Archive of Our Own

Alright, Hanbin knew he had parked a little too close to that car. There was hardly more than a body’s length between the left rear end of his car, and the driver's side of the grey Volkswagen parked next to him.

In Hanbin’s defense, he had groceries that needed to be put in the fridge. Plus, he was holding several heavy bags that were digging into his palms, and on top of that, his food was getting cold. So really, his priorities had been elsewhere.

Hanbin really had considered running back out and fixing his terrible parking job, but then it started to rain, and he was hungry, and the parking lot was so far away from his apartment, so ultimately— he decided the Volkswagen owner would survive.

Though, that was not a direct invitation for his Honda Civic to be messed with.

When Hanbin had gone into work the next morning, he noticed something was off. The driver’s side mirror had been pushed all the way into the window, forcing Hanbin to fix it one-handed while barreling down the highway, realizing he couldn’t see anything to his left otherwise.

Seriously? Pushing in the mirror? What need was there for such pettiness? The Volkswagen owner clearly had enough room to maybe possibly get into his car with some workaround effort, so what was the point?

Ah, no. This wasn’t an act of pettiness, not at all.

Hanbin was the next victim.

See, this had been a problem recently. A tire thief, living right in his neighborhood, had been stealing the tires from resident’s cars at night. Everyone in their community was already aware, keeping their watchful eyes out for any disturbances at night, hoping to someday catch the brains behind this strange crime.

Luckily for Hanbin, the perpetrator had fallen right into his palm. He owned a dashcam that tracked motion around his vehicle, and that would clearly display who had tampered with his car.

The second he got home from work that day, he pulled up the footage, getting ready to own just about everyone who claimed this purchase was a stupid one. Take that, Matthew.

Bingo. Within seconds, Hanbin was staring right at the offender. A younger man with chesnut hair, probably not much older than him, could be seen standing next to his Civic, visibly rolling his eyes. He then forced in Hanbin’s left side mirror, before shoving his way towards the drivers seat with much difficulty. A brave, dauntless act committed in the era of cameras everywhere. He was pretty cute, too. Sad he fell into a life of crime…

Hanbin smiled as he took a screen grab of the man’s face, blew it up to 500%, and blasted it on the community page.

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
I’ve attached a picture of this strange man around the neighborhood who was seen by my car, pushing in my mirror. I wonder if he is the one who has been stealing all of the car tires. Would love if anybody has insight on who this man is.
[IMG_png]

Zhang Hao • Apt 5123
GET MY PICTURE OFF THE COMMUNITY PAGE

Well, that was easy. Not usually did the perpetrator just announce themselves as the perpetrator.

Hanbin scratched his head. What now? Should he forward Zhang Hao’s contact to the authorities? Maybe that would help get things in motion. He needed to protect his neighborhood most of all. They were a family.

Before he could decide the next steps, Hanbin’s neighborhood direct messages started blowing up.

ZBO NEIGHBORHOOD CHAT - ZHANG HAO, SUNG HANBIN:

Zhang Hao: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU??

Zhang Hao: DELETE THAT PHOTO OF ME RIGHT NOW

Sung Hanbin: No.

Zhang Hao: WHY NOT 😭

Zhang Hao: i literally did nothing wrong

Zhang Hao: im being framed

Zhang Hao: all i did was push in your mirror?? i didn’t steal anything!!

Sung Hanbin: Why should I delete it, then?

Sung Hanbin: You still pushed in my mirror

Zhang Hao: only because you gave me no literally no room to into my car

Zhang Hao: i needed to push your mirror away

Zhang Hao: so i could actually get into my car

Sung Hanbin: But why touch my car in the process

Sung Hanbin: That’s my property

Zhang Hao: CAN YOU JUST DELETE THESE PHOTOS OF ME?

Zhang Hao: this is going to put me on a watch list i swear

Zhang Hao: everyone is going to think im the tire thief now

Sung Hanbin: So you’re not?

Zhang Hao: NO!!!! IM NOT!!!

