Chapter Text
~Two years later~
"Oh no its about to die!" Hyunwoo shouted out loud when his tablet reminded him again with its last warning that he should put it on the charger already.
“Gosh you are hopeless..” Minhyuk quickly fished out the spare charger from his apron that Kihyun put in his pocket two hours ago because he knew Hyunwoo would forget to charge his tablet before coming to the shop.
“Ah Kihyunnie-“ he quickly hid the screen by holding the tablet close to his chest but relaxed after seeing it was just Minhyuk. "-oh Min! He’s not back yet?"
“No so he assigned me to take care of you because you seem to forget the charger at your studio yet again.”
“Ah true but that was intentional this time because I have to go back tomorrow morning and he won’t allow me to work on our movie night. I just didn’t expect it would die so soon uuugh but you are lifesaver Min! I wouldn’t like to lost that without saving.”
That perked Minhyuk's curiosity. “What are you drawing anyway? Oho! What?! Spoiler much!” Minhyuk squealed after seeing the main character kneeling with a box in his hand in front of his love interest.
Hyunwoo readjusted his glasses. “Its just ehm a thought about the webtoon story?”
“Omg are you for real? A proposal!”
“Calm down,” Hyunwoo warned because Minhyuk was too loud, getting attention from the closest customers.
Minhyuk sat at his table. “Wait whaaat so you are really ending the story?”
“Maybe not sure yet we are still ahead of almost seven chapters I just -“
“You just?”
“Eh I”
“You? You what?” Minhyuk was not letting the topic drop.
Hyunwoo sighed. “What if its not only Hyunbin that has the same thought that is on the drawing?”
Minhyuk got the hint right away “Wait wait wait”
“Its stupid right? Or uhm too soon?” The artist doubted and looked down at the tablet.
“You and Kihyun? Too soon where?”
“Well uh” Hyunwoo blushed.
“Oh my god! So Its a real life spoiler too! I can’t believe this!” Minhyuk shouted happily, turning the tablet to him and smiling even more.
“Well I have to settle a few things first.”
“Like? You're basically a married old couple already? Haha!”
“Huh thanks but well for start maybe live together officially?”
“Thats a nice touch but I’m not sure Kihyun wants to leave this place I mean no offense its kinda small for living up there until you are old.”
“Yes I thought of that too.. what if I would find something close by? The contract on my apartment is ending soon anyway.”
“Uuh it has nice view though huh if you didn't leave for your studio I would have thought you live here already.”
“True I spent all my free time here if I don't work.”
“Maybe you could move in here? And uh in the future find a studio close by? I saw your studio and its almost as big as my apartment alone so a spare room is not enough for the best selling author anyway.“
“Thanks. I guess I have to discuss it with my special someone first.” Hyunwoo smiled when his mind wandered to Kihyun.
“Okay call me anytime I'm his best friend. I could help you out to find some place or I dunno pick a ring?” Minhyuk offered.
“That would be perfect thank you.” Hyunwoo agreed, happy to discuss the secret with someone. He paused thinking. “Omg if he'll get suspicious my tongue will slip!”
“Noo you can do it fighting!” Minhyuk cheered him up “Aaah I'm so happy for you two!” Minhyuk quickly stood up and dragged Hyunwoo up as well to hug the man tightly.
“What am I missing?” Kihyun was suddenly there with a forced smile on his face. Not really sure what to think of that.
Hyunwoo quickly parted from Minhyuk "Ah you’re back!"
“Yes I'm back so what was this hugging session about?”
“Eeeh”
Minhyuk quickly made up an excuse because he knew Hyunwoo was not a good liar. “Aaah Kihyun! It was because I won at the lottery ticket!”
“Oh really how much?”
“Uh the price of the ticket?”
Just as the two were talking Hyunwoo’s phone ringed with a notification. It was a message from one of his assistants, Youngjae. We need you here to revise tomorrow's issue. We found a mistake. I’m sorry to ruin your evening plans. Hyunwoo frowned at the message but maybe it was convenient a bit since he didn't feel like he could keep the thing he talked with Minhyuk from Kihyun at the moment.
