Chapter Text
Nobody ever talks about this, but there are so many brands and types of bandages that it throws Hangyul’s head in a spin sometimes. Here he is, squatting in the medicine and bandages aisle of the pharmacy, reading the labels in front of him. It’s usually Dongpyo - Seungwoo’s beloved little brother - who buys the medical kit for the gym, but Hangyul decided that he needs a stock of his own. It proves to be stupid, however, because he doesn’t know the difference between the bandages.
A figure looms over him, standing next to his squatting self. Hangyul glances at the red pair of Converse sneakers belonging to the person before standing up to subtly look at who it is. It appears to be a rather red-faced man with chin-length hair shaping his face. He has one side of his half-parted hair swept behind his ear, revealing his pretty profile. Hangyul realizes that he’s been staring, but the man doesn’t notice because he is rather intoxicated. His eyes squint as he scans the array of choices for bandages as well. The man reaches a hand out to grab one that’s hanging in the middle, but fails to control his nerves when several other bandages around it topples and falls to the ground like a house of cards.
“Shit, shit, shit.” The man mutters, looking down at the mess. He looks up and pushes his hair back behind his ears and finally sets eyes on the man next to him. The man grins and adds, “Sorry.”
“I’ll help you.” Hangyul offers, immediately squatting down again to pick the boxes up. He hands them to Seungyoun to arrange them, leaving one last box for him to put back himself. Hangyul turns to smile at him and asks, “Do you usually go shopping for bandages while drunk?”
The man doesn’t respond to the question, opting to take Hangyul’s hand that he saw a few seconds ago picking up boxes. Hangyul is flustered by the sudden contact, but he lets the man inspect his hand. He had been in training earlier today where he tried some bare-knuckle boxing which left his knuckles in a nasty state, albeit it was satisfying to not have anything restrict his movements.
Gently running a finger over Hangyul’s red knuckles, the man looks at him and says, “Soak them in warm salt water so they can heal better. And use lotion on your hands before you do this again.”
Impressed by the advice, Hangyul asks, “Are you a doctor? Or are you also a fighter?”
The second option is unlikely though, because the man looks skinnier in comparison, not to mention amazingly pretty. It’s always such a shame when a pretty face has to be disfigured in a fight. The man shakes his head and laughs, letting go of the hand. “I used to hang out with fighters.”
“They’re a handful, aren’t they?”
“That would be an understatement.”
Before Hangyul could make a move and ask for a name or a number, a familiar face approaches him. He sighs at the sight of Yohan who is limping towards him. Yohan exclaims, “Dude, how long does it take you to buy some bandages?”
When he realized that Hangyul was in a conversation with someone, he apologized and promptly tells Hangyul to hurry up. The man’s eyes are glued on Yohan’s bandaged leg, a worried look tinting them. “Is his leg okay?”
“Yeah, don’t worry about it. It’ll heal just fine in a few weeks.” Hangyul remarks, referring to the ankle injury Yohan suffered during training. It was a shame that he had to bail on a series of matches, which is why Hangyul gets to step up. “Work hazard.”
The bright look on the man’s face is gone, replaced with something resembling melancholy and regret. He briefly smiles at Hangyul before walking away towards the food aisle. Hangyul loudly sighs to himself for losing the chance to ask such a handsome guy for his name at the very least. He starts touching his face, wondering if he missed a spot while shaving or if there was a bruise that still hasn’t healed. His thoughts are interrupted when Yohan shouts at him to hurry up. Hangyul groans and grabs the most generic looking bandage he could get his hands on.
~x~x~x~
While it is true that the only reason Hangyul is getting his chance to breakout into the fighting scene is because Yohan got injured, it is unfair to leave out the fact that Hangyul is one of the gym’s best fighters. Yohan is a master at Taekwondo who decided to leave the rigid practice to broaden his skills in mixed martial arts, his legs being his biggest strength which is a great thing when it comes to a neat triangle choke. Hangyul also had his start with Taekwondo, but he was also involved in wrestling, Muay Thai, and several other less conventional martial arts. He was an underdog in the kickboxing world when he participated as a teenager, earning respect even if he did not win any major titles. It was fate that MMA became a thing by the time he had to choose a career path.
