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Holding the key fob up to the sensor, he hears the lock turn. “Fancy.” Wooyoung murmurs, pushing open the door. Moving inside, he sets down the box he is carrying and turns to hold the door open for Yunho and Yeosang , who walk in carrying more boxes. “My room is the one on the right, down the hall.”
“What the hell do you have in this box?” Yeosang mutters, walking the way he was pointed.
Stepping up, the younger man checks the box as he passes. “Textbooks.” His friend grumbles, but keeps moving down the hall.
Closing the door behind them, and picking up his own box, he follows them into the open room. The room is empty, except for a bare bed, desk, and a small, walk-in closet. He puts his box where the others have placed theirs, in a corner, and turns to walk over to the window. Looking out, he can see the other buildings that make up the complex, and off in the distance he can make out the college.
“At least you’re out of the dorns this year.” Yunho offers, leaning back on the bed.
Yeosang jumps up on the desk that Wooyoung now sees doesn’t come with a chair. Pre furnished, his ass. “Do you think your roommate has already moved in?”
He thinks back to when he first walked in, the main area looked untouched, but the other door was closed. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll figure it out if I see him.”
“We could just go check.” Yunho moves off the bed, heading for the door. “What was his name?”
Wooyoung rushes forward, grabbing him. “Don’t make it weird right away. His name is Choi San.”
Laughing, his friend stops. “Yeah, I suppose you’ll have plenty of time yourself to do that.” Turning back into the room, he returns to the bed. “Have you guys talked at all?”
The younger man shakes his head, sighing. “I’ve tried, but I never got any kind of response back.”
“Maybe he’s the quiet type. Likes to be left alone.” Yeosang offers, waving a hand.
“Poor guy being stuck with Wooyoung.” Jungho winces slightly.
Narrowing his eyes, the man in question smacks his shoulder. “Let’s finish bringing my stuff in so I can get rid of you faster.”
Laughing, his friend raises his hands in surrender, and follows Yeosang, who leads the way back outside.
XXX
Eventually his two friends have made their exit, leaving him in the quiet apartment by himself. Well, he thinks by himself. With everyone else having roommates already for the year, he had been forced to sign up for a random one. He could have tried to find his own one room apartment further away from campus, but those got pricey, and without a car, he really needed to be close. Plus, this place had some really great amenities. Like the pool, which was still open for a few more weeks.
Wooyoung takes a few hours to unpack, making his room feel more at home. Bed made, desk covered, without a chair, and closest filled. He pushes the extra boxes into the closet. Making a mental note to have someone take him to get a bookshelf and some other ways to store the rest of his stuff, he walks out into the living room.
They really went for the bare minimum to be able to put pre furnished on their listing. A couch, loveseat, coffee table, stools at the island between living room and kitchen, and then a tv stand with an older flat screen. Not even side tables. At least it came with a washer and dryer, he thought, moving to the two sliding glass doors. Opening them, he steps out onto the small balcony, looking out toward the middle building that housed the gym, pool, and other amenities. He was on the top, third, floor, and it wasn’t too bad of an area. Looking around, he thought he could probably put a small table and two chairs out here.
Turning around, he jumps, seeing a figure leaning into the fridge. Covering his heart, and letting out an embarrassed laugh, he walks inside, closing the glass doors. “Hey.”
The figure turns, and a man about his age stands straight, letting the fridge door close behind him, canned drink in hand. His face is free of any emotion, dark hair pushed back, and Wooyoung is surprised by how handsome he is. “Hi.”
Stepping forward, smiling, he holds out a hand. “I’m Wooyoung.”
“San.” The man eyes his hand for a moment, before ignoring it and opening the can, taking a drink. He looks him over once, then turns, walking around the island and moving back towards his room.
Frowning, the other boy is surprised by the coldness. “Do you want to get food or something? Since we know nothing about each other and are roommates now. I’ll pay.”
San doesn’t look back, opening his door and calling out over his shoulder. “I’m not hungry.”
The door closes behind him, and Wooyoung is left alone, hand still outstretched in shock. Letting his hand drop, he pouts toward the door. “Great, I’m rooming with an asshole.”
XXX
A few hours later, Yeosang sits across from him at a restaurant after helping him buy some furniture for his apartment. “Maybe he just likes being left alone.” He pops some food into his mouth, unbothered.
“He looked at me like I was an annoyance.” Wooyoung pouts, poking at his food. His friend makes a face, implicating agreement, and the man frowns. “Wow, thanks.”
Sighing, he places his chopsticks down, giving him his full attention. “Listen, you’re super friendly and extroverted, which isn’t a bad thing, but maybe he’s just the opposite. You don’t have to be everyone’s friend.”
“Of course not, but it’d be nice to get along with someone I have to live with for a year.” He mutters. “What if he gets mad if I have people over, or play music.”
Rolling his eyes, Yeosang sighs. “I can’t tell you what to do. It’s always good to talk and set some house rules.”
“Yeah, if he’ll talk to me.”
His friend smiles. “I’m sure you’ll make it impossible to ignore you.” Wooyoung frowns at him, but ignores the comment.
XXX
Yeosang leaves after helping him bring up the stuff he bought into his room. Wooyoung looks at the bag with food he brought back with him. He bites his lip, wondering if he had wasted money bringing San something, but he wasn’t going to give up just yet. Grabbing it, he walks to his door and knocks, hearing sounds from inside.
A moment passes with no response from the other side, and he’s about to knock again when the door swings open. San looks annoyed, but Wooyoung's eyes go to the muscular arms in the tank he’s changed into since he saw him last. Oh. The man sighs. “What?”
Returning back to the moment at hand because of the annoyed tone, he tries to smile, playing it off. “I brought you some food. I don’t know what you like yet, but this place has amazing foo-”
“I told you I wasn’t hungry.” He interrupts, crossing his arms.
Finally letting some of his own frustration out, he stands straight and pushes the bag at his chest. Surprised, San grabs the food, and Wooyoung pulls his hand back so he has to hold it. “We need to talk over house rules.”
Rolling his eyes, San moves away from the door, but doesn’t close it. Taking a peek inside, the other man sees the bare room that doesn’t look much different from when his own room was empty. The bed was made, the desk held an expensive looking desktop setup and school stuff, but there were no posters, no lights like he had in his own room, no pictures, nothing showing any personality.
Setting the food on his desk, he sits down in his desk chair, swiveling to face him, arms crossed, looking like some kind of mob boss. “Talk.” He waves a hand at Wooyoung, seeming to just be humoring him.
Narrowing his eyes, he steps into San’s room, leaning back against the wall beside the door. “No eating or drinking each other’s stuff without asking.”
Scoffing, he waves a hand to stop him. “Do you have anything to add that isn’t just common decency?”
“Why are you being so rude?” Wooyoung accuses, finally not being able to take his dismissive attitude.
“Why won’t you leave me alone when it’s obvious that that’s what I want?” He sends back.
Finding the words not coming to him, he makes a frustrated noise. “We’re roommates. Shouldn’t we at least get to know each other?”
