but he didn’t like how Yoo Jonghyuk got quiet. Yoo Jonghyuk blinked out of his daze, “Sorry... it’s just..” Cale forehead creased. “Just what?”
“It’s just.. I didn’t expect you to say “looting” as one of your favorite hobbies.” Cale blinked a couple of times, before finally understanding his reasoning.
‘I thought looting was a hobby...? Did he find it weird?’ Cale scanned Yoo Jonghyuk who had already gone back to his normal expression.
‘Should I just make it up? Tell him that it was just a joke? Or That it was a mistake? Or should I apologize? Damn, he probably thinks I’m crazy to loot other people! I’m only looting bad people!’
‘I never knew looting people was a hobby... I should maybe show him some people he could loot.’
Without knowing each other’s thoughts.
Cale hardened his frown, ‘I don’t want him to think of me as a bad person...’, he unconsciously looked downwards.
Yoo Jonghyuk who’s been staring wide-eyed for some time now couldn’t believe what he's witnessing. Why does Cale look distressed? Was it what he said earlier?
Yoo Jonghyuk frowned, ‘I should fix this misunderstanding and apologize..’, He looks straight up to Cale, calling him.
“Cale-“
SLAM
“Ah, I apologize for coming in late with your food, Young Master and... Jonghyuk-ssi.” Beacrox slamming Yoo Jonghyuk's food in front of him then gently putting down Cale’s food.
Cale frowned, crossing his arms, slightly narrowing his eyes at Beacrox. Why is it whenever we’re together, we’re always interrupted?
“Beacrox...”
“Yes, Young Master? Do you need anything else?”
‘Yes, For you to leave.’
“Yes, please get me another refill of wine.” Cale nonchalantly said, Beacrox nodded, “Of course, Young Master”
Beacrox quickly darted away, only having one thing in mind was he should hurry and come back with the wine. Both Cale and Yoo Jonghyuk watched Beacrox leave.
Click Clack
“Yoo Jonghyuk. You should hurry and say what you wanted to say before Beacrox comes back.” Cale quickly mentioned, as he digs into his food.
Cutting through the tendered meat, stabbing the sliced meat, and plopping it into his mouth. Savoring the meat with a blissful expression.
‘As expected of Beacrox...’
Cale continued to chew, Yoo Jonghyuk silently nodded as he went to cut his meat. “I apologize for giving you my bore answer of your looting hobby-“
Cale hysterically coughed, already tearing up. Yoo Jonghyuk flinched, he got himself off of his seat, “C, Cale!” Yoo Jonghyuk was suddenly stopped by Cale’s hand motion, shaking his head at Yoo Jonghyuk. Trying to give Yoo Jonghyuk hand signals to not help him.
‘Please don’t come to help-‘
But of course, Yoo Jonghyuk didn’t listen. He kneeled down, roughly patting Cale’s back with wine in one hand. Urging Cale to drink it who kept pushing it away trying to avoid it.
“Cale. Drink it. You have to drown it out” Yoo Jonghyuk sternly said, Cale quickly nodded, taking the wine from Yoo Jonghyuk's hand. Drinking it down, Yoo Jonghyuk relievedly sighed as he gently caressed Cale’s back. Rubbing it in circles.
Cale shivered, he could feel the warmth pressed behind his back by Yoo Jonghyuk's hand and how he could feel his heart fluttering.
Cale lowered down the glass cup, with a crept up blush across his face, he made eye contact with Yoo Jonghyuk. Cale shyly frowned. He couldn’t tell if the reason why he’s blushing is from Yoo Jonghyuk or from the wine.
Maybe he’ll just stick with the wine answer.
“Thank you...” Cale said, Yoo Jonghyuk nodded, “You should be more careful next time, Cale.”
Cale sighed, “I know, I’ll be care-“, Cale was suddenly interrupted with two pairs of hands, cupping his cheeks with a gentle back and forth motion against his under-eyes and up to his eyelids forcing Cale to close his eyes as he felt wet liquids being wiped away.
Yoo Jonghyuk stopped, Cale fluttered his eyes open. Staring at Yoo Jonghyuk with a dazed look, “You’re really a charming man, Cale. Even when you're in this situation” Yoo Jonghyuk said in a hushed tone, only wanting Cale to hear it.
Cale’s face reddened, bringing his hands onto Yoo Jonghyuk’s wrist wrapping his palms around it as he brought them down along his head lowered, covering his face from the sidelines of Yoo Jonghyuk wrist. Cale’s vision was only focused into Yoo Jonghyuk stupidly, handsome face.
Cale glared at Yoo Jonghyuk, “Shut up...” Cale mumbled, Yoo Jonghyuk's whole face lit up with a grin. Seeing Cale like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to tease him.