“Ah okay I thought you'd finally treat us all huh.” Kihyun said and crossed his arms on his chest.
“That uh well I have to buy more lottery tickets for that then uuuh wish me luck tho!” Minhyuk hugged Kihyun briefly too and hopped away.
“Typical.” Kihyun's attention turned to Hyunwoo who was packing his things and did his best to avoid the piercing gaze. “You're leaving already? I just came back!”
“I’m sorry I got a text from Youngjae that we have to correct the chapter that is about to release tomorrow.” Hyunwoo put the scarf on lazily and held the beanie in his hands.
“Oh no really? So I’m guessing you won’t stay for our movie night?”
Hyunwoo finally looked at Kihyun who was looking down on his shoes, he seemed upset and sad at the same time. Hyunwoo stepped closer to comfort him and untagled the crossed hands on his chest. “I’ll head back the second its finished.”
“No its far I can’t ask that.. just rest and come tomorrow? The movie night can wait..its on netflix it will be there tomorrow evening too.”
“Are you sure?” He doubted.
Kihyun took a breath and and nodded before looking at Hyunwoo with a forced smile. “Of course. I’m just sad since I barely saw you these days.”
“I’m sorry we are so busy working with the story. I want to do as much as we can before the holidays come around so I could give the guys a longer rest.”
Kihyun took the scarf around his boyfriend and wrapped it around his neck the correct way. “Ah alright..and do you remember what you promised me?”
“Yes no working on holidays, I’ll be all yours for the week.”
“Nono you promised me at least two weeks off!”
“You do remember everything.” Hyunwoo chuckled. They discussed it many times, always changing the count of days but Kihyun was adamant about it lately‘its weeks not days.’
“Of course I do! I can’t wait to spend all the holidays with you.” Kihyun smiled sweetly thinking about it.
“You sure I can stay here that long?” Hyunwoo asked again even though he knew the answer.
“Aren’t you here more than at your apartment?” Kihyun joked because he knew he was correct.
“I guess you’re right. There is no breakfast option after tiring night at mine ouch okay deserved” He pretended the playful hit from his boyfriend hurt.
“Don’t joke or I won’t cook for you.” Kihyun warned him. “Or tire you at night.”
Hyunwoo chuckled. “Then I’ll be sure to make waffles to get on your good side again?”
“Ah you know me well.” Kihyun smiled brightly, as they talked he almost forgot the hugging session he witnessed minutes ago. Not that he was the jealous type but he was curious if it was suspicious. He put the beanie on Hyunwoo. “Amazing now go so I can have you back for tomorrow!”
Hyunwoo pouted and moved closer. The conversation with Kihyun made him forget the thing that he was so scared it would slip from his mind just minutes ago. “Can I get a kiss from my muse?”
“Yes you can.” Kihun kissed him and then again for a bit longer. “I love you, you know?”
“Love you too..I’ll be back tomorrow then.” He said and left the shop, when he was outside he sent a finger heart and waved at Kihyun who was waiting for it, doing the exact same thing because that was their ritual when Hyunwoo was leaving for work.
Kihyun slumped behind the counter when Hyuwoo was already out of sight and sighed out loud when he was tying the apron, not really caring if he tied it tightly.
“Hey thats lousy work with the apron! From you especially.” Changkyun spoke behind him and Kihyun felt the apron loose before Changkyun tied it correctly for him. “There you go.”
“Thanks.”
Changkyun went to the cash register to add new orders in. “Saw Hyunwoo leaving.. I guess your movie night is not happening?”
“Correct.. he is needed at the studio..again.” Kihyun complained and leaned against the counter.
“You are dating ‘the best selling author of the last two years in a row’ you know? He has to be busy.”
“I knoow... He’s amazing and I am so proud of him! Its just been worse the past few months. We see each other like twice a week at best and I guess I got really excited about tonight..ah why did I go for that baking class when I could be here with him. We did macaroons so what is that I don’t have to know how to make those I hate macaroons now.”
Changkyun laughed at Kihyun’s sudden mood change. “You love those, that's why you go for the ‘baking for advanced class’. Don’t worry he’ll be back like the second they are done! I heard from Hyungwon thats he’s whining if he’s days without you..aren’t you still lovesick puppies? You’re so cute I’ll barf cotton candy one day just looking at you two.”
