Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

8:57 am. 3 minutes before work officially started. 

Kim Rok Soo utilized his time fully while waiting for the lift to reach the lobby. He tied his necktie with deft hands, looping them with practised ease before pulling it up smoothly with a tug. Right when he was done, the elevator door opened with a soft ‘ding’!. He quickly moved to the back of the elevator since he was getting off at the 25th floor. A huge crowd of office workers followed behind him, squeezing into the small elevator to make it in time for work. 

Kim Rok Soo felt a sense of kinship with them — they were all the last-minute crowd, the sleepyheads who didn’t want to stay at the office for a minute longer than necessary. Many of them were familiar faces, ones he recognized after spending a year working at this company. 

“Good morning, Kim Rok Soo-ssi!” Someone greeted with a voice breathless from running. Nevertheless, the tone of it was still bright and friendly. 

Kim Rok Soo blinked and looked to his side. Standing there with a pearly white smile, was his manager, Alver Crossman. It was rare to see Alver at this time. He usually reached the office half an hour before work started to have a cup of coffee and prepare for the day. The ultimate workaholic. He was nothing like Kim Rok Soo who snoozed his alarm ten times and cut it close every day. 

“Good morning,” Kim Rok Soo returned the greeting with a curt nod. As the elevator was maxed out, Alver was shoved closer to him, resulting in their shoulders getting pressed together. 

Oh my god.

…? Kim Rok Soo glanced up when he heard the thoughts of his manager. He looked away before he could get caught staring, yawning out loud. He couldn’t lift his hand to cover his mouth, not when it was so crowded. He blinked blearily when the thoughts of his manager flooded into his head again. 

God, that bedhead is so cute. His yawn is so cute. I just want to tuck him into bed and cuddle with him. 

Hm. How unexpected. Did Alver have a crush on someone in the office? Kim Rok Soo didn’t want to intrude on other people’s thoughts, but he had no choice in the matter. Ever since his 30th birthday, he had gained the ability to read other people’s thoughts. He had no idea how it happened. He thought it would go away after a few days, but it’s been weeks now. Apparently, according to his friend, people became wizards if they stayed a virgin even after becoming 30, gaining strange magical powers. It was a ridiculous idea, and yet…  

Hahh… I was so angry at Bud Illis for taking my car again without asking, but I think all my anger is melting away. I can’t believe I’m so lucky this morning. 

It seemed like Alver Crossman was quite the lovestruck fool for whoever it was he had a crush on. It was quite interesting to listen to his thoughts. Alver had always been a handsome and perfect man, the exemplary employee and manager, so much so that it felt like he had a wall erected around him — distant and beyond reach. Kim Rok Soo thought his thoughts would simply revolve around work 24/7. However, his thoughts were just like any other guy’s. It humanized him somehow. 

Kim Rok Soo kept a poker face and stared at the numbers steadily going up as the elevator reached higher floors. He didn’t want to listen to the private thoughts of his manager, but it really was quite cramped in here.  

Why is Rok Soo so adorable? I want to put him in my pocket and carry him around with me. 

…

…!? Wait, what? Him? 

Kim Rok Soo whipped his head around before he knew it. When Alver noticed Kim Rok Soo staring at him, he gave a gentle smile. 

Ahhhh we made eye contact! Today is a good day! 

Kim Rok Soo jerked his head back to the front. HIM?! He was still reeling. No way. He must have misunderstood. There must be another Rok Soo in this company. There was nothing attractive about him. He and Alver haven’t really spoken much either, 

Kim Rok Soo stepped away quickly once there was enough room in the elevator, ignoring the burning stare against the side of his head. He stared at the LCD screen and pleaded for the elevator to go faster—why did it feel so slow today? 

Once it reached their floor, he basically sprinted out of the elevator to flee to his desk. 

“Ah! Good morning sunbaenim, you’re right on time today as well!” Choi Han, his desk neighbour, lifted his phone to show Kim Rok Soo the time. Exactly 9.00 a.m and not a minute later. 

“Morning,” Kim Rok Soo collapsed in his chair and groaned. 

