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Chapter Text

✧

Ever since they had decided to say ‘I do’ to each other in front of their close friends and family three months ago, Minhyun and Jonghyun had agreed on two things. One, to never bring any stuff from work to home and vice versa. Two, to never do any public display of affection while they’re in the office. 

As important figures, it was crucial to maintain their serious image and good reputation in the company. Also, as the Managing Director, Kim Jonghyun didn’t appreciate it when the Executive Director of Finance tried to snuggle him like a baby in front of his peers at a professional environment like the office. 

He loved Minhyun. He really did, but Jonghyun wanted to keep his relationship with the Finance Director separate from his works. 

So far Jonghyun didn’t have any problem with this restriction. Since he could hold himself pretty well, although he admitted that sometimes he had the urge to run into Minhyun’s arms as well. Especially when he’s having a rough day. But in the end, he always managed to compose himself. 

On the other hand, Minhyun still had a hard time adjusting sometimes. 

“Can you give me a hug?” asked the Finance Director, his eyes were glaring like he's shooting lasers at his husband, but his lips were slightly pouting like a little kid. 

“No.” Jonghyun immediately glared back at Minhyun. He was still standing by his desk with some documents in his hands.

Jonghyun was in the middle of inspecting an important report when Minhyun suddenly rolled in his small cabin suitcase into the Managing Director's office, along with that needy attitude that somehow didn't match his towering physique.

“This is still work hours and we're in the office. We’ve talked about this.” Jonghyun warned. 

“But Jonghyun,” Minhyun started to whine, “I’m going to Busan for two days. Give me my hug~” 

Yes, Jonghyun had heard the news about the unexpected audit by the government at their branch office in Busan this morning. It's unfortunate and happened at such a bad timing, but still it was inevitable and had to be done.  

“First, Director Hwang." Jonghyun sighed as he put down the documents in his hand on the desk beside him. "This is the office. I would appreciate it if you keep that childish tone of yours for your home only."

"Our home."

"Let me finish." He frowned at Minhyun. "Second, we already hugged this morning.” Jonghyun shrugged and turned away from his husband. 

“You’re the worst.” 

“Have a safe trip." Jonghyun picked up the documents again. "And keep me updated on the audit progress.” 

Minhyun clamped his lips. At this point, he felt like there's nothing he could do more that could change his husband’s mind. Jonghyun was always headstrong. He could be a bit cold sometimes in order to keep his decision. Although Minhyun accepted that side of him, he still wished him to be a bit softer for him sometimes. 

“Fine. See you on Sunday then," said Minhyun as he got ready to leave. His hand was already gripping on to the door’s handle of Jonghyun’s office, all he needed to do was to pull it open, but somehow his feet were still reluctant to leave this office. "I love you, Jonghyun..." 

Jonghyun immediately caught on that weak tone of his husband, for he already knew him inside out. Even a slight drop in tone or a small pause, they would send different message to Jonghyun's ears. 

“Okay, fine.” Jonghyun rolled his eyes and groaned. “Come here.” Jonghyun put his documents down again and strode towards his sullen husband instead. He threw his arms around Minhyun's broad shoulders and slightly pulled the taller man down into his embrace. “I really hate it when you give me that look!” Jonghyun let out his grumble.

“Sorry. I can’t help it.” Minhyun scrunched up his nose as he returned Jonghyun’s hug, leaning his chin onto the smaller shoulder. "I'm gonna miss you, the love of my life."  

“It's a two-day trip with one hour flight, Director Hwang. Don’t be so dramatic.” 

“I love you. So much.” 

“I get it, you big baby. I love you so much, as well.” Jonghyun rubbed and tapped on Minhyun's back few times as he locked him in his arms. “See you on Sunday.” The sudden surge of emotion made Jonghyun spontaneously give Minhyun a quick smooch on the cheek. “I’m gonna miss you too,” he whispered.

Jonghyun did it as fast as he could, because he only realized it now that he hadn’t closed the blinds. He’s afraid someone might pass and see them from outside. “Damn it, Minhyun. We have agreed on no PDA at the office!” Jonghyun grumbled as he quickly let go of Minhyun, thinking to get away from his husband. But Minhyun still trapped him in his arms by holding onto Jonghyun's waist. 

“Relax. There’s no one around.” Minhyun chuckled lightly as he smiled at Jonghyun’s flustered face, chasing the man's gaze around as it's trying to avoid his. 

“Alright, I get it. Now let go of me!” Jonghyun had to strike one of Minhyun’s arms with his palm as he felt Minhyun’s hold was getting more and more firm on his waist. “I have a meeting with the operations department in a few minutes. They might already be here.” Jonghyun hissed. 

“Okay, okay,” Minhyun smiled and finally let go of Jonghyun’s waist. “I’ll bring home some your favourite makgeolli as usual.”

“Oh, that would be great." Jonghyun grinned. "But please don’t buy from the airport. Buy some from the local store.”  

“Yes, boss.” 

“I hate it when you call me that.” 

“You are my boss.” 

“Well, technically in the office, yes. But I specifically requested that as your husband, so we’re equal here.” 

“Alright then, honey.” Minhyun snorted. “I’ll call you after I get there okay?” Minhyun scrunched up his nose again as he's smiling at his husband. Finally he stepped out of Jonghyun’s office. 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

“Jonghyun, where the hell are you?” Minhyun yelled to his husband through the phone. Now that he’s able to reach him, he got a little worked up because Jonghyun was out of reach since this morning. 

“Office,” Jonghyun lightly replied. “What’s the matter? I’ve told you I went to the office this morning.”

“I know. But it’s almost 4 now. Don’t you think you should be on your way home now? Come on, it’s New Year’s Eve. We’ve had our plan for the evening.”

“Ugh… More like your plan.” Jonghyun grumbled. He knew where this conversation was going with Minhyun.

“It’s just a party, Jonghyun. You’ve told me you’d come with me.” 

“I never said that. I believe what I said was ’I'm gonna think about it’. You’re the one who deduced it on your own.” 

“Come on~ I’ve already said yes to Jisung hyung,” Minhyun said. “He has reserved a great place for this party. It’s a nice resort by the beach. I know how much you love the sea.” 

“Not at night. The dark sea looks very scary at night. You know how much it scared me after we watched that shark movie.” Jonghyun argued. “I don't know, Minhyun... I really don’t feel like going to the party tonight. Why can’t we just order some delivery food and watch some movies at home?” 

“Because we do that all the time. Today is New Year’s Eve. Let’s do something more meaningful. Besides, we haven’t hung out much with our old friends.”

“I don’t really like your friends.” 

“Pardon. They’re also your friends!”  

“Well, agree to disagree.” 

“Fine. If you’re still being so difficult about this, I’ll just go by myself then.” 

“Okay.” 

“What?!” Minhyun was flustered by Jonghyun’s quick answer. That was too fast. This was not what he had planned in mind, but it felt like he already lost the upper hand now. “Ugh, alright! But you should know that I am very disappointed in your decision today, Director Kim. I’m gonna hang up now. I hope you have a great time at the office. Good day.” Minhyun disconnected the call. 

Jonghyun could be very stubborn sometimes, Minhyun knew and he chose to accept that because he also had his own reasons to be stubborn sometimes. But somehow in this case, it was infuriating him.

They’re married. They’re supposed to go to occasions like this as a team. Besides, he heard everyone would also bring their own partners, it would feel awkward for Minhyun to be the odd one alone there. 

However since Jonghyun couldn’t understand that, very well, Minhyun thought he should just be a single man again right on the last day of this year. Who needed a husband when he could have fun on his own.  

Meanwhile at the office, ever since Minhyun abruptly ended their phone call ten minutes ago, Jonghyun couldn’t focus on his work anymore. He wanted to curse on his husband, for Minhyun always got that ability to breach his strong wall of mindful concentration.

But also this little break made Jonghyun think, if maybe he’s being too stubborn about this party.

"It’s just a party..." Jonghyun tried to self-hypnotize his mind. But then he remembered, not all of Minhyun’s friends were nice and friendly. Some of them were sly, sarcastic, narcissistic and arrogant. Jonghyun never really liked to be among them for a long time. 

It’s part of the reasons why he wasn’t really friends with Minhyun when they were in university. Back then, Jonghyun always thought that Minhyun tended to act like an obnoxious snob. But now that he already knew him on a deeper level, he realised how Minhyun was a bit like a sponge.

He absorbed things quickly. He knew all the trends, all the recent lingo, all the hot restaurants. It was fun, and proved to be useful sometimes, but also that tendency made him get influenced a bit too easily by his surroundings. 

Being among those friends sometimes might bring back the obnoxious side to Minhyun, and Jonghyun didn’t feel good about that attitude. He remembered the last year’s party – how Minhyun and his friends made it so hard for Jonghyun until they almost broke their engagement.

But now that he’s already committed his life to this obnoxious extrovert who he loved with his entire heart and soul, it would mean Jonghyun had to accept his husband the way he was. He had to embrace all sides of Minhyun, even the ones that he didn’t like.

Jonghyun was aware. Maybe he shouldn’t be so selfish and too cold in this matter, although he didn’t really know what to do. Because right now, every introverted cell in his mind was telling him to go home. To hide under the blanket and just forget the world. 

ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴇᴠᴇɴɪɴɢ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ

“Hey, Minhyun! Where is Jonghyun?” 

“Office. Got some work to do.” Minhyun answered with the same sentence over and over again that night every time his friend asked about Jonghyun's whereabouts this evening. It was rather odd, Minhyun had to admit.

Because despite how mean his friends could be to Jonghyun sometimes, they all must have seen Jonghyun and him as a pack. Or how would they be questioning that same question every time they saw him alone in this party, Minhyun scoffed to himself. It's rather embarrassing, but it did make him miss Jonghyun now. 

Minhyun had been at this party for less than 60 minutes but strangely it felt like forever in his mind. He had fun meeting his old gang, catching up and having some drinks with them until he ran out of conversation topics. But every time he checked his watch, the main event – the New Year’s countdown was still a few hours away. 

He never felt like this before. He enjoyed going to the parties. He’s an extrovert who loved hanging out with his friends while having a good time, and he knew all these guys. But why did he feel so less connected with all of them today, he just couldn’t understand it.

“Hey, Jonghyun! My handsome little bro! You’re here!”

Suddenly Minhyun heard Jisung hyung’s chirpy voice from a distance. Did he hear it right? Did Jonghyun come? But Jonghyun didn’t say anything to him. Was it really his Jonghyun or just another person with the same name?

He had to know, so he immediately put down his glass on the table and excused himself from his friends even though they're still in the middle of their conversation. 

Minhyun looked around among the people until he found the one he'd been looking for. 

“Jonghyun.” Minhyun’s eyes immediately lit up when the familiar man’s visual in front of him was confirmed as matched with his imagination. “You came!” He welcomed him with an open arm, reaching out to wrap Jonghyun’s shoulders in his arm. "You even dressed up a bit!" Minhyun noticed the dapper suit. 

Jonghyun threw a quick mischievous grin at Minhyun as he slid his arm on the back of the man’s waist, leaning closer to his husband's side. Minhyun immediately squeezed Jonghyun tightly in return as he brought him to explore the venue. 

Minhyun realized this must be how it felt to have his black and white world coloured by someone’s existence. Suddenly he could understand all of those cheesy love songs. His world was felt so grey earlier, but now that Jonghyun was here, suddenly things became so colourful and bright.

“Jonghyun, look. They have your favorite champagne.” Minhyun pointed at the bar. “You want some?” 

“No.” Jonghyun shook his head. “I want to stay sober tonight.” 

“Or do you want to try their sushi? They're delicious. Have you had your dinner?” 

“I have.” Jonghyun awkwardly grinned. He knew he shouldn’t eat first if he’s going to enjoy this party. “I’m sorry.” Jonghyun explained, “Actually earlier I already went home, and I ordered two sets of beef shabu shabu from my favourite place."

“I turned on the TV and set everything perfectly in the living room." Jonghyun confessed. "Everything was perfect. But strangely, the food didn’t taste as delicious as usual. The movie also felt so boring. I felt so restless, worried, and stressed out, I didn’t know why. Then I realised that something was missing from my perfect night…” He looked up to Minhyun, gazing into the man’s eyes. 

“What?” Minhyun had been following Jonghyun's story attentively and he gave Jonghyun a concerned look with his eyebrows deeply furrowed into the centre of his forehead. 

“You!” Jonghyun exclaimed. He thought he was being obvious but apparently his clueless husband still needed more emphasis. “You’re missing from my night. We’re always together every night, so tonight the house feels so empty without you. I, feel so empty without you.” 

Minhyun lost his words upon hearing Jonghyun’s explanation. He knew Jonghyun was always sweet and good with his words, but they never felt this sweet before. His heart almost melted out of his chest from hearing those words while being gazed by those sincere puppy eyes. 

“I… I..” Minhyun stuttered. His ears felt warm, they must have turned so red now. 

