Chapter Text
Donghyuck woke up earlier than usual.
He groggily sat up and blinked enough times to adjust his eyes to the darkness of his room. The window beside his bed showed him a cold dawn morning. Jeff, his spiny pincushion cactus placed by his windowsill, had already grown a flower on its tip. He stretched his arms and layed back down against the small bookshelf attached to his bed like a headboard, his brown curly hair becoming even more unruly as they splay over spines of his books. He reached blindly over the top of the shelf and succeeded in finding his glasses.
He knew his coworkers would be shocked to find that the perfect Lee Donghyuck had a messy room. Clothes, both used and new, were scattered everywhere and hung in places they shouldn’t be. His desk hardly had any place to work in with all the stacks of folders and papers that he had were long overdue to be recycled. His cosmetic products piled up over his dresser that he hardly ever uses but were all gifts from his mother so he never had the heart to give or throw them away. And he knew if he were to walk outside, the sink would still be filled with dirty dishes he avoided like the plague.
Just in time his phone started to blare noisily as his alarm rang. He stared at the device for a whole minute before patting the bed to shut it off.
It was another day. Except Donghyuck knew that after today, he would finally have time to clean up his apartment. Or, depending how things go, leave it be for another year.
He shouldn’t have woken up this early. Because now he had enough time to take a shower, put on his suit, and catch the first bus. Now… he had enough time to regret what he was going to do today. What he had planned to do for five years. He wasn’t going to give up, not when he knew the timing was perfect.
Donghyuck watched the sky turn pink and decided if not for the final time that he was going to quit his job.
*
The second he got off the elevator, Donghyuck was tackled into a bone-crunching hug. Just by the mop of shiny silver hair, Donghyuck already knew who his attacker was.
“Good morning to you, too, Jungwoo.”
Jungwoo’s head popped up from his chest and if it weren’t for his perfectly coiffed hair, he looked absolutely wrecked. So, just another day in the office then. “Thank god you’re here. He’s gone manic again.”
Donghyuck didn’t need to ask who as he sighed and held his coworker - slash soulmate slash fellow survivor of capitalism - by the shoulders so that he wasn’t clinging onto him anymore. “What happened now?”
“One of the big time firms just cancelled their collaboration project with us. That means we only have a week to find another company for the gala.”
“What? They can’t do that, they already signed the papers.” Donghyuck could already feel a migraine growing. He knew they couldn’t trust that sleazy old man from said firm.
Jungwoo wailed and threw himself over Donghyuck again. “Boss is going crazy. He literally just yelled at Doyoung for spilling a single drop of water on his desk. Please help us.”
Donghyuck looked over one of the single doors that weren’t made of glass on their floor and through the drapes he could see the person inside with his head buried in his hands over the desk. He squished Jungwoo’s cheeks and pulled him away like that. “I’ll deal with the big guy first. Can you start phoning other companies in the meantime?”
Jungwoo let out an exaggerated sob and kissed Donghyuck’s cheek from which the other groaned as he wiped his spit away. “Thank you! Have I told you I love you because I really do.”
“Don’t thank me yet. The beast is yet to be tamed.”
“Oh please. You’ll be fine.” Jungwoo seemed to have quickly composed himself back to normal as he flippantly waved his hand while walking away. “If Lee were the Beast, you’d be Belle.”
Donghyuck rolled his eyes at the ongoing office joke but the burn in his chest was still there. Before he entered the room, he let out a long exhale and closed his eyes.
Just one more day.
The Vice President didn’t hear him come in as he was still hunched over his desk with his hands now crumpling his raven black hair. Donghyuck carefully came forward and hesitated before walking around the desk directly beside the distressed young man. The boss truly was young, even younger than most of their team and only a year older than Donghyuck himself. It amazed him how much responsibility was given to someone who still got occasional pimples.
“Mr. Lee.”
The young man flinched but he seemed to have recognized Donghyuck’s voice as they immediately eased down when he slowly raised his head from his hands. The bags under his eyes were clearer than usual and Donghyuck noticed how his boss didn’t even stylize his hair today as his fringe fell over his eyes making him look younger.
