Archive of Our Own

1. Mi-na

Nam-gyu had always been careful. It wasn’t hard—he wasn’t the type to draw attention to himself. Most people at their college barely noticed him, which suited him just fine. The problem was, Mi-na wasn’t like most people.

She was friendly, persistent, and had a bad habit of dragging him into social situations he had no business being in.

“Come on, Nam-gyu, it’s just the mall. You can’t just study all weekend,” Mi-na said, leaning over his desk. “Besides, you owe me. Remember when I covered for you in econ class?”

Nam-gyu sighed. “You covered for me by saying I had food poisoning.”

“Exactly. I was convincing. You should be thanking me.”

He adjusted his glasses, glancing at his phone. A single message from Thanos sat unread. Meet me at the mall in 10.

The timing was horrible, but saying no to Mi-na was impossible. “Fine,” he muttered.

She grinned. “Knew you’d say yes!”

Nam-gyu arrived at the mall a little early, scanning the crowd for Thanos. He spotted him near a quiet bookstore, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Even in casual clothes, Thanos had a presence that was hard to ignore—tall, purple hair, and intimidating in a way that shouldn’t have been attractive but absolutely was.

“You're late, princess,” Thanos smirked as Nam-gyu approached. He grabbed Nam-gyu by the hand and pulled him close.

“Barely,” he replied, rolling his eyes. “Listen, there’s a problem—”

Before he could finish, he heard Mi-na’s voice behind him.

“Nam-gyu! You actually showed up early? That’s a first.”

His stomach dropped.

Thanos didn’t react immediately—years of keeping secrets had made him unreadable—but Nam-gyu saw the slight tension in his shoulders.

Thinking fast, Nam-gyu took a small step back, subtly putting distance between them. “Uh, yeah. I just got here.”

Mi-na stopped beside him, completely oblivious to the awkwardness. “Oh, hey. I know you,” she said, looking at Thanos. “You’re that hot guy from my english class. Thanos, right?”

Thanos gave a short nod. “Sure am.” He chuckled at her, ignoring the glare Nam-gyu sent his way for now.

Mi-na grinned. “Wow, I didn’t think you and Nam-gyu knew each other. This is great! We can all hang out together.”

Nam-gyu just narrowed his eyes more at that and put his hands in his sleeves.

Thanos, to his credit, played it cool. “Sure,” he said, expression unreadable.

The three of them walked through the mall, weaving past weekend shoppers as Mi-na chattered nonstop. She pointed at storefronts, listing every little thing she wanted to buy like she had an unlimited budget—which Nam-gyu knew for a fact she didn’t.

“Ooh, look at that bag! Do you think I could pull off that color? Or is it too much?” Mi-na asked, stopping in front of a designer store.

Nam-gyu, who had already resigned himself to this unwanted group outing, forced himself to answer. “It’s… fine.”

Mi-na rolled her eyes. “You’re terrible at this.” She turned to Thanos instead. “What do you think?”

Thanos, who had been walking slightly behind them with his hands in his pockets, barely hesitated. “It’s fine.”

Nam-gyu shot him a look, unimpressed. “Real original.”

Thanos shrugged. “You seemed like you knew what you were talking about.”

Mi-na laughed, completely unaware of the underlying tension. “You two are hopeless. Whatever, let’s check out the bookstore.”

Nam-gyu’s grip tightened on his phone. He had been looking forward to this—just an afternoon with Thanos, doing nothing, maybe getting coffee together. Instead, he was stuck third-wheeling his own date. He couldn’t even be openly annoyed about it.

Thanos, for his part, was handling it better. If he was irritated, he barely showed it. He just walked beside them, nodding occasionally when Mi-na asked him something, keeping his usual blank expression. But Nam-gyu knew him better than that. He noticed the way Thanos’s fingers tapped against his jeans—a small, restless habit that only showed up when he was trying to keep his cool.

Great. So they were both annoyed.

They reached the bookstore, and Mi-na rushed ahead, drawn in by a display of romance novels. Nam-gyu exhaled, finally getting a second to breathe.

“Sorry,” he muttered under his breath. “This is the worst.”

Thanos leaned in just slightly, voice low. “You’ll just have to make it up for me later then.”

Nam-gyu felt warmth creep up his neck but forced himself to glare. “Su-bong.”

Thanos just smirked, and Nam-gyu had to look away before he did something stupid—like smile back.

Mi-na turned around, holding up a book. “Oh! Have either of you read this one? It’s about secret lovers. Super dramatic.”

Nam-gyu nearly choked.

Thanos, the bastard, just smirked wider.

Mi-na flipped through the book, oblivious to the sudden stiffness in Nam-gyu’s shoulders. “It’s one of those ‘we have to pretend we’re not in love’ kind of stories. So much drama. One wrong move and—boom! Everything falls apart.”

Nam-gyu’s fingers curled into a fist at his side. He didn’t dare look at Thanos.

“That’s… nice,” he said, trying to sound normal.

Mi-na didn’t even glance up. “Right? I love the tension. Imagine having to act like total strangers when you’re actually together. Sounds exhausting.”

Nam-gyu forced a laugh, but it came out wrong. Too stiff. Too forced. His skin prickled with discomfort. This was exactly what he and Thanos had been doing for months—hiding, pretending, making sure no one got suspicious. And now, Mi-na was casually describing their situation like it was some kind of thrilling romance novel.

Thanos was quiet. Too quiet.

Nam-gyu risked a glance at him and immediately regretted it.

Thanos wasn’t looking at Mi-na or at the book—he was looking at him. And not in his usual unreadable way. His dark eyes held something sharper, something dangerous, something Nam-gyu had seen before but never in public.

It made his stomach flip.

He tore his gaze away, swallowing hard. “You should buy it,” he said quickly. “Sounds like something you’d like.”

Mi-na hummed, tilting her head. “Maybe. Or I’ll just find something better.” She put the book down and moved deeper into the store.

Nam-gyu exhaled. That was close. Too close.

Thanos took a step closer, just enough that their shoulders nearly touched. No one else would notice, but Nam-gyu felt the warmth of it, felt every bit of tension crackling between them.

“You’re bad at this,” Thanos murmured.

Nam-gyu scowled. “Shut up.”

Thanos smirked but didn’t push.

Mi-na called them over a moment later, and Nam-gyu walked ahead without another word. He needed distance. He needed space to think.

This was only the first time they almost got caught. And if this was how it felt—like a live wire humming between them, ready to spark at the wrong moment—he wasn’t sure how much longer they could keep this up.

They had been following Mi-na around for so long that Nam-gyu was starting to wonder if this was some kind of karmic punishment.

Mi-na moved from store to store like she had all the time in the world, pointing out things she wanted, trying on sunglasses she wasn’t going to buy, and giving commentary on every single couple she spotted.

“Ugh, look at them,” she muttered, nodding toward a pair near the food court. They were holding hands, completely wrapped up in their own little world. “Some people have no shame.”

Nam-gyu barely glanced at them. “They’re just holding hands.”

Mi-na scoffed. “Exactly.”

He bit back a sigh. If only she knew.

They walked in silence for a while—a miracle. Mi-na had finally stopped talking, too busy scrolling through her phone as they moved past a row of clothing stores.

And that’s when it happened.

It was stupid. Just a second of carelessness.

Nam-gyu wasn’t thinking—he was just tired. Tired of keeping distance. Tired of walking next to Thanos and pretending he didn’t want to touch him.

So when their hands brushed together, he didn’t pull away. Not immediately.

It was the smallest thing, but it sent a sharp current through him, a reminder that Thanos was right there. That he was real, solid, warm.

Thanos didn’t react at first. But then, slowly, his fingers curled slightly, just barely pressing against Nam-gyu’s for the briefest moment.

It was nothing. A second. Maybe less.

But it was everything.

Nam-gyu sucked in a breath, forcing himself to step away—just in time.

Mi-na, still staring at her phone, sighed dramatically. “Ugh, sorry, I was texting Se-mi. She says I’m indecisive.”

Nam-gyu forced his voice to sound normal. “I mean. As much as it pains me to say it, she’s right.”