San raises an eyebrow. “Okay. I like to be left alone. I’m here for school, not friends. If you’re the type to throw parties, please keep it to the weekend. People sleep and study, so if you’re going to play music loud, please let it be after noon.” He motions toward the food. “Also, don’t do this again. It’s a waste of food.”
Pouting, Wooyoung doesn’t like the way he’s making him feel. “I’m just trying to be nice.”
Sighing, San relaxes, shaking his head. “And I’m trying to help you realize it’s wasted effort. I just want to focus on my studies. I’m sure you can respect and understand that.”
Biting his cheek, feeling the frustration rise, he tries to bite it back down. “You want to be alone your whole life.” He grits out, immediately regretting what he’s said.
Unfortunately, he sees San smile for the first time. “That is the dream.” He motions toward the door. “Please, leave me to my loneliness.” His tone is filled with sarcasm, and Wooyoung makes a disgusted face before leaving the room, slamming the door behind him. “Don’t slam my door.”
“Don’t slam my door.” He mocks under his voice, walking back to his room. “Still took the food.” He mutters, taking the tiny win.
XXX
They don’t see each other again until a few days later when the semester finally starts up. Wooyoung has felt like he’s living alone these past few days, and he would be lying if he said he didn’t hate it. He was hoping to end up being friends with his roommate, because unlike San, he likes being around people. Unfortunately, he got the living embodiment of a reclusive rock.
It’s about eight thirty in the morning when Wooyoung leaves his room, about to leave for his first class. He steps out, and finds San in the kitchen, making himself food. The man looks up as he walks in, but just returns to his cooking. Making an annoyed face, Wooyoung speaks, just wanting to annoy him. “What’s your first class?”
Sighing, he doesn’t look back. “Programming.”
Wooyoung raises an eyebrow. “Computer stuff?”
“Aren’t you smart.” San mutters, placing his food on a plate. He turns and sets it on the island, not sitting, and begins eating.
“Oh, cool.” He ignores the dismissive insult, knowing he was annoying him just by being there. “I’m going for humanities..”
“Fitting.” He grunts, not looking up from his food. “Aren’t you going to be late?”
Crossing his arms, Wooyoung shrugs. “I have time to ask my roommate a couple questions.”
“Wish you didn’t.” The response is so immediate, like he doesn’t have to think to just let something rude slip out.
Clenching his teeth together, he tries to calm himself. “When’s your birthday?”
The eyes finally raise to meet him, and San raises an eyebrow. “Why does that matter?”
Wooyoung shrugs. “Just wondering if I’m older and your rudeness is just on that extra level.”
“July.” He gives it up, obviously not caring about honorifics. The younger man makes a face, and San snorts out a laugh. “You should be listening better to your hyung.”
“Oh, now you care about honorifics.” Wooyoung grimaces.
The man sighs, returning to his food. “Are you done now?”
“Sure.” He begins to walk towards the door.
San calls out after him. “Sure, hyung.”
“Piss off. Hyung.” Wooyoung glares at the door at the laughter behind him.
XXX
Wooyoung gives up for a few days, ignoring each other as they go about the first week of the semester. His friends find it amusing that he’s found someone who doesn’t give in to his aggressive need to be liked by everyone. He doesn’t have a need, it just happens so easily that it’s bothering him that San seems to not like him. “Like, why? What did I even do?”
Yeosang shares a look with Mingi, who gives a knowing look back. “Probably existing.”
Pouting, he shakes his head. “Now you guys are being mean to me.”
Mingi rolls his eyes. “We are not. We just admittingly find it pretty entertaining. You’ve talked about nothing else for a week. Why do you want him to like you so bad?”
“Oh shit, is he hot?” The elder asks, laughing.
Wooyoung narrows his eyes. “That’s not what this is about.”
“He is, isn't he?” The other man asks, catching on to his hyung’s thoughts. The younger man doesn’t respond, looking down at his food. “Oh, you think he’s so hot.”
“Stop it!” Wooyoung whines. “His looks have nothing to do with it. He’s just mean.”
“And like the masochist you are, that just makes you like him more.” Mingi accuses, pointing his chopsticks at him. “Of course you would crush on the mean straight boy.”
No matter what he said, he wouldn’t be able to change their mind. Sure, he had noticed his muscles and pretty face, but he hadn’t actually felt anything toward him besides annoyance and frustration. They would never believe it though, so he drops the conversation. “Do you guys want to get drinks tomorrow? It’s Saturday.”
“I’ve got stuff to do, we could get drinks tonight?” Yeosang offers.
Mingi nods. “Get the boys together. Sounds good.”
Wooyoung smiles, happy to have all his friends together for the first time in a while.
XXX
“Where are your keys, you menace?” Seonghwa’s voice filters into his ears, but Wooyoung’s brain swims with the alcohol, and he can’t respond, too focused on not spinning into the void. “Fucking hell.” The elder mutters, and begins banging on the door. “Your roommate is going to hate you so much after this. It’s two in the morning, Wooyoung.”
The younger hears the door open, and San’s voice filters through. “Of course.”
His tone is dripping with annoyance, and that pisses Wooyoung off enough to open his eyes, looking up at him. “Go away.”
Rolling his eyes, his roommate leaves the door open, walking back into the room, until Seonghwa calls him back. “Hoobae, please help. I just need to get him to his room, but he’s not helping at all. I’ll be gone right after.”
Sighing heavily, he turns and walks back, and Wooyoung frowns, vision swimming. “Oh, listen to him, huh?” He tries to push away his arm as he tries to help lift him up. “Don’t.”
“Stop it.” San’s face grows serious, inches from his, and he stops, suddenly nervous. “Behave.” Then he wraps an arm around Wooyoung’s waist and helps the elder walk him to his room.
The elder tries to hide his amusement that the younger boy listens. They lay him out on his bed, and he closes his eyes, trying to get the spinning to stop. Around him he can hear the two men talking, and he tries to listen, but finds it difficult.
Seonghwa lets out a deep breath. “Sorry about this. I don’t know if he lost his keys or not.”
Grunting, his roommate’s voice filters through the haze. “I’ve dealt with worse. I can take it from here. Make sure he doesn’t choke on puke in his sleep.”
The elder laughs, and Wooyoung can hear a slap on someone's shoulder. “And he said you were an asshole.”
San barks out a laugh, seeming amused. “Well, he’s nosy and pushy.”
“True.” He frowns at his hyung’s agreement. “Good luck.” His roommate hums his confirmation, and he listens as the man leaves.
He doesn’t hear anything for a moment, and he’s just about to fall asleep when a sudden swimming feeling in his stomach grows, and his eyes widen, shooting up in bed. The room is empty, and he runs down the hall, slamming the door open and spewing vomit, mostly, into the toilet. This goes on for a minute or two, feeling like an hour, before he’s huffing in breaths, trying to get his lungs to work again, eyes and nose watering.
Fear begins to fill him as he’s only able to draw in short breaths. His eyes water more and then a hand is smoothing his back. “Slowly. Don’t try to draw air too hard.”
