Work Text:
Beomgyu doesn’t know why Kai wants to go to prom with him. They’ve been friends for as long as he can remember, but that’s it. Just friends. They’re close, sure, but Kai is Kai—the star of the lacrosse team, charming, popular, always surrounded by people who want to be near him. And Beomgyu? He’s the quiet boy from the photography club, always in the background, content with being unnoticed.
But when Beomgyu tells Kai he’s not going to prom because he doesn’t have a date, Kai just shrugs and says, “Why don’t we go together, then? As friends.”
So, Beomgyu agrees, thinking it’ll just be a simple night. A casual prom. Nothing to overthink.
The problem, however, is that it isn’t just a simple night for anyone else—especially not for Beomgyu’s mom.
As soon as Kai pulls up in his Jeep Wrangler, Beomgyu’s mom practically bounces out of the house before he even has a chance to open the door.
“Oh, my goodness! There you are!” she exclaims, grinning from ear to ear as Beomgyu reluctantly steps out, Kai following close behind.
“Hi, Mrs. Choi,” Kai greets with his usual charm, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Beomgyu’s mom beams at him. “Oh, Kai, I’ve been waiting for this day! I swear, I’ve been counting down the days to see you two all dressed up. Come inside, both of you! I’ve got snacks, and we’ll take some pictures before you leave.”
Beomgyu feels the heat creeping up his neck and immediately waves his hands. “Mom, we’re just going as friends! Just friends!”
“Oh, stop,” his mom laughs, waving her hand dismissively. “I’ve known Kai since he was a little boy. I’m just excited, okay? I’m not saying anything about it.” She shoots him a teasing look.
Kai chuckles softly, exchanging a glance with Beomgyu as they make their way inside. Beomgyu’s older brother, Yeonjun, lounges on the couch, scrolling through his phone. The moment he sees Kai walk in, his eyes glint mischievously.
“Oh, look who it is! The prom date,” Yeonjun teases, raising an eyebrow. “You two matching or just ‘friends’?” He leans forward, folding his arms across his chest. “What’s going on here, huh?”
Beomgyu groans, shoving his hands into his pockets. “We’re just going as friends! Can you stop, Yeonjun? Please.”
Kai shoots Beomgyu a sympathetic look, but Yeonjun isn’t letting up. “Sure, just friends. But let’s see if you’re still calling it that after a slow dance or two, huh?” Yeonjun winks and leans back, clearly enjoying Beomgyu’s embarrassment.
Before Beomgyu can retort, his mom jumps in, hands on her hips. “Yeonjun! Don’t tease your brother! Let them enjoy themselves. You know how important this night is.” Then, her eyes widen as she turns to Kai. “Oh, how’s your mom, Kai? I haven’t seen her in so long. How’s she doing?”
Kai smiles warmly. “She’s good, Mrs. Choi. Thanks for asking. She’s looking forward to hearing all about tonight.”
Beomgyu’s mom grins widely, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I’ll have to call her later to swap stories. Now, you two, stand right there!” She motions to the living room, already pulling out her camera.
“No, Mom, not now—” Beomgyu starts, but it’s too late.
“Oh, no, no! I’ve been taking pictures of you two since your first day of school. I’m not going to miss prom pictures just because it’s prom!” She’s already clicking away, framing them in the viewfinder.
“Mom, we’re not going to—” Beomgyu groans, but she isn’t listening, already adjusting the camera’s focus and telling them to smile.
“Come on, Beomgyu, just smile for a second! It won’t kill you,” she urges, waving a hand at him. “Just one nice picture for me, please?”
Yeonjun chuckles. “Well, I’m not losing my chance to get a picture of you two either.” He grabs his phone, tapping the screen to snap a photo of Beomgyu and Kai as they awkwardly stand together.
Beomgyu feels the heat of embarrassment creep up his neck again. He turns to Kai, who seems oddly calm, but his lips twitch as he tries to hide a smile.
“See? This is why I didn’t want to go,” Beomgyu mutters, but Kai just chuckles.
“I don’t mind. It’s nice to be a part of something important to you,” Kai says softly, giving Beomgyu a genuine smile.
Beomgyu pauses, blinking at him, his heart suddenly thumping in his chest. He wants to say something—anything—but before he can, his mom is already ushering them out the door after taking a final set of photos.
“You two are going to have so much fun. Don’t stay out too late!” she calls after them.
Beomgyu climbs into the Jeep, flustered, but as they drive off, he glances at Kai, who has a content smile on his face. Maybe it really is just a simple prom night. Just friends.
—
But the ride is painfully silent.
Beomgyu sits stiffly in the passenger seat of Kai’s Jeep, staring out the window as the streetlights blur past. He has never been this hyperaware of his own breathing before. Every inhale and exhale feels too loud, too obvious. Kai, on the other hand, seems completely unbothered—one hand on the steering wheel, eyes focused on the road.
Beomgyu swallows. He needs to do something—anything—to make this less awkward.
Without thinking, he reaches for the radio and turns it on.
“I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend~”
Beomgyu freezes. His fingers twitch against the knob. Heat creeps up his neck. Kai, meanwhile, just taps his finger against the steering wheel to the tune, oblivious.
Okay. Bad luck. Just a coincidence.
Beomgyu clears his throat and quickly switches the station.
“Can’t you see that I’m the one who understands you? Been here all along, so why can’t you see—”
He nearly chokes on air. His hands scramble for the dial again. Nope. Absolutely not.
The next station crackles to life.
“When you say I’m just a friend to you~ Cause friends don’t do the things we do~”
Beomgyu turns off the radio entirely.
The silence that follows is deafening.
Kai glances at him, blinking in confusion. “You don’t like music anymore?”
Beomgyu clenches his jaw. “No, I just—” He exhales sharply. “The radio sucks tonight.”
Kai hums in agreement, completely missing the existential crisis unraveling beside him. “Yeah, sometimes the playlists are weird.”
Beomgyu nods, forcing himself to breathe evenly. Right. Just weird playlists. Not the universe laughing at him. Not his own subconscious screaming at him through a series of unfortunate song choices.
He is completely, undeniably doomed.
The rest of the ride is steeped in silence, thick and heavy like the weight in his chest.