Mi-na elbowed him. “Rude.”

She kept walking, completely unaware of what had just happened.

Nam-gyu didn’t look at Thanos. Didn’t dare.

Mi-na suddenly stopped walking, staring down at her phone like it had just insulted her.

“Ugh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”

Nam-gyu barely glanced up. “What?”

“I have to go.” She groaned, shoving her phone into her bag. “Se-mi’s freaking out over some dumb argument with her roommate, and if I don’t show up, she's gonna do something dramatic, and I really don’t have time for that today.”

Nam-gyu barely suppressed his relief. “Oh. Well. Too bad.”

Mi-na narrowed her eyes at him. “Wow. Try to sound a little more heartbroken, maybe?”

He cleared his throat. “I mean, that sucks. Have fun.”

She sighed, already turning away. “Whatever, I’ll text you later.” And just like that, she disappeared into the crowd.

For a moment, neither Nam-gyu nor Thanos moved.

Then, slowly, Nam-gyu smirked.

“Finally,” he muttered, turning to Thanos. “Come on.”

Thanos raised an eyebrow. “Where?”

Nam-gyu didn’t answer. He just grabbed Thanos by the wrist and dragged him.

Thanos didn’t resist—just let himself be pulled through the mall, down the steps, onto the streets. He didn’t even ask questions, which was dangerous. It meant he was interested. Curious.

Nam-gyu ignored it. Ignored everything. He just walked fast, moving through the familiar streets, keeping a firm grip on Thanos’s wrist until they reached his apartment.

The second the door shut behind them, the tension snapped.

Thanos grinned.

“Wow,” he said, voice deep, amused. “Couldn’t wait, huh?”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes, kicking off his shoes. “Shut up.”

Thanos leaned against the doorframe, watching him with that look. The one that made Nam-gyu’s skin feel too tight, like he was being dissected.

“You don’t usually bring me here, we spend most of our time at my house.” Thanos said, tilting his head.

Nam-gyu shrugged, walking over to the cluttered coffee table and pushing aside some random junk. “My place’s closer.”

Thanos just laughed and wandered into the kitchen like he owned the place, opening random cabinets. “You don’t have anything in here.”

Nam-gyu flopped onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, no shit.”

There was silence. Then, a slow, knowing hum.

“You’re acting weird today,” Thanos said.

Nam-gyu stiffened. “No, I’m not.”

Thanos leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “Yeah, you are. You got all pissy at Mi-na, then dragged me home like you had something urgent to do. But now you’re just sitting there.” His lips curled. “What’s up with that?”

Nam-gyu scowled. “I didn’t get ‘pissy.’”

Thanos raised an eyebrow.

Nam-gyu sighed, rubbing at his temples. “I just… I wanted to hang out with you. Without her ruining it.”

Thanos went quiet.

Too quiet.

Nam-gyu regretted speaking immediately.

Because now, Thanos was looking at him like he was interesting. Like he had figured something out.

Nam-gyu glared at him. “What?”

Thanos smirked. “Nothing.”

Nam-gyu didn’t believe him for a second.

But he was too tired to push.

So instead, he reached for the half-finished bottle on the table, unscrewed the cap, and took a sip.

Thanos watched him carefully. “How much have you been using lately?”

Nam-gyu scoffed, swallowing the burn. “Like you’re one to talk.”

Thanos chuckled, low and dark. “Fair.”

But he still took the bottle from him, taking a long sip before setting it aside. And when he sat down next to Nam-gyu—too close, warm, familiar—Nam-gyu didn’t stop him.

He didn’t want to.

Because for once, they didn’t have to pretend.

And for now, that was enough.

2. Gyeong-su

The club was packed.

Nam-gyu had been working at Pentagon long enough to know when a night was going to be a nightmare, and the second he saw the crowd pushing toward the stage, he knew.

It was Thanos’s fault.

Of course, it was his fault.

The guy was loud, reckless, and—for some reason—insanely popular. It didn’t matter that he showed up to class looking half-dead most of the time. When he was on stage, people loved him. The way he gripped the mic, the way he moved, the way he let his voice slip into something raw, something too much.

Nam-gyu never watched.

Not really.

He was busy working—obviously. He had drinks to serve, idiots to deal with, and a whole list of things to do that had nothing to do with the way Thanos’s voice sounded through the speakers.

But sometimes—just sometimes—he’d glance over.

Just for a second.

And every time, he’d regret it.

Because Thanos was always looking back.

Smirking. Like he knew. Like he could see right through him.

It was annoying.

And now, as the show ended and the club settled into the after-buzz of it all, Nam-gyu was not looking forward to what came next.

Because he knew exactly what Thanos was going to do.

And worse—he knew exactly who was here to witness it.

“Dude.”

Nam-gyu barely had time to react before Gyeong-su slammed down at the bar, grinning like an idiot.

“Did you see that?” Gyeong-su asked, eyes still lit with excitement. “That was sick.”

Nam-gyu sighed. Here we go.

“Sure,” he muttered, wiping down the counter. “If you like that kind of thing.”

Gyeong-su gasped. “If—? Nam-gyu, what the hell does that mean? Thanos was on fire tonight.”

“Thanos is always on fire,” Nam-gyu deadpanned. “That’s literally his whole thing.”

Gyeong-su shook his head. “No, no, tonight was different. He was—” He hesitated, eyes narrowing. “Actually, now that I think about it…”

Nam-gyu froze.

“…He was looking over here a lot.”

Nam-gyu forced himself to stay casual. “Huh. Weird.”

Gyeong-su stared at him. “Are you sure you don’t know him?”

“I do know him,” Nam-gyu shot back. “We go to the same school.”

“Yeah, but I mean, like—”

“Yo.”

Nam-gyu tensed.

Of course.

Of course Thanos picked this exact moment to show up.

He was still slightly breathless from the show, sweat clinging to his skin, dark hair messy from performing. He looked—

Nope. Not thinking about that.

Thanos smirked, ignoring Gyeong-su completely as he leaned against the counter. “Well?”

Nam-gyu blinked. “What?”

Thanos raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you gonna tell me how great I was?”

Nam-gyu scoffed, arms crossing. “I’m working.”

Thanos tilted his head. “And?”

“And,” Nam-gyu said, glaring, “I don’t have time to kiss your ass like all your other fans.”

Gyeong-su choked on his drink. “Excuse me?”

Thanos laughed.

“You’re no fun,” Thanos muttered, pushing off the counter.

That annoying, low chuckle that made Nam-gyu’s stomach feel like it was free-falling.

Gyeong-su, completely oblivious, grumbled into his drink. “Man, I wish I knew him like that.”

Nam-gyu ignored him.

Because right then, Gyeong-su’s phone buzzed, and after one glance at the screen, he sighed. “I’ll be back. Need to hit the toilet real quick.”

Nam-gyu didn’t waste a second.

The moment Gyeong-su disappeared into the crowd, he was already moving.

He knew where Thanos had gone—backstage, toward the dressing rooms. The club was still too loud, music thrumming through the walls, but Nam-gyu had been working here long enough to navigate it blind. He slipped past the bar, past the security guy who didn’t bother stopping him, and straight through the back hallway until—

Thanos was leaning against the wall, checking his phone like he wasn’t just waiting for him.

Nam-gyu didn’t even let him speak.

He grabbed him by the collar and kissed him.

Thanos barely had time to react. His phone slipped from his fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud, but neither of them cared.

Nam-gyu poured everything into it. Every second of frustration, every second of pretending, every second of watching Thanos from across the room and having to act like he didn’t want him.

Thanos groaned softly against his lips, fingers tightening around Nam-gyu’s waist, pulling him closer until there was nothing between them.

It was messy. Desperate. Needed.

And Nam-gyu didn’t realize how badly he’d been craving this until now—until he had Thanos right here, tasting like cheap beer and adrenaline, still warm from the stage lights.

Thanos smirked against his lips. “Wow,” he muttered, voice breathless. “Couldn’t wait, huh?”

Nam-gyu bit his lip. Hard.

Thanos hissed, but he was grinning.