His parents were beyond worried when he told them that what seemed like a healthy hobby was about to be his way of life, because what parent would want to see their son get the shit kicked out of him on TV? However, the booming MMA industry in South Korea and the pay that fighters get once they’re in demand - that’s what he really wants. He wants to pay his parents back for taking care of him, and martial arts is the only skill he has to boast. He told his parents that he’s moving to Seoul and that they don’t have to attend his fights - they just need to know that he will take good care of himself.
In Seoul, he puts himself in the care of Han Seungwoo, former lightweight champion who retired early due to an injury, but decided to train kids. He champions strong defense in fights more than anything now. Gyms rarely take up kids to train unless they’re the likes of Yohan and Hangyul, but Seungwoo’s focus is to help them get fit and defend themselves. Having a couple of star fighters is just part of his passion - to continue going to matches and relive the adrenaline of winning, even if he wasn’t the one fighting. Hangyul had seen Seungwoo when he was still a fighter and the man was never short of impressive. Every kick had girth and every punch of his landed gracefully. He tried not to get his face injured as much as he can, something that should be considered a feat on its own in this sport.
So when his friend Yohan suggested that he leave kickboxing behind and take up MMA, it only took Seungwoo’s name to be mentioned for Hangyul to agree. He has been training for two years now, perfecting the other areas he lacked in, as well as to reach a weight that could be ideal for his skills. Hangyul also needed to get used to the rougher injuries sustained, which is something he left out when explaining the sport to his parents.
When Seungwoo decided to level him up as the gym’s star fighter this season, Hangyul was overwhelmed but also felt like this moment could not come sooner. Yohan wasn’t even mad about it because he is satisfied with Hangyul as a fighter and would love to watch the fights for a change. It felt like they’re switching roles now, and Yohan is ready to help coach him from outside the cage.
“Your ex is back in town.”
Heads simultaneously turn towards Wooseok who said those words. He had directed them towards Seungwoo, who is holding up a boxing pad in the boxing ring for Hangyul to throw various punches at. Seungwoo doesn’t even look when he asks, “Seungyoun?”
“Yeah, who else. He’s back for good and he asked for you.”
“Where did you meet him?” Seungwoo asks, finally throwing a brief glance to Wooseok. Hangyul’s punches become weaker as he tries to listen in on this conversation.
Wooseok, who is stuffing his training gears in his bag, answers, “He’s working at the magazine with me again. He arrived in time for the new season, so everybody’s thanking Buddha and Jesus for his return.”
Motioning at Hangyul to halt the punches, Seungwoo removes the pads and moves towards the edge of the ring and rests his elbows on the ropes. He looks down at Wooseok who is ready to leave them gym and asks, “Is he...does he look okay?”
“It’s been 2 years, he said he’s over the whole thing himself.” Wooseok slings the back over his shoulder and adds, “In fact, I think you should invite him to the match this weekend.”
Finally a relevant part of the conversation, Hangyul chimes in, “My fight?”
“I don’t think that would be in good taste.” Seungwoo shakes his head and brushes his hair back.
“He brought that suggestion up himself.” Wooseok shrugs. “Maybe he really is over it.”
Still lost, Hangyul looks between Wooseok and Seungwoo, trying to discern what their expressions mean. When Seungwoo finally agrees to do so, Wooseok smiles and leaves the gym. Amidst the sound of other patrons of the gym practicing, Seungwoo quietly put the pads back on and walks towards Hangyul.
Continuing his punches, Hangyul asks, “Trying to win your ex again, hyung?”
“Control your breathing,” Seungwoo reminds him, moving the pads higher for a change, “and no, I’m not. He’s just a good friend I haven’t seen in years.”
“Where was he?”
“China.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s a photographer.”
“How long were you guys together?”
“A year.”
“Why’d you guys break up?”
“It was some time ago-- Didn’t I tell you to control your breathing?” Seungwoo scolds, moving the pads around for flexible movements. “You won’t be chatting with your cage opponents like this.”
Politely abiding by the orders given, Hangyul continues to throw better punches with better regulated breathing. He strikes the pads from various angles and heights, training himself to prepare for whatever height the opponent might be.
