Work Text:
Hyunjin always made an effort. For finding it immensely difficult to wake up any time before noon, no matter what time he would have gone to sleep or for how long and also considering that he didn’t drive; Hyunjin was almost always on time when agreeing to meet someone. He was human; even he was sometimes late but he’d somehow notify whoever was waiting for him before he was actually late and he’d apologise for each minute he was not on time.
Which is why it sucked when his friends – all three of them – who drove and lived nearer the meeting point were all late and they weren’t even answering his texts. Even if they were driving, he expected them to stop somewhere and let him know their distance and ETA. Hell, they lived near each other; they shouldn’t come in three different cars! Not only was that more carbon footprint but it was moot! They’d add two cars to the traffic line that would ultimately make them be later and it would mean searching and paying for three parking spots rather than one.
The more time he waited, the more he fretted, panicked, boiled in rage.
He’d been there already half an hour pushing on half an hour too much. Finally, Jisung had at least answered his text and apologised but didn’t say where he was – Hyunjin bet on still home. Changbin and Chan hadn’t bothered to even reply and he hoped that meant they were at least driving even if it meant two cars and didn’t want to risk stopping in their haste to get to him and not that they had a wild night out and hadn’t even woken up yet.
Tapping his foot, he glanced down at his phone. If it could, it would glare at him. His phone was as stressed and overheated from anxiety as he was. It was also dropping on energy fast. Like owner, like phone. There was no glare, only a reflection of the morning light in his eyes. He so would love to be in his bed right not but his friends had wanted to see a movie. They were probably going to miss it now. All four of them.
He’d love to go to the theatre even on his own but he couldn’t. Not without splurging more.
Thank god he still hasn’t paid Chan-hyung for his ticket because it was looking like they were all going to waste their money. At least he wasn’t going to waste his. No way was he going to pay Chan now.
He glanced one way then the other hoping to spot someone. Hoping that his souring mood could be tamed and they would make it on time.
All he saw were people rushing about and one man also doing the same as him. Phone check. Right and left glances, lengthened the second round then shortened as he probably gave up. Tapping foot, so fast it would get a cat glancing up and down and up and down if there was one. Frowning – though he looked handsome even with his face contorted. Sighing – his sound sounded melodic to Hyunjin’s audio-deprived ears. That expression of ‘I can’t believe this’ on his face as he probably considered bailing. The anger as he probably thought ‘how dare they?’.
Hyunjin sympathised. His friends took him too for granted sometimes. One day he should be late but it wasn’t in his blood to. Well, he had been late for genuine reasons such as public transport delays and unpredictable accidents and one or two times he hadn’t managed to get up on time but lately he had discovered a great alarm and incentivised himself with warm baths and good food to try to roll himself out of bed. He had even changed his diet slightly. Less fats, flour and gluten and he felt livelier than ever and didn’t mind getting up early though he still preferred sleeping in.
It really wasn’t fair that his friends were late. He hated this feeling of powerlessness as he had gone through all that effort to be here on time and his friends didn’t show him the same courtesy. It wasn’t the first time either! In his rush to get here, he had forgotten his ear pods and he wasn’t rude enough to subject people to his dramatic music choices because even though his playlist was nothing but power vocals, it was also aimed at making people cry.
If they agreed on a time, he would be there a few minutes before to not be late. That’s what had happened that day. They said ten-thirty, he was here at ten-twenty just to be sure. He would have accepted them showing up at ten-thirty and even at ten-thirty-five in case they couldn’t find parking or had bumped into some Seoul traffic – though they should have thought ahead as well considering where they lived. It was just irresponsible not to! He would have even been annoyed but accepting from ten-forty up to ten-forty-five but now it was Eleven! Actually, it was five past eleven already. At least his fretting gave him something to do with his time.
He should charge them for the stress. It wasn’t good for his health or skin. What if he broke out?
He loved his friends and he would surely smile once he saw them – in relief that nothing had happened to them and also because it means at least he didn’t get up for nothing – but he also kind of hated them in that instance.
“Hey”
He jumped. That wasn’t Jisung’s, Chan’s or Changbin’s voice.
It was the stranger that had been behaving like him.
“Hello” he greeted politely because Hyunjin was one polite man. Unless his friends turned up now; then he would scold them publically and drag them to the movie theatre – after saying bye politely to the stranger who was not the holder of Hyunjin’s ire.
“Are you waiting for people who are also late? I think you’ve been waiting for the same amount as I have.” The also polite stranger asked him. He was standing an appropriate distance but upon seeing his captivating eyes and his nice jawline, Hyunjin kind of wanted to be inappropriate…by moving closer so he could see better of course! This was still a stranger after all. Maybe he wanted to kidnap him or something but he didn’t think that the kind-looking stranger had it in him.
“Yes. My friends. Was your meet-up at ten-thirty?” he asked, speaking casually. He’d just met the man but Hyunjin wasn’t intimidated by him as he was by other strangers though perhaps it was because the man had approached first and seemed to have a clear target; Hyunjin was assuming it was to pass the time as they waited for equally irresponsible or accident-prone companions.
“Ten-twenty-five actually. Ambitions I know considering it’s with people who I wouldn’t trust to tie their shoe laces correctly. Well, two of them. Our hyung can tie his shoe laces, I just think he doesn’t because he doesn’t care.”
That sounded like his friends but worse. Hyunjin burst out laughing and then realising it would be considered rude, he covered his wide smile with his hand.
“Sorry but you’re really funny…” Maybe the stranger was a stand-up comedian. He’d buy tickets to all his shows and not even new ones but repeats. Hyunjin would maintain his hard earned abs thanks to swimming and dancing simply by the power of the other’s jokes.
“I’m Seungmin and I appreciate that compliment. You are…?” the stranger came slightly closer and tilted his head slightly. Damn that jaw-line was even more impressive up close! Hyunjin wanted to cut his tongue on it.
“I’m Hyunjin, nice to meet you.” He bowed and Seungmin returned it. The stranger was as polite as him! Maybe even politer! The stranger would make a great friend unlike his three still-late friends.
“Pretty name for a pretty stranger. Well, I guess you’re not a stranger anymore now Hyunjin-ssi. Where were you going with your friends?”
The stranger – Seungmin – just said his name. Politely but it rolled so naturally from his tongue. Hyunjin couldn’t help but blush. The stranger – for he knew nothing but his name who he was trying not to chant creepily like it was his new religion - was very forward…and attractive aka the stranger was Hyunjin’s type…not his exes but his ideal type made better because Seungmin was real unlike the imaginary boyfriend and life-companion he imagined himself having sometime in the future when he was feeling dragged down by life.
“To a movie.” He answered simply. His tongue was otherwise tied.
“You can just go without them?” the kind stranger asked. Seriously, could this stranger be anymore his type? Did he get a manual by post or something? If so, how could he sign up for his own manual to wow this stranger…if said stranger was interested and single. Oh god, please, I never ask for anything but let him be both of these so he at least stood a chance. Friendship goals were quickly abandoned. This person was relationship-material.
Hyunjin sucked in a breath. He couldn’t let his heart tinted life-view get the best of him now. He needed to be present and stop acting like a fool or he risked the real chance of salivating in public.
“I can but I have no tickets.” There. Hyunjin was proud of himself and his untied tongue even though he was still shy. Unfortunately, Hyunjin had a tendency to see potential everywhere. At one point – thankfully quickly dismissed – he had even considered his friends as potential. Friends-to-lovers sounded nice. In theory. He needed to have realistic expectations and stop being so desperate or he’d get taken advantage of again.
The stranger; Seungmin, hummed. “Well, I have tickets to a musical. I have four and it’s about to start. Want to go with me?”
Hyunjin gasped. A musical? That was a realistic expectation and sounded so lovely! He had tried to convince his friends - mainly the culprits Jisung, Chan-hyung and Changbin-hyung who he used to share a dorm with…until they all dropped out of University to pursue careers early leaving Hyunjin alone – but none of them were interested or found time to go since musical’s tickets were more expensive than movies or other events they enjoyed.