“You’re insufferable,” Nam-gyu muttered.

Thanos just chuckled, hands sliding down his back, fingers dipping beneath the hem of his shirt, slow and teasing. “And yet, here you are.”

Thanos’s hands were still on him when they heard it.

“Nam-gyu? Where the hell did you go?”

Nam-gyu tensed. His stomach plummeted.

Thanos—of course—had the nerve to laugh.

Nam-gyu shoved him back. Hard. “Shut up.”

Thanos smirked, breath still uneven. “What? You scared?”

Nam-gyu glared. His heart was still racing, his lips tingling from the kiss, and the last thing he needed was for Gyeong-su to come storming down the hallway and see.

So he took a step back. Then another. And it was stupid how much he hated it.

Thanos watched him pull away, his eyes dark, his tongue running over his lower lip like he was memorizing the taste of him. Like he was already planning the next time.

Nam-gyu hated him.

But he still grabbed his wrist and dragged him back before they could do anything stupider.

As they stepped back into the main club, the music hit them full force again, the neon lights, the suffocating heat of the crowd. It felt like being yanked out of something dangerous—something they shouldn’t have touched.

Gyeong-su spotted them immediately. “Dude, where’d you go?”

Nam-gyu forced himself to look bored. “Bathroom.”

Gyeong-su frowned. “Really? ‘Cause I was just—”

Thanos clapped a hand on his shoulder, cutting him off. “You were saying something earlier about how great I was?”

Gyeong-su immediately forgot whatever he was about to say. “Oh—right! Dude, that was insane. That last song—”

Nam-gyu exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair as Gyeong-su launched into another rant about Thanos’s performance.

Thanos didn’t look at him.

But his fingers brushed against Nam-gyu’s—just slightly, just for a second.

And Nam-gyu felt it everywhere.

3. Min-su

The apartment was dimly lit, the only real light coming from the neon glow of the city outside. Music played low from some speaker Thanos had forgotten to turn off, but neither of them were paying attention to it.

Nam-gyu barely registered the way his back pressed into the couch, the way Thanos hovered over him, warm and heavy.

Because all he could focus on was Thanos’s mouth.

The way he kissed—like he was trying to win. Like he thought this was a game, and he had to prove something.

It was annoying.

And Nam-gyu should have hated it.

But instead, he pulled him closer.

His hands fisted in Thanos’s stupidly soft hair, tugging just to hear the low groan he gave in response. He could feel the way Thanos grinned against his lips, cocky as always, before tilting his head to deepen the kiss—

Ding-dong.

They both froze.

For a second, neither of them moved.

Nam-gyu had half a mind to ignore it.

But then—

Ding-dong. Ding-dong. Ding-dong.

Thanos pulled back, scowling. “Are you serious right now?”

Nam-gyu sighed, letting his head fall back against the couch. Why. Why did the universe hate him?

Thanos exhaled sharply before making a move to get up, but Nam-gyu shoved him back down. “I’ll get it.”

Thanos blinked. “What? No, just let them leave.”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes, already getting up. “What if it’s important?”

Thanos groaned. “It’s not.”

Nam-gyu ignored him.

He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it down as he made his way to the door, still feeling the heat of Thanos’s hands on his skin.

The person outside rang the doorbell again.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” Nam-gyu muttered, unlocking the door and swinging it open with zero patience.

“What the hell do you—”

And then he froze.

Because standing there, looking like he was about to pass out, was Min-su.

For a split second, Nam-gyu just stared.

Min-su stared back.

His wide eyes flicked over Nam-gyu’s face—flushed, lips still slightly swollen, hair messy—and then his gaze darted past him, into the apartment, where Thanos was still on the couch, his shirt slightly rumpled, an undeniable smirk already forming.

Min-su’s face turned pale.

Nam-gyu snapped out of it.

His expression hardened instantly, jaw tightening as he shoved the door further open, blocking Min-su’s view. “What the hell do you want?”

Min-su flinched. “I—I left my jacket here.”

Nam-gyu narrowed his eyes. “So you decided to show up now?”

Min-su swallowed. “I—it’s cold outside.”

Thanos snickered from the couch.

Nam-gyu wanted to strangle him.

He inhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay calm—normal. There was nothing suspicious here. Nothing weird. Just two totally normal guys sitting in an apartment doing totally normal things.

“Your jacket,” Nam-gyu repeated flatly.

Min-su nodded. Aggressively. “Yes.”

Nam-gyu sighed, glancing back at the couch—where, of course, the jacket was.

Right where he and Thanos had been seconds ago.

He stalked over, grabbed it, and shoved it at Min-su’s chest without another word.

“There. Now leave.”

Min-su barely caught it. “R-Right! Thanks!”

Nam-gyu was already closing the door in his face.

“Wait!”

Nam-gyu froze, eyes narrowing. “What.”

Min-su shifted awkwardly. “Uh. I just—I didn’t mean to interrupt anything—”

Behind Nam-gyu, Thanos cackled.

“Oh my God,” Nam-gyu hissed, rubbing his temple. “You didn’t interrupt anything.”

Min-su did not look convinced. “Are you sure? Because I think—”

Nam-gyu stepped forward, and Min-su immediately shut up.

“Did. You. Need. Anything. Else?” Nam-gyu said slowly.

Min-su shook his head violently. “Nope! I’ll—uh—I’ll go now!”

Nam-gyu didn’t wait. The door slammed shut.

Silence.

And then—

Thanos lost it.

He practically slid off the couch, laughing so hard he couldn’t breathe.

Nam-gyu turned, arms crossed. “Shut up.”

Thanos wheezed, wiping at his eyes. “You should’ve seen your face.”

Nam-gyu scowled. “I hate you.”

Thanos grinned. “Yeah? Prove it.”

Ding-dong.

Nam-gyu froze.

Thanos—still grinning from earlier—immediately perked up. “Oh, no way.”

Nam-gyu whipped around, his eye twitching. No. No, there was no way.

Ding-dong. Ding-dong. Ding-dong.

Thanos burst out laughing.

Nam-gyu saw red.

“What the—” He stormed back to the door, ripped it open, and—of course.

There was Min-su.

Still standing there. Looking genuinely terrified.

Nam-gyu clenched his teeth. “What.”

Min-su flinched. “I—I also forgot my hat.”

Nam-gyu was going to kill him.

Behind him, Thanos snorted.

Nam-gyu slowly turned his head. “Don’t.”

Thanos raised his hands, still grinning. “I didn’t say anything.”

Nam-gyu glared.

But then—Thanos actually stood up, sauntering over like he was enjoying this.

“Come on, my boy,” Thanos said, clapping a hand on Min-su’s shoulder like they were best friends. “You’ve gotta keep better track of your stuff.”

Min-su went stiff.

Nam-gyu’s fingers twitched.

Thanos wasn’t even doing anything. Just standing there, grinning, being his usual cocky self. But something about the way he leaned in, the way Min-su didn’t immediately flinch away, the way Thanos was suddenly playing the chill, nice guy—

Nam-gyu hated it.

“Where’s the stupid hat?” he muttered, scanning the room violently.

Thanos chuckled. “Easy there, babe.”

Nam-gyu stiffened.

Thanos winked. “Wouldn’t want Min-su getting the wrong idea.”

Min-su looked like he was about to pass out.

Nam-gyu nearly launched the nearest object at Thanos’s head.

But instead—he found the hat. Snatched it up. Practically threw it at Min-su.

“Take it and leave.”

Min-su scrambled to grab it. “Y-yeah! Thanks! Bye!”

And then he ran.

Nam-gyu slammed the door again.

Silence.

Thanos was grinning.

Nam-gyu turned slowly. “I’m going to kill you.”

Thanos just laughed. “Aww, are you jealous?”

Nam-gyu’s eye twitched.

Thanos leaned in, way too amused. “Didn’t know you cared so much, babe.”

Nam-gyu punched him in the stomach.

Thanos wheezed.

Nam-gyu took a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Try not to murder your own boyfriend.

Then—click.

He locked the door. Firmly.