“Hah thanks.”
“So you’re free tonight?”
“Yeah I’ll just go to bed early.” Kihyun said his plans. He was not in the mood to watch anything anyway.
“Not happening! Me, Jooheon and Min are going to karaoke and you’ll go with us!”
“No Changkyun I’m not in the mood.” Kihyun refused.
“Hey Min! Kihyun is joining us tonight!”
“Oh really? What about-“ Minhyuk saw Changkyun shaking his head ‘don't ask’ and quickly changed his tone “oh its been so long you went with us! I can’t wait!”
~
It was already December that day when Hyunwoo’s tongue slipped.
“Oi what are you doing I'm trying to draw here-“ Hyungwon sat at the bar with his tablet when he saw Hyunwoo kissing Kihyun and dramatically covered his eyes.
Minhyuk dramatically covered his eyes too. “My eyes, Kyun go get me some bleach.”
“Like you are all better with flirting with Joo...Chill and be happy for them, its been years you should get used to it by now.” Changkyun huffed and went to the cash register because new customers just entered the shop.
Kihyun just glared at the duo. “Shut up, its so noisy here god, come upstairs.” He held Hyunwoo’s hand and guided him to the apartment above the shop.
“So what did you wanna tell me Hyunwoo?” Kihyun asked when they were finally alone just as Hyunwoo got comfortable on the couch.
“Uh nothing?”
“Hm really? Something is clearly bothering you for a while or would you rather if I called your best friend Lee Minhyuk here?”
Oh no "No no! Its nothing really!" Hyunwoo panicked and stood up, debating if he could run thru the window? Of course he knows something is up. Dammit why are we alone.
“Okaay but you know you can tell me anything right?”
“I uh then lets leave it until the holidays? Since I’ll be here anyway.”
Kihyun was not having more of these half answers not after he caught Hyunwoo with Minhyuk so many times, acting as if they shared a secret between only them. How could he not tell him? Hyunwoo always told him what was heavy on his mind. Only if- “Sit down and just tell me,” he sighed, waiting for the other to sit before he spoke his biggest worry out loud “.. You got bored of me right? And Minhyuk is helping you break up with me..should have seen it coming.”
“What?” Hyunwoo said in disbelief.
“So.. no?”
“Hell no never think such terrible things!”
“Then why are you spending so much time with him and won't tell me a thing? You’ve been so secretive lately.”
“Uuh I can't really keep anything from you too long..now can I?”
“Well no so spill. I would rather hear it from you first...Whatever it is.”
“Come here.” Hyunwoo gestured for Kihyun to come closer and when he was close he pushed him down on his lap. He took a deep breath and looked at him. He could tell half, right? “Remember how I told you my apartment contract is ending soon?”
“Yes you mentioned that you’ll be looking for new ones next year, do you want me to go with you? Or you found something is that it? I told you can stay here until uh well I know its smaller than yours and I don't a have spare room that could be like your office at least but-”
Hyunwoo caught Kihyun’s hands in his and the younger looked at him. “Lets just say there is no need now to look, I think.”
“How so? Why are so you saying that just tell me.”
“I might have uh bought a ...building instead.”
“You did WHAT.”
“I uh..bought the building.. next to your shop?” Hyunwoo spoke innocently.
“Woah you have a fever don’t you, saying such crazy things.” Kihyun touched Hyunwoo’s forehead and then his.
Hyunwoo held Kihyun closer. “I am serious though. It was crazy at first yes, maybe still is whatever but if you think about it, it has same structure so after some work the two apartments that share a wall can be one and-“
“Is this your way of saying you want to live together?” Kihyun asked with a hope in his words. Feeling his stomach tickle.
“Only if you want to. The wall can stay I just uh have the place for my own-“
“God you're crazy if you think I don't want to live with you...You are basically living here already, spending more time here than at your place if you didn't have to be at the studio.. since mine was small I never suggested for you to move here if you'd uh actually moved in.”