“I would love to go to a musical but are you sure? The tickets must have been expensive.” He asked but they had unconsciously already started walking towards the theatre. As it turns out; both of them knew this was going to happen and had told their friends earlier times but now they were cutting it too short.
“Don’t worry. I can resell the other tickets at the door. If not; I’ll still make my friends pay because this is their fault. Damn it, I even spent time editing a screenshot so it showed an earlier show time just so they would actually think it starts at eleven but no, they still managed to be late. Well, their loss. It’s a great musical.” Seungmin ranted. The crease of his brow was strangely attractive and cute.
“What musical is it?” Hyunjin huffed. His friends kept telling him he should go to the gym but no thanks. When he’ll die, he’ll be floated away so what’s the point of building muscles?
“Mata Hari.”
“No way! I was looking at reviews last night! It’s supposed to be really good!” Hyunjin made a habit of reading all of the ‘Arts’ section in the best newspaper and he even checked a few local blogs and podcasts. While he loved dance and art exhibitions, he was no stranger to other forms of art. If he was picky with the art form, he may end up missing an enjoyable or inspiring piece that was done in another form. He’d attended puppet theatre, shadow theatre, opera, musicals and so many other shows and he had mostly enjoyed all of them. When he hadn’t, it wasn’t due to the form but the execution or topic.
“Yes and we’re going to see it. Aren’t we lucky?” Seungmin delivered that cheeky statement with a wink that nearly knocking him over. The other was so flirty! Not in a sleazy way! Unfortunately, Hyunjin was too familiar with those kind of people but Seungmin was a right charmer. He hoped that the other would see the blush on his face and attribute it to the same reason why he was huffing: they were running.
They were just in front of the theatre but the traffic light had just changed, just a bit up there was a zebra crossing they could use but the street was a main one; the drivers would not stop and while their ghosts could attend for free, they had tickets which would be wasted unless someone pilfered their cold dead bodied.
So they waited, shuffling impatiently as the minutes ticked by. When the light changed again probably because they stared at it so much that they scared it, Seungmin wasted no time and grabbed his hand so they could rush at the same pace. Hyunjin was just slightly taller but that meant he had more body to carry forward and that combined with his general lack of athletics; made Seungmin the better candidate to rush them. The other seemed for sporty; he had an athlete’s built and he was in fact out of breath less than Hyunjin which Hyunjin greatly admitted but he’d still not go to the gym for personally. Well…if hotties like Seungmin actually frequented the gym, he’d consider going but he probably went to sports grounds not gyms with people more interested in gaining weight than anything (at least the one the Changbin-hyung had dragged him to).
Fortunately, at the door there were people waiting in hopes of resellers and Seungmin was their god-sent who thus managed to sell his two extra tickets and by the glint in his eyes, Hyunjin garnered that he had turned a profit. That was good since Hyunjin hadn’t paid for his own – he’ll offer money at the end even though it would beat his bank account to a pulp. He wondered if Seungmin was rich to be able to afford it or had discounts or was so passionate about musicals that he saved up just for them in which case, his friends were really shitty to stand him up even if it wasn’t intentional and he was infinitely cuter by virtue of his hobby and persistence.
They had five minutes before the show and Seungmin took the time to let his friends know that he had sold their tickets and to not bother. Hyunjin did the same though he was a bit kinder in his words and he wished they enjoyed the movie as they had nearly arrived but Hyunjin was suddenly not in the mood for it.
Chan: The movie is at 11:15? I thought it was at 10:30!
Hyunjin: You should have checked the time on the tickets. Anyway hyung, I’m going somewhere. Please enjoy the movie for me and don’t be late(r).
The friends that had bought Seungmin’s extra tickets sat next to them of course and they looked…cosy. Like more than friends cosy and him and Seungmin looked at each other with raised brows just before the opening theme.
Had Seungmin helped two lovebirds score a great date? Looks like he has. Nice things really happened around the other. Maybe he attracted them like Hyunjin attracted disasters.
The musical was exceptional. It made Hyunjin feel a lot more than usual which was already a lot. The musical was set in Paris, a perhaps over romanticised city but one that Hyunjin wanted to visit. The characters were interesting and knowing that it was based on a true story was shocking. Inspiring too but also quite sad. Mata Hari being a dancer organically spoke to him and made the musical flow naturally and the temple dance…he needed to learn that. The songs with the main and supporting characters and ensemble were all really good but Hyunjin felt drawn to 내 길은 하나 which he looked up on the programme and would surely look up later – although finding songs from musicals was always an issue since no recordings were allowed.
The rush of emotions remained even after the musical came to an end. It had passed by so quickly! Hyunjin tucked the programme gently in his bag. This was one for the memory box and the ticket would be framed along with other tickets as he crafted one each year.
Jisu and Yeji, those were the friends’ names, thanked them again and offered to buy them lunch as a thank you despite paying Seungmin for the tickets at more than face-value. The tickets were however sold out and they had been extremely lucky that Seungmin had two extra tickets.
Their lunch was a delicious cabbage sandwich at a 포장마차 outside of the theatre. They exchanged kakao accounts with the girls in case they wanted to go and see a musical together again since it turned out they were all geeks for dancing and music.
His own art geekery credentials were long and varied. He himself danced and actually, he thought he recognised Yeji from somewhere; maybe a competition if she was part of a crew. His friends actually had a soundcloud account and went to underground but legal rap battles and he was their number one fan – except for today where they were his arch-nemesis for abandoning him. Was he glad they did now? Yes. Was he going to forgive them? Perhaps in time.
Once they parted ways with the girls, Hyunjin tried to offer the money for one ticket – basing it on what half what the girls had paid – but Seungmin refused.
“Don’t worry about it. Consider it as a date. A friend date if you want.”
A date?
“No! I mean yes! A date. A date is nice. Not a friend date though friends are nice.” He stumbled his way to accepting the date suggestion. He hadn’t scored a date in ages and the last time he had one, his date was late with no reasonable excuse and thus that had been a clear sign that it would be the only one.
Hyunjin wasn’t exactly unattractive but he could be so awkward that in a country full of pretty people and plastic surgery, no one wanted to put up with his dramatic self for long. No one but the few assholes who attached themselves to him like he was their sustenance.
Which reminded him that he should act kind of normal if he wanted another future date.
“Great.” Seungmin simply answered, not giving him a lot to work with.
“I feel cheated. I didn’t know it was a date for most of it and now we have to end it soon.”
Hyunjin chastised himself. Complaining was surely not a way to retain the little attraction there was! It was a sure mood killer as had been explained to him by various dates and his most recent ex-boyfriend.
“Who says that it has to end soon? Do you have to go somewhere?” Seungmin retained that cheeky smile yet Hyunjin didn’t think the other was laughing at him, at least not maliciously. Rather, Seungmin seemed to be cheeky in general and it fit well with his general flirty behaviour.
Hyunjin shook his head “No but we saw a whole musical and then we had lunch. What else is there?”
“How about a walk and actual lunch? That was a tasty snack.”
Did Seungmin want to ply him with food? Hyunjin will accept even though he could hear his dance teacher scream at him. Dancing was a part-time hobby anyway. He was a fledging (read: he’d only been working for two years) interior designer.
“I mean…I always have space for food and other things.”
Seungmin’s eyebrows rose up and a lewd expression changed his face so he looked like one of those local perverts. “Oh yeah? Do tell what other things you have space for?”
Hyunjin blushed “Things like emotions! I’m a romantic!”
Okay so perhaps, he had also been thinking about that when he said it but it was too soon to show his horniness, right? Besides, he was more of a romantic than a pervert.
Seungmin’s face transformed again, this time looking kinder. “In that case Hyunjin-ah, I’ll take you to a really nice place so you remember this date.”
There was no chance that he was ever going to forget this but Hyunjin kept mum not wanting to ruin the possibility of a really nice place.
They walked slowly as a comfortable pace. Sometimes, their gait went a bit more sideways and they bumped into each other, intentionally seeking the other out. They barely knew anything about each other but there was space and time to remedy that now. Half-way there, Hyunjin remembered that they had already held hands and he gained confidence.
“My hand hurts.” He complained, complete with a very whiny voice. Screw trying to be normal. If he scored a second date by virtue of being himself, Hyunjin knew that Seungmin was the one.