“I want you to know,” Jonghyun took the chance to continue since Minhyun was still out of words. He placed his hand on Minhyun's chest and gently tapped on it as he spoke. “Even though I don’t like this kind of social gathering, I still like you a lot and I care for you. So next time I will gladly go with you.” 

“Okay, everyone, put down your glass!” Jisung suddenly announced it to everyone. “We’re going to the dance floor now!” He pointed at the sparkling rink in the centre of the venue. 

“Hey, Hwang Minhyun!” Jisung called, signaling Minhyun to come and follow him immediately. “Go grab your husband. We’re going to dance the night away.” 

“Actually, hyung. We need to go home now,” Minhyun replied. 

“What? Why so soon?” 

“My assistant just informed me. A schedule has been moved up. I have to leave for Tokyo tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, you go then, whatever. But Jonghyun, you should stay.” Jisung insisted.

Jonghyun was about to give an SOS signal by pinching Minhyun’s arm. He didn’t want to be left here alone in this drunken party jungle. But surprisingly Minhyun was already on his track to speak up about it first before Jonghyun told him to.

“Actually, I need Jonghyun to go home with me too now,” Minhyun said. “Because... You know. We’re newlyweds, and I’ll be in Tokyo for a while. So..” 

“Oh gross. Don’t need to elaborate!" Jisung yelled. "Fine. Just go home you two! But next time you pay for the drinks!” 

“What?! That's not the right thing to do, hyung!" Minhyun complained.  

“Argh! So noisy! It’s decided." Jisung finally let them go. "Just quickly go now!” He laughed and gestured them to leave, while he himself rushed to the crowd on the dance floor. 

Minhyun shrugged and smiled at Jonghyun for a bit. It worked out just the way he wanted it. He then took Jonghyun’s hand in his and guided him out of the venue. 

ᴏᴜᴛꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ

“But, Minhyun. Did you actually forget?” Jonghyun said, now that they’re alone and it was quiet out here. “There’s no meeting in Tokyo. That schedule has been canceled. Genkimaru bailed on us.” 

“I know. I remember.” Minhyun lightly chuckled. “I just made an excuse so we could escape and go home.” 

“Oh, smart!" Jonghyun cheered. "I know I can count on you." 

Minhyun chuckled at Jonghyun's big smiley face. “Now, since my assistant dropped me off here earlier, let’s go get your car," he said.

"Alright." 

"We’d better go home, have some late night dinner. And maybe we can cuddle in bed while watching a movie?” 

“Oh, I love that idea." Jonghyun smiled before he leaned his head on Minhyun's shoulder. "Wow, this year was rough." He suddenly sighed.

"But I'm glad I have you." Jonghyun turned his face to Minhyun as he held onto his arm, his chin was almost pressed against his husband's shoulder. He muttered so only Minhyun could hear his voice. "I love you this year, and I will love you next year as well, Director Hwang." 

"Stop it. You're gonna make my ears red again." Minhyun scoffed and avoided Jonghyun's eyes, for he was shy.

If only they were in closed space, he would have hugged and squeezed his husband tightly in his arms. "Quick, go get the valet, Jonghyun. It's cold!" He nagged at Jonghyun's cheeky face instead to contain his emotion.

This New Year's eve was indeed very cold, but he's lucky he got someone to warm his heart. 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

Jonghyun was flipping through the TV channels, trying to find something interesting to watch as he’s waiting for his husband to get home. Today they took different cars home and last thing he heard from Minhyun was not to wait for him because he still had a lot of work to do at the office.

Jonghyun just never thought it would be this late. Minhyun must have been so busy.

The digital clock on the bookshelf almost turned to 23:00 when he heard the front door finally open. 

“Minhyun, is that you?” Jonghyun asked from the living room with his eyes still focused on the TV. 

Strangely no answer was heard. Usually Minhyun would answer immediately because his husband was always a bit more talkative than he. But currently it was quiet in the foyer.

Jonghyun decided to put down the remote control and check on his husband. But Minhyun's footsteps could be heard first approaching the living room along with the man's appearance. 

“Hey, you’re home.” Jonghyun smiled as soon as he saw Minhyun. “Have you had your dinner?” Jonghyun asked while giving him a big welcoming hug. But on the contrary, sullen and quiet, Minhyun only glanced at Jonghyun without responding much. 

Minhyun just took off his suit and put it down neatly on the couch before he headed to the kitchen for some cold water. Jonghyun followed his husband with his eyes, he could already guess what was happening here. 

“Are you still mad at me?” Jonghyun walked behind his husband to the kitchen. “Come on. Let’s talk. We promise not to bring home the stuff from work.” 

Obviously Minhyun knew that, but after a long day at work, he really didn't want to respond to anyone right now, even if it's his beloved husband. Minhyun ignored Jonghyun and kept on gulping down the bottle of water as Jonghyun stood by the kitchen island waiting for him to finish his drink.

Minhyun didn’t want to talk about home or about work, he felt so tired. But Jonghyun kept on eyeing on him like a puppy that had not been fed. It’s quite bothersome, like he had some unfinished business. 

Feeling defeated, Minhyun finally slammed the bottled water on the countertop after he finished drinking. The thumping sound was louder than he expected. “You want to talk?” He turned to Jonghyun. “Why don’t you talk to your consultant?”

Minhyun didn't know why he said that, but it's already out. 

“Okay, finally. Here we go.” Jonghyun rolled his eyes. “Tell me, why are you so upset about it? It’s just a management procedure.”  

“You secretly hire a consultant service that puts people in our departments to spy on us, your own coworkers. Then you plan to downsize the manpower based on their investigation. Do you think that’s ethical, Director Kim?”

“It’s not spying. It's a corporate investigation. There’s a reason for it, you know that. We need an external perspective on our company's internal situation,” Jonghyun tried to explain again, even though he already explained this earlier to everyone including Minhyun in the meeting. 

“Come on. There’s always a better way to do that.” 

“Like what? Last time the internal audit went awful. It’s not effective and our business is still stuck in the same position. We need something new. Something that actually works.” 

“What you need is to have more faith in your coworkers,” Minhyun sighed as he loosened his necktie.

“I need more than just faith. I need results. Words without actions are still words. Also, I think it’s not a coincidence that I got into several unfortunate events after I authorized those investigations.” 

“That is psychotic.” 

“It is not. Last time, my office door got locked from the outside.” Jonghyun recalled. “The other day, the elevator was jammed right after I issued the server check. There’s a rat, Minhyun, and that rat is trying to sabotage our business.”

“That office door was locked because of a maintenance issue. The same goes with that old elevator.” Minhyun tried to find the logical explanation. “We should replace that elevator, by the way. And let’s admit it, Jonghyun, you’re just too suspicious of everything sometimes.” 

“Are you saying I’m doing all of this just because I’m crazy?”

Minhyun was about to nod but he sensed danger from Jonghyun's frown, so he just gave a vague response. “I just think that you shouldn’t doubt your people too much. You need to see things from their point of view too." 

“And shouldn’t you see things from my point of view too? Shouldn't you be on my side in this matter?” 

“I’m tired of taking sides, Jonghyun. I'm done with that.” 

Deep down, Jonghyun was a bit disappointed in Minhyun’s answer. He expected more, but he didn’t want to drag it further. Minhyun did look tired and Jonghyun thought it’s best to give him some space.

ʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴍɪᴅɴɪɢʜᴛ

Minhyun was still in his home office den as he ran through the latest reports from his managers. Yes, everybody was still working hard from home even at this late hour and he's grateful for that.

His finger clicked on the last file but his mind was briefly flying somewhere due to the exhaustion. Jonghyun must have snored in his dream right now. His husband was really clueless of what storm he had caused in the office because of his decision, Minhyun grumbled inside.

After spending the whole day addressing the internal issues in his departments as the impact of the sudden corporate investigation, Minhyun really didn’t want to be bothered by more work at home, but he had no choice now. 

Not just the workload, the emotional conflicts among the people in his departments also kept on bothering him until now. He dealt with money everyday, so trust was everything in his field of work and he wanted that spirit to be embodied into his team.

Minhyun wanted his team to be solid. Not just a team that could be trusted by the company but also a team that believed in the company.

But today that value was particularly hard to be implemented. There's a lot of disappointment voiced out from the lower level over the undercover investigation and Minhyun had to reassure everyone in his departments.

This incident brought him back to the first time Jonghyun became the new Managing Director in this company. Everyone was so against him and all his decisions, creating cliques and unhealthy gaps inside the company. It was so messy. 

Back then Minhyun was against him too because Jonghyun's ways were rather unconventional. And if Minhyun were being completely honest, Jonghyun was a bit of a jerk when he first had his job.

He made his life feel like hell, or maybe they had made each other’s life hell too.

But thankfully things gradually got better in time and Jonghyun had proved his capabilities as the company leader. So the people had no choice but to follow him because he’s the best for this position.

Still it's a little different now. Minhyun was married to Jonghyun and if he were being honest, he already loved him too much to go against him. But on the other side, he couldn’t just abandon his old coworkers just like that. He had to maintain his loyalty as well. 

Minhyun really hated this kind of situation. He always preferred things to be more simple, to be more harmonious. Now he just couldn’t stay still in the middle as what he usually did and it tremendously bothered his mind.

“Hey…” His door suddenly opened from the outside. It was Jonghyun, just checking on him. “Are you not going to sleep? It’s almost 01:30.” Jonghyun asked, leaning his shoulder on the frame. 

“Yeah.. I still have some stuff to do. Thanks to my great boss.” 

“Alright. Good night then.” Jonghyun halfway closed the door, regretting that he had cared for his sarcastic husband. But in a split second, he had a change of heart and decided to open that door again. 

Still grumbling and frowning, Jonghyun marched towards his husband and spun the chair until Minhyun faced his direction. He cupped Minhyun’s bewildered face as he looked down into that sharp pair of eyes. 

“Minhyun, I love you with all my life, but right now I really hate you and your cold, sarcastic behaviour,” Jonghyun said. “But also… I won’t be able to sleep when I’m angry. So, for now, truce?” 

Minhyun couldn't help but to burst out a little scoff after hearing Jonghyun’s approach. He thought Jonghyun would provoke him or throw him some sort of random argument about work again. 

But here he was standing in front of him, just pleading for some sort of temporary weird proposal. His husband could be very peculiar sometimes, Minhyun was aware of that, but he didn’t know that he would enjoy to tease this side of Jonghyun very much.

"Depends." Minhyun glared back at Jonghyun with a cold expression.

"On what?" 

"On how well you're gonna give me the goodnight kiss." 

"Oh, okay.." The tension in Jonghyun's eyes was relieved at Minhyun's words. He thought Minhyun was going to ask him about something serious when he saw that piercing laser glare. He then bent over a little so he could reach Minhyun's forehead for a peck. "How's that?" 

"I don't know. It's like you don't even mean it." 

"How about this?" Jonghyun kissed Minhyun on his cheek.

"It's like you intend to have a nightmare in your sleep." 

"My goodness." Jonghyun rolled his eyes upward at the harsh critique. "Okay then, here's one more." Jonghyun gave the third kiss. He pressed it gently on Minhyun's lips a bit longer, intentionally and long enough until Minhyun kissed him back.

"So, truce?" Jonghyun wanted to make sure for the last time.  

“Truce.” Minhyun finally nodded with a smirk still vaguely on his face.

“Alright. I love you. Don’t stay up too late.” 

“I get it. Go away now.” Minhyun nudged Jonghyun away from him, gesturing the man to just get out and go back to his sleep. So Minhyun could get back to his work now. 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

Jonghyun slumped on his office chair and spun it towards the big glass window. His stress was always relieved by looking at those white cotton candy clouds floating on the blue sky. It cleared his mind and gave him hope when he thought about how small his problem actually was if compared to this big ol' universe. 

Had the one who managed all of those things up there ever felt as overwhelmed as he was now? Jonghyun pondered about that sometimes when he's feeling helpless with his own job.

Sometimes he wondered why did people always pick him as the leader? 

He never liked the spotlight. He hated the burden. He always wanted things to be simple and relaxing, but somehow he always ended up being the leader. As if people like to put all the responsibilities only on his shoulders. It's exhausting sometimes. Especially when he felt like he had no one he could rely on. 

But Jonghyun didn't hate it completely either. He still loved his job. He's just a bit tired and by being tired, he tended to think a bit more negatively which was normal, looking back to his morning. 

He had a really terrible morning. His assistant drove him to work and they got involved in a hit and run. Some idiot crashed into the rear of his car and ran away without taking any responsibility. 

The rear bumper was damaged and had to be restored in the shop. Both of them were physically fine, but Jonghyun had a minor whiplash injury on his neck due to the accident.

He took some pain killer and iced the injured location, but it was still very uncomfortable to move around. 

Adding to his discomfort, Jonghyun's schedule in the office then had to start with an overheated internal meeting with the directors from all the company's departments. It was inevitable. There was already quite a tension in the room between the headstrong leaders even before the meeting started due to the audit. 

