Chapter Text
A soft exhale is breathed into the break room and the aroma of coffee surrounds it, along with a faint smell of Satsuma Oranges. There's nobody inside the small, clean and sleek room besides one tired and worn out body who gingerly sips from his coffee cup. He only has a short amount of time to release all the stressful thoughts without any worry of needing to strike up any pointless chit-chat. Maybe not pointless per say but there's a lot of break room conversations that mostly stay in the break room; they don't really lead anywhere. And with Changkyun not really being much of a talker, having the break room all to himself is a nice change. It always gets too crowded and when it does, Changkyun doesn't bother coming inside. The anxiety that fills up Changkyun when he realizes he might have to engage in a conversation makes him run in the other direction. And yet his job requires lots of communication; ironic, much?
Changkyun takes another sip from his cup, his tie slightly choking his neck and he scratches his throat before tugging on the collar. Just a quick little breather before it's back to the daily grind. He glances at the clock, 12:43 PM and Shownu should be coming into work soon as they'll have to brainstorm the architectural design of their project as well as some research data. With the plans in motion, Changkyun wants Shownu’s opinion before it's sent over to the client. With the green light on the idea, Changkyun’s part is to finish up his plans but his brain is beyond fried. He's been stuck at a computer desk with his eyes staring at the screen that has given him a slight headache. And with his eyes still growing heavy, Changkyun wants to finish up what he has started for today. He rubs his eyes and yawns. Ugh… Maybe another coffee can do me some good.
Coffee usually does the trick but Changkyun has already worked so many hours that the coffee level his body needs hasn't been reached yet. It has only given Changkyun a certain amount of energy before he's back to feeling tired again; then it's back to protein shakes. And his body has already consumed a most likely unhealthy amount of the addictive caffeine to begin with; it needs a break. Still, Changkyun continues to drink the freshly made coffee, feeling it warm his throat and hands. The faint taste of the cinnamon calms his mind with just the right amount of sugar and cream. Next time, Changkyun wants to try some caramel. He brings the cup back to his lips not to drink but to inhale the aroma of coffee. So relaxing…
“Hey, Changkyunie,” Kihyun greets as he walks into the break room with his dazzling business smile. He walks up to the coffee machine, eyes widening as he holds onto his cup tighter, taking a step back before leaning his head forward. “Oh~ did you just make this?”
Changkyun doesn't take a sip of his coffee as he focuses his attention on Kihyun and the coffee machine. Shit, conversations. “About a few minutes ago, did you want some?” Changkyun wants to hit himself. Why else would Kihyun come inside the break room?
“Oh, you don't have to ask me that! Thank you!” Kihyun beams and proceeds to fix himself a cup. The steam rises and the smell of dark cinnamon roast fills the air; such a bitter and strong smell. “You make really good coffee so I'm glad I came in at the right time. It's always a blessing to know you've made it.”
“Really?” Changkyun perks. There's another sip that doesn't make it to his lips.
“Of course,” Kihyun declares. He doesn't reach for any milk or sugar, blowing the steam away that emits from his cup. Placing the pot back in its spot, Kihyun leans against the counter and crosses his legs to face Changkyun. “I know it's just coffee but I feel like some people don't brew it right. As if there's a certain way to make it,” Kihyun explains. “Besides, whenever the coffeemaker is finished and people find out you made it, everyone comes rushing in.”
That's news to me. Changkyun almost flushes at the indirect compliment. He clears his throat before taking a sip that he's been urging to take. It burns his throat a little but he doesn't care, he's flustered to the core. “Thanks, Kihyun,” Changkyun mumbles, almost lacking emotion before the coffee perks him up. “Congrats on the project you finished by the way. I saw the commercial and the architectural design. It looks great.”
“I'm only in marketing, I didn't do that much,” Kihyun laughs, hiding his dazzling smile behind his cup. Kihyun’s work is out of this world, his work plays a really great and important part. “But thank you so much, Changkyun! It brings me such joy for you to say that.”
“Come on, you're the King of Marketing,” Changkyun laughs. Talking to Kihyun always makes him feel so flustered and smiley. “I knew and everyone else knew you and the team you were involved with would pull it off.”
Kihyun rolls his eyes. “Okay, King of Production,” He sasses back with a teasing smile curved at his lips; it's very alluring. “Don't act like I'm the only big shot here with a lot of talent. You and I both know we're at the top of our departments. We just pretend we suck.”