Yoo Jonghyuk chuckled, “I’m sorry, love. Maybe we should get out of here and see the fireworks together.” He tries to pull his hands away, but Cale firmly grips it. A chuckle escapes from Cale.
“Love? When did you start with the pet name’s, Yoo Jonghyuk?” Cale gazed at Yoo Jonghyuk, he lowered his hands down bringing Yoo Jonghyuk along with him.
Cale’s fingers brush along up to Yo Jonghyuk’s hands, interlocking his fingers together with Yoo Jonghyuk. Cale slowly leans forward, gently whispering.
“Yoo Jonghyuk.” Cale brought up Yoo Jonghyuk knuckles to him, soft yet plump lips touching his knuckles. Cale was kissing his knuckles. Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes widened, his breathing hitched, a tint of red ran across his cheeks. He stared at Cale who currently had his eyes closed.
Cale opens his eyes, slowly raising his eyes back to Yoo Jonghyuk, meeting his gaze. Cale smirked, he lowered their hands down to his lap. He gently rubs Yoo Jonghyuk's hands with his thumbs.
“I didn’t think you’d make a ridiculous facial expression, Yoo Jonghyuk.” Cale said, Yoo Jonghyuk snorted with a chuckle , he couldn’t believe he made him blush with his unexpected action, “I didn’t think you’d be this affectionate. We haven’t even started dating, maybe I should’ve rushed our relationship.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t like rushing things. I like to take my time, besides...” Cale lifted his hand up, brushing Yoo Jonghyuk's hair aside to his ear.
“I don’t think this date wooed me just yet” Cale fingers went through Yoo Jonghyuk locks, looking at Yoo Jonghyuk with an amusement gaze as if he had won.
Yoo Jonghyuk slightly frowned, sometimes he hated how Cale always knew how to turn the tables against him. It’s almost like he knew he'd win and he knew he'd get what he wanted out of him.
Cale Henituse is someone who is so sure of himself.
Yoo Jonghyuk will make sure he’ll win, somehow in some way, “Valentines Day. I just need a month” Yoo Jonghyuk said, confidently looking at Cale.
Cale looked at him in a questioning gaze, lowering his other hand down away from Yoo Jonghyuk's hair, “Valentines Day?” Cale doesn’t know what he’s trying to say. A month? For what?
“Yes. Just give me a month and I’ll make sure you’ll lose.” Cale eyes widened, lose? To what? What could Yoo Jonghyuk possibly be saying about him losing? Cale watched Yoo Jonghyuk stand back up off the floor from his knees. Cale wanted to push in more questions, but unfortunately it was cut off.
“Young Master, I brought the wine like you said” Cale turned to look at Beacrox who in fact did have the wine in hands. Cale glances towards Yoo Jonghyuk, ‘I want to talk with him some more alone...’ Cale turns his attention to Beacrox. He points at the food.
“Get us a to-go-bag. We’ll be leaving” Beacrox looked at Cale with a confused look, watching Cale get up from his seat as Yoo Jonghyuk gave Cale his coat, helping him to put it on.
“But Young Master... you just got here?” Cale nodded, “Yes, well I want to go see the fireworks beforehand. So please get things packed up, Beacrox.” Cale quietly thanked Yoo Jonghyuk while Beacrox frowned.
It looks like keeping the Young Master here a bit longer was a failed attempt. He’ll have to report this soon to Choi Han and his father.
Thankfully, they’ve set up another plan as a backup plan.
Beacrox sighed as he bowed, “Of course, Young Master. Please go upstairs to the roof with Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi. I’ll inform my father and Choi Han to accompany you.” Beacrox said Cale frowned, displeased at the fact of him mentioning two of the most vicious people coming with him.
‘Choi Han will no doubt start a ruckus with Yoo Jonghyuk. No good.’ Cale nodded, “Sure, but please tell them to come up later. Tonight’s a busy night.”
Beacrox wanted to say more, but Yoo Jonghyuk had already dragged Cale away. Beacrox watches them leaving, he clicks his tongue in annoyance.
“That bastard...” Beacrox turns and walks back to the kitchen, ready to inform his father, then later Choi Han.
The door pushed open, both looked up seeing how many stairs they’ll have to walk. Yoo Jonghyuk studied the stairway while Cale started, confusion fogging his brain.
Really, who the hell decided for the stairs to be this long? Cale sighed, already feeling tired just by looking at it.
Yoo Jonghyuk glances at Cale, “Cale we can just take the elevator”, Yoo Jonghyuk said. Cale shook his head. Stepping his foot forward onto the single stair.
“No, let’s just go on up. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?” Cale turned looking at Yoo Jonghyuk.
𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚝𝚎
𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚢 𝚜𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗
𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛
Currently, Yoo Jonghyuk was bridal carrying Cale up the stairs after Cale giving up mid way. Cale frowned, he gazed up at Yoo Jonghyuk. “Thanks…” Yoo Jonghyuk's brows lifted and his chuckles were deep and warm.
“Yeah… You’re welcome, Cale.” Yoo Jonghyuk's lips held a faint smile and his eyes twinkled. A fainted flush spreaded across his cheeks, he turned his gaze away from Yoo Jonghyuk.
Focusing straight ahead, Cale then complained inside his head about how good looking Yoo Jonghyuk looked with such a smile.
‘The Gods clearly have picked their favorite…’
“Cale.”
“Hmm?”
“We’re here now…” Yoo Jonghyuk opened the door, a cold breeze blew through them. The air was cold, brisk, the snowflakes falling faster, covering the ground in pure white. The steadily downward spiral of snowflakes was mesmerizing, peaceful.
Yoo Jonghyuk spoke, breaking the silence, “It’s a shame that we’ll be ruining the scenery with our footprints…” Cale hummed, before he jumped right off Yoo Jonghyuk's grasp. He walked straight ahead, hearing the crunching sound of the snow underneath his feet and the snowflakes softly landing on top of his red hair.
All Yoo Jonghyuk could do was just watch Cale walk away from him. Watching him walk away from him didn’t sit right with him.
Seeing him walk away without him by his side, it felt like he had to go after him before he completely left his vision.
Till he saw Cale who stopped right in the middle, he watched as Cale lifted his head upwards, facing the drove gray sky up above.
The snowflakes gently kiss Cale’s face as it lightly disappears. Cale breathed out, clear, white fog vapored into the frozen air.
“Yoo Jonghyuk.”
“Yes, Cale?”
“Why do you like me?” Cale turned his head to his shoulder, staring at Yoo Jonghyuk. As the two stood there, Yoo Jonghyuk froze, not knowing why Cale blunted asked that question.
After a while, Cale frowned at Yoo Jonghyuk's unresponsive answer back to him, Cale turned his head away from him.
“Forget it. Forget what I had said-”
“It’s because you changed my world when I first saw you…” Cale turned around with his eyes widened, mouth gaped by what he had just heard from Yoo Jonghyuk. Cale spoke in a shaky tone.
“W,What-”
“I’ve never been in love nor liked anyone else before I met you. I know I’ve never felt this way before and I never really knew what love was there for. I dreamed about it, but never believed in it till I met you.” Yoo Jonghyuk strongly stared at Cale, waiting for him to say something, but really nothing came out from Cale’s mouth.
Cale was flabbergasted by Yoo Jonghyuk's claims then began pondering his thoughts. Until he accidentally blattered them out.
“So in short you fell in love with me at first sight?” Cale pointed at himself, watching Yoo Jonghyuk flinch at his response. All he could do was nod, Cale, stunned at Yoo Jonghyuk's small gesture, began to genuinely laugh.
Yoo Jonghyuk watched him laugh, confused why he was doing so. Was what he said a joke to him??
Cale’s laughter slowly died down, he took a small peak at Yoo Jonghyuk's face that held a frown. Forcing Cale to stop laughing, as he only let out a chuckle with a genuine smile.
Cale raised his hand out for him to take it. Yoo Jonghyuk lifted his eyebrows up, staring at Cale’s hand.
“What’re you staring at for so long? Are you going to take it?”
“Why? Why do I need to take your hand? And why were you just-”
“Yoo Jonghyuk. Enough with the questions. Just take my hand, you idiot.” Yoo Jonghyuk frowned, ‘Idiot?’ He walked forward towards Cale’s hand and took it. Feeling the warmth wrapped around his palm, he feels a light tug.
He looked at Cale before he was quickly pulled towards him. Cale held both Yoo Jonghyuk's hands, staring down at them. Yoo Jonghyuk stared down at him, confused by his actions.
“Can I start asking now?” Yoo Jonghyuk asked, keeping his gaze down at Cale who didn’t bother to look at him. Cale nodded with a smile still written across his face.
“You may.”
“Why did you laugh? Why are you holding my hands?” Yoo Jonghyuk questioned, Cale slowly gaze’s up meeting Yoo Jonghyuk eyes. Cale answered in a bright tone.
“Because I never thought I’d get to hear you speak so earnest yet honest about your feelings towards me and just because.”
“Just because what?”
“Just because I wanted to.” Cale cheekly smiled, annoying Yoo Jonghyuk. He stretches Cale’s cheeks, ignoring Cale whines about the pain.
“You really know how to ruin a moment, Cale,'' Yoo Jonghyuk grumbled, letting go of Cale’s cheeks, hearing Cale’s chuckles. “Yeah, Yeah. I’m sorry about that.” Cale quietly replied, he brought his hands to Yoo Jonghyuk's cheeks, cupping them.