Thanos, still recovering from the punch to the stomach, straightened up, rubbing his ribs with a half-amused, half-winded chuckle. “Damn, babe. That was uncalled for.”

Nam-gyu didn’t answer.

Instead, he turned on his heel, crossed the room in three steps, and shoved Thanos back onto the couch.

Thanos barely had time to react. “Whoa—”

Nam-gyu climbed on top of him, straddling his hips, hands gripping his shoulders like he was trying to pin him in place.

Thanos blinked up at him, surprised for exactly two seconds.

Then, that familiar, cocky grin spread across his face. “Ohhh. So you are jealous.”

Nam-gyu didn’t dignify that with a response.

Instead, he grabbed Thanos’s stupid face and kissed him. Hard.

Thanos groaned, hands immediately sliding up Nam-gyu’s back, gripping his waist like he’d been waiting for this.

Which, to be fair—he had.

Nam-gyu kissed him roughly, teeth barely restrained, pouring every ounce of frustration into it. The way Thanos had been teasing him all night, the way Min-su kept interrupting, the way Thanos called him ‘babe’ in front of other people like he could get away with it—

Thanos bit his lip. Hard.

Nam-gyu shuddered.

Then Thanos pulled back, lips kiss-swollen and smug. “You know,” he murmured, voice low and teasing, “if you wanted my attention so bad, you could’ve just said so.”

Nam-gyu glared.

And then kissed him again.

Thanos’s hands were everywhere.

Sliding up Nam-gyu’s back, gripping his waist, pressing against the small of his back to pull him in closer. Nam-gyu could still feel the heat of his stupid smirk against his lips, still hear the way Thanos laughed between kisses, breathless and smug.

It only made him angrier.

Not because he didn’t like it.

But because he did.

And because Thanos knew.

Nam-gyu’s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling just enough to make Thanos grunt. His other hand moved lower, gripping Thanos’s wrist—

And yanking his phone right out of his pocket.

Thanos barely reacted, still dazed from the kiss. “Huh?”

Nam-gyu pulled back, just enough to glare down at him. “What’s your passcode?”

Thanos blinked up at him, eyes half-lidded, lips still kiss-swollen. “What?”

Nam-gyu held up the phone. “The code. Now.”

Thanos smirked. “Babe, if you wanted to go through my phone, you could’ve just—”

Nam-gyu elbowed him.

Thanos wheezed. “Fine! Your birthday—shit, you’re actually insane.”

Nam-gyu ignored him.

He unlocked the phone, scrolled through Thanos’s messages, and found Min-su’s name.

Thanos finally noticed.

“Wait, wait, wait—” He started sitting up, but Nam-gyu shoved him back down.

“Too late.”

And before Thanos could stop him, Nam-gyu typed out a message.

"Go fuck yourself and die."

And hit send.

Thanos stared.

Then, slowly, he started laughing. “Oh my God. You’re actually insane.”

Nam-gyu locked the phone and tossed it aside. “Maybe.”

Thanos was still laughing. “Dude, Min-su’s gonna piss himself.”

“Good.”

Thanos grinned up at him, hands still lazily resting on Nam-gyu’s hips. “Damn. Didn’t know you were the possessive type.”

Nam-gyu grabbed his face, squeezing his cheeks together hard. “Shut up.”

Thanos was still grinning. “Make me.”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes—

And kissed him again.

Meanwhile Min-su sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel with both hands, staring at his phone like it was a live bomb.

His brain had been spiraling ever since he left Thanos’s apartment, replaying everything in his head.

The locked door.

The way Nam-gyu had ripped it open like he was ready to commit actual murder.

The way both of them had looked—disheveled, flushed, irritated—like he’d interrupted something.

And now—

Now.

He blinked at his screen again.

Thanos: Go fuck yourself and die.

Min-su sucked in a sharp breath.

He knew Nam-gyu hated him. He’d always known. But this? This was—aggressive.

His hands hovered over the keyboard, debating whether to respond, to apologize, to just drive home and pretend he never existed.

But before he could do anything, his phone buzzed again.

This time, a new message.

Thanos: ignore that, my boy. My baby is just throwing a tantrum <3

Min-su froze.

His what.

His baby?

Min-su’s brain blue-screened.

Nam-gyu.

Nam-gyu and Thanos.

He suddenly remembered the way Nam-gyu had practically thrown himself on Thanos, the way Thanos had teased him like

it was normal, the way Nam-gyu had been so furious, so defensive, so unlike himself.

It all clicked.

“Oh my god,” Min-su whispered.

He needed to leave.

Right now.

He tossed his phone into the passenger seat, turned on the engine, and peeled out of the parking lot like his life depended on it.

Because if Nam-gyu ever found out that he knew—

He was so dead.

4. Jun-hee

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city streets as Nam-gyu walked alongside Jun-hee, hands stuffed in his pockets, the faint scent of freshly baked waffles drifting from the ice cream shop ahead.

He wasn’t really in the mood for sweets, but Jun-hee had insisted—and for some reason, he always found himself giving in when it came to her.

“Okay,” she sighed dramatically, rubbing her stomach. “I don’t care what you say, I’m getting the biggest sundae they have.”

Nam-gyu snorted. “You’re gonna make your kid diabetic before they’re even born.”

Jun-hee rolled her eyes. “My kid deserves joy. Unlike you, apparently.”

Nam-gyu scoffed but didn’t argue.

They stepped inside, and the shop’s AC hit them immediately, sending a small shiver down Nam-gyu’s spine. The place smelled like sugar and childhood, and the walls were painted in soft pastels, the kind of place that normally made Nam-gyu cringe.

But Jun-hee liked it.

And since she was paying, he figured he could tolerate it.

As they approached the counter, Jun-hee studied the menu like it was a life-changing decision.

“Hmmm,” she mused, tapping her chin. “I could get the chocolate fudge explosion, but the strawberry dream looks good too—”

Nam-gyu sighed. “Just get both.”

Jun-hee gasped. “Nam-gyu. Are you encouraging my cravings?”

“No,” he deadpanned. “I’m encouraging you to hurry the hell up so we don’t stand here all day.”

She smirked. “Aww. You care.”

“Shut up.”

Jun-hee laughed but placed her order, both sundaes included. Nam-gyu just got a simple scoop of vanilla, because unlike her, he wasn’t ridiculous.

They took a seat by the window, the soft hum of the shop’s music playing in the background as Jun-hee happily dug into her ice cream like it was the best thing she’d ever tasted.

Nam-gyu took slow, unbothered bites of his own, watching her with mild amusement. “You act like you’ve never eaten before.”

Jun-hee pointed her spoon at him. “Don’t judge me. You’ve never had a pregnancy craving.”

“Yeah, and I never will.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, for your information, ice cream tastes like heaven right now.”

Nam-gyu smirked. “You’d probably say that about pickles and peanut butter too.”

Jun-hee made a guilty face.

Nam-gyu stared.

“…No.”

He leaned forward. “Jun-hee.”

She avoided eye contact, suddenly very focused on her sundae. “Shut up.”

“Oh my god.” Nam-gyu grinned. “You’re disgusting.”

Jun-hee kicked him under the table.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the kind that only real friends could have.

Nam-gyu didn’t have many people he actually liked. But Jun-hee?

She was alright.

“Thanks for coming with me,” she said after a moment, swirling her spoon in the melted ice cream. “It’s nice not eating alone for once.”

Nam-gyu shrugged. “It’s whatever.”

She smiled at him. A real smile. One that made something in his chest feel weird.

He quickly shoved another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth, looking away.

Jun-hee chuckled. “You’re such an ass, but I think you actually have a heart somewhere in there.”

Nam-gyu scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t push it.”

She just laughed, taking another bite of her sundae.

Nam-gyu had just taken another slow bite of his ice cream when his phone buzzed.

He barely glanced at it at first, but then—another buzz. And another.

Three messages in a row.

He sighed, pulling his phone out of his pocket and unlocking it with one hand.

Thanos [8:32 PM]: babe

Thanos [8:32 PM]: i’m lonely

Thanos [8:33 PM]: and bored

Nam-gyu exhaled through his nose, fighting back a smirk. This idiot.