Zhang Hao: i barely even touched your car

Zhang Hao: i didnt unscrew your fucking tires with a wrench and put them in my trunk

Sung Hanbin: That’s an awfully specific description for someone claiming they didn’t do it.

Sung Hanbin: But, alright, fine. I believe you

Sung Hanbin: Mostly only because I still have all of my tires

Zhang Hao: see?

Sung Hanbin: But that might not last long.

Sung Hanbin: I’ll give it a few days.

Zhang Hao: ok but now that we’ve established its not me, can you please delete those photos

Zhang Hao: ??

Zhang Hao: HANBIN

-

Well, that didn’t seem to get him anywhere.

It wasn’t likely that Zhang Hao was the one taking everyone’s tires, but Hanbin was still determined to get to the bottom of this. He was on a mission. If his car had already attracted some unsolicited attention, he could safely assume he was the next victim of the tire-napper.

The only thing he could think to do was put in a maintenance ticket about it. Hanbin hated the idea of just idly waiting around for his tires to be stolen. It was almost as bad as waiting for the ants on his counter to come back out of another mysterious hole in the wall. He was positive they could smell his fear.

ZBO MAINTENANCE REPORT: TICKET 4392

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724:
Tires are getting stolen in the neighborhood. I’m sure you’ve heard. Please do something about it.

MAINTENANCE RESPONSE:
Nope! You still have all your tires

Hanbin’s eye twitched. For now…

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724:
I’m talking about the others in our neighborhood who have been affected. There has been seventeen reports so far of people’s car tires going missing in the middle of the night.

MAINTENANCE RESPONSE:
You still have all of your tires! Can’t do anything about that!

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
Holy shit you guys are useless

MAINTENANCE RESPONSE:
Maintenance guys have feelings too! 😆

Hanbin grumbled in annoyance, realizing that it was likely he would just have to continue to wait. At least he still had that Dashcam…

-

ZBO COMMUNITY FORUM

Kim Jiwoong • Apt. 2844
Is anyone missing their DoorDash order? It was delivered to me by mistake.

Kim Taerae • Apt. 9123
yes i am! thank you! ill stop by to pick it up

Kim Jiwoong • Apt. 2844
I already ate all of it

Kim Taerae • Apt. 9123
what the hell man.

-

Seok Matthew • Apt. 7234
just moved into the neighborhood on July 27th, 2026! so excited to be here.

-

Jung Jaehyun • Apt. 7235
Whoever just moved into the neighborhood on July 27th, 2026, you were loud as fuck. It was disruptive, and I hate you.

Han Yujin • Apt. 1239
matthew was this you?

Seok Matthew • Apt. 7234
no, unrelated.

-

Park Gunwook • Apt. 7234
ive had no hot water for 4 months. any thoughts on why?

Kim Gyuvin • Apt. 1239
this is a four months ago kinda question how have you surbrived this long.

Kim Jiwoong • Apt. 2844
Do you twist the knob to hot?

Park Gunwook • Apt. 7234
will try that, thanks!

-

Seok Matthew • Apt. 7234
OKAY WHO TOOK MY TIRES 😭

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
Zhang Hao is out on a roll again…

Zhang Hao • Apt 5123:
FOR THE LAST FUCKING TIME 😡

-

As time passed, more tires were gradually getting stolen right from under their noses. Adequate attempts weren’t being made to stop the acts and soon, Hanbin began to fear for his own life. What were they planning to do with all of the tires? Or, was the plan to force every resident into staying home by removing their methods of transportation, so they could build up another evil scheme? Too many possibilities, not enough answers.

Just as Hanbin decided to finally take things into his own hands, Zhang Hao came banging on his apartment door.

Awfully coincidental…

He checked through the peephole, watching the anger in Hao’s face grow as he rammed a hand against Hanbin’s door, yelling, “Let me in, we need to talk!”

Now, Hanbin knew he wasn’t supposed to answer the door for strangers, but Hao looked even better in person from the fish-bowl view of his peephole, so Hanbin decided to anyway. What was the worst that could happen? There were no tires inside.

Hanbin opened the door with a smile, “Yes? How can I help you?”