Closing his eyes, he tries to slow his breathing, until a few moments go by and, though still shallow, he’s breathing again, no longer feeling stressed. “Thanks.” He rasps out, looking over to San who holds out toilet paper to him. Wooyoung wipes his mouth, dropping it in the toilet. Grabbing more from him, he blows his nose.
San watches for a moment, before looking down at the mess the younger man had made, sighing. “Aish. I really don’t want to clean that up.”
Waving a hand at him, Wooyoung sits back against the tub, shoes slightly splashed with puke. “I’ve got it, don-” He doesn’t know if it was the way he was sitting or what, but it hits him again, and he rushes forward, but not fast enough. San jumps away as he pukes over himself for a second before being fully over the toilet.
“You-” His roommate mutters.
After he’s caught his breath, he sobs quietly, hating this. “I wanna die.”
Hearing the amused chuckle, he sighs at the hand on his back. “Get in the shower, I’ll clean this up.” Wooyoung nods, moving to climb into the shower. A hand grabs his shirt, stopping him. “Not with your clothes on, idiot.” Letting out a sobbing whine, he begins undressing. “And not with me in here. Jesus christ.” The door is shut soon before he can even move on to his pants.
Sometime later, he’s sitting in the shower, letting lukewarm water fall on him, when the door opens. Feeling more sober now, he peeks around the curtain, and see’s San has put on cleaning gloves, and is making a disgusted face down at the mess. Thankfully, Wooyoung hadn’t bought any bathroom mats or anything yet, so it was just tiled floor that needed to be cleaned.
He watches, amused, as San picks up his clothes. “I’m throwing your clothes away.”
Wooyoung opens the curtain to stick his head out, eyes wide. “I love that shirt.”
“Shouldn’t have puked on it.” His tone is no nonsense, and he leaves with the clothes. When he returns empty handed, he picks up his shoes, which were relatively clean. “These can just be sprayed down.” He leaves with them
The younger boy glares at him when he returns. “You owe me for throwing away my clothes.”
San begins spraying some cleaning solution on the ground, beginning to clean. “Call it fair after I clean up your mess.” He doesn’t even look up, continuing his cleaning.
Watching him, he doesn’t have it in him to argue. Wooyoung can’t help the smile that breaks across his face as he watches San take care of him. Eventually he’s finished cleaning, and he stands sending him an annoyed look. “You going to be able to take care of yourself?”
Pouting, he shrugs. “I need clothes.”
Narrowing his eyes, he shakes his head. “I’m going to bed.” He turns and leaves, closing the door behind him.
Wooyoung closes the curtain, smiling as he leans back against the tub. San just took care of him. So he wasn’t a total asshole. He thinks of his pretty face, and muscular arms, and the way his hair fell into his face while he was cleaning. Oh no. The man covers his face, realizing just this little show of kindness has started a crush.
XXX
He’s laying in bed the next day, headache pounding, and stomach still churning, when he hears San’s door open. Moving out of bed, ignoring the way his stomach swims, he makes his way to the end of the hall. His roommate is leaning into the fridge, backpack over his shoulder. When he stands up, he’s got a drink in his hand and he frowns when he sees Wooyoung.
“What?”
Shaking his head, his eyes linger on his backpack. “Where're you going?”
Rolling his eyes, San begins moving toward the door. “Why do you care?”
“Because it’s Sunday and you said you didn’t have friends.” He can’t help the slightly frustrated tone, thinking things would get better after the night before.
Barking out an amused laugh, he turns to look at him, hand on the doorknob. “I said I wasn’t here for friends, not that I didn’t have any.”
“Why did you help me last night if you obviously don’t like me?” Wooyoung looks down at the ground, not wanting to see whatever dismissive face he knows he’ll make.
There’s a moment of silence, before San speaks. “I didn’t trust you to clean and not let the house smell like vomit.”
“Okay.” He says quietly, feeling his eyes sting slightly. Without looking up, he turns and returns to his room. Wooyoung sighs heavily, climbing back into bed. He should have known better. What’s worse, is that he didn’t even try to deny that he didn’t like him. Closing his eyes, hearing the door close, he tries to fall asleep, trying to not think about how pathetic he felt.
XXX
A few days later, he’s sitting on the balcony, having acquired some chairs, enjoying the warm day when he hears voices through the open glass door. Wooyoung turns in the chair, putting down the book he was reading, and sees San walk toward his room with a guy he’s never seen before.
“I can’t figure out the sequence he wants me to do.” His roommate says as they walk through the living room.
The other man laughs. “Aren’t you supposed to be top of the class?”
“Oh fuck off, Hongjoong, just help me.” San leads him through his door, and closes it behind them.
Wooyoung bites his lip, curious about this first appearance of another person in San’s life. Were they friends or just classmates? The cursing implies a deeper familiarity beyond classmates. Shaking his head, trying to clear his mind of the man, he returns to his book.
A couple hours later, he’s sitting at the island, eating some food he ordered when the friend, Hongjoong, leaves the room. The man is older than them for sure, and very handsome now that he’s up close. He smiles as he sees him, backpack over his shoulder. “Oh, you’re the roommate.”
Smiling, he nods, putting down his chopsticks. “I’m Wooyoung.” He holds out his hand.
Shaking his hand, he leans against the island. “He didn’t say you were cute.”
Blushing, he looks down at his food. “I don’t think he’s said many good things about me.”
“Well, he’s a stick in the mud, so what does he know?” Hongjoong laughs at his own comment. Wooyoung laughs as well, but he’s suddenly nervous. “What’s your major?”
“Humanities.” He offers, finally looking back up, watching the eyes check him out.
Nodding, impressed, he goes to speak again but a hand appears on his shoulder. San steps around him. “Thought you were leaving?”
Hongjoong laughs, amused, motioning toward him. “I was getting to know your roommate. You’re hiding him from me.”
“I’m not.” He gives a strange look toward Wooyoung. “You don’t even know if he’s into men. If you are,” he gives the younger man a serious look. “He’s a player, and you’re better off keeping your distance.”
The elder just laughs, an easy smile on his face. “Don’t you want to make your own decisions?”
Wooyoung, glances over at San, confused by him even caring enough to say anything. Something in his look makes him bite his cheek, and he sees his head shake slightly. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested. I really appreciate the compliment though, hyung.” He bows his head.
“Aish, enough with all that.” He pats San on the back. “I’ll see you in class.”
“See yah later, hyung.” His roommate doesn't move, watching the elder leave the apartment before he sighs. “Remind me to never invite him over again.”
“Why do you care if he flirts with me?” Wooyoung returns to his food, barely seeing what’s in front of him, stomach twisting with butterflies.
He grunts, beginning to walk away. “Don’t want to give him more reason to bother me.”
“Are you even friends?” He asks.
Barking out a laugh, he calls out from his door. “I try not to have friends.” The door closes a moment later.
Wooyoung turns, frowning at the door. So does he have friends or not? Why does he have to be so contradicting? He’s confusing the shit out of him and he kind of wants to punch him. The man knows he’s only so frustrated because he keeps taking these little moments and turning them into something more than they really are. He knows he’s doing this to himself. Why does he have to like him?
