Chapter Text
Jeonghan had perfected the art of intimidation.
One step into the hallways, and students would stop in their tracks. A single glance could turn loud chatter into dead silence. His presence alone was enough to make everyone turn their backs and avoid eye contact.
Cold, calculated, unapproachable.
That was the Yoon Jeonghan everyone knew– the student council president who ruled the campus with his sharp mind and merciless rules.
Or at least, that’s what they thought.
Because beneath the glares and the cold walls he built, Jeonghan kept a secret.
A very pink, lace-covered, pretty little secret.
And right now, that secret stood in a quiet little shopping district at the peaceful side of the city. Not a big mall, or a busy market– just a handful of boutiques, lined where most people didn’t bother to go.
A place where no one knew him.
A place where the cold Yoon Jeonghan didn’t exist.
Because today, he wasn’t that Yoon Jeonghan.
Long black hair swaying in soft waves down his back, dressed in soft pastels hugging his frame, delicate lace gloves covered his wrists– Jeonghan strolled through the boutiques, with a smile tugging his lips. If everyone would see him, this would be a shock.
No glares, no suffocating expectations pressing him down.
Just him and his secret.
He stopped in front of a boutique, and a beautiful dress caught his attention. His finger glided over the soft sleeves displayed on the mannequin. It was a beauty! The fabric was smooth beneath his fingertips, the ruffles and frill in perfect shape, the exact kind of thing he wished he could wear every day.
His gaze dropped to the price tag.
And just as quick, his mood also dropped.
Jeonghan sighed, his grip tightening around his dress. Why do the prettiest things always have to be so goddamn expensive?
Reluctantly, he exhaled, slipping his fingers away from the dress.
I mean, he could just justify the price– he did deserve it, right? But no, he promised himself not to give in.
Maybe next time…
But just as he turned to leave, a tap on his shoulder made him jump.
“Excuse me,”
The voice was deep, smooth– and familiar?
Jeonghan barely had a second to react before he was facing a tall, broad-shouldered figure dressed in a black hoodie, his face mostly hidden behind a mask,
But his eyes– sharp, dark, and framed by unfairly long lashes– were enough to make Jeonghan’s heart skip a beat.
The guy rubbed the back of his neck, looking effortlessly cool. “Sorry, this is so random, but… you’re really pretty.”
Jeonghan’s brain stopped.
“…uhm. Thanks?”
The guy chuckled, and Jeonghan hated how good it sounded. Low, smooth, filled with confidence.
“Would it be okay if we took a selfie?”
Every logical part of Jeonghan screamed no.
If this was a normal day, he could no.
But the problem was– this isn't a normal day and he wasn’t thinking logically.
Normally, he’d shut requests like this down immediately. He wasn’t new to attention when he dressed up like this. Strangers asking for pictures weren’t uncommon.
But something about this guy made him hesitate.
Even with half his face covered, Jeonghan could tell– this man was extremely attractive.
Sharp features, a strong physique, and the natural confidence he carried. He definitely stands out from the normal crowd.
Jeonghan, to his own shock, felt his ears warm.
“...Sure.”
Can you blame him? He’s a sucker for handsome guys.
The guy’s eyes gleamed.
He quickly pulled out his phone, stepped beside Jeonghan, and angled the camera just right. Jeonghan caught their reflection on the screen– the soft, delicate version of himself beside someone who looked so luxurious.
The camera clicked.
And then–
In one motion, the guy pulled down his mask.
And if Jeonghan could sink to the floor, he would.
A smirk stretched across the newly uncovered face.
Choi Seungcheol.
The rich bastard of their campus.
A guy who did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, also got whatever he wanted. Because money made it possible. Someone who carried himself like he was above everything, yet he’s still popular.
The same Seungcheol who may or may not figure out what Jeonghan’s secret was.
Jeonghan’s hands clenched into tiny fist, wishing Seungcheol haven’t noticed it was him
Seungcheol casually clicked another photo and turned to him, grinning like he’d just won the jackpot.
“Thanks, Yoon Jeonghan.”
Jeonghan forgot how to breathe.
Seungcheol leaned in, whispering with his voice filled with amusement. “See you in the student council room, okay?”
And then he walked away. Just like that.
Leaving Jeonghan standing there, horrified, realizing he had just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Don’t let looks fool you.
The ticking bomb of his downfall followed Jeonghan back to school.
Seated in the student council room, he tapped his fingers against the desk, acting so composed but internally spiraling down.
Seungcheol could leak the picture.
Destroy his image.
End him.
But he hadn’t, or at least not yet.
Which meant only one thing– Seungcheol had an ulterior motive.
The door cracked open.
And there he was.
Seungcheol strolled in like he owned the place, hands in his pockets, a smirk on his face.
Jeonghan stiffened.
“You’re late,” he muttered, forcing his voice to stay cold.
Seungcheol chuckled. “Hey, I never set a time.”
Jeonghan exhaled. “Get to the point.”
Seungcheol leaned against the desk, unbothered. “About the picture…”
Jeonghan’s heart sank.
He forced himself to glare. “What do you want?”
Seungcheol waved his phone. “I was thinking… I could keep it to myself. Maybe even delete it..”
Jeonghan held onto the chair. “Go on.”
Seungcheol sighed dramatically. “ I’ll make it easy for you– I’ll buy you whatever you want.”
Jeonghan blinked, dumbfounded.
“...What?”
Seungcheol hummed. “Hmm?”
“You’re blackmailing me… by offering to buy me things?”
“That’s right.”
Jeonghan opened his mouth, but no words came out.
His face felt uncomfortably warm.
His gaze turned to the side, avoiding to meet Seungcheol’s. “And this benefits you… how?
Seungcheol grinned. “It’s entertaining.”
Jeonghan swallowed.
“I don’t understand…” he mumbled, voice smaller now.
Seungcheol leaned down, invading his space. “I think you do,”
Jeonghan stayed frozen, his heart felt like it was going to explode.
“So… I get free things?”
“If you agree.”
Silence filled the room.
Then, to Jeonghan's own horror, he let out a quiet, shy laugh. He quickly covered his mouth with his sleeve.
“You’re an idiot,” he mumbled, eyes darting away.
Seungcheol grinned. “Maybe.”
Jeonghan should be furious, yet all he could think about was that damn dress.
He was also a sucker for pretty things.
“Fine,” he muttered, fidgeting with his sleeves. “...Can you buy me a dress?
Seungcheol’s grin even grew wider.
“I will, angel.”
And just like that, Jeonghan found himself in the strangest blackmail arrangement ever.