After the absolute disaster that is the radio situation, Beomgyu gives up and changes it to some boring news station. Something about local elections, traffic updates, and a new regulation on waste management. Not exactly the perfect prom night ambiance, but at least it isn’t mocking his feelings.
Kai doesn’t seem to care. He just keeps driving, one hand lazily draped over the wheel, the other resting on the center console. The streetlights flicker past, casting long, fleeting shadows inside the Jeep.
Beomgyu exhales slowly, then finally asks the question that has been gnawing at him since the moment Kai asked him to prom.
“Okay, seriously.” He shifts in his seat, turning to look at Kai. “Why are you going with me? Like, me? You could’ve picked literally any hot girl in school, and I know for a fact most of them would’ve said yes.”
Kai blinks, looking almost caught off guard. “What kind of question is that?”
“A valid one,” Beomgyu shoots back. “Isn’t prom night, like, sacred for athletes? I figured the entire lacrosse team would be waiting for tonight to, I don’t know, lose their virginity or something.”
Kai snorts, nearly choking on his own laughter. “Dude, what?”
Beomgyu crosses his arms. “I’m serious. You guys have a whole reputation.”
Kai shakes his head, still laughing. “I mean, yeah, some of them are probably hoping for that. But not everyone is treating prom like some rite of passage.”
Beomgyu raises a skeptical eyebrow. “So, what, you just randomly decided to go with me?”
Kai shrugs. “I didn’t want to go with just anyone.”
The words settle between them, heavier than Beomgyu expects.
He tries to ignore the way his heart flips, tries not to overthink it. But the way Kai says it—so casual, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world—makes it really hard to pretend it doesn’t mean something.
Beomgyu looks back out the window. “…You’re weird.”
Kai just laughs. “And yet, you’re still here.”
Beomgyu huffs, crossing his arms tighter over his chest as he sinks further into his seat. “Yeah, well, it’s too late to back out now.”
Kai chuckles, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. “You make it sound like I forced you to come.”
“You kind of did.” Beomgyu turns his head, shooting him a glare. “I was this close to staying home in my pajamas, eating instant ramen, and watching bad horror movies.”
Kai smirks. “And miss the chance to take cute prom pictures with me? Tragic.”
Beomgyu groans dramatically. “Exactly! My mom is probably already sending those pictures to your mom.”
“Oh, definitely. Our moms are probably having a whole conversation about us right now.”
Beomgyu groans again, pressing his forehead against the window. “This night just keeps getting worse.”
Kai only laughs, completely unbothered. “I don’t know, I think it’s going great.”
Beomgyu shoots him another glare, but Kai just smiles wider. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
Kai grins, glancing at him briefly before turning back to the road. “Maybe.”
Beomgyu rolls his eyes and shifts in his seat, his fingers absentmindedly playing with the fabric of his pants. The quiet hum of the engine fills the space between them again, and for a moment, it almost feels… normal. Like just another drive home after hanging out. Like before prom became a thing.
But then, because Beomgyu is Beomgyu and can’t let things be, he mutters under his breath, “Still doesn’t explain why you picked me.”
Kai sighs, but not in an annoyed way—more like he has been expecting Beomgyu to bring it up again. He taps his fingers against the steering wheel before finally saying, “Because I wanted to.”
Beomgyu turns to him, frowning. “That’s not an answer.”
“It is,” Kai counters. “Just not the one you’re looking for.”
Beomgyu scoffs. “So, what? You just woke up one day and thought, ‘Hmm, you know who I really want to take to prom? Beomgyu Choi. That guy from photography club who barely talks to anyone but somehow has way too much to say when he’s annoyed at me.’”
Kai snorts. “Pretty much.”
Beomgyu gawks at him. “You are so annoying.”
Kai just laughs again, shaking his head. “You act like going with you is some kind of punishment. Maybe I actually wanted to spend the night with you, you ever think about that?”
Beomgyu opens his mouth, then closes it. Because, no, actually, he hasn’t thought about that. Or maybe he has, but he refuses to let himself believe it.
His fingers twitch in his lap. “…You’re weird.”
Kai shoots him a smug look. “You already said that.”
Beomgyu huffs again, turning back toward the window, his reflection barely visible in the dark glass. His face feels warmer than it should.
The rest of the drive continues in silence, but this time, it isn’t awkward. It isn’t tense. It just exists—settling into the spaces between them like something unspoken, something not yet ready to be said.
And Beomgyu has no idea what to do with that.
—
When Kai finally pulls into the school parking lot, Beomgyu exhales, trying to shake off the weird feeling in his chest. The ride has been too… something. Too quiet. Too close. Too Kai.
Kai shifts into park and unbuckles his seatbelt, turning to look at him with that easygoing smile. “Ready?”
No. Not at all. But Beomgyu forces a shrug. “Guess I have to be.”
Kai chuckles. “You make it sound like you’re walking to your execution.”
“Basically.” Beomgyu sighs, reaching for the door handle.
But before he can push it open, Kai grabs his wrist lightly. Not hard, not forceful—just enough to make Beomgyu stop.
His heart stumbles.
“Hey,” Kai says, voice softer now. “You know we don’t have to stay the whole time, right? If you hate it, we’ll leave. No big deal.”
Beomgyu stares at him, thrown off by the sincerity in his voice. “…What, so I’m allowed to ruin your Big Lacrosse Prom Night?”
Kai grins. “Obviously.”
Beomgyu hates how much that gets to him. How easy it is for Kai to say stuff like that—like it’s normal, like it’s nothing. Like it isn’t making Beomgyu’s head spin.
He swallows, quickly looking away. “Whatever. Let’s just go before my mom somehow teleports here to take more pictures.”
Kai laughs and finally lets go of his wrist. The warmth lingers.
They step out of the Jeep, the cool night air hitting Beomgyu’s face as they make their way toward the school gym, where the music is already thumping. As they get closer, Beomgyu spots a few guys from the lacrosse team near the entrance, all dressed up in their suits, laughing and talking loudly.
One of them—Jay, Beomgyu thinks his name is—notices Kai first. “Yo! There he is!” He smirks. “Man, we were betting on which hot girl you’d show up with, but this is unexpected.”
Beomgyu immediately regrets coming.