“You’re late.”
Donghyuck didn’t flinch at the clear anger from Mark's voice and instead turned to the crumpled paper in front of his boss. He reached for it and threw it at the trash bin beside the desk. “We don’t need them. We can find another company to collaborate with for the winter gala. A better one.”
Mark glared at his trash bin before looking back up at Donghyuck. “Why were you late?”
Donghyuck bit his bottom lip to keep from smiling at the other man’s stubbornness. “I missed the bus. My apologies, sir. It won’t happen again.”
Mark’s eyes flickered back and forth like he was searching for something in Donghyuck’s face. When it looked like he didn’t find anything he spinned his chair around back to his desk. “We don’t have enough time to look for a replacement. We may have to cancel the gala.”
“But we already prepared everything.” Donghyuck said, keeping his voice stable in case the older decides to burst out again. Tame the beast. Keep him calm. “Give us two days and everything will go back to schedule.”
“It’s too late, Donghyuck.”
This time Donghyuck couldn’t help the grin that stretched out. Mark only ever called him by his first name when he was open to being vulnerable in front of Donghyuck. It was like the young man was opening up a door to him, even if only a slight crack.
“One day.” He told his boss.
Mark lifted his head back and before he could argue further, Donghyuck leaned over and started straightening his tie. Their faces were so close that he could see Donghyuck’s long lashes and the constellation of moles on his cheeks.
Donghyuck didn’t pull away when he finished, only kept his eyes straight at Mark's. When he spoke, his minty breath hit the Vice President’s neck. “Give me until tonight and I’ll throw all your problems away.”
He knew the older had caved when the black part of his pupils grew over the brown. Donghyuck was sure he could write an entire book just about how the light sparkled right on his boss’s eyes.
Mark cleared his throat and turned away. “Before 6pm. I’ll trust you can do as much.”
“Of course I can.” Donghyuck grinned triumphantly and walked over to his own desk on the other side of the room. “I’m your secretary after all.”
*
Donghyuck grudgingly walked back to his shared desk with Jungwoo, already dreading the day ahead. It’s not because it was all difficult. In fact, everything was simple for Donghyuck by now. So simple and easy that he’s started to feel like a zombie every morning walking mindlessly a few steps just to sit for hours in front of his desktop.
While everything was the same and neatly in routine for him everyday, what greeted him on his way to their cubicle was a hilarious sight. It was actually a pleasant surprise for such a dull Monday.
Two feet stuck out from under their desk, complete with socks that had peaches all over them. When Donghyuck finally came around their cubicle to discover the owner, he couldn’t help but snort at the sight.
It was expected to find Jungwoo seated on his office chair, furiously typing away. What was unexpected was to see his boyfriend, Jung Jaehyun, sitting on the carpeted floor with his head pillowed on Jungwoo’s thigh and his shiny black shoes on his side.
Jaehyun usually visited their booth to ask for small favours. Extra staples, some tape, an actual stapler, advice on how to use the printer, more staples and so on. Although, Donghyuck knew by now it’s only a tactic for him to catch five minutes with Jungwoo.
His silver-haired friend lifted his head from the screen monitor when he heard him. He smirked and lifted a finger to his lips, “Hope you don’t mind? This sleeping beauty had a long night helping me with locations for the gala.”
Donghyuck rolled his eyes and slumped on his own chair, booting up his computer. “He wouldn’t have if Prince Charming would stop procrastinating on tasks given weeks ago.”
“One week ago!” Jungwoo argued. He lowered his voice when Jaehyun stirred on his lap and started running a comforting hand through the young man’s dark brown hair, “Also… he was sorta the first victim of Lee’s shouting spree.”
Donghyuck winced at that and sighed, “Sorry about that. If I just came earlier he wouldn’t have…”
“You’re doing it again,” whined Jungwoo. “You always take the blame for what he does.”
