Work Text:
Pluviophile :
a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days
Jeongsik had way too many umbrellas. Too many that were not even his to begin with, each of them in a simple black. He didn't mind.
It all had started some years ago, not long after they both started to work at the station, during a gloomy month of October when they were out, just catching another one of those petty criminals in the town. It had been awfully rainy that day, the streets drenched in puddles, reflecting the lights of cars passing them by. He had been drenched in seconds upon stepping out of the car, the rainwater was running down the back of his neck making him shudder for a moment, when something suddenly blocked the rain. “Figured you would forget your umbrella again. Although, I think it seems a little bit too late for that already.” The umbrella was then pushed into his hands when he turned to face the way too familiar voice, coming face to face with Changwook. “Keep it, I got enough at home.”
And that's how it continued on for the next few years, each time the rain was blessing that town- Changwook handing him umbrellas after umbrellas, a habit both didn't even seem to notice. A habit that made him wonder just how many of them he had and one he hoped would never end because he had grown too fond of it way too fast. How could Jeongsik not though? When Changwook looked at him like that, each time with a soft smile as he brushed off the rain from his shoulder.
While the years passed and they got closer, their acquaintanceship turning into a close friendship pretty fast, it was then when he realized that perhaps he deliberately forgot to bring umbrellas because of the feelings inside of him which only grew when they would sleep over at each others places after a night out drinking, getting way too wasted, Changwook especially, when they had to work the next day. Then Jeongsik would attentively listen to him babbling without a single break until he was passed out on the couch- then he sat there for a while, watching him quietly, mindlessly threading fingers through his hair, until he too would pass out. Heading to work together the following day as if nothing even happened the evening prior.
Not like anything had even happened. Nothing Changwook was aware of at least.
It was the same today. He woke up at Changwook’s home, to be specific in his bed- something that didn't happen very often but something they had become very comfortable doing. Bedsheets all tangled up and his head rested on Jeongsik’s chest, half covered up by a pillow, the sweater ridden up exposing a bit of skin. It wasn't like they had never seen each other bare skin, after all they slept at each other's places and were subject to sustain injuries easily, but this was different. For a moment, he stared, what a challenge it was not to reach out , only until the alarm clock ripped Changwook out of his sleep, making him sit up in a matter of seconds. He could see the visible confusion on his face before rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, immediately falling back into the softness- messy hair brushing over Jeongsik’s shoulder.
“Why don't we just stay at home today?” Voice muffled as an arm reached out, wrapping itself around his waist. As much as he liked the idea, especially on a cloudy day like today, they couldn't just miss out on work because they wanted to, it just wouldn't leave the best impression on their newly appointed team head.
“You know we have to get up, now come on.” Pelling himself out of the bedsheets, Jeongsik gave him a nudge who didn't move an inch. “Alright, I’ll get dressed first, going to check on you later." He exited the room then, not before grabbing freshly washed clothes he had left behind last time, letting the door a crack wide open as he made his way over to the bathroom.
It was not more than half an hour later when he was done, only to be greeted by a moody Changwook who pushed past him, letting the bathroom door fall into its lock. “Made some food.” It came from the other side.
That was their usual routine too. Changwook would always be the one who made the food, no matter how tired he was. And each time, Jeongsik enjoyed it very much- it was like a little piece of home he hadn't experienced in a long time. If he was really honest to himself, it was better than anything he had ever experienced at home. He had tried to express his gratitude towards Changwook through multiple means- either by trying to help him clean, which would only result in a mess, or by just telling him how grateful he was, but he was so oblivious, brushing it off as if it was nothing all the time.
Jeongsik wondered if he would ever understand, one day at least.
When they were done eating, dishes left cleaned up at the sink, they got into their separate cars. Ahead of them was just another regular day- a day that should've been like every other, just them chasing yet another thief or spending hours in the office.
But instead they were called out, to a scene they hadn't seen in a long time. Blood sprayed all over the car, people rushed and huddled inside stores while the rain relentlessly poured down onto the streets. And then there was yet another umbrella pushed into his hands- another one to add to his every growing collection. “I can't believe you always forget to grab one. Even when you're at mine.”
If Jeongsik could only tell him that he did it on purpose but even this isn't a guarantee to finally make him understand.