He typed back quickly.

Nam-gyu [8:34 PM]: go bother someone else. i’m out.

Almost immediately—

Thanos [8:34 PM]: out? where

Thanos [8:34 PM]: who r u with

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes.

Nam-gyu [8:35 PM]: jun-hee.

He hit send just as he felt eyes on him.

Jun-hee was watching him curiously, spoon hanging out of her mouth.

“Who’s that?” she asked, words slightly muffled.

Nam-gyu froze.

For half a second, he debated lying. Saying it was no one, or a classmate, or anything that wouldn’t cause questions.

But then his phone buzzed again.

Loudly.

Jun-hee’s eyes narrowed. “Oh-ho. What was that?”

Nam-gyu clicked his tongue. “None of your business.”

Jun-hee’s grin widened. “Oh, it is so my business now.”

Nam-gyu stuffed his phone back into his pocket.

Jun-hee leaned forward, smirking. “Wait. Is it a girl?”

Nam-gyu nearly choked on his ice cream.

Jun-hee gasped, slapping the table. “Oh my god. It is, isn’t it?”

Nam-gyu wiped his mouth aggressively. “No.”

Jun-hee gasped louder. “It is.”

Nam-gyu glared at her. “I just said no, dumbass.”

She ignored him completely. “Who is she? Do I know her? Oh my god, is she from our school? Do you actually have a secret girlfriend?”

Nam-gyu groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Jun-hee.”

She giggled. “This is amazing. I never thought I’d see the day—”

Nam-gyu leaned forward, lowering his voice. “If you don’t shut up, I’m gonna throw your sundae in the trash.”

Jun-hee’s smile vanished.

She immediately pulled her ice cream closer, eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Nam-gyu raised a brow. “Try me.”

They locked eyes in a silent battle.

And then—Jun-hee huffed, slumping back into her seat. “Fine. Whatever. I’ll let you keep your mystery woman to yourself.”

Nam-gyu exhaled, relieved.

But then—

She suddenly grinned again. “For now.”

Nam-gyu clenched his jaw. God, she was annoying.

His phone buzzed again.

Thanos [8:38 PM]: tell jun-hee i said hi ;)

Nam-gyu bit back a groan.

Because if Jun-hee ever found out it wasn’t a mystery woman he was texting, but instead his ridiculously clingy, obnoxiously loud, and equally idiotic boyfriend—

She would never. Let it. Go.

Nam-gyu exhaled, relieved.

But the peace barely lasted five seconds before his phone buzzed again.

Thanos [8:38 PM]: sooo what r u guys doing

Nam-gyu ignored it.

Another buzz.

Thanos [8:38 PM]: are u talking shit about me

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes.

Another buzz.

Thanos [8:39 PM]: u better not be cheating on me rn

Nam-gyu nearly snorted out loud. He quickly composed himself, typed a fast reply.

Nam-gyu [8:39 PM]: ur so fucking annoying

Thanos’s response was instant.

Thanos [8:39 PM]: yeah but u love me anyway <3

Nam-gyu’s face twitched.

And then—another buzz.

Thanos [8:40 PM]: wait. is she talking abt me rn

Nam-gyu frowned.

Nam-gyu [8:40 PM]: wtf r u talking about

Thanos [8:40 PM]: bro she’s totally asking who ur texting, isn’t she

Nam-gyu froze.

Then slowly glanced up.

Jun-hee was staring at him.

Spoon still halfway to her mouth, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“…You’re acting weird,” she said slowly.

Nam-gyu clicked his tongue. “I’m always like this.”

“No.” She leaned in. “You keep checking your phone, and I feel like you’re trying really hard not to smile.”

Nam-gyu scowled. “I don’t smile.”

Jun-hee raised a brow. “Right.”

Another buzz.

Nam-gyu shut his eyes.

Thanos [8:41 PM]: bro ur so bad at lying lmaooo

Thanos [8:41 PM]: just tell her ur texting ur super hot sexy boyfriend :P

Nam-gyu’s eye twitched.

Jun-hee noticed. “Oho. That was a strong reaction. What did they say?”

“Nothing.”

Jun-hee grinned. “Oh my god. It’s totally something.”

Nam-gyu shoved his phone back into his pocket. “Drop it.”

Jun-hee pouted. “You’re no fun.”

“Never claimed to be.”

She let out a dramatic sigh. “Fineee, I’ll let you have your mysterious secret texts. For now.”

Nam-gyu nodded, finally relaxing. He had barely taken another bite of his ice cream when his phone buzzed again.

Not a text this time.

A call.

And when he glanced at the screen—

Thanos.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

His eyes darted up to Jun-hee, who was watching him again, a knowing smirk already forming.

“Who is it?” she asked, voice way too smug.

Nam-gyu clenched his jaw. He could not let her hear Thanos’s dumbass voice. Not when Thanos had the subtlety of a brick and the self-control of a five-year-old.

“I need to take this,” he muttered, already standing up.

Jun-hee gasped dramatically. “Ohhh, is it your secret lover?”

Nam-gyu ignored her completely as he headed straight for the restroom.

The call was still ringing as he pushed the door open, stepping into the empty space. He locked the door, leaned against the sink, and finally answered.

“What?” he snapped, voice low.

Thanos’s voice came through immediately.

“BABE!”

Nam-gyu flinched at the sheer volume.

“Jesus fucking Christ, why are you yelling?”

“I missed you,” Thanos whined. “You’ve been ignoring me all night.”

Nam-gyu pinched the bridge of his nose. “I told you I was busy.”

“I know, but I got lonely,” Thanos whined again. “And also, the guys are boring as shit. I need my boyfriend to entertain me.”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes. “I’m not your personal clown, dumbass.”

Thanos gasped. “Excuse me? After all the joy and happiness I bring into your life?”

“Joy and happiness?” Nam-gyu deadpanned. “You just gave me a migraine five seconds ago.”

Thanos cackled.

Nam-gyu sighed. “Is that all you called for?”

“Nope,” Thanos said cheerfully. “I also wanted to hear your voice.”

Nam-gyu felt his face heat up immediately. “You’re so fucking annoying.”

“And yet,” Thanos grinned through the phone, “you still picked up.”

Nam-gyu gritted his teeth.

Thanos hummed. “So. You’re with Jun-hee, huh?”

“Yeah,” Nam-gyu muttered. “We’re getting ice cream.”

“Sounds fake. I think you’re actually on a secret date with another man.”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes. “I’d rather die.”

Thanos snickered. “But I’m another man.”

“That’s different.”

“Because?”

Nam-gyu scowled. “Because I tolerate you.”

Thanos laughed. “Damn, babe, say it with a little more emotion next time.”

Nam-gyu huffed. “If you’re just calling to be a dumbass, I’m hanging up.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Thanos said quickly. “Before you go, can I ask for one thing?”

Nam-gyu narrowed his eyes. “…What.”

“Send me a pic.”

Nam-gyu stared. “What?”

“A pic,” Thanos repeated. “Y’know, so I can admire my gorgeous boyfriend while I suffer in loneliness.”

Nam-gyu made a disgusted face. “You’re so fucking weird.”

Thanos laughed. “And yet, you’re still dating me.”

Nam-gyu sighed aggressively. “Fine. But I’m sending you the dumbest, ugliest photo of myself.”

Thanos gasped. “Babe. No such thing exists.”

“Kill yourself.”

“Love you too.”

Nam-gyu hung up before Thanos could say anything else, shoving his phone back in his pocket.

He took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair, and tried to compose himself.

Then, finally, he unlocked the bathroom door—

Only to see Jun-hee standing right there, arms crossed, smirking.

“Sooo.” She grinned. “Who were you talking to?”

Nam-gyu groaned, running a hand down his face.

“Piss off, Jun-hee.”

Jun-hee gasped, placing a hand on her chest like she was offended. “Wow. That’s how you treat your pregnant friend? After I just treated you to ice cream?”

“Yes.” Nam-gyu brushed past her. “Now, are we gonna sit here all night, or are you done being annoying?”