“I’ll get you some coffee!” Choi Han readily volunteered. 

“Mm, thanks.” 

Kim Rok Soo groaned again as he laid down on his desk. He could hear Alver entering the office, greeting everyone and apologizing for being late. 

Kim Rok Soo pretended to be dead as Alver walked past his cubicle.

How the hell was he going to face Alver from now on?!

Chapter Text

Kim Rok Soo chose to live in denial. 

The thoughts he heard from Alver? They had to be auditory hallucinations from stress and lack of sleep. There was no way a handsome, talented, and intelligent man like Alver liked trash like him. It simply didn’t make sense, not when there were better people to crush on in their company.

His hand moved rapidly as he sketched high heel designs with a pencil.

Plus, magic didn’t exist or belong in their modern world. Mind-reading wasn’t a thing. Especially not mind-reading powers you mysteriously gained from being a virgin for 30 years. If that was actually a thing, wouldn’t it be on the news? Choi Jung Soo must’ve just read too much manga and webtoons. He never should’ve listened to that man’s drunk ramblings.

“What are you listening to, Kim Rok Soo-ssi?”

Kim Rok Soo jumped when a hand rested on his shoulder. 

Oh no. I must have startled him.

Kim Rok Soo frowned as he removed his earphones. He was still hallucinating, it seemed. 

“Sorry for spooking you,” Alver said apologetically. I wonder if he’s listening to classical magic as he works? His designs are so pretty as always.

“I’m listening to heavy metal,” Kim Rok Soo replied. He couldn’t believe he was hallucinating praises about his own work. Maybe he should request a vacation and take a break somewhere nice.

“What?” Alver blinked. Did he just say heavy metal?

Kim Rok Soo repeated with a straight face, “Heavy metal.” 

“Oh… I see,” Alver quickly recollected himself and the surprise melted away from his face. I didn’t expect that. That’s so cool. “The meeting is starting in five minutes. You seemed to be engrossed in work, so I thought I’d remind you.”

Kim Rok Soo nodded. “Thanks.”

He cleaned up his desk and stood up to head to the meeting room with Alver. Maybe a good nap would be enough to get rid of the voices in his head.

The meeting was boring as always. Every department and team reported their weekly progress to the CEO of their company. Since Kim Rok Soo was but a small employee who didn’t have to report anything, he took the opportunity to get some shut-eye. 

However, their CEO had other plans. 

“Do you have anything to add, Rok Soo-ah?”

At the sound of his name, Kim Rok Soo’s closed eyes opened. All eyes were on him now, including Alver’s, who was sitting by his side. Since there were so many people present, their seats were very close together and their elbows were touching. 

Don’t call Kim Rok Soo-ssi in that overfamiliar tone of voice! Don’t bother him when he’s napping! 

Alver’s ‘thoughts’ sounded indignant on his behalf.

…So the nap didn’t get rid of it.

Kim Rok Soo ignored all of the eyes on him and turned to face their CEO, Fredo Von Ejellan.

“No, I don’t.”

How could he, when he didn’t even know what the question was about?

“Didn’t get enough sleep?” Fredo asked. His tone was teasing instead of angry.

Kim Rok Soo frowned. He had perfected the art of napping in plain view. His back and head were always upright and he always held a pen in his hand. If no one looked closely, he would appear as a model employee consulting his notes. 

And yet, Fredo always seemed to single him out.

…

Then again, it was right to be called out when he was dozing off throughout the meeting. He’d be pissed off if Fredo allowed others to nap and always picked on him, but Kim Rok Soo was always the only one trying to take a nap in plain sight. 

Kim Rok Soo sat up a little straighter and tried to blink the sleep away from his eyes. “Sorry.” 

“My, what could you be so busy with at night to be so tired? Even though you always skip out on the company dinners.” Fredo waggled his eyebrows suggestively. The rest of the people in the meeting looked away awkwardly. Some coughed and cleared their throats. 

“I’m going to quit if you continue sexually harassing me,” Kim Rok Soo replied with a blank face.