Later that night, Hangyul finds the topic still lingering in his mind. The thought of Seungwoo’s ex coming to his fight shouldn’t matter to him, and yet it massively does. Folding clothes on the floor in front of the television, Hangyul turns to look at Yohan who’s on the couch, flicking through the channels.
“Wooseok said Seungwoo’s ex is back and he’s coming to my fight.” Hangyul tells him.
Yohan shrugs. “And what am I supposed to do with that piece of information?”
“Aren’t you curious? We’ve never seen Seungwoo date anyone longer than a few weeks. He dated this guy for a whole year, so he must be…”
“Amazing?”
“Maybe,” Frowning, Hangyul folds a pair of Yohan’s pants. “He said they’re still good friends, though.”
Grabbing a pillow, Yohan throws it at Hangyul and laughs. “Do you worship Seungwoo so much that you’d date the guy he dated?”
“That’s so weird, of course not.” Scoffing, Hangyul throws the pillow back at him. He mutters under his breath, “I just want to meet this guy.”
~x~x~x~
Receiving a phone call from Han Seungwoo was on the list of things Seungyoun strongly expected, so he’s glad he could cross it off. The older man’s voice is still as sweet as he remembers, beginning their conversation by asking him how he’s doing. The invite to the fight sounded reluctant, and Seungyoun understands it. The last fight he had been in was two years ago with Seungwoo in the cage, after all.
Seungyoun promised himself to get over his fear and resentment towards the cage.
He needs to do that before he could even think of making proper amends with Seungwoo. He knows that Seungwoo has retired since then, choosing to train other people instead. He also knows that it’s been two years and feelings are subject to change, as inconsistent as the direction blades of grass blow in a storm. Seungyoun is back in his hometown that he has missed so dearly, and he won’t let anything ruin it.
The years spent photographing for fashion magazines in China as well as certain parts of Europe was eye opening and broadened his network by a lot. He returned with the hopes of putting his new skills to use at the magazine he used to work for, so he’s more than happy at the warm welcome he received. Wooseok is especially glad at his return, saying something about their previous photographers not capturing the essence like Seungyoun did. It was also Wooseok who updated him about Seungwoo’s life because Wooseok has been working out at Seungwoo’s gym. He can bet it was also Wooseok who suggested inviting Seungyoun to the game.
And that’s how Seungyoun ended up in a crowded, small hall. The seats in the hall are placed in a way that encircles the octagon cage in the middle. It’s a cage Seungyoun is painfully familiar with, yet it still feels new every time he sees it. At least it won’t be Seungwoo in it , he reminds himself.
Wooseok sits next to him with a few younger men sitting on his other side. Seungyoun asks him who they are and learns that they’re Seungwoo’s students, all young and eager. One of the kids arrives late, having to sit next to Seungyoun. He’s significantly younger looking than the rest and seemingly nervous.
“Hi, I’m Seungyoun. I’m a friend of Wooseok and Seungwoo’s.” He introduces himself.
The boy politely bows his head and replies, “I’m Dohyon. I train at the gym.”
“You’re quite young, aren’t you?”
“15 years old.”
“Is this your passion?”
“No, my mum wanted me to learn self defense.” Dohyon’s innocent face makes Seungyoun smile, pleased by how cute this boy is. “But Hangyul hyung has been taking care of me, so I need to show my support.”
“Who?”
“Lee Hangyul, the guy who’s fighting tonight. Seungwoo’s featured fighter this season.”
Unaware of the fighter he’s supposed to root for tonight, Seungyoun nods. When the lights finally dim and the spotlights are directed towards the cage, the crowd starts cheering. An announcer’s booming voice echoes throughout the hall, announcing the beginning of tonight’s series of matches. The first fight is immediately announced, a match between X1, Seungwoo’s gym, with another local gym. The mention of X1 makes the crowd cheer as they’re probably familiar of Seungwoo’s colorful resume. The opponent is invited into the cage first, a man in a pair of black compression shorts. He stands at the blue corner, waiting for his opponent.