BOOM BOOM
Both Yoo Jonghyuk and Cale looked up at the exploding colorful fireworks, spreading across the foggy cold night sky.
The fireworks dazzling in the sky, one by one ending in a fury of light and muffled noise.
Cale smiled at the fireworks, before he turned his attention towards Yoo Jonghyuk who kept his eyes on the colorful sparks of the fireworks.
Suddenly, Yoo Jonghyuk felt a hand cover his mouth then saw Cale on his tippy toes leaning in towards him.
Cale gave a small peck, releasing his hand away from Yoo Jonghyuk's mouth and lowering his feet down.
Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes widened, he was going to question him, but Cale had already intervened.
“You won’t need any dreams. It’ll all be there if you stay by my side.” Cale muttered, patting Yoo Jonghyuk's shoulder, he awkwardly walked away from Yoo Jonghyuk.
Yoo Jonghyuk peered at Cale and what he saw was that Cale’s ears were red. His smile broadened from ear to ear. He catches up to Cale from behind, “You won’t be needing any of those dreams once I’m by your side huh?” He said in a cheeky tone. Cale clicked his tongue, he rolled his eyes.
“And who was the one who brought up the cringy dialogue in the first place? Not me”
“Yet you responded back at it.”
“Yoo Jonghyuk.” Cale warned, Yoo Jonghyuk chuckled, he put his arm around Cale’s shoulder, pulling him closer to him as the two kept walking towards the door back to the stairs.
When they opened the doors, on the other side were Choi Han and Yoo Sangah. Almost bumping into each other.
Yoo Sangah smiled, “Cale, Yoo Jonghyuk!” She exclaimed, Cale looked at Yoo Sangah with a questioning gaze, “Yoo Sangah? Choi Han? What’re you two doing up here…”
“Ah! Well, I wanted to see the fireworks with Choi Han-ssi. We ran into each other before coming up here…” Yoo Sangah sheepishly smiled, scratching her cheek.
Choi Han ignored her explanation, his only focus was Yoo Jonghyuk, he glared at him. Yoo Jonghyuk glared back at Choi Han.
“I should’ve punched you harder that time.”
“Have fun having a criminal record then.”
Both Cale and Yoo Sangah sweat dropped, Cale averts his eyes elsewhere, trying to ignore Choi Han and Yoo Jonghyuk’s vicious aura towards each other. ‘These two are dangerous to be with…’ Cale coughed, quickly changing the topic in hopes to lighten the atmosphere.
“Yoo Sangah, so do you have any plans afterward with Choi Han?” Yoo Sangah flinched, taking herself out of her own daze. Yoo Sangah shook her head, nervously smiling, “No… I think I’ll go back home after this, I hope.” Yoo Sangah gazes down, Cale frowned, raising his eyebrows upwards. Yoo Jonghyuk and Choi Han curiously stares at Yoo Sangah.
‘She hopes?’ Yoo Sangah lifted her gaze up to Cale, letting out a small chuckle, “I’m sorry, it’s just I’m tired after working with Beacrox-ssi and Ron-ssi! And probably afterwards I’ll have to go to work again…” Cale and Choi Han eyes widens, ‘Work afterwards? At this hour?’ The two share the same thoughts.
“Can’t you call in?” Yoo Jonghyuk said, Yoo Sangah shook her head, “No… Unfortunately, tomorrow my job won’t have enough people in for it, so I have to go in.” Choi Han frowned as Cale and Yoo Jonghyuk silently stared at Yoo Sangah. She fiddled her fingers, nervously looking back to forth at the three.
“B,But there's nothing wrong about it! I promised I’ll take care of myself! Hehehe…” Yoo Sangah nervously laughed, Cale reached out to her hands, holding onto them gently, stopping her to fiddled with her fingers. Yoo Jonghyuk shockingly looks at Cale’s hands on Yoo Sangah.
“Yoo Sangah.”
“Y-Yes…?”
“Please, take care of yourself, it’s the best selfish thing to do. It’s necessary.” Cale confidently looked at Yoo Sangah who stared at Cale in awe and shock. Cale conutined on, “And besides, I’ll make sure Beacrox-Hyung hears about this.” Cale slightly pinched Yoo Sangah's hand, she yelped before Cale gently rubbed on the pinched spot.
“I mean it, Sangah.”
“R,Right” Yoo Sangah chuckled, smiling at Cale as Cale kept his eyes on her. Choi Han muttered under his breath, “Cale-nim…” Choi Han smiled, after all Cale still does his good deeds as always, but of course only one person didn’t like any of that.
Yoo Jonghyuk wrapped his arms around Cale’s neck, pulling him away from Yoo Sangah grip, he intensely stared at Yoo Sangah from behind Cale.