Changwook was so awfully oblivious and yet he couldn't help himself but falling into a deeper hole of feelings for his friends, feelings that grew more and more inconvenient as they spent even more time together than usual during the time the case went on. Feeling that slowly turned into unavoidable ones while he observed how their team head got closer with Goh Jeongwoo, falsely accused of murder and victim of his own friends. Jeongsik didn't know how obvious it was for Changwook, but or him it was easy to spot the little details of how close they really were- the intimidating aura of him shifting into something more soft and observant, the genuine smiles he shared around them, how worried he was after Goh Jeongwoo got into the car accident.
Even a blind person could tell how close they were, how it went beyond the simple duty of a detective.
And then, when the case was concluded and everyone was there where they should be- in prison, free from false accusations, he wondered if his poor attempts to flirt with Changwook
were obvious to their team head as well. It must've been. By the way he jokingly called them lovebirds, gave him a slap on the back and smiled in pity. Or when he sat them down only a few days later, a finger raised to make them listen, before leaning forward in his seat. “Remember, this can happen to anyone. You,” He pointed at Jeongsik then at Changwook. “You. And anyone you love.” looking back and forth between them. “Any time, any place. Be cautious, listen and always make sure to double check the evidence.”
Something they had grown to live by once Noh Sangcheol’s time was over in Mucheon and he could go back to Seoul.
A sentiment that was easier to hold onto than the words Jeongsik always mumbled to himself when he would spend yet another night next to Changwook, whose head was buried in his lap without a worry in the world as he slowly drifted into sleep right then and there, while the warmth of the hand that rested against his leg spread through every part of his body faster than he wished. Looking and pulling away was easier said than done- even when he should've. Not when the light that drowned the room tinted Changwook in a pretty shade of orange, highlighting the color of his skin and the faint flush on his face a little more. Then he could only brush along the outlines of his face, coming to stop right under lips he only ever wanted to taste once.
Jeongsik only pulled away when he shifted in his position, the hand against his leg wandered more upwards in the motion, and leaned back staring right at the ceiling- thoughts wandering, wondering what he was even thinking around him, cursing himself out how close he was to give up and lean in to ruin their friendship.
“You're still awake?” Changwook mumbled, it sent a warm feeling right through his body. “How can I fall asleep like this?” Jeongsik answered, only to immediately regret every single word as he got up, leaving the spot on his lap cold and vacant.
“Right…” Was the only reply, a little too cold and maybe rather distant, before the blanket got thrown over him. When he had pulled it down, the door to the bedroom already fell close.
This was the first time Changwook had reacted like this. It only made his thoughts race more.
Had he only pretended to sleep? Felt his hands in his face? Was this the reason why he had reacted like that? Too many thoughts that kept him busy the night- for no reason at all as, as it seemed, Changwook had already forgotten about his words by the next morning, greeting him in his usual early morning mood which consisted of mumbling and complaining.
Today about the weather, which hadn't been the most ideal the past few days . An understatement actually.
They had april, meaning it was spring season and there shouldn't even be any rain. But somehow, it was pouring down non stop and dark clouds covered the sky, making the town appear even more rough. He always remembered last year's event during weather like this, undoubtedly it had left an everlasting impression on him. And then, each time, he would remember what their team head had told him once, just the two of them.
To always watch out for each other and make sure to be cautious because things could happen way too fast, way too easy resulting in unnecessary tears spilled.
Words he tried to stay true to as much as possible, in their line of work. Words that still made Jeongsik wonder if he had a hunch about his feelings towards Changwook.
He always kept his eyes on him when they went out because he knew well enough how easily he sometimes could get distracted by things, always soaking up the next gossip. Always kept eyes on him when they were at work, chasing the next criminal, because one could never guess their next moves.
Words Jeongsik would live by, even now as he watched Changwook who quietly prepared breakfast, frowning deeply when he turned his attention towards the coffee brewing.
He took his chance to approach him.
“You making me one as well?” It startled Changwook, his attention on him now as he pointed towards the two cups on the counter. ”Very obviously, don't I?”
Jeongsik smiled at what was said, sliding closer into his personal space when he braced a hand on the countertop, letting the other one slightly graze across his neck as fingers settled between hair. “The scent you're wearing today, I really like it. It's different than usual.”