XXX
A week later the power goes off after a flash of lightning. Wooyoung curses, barely able to see as he tries to find his phone. The sound of the storm outside is only slightly muted by the walls, and when he finally finds his phone, he turns on the flashlight. He hears a frustrated yell, and his eyes widen, realizing it’s San.
Walking out of his room, he hears the loud, angry, words coming through his door. He walks forward, leaning against the door. It seems to be something about his computer. “Are you okay?”
The yelling stops, and the door opens, causing him to stumble back. San glares at him, Wooyoung tries to keep his light low enough to not be in his eyes, but still able to see his face. “I was working on my project for the past two hours and just lost all that work.”
Grimacing, he gives him an apologetic smile. “Want a beer?”
He narrows his eyes, obviously pissed. “Yeah.”
“Okay.” Wooyoung leads the way back into the living room. Lightning showing the way for a split second. Walking into the kitchen, he reaches into the fridge and grabs a couple beers. Turning around he sees San has fallen back onto the couch, staring straight ahead. “I’m sorry about your work.” He walks into the living room, handing him the can.
“It is what it is.” San mutters, opening the can.
Leaving for a moment, the younger man returns with a candle one of his friends had gotten him. Lighting it, he places it on the table and sits on the other end of the couch, propping up his feet and opening his own beer, taking a sip. They sit in silence for a while, and San finishes his beer quickly, getting up to grab another and chugging half before he even sits back down.
“I didn’t even know you drank.” Wooyoung says, peeking over at the still obviously frustrated man.
Taking a deep breath, he looks down at the beer in his hand. “I usually don’t.”
“Must be really angry.” He laughs awkwardly.
San sighs. “I’m getting over it.” He finishes his second beer, standing to grab another. “Want another?” The younger man confirms, and he comes back with two, handing one over to him.
“You’re going to get drunk way too fast drinking like that.”
He snorts. “Fuck it. I’ll pay you back for drinking all your beer.”
Wooyoung smiles, pleased, realizing this was the longest, semi-friendly, conversation they’ve had in weeks. “What were you working on?”
“Let’s not talk about it. I’m just going to get angry again.” The younger man looks down at his beer, and San looks over. “Why do you want me to like you so bad?”
Barking out a surprised laugh, he looks over. “I think ‘so bad’ is pushing it a bit.” San raises an unimpressed eyebrow. Wooyoung blushes, and is thankful that it’s dark. “You just always seem like you’re in a bad mood.”
“And that makes you want to be my friend?” He doesn’t deny what he said.
He shrugs. “I think it just makes me more curious.”
“Nosy.” But his tone is amused, taking another drink. “So what do you want to know?”
Wooyoung’s eyes widen, and he sits up more. “Are you actually going to answer?”
“Better get them out while the alcohol is in my system.” He lays his head back against the couch, closing his eyes. “And before I fall asleep.”
Biting his lip, trying to hold back his pleased noise, he turns on the couch, facing him. “Why have you been so rude to me?”
“I’ve already told you. I like to be alone, and you were not caring that you were pushing boundaries that I was trying to set.”
The younger man deflates slightly, feeling bad. “Yeah, I guess I was doing that.” San snorts, but doesn’t say anything. “Do you actually have friends?”
“Jongho and Hongjoon.”
“Only two?”
“Only because I can’t get rid of them.”
Wooyoung laughs. “Have you ever had a girlfriend?”
“No.”
“Boyfriend?”
He looks over, amused. “Also no.”
The younger man narrows his eyes. “Is it because you’re an asshole or because it just hasn’t happened?”
“I don’t want one.” He says it so easily.
“Why?”
“Why would I waste my time with one? Dating means I have to give up my alone time and personal space. Why should I give up my comfortability just because society dictates we should be hunting down ‘love’, which is just the chemicals in our brain telling us to fuck.”
Wooyoung shakes his head, clicking his tongue. “You’re a sad, sad man, San.”
He waves a hand in dismissal. “What about you? Boyfriend or Girlfriend?”
His stomach twists. “Uh, one boyfriend.”
San’s face doesn’t change, just nods. “Ended badly?”
“Kinda. Was a distance problem.”
As if it proves his point, he raises an eyebrow. “Because y’all couldn’t have sex on a regular basis anymore.”
Wooyoung pouts, hating him because he was right. “Yeah, I guess.”
“Exactly.” San takes another drink. “When was that?”
“At the end of freshman year. He transferred.”
“You haven’t dated anyone since then?”
The younger man laughs, rolling his eyes. “Why are you suddenly so interested in my love life?”
He shrugs. “You asked me about mine.”
Pursing his lips, trying to not let his delusional mind think too much into it, he answers. “I haven’t.”
“Good for you. Focus on yourself.” San raises his beer to him, taking a drink.
Wooyoung bites his lip, thinking about his earlier questions. “If you’ve never really been interested in people, are you a virgin?”
“Yeah.” He nods, giving the information easily, not seeming embarrassed at all like most other men their age would be.
Why does he hate that? “Are you asexual?”
“Nope.”
He frowns. “So would you-”
“Have sex?” San looks over and laughs at his confused face. “I jerk off like any other guy. I find people attractive. I just don’t prioritize that kind of stuff.” He shrugs. “I don’t do much more than focus on school, so it just hasn’t happened.”
“So you’re not against dating, you just think it’s a waste of time?”
Sighing heavily, he finishes his third beer, standing to go grab another. He’s drinking them so fast. On his way back, he stumbles slightly before falling into the couch. “If the right person came around, and didn’t make me feel like I was wasting my time, maybe.”
Wooyoung’s heart flutters. “But you don’t even like making friends.”
San laughs, eyes drooping as he looks over at him. “I’m filled with contradictions.”
“And if someone confessed to you.”
He nods. “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve turned someone down. People always just confess over attraction, because I know damn well they knew nothing more about me than anyone who went to school with me.”
Wooyoung, looks down at the second beer, that he still hasn’t opened. “So you want someone to get to know you first, but don’t let people in.”
“I’m not even worth it.” He mutters, and the younger man looks up seeing he’s back to leaning his head back, eyes closed.
“Why do you think you’re not worth it?” He asks softly.
Sighing heavily, Wooyoung watches as he almost spills the beer, and so he reaches out and takes it from him, placing it on the table. San smiles up at the ceiling, eyes still closed. “I have nothing. No family, no friends, no money, except for the shitty part time job. I work so hard at school so that when I finally get out there, I can get a good job and be able to take care of myself without relying on anyone, finally.” He sighs, looking over at Wooyoung, eyes squinting open. “Then maybe I will see what all the fuss about love is really about.”
Wooyoung feels his heart sink, hearing his confession of how he sees himself, while he still has a smile on his face. Swallowing dryly, he relaxes back into the couch, propping his head up on his hand, watching him. He doesn’t know what else to say right now, so he chews on his lip, watching San slowly slip into sleep. Sighing, he stands, going to grab one of his extra blankets and returning to find that he’s fallen over onto the couch. He puts the blanket over his sleeping form.