Then the temperature went higher as the discussions escalated into aggressive arguments – which Jonghyun must say he won in most of the points. But unfortunately, it ended in an epic walkout by some of the departments' heads.

Out of his expectation, his beloved husband was also one of them. Even so, Jonghyun could respect that. 

Before becoming his husband, Minhyun was a man with his own will, thoughts and principles. He must have his own reasons, Jonghyun believed. Minhyun was always smart and had strong determination in the first place. 

This disagreement meant he used his head and Jonghyun loved it. To keep it in his pants, he also found it very attractive when Minhyun crossed opinions with him. It's like a fuel to the flame within him. 

Jonghyun would hate it, if by being married to him, Minhyun would just agree on everything he ordered like a robot. He would rather being single all his life than being married to an obedient slave. 

Jonghyun needed someone to sharpen him up. Someone to challenge him. Only by that he could be better and better everyday, and he's lucky to find that in Minhyun. Even though the process was hurtful sometimes, like today. 

It didn’t mean he couldn't try to change his husband's mind first. Jonghyun was confident that he could move anyone’s heart if he tried hard enough. But before persuading his husband, first he needed to deal with the core in this chaos. 

“Assistant Lee,” Jonghyun turned to his desk and spoke to his assistant through the phone. “Get Jeon Wonwoo from IT in person. Tell him that I need to see him at the usual spot immediately.” 

“Right away, sir.” 

ʀᴏᴏғᴛᴏᴘ

Jonghyun remembered he had set the rooftop as one of the no-smoking areas, but annoyingly he could still smell it in the air. People were really difficult to manage, Jonghyun thought. He had a puppy that was way more obedient than these idiots. 

Jonghyun hated the smell of cigarettes. He tried to smoke once in university but he instantly hated it. He’s lucky to find a husband who also hated the same thing – a stubborn husband who still wouldn’t reply to his message since this morning meeting.

In his curiousity, Jonghyun took out his phone again to check if he missed anything, but nothing was from Minhyun. His message was still left on read with no reply. 

“That jerk,” Jonghyun grumbled.

“I’m so sorry, Director Kim.” A slightly timid voice was suddenly heard. It came from behind Jonghyun’s back. “Have you been waiting for too long?” said the polite tone. 

“Oh. Wonwoo!” Jonghyun immediately turned. “No, no. It’s okay. I also just got here.” He immediately shoved his phone in his coat and explained to the employee. “That wasn’t directed at you. I was just waiting for an important text.” 

There was immediate relief in Wonwoo's face when he knew it wasn’t about him.

Though lately he had been in contact regularly with the Managing Director, Wonwoo still had his guard up around the man. Director Kim was nice and cool, but Wonwoo still had too much consideration to treat him like a friend, even if the director had told him to.

Instead of a friend, Wonwoo saw the director as his career and life saviour more. Because the director had changed his life recently.

Looking back, Wonwoo had been working in the company for more than 4 years but he was never familiar with the higher level executives. He was so adapted to work in the shadows where no one could see his effort. It was always that way, even though he had so many things to bring on the table. 

On many occasions, he had some great ideas to improve the company. But his ideas were always shot down by the old supervisors. It was killing him, he was so frustrated. He knew he should have resigned, but as time went by he got used to it.

Wonwoo was also aware that part of this was caused by his personality; it was difficult for him to adapt in a new environment. That’s why he kept on delaying his resignation. 

Until one very bad day arrived. That day he already thought about giving up, but his intention to quit was caught by someone he never thought of.

Wonwoo even intentionally had a can of beer to boost up his confidence before talking to his manager about quitting that evening, but the alcohol made him a little clumsy instead. 

On his way to meet his manager in the meeting room, the resignation letter accidentally slipped right out of his folder along with some other documents. It made a mess in the hallway. At that time he didn’t know if it was his luck, but the Managing Director happened to pass that same hallway when he was picking up the mess. 

Jonghyun was out of the meeting room when he bumped into Wonwoo. He paid particular attention to the white rectangle envelope among the mess. He picked up that envelope and took a look at the employee with the round gold-rimmed glasses. 

“Hey. I know you.” Jonghyun exclaimed when he recalled that nervous face. “Didn’t we meet during the job interview?” 

“Y..yes, Director Kim.” Wonwoo immediately gathered all the scattered documents roughly in his hands and stood up to bow his head in respect to the Managing Director.

“I can’t really remember your name.” Jonghyun wondered. “But I remember you’re the most quiet at that time, but surprisingly you’re the only one who was able to solve the most difficult problem I gave to the applicants.” 

“Yes, sir. My name is Jeon Wonwoo. I’m in the IT Department now.” 

“Glad that you’ve made it.” Jonghyun smiled. “So tell me what makes you try to quit now?” 

“I… I was..” Wonwoo was taken aback. It felt like he's back to that job interview. He remembered how the Managing Director was quite straightforward with his questions.

Wonwoo just didn’t know how he should put this. He didn’t like conflict, he didn't want to be in trouble with his supervisors too, but for some reason he felt like he owed the director his honest explanation. 

Director Kim was someone in the highest position, while he’s basically just a nobody in this company. Wonwoo felt like this attempt would be useless for his career too. Things would be the same again tomorrow. He would do the same jobs over and over again with all the supervisors taking all the credits. 

But apparently he was wrong. That day, Director Kim listened to him very attentively and there’s this smirk on that face that Wonwoo could feel, but couldn’t describe very clearly. He felt like he saw a glimpse of hope from that face. That's when Wonwoo understood how one accidental meeting could change someone's life.

Fast forward to the present. Now he worked directly under the Managing Director’s guide. Well, secretly, of course. Because the director apparently was onto something. But Wonwoo believed that whatever the director did, it would bring change to the current management. 

Thanks to Director Kim, now Wonwoo could feel more joy in his job, like he had more purpose to wake up in the morning. 

At first Wonwoo was doubtful with this arrangement. He felt like he wasn’t the right person to do such an important mission. But on the other hand, Wonwoo really liked working with Director Kim. Despite his title, the Managing Director always remained humble and he was very approachable, even to a low-level employee like Wonwoo.

In Wonwoo’s eyes, Director Kim was so reliable. Also somehow, Wonwoo felt comfortable working with him, although they had to rendezvous at such secret weird spots. The rooftop, the parking basement, or the emptiest corner of the office library where no one was ever seen there.

It felt like they were up to no good, but also challenging as that was the beginning of their secret operations. 

“Have you found the rat?” Jonghyun asked. 

“It’s exactly what you’ve predicted, sir.” Wonwoo took out his phone to show Jonghyun a video. 

“This bastard. He’s in charge of the recent incidents too?” 

“Everything.” 

“Where is he now?” 

“He’s having a meeting with the maintenance.” 

“He doesn’t know you’re here?” 

“I’m literally invisible in my department, sir. They don't really care about my existence.” Wonwoo scratched the back of his head. 

“You shouldn’t say that to your boss next time.” Jonghyun furrowed his eyebrows. “Never tell anyone that you’re useless in your department. You’ll be an easy target for job termination. But…” Jonghyun scoffed at the nervous employee. “Lucky for you. I have so many jobs for you in the future. So you’re saved. For now.”

“I’m always grateful to you, sir.” 

“You should be. Anyway..”  Jonghyun was about to talk more when he noticed a flash of shadow on the corner of his eyes. “Pretend to act normal!” He spontaneously hissed at Wonwoo. “There’s someone. Quick just bow your head and get out of here.” 

“Yes, sir,” Wonwoo murmured. 

“Let’s continue this later after work. Rendezvous at 9PM in my office. Got it?” 

“Yes, sir.” Wonwoo bowed and left the rooftop, pretending like he just accidentally bumped into the director here. 

ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ʟᴜɴᴄʜ

Minhyun just returned from the lunch meeting when he saw a group of employees crowding in front of the elevator in the lobby. He usually didn’t really pay attention to the others, especially when he had a hectic day like today – when every minute was tied to its own schedule. 

However this time, there was something in him, telling him to be more curious about that suspicious mass of people. So he stopped for a bit and called one of the security officers in the area to ask about what’s going on over there. Much to his surprise, it was something serious. 

“There’s a bit of trouble with the elevator, Director Hwang," the security officer explained. 'It has stopped working since about an hour ago.” 

“Again?” Minhyun couldn’t believe it. It had happened for the third time this month alone. They really need to change those elevators immediately. “Are there people inside?” 

“There are eight, sir. Including the Managing Director.” 

“Director Kim is there?! How long has it been happening?” 

“Around 40 to 50 minutes. I’m not quite sure of the exact time, sir.” 

“Damn it.” 

Minhyun rushed to the site and broke through the crowd. He needed to know the latest update of the situation. There were people from the maintenance team and the emergency officers around, taking care of the situation. Minhyun called the person in charge. “Excuse me. Mr. Park. How is the situation?” 

“Oh, Director Hwang.” The officer recognized Minhyun. “Don’t worry, sir. The people inside are safe and we have reset the circuit from the control room. Now we just need a little bit of time for the system to load. It would get back to work in less than three minutes." 

Minhyun was a bit relieved at the updates. He felt bad now for ignoring Jonghyun's message all day. Also Minhyun noticed that Jonghyun didn't even try to contact him when the incident happened. Not even his assistant. 

It was rather upsetting. He's his husband, he's supposed to be the first to know when such dangerous thing was happening to Jonghyun. But that's not the important point now.

Right now Minhyun needed to make sure if Jonghyun was alright in there. He must have been terrified or suffocated to be in such closed space with seven people. Minhyun was about to dial on Jonghyun's contact when people suddenly cheered because the elevator was already back on its function. 

A few seconds later the bell dinged and the steely doors were immediately open. People were flowing out of that box. Everyone looked pale and traumatized but they were soon welcomed by their close coworkers who were already waiting for them. 

“Hey.” Minhyun grabbed on Jonghyun's shoulder immediately when he saw him walking out of that elevator as the last passenger. 

“Oh, Minhyun.” Jonghyun turned. Minhyun immediately noticed the pale face. 

“Oh Minhyun?” Minhyun repeated Jonghyun’s words in disbelief. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you call or text me?!” 

"Wait, wait. Let me talk to the officers first." He shook Minhyun's grip off him and rushed to the rescue team. He thanked them for their effort and gave them some briefing about the elevators as well. 

After a few minutes he returned to Minhyun who was waiting for him on the side of the lobby with the signature frown.

"Where were we?" Jonghyun chuckled. "Oh, right. I was going to call you, but then I remembered that you’re in a meeting.” 

“So what? You wouldn’t let me know that you’re in danger?”

“I know how important that meeting is. Besides, it's not that dangerous. It's just a maintenance issue.” 

Minhyun hated that he's the one who also used those words about that damn elevator for Jonghyun last time. Minhyun could have just said he's sorry, but he didn’t know why those words got stuck in his throat. 

“Don’t worry. Look. I’m fine." Jonghyun tried to laugh it off like it was nothing. Even though the back of his shirt was all drenched in sweat and his face looked so pale. "It's still a long time before you could find a new husband, Director Hwang." 

"It's not funny, Jonghyun." Minhyun disliked Jonghyun's take on this incident. Clearly Jonghyun wasn’t fine. Minhyun didn’t know why he tried to hide that.

He knew he should take care of Jonghyun more, but the next meeting with their client from the national bank was already on schedule and it couldn’t be postponed. “Look.” Minhyun squeezed Jonghyun’s arm as he looked closely into his husband's eyes. “Go get something sweet to eat first. Go with someone. Don't go alone. Is your assistant here? You can go with my assistant if.." 

"My assistant is here." 

"Okay, good. I have a meeting now. But I will soon come to your office to comfort you, okay?” 

“It’s okay, Minhyun. I’m fine. You don't need to do that. I know you're busy.” Jonghyun smiled. Minhyun noticed that forced smile and that pale skin tone on his face really made him worried. 

“Are you really sure you’re okay?” Minhyun asked again. 

“Yes. Trust me. Look, I will just grab some lunch with my assistant at the cafe over there, get back to work, then I’ll see you later at home. Okay?” 

"Take my car. We'll get home together." 

“Alright. I get it. Man, if I knew you you would care for me this much, I would get stuck in the elevator more often."

"Why would you say such a terrible thing, Jonghyun?!" Minhyun's eyes went wider at Jonghyun's remark as he glared furiously at his husband. 

But Jonghyun just laughed away. "I get it. Go now. You'll be late for your meeting." 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

To keep his physique always in its prime condition at his age, Minhyun never skipped a gym day. He loved being fit. It gave him more energy throughout the day, more clarity for his mind, and also it made him look good in most outfits. 

Although he’s already married, Minhyun tried to keep that attractiveness aspect in their marriage life for his husband. Also, he couldn’t lose from Jonghyun in terms of persistence.

No matter how tired he was, he tried not to fall behind on his gym schedule, just like tonight. After one and a half hour focusing on cardio, back and shoulders training, he’s finally done and went back to his car in the parking basement. 