And perhaps he in fact had not forgotten about the night prior as he flinched back, pushing him away. “What was that?” The frown was replaced with something else now as he shoved the cup into his hands, and there was a faint shadow of red tinting his ears.
“Just an observation.”
Just an observation. An observation intoxicating enough as Jeongsik sat there next to Changwook in the car, making their way over to work. An observation that made him regret ever letting his stay at the station overnight. One day this would definitely turn into a disaster if he wasn't careful enough. A disaster different from what Noh Sangcheol had warned him about. One that was the reason why he could barely function at work, almost always looking over to him, the feeling of those lips on his fingers.
“Hey,” Changwook exclaimed, making him look up from the PC screen. “Come over here for a second. I just got sent something.” It sounded rather serious, what could it possibly be? Jeongsik closed the distance between them, leaning over him one hand braced against the tabletop, the other rested on top of the backrest of the chair- grabbing each chance he could get to be a little closer to him, take in his presence and the bask in that scent that still clung onto him even after hours of work. “What is it?” A phone was shoved into his face. It took him a moment to recognise the two people in the picture and then he saw… their former team head and Goh Jeongwoo. On what looked like a date, for him at least. For everyone unknown of their history perhaps not. “Doesn't it look like they're on a date? I was wondering when they would finally get this over with when it was so-” Changwook’s voice faded into the background as his eyes stayed glued to the picture. They both seemed to really enjoy themselves.
Then a wave of jealousy washed over Jeongsik.
How much he wanted this himself. With the one right to his side, even if it wasn't forever but only for a fleeting moment that would be over the next morning when they would wake up together.
And then another wave rushed over because he probably would never have the guts to ask him out anyway. Right ?
“Jeongsik,” it ripped him out of his train of thoughts. “Are you listening?”
He blinked, nodding. “I am. They surely are on a date, good for them.” Patting his shoulders, he sat back down on the opposite side of the desk again, feeling Changwook’s gaze following him, judging him silently but he didn't say a single word. He had probably reacted a little too serious.
It was a disaster.
One that was right there in the back of his mind right when they were called out, into the freezing cold that had settled between all the downpour and inside the car, to follow the track of someone they had been after for some time now. One that only got worse the longer he spent the evening hours away in the car, Changwook right next to him, eyes closed and resting against the window.
“I was hoping they would get to figure out their relationship while still here.” He said as a bird came to rest on the hood of the car, heavy rain drumming against it.
Jeongsik eyed him at these words. “Yeah so you could get on their nerves.” watching the bird for some moments he then continued. “What about us?”
“What?” Changwook looked at him, a crooked smile on his face now, holding back a laugh as his eyes followed something. “You want- “ He sat up in a rush, pointing outside where a line of street lights flickered. “Isn't that the guy we're supposed to catch? Get out!” He reached under his seat, of course pulling out an umbrella which he threw at him. “I only have one today, take it.”
The door of the car was already open before he could react, so he only followed suit, stepping out into the cold wet.
“Let's take different directions. Just to make sure.”
Words Jeongsik certainly did not want to hear as he saw him already rushing to the opposite way. He had become too well aware of the danger around them. A fact that had yet reached Changwook, or perhaps a fact he ignored because ever after Noh Sangcheol left, he became so reckless as if he was trying to make up for something he had ignored all the time. Like he was trying to make up for all the mistakes made in the past. Just that he didn't know he couldn't make up for them any longer, that he could only do better in the here and now. And this would only work by not getting himself in danger
It was eerily quiet when he followed the man around. The umbrella in his hand maybe shielded him from the rain, though not from the cold that sent shivers down his spine every now and then. Thoughts drifting anywhere but the most effective way to catch that man before Changwook could. He knew he was lost cause the moment he felt bad to have him run around without proper cover from the weather, dressed only in a light jacket more suitable for sunny days. Letting his cold hand run over his face, he sighed in defeat- there was no way that's what he thought of now , out of all times and places. He had lost it completely. And maybe Jeongsik would have laughed his own behavior off, if Changwook’s health and safety was so serious to him. Every day, every moment. Now, as he stepped into a large puddle of muddy water, soaking through his shoes immediately.
What a coincidence he called him right now, the silent vibration of the phone sounding so extremely loud in the quietness of the evening.