Kai, to his credit, doesn’t even flinch. He just grins, casually draping an arm over Beomgyu’s shoulder like it’s normal. Like it isn’t short-circuiting Beomgyu’s brain.
“I dunno,” Kai says, giving Beomgyu a teasing glance. “I think my date’s pretty hot.”
Beomgyu almost chokes.
Jay and the other guys erupt into laughter, a mix of surprised hollers and amused whistles.
“Damn, okay! Go off, Kai!”
“Didn’t know you had that type of game, bro!”
Beomgyu wants to sink into the ground. Disintegrate. Vanish. Cease to exist.
He shoves Kai’s arm off with a glare, his face burning. “I hate you.”
Kai just smirks. “No, you don’t.”
Beomgyu grits his teeth and storms inside, pretending not to hear the guys still laughing behind them.
Kai follows, still grinning. Like he knows exactly what he’s doing.
And the worst part?
Beomgyu has no idea if he’s joking or not.
—
As he and Kai step deeper into the gym, it feels like every pair of eyes follows them, tracking their every move. The music is loud, the flashing lights casting shadows over the glittering decorations, but all Beomgyu can focus on are the whispered conversations happening around them.
Or rather, around Kai.
Girls keep stopping to greet him, some giggling, some looking him up and down like he’s the main event. A few even shoot Beomgyu barely concealed glares before quickly switching to fake smiles.
But no one looks more furious than Shin Yuna, their school’s cheer captain.
Beomgyu sees it coming. She’s spent weeks trying to get Kai to ask her to prom—flirting in the hallways, showing up to his practices in skirts that probably violate dress code, finding any excuse to touch him whenever they sit next to each other. And yet, Kai has ignored every single one of her advances, like she’s just another background character in his life.
It must have pissed her off so much that she was forced to ask their school’s alumni—last year’s lacrosse captain—to go with her. Probably just to make herself still look important.
And now? Now she’s looking at Beomgyu like she wants to set him on fire.
But the second Kai’s eyes land on her, her expression flips instantly into something sweet and friendly, as if she hasn’t just been glaring daggers at Beomgyu five seconds ago.
“Kaiii!” she sings, stepping toward them, a bright, too-cheery smile on her lips. “You finally made it! I was waiting to see you.”
Kai nods, offering a polite smile. “Hey, Yuna. You look nice.”
Yuna beams, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Aww, thanks! I was so busy planning this whole event, but I made sure to save the best dress for myself.” She giggles, then finally turns her gaze to Beomgyu.
Her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“And you,” she says, voice laced with something Beomgyu can’t quite place. “Didn’t know someone like Kai would prefer to go with his best friend to prom.”
Beomgyu stiffens. He hears the unspoken instead of someone like me loud and clear.
Kai, oblivious as ever, just shrugs. “Yeah, well, I wanted to.”
Yuna blinks, like that’s not the answer she expected. Her lips twitch, but she keeps up her act. “Ohhh, I see.” Then, she tilts her head, eyes narrowing slightly as she looks at Beomgyu again. “Wait, but why? Is it because his mom begged you to take him? Or…” She gasps, hand flying to her mouth. “Did you lose a bet or something?”
Beomgyu’s stomach twists.
It’s a joke. It has to be. But the way she says it, the way she looks at him—like the idea of Kai actually wanting to go with him is impossible—makes something in his chest sting.
Kai, however, doesn’t laugh.
His expression darkens, his posture straightening just slightly. “Yuna.”
His tone isn’t sharp, but it’s enough.
Yuna’s fake smile falters for just a second before she quickly covers it up with a giggle. “Oh, relax! I was just teasing.” She playfully smacks Kai’s arm, then turns to Beomgyu. “No hard feelings, right?”
Beomgyu forces a tight smile. “None at all.”
Liar.
Yuna grins. “Great! Well, enjoy prom, boys~” She waves before sauntering off, but not before Beomgyu catches the way she rolls her eyes once Kai isn’t looking.
Beomgyu inhales slowly, schooling his expression into something neutral. He will not let her get to him.
But then Kai turns to him, frowning slightly. “You okay?”
Beomgyu scoffs. “Why wouldn’t I be? It’s just so funny to think that you had to be forced to go with me.”
Kai’s brows furrow. “Beomgyu, you know that’s not—”
“I’m gonna get some punch.” Beomgyu cuts him off before he can say anything else, forcing a smirk. “Try not to get mobbed by your fan club while I’m gone.”
Then, before Kai can protest, he turns on his heel and walks away.
He doesn’t know why he feels so irritated.
Or maybe he does.
Maybe he just doesn’t want to admit it.
—
Beomgyu weaves through the crowd, his heartbeat a little too loud in his ears. He hates that Yuna’s words have gotten to him, but they have.
Because the truth is, he’s thought about it before. He’s wondered—why Kai? Why him? Why not some pretty girl who could match his popularity, who would make more sense standing next to him?
Why has Kai chosen him?
Beomgyu doesn’t have an answer.
With a sharp exhale, he reaches the refreshment table and grabs a plastic cup, pouring himself a drink. He takes a sip, wincing at the overwhelming artificial fruit punch flavor, then just stands there, staring into the liquid like it holds some sort of life-changing revelation.
“Hey, you okay?”
Beomgyu jumps, nearly spilling his drink. He turns and finds Soobin, one of his friends from photography club, watching him with an amused but knowing look.
“Jesus,” Beomgyu mutters, putting a hand over his chest. “Warn a guy before sneaking up on him.”
Soobin just smirks. “You looked like you were having an existential crisis over a cup of punch. Thought I’d check in.”
Beomgyu rolls his eyes. “I’m fine.”
“Sure,” Soobin says, clearly not believing him. His gaze flickers toward the crowd. “Where’s your date?”
Beomgyu groans. “Not you too.”
Soobin laughs. “Hey, I’m just saying, the entire school was expecting Kai to show up with, like, a model. Instead, he walked in with you.”
Beomgyu shoots him a glare. “Wow, thanks.”
Soobin holds up his hands, grinning. “I meant that in a good way. It’s just funny watching everyone freak out about it.”
Beomgyu sighs, rubbing his temples. “Yeah, well, Yuna’s already convinced I forced him to take me, so that’s fun.”
Soobin’s smile fades slightly. “She actually said that?”