When the fighter from X1 is announced, Seungyoun pulls out his camera and aims it at the entrance. Dohyon watches him intently, surprised by the sudden action. The announcement of Lee Hangyul’s name and his cage name ‘ The Tiger ’ creates a thunderous response from the crowd. The fighter heads towards the cage with Seungwoo and another man behind him. Seungwoo helps him take his shirt off, revealing a body perfectly built for the sport and a few tattoos on his back. He only has a pair of red boxing shorts on, suiting his position in the red corner.
Seungyoun begins to realize what attracted him to the sport in the first place.
The fight officials then proceeds to check Hangyul’s body before applying Vaseline on his face. Seungyoun knows that this is so they don’t cut their face easily, which should’ve been a big fat warning about how dangerous this sport is.
The fighter has a face chiseled to perfection, and this is only what Seungyoun is seeing from several feet away from the cage. He could tell that Hangyul is handsome, which has him wondering if Seungwoo only has good looking people in his gym. He turns to Dohyon and asks, “Is Hangyul any good?”
“He’s the best. He’s called the Tiger because it’s over for his opponents when he starts pouncing on them.” Dohyon proudly tells him, smiling brightly. He points at the man standing next to Seungwoo and adds, “Yohan hyung was supposed to be the featured fighter, but he hurt his leg so Hangyul’s stepping up.”
Up to date with the situation, Seungyoun nods and puts his camera down. Hangyul enters the cage towards the red corner after having his mouth guard put in. He’s light on his feet, already lightly jumping from one foot to the other to get in the groove. The referee asks them to step up to the middle and greet each other, which is done by touching each other’s hands. Once the bell dings marking the start of the fight, Seungyoun starts timing the excruciating 5 minutes until the break.
Hangyul isn’t immediately attacking, choosing to analyze his opponent first. Both of them have their hands up in a loose fist in front of their faces, looking through them like animals in a jungle. The opponent starts swinging his fist first, missing each time. A kick of his lands on Hangyul, though it barely made him move. Hangyul then throws his first punch, hitting the guy square in the face. The crowd cheers. Seungyoun could make out a smile on Hangyul’s face. The first round goes on uneventfully, featuring a few missed jabs and kicks. The bell dings and the fighters retreat towards their corner to recuperate whatever damage they received and to listen to their coach’s strategy.
The second round begins and the opponent immediately starts throwing successive kicks and punches, some evaded and some hitting Hangyul. Hangyul decides to start his offense and punches the man a couple of times before delivering a high kick to his face. It lands perfectly and almost knocks the man over. Hangyul then takes the chance to move in and punch him even more, the sound of his hand meeting his opponent’s face almost audible to the crowd. When he retreats, it’s evident that the opponent’s face is damaged by now, splattered with red. They dance around each other until another break arrives. Seungwoo seems to have more strategy advice this time, with Hangyul listening to him intently while someone tends to the slight bruise on his ribs.
In the last round, Hangyul is the one to immediately go into offense and knocks the man over with his legs. He uses his wrestling skills to pin the man down and wrestle him into an armbar, one of the most effective locks invented. The man puts up a good fight, but he loses in the end when Hangyul grabs his arm and locks the man down with his legs. The size and muscles of Hangyul’s thighs tells Seungyoun that he has this under control.
It’s almost amazing to watch Hangyul fight. Seungyoun was used to Seungwoo’s more subtle attacks in the cage, while Hangyul truly moves like a tiger in there. He has a cocky stance to intimidate his opponent, matched with his powerful swings. It takes the man barely 20 seconds before he taps out.
Hangyul lets go of his arm and helps the man stand up, making sure nothing was broken or dislocated. The judges begin their scoring as the fighters stand in their corners. The result finally comes out and the referee stands in the middle of the cage with both men’s hands in his. Lee Hangyul’s name is announced as the winner and his arm is raised, bringing on a huge cheer from the crowd. Hangyul walks around the cage to thank the crowd before shaking hands amicably with his opponent. As he is ushered out of the cage, Wooseok nudges Seungyoun.
“Let’s meet them.”
“Who?”
“Seungwoo and his wonder boy.”