“Why, what's wrong?” Seungmin stopped walking and asked in a panicked voice.
“It’s lonely without yours.” He smiled at the other, sheepish expressing showing his embarrassment but it was worth it when Seungmin laughed a nasal laugh and threw his head back. It was a laugh that belonged on a theatre stage and the big screen and was already etched in his heart. It was captivating.
Seungmin took his hand captive between his own. Warm and cold met and it was a shock but soon they combined temperatures and it was pleasant for both involved.
They walked and discussed the musical some more. There were plenty of things to say about it.
“And the stage design was so nice! They used actual vintage pieces from 1910s! I could tell.” Hyunjin gushed. Maybe he’ll do a couple of rooms in that style if he was lucky enough to find agreeing clients. He even felt inspired to write a blog post about it if he found the right set photos. He bet there weren’t many locals analysing musical sets.
“You’re an expert in stage design?” Seungmin asked genuinely curious.
Hyunjin shook his head “No, but I’m an interior designer.”
“Ah! That’s why you’ve taken residence in my head. You’re decorating there!”
It was Hyunjin’s turn to show his loud laughter. It was so cheesy…Hyunjin loved it. The other had a prompt sense of humour. Unless Seungmin charmed everyone and so was used to these pick-up lines, then he had a very sharp and timely humour, spinning jokes as the context turned.
“And you, what do you do?” he asked as they were seated in a small but cosy family restaurant that stole a bit of Hyunjin’s heart the moment he entered. The menu looked so good too but he was more taken by his companion.
“I…” and Seungmin showed him the moves of taking photos “sports events usually.”
How cool was that! Hyunjin liked photography as a hobby – he had an eclectic but artistic repertoire – but sports? Movement? People? That surely was one of the hardest!
“Wowwwwww. That’s really cool! Do you photograph all sports?” he leaned his head on his knuckles, elbow on the table and menu forgotten.
“Yes but I have a soft spot for baseball. I play in the amateur league as well.”
Hyunjin couldn’t believe his luck. He had met someone artistic and sporty and cheesy? And kind. That was the most important when handling Hyunjin’s fragile self.
Maybe it was too soon – he’d been burned many a times – but he felt already in love.
“What do you usually charge? Maybe we can hire you to take great in-action photos of us!”
“You play sports?”
He shook his head and mimicked jazz-hands of all things “I dance.”
Seungmin’s eyes glimmered, he swore they did.
“Oh yeah? When you move, you carry yourself with something that makes me think of dance so it makes sense. Do you have a dance group?” the other’s compliment went to his head. Usually people called him dramatic or wondered how he could be graceful one minute and clumsy the rest. For Seungmin to say that his whole self, exuded dance? He was beyond flattered and taken in.
Hyunjin unlocked his phone so quick that Seungmin didn’t even catch a glimpse of his baby Kkami. He showed the other the Instagram account of his academy and showed him the last performance they did without audio.
“Huh, my hyung goes there but he’s not in this performance. I think he’s in a different group.”
Such a small world! He asked who his friend was and Seungmin showed him a selfie with said friend.
“No way! You’re friends with scary-hyung?”
Seungmin placed both hands on top of his mouth and tried to contain his laughter which was compelled to break free. Hyunjin pouted at being laughed at though if the other’s friend was not actually scary, he understood. It’s just the other had this determined, no-shit-taking aura around him and all his juniors were a bit scared of him apart from admiring his sleek moves.
“That was the best laugh of my life. I can’t wait to tell Minho-hyung about it. I’ll photograph your team for free, just tell me next time you have a performance and I’ll check if I’m free.” The other generously offered.
Hyunjin of course contested the free part. As an artist, he understood the important of paying for art but Seungmin insisted.
“I didn’t offer to do it for free because you made me laugh. I would do it for free because I’d get the chance of seeing your smile in HD and you move incredibly and I’d get to keep those photos as memories.”
Charmer and Hyunjin was of course charmed.
“How do you know I move incredibly?”
Seungmin smiled, his eyes nearly disappeared and cheeks so high up.
“I just watched it, didn’t I?” he answered, pointing at Hyunjin’s phone.
“Oh. Right.” He had forgotten he’d shown the other his video. How embarrassing.
He had some 치즈 등갈비. The cheese melted on Hyunjin’s tongue; the meat bursting among that sweetness. He had some of Seungmin’s short ribs from his pot while he had some of his meal. It was funny seeing Seungmin struggle with the cheese but also hot seeing his tongue poke out to save some cheese. The side dishes on the table were plenty and varied but they made sure to clean out everything, not wanting to be rude.
“Don’t even argue about paying.” Seungmin told him at the end.
Hyunjin gasped, as he had been making a list of arguments in his head already. He was vying for at least half the bill.
“You're hot!” he ended up saying instead.
Seungmin squinted his eyes playfully at him.
“Are you trying to get cake too?” he asked.
“No, I'm trying to confess.” He replied because his undying love was alive and kicking.
He got cake instead of a reply.
After dessert – a cake so light and fluffy that probably his dance teacher would approve of – Hyunjin looked at his phone and gasped at how late it was.
The next day was a Sunday but he was meeting a client because most people were more available on weekends. In fact, that day he had kept his schedule free which is why he was so pissed that his friends would dare abandon him (well they were late but so late they needn’t bother to come).
“I have to go.” He regretfully said “I’m seeing a client tomorrow first thing in the morning.” By first thing, he meant at ten but for him it would be early; if not to wake up to meet people and be productive. One good thing about working on his own was that he made his own schedule…which still depended on his clients and suppliers so fuck him really but on some days he got to wake up late.
“I’m jealous of your client now. How much do I have to pay you to book you? Your time I mean.”
Ugh, can he stop. “For you I’m free…but I need to be free.” He sheepishly said.
Seungmin nodded “Okay. We’ll find a day when we’re both free then. You going home by metro?”
Seungmin accompanied him there. Turns out Seungmin drove that day but he had parked all the way near the theatre so he had to go back. He did offer him a lift but they were going in two different directions so Hyunjin politely refused.
It’s good the other passengers don’t give a fuck because he had a wide smile verging on creepy all the way home.
----
He ignored his friends the next day until well in the afternoon when he was finally free from work – at least the one with a fixed time; he still had some sketching to do. He agreed to meet them for brunch where he hoped they would grovel and pay for his food. He’d be sure to order the most expensive thing. Having his meals paid twice in a row? He lived dangerously.
Hyunjin could be sweet but he could also be petty like that.
They did apologise and they did pay for his food; they knew him well and on that account he sighed and forgave them. They had too much history to be ruined by bad habits.
“I guess it’s good you three have no concept of time or knowledge of alarms. I met a nice man yesterday.”
His friends were as dramatic as him upon hearing that news. They but their chopsticks down – though Jisung inhaled as much food in his cheeks as he could before – and proceeded to rap their way into all the Ws.
“What? When did you have time to meet a new man? You hardly ever go out!”
Which was another reason why he was pissed with his friends actually. The few times he did, they were late.
“Well you three were late and so were his friends and he came up to chat with me and he had musical tickets.”
“He did the first move? Guess with you he had to.”
Chan thankfully hit Jisung for him. Then he had to help Jisung with his coughs but Hyunjin was not sympathetic. Had the other one paced his food, it wouldn’t have happened.
“Well? Tell us about him!” Changbin urged, hearts in his own eyes. The ones that Hyunjin was feeling all around.
“His name is Seungmin and he’s a sports photographer and he even agreed to photograph my dance team for free! He’s very charming and he’s a music geek just like me!” he gushed, pinkness taking residence on his face as he remembered the day before. Come to think of it, he wasn’t sure if Seungmin was a good photographer but he bet on great. “And he took me out to eat at a wonderful restaurant after and called it a date!”
“Are you sure…you’re not building sandcastles Hyunnie? Maybe he was joking about the date?” Chan-hyung asked worried.
Hyunjin was adamant and shook his head. “He said it one too many times for it to be a joke. He treated it as a date too. Held doors for me, paid and accompanied me to my stop.”
“Well then, when are you going to see him again?”
