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When Gunwook found out that his application to intern abroad had been approved, he vowed to wholeheartedly focus on his internship and sworn off any form of distraction, including pretty people.
That, however, only lasted a week since he set foot in Shanghai.
Because there’s a pretty boy in the elevator on his first day at his internship.
Maybe pretty isn’t the best word to describe the walking demigod in front of him. It’s difficult to even pinpoint a specific word to encompass this stranger’s beauty. ‘Handsome’ is too plain of a word while ‘beautiful’ doesn’t hold as much passion as it should. Someone like him deserves to have a word unique to him.
The stranger in the elevator’s dressed in black from head to toe, which accentuates his striking blond hair and azure-colored glitter eyeshadow. He’s in the middle of scrolling through his phone with his rosy lips pursed and his glasses drooping on the bridge of his nose. It’s both adorable and sexy at the same time.
Gunwook may have sworn off romance in favor of focusing on his internship but what harm can looking cause? It’s not wrong to admire a gorgeous person that he’ll most likely never see again. A man as ethereal as this stranger is definitely a man of importance, a man that will never give someone like Gunwook the time of day.
But fuck, Gunwook’s tempted to shoot his shot anyway.
A nudge to his ribs snaps him out of his reverie.
“You’re staring, Gunwook-ah. It’s impolite.”
A part of Gunwook is glad that Hanbin elected to speak in Korean. The last thing he needs is this stranger knowing he’s been drilling holes into his skull.
“Hanbin-hyung—”
“Your mouth was wide open. I know you find him attractive but you don’t have to make it obvious.”
“Can you blame me? He looks like a walking demigod.”
Hanbin’s brow furrows. “Walking…demigod…”
Gunwook’s eyes dart towards the ethereal person on the other side of the elevator. “I mean, look at him.”
Hanbin’s gaze follows Gunwook’s. “Okay but—”
“Besides, you’re one to talk. You were gushing over one of the interviewers like he hung the stars in the sky.”
Hanbin’s cheeks turn cherry red. “No— I— No, I wasn’t!”
“Uh, yes you were. And when he—”
“No, no, no. I wasn’t—”
“I didn’t even finish—”
“Whatever you’re trying to say is wrong and that’s a fact.”
A fitful of giggles cut through the bickering. Gunwook couldn’t help but chance a glance at the angel in front of him.
Fortunately, the stranger’s eyes remain glued to his phone.
Unfortunately for Gunwook, his pulse begins to race.
Fuck, that smile gracing his lips. Somehow, that sweet smile of his is what ruins Gunwook.
This stunning stranger seems softer like this, more approachable even.
Fuck.
Gunwook’s stomach flips.
This can’t be happening. He shouldn’t be developing a crush on the most ethereal person he’s ever seen. He can’t afford this kind of distraction.
He can’t.
“Hyung,” he moans, wiping his face with his palm. “He giggled. Did you hear that? Did you?”
“Y—”
“Isn’t he cute? His cheeks are a little pink too.” Gunwook taps his heart. “He’s so cute, hyung.”
An odd expression flashes across the stranger’s face but it disappears before Gunwook could put a finger on it. Instead, a shy smile takes its place. That, too, sends him spiraling.
The elevator bell rings, signaling their arrival at their destination. Steeling himself, Gunwook strides out of the elevator. His feigned nonchalance immediately unravels when he sneaks a glance behind his shoulder.
The demigod’s fixing that soft smile of his in his direction. It’s the same one Gunwook caught him with.
Once again, his heart begins to rattle his rib cage.
He doesn’t realize he’s been rooted onto the floor until a poke to his cheek pulls him back to the present.
“Hyung,” he starts, “I think he just smiled at me.”
Hanbin’s eyes widen. “Do you think he…”
He doesn’t need Hanbin to finish that sentence. The thought of the pretty stranger knowing Korean has Gunwook ready to roll off a cliff.
“Hyung, let’s not manifest that possibility. We haven’t even gone through orientation yet.”
Hanbin smirks. “Okay, but what if you’re—”
Gunwook shakes his head, whiling the possibility away. “Nope. Never. It’s not possible.”
Orientation is a languid process. It’s difficult to focus, considering the stranger from the elevator keeps plaguing his thoughts.
Much to Gunwook’s chagrin and glee, and Hanbin’s terribly masked elation (and mortification), Hanbin’s crush is tasked with showing the new employees around the building and meeting relevant personnel.
Their group peters out as Hao (“His name’s so cute,” Hanbin whispers to Gunwook. Gunwook rolls his eyes.) sends an employee to their respective assigned department, until there’s only Gunwook and Hanbin left.
To say Gunwook isn’t nervous would be an understatement. Fortunately, the department seems deserted for the moment, save for a familiar face.
A familiar face who happens to be Gunwook’s Adonis.
Gunwook’s fucked.
“Gunwook xiānshēng,” Hao begins, “this is Ricky. He’ll be your supervisor here.”
The demigod breaks into a Cheshire grin. Gunwook almost turns into a puddle.
Gunwook’s so, so fucked.
“It’s nice to put a name to that handsome face of yours.”
Gunwook’s heart rate begins to spike. Ricky’s voice sounds so alluring, more so in Korean—
Wait—
Hanbin beats him to the punch. “You speak Korean?!”
Hao chuckles. “We’re fluent speakers,” he explains, switching to Korean himself. “Believe it or not, Ricky and I used to be K-pop trainees.”
A chill courses down Gunwook’s spine. He meets Hanbin’s own horrified expression with his own.
So much for Ricky not knowing Korean.
Ricky giggles. Gunwook almost swoons. “Don’t be embarrassed. I found you cute too.”
Oh. God.
Gunwook blinks, his cheeks ablaze. “I— Um— I’m so sorry. I was just—”
“No, I just—” Ricky clears his throat, a blush dusting his cheeks. “It’s sweet. No one’s ever said that about me before.”
Gunwook gulps.
Yup, he’s definitely fucked.