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Kyungsoo sighs into his coffee, regrettably knowing that it has already gone cold. Despite Jongdae’s best efforts to nudge schedules around and adapt things so that Kyungsoo wouldn’t be the only one bearing the brunt of the work, a withering glance at the clock on the wall tells Kyungsoo that he’s already well into the evening.
He would never admit it to anyone but, whilst it is generating a lot of work for him, he does think that Mr. Park deserves to retire whilst he still has good health and can enjoy the time away from the company. Considering he’d built it virtually from scratch into the multi-million dollar for the last 40 years, he’d certainly earned it. Despite the image Mr. Park tried his best to portray to his competitors, the old man was a real softie at heart and he’d always been good to Kyungsoo.
Kyungsoo couldn’t say the same about his grandson. Especially not considering all he’d heard about him was via the rumour mill. Unfortunately, as with most of the gossip that reached him via Baekhyun, it was stereotypically salacious and didn’t really give much away as to what he was actually like. All Kyungsoo had really learnt was that he’d been leading one of the Japanese branches for the past few years, was a similar age to himself and, according to Baekhyun, ridiculously handsome. None of that really told Kyungsoo what it would be like to work for him, and that’s what Kyungsoo would be doing.
Part of Mr. Park’s agreement to step down had been to ensure that Kyungsoo would remain assistant to the President position. He’d mentioned that when his grandson took over, he’d need someone who knew all there was to know about running the place, and Kyungsoo was the only one he would trust to help keep the ship afloat whilst everything settled back down.
After what had felt like weeks of preparation, the big day was finally tomorrow. The team was prepped, Mr. Park’s things had been cleared from the office and Kyungsoo was as ready as he’d ever be.
Then why was he so reluctant to leave his desk and go home?
Mr. Park had been good to him, he’d taken into account everything that Kyungsoo struggled with and crafted opportunities for him to prove himself. He’d really become the father figure that Kyungsoo had lacked for his formative years and knowing that Kyungsoo wouldn’t have the safety blanket anymore, left a feeling of anxiousness Kyungsoo hadn’t felt in years.
Shaking his head in an effort to dispel the uneasiness, Kyungsoo forces himself to close the laptop and to stand up. Stiffness lingers in his shoulders from being hunched over his desk, and Kyungsoo heaves a sigh, knowing he’ll be back at this very desk in 12 hours.
Kyungsoo was mistaken. It was 11 hours later and he was already at his desk.
Uncertain of the kind of person that Chanyeol was, (Jongdae had very helpfully provided him with a name as he’d made his way to his desk that morning) Kyungsoo had erred on the side of caution and made sure he was at his desk by 7am. The circulated email had said nine but Kyungsoo was nothing if not prepared. He knew he’d only get the chance to make a first impression once. Unsurprisingly, Baekhyun appears at around 8am, the earliest Kyungsoo had seen him in the office in a long while.
“So, is our new president here yet?” Baekhyun drops into one of the chairs Kyungsoo keeps in his office for people to wait for any meetings. He’s unphased by the glare Kyungsoo throws in his direction and pulls his phone from his pocket. “I wasn’t kidding when I said you should google him. Top of his university class, plays three instruments, stepped in to help out with the winning varsity team… plus over a million instagram followers despite having only posted three photos. Your new boss sounds like one hell of a guy.”
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes.
“So you’ve mentioned about twelve times. I just hope he knows how to run the company without making me tear my hair out.”
“Well, the Japan branch he managed had the highest profits of any besides the main one. I don’t think you have too much to worry about.”
“Baekhyun, he can’t be good at everything. He’s a human being just like you and me. Stop idolising him before he even arrives. You never know he could be a total ass.” The conversation pauses as Kyungsoo’s work phone vibrates. It’s a message from Junmyeon, the receptionist downstairs.
Junmyeon Kim- Mr Park Chanyeol is now on his way up. Might want to get Baekhyun to disappear as I know he’s likely lurking in your office.
Kyungsoo Do- You know him too well. I shall ship him back downstairs to Minseok, thank you for the warning.
“Time to disappear Baekhyun. You’ve got a job to do, and I need to make sure the first day isn’t made any more difficult than it needs to be.” Baekhyun opens his mouth to argue, but Kyungsoo simply looks at him through his lashes and, wisely, Baekhyun retreats.
“Message me at lunch! I need to know if he’s as handsome in real life as he is online!” Thankfully, Baekhyun is loaded into an elevator before Chanyeol arrives and is safely on his way back to his department. It gives Kyungsoo a quickfire forty seconds to fix everything once more and then the elevator doors slide back open.
