Chapter Text
Girls would usually "cutely" cling to their boyfriends' arm but Choi Han is different.
...She would grab Cale's waist instead.
At first, Cale found it weird why Choi Han would even want to hold his waist but soon enough he got used to his girlfriend doing this so he didn't think much of it anymore.
But right now, he minds.
He minds that his girlfriend is not wrapping her arm around his waist anymore. Heck, she's not even constantly by his side anymore! But because of Choi Han's continues request of spending time with her friend (which is also Cale's friend) he really can't do anything about that. Cale can't bring himself to restrict his girlfriend especially if its that kind of request.
But consistent request of going over her friend's apartment for 2 consecutive weeks?
No! Cale has to know what she's been doing over Alberu's!
He'll ask her what they've been doing that they needed to meet all the time, everyday!! Then decide whether he'll allow Choi Han to meet with him or not once Cale hears the reason.
...Was what Cale thought but as soon as he saw Choi Han giving him twinkling puppy dog eyes while saying, "Cale-nim, can I go hang out with your hyung for today as well?" he found his mouth moving on its own and automatically saying yes.
Wait-! He's not supposed to say yes—
Cale was already too late. Choi Han had left the apartment when he realized his mistake.
Cale could only curse under his breath.
2 weeks ago
"Oh, its finally here" Cale nonchalantly commented while he was holding his phone in one hand and carrying a glass of water on the other. He was leaning on the kitchen counter when he said that, causing his girlfriend, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room, peek at him through the small gap between the living room and the kitchen.
The apartment wasn't really big so it was easy for Choi Han to spot her boyfriend.
She slightly tilted her head to the side, "What is?"
Cale didn't look up from his phone as he replied, "The game I wanted to play few months ago. Its finally been released, I'm thinking of playing it later." Cale pocketed his phone and drank the water from the glass he was holding then placed it on the counter before calmly walking towards the living room.
Choi Han's mind was filled with thoughts at the moment; a game Cale wanted to play? a game that made Cale interested? she should try to play it sometime so they can play the game together.
Choi Han subconsciously smiled before suddenly freezing at the realization.
She doesn't play games as often as Cale does.
The last time she did was... 2 years ago and she hasn't completed the game before she deleted it because she got bored.
The one Cale waited and has only recently launched would probably be difficult for her to play since she lacks experience.
"What are you thinking about?" Choi Han was deep in thought that she hasn't realized Cale arriving at the living room and was now sitting by her side until Cale spoke. She snapped her head towards her boyfriend and saw that Cale looked... upset? wait, why is he making that face?
Choi Han observed Cale for a minute and a half before sighing. "Nothing"
She wrapped her hand around Cale's waist out of habit, Cale lean closer and rested his head on her shoulder and let out a... satisfied hum???
????
Choi Han decided to ignore the bubbling feeling in her chest because of the close contact with the redhead. Every touch of skin between them still makes her stop and flustered but she has gotten better at controlling her reaction. At least on the outside. Her heart was pounding like crazy in her chest.
Choi Han rested her cheek to Cale's head. Like this she could smell Cale's shampoo and oh, they have the same scent. Cale was probably too lazy to buy his own and used hers instead, Choi Han chuckled at that thought.
Cale raised his head and gave her a questioning look to which Choi Han just replied with a smile then Cale got back to their previous position. Now though, he was scrolling through his phone.
Choi Han pondered for a minute before deciding to ask.
"The game you just said... what kind of game is it?"
"An RPG game. Hyung knows about it too, I think Rosalyn has heard of it but I doubt she plans to play"
Choi Han perked up at Cale's answer. "Will Alberu play it too?"
Cale hummed as a response. Choi Han now had an idea of what to do, but before that she must know the very important detail:
"What's the game's name?"
Cale nonchalantly told her the name, he doesn't seem to realize what his girlfriend was planning to do with the information he just provided. Cale was just comfortably leaning to Choi Han as Choi Han solidifies her goal.
She's definitely playing the game for Cale.
1 week later
"Cale-nim," Choi Han looked nervously towards Cale who was lazily munching on his cookies, sitting on top of the counter with his legs crossed. It was 10 in the morning and Cale didn't feel like eating breakfast so he settled with cookies instead. Meanwhile, Choi Han was completely dressed up like she was planning to go out.
Cale raised his eyebrow in lieu of speaking his question because he was still munching on the cookie he was holding.