“More or less.” Beomgyu takes another sip of his drink. “It’s whatever.”
Soobin tilts his head, studying him for a moment. Then, he leans in slightly. “You ever think that maybe Kai wanted to go with you?”
Beomgyu blinks. “What?”
Soobin shrugs. “Dude, he chose you. He could’ve gone with anyone, but he didn’t. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
Beomgyu opens his mouth, then closes it. Because, honestly? He doesn’t know what to say to that.
Luckily, he doesn’t have to.
“Hey.”
Beomgyu turns just in time to see Kai appearing beside him, his brows drawn together in concern.
“There you are,” Kai says, glancing between him and Soobin. “You kinda stormed off back there.”
“I walked off,” Beomgyu corrects, crossing his arms. “There was no storming.”
Kai ignores him. “You okay?”
Soobin nudges Beomgyu with his elbow, barely hiding his smirk. “Yeah, Beomgyu. You okay?”
Beomgyu shoots him a shut up look before turning back to Kai. “I’m fine, Mom.”
Kai doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he reaches out and—before Beomgyu can react—plucks the cup from his hand and takes a sip of his drink.
Beomgyu gawks at him. “Excuse me?”
Kai smacks his lips together, grimacing. “This is awful.”
“Yeah, which is why you can have it now.”
Kai grins, keeping the cup as if he’s just won some grand prize. “Cool. Thanks, babe.”
Beomgyu chokes.
Soobin, meanwhile, cackles. “Oh my god.”
Kai blinks, confused. “What?”
Beomgyu stares at him, face burning. “What did you just call me?”
Kai frowns, thinking. Then, realization dawns on his face. “Oh. Did I say that out loud?”
“YES.”
“Oh.” Kai just shrugs. “I do that sometimes.”
Beomgyu wants to die.
Soobin, wiping tears from his eyes, claps a hand on Beomgyu’s shoulder. “This is amazing. I’m gonna leave before I witness something groundbreaking.”
Then, with one last amused glance at Kai, he walks off, still laughing under his breath.
Beomgyu, meanwhile, is about to combust.
Kai, still completely unbothered, takes another sip of the punch. “You wanna dance?”
Beomgyu’s brain short-circuits. “I—what?”
Kai grins. “Dance. You know, that thing people do at prom?”
Beomgyu narrows his eyes. “Are you making fun of me?”
Kai chuckles, shaking his head. “No, idiot. I’m asking you to dance with me.”
Beomgyu’s heart stumbles.
He swallows. “Why?”
Kai tilts his head, his gaze softening just slightly. “Because I want to.”
There it is again. That same casual, obvious, dangerous way Kai says things.
Beomgyu blinks at him, his chest tightening. Then, after a beat, he blurts out, “You know I’m gay, right?”
Kai barely reacts, just raises an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
Beomgyu exhales sharply, crossing his arms. “And you know I’m openly gay. I literally talk about it on social media. Everyone in school knows.”
Kai’s lips twitch, like he’s fighting back a smile. “I’m aware.”
Beomgyu glares at him. “And yet, you still took me to prom. And now you want to dance with me? You do realize that people are already making a huge deal about this, right? What do you think will happen if we actually dance together?”
Kai shrugs, unbothered. “I dunno. People will talk. They’ll probably freak out. Yuna might explode.”
Beomgyu huffs. “And you still want to do it?”
Kai tilts his head, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Yeah.”
Beomgyu stares at him, his stomach flipping in ways he does not want to acknowledge.
He doesn’t get it. Kai has everything—popularity, reputation, a million people who would kill to be in Beomgyu’s place right now. But here he is, standing in front of Beomgyu like none of that matters.
Like he’s the one Kai wants.
“You’re insane,” Beomgyu mutters, more to himself than anything.
Kai smirks. “Probably.” Then, he holds out a hand. “So? You coming, or what?”
Beomgyu hesitates.
He thinks about the stares. The whispers. The way people will talk if he actually says yes.
Then he thinks about Kai. The way he never hesitates, never seems to care what people think. The way he always does what he wants, no matter how unexpected.
And before he can overthink it, Beomgyu reaches out and takes his hand.
Kai grins, giving his fingers a small squeeze before tugging him toward the dance floor.
And Beomgyu lets him.
—
But the second Kai pulls him onto the dance floor, Beomgyu realizes just how bad of an idea this is. Not because of the stares (which are definitely happening) or the whispers (which he is pointedly ignoring), but because—
“I’m so sorry,” Beomgyu winces as he steps on Kai’s foot for what has to be the fifth time.
Kai just laughs. “Dude, it’s fine.”
“It’s not fine,” Beomgyu grumbles, staring down at his feet like they’re his worst enemies. “I suck at this.”
“You’re not that bad.”
Beomgyu shoots him a look. “I’ve crushed your toes like five times.”
Kai smirks. “Six, actually.”
Beomgyu groans, feeling his face heat up. “I never thought I’d come to prom, okay? Forgive me if I never bothered to learn how to dance.”
Kai hums, tilting his head. “Guess we’ll just have to fix that, then.”
Before Beomgyu can ask what he means, Kai’s hands tighten on his waist, pulling him in slightly.
Beomgyu freezes.
His heart stumbles into an all-out sprint.
Kai grins, like he knows exactly what he’s doing. “Just follow my lead.”
Beomgyu cannot focus. Not with Kai’s hands steady on him, not with their bodies suddenly way too close, not with the warmth of his touch seeping through the thin fabric of Beomgyu’s dress shirt.
“I—” Beomgyu swallows, trying desperately to collect himself. “That’s… That’s assuming I can follow.”
Kai chuckles. “Well, you can’t get worse, so.”
Beomgyu scowls. “Wow. Rude.”
Kai just laughs, eyes crinkling at the corners. And Beomgyu hates how stupidly pretty he looks when he does that.
“Okay, okay,” Kai says, still smiling. “Here, just relax. Stop thinking so hard.”
That’s impossible when Kai’s hands are on him.
But Beomgyu tries. He exhales, forcing himself to loosen up, to let Kai guide him.
And somehow—somehow—he stops stepping on his feet.
The song playing is slow, soft, something romantic that Beomgyu doesn’t recognize. It feels dangerous, being this close, moving together like this. It feels like something he isn’t supposed to want but does.