In a room somewhere in the same building, Seungyoun follows Wooseok and the other boys inside, nervous for this encounter. The boys cheer on Seungwoo and Yohan, proud of them for helping Hangyul win what seems to be his first professional match. Seungyoun’s eyes meet Seungwoo’s almost instantly, a familiar feeling awashing him. He smiles at the man and mouths a congratulations above the loud cheers of the boys. Seungwoo mouths back a thank you before approaching him.
“Thanks for coming.” Seungwoo greets him, hands awkwardly stuffed in the pockets of his jacket.
“I wanted to see what you’ve been up to.” Seungyoun replies, also awkwardly holding his camera. “Your fighter’s really good.”
“Yeah, Hangyul’s a gem in the rough.” Agreeing, Seungwoo nods. “Do you want to meet him?”
“Where is he?”
Like he has been summoned, Hangyul walks into the room after getting checked by his physicians. Seungyoun’s eyes brighten up at the sight of the fighter up close - a lot more handsome and intimidating. Hangyul was just putting a shirt on when he entered, proceeding to untie his hand wrap as he walks around to meet his friends. His hair seemed lighter under the spotlight, but it’s only a lovely shade of brown. It’s wet and slicked back, revealing the man’s amazing facial structure. His cheekbones are pronounced when he smiles, well matched with his defined jaw bones. Seungyoun has a sharp eye for beautiful features and Hangyul has them all . From his perfect figure to his perfect face, all Seungyoun wants to do is take a million pictures of him.
He realizes that he’s been staring when Hangyul approaches him with a curious smile on his face. Seungyoun gets ready to introduce himself but is cut by Hangyul who exclaims, “You’re the pharmacy guy!”
Scrunching his eyebrows, Seungyoun is as clueless as everyone else in the room. “Pharmacy guy?”
“You were at the pharmacy a few nights ago, looking for bandages. I think you were drunk.”
Seungwoo and Wooseok chuckle from behind Seungyoun, probably thinking that it sounds like something Seungyoun has done before. Seungyoun closes his eyes and tries to revisit that night, a big blur to his drunk ass. Once the scattered pieces of his memory comes back, he smiles and looks at Hangyul. “That’s right, my friend fell while trying to skate. I was getting something for his knee - I’m so sorry but I do not remember what we talked about.”
After unwrapping one hand, Hangyul showed his knuckles that are still red from the hand wrap. “You told me to soak my hand in warm salt water so my knuckles could heal better. I also moisturized them before I punch without protection.”
The memory finally coming back to him, Seungyoun laughs and holds onto Hangyul’s hand, inspecting the healing knuckles. They look good indeed, nothing like the state it was in. Seungyoun sighs and softly says, “I had experience.”
Hangyul’s face changes into a perplexed expression when he asks, “Are you Seungwoo’s ex?”
“D-Did he talk about me?” Their voices are low so Seungwoo wouldn’t listen.
“Just that you were coming.”
Chuckling, Seungyoun lets go of his hand and extends his own hand forward. “But I have a name; it’s Cho Seungyoun.”
Shaking his hand, Hangyul smiles and says, “Lee Hangyul.”
“I know, The Tiger.”
“Only in the cage.” Hangyul jokes, giggling. When the other guys start moving out of the room, Hangyul asks Seungyoun, “Want to join us for drinks?”
Wondering if it’s a good idea, Seungyoun looks over at Seungwoo. The other man is busy talking to Wooseok as he helps pack Hangyul’s gears into a bag, briefly looking up to smile at Seungyoun. Seungyoun smiles at Hangyul and nods. “Oh what the hell, you’ve seen me drunk anyway.”
~x~x~x~
Several shots in, Hangyul still hasn’t been able to look away from Seungyoun. With his long hair swept behind his ears as usual, Seungyoun’s animated way of telling stories puts Hangyul in a dazed state. The man isn’t just pretty in all sense of the word, but he’s also amazingly hilarious and carefree. He has been filling the time with an amazing amount of anecdotes, making everyone at the table clutch onto their stomachs laughing. It doesn’t help that he’s sitting next to Hangyul, sometimes directing the stories at him. Hangyul loves the way his face can feature a million different expressions with no regards as to how it makes him look.