“Don’t say that. I love your apartment its so cozy with a warm like home feel and i'd like anything if that meant I would wake up next to you every morning...So that means you like my crazy idea or-“
“Maybe I do but since you didn’t tell me I have few conditions to make first... if you get them all done, the wall can go away and… it can get renovated.”
“Tell me.” Hyunwoo asked, curious. Kihyun had always great ideas, he even helped out with the storyline of his webtoon when Hyunwoo was not sure how to continue.
“First I’ll be in charge of renovating and decorating the place.. no offense but your sense in colors with furniture is a nono..”
Hyunwoo nodded, smiling how determined Kihyun was about it.
“Second you’ll make sure to have a big room for yourself as your office.. no better yet the empty shop downstairs in the building you bought? It should be big as your studio is right? Your rented one is way too far from here since it was close to your old place and that made sense but not if we live together and have much more space that we could work with.”
Shownu nodded “I didn’t think of that.”
“Yet you bought a building.” Kihyun chuckled.
“Because I know you love this neighborhood.”
“That I do.” Kihyun nodded.
“You could have a bigger shop though?” Hyunwoo suggested.
“No its good the way it is or else I had to hire another Minhyuk. One is enough aand that brings me to number three: you tell me or discuss such things that revolves our future first, not be secretive with my best friend.”
“Alright. I knew you would have amazing ideas and help me out if I spill sooner ahh I really should have told you and not Minhyuk!”
“Ah you do know me well hm.” Kihyun pinched Hyunwoo’s cheek.
“So you have only those three conditions?” He asked.
Kihyun thought for a second before answering. “Four.”
“What is it.”
“Nothing of this is happening if you are not sure we will be still together in the next years or - uh nevermind I just need to know you are serious about this relationship because its a really big step to redo this for us two.”
“Oh.”
Kihyun pushed his palm on Hyunwoo’s chest so he could clearly see his boyfriend's expression. “Oh so you don't wanna stay with me? That's okay too we could uh live with the wall between us that is fine and you could chitchat with Minhyuk alone there on the other side even more.” He babbled.
“Its not that.” Hyunwoo said quickly, upset.
Kihyun perked up curious “Then what is it?”
“There I thought I would surprise you and propose tonight after the dinner and you just say this like its a joke! Like I haven't thought of that for about a million times everyday or that I don't ever want to step it up and marry you.” His thoughts slipping faster then the brain could stop the toungue. Oh Fu-.
Kihyun was shocked “Hyunwoo what the heck.”
“I should have not said that right.” He looked at Kihyun with puppy eyes.
“I haven't thought you already- or that you oh my god ”
“I have uh some time ago, that was the main reason I was spending more time with Min I was just waiting for a good moment and this felt like it could be tonight but I messed up.”
“Oh god.”
“How can I rewind the time? God it was not meant to go like this uh I knew my tongue would slip!” Hyunwoo said, angry at himself.
Kihyun made Hyunwoo look at him “Then wait and surprise me when I don't expect it hm?” Kihyun suggested. “Now kiss me and I’ll pretend I didn't hear you twenty seconds ago.”
“Will do my muse.”
~
And he did surprise him, weeks later, the day after Christmas eve.
Kihyun was slowly losing hope because just two days ago they went together to a luxurious restaurant and after they left they took a walk alongside the christmas decorated streets and then there was a moment the older kneeled and Kihyun held a breath only for Hyunwoo to tie his shoes and smile up at him. What a demon.
Hyunwoo was unreadable and Kihyun on the edge. Even yesterday on Christmas eve nothing happened. Did he forget? How could he forget such a thing? But the wait was killing him and he knew he couldn't wait much longer. He even debated to propose first.
And just as he least expected it. It happened.
It was morning after the Christmas eve, Kihyun smelled the waffles the second he opened the bathroom door, his hair was still damp since he only dried them with towel and left it messy without combing through. Did he care? Not really. Hyunwoo already saw this many times. As if something would happen so early in the day. Don’t think so. He went to the kitchen where Hyunwoo was standing by the waffle maker.
“Good morning babe.” Hyunwoo turned when he heard the steps behind him.
“Why didn't you wake me up? I could help out.” Kihyun asked and yawned before coming close and backhug the older. Hm he even smells like waffles.