“I do not,” Donghyuck weakly argued for what felt like the hundredth time. “Besides… it’s not gonna be like that soon, anyway.”
This made Jungwoo look away from his screen once more, “Oh shit, I almost forgot! Have you told him?”
“No,” Donghyuck purposely avoided his friend’s judgemental eyes. “But I’ve prepared all the resignation papers and everything. I’ve even found an intern to replace me.”
“You have to tell him, Hyuck,” Donghyuck was whispering now, just realizing where they were and there are equally as bored ears listening in on any sort of drama in the office. “But I guess I don’t blame you. The lil guy is going to be crushed when he finds out.”
“You’re exaggerating. And I don’t think he would appreciate being called ‘little guy’.”
“The hobbit is absolutely in fucking love with you and it is going to destroy him.”
“Your jokes are getting old,” scoffed Donghyuck. Clearly not to change the subject, he then waved at the young man still sleeping between them. “Better give sleeping beauty a kiss before Taeyong catches his ass snoring.”
Lee Taeyong was their Office Manager and the longest employee under Mark. If the Vice President was considered the Beast, Taeyong was the vengeful dragon guarding the castle. This meant Jungwoo and his ever-break-the-rules boyfriend are the worst of his nightmares.
Jungwoo laughed through his nose, “He doesn’t snore. It’s annoying actually. Like, you’re already perfect when you’re awake, you don’t have to be that way when you’re asleep!”
“I feel like that was an excuse to say your boyfriend is perfect,” said Donghyuck. Then quickly added, “And that you watch him sleep.”
He felt a crumpled piece of paper hit the back of his before he heard Jungwoo murmuring to Jaehyun. “Rise and shine, Valentine.”
Donghyuck saw from his peripheral vision how Jaehyun woke up with ears as pink as his socks. He appeared to be embarrassed as if he would never be caught sleeping under a plastic desk.
Jungwoo rubbed over his ears to reassure him, “You didn’t get caught. But if you stay a little longer, Donghyuck is going to have to report us to his constipated husband.”
They ignored the affronted noise Donghyuck made and Jaehyun reluctantly put on his shoes, “Actually, dude, I kinda need your help with the printer again.”
Donghyuck sighed and rubbed his eyes behind his glasses before rolling his chair back again to get up, “I don’t know why you chose to work at an industrial office when you don’t seem to know how to use any of our shit.”
“Don’t be mean!” Jungwoo hugged one of Jaehyun’s arms, which made it a little difficult for him to stand right back up. “My Valentine was raised on a deserted land in the Americas without any technology.”
Jaehyun freed his arm to straighten his tie, “You have to stop telling people that, love. Taeil from marketing is starting to believe you.”
*
There’s nothing that brings Donghyuck absolute relief and comfort than finally getting to click save on his document.
He let his glasses slip off and clatter atop his desk as he leaned back to raise his arms over his head. More so he could stretch but also to let out a silent, “Yehey.”
On good days, Jungwoo would giggle and whisper a cheer back to him. But on other days - like tonight - the office is completely empty and dark save for Donghyuck and his blue screen monitor. The digital clock beside his desktop blinked back zero’s at him.
How funny. Beauty finished right at midnight. Time to run off home, princess. Or was that another fairytale? Donghyuck groaned and rubbed the sides of his head. He should really stop spending so much time with Jungwoo and his little metaphors.
As he was just about to shut off his laptop, a pale hand placing a Rolex next to his keyboard startled him. Donghyuck looked up and, once again, his breath got caught in his throat.
Mark stood next to him under the weak computer light, a small smile on his face that revealed his deep dimple. Donghyuck caught that dimple in a snapshot in his mind every single time he could see it. The Vice President had his blazer off and the white dress shirt he had under was rolled up to his elbows. His now messy fringe fell over sleepy eyes.
And what else could Donghyuck do but smile. He took the young man’s outstretched hand, Rolex watch marks remaining on his skin, and loosely tangled their fingers together.
“Hello, Mel.”