He went to answer and then froze.
Fuck.
Oh crap! He didn’t get his number!
“Hyunjin-ah, are you okay? You’re white as a ghost.” Chan worried.
“We forgot to exchange contacts!” he whined so loud that it could be heard from 남산 probably.
“Maybe you can find him? What’s his full name?” Changbin tried to guide helpfully but it only made Hyunjin sadder and faceplant the table.
He did know the other’s surname. They had exchanged at least those when they were getting to know each other along with their names, birthdays, years and very importantly: their playlists.
“His surname is Kim...”
“Crap” the other’s shoulders went down simultaneously with his hope. Why did Seungmin – so bright and unique – have to share the same surname as ten MILLION people? Sure, it fit him but this was just impossible.
He nearly started crying. Just his luck. He met a nice, above average, more than decent man that checked almost all of his wants from a partner (the others still had to be tested) and they didn’t exchange numbers or any contact. Was it deliberate from Seungmin’s end? But no, Hyunjin couldn’t doubt it. The other had taken time to take him out; he didn’t need to. They could have said goodbye after the musical or after they say bye to the women.
Wait!
The women!
He nearly dropped his phone in his haste to open Kakao.
There! The two new resplendent contacts shining brighter than gold in his mind and most importantly his contact list.
“What are you doing? I thought you didn’t have his contact?” Jisung asked perplexed.
“I don’t but we met two women yesterday. He sold them his two extra tickets and we went out for a snack together after and as we were all music geeks we exchanged contacts. I have their contacts and they have his contact!” he explained in a rush while he sent a short message to Yeji. Jisu seemed sweet as well but he had spoken more with Yeji and since he was pretty sure they had met before, he felt more comfortable sending her a weird text.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Message them!”
He wasted no more time.
H.jinnie: Hello, good afternoon. I know it’s a strange request but can you please forward me Seungmin’s contact?
H.YeahJi: Hello. Yes, sure I can send it but you don't have your own boyfriend's account?
Hyunjin blushed and maybe squealed at the cute assumption but replied that actually they weren’t boyfriends and that yesterday had been their first date. It was all spontaneous and they forgot to exchange contacts.
H.YeahJi: No way! It was out first date too and also very spontaneous hence why we had no tickets! Let’s make our relationships last so that we can celebrate together after our anniversaries! Here’s Seungmin’s contact.
He released his tears then. Of happiness. It all sounded so sweet. Seungmin’s tickets had served for two memorable first dates!
In the end, all that effort was for nothing. As he was copying the contact, he received a text.
The Instagram DM notification had his eyes bug out and he tapped it so hard he thought he’d fractured his finger.
‘Hi this is Seungmin. I found your account from your dance academy’s profile. Let’s exchange numbers and Kakao accounts.’
Bless Instagram tags.
He breathed a sigh of relief. He’d had his Kakao already but Seungmin doing some detectiving and actually reaching out first…well that was nice. It was nice when others made an effort as well. In all his past flings – none were serious enough to be called a relationship – he was always the one clinging on and putting in a lot of effort. Perhaps too much effort for the quality he received back.
This felt cathartic.
“This is like watching a K-drama and Hyunjin is one of the lead characters.” Changbin commented with a sigh.
“They grow up so quickly.” Chan lamented.
“Are we secondary or supporting characters?” Jisung asked.
“Supporting. We don’t have concurrent love interests so we’re not relevant.”
“Rude. But true. You two have been in a fixed relationship since fixed was discovered and I’m perpetually lonely. Not that I’m complaining about my singleness. It’s a distraction from my fabulous life. I just wish you two would be a bit more uncoupled so I’m not always third wheeling. Wait…with Hyunjin also coupled up I’ll be fourth wheeling! I need new friends. I’m submitting an open call.” Jisung complained but because he was a supporting character, it was all in the background. But loudly. Because it was Jisung.
Hyunjin was never so glad to write his number and hit send. He was sure his smile was so big it was worrying his friends but he just couldn’t help it.
Seungmin suggested they meet for a picnic in the park. A picnic in the park. How lovely! Was this the man of his dreams or what?
No, Hyunjin. Don’t rush. Don’t let your imagination run faster than you can. Don’t overwhelm him or he’ll run away. Deep breaths Hyunjin. You can do it. You can take things slow; one day at a time.
But what a wonderful day to be alive.
“He’s a bit scary. I never saw him smile that big. Not even that time we saw a real-life marriage proposal.” Jisung whispered. He heard the others agree with him but really, they were static in Hyunjin’s love-fogged ears.
Fortunately, Hyunjin’s mind wasn’t too out of commission. The jigsaw puzzle solved itself in his brain and he suggested that Seungmin – if he was free – attend a showcase they were doing. Then after, Hyunjin could indulge in all the food he wanted. No matter how tired he’d be from the performance, he’ll get energised from Seungmin. Never mind that he was an introvert.
One thing he noticed the one time they met aka yesterday, was that no matter how many hours passed, being with Seungmin didn’t get tiring. It could be because it was the first time and it was exciting but somehow, he got the impression that it was because it was easy to exist with the other without any expectations of who he had to be. He could just show who he was instead and be accepted and nurtured just like that.
Hyunjin let his friends treat him to dessert – this time congratulatory and not apologetic. By ‘let them’ he meant he ‘demanded’ but he knew what he was worth and dessert was included.
Next Saturday couldn’t come fast enough. In true dramatic fashion, the week trickled by slowly but rather than be irritated, Hyunjin revelled in it. It meant that he had more time to prepare himself and also bask in the pre-date feelings all he wanted (at least for a week). And maybe, just maybe, it was easier to wait than be disappointed but he didn’t dwell on that too much. He had to be hopeful.
On Saturday he dressed in sweatpants and a chunky jumper but he had a cute outfit in his bag and non-perishable food at the ready for a nice picnic. They’ll pass by the convenience store to complete their meal in between the dance and the date and honestly, just shopping with Seungmin sounded cute. Like that could be the whole date but instead he gets to have his time while shopping for groceries and also in nature. How lucky was he? It was all a bit suspicious.
He couldn’t help but imagine them in the future, going to the grocery store together and buying joint essential needs.
“What’s up with him?” a dancer from his team asked the rest. No one knew because he hadn’t told anyone else but his friends who had suggested he protect his heart or at the very least his dignity. In case he got stood up – ‘like you did to me?’ he’d asked only for them to refute that they had done that – or in case it didn’t work out.
The other dancers could be big gossips behind the scenes…he fit right in.
He had to say something though or he’ll burst.
“A friend of mine who I met last week is going to take professional photos of us while dancing. We can use them personally.” Because he didn’t want to be called out for being selfish even though Seungmin was his contact; his own found stranger, so he had agreed with the other that he’d take photos of them as a group and also individual shots for everyone.
In fact, he had gotten Seungmin a pass so that he could enjoy the performance during rehearsal and take photos during the actual public performance.
“Oh a friend.” He was mercilessly teased by his team.
He forgot that he doesn’t do subtle as evident from his striking make-up that stole the show especially under strobing lights. He was kind of proud of it since he had done it himself but yes, not subtle.
Oh well. He just hoped it would work out. If not, he had his fair share of past disappointments this one could join. He’ll commiserate and then deal with it like usual.
When Seungmin got there, everyone could tell he was Hyunjin’s friend because the other looked very much like a Christmas tree, all bright and glowing. One that could be seen from space really.
“Seungmin! You made it! Hi!” he greeted the other, voice a bit on the higher spectrum.
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it. Is this what you’re wearing for the performance.”
He could swear that Seungmin’s once over was more than precursory but his concept of time was a bit wacky.
“Yes. Without the name banner of course!” he said as they were all wearing personalised name banners so it would be easier to monitor mistakes and also in this case, it could be easier for Seungmin. The performance wasn’t going to be recorded but they helped camera operators. In the rehearsals, Seungmin could see who was who and where they would be so he could plan in advance. Although Hyunjin liked to think that their faces were all striking and distinct so that Seungmin would have no hardship in memorising who he had already photographed. Hyunjin secretly hoped the other though would be too taken by his performance and the others would end up with a few measly photos each. Not to get back to them for the ribbing but because it meant that Seungmin would be captivated by him.