“Listen…” It came from the other line of the speaker. “I think I lost him.” Wet clothes shuffled and he heard him sniffle, then something toppled to the ground in a dull sound, curses muttered under breaths. “Can you come over?”
Right, they had linked each other's phones a while back. To his surprise it had been Changwook's who suggested it- having no idea just what it did to him at that moment. Probably so clueless when this was what couples would usually do.
“I will be there. Wait for me.”
It didn't take him long to arrive at a dark alley. The perfect spot for the next murder to occur. And that's also where spotted him. Leaning there, against the wall.
He couldn't help but stare at Changwook, who breathed heavily with the rain clinging onto him while right above, a neon sign tinting him in various kinds of colors. All pretty on him nonetheless. Jeongsik had always known, but it was this very moment that made him realize just how helplessly moonstruck he actually was for his best friend. He thought about all the time they spent together, at work, at each other's places. Those moments when he wanted more- more than just looks and the stupid endless flirting, dumb attempts to show what he actually felt. Tired of only feeling arms and legs brushing against his when they sat next to each other, when they slept in each other's beds, when he fell asleep on his lap.
Jeongsik watched as the rain soaked him up more and more- then he took those few steps forwards that separated them, right when Changwook turned to look at him and for a split second he could only see confusion arise in those eyes reflecting the lights in the alley and words about to spill out.
But Jeongsik’s lips were already on Changwook’s, capturing every single thing he wanted to say, the umbrella shielding them both not only from the rain but also from prying eyes.
In the dark silence of the evening, they were alone in the world, even if it was only for a moment. A moment that felt like forever as the rain dripped down around them, as he finally after such a long time took in the taste of those lips and drowned in his scent. Many weeks, even months, ago he would have easily been able to resist- had always, but now it had become impossible, couldn't do it any longer.
He pulled away not long after when he felt hands on his shoulder, grabbing the fabric of his jacket. Then it dawned on him what he had just done. And there were no excuses left, no dumb just an observation this time around. No oh just a misunderstanding, there was absolutely nothing he could say or do to justify it to Changwook.
“What was that?“ It came again, like earlier this morning. But this time around it sounded out of breath, confused and Jeongsik couldn't hold it against him. He would've been too. They had been friends for so long after all and now he had thrown it all over board for his feelings and a kiss that shouldnt mean anything. “Why would you do this?”
How should he tell him about his feelings, that he had always wanted to kiss him for such a long time, years? How it felt sleeping right next to him, breath grazing his neck while his arm was slung around him beneath the covers. How it felt being so tightly pressed against each other, sensing his warmth through clothes, as he tried desperately to not reach out, brush away hair and press kisses against his forehead. That for him maintaining a simple friendship had become so incredibly difficult.
“How come we know everything about each other yet you have no clue what I mean with this? You're so clueless.”
Jeongsik took a step back, a pained smile on his face even when he had expected such a reaction.
And even when he wished to deny those feelings, he couldn't. Not with the taste of his best friend still on his lips, not when he watched the rain settle in his hair while drops dripping from eyelashes and slowly making their way down over cheekbones and the mouth he had just kissed. There were so many things left unspoken, things he should spill out right here to get it over with but before he could even begin to, he heard Changwook hiss once. “Aside!” And then again before he dropped to the ground, cussing out under the rain that relentlessly poured down on him. Everything happened way too fast, Jeongsik didn't even know what was going on.
He had been way too focused on staring at someone.
“Why are you still here, go after him! “ He shouted now, as he tried to get up, wincing in pain instead, gesturing into a direction which he followed with his eyes.
And Jeongsik knew he probably should run after that guy, because they had been looking for him for so long and they would do the town a major favor catching him but then there was Changwook on the ground. Wet and in obvious pain, holding his arm.
Watch out for each other.
Pressing his eyes shut he let the guy escape as the footsteps slowly got swallowed by the darkness of the evening.
“Did you just let that man escape?”
“Yes. Definitely.”
Jeongsik got down on his knees, the umbrella right above them, this time as a shield, while cradling Changwook's arm in his hand- the frown on it his best friend's face pretty visible, directed at him.
“You're coming with me now.”
Noh Sangcheol’s words repeated themselves in his thoughts again as he dragged him up and with him.
Today it was just a knife, a simple cut. Who knew what would follow. Agitated and maybe a little too careless, Jeongsik pushed Changwook in the backseat car, following right after, slamming the door shut.
