Work Text:
Rui was brutally attacking his long blue hair with a brush like it had personally wronged him. He was—shockingly—almost an hour late to university again.
But seriously, who could blame him? Between social media, modeling, dancing, singing, and studying fashion, his life was basically a poorly balanced Jenga tower. One wrong move and everything collapsed. Not even Superman could do all that, and he definitely didn’t have to worry about accessorizing.
He smoothed down his clothes and gave himself one final look in the mirror.
That one look turned into five.
He tugged at the neckline. Adjusted the belt. Fixed the sleeve. Unfixed it. Fixed it again.
Nope. Still not good enough.
Because good enough was for people with low standards—and Rui Chen did not leave the house looking acceptable.
Dark-wash bootcut jeans. Leopard-print belt. Black off-the-shoulder top with a leopard-print tank peeking out because layering was an art form. And, of course, his black Coach bag. Only the best for a fashion student drowning in student loans.
He squinted at his reflection. The blue in his hair was clashing again. He’d need to dye it soon.
Later. Future Rui’s problem.
His phone buzzed in his purse.
Wumuti.
Great. Guilt. His favorite accessory.
“Okay, okay, I’m leaving,” Rui muttered, grabbing his bag and calling an Uber.
He arrived at campus exactly thirty minutes late—fashionably late, actually, if you asked him. Today was test results day, which meant he had to pretend he cared deeply about his academic future.
He slipped into the classroom as quietly as someone who had just sprinted up stairs could manage, trying to look calm. Collected. Like he hadn’t almost died in the hallway.
“Glad you could join us,” the professor said, dripping with sarcasm.
Rui smiled politely. He would survive this.
He spotted Wumuti’s light-blue bob near the front. The moment Wumuti turned around and saw him, his face dropped.
Eye roll.
Yep. He was mad.
Third time this week.
“Hey,” Rui whispered, sliding into the seat beside him and giving a quick side hug.
“Really?” Wumuti hissed. “Rui, this is important. I know you think you can juggle everything, but if you can’t focus on school, maybe you shouldn’t focus on literally everything else.”
“Hey, don’t blame me,” Rui shot back. “You put me in the group.”
“Nobody told you to start posting on Instagram and suddenly think you’re a model.”
“Think?” Rui scoffed. “My two million followers also think I’m a model.”
Wumuti sighed like a man carrying the weight of the world—or at least Rui’s GPA.
Haru leaned over. “He’s right. You’re not getting anywhere without your studies.”
“You’re just as fucked as I am academically,” Rui replied instantly.
“At least I’m trying to improve,” Haru said. “Muti’s been tutoring me, right, Muti?”
He looked at Wumuti like a kicked puppy.
“Oh please,” Wumuti said. “Every time I tutor you, you get distracted and start doing something else.”
“No, I don—”
“All right, students,” the professor cut in. “Come up to the podium to get your papers.”
Oh god.
Okay. Rui could do this. He’d survived years of media training and ballet recitals with judges who looked like they hated joy. A piece of paper wouldn’t kill him.
Probably.
He grabbed his test and stared.
155 out of 200.
A pass. Technically. More limping across the finish line than sprinting.
Wumuti and Haru were right. He needed help. Academic help. Urgently.
“For students below a C,” the professor announced, “we’re setting up a tutoring program with graphic design students. Stay after class.”
Rui’s ears perked up.
Haru and Rui locked eyes.
Yep. They were absolutely doing this.
After what felt like a full workday compressed into one morning, Rui made his way to the lecture hall for sign-ups. On stage stood a lineup of unfamiliar tutors—short, tall, soft, intimidating.
Clipboards covered the tables.
Haru signed up with a girl named Nari.
Rui immediately went for the emptiest list. Availability mattered. He skimmed the credentials.
Straight A’s. Great school.
Sold.
Kim Jin-hyung.
Pretty name.
Rui looked up at the stage, scanning faces. Blue-haired guy? No. Tall black-haired guy? Not it.
Then—far right.
Oh.
Tall. Tan. Cat-like eyes. Blonde, wavy hair with bangs. Makeup that screamed effortless but lethal.
Yeah. That was him.