“Sexual? I didn’t say anything about that.” Fredo looked amused.

This rude bastard… Why is this fucker always picking on Rok Soo?

Kim Rok Soo blinked as he heard Alver insult Fredo in his thoughts. 

…He had never heard Alver cuss before. Somehow, the insult sounded nice in his voice and accent. 

Is this the privilege of handsome people? No matter what they did, it was better compared to normal people. 

“Sir. If there’s nothing else, we should end the meeting,” Alver interjected with a tight smile, coming to Kim Rok Soo’s defense. His words were polite contrary to his thoughts. “I’m sure everyone is ready to leave for lunch.”

Everyone in the conference room shot Alver looks of gratitude. They couldn’t wait to escape this awkward atmosphere.

“Yes, yes,” Fredo chuckled, waving his hand. “You’re always so protective over your team members, Alver. Meeting dismissed!”

The conference room came to life. People started chattering and getting up from their seats. Kim Rok Soo was no different. He closed his notebook and sighed as he tilted his head, working out a crick in his neck. 

“Are you heading out for lunch, Kim Rok Soo-ssi?” Alver asked politely. His calm blue eyes betrayed nothing of his thoughts and feelings. 

Kim Rok Soo couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Alver’s head now. Was Alver trying to invite him out for lunch? 

“...I still have work to do, so I’ll be staying behind.”

“Ah, I see,” Alver’s smile looked a little disappointed. Kim Rok Soo didn’t know if he was reading into it. “I’ll bring back a sandwich for you.”

“Thanks.”

Kim Rok Soo watched Alver leave before him to get ahead of the lunch crowd. Ever since the two of them met in the elevator, he couldn’t help but be oddly conscious of Alver. 

When he went back to his desk, he found his desk neighbor hard at work too.

“You can’t finish your design either?” Kim Rok Soo asked. He placed a hand on Choi Han’s shoulder, curious to see if he would hear Choi Han’s thoughts too. 

Sunbaenim!

“Sunbaenim!” Choi Han greeted in tune with his thoughts that passed through Kim Rok Soo’s head. Lots of crumbled balls of paper surrounded Choi Han’s desk; they were undoubtedly discarded drafts. He was using chopsticks to eat from a large lunch box. 

“Yeah, haha…” Choi Han continued sheepishly. Nothing feels right… “I knew I wouldn’t finish so I brought kimbap from home. Want some?” 

Kim Rok Soo thought of Alver and the promise of sandwiches.

“Nah, I’m good. Hang in there,” Kim Rok Soo patted Choi Han’s shoulder and sat down in his own seat. He too, had a deadline to rush.

Choi Han gave him a smile and replied, “Thank you, you too!”

Kim Rok Soo called Choi Jung Soo out for drinks that very same night.

“Ayy! It hasn’t been long since we last met!” Choi Jung Soo waved excitedly with both arms when he saw Kim Rok Soo approaching him on the street. Passerbys threw them amused glances. “Did you miss me already? Aww, our cutie Rok Soo~”

Kim Rok Soo threw an arm around Choi Jung Soo’s neck, choked him, and dragged him into the restaurant.

“Urk!”

“Shut up. You’re embarrassing me.” 

“Oof!” Choi Jung Soo made grunting sounds and rapidly tapped Kim Rok Soo’s arm as he struggled for air. When Kim Rok Soo finally released him, he coughed and rubbed his throat. “Damn, you’re just as feisty as ever. What’s there to be embarrassed about, Rok Soo?”

“Sometimes I regret becoming friends with you.”

“Hehe, I love you too.” 

“There’s no ‘too’. I hate you.”

They continued to bicker as they took their seats at their usual table at the back of the restaurant. Choi Jung Soo called over the owner of the restaurant and happily asked for their usual order. 

“So what’s up? Why’d ya call me?” Choi Jung Soo’s busan accent was always heavier when he was relaxed. Although he spoke with a Seoul accent at work, he always slipped back into old habits when he was with friends. 

“Do I need a reason to call you?” Kim Rok Soo said evasively. He wasn’t quite ready to delve into the whole ‘I might be able to read minds’ thing yet, not without a couple of glasses of soju in him. 

