Work Text:
Agent Grape seems to be in love.
That was the general sentiment among the agents currently working at the Supernatural Disaster Management Agency, especially Agent Choi.
He stared at the youngest member, who was diligently typing up his report, eyes glued to the computer screen, fingers flying nonstop across a keyboard with several keys already worn out.
To anyone else, it would just look like a hardworking rookie trying to finish his assignment—but Choi knew better.
‘He’s trying to finish as fast as possible!’
Even though getting work done early doesn't mean agents get to leave early, completing things neatly within the day is still ideal. No one knows when an emergency might come… or in Choi's case—someone who loves procrastinating until he's drowning in work—staying late at the Bureau is practically normal.
And if that were the only thing, it wouldn't have sparked the terrifying rumor. There were countless suspicious signs!
[Has anyone else noticed Agent Grape looking way brighter these past few days?? He smiled at me earlier and I swore my heart almost jumped out of my chest???]
[Right?! I just thought im the only one think so!!]
[I heard he’s about to take a long vacation. Must be happy he doesn't have to see that noisy someone for a while haha]
[Hey I’m still in this group chat ^^]
[Yeah, I know.]
[He disappears immediately after work every day? Anyone know where he goes? I've been wanting to ask him something.]
[I asked him out to eat today and he said he already had plans T^T]
.
.
.
.
“Hmm…”
Choi mentally scrolled through the lively group chat. If he wanted to confirm that for rumor real…
“Grape~ Once you finish your report, let’s go eat, okay? It’s been a while since the three of us had a meal together~”
“Uh… I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can today. I’m… busy…”
“I’ve noticed you run off the moment work hours end these days. Do you hate seeing our faces that much?”
“!... No… I really just have my own schedule…”
“Agent Choi, don't bully him!”
Tsk tsk. That clueless kid Jaekwan had no idea what was going on.
Looks like Choi had to use his final tactic.
“You got plans with someone?”
“Yes… You could say that…”
“With your lover?”
“Yes… Huh?!!!”
Just look at him.
Bright red face, wide-open eyes, stuttering lips—
Strange.
‘But he didn’t deny it.’
“No!! Why would you suddenly say something like that…?!”
Ah, he did deny it—but too slowly.
With a reaction like that, the rumor was 90% confirmed.
In Choi's imagination , if Grape didn't have a lover, he would've shot back a denial with the expression of a Tibetan fox and a voice colder than a dead fish.
Well, it was fine. It was good news if he was dating someone. And just like everyone said, Grape’s mood recently had clearly improved—smiling more, working even more efficiently than usual, which was already terrifying.
‘Back when he first joined, he looked like he was on the brink of depression.’
Choi snorted and ruffled the kid's messy hair while he was still flustered.
“Haha just kidding. Guess I'll be lonely tonight with Bronze instead.”
“I’m sorry… Next time I’ll definitely—”
“No need to worry about us. I know you need time for the people you cherish~”
Grape opened his mouth as if to say something, then stopped, bowing his head slightly.
Cute, really.
.
.
.
.
“So, Agent Choi, why exactly are we following Agent Grape all the way to his house right now?”
Damn.
After saying goodbye to Grape, it assumed that Choi and Bronze would leave and go have dinner together.
But…
‘I’m too curious!?’
‘What kind of person could possibly be his lover?? I just can’t imagine it!’
Images flashed in Choi’s mind:
A soft Mori-girl type,
or a studious girl with glasses—matching his vibe,
or maybe someone bold and charismatic? Opposites attract after all.
Did he like the same gender…?
Thoughts overlapped chaotically—and then, suddenly, a flash of realization.
‘Could it be someone from that cult company?’
Judging by Grape’s personality, he would only date someone he trusted deeply, someone he’d known for a long time. And most of his close connections came from that company.
Wait, it could even be—
Darkness.
He remembered the interrogation between them.
The pink rabbit called Braun.
How Grape had protected and cherished it despite knowing how dangerous it was.
No way…
Choi shot to his feet. Bronze blinked at him in confusion.
“Bronze, let’s go.”
“What is it now, Agent?”
“Going to protect our youngest!”
.
.
.
.
And so the two confused agents began their tailing mission.
Jaekwan was baffled at first, but fell silent after hearing Choi’s explanation.
As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Choi’s concerns were… not impossible.
Especially since their youngest was the type who was both stubborn and overly self-sacrificing.
They secretly followed Grape, promising themselves they would simply take a quick look at the lover, assess the safety level, and leave.
But surprisingly…
Grape went to a convenience store for daily necessities,
stopped by a bakery for bread,
then the laundromat to pick up yesterday’s washed uniform.
‘His lover didn’t show up at all?!’
“Agent Choi… I think you’re wrong. He’s just busy…”
“No way. Are you doubting the intuition I’ve honed over years on the battlefield?”
“…”
Choi had to grab the other agent’s wrist, stopping him from leaving, urging him to stay just a little longer.
Until Grape reached home.
‘Is there really nothing? Or do kids these days already live together that early???’
Never had he doubted his own judgment so fiercely.
Grape hurried into his small rented room and shut the door.
Choi rushed over, peeking through the peephole.
“Agent Choi—!”
Bronze, furious and ready to smack him, froze.
“Wha—…”
Choi’s eyes were wide. Mouth slightly open.
Bronze pushed him aside and took the position. The view through the peephole was tiny and horribly distorted, but he still saw it.
Agent Grape smiling brightly.
Arms wrapped around his own shoulders.
His expression shifting instantly.
His voice, faint but audible through the thin, worn-out door:
“Welcome home…”