Choi Han was fidgeting with her hand as she timidly glance at Cale on the counter before looking down the floor. "Can I go meet with your hyung for a bit?"
'Oh?'
So its this kind of thing?
Cale properly munch and swallowed the cookie before shrugging his shoulders. "Sure, you can go hang out with hyung. Just don't stay out too late"
Choi Han was already over 18, she can definitely handle herself. Plus she will be with Alberu, a friend they both trust, so Cale doesn't really think he needs to worry about anything. In any case, Choi Han is definitely the one stronger between the two of them. That's why Cale knows Choi Han will be able to defend herself properly in case she encounters some pervert out the street.
At his response, Choi Han beamed. She strode towards him and kissed the side of his mouth making Cale freeze.
"I'll be back before 6, I promise"
Before Choi Han could even walk away, Cale subconsciously reached out and hold her wrist making her stop on her track.
"Cale-nim?"
Choi Han seemed oblivious at the fact that Cale was flipping everything over internally because of the quick peck she had given him on the side of his mouth (when she could have kissed him on the lips instead—)
Cale cleared his throat. "Its fine if you want to hang out with someone else, just make sure you're not taken to somewhere weird. If you feel like you're in danger, immediately run away" he said with all seriousness.
Choi Han looked like she was stopping herself from smiling completely. "Cale-nim, I'll be with your hyung"
"I know," I trust him and you trust him too "I'm saying this for all the other situations as well. I might not know that you want to go out with your classmates or teammates or someone else I'm not close with and you're hesitating of hanging out with them because of me. I don't want you to feel like I'm stopping you from enjoying your life, you understand right?"
Choi Han smiled instead of answering making Cale pout. Choi Han ended up laughing at his reaction.
She stepped closer and placed her hand on Cale's nape, pulling him down then placed a soft kiss on his crown.
"I understand" once Choi Han stepped back, she could see the faint red tip of Cale's ear hiding between his red locks making her chuckle. Its nice to know she's not the only one who gets flustered.
"I will still ask for you permission before going out because I want Cale-nim to know" Cale doesn't have any opposition to that so he just hummed.
Choi Han removed her hand from Cale's nape. "Then, I'll be on my way" before she could even turn away Cale spoke in a calm manner. "Take care"
He saw Choi Han smile before waving her hand from behind and walked out through the door.
Cale pretends his face wasn't burning and silently continued to eat the cookies he abandoned for a few minutes.
...He didn't expect his once approval would backfire at him like this.
Since that day, Choi Han had been constantly going out (note: everyday) to meet with Alberu. But just as she promised, she always gets back before 6 and before its dark outside. Though for some reason, every time she gets back to their flat Choi Han seemed exhausted.
One time, she beeline towards their bedroom where Cale was laying comfortably on the bed then threw her shoulder bag on the floor and crawled on top of Cale, burying her face on Cale's stomach.
Cale was initially startled at her action but soon calmed down. She was probably too tired and wanted to lie on the bed.
...
Wait. There's still space beside him!!
Cale ignored his fast-beating heart. "Go and get changed, you came from outside"
Choi Han was muttering something but Cale couldn't hear her properly.
"What?"
Choi Han moved to the side and curled up beside Cale, her hand still on top of his stomach. "I'll go change later" Choi Han murmured with her eyes closed.
Cale was silent for a moment. "At this rate, You'll end up falling asleep"
Silence.
"...Choi Han?"
Cale peeked towards his girlfriend without moving too much and saw that she indeed fell asleep just as he said. Cale let out a sigh.
He gently removed Choi Han's arm from his stomach, his action almost stir her awake making him freeze. Once he saw that Choi Han just nuzzled her face on the mattress, Cale steadily relaxed.
Then slowly, as to not wake her up, Cale got off the bed and gently took off Choi Han's jacket, picked up her bag that was on the floor then placed it on the table situated in one corner. He then moved Choi Han (with his shaky noodle arms) to lay her head on top of the pillow. Once he was done, Cale stood on the side with his arms crossed.
"You haven't even had dinner yet." He grumbled towards the sleeping Choi Han.
Cale let out another sigh before joining her in bed. Decided that he won't eat dinner as well so its fair for the both of them.
As soon as he laid down, Choi Han turned towards him and wrapped her arm around his waist like she unconsciously knew it was him.
Cale let out a puff of breathe out of disbelief. His ears burning but he chose to ignore that then closed his eyes to sleep.