Yoo Sangah stared back with the same look as she continued to smile at him. Both having a staring contest.
Cale sweatdropped, ‘We have another person who’s dangerous as well…’ Cale glanced at Choi Han who stayed still, watching the two. Cale called out, “Sangah, it’s 12:21 now…” Cale glanced at his clock, Yoo Sangah gasps, taking her eyes off of Yoo Jonghyuk.
“I forgot about the time! I could be late soon… Choi Han! Come on!” Yoo Sangah pushed Choi Han up front, pushing him to go outside as Choi Han tried to protest, “S,Sangah-ssi, wait!” She pushes him outside, out the view. She waves at both Yoo Jonghyuk and Cale, smiling.
“Bye you two! I hope you enjoyed New Years together!” Yoo Jonghyuk nodded, about the dragged Cale away, but Yoo Sangah called out once more.
“Cale, thank you again. I promised, I’ll go have a drink with you, it’ll be on me” Yoo Sangah said, Cale grinned, “I look forward to it, Sangah.” She nodded, Choi Han called out to Cale, bidding his byes. Yoo Sangah lips curved upwards, she whispers to herself, while the doors slowly close, she watches Cale and Yoo Jonghyuk walking down the steps.
“Yes… me too, Cale, me too…” Then the doors finally closed. Steps echoed along the way down, till it became silent.
。゚•┈୨♡୧┈•゚。
Yoo Jonghyuk opened his eyes, putting the book back into the shelf. If he really thinks about it, Cale is a simple person and because of that it’s hard to find out what he really loves.
Money and food were those things, but Yoo Jonghyuk wants to give him a genuine gift when he already has those or is already given to him.
He turns to look for Alberu and Billos, but is nowhere to be seen. It seems Yoo Jonghyuk was spaced out for too long.
Yoo Jonghyuk walked off, searching for Alberu and Billos passing by many bookshelves with different items on them or just plain books.
But from the corner of his eyes, something shone, catching his attention. He looked at the item with wide eyes as if he had struck gold just now.
He quickly walks to a shelf, quickly grabbing it in a gentle manner. He carefully looks at it to see if there was any damage on it or not. Not noticing his surroundings.
“Oh, wow! You chose a cool looking one, Yoo Jonghyuk.” Alberu said, looking over Yoo Jonghyuk's shoulder, leaning a bit in, close to his face.
Yoo Jonghyuk side-eyed Alberu, “You’re too close to me for my liking, Alberu. Move before I slap you.” Yoo Jonghyuk raises his hand up, Alberu quickly moves away from him, coughing.
“S,Sorry… Ahem, anyways, is that what you’re getting for, Cale?”
“Yes.”
“...”
“...?”
Yoo Jonghyuk raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner, “What?” Alberu plastered a smile on his face and pointing at himself.
“How about we trade-”
“No.” Yoo Jonghyuk walks away from Alberu, looking for Billos as Alberu sighed to himself, ‘At least I tried…’ Alberu follows Yoo Jonghyuk from behind, cursing him yet again in his head.
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
“Please come again!” Billos exclaimed, as the door shut behind Yoo Jonghyuk and Alberu, the two stood there with bags on each of their hands. Alberu felt tired, both mentally and physically.
Alberu smiles at Yoo Jonghyuk, waving at him, “Well, I should really get going now. My aunt and siblings are probably wondering where I am. So bye Yoo-” Yoo Jonghyuk quickly interrupted Alberu.
“Wait. I need you to do one last thing for me, Alberu.”
‘God damnit.’ Alberu frowned, frustrated at the fact that he still needs to do something in this cold, hasn’t he done enough? Can’t he just go home already? Alberu groaned, muttering under his breath, “You’re driving me crazy… Seriously.” Alberu nodded, gesturing to him to continue. Yoo Jonghyuk conutined his words, “Could you…”
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
“Could you please hand me that bouquet?” Cale politely asked, pointing at a mixture bouquet of heliotrope flowers and honeysuckle flowers.
The owner, Grandma Kim, happily nodded with repeats of ‘yes’s’ as she bent down grabbing them, putting them onto the table.
“That’ll be 3.99, Young Master.” Grandma Kim said, Cale nodded, he took out his wallet and ramage through his wallet to find any cash in there as Grandma Kim watched him. She smiles, asking a question, “So, who’s the special person of yours, Young Master?”
“...Why are you amusing that there's someone special of mine, Grandma Kim?” Cale curiously asked, handing her a bill of 50 dollars, Grandma Kim eyes bored into Cale, shaking her head, “Aigoo, there’s no need to add extra, child.” Cale stubbornly shook his head.
“No, please take it, Grandma Kim…”
“And may I ask why?”