Jun-hee grinned as she followed him back to their table. “Oh no, I’m just getting started.”

Nam-gyu sat down aggressively.

Jun-hee plopped into her seat, grabbing her spoon again. “Sooo. Was it your mystery woman?”

Nam-gyu exhaled slowly. “I’m not doing this with you.”

“You were gone for a while.” She took a bite of ice cream, still smirking. “Was it a juicy conversation? Maybe a little flirting?”

Nam-gyu stared at her. “Do you ever shut up?”

She ignored him. “Oh my god, did they ask for a picture of you? That’s why you were in the bathroom so long, huh?”

Nam-gyu glared. “Do you want me to dump your sundae on your head?”

Jun-hee giggled. “You wouldn’t. I’m carrying a child.”

“Then I’ll dump it on the table,” Nam-gyu muttered, stabbing his spoon into his own ice cream. “So eat faster.”

Jun-hee pouted. “You’re such a killjoy.”

“Sure,” Nam-gyu mocked, “you still hang out with me tho.”

Jun-hee snickered. “Touche.”

They lapsed into a semi-comfortable silence, the sounds of their spoons scraping against their cups filling the air.

Nam-gyu took slow, methodical bites, finally feeling some peace—

Until Jun-hee spoke again.

“…You know, I think this is the first time I’ve seen

you actually care about someone like this.”

Nam-gyu paused mid-bite.

“Like, you’re obviously trying to act cool, but you totally like them,” Jun-hee continued, grinning. “It’s kinda cute.”

Nam-gyu chewed slowly, pretending that didn’t just hit a little too close to home.

“…Shut up,” he muttered, shoving another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

Jun-hee laughed.

And for once—just once—he let it slide.

5. Se-mi

Se-mi was lounging on Thanos’ couch, one leg kicked up over the armrest, lazily scrolling through her phone when the front door burst open.

The sudden slam made her jolt upright, but Thanos—who was sprawled across the floor, casually flicking a lighter open and closed—didn’t even flinch.

“I hate everyone,” Nam-gyu announced aggressively as he stormed inside, kicking the door shut behind him.

Se-mi raised a brow. “That’s not new.”

Thanos grinned. “Aw, babe, you hate me too?”

Nam-gyu tossed his bag onto the floor, hard enough to shake the table. “Yes.”

Thanos snickered.

Se-mi glanced between them, smirking. “Rough shift?”

Nam-gyu threw himself onto the couch with a frustrated groan, tilting his head back against the cushions. “I had to deal with so many drunk assholes tonight.”

Thanos crawled onto the couch, grinning. “Did you threaten to kill them?”

Nam-gyu scowled. “Obviously.”

Thanos cackled. “That’s my boy.”

Se-mi watched them, amused. “You really should quit that job.”

Nam-gyu scoffed. “And do what instead? Work at a coffee shop like some loser?”

“Wow,” Se-mi deadpanned. “You say that like I don’t literally work at a coffee shop.”

Nam-gyu waved a lazy hand. “You’re built for it. I’m not.”

Thanos snorted. “Yeah, right, I can’t really imagine you smiling at customers all day.”

Nam-gyu shot him a look. “No one said anything about smiling.”

Se-mi rolled her eyes. “You’re such a menace.”

Nam-gyu grinned. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Se-mi huffed, flicking his leg. “Unfortunately.”

Thanos stretched out beside him, draping himself dramatically across the couch. “Why don’t you let me take care of you instead, babe? Be my hot little househusband.”

Se-mi nearly choked.

Nam-gyu’s head whipped around so fast his neck almost snapped.

“What the fuck did you just say?”

Thanos grinned wider. “I’m just saying, wouldn’t it be nice? You could stay home, cook, clean, look pretty—”

Nam-gyu punched him in the arm.

“OW!” Thanos cackled, rubbing the sore spot. “Damn, at least let me finish my fantasy before getting violent.”

Nam-gyu huffed, crossing his arms. “You’re an idiot.”

Se-mi was still trying not to die laughing.

Thanos pouted dramatically. “Come on, princess, I’m serious. Let me take care of you.”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes. “You can’t even take care of yourself.”

Se-mi snickered. “He’s got a point.”

Thanos sighed, collapsing against Nam-gyu’s shoulder. “You’re both so mean to me.”

Nam-gyu stiffened for half a second before shoving him off. “Get off me, dumbass.”

Thanos only laughed harder, sprawling out even more.

Se-mi watched the whole thing, biting back a smirk.

She had seen a lot of Thanos’ weird-ass friendships over the years. But with Nam-gyu, it was… different.

He let Thanos get away with way too much.

And if she didn’t know any better…

She’d say Nam-gyu didn’t actually hate it.

Se-mi leaned back against the couch, watching as Thanos sprawled himself across Nam-gyu’s lap like some oversized housecat.

Nam-gyu immediately tensed. “Get off.”

“Nah.” Thanos grinned up at him. “I’m comfy.”

Se-mi snorted. “You’re gonna get kicked.”

Thanos shrugged, arms folded behind his head. “I like living on the edge.”

Nam-gyu exhaled sharply, his fingers twitching like he was two seconds away from strangling him.

Se-mi had to admit—this was entertaining as hell.

“You’re acting bold as shit today,” she mused, resting her chin in her palm. “What, you miss him or something?”

Thanos grinned. “Obviously.”

Nam-gyu’s eye twitched. “Stop talking.”

Se-mi raised a brow. “Damn. You really just admitting it like that?”

“Why not?” Thanos laughed. “I always miss my baby when he’s gone.”

Nam-gyu’s entire body went rigid.

Se-mi grinned. Oh, this was too good.

“Baby?” she repeated. “That’s new.”

Nam-gyu grabbed a couch pillow and slammed it down onto Thanos’ face.

Se-mi cackled.

Thanos just laughed harder, muffled against the fabric. “Aww, babe, you’re so shy.”

Nam-gyu pressed the pillow down harder. “I will smother you to death.”

Se-mi was fully dying at this point, wiping at her eyes. “Holy shit, I’ve never seen you this pissed before.”

Nam-gyu scowled. “Because he’s a fucking idiot.”

Thanos tore the pillow away, gasping dramatically for air. “And yet,” he wheezed, “I’m still your favorite idiot.”

Nam-gyu’s jaw tightened.

Se-mi caught the way his hands twitched.

Like he wanted to do something—maybe shove Thanos again, maybe grab his stupid face, maybe kiss him just to shut him up.

And the thing was?

She wouldn’t be surprised if it was the last one.

Because this—whatever the hell this was—was way too intimate for just friends.

Se-mi had known Thanos for years. She’d seen him flirt with just about everyone—always loud, playful, over-the-top. But this?

This was different.

The way he stayed close even when Nam-gyu shoved him. The way Nam-gyu always shoved him just hard enough to look annoyed, but never hard enough to actually push him away. The way Thanos kept grinning up at him, completely unbothered by the insults and scowls.

And the way Nam-gyu was trying so fucking hard not to look at him.

Se-mi smirked, stretching her arms behind her head. “So. You two gonna kiss or what?”

Nam-gyu choked.

Thanos howled.

Se-mi grinned. “I’m serious. Y’all got the tension of a telenovela right now.”

Nam-gyu glared daggers at her. “Shut the fuck up.”

Thanos was cry-laughing, clutching his stomach. “Oh my god, Se-mi, you’re gonna kill him.”

“Good.” Se-mi snickered. “He deserves it.”

Nam-gyu stood up so fast the couch almost tipped.

“I’m leaving,” he muttered, storming toward the door.

Thanos jumped up after him. “Nooo, baby, don’t go.”

Se-mi grinned. “Yeah, stay and confess your love.”

Nam-gyu made a murderous sound.

Se-mi cackled as he slammed the door shut behind him.

Thanos watched him go, still grinning—but there was something a little too soft in his expression.

Something that made Se-mi pause.

She tilted her head. “Wait. Are you actually into him?”

Thanos glanced at her. Smirked.

Then just shrugged.

Se-mi’s jaw dropped. “Oh my god.”

Thanos just laughed.

And Se-mi?