Out of breath for some reason, Hao paused for a moment to recoup. He looked stressed, cheeks rosy and flushed, before finally speaking, “Please, Hanbin. You have to take that photo down.”

Hanbin poked his head out the door, looking around, “Are you being chased?”

“No! No, I’m just…” Hao shook his head, letting out a groan, “I’m a bit paranoid, okay!”

“Aren’t we all,” Hanbin replied with a sigh, finding it quite easy to stare at Hao. He was certainly attractive, with his hair tousled and messy, eyes wide and enticing. “But, I already took the photo down two weeks ago, so I’m not sure what else you want me to do.”

Hao blinked back, “You did?”

“Yes.”

“Then why did you not reply to me?” Hao asked.

“Are you really that worried about me not replying to you on a neighborhood forum?”

“Well, yeah! You posted my face online for millions to see!”

“Less than one hundred people live here, Hao.”

“So?” Hao’s eyes darted back and forth before he pointed a finger into Hanbin’s face. He clearly tried to look intimidating, but he just came across as looking like a frustrated bunny. “You got me into this mess, so you’re going to get me out.”

Hanbin hardly heard what he said, too mesmerized by his perfect facial harmony, “What mess? Were your tires stolen too?”

“No, not yet, but I fear I might be the next target here.”

Hanbin shook his head. Oh, sweet innocent Hao. “You’re not a target anymore. You’re an accomplice. Now, the actual tire stealer thinks you’re on their side.”

Hao’s eyes popped out of his head, mouth dropping wide, “That’s even worse, what the hell!”

“Hmm. I guess it is.” Hanbin paused to think, tapping his chin. Yeah, if Hao wasn’t the real tire thief, then maybe this was all just a carefully planted scheme. One designed to throw Hao under the bus, have him be accused of the crime, while letting him take all of the blame. Then, Hao would be the one to face the consequences, and the real tire stealer would have a field day with the attention no longer on them. It was calculated, perfect, and Hanbin almost felt silly for falling right into the trap.

Or maybe— Hanbin just parked too close to Hao’s car one day. Another reasonable explanation.

“Alright, come in. We can solve this inside.” Hanbin stepped out of the way, motioning for him to enter.

“Why inside?”

“I just want you to come in.”

Hao let out a small scoff, though he obeyed anyway. He took a moment to look around Hanbin’s apartment, which was funny because they all had the same floor plan, before slowly sliding into a chair at the kitchen table.

Hanbin had no plan for what came after that. He really just wanted Hao to come inside. Though now that they were there, he didn’t have anything else to say, and Hao was still quite jumpy and wary. Was this the right idea, after all? Should Hanbin have just sent him on his way and moved on?

No— that wouldn’t ease his nerves either. There had to be something that could be done, something that would bring the community some peace of mind and protect their precious tires.

A lightbulb appeared over Hanbin’s head, gaining a brilliant idea.

“Neighborhood stakeout.” He said.

Hao raised an eyebrow, “What?”

“Neighborhood stakeout!”

“Yeah, I heard you, I just don’t know how stake is going to help us with anything—”

“No, no, a stakeout! Like, we all go sit in my car one night, and wait for the tire stealer to approach.” Hanbin explained, getting all excited just imagining it. Boy, he loved catching people in the act! “Then, when they go to steal my tires, we all pop out and catch whoever it is!”

However, his excitement didn’t exactly translate, as Hao looked unconvinced, “Why are we hiding in your car, though? Aren’t I the target here?”

“My car attracts tampering,” Hanbin said with a shrug.

That angry bunny look appeared on Hao’s face again as he bared his teeth, “You parking too close to me and me pushing your mirror in is not considered tampering!”

Hanbin couldn’t help but smile, couldn’t help the spark that flickered in his chest. It was strange, to feel so enamored by Hao’s presence, especially since they’d just met all of five minutes ago. Well, one week ago, very briefly, if anyone was keeping track. There was just something about him that felt so… special.

In the mood to tease, Hanbin only hummed, “So you admit to it?”

Hao stood up in an instant, already rushing for the door, “Okay, I’m leaving.”