“Maybe not pretending we suck but we make sure not to let the popularIty get to our heads,” Changkyun jokes.
Kihyun laughs heartily. “That and making sure people don't take us for granted when they find out we're on the team,” Kihyun takes a sip from his cup, sharply inhaling and exhaling. “Ah~ now that's the stuff. Now I can go through the day with a lot more ease now that I've had Changkyunie’s coffee. And it's a new one, cinnamon.”
“Shut up,” Changkyun laughs and rolls his eyes, unable to stop smiling. But chatting with Kihyun is somehow so easy, maybe it's because he's so approachable and knows how to talk to people. “This isn't Starbucks. However, I will make pumpkin spice ones when December hits.”
Kihyun lets out an amused hum and takes a look at the coffee pot before taking another sip. There's an airy chuckle passing through his lips and he subtly shakes his head. Changkyun tilts his own only slightly, wondering what was so funny about what he said. Or was it even funny at all? Changkyun doesn't know; it's hard to read Kihyun right now.
“Maybe so but I would tip twice as much for your coffee anytime,” Kihyun smiles. “Call my office phone and I'll come running down for you to pour a fresh cup just for me.”
It's all innocent but Changkyun can't really tell if Kihyun's being naive with his choice of words or if he's doing that on purpose. Whatever it is, Changkyun is always finding himself drawn to Kihyun and his character. They do say the innocent and quiet ones are the secretly freaky ones. Because Kihyun… that sounded like a tiny hint of an innuendo.
Changkyun loosens his tie again feeling as if he hadn't just loosened it moments before.
“And when do I get to try Kihyun’s coffee?” Changkyun asks, a playful smile dancing on his lips.
Kihyun hums and takes a sip. “Maybe one day but it won't be as good as yours.”
Changkyun feels weak in the knees with all of this praising that he might liquify in front of Kihyun here and now. Instead, Changkyun sips at his own coffee with a nod trying to keep his cool. What else does he need to talk about? He's been praised a lot in this short amount of time and he should at least say something back.
“Well,” Kihyun licks his lips. “I'm going to head back to my department. Thanks once again for the coffee, Changkyunie,” Kihyun beams and waves. “Good luck on your project. I can't wait to see what you come up with.”
Kihyun leaves with a small giggle and Changkyun watches and waits until his bouncy self is out of the break room. Changkyun sighs in relief and immediately goes to touch his ears. The way Kihyun says ‘ Changkyunie’ really has Changkyun almost look like a fool in front of Kihyun.
“He's always calling you Changkyunie, it's cute,” Minhyuk points out, laughing as he shakes his head and leans against the door frame.
“What the hell!” Changkyun jumps, holding on to his coffee cup with the contents swishing. He holds his chest and his lungs squeeze tightly. “Holy shit dude, how long have you been there?”
“Enough to comment on how you're probably Kihyun's favorite,” Minhyuk teases and steps inside the break room. He walks towards the coffeemaker and hums triumphantly. “Yes! There's some of the famous Changkyun Coffee left.”
“Oh god, first Kihyun and then you,” Changkyun huffs. “It's just coffee. I don't know why you two are so excited over break room coffee.”
“Because you change the contents in it everytime,” Minhyuk answers, pouring himself a cup. “Thanks, Changkyunie~”
“It's different when it comes from you,” Changkyun shakes his head and pours himself another cup. He contemplates on making more coffee considering the pot is good for only about two more cups. “Kihyun is always so cutesy and bubbly that it's such a shock to see him serious at his job. It's like a demon possesses him.”
“He is the King of Marketing for a reason,” Minhyuk nods, taking a big gulp of coffee. “If he wants to get shit done, he'll get it done. That ambition and determination of his is really something I would love to have,” He licks his lips, turning towards Changkyun. “I also read your proposal. It's good work so move forward with it.”
“Awesome! I already started on the plans for the client since I had a feeling you’d say that,” Changkyun confidently smiles. He contemplates on getting another cup of coffee to take to his desk to finish what he has to do.
“You've been in production for five years,” Minhyuk says. “It’d be an issue if your proposals were not good.”
“Did I miss the Changkyun Coffee?” Another coworker, Jooheon, pops his head in the break room with a whisper.
“Are we seriously calling it Changkyun Coffee now?” Changkyun frowns. Seriously guys, it's nothing special. “And why are you whispering?”