The blond stepped up to the mic. “All right,” he said, voice smooth and annoyingly pleasant. “Everyone signed up with Nari, line up on the left.”
He gave instructions like he’d done this a hundred times.
“And if you signed up with me,” he added, smiling, “come up here.”
Rui fixed his hair immediately and walked up, five other students trailing behind him.
The blond smiled at Rui—small, warm, devastating. His lip gloss caught the light.
“Hello.”
Oh no.
Rui inhaled. “Hi,” he said, waving slightly. “I’m Chen Kuan-jui.”
He held out his hand.
The blond shook it, and Rui was hit with warm vanilla, sea salt, and something comforting he couldn’t name.
“I’m Kim Jin-hyung,” he said. “But call me Hyun.”
Yeah. Rui was doomed.
Hyun handed him a clipboard. “Write your name and number, then pass it along.”
Rui nodded, absolutely not okay.
Yeah.
He definitely needed this tutoring program.
And maybe a moment to breathe.
.
Rui stared at the ceiling of Wumuti’s apartment, deeply contemplating what he was going to wear tomorrow.
Tomorrow was his first tutoring session, and he was beyond excited. Plans had been made. Goals had been set.
He had to have him.
“All right,” Wumuti said, glancing over from his phone. “What are we thinking about?”
“Huh?” Rui blinked, turning his head.
“You’re clearly distracted,” Wumuti said flatly. “Who’s on your mind?”
Rui rolled onto his stomach and stared straight at him. “All right, listen—and listen carefully. You might have to walk him down the aisle one day.”
“Oh God.”
“So you know how I got into tutoring, right?” Rui continued. “My tutor is fine as fuck. And I mean fine.”
“Mhm,” Wumuti nodded, already resigned.
“I’m having my first tutoring session with him, and I want to impress him so badly.”
“Just—”
“—just be myself, I know,” Rui interrupted. “But you haven’t met him. He’s like… I’m assuming. You can just tell he’s deep. And he was so nice. And when I got close to him, he smelled so good, and his hands were warm, and his face was so pretty. He’s tall, he’s tan, he has blonde hair, he’s slim—”
“Rui.”
“He has a small waist.”
Rui giggled. Wumuti rolled his eyes so hard it almost looked painful.
“If he’s that nice,” Wumuti said, “I’m sure you can just act how you normally act.”
“Oh my God, but what if he thinks I’m rude? Or sassy? Or conceited?”
“You haven’t even met him properly. Do you even know his name?”
“Kim Jin-hyung,” Rui said proudly. “But I can call him Hyun.”
“You can,” Wumuti said slowly, “or literally every other student can.”
“Wumuti, don’t take that away from me. It’s the only thing I have.”
Wumuti made a face, then grabbed Rui’s hands and dragged him off the couch. “Come on. Let’s get something to eat. Maybe food will help you think like a normal person.”
.
The next day, Rui slept surprisingly well.
He showered for a solid hour and a half, trying to reach perfection. He washed his hair, blow-dried it, straightened it just enough. He smelled like literal paradise. His outfit, as always, was immaculate.
His makeup? He could tweak a few things—but honestly?
He was perfect.
He checked his phone, rereading the messages between him and his future husband. He was counting down the minutes. Not early. Not late. Five minutes after twelve.
Nonchalant. Effortless. Iconic.
He knocked on Hyun’s apartment door.
The moment it opened, warm vanilla and freshly baked pastries flooded the hallway. Rui nearly passed away on the spot.
Hyun stood there in gray sweatpants and a slightly cropped black compression shirt. His blonde hair was messy, he was wearing socks—and that was it.
Somehow, that was more than enough.
“Hi!” Hyun said warmly. “Come in, come in.”
His honey-like voice immediately made Rui ten times more nervous. He slipped off his shoes and stepped inside, eyes wandering.
Gray walls. Mostly black decor. So many plants. Hanging from the ceiling, lining the counters, scattered across the floor. Huge windows overlooking the city. Humidifiers everywhere, explaining the strong vanilla scent.
The place was modern, clean, and… very him.
“So,” Hyun said casually as he set a few things down, “I talked to one of my senior friends about tutoring.”
Rui looked up immediately.