“No, no!” Hanbin quickly followed, shaking his head, “Don’t leave. We’ll set this up, okay? I’ll make a neighborhood post about it, we can find a day that works, and we’ll get this all solved.”

Pausing in his tracks, Hao slowly turned around, letting out a sigh. “Fine.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of this, now just… don’t leave,” Hanbin mumbled that last part, slowly stepping back to the table, relieved when Hao followed. Good. That mild moment of panic was over.

Hanbin didn’t want Hao to leave, he really didn’t but… he couldn’t exactly blame him if he did. Hanbin had only himself to blame, blasting Hao’s face online for the entire world— ninety-eight— residents to see.

But, in his defense, Zhang Hao had a face that the world should see. What could he do 🤷🏻‍♂️

“I should know some things about you,” Hanbin said, shortly realizing that was an awful way to start a conversation— one completely unrelated to the tire-napping entirely. He needed to find something else in common with him, quickly. Their conversation couldn’t end so quickly, with interactions staying shallow. Hanbin didn’t want to let this slip from his grip, but damnit, he was quickly losing his composure!

Hao looked caught off guard by the sudden topic shift, “Um. Why?”

“I’m just curious about you,” Hanbin rephrased his words, offering a more inviting tone. “Is that so wrong?”

Raising an eyebrow, Hao looked around cautiously, “Do you keep tabs on everyone who touches your car?”

“Only the cute ones.”

Hao blinked back, shoulders easing, as Hanbin felt relief that his words had at least landed properly. The last thing he needed right now was to come off as a creep, especially if he wanted this whole plan to work out. He hardly even remembered what strange plot he had suggested, but he’d surely revisit that when he wasn’t staring into Hao’s enticing eyes, feeling his breath slip from him.

“I’m an electrochemical engineer,” Hao said.

Hanbin paused, biting his cheek. Damnit, Hao was smart and beautiful! He really needed a different approach here, “I don’t exactly know what that is, but it sounds cool. I work at a coffee shop.”

“Cool. Does that mean you’ll bring coffee to the stakeout?”

“Of course. Any requests, let me know!” Hanbin nodded eagerly, delighted that at least one of them remembered whatever the plan was. Stakeout. A stakeout, with their neighbors, and Hao, in Hanbin’s car. Boy oh boy. “Will you be bringing… electro chemicals to the stakeout?”

Hao chuckled at that, finally revealing what a smile looked like on his beautiful face.

Much better looking than the bunny-anger, and much warmer when it was directed at Hanbin. His heart pounded, wondering when it got so hot in here.

“I’ll make sure we can catch this tire thief, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Good!” Hanbin nodded, though he hardly cared about that anymore.

Hao stood back up— was he planning to leave? No, he just got here, he shouldn’t leave too soon—

“I have to go now, but send me the details for this stakeout. I’ll be there.” Hao stood up, bid his goodbye, and left Hanbin’s apartment without a second glance back.

Hanbin dramatically put a hand on his heart, hitting his head onto the table, knowing the presence of Zhang Hao would consume his mind for the next eternity to come.

-

Sung Hanbin: Are you free tonight?

Zhang Hao: for the stakeout?

Sung Hanbin: No, I’m making burgers for dinner.

Zhang Hao: ???

Sung Hanbin: Don’t you want one?

Zhang Hao: how did you go from accusing me of being a criminal to asking me out in a span of 1 day

Sung Hanbin: 🤷🏻‍♂️

Sung Hanbin: Your presence is alluring

Damn, Hao was somehow onto him. But Hanbin thought he was being so sly!

But, with no confirmation that Hao would actually attend his impromptu burger date, Hanbin decided he should actually focus on the one thing that would certainly bring them together; the stakeout.

ZBO COMMUNITY FORUM

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
Hello folks. Mark your calendars. This Saturday, were going to have a stakeout in my car. I’ll bring binoculars and coffee. This useless apartment complex isn’t going to find the tire stealer so it’s now up to us, the residents to do so. Please vote on this poll below if you plan to attend.