“Because Kihyun whispered to me you had made some,” Jooheon says, his eyes soon lighting up. “Oh wow! Is this the last batch? I call dibs!” He enthusiastically runs to the coffee machine to pour himself a cup of (Changkyun) coffee. “Now I can live my life with peace and virtue.”
Changkyun groans. He really, really doesn't understand. “You guys are nuts, wacko.”
“Hey, Minhyuk,” Jooheon calls. “I know you're the head of the production department but did you receive my email about the project I have with Wonho?”
“Ah, I did not,” Minhyuk says. “Send it over to me again. Which department are you in again?”
“Sales.”
“Alright, so just put your name, department and topic in the subject,” Minhyuk explains, setting his coffee down. “And then from there you can include what is that you did for the meeting today and—”
Changkyun turns away from the conversation and drinks the last of his coffee. Finding it to be the perfect time to leave, Changkyun walks out of the break room as his two colleagues focus on their business. Besides, Shownu should be coming into work in a few minutes to discuss the project, Changkyun needs to get back to his desk. It's time to get back to that daily grind.
Click click click. The sounds of a keyboard echo as dusk turns to night. Workers say their leave as the night slowly starts to drip over the sunset to reveal the moon but the stars don't make an appearance tonight. The lights to the building never shut off and the same goes for Changkyun’s brain as his eyes stick to his computer screen, scanning and scanning. His eyes stay determined, locked on each word he creates with his hands gliding across each pressed down key. He stops, brain thinking what to write next until he leans over his desk to type more. The small rut has disappeared until the next one decides to make its way back into Changkyun’s body.
He takes a sip of his protein drink; empty. Without looking away from the computer screen, Changkyun drops his drink into his small trash bin and pulls out another one from his desk. A secret stash for desperate times like this. But that's all that Changkyun does and proceeds to write his proposal, not stopping to take a drink. He still has enough energy to get this done in the amount of time that he wants.
He takes a risky glance at the clock and it's about thirty minutes until midnight. Changkyun contemplates messaging Shownu, his work partner in this project, but declines the minute the thought comes to mind. The man is most likely sleeping at this time, there's no reason to bother him so late with work. Especially with all the frantic messages about why he didn't show up today. It put Changkyun into a whole array of panic that he doesn't want to think back on it. Changkyun focuses back on his computer screen and continues typing, he needs to finish the plan tonight. After that, they can start contacting the client and other important people to make this work. Changkyun also doesn't want to forget about the data research as well, he'll make a post-it note and tape it in his computer screen. The goal is to leave the building and get home by midnight. He hopes the same for those left here as well.
It's quiet, too quiet and all the while dead quiet. All in all, it's something that should be normal but for tonight, Changkyun takes note of more than he should. With only three people left in the office (in his department), things should be a little louder but it's not. Strange but also not quite. No sound of a highlighter skipping across the pages, no stapler clicks and Changkyun is the only one making noise with keyboard keys clacking. Either someone is sleeping, someone could be in the restroom, or they're really quiet and it's almost eerie. The thought makes Changkyun shiver and he shakes his head.
Rubbing his strained eyes, Changkyun moves away from his computer and the wheels from his chair glide slowly across the newly waxed floors. He sighs, groans and brushes his hair back to stare at his screen once again. He's so close to finishing up this plan for a new architectural design. A project that includes a new game shop and their grand opening; it has to be perfect. After getting the first proposal done and almost finishing this up, it's only the first few steps out of many. Writing up three different plans is exhausting but Changkyun wants more than one option. Though, it lacks something. Changkyun taps his chin. It's missing something like…
“I got it!” Changkyun exclaims, his body closing the distance between him and his computer screen, the wheels of his chair rolling loudly. His hands move around the keyboard quickly like he’s been reborn with a new power.
“Who's clapping?” Jooheon says. He enters the department with paperwork in his hands and looks around.
“Changkyun but only his keyboard is clapping,” Wonho responds, laid back in his chair with a book covering his face. He's probably having a small mental breakdown. “He's in a place we call 'Changkyun Cloud Nine’. He finds his inspiration, he gets excited and then he tunes everything out and gets in the zone .”
“It seems like he does that everyday considering how well he works” Jooheon comments. “I wonder if he ever runs out of juice?”