“You’d rather die than meet up during weekday nights since you’re tired from work. You looooove chilling at home and doing nothing like a little slug.” 

“Who’s a little slug, you dumbass gorilla?”

They continued to bicker and talk about everyday things as they ate. Usually, their conversation was dominated by Choi Jung Soo, who was always updated with the latest news, gossip, and shows. Today was no different until Kim Rok Soo drank until his face was red.

“Hey… the thing you said the other day.”

Choi Jung Soo waited for Kim Rok Soo to continue. When no words were added, he prompted, “Dude, I’ve said lotsa things. You gotta help me jog my memory here man.”

Kim Rok Soo frowned and took another shot of soju. Then, he finally said, “The thing about mind-reading.”

“Uh? What about it?” Choi Jung Soo tilted his head. Then his eyes widened as he stared at Kim Rok Soo’s grim expression. “No wayyyy! Try reading my thoughts!” 

Choi Jung Soo offered a single index finger. 

Kim Rok Soo sighed and pressed his finger to Choi Jung Soo’s.

Rok Soo you cute little drunk dumbass. Can you really hear this?

“I’m not drunk. And I’m not the dumbass, you are.”

“So you admit you are cute. Wait. Woah! That’s so cool! What number am I thinking about right now?!”

“Triangle.”

The open-mouthed expression on Choi Jung Soo’s face told Kim Rok Soo he was right. Damn. So it truly was mind-reading powers and not some stress-induced hallucinations. 

“Woah! I thought you’d come up with a random number! I literally have goosebumps right now! Look! Feel it!” Choi Jung Soo shoved his arm in front of Kim Rok Soo’s face. When Kim Rok Soo showed no visible reaction, he sighed and retrieved his arm.

He poured his friend another cup of soju and asked, “Why do you look so troubled? Isn’t it great to be able to read other people’s thoughts? Haven’t you ever wanted to read the minds of others?” 

Kim Rok Soo shook his head. 

No. Sometimes ignorance was better than bliss. It was much easier to live your own life without caring about the thoughts of others.

And the thing about Alver-

Wait.

Kim Rok Soo stared at Choi Jung Soo. “If it’s real, shouldn’t you have mind-reading powers too?”

“Hm? Why?” Choi Jung Soo sipped his soju and blinked at Kim Rok Soo, uncomprehending.

“... We have the same birthday. You also turned 30.” 

“So?” Choi Jung Soo asked. And then, it slowly dawned on him. “Oh! You didn’t know? I’m not a virgin.”

“What?!” Kim Rok Soo yelled in disbelief. When? How? He’d heard Choi Jung Soo talk about his crushes, but it never seemed to go anywhere. So how did he…

“Hehe,” Choi Jung Soo giggled shyly. “Anyway, we’re not here about me. We’re here for you. If you really don’t like hearing the thoughts of others, there’s a verrrryyy simple solution!”

Kim Rok Soo narrowed his eyes and asked, “What is it?”

He wasn’t forgetting this conversation. He’ll grill Choi Jung Soo about it later. He thought Choi Jung Soo told him about every single thing in his life, from texting about what he was eating to when he was stuck in the toilet being constipated. So what was this about losing his virginity?

“You just gotta, y’know, have sex with someone,” Choi Jung Soo grinned. 

“What?” Kim Rok Soo balked. 

“Yeah,” Choi Jung Soo nodded his head vigorously. Then, with a sleazy grin, he asked. “So like, ya got anyone ya like? Since I’m more experienced than you, I can give you advice!”

Look at this fucker gloating about it. Kim Rok Soo had never had a crush on anyone. Romance was never on his mind.

But right now, somehow, his manager, Alver Crossman, came to mind. 

He still couldn’t understand how and why Alver liked him.

“Oh? Oh????” Choi Jung Soo leaned in, excited. “Looks like ya got someone! Who is it? Who’s the lucky person who caught our Rok Soo’s eye? Who? Who? Who???”

“Shut up. There’s no one.”