POLL: Who is arriving?
8 people voted YES

Kim Jiwoong • Apt. 2844
Question, how many people can your car fit

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
5

Kim Jiwoong • Apt. 2844
This is not going to go well.

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
Zhang Hao can sit on my lap

Zhang Hao • Apt 5123:
WHO DECIDED THIS??

-

ZBO COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Kim Gyuvin • Apt. 1239
flash sale: make your offers on this random old chair I found in my apartment

Shen Ricky • Apt. 1239
that is not a random chair this is MY DESK CHAIR gyuvin remove this post right now

Park Gunwook • Apt. 7234
nobody is buying this piece of junk

Shen Ricky • Apt. 1239
what did u call it ?

-

ZBO COMMUNITY FORUM

Kim Taerae • Apt. 9123
where are we supposed to pay rent?

Kim Jiwoong • Apt. 2844
It’s month 7 into the lease, how have you been paying it all this time?

Kim Taerae • Apt. 9123
paying what?

-

Getting everyone who showed up to fit in his car proved to be a bit of a challenge, but with some rearranging, it ended up being quite comfortable.

Well, it was comfortable for Hanbin, anyway. He was in the front seat, giving Hao the passenger seat. A bunch of other people were in the back, but Hanbin’s attention was solely on Hao. Though, it was quite dark out, which made it hard to see his face. A slight issue he hadn’t considered beforehand. Maybe their car stakeout should have taken place in the comfort of his living room.

“So. Do you guys come here often?” Hanbin asked.

Matthew scoffed from the backseat, “We all live here, Hanbin. This is our building of residence.”

“Ah, right.” He mumbled, taking another look through his binoculars into the distance. Still nothingness was all he could see, dampening the mood, “Does anyone see anything out there?”

“I see a head in front of me!” Taerae yelled from underneath someone.

“No, that won’t help us here,” Hanbin shook his head. He turned his attention to Hao, making out his silhouette intently focused on looking out the window, “See anything out of the ordinary, Hao?”

“Just darkness.” He let out a sigh. “It’s all dark.”

“Good point. Let me turn on a light.” Hanbin reached up to turn on the car light.

“No!” Hao quickly intercepted his hand on the way up, wrapping a hand around his waist. “Don’t turn the car light on, that won’t help us see any better outside. It might even let them know we’re in here.”

Hanbin blinked back at him, feeling Hao’s grip on his wrist send a flutter of wonder through his body. Right, of course, why hadn’t he thought of that? He let out a chuckle, smiling, “You’re so smart, Hao. I’m so glad you came. You’re really the brains of this operation. What would we do without you?”

“I’m getting out of here,” Gyuvin mumbled, fighting to escape from his seat underneath Ricky.

Ricky protested immediately, “You sold my fucking desk chair, you stay right there!”

“Fine!”

Jiwoong let out a sigh, “I love this neighborhood."

“Hey, where did Gunwook go?” Matthew asked.

Just then, they heard pounding from the trunk.

“Yeah, I’m not so sure I’m useful back here, I can’t see anything!” Gunwook’s shouts were muffled.

“No, this is good! You’ll be the first to hear if a tire is being unscrewed!” Hanbin said.

“Oh, great! That makes me feel so much better!”

Hanbin turned his attention back to Hao, feeling delighted by his presence. He really should have made this a private excursion. Maybe then, he’d be able to have some alone time with Hao, without a load of his neighbors filling the backseat. But that would have been weird, if it seemed like he maliciously set all of this up to spend time with Hao.

Even if he did.

But, Hanbin also had a burning desire to catch the tire stealer. Two birds with one stone.

Plus, he needed to clear Hao’s name and rest some of his nerves. That came first. It would be easier to flirt with Hao when he wasn’t considered a wanted criminal to approximately ninety people.

Though time continued to pass with no luck.

“Do we actually think this is going to work out?” Hao asked after a few more minutes of silence flew by.

Hanbin let out a sigh, feeling a bit dejected that there wasn’t much hope left. There were even some snores sounding from the backseat, everyone clearly growing bored of sitting around and doing nothing. But, he didn’t have it in him to give up. Hanbin had made a promise to Hao, and he was determined to see it through, “I’m not sure, but the best we can do is try.”