He looks up at Kai, only to realize that Kai is already looking at him.
His breath hitches.
And for a second, for just a split second, he swears Kai’s eyes flicker down to his lips.
Beomgyu’s heart stops.
Kai leans in.
Beomgyu panics.
His heart slams against his ribs, his breath catches in his throat, and before he even registers what he’s doing, he pulls away.
“I… I need to use the restroom,” he blurts, stepping back so quickly he nearly trips over his own feet.
Kai blinks, clearly startled. “Beomgyu…”
But Beomgyu is already turning away, weaving through the crowd before Kai can stop him.
His hands are shaking. His entire body is buzzing with something too overwhelming to name. His mind keeps replaying the way Kai looked at him, the way he leaned in—
Beomgyu shakes his head, pushing open the restroom door and heading straight for the sink.
The music is muffled here, distant. He turns on the faucet, letting the cool water run over his hands as he tries to breathe.
What the hell was that?
He stares at himself in the mirror, his reflection showing wide, frantic eyes and flushed cheeks.
Had he imagined it? Had he misread something?
No—no, he hadn’t. He knows what he saw. The way Kai’s eyes softened, the way he leaned in like he was about to—
Beomgyu squeezes his eyes shut, exhaling sharply. He needs to calm down.
After a few moments, his pulse finally starts to settle.
Okay. He’s fine. He just needs to go back out there and act normal.
With one last deep breath, Beomgyu turns to leave.
But the second he steps out of the restroom, he’s met with three familiar faces.
Yuna.
And her two closest friends—Sullyoon and Jiwoo.
Beomgyu’s stomach drops.
Yuna crosses her arms, tilting her head with a too-sweet smile. “Oh, hey, Beomgyu.”
Beomgyu tenses. “…Hey?”
Sullyoon and Jiwoo stand on either side of her, their gazes unreadable.
“I was waiting for you to come out,” Yuna continues, voice light and casual. “We need to have a little chat.”
Beomgyu clenches his jaw. “If this is about Kai—”
“Oh, of course it’s about Kai,” Yuna cuts in, her smile tightening. “Who else would it be about?”
Beomgyu inhales sharply, already so done with this conversation. “Yuna, I don’t know what your problem is, but—”
“My problem,” she interrupts, voice turning icy, “is that I’ve been dreaming of being Kai’s date since the first day I saw him at this school.”
Beomgyu’s stomach twists. Yuna’s voice is sharp, controlled, but underneath it, there’s something dangerous.
“I let it slide,” she goes on, arms crossed as she steps closer, “when Kai took you to prom instead of me. Because, fine—he’s your best friend. I figured he felt bad or something. I let him have his little charity case moment.”
Beomgyu clenches his fists. “Charity case?”
Yuna ignores him. “But you and I both know that this isn’t how the night is supposed to go. Kai belongs with me, not stuck babysitting you.”
Beomgyu scoffs, trying to keep his voice even. “Kai’s not stuck with me. He chose to take me.”
Yuna’s jaw twitches, but she recovers quickly, her lips curling into something almost sympathetic. “Listen, Beomgyu. Even though you don’t want to admit it, I can tell that you have a little crush on him—”
Beomgyu stiffens.
“—but you need to be realistic.” Yuna leans in, her voice dropping just slightly. “Kai’s not like you. He’s not into guys. And he’s definitely not into you.”
Beomgyu feels like he’s been slapped.
Yuna must notice because her expression softens—like she pities him. “You don’t want to ruin your friendship over some silly feelings, do you?”
Beomgyu’s mouth is dry. He can’t look away from her.
“So,” Yuna continues, stepping back, “here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to go back on that dance floor, tell Kai you’re not feeling well, and go home.” She tilts her head, all fake concern. “That way, he and I can finally have our time together. Like we should have from the start.”
Silence stretches between them.
Beomgyu feels like he’s standing on the edge of something.
He could say no. He could push past her, go find Kai, pretend this conversation never happened.
But what if she’s right?
What if Kai isn’t into guys? What if he hadn’t meant to lean in? What if Beomgyu was just reading too much into things—too desperate to believe that Kai could ever look at him the way he wants him to?
What if staying just makes things worse?
Yuna sighs, glancing at her nails. “So, what’s it gonna be, Beomgyu?”
Beomgyu swallows hard, his nails digging into his palms. He hates this.
But Yuna just watches him, smug and expectant, like she already knows what his answer will be. Like she’s already won.
And maybe she has.
Because what choice does Beomgyu really have?
With a shaky breath, he nods. “…Fine.”
Yuna smiles. “Smart choice.”
Beomgyu doesn’t respond. He just turns and makes his way back to the dance floor, each step heavier than the last.
When he finally spots Kai, the boy’s face immediately lights up, relief flashing in his eyes. “Hey, there you are! I was about to go looking for you—”
“I’m not feeling well,” Beomgyu interrupts, forcing the words out before he loses his nerve.
Kai’s brows furrow. “What? What’s wrong?”
Beomgyu shakes his head. “I just… I think I should go home.”
Kai straightens. “Okay, I’ll take you.”
“No,” Beomgyu says quickly. Too quickly.
Kai blinks, confused. “Beomgyu—”
“I can go by myself,” Beomgyu insists, voice tight. “You don’t have to leave just because of me.”
Kai frowns. “I want to.”
Beomgyu exhales sharply, his chest aching. “Kai. Please.”
Kai hesitates.
Beomgyu hates the way he’s looking at him—worried, hesitant, like he knows something is off but doesn’t want to push too hard.
So Beomgyu forces himself to be harsher.
“I shouldn’t have come here with you,” he says, voice barely above a whisper. “I regret it.”
Kai freezes.
The words taste awful, burn like acid on Beomgyu’s tongue. But he has to do this.
He has to make Kai let go.
“I just want to go home,” he murmurs, barely able to meet Kai’s eyes.
For a moment, there’s only silence.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, Beomgyu catches sight of Yuna, standing near the wall. Smiling.
Beomgyu swallows down the guilt crawling up his throat.
Finally, Kai inhales sharply and steps back. His expression is unreadable now, his jaw clenched, his hands flexing at his sides.
“…Okay,” he says quietly.
Beomgyu feels like he can’t breathe.