Kim Rok Soo poured himself another cup of alcohol. Maybe if he got dead drunk and had a good sleep, everything would turn out to be just be a fever dream.

…Sleep did not end up fixing his predicament. 

Chapter Text

“What’s the situation?” Kim Rok Soo asked. 

He had been called to follow along the moment he entered the office today. 

“Choi Han is having difficulty communicating with the client on the design. She looks really upset.” Alver said in a low voice to avoid being overheard as they rushed to the meeting room used to hold meetings with clients. “I’ll get tea and snacks to ease the tension, but can you go in and help Choi Han in the meantime?”

“Of course.” Knowing his younger colleague was in trouble made the usually lazy Kim Rok Soo speed up. 

The moment he opened the door to the room, Choi Han looked up and his face slacked with visible relief. “Sunbaenim.”

"I'm Kim Rok Soo. Team 1's design leader," Kim Rok Soo introduced himself as he took a seat next to Choi Han. 

Although Choi Han was newer in the industry and more inexperienced, the man had a good eye for design and was always earnest and sincere when it came to catering to their client’s requests, so Kim Rok Soo wasn’t sure what was wrong.

“Ah, yes… my name is Whitira,” the beautiful blue-haired woman seated across them introduced herself in turn. She looked frazzled and disappointed.  

Kim Rok Soo reached a hand out for a handshake and didn’t let go when Whitira shook his hand. "Could you tell me what you'd like to change regarding the design?"

"That… Well, for our spotlight product, I wanted a pair of heels, when worn, exudes power as the wearer walks. Kind of like a femme fatale, a confident woman moving with ease…” She struggled to put it into words. Loose images of red satin and a flowy red dress and stiletto heels filled his mind.

And Kim Rok Soo understood. He finally released her hand, which thankfully she didn’t find too odd.

"Please wait. I'll draw a new draft."

He borrowed Choi Han’s tablet and opened up a drawing software. 

Alver entered the meeting room at that moment. It was good timing, as it’d be awkward to have everyone wait for him to draw. The tea and snacks were served and Alver was caught up on the situation as Kim Rok Soo focused on the design.

Instead of flatter heels that made it easier to walk, he used stiletto heels. The model should be flexible, charming, and strong enough to walk smoothly in them like they were gliding. Instead of a plain business dress shoe design, something with thin lacy ribbons all the way up to the thigh... Simple enough to not distract from the outfit, yet showy enough to complement it. And rather than a deep and dark red, something softer, a little lighter than the color of blood....

When Kim Rok Soo finished the sketch and showed it to Whitira, Whitira gasped with delight.

"Yes, this is perfect!"

The tension in the room finally eased. 

Kim Rok Soo nodded as he saved the file. "The next time you find it difficult to put your idea into words, you can use sketches or references so we have a better understanding of what you're looking for. Showing us what the outfit looks like will also help us make shoes that complement it."

Whitira nodded to Kim Rok Soo in understanding. “‘I’ll keep that in mind. I apologize for the miscommunication, I’m not too aware of fashion trends and terms.”

“That’s understandable, Whitira-nim,” Alver replied with a small smile. “Despite the incredible amount of tech and environmental subsidiaries Ocean Inc. has, you’ve only just recently taken over the Hundred Seas department store after all. It’s a different field entirely. I imagine the adjustment period might be tough.” 

“Yes… it’s quite different to manage,” Whitira said with a wry smile. “I am constantly learning lots from my peers, including yourself, Alver-nim. But to get back on topic: How much will the heels cost for production?”

Kim Rok Soo ran some quick mental sums on the materials and potential suppliers and wrote an estimated range. 

“This is workable, but…” Whitira hesitated again. “I know we mentioned wanting to develop a high-end luxurious line but to be honest, the costs are higher than we expected. If we want to display this as part of our season lineup…”

“How about we create different versions? That’s usually what’s done in the industry,” Choi Han offered. “We can create one with lower cost materials, and—”

Kim Rok Soo smiled when he saw Choi Han regain his confidence, falling back into his element. Alver was visibly pleased as well to see things going smoothly. 