As he started the engine, he remembered how his husband said he had to work late in the office tonight.

Earlier, they had dinner together in a traditional restaurant near their office. The soybean paste stew and the steamed egg there were really delicious. 

But as they were about to go home after that scrumptious dinner, Jonghyun suddenly said that he had to go back to the office for some urgent matter. Minhyun then dropped him off back at the office and decided to head to the gym, instead of going home right away. 

Now that he’s done with the gym he still didn’t feel like straightly going home, especially when Jonghyun was still in the office. He glanced at the time on the dashboard. It was 10:08 PM on the clock. Jonghyun should have been done with his job, Minhyun thought. Maybe he should go and pick up Jonghyun at the office. 

Minhyun made sure to check on his phone first and the last text from his husband was 10 minutes ago, letting him know that Jonghyun would have to stay in the office for about another hour. 

Minhyun was a little tired, but what the hell, he thought. He should just pop by and surprise Jonghyun at the office. Maybe he would grab something nice to eat along the way for his husband too.  

They could have the light bites, while maybe he could help Jonghyun with something. And, mainly because Minhyun was worried that his husband would had another incident with that cursed office elevator again. 

ᴛʜᴇ ᴏғғɪᴄᴇ

“Good evening, Director Hwang,” the security officer bowed to Minhyun when the middle-aged officer saw the director entering the lobby. 

“Good evening, Mr. Park,” Minhyun recognized the senior officer. “Having the night shift?” 

“Yes, sir.” The officer smiled politely. 

“Is the Managing Director still up there?” 

“No, sir. Last time I saw him, he went to the server room downstairs. Would you like me to assist you, sir?” 

“Oh, no thanks. I know my way around.” 

“Very well, sir. He’s in room F32.” The officer checked on his database log before he informed Minhyun. 

“Thank you, Mr. Park. Have a good night.”  

As usual, the building was quiet and a little dark at night. No employees were seen and only some officers were still around patrolling the area. It got even more quiet down on the underground level. 

But it didn’t take long for Minhyun to find room F32. He was about to knock on the door when he overheard a strange conversation from the inside.

There were two male voices in there. He’s familiar that one was his husband's voice, but he just couldn’t recognize the other. 

“How about this angle, sir?” said the unfamiliar voice first. 

“I think that won’t work. Can you try the other?” Jonghyun's voice was heard.

“I can try a few things, but I don’t think it will be appropriate.” 

“Don’t worry, then. Just try to hit me from behind,” Jonghyun persuaded the other guy.

“I’m scared, Director Kim. It could be dangerous.” 

“Just do it! There’s no one here, and no one will find out about it.” 

“What about Director Hwang, sir? He’ll find out if you got any bruise.” 

“My husband doesn’t need to know.” 

“What is it?! What is it that I don’t need to know?” Minhyun had to push the door open, barging in like everyone's worst nightmare. He just couldn’t listen to more of that disgusting conversation. 

“Minhyun!” Jonghyun was taken aback by his husband’s sudden appearance in the room. His neck was stretched out and his eyes went rounder than they originally were. 

“What the hell are you two doing?” Minhyun demanded immediate answer. 

“Nothing,” Jonghyun quickly replied.

“What is that around your neck?”

“A necktie,” Jonghyun answered literally, he knew it looked unbelievably weird but he just couldn't think of other thing than what it really was. 

“Who is that guy? Why is he holding a fire extinguisher?” Minhyun turned and pointed at the other suspicious guy. He thought he had seen that tall skinny guy before but he just couldn’t remember when. “What is going on here, Jonghyun?” 

ᴀ ғᴇᴡ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇs ʙᴇғᴏʀᴇ

Jonghyun sat in his office, staring vaguely at the projector screen while his mind was running wildly to countless possibilities. He tried to figure out how he should catch this rat in his company without making any mistake or ruckus. 

Three days ago, a report came in specifically to Jonghyun’s phone from the security team. A night-shift guard was bludgeoned on his head to his unconsciousness in Room F32 at midnight. Fortunately they managed to run him to the hospital nearby, so the man’s life was saved and he's recovering well. 

There’s no crucial damage in the facility – except two broken CCTV cameras and a malfunction in some of the servers’ components which led to a data loss from specific periods. 

Jonghyun ordered the security team to keep this incident a secret for the time being as he ran his own investigation. There’s no one here he could fully trust in this matter, including his own husband. He assumed t he less people involved in this matter, the better. 

“Uhm… Director Kim.” 

“Yes,” Jonghyun replied to Wonwoo. 

“You need to see this.” Wonwoo slid his laptop over the round table for Jonghyun to see. He found a CCTV recording of that incident from an angle that apparently had been missed by the rat.

“Damn. I can’t really see his face with that mask on.” Jonghyun squinted. “That’s it. We should go to Room F32 now. Let’s go, Wonwoo.” 

ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴏᴍ ғ32

“The report said the guard was first strangled from behind with something when he entered this room.” Jonghyun looked around. “Oh, let’s use your necktie.” Jonghyun pointed at the maroon fabric around Wonwoo’s neck. “Quick, take it off. Pretend you’re about to strangle me from behind.” 

“Pardon, sir?” 

“Come on. We have to get in that rat’s head to prove my theory.” 

Wonwoo was unsure if this were okay, but he still followed the director's order to reenact the incident. He carefully tied the necktie around Jonghyun’s neck and pulled it. 

“Damn it, Wonwoo! That’s too tight!” Jonghyun started to cough. 

“Sorry, sir.” Wonwoo immediately loosened the tie as he's getting more flustered.

“Alright. Just consider I got strangled already. Now, I would be losing my balance." Jonghyun swayed in his steps as if he's about to fall. "And as I’m about to faint, I get bludgeoned on the head with…”

Jonghyun looked around the servers room again for a tool. “Oh, quick, grab that fire extinguisher!” He told Wonwoo who was still questioning everything, but did exactly as told. 

“Now, pretend you hit me on the head with that.” 

“I… I think it would be odd, sir,” said Wonwoo. 

“Why?”

“The angle is not right.” 

“Oh, you’re right. Maybe try from another position.” 

“How about this angle, sir?” Wonwoo suggested. 

“I think that won’t work. Can you try the other?” 

“I can try a few things, but I don’t think it will be appropriate.” 

“Don’t worry, then. Just try to hit me from behind,” Jonghyun said.

“I’m scared, Director Kim. It could be dangerous.” 

“Just do it! There’s no one here, and no one will find out about it.” 

“What about Director Hwang, sir? He’ll find out if you got any bruise.” 

“My husband doesn’t need to know–” 

Even before Jonghyun got to finish, Minhyun already barged in like thunder hit from a clear blue sky. 

Jonghyun was about to tell the truth to his husband but he remembered how Minhyun doubted his theories, calling him overly suspicious, and how Minhyun took the opponent’s side in early meeting.

Jonghyun couldn't risk it. Therefore he decided to play dumb for a little bit to cover things up. 

“What is going on here, Jonghyun?” Minhyun demanded an explanation.

“I’m preparing a surprise for you,” Jonghyun said with a serious tone. He knew it sounded stupid but the more random it got, the better. He knew how his husband hated complicated things. Jonghyun should just confuse him with peculiar random things as tactic. 

“What surprise?” 

“It’s not a surprise if I give you the spoiler now.” 

“Fine. But what is that guy doing over here?! Aren’t you from IT?” 

“Yes, Director Hwang. I’m just helping Director Kim with the surprise.” 

“Yes. Wonwoo there is just helping me with the preparation because it will involve some laser, music, digital presentation, you name it.” 

“You’re planning a surprise?”

“Yes.”

"For me?"

"Uh huh." 

“In the server room?”

“Yes.” 

“You need to lie better, Jonghyun. My birthday is not even close.” 

“Oh, please. Do I need a special occasion to surprise my husband?” 

“Technically you do.” Minhyun crossed his arms and frowned. He sensed something was very odd with his husband.

“Fine, then. Cancel everything, Wonwoo." Jonghyun sighed. "Forget everything I’ve requested. Director Hwang here doesn't need my surprise anymore. You can go home now.” 

“I understand, Director Kim. Please, excuse me then, sir. Good night.” Wonwoo quickly bowed to Jonghyun and also the other scary director, catching on the chance Director Kim made for him so he could save himself from this awkward situation. 

“Happy, now?” Jonghyun was about to glare back at Minhyun when he noticed something was still left on him. " Oh, wait. Wonwoo!” Jonghyun called his employee again. “You forgot to take your necktie.” Jonghyun quickly unraveled the fabric and passed it to Wonwoo before the employee quickly made his run again. 

At a loss for words, Minhyun shook his head in disbelief at Jonghyun’s scheme. The scariest part was his husband seemed so nonchalant with all the weird things going on here.

He could only look at his husband with his stoic face, questioning Jonghyun's sanity.   

“What? It’s freezing here. My neck was cold,” Jonghyun replied to the look on his husband like he’s innocent. 

“Whatever this is you’re playing, Jonghyun. I don’t like this,” Minhyun expressed his objection. But Jonghyun didn’t want to listen to him further, so he just walked past him.

“Wait, where are you going?” Minhyun stopped his husband by grabbing his wrist.

“My office.” 

“No. Come on. Let’s go home now! It’s already late.” 

“Well you go first then.” 

“I’m not leaving you alone here.” 

“I’m not alone. There are security officers everywhere in this building.” 

“Fine, then I’ll stay here with you.” 

“Oh, damn it. Why are you being so difficult? I just need some alone time.” 

“You can have alone time as much as you want someday when I’m dead!”

“Why would you say that? That is horrible!” 

“It is. So come on. Let’s go home now while this husband of yours is still alive.” Minhyun dragged Jonghyun out of the server room to follow him. He’d had enough of this silly game. 

ʜᴏᴍᴇ

“Stop sniffing all over my neck, you big wolf!” Jonghyun yelled at Minhyun while trying to push the man's head away. He was annoyed because Minhyun was pestering him with tons of questions on their way home – which Jonghyun didn’t know how to answer anymore. And now as soon as they stepped inside their home, Minhyun was all over him like a German Shepherd finding a bag of drugs.

“You smell weird, Jonghyun.” Minhyun didn’t let go of his husband. He held him still in his arms while he buried his nose on the back of his nape, then trailing from the crook of his neck to all over his right cheek. 

“Would you stop that! It tickles!” Jonghyun tried to push Minhyun away again but it's still useless. 

“You kinda smell like a....” Minhyun tried to find the right word. 

“I know I stink!” 

“No. It’s just you don't smell like your usual scent.”

“And what is my usual scent exactly, Professor German Shepherd?”

“Like a deep woodland. Complex, rich, warm, a little sensual, kind of alluring to me.” 

“Okay...” Jonghyun was about to blush at his husband’s over-explanation. He felt like he’s about to be drawn in those eyes until Minhyun glared at him again. 

“But not now.” Minhyun stated. “Now you kinda smell like copper or rustic steel? What exactly did you do in the office at this late hour?” 

Damn it, Minhyun and his sensitive nose. Jonghyun should come clean now but he still didn’t trust his husband in this matter completely. Moreover, he's too tired for another argument, and sharing that he also spent his time earlier in the warehouse to catch the 'rat' would just raise more questions from Minhyun. 

“I’ve told you I was just preparing for your surprise.” Jonghyun shifted. 

“Enough with that lie!” 

“Then enough with your questions. Also, get off me now!” 

“Why are you being suspiciously cranky tonight?” 

“I’m not cranky.” 

“Then why do you keep trying to run away from me? Are you cheating with that guy?” Minhyun gasped. “Do you not love me anymore?”

“Hwang Minhyun! We’ve only been married for a while. Of course I still love you.” 

“Wait. What's that supposed to mean?” 

“You heard it.” 

“Wow! Meanwhile, here I am, always thinking that you’ll be my last one. I am offended, Jonghyun.” 

“I’m more offended that you think I would cheat on you with Wonwoo when I could abuse my position to cheat with Eunwoo from Marketing.” 

“Who the hell is Eunwoo now?!” 

“I’m just joking, okay?” Jonghyun chuckled and turned to face Minhyun. He tiptoed a bit, gently wrapping his arms around Minhyun's neck.

“I love you. But I’m just so tired now and I’m all stinky. I just want to take a shower then go to sleep. Can I do that, hm?” Jonghyun buried his face on Minhyun's shoulder as he hung on to him closely until their beating hearts press against each other.  

“Do you want me to wash up with you?” Minhyun whispered, slightly trying.   

“But you’ve already washed up.” 

“How do you know that?”

“You smell like the shower gel from our gym.” 

“You really must have been a puppy in the past.” 

“Say that to yourself.” 

“So, can I join you?” 

“Ugh. Fine, you can. But no funny business, okay? I’m tired.” 

“Oh, if there’s business in there, I guarantee it won’t be a funny one, Jonghyun.” 

“I’m serious, Minhyun. I love doing it with you, but just not today.”