Out steps one of the most attractive men Kyungsoo had possibly ever seen. He’s tall, well over six foot, with styled black hair and a suit that fits him so well, Kyungsoo knows the tailoring alone must have cost more than the entire suit he’s wearing. Hurriedly blinking away his hesitation, Kyungsoo steps up and extends a hand.
“Good morning, you must be Park Chanyeol, I’m Do Kyungsoo. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” With a small smile, they shake, an easy grin appearing on Chanyeol’s face.
“Ahh, so you’re the Kyungsoo my grandfather can’t stop talking about. Honestly, the way he goes on, you’d think he loves you more than me.” Chanyeol’s laidback tone betrays no malice and he accompanies his words with a laugh. “I’m glad to have you on the team. Let’s do our best.”
Kyungsoo simply bows in response and lets Chanyeol lead him through to the main office. It’s a relatively plain space but Chanyeol doesn’t seem phased at all.
“Ok, let’s do this. Bring me up to speed on anything you think is urgent, the rest can wait until everything is set up.”
The next five hours are spent with their heads down, Kyungsoo and Chanyeol each pointing out various different aspects of the work that are concerning or of merit. There’s an ease that settles over both of them, almost as if they’ve been working together for years instead of simple hours. Kyungsoo recognises it as the same way that the old Mr Park used to work, reflected in Chanyeol’s approach as well. It’s clear that he’d learnt a lot directly from his grandfather and, whilst there are some differences, Chanyeol has taken a great deal of the positives and made them work for his own style.
Kyungsoo finds it easy enough that they’re only startled out of their groove when Chanyeol’s stomach grumbles. Chuckles resonate from both of them, and Chanyeol leans back with a sigh.
“I think that means lunch time. Is there anything you’d recommend? I’ve only been back in Seoul for a week and a half.” Chanyeol rubs the back of his neck self-consciously. Shamefully, it’s been much longer than Kyungsoo would like to admit since he’s been out and enjoyed much of what Seoul has to offer in regards to food, but there’s one place that he’s been grabbing takeout from for nearly a full year now.
“I know one or two places, if you’re willing to walk a little way?” Kyungsoo stands, stretching out the stiffness in his body.
“Please, lead the way.” Trying to ignore how Chanyeol frankly towers over him as they both stand and wait for the elevator, Kyungsoo marvels at how easy going Chanyeol is. He’d been convinced that anyone who’d grown up with the silver spoon the size Chanyeol had could only be concentrated on himself but having spent half the day with him so far, Kyungsoo had been pleasantly surprised. It was obvious Chanyeol took things seriously and handled the company business with respect but he’d been content to let Kyungsoo lead on things and genuinely listened whenever Kyungsoo offered advice or comment.
As the elevator makes its slow ascent to them, Kyungsoo is happily surprised by the fact that the silence isn’t an awkward one. Nonetheless, Kyungsoo feels like it would be best to learn a little more about his new boss.
“So, how long were you in Japan for?”
“Ahh, almost four years in total I think? Dad was content to ship me out there as soon as I was done with my degree but mum managed to talk him into giving me a year here to learn the ropes.” There’s a fondness in Chanyeol’s voice when he mentions his family that Kyungsoo tries his best to not be envious of. “What about you? When did you start working for my grandfather?”
“Well, I was part of the scholarship program.” Kyungsoo feels the familiar heat creep up the back of his neck as he has to admit to the unfortunate nature of his childhood. “I’d been in an orphanage until I was 13, then was very fortunate to be fostered until I was old enough for university. Your grandfather was one of the benefactors when I was younger, and he provided scholarships for any of the kids that showed they had the grades needed. I only have vague memories of his visits, but the scholarship was a lifeline that kept me moving forward. Once I graduated, it seemed only natural to come and work here. Your grandfather gave me a chance, and the rest is history.”
A sad look has filtered over Chanyeol’s face as they board the elevator.
“It sounds like my grandfather saw potential in you from the very start. And I’m glad that he took the chance on you. I can only apologise for accidentally bringing it up. I didn’t even think. I used to visit with my grandfather too. I know it means nothing coming from me, but I’m sorry that the circumstances for you weren’t better.” The words are delivered with kindness and Kyungsoo is surprised that they don’t feel as bad as they usually do.
“It’s ok, I’m doing well now. I was looked after and everything worked out ok in the end. I’m comfortable, with a job I enjoy, and friends that fill any gap I could feel. My foster family still keep in touch too, so there’s no need to pity me.” It’s with a small shake of his head that Kyungsoo steps out into the lobby.
