Work Text:
“Mom! I’m going now!” Eric said as he put on his shoes, giving his mom one last hug and a last kiss before he moves to Seoul, where he got a really good-paying Customer Service job that would help him financially to pursue his dreams of being a Pilot.
His brother, Kevin, referred him to apply for a Call Center Company since it was a new company owned by his friend. Kevin, being familiar with Seoul a lot, also recommended this company since it was close to a lot of affordable studios.
“Eat healthily okay? I know you love ramyeon so much but it’s bad for you, really. Also remember to clean your clothes at least once a week, okay? Remember to not-”
“Mom, I get it! You’ve reminded me about all of these earlier.” Eric cuts his mom, smiling. “Don’t worry about me. You could always visit if you miss me, Seoul’s just a few hours away.” Eric comforted, finally stepping out of the house. “Good luck out there my son! I love you!”
“I love you too mom!” He waves his goodbye as he embarks on his new journey.
💚
“
Hi, I’m Youngjae, you could also call me Eric, an aspiring Pilot. Unfortunately, this dream of mine becoming a Pilot isn’t going anywhere as tuition for professional training is extremely expensive. Yeah, we are doing good, living in our own land and house, but after we lost our dad, Kevin, my brother, has been the only breadwinner of the family and of course, it still isn’t much for our family.
I was able to finish Aeronautical Engineering and got a degree because of my brother’s hard work, and since life isn’t a racing game, I have decided to accept my brother’s recommendation of applying for his friend’s company since the monthly pay really is a big one, almost bigger than his.
This isn’t my first time visiting or going to Seoul, but I was still unfamiliar with it since the city is indeed a lot busier than my hometown. I could also notice that the air here isn’t really the best, and wearing a mask in the middle of a Pandemic was pretty helpful.
My job officially starts in just 3 days, giving me a bit more time to unpack things at my new studio, which I forgot to mention, was not extravagant, but also not bad at all. I could see this place being comfortable when I activate my inner-Sims 4 player mode, of course, when I get the moola in the future.
The company has emailed me that I’ll be having a semi, I guess, graveyard shift since work starts at 9 PM and ends by 5 AM. Qualifications wise, since I was born in the US then moved to Korea when I was 15, I’m pretty fluent with both Korean and English, excelled them during my school, putting me at an advantage whenever a foreigner calls. And also, the sad reality of having connections made me qualify, though there were only a few applicants, competition of getting in wasn’t a problem.
I have finished unpacking all of my stuff the same day I will attend my first day. It is currently 3 in the afternoon, and I will probably try to sleep since in just 6 hours, my first day as a working adult, I guess, will start. Not really used to sleeping in this hour of the day, but I’ll adjust in no time.
“
🌳
“Good evening everyone! I am Sohn Youngjae, you can call me Eric, and I’m one of your “New” employees of ‘New Incorporated’. Please take care of me!” Eric introduced himself, doing a 90-degree bow in front of the employees, who were also new as the company has just been running for about 3 weeks.
“Good evening to you too, Sohn Youngjae-ssi. I am New, or if I introduce myself formally, I am Choi Chanhee, the owner of the company. It’s nice to see my best friend's little brother in my company. Beside me is Kim Younghoon, one of the supervisors of the company, and I have personally assigned him to supervise you. Your brother should know him too as well.” Chanhee introduced to Eric, receiving a bright smile and a bow from the younger.
“If you have questions or troubles, if you need help, you can always approach me. I don’t bite, so don’t be scared.” Younghoon said to Eric, who’s now concerned by the statement made by his supervisor.
“I will always be in the office upstairs if a problem occurs. Younghoon can easily notify me so it is much more efficient to just go to your supervisor instead of going up.” Chanhee added, receiving a nod from Eric. “Thank you so much!” Eric said, now being accompanied to his own setup.
There were not many calls, probably one or two every 30 minutes, so basically they just stare at their spreadsheets for hours without doing anything much. Pretty dull and boring for the first day really, but he couldn’t complain as he just continued watching his favorite Kdramas on his computer, which they were given permission to.
“Hi! I’m Sunwoo! I’ve been working here for a week now. And you’re Eric, right?” A guy went in front of him while he was watching Squid Game on his computer, pausing the video in the middle. “Hello Sunwoo sunbae, yes, I am Eric and I look forward to working with you!” Sunwoo offered his hand for a handshake, receiving a double-handed handshake from Eric.