Kai doesn’t say anything else. He just nods once, then turns away.
And Beomgyu—feeling more hollow than he ever has in his life—walks out of the gym alone.
—
When Beomgyu steps outside, the cold hits him first. Then, almost immediately, the rain.
Great. Perfect.
He exhales, rubbing his arms as he reaches for his phone—only to realize it’s not there.
Crap.
His stomach drops as he pats his pockets, but he already knows. He always leaves his phone on Kai’s dashboard whenever they drive anywhere. Which means—
It’s still in Kai’s car.
Beomgyu groans, tilting his head back to let the rain hit his face. Could this night get any worse?
He glances around, but the parking lot is empty. Everyone is still inside the gym, dancing under the lights, completely unaware that he’s alone out here, getting soaked.
For a second, he considers going back inside to borrow Soobin’s phone. But then he thinks about seeing Kai again.
No. Not an option.
Sighing, he decides to just brave the rain and head toward the bus stop in front of the school. His house isn’t that far, and he really doesn’t care if his tuxedo gets ruined at this point.
By the time he reaches the bus stop, he’s drenched. He shakes out his jacket and slumps onto the bench, arms crossed tightly over his chest. There’s a public telephone not far from here.
He could call Yeonjun. Maybe.
But the moment Yeonjun finds out he left prom alone, he will definitely make a scene. Instead of driving him home, he’ll storm into the gym, find Kai, and demand to know why he let Beomgyu leave by himself.
Beomgyu isn’t in the mood for that.
So instead, he just stares at the road, hoping—praying—that a bus will pass by soon.
Then, suddenly—
A loud honk startles him.
Beomgyu’s head snaps up, and his heart nearly leaps out of his chest when he sees a familiar black Jeep pulling up in front of him.
Kai.
The window rolls down, revealing Kai’s face. His expression is unreadable, but his eyes are sharp, intense in a way Beomgyu isn’t used to.
“Get in,” Kai says. His voice is firm.
Beomgyu stares at him, completely thrown. “What? Why are you here?”
Kai’s grip on the steering wheel tightens. “Beomgyu. Get in the car.”
Beomgyu hesitates. He doesn’t know what’s more surprising—the fact that Kai came after him or the way he sounds right now.
Still, the rain is getting heavier, and he’s so cold.
So, cautiously, Beomgyu stands up and gets into the passenger seat, closing the door behind him.
The second he’s inside, Kai steps on the gas, pulling away from the curb.
Beomgyu swallows. Kai’s jaw is clenched, his knuckles white against the wheel. He looks… mad.
Kai never gets mad.
Beomgyu shifts uncomfortably. “Kai…”
“I can’t believe how dumb you are,” Kai cuts in, his voice clipped.
Beomgyu stiffens. “…What?”
Kai scoffs, shaking his head. “You let them tell you what to do.”
Beomgyu’s stomach turns. His fingers curl in his lap.
He hesitates, voice barely above a whisper. “…What are you talking about?”
Kai shoots him a look, eyes burning.
“You know what I’m talking about.”
Beomgyu swallows hard, his fingers curling tighter in his lap. His voice comes out quieter than he intends.
“…So you figured it out.”
Kai lets out a sharp breath through his nose, gripping the wheel even tighter. “Of course I did, Beomgyu. I’m not an idiot.”
Beomgyu flinches.
Kai isn’t yelling, but his voice is clipped, cold in a way that makes Beomgyu’s chest ache.
He glances down at his soaked tuxedo, watching the raindrops drip onto his pants. “It doesn’t matter,” he mutters. “Just drop me off at home.”
Kai lets out a humorless laugh. “Doesn’t matter?” He shakes his head. “You left prom alone. In the rain. Without your phone. Do you know how stupid that was?”
Beomgyu exhales sharply. “I would’ve been fine.”
“Oh, yeah? And what was your plan? Just sit at the bus stop all night?”
Beomgyu clenches his jaw.
Kai scoffs. “Jesus, Beomgyu.”
Something about the way he says it makes Beomgyu’s throat tighten. He crosses his arms, sinking into the seat.
“What was I supposed to do?” he bites out. “They were right.”
Kai jerks the wheel slightly, as if the words physically hit him. “Right?” His voice is sharp now, incredulous. “Right about what?”
Beomgyu exhales, suddenly feeling so tired. “That I shouldn’t have come with you.”
Silence.
Kai doesn’t say anything for a long time.
When Beomgyu finally glances at him, his expression is unreadable, but his grip on the steering wheel tightens again.
After what feels like forever, Kai finally speaks, his voice quieter this time.
“Do you believe that?”
Beomgyu’s breath catches.
Kai’s gaze stays fixed on the road, but there’s something careful in the way he says it. Like he’s asking something else. Like he needs to know.
Beomgyu opens his mouth—then hesitates.
Because the truth is—
No.
No, he doesn’t believe that.
Even after everything, even after Yuna’s words, even after all the stares, Beomgyu has never once regretted being with Kai tonight.
But he can’t say that.
Not when he’s already hurt him.
So instead, Beomgyu turns his head toward the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass.
“…Just take me home, Kai.”
Kai doesn’t respond.
But the way his fingers curl around the steering wheel tells Beomgyu everything.
Kai exhales, gripping the wheel before shaking his head. “I don’t get it,” he says, his voice tight. “Why does everyone act like me asking you to prom was some impossible thing? Like it was some kind of mistake?”
Beomgyu stiffens.
Kai’s grip on the wheel tightens. “Because for me, it wasn’t.” His jaw clenches. “For me, it was the only possibility that could happen.”
Beomgyu’s breath hitches. “Kai…”
But Kai doesn’t stop there.
“You can call me lame, but when I think about prom, the first thing that comes to my mind is you, Beomgyu.” His voice softens, but it’s still firm. Steady. Certain. “It has to be you.”
Beomgyu’s chest aches.
Half of him wants to believe it. Wants to hold onto it.
But the other half—the part of him that still hears Yuna’s voice in the back of his head, that still sees the way people look at them—can’t.
So he looks away, staring out at the rain instead of at Kai’s face.
“…Why?” he asks, voice barely above a whisper. “Why does it have to be me?”
Silence.
Beomgyu waits.
But Kai doesn’t answer.