Junmyeon waves as they pass, and they’re out into the hustle of the city in no time. Weaving through the lunchtime crowds, Kyungsoo leads them into a small courtyard that’s only half full. It’s hidden down a little alley that’s hard to find if you don’t know it’s there and Chanyeol grins as he takes in the secluded place.
“This place is so cool, I would never have known it existed.” His excitement is a little infectious and Kyungsoo finds himself smiling along.
“Feel free to choose anywhere, I can vouch that all of them are good.” Kyungsoo works his way over to his favourite place, a simple ramen shop that had basically been his saviour for the first six months of working there. Food acquired, he settles in at one of the tables as he waits for Chanyeol to join him. In a few moments, long legs fold themselves into the chair beside him and a chunky burger appears on the table. Both are occupied with food for a small while but it’s Chanyeol who finishes first and starts conversation.
It’s easy and noninvasive, Chanyeol clearly being careful to navigate around bringing anything up that could remind Kyungsoo of his slip up from earlier. Kyungsoo does his very best to avoid admiring Chanyeol too much, sticking his eyes to his food first and then only casually glancing over at his companion. The conversation floats over various topics and Kyungsoo is amazed at how easy it is to talk with Chanyeol, despite so many differences between the two of them.
They’re deep into a debate over whether there was actual benefit to taking more than one extracurricular at university and Kyungsoo is suddenly aware of how much like a date this feels like. As soon as his mind drifts there, he hears Baekhyun’s voice about how long it’s been since Kyungsoo has actually been out on a real date, and he forces himself back into the present. Mentioning the time has them moving back to the office and the day ends in much the way it started, with the two of them bent over a desk covered in documents.
The week proceeds much the same, with Kyungsoo steadily doing his best to avoid thinking about how much Chanyeol has exceeded his expectations. Conversation is easy, and Chanyeol handles both employees and clients with ease. Kyungsoo puts himself at distance whenever he can, knowing that the longer he spends with Chanyeol the harder it will be to keep himself from building some kind of crush. He’s not helped by Baekhyun shooting looks and wiggling eyebrows whenever he catches the two of them getting lunch or attending something together.
It takes two months for Kyungsoo to stop denying that he has a ridiculous crush on his new boss.
Chanyeol has proven himself to be some kind of ideal human being and the irrefutable proof is how unfairly good he looks in the tuxedo he’d donned for the gala this evening. Kyungsoo has donned his own, but compared to the way Chanyeol looks, he feels like a child wearing their dad’s suit.
“Wow, Kyungsoo! You look amazing, I wasn’t expecting you to put in the effort for something like this.” Freezing, Chanyeol takes in what he’s just said. “No, wait, that’s not what I meant. I just thought that because this wasn’t mandatory for you, I didn’t think you’d come. You’ve mentioned before that attending these things are your least favourite thing to do and…”
He cuts himself off with a palm to his face and Kyungsoo laughs.
“Don’t worry about it Chanyeol, I’ll try and work out a compliment from what you just said.”
“You should! I think it’s a great look for you.” Chanyeol is all smiles as they wander into the main room together. It’s filled with all the elite you’d expect at one of these events and Kyungsoo immediately dreads having to make conversation with them. He’d attended galas before, of course, but usually it had taken a lot of pressuring from the old president to encourage him. Turns out, all it would have taken is flying out his grandson in a tuxedo and Kyungsoo would have willingly attended every last one of them.
They drift from person to person, conversation and small talk seemingly being the easiest thing Chanyeol has had to do since becoming president. He makes it look effortless and Kyungsoo finds himself chastising his never ending glances in Chanyeol’s direction. Whilst he’s not exactly following Chanyeol around, whenever they part, it doesn’t usually end up being for long. Kyungsoo stealths over to the bar for a drink and as it’s being placed into his hand, Chanyeol is asking for the same thing. Chanyeol looks like he’s stuck in the world's most dull conversation with an elderly couple and it’s not long before Kyungsoo is there offering a respite.
They rotate around each other, like they’re playing some bizarre form of tag, and Kyungsoo finds the proximity far too heady for his liking. He finally feels like he’s tolerating it when the sixth or seventh drink settles in his stomach but at that point, it’s likely he could tolerate anything.
It’s only when he staggers slightly does Chanyeol notice that Kyungsoo is maybe a little beyond his tolerance. There’s a few quick goodbyes said to people that Chanyeol really needs to keep on his side before he has Kyungsoo tucked into his side. He’d never normally be so bold, but Kyungsoo leans into him like it’s where he’s meant to be and Chanyeol fights every instinct to act protective. He has no right.