“Of course. You look nice. Mind if I take some photos of you here?”
“Already?” Hyunjin wasn’t sure if he was ready.
“Yes. Some before and after.” The other reasoned. It made sense but Hyunjin knew he would be smiling in all of them, knowing that Seungmin was looking at him.
“Oh that makes sense! I do sweat a lot so you’re warned but don’t worry, I’ll get cleaned up before our date.” He said with a smile.
Someone behind them repeated the word date and he realised his teammates could hear. Great. He wasn’t going to live this down.
“You’ll get cleaned up to get dirty again.” Someone cleared their throat and another person coughed “At the park. For the picnic. I forgot to bring a blanket.” Seungmin saved his dignity make Hyunjin giggle. Sure he was embarrassed at the others knowing but it was kind of exhilarating as well.
Seungmin took countless photos of him and then he asked the other dancers for solo and group photos. He was so professional and even from the small viewfinder previews, the photos looked as great as Hyunjin expected. Better even! So great, his friends stopped teasing him because he had gotten then a good photographer to all their benefit.
“Only a few of ours and a whole photoshoot for Hyunjin? I see where your loyalties lie.” Someone commented. It wasn’t in a teasing manner; more factual. It was just the beginning and Seungmin had snapped two good photos of each dancer…expect Hyunjin who had a dedicated thirty or so photos.
“I’m doing this for free for all of you on his request. You should be glad.” Seungmin replied with a hit of a hardening tone that had the potential to solidify further.
All the dancers thanked him then; some even shook hands or bowed and Hyunjin was glad the other was getting the appropriate recognition and deserved respect. In the past week, he had looked up Seungmin’s work after asking the other for links and he was nothing but impressed. Yet, these photos of him were a league of their own.
It was incredible how fast things went when he was so focused on impressing someone. The performance was painless. Usually he would be jittery but because he knew he wanted to look good in Seungmin’s eyes – not only his camera lens – he had practiced in the dressing room and in his mind all of his moves. Muscle memory took over which was great because his mind was otherwise occupied with thoughts of the other and their upcoming date.
He wasn’t shy about stripping down to his underwear in front of his teammates. They had to do it often to change (anyone else would require that Hyunjin be covered up with something) but usually they wouldn’t see him change into nice clothes after a performance so everyone felt the need to comment and lightly pull his leg. Thankfully, some of them actually helped him reach peak datable look as he wiped himself down and made sure he wasn’t sweaty or stinky because that would be a turn-off for sure.
Seungmin met him at the front and he came prepared with one single flower. Where had he even hid that?
“It was in my car” Seungmin replied to the unasked question “cushioned by the blanket.”
“Blanket? I thought you forgot it?”
Seungmin smirked – damn that looked attracted and not presumptions; Hyunjin was down bad. “I didn’t but I didn’t want them to comment explicitly about what I said. You looked like you wanted the floor to eat you. Wouldn’t blame the floor though; you look tasty.”
Hyunjin blushed and started walking, looking at the flower to distract himself but he only blushed further at the romantic gesture. It was one bright yellow daffodil. Rebirth and new beginnings. One of the first flowers to bloom as Winter was dying and Spring was springing. Hyunjin received a lot of flowers in his time but usually they were either common gift flowers like roses and carnations or purple violets – his birth flowers. He appreciated all of them but because a daffodil was so different than usual, it spoke to him more. It reminded him of that time he was dragged hiking by his friends, with the promise of natural inspiration and nice photography subjects and they had been awed by the daffodil fields in 유기방가옥.
“Thanks…it was nice of you to defend my sensitivities especially when you didn’t mean your comment that way. My team likes to embarrass me. It’s a sport for them. Maybe you can photograph it.”
“Great idea but actually I did mean it that way.”
God. Seungmin’s smirk would be his undoing if his words didn’t kill him first from the burning because he felt like he was on fire.
“Aish. Are you always this way?”
“Of course. Don’t you remember our first date? Am I so unmemorable? Let me refresh your memory.”
“Please do. Let’s create many memories together.” He cheesily said.
Seungmin moved towards him and held his hand. They walked on clouds or maybe that was just Hyunjin. Seungmin opened the car door for him but not before he sneakily checked his appearance out. Nice jumper with one big front pocket he could tuck both hands in and checked trousers that made him look like the blanket…perfect for a picnic in his mind.
The actual blanket was there keeping him company as Seungmin drove them to the convenience store. Going shopping with bags at the ready gave Hyunjin a sense of déjà vu but of the future to come. Was that still déjà vu? Maybe it was foresight.
He smiled softly and sneaked looks at the other who was checking his written shopping list. Hyunjin shouldn’t find that so cool and sweet at once and definitely not hot but he did, all three and more.
They got some 김밥 and fresh desserts and more snacks.
“Why get any snack when you’re a whole one?” Seungmin asked, staring right at him.
Hyunjin looked down and stared at the two snack options in his trembling hands. Why was the other so upfront?
“It’s true. From the moment I saw you, I couldn’t help but stare.” The honest tone to Seungmin’s words hurt good more than the words themselves. Words could be anything. It was consonants and vowels that made up syllables. Anyone can utter them and not mean them. Anyone can replicate sounds and not know what they meant and what they did to people. But tones? Even the best of actors struggled with them sometimes in practice.
He dumped both snacks in the small cart. They moved on but both had small smiles in addition to their shopping.
He doubted they’d be able to eat all of that food but they’ll be well fed after their date and not only with how big their hearts would feel.
He didn’t know how but they ended up holding hands again while holding a bag each on the other side. They looked at each other and smiled.
Hyunjin had never been more excited for a date; not even their first. He’d made it to a second! There was more time to get to know the other! They had insane chemistry without any shred of doubt! And they got to enjoy time in nature! With food!
“Wow, slow down! Aren’t you tired from all that dancing?”
Without realising he had been dragging the other. The park was just a few meters away and he’d gotten impatient.
“You energise me.” He smiled, eyes closed in the face of the sun and his happiness. He realised it was true; the other didn’t steal all his energy; he recharged him and made him feel invincible. Well almost. He slipped on a rock since he hadn’t been looking where he was walking but with the hand that was grasping his already, Seungmin stopped his fall. The vice grip on his hand felt so strong that he worried his arm would be pulled out of its socket. At least it avoided him a scraped knee.
He remembered that Seungmin played amateur baseball.
Hot.
“Thanks.” Wait had he said that out loud?? Oh no, that was just him thanking the other. Phew. He had unfortunately started sweating though.
“You ok?”
“With you here? Of course. Let’s go now!”
To match his energy, Seungmin ran the last bit with him. It felt like they ran into the future.
Hyunjin slipped his sports bag from his shoulder and the grocery bag from his hand while Seungmin dropped his own backpack, camera bag and grocery bag, got the blanket out and spread it for them. It was still warm from the car, where they’re retrieved their things minutes before. Seungmin had carried most of the weight; he had insisted not wanting Hyunjin to strain any muscle. “I’m used to carrying around heavy equipment.” Seungmin had rebuked his offer.
The prospect of not having to go to the gym and carrying heavy stuff was so desirable!
“Aren’t you going to sit down?”
Hyunjin had a tendency to stare and be stuck in his own thoughts. Sheepishly, he lowered himself and got the snacks and drinks to share out with Seungmin doing the same.
They ate a little but his stomach got more tied up the more he got to know Seungmin as they discussed.
“I love dramas! I wish there was more, you know, representation. Of us. But I can watch any and all and to be honest I wouldn’t want representation in most of the dramas already airing. The storyline would end terribly I’m sure.” He complained. Did he sound like a sour grape?
Seungmin however, agreed with him as he too complained. The other didn’t watch as many as Hyunjin but he clearly liked them as well. Maybe it was social conditioning considering they had all grown up with them but Hyunjin liked the mindlessness of those shows and he loved to curl up and watch a few episodes and either sob or laugh (he learned it got really messy if he did both at once).