Choi Han invited them out for lunch later that day to thank them for their help. Although Kim Rok Soo had attended a few company dinners with Alver before, those had always been in a large group setting. He had been a little worried it would be little awkward walking to the restaurant together, but thankfully, Alver and Choi Han were fully engrossed in talking about work and upcoming design trends. 

“What do you think, Kim Rok Soo-ssi?” Alver turned to ask, wanting to include Kim Rok Soo in the conversation.

It was nice of Alver to take care of him, but truth be told, he had been using his phone and was barely paying any attention.

“Sounds good.” 

Alver smiled. Then, his face shifted to visible concern. “Wait, there’s a bicycle behind you.” 

He tugged Kim Rok Soo’s elbow to move him to the side of the sidewalk, and a rapidly speeding bicycle rushed past them without even ringing the bell to alert them of its presence. 

Ah… does he always use his phone when walking? That’s dangerous. I should look out for him more.

“Thank you, manager-nim.” 

“No problem at all.” 

For the rest of their walk there, Alver kept casting little worried looks back at Kim Rok Soo, until he finally gave in and gently pushed Kim Rok Soo ahead to walk with Choi Han. 

There, that’s safer.

“I just remembered I have a work email to send,” he said as an obvious white lie, raising his phone. “You guys can walk ahead.”

Kim Rok Soo wasn’t sure how to feel about it. It felt… strange and ticklish. He was a grown man, and no one had ever looked out for his safety like this, except maybe when his parents were still alive. 

If Choi Han noticed anything, he didn’t show it. He was full of smiles toward Kim Rok Soo, most likely happy after everything was resolved well. “Sunbaenim! Are you hungry? The restaurant I’m taking us to serves really big portions. It’s cheap and tasty!” 

“Hungry for free food,” Kim Rok Soo replied with a smile, causing Choi Han to chuckle.

“That’s just like you, Sunbaenim.”

Kim Rok Soo was well-known for his love of free things, from the company benefits such as the very well-stocked pantry to free food from his friends and colleagues. 

“Auntie!” Choi Han greeted happily once they entered the small and homely restaurant. A middle-aged lady popped out from the kitchen and gave a wide, beaming smile once she saw who it was. 

“Oh my, it’s my favorite nephew! How are things at work? Are these your colleagues? Sit down, sit down!”

To be the favorite nephew when he had so many cousins was quite something. 

“Yes, it’s my Sunbae and my manager!” Choi Han introduced with a smile. 

Kim Rok Soo could see the family resemblance in their smiles. All of the Chois he met always had big beaming smiles full of warmth, cheerfulness, and friendliness. 

He sat across from Choi Han and couldn’t help tensing up a little when Alver sat next to him. Ever since he could hear other people’s thoughts, he had been very conscious of the manager’s presence. 

Well… how could he not, after finding out his manager found him very attractive and cute for some reason?

Alver draped his coat over the back of his chair and rolled up the sleeves of his white button-up. Kim Rok Soo instantly noticed the very expensive Rolex watch and the very toned arms. Damn, Alver really was the perfect picture of a handsome, young, successful businessman. How could he be so good at his work and still find time to hit the gym?

“I didn't know this was your aunt’s restaurant,” Alver said to Choi Han with a smile. “Do you come here often?”

“I come to this entire street often!” Choi Han replied cheerfully. “The whole row of restaurants down this street belongs to the Chois.”

Alver and Kim Rok Soo gasped in surprise. 

“What?” In his surprise, Kim Rok Soo couldn’t help but cuss. “Damn, the Chois really are taking over Seoul.”

His cussing voice is really attractive.

Kim Rok Soo flinched and inched his elbow away as it had touched Alver slightly. People rarely complimented him, and to hear a heartfelt compliment that was so out-of-pocket over his voice of all things… 

First his bedhead, then his feet, then his voice… 

Did Alver really like him? 

It was hard for Kim Rok Soo to comprehend. 

Feeling warm, he rolled up his sleeves as well. 