Instead, he keeps driving, the Jeep rolling through the empty intersection, heading toward Beomgyu’s house.
When they arrive, Kai pulls into the driveway and puts the car in park. Then, without a word, he unbuckles his seatbelt and turns fully toward Beomgyu.
Beomgyu finally looks at him, and the moment their eyes meet, his breath catches.
Kai’s gaze is intense. Unwavering.
Beomgyu swallows hard. His fingers curl into the fabric of his damp tuxedo as he struggles to hold Kai’s gaze.
Then, Kai speaks.
“I like you, Beomgyu.”
Beomgyu’s breath hitches.
No, not like.
There’s something about the way Kai says it, something about the way his voice softens, but his eyes stay so sure.
Beomgyu’s chest tightens. “Since when?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kai exhales, running a hand through his rain-damp hair. “I don’t know exactly when it started.” His lips press together for a moment before he looks at Beomgyu again. “All I know is I’ve loved you almost my entire life.”
Beomgyu’s heart stops.
His hands tremble in his lap. He’s spent years convincing himself that he’s just the sidekick. That Kai is too far out of reach. That something like this—Kai looking at him like this, saying something like this—would never happen.
He wants to believe him. He does.
But what if this is just—
“What if you’re just figuring things out?” Beomgyu asks suddenly, his voice sharper than he means it to be. “What if I’m just—” He swallows. “What if I’m just the person you feel safe with while you’re still confused?”
Kai’s expression doesn’t waver.
“I’m not confused, Beomgyu.”
Beomgyu opens his mouth—then closes it.
Because Kai doesn’t look unsure. He doesn’t look like someone who’s still figuring things out.
He looks certain.
He looks at Beomgyu like he’s always known.
Beomgyu’s pulse pounds in his ears.
Before he can say anything else—before he can even breathe—Kai moves closer.
And then, he kisses him.
Beomgyu’s eyes widen, his breath catching as Kai’s lips press against his.
It’s soft. Careful. But at the same time, there’s something desperate about it—like Kai has been waiting for this.
Like he’s been waiting for him.
Beomgyu’s hands clench, his mind racing.
Then, slowly—hesitantly—he lets his eyes flutter shut.
And for the first time that night, he lets himself believe it.
He starts to kiss him back.
At first, it’s tentative—uncertain. But when Kai makes a low sound in his throat and tugs him closer, something in Beomgyu melts.
Their kiss deepens.
Kai kisses him hungrily, like he’s been holding himself back for years. His hands find Beomgyu’s waist, fingers curling into the damp fabric of his tuxedo. He kisses him like he wants to devour him—like if Beomgyu lets him, he’ll pull him right into his lap, right here, right now.
Beomgyu’s heart pounds against his ribs.
It’s overwhelming—the heat of Kai’s hands, the intensity of his lips moving against his. He doesn’t even realize he’s gripping Kai’s jacket until his lungs start to burn.
He pulls back suddenly, gasping for air.
Their foreheads nearly bump as they sit there, panting, their breaths mixing in the space between them.
Kai is grinning.
He reaches up to brush a stray strand of hair from Beomgyu’s forehead, his touch lingering. “So,” he murmurs, his voice slightly rough, “do you still not believe me?”
Beomgyu feels his entire face heat up.
He looks away, pressing a hand to his lips. “I—I just didn’t expect you to do that.”
Kai chuckles, his grin widening. “Yeah?” His fingers brush against Beomgyu’s chin, tilting his face back toward him. “What did you expect, then?”
Beomgyu opens his mouth—then immediately shuts it, his blush deepening.
Kai laughs, and Beomgyu glares.
“Oh, shut up,” Beomgyu mutters, shoving him weakly.
Kai just smirks, leaning in again, his breath warm against Beomgyu’s lips.
“I don’t think I will,” he murmurs.
Kai leans in again, and Beomgyu braces himself, thinking he’s about to kiss him again.
His heart pounds, breath hitching—
But instead of kissing his lips, Kai presses a soft kiss to the tip of Beomgyu’s nose.
Beomgyu blinks, startled. “What—”
Kai pulls back with a grin, his eyes dark with amusement. “If I kiss you on the lips again, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.” His voice drops, teasing. “And we’d probably end up making out right here, outside your house.”
Beomgyu’s face burns.
He swats Kai’s arm. “Shut up.”
Kai just laughs, a grin tugging at his lips as he leans back in his seat.
Beomgyu groans, covering his face. “I need to get out of here before things get worse.”
He reaches for the door handle, but before he can step out, Kai gently holds his arm.
“Wait.”
Beomgyu turns back. “What?”
Kai tilts his head, watching him with a small, mischievous smirk. “So… are we boyfriends now?”
Beomgyu’s stomach flips.
He pretends to think about it, crossing his arms. “I don’t know…” he drawls.
Kai raises an eyebrow. “You don’t know?”
Beomgyu shrugs. “Only if you ask nicely.”
Kai rolls his eyes but leans forward, grabbing Beomgyu’s hand. His thumb brushes against Beomgyu’s knuckles, his touch warm and steady.
“Beomgyu,” he says, softer this time. “Will you be my boyfriend?”
Beomgyu feels his heart swell, a giddy smile breaking through his face before he can stop it.
“…Okay.”
Kai grins. “Okay?”
Beomgyu scoffs. “Yes, you idiot.”
Kai laughs, squeezing his hand.
Beomgyu bites his lip, trying to suppress the stupid warmth bubbling in his chest. But as he looks at Kai—at the way his eyes shine even in the dim light—he knows there’s no point in hiding it.
“Goodnight, boyfriend,” Beomgyu mutters, pushing the door open and stepping out into the rain.
Kai chuckles. “Goodnight, boyfriend.”
—
Beomgyu runs up to his porch, the rain still drizzling around him. His tuxedo is damp, his heart still racing—but none of it matters.
When he reaches the door, he turns back, brushing his wet hair out of his face. Kai is still there, sitting in his Jeep with the window rolled down, watching him with that stupid, soft smile.
Warmth spreads through Beomgyu’s chest.
He lifts a hand and waves. “Drive home safely, okay?”
Kai grins, resting his arm on the window frame. “I will.”
Beomgyu lingers for a second, biting his lip—then finally turns to unlock the door.