“Take off your jacket and let me treat your wound.” This time it was him who reached under the seat, pulling out a first aid kit. When he looked back up, Changwook had already taken off his jacket leaving him sitting there only with a rain drenched white sweater, revealing just how much fabric the knife had torn open early. Jeongsik furrowed his brows as he gently pushed up the sleeve, feeling him flinch under his touch. Luckily enough, the tip of the knife had grazed the skin only, marking it with a faint red line.
“Does it hurt?”
“Probably?” A snarky reply to a stupid question.
He disinfected it nonetheless because it was still a wound after all. Changwook sucked in a sharp breath, freeing his arm from the grip, but he pulled it right back.
“Yeah, it hurts”
Jeongsik clenched his jaw at the sound he let out. “You should take better care of yourself. You're not supposed to get yourself in danger, this wasn't what he meant. It was-”
He caught himself as his voice rose with each word.
“You've been acting strange.”
He would laugh if the words didn't feel like multiple stabs right through the chest. He would laugh if Changwook didn't sit right in front of him, halfway undressed- the clothes he still wore clinging to his shape, framing his body, the sweater making everything down to his skin visible.
“You're still wondering? After what happened in the alley?”
Changwook winced as he fixated the bandage around his arm. “Do you like me?” Soft spoken, but just as shocked, words filled the car and echoed in his ears.
For a moment the world stopped spinning and he froze in his movements.
"I don't.”
“Then why-”
He didn't know if he should tell him. So much was at stake to be lost forever. A colleague, a friendship, so much gossip and stupid jokes… a warm home and even more warm hands reaching for his when they were both about to fall asleep.
“I love you" his voice, filled with years of frustration and yearning as he said what he always wanted to say, words that were always on the tip of his tongue. There was a pained smile on his face, too as he was sure how this would end. "For so long now. But you being my best friend made it so difficult. I can't stop if you look at me like that.” He dropped the first aid kit to the ground only to be met with a gaze that could burn holes into his head, shifting into all kinds of emotions as Changwook swallowed down words and bit his lips, eyes in search of something in Jeongsik’s.
“Want to do it again?”
And he knew he probably shouldn't. What he should do instead was put distance between them, go back to resisting once more and pretend they were just friends. But those words and his voice worked on him like drugs.
Yet he didn't know why he was so helpless this time around, why he was run over with fear. Maybe because now Changwook knew about his feelings, what he truly thought of him, how he saw him, what he meant to him. Thinking that perhaps indulging more in it could ruin their friendship. But perhaps it was already ruined when Jeongsik felt him being pulled in closer and he could see the flushed cheeks on his friend's face.
Their mouths slanting across each others, and for a second he froze in surprise. Then he reached around the nape of Changwook’s neck to trap into a more passionate kiss which felt hot against the cold surrounding them.
Jeongsik’s fingers wandered over the drenched fabric of the shirt, slipping right under it, feeling wet skin against warm fingertips. They rested there, above Changwook ribs, feeling him gasping for air in futile attempts as the kiss only got more heated when his mouth opened and lips parted.
He knew it was wrong, so wrong to kiss not only his best friend but also the coworker he spent so much time around at work. But it was hardly possible to resist when a quiet moan left Changwook, who pulled away in surprise at his own noise, out of breath.
They looked at each other, hand still under his shirt and Jeongsik swore he could see a faint glister of tears in Changwook's eyes. A look he had never seen on him.
And god it made him feel so guilty.
“I’m sorry.” Was the only thing he could bring out as he pulled his hand away, the feeling of wet skin still at the tips of his fingers. “Let me-”
Arms wrapped themselves around his shoulders, dragging him right back into another kiss, only interrupted as Changwook whispered.
“Shouldn't… we continue this at home?”
But Jeongsik did not want to end this now, when his head swam and thoughts only circled around his body pressed against him. Not when those lips opened for him again and he heard those gasps fill the tiny space of the car. His hands glided over Jeongsik’s shoulders, digging into them to hold him into place so he had no chance to put distance between them again as he cupped Changwook's face, covering it in soft kisses, down the still wet neck.
“Or we dont.” They both murmured at the same time, hands slipping right under Jeongsik’s jacket.
“Lets just do it until I’m dry”