“She said she knew you,” Hyun continued with a small smile. “I didn’t realize you were my hyung.”
Rui froze.
Oh. Oh no.
Hyun smiling while saying hyung should be illegal.
“Oh—really?” Rui managed, voice coming out a little too soft. “Uh… how old are you?”
Hyun tilted his head. “How old do you think I am?”
That was not a fair question.
“Twenty-two?” Rui guessed carefully.
“Twenty-three,” Hyun said.
Rui nodded quickly, choosing silence over the very real threat of a voice crack
“All right,” Hyun said, “let’s get started. Go to the living room while I grab some things. Make yourself at home—if you want anything from the fridge, feel free.”
Rui sat on the fluffy gray carpet, absolutely enchanted. The apartment was spotless. Not a single thing out of place.
Compared to Rui’s apartment—which currently looked like a clothing store had exploded—it was embarrassing.
When we live together, he will handle the cleaning, Rui thought.
He immediately blushed at the thought .
Hyun returned carrying books and a pencil case. “So, what are you struggling with?”
“Um,” Rui said, clearing his throat. “Keeping up with the workload. I get distracted when I’m writing, and I can’t really focus.”
Hyun hummed.
“And for some reason,” Rui added, “they keep making us take math classes.”
Hyun giggled. “Math in a fashion course? That’s funny.”
He wasn’t being sarcastic—he was genuinely amused. Rui’s face grew even pinker.
Hyun handed him a math book, blank paper, and a pencil. Rui immediately noticed his hands—long fingers, almond-shaped nails painted black and silver.
Oh God. This is going to be impossible.
“All right,” Hyun said. “This is pretty similar to what you’ll see on tests. Try the first exercise, and I’ll guide you.”
He could guide Rui through anything he wanted.
Focus. Academics. Please.
Rui started the problem… and immediately got stuck.
Hyun leaned in from behind, face close as he examined the paper.
“Okay,” Hyun said gently. “I see where you got lost.”
He picked up the page. “See this? You’re supposed to multiply here.”
Rui nodded, taking the paper back and trying very hard to act like he wasn’t completely shaken
.
It had been a little over two and a half hours.
That was a long time, but Rui would be lying if he said he hadn’t enjoyed every second. Hyun was funny, kind—sweet, Jesus Christ—and honestly, just being next to him felt amazing.
Mid-sentence, Hyun was cut off by a loud knock at the door.
He blinked, clearly confused, before realization hit him. “Uh—sorry. What time is it?”
Rui checked his phone. “It’s 2:39.”
Hyun’s eyes widened. “Oh my God—that must be my friend. I’m so sorry,” he said, standing up quickly. “I told him to come at three, but he literally never listens.”
He walked over and opened the door.
Standing there was a tall guy—somehow taller than Hyun—with black hair and pale skin. He leaned down slightly to hug Hyun, just because of the height difference.
Hyun lightly punched his shoulder. “Dude. I’m in the middle of a tutoring session.”
“You know I always come early,” the guy said, rolling his eyes. “You should’ve told me four.”
Rui, still sitting on the floor, stared in confusion.
“Ugh, hyung, I’m really sorry,” Hyun said, turning back to Rui. He grabbed Rui’s hands and helped him up.
“No, it’s fine,” Rui said, hoping his glare at the guy wasn’t obvious.
This was their moment. If this man had just listened, Rui would’ve gotten at least ten more minutes alone with Hyun.
“So,” Hyun asked gently, “did you understand everything?”
“Huh?”
Hyun tilted his head. “The work.”
“Oh—yeah. Yeah, I got it,” Rui nodded quickly. “Thanks.”
Hyun hummed, then hesitated. “Before you leave… would you like some tea? Or cookies? Something? We’ve been here a while, and you haven’t eaten.”
The concern in his voice made Rui’s chest tighten.
“Sure,” Rui said softly.
“All right. Sit on the couch—I’ll be right back.”
Rui sat a few cushions away from Hyun’s friend, very deliberately avoiding eye contact.
“You don’t have to be jealous of me,” the guy said suddenly. “I’m not his type.”
Rui slowly turned to look at him, unimpressed. “Didn’t ask.”
The guy chuckled. “Oh? So only he gets your nice side?”