As he steps inside, he hears the low rumble of Kai’s engine pulling out of the driveway.
Beomgyu leans against the door, his fingers brushing over his lips.
Boyfriend.
His cheeks flush all over again.
What the hell just happened?
He’s spent years convincing himself that this is impossible—that Kai would never see him that way. That he’s just the best friend, the sidekick, someone Kai would never fall for.
But now?
Kai kissed him. Confessed to him. Called him his boyfriend.
Beomgyu exhales sharply and buries his face in his hands.
“Holy shit. Am I dreaming?” He pinches his arm—hard. Winces at the sharp sting. Nope. Not a dream. Just his actual, real life somehow turning into a rom-com he is not prepared for.
“You’re back early.”
Beomgyu’s head snaps up, and there, standing at the bottom of the stairs in pajama pants and a smug grin, is Yeonjun.
Oh, no.
Beomgyu stiffens. “What are you doing still awake?”
Yeonjun crosses his arms. “Waiting for you, obviously.” He nods toward the window. “Saw you running through the rain like a lovesick idiot. And, oh yeah, I also saw you standing there, touching your lips and looking like you just got—”
“Shut up.” Beomgyu groans, throwing himself onto the couch to hide his burning face.
Yeonjun cackles. “No way. Did you actually—”
“I said shut up.”
“Did you and Kai kiss?”
Beomgyu grabs a pillow and smacks Yeonjun in the face.
Yeonjun stumbles back, still laughing. “Oh my god. You did.”
Beomgyu groans into the couch. “I hate you.”
Yeonjun flops onto the armrest, poking Beomgyu’s shoulder. “So? Are you two, like, a thing now?”
Beomgyu hesitates, his fingers curling into the fabric of the couch.
“…Yeah,” he mumbles. “I think we are.”
Yeonjun grins. “Well, it’s about damn time.”
Beomgyu groans again, burying his face deeper into the couch. “Can you stop being so annoying for once in your life?”
Yeonjun only laughs, ruffling Beomgyu’s hair like he’s a little kid. “Nope. Not when my little brother just got his first kiss and his first boyfriend all in one night.”
Beomgyu swats at his hand. “Oh my god, please go away.”
Yeonjun smirks. “Can’t. I need details.”
“There are no details.”
“Bullshit. I saw the way you looked coming in here. You were literally glowing.”
Beomgyu peeks up from the couch, his glare weak. “I was wet from the rain, dumbass.”
Yeonjun gasps dramatically. “Wet?! Oh, things must’ve happened in that car—”
Beomgyu kicks him.
Yeonjun yelps, jumping off the armrest. “Okay, fine!” He holds up his hands in surrender, still grinning. “I’ll let you have your little gay panic in peace.”
“Thank you.”
Yeonjun starts walking away but then pauses by the stairs. “But just so you know…” He turns back with a teasing smirk. “Mom is going to find out.”
Beomgyu sits up instantly. “No.”
Yeonjun shrugs. “She’s been taking pictures of you two since kindergarten. The moment she hears about this, she’s gonna cry.”
Beomgyu throws a pillow at him. “Get out!”
Yeonjun dodges it, laughing as he runs up the stairs.
Beomgyu flops back onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh.
Kai is his boyfriend.
His cheeks heat up all over again.
It’s really happening. And no matter how many times he repeats it in his head, he still can’t believe it.
—
Two Weeks Later…
The doorbell rings, and Beomgyu bolts down the stairs.
“I got it! I got it!” he yells, skipping the last few steps as he rushes toward the door.
But his mom is faster.
She swings it open before he can, smiling sweetly at the boy standing outside. “Kai! What a lovely surprise.”
Kai chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hi, Mrs. Choi.”
Beomgyu skids to a stop behind his mom, slightly out of breath. “Mom, seriously?”
She turns to him with an innocent expression. “What?” Then, without missing a beat, she turns back to Kai and asks, “Are you here to take Beomgyu out as friends or as boyfriends?”
Beomgyu chokes. “Mom!”
Kai only grins. “As boyfriends, of course.”
Mrs. Choi beams. “That’s what I thought.”
Beomgyu groans, dragging a hand down his face. “Can we go now?”
But before he can even take a step, his mom grabs his wrist. “Not so fast! I need a picture first.”
Beomgyu groans again. “Mom, please.”
“It’s your first date! I need it for my collection.”
Kai just chuckles, already used to this. “C’mon, Beomgyu, let her have this.”
Beomgyu glares at him. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
Yeonjun strolls into the hallway, arms crossed as he leans against the wall. “Oh, she’s never gonna stop now,” he teases. “She’ll be taking pictures of you guys until your wedding.”
Beomgyu instantly turns scarlet. “Yeonjun!”
Kai just laughs, effortlessly draping an arm around Beomgyu’s shoulders and pulling him closer for the photo. “That’s fine,” he says, grinning. “At least we won’t need to hire a photographer for our wedding.”
Beomgyu chokes. “Oh my god, shut up!”
Click.
The camera shutter snaps, capturing the moment—Kai smiling like this is all perfectly normal, while Beomgyu is caught mid-protest, half-pouting, half-blushing.
Yeonjun cackles while their mom just grins knowingly, snapping another picture.
And just like that, the pictures tell their story.
Framed on the wall, capturing moments frozen in time—two boys growing up side by side.
Their kindergarten photo, where they stand with chubby cheeks and matching grins. Their first day of elementary school, hands clasped tightly together, backpacks almost too big for their small frames. Middle school, where Beomgyu awkwardly smiles through his braces while Kai towers over him after his sudden growth spurt. High school, with Kai beaming after his first lacrosse championship win, Beomgyu beside him, rolling his eyes but still cheering the loudest.
And then, prom—Kai grinning as always, while Beomgyu looks away, pretending to be annoyed but unable to hide the pink dusting his cheeks.
Kai tilts his head slightly. “So, you ready to go on a date with me?”
Beomgyu stares at his outstretched hand.
A date. An actual date.
It isn’t just a joke or a casual question. It’s real. Their first date is finally happening.
Beomgyu lets out a breath, still feeling like he’s floating, like this can’t actually be happening. But then, he reaches out, sliding his hand into Kai’s.
“Yeah,” he says softly, fingers curling around his. “I’m ready.”
– The End.