Rubbing his face, he makes a frustrated noise. “Why would you say something like that?” He mutters to himself, not able to leave him just yet. “Now I just want to make you happy, you fucking asshole.” Wooyoung flips him off. “Stupid.”
Slapping himself, he makes one last frustrated face toward the sleeping figure, blows out the candle, then returns to his room to try to get some sleep.
XXX
The next day, San ignores him.
XXX
San buys beer and replaces those he drank. He leaves a note on the fridge about it instead of just talking to Wooyoung.
XXX
A couple more days go by before they talk again. Wooyoung is laid out on the couch, propped up on an elbow reading a book. He looks up as the door opens, and San walks in, looking annoyed. “Bad day?”
He makes a frustrated noise. “Motherfucker didn’t do his part of the project, so I have until tomorrow to do all of it.”
“I wish I could help, but I don’t know shit about programming.” Wooyoung lets his book close, keeping his spot with a finger.
San sighs, rubbing his neck. “Wanna help me kill someone?”
The younger man laughs, watching the way he rolls his head, the way his fingers smooth out over his skin. Damn. “I might have to pass on that.” Against his will, his thighs squeeze together, thinking too many bad thoughts.
“Then no, you can’t help me.” He sighs, moving over and sitting on the loveseat. “I wish I could punch him, just once.”
“Hongjoong?”
San shakes his head. “Nah, different random.” He rubs his face. “I should go get started on that.” He gives him a narrow eyed look. “Don’t bother me.”
“When do I ever?” Wooyoung laughs, but it kind of stings, acting as if he hadn’t been ignoring the younger man for days.
His elder moves to stand, leaving the room.
XXX
Wooyoung is home alone the next day when there is a knock at the door. Leaving his room, where he had been working on assignments, he opens the door to find someone he’s only seen in passing. “Oh, Jongho, right?”
The boy nods. “Yeah, I’m here to get something for San.”
“Of course.” He moves to the side, letting him in. He already knows where his friend’s room is so he heads straight there. A moment later he appears, bowing at Wooyoung who is sitting at the island. “Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Yes, he’s always been like that.” Jongho says immediately, smiling.
Wooyoung laughs. “Right. But, the other night, he said something about not having any family.”
His face grows more serious. “Oh, yeah. I don’t really think it’s my place to say anything, but he’s an orphan.”
The man feels his heart break. “Oh, I see.”
“Yeah, he wasn’t that young either. Maybe fourteen, if I remember right.” Jongho watches his face, obviously seeing what the other boy was feeling. “Don’t pity him, he hates that.”
Wooyoung nods, smiling sheepishly. “Right. It’s just, he said it in passing and I’m too scared to ask him anything too personal or he’ll just shut me out again for like a week until he finally talks to me again.”
The man watches him intently for a moment, and then moves over, sitting on a stool. “He doesn’t let people get too close. I think it’s because he’s afraid people will leave him again, whether it’s by choice or not.”
Swallowing, he looks down at his hands, finger fidgeting with nerves. “The deepest conversation we’ve had is while he was drowning himself in beer.”
He laughs. “Yeah, it’s about the only way to make him talk about himself at all.” Jongho purses his lips, looking around. “You know, he’d never admit it, but he really likes plushies. He’d never spend the money on them though, because he’s too frugal.” Wooyoung frowns at him, and Jongho smiles, patting his back. “His favorite color is purple, and he loves meat. Also, chocolate is such a weakness.”
The man’s eyes widen, realizing why he was telling him these things. “Oh, good to know.”
He leans in. “He’s really a good person. Totally worth it.” Wooyoung's mouth falls open, not knowing how to respond, but he just smiles and leaves.
XXX
Wooyoung reaches out, smiling, thinking about the shiba plushie in San’s room. It was soft and perfect. He could imagine him cuddling with it. Sighing, his smile weakens, wondering if he would even keep it if he bought it for him.
Yeosang walks up to him, holding up a cute lion. “I’m buying this.” He looks down at it, looking disgusted. “I’m twenty-one, what am I doing?”
“Living life to the fullest.” Yunho says, skipping up with a dinosaur plushie. He hugs it. “I’ve never felt happier in my life.” His voice is deadpan, looking down at the dinosaur. “I’ll die for this dino.”
Laughing, Wooyoung grabs the shiba plushie. “I wasn’t expecting you guys to be that happy to come with me.”
“What? To shop for your boyfriend?” Yeosang raises an eyebrow at him.
Frowning, he shakes his head, blushing. “He’s not my boyfriend. It barely feels like we’re friends.”
“Yet you’re out here buying him a plushie because-?”
Looking away, he begins walking away from his friends. “He just seems to be having a rough few days, so I thought it’d make him feel better.”
Yunho follows close behind. “Does he deserve you caring about him? Like you said, barely friends.”
He shrugs, not going to explain everything to them. “Is it wrong to want to make someone feel better?”
“If it ends with your heart broken and still having to live with the douche.” Yeosang mutters, and Wooyoung sighs, not responding. “You’re gonna buy the damn thing anyway. Let’s get food after.”
XXX
Wooyoung arrives home later that evening, looking around to see signs of San. “San?” He gets no response so he walks to his room, knocking on the door. “San, you home?” Once again, no response, and now sounds coming from inside the room. He feels awkward doing this, but he opens the door, finding it unlocked.
Now, he shouldn’t be going into his room without his permission, but the thought of giving this to him to his face made his heart race and made him feel nauseous. The room is empty, so he moves forward, leaving the plushie, chocolates, and a note on his bed. Wooyoung bites his fist, looking down at the items, thinking about taking them away. This was too much, right? He would totally guess that he had a crush after something like this.
Sighing heavily, he leaves the room, feeling like he was going to throw up.
XXX
Later that evening, he hears San return home, but Wooyoung doesn’t see him that night.
XXX
The next day is Sunday, and it feels amazing outside, so he’s sitting out on the balcony, laptop on his legs, doing work while he takes in what might be the last nice day before the fall chill hits. His fingers move across the keyboard, not really paying attention to what’s going on around him.
Eventually, he hears a clearing of a throat, and he looks over his shoulder to find San standing there. His stomach twists with nerves. “Hey, what’s up.”
His face is as calm as ever, but he doesn’t say anything for a moment. “I’m going to grab something to eat with Jongho and Hongjoong, do you want anything?”
Wooyoung is slightly taken aback, but he just shrugs. “Umm, sure, I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Rolling his eyes, he sighs. “I mean do you want to come eat with us?”
Oh god, he’s going to throw up. He nods. “Uh, yeah. Yeah.” The younger man closes his laptop. Standing up. “Let me just go get some real clothes on.”
San moves out of his way as he passes, and Wooyoung can’t help but look up at him, eyes meeting his. The older man looks away, and he swallows, almost running toward his room, breathing hard. He asked him to go get food. Did that mean he liked his gift? Wooyoung grabs his pillow, squeezing it tight, trying not to scream his excitement. Fuck, he really liked him. So stupid.
Returning a few moments later, he finds San standing by the door, keys in hand. “You ready? I’m starving.” His tone is slightly annoyed, but Wooyoung has learned that’s just his natural tone at this point.