“You’re right.”

“Unless, we pin it on someone else…” Hanbin said, eyes flicking to the backseat.

Matthew’s head was next to him in an instant, eyes narrowing. “Don’t you fucking dare.”

“Okay! Okay, we’ll keep looking.” Hanbin raised his hands in defense, earning a couple of groans in response.

Damn, he really wanted to turn the car light on. He wanted to see Hao, to know his presence was near, to know—

Wow. Hanbin was more down bad than he realized.

But even if he couldn’t see Hao, there was one thing he could do.

Slowly, he reached his hand across the center console, fingers searching to interlock with Hao’s. It took a few seconds of awkward poking around, as well as a kick on the back of his seat as he presumed a fight broke out back there, but finally— Hanbin managed to hold Hao’s hand.

It felt relaxing, like his heart was finally settling, those restless nerves put to ease. Maybe this whole ordeal had been a blessing in disguise, and the tire-napper was actually cupid, shooting an arrow right into his heart. Fate made Hanbin park too close that one day, leading to the cinematic chain of events to play out.

Though the lights were dim, Hanbin hoped Hao shared the same smile on his face.

A notification from his phone shocked Hanbin back into reality. Actually, it came from all of their phones, seeming to be a neighborhood-wide alert.

ZBO NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY REPORT:
The neighborhood tire stealer has been caught as of 1 week ago. Thanks for your patience. All tires are now hopefully safe.

“What the fuck! They waited a whole week to tell us this!” Gyuvin yelled first, as everyone let out a collective groan.

Matthew scoffed, “My tires were stolen a week ago, you’re telling me I was the last victim!”

“Dude, your tires sucked so bad, they gave up on the whole operation!” Taerae laughed back.

But Hanbin could only focus on Hao, who had finally turned on the car light, allowing them a full view of their surroundings. He had a smirk resting smugly on his face, peeking through a pair of tired eyes.

Hanbin couldn’t break his gaze, licking his lips as a shaky exhale fell from his mouth. They were so close, closer than he had realized, and though they were no longer holding hands, this was the most tender Hanbin had ever felt. Maybe that was simply the course of their relationship, and every time they met, every time they saw each other, it would feel even more special than the last.

Hao’s smirk never ceased as he spoke, eyes nearly burning into Hanbin’s soul, “So, I think you owe me something.”

For some reason, Hanbin instinctively reached into his pocket to pull out his wallet. “How much?”

“What? No, like, an apology! Because I didn’t take anyone's fucking tires!” Hao rolled his eyes.

Hanbin paused, pursing his lips. Yeah, of course Hao would be upset about that, as any reasonable human being would be. Damn, he had fucked up, hadn’t he? But even still— he might not have weaseled his way into Hao’s life otherwise, if not for this stupid chain of events.

So maybe it wasn’t perfect, and maybe he had been a bit impulsive but…

There were no buts. That was it.

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to put a target on your back.” Hanbin admitted, hoping his sincerity showed, “I just wanted to find out who was stealing tires. But you… you’re just so cute, and I’m starting to really like our relationship. I don’t want this to end.

“You mean, the relationship where you post my face online and accuse me of being a criminal?” Hao asked.

Hanbin’s shoulders fell. “Don’t phrase it like that. I thought we had something more…”

Hao rolled his eyes, though there was certainly a hint of amusement in his tone as he mumbled, “Fine. You have to make me dinner first, though.” At that, he moved to step out of the car, shutting the door behind him.

Hanbin froze in place, unmoving from his spot at the wheel, before a shove from behind brought him back to consciousness. He turned around, noticing seven faces blinking back at him.

“Dude, what the hell are you waiting for? Go make him dinner!” Matthew yelled

-

ZBO COMMUNITY FORUM

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
Who would like to sublet my lease?

Kim Taerae • Apt. 9123
what?? why??

Sung Hanbin • Apt. 1724
I’m moving in with Zhang Hao.

-

Seok Matthew • Apt. 7234
okay someone just stole my car radio 😭