The elder’s smile widened at the nickname as he casually leaned his body on Donghyuck’s desk, very much like how Jaehyun would waste his time doing just to stare at Jungwoo. “You did it.”
“I told you I would,” mocked Donghyuck, thumb rubbing over Mark’s knuckles. “Didn’t need to have your pretty head worry about anything, did ‘ya?”
The smile dropped from Mark’s mouth - Donghyuck dreaded the loss - and he looked down at their interlocked hands on his lap with crumpled brows as if trying to solve a puzzle. “I’m sorry.”
Oh, my Mel. Always straight to the point. Donghyuck thought as he rolled his computer chair so he could replace their hands with his head instead, cheek pressing over expensive slacks. “I’m not the one you should be apologizing to, I think.”
Mark hummed, “I’ll tell the team first thing tomorrow.”
“That’s my boy,” Donghyuck reached up to tickle Mark’s chin with which the elder finally smiled again despite dodging his fingers.
“It was a good plan,” said Mark. “Calling for the Dream Corporation.”
Donghyuck groaned and leaned back on his chair, although Mark refused to let go of his hand. “No more work talk, please. Everybody’s gone. You don’t have to be all Mr. Bossy-pants with me.”
“I just want to say I’m proud of you.”
Donghyuck snorted to hide the flush on his cheeks, “You sound like my dad.”
Mark tilted his head in question, “Are you into that?”
Donghyuck swiftly punched his arm, “No!”
It took him a minute to realize Mark was joking as the dimple showed itself again.
“You’re an ass.”
The brunette let out a chuckle and bowed his head. Opening up was a work in progress but Donghyuck thinks he could get to the final stage soon. To reward him, the younger brought the back of Mark’s hand to his lips.
As if on cue to ruin the moment, something pinged from his desktop. Both of them looked over to see a new email from their new partner for the gala. It was from Dream’s Na Jaemin, another young Vice President in the industry. Donghyuck has met him a few times in meetings and galas with Mark and even he would admit how handsome he was.
But not as handsome as the boy bending over beside him to look at his message, “He’s emailing you quite late.”
Donghyuck rolled his eyes, “I can not believe you’re the one being jealous right now.”
That made Mark lean backwards and cross his arms, “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Oh really?” Donghyuck scooted his chair back in front of the young executive to place his chin on his crossed arms - an awkward angle but reminded Mark a lot of a puppy. “You’re telling me you don’t remember anything about your almost fiance?”
“Almost,” Mark huffed. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”
“Let what go? The fact that you almost got married?”
The elder let out a petulant whine, very much unlike his usual stoic demeanor in front of their other officemates, “I was never going to marry him.”
“And so you told me,” Donghyuck stood up from his chair to press a soft kiss on Mark’s blushing cheek. “And I believed you.”
As much as his words were truthful, Donghyuck would admit that he never would forget his boss’s almost engagement with Dream’s Na Jaemin. It was during his second year as a full-time secretary and the toughest he’s had. Neither of them had admitted their feelings yet which meant painfully dumb pining on both ends.
“Father wants me to marry him,” Mark told him while they watched Na Jaemin dance with his mother on the dance floor.
Donghyuck smiled against the rim of his wine glass to hide the prick in his heart, “Your father wants you to marry someone every year.”
“This time,” Mark started, “I’m considering it.”
“Oh.” Donghyuck let out because there was nothing else he could say.
“Do you think I should?”
“Are you asking me if you should get married into one of the richest families in the country?”
Mark set his glass down on one of the tall tables so he could lean closer to Donghyuck, “I’m asking if you want me to.”
“What I want doesn’t matter, Mark.”
“It matters to me.”
Donghyuck chuckled. “If there’s anything I want right now, it’s more of that cake. Hey, when you get married can you hire the same catering group?”
Mark pulled away and resembled a lot of a pouting child, “Dumbass. I’m not getting married.”
Donghyuck gave his slice of cake a triumphant smile.