“Protein,” Changkyun blurts and holds up his bottle. Finally, some sort of noise. “And an immense amount of coffee and water. Fruit. Watching cat videos and dogs with knives.”
Wonho turns to Changkyun then to Jooheon and the book slides off his face in the process, hitting the ground. “There's your answer.”
“Dogs with… knives…?” Jooheon squints. The question mark can be visible over his head, it's comical.
“I'm on the last part of this plan I have,” Changkyun announces. This new found energy pumps him up and he feels excited to get through this hurdle. He'll need to show Shownu this part, see what he thinks (which shouldn't be a problem) and if one of these plans gets approved by the client then it's another hurdle they've jumped through. It's finally happening; Changkyun can feel it.
With the finishing line slowly coming closer even after tackling only two things on the list; Changkyun feels pretty confident. He hopes this luck and stamina lasts until the end of the project and that there aren't any hiccups along the way. Taking another sip of his drink, Changkyun jots down the last pieces, excitement filling him up. His brain is on the verge of exploding from the dump of information he's pouring out into the page.
“Finished!” Changkyun cheers and rolls away from his desk. He spreads his arms and legs wide in celebration.
A pair of hands stop him from rolling too far from his desk and that wouldn't be an issue if it wasn't for Wonho and Jooheon conversing a few desks down. Changkyun frowns as he looks down his shoulders. Shownu isn't here and he wouldn't have a reason to come to the office at this time which leaves him out. So… who else is here? Someone from our department? Changkyun looks up to see a recognizable face from the office staring down at him with a small smile. It’s the King of Marketing!
“Be careful, Changkyunie,” Kihyun warns. “I know the office is empty and all but you could really hurt yourself wheeling around like that.”
“Oh my god, the King of Marketing is here!” Jooheon shouts.
Kihyun laughs, embarrassment reaching his ears. He pats Changkyun’s shoulders. “Please, you guys give me too much credit. I'm not that talented.”
“Thanks, Kihyun,” Changkyun mumbles, his neck still cranked to look at Kihyun from such an odd angle. “Also, why are you in our department so late? Usually you're out of here pretty quickly with the work you get done.”
“Because I'm here to see you,” Kihyun says, patting his hands on Changkyun’s shoulders. Oh ? “Did you not get the email about the news?” Kihyun asks.
“News? What email?” Changkyun blinks, confused. He looks to his screen and then to his phone resting on the desk. Usually, Changkyun will take a glance at his phone if a notification comes through as it lights up but he never noticed it. “Let me roll back and check it out.”
Changkyun almost rolls back to his computer before Kihyun stops him yet again. “No need to waste energy on that. It's about your project with Shownu.”
“Oh no…” Changkyun clicks his tongue. That bump in the road has already made itself known. He can tell this is going to be bad news. What could possibly be the problem now when he's finished the plans. All this work needs to be done soon, there can't be any setbacks.
Kihyun pulls out his phone, bending closer to Changkyun. “I'll show you the email I got from your boss.”
“Wait, Minhyuk sent the email?” Changkyun gasps, cursing under his breath. He brushes his bangs out of his face. “I saw him in the break room earlier in the day and he didn't say anything to me then.”
“I think this was a last minute thing because I just saw the email twenty minutes ago,” Kihyun informs. “I wanted to talk to you face to face rather than call your desk phone since this matter is better as we speak. Sorry for the trouble.”
“No, no, I totally understand, it's not your fault,” Changkyun reassures, patting the top of Kihyun’s hand. “It's nobody's fault. I'm just not too happy about this hiccup and I'm slightly in a slight panic now.” I don't like this one bit. “Here, come grab a chair and take a seat. Can I see your email?”
“Yes, that's what I was about to do next in fact,” Kihyun says, handing his phone over to Changkyun who cautiously takes it. Much to Changkyun’s dismay, Kihyun continues, rolling a chair over next to Changkyun and taking a seat. “Apparently, Shownu has come down with a cold and is now sick with a bad flu. His husband called the doctor who advised that Shownu stay home for guess how many days?”
“A little over the deadline,” Changkyun reads, rubbing his temple. “And the deadline isn't far too,” Shit… Deep down, Changkyun always fears for the worst (he always tends to do that for every project so he can have a plan b) but this one still came as a fast ball; completely unexpected. “It says here that you’re willing to take over his place. Are you sure you're okay with that?”