He frowns at him. “You asked me to come. Don’t get all ‘you’ with me.”
San laughs, actually laughs, a smile showing for just a moment before returning to his impassive mask. “Come on.” He leads the way out to his car.
They don’t really talk much on the way to the restaurant. Wooyoung is too worried about waking up from this dream, or making him regret bringing him to even start a conversation. Eventually they arrive at a small noodle shop, and they climb out of the car and San stops him.
“If Hongjoong tries to flirt with you, ignore him.” He won’t look at the other man, looking anywhere besides him.
Frowning, but also so ready to misread this as jealousy, Wooyoung nods. “Of course.”
He finally looks up, eyes narrowed. “I mean it.”
“I know.” He nods, face just as serious, hiding the raging butterflies inside him. San stares for a moment later, before leading him inside the shop. The younger boy felt like his knees were going to give out. Now he wanted to flirt with Hongjoong just to see his reaction.
The boys look surprised to see Wooyoung, but they play it off, though Jongho tries to hide his smile. “Oh, so he finally let’s you out of the house? We thought you were just a caged animal.” Hongjoong comments, waving for the younger man to sit next to him in the booth.
San slides in next to the elder before Wooyoung can even make a choice, earning him a frown. Jongho waves him over. “Come on, don’t just stand there, we’re hungry.”
“Right.” He feels awkward, but more comfortable sitting with Jongho. “How’s your day been?” Wooyoung asks.
He shrugs, looking over at the two men who seemed to be having some telepathic conversation as they glared at each other. “Boring until this.” He motions toward them.
A waitress comes over and takes their order, and Seonghwa begins ignoring San, giving his attention to Wooyoung. “The food here is amazing, and you don’t have to wait too long for it.”
“Cool.” He nods, smiling, taking a drink of water.
“What year are you?” Jongho asks.
“Junior.”
“And I’ve never seen your pretty face around?” Hongjoong smiles, eyes traveling over him.
San snorts, rolling his eyes. Wooyoung watches this, and wonders about flirting back. Then he decides against it. If he played games like that, he knew it would just push him away. Taking a deep breath, he smiles. “I’d be more comfortable hanging out with you if you’d take my rejection seriously and stop flirting with me.”
Jongho spits out his drink across the table, and San turns away, biting back a pleased smile that makes the younger boy feel way too good.
Hongjoong’s mouth falls open in surprise, getting himself put back together, he clears his throat, sitting back. “My apologies. I will stop.”
“Thank you.” He turns to Jongho, wanting to change the conversation to hide how hot his face feels. “What about you, what year are you?”
“Sophomore.” He smirks at Wooyoung.
The conversation stays light throughout the dinner. San doesn’t talk much, but he supposes that’s the norm. Mostly it’s him and Jongho talking while the other’s listen. He can see himself becoming good friends with him for sure.
XXX
San leads the way up the stairs to their apartment. Wooyoung groans, stuffed. He opens the door and holds it open for him, raising an amused eyebrow at him. “You could have turned them down when they kept placing food in front of you.”
“But they were paying. It would be rude.” He walks to the couch, falling back onto it. “I wish I could cut myself open like a fish and remove my stomach.”
He chuckles, sitting down on the loveseat, kicking up his feet on the armrest. “Hey, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.” Wooyoung closes his eyes, finding it hard to breathe.
“The boys want to drink together in the apartment this weekend. Are you okay with that?”
He laughs, shakes his head. “Why are you asking me? You live here too.”
“Because if you want, you should invite your friends too.”
Wooyoung looks over at him, frowning. “Planning a party? That doesn’t seem your style.”
“It’s not, but the more people who are here to pull focus, the easier it is to hide.” San is slightly turned away, looking at the ceiling, so he’s unable to read his face.
The younger boy nods. “Guessing they’re coming over whether you like it or not?”
“Jongho has decided I’ve been isolating myself too much lately.” His tone is annoyed again.
“Probably right. You haven’t really spoken to me since you got drunk and passed out on me.” He says it without thinking, and then looks over when there is no response.
San is looking at him, brows furrowed. “Have I really?”
Giving him an incredulous look, he sits up. “Do you not realize that we go days between speaking, and we literally live together?”
The older man returns his gaze to the ceiling, but now he can see his thinking face. “I guess I’m too used to being alone.”
Wooyoung curses himself. Why does he have to say shit like that? Does he know it makes it hard to be mad at him? If he were smart he’d realize this is becoming toxic. “I’m too nervous to even try to talk to you because you almost always seem in a bad mood.”
San chews his cheek, and he wishes so bad that he could read his mind. “You can talk to me whenever. I don’t mind.” His voice is soft, and he won’t look over at Wooyoung.
Which makes him thankful, because he wouldn’t be able to hide the smile he has to bite back. The added butterflies make it feel like he’s going to throw up. “Glad I can have permission to talk to my own roommate.” He teases, trying to play it off.
Clearing his throat, he stands quickly. “I’ve got work to get done before tomorrow. I’ll talk to you later.” His face is an easily read awkward mess, and Wooyoung doesn’t say anything in response. He watches, amused, as San runs away to his room.
He doesn’t want to give his own hopes up, but like, he totally likes him back right? At least he was beginning to actually see him as a friend instead of an annoying random roommate. Wooyoung would be happy to be friends, and actually have the man become more comfortable around him. He just wants to see a more comfortable side to San.
XXX
The next day he walks into the kitchen before class, finding a note from San.
Made extra food. Enjoy - San
Wooyoung smiles.
XXX
They talk a few times in passing, but San is always busier than Wooyoung.
XXX
He’s sitting on the couch on Saturday, it's nearing evening when San returns home, bags of liquor in hand. Wooyoung sits up, eyebrows raised. “You bought all of that?”
“Pfft. No, I made Seonghwa and Jongho help me pay for it or there wasn’t going to be a get together at all.” He begins putting the liquor into the fridge.
Wooyoung walks over, leaning on the island. “I told the boys to bring their own booze as well.
He looks up, sighing. “Well, then we might have a bit left over. Or we can send people home with the extra.”
The younger man laughs. “Are you going to be okay with six boys being in the apartment all night?”
Shrugging, he finished what he was doing, stretching his back out, wincing. “Well my room is staying locked so I can run away when I want.”
“Smart.” He offers, smiling at him. “I’m kind of excited to have our friends mix.”
“Hongjoong is going to make a fool of himself flirting with everyone he can.” San looks pre-annoyed.
Wooyoung laughs. “Mingi might actually flirt back. Though if he tries to flirt with Yeosang, He’ll have to deal with Yunho.” He makes an amused noise, imagining it.
“He’d deserve whatever was coming for him.” San mutters, rubbing his face. “I wish I could back out.”
Cocking his head to the side, he sighs. “So call it off. Don’t force yourself into something you don’t want.”
He shakes his head though. “I want to drink and hang with my friends, I just hate that I can’t kick them all out at the end of the night.”