Going back then, maybe he shouldn't have believed in those puppy eyes and those ears and tails that would materialize every time Choi Han is about to ask for his permission. Now Cale found it hard to refuse! Its all because he could foresee Choi Han making an expression akin to a kicked pitiful puppy once he says no which makes Cale not even hesitate to say yes.
Damn it.
And those cute little acts she'd make before and after getting his approval that would make Cale stop working for a minute and two.
This time, this time for sure, Cale will ask why Choi Han had been with Alberu these days.
...
...
...
Once again, Cale was unable to ask and make a proper decision because of those godforsaken eyes that would sparkle every time Choi Han looks at him. Cale doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Choi Han opened her mouth, about to ask Cale the same thing she's been asking the past 2 weeks but before she could even voice out her question, Cale slammed both of his hand on the counter behind Choi Han. Trapping her between his arms.
Choi Han froze at his action.
This never happened before.
Cale was looking at her in an almost angry manner that made Choi Han's brain stop functioning. She subconsciously curled her shoulders.
"What have you and hyung been doing the days that passed by that you were at his apartment?"
Now, Cale is not implying or accusing her of doing anything inappropriate behind his back. Cale is 100% percent sure Choi Han would never do that. After all, it was her who pursued him to the ends of the world without backing out even when she got Ron's, Cale's scary butler, dismissal. Still, he wants to know what these two have been doing that required them to meet all the time, everyday!
Even when they're on campus, Cale could spot his girlfriend with his hyung from miles away!!! Cale would like to know why this is the case!!!!
Choi Han looked hesitant and firmly closed her mouth shut before looking down to her feet.
"Choi Han." She could barely ignore the warning tone Cale was giving her. This proves how vexed he has been with her actions, still she can't admit it to him yet. That's why she chose not to speak.
Cale understood her intention very well, making him take a step closer so Choi Han doesn't have any option but to look him in the eye.
"You don't even spend time with me anymore. You're mostly outside with hyung when both of us don't have class to attend." Cale tried his best not to show his bitterness when he said it with his very own lips that the person who's supposed to be by his side was with someone else's instead, worse it was someone he thinks of as his older brother.
"Even when we're at the university. You and hyung are always together." Then what about me? He doesn't say.
Choi Han still refused to answer and remained looking down on the floor. Cale gritted his teeth at her action.
"Tell me, Han-ah" Choi Han flinched once she heard Cale calling her name like that. She knew Cale had been serious the moment he trapped her between the counter and him like this but once Cale called her with her name, Cale is at his limits and wouldn't be able to hold back if she still doesn't do as she was told.
"Tell me, what have you and hyung been doing that you would rather spend time with him than with me" That you would rather leave me be and stick to his side as if he's the one you're dating was unspoken nonetheless, Choi Han knew that was what he wanted to say at the end of his sentence.
"Do you enjoy his company more than mine? Is that it? Hmm?"
Choi Han slowly lifted her head up, ready to pacify her boyfriend but as soon as she saw Cale's face, she stops. And stares with wide eyes.
Cale was looking at her with frustration, not being able to contain his jealousy and unconsciously made it visible to his face but most importantly Cale was... Cale was pouting with his cheeks puffed out.
He... he looks so cute!
Choi Han forgot about what she was going to say and ended up staring at the adorable pouting Cale in front of her. Unconsciously moving her hand to her chest. She could tell that her face turned red by now but she can't bring herself to care nor look away.
Cale on the other hand, thought that Choi Han was really hiding something from him, making his heart sank. His eyes lowered to their feet, refusing to see the reddened face of his girlfriend who was acting like she was caught red-handed (even though Cale wasn't really thinking of anything and just wanted to know). The fact that Choi Han didn't look like she's going to tell him was enough to make him feel betrayed.
But even though he was hurting inside and felt the bitter taste of betrayal from the person who swore to have loved him most, he couldn't bring himself to hate Choi Han. Cale was thinking of moving out of town and stay somewhere remoted for the time being until he's no longer mad then come back like nothing ever happened. So he doesn't need to break up with her because of this simple matter (and jealousy).
He would just like to have some space and time for himself since it came to this.
Cale was just about to remove his hands from the counter when his sleeve was tugged forward, making him look up.