“What year were you born? We look like the same age and I could use a friend here.” Sunwoo casually asked.
“Oh, I was born in December of 1995.” Eric responded.
“That’s great then! I was born in April of 1995! Before you could ask, yes, we can drop the honorifics. Just call me Sunwoo!” The guy cheerfully said.
“That’s great to hear, Sunwoo!” Eric said, as he saw the guy go back to his seat, answering a call.”
Eric’s calls, or I should say, his customers, were nice and weren't as demanding as what he expected. It was pretty chill and he thought this was a perfect job to earn enough money since all he does is answer calls and then receive a good fortune for it at the end of the month.
His first day went by quickly and he’s already getting ready to leave for the day. It was a few minutes away before he could input his time of leave, saying goodbye to his Supervisor and also leaving with the others.
“Oh Eric, want to have breakfast with me? There’s a McDonald’s just 10 minutes away from here. Want to come?” Sunwoo invited. Eric thought it wasn’t a bad idea to eat breakfast with someone, as he really hates eating alone and without any company, good thing Sunwoo was there.
The Sun was already starting to rise from the horizon, while the roads were still pretty empty. He liked this early morning vibe a lot even though it was freezing cold compared to when he goes out in the afternoon.
Both went inside to McDonald’s and ordered their breakfast. He went for a 2-piece pancake and a BFF fries which he planned to share with Sunwoo. How sweet of him. They enjoyed their meal even with the awkward small talk, which is unavoidable every first meeting. Gladly, with Eric, just simply sitting with someone, even not talking much, was enough for him to not feel lonely.
🌲
Eric woke up at 5 PM of the same day, hearing a loud knock from his door. He quickly looked through the peephole, saw an interior of someone’s mouth, and already knew it was his brother.
“Hyung, that’s disgusting! I had to see your mouth.” Eric opened the door, giving his brother a disgusted expression. “It’s nice to see you again Youngjae-yah." Kevin quickly gave Eric a quick hug and a pat on his back.
“I’ve brought you something. I visited mom a while ago and wanted to give these side dishes to you.” Eric took the side dishes from Kevin’s hands and kept them inside his mini-refrigerator, which fortunately was able to fit all of them.
“How was your first day? Did you meet Chanhee?” Eric accompanied Kevin to his couch, while he sat at the other side. “Yeah yeah. He also said that you might also know who my Supervisor is... His name is Younghoon.” Eric said that made Kevin make an impressed expression.
“Woah, I hope Chanhee won’t get in trouble. I mean he’s the owner of the company, so it will probably be fine.” Kevin said that made Eric curious, then he asked why. “Don’t tell him I told this to you, but they have been in a relationship ever since what, 1st year of College? And they recently updated our circle of friends that they are now engaged.” Kevin said, Eric now covering his mouth from shock.
“I knew it! I knew my radar was right!” Eric said. Since he’s gay himself, he guessed that the CEO was gay since he has a radar for gay people, and to his surprise, he was correct! But, he didn’t expect that his Supervisor was the CEO’s boyfriend, or fiancé rather.
A few hours passed by quickly, they both ate dinner at the same time since Kevin was already with him. Kevin left Eric’s room by 7:30 PM, giving the younger some time to get ready. After dressing up, he quickly went out of the building and proceeded to walk to the company, starting his 2nd day.
Days passed by, and before he knew it, his first week of work was already done. He thought to himself, “I’d definitely survive working here even just for a year.”
💚
“Youngjae-ssi, the Chief is looking for you. Please proceed upstairs to meet him. Thank you.” His supervisor said through the speakers that caught his attention. “Good luck out there. Must be something important?” Sunwoo said, giving Eric an “Okay” sign to him. He took a deep breath then started to walk to Sr. New’s office.
He gave the CEO a 90-degree bow as his greetings. “Good evening Sr. Chanhee!” New bowed his head a bit as a response. He invited Eric to sit on one of the sofas in front of him.
“I have some good news for you!” New uttered, giving his employee a smile.
“Due to quarantine implementation, and the high risk-red alert of the city caused by the COVID-19 Virus, the company was notified to change the schedules for the safety of the employees.” He introduced, receiving a nod from the younger.