“Because I don’t have any other dollars than this 50.” Grandma Kim suspiciously looked at Cale before finally giving in, she grabbed the money, shaking her head once more, “Kids these days…” She commented as Cale chuckled at her response.
Grandma Kim asked again while she grabbed some change out from the cash register, “You didn’t answer my question, child.” Cale averted his eyes away from her gaze, shyly scratching his cheek with a small blush forming to his cheeks, “Well… He isn’t exactly mine… Yet.” Cale answered, blushing a bit more with his embarrassing response to Grandma Kim.
Grandma Kim's eyes gaped, continuing to stare at Cale who turned red even more from her stare, “Grandma Kim… Could you please say something? Instead of staring at me?” Cale pouted, causing Grandma Kim to break out in laughter. She laughs between her words.
“Sorry, my child. It’s just I didn’t expect you to say such a thing…” She chuckled, as she could see Cale pouting even more and could tell what he’s thinking about in words like; ‘Am I not allowed to act like this?’
Grandma Kim smiled softly, she carefully handed Cale the bouquet of flowers, adding into her words, “But, that’s not such a bad thing, you should show more of that side of you. Affection or liking someone is not all that scary, child. Just let that kind of love grow, don’t oppress it. Just let it flow. It’s like falling into a pit of fire like a nose gone numb from a flower's fragrance.” Cale's eyes glinted with awe. He subconsciously hugs the bouquet, Grandma Kim added on, “It’s the steady progression of time, my child.”
Cale wondered why did Grandma Kim tell him this as if he actually needed to hear it, maybe he did need to hear it since this is the first time he’s held romantic feelings for someone that he had to go out his way to ask Rosalyn for some advice.
It’s his first time, could you blame him?
But thanks to Grandma Kim’s small meaningful advice, he felt at ease for today’s holiday because today he’ll ask Yoo Jonghyuk out with confidence now.
Cale softly smiled, lightly nodding at Grandma Kim’s words. He buries his nose into the bouquet, “Thank you, Grandma Kim…” Cale looked at her, Grandma Kim waved her hand as if it was nothing.
“It’s nothing, child. Nothing at all.”
Ding Ding!
“Ah, welcome in… Yoo Sangah.” Grandma Kim smiled, Yoo Sangah smiled back at the door closing behind her, “Hello Grandma Kim and…” Yoo Sangah eyes headed towards Cale, she gasps, excitedly waving at him, “Cale.” He nodded, returning the small wave back to her.
“Sangah, how have you’ve been?”
“I’ve been better! How about you? Are those bouquets for Yoo Jonghyuk?” Yoo Sangah walked to the cash register, standing by his side. Cale shyly nodded, “Yes… They’re for him…” he answered awkwardly, earning a small chuckle from both Yoo Sangah and Grandma Kim. Cale quickly changed the topic.
“A,Anyways… What about you, Sangah? Are you getting some flowers for someone?” Cale asked, Yoo Sangah blinked, nodding nervously, “Yes, I suppose I am… Grandma Kim, has my order come in?” Grandma Kim nods, she turns and walks away, “Yes, yes. Let me go fetch it! Just wait here, dear. Cale, Happy Valentines to you and your soon-to-be man!” She yelled out.
“Thank you, Grandma Kim.” Cale yelled back, not noticing that Yoo Sangah was staring at the bouquet in his arms, he took noticed, “Is something wrong, Sangah?” He asked, Yoo Sangah commented.
“You have such interesting flowers, Cale.”
“Oh? You know the meaning to these, I’m amusing?”
“Pft, of course, those Heliotrope means ‘eternal love and devotion’ and the honeysuckle is, ‘love and affection.’ You must like Yoo Jonghyuk that much to be having those flowers, Cale”
“I suppose so, I didn’t think you knew the symbolism of these flowers.”
Yoo Sangah shrugged, “Someone that I knew, knew the meanings of them.” She calmly said, Cale curiously stared at her and saw that her eyes were welled with a mixture of emotions of longing, gratefulness, and sorrow. Yoo Sangah smiled, turning to look at Cale, “But thanks to them I’m able to enjoy the meanings they give!” She cheerfully smiled, trying to bring up her mood.
Cale mouth gaped, quickly shutting it and opening back up again, “Wait here,” Cale walked away, Yoo Sangah frowned, confused why he left telling her to stay put.
She began to feel worried, till Grandma Kim came back with a mixture of a bouquet of bluebell, columbine, and red tulips. Yoo Sangah pays for them, thanking Grandma Kim who just waved it off. Then Cale came back.
Cale handed Yoo Sangah a single sweet pea flower, “Happy Valentines Day, Sangah.” Cale said, the surprised Yoo Sangah froze, she caressed and held it, “W,What?” Yoo Sangah eyebrows lifted up, sweat dropping. Cale repeats his words.