Rui said nothing, expression flat.
The guy leaned back, arms crossing comfortably. “Relax. He’s not into rudeness—but I’ll let this slide,” he said with a smirk. “I actually want to see how you two turn out. Just know that if you’re trying to get anywhere with him, you might as well start being nice to me.”
He glanced toward the kitchen, where Hyun was still busy.
“Because you’re about to see a whole lot more of me.”
Hyun came back carrying a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a large tray holding three cups of tea, a small jar of honey, and the kettle. The balance it took was honestly impressive.
“All right,” Hyun said cheerfully as he set everything down on the coffee table. “I warmed the cookies up in the oven, and this is raspberry tea.”
He handed everyone their cups, then slid the jar of honey toward Rui.
A few sips in, Rui realized no one else had touched the honey.
“Do you guys not want honey?” he asked.
Hyun looked at him attentively. “I already know Min-ju hyung’s preferred amount,” he said easily.
Oh.
Suddenly, it felt like Rui had stepped into the middle of a routine that existed long before him. He nodded, trying to hide his discomfort.
That’s when Min-ju spoke up.
“How much honey did you put in yours, Hyun?” he asked.
“About half a tablespoon.”
“Can I try it?” Min-ju said with a smirk. “I’m trying not to drink so much sugar. Let’s see if I like it.”
Hyun, completely oblivious, nodded and handed over his cup.
Min-ju took a sip—eyes locked directly on Rui the entire time.
Rui’s jaw tightened. He bit into a cookie, chewing a little harder than necessary to calm himself.
“Nah,” Min-ju said, handing the cup back. “I like it sweet.”
An hour or two later, Rui decided it was time to leave.
Hyun walked him to the door, then hesitated. “I’m sorry if my friend made you uncomfortable,” he said softly. “He likes joking around.”
The moment Rui heard Hyun’s gentle voice, the anger melted away.
“It’s fine,” Rui said, offering a small smile. “See you.”
.
It had been a few weeks, and—shockingly—Rui was getting smarter.
Hyun turned out to be an incredible teacher. Annoyingly good at explaining things. Even more annoyingly gorgeous while doing it. And somehow, despite Rui being painfully distracted most of the time, his grades had improved so much that even Wumuti was impressed.
Over those weeks, Rui had begun to observe Hyun like a hawk.
He knew everything: the body wash he used (Native, vanilla), his favorite foods (mostly Filipino dishes), how he didn’t like being touched too often, and a dozen other tiny details Rui pretended not to memorize on purpose. They’d grown close—close enough that Hyun had invited him to a program event.
It was a fundraiser hosted by the digital art students. Think mini fair: booths, lights, music, handmade merch. People came to support and wander around.
That was exactly where Rui was headed now.
He wore slightly loose khakis, a fitted white shirt, and a soft pink cardigan. His hair—finally dyed back to blonde—fell naturally without extensions for once. Simple. Cute. Intentional.
Of course, Rui had dragged Wumuti along. Up until now, Wumuti hadn’t actually seen Hyun’s face—Rui had only ever managed to get pictures of him mid-turn or half-covered.
Suspicious? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely.
At the fair, it was painfully obvious Rui was searching.
Wumuti walked beside him with a knowing smirk.
Then—
“Hey! Over here!!”
They both turned at the same time.
Hyun stood under colorful string lights, absolutely glowing. He wore a tight button-up cropped just above his navel, exposing toned skin, baggy jeans, and a dark red tie wrapped around his waist like a belt. He was stationed at an accessories booth—which explained the black cat ears on his head.
Rui immediately ran up and hugged him. (One hug per meet-up policy.)
Hyun hugged back, warm and familiar, instantly heating Rui’s cold hands.
Wumuti stared. Completely stunned.
When they pulled apart, Hyun smiled brightly. “Hi! You must be Wumuti. I’m Hyun.”
“Yeah,” Wumuti said slowly. “I know.”
Hyun tilted his head. “Oh—has Rui talked about me?”
“Here and there,” Wumuti replied. “Not too much.”
Rui shot him a look.
“Well,” Hyun said, cheerful as ever, “you guys should go explore. I’ll be here for a few hours, but once I’m done, I’ll call you.”