“From now on, your schedule will be like this. Every Monday and Friday, your work will be from 9 PM to 3 AM only, then from Tuesday to Thursday, it will still be the regular 8-hour shift.”
Eric was delighted! It means he gets to have more free time now!
“Though, don’t worry you and your employee’s salary won’t be deducted with those 4 hours missing to complete the 40 hours per week basis, act as if it’s a day off even though we from the Privates don’t really get to have a day off, really..”
“That’s great Sir! It sounds really good to be true, actually! Thank you very much!” Eric smiled, giving his boss another huge smile.
“Though, be careful out there, okay? Seoul streets, especially at midnight, are really scary, full of dangerous people!. You can ask some of your co-employees to go with you if someone lives near your street.” Chanhee reminded him.
“It will be safer to have someone by your side.”
“Sure thing Sr. Chanhee. Thank you very much!” Eric thanked him once again, but before he could leave, he noticed a shiny and pretty diamond ring on his boss’ finger.
Must be his engagement ring with Sr. Younghoon . Eric thought
“Can I come back now? By the way, that’s a very pretty ring boss!”
“Oh, this? This is nothing.” New chuckled.
“Really? I feel like I’ve seen a similar ring somewhere else.” Eric tried to tease.
“Oh, rather I think I saw a similar ring on someone else’s finger a while ago..” Eric added, pretending to make a thinking face. New’s face started to blush for the sudden statement by Eric.
“Okay, that’s enough. You can go back now.” Chanhee gave Eric another smile, received a bow, and as soon as Eric left his office, he let out a phew.
Eric went out of the CEO’s office, going back to his seat with a huge smile on his face. Sunwoo quickly rolled over in front of him to be oriented about what happened.
“What’s with the smile? Is it good news?” Sunwoo curiously asked.
“It really is! Don’t worry, anytime soon, he’ll probably call you and give the good news as well.”
“To sum it all up, our work hours have been decreased for a few hours due to COVID. I’ll start to leave early from now on every Monday and Friday!” Eric recited.
“Sunwoo-ssi, the Chief is looking for you. Please proceed upstairs to meet him. Thank you.” Younghoon called once again, gaining their attention. Sunwoo stood up quickly and excitedly went upstairs to receive the good news as well.
“Which days are yours?” Eric asked as soon as Sunwoo went back, noticing a low-key sad face.
“Sadly, mine is on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We can’t go home together. Seoul’s scary and it sucks if you didn’t know.”
“Yeah, Sr. Chanhee said that as well.. I guess I have to bravely walk alone. I might have to use my inner Lightning McQueen spirit to go home then.” Eric laughed.
“Yeah lol.. Be safe out there, okay? And since it’s Tuesday today and in just a few hours, I’ll leave early.” Sunwoo said, now hearing his phone ring.
“Oh shit, talk to you later then!” He said, as he rushed to his seat.
🍃
It is currently 3 AM on a Saturday at midnight. Eric just finished his Friday shift and is ready to go home. He reminded himself that he’ll have to go home alone since the only friend he has right now inside the company is Sunwoo, who is currently still on shift. Even if it’s just less than a 30-minute walk, Sunwoo still can’t excuse himself just to accompany Eric on his way.
“Hey, take this. I brought an extra one and it’ll be useful on your way home!” Sunwoo said, as he passed a complicated-looking pepper spray. “It can also serve as a knife if you need to defend yourself. Just pull that small lever to expose the blade.” Eric tried and was shocked by how cool the gadget was.
“Isn’t this dangerous and illegal?” Eric chuckled. “Well, it’s not, unless the user is unresponsible. I do know you cannot stab someone alive Eric. You’ll be fine.” Sunwoo said, receiving thanks from Eric.
“Ok then, well. See you this Monday!” Eric bid him goodbye. He glanced over the windows covered with blinds, and noticed that it was still dark outside. He started to get nervous all of a sudden.
☘️
“Oh fuck, this is so so so bad. I'll literally die at any moment!” Eric said as he noticed that the motion sensor street lights weren’t working at all. “Why does it have to be today!” He said as he took out his phone to open his flashlight.
Eric gained his pace just to get over to his studio as soon as possible. “Just 10 more minutes, Eric.. 10 more minutes..” He said to himself loudly just to make noise around the street.