“But we haven’t slept together for weeks!” 

“I know! It’s crazy and I want it so bad too. But, I really can’t tonight. I’m sorry.” 

“Please, don’t say that. Don’t be sorry. I understand." Minhyun smiled. "Listen. How about I just make you a cup of honey chamomile tea? Then I’ll massage your feet before we go to bed.”

“Wow! That would be perfect.”  

“Alright then. Go take your shower, I’ll prepare everything for you.” 

“Thank you, my man. You’re the best.” Jonghyun felt relieved. 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

Minhyun remembered Jonghyun did kiss him goodbye earlier at daybreak before his husband left the house. But he didn’t really catch what Jonghyun said to him because he’s still half asleep. He hazily remembered Jonghyun mentioned the words warehouse , Wonwoo , and something related to rats. 

It did make him wonder, if he were a bit more alert this morning or if he just tagged along with Jonghyun, could he prevent this misfortune from happening to his beloved husband?

He should have known this was going to happen to Jonghyun. Minhyun might look stoic, stone cold, heartless – or whatever people called him outside, but he wasn’t insensitive. 

He was aware of the changes in Jonghyun’s behavior lately. All that anxiety, excessive suspicion and the pretence to appear okay at home, Minhyun knew everything. He just chose not to take any reckless action– but shit, if anything worse happened to Jonghyun, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself for being too careful with everything. 

Fortunately, Jonghyun’s condition was stable now. Multiple cracked ribs, three fractured toes, and a couple of bruises still couldn’t bring the man down. In fact Jonghyun was still able to give Minhyun a goofy grin now even when he’s in the middle of receiving an injection to ease his pain.

“Stop smiling. You look stupid.” Minhyun frowned at his husband. He wasn't a fan of such cheery attitude in this serious situation. 

“Ouch. Your words are getting more painful than this needle, Minhyun.”

“That’s what you get for hiding things from me. Please stab him twice in the same place, Nurse Lee.” 

“Thank you, Nurse Lee. I will take some rest after dealing with this talking needle beside me.” Jonghyun smiled at the attending nurse, ignoring Minhyun's sharp glare.

The nurse chuckled in return, finding the couple's bickering rather amusing. She cleared her things up while reminding Jonghyun to sleep in more upright position if he were sleepy. And if he experienced any discomfort, they should call the nurse immediately. 

After the nurse gave them some space, Jonghyun snapped back at his husband right away.

“I’ve told you this morning about my plan," Jonghyun stated. “I said, I’m going to our old warehouse in the north district. Jeon Wonwoo just called. He said it’s something about the rat. If you still can’t reach me after 9 AM, please come and find me. I think he is the rat.” 

“Right when I was half-dreaming? Couldn’t you brief me any sooner when I was fully awake?” 

“Fine. I’m sorry, then. This is all my fault. Happy?” Jonghyun was unaware but he started to curl his lips into a pout.

Minhyun didn't like this conversation, yet somehow Jonghyun looked cute when he’s sulking. However this was not the time to adore his husband.

“Clearly, I’m not happy. There is nothing happy about this situation.” Minhyun looked sternly at Jonghyun. “I know about what Jeon Wonwoo did to you in that warehouse and I’m going to file charges.” 

“Oh, leave him alone.” 

“I watched the recording video from the warehouse, Jonghyun. That IT guy is so dead to me right now.” 

“Please, don’t be mad at him.” 

“He’s clearly trying to harm you even worse than this!” Minhyun pointed at the entire Jonghyun’s condition.

“That’s not what happened. This is partially my fault.”

“He kicked and shoved you into the shelves!” 

“And I tripped into the wrong wobbly one that made those heavy boxes fall on top of me. He called the ambulance after that. Let’s give him a second chance.”

“So he can actually kill you?” 

“I know he made a huge mistake, but he’s not a bad person. He regrets everything. And also… I have punched him several times in the face before he shoved me. Please, don't be mad at me.” 

“I’m not mad at you, Jonghyun. How can I be mad when you’re looking like this? But I’m mad at him!” Minhyun exclaimed. “That guy needs to be punished for all his wrongdoings. He manipulated data, stole company’s money and information.” 

“Wait. You know about all of that?” 

“I know everything, Jonghyun.” 

A few days ago, the moment Minhyun sensed the intensity in Jonghyun’s weird behaviour, he decided to find out what’s actually going on in the company that made his husband so restless.

He started from the thing he knew best, finance. 

All the finance and accounting databases were stored in the server. But just in case the system went wrong, Minhyun, who was very meticulous, always kept his own records in the local system that had more private security. A system which only he and his right-hand man could access. 

He formed a small team of trusted auditors to do some cross-checks and comparisons. From there he found out that some parts of the database in the server were manipulated. 

But Minhyun didn’t want to act hastily. He kept it confidential, asking his team to trace the missing numbers secretly. The process took a couple of days and in that process, he found a shocking truth.

There was a financial record that linked down to a suspicious account. It was owned by a female who had a related name with a certain familiar name, such as – Jeon Wonwoo. 

After further background check, Minhyun found out that Jeon Wonwoo wasn’t just an ordinary employee. He was planted in their company by their business competitor with a mission to extract crucial information.

Their mission failed so they cut him loose one-sidedly three months ago. That’s when he started to manipulate the data, stealing the company funds for his own benefit.

“And after knowing all of that, you still didn’t come to tell me?” Jonghyun stared at Minhyun with a betrayed look on his face.

“I was going to," Minhyun said. "This morning, in a proper meeting. But apparently Wonwoo beat me to it. But hey, I’m not the one at fault here! You said you already knew he’s the rat.” 

“Yes, I knew, but I still didn’t have a solid proof in my hands. It would make my job so much easier if I knew you already had the proof.” 

“Well, next time don’t hide things from me. Share your plan with me.” 

“I did, but you said I was psychotic! You acted as if I were crazy when I hired that consultant.” Jonghyun groaned, started to feel the pain in his chest. 

“Alright, easy. Do you want me to call the nurse?” Minhyun immediately stood up from his chair and looked after Jonghyun so he could sit in a more comfortable position. 

“No, it’s okay. Don’t worry. It’s just a little pinch in the chest.” Jonghyun’s face was all scrunched up, clearly he was still in pain. 

“Let’s not argue more. Not when you’re like this.” Minhyun fixed the blanket on Jonghyun's waist. 

“Let’s not ruin a man’s life, Minhyun. He’d been through many terrible things in life. I just think if it were me in his position, I...”

“You wouldn’t do the same. I know you.” 

“Maybe I won't, but we don't know for sure. I know, I might sound crazy but it’s just... I really like him as a friend, and I want to give him a second chance.” 

Minhyun sometimes had a hard time to understand Jonghyun. He always had this crazy naive mindset as if there's always good in everyone. Jonghyun often called it leadership but Minhyun just found it very risky most of the time.

However Minhyun realized that all of these things happened because he didn't take Jonghyun's side in the first place. This time, he knew that he shouldn't repeat the same mistake.

It was hard but he loved Jonghyun, so he should try to move closer to the centre, to see things from Jonghyun's point of view. 

“Alright. Fine. We’ll do it your way," Minhyun said, holding Jonghyun's hand in his hand. "But promise me one thing.” 

“Anything.”

“You will take some rest and focus on getting better first. No more work during your recovery.”

“Okay, I promise." Jonghyun carefully leaned forward so he could rest his forehead on Minhyun's chest. "I'm sorry. I must have scared you today." 

"It's okay, baby. At least you're alright now." Minhyun mumbled as he placed few kisses on the top of Jonghyun's head. "I'm still more bummed by what the doctor said that we can't have sex for five to six weeks."   

"Hey!" 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

Jonghyun might need to stay in the hospital if any of his other organs were injured, but since it wasn’t, the doctor had discharged him to recover at home. Jonghyun was over the moon with the news. He definitely liked to be at his home sweet home rather than at the hospital. 

Besides, he had a reliable caregiver who would revolve twenty four-seven around him. There’s no reason to be worried. Even though the healing process might take at least six weeks, or even though he’s still constantly in pain at this moment, Jonghyun was certain that as long as he got Minhyun by his side, he would be fine.

At least that was what he expected. But the reality went a bit different, because earlier Minhyun already drove him a bit insane on their way home. And it continued even now as they’re about to get into their apartment, Minhyun was still fussy with everything. 

“Minhyun, you’re making such a fuss! I don’t need a wheelchair! I can walk,” Jonghyun declared.  

“But you're literally limping there!” Minhyun pointed out at Jonghyun’s heavy attempt to walk to the elevator. "You can't put too much pressure on your—"

“Put the wheelchair back! And just get here immediately,” Jonghyun said with a snap. He couldn’t take another lecture from his husband. When and how Minhyun even got that wheelchair, Jonghyun just couldn't understand. His husband could be quite overreacting about this injury. 

To avoid more argument, Minhyun put the wheelchair back in his car first. But still he couldn't help but do it with a little grumble. After he put everything back, he locked the car and rushed to assist Jonghyun into the elevator. 

“Don’t give me that face,” Jonghyun complained when he saw Minhyun’s sulky expression. He had his arm around Minhyun’s shoulder as his husband supported him standing in the elevator.

“I’m just upset,” Minhyun murmured. “You keep on doing things your way instead of my way. It’s like you don’t trust me. I just want to take care of you.” 

“I’m sorry. It’s just I don’t want to attract people’s attention with that gigantic wheelchair. Where did you get that anyway?”

“It’s the fastest I can get from the healthcare store in the hospital.” 

“They sold that thing there?”

“Yes, they got everything there. Crutches, wheelchairs, walkers.”

“Oh. How nifty,”  Jonghyun was amazed. “Well maybe someday we can use that wheelchair.”

“Don’t say that. I don’t want to see you get hurt like this again.” 

“I’m talking about you.” 

“Excuse me?” Minhyun gave Jonghyun a side-look. 

“I mean someday when you get older and not able to walk. Maybe I can push you in that wheelchair.” 

“You do realize that you’re the one that literally leans your whole body on me right now, don’t you?”

“And I’m grateful for it. My husband is as strong as an oak tree.” Jonghyun immediately shifted into a playful grin as he gave a few soft pats on his husband’s cheek before Minhyun got to do any mean thing to him. 

ʜᴏᴍᴇ sᴡᴇᴇᴛ ʜᴏᴍᴇ

“Now what do you want to do? Shower or dinner first?” Minhyun asked as they stepped inside their place. 

“Shower would be better. But you have to help me. I can’t twist or turn.”

“Of course, honey. Now, let’s get you undressed.” 

“Please don’t sound too excited.” 

“I wasn't excited though?”

“Oh, shut up. Your face says it all.” Jonghyun rolled his eyes. “I can’t deal with any of your weird stunts in there alright? You heard what the doctor said. No active physical activity during recovery for at least six weeks.” 

“Okay, okay. I get it. Don’t worry. I’m just gonna scrub you like how I clean the bathroom floor and we’re done. Alright?” 

“Please be gentle with me. I’m not a toilet bowl.” 

“Yes, young master. Now come on, let’s get you there.” 

ᴀғᴛᴇʀ sʜᴏᴡᴇʀ

Jonghyun noticed Minhyun’s silence after the shower. It was a little unusual. Minhyun was always the more talkative one when there were only two of them. 

“Hey, are you okay?” Jonghyun poked his husband on his waist. 

“Yeah. Why?” 

“Nothing. You’ve been very quiet. It’s odd, it's like there's something on your mind that's bothering you. Wanna share?” 

Minhyun sighed. Jonghyun could always read him like an open book, even when he’s trying hard to hide it. 

Actually Minhyun wasn’t really aware of this feeling in the hospital, but when they were in the shower he got to take a close look at Jonghyun’s bruises and it really hit him. All those black and blue just made his heart sink. Especially the one near his husband's chest. It must have been really painful and it upset him. 

“Are you seriously not gonna sue that bastard?” Minhyun went on when the anger started to resurface again in his heart. 

“Minhyun, we’ve talked about this. I know you're upset for me and I am thankful, but all I want is just, one, to have the money back safely in the company's fund and two, I want a sincere apology from him. That is all for me.”

“I just can’t stand looking at your bruises and seeing you suffer like this.” Minhyun grumbled while snatching a towel to dry Jonghyun’s hair, accidentally yanking a tangle as he rushed on it.

“Auwh! Please be gentle.” Jonghyun yelped. 

“Sorry.” 

Jonghyun huffed and slowly snaked his arms around Minhyun’s waist, leaning his forehead against the firm abdomen. He understood Minhyun's feeling and he wanted to make him feel better. “Thank you for sharing my pain. I promise I’ll get better in six weeks,” Jonghyun mumbled. 

“I know you will.” Minhyun hugged him closer and planted a kiss on top of his head. “Now, what do you want for dinner?” 

“Fried chicken!” Jonghyun quickly shouted out his answer. 

“Let’s eat something healthier, something with more fibers. How about bibimbap or bean sprout stew?”

“What? Am I on a diet?”