“Oh” he gasped, wanting to curse but he had better manners than that. “If this were a k-drama we'd be yelling at the screen to run so I feel like telling you, you should run for it. Maybe go and play with the dogs over there.” He whispered trying to avoid moving at all put pointing one finger towards the dogs area.
“Why?” the other asked, confusion on his face as he stared at Hyunjin’s frozen form.
“My ex is coming over.”
Just his luck. Perfect.
He hadn’t been in many relationships – well he wouldn’t call them ‘relationships’ as they lacked the needed ingredients to be ones, namely: communication, commitment and actually caring about Hyunjin but he didn’t know how else to call them as flings, in hinder sight, seemed too blasé a word for something that had lasted months. A fling made it sound like fun not the hell that this particular connection had been – and Chan would have his head for using that word. A fling made Hyunjin sound desperate if he kept it ongoing for so long while he got nothing out of it. Maybe not a connection, but a network? That however, implied more people.
So, he guessed he’d call it a relationship even though it was a joke of one. His exes always said he had too many expectations but he didn’t think so. They just didn’t meet the basic requirements.
Sojun was his last boyfriend. They had lasted a grand total of two months and they hadn’t even been officially together just dating. Maybe he should just call it dating then. Sorted.
The other was also a dancer, as evident by his gait as he was walking over to them – and he definitely was coming towards them; his eyes locked with Hyunjin’s just as he was trying to avert them. In fact, they had met at a competition with the other being part of their rival team who had unfortunately won over them. Sojun had gotten his number ‘as a prize’ or so he said in his own words but he definitely hadn’t treated him as if he was one, at least not a cherished one. Maybe a discarded toy the other had won or worse; had to pay for: a price. They had broken up a month ago, much to everyone’s relief (everyone being his friends and team mates and his family so yes, basically everyone he knew).
“Hyunjinnie! What a coincidence. I’ve been thinking about you lately.” The other said with a sense of unmerited familiarity. It’s not like in the two months they dated, the other had actually gotten to know him. He hadn’t even covered some of the basics he had covered by date one with Seungmin.
“Sojun-hyung. Hello.” He said with a strained polite smile that looked like melted plastic.
“I was expecting you to contact me.” The other sat down on Seungmin’s blanket, right next to Hyunjin!
“For?” he asked, confused as he tried to lean back, away from Sojun and towards Seungmin.
“To meet me again.” The other scooted down towards him but he needn’t to. He even nearly squished some of the food but Seungmin was quick to pull them back. Seungmin’s reflexes were really commendable!
“Why?” they had broken up. Actually, Hyunjin had called it quits. He has said that he doesn’t like people being late, right? Well, Sojun had been late to almost all of their dates and even friend hangouts. He always had an excuse and at first, Hyunjin had believed him because why else would the other ask him on a date only to ditch him? As time went by, he started to suspect his reasons to be excuses and that was no basis for a relationship even on the far-fetched idea that they were real.
“What? Don’t you miss me?” the other said with a shit-eating grin.
“No?” he answered, still confused. Did the other think he would miss him?
“Oh come on. No need to lie. Let’s start again Hyunjinnie. My friends have been asking me about you.”
Hyunjin gaped at the other and then started giggling. Did the other think they would pick up their dating again? Just so Sojun could score points with his friends for having another hot dancer as a partner? Sure, the other’s friends weren’t bad. They just weren’t his type and he had enough nice friends – even though they should have known better than coming so late on Friday but he didn’t need any other additional friends who he had to spend time and money and mental health on.
“I’m literally on a date right now. Leave me alone.” He said, having had enough. The other wasn’t going to overshadow the nice feelings he’s been having lately. He deserved them! They were his!
“With who? Oh him? I thought he was just a friend. Is he really your type?”
Hyunjin stayed gaping at him. How was he so rude? Had he always been like this and he’d only realised at the end or had he gotten worse? Was Hyunjin perhaps a good influence on him and without him, Sojun just spiralled? Well tough luck. Hyunjin wasn’t his keeper or guardian and Sojun was neither someone that needed care, a child or a pet.
“Obviously I’m on a date with him, so he’s my type. Please leave.” He said trying not to curse at the other. It wouldn’t be a good look for his date.
“If you’re on a pity date, we know you’re a philanthropist but there’s no need.”
Hyunjin actually burst out laughing. This from the guy that got his number for a win?
“We know Hyunjinnie is really generous but none of this is none of your business. He told you to leave twice. Do you really want to be the asshole that ruins people’s dates?” Seungmin spoke for the first time with an irritated voice. Oh my god! Was he bombing his chances by having baggage? Fuck his life.
“Oh come on. He didn’t really mean it. He says a lot of things he doesn’t mean for attention.”
Hyunjin’s eyes widened in disbelief. Who does this guy think he is? He wasn’t anyone so special that this rude look looked hot on him that’s for sure.
“Nah. That’s not Hyunjin. You need to work on your soul to make it bigger, my friend. At the moment it can only fit you. It’s why people don’t want you. I’m assuming he broke up with you because he actually got enough sense because you would have been stupid to let him go. Now you’ll be stupid and embarrass yourself by staying so how about you go?” Seungmin accompanied the biggest burn ever with a sweet smile. Hyunjin loved a multitasking man.
“Is this your type then Hyunjin?” the guy thought he was going to save face by ridiculing Seungmin but he was only making himself look worse.
“Someone that is actually taking time to know me and who bought me on a picnic and is feeding me well? You bet. Bye now.” He smiled genuinely…at the prospect of the other leaving which he finally did with a huff and stomping feet. Just like the immature not grow-up he was.
“Did you really go out with that guy?” Seungmin asked clearly not grasping even the idea of it.
“I had to kiss a lot of frogs Seungmin-nie.” He coughed, disguising the slip of tongue “In my defence, he’s a good dancer and when he asked me out I felt honoured. I don’t have a lot of experience with relationships and I didn’t want to give up. I thought he’d change if I was on my best behaviour but then he missed or was late to one too many dates and he even missed a special performance entirely without even an excuse.” He felt more of a stranger to Sojun than he did with Seungmin when they met just last week. The other just had a sense of familiarity and he was good with building bridges straight to Hyunjin’s heart.
“Good you didn’t settle for him. You deserve so much more than the likes of him.” The other said, handing him over a dumpling. The kind that Hyunjin preferred and had picked among the rest. Seungmin had noticed.
“Don’t worry.” He whispered like it was a promise “I won't settle for someone that doesn't love me for me and that requires knowing me for me.” That sounded like a warning but Seungmin smiled. The other had no issue with getting to know him for who he really was.
“Well, I already know you like these dumplings and these rice cakes.” He said, pointing at his actual favourites “A good start I’d say.” A wink. The other really knew him.
Hyunjin was in bliss. And an approaching food coma but Seungmin can just roll him to the bus stop. Somehow, Hyunjin would hop up the heated seat and fall asleep there and he could even charge his phone while he was at it. Seoul sucked in some things but was great in others. He probably won’t even be mugged there but if he was, he’d have the love in his heart still. No one could rob him of that after a date with Seungmin and he knows even though he’d gone on only two dates with the stranger-turned-out-to-be-man-of-his-dreams.
“You know what I would also like?” he asked. It came out husky; sultry…but that’s because he was feeling bloated! Anyway, nothing wrong with enticing his future husband because Hyunjin had decided this man was the one for him.
“No, what would you like?” Seungmin questioned, voice low and eyebrows high. The other had shifted to sit just next to him and angled his face even closer, flustering Hyunjin highly.
“To see those photos.” Hyunjin replied, voice squeaky. He pointed at Seungmin’s camera bag.
Seungmin threw his head back and laughed; his nasal laughter echoing around them and infiltrating Hyunjin’s mind. Hyunjin had waited a long time to ask that. Once he saw the shots pre-performance, he immediately started wondering how the performance shots would look. Him all in movement with lights and the lightly decorated stage – the stage he himself had worked for actually.
“Well then let me show you my masterpieces of the prince and his crew.”
He was such a flatter. Will Hyunjin’s complexion ever be lighter than pink again? It didn’t feel like it.