“I just want to get to my studio ASAP!” He shouted, now almost jogging. “Oh.. speaking of..” With his plan in mind, he took his Bluetooth speaker out of his bag, connected it to his phone, and started playing ASAP by StayC. He started to feel a bit relaxed and chill after playing the music... Until he felt a presence behind him.
Eric started to shout out the lyrics, thinking it would let the presence behind him go away, also gaining his pace even more. “Oh, beautiful.. Oh, beautiful love..” Eric heard from behind that the said presence was also singing to the song.
He took out his pepper spray, taking almost like a leap of faith, looking at his back now, just to be surprised with a sweet-looking guy with the sweetest smile. Oh, he looks good for a predator ... He thought to himself.
“Woah woah woah, keep that pepper spray to yourself. I’m a good guy.” The guy uttered.
“And how can I trust you?” Eric responded, lowering the volume of his speakers.
“I just wanted to help. I just heard ASAP playing out of nowhere, then saw you walking here all alone. I just wanted to help!” He said in a sweet, almost warming, and comforting voice that made Eric calm.
“That eye smile is really pretty though..” Eric thought to himself again, but this time, it was too loud that the unknown guy heard him.
“Thank you! I hear that almost every time.” The guy responded. He approached and went beside Eric to make the guy feel comfortable. “Why are you here outside literally at the devil’s hour?” The guy curiously asked.
“Call Center company stuff. I have to go home at 3 AM every Tuesday midnight and Saturday midnight” Eric said, receiving a nod from the guy.
Eric went to his phone to stop playing the on-repeat ASAP, but the guy interrupted him. “Well, you could still play some music. I won’t bother. Which songs do you have there?”
“Well, I’m really into new and trending kpop, so probably every recent song is in my playlist.” Eric said, as he scrolls through his Melon playlist. “Do you know Aespa? They’re pretty popular right now actually.” Eric said that gave the guy a delightful expression.
“Oh yes! Please play their recent one! The ‘Savage’ song!” Eric nodded and searched for the song.
“OH MY GOSH! DON’T YOU KNOW I’M A… SAVAGE!”
They both sang and burst into laughter at how synchronized they were. “OMG, there’s no way that handsome face would know that iconic line!” Eric said out of nowhere without thinking of his words. The guy just laughed at him and continued to dance to the song.
Seems like I won't need to rush home now . Eric thought to himself, as he felt comfortable with this guy he just met minutes ago.
🍀
“I’m Juyeon by the way... And you’re?”
“Youngjae... You can also call me Eric” Eric responded.
Juyeon ... What a handsome name...
“So.. where’s your home?” Juyeon said with a warm deep voice.
“Just a few minutes away. You can probably see its facade here if it was daytime.” Eric said.
“Oh... That studio over there? I used to live there but just recently moved.”
“I actually just moved there though! A week ago exactly if I’m not mistaken.”
They both started to walk in silence again, despite the loud music, starting to feel the fatigue in their legs. Eventually, they reached Eric’s studio, which was indeed Juyeon’s past studio, then proceeded to bid their goodbyes.
“I guess. See you on Tuesday at midnight?” Juyeon said, gaining the attention of the younger.
“Why?” Eric asked.
“So I could keep you in company once again. Who knows, maybe you’ll get kidnapped by that time.” Juyeon teased, receiving an eye roll from the younger one. They finally waved at each other and proceeded to go their separate ways.
I guess 3 AM on Seoul streets is not bad at all.
💚
Next Monday came quickly and Eric was obviously excited to go home to meet Juyeon once again.
“How was your walk on your way home last Saturday?” Sunwoo asked, who noticed that Eric’s face was planted with a big smile. “Well, I made a friend on my way home, specifically a handsome one! He even accompanied me until we reached my studio.” Eric said that made Sunwoo make a teasing face.
“Ohh... Is that why you’re excited on your way home? Will he meet you again today?” Sunwoo asked.
“Well, he did say that. Hopefully, he’ll show up.” Eric said as he started to open his computer, starting to work for today’s shift. Again, like the past few shifts, this shift wasn’t also busy. Though he’ll get a few calls once in a while, he was still able to complete a few episodes of the drama he’s now watching, which was ‘Sweet Home’.