Se-mi smirked as she typed out a quick, explosive message into the group chat.

Se-mi: BREAKING NEWS: THANOS IS INTO NAM-GYU.

It took less than five seconds before chaos erupted.

Gyeong-su: WHAT

Min-su: I FKING KNEW IT

Jun-hee: OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD

Mi-na: LMAO WAIT WHAT

Mi-na: No bc wtf, I just thought they were weirdly close but this is NEXT LEVEL

Min-su: DIDN’T THIS MF TEXT ME TO GO DIE AFTER I INTERRUPTED THEM????

Se-mi: LMAOOOOOOO EXACTLY

Gyeong-su: WAIT WTF

Min-su: I went to get my hat, Se-mi. My fucking hat. And I got a death threat.

Jun-hee: This man is actually insane

Mi-na: I WAS THERE WHEN HE WAS CLEARLY PISSED AT ME FOR TAGGING ALONG WITH THEM

Jun-hee: I SAW HIM LEAVE HIS ICE CREAM TO TEXT SOMEONE AND IT WAS 100% THANOS

Se-mi: THEY'VE BEEN SO OBVIOUS THIS WHOLE TIME HOW DID NONE OF US PUT THIS TOGETHER FASTER

Min-su: Bc it’s Nam-gyu we’re talking about. Who in their right mind would think that man was capable of love

Mi-na: Real

Jun-hee: Not too much on my toxic king tho

Gyeong-su: WE NEED TO CONFRONT THEM

Mi-na: YES

Jun-hee: YES

Min-su: NO

Se-mi: LMAO YOU SCARED??

Min-su: YES

Gyeong-su: OK BUT LIKE. DOES THIS MEAN THEY’RE DATING OR JUST DANCING AROUND IT

Jun-hee: With how Nam-gyu acts, I bet they’re already screwing

Min-su: Oh my god shut the fuck up I’m trying to UNSEE what I walked in on

Se-mi: LMAOOOO

Gyeong-su: Ok but real talk, we need a plan

Mi-na: For what

Gyeong-su: To EXPOSE THEM DUH

Jun-hee: I mean I could just ask Nam-gyu directly, we’re kinda friends

Min-su: And die?

Gyeong-su: No we gotta be strategic. Trick them into exposing themselves

Se-mi: Lmao y’all are acting like this is a war mission

Gyeong-su: IT IS

Mi-na: Deadass, Nam-gyu would rather die than admit he’s in love

Min-su: AND IF HE FINDS OUT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HIM, WE’RE ALL DEAD

Gyeong-su: Worth it.

Jun-hee: 100% worth it.

Mi-na: Let’s do this.

Se-mi: Ohhh this is gonna be fun.

Meanwhile, across the room, Thanos was grinning at his phone, oblivious to the chaos happening right under his nose.

Se-mi glanced at him, smirking. “So. You ever gonna tell Nam-gyu?”

Thanos snorted. “Sure, just straight up walk up to him and say ‘Hi I'm in love with you, wanna fuck?’”

Se-mi leaned back, chuckling. “You have no idea what’s coming for you.”

Thanos just grinned. “Baby, I live for the drama.”

Se-mi laughed.

Oh, he was about to get a lot more drama than he bargained for.

And when that time came?

She was going to enjoy every second of it.

+1 Thanos team + Jun-hee

Mi-na wasn’t the smartest person in the group chat, but she knew one thing for sure—if she wanted to expose Thanos and Nam-gyu, she had to do it in a way that left no room for escape.

And what better way to do that than throwing the biggest, loudest, most chaotic party of the semester?

So she did.

She booked a venue. Ordered drinks. Invited half the university—including every nosy bitch she could think of. If Nam-gyu and Thanos were actually dating, there was no way they’d make it through the night without slipping up.

And if they weren’t?

Well. Mi-na still got to throw a banger.

Nam-gyu hated parties.

He hated the crowds, the loud music, the smell of cheap alcohol and sweat, the people bumping into him every two seconds—he hated all of it.

But when he walked into the packed venue that night, dressed in all black with his usual pissed-off expression, there was only one thing on his mind.

Where the fuck was Thanos?

Because he was definitely here. Nam-gyu could feel it.

And yeah, maybe that was fucking weird, but he didn’t care.

Jun-hee spotted him first, a drink in hand and an annoyingly knowing look on her face. “Wow, you actually showed up.”

Nam-gyu scowled. “Mi-na wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it.”

“Hmm.” Jun-hee took a slow sip. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with Thanos being here, right?”

Nam-gyu stiffened. “Why would I care?”

Jun-hee grinned. “No reason.”

He glared at her before shoving past the crowd, heading toward the bar.

And that’s when he spotted him.

Thanos was leaning against the bar, one elbow propped up, laughing his stupid loud laugh while Gyeong-su and Se-mi stood beside him. He was in his usual ripped jeans and some obnoxious leather jacket, hair a messy purple, his silver rings catching the flashing club lights.

He looked annoyingly good.

And worse?

The second Nam-gyu stepped into view, Thanos’ entire face lit up.

“Nam-su!”

Nam-gyu flinched. “Shut the fuck up.”

But Thanos was already pushing past people, making his way over, a drink in one hand, the other reaching for him like he was magnetized.

Nam-gyu wanted to walk away.

Really, he did.

But he didn’t.

Thanos grinned down at him. “Took you long enough.”

“Why are you acting like I came here for you?”

Thanos laughed, voice dripping with confidence. “Because you did.”

Nam-gyu scowled. “In your fucking dreams.”

Thanos just smirked, taking a sip from his drink.

Meanwhile, across the room, the group chat was watching.

Mi-na grinned, elbowing Se-mi. “Look at them.”

Se-mi smirked. “They’re so obvious.”

Gyeong-su nodded. “We just need to push them a little.”

Jun-hee grinned. “Oh, don’t worry. I have a plan.”

Mi-na’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, I love a plan.”

And that’s when they set the real trap.

An hour later, the party was at full chaos.

Music boomed from the speakers, people were either dancing, drinking, or making bad decisions, and Nam-gyu was just trying to survive.

Somewhere along the way, he’d lost Thanos, which was annoying—but he wasn’t going to look for him.

Definitely not.

But then—

“Yo! Let’s play spin the bottle!”

Nam-gyu’s eye twitched.

He turned toward the voice—Mi-na. Of course it was Mi-na.

And the worst part?

The entire group was already gathering in a circle, dragging as many people as possible into the game.

And before Nam-gyu could escape—

“There you are.”

A warm hand slid around his wrist, pulling him back.

Nam-gyu knew who it was before even turning.

“Don’t touch me, dumbass.”

Thanos grinned. “C’mon, babe, we’re playing.”

Nam-gyu tried to pull away. “Like hell we are.”

Thanos just held on tighter. “Live a little.”

Before Nam-gyu could murder him, someone pushed them down into the circle.

Nam-gyu glared. “I hate all of you.”

Mi-na smirked. “Aw, lighten up, big guy.”

Jun-hee spun the bottle first.

Then Gyeong-su.

Then Min-su—who got so embarrassed, he literally ran away.

And then, finally—

It was Thanos’ turn.

The bottle spun fast, everyone watching closely.

Nam-gyu wasn’t even paying attention—until the bottle stopped.

Pointing directly at him.

The circle exploded.

“NO FUCKING WAY.”

“HOLY SHIT.”

“THIS IS FATE.”

Nam-gyu froze.

Thanos, the dramatic bastard, just grinned.

He turned to him, eyes glinting. “Well, well.”

Nam-gyu felt his heartbeat in his throat.

He could feel everyone’s eyes on him, waiting, expecting.

Thanos tilted his head. “What do you say, baby?”

And that’s when Nam-gyu realized.

This was a trap.

Mi-na, Se-mi, Gyeong-su—all of them.

They had set him up.

But Nam-gyu was not about to lose.

So, before Thanos could make some stupid joke or drag it out any longer—

Nam-gyu grabbed him by the collar and kissed him.

And the entire room screamed.

Mi-na practically collapsed.

Jun-hee threw her drink in the air.