"Cale-nim, I'm sorry" Choi Han hastily uttered once it registered to her mind that Cale misunderstood something and made a saddened face. She was too focused at the fact that Cale was cutely pouting at her that she forgot to respond.
"You just looked too cute that I forgot to say anything"
Cale frowned at her words. "What?"
"I mean," Choi Han cleared her throat, averting her gaze to the side then looked back at Cale as she admitted while being flustered, "I was recording your pouting face"
Cale frowned even more while his ears turned the same shade as his hair. "Enough, just answer my question."
He didn't want to hear her say that he looked cute while making that face anymore. Its because its making him feel embarrassed instead.
"...It seems I won't be able to keep it from you anymore, huh" Choi Han made a helpless smile, making Cale's stomach curl.
So there really was something? Cale doesn't know what to do with that information. He was about to stop Choi Han from saying another word, having decided that he would rather not know and continue to feign ignorance than to have his girlfriend admit anything but stopped at her words.
"We... were playing a game"
Choi Han meekly lowered her head as if what she just said was making her not want to look at Cale.
Cale subconsciously said, "...That's it?"
Choi Han looked up and saw that Cale looked like he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Choi Han made another impotent expression as she said with a quiet voice, "...Yes, Cale-nim. We were playing the game you said you waited to released because I wanted to play it with you but I realized its been so long since I played a game. That's why I asked your hyung to help me practice so I could surprise you"
The more Cale heard about her explanation, the more he felt guilty listening to her meekly admit that what she did was for him. Cale was speechless.
Choi Han reached out and gently held his hand in hers. "I'm really sorry, Cale-nim. I wanted to surprise you not make you feel lonely—"
Cale coughed violently. "Me? I wasn't lonely. Its fine with me if you want to spend time with someone, I was just curious what you and hyung were doing" he avoided Choi Han's eyes that was obviously giving him a pointed look.
"I really wasn't lonely at all"
A beat.
"...Still," Cale pursed his lips and looked down on their intertwined hands, "If you wanted to practice playing, you could have asked for my help instead of asking hyung"
Choi Han's heart skipped a beat as she stare at the sulking baby in front of her. Cale was pouting once again and looked quite dejected that made him look too adorable, Choi Han had the urge to pinch this baby's cheek but stopped herself from doing so.
"Play with me, don't play with hyung"
She subconsciously imagined a pouting, sulking child asking her to play with him instead because he was lonely without her. But the thing is, its actually happening in real life rather than staying as an imagination.
Choi Han couldn't take it anymore. She cupped Cale's cheeks with her hands and gently pulled him towards her, softly kissing his lips.
Once they parted, Choi Han didn't remove her hands from Cale's cheeks and stared at him while smiling. "Cale-nim, I didn't know you would make such a face when you're jealous. Maybe I should make you jealous more"
Cale glared at her, though it looked nothing but harmless because of his reddened face. Choi Han couldn't stop smiling at the cuteness that is Cale Henituse as she nods her head. "Okay, I won't play with Alberu anymore"
Cale wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to a hug as he rest his forehead on Choi Han's shoulder. "You better"
Choi Han chuckled. Sometimes, she wondered if Cale was actually a sulky cute baby or lazy cat who likes to nap.
Now she knows the answer.
Extra:
"Choi Han seems happy" Alberu stated his observation out loud for his companion to hear.
"What do you mean? She's always happy around Cale" Rosalyn replied as she directs her phone towards Cale and Choi Han not far away from them at the pretense of casually scrolling through her social media when she was actually taking a picture of the two.
Choi Han was hugging Cale from behind as she looks over his shoulder to look at his phone.
"No wait, rather than Choi Han being weird, doesn't seem like Cale is being cold towards me?" Alberu pointed to himself as he ask that question to Rosalyn who was still taking pictures. At that moment, Cale looked towards his direction and...
"...Did he just glare at me???"
Alberu was in disbelief. He looked towards Rosalyn who stopped snapping her phone for a minute and was looking at him as well.
"Pfft-"
Rosalyn tried her best to stop herself from laughing. When both of them looked towards the CH duo, Cale's arm was now around Choi Han's shoulder while Choi Han was holding Cale's phone. It looks like they were playing something.
Then a minute after, Cale once again gave Alberu a cold gaze.
"?!!"
"He's definitely glaring at me!!!"
He doesn't know what he did wrong but for some reason Alberu had the urge to explain himself and apologize to his dongsaeng who was giving him the cold shoulders.