Minhyun didn’t answer to that, instead a thin line appeared between his eyebrows as he reached out to unravel the front side of Jonghyun’s bathrobe. “Look at this belly.” He pointed nonchalantly. 

“What’s wrong with my belly?”

“You’re getting chubby, Jonghyun. Have you gained like six kilograms since our wedding?” 

“It was five!” 

“Whatever. I’m not getting you oily food especially in the evening like this. From now on, we’re gonna eat healthily. I’m talking salad, fruits, vegetables, and all the plant-based food groups.” 

“Can I at least order a cheeseburger for tonight? You know, the small one. The one from our first date. I love that place. That place is special to us...” 

“I know you’re trying to manipulate me by bringing up the sentimental aspect of that place, but it’s not gonna work, Jonghyun. Now, come on, let's get you in this shirt.” Minhyun made a space in a grey sweatshirt for Jonghyun to get in. 

“Wait. This is not mine. It’s yours.” 

“Oh, really?” Minhyun checked the size label. “You’re right. Wait. I’m gonna get yours.” 

“Wait, wait.” Jonghyun held onto Minhyun’s sleeve. “Give me that. I want to wear yours.” 

“It will be too big on you.” 

“It’s alright, I think it will be more comfortable to wear your big clothes when I'm in pain. Come on, just help me put it on.” 

“Fine.” 

“Hwang…” Jonghyun noticed the look on Minhyun’s face after he put on his husband’s oversized sweatshirt. “Get back to your senses. Remember what the doctor said. No physical activity–” 

“Yes, I remember.” 

“Then stop ogling me with those eyes.”

“You look really cute in my shirt, Jonghyun. Why I haven't realized this before? You should have worn mine more often.” 

“I wanted to! But you always complained about me wrinkling your clothes.” 

“Now I deeply regret that.” 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

“What are you doing?” Jonghyun immediately questioned his husband's action. He just dimmed the lights in the living room area when he saw that fussy beanpole was dragging out a single mattress from the guest room towards the living room area. 

“I’m going to sleep with you in the living room,” Minhyun shortly answered as he grunted from pulling the heavy mattress.  

“Oh, please. You don’t have to. I’m fine here. Don't waste your energy and just go to sleep in our bedroom,” Jonghyun said. 

“And leaving you here all by yourself? What if you suddenly wake up in pain in the middle of the night?” 

“That’s why I have my painkiller meds over here.” Jonghyun showed the little plastic container on the small round table by the couch.  

Due to the doctor's order, Jonghyun had to sleep in an upright position during his recovery. Since their sofa was the only furniture in the house that had a reclining function with the perfect angle, Jonghyun had no choice but to sleep in the living room until he felt a little better.

Jonghyun was okay about this arrangement. His living room was the heart of their place. It's spacious, full of entertainment, and this sofa was probably one of the most luxurious purchases he'd ever done with his husband in his entire life. It has all the nice features for the ultimate comfort, and lying here was like flying on a cloud. 

If there's any disappointment, it must have come from Minhyun because he still seemed a little baffled with this fact. But he had his reason. He and Jonghyun had been a little bit distant lately due to work. Now that Jonghyun being sick, it was unfortunate, yet Minhyun thought this might be the chance to finally reconnect.

Minhyun already imagined how he would use this opportunity to spend quality time with his husband, talking heart to heart, snuggling, sleeping in. But now all that plan had to disappear in one go. This was a disaster. 

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” Jonghyun sighed. “What did I always tell you about being clingy?”

“This is called being affectionate, my dear husband.” Minhyun disagreed. “This is why you should have agreed with me when I wanted to buy that ergonomic double bed with automatic orthopedic functions,” Minhyun said. 

“That is way too much for a bed. We're not that old yet, we don't need that kind of bed. Besides, isn't this couch already expensive enough?” 

“We have the money and bed is a good investment for our health. I was stupid for listening to you.” 

“Hey!" Jonghyun hit Minhyun lightly on his thigh to show his disagreement. "But I don’t know, I just feel like I would never leave the bedroom if we had such a luxurious bed in there.” Jonghyun shrugged. “Also, didn't you always complain that I need to be more active outside?”

“Yes, I did.”  

“Having that bed would turn me into a lazy cocoon.”

“Hm, I guess you’re right. Well, this is not so bad." Minhyun took a look around. With all these extra pillows, mattress, blankets and the soft warm lighting, their living room slowly turned into a romantic camping site.

"It does feel more fun, doesn’t it?" Minhyun smiled at Jonghyun, feeling a little excited by their comfy surrounding. "It’s like we’re having an overnight trip like back in college, remember?” 

Jonghyun grinned at Minhyun. “Yeah, I remember. Although…” There’s an intriguing pause between Jonghyun’s sentences followed with a mischievous smile, Minhyun noticed.

“At that time we didn't really get along well,” Jonghyun said. "You were so flashy, and I was so quiet. Actually until now I still don't get the logic between us. How all of this can happen? Me, you, making a home together. It's crazy." 

“Well, I love you, even though you were indeed a bit of an antisocial nerd back then,” Minhyun responded without too much thinking while setting on the pile of pillows on his mattress. 

“Yes, and you were a pompous snob that knew nothing but showing off. Remember? How embarrassing you were.” 

“Are you trying to provoke a fight with me right now?” Minhyun half-turned to Jonghyun. 

“I got my weapon ready if you want.” 

“That fluffy pillow?” Minhyun scoffed at his husband with a smug on his face.

“In my hands this could hurt the same as boxing gloves.” 

“Oh really, tough guy?” Minhyun stood up and fully turned to his husband. He got all his attention now. 

“Try me.” Jonghyun didn't want to back down. 

“Oh, I will,” Minhyun said, a knee was placed on the couch as he started to lean in and crawl closer like a wolf about to prey on its target. “I could end you easily with one single blow, nerd.” He spoke so gently but his tone was deep and heavy in Jonghyun's ears until it sent a thrill into his heart. 

“Hey, that tickles.” Jonghyun bursted into a giggle when he felt Minhyun’s breath brushing on his cheek. He naturally covered Minhyun’s lips so his husband would stop playfully blowing air all over his face.

“Stop it,” Jonghyun whined and tried to avoid Minhyun's face. 

Minhyun ignored Jonghyun’s little protest. His husband was still giggling when he removed the smaller hands from his face. Jonghyun fell into silence when Minhyun gazed into his eyes while holding both his hands in place.

Minhyun saw his chance. He wanted to dive in for a kiss but he went to nuzzle on the crook of Jonghyun's neck first. 

Jonghyun might not know, but this evening the sweet scent of his might drive Minhyun a little insane. Tickling, sending exciting sensation throughout his bloodstream that made him not able to stop showering Jonghyun’s neck with more light kisses. 

“You really glow tonight, Jonghyun,” Minhyun whispered as he stamped his lips on the brown golden skin for too many times. “My baby, my sexy nerd." At this point Minhyun didn't know what he was babbling about, for he was too busy trailing his lips from the collarbones up to that supple cheeks. 

“Don’t call me that!” Jonghyun groaned. 

“What? Nerd?” 

“Tsk! This stupid bastard,” Jonghyun hissed and glared.

“What? I was truly asking. Why did you swear at me?”

“Oh, sorry? I thought you were–” 

“Apology rejected.”  

“I request for a change.” 

“My decision is final.” 

“What if I trade that decision of yours for a kiss on the lips?” Jonghyun suggested playfully, wiggling his eyebrows a little before he leaned closer to Minhyun’s face. 

He didn’t say it out loud but that stoic face looked rather handsome and appealing under this warm glowing light. Even though his husband was frowning, Jonghyun loved that face Minhyun made when he's sulking. 

“Uh? Um…” Minhyun hesitated for a bit. With a husband like Jonghyun, he could never guess what was coming his way. One moment ago Jonghyun was being sassy, then suddenly he could turn so adorable and alluring like now. All these unpredictable ups and downs really drove him crazy and left him for more.

“Come here, you big wolf.” Jonghyun let out a hearty chuckle. He didn't give space for Minhyun to hesitate more. He wrapped his arms around Minhyun’s neck and pulled him in as he leaned back on the couch until their lips met. 

Usually Minhyun would put his weight on Jonghyun when they kissed intimately like this but this time he made sure he didn’t put any pressure on Jonghyun’s chest to protect the injured area. 

Jonghyun noticed that effort from the tension he felt on Minhyun’s shoulders when he was in his embrace. He put his hand on Minhyun's back and circled his palm around the rigid muscles to melt the tension away.

They stayed like that for a while as they were engrossed in their gentle kisses, spellbound by every warm touch and every comforting squeeze. For the first time in a while finally everything was in the place right where they wanted to be. 

“This feels so nice.” Minhyun was soft-spoken in between their kisses. “Should I sleep here on the couch with you?” 

“No. It will be too cramped for both of us.” 

“You can lie on top of me.” Minhyun leaned in again to steal two to three more kisses on Jonghyun’s lips. “What do you think, baby?” 

“Sounds nice but–”

“H-hm.” Minhyun hummed and cut Jonghyun’s words with another kiss. As their kiss deepened, his hand naturally started to slip under Jonghyun’s shirt, sliding over and feeling the smooth skin on his husband’s toned chest. 

“Mmph– No!” Jonghyun gasped in shock, feeling the sensation. One of his legs spontaneously kicked Minhyun on the torso. Strong enough, until his husband fell off the couch. 

“Jonghyun! What the hell!” Minhyun complained, rubbing the stinging pain on his chest. 

“You’ve crossed the line. You intentionally brushed on my sensitive part!” 

“You could have just told me to stop!” 

“Like you’re gonna stop if I said so,” Jonghyun grumbled and frowned. 

“Of course I will. I’m not a horndog,” Minhyun exclaimed. “Did you really fracture your ribs? You can still kick me that hard. I might be the one who cracked a rib or two right now.” 

“Take my painkiller meds right there if that’s true.” Jonghyun coldly gestured to the small table as he reclined and pulled the blanket up to his chin to cover himself. Suddenly he felt so tired after all these shenanigans with his husband. 

“Why are you so cold to me, Director Kim? Am I nothing but a shadow in your eyes?” 

“Ugh.” Jonghyun rolled his eyes and groaned at Minhyun’s dramatic words. He knew his husband just wanted to reel him in for another make-out session again.

But it was more than enough for tonight. Jonghyun was afraid he couldn't restrain himself too if they did more than the right dosage. 

“Just go to sleep in the bedroom and stay away from me,” Jonghyun said. 

“No. I’m going to sleep here next to you.” Minhyun plopped down on his mattress right beside Jonghyun’s couch. 

“Fine. Be quiet then.” 

“At least give me your hand. I wanna hold your hand while we’re sleeping.” 

“We’re not a phone and its charger, Minhyun. Besides, I can’t stretch my arm that way. It hurts.” 

“Oh, speaking of hurts. Have you taken your painkiller meds?” 

“I have. That’s why I’m getting drowsy now.” 

“Alright, you should sleep then. Wake me up if you feel any discomfort, okay baby?” Minhyun kneeled beside the couch to tuck Jonghyun in.

“I’m not a baby. I’m older than you. You should have called me hyung…” Jonghyun mumbled with a yawn.

“Only by two months.” Minhyun scoffed. “But okay, since you’re sick. Good night, hyung. I love you so much.” Minhyun whispered and kissed his husband on the forehead as he settled the blanket and the pillows around Jonghyun for a bit so he could sleep in a more comfortable position. 

“Aa– Love y$%–” Jonghyun mumbled in return but he fell asleep before he could even finish his sentence. Nevertheless, he always managed to make Minhyun smile. 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

Minhyun never knew that he could be this good at juggling things between work and home. He used to hate multitasking or having too much on his plate. But now with his dear husband being sick, he had to bring home all his office work while at the same time, he had to handle all of the things at home.

It was hectic and exhausting sometimes but it also made him realize that he's pretty good at it. 

He never thought of this when he was a kid, he always had his mother taking care of everything in the house so he never paid attention to how much effort was needed for a homemaker to make a house actually feel like home. 

Growing up, he spent all his youth by living alone so he already accustomed to the individualistic way of life. He admitted he could also be a bit of emotionally detached to people as well because everything he did in his house was all for him. Never for anyone else. 

Who would have thought that now in this new house, he had to pour all his time, thoughts and efforts for a certain husband with special needs.

“Hey.” Jonghyun always objected with that thought. “Asking for a cheeseburger at midnight is not special needs, you goblin.” He rolled his eyes at Minhyun as they prepared for bed, still in their shared living room. They still had the same arrangement for the past four weeks. Jonghyun was on the couch and Minhyun was on the mattress down the floor. 

“You have to admit, Jonghyun. You can be a bit of a brat when you’re sick. Yesterday you woke me up five times, just to give you a piggyback to the toilet at midnight.” 

“My toes still hurt.”

“I know you can walk.” 

“Ha-ha. Fine. I’m sorry for wanting to be closer to my one and only husband when I’m sick.” 