Wooyoung smiles, understanding. They’ll be drinking, which means no driving home. “Well, my friends will probably pass out in my room.” He had already told them to bring a blanket and pillows if they didn’t want to sleep on the floor with nothing. He really only saw Yeosang and Seonghwa actually bringing anything.
Sighing, he nods. “I’m forcing Jongho and Hongjoon to the couches. They can fight over who gets what.”
“Such an accommodating host.” He teases.
San raises his eyebrows. “I’m not giving up my solitude and bed for anybody.”
“Didn’t expect anything else.” He chuckles. Sighing, he looks at his laptop on the coffee table. “Alright, I need to finish this first draft for this paper before everyone shows up.”
He nods, understanding. “I’m going to go take a nap.” Wooyung nods, smiling, watching him leave. Sighing happily at this far easier conversing between them, he returns to his paper.
XXX
Wooyoung opens the door, standing aside for Yeosang and Yunho. As expected, Yeosang has pillows and a blanket for them, which he immediately takes to his room. Yunho looks around. “Where’s the hot roommate?”
Narrowing his eyes, he shakes his head. “Probably in his room.”
“Boo.” He moves on quickly, walking to the fridge and pulling out a beer. “Seunghwa is picking up Mingi, then they’ll be here.”
“Cool. Shit, I guess I should move my speaker to the front room. Wanna pick the music?”
“Of course.” He follows him to his room, where Yeosang is looking around. “So, I don’t see a plushie, which means he kept it?”
Wooyoung blushes. “I haven’t been in his room to find that out.”
Frowning, he leans back on the bed. “You guys haven’t talked about it?”
“No, and you’re not going to bring it up tonight.” He mutters. “You’re the only ones who know about it. Keep it that way.” He hates the way his face heats up just thinking about it.
They hear the door open and Hongjoon’s traveling voice. “Where is everyone?”
“Time to meet the friends.” Yunho wiggles his eyebrows, leaving his room.
Wooyoung sighs, feeling the nerves rise up. Yeosang smiles, bumping against his shoulder. “It’ll be fine.”
“I don’t want San to be overwhelmed.”
Rolling his eyes, he begins walking out after his boyfriend. “You’re so whipped.”
He pouts, but doesn’t respond, following after. San is standing at the island, Jongho and Hongjoon sitting, with Yunho standing and laughing with them. The other two join them, and he watches San’s face, seeing the slightly uncomfortable look, but he seemed to be doing fine. Eventually the other two show up, and Wooyoung relaxes, seeing everyone mesh together pretty well.
XXX
Wooyoung watches as Seunghwa whispers in Hongjoon’s ear, and the man actually blushes, smiling at whatever the elder said. He leans over to San, who is sitting on the balcony with him, both having separated from the loud group to find some peace and quiet. “That was not something I expected.”
He laughs, amused, taking a drink from his beer. “Is Seunghwa the true one with all the game to make the player blush?”
Shrugging, the younger man watches as the other four scream sing at each other, oblivious to the two eldest flirting on the couch. “Our neighbors are going to hate us.”
“They can handle it for one night.” San offers, smiling at the boys.
“Yeah.” He laughs, covering his mouth as Mingi stumbles over the table, much to the enjoyment of everyone watching. “This has been nice.”
San nods slowly, a small smile on his face. “Yeah, this was a good idea.”
Eventually the boys begin to head to bed. San and Wooyoung are the last ones awake, sitting at the island. The younger man is drinking water, trying to sober up a bit before heading to bed. San has his head on his arms, which are folded in front of him, humming along to the song that’s playing with his eyes closed.
Sighing, feeling exhausted, he groans. “Seunghwa and Hongjoong are in my bed.” He looks down at the cuddling figures of Mingi and Jongho under the table, passed out. “I should have made sure my bed was a no sleep zone before the party started.”
“Should have laid down some spikes.” He mutters, laughing. Wooyoung makes another displeased noise, and San sighs. “You can sleep in my room.”
He looks down at him. “What?”
“No one is in my room. But if you snore, I’m kicking you out.” The younger man’s eyes are wide as San stands, grabbing his hand. “Come on, I’m tired.”
“Okay.” His heart begins to speed up, and he wonders if he should turn him down. He was drunk, and might regret letting him stay in his room tomorrow. Well, it’s not like they were going to-. Wooyoung swallows dryly as the door opens. He should’ve had more to drink.
San stumbles his way into the room, eyes half closed and motioning toward the bed. “I want the left side.” He begins pullins off his socks, and then his pants. Wooyoung watches, eyes wide, but then that’s all he does and he climbs into the bed.
Feeling like his heart was going to burst out of his chest, or like he was going to vomit, whichever happened first, he decides to leave on his sweats, but takes off the sweater he was wearing. Walking over, the only light coming from the slow flashing of the computer tower, he takes in the bed, and the shiba plushie that San grabs and cuddles with on his side.
Wooyoung closes his eyes, sighing heavily. Fuck, he’s in love. Which means he should totally walk out of this room right now. Instead, he pulls up the covers, climbing in with San. From his side of the bed, he watches the man sleep. This was creepy right? But also, there is absolutely, in no way, that San doesn’t know his feelings. He’s an intelligent man.
So what were they doing? Did he not trust Wooyoung just yet? He could understand that. Jongho had already explained a little bit why he was so averse to growing close to people. The question was, was he willing to wait for him to trust him? What if he never did? He looks over at the soft, peaceful face, and feels his heart swell as the face burrows itself into the plushie.
Of course he would wait. He would do anything for him.
XXX
He groans as the sun shines in through the window. Wooyoung tries to roll over but he can’t. Then he freezes, remembering where he is. Opening his eyes, he looks down at San, who is wrapped around his waist. “Fuck.” He mutters to himself at the arms holding him in place.
Was this something he absolutely wanted, yes. San? He grimaces. Reaching out, he tries to push one of the arms off, his face curled into his stomach. Wooyoung wants nothing more than to stay here, held by San, but he feels too embarrassed not to try to run away. Unfortunately, his movement wakes him.
San groans, squeezing him tighter against him, causing the boy to laugh, smitten. “Stop.”
Biting his lip, Wooyoung stops trying to move away, smiling. “San. I can’t move.”
Eyes squinting open, he frowns, looking around until he sees the younger man’s face. His eyes widen, and for the first time, his face turns beat red. Swallowing, he slowly removes his arms. “Uh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” He can’t hold back the laugh. Wooyoung watches him for a moment, and he realizes the alcohol gave him courage last night, because he can’t do this forever. “I like you, San.”
The man falls back on his back on his side, and he rubs his face. Sighing, he nods, dropping his hand and sitting up, looking down at him. “I know.”
Wooyoung sits up as well, looking down at his hands. “You don’t like me back.”
“We don’t know each other, Wooyoung.” San cards a hand through his hair, giving him a look that he can’t read.
The younger man nods. “I know. I can’t help it. It’s probably because you were so mean to me in the beginning.” He tries to smile, to make a joke.
San smiles, and chuckles, which makes him feel better. “I think-” He looks over at him, sighing. “I think you’re kind, and sweet, and very, very cute.” Wooyoung bites his cheek, hearing the but. “But you know I’m not the type that’s going to jump into something over attraction.”