Rui’s face fell instantly.
“Can’t I stay with you?” he asked.
“It’s gonna be boring,” Hyun said gently. “And your friend doesn’t really know me yet. Go have fun.”
Rui sighed dramatically. “Wumuti? Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find some guy to entertain you.”
He said it with fake confidence.
“Oh yeah,” Wumuti said, pulling Rui into a hug. Before letting go, he leaned in and whispered, “Enjoy it while you can. I’m never gonna be this nice again.”
Then he disappeared into the crowd.
“All right,” Hyun said, gesturing to a stool. “You can sit there. I’ll be selling these.”
A small group approached the stand. Hyun greeted them with his usual polite smile.
One guy leaned forward over the table, eyes dragging over Hyun openly.
“So what’s your name?” he asked.
“Mhm?” Hyun replied. “Oh—Hyun.”
“That’s a pretty name,” the guy said. He picked up one of the sm collars from the display. “This looks kinda small. How am I supposed to know it fits?”
He turned it in his hands, then smirked. “Why don’t I test it on you?”
Hyun stiffened. His smile faltered just slightly. “Oh—um—”
Rui stood up immediately, stepping between them. “Why don’t you test it on your arm?” he said sharply. “There’s no reason to put it on him.”
The guy scoffed. “Listen, kid. I wasn’t talking to you. Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Hyun gently reached out and nudged Rui back, careful not to hurt him.
“I’m sorry, sir,” Hyun said calmly. “I can give you the measurements, but I’m not comfortable doing that.”
The guy’s face hardened. “Did you not understand me?” he snapped. “I said I wanted it on you.”
Rui felt his blood boil.
“That’s not happening,” he said, voice low. “You’re being weird.”
The guy laughed humorlessly. “You think you get to decide that?”
Hyun straightened, his polite tone turning firm. “You need to leave. Now.”
“Or what?” the guy sneered.
“Or I call security,” Hyun said evenly, already reaching under the table. “And you don’t come back.”
The guy stared at him for a moment, then scoffed. “Figures,” he muttered, tossing the collar onto the table. “Tease.”
He stormed off.
Hyun exhaled slowly, hands shaking just a bit.
Rui stepped closer. “Are you okay?”
Hyun nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for stepping in.”
Rui swallowed. “Anytime.”
And for the first time that night, Hyun smiled at him—not polite, not professional.
Real
.
Rui had a checklist.
An actual mental checklist, which he absolutely pretended was ironic and not serious at all.
Let’s see.
Hyun was more comfortable with touch now—small things, but meaningful ones. They hugged. Last week, Hyun had wiped frosting off Rui’s nose with his thumb, laughing softly when Rui froze like his brain had short-circuited. A few days ago, Hyun had hugged him first. Willingly.
And tonight?
Tonight, Hyun had invited him out again. A cute little bar not too far from campus. Drinks. Music. Fun.
And he’d said Rui could invite his friends.
Which meant, obviously, Wumuti and Haru were coming.
Haru hadn’t met Hyun yet, but Rui was weirdly confident they’d get along. Maybe it was delusion. Maybe it was manifestation.
Either way, Rui was buzzing.
He looked good—dangerously good. His extensions were back in, long blonde hair cascading down his back. A tight baby-blue top, baggy jeans with a matching belt, dark brown boots. Necklaces layered on his chest, bracelets stacked up his wrists.
He checked his reflection one last time.
Yeah. He’d eat himself up.
“Wow,” Haru said flatly, looking him up and down. “You look obnoxious.”
“Thank you,” Rui replied sweetly.
Haru was wearing jorts—which only made him look shorter—and a football jersey. Wumuti, elegant as ever, wore a silky top, simple jeans, and tiny white heels.
Cute. Balanced. Iconic group.
While Haru and Wumuti walked calmly toward the bar, Rui was practically bouncing, half-skipping, half-running ahead of them.
“Relax,” Wumuti called out. “You’ll scare him.”
“I can’t,” Rui said, turning around and walking backward. “This is the first time I’m seeing him outside of tutoring. No notebooks. No stress. Just vibes.”
“And alcohol,” Haru added.
“Exactly.”