Hyunjin thought the photos in all seriousness did look like masterpieces. Did Seungmin really see him like that? The camera was after all, an extension of the photographer. It was mesmerising to see himself and his movements from someone else’s eyes especially eyes as captivating and artistic as Seungmin’s. He looked good. Striking. Did Seungmin feel like that too while looking at him? Had he managed to capture Seungmin like the other caught him digitally?
They were for sure going to help him professionally (in his hobby) but personally, he’ll stare at those beautiful snapshots whenever he felt like giving up. His passion for dancing was seen in his movements and expressions. It was part of him and even though it was something intangible, Seungmin had somehow captured it.
“I should ask for your services to take some photos of rooms I’ve designed. Send me a quote?” he asked. The other specialised in sports but he had no doubt any photos by him would be good.
“Something could be arranged. A joint venture by us perhaps? Now, I believe you said something about feeding you well and I can’t be slacking off in my duties. Here, eat.” With the hand not holding the camera, he shoved a sweet steamed rice cake filled with nuts to Hyunjin’s mouth. Hyunjin gladly opened; not only out of surprise but willingness. He moaned. It was so good – not only the rice cake but Seungmin’s long fingers which he licked.
Then he remembered this was not a dream but their second date. Their second meeting ever. What would Seungmin think?
Without letting go of Seungmin’s fingers in his mouth – he couldn’t bring himself to – he eyed the other.
Who was staring at him with a dark, promising look.
Fuck. This really was the man of his dreams.
Seungmin’s fingers slipped out but he was sustained by that look.
He gulped; Seungmin looked down and smirked.
Then it was over as Hyunjin started to chew on the actual sweet and moan simply out of food pleasure.
“Thank you. It’s sweet.”
This was their second date. No need to bring up the insane physical chemistry they had. The connection would still be there on the third date when Hyunjin was hoping to give it up. For now; they could be sweet and learn about each other.
“Sweet just like you.”
So cliché. So cheesy. So simple. So overdone. So k-drama…naturally, Hyunjin loved it. He smiled so big he had to cover it up with his hand.
Seungmin frowned. “Shame you do that. You have a beautiful smile.”
Hesitantly, he lowered his hand and renewed his smile at newer words of praise.
How was it that Seungmin had crawled his way so high up Hyunjin’s heart? How did he even know the way? Did he have a map already or had he drafted a plan as soon as they met. He bet the other was great in escape rooms (Hyunjin just shouted his way around because even though he was really smart, he panics and feels the pressure of time). The way to Hyunjin’s heart was really simple but it had started to look like it was a whole adventure and even the most courageous of adventurers did not wish to do the trek.
“Thank you. No one but my parents had ever told me that. Well and my three best friends but they know I have a soft heart and they balance it by making fun of me at every opportunity.” He pouted but at least he knew all five loved him.
“Really? When you said you didn’t have much experience in relationships did you mean you dated assholes all the time? I’m hoping you were dating someone blind or visually impaired because I see no reason for them not complimenting your sunny smile.” Seungmin’s words had the potential to burn like the sun but instead they made him feel toasty, as if he had gone out on a light sunny spring day to bask in the sun for some time. They were a crackling fire roasting marshmallows even though they could start a bushfire.
Hyunjin shifted in his seat. All these compliments were getting to his head and heart. Briefly, he wondered if Seungmin had ulterior motives but he seemed sincere and Hyunjin could usually tell people’s motives. Even the assholes he briefly dated. He had been basically desperate as an only child that was quite shy and accepted all courtship offers – at least the ones that came first when he and them were single because he had some standards. He knew he deserved better than them but he simply was not finding them. Once word got out on the assholes he dated, only asshole came forward.
So it was great that a stranger approached him rather than people who knew of him if not him directly.
“Truthfully, they were assholes. Three of them, the last of which you had the displeasure of meeting.”
“Your love life is a Greek tragedy. Although that usually involves murder. Want to go on a spree?”
“Shopping?” he liked shopping. Mostly online but he’ll venture outside for Seungmin-time.
“No. Murdering undeserving ex-love interests.”
Hyunjin’s eyes widened. Did he fall for a serial killer?
Would-be-serial-killer giggled at his face. “I’m kidding. Though I wouldn’t mind punching him again if the asshole I just met speaks to you like that again.”
“Seungmin! Violence is not the answer. It would be much more attractive if you burned him with words again and remained calm.” Hyunjin gave the tip in hopes of seeing it sometime in the future. He had hope that Seungmin would actually remember.
“Thanks for the pointer. I’ll be sure to do just that then.”
“In all seriousness…thanks. For being so nice and understanding and complimenting.”
“No really, give me the addresses of those three assholes. How dare they do this to you? I was just being decent and maybe a lot flirty but you shouldn’t thank me for that! There’s other things you can thank me for. Like the photos or what I will do to you given the chance.” He winked, lightening the mood further.
“I know it was the basic but I was honestly going to give up on love. I seemed to only attract assholes so maybe it’s my fault. It’s better in K-dramas but that never happened to me in real life.” He pondered on why he attracted his exes. Did he give out ‘will settle for anything’ vibes? Was the ready to settle for anything?
“Hey now. From the few days I know you, I know just how romantic you are. You should be wined and dined and swept off your feet. You may be delicate, fragile, sensitive and emotional but if they didn’t want to get to know you, they should just not have dated you leaving your time free to meet genuinely need people. Don’t give up on love. You should be able to have fulfilling relationships and do whatever you want.”
Seungmin was seriously so nice. Yes, he was delicate, fragile, sensitive and emotional among other things. No one has ever gotten to know him and his fragilities so well in just two dates, two meet-ups in total in all their life. He’s only known the other for eight days yet he knew what he wanted already.
“I want a fulfilling relationship where we’re equal and balance each other and of course love each other but most importantly understand and commit to each other and I want to get married but that’s not possible.” He frowned. Sometimes it felt like the whole world was against him; at the very least his whole country.
“I won't let anyone dampen your romantic heart, not even the Korean government” Seungmin promised, sounding like a sage. Or a mage that could wreak havoc.
“And the whole population?” he asked because if the majority demanded something, surely the government would have to follow suit, no matter how right-wing…right?
“Them too. I’ll start on a mass educational campaign and become an advocate, campaigner and lobbyist if need be. I have the needed skills in photography and editing and leading my team and giving speeches. I’ll learn whatever else is needed. You’ll get your wedding and marriage as part and parcel of your fulfilling relationship.”
He hoped that that fulfilling relationship would be with Seungmin. He was a bit moved. Or a lot really. His friends were understanding … because same attracted same. His parents on the other hand…
“Will you speak to my parents too then?” he asked, channelling the scared little boy inside him. The one he used to be and the one he still felt like sometimes. His parents had never got that he liked men, and not as a phase because ‘he couldn’t date girls while focusing on his studies’ or ‘as preparation for his enlistment’… as if there weren’t women in the military which anyway, discriminated against lgbtiq+ people so what were they thinking, rationalising his gayness was preparatory? Or did they mean that he would have to do things he wouldn’t want to there? They for sure should know he would never subject that to people himself.
He was still a bit heartbroken about them not accepting him but there had been some progress. Now they were just ‘resigned’ to him being ‘single’ for life. At least they wouldn’t try to set him up with female friends…although it had been ironic and pretty funny ending up on a date with a woman who he knew was in a relationship with another woman and they were still friends to this day…maybe he should let his parents set him up on friends dates with his only clause being ‘someone who is habitually late’.
“I will speak to them and try to get to know my in-laws and respect them as much as they deserve to be respected.” Hyunjin gulped. That was such a bold statement in their ageist, hierarchical society. “But word of advice. If parents want you to conform, they didn't want to raise a fully-fledged human but a doll. You should be free to live your own life.”
That’s it. It was final. Hyunjin was in love. He had found his hopefully returned, one true love. Drama plots existed in real life for him and he couldn’t be any more emotional.
“So Seungmin” He said, voice all clogged up “for our wedding, should it be on a beach or a mountain? Which country have you always wanted to visit? We should either get married there or go on honeymoon. Do you prefer candles or flowers?”