A few hours had passed by and he didn’t even notice it was already 3 AM. He quickly fixed and packed up his stuff to go home, but was rather excited for the agenda of meeting Juyeon, than actually going home.
🌲
“He must be somewhere here right now..” Eric said to himself, noticing how the motion sensor street lights are finally working this time, not needing to turn on his own flashlight. He walks for a few minutes alone, thinking Juyeon will probably be a bit late. “But it’s already 10 minutes past 3 AM... Why is he still not around?” He kept thinking about the not-so-official promise that the older guy made.
He heard a loud thud noise behind him. He turned around and saw a rock rolling behind him on the concrete. “Who are you hiding behind the bush? Is that you Juyeon-ssi?” He said, received no response, didn’t even hear another noise after.
“Fuck, fuck, Juyeon where are you?! I’m so dead here!” Eric panicked. He turned around again so he could run to his studio, only to hear a loud raspy growl in front of him.
“ROAR!” Juyeon growls...
“FUCK! DON’T TOUCH ME!” Eric screamed, standing still, covering his face from fear.
“Eric! It’s me! Juyeon! You don’t need to be afraid.” Juyeon said, gaining the attention of the younger. The older have noticed the forming tears on the eyes of the latter. “I just wanted to jumpscare you... I didn’t want to make you panic.” Juyeon comforted, rubbing the hair of the younger.
“Juyeon-ssi please.. Don’t play with my anxiety.” Eric said, not noticing that he is wrapping the older guy with his arms.
“I’m sorry. Truly sorry. You can continue to hug me as much as you want.” Juyeon said that made the younger one aware of what he was doing. He withdrew from the embrace and quickly faced the latter.
“Why are you so cute? I don’t want to scare you again, but I would like another hug from you if you want.” Juyeon teased, receiving a weak punch on his arms.
“Thank you actually.” Juyeon uttered out of nowhere.
“For what?” Eric responded.
“I really had a bad day. Some of my co-workers are being bossy around me and kept giving me their task without even giving a valid reason to..” Juyeon sighed.
“I needed that hug you just gave me.” Juyeon said. Eric hesitated for a bit, but still hugged the latter once more. The warm embrace of the two had overcome the cold breeze of Seoul, wanting to stay in this position for as long as they can.
This is wrong, but why do you fit perfectly inside my arms? Juyeon thought to himself.
I wish we could stay like this forever . Eric thought, feeling comfortable from the embrace.
“Hey! You didn’t have to do that! You should’ve used your free time to do the things you want.” Eric lectured the older.
Juyeon talked about how he slept early today just so he could wake up at 3 AM to accompany Eric. Of course, Eric wanted to be with him during this hour but was touched by the thought of someone making an action for him. He felt like someone really cared for him. He felt like he was being loved.
Silence overcame the streets, and unlike last time, this walk was really quiet and peaceful. Juyeon noticed how stern Eric’s face was, thinking the guy must have some deep thoughts by himself. Juyeon held the younger’s hand, noticing a smile forming on the latter’s face.
🌿
“
I am very aware that this is just our 2nd time meeting, but they said, love does not need time to form, and that love can be instant. Something about him being by my side in this dark street of Seoul is indulging. I feel really safe around him, and I’m sure you would too if you were in my shoes.
I don’t even know him that much to be considered as ‘friends’, but I don’t know.. I just fell in love.. I don’t even know if he’s single, let alone if he likes guys. But, as much as I hate to assume, it seems like that’s the case for him.
He probably thinks I’m weird by now, considering how silent and awkward I am. What do I even talk about after that long hug we just had? Should I say how I feel? Should I say that I like him? Do I really like him? I hope I can get answers to these sooner.
“
🍀
“By the way, If you don’t mind, what year were you born?” Eric politely asked.
“Oh. I don’t mind. I was born in January of 1992.” Juyeon responded with a smile.
“Wait… 1992? Have you served in the military yet?”
“Yeah. I actually served in the military in advance before I started to work in a company. Thought it would be more efficient, so I wouldn’t have to quit work if I luckily get a good job. How about you?” Juyeon answered.
“Well, I was born in 1995... I guess I could call you hyung?” Eric asked.