Gyeong-su fell to the floor.

Se-mi just sat there, grinning like she won the lottery.

The kiss was short, rough, and full of stubborn rage—but when Nam-gyu pulled back, Thanos’ face was pure fucking delight.

“Finally, no need to hide anymore” Thanos whispered, grinning.

Nam-gyu scowled. “Don’t get used to it.”

Thanos just laughed.

And Mi-na, across the room, pumped her fist in the air.

The party wasn’t ready for the way Nam-gyu suddenly grabbed Thanos and pulled him in again—this time, not for some irritated, rushed kiss to shut everyone up, but a real, deep, burning kiss that made the room erupt all over again.

If people thought the first kiss was just a fluke, a joke, a way to get the attention off them, this one?

This one was different.

Thanos barely had time to smirk before Nam-gyu’s mouth was on his, hot and desperate, his hands digging into his hair like he wanted to ruin him right there on the floor.

Someone in the crowd actually screamed.

Mi-na? Probably.

Jun-hee’s drink clattered to the floor.

Gyeong-su’s soul left his body.

Min-su—who had somehow ended up back in the room—looked like he was about to pass out.

Even Se-mi, who usually never got shocked, just stood there, mouth slightly open.

Thanos, on the other hand?

Thanos was in heaven.

He made a noise against Nam-gyu’s lips—part groan, part holy fuck finally—and grabbed his waist, pulling him even closer, deepening the kiss until the noise in the room faded away.

For a moment, it was just them.

His boyfriend, his ridiculous, mean, angry boyfriend, kissing him like he actually needed him—like Thanos was the only thing keeping him breathing.

And fuck, if that wasn’t the best feeling in the world.

Eventually, reluctantly, Nam-gyu pulled back, breathless, his lips flushed and bitten.

Thanos?

Thanos was grinning like a madman.

Nam-gyu glared at him. “Stop looking so fucking smug.”

Thanos just licked his lips. “Make me.”

Nam-gyu looked ready to strangle him, but before he could, Jun-hee practically tackled them.

“OKAY OKAY OKAY, HOLD THE FUCK UP.”

The rest of the group rushed over, all talking at once.

“HOW LONG HAS THIS BEEN GOING ON?” – Mi-na

“WHAT THE FUCK DID WE JUST WITNESS?” – Gyeong-su

“I KNEW IT! I FUCKING KNEW IT!” – Jun-hee

“Bro, please tell me this is some weird joke so I can pretend I didn’t just see that.” – Min-su

Nam-gyu groaned. “You guys are fucking annoying.”

“EXCUSE ME?” Mi-na nearly exploded. “WE JUST CAUGHT YOU MAKING OUT WITH THANOS, AND YOU THINK WE’RE ANNOYING?”

Nam-gyu scowled. “What do you want me to say?”

Gyeong-su threw his hands up. “Maybe tell us when the hell this started?!”

Thanos, still grinning, slung an arm around Nam-gyu’s shoulder. “Longer than you’d think.”

Mi-na’s jaw dropped. “HOW LONG?”

Nam-gyu just rolled his eyes. “Since like the start of my second year at the uni.”

Jun-hee’s eyes widened. “Wait. That was ages ago.”

Se-mi finally spoke up, smirking. “So, you guys were together this whole time, and you just let us suffer?”

Thanos grinned. “Obviously.”

Nam-gyu muttered, “You guys would’ve been fucking unbearable if we told you.”

“UNBEARABLE?!” Mi-na screeched. “BRO, WE JUST SPENT WEEKS TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT.”

“Yeah.” Nam-gyu deadpanned. “That’s your own fault.”

Gyeong-su threw his head back. “I hate you so much.”

Thanos just laughed, loud and unbothered. “You guys are so dramatic.”

Jun-hee shook her head, grinning. “So, is this, like… official?”

Nam-gyu narrowed his eyes. “Do I look like the type to make out with people for fun?”

Min-su, dead serious: “Yes.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

Thanos snickered. “Yeah, yeah, we’re together. You happy now?”

Mi-na stomped her foot. “NO.”

Everyone turned to her.

Jun-hee raised a brow. “You’re not?”

Mi-na threw her hands up. “I mean, YES, but also NO. Because now I have to process the fact that Nam-gyu actually has feelings. And that’s disturbing.”

Nam-gyu glared. “I will actually throw you off this balcony.”

Thanos grinned. “Damn, baby, be nice.”

Jun-hee gasped. “He called him baby again!”

Gyeong-su’s eyes widened. “Wait. Is that normal for them?”

Min-su nodded grimly. “It is.”

Mi-na looked like she was about to lose it. “I need another drink.”

Jun-hee grinned. “Same.”

Se-mi just laughed. “This is the best day of my life.”

Nam-gyu scowled. “Are we done now?”

Mi-na sighed. “Yeah, yeah, fine. Whatever. You win.”

Thanos grinned wider. “Damn right we do.”

Nam-gyu rolled his eyes.

But as the group descended back into drinking and dancing, as Thanos tugged him back toward the bar, as he leaned in and whispered something completely inappropriate in his ear—

The party was still roaring around them—music shaking the floors, people drinking and dancing like their lives depended on it—but Nam-gyu barely noticed.

Because his dumbass boyfriend wouldn’t stop grinning at him.

Ever since that disastrous confession in front of everyone, Thanos had been smug as hell, slinging his arm around Nam-gyu like he was some proud trophy, whispering absolute bullshit in his ear.

And Nam-gyu?

Nam-gyu was suffocating.

He needed air. Now.

So, without warning, he grabbed Thanos by the wrist and yanked him toward the nearest hallway, away from the chaos, away from the prying eyes.

Thanos barely had time to react before Nam-gyu shoved him against the wall.

"What the fuck, baby—"

"Shut up."

Thanos grinned. “You know I won’t.”

Nam-gyu groaned, running a hand down his face. “I fucking hate you.”

Thanos laughed. “You literally just kissed me in front of half the university.”

"Don’t remind me."

"Too late," Thanos smirked, tilting his head. "You embarrassed, baby?"

Nam-gyu felt his face heat up instantly.

Which was worse, because it just made Thanos grin wider.

"Shut up," Nam-gyu muttered.

Thanos gasped, fake offended. "Wow. So cold."

Nam-gyu groaned again, leaning against the wall beside him. "I wasn’t planning to tell them yet."

Thanos hummed. "Then why’d you kiss me?"

Nam-gyu scowled. “Because you were being a cocky piece of shit.”

Thanos grinned. “And?”

Nam-gyu looked away.

Thanos smirked. “Come on, say it.”

Nam-gyu refused.

Thanos leaned in, close enough that Nam-gyu could smell the alcohol on his breath, mixed with his cologne.

“Say it, baby.”

Nam-gyu glared.

Then, voice low, reluctant—"Because I wanted to."

Thanos froze.

His smirk faltered, just a little.

And Nam-gyu immediately regretted saying that shit out loud.

The silence stretched, and Nam-gyu felt like he was going to fucking die, but before he could say something stupid to cover it up—

Thanos grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into another kiss.

This one wasn’t cocky or teasing—it was slow, deeper than the ones before, his hands sliding up to cup Nam-gyu’s face, fingers pressing against his jaw like he was afraid to let go.

Nam-gyu’s hands tightened in his jacket, and he kissed back before he could think, before his usual defenses could kick in.

For a moment, there was no party, no stupid group chat, no prying eyes—just them, pressed together, breathing each other in.

Thanos pulled back first, forehead resting against Nam-gyu’s.

"Say that again."

Nam-gyu, still dazed, blinked. "What?"

Thanos smiled, softer this time. "Say you wanted to."

Nam-gyu clicked his tongue, shoving him back. "Don’t push your luck, dumbass."

Thanos just laughed, letting him go.

"Fine. But you can’t take it back now."

Nam-gyu crossed his arms. "Wasn’t planning to."

Thanos grinned. "Damn. You’re really in love with me, huh?"

Nam-gyu punched him.

Hard.

Thanos wheezed, doubled over, laughing.

And for the first time that night, Nam-gyu smiled.

Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all.