Oh god. Hyunjin had put his foot in his mouth, hadn’t he? This was their second date but he couldn’t help vomiting all his feelings although he knew he shouldn’t spook the other out like that! They had almost just met! What was he doing, talking about their marriage? But he couldn’t desecrate the sanctity of marriage by making it out to be a joke. Marriage was no joking matter; especially for people who couldn’t get married to the person they wanted to.
Seungmin…did not get spooked. “Mhm…I don’t know about any of that but I’m sure that I’ll have time to think about those questions and if anything, you have the lead although I know I can’t wait to see how resplendent you’d look. I do know also that I can get us a good discount on the wedding photographer no matter the country we’re in because photographers unite.” The other clenched his fist and pumped it to demonstrate just how hyped he was.
Oh…he was going to marry a fellow geek not just artsy geek. That would be nice. A great union plan really.
He burrowed his ass deeper in the soil underneath them, cushioned by the blanket. He didn’t plan to move anytime soon.
“Well as your future partner, I demand to know your favourite cake and desserts so I can bake them for you.”
They had a wonderful time asking silly and serious questions in turn and memorising and taking note – sometimes actually on their phones – of their answers.
“With the information I have on you, I should be able to guess all your passwords.” Seungmin joked.
Hyunjin had just unlocked his phone in front of him. The simple ‘H’ pattern in the Latin alphabet wasn’t that hard to guess anyway.
“Why would you have to guess? I’ll just tell you, my dear future husband.” It was fun joking about it, knowing they were half-serious. Sure, they weren’t even boyfriends yet and had some missing steps to get there yet like actually knowing how the other behaved at home for example but in time they’ll get there - or impulsively say ‘why wait’ and travel abroad and get married while on vacations like Hyunjin had half a mind to suggest…what Seungmin would say would determine what sort of relationship they would have because in either case, they would still remain together just one option was to have a slower, more rational relationship and the other was to go be spontaneous and adventures together.
“Stop it. It’s disgusting.” Seungmin grumbled. The other didn’t take it to heart. They had already established they watched some of the same dramas, read some of the same webtoons, listened to the same soppy singers and read the same deep books just with more variations between them. He knew the other’s secret. He knew how cute Seungmin could be although that didn’t mean he wouldn’t annihilate any opposition. Hyunjin shouldn’t be so taken by that description of the other’s character but he was. Obviously. This was his future husband.
“Yes. Disgustingly cute.” He said, giving the other a flying kiss.
“You know what you could do, dear future husband?”
“Yes?” he eagerly asked. He wanted to learn everything about Seungmin and his wishes.
“You could move closer.”
He did, shuffling a bit and putting some of the empty containers in their bags to make it easier. Then he got to stare at those deep, dark eyes who seemed to read him in a second. He’d be a great security guard. Or supermarket scanner.
“Hyunjinnie, can I kiss my future husband?” the other asked, staring at him.
“If that future husband is me, then yes.” He whispered his answer.
No less than a second later, the two were millimetres apart, ready to take on a new stage in their relationship which felt inevitable.
“Hello future” Seungmin whispered and then he cut the chase and their lips pressed together. They shivered, overwhelmed with the presence of the other and how well they fit together.
Hyunjin’s lips were plusher and moister because he put lip balm on them like it was a religion and regularly scrubbed them like he was trying to be absolved of all his sins. Seungmin’s lips were a bit thinner, a bit drier but they held more confidence as he chased the other’s heat and spark.
“Oomph” Hyunjin gasped, the wind knocked out of him as somehow, they had lied down horizontally on the blanket. Was this going to lead to some horizontal tango?
It took him a second to realise that his head was hanging outside of the blanket zone and therefore in soil. Ew! Sure, his hair was sweaty from the performance but still! He took great care of his hair and so the whine he let out was entirely merited.
Seungmin’s smile made him forget why he was fussy. One big strong reliable hand brushed the soil and assorted dirt from his head.
Thank you soil. You have served your purpose to grow nice things. Usually it was flowers or food but in this case, it was Hyunjin’s feelings.
“Kiss me more” he demanded when they were upright once more. His legs were tingling with pins and needles and getting up would be a pain but he could just stay here and wither with Seungmin. It wouldn’t even be a waste because any time spent with the other was a blessing.
Seungmin was proving to be great husband material: he listened. Most importantly, they were on the same page.
They kissed so much that the sun went down. For a while, they were content with sharing body heat as they pecked and kissed and swallowed and moaned but then they both started shivering.
They wordlessly packed up their things and ran to the car, hoping to heat up. The kisses, plural, may have been heated but they felt the cold to their bones now, distanced from each other and not in their special bubble.
Once safe in the car, Hyunjin turned to look at Seungmin.
“Thank you.” He simply said. The other had restored his faith in love again. That merited more than a thank you but he’ll live and show him just how grateful he was and how happy the other made him because he was hopeful this was going to last.
“No, thank you.”
Seungmin insisted on driving him home and while usually he would try to be self-sufficient, he let it slide this time wanting to spend more time with the other. He had a feeling that would happen more in the future but it wouldn’t feel like a burden to let Seungmin take care of him and make sure he was all right.
“Aren’t you glad your friends were late? I sure am.” Seungmin commented at a red-light.
Hyunjin beamed “I was just thinking the same! Bless my friends for their lateness and I’ll even forgive them any future tardiness if only because I met you!”
Seungmin had gone from a strange to…something in eight days. Crazy really because it had taken all of five minutes for Hyunjin to feel like they were destined. Not only was that impressive but Hyunjin was still waiting to wake up from this wonderful dream. He won’t even be mad if it really was a dream because upon waking up, he’ll be fortified to live looking for love slightly longer, wanting to have what they had in this dream. That was how strong Seungmin’s impact was.
But fortunately, it wasn’t a dream.
He’d really gone on a date with a stranger and just today he’d gone on another date with…
“Seungmin? What are we?”
“Seungmin and Hyunjin.”
“No that’s who. I asked what?”
“Human?”
“I’d say one of us is exasperating. Let me spell it out for you even though I know you understood. I won’t let you take risks on your own so my question is, what is our relationship? Are we casually dating, just seeing each other, exclusive, official…what are we? I’d personally like if it we were exclusive and official but I understand if you want to wait a bit for that or if it’s not your cup of coffee. Maybe you’re poly? I don’t know. We haven’t discussed that yet so maybe it’s too soon to commit.” He rambled. He felt so close to get what he wanted but was he rushing? He could see the granules of sand slipping his fingers when he had just pinched them. He knew the other cared; he had showed it plenty but did their definitions of care and love align?
“Relax Hyunjin. You have amazing breath control, has anyone told you that? I’d like to be official and exclusive. Boyfriends right? I’d be a fool to let you slip past me when you’re here beside me. To show you my commitment, how about another musical date? You enjoyed it right?” How could someone be so amazing? Seungmin looked amused but also…like he was in love? Was that possible? Did the universe give him Seungmin for all his past bad luck?
He beamed. He more than enjoyed the musical. It had been magical and to replicate that? No, not replicate, to duplicate and triplicate and so on, going on as many dates and they’d like with each one being its own version of magical. He bet it would be the same feeling but enhanced each time. He was already nearing love as was after two dates, one of which he only knew late it was one.
“I would love it Seungminnie. Which one?” he asked. The nickname came naturally; if anything before, he’d had to stop himself.
“Why don’t you pick this time?” Seungmin gave him the choice. It felt like they were taking turns to show their care…it felt great even though with the traffic they weren’t taking any actual turns but that meant more Seungmin-time!
He’d love a romantic one but there weren’t any current Shakespeare ones and the others he wouldn’t bet on. Something magical then…
“Equal. Ever heard of it?”
“I have. I wanted to see it. Seeing it with you will be a treat.”
“No, me seeing it with you will be. You treat me so well.”
“It’s the basics Hyunjin. We’ve been over this.”
“Show me.”
Show me that it’s the basics. That it will intensify. That there will be more. That this care is just the beginning. That I’d get used to – though still appreciate – you treating me so right. That I’ll show you my heart and take care of you in turn. That we’d communicate and you’d listen to me and hear me. That you won’t dismiss me or yell at me and if you do because you’re human, that you’ll apologise and do better next time. I’d do the same.
“It’s a date.”