“Sure thing Eric, you call me whatever you want. If you want to call me baby, you can as well.” Juyeon teased. “Stop it!” Eric chuckled.
“About the military thing.. I can serve, but if I don't, I’ll have to give up my Korean citizenship.. But, one thing’s for sure though.. If I get accepted to professional training for the air force of my dreams, I wouldn’t... But if I fail, I will have to serve.” Eric said.
“Well, I wish you good luck to whichever path the destiny will take you.” Juyeon smiled, noticing how they had already reached the studio after the walk.
Eric didn’t want to let go Juyeon’s hand, the latter felt the same way. If he didn’t, he would’ve brought the guy to his room. I wish I could . He thought that made himself laugh out of nowhere.
Eric gave the latter one last hug before he leaves. “Hope that I made your day a bit better.” Eric smiled.
“You made it a lot better, Eric.” Juyeon assured him. They both waved goodbye, feeling the serotonin boost even in the middle of the night.
🍃
Eric’s been working now in the company for a month, recently getting busier compared to the past few weeks of shifts. He has received some boring and quick calls, some angry calls, and some demanding calls that keep his guts frustrated to this day.
“Madam, you can come to the bank anytime to present a recei-”
“But I just went there yesterday?! Why are they texting me again that I haven’t paid?!”
“Madam, as I said, the registrar might have not input your payment by accident. Please, you can go to the bank-”
“So you’re now asking me to move my ass to go there?! How long have you been working? The past customer service isn’t this poor!”
Eric felt really offended...
“Please Madam, don’t make me repeat myself once again. Present a receipt to the bank before we hang u-”
Eric was cut off, seeing Younghoon taking the phone.
“Good evening Madam. This is one of the supervisors of the company. What seems to be the problem again?”
“I’ll handle this one, Eric. Grab some coffee if you want to for now.” Younghoon said.
“Okay, Madam. We can only suggest for now is email us the valid receipt from the bank and we could try to do the process for you. There must’ve been a misunderstanding. Our employees do not have any control over handling our customers’ papers. So please, next time, do not shout at our employees, or we’ll shout in front of your house. Thank you!” Younghoon then hung up.
“Thank you so much, Sr. Younghoon! I owe you one!”
“That’s our job Eric. Don’t be affected by their words, they don’t know anything about us. Eric, Fighting!”
Eric also gave a “Fighting!” back to Younghoon, as he continues to sip on his coffee. “Oh yeah.. Today’s Friday and Juyeon would be really nice to see later..” He said as he checked his phone.
It’s currently 23:03, a couple of hours just in as he started his shift. His phone suddenly vibrated, receiving a text message from, none other than, Juyeon.
📱
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juyeon (Crushie <3):
Eriiiiiiic~~~
Are you currently busy? I have something to tell you
Eric:
Hi, hyung!!
Not really busy at the moment.
What is it?
Juyeon (Crushie <3):
I think I won’t be able to meet you later.. :((
I’m just extra tired today…
Eric:
Awww.. really?
I was actually looking forward to seeing you today :(
But it’s ok! You can sleep as much as you want!
Juyeon (Crushie <3):
Is it really okay? :(
It’s not okay for me.. :(
Eric:
Well, we can’t do anything about it...
Go ahead and sleep, hyung!
We can always meet whenever we want!!
Juyeon (Crushie <3):
Awww :((
Thank you Eric!
Goodnight bub! <3
Eric:
Have a good night!
Dream of me ;)
Juyeon (Crushie <3):
I wish I could hug you tightly right now!
Eric:
Stop it!
Others might think I’m weird for smiling a lot!
Good night!
Juyeon (Crushie <3):
Good night! <3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
🍀
“Well... That’s sad.” A pout suddenly appeared on the younger’s face. The shift started to feel slow because of the fact that he won’t meet Juyeon when he goes home later. And for some reason, this day was coincidentally one of those bad days that Eric has every week... Receiving multiple angry calls consecutively, leaving him really stressed afterward.
“Do you need some?” Sunwoo offered a cigar. Eric politely refused as he hates the smell of cigars really much, what more if he used it himself. “I’ll be fine with some caffeine.” He responded.
🍃
“Oh. Good thing the streetlights are still working when he’s not here. I guess playing DALLA DALLA by myself could scare off any night predators out there. RIGHT?!” He recited loudly, playing DALLA DALLA on his speaker.