The engagement almost tore them apart for good. If all went to plan, Donghyuck would have never kissed Mark that one Thursday night. If the wedding went through, Mark would have never confessed back to Donghyuck.
Before he could start typing a reply, the email window was closed and the mouse cursor was clicking to shut down his computer. Donghyuck frowned up at Mark, “You know it’s rude to leave our clients waiting, right?”
The young executive rolled his eyes, “Na is not a client. He’s my ex-fiance.”
Donghyuck snapped his fingers with a wicked grin, “Aha! So you admit it!”
“Have I ever mentioned how annoying you are?”
“Hey, you’re the one who wanted to date me. Unless you’re having second thoughts about the Prince of Seoul–”
His words were cut off with Mark’s soft lips pressing against his. Donghyuck melted into the kiss and just as he opened his mouth to let in the older’s persistent tongue, Mark pulled away.
He brushed his thumb over Donghyuck’s pink bottom lip, “Never. Not if it’s you.”
Donghyuck smiled and replied with a short kiss back, “I know.”
Mark’s lips curled up to the side in a smirk before he chased after Donghyuck’s mouth again. The secretary rolled his chair closer so that Mark was now leaning back on his desk. When Mark used his tongue to meet Donghyuck’s again, they ignored the loud groan the table made from the young executive’s weight.
Maybe Jungwoo and Jaehyun weren’t Taeyong’s worst nightmare. At least Donghyuck is sure his friends have never made out so openly in the middle of the office like this, even if it was empty.
Then Donghyuck snapped back, almost knocking over Mark, “Shit! Jaehyun!”
Mark frowned, “Should I worry that you’re screaming another guy’s name?”
Donghyuck let out an exasperated laugh and shook his head, “No, sorry. It’s just Jung asked me to help him print some documents because he’s like 80 years old and doesn’t know how to use a printer.”
“I think the printer room is still open,” Mark said, already stretching out his hand for Donghyuck to take. “After you.”
The younger gave him a grateful smile and let the young executive curl their fingers together. The walk to the printer room was quiet, mostly because the pair were just moving like exhausted zombies. What would be a 5-minute walk turned into 10 minutes because Donghyuck ended up leaning his head over Mark’s shoulder as they walked, eyes already droopy.
The secretary let out a sigh of relief when he saw the light coming out of the glass doors of the printer room and let go of Mark to rush over Jaehyun’s stupid papers.
“Jung Jaehyun, you owe me big time,” he grumbled as he sorted the documents neatly.
Mark helped him out with the other half of the pile, “You could say no.”
“And let Jungwoo be on my ass all day? He was already so pissy about me being late–” the moment the words came, Donghyuck knew it was a mistake. He covered it up with a cough and turned around to find a folder. Definitely not to hide his burning red cheeks.
“Why were you late today?” Mark asked, expectedly so.
“I told you. I missed the bus.”
“You don’t take the bus. You said it was sticky.”
“Did I say that? Well, I took it today,” while that wasn’t completely a lie because Donghyuck really did take the bus today, he still wished he could jump inside the paper shredder,
He was reaching for a folder on one of the top shelves but a pale hand wrapped around his wrist and brought it down to turn him around. Mark’s eyes were piercing and his little arched brows were crumpled up in the middle. He didn’t look mad at least, he looked concerned.
“Are you having a hard time sleeping again?”
Donghyuck tried to ease the situation by lightly pinching Mark’s cheek with his free hand, “I’m fine, Mel.”
“Do you want to sleep in my apartment tonight?” Mark asked, half of his face still stretched by Donghyuck's fingers.
Donghyuck scoffed but finally freed the older's cheek to brush his thumb just under Mark's eye as if to soothe the skin, “Is that how you invite all your secret lovers, Mr Lee?”
Mark leaned into his touch, still frowning, “You’re impossible.”
“Thank you,” Donghyuck gave his boss a quick peck on his nose. “But no thank you. My mom’s coming over tomorrow and you know how early she always barges in.”
“Then,” Mark slid his hand from Donghyuck’s wrist to his palm. “Let me drop you off.”