After a while, everyone at the table is talking to someone, the atmosphere relaxed. Hangyul looks around and finds himself staring at the way Seungwoo and Seungyoun are talking to each other, possibly catching up. Having never broken up amicably with any of his past lovers, Hangyul wonders how they are still friendly despite having dated each other for a whole year. There must be some resentment left...or some love, perhaps. Unable to shake the thought away, Hangyul turns to talk to Wooseok.
“That’s a very matured break up.” Hangyul points out.
Wooseok snickers. “That’s what happens when two rational people date.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were getting back together.” Hangyul says as he drinks his beer. He mutters, “Unless…”
“They’re not getting back together.” Leaning back and chugging his beer down, Wooseok sighs. “I think they’ve both made that clear. Seungyoun wants a fresh start, anyway.”
“I see…”
“Why, are you interested?”
“Interested in what?”
“Seungyoun. He’s your type down to a tee.”
“I’ve literally just met him.”
“Never stopped you before.” With a wink, Wooseok destroyed Hangyul’s weak excuse. Hangyul bites the inside of his cheek and laughs bitterly at the reference to his previous fling days. He has gotten more serious lately, which is why he hasn’t dated or slept with anyone for months now. He glances over at Seungyoun, who’s now nursing a bottle of beer quietly, and smiles at the possibilities.
Hangyul makes a move and asks him, “What did you think of my fight?”
Surprised, Seungyoun looks at him with a smile. “I thought you were amazing. You have raw skills and also a very intimidating presence. The stage name suits you very well.”
“I thought my punches could’ve landed better.”
“Your kicks made up for whatever your punches lacked.” Seungyoun assures him and pats his thigh. Hangyul gulps at the contact. “You’re different from Seungwoo who likes using his upper body. You’re giving him a run for his money, seriously.”
“Yeah, I work with my legs a lot. That’s why they’re the size of a small country.” Hangyul looks down at the way his thighs spread across the seat, poking at them.
With a tilt of his head, Seungyoun asks, “Haven’t you heard? Thick legs are in right now.”
“Am I in style?”
“You are leading the style with your legs, Hangyul.”
They laugh at this back and forth nonsense of a conversation they’re having. They’re only interrupted when Seungwoo announces that it’s time to go home since the kids are, well, kids and he has to open the gym early tomorrow. Seungyoun turns to Hangyul and asks, “Do you need a ride home? I drove here.”
Eyes glinting with hope, Hangyul nods eagerly.
He drives a fucking Mercedes . Hangyul tries to hold back any form of expression on his face, opting to enter the passenger’s side of the car quietly. Seungyoun sits in the driver’s seat and plays something on the radio before backing out of the parking spot. Not even trying to hide it, Hangyul admires the way Seungyoun sings along to the song as he focuses on his driving.
“You have a nice voice.” He shyly points out.
Startled like he forgot he has a passenger, Seungyoun thanks him. “I used to want to be a singer, but modeling took up so much of my life that I decided to just enter the fashion world.”
“Right, you have the legs of a model.” Hangyul remarks. “So now you take pictures of models?”
“That’s correct. I’m sick of being in front of the camera.”
“But you’re so pretty, though.”
Smiling at the cheesy compliment, Seungyoun looks at Hangyul and asks, “How drunk are you?”
“Let’s just say my tolerance level isn’t that impressive.”
The rest of the car ride goes the same way - filled with banter and jokes. It didn’t matter that Hangyul is finally getting off his adrenaline high and is dead tired, neither did it matter that he knows how sore he will be tomorrow morning. What matters is he is with one of the most interesting people he has ever met. He can’t imagine ever having a bad time around Seungyoun, which is probably why Seungwoo and him lasted so long.
Hangyul might be a little jealous of that.
When Seungyoun stops in front of his apartment, he offers to take Hangyul to his doorstep because he’s so drunk. Hangyul politely tells him that he should go home instead since it’s late. Hangyul closes the car door behind him and waves goodbye at Seungyoun. Seungyoun’s eyes disappear into crescents over his cheeks as he waves back with glee.
Hangyul watches the car driving away into the night. He puts his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants and sighs. Fuck, I’m in love.