While he was enjoying the vibes, the song was interrupted by a facetime notification. He thought to himself, who would be calling in this late hour... “It's… Juyeon?!” He screamed, getting really excited.
💚
“I thought you were sleeping?”
“Well. My body randomly woke up in the middle of the night. I guess it’s my body’s instinct that it wants to meet you?”
“Stop with the teasing!”
“How are you so sure that I’m just joking with you?”
“Yeah yeah fine!”
“Oh uh... Eric?”
“Yes?”
“You really look tired right now. Are you okay?”
“Yeah... It's one of those bad days again, you see. I kept receiving angry calls since the start of the shift.”
“Aww… I wish I could give you a hug right now!” Juyeon pouts.
“I really need it right now actua-”
“Eric! What’s that behind you?!”
Eric quickly turned to his back to see nothing again.
“Juyeon hyung! Stop-”
He was cut off once again as he was now being embraced by Juyeon from the back, currently standing in behind him. “Juyeon hyung?” Eric asked. “Yes, Eric. I’m here..” Eric heard as he started to melt from the older’s raspy warm voice, feeling his heart pulsate a lot faster. He faced the older, wrapped the other one with his arms as well, staying in that position once again, feeling deja vu.
Juyeon gave a quick kiss on top of the younger’s head. “I really need you right now hyung.. I thought I won’t really see you.” Eric hugged the other even more tighter. “E-Eric.. I c-can’t breathe… hehe” Juyeon laughed as he genuinely was being squished by the younger.
“By the way, what happened? Seems like you’ve been busier this week..” Juyeon started, breaking the silence between the two.
“Well, the company is already 2 months old, so it’s getting known a lot quicker. We’ve been receiving lots of calls lately, which is good for the company, but of course, it’s not good when there are some who are literally living demons on the other side of the call.”
“I’m just relieved that I have my supervisor: Sr. Younghoon, and Sunwoo with me when I need them during the work hours.”
“Sunwoo?” Juyeon asked curiously.
“Yeah.. He’s my only friend inside the company actually. Others are as shy as me, and Sunwoo was the only one who’s really outgoing. He approached me first, then we clicked!” Eric said with a smile.
“So.. You’re seeing someone other than me?” Juyeon pouts, acting cute in front of the younger one.
“He’s just a friend to me! Don’t worry about him.” Eric said.
“Then, what about me?” Juyeon asked Eric, making him quiet and shy. Why does he like teasing me and making me out of words ? He thought.
“Well… You’re the guy that I like!” Eric said, quickly running away.
“Juyeon.. What kind of trouble did you put yourself in?” Juyeon whispered to himself, getting bothered even though he was wanting and expecting that kind of answer. He started running as well, catching up to the younger.
“Youngjae-yah..” Eric got shocked by the sudden call of his name.
“Y-yes?”
Juyeon pulled the latter once again inside his arms, giving him a soft kiss on his forehead, on his cheek, and a quick peck on the soft lips of the younger. They stared at each other’s eyes for who knows how long, admiring each other’s reflection on the other’s iris. Eric wrapped his arms around Juyeon’s neck, pulling for a kiss.
Eric became dominant in the kiss, feeling the intense euphoria as he kissed passionately with the guy he liked.
“E-Eric..” Juyeon said between the kiss that made Eric stop and withdraw from the latter's embrace. “I’m s-sorry… I’m truly sorry hyung.” Eric said, getting sad as he saw the other look concerned.
Did I mess up real bad? It was the perfect time .. Eric said to himself, regretting the mistake he just made.
“Don’t be sorry.. I wasn’t expecting that you’d kiss me.. I was just shocked..” Juyeon said, but it keeps bothering him to see Eric worried. “Don’t worry about it..” Juyeon gave a smile, trying to hide what he truly feels.. Fear.
🌲
2 months have passed...
🍀
There were days when Juyeon wasn’t actually able to accompany Eric to his home, there were also nights when Eric invited Juyeon to his studio and enjoyed some coffee and binge-watched some KPop performances, dancing together.
I hope there will be a time where you’re the first person I see when I wake up, and the last person I see before I sleep.
It’s currently 3PM on a Saturday, the complete opposite time when the two usually meet. Eric received a text from Juyeon, wanting to meet the other for something to tell.