“Happy Valentine's Day, Sangah.” He adds, “They’re for you. I won’t repeat it the third time.” Cale ignores the surprised Yoo Sangah, he pulls out his wallet to pay for the single flower, but Grandma Kim stops him.
“No need, you’ve already paid with that 50. Now go on you two, go enjoy your Valentine's Day.” Grandma Kim smiled, Cale and Yoo Sangah looked at each other then looked back at Grandma Kim as the two bow down to her, giving their thanks and wishes for Valentine's Day to her.
The two walked to the door in hands with their flowers, waving their byes at Grandma Kim who waved back.
The door behind them closes, meeting with a sudden cold breeze brushing against their face.
Greeting them back to the coldness, Cale lightly shivers, ‘I should get home now before Yoo Jonghyuk comes…’ Cale turns to look at Yoo Sangah who seemed busy looking down at her clock on her wrist.
“Well, I have to get going now, Sangah.”
“Ah, of course, Cale. You should get going! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, I’ll be cheering you on!” Yoo Sangah cheeky smiled, Cale huffed, “Thank you, Sangah… You too.” He turned around, back facing away from Sangah as he walked in a different direction to his apartment.
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
“I’m home.” Cale called out, but heard no one answered back. Concerned and confused, Cale walked around the apartment and saw that Basen and Lily weren’t anywhere to be seen.
He walked to the kitchen and saw a note on top of a wrapped plate of cookies and cupcakes in a Valentine decoration. Cale picks up the note, before reading it he unwraps the plate, taking a cookie. Munching on it, beginning to read it.
Hyung-nim, We made you some
desserts before we left. Alberu
and Eric picked us up to buy some
gifts, so we’ll be back, Hyung.
From, Basen & Lily
P.S. Love you, Oppa! ♡
Cale humed, confirming that both his siblings are okay with his two hyungs. He put down the note on the kitchen table next to the plate. He dust off the crumbs from his fingers and his mouth area.
‘I better get better before Yoo Jonghyuk gets her-’
Thud, Thud
Cale felt himself jump, his heart beating fast. Cale clenched his chest attempting to calm down his heart.
He walked to the door, opened the door with his head peeked out and saw Yoo Jonghyuk in front of his door.
Yoo Jonghyuk held a white medium bag and his hair slicked back, Cale eyes went wide for a couple of minutes, he scanned him from top and bottom. He was dressed in a formal yet simple style. The same as his.
“Cale-”
“You almost gave me a heart attack just now.”
“Huh?”
“Just come in.” Cale opened the door wide open, Yoo Jonghyuk allowed himself inside, murmured an ‘excuse me,’ he took off his shoes. Cale closed the door, walking to Yoo Jonghyuk watching him take off his shoes.
“You changed your hair.” Cale says, Yoo Jonghyuk neatly laid down his shoes, he faces Cale, he lightly brushes his hair back.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes… matter of fact I like it alot. It really makes you look even more handsome…” Cale shyly commented, twirling his hair around his finger in a bashful manner.
Yoo Jonghyuk clasped Cale into a tight hug, still holding onto the bag. Cale hesitated to hug back, but quickly gave in after progressing what had happened.
“Why did you hug me?”
“Because my heart couldn’t take how cute you just were.”
“What?” Cale let out a small chuckle, “What a strange reply.” Yoo Jonghyuk pulled him in closer to him, but Cale tapped him on the back. Yoo Jonghyuk pulled him away with a confused gaze, Cale covered his eyes with his hands.
“Cale?”
“Sorry, keep your eyes closed. I have to go get something.”
“Oh… Okay then.” Yoo Jonghyuk can hear Cale running away from him and as promised he kept his eyes closed.
From what he could hear around him is Cale rummaging through the living room and a cracking sound as if it’s still wrapped.
But keeping his eyes closed didn’t last long, he heard a thudded sound and Cale cursing under his breath.
Yoo Jonghyuk shot his eyes open and saw Cale on his knee with a bouquet of flowers next to him while he rubbed his ankle. Cale looked up at Yoo Jonghyuk with a disappointed expression.
“You were supposed to keep your eyes closed.” Cale grumbled, Yoo Jonghyuk frowned, offering his hand to him, “How could I keep them close when you made such alarming noises?” Cale took his hand, getting lifted up from the floor.
Yoo Jonghyuk had seen the bouquet, but before saying something about it. Cale quickly handed him the flowers, “I just got them before coming back here… So, it's still fresh.” Yoo Jonghyuk put down the white bag, carefully grabbing it. His whole face lit up, his mouth curved into a smile.