“Oh yeah, the drinks are self-service here,” Choi Han explained. “What would you two like?” 

“No, no, let me do it. You’ve been through a lot this morning,” Alver stood up before Choi Han could protest. 

Alver was very much unlike the stereotypical manager in Korea. He always treated them as equals, being kind and respectful towards them instead of ordering them around. In contrast, their CEO Fredo von Ejellan… 

Choi Han sighed and swept his hair back. “I was so scared of getting into a toxic workplace when I applied for this job, but I’m glad I was worried for nothing! Everyone in our department is so nice.” 

“Yeah, the fashion industry can be pretty cutthroat,” Kim Rok Soo admitted. 

“Really?” 

“That’s part of the reason why I left my previous company. Someone stole one of my designs and the management refused to do anything about it because he was ‘a better known designer’ and it was better for the company to advertise with his name.”

“No way! Which asshole—” Choi Han quickly censored himself when Alver walked back with three glasses of water for them.  

Kim Rok Soo shook his head. It wasn’t worth it to pursue. He was in a better company now, where he was allowed full creative direction and credit over his own works. 

“Thank you, manager-nim.”

“You’re welcome.” Alver smiled and sat down next to Kim Rok Soo again. He crossed his legs and the toe of his dress shoes inadvertently touched Kim Rok Soo.

Hahh, he’s still calling me manager-nim. When will he call me by my name? Should I suggest it? But what if he hates it? Will he think I’m crossing the boundaries? Noooo

Why is South Korea so strict about formalities and hierarchies? Back when I was working in America I could just call my boss directly by their name. No, wait, if Kim Rok Soo calls me hyung, I’ll… oh my god, I’ll die. It’d be too cute. 

Kim Rok Soo felt rather curious about how Alver Crossman would react to being called hyung now. Should he try it? 

Him calling me hyung with his serious face would be amazing, but wow, if he called me hyung with that small smile of his, and his upturned eyes, I, hngh, I'll want to propose to him and live with him forever. 

Kim Rok Soo promptly choked on his water.

“Are you okay?” Alver patted Kim Rok Soo’s back gently as Choi Han hurriedly passed him some tissues.

“Y-Yes…”

The rest of lunch was calm as they talked about their previous work and internship experience, but what Alver had thought about Kim Rok Soo continued to stay in Kim Rok Soo’s mind. He had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight. 

9.05 A.M. Kim Rok Soo arrived in the office late after tossing and turning all night. He was about to greet Choi Han when he saw just how focused the man was. Choi Han was staring closely at a pair of stiletto heels placed on his desk.

The extremely tall pair of black heels had a band of black pearls across the top to provide more support. The heel itself was thin and transparent, giving it an invisible appearance when seen from afar. Kim Rok Soo couldn’t help but admit it looked pretty, even if it’d be hell to walk in. 

Sensing someone’s gaze, Choi Han looked up. He smiled once he recognized who it was. “Sunbaenim, you’re here! Do you mind testing these out for me?”

Choi Han had large feet even for a guy, so he would never be able to wear his own heel designs unless it was a custom-made pair. 

Kim Rok Soo set his coffee down on his desk and settled in. “Sure.”

With his agreement, Choi Han knelt down on the floor and helped Kim Rok Soo to change his shoes. 

“How does it feel?” Choi Han asked nervously once the heels were on. 

“High,” Kim Rok Soo said. He stood up from his chair and felt the center of his gravity shift. The beginning adjustment period when it came to wearing a pair of heels always made him a little woozy. 

He took a careful step, and then two.

Even though Kim Rok Soo was good at walking in heels, extremely tall and thin stiletto heels still gave him some trouble. His toes and ankles were screaming at him from the elevated position they were forced into. 

Bearing the pain, he took a few steps across the corridor to test it out better. 

“Beauty is pain, I guess,” he remarked with a wry smile. He fell back into his chair, sinking with relief when his body weight was no longer concentrated on his feet. “The fit is perfect though.”

“I see…” Choi Han sat at the edge of his chair and leaned down, taking a closer look at how the heels looked on someone’s feet.