“To the usual spot!” Juyeon texted, implying that the two will meet in the middle of the street they always walk through every midnight.
I really think this is it.. I think he’ll confess to me? Eric thought, making him shy in front of his mirror. I gotta be the best looking and the prettiest looking here if he confesses . He prepares carefully, as he walks down from the studio apartment, starting to walk with joy, preparing his heart for this agenda.
💚
“Hi Juyeon hyung!” Eric excitedly said.
Forgive me, Eric… Please forgive me…
“You look really pretty today? What’s the agenda?” Juyeon waved back.
“Oh.. nothing! But, you said you have something to say?”
Oh gosh. Why did you already bring this up...
“Oh umm.. Uhh..”
“Come on. Don’t be nervous! Hihi” Eric said with the widest smile.
The fuck is he so excited for? While I’m literally here shaking and getting nervous.
“What is it? I’m really curious! You can do it!”
Yes Juyeon… You can do it…
“Uhm.. Eric?”
“Yes?”
“I have someone to introduce to you…” Juyeon finally was able to say it.
“Oh? Who?”
An unfamiliar face entered in the middle, at the right timing, making Eric wonder who the tall guy is. He looks really gorgeous, isn’t he ... He thought.
“Is this the guy you’ve been talking about ever since we moved?” The unknown guy said.
“Uhm.. Eric.. This is my boyfriend, Jaehyun... Jaehyun, this is my friend that I meet every Tuesday and Saturday at midnight, Eric.”
Eric felt like his world was about to fall apart, his vision was starting to darken, his heart’s starting to hurt, his legs starting to weaken... What once was a wide smile has now turned into a depressing curve.
I knew it… I’m really sorry Eric... I was wrong for doing all those things to you…
Juyeon noticed how the younger’s mood flipped 180, from being excited, now getting really quiet.
“Oh.. Hi… Jaehyun hyung… Really nice to meet you..” Eric said in almost a whisper, feeling ashamed.
“Good afternoon Eric. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Jaehyun responded.
Yes Eric… I told him a lot about you... There were times we even fought because of you. But here I am, I can’t even let him go and make you happy.
“Oh.. uhh.. Sorry… My brother is calling me.. I think… yeah… I have to go.. Sorry, this meeting was that short.” With that, Eric already left the scene, wiping his tears away as he walked away from the two.
What did I even expect.. Please Eric. Give me some time. I’ll come to you once everything’s sorted out.. Please..
🌿
The following Tuesday midnight, 3 AM.
“What do you want from me? I said, stay away!” Eric shouted to Juyeon.
“Eric.. It’s the middle of the night. Can we talk properly? Please?” Juyeon asked.
“What is there to talk about, Juyeon hyung?”
“A lot, Eric… A lot.. I don’t have the right to, but please let me explain.”
“Explain what? That you just wanted to play with me? Do you really need to explain that fact?”
“Youngjae..” Juyeon said in a breathy remark, almost crying.
“Give me some time Juyeon hyung. I can’t talk to you right now.” Eric strictly said that gave the older a sign to stop for now.
I tried Eric.. I tried to leave him.. But he wouldn’t let me.. I can’t do it if it means to put you at risk.
All of my questions are now answered. The guy isn’t single. He does not like me at all, even though I liked him a lot. It was all a play for him, while it was love for me. I’m the only one who was in love. I wasn’t even loved at all.
💚
“
Sir Chanhee and Sunwoo were right… Specifically this Seoul street, especially in the middle of the night, is really a dangerous place to be present at. I was expecting someone to harm me physically, but really, the only that person did was hurt me mentally and emotionally.
It was my first time to feel butterflies in my stomach, but realizing, it was just pests, trying to destroy me in the end.
What was I even assuming? Beautiful midnights for me was only a hangout time for him. Romantic actions for me were only platonic for him.
But, why does the victim have to be me? Why not someone else? What is the kismet preparing for me? What is its purpose, really..
I liked you, in fact, I loved you to the point that I was ready to give you everything to let you stay by my side every day.
But, why Juyeon? Why?
Even so, even if you’ve hurt me so much, that slight hope, that little ray of light is still there, hoping you would come, even though it would seem so selfless of me.
“