“Don’t give me that look.” Minhyun glared down at Jonghyun as he shook his blanket to dust it off. He hated it when Jonghyun guilt-tripped him like this. It's not fair. Especially when Jonghyun used that cute pouty face tactic on him. 

"Huh you're a little snappy lately, you know that?" 

"I'm just a little tired. With all the works, and your unchanging situation. Haven't you felt any progress lately? From my point of view, you seem to get better."

"You can't rush healing, Minhyun." Jonghyun could sense the doubt in Minhyun's tone. "My bones are cracked. It's a big deal. It could injure my other organs if I'm not cautious." 

"Well, if you said so." Minhyun shrugged and put the blanket over his husband as he tucked him in. "I believe you." 

"Thank you." Jonghyun smiled. "Now turn off the light." 

"The button is right next to you." 

"It's still painful for me to reach that from this position."

Minhyun squinted his eyes at Jonghyun after hearing that ridiculous argument. 

"What happened to my husband who said that he would do everything for me when I was discharged from the hospital?" Jonghyun continued. 

"He's getting old and tired now. Good night." Minhyun answered flatly as he slipped into his blanket, giving Jonghyun the view of his cold back. 

"Minhyun!" Jonghyun whined. "Are you serious?" 

"Yes. Turn it off yourself." 

As he tried to sleep, Minhyun fell into his thoughts. He had to admit that all these ridiculous requests from Jonghyun started to irritate him a little. 

He knew that Jonghyun still needed more time to recover, and the doctor particularly suggested him to get a full rest at home. But from the way Jonghyun moved, he had this feeling that Jonghyun actually had gotten so much better. He just didn't know why Jonghyun didn't want to try to be more active. 

In the dark of his mind, he started to think that there's a possibility that his husband might be faking it just in order to boss him around the house as much as he wanted. 

Minhyun, honey, could you get me some water please?

Minhyun, could you help me to the toilet, please?

Minhyun, could you get my phone?

Minhyun, scratch my back.

Minhyun, massage.

Minhyun, blanket.

Hey, ramyeon. 

Minhyun noticed Jonghyun's sentences were also getting shorter and shorter by each day when he asked him for help. There were even times when Jonghyun just nudged him on the waist with his foot while pointing with his chin at something from the table for Minhyun to get it for him. It somehow felt condescending. 

He loved Jonghyun but somehow this overfamiliarity started to feel a bit more suspicious and irritated the hell out of him. It's not a good feeling to be taken for granted like this, especially by his loved one. He's not a servant in this house. 

Should he go and confront Jonghyun, Minhyun thought. But it was late and right now he's too tired for an argument. Although somehow this unresolved thoughts and feelings were killing him too. Minhyun was not sure what to do. He needed to sleep. Maybe tomorrow he would feel better. 

Tomorrow he should talk to Jonghyun about it. He needed some respect form his husband. For the past few weeks, he had sacrificed a lot of his time and energy so he could focus on Jonghyun. It's not too much, wasn't it, if he expected Jonghyun to appreciate him more instead of giving him constant orders. 

“Minhyun,” Jonghyun suddenly called his name.

If his prediction was right, just like any other nights, Jonghyun probably would just want him to carry him to the bathroom again. So Minhyun tried to ignore it. He kept silent and stayed still on his bed. Jonghyun could just walk on his own anyway. 

"Minhyuuun." Jonghyun called him again. He knew that tone. Jonghyun was just trying to sound cute so Minhyun would comply as what he always did. 

“Heeey.” Jonghyun whined. This time he also wriggled his toes on Minhyun’s waist. “Don’t pretend to sleep. I know you’re still awake.” 

Of course, Minhyun thought. Jonghyun was not dumb. Of course his quick husband would notice the slight toss and turn for the inner turmoil he had. 

Without much choice, Minhyun then rolled around to face his husband. “What do you want?” He groaned and put up the sour expression, expecting it would make Jonghyun reluctant to give him another weird request. 

“Let’s sleep together.” Jonghyun suggested. 

"..." 

ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴍɪᴅɴɪɢʜᴛ

It wasn't a request, it wasn't an offer. It's not 'Do you want to–' as how Jonghyun usually would say it. Jonghyun said Let's– so that meant he wanted this too, and Minhyun would be the dumb one if he said no to this. 

Although he didn't know if this was the right thing to do. The doctor clearly said no extreme physical activity during recovery, so logically this was included as this activity could be rough.

However, if they're being careful and gentle, this should be fine. Minhyun tried to convinced himself as he helped his husband to undress earlier. 

But now when he was all in like this, all those warning words or pondering thoughts meant nothing to him. Because there’s nothing that could beat the good feeling that he was experiencing at this moment when he's fading into Jonghyun.

It had been a while since they rekindle this kind of fire between them, and all those time spent for waiting and longing just made this connection feel so much more intense. 

Minhyun almost forgot how dangerous Jonghyun was when he's all over him like now. Every angle was so beautiful in Minhyun's eyes and every friction felt like heaven.

This hot fire between them was impossible to put out. He just couldn't, no, he didn't want to – no matter how much Jonghyun begged him to slow down. After everything he went through, he deserved to be a little selfish. Besides, in this situation, he's the boss now. 

He noticed the glare Jonghyun kept throwing at him. But on the contrary of that resentful expression, Jonghyun still felt so divine. Was his husband angry or just very excited, he couldn't tell it apart. But one thing certain was that Jonghyun’s body language was always more honest than the shooting glare that came out of those two deep beautiful eyes.

Jonghyun might say stop or slow down, but his actions said otherwise. It would be stupid for Minhyun to pay attention to that mouth when his husband kept on provoking him like this, demanding for even deeper connection.

It drove Minhyun a little crazy. It always took some time until Jonghyun would sound more honest when they're together but he's working on it. Every contact they shared now should lead to that point. 

Minhyun took another deep breath as he continued against Jonghyun. It's amusing how a moment ago he felt everything was so useless and how frustrating Jonghyun was for him, yet now everything could change in a blink of an eye.

The same man had become the most beautiful man in his eyes right now. It felt so good, so fulfilling. It turned out tonight was brilliant after all. Oh, how he wished this night would never end. 

He forgot how much he enjoyed their precious time together like this. As newlyweds they were supposed to do this more often. If only all those works and incidents didn’t keep on coming between them. 

“Should we just quit our job, Jonghyun? We can do this everyday instead.” 

“You’re crazy.” Jonghyun sighed. It’s hard to talk with all the weight on him. “Right now, you’re not thinking clearly.”

“But you love my–”

“Don't! But yeah, it does feel so good.” Jonghyun gave in because Minhyun just knew how to treat him right.

“Sssh. Lower your voice. Don’t wake up the neighbours.” 

“We’re fine.” Jonghyun chuckled. Now that he felt well-adjusted. He couldn’t help but to enjoy every minute his husband spent with him in this romantic night. 

"Hey." Jonghyun reached out his hand, caressing the side of Minhyun's face. "You can do what you usually like if you want." 

"Oh, you shouldn't say that, Jonghyun." Minhyun sighed, didn't expect he would hear such luxurious treatment from his husband. 

"Why?"

"You could get hurt again and I'm trying my best now to control myself." 

"Um.. I have a thing to confess." Jonghyun hesitated a little. "I'm actually already 95% healed. Maybe even 99% now." Jonghyun flashed a playful grin with a little wriggle on his eyebrows.

Jonghyun didn't tell Minhyun before that he went to the hospital with his sister a few days ago when Minhyun went outside for a meeting. He didn't do it intentionally. He accidentally noticed the little frustration in Minhyun's behaviour lately and he thought it would be fun to drive his husband even crazier before he turned it around like he used to. 

"I knew it! I could tell from the way you walk! You just jerked me around with your bossy attitude!" 

"I am sorry. Your reactions were just so cute. I can't help myself." Jonghyun let out a hearty laugh as Minhyun tried to chase his lips to shut the hell out of him. 

"Prepare to face your consequences, Jonghyun. You're going to regret this." Minhyun shifted the pressure.

Jonghyun could feel how deep he got. He didn't know if he should be concerned or happy with this fulfilling sensation he felt right now.

"I know you're not mad at me." Jonghyun looked at Minhyun. "You love taking care of me, and I am so  thankful you're always by my side even when you're prickly. I love you." Jonghyun cupped Minhyun's face and pulled it down to embrace him. 

"You're just too dumb to recognize your own emotion." He gave Minhyun a light slap on the cheek with a mischievous wink.

"You really like to mess me, don't you?" 

Jonghyeon nodded with a little smug on his face. 

"..." 

Minhyun was a little irked that Jonghyun always knew him like the back of his hand, but he liked how Jonghyun could always detect and solve his problem in an unpredictable way like this, and in a fun turning way for both of them too. 

Maybe he should reward his husband instead for all these mischievousness while the night was still young.

Either way they're going to the same destination tonight, and Minhyun just couldn't help but scoff at this outcome. Why it strangely felt that even when he lost in this clash, he still won later at the end of the night. 

✧

Chapter Text

✧

“Hey, have you heard the news about our Finance Director?”

“No. What is it?”

Jonghyun had to stop flipping the book in his hand when he suddenly overheard two female employees gossiping on the other side of the towering bookshelf. 

The two ladies seemed to be unaware of his existence here at the next alley. It did make sense. He had been staying quiet for the last half an hour and this company’s library was too remote from any hustle and bustle. Certainly people would assume that there’s no one here. 

Jonghyun was very observant, but he usually didn’t really care about gossip or flying rumors in the office. He thought those things couldn’t be trusted. However when he heard his husband’s name being mentioned, he had to lean his ear closer to focus on that conversation.

“You can’t tell this to anyone, okay? I got this info from my ex-coworker at HB Capital,” said lady A. Jonghyun took a peek of their appearances from between the books. He knew they worked under the HR department, but he’s not very familiar with their names. 

“What is it?” asked lady B.

“I heard they’ve been trying to recruit Director Hwang as the new managing director at HB Capital.” 

“Wow! Our Director Hwang? That’s big!” 

Jonghyun froze and pondered upon that information. He couldn't deny that his heart also did sink for a bit. But he composed himself in silence. 

First, technically Director Hwang is his Director Hwang. Second, it’s the first time he heard about this information. Why did Minhyun never tell him? He shouldn't get carried away by a random rumor but he admitted that he still felt a little disappointed at his husband. This was such a bad emotion, Jonghyun thought. 

“It is!" lady A continued. "Their old MD is retiring so they’re looking for candidates and one of them is Director Hwang Minhyun.”

“Is he going to take it though? You know with Managing Director Kim here..."

“What about him then?"

"I always thought there's something between them," said lady B.

"Are you crazy? You could get suspended for talking about your boss that way." 

Jonghyun had to roll his eyes while listening to his employees' conversation. But he couldn't blame these ladies if they were so clueless. Not many people in the office knew about his relationship with Minhyun since they tended to keep their love life private. 

He and Minhyun also never announced their wedding publicly to their employees. But they didn't try to hide it. They still wore their wedding rings everyday and they would gladly answer if people asked them personally. Everything was just unintentional and they decided to keep it that way. 

"Anyway. I heard Director Hwang is one of the top candidates," said lady A.

"Really?"

"Yes, and he’s already had his meeting with the higher-ups at HB.” 

"Oh, that means he's considering the offer in a positive way. Who will replace his position here though?" 

"I don't know, maybe Director Kim will scout a new Finance Director. Maybe he promote someone from the Finance. But, seriously. You really can't tell anyone about this, okay?! Let's wait for the official announcement." 

"I get it." 

Jonghyun pursed his lips after he heard everything. If everything was true, it’s unbelievable how clueless he was about his own husband. The one who lay next to him every night. The one who he regularly kissed in the morning, evening and before bed time. It was insane. 

But in every worst possible situation, Jonghyun always tried to keep his jumbling mind back to the level-headed state. He liked that feeling to be composed and in control of the situation. So for now, he reminded himself that he shouldn’t jump into conclusion, until he heard it officially from Minhyun himself. 

It was indeed surprising though. Never in his mind, he would guess that HB Capital had been planning to hijack his husb– he meant his Finance Director.

If they were indeed aiming for a Finance Director as their new MD, Director Lee Minhyuk from MX Group would be more suitable to be their top candidate. He's more experienced and flexible in this area.

“I think I might have to do something,” Jonghyun suddenly thought to contact one of his old friends for more reliable information.

But on second thought, maybe he should just return to his patience and wait for Minhyun to share the news with him. It was still too early anyway. He should wait, therefore things would go smoother later. 

Besides, it would be awkward. He didn’t want to look too vulnerable like a doofus in front of the executives from other companies. It's embarrassing.

And maybe Minhyun had an important reason for keeping this kind of big important news from him. He wanted to understand his husband. Even though that slippery bastard– who he loved very very much, already had a meeting with that lousy HB Capital without telling him. 