When they arrived, the place was warm and lively. Music hummed in the background, lights dim but cozy.
And there he was.
Hyun.
He wore a big dark red sweater, loose jeans, and UGGs. Casual. Comfortable. Effortless.
In Rui’s eyes, he looked runway-ready.
The moment Hyun saw him, he stood up immediately. “Rui!”
He leaned in for what he clearly expected to be a quick hug.
Rui wrapped his arms around him and squeezed.
Hyun stiffened for half a second—then relaxed, arms coming around Rui’s back. Rui felt his warmth, the curve of his small waist under the sweater, and had to physically restrain himself from combusting.
Please don’t let my face be red. Please.
When Rui finally let go, Hyun greeted Wumuti politely, then turned to Haru.
“Oh—you must be Haru.”
Before Hyun could finish, Haru pulled him into a tight hug.
Hyun froze.
Rui watched closely.
Hyun’s eyes widened in surprise, but he laughed awkwardly and patted Haru’s back. Rui decided he wasn’t mad about it—only because it was Haru.
Once they sat down, Rui and Hyun naturally ended up next to each other. Their knees brushed. Their shoulders touched.
Rui noticed how different Hyun was around his friends—softer, more open. Smiling more. Laughing louder.
It made Rui’s chest ache in a way he didn’t have a name for.
Then someone suggested truth or drink.
Rui should’ve known better.
“All right,” one of Hyun’s friends said, grinning. “Hyun.”
“Hm?” Hyun hummed.
“How many times have you gone home with someone from the club?”
Hyun’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Oh, come on.”
“Drink?” someone offered.
Hyun bit his lip, thinking. “I really shouldn’t get drunk this early…”
Rui held his breath.
“…Like four or five times,” Hyun admitted. “After the breakup.”
He looked away, embarrassed.
There were laughs. Teasing. Someone clinked glasses.
Rui didn’t hear any of it.
All he could think about was Hyun—what he’d be like in a relationship. Would he be clingier? Would he dress up more when his partner came over? Would he cook? Clean? Smile like that just for one person?
His face felt hot.
By the end of the night, Rui was glowing red.
.
“Ugh,” Hyun groaned as he collapsed into the back of a taxi. Rui followed, equally drunk, dropping beside him.
Wumuti and Haru had left earlier—thank God.
Hyun leaned his head back. “H-hic… hyuuung,” he slurred, trying to push Rui off his shoulder.
Rui looked up at him, gears clearly turning slowly in his head. “You’re… so annoying.”
Hyun blinked. “What?”
“Do you even know how much I like you?” Rui said, voice wobbling. “You act like it’s nothing.”
Hyun straightened slightly. “You… what?”
“I really, really do,” Rui said, tears stinging his eyes. “And it feels mean. I hate you.”
Silence.
.
Rui woke up with a pounding headache.
Not his room. Not a hotel.
Hyun’s room.
“Oh my God,” he groaned, sitting up.
He was fully clothed (sadly)—but his hair was in a loose braid, bangs held back with a fluffy headband. His jewelry was gone. His makeup, too.
The door opened softly.
Hyun stood there in Hello Kitty pajama pants, slippers, and a loose off-the-shoulder top. He held a tray with soup, water, and Advil.
“Hey,” Rui said weakly.
Hyun set the tray down. “You know you’re a horrible drunk, right?”
Rui froze. “Oh God. What did I say?”
“Oh, nothing,” Hyun said casually. “Just that you hate me and I suck.”
Rui cringed. “I—Hyun, I’m so sorry, I—”
“I wasn’t finished.”
Rui’s stomach dropped.
“You also said you like me. Like… really like me.”
Rui’s face went nuclear. “Hyun, please tell me you’re joking.”
“Why would I?”
Rui inhaled sharply.
Now or never.
He cupped Hyun’s face, pulled him closer by the waist, and kissed him—soft, warm, a little shaky.
“I like you,” Rui said quickly, words tumbling out. “I thought you were cute, and I still do. If you don’t feel the same, that’s okay, but I think we’d be really good together.”
Hyun’s face turned red—ears and all.
“I… I like you too.”
Rui leaned in again, kissing him deeper this time.
Maybe tonight they’d reach second base.