It seemed hard for him to get a good look since his body cast shadows on Kim Rok Soo’s feet. 

“Here. Lean back. ”

Choi Han followed his instructions without a doubt. Kim Rok Soo lifted his legs from the carpeted floor and placed his heeled feet in Choi Han’s lap. “There. Now you can get a better look.”

“Thanks, Sunbaenim.”

With them in contact like this, Kim Rok Soo could hear the flow of Choi Han’s thoughts. 

The pearls should have a little more slack on them to account for larger feet. I should replace the band with something more elastic. 

He turned one of Kim Rok Soo’s feet to the side. 

The curve of the heel is really pretty. I’m glad I went with this height in the end.

His very normal thoughts reminded Kim Rok Soo of Alver’s panicked thoughts when his manager caught him wearing red heels. Kim Rok Soo couldn’t help but imagine what Alver would think if he saw him in this pair of shoes. Would he turn into a stuttering mess internally once again? The thought caused a disrespectful smile to form on Kim Rok Soo’s face. 

He still didn’t understand why Alver reacted that way, but it was interesting to see a usually cool and put-together man crumble into incoherence over a simple pair of heels.  

“Do you mind if I take pictures for reference, Sunbaenim?”

“Sure. Just don’t sell my feet pics online,” Kim Rok Soo joked.

Choi Han’s eyes rounded. He stared at Kim Rok Soo in confusion and asked, slowly, “Sell… what?”

How innocent. Kim Rok Soo shook his head. Now he felt bad for joking around like that. “Nevermind. Pretend I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh. Wait, there’s something in your hair, Sunbaenim,” Choi Han reached out naturally to help Kim Rok Soo take it off. 

“Hm?” Kim Rok Soo frowned. He lowered his head and leaned in to make it easier for Choi Han.

Alver returned to the office at that moment, having just finished a meeting. Kim Rok Soo looked up when he sensed a piercing stare.

“You guys look very close,” Alver remarked with feigned nonchalance. “Do you know each other from college or something?”

Is… Alver jealous? Kim Rok Soo stared at the rare expression on Alver’s face. 

He hastily corrected, “No, Choi Han is my friend’s uncle.”

The strange answer made Alver pause. Choi Han was clearly younger than Kim Rok Soo, and had entered the company much later. 

“...How old is your friend?”

“He’s my age.” Seeing Alver was still incredibly confused, Kim Rok Soo offered, “The Choi family tree is an entire mess.“

“It really is,” Choi Han affirmed. Jung Soo’s parents used to tell him to speak to me respectfully even though I’m younger than him.  

The imagery of a teenage Choi Jung Soo struggling to call a young child uncle and speak with honorifics made Kim Rok Soo chuckle. 

With the pictures taken, Choi Han happily helped Kim Rok Soo to unbuckle and remove the heels. Alver stared as Choi Han helped Kim Rok Soo to wear his socks and his dress shoes back on, even tying the laces back up. 

Kim Rok Soo wondered what Alver could be thinking right now. 

What he heard instead were Choi Han’s thoughts. 

Pfft. Look at his face. 

As he tied the shoelaces with deft fingers, Choi Han explained to Alver, “Sunbaenim finds it a hassle to take off and put on his shoes, so it’s the least I could do when he’s helping me out.” He shot Alver a smile when he was done tying a butterfly knot. “Do you need something, manager-nim?”

Realizing he’d been staring without saying a thing, Alver coughed into his fist. “No. Keep up the good work.”

Choi Han stared at Alver’s retreating back with a smile. 

He’s so funny. I could watch him struggle all day long.

Kim Rok Soo was surprised by Choi Han’s thoughts. He had always thought of Choi Han as an innocent kid who could wish no harm on anyone. But, he supposed, it was always the quiet ones who hid a dark side. 

Choi Han beamed at Kim Rok Soo. “Thanks for your help, Sunbaenim!” 

I have so much fun in the office thanks to these two. 

Kim Rok Soo blinked at Choi Han’s bright smile, flabbergasted. Wow, you really couldn’t tell a book by its cover.