“I'm the one who insisted on helping after all,” Kihyun informs with a dazzling carefree smile. “I'm wondering if you're okay with me jumping in the middle. I know it's kind of a lot to deal with but if you give me everything you have so far I can study and go over it all tonight.”
“It's quite a lot to catch up on for just starting out and I do trust you fully but…” Changkyun hesitates. He doesn't want to put so much on Kihyun but he did offer to help… “You know what? No buts and I have no complaints,” Changkyun smiles. “What's your email so I can send you all the files we have so far and I'll catch you up. Are you going home now?”
“Nope,” Kihyun pops the ‘p’ and places his bag down on the floor, taking his phone back. “Feel free to fill me in as much as you want. I'm free to give you my time now.”
Woah… Kihyun is really determined from the start that it's refreshing to see. He’s already taking out his notebook and getting out colored pens and highlighters. Wasn't he just heading home? Changkyun subtly watches Kihyun organize his items. For Kihyun to continue working with the clock only striking a later hour, it gives Changkyun the reassurance he needs for this project to get on the right track. Changkyun hasn't worked with Kihyun so closely before and he's already liking the fiery ambition. Maybe this is going to go better than Changkyun expected and maybe even better (no hard feelings Shownu; love you). With this thought in mind, Changkyun feels reassured.
Changkyun turns to his computer screen with a new found fire behind his eyes.
“So, this is what I've come up with,” Changkyun informs, rolling his chair to the side for Kihyun to squeeze in closer. “Before I send these over to the client, I was going to have Shownu look over them but I'll show them to you,” He clicks back onto his documents page, opening three different tabs and separating each of them. “I have come up with three options here and we would like the client to select the one they like best.”
“Okay…” Kihyun nods his head, eyes training hard on the screen.
“We also have wallpaper swatches that we would also want to send,” Changkyun mentions and opens up a whole new tab. He jumps onto his email. “To be thorough, we'll send the options through email and then call them in the morning to confirm or they'll call us. Usually it's better that way so we can tackle a few things like the wallpaper swatches I mentioned, any flooring or any extras they feel are important.”
“And when would we be contacting the construction company to send over some plans?” Kihyun asks, writing down in his notebook.
“Once the client chooses an option they like—” Changkyun answers but isn't able to finish as a voice from across the room cuts in.
“What a powerful duo,” Wonho comments, wiggling his eyes. “Already getting down to business. With the two of you combined, I think you guys will pull this off.”
“Powerful duo,” Kihyun laughs wholeheartedly. “You're so flattering. And I agree that we can pull this off too,” He smiles at Changkyun and takes out his laptop, settling it on Changkyun’s desk. “I'm actually excited to work on this. I love video games so I can't wait to see how this shop turns out.”
“You do?”
“I'm very competitive though,” Kihyun warns, waving his finger. “Especially when it comes to Mario Kart. I won't hesitate to get violent.”
“I would like to witness that,” Changkyun nods his head, trying to picture the ever so proper Kihyun raising his voice. Not to forget that Changkyun has never even seen Kihyun with a crease between his eyebrows besides concentration. “What kind of games do you play?”
“Mario Kart, Mario Party, you know,” Kihyun smiles, too innocent that it's deadly. Changkyun shivers and Kihyun crosses his legs. “The usual friendship breaking games. I do like Animal Crossing.”
“Kihyun…” Changkyun airily chuckles. He shakes his head and crosses his arms, leaning back in his chair. Sure they're called games but they're not really games; more like leisurely time-passers. “Have you ever played Bioshock or Resident Evil? Maybe even Outlast or Bendy and the Ink Machine?”
Kihyun purses his lips. And there it is in plain view: the small crease between Kihyun’s eyebrows. Changkyun holds his tongue from trying not to laugh. The sight doesn't match with Changkyun’s image of an angry and focused, wanting to win it all Kihyun; instead, he actually looks pretty cute with the expression; as if he's pouting for not getting the toy he wanted in a Happy Meal.
“I've played Among Us…” Kihyun reveals.
From across the room, Wonho bursts out into laughter and Changkyun can't help himself anymore and lets it out too.
“My sides are hurting!!” Wonho chokes and gets himself a slap on the shoulder by Jooheon.
“Evil. The whole production department is evil,” Kihyun huffs, turning his attention back to his notebook as Changkyun hides his laugh behind the back of his hand.
This is going to be fun.