With his mind finally made up, Jonghyun closed the book in his hand and put it back to the shelf. He also made sure it lined neatly with the other books on that one particular section. He then took one quiet deep breath while straightening his necktie before returning to his office. 

On the way back, as he passed the skybridge, he noticed how big and blue the sky was outside. Looking down, he could see many white-collar workers seemed to just come and go, minding their own business as usual. The day seemed to be so ordinary today, like there would be no new change coming, even in the air. Everything felt stagnant in Jonghyun’s head. 

When he started working in business, Jonghyun often disliked this kind of state. Where everything was filled with the same repetitive routine. It’s tedious, boring, it’s killing him slowly from the inside.

He’s more of a man of new challenges. He craved adventures, he’s thirsty trying for new things, feeling the new transformation. He wanted to be moved by the new dynamics.

However, now as he got older and more mature, there were things in his life that he preferred to stay steady, to stay unchanging. For instance, his comfortable place to live or his stupid husband’s existence. 

In the beginning, Jonghyun was used to living a solitary life. He liked being a lone wolf, even in working sometimes. So he remembered how big a pain in the ass Minhyun was for him when that man came into his life, when they first started working together in this company. 

But now after so many things they had been through together, Jonghyun liked working with him. Minhyun completed him in a way no one could ever fathom and his existence filled a big part in his life. He wanted Minhyun to remain unchanging, to always be his support, to be by his side. Was that too selfish for him to ask from his husband? 

Jonghyun kept on pondering that feeling and thought as he walked through the hallway to his office. In the midst of everything, he couldn’t help but think about something. What if it were Minhyun who wanted to leave?

It would be pretty selfish of him to hold Minhyun back. Jonghyun thought of the worst situation. What’s the worst could happen to this company, to him, to Minhyun, to their marriage. What’s he gonna do if it really happened? In the end, Jonghyun still couldn’t find the answer even until he had reached his destination.

But as if everything was right on the timing, his assistant immediately streamed in with two awaiting missed phone calls, urgent emails and scheduled meetings when Jonghyun was just sitting at his desk. 

So for now he had to put his concern to halt because there were other priorities in front of him. Yet he knew even when he was all distracted by the hectic schedule, he still couldn’t ignore this little pinch of uncertainty in his head. Maybe later he could deal with it again. 

ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴠᴇɴɪɴɢ 
sᴛɪʟʟ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏғғɪᴄᴇ

“Managing Director Kim.” Minhyun knocked on Jonghyun’s door and peeked his head in with a little smile on his face. “Can I come in, my Managing Director Kim?” 

“Drop the ‘my’ and come in. Also, wow, I’m surprised you asked first.”

“What do you mean?” 

“Usually you’d just barge in like this office belongs to you.” 

“I know for sure this office doesn’t belong to me. But I know, this man right here.." Minhyun pointed at Jonghyun. "Belongs to me,” Minhyun claimed, looking at his husband who responded to him with the usual cringe. He already got used to that expression. 

“Besides, when I barge in, usually there will be no one here. I always confirm with your assistant first.” Minhyun flashed another smile as he stood smugly in front of Jonghyun’s desk. Yet, unknowingly, his finger went tapping on the desk’s glass surface. 

“What do you want?” Jonghyun noticed Minhyun’s fidgety moves that he’d been trying to cover in some kind of swagger since the first time he entered his office. 

“I just want to see you. Do I have to have a certain motive to see my sexy husband?” 

“Usually you do.” Jonghyun squinted from his desk at his husband who suspiciously flashed him too much of his wily charm tonight. “So, get to the point.”

“Alright. Do you know, HB Capital..” 

“Okay. Here we go.” Jonghyun already predicted that Minhyun was going to talk about this, finally, but he tried to remain calm on the surface.

"One of the top 5 finance corporations in the country." Minhyun went on. 

“Our nemesis,” Jonghyun calmly replied.

“Rival company.” Minhyun fixed the words.

“If you said so.”

“You know what. They offered me a job. Isn’t that crazy?” 

“Haven't they got a Finance Director already?” 

“They want me as their Managing Director.”

“Hmm…” Jonghyun rubbed the dimple on his chin. 

“Isn’t that amazing? Of all people, they asked me.” Minhyun tapped on his own chest. “It was so surprising, yet it was such an honor."

"I'm happy for you."

"So, what do you think?” 

“It doesn’t matter what I think.” 

“Why not?” 

“Well… You are a grown man, you’re your own person,” Jonghyun calmly listed his reasons. ''You can do whatever you think is right for you. Why would you need my opinion?” 

“Alright... Although that’s rather cold, considering you’re my husband. But okay, I get it. You’ve always been a level-headed one here.” Minhyun didn’t expect such a half-hearted answer from his husband. It’s really far from what he had in mind when he planned to tell Jonghyun about this information earlier. “So you really don’t mind at all if I take that job?” 

“Why would I mind? I think you should do it. It will be great.” Jonghyun hated how his voice sounded a bit too high when he forced himself to say great.  

“Okay. Great!” Minhyun said. “They said they’re going to give me double the market pay.” 

“That’s good. That means you can afford your dream sports car sooner than you plan.” 

“Not just that. I will have more chances to travel overseas for business. The conferences, exhibitions. First class flight, five-star hotel, limitless itinerary, more interesting people” 

“Amazing! You can do what you love the most. Traveling, being away from our boring old house.” 

“Yes. Imagine the freedom and all the fun I’ll get to enjoy!” 

“Maybe you can even have the opportunity to stay overseas permanently, instead of going back to your home country.” 

“Here we go.” Minhyun rolled his eyes. 

“What?”

“Just admit it. You feel threatened.” 

“Who? Me, threatened? By you?” Jonghyun scoffed. “Oh, please. As if.” 

“You always try to hide it but I know you, Jonghyun. Inside, you’re a very ambitious man. Just admit it! It’s bothering you if someday I would surpass your career.” 

“Did you just describe yourself? It is you who always being vulnerable in that area.” Jonghyun glared back at his husband. “Also, please. Try to be an MD first before saying that to my face. Right now, you’re nothing but a tiny man to me. Look here.” Jonghyun turned his monitor slightly and pointed for Minhyun to see. “Even your department's report still contains a mess that I have to correct.” 

“Stop making things up. We both know that I will never approve that kind of report. But, okay, fine. If you don’t want to admit it. I can just prove it to you that I'm as capable as you are as a Managing Director. Maybe I should give them a call right now to finalize my recruitment.” 

“Do it then.” 

“Ssh! Shut up! It’s already ringing.” Minhyun hissed at his husband along with a strong warning on his face. “Ah. Mr. Ong! Good evening.” Minhyun answered the phone in a warm tone after he glanced coldly at Jonghyun. 

“Yes. I’m good. I’m good. Haha. How about dinner this evening, Mr. Ong? We could discuss further about your offer the other day,” Minhyun continued as Jonghyun quietly observed from his desk. “I think I’m positively reviewing your offer, and you can expect to hear good news from me too. We can talk about the terms and conditions over some steak and wine, maybe? I know a great restaurant. Very quiet and posh.” 

“Psst. Don’t forget to bring flowers and a ring too,” Jonghyun whispered sarcastically from his seat. “Or you can take my ring. Here.” He slid off the diamond platinum ring from his fourth finger for Minhyun to see.

“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Ong. That will be perfect. See you at 8,” Minhyun said with great delight before he ended the phone call. He shifted his expression into a piercing glare back to his cheeky husband. “Stop it, Kim Jonghyun." Minhyun warned. "I don’t want your dull smelly ring from your ugly little finger.” 

“You gave it to me. On your wedding day. Remember?” Jonghyun replied nonchalantly, still waving the ring in front of Minhyun.

“Then you should be wearing it for the rest of your life!”

“Fine.” Jonghyun glowered at Minhyun but he still put the ring back on his finger, although he did it in a very unenthusiastic way

“Good. And, it’s your wedding day too, jerk.” Minhyun gave Jonghyun a quick resentful look, before he turned and stepped out of the Managing Director’s office. “I’ll be late tonight. Don’t wait for me.” He briefly added before he slammed the door loud and shut. 

“That stupid bast– He really thinks this is his office.” Jonghyun could only frown at the closed door and the empty space in front of his eyes. 

ᴀʟᴍᴏsᴛ ᴍɪᴅɴɪɢʜᴛ
ʜᴡᴀɴɢ & ᴋɪᴍ's ʀᴇsɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ

Jonghyun already had his dinner all by himself. Earlier, he’s in the mood to cook at home, so he made chicken fried rice with two sunny side up eggs, kimchi, cheese, and some dried lavers as the topping. It was simple but he loved how well it turned out when he arranged them neatly on the table in front of TV. He even snapped a picture to share on his family group chat and he planned to show it to his husband too later. 

Now that he was feeling so full, he became lazy to move or do anything rewarding. So he decided to just reclined on the couch, crossing his legs on a small pillow while browsing through some shows on the smart TV. The recommendation list was filled with documentaries on random topics from octopus to basketball. “Ugh. Minhyun...” Jonghyun mumbled. He tried to flip through those contents, but nothing was interesting for him. So he searched for some action movies instead. 

“Ah. John Wick,” Jonghyun said, finally found an interesting selection. Fearless ex-hit man, taking on an entire mob for revenge after they killed his dog. It seemed interesting.

Minhyun didn’t quite like it when Jonghyun watched violent dark action movies like this. But this evening Minhyun wasn't home yet, and Jonghyun was in the mood for some cool bloody action scenes, so he just pressed play on the movie.

It was such a right decision. The movie was so cool and Jonghyun got so immersed in the movie. But halfway through the movie, the good time had to wait because he heard the front door being opened, followed by the familiar steps. 

“Oh. You’re still up,” Minhyun said when he saw his husband still in front of TV as he just returned from dinner. “I said, don’t wait up for me,” he hummed as he walked past to the kitchen to get some chilled bottled water from the fridge.

Jonghyun stopped the movie and followed Minhyun to the kitchen.

“How’s the date?” he mischievously asked his husband which was heavily ignored because Minhyun found it annoying and also he's still drinking.

Jonghyun kept on waiting until Minhyun’s done while signaling for a sip from the same bottle of water.

Minhyun groaned, feeling a bit annoyed since he's still in the middle of rehydrating himself. He didn’t want to let go yet.

Jonghyun always did this. He could take a new one from the fridge himself, but he always asked for what's in Minhyun’s hand. Every time Minhyun complained, he always gave a weirdly good reason like it's tastier this way, or good things were meant to be shared. 

"I'm serious. How is the meeting?" Jonghyun fixed his question, still waiting.

“Yeah, well, good.” Minhyun mumbled. He finally let Jonghyun have his drink because Jonghyun had been lingering around his hand since a while ago.

“Did he say yes?” Jonghyun asked another question before he gulped down the water from the half-emptied bottle. 

“Well, yeah… Positively…” 

“Congratulations. Have you two set the date?” 

“What date?” 

“For the wedding.” 

“Okay, Jonghyun,” Minhyun sighed. “If you want to say something, just say it now.” 

“What? I have nothing to say.” Jonghyun scoffed. 

“I hate it when you’re being passive aggressive like this. If you hate it, just say it, instead of drilling me with your weird, not funny questions.” 

“Speaking of not funny. You’d better wash up now.” Jonghyun shifted the topic. “You smell like cigarettes.” 

“Ugh. You’re right.” Minhyun sniffed, feeling disgusted by the odor from his own suit. ”Those guys are really like chimneys.” 

“Did you smoke too?” 

“Jonghyun. Come on. It’s me!” 

“Come here. Let me check.” 

“What?” 

Minhyun was still flustered when Jonghyun tip-toed closer to him. But everything happened so fast. In a second, Jonghyun already grabbed his face, squeezing his cheeks in one grip. The next thing he knew, Jonghyun had dragged his head down to match their height level, using a bit of a force to make him hunch.

Minhyun was about to complain, he didn't like having his face squeezed like some sort of rice ball. But then he got caught off in Jonghyun's next move. 

Jonghyun could see those beautiful foxy eyes get wider from such close distance. He could also sense that Minhyun was about to open his lips to nag at him again. So he had to do something quick because right now he just wanted to pull that fluffy face in for a kiss on the lips, and he did.

It wasn't something very deep, but intense enough to make both of them hold their breaths for a while. 

Minhyun was always a little surprised by Jonghyun’s hidden forceful nature, but he didn’t avoid it every time it appeared. He actually liked it when Jonghyun initiated the first move. Though he would appreciate this kiss more if Jonghyun could just let go of his cheeks first. 

“Okay. Clear,” Jonghyun said as he let go, sensing no cigarette smell from Minhyun’s mouth. 

"Are you sure? You don't want to check again?" Minhyun suggested because it was still not enough for him when his husband abruptly separated their kiss like that.

“Go shower now, Hwang. I felt sick smelling the cigarette.” 

"Ugh. Fine." Minhyun complied. "Our conversation is still not over by the way. I know you're just trying to distract me with a kiss." 

"Did it work?" 

"It clearly did not." 

✧