Thankfully, Kyungsoo is coherent enough to provide an address and Chanyeol has only had one drink so it’s an easy decision to drive him home himself. He tries to tell himself that he’s only being a concerned boss and not acting outside of what a simple colleague would do but that’s not what his heart thumping in his chest seems to think they’re doing. Kyungsoo for his part keeps quiet. He’s not sure he trusts his brain and tongue to keep his crush secret with this much alcohol in his system.
The road outside Kyungsoo’s apartment building is relatively empty and so Chanyeol is able to justifiably walk the small distance without seeming possessive and when he manages to nudge Kyungsoo in his doorways direction, he’s surprised to find a hand still holding his sleeve.
“Can you walk me up? I’d like that.” A surprised expression on Kyungsoo’s face follows his words, almost as if he’s surprised he actually was able to say it. With a deep breath to steel himself, Chanyeol nods and lets Kyungsoo gently pull him along inside. There’s a small flight of stairs and then suddenly they’re at his front door. It takes Kyungsoo two tries before he manages to get the key in and turn it properly but when he does, his body acts seemingly without his brain's approval and drags Chanyeol in with him. Dumbstruck, the door swings closed behind them and suddenly, there’s Chanyeol, in a tuxedo in his apartment.
“Erm…” Chanyeol helpfully contributes.
“I uh, guess I didn’t think this far ahead.” With a loosening grip, Kyungsoo simply stands before Chanyeol. “Sorry, I’ll uh, I’ll just go ahead and let you go now.”
Pausing, Chanyeol does his best to imprint the apartment to his memory until his gaze snags on an old picture, framed on the desk.
“Wait a second…” He approaches, mindful of Kyungsoo’s gaze following him. Reaching the picture, he lifts it for a better view.
It’s a little faded, but the two boys in the picture are grinning out at him. One’s missing a tooth, the other has cake all over his face and they must be about six or seven.
“This is me!” Chanyeol declares, holding the frame up to Kyungsoo. “I’m the one covered in cake!”
“But that’s from my orphanage days, I’m the one missing the tooth. The other boy used to visit sometimes…” Kyungsoo trails off, pieces slower to connect as the alcohol turns his brain to slush. “No way.”
The final words are barely a whisper. It’s impossible, surely, that the Chanyeol he is currently staring at, dressed to the nines, is the same boy in the picture with more cake than skin showing?
“My visits with my grandfather. I can’t believe that it was you who I used to play with back then. My parents moved us to Busan so dad could manage things there. I remember being heartbroken that I wouldn't get to see my friends again.” Chanyeol muses aloud as he stares at the picture.
With disbelief obvious in his tone, Kyungsoo’s voice fills the room again.
“It’s not possible. I couldn’t have had a crush on you twice, that’s just not fair.” Moving to his sofa, Kyungsoo drops into it, head falling into his hands. “You were just as unobtainable then as you are now I guess.”
Chanyeol feels his heart skip a beat.
“A crush… on me?”
“Well, yeah, I wasn’t exactly subtle. Baekhyun has been pointing out my heart eyes whenever we go anywhere. I’m barely able to stop staring every minute of the day we’re together. Then you have the audacity to show up tonight looking like you’ve walked off a runway and expect me to remain professional, and I should really stop talking now.”
The laugh that leaves Chanyeol is breathless and warm.
“I could say the same thing about you. I’ve been telling myself over and over how unprofessional I must be, to spend half my day finding excuses to spend more time with you.” Kyungsoo’s head shoots up to meet his gaze. Whilst Kyungsoo’s eyes are a little unfocused, he’s aware enough of what Chanyeol is saying.
“So I’ve been crushing on the same guy for over twenty years, and now he casually mentions that he is ok with this because he wants it to work too, and I’m too drunk to reliably act on this?” A gentle nod is his only answer, and Kyungsoo sighs heavily before dragging himself to his feet. He guides Chanyeol back to his front door and softly nudges him back into the corridor.
“What are you doing?” Confusion is everywhere and Chanyeol is fighting back his panic at Kyungsoo’s response.
“I’m taking tomorrow off work to recover from whatever hangover is going to be punishing me and then, saturday, you’re going to pick me up and we’re going to get coffee or brunch and I’m going to be sober and we can actually see if this is not a figment of my imagination.” Leaning back, Kyungsoo slowly begins to close the door. “Good night Chanyeol.”
It’s almost all the way closed when he catches Chanyeol’s words.
“Saturday it is. Good night Kyungsoo.”