“I’m not asking you to be with me, I’m telling you I like you.” He mutters, unable to stop the pouting.
Shaking his head, biting back his smile, he cocks his head at him. “I think the forced living situation, and your inability to leave me alone, has made me have some affection for you.” He admits, turning his head before he says the last thing, face turning slightly pink.
Wooyoung wants to scream. Affection itches his brain so much more than the word ‘like’ does. Trying to keep himself under control, he nods slowly. “So, you just want more time to get to know each other?”
Looking over, he narrows his eyes, looking at him and thinking. “It’s too late, I already admitted too much and now you’ll never leave me alone.”
The younger boy barks out a laugh. “Tell me you feel nothing for me at all, and I will leave you alone.” He challenges, eyebrows raised, feeling confident.
“Get out of my room.” San grumbles, rolling over in the bed, pulling the blankets over his head.
Wooyoung, clenches his teeth, trying not to let out the excited screams he’s holding back. “I guess I should go check on our friends.” The figure grumbles, so he leaves, not able to hide the smile.
When he enters the kitchen, Jongho is leaning against the sink, chugging water. Breathing heavy after chugging, he wipes his mouth, eyes narrowing after seeing him come from San’s room. “What a development.”
“The boy’s stole my bed. He was just being nice.” He waves his suspicion away, but he’s not dumb.
Jongho steps forward, looking him over. “San doesn’t let people in his bed, Wooyoung.”
He blushes. “Nothing even happened.”
“Right.” He nods, unconvinced.
“I’m going to kill you all.” Yeosang mutters, walking in from the bedroom. He stops, and glares at them. “Those two assholes had sex in your bed.”
Wooyoung’s mouth falls open, and Jongho bursts out with laughter. “That’s so funny.”
“I want everyone out.” He grumbles.
XXX
Later that evening, after washing all his bedclothes, Wooyoung is lying on the couch listening to music with a book in hand. San appears finally from his room, face twisted in pain from what must be a hangover or headache. “I’m never drinking again.”
“Lies.” He laughs, not looking up from his book, too nervous to look at him.
The man walks over and sits on the loveseat, rubbing his face. He sighs, rolling his head to look over at Wooyoung. “What are your parents like?”
Frowning, he closes his book, finally looking over at him. “Why do you ask?”
He shrugs, picking at the hem of his shirt. “Just asking.”
Smiling, he licks his lips, pleased. Sitting up, Wooyoung pulls his legs up under him. “They’ve been married for almost thirty years, I think. They annoy each other a lot, mostly my dad annoys my mom. He’s always starting different hobbies and dropping them after a couple weeks.”
San smiles, looking up at him. “They’re in love?”
“Yeah, I would say so.” He chuckles, but then he remembers this man doesn’t have any parents. Wooyoung grows more serious. “I think when you’ve been together for that long, it becomes more than just love, like you’re one entity. I couldn’t imagine them separate.”
He nods, smiling to himself, and looking back to his shirt. “My parents were obsessed with each other.” He picks at his shirt, sighing. “They died when I was fourteen. A train they were on derailed.”
Wooyoung doesn’t know if he should go to him, but he wants to so badly. “I’m sure they would be proud of how far you've gotten yourself.”
The man’s eyes start to swim, and he nods, smiling. “Yeah, I think so too.”
Sighing, he feels his stomach twist with nerves, but he opens his arms. “Come here.”
San frowns at him for a moment, before making a frustrated noise, then moving over to hug him. Wooyoung lays them down, holding the boy to his chest. The man he holds mutters into his chest. “You made me think about them, you asshole.”
“I wasn’t with you all day.”
“That’s not what I mean.” His voice is a whisper, and he squeezes his arms around Wooyoung.
The boy kisses his hair, thinking he understands, and it makes his smile return. “Is that why you keep holding back from people? Afraid you’ll never find that?”
“Let’s not talk about it right now.” He sighs.
“Okay.”
They stay like that for a while, Wooyoung petting his hair and San holds on to him as if his life depends on it. He’s broken down some wall inside him, and while he’s happy to be holding him, he’s also scared. What he feels for this man is starting to slowly overwhelm him, and that could be dangerous.
XXX
A few weeks pass, and they spend more and more time together. They spend nights, cuddled together in each other’s bed, asking about each other and learning about who they are. San most of the time comes to Wooyoung, and he prefers it like that, letting the other man lead this relationship. They both recognize San is the one who needs time to figure things out, and he respects that.
XXX
Junho and Yeosang keep him from the apartment, and he knows why, but he plays along with them anyway. It’s his birthday today, and they keep dragging him to different places and to their apartment, keeping him busy. Part of him wants to just tell them to drop the act, but he doesn’t want to ruin their fun.
Eventually they lead him back to his apartment. He tries to hide his amused smile, knowing what’s coming. What does surprise Wooyoung, is when he walks first into the dark apartment and they close the door behind him, closing themselves out. “What the-?” Feeling for the lightswitch, but then lights turn on, but it wasn’t him.
He turns, and finds San standing in the middle of the living room. Strings of lights are hanging from the ceiling, there are balloons floating around, and slow music begins to play as he takes in the way too nicely dressed man. Laughing, he feels like he might cry, and he covers his face, hiding his happy tears. “Why are you in a suit?”
San makes a noise, and when he looks up, he can see him frowning down at himself. “I thought you would like this?”
Wooyoung barks out a pleased laugh, dropping his stuff on the counter as he walks over to him, fixing his collar. “You look very handsome.”
Arms wrap around him, and he takes in San’s blushing face, looking apprehensive and nervous. “I didn’t want to share you on your birthday.”
“I’m not mad.” He offers, reaching up to wrap his arms around his neck. “This is amazing.”
San begins moving them, rocking back and forth, slowly dancing to the music. “I like you, Wooyoung, a lot.”
He nods, smiling. “I would hope so after all this.”
The man smirks, rolling his eyes. “No, like, I wanna be your boyfriend.”
His heart stops for a moment, and he has to take a moment to fight back the stinging in his eyes. “Yeah, me too.”
San pulls him close, holding him. “I’m sorry it took me so long.”
“It was worth it.” He sighs happily, rubbing his back. Wooyoung has never felt so happy. “You realize our anniversary is on my birthday now?”
“I did it on purpose, so you can’t put too much focus on me.”
He makes a playful mock frustrated noise, but ends up chuckling. “Okay.” Leaning back, he grabs his face, and pulls him down to press his lips against his. San makes a surprised noise at first, but leans into it, clutching him tightly. When they pull apart, Wooyoung sighs happily. “I’ve wanted to do that for so long.”
San raises an eyebrow. “Well, there’s more to do than just that.” His hands lower down his back and Wooyoung’s eyes widen. “We’ve got a lot of gifts to open.”
Swallowing, he nods. “We should get on that.”
The man smirks, kissing his cheek, leaning into his ear. “I’m assuming you have no other plans tonight.”
“Only you.” He says immediately, beginning to pull the man towards his room. San barks out a laugh, happily following him.
The End