“Thank you, Cale. I like them alot.” Yoo Jonghyuk flashed Cale a genuine smile, Cale froze then gazed away, “You’re welcome…” He whispered. Cale realized something, his eyes quickly turned to Yoo Jonghyuk, but what he saw wasn’t his face, but the white bag.
“Open it.” Yoo Jonghyuk demanded, Cale raised a questioning eyebrow towards Yoo Jonghyuk after taking it and looked inside with widened eyes.
He darted his eyes to Yoo Jonghyuk, making eye contact with him while Yoo Jonghyuk giggled at his reaction.
“Go ahead, you should take it out.”
Without hesitation, Cale takes out a retrospekt camera 600 film from the white bag. His eyes sparkle, he switches the camera in different angles. Yoo Jonghyuk said, “I got the camera at a tea shop with Alberu. A tea shop called ‘The Fragrance of Tea with Poetry’” He goes on, “It took me a while to find you a gift… Until I remembered that you said you liked taking photos. So, I hope that my gift to you satisfies you as today and onwards, this camera will be your recording to hoard any moments in there.”
Cale nodded at his words, he gently hugged the camera, “Thank you, Yoo Jonghyuk,” He smiled to himself, while he thanked Hyung and Billos for helping Yoo Jonghyuk out on helping him. ((They really didn’t lol))
Yoo Jonghyuk spoke once more, “By the way, I had Alberu do me a favor earlier on taking your siblings out before they come back. I hope you don’t mind them being gone for a while.” Cale shakes his head, he turns around walking towards the kitchen with a still smile on his face.
“No, I don’t mind that at all.” Cale puts down the camera on the kitchen table close by the plate, he motions to Yoo Jonghyuk to come to where he is, “Aren’t you gonna come?” Yoo Jonghyuk nodded, “Right.”
He walked to the kitchen table, putting down the bouquet next to the camera. He glances at the plate, “Basen and Lily made this?” Cale nodded, scooting closer to Yoo Jonghyuk, “Yes, tomorrow I should get them something since I couldn’t get them anything today.” Yoo Jonghyuk hummed in response, he put his elbow on the table, his side of his face leaning into his palm. Staring at Cale to his face to the bottom.
While his eyes traveled down, he saw how red his ankle had gotten in a short amount of time. He frowned at that, Cale turned his head to Yoo Jonghyuk about to ask him a question, “Yoo-''
Suddenly, he was lifted up to Yoo Jonghyuk shoulders, he carries Cale away to his room, Cale shouted, “H,Hey! Yoo Jonghyuk- oof” Cale fell on the bed, Yoo Jonghyuk pinned Cale down.
Cale looked at Yoo Jonghyuk, puzzled by his action, he brought his hands up to Yoo Jonghyuk cheeks, cupping them. Yoo Jonghyuk gazed into Cale’s eyes. Cale asked in a hushed tone.
“You know, I don’t like rushing things.”
“Not like that.”
Cale chuckled, his finger gently rubbed his cheek, “I know.” Yoo Jonghyuk opened his mouth to speak, but Cale beat him to it.
“We should go out.” Cale bluntly said, Yoo Jonghyuk eyes widened surprised that he asked him out first before he did, he smirks, “I thought you didn’t like rushing things?” Cale shrugged.
“Shouldn't you be happy? I rushed for you.” Yoo Jonghyuk leaned closer to Cale, responding back, “You’re right, I am happy. I’ve waited too long for this.” Cale smiled, wrapping his arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
“Just kiss me already, you big dork.”
“As you wish, Cale”
Yoo Jonghyuk half closed his eyes as he tenderly gave Cale a peck, he pulled back and Cale laughed, “That’s it?” Yoo Jonghyuk pouted with a small blush forming his cheeks, “I thought you just wanted a kiss.”
“I mean yeah, but I was hoping for a more passionate kiss.”
“We have time for that later on.”
“Later on?”
Creeeak
“Hyung-nim, we’re home.”
“Oppa, we’ve brought food! Alberu and Eric are here!”
Cale sighed, Yoo Jonghyuk smiled, “I told you we’ll have time. For later on.” Yoo Jonghyuk got off from Cale. He grumbles, Yoo Jonghyuk offers his hand out for Cale.
“Come on, they’re waiting.”
“Sighh, okay…” Cale grabbed Yoo Jonghyuk's hand and pulled him off from the bed. Cale interlocks his fingers to Yoo Jonghyuk, “Let’s go then” Cale turns to look at Yoo Jonghyuk with a soft smile, Yoo Jonghyuk smiles back, “Lead the way, I’ll follow.”
Cale hummed, he walked out from the door with Yoo Jonghyuk, hand by hand. The door that was left opened, Yoo Jonghyuk slowly closed it behind him with only a single thought passing through his head.
‘With loving for one last time, I’m now not alone anymore.’
♡ Completed Recording ♡