“Because I wanted to make breakfast for once...sorry its just waffles you know thats like the only decent breakfast I can make.”
“Nono its perfect you know waffles are my favorite! Especially yours yumm” Kihyun kissed Hyunwoo quickly “and good morning to you too.”
“Do you want whipped cream or chocolate on them?” The older asked.
“Chocolate please!” Kihyun shouted happily and noticed the coffee maker already running. “Then I'll get us coffee?”
“Noo I'm doing all the stuff. You already ruined my breakfast in bed idea so go sit down at the table and be a good boy, I'll be right there.”
“Uu special treatment I like that.” Kihyun winked and leaned away.
Hyunwoo catched Kihyun quickly and briefly kissed him before letting go and pushing him from the kitchen. “Anything for my prince and now shoo.”
Kihyun hummed a tune while waiting at the table in the living room for breakfast. Hyunwoo arrived minutes later first with their coffee and then with the waffles.
Kihyun didn’t waited when was the plate in front of him and quickly rolled the waffle together so the chocolate on top would stay in the middle and started munching the food, he was so hungry!
There was a loud hiss from Hyunwoo opossite to him. “Noo!”
Kihyun frowned and spoke with his mouth half full. “No wut?”
“You uhh you ate it!” Hyunwoo huffed getting the velvet box out of nowhere suddenly “.. then here we go the old way. Kihyun will you marry me?"
Kihyun choked on the waffle he was still chewing when the ring was just there in front of him. “iss hapunung nuw?! ugh”
“What the f-“ Hyunwoo panicked but saved him.
Kihyun was breathing loudly, catching a breath and looking at the ring. This was the real deal, not a dream.
“Ah it was not meant to go like this! You ate the chocolate writing! You haven't even glanced at it!”
“I was hungry!”
“But my plan almost kill you oh my-”
“Its okay hahaha!” Kihyun laughed so loud at how ridiculous it must have seemed if there was anyone else witnessing it.
“Uh..Surprised?”
“A lot! Aaah I look like a mess!” Kihyun started to comb his hair with him hand. “I expected some restaurant or when you kneeled later or perhaps the actual Christmas evening yesterday?”
“But you look the most beautiful in the morning!” Hyunwoo argued. “Aha thats why you were so excited yesterday?”
“Maybe maybe not..”
“Well I wanted to get you good since I messed up my plan to surprise and morning after the eve sounded amazing...Changkyun thought so too.”
“He knew too?”
“Yes but they were just advising me okay?”
“Okay thats fine so it was your idea to kill me with your surprise?” Kihyun asked with a smile.
Hyunwoo thought its not going well and started apologizing. “I am sorry I am so sorry! But I saved you and you didn't so uh thats bonus points for me?”
“I guess.” Kihyun shrugged.
“And… and your answer?”
Kihyun pretended to think hard about it. “Hmm I guess the wall can go away now.. my future husband.”
Hyunwoo sweeped Kihyun up and kissed him and the other kissed back just as eagerly.
“Ah, I messed up yet I'm still winning.” Hyunwoo spoke when they parte, big smile not leaving his face.
“I guess your muse has a soft spot for you or something.” Kihyun said casually. “Sorry for eating the writing.”
“Thats fine I took a pic.” Hyunwoo put the ring out of the box. “May I?”
“Please..” Kihyun let Hyunwoo put the ring on his finger and marveled at its beauty. The ring was a simple circle with a sparkly lining of small gems all around “Ah it fits perfectly.”
“Yea I tried to measure you when you were asleep.”
Kihyun held the urge to hit Hyunwoo “What!”
Hyunwoo quickly moved from expecting Kihyun’s hand and chuckled. “But it was impossible so Minhyuk stole the ring you wore on your right ring finger.”
“Aah I haven’t noticed.”
“Yes I was too worried it wouldn't fit and that it would ruin it yet it was me ruining it all the while.”
“Ah please Hyunwoo! Stop overthinking! It was great like that! You saved me and now we have a cute story to tell.”
“You're the best… I'm so glad I found you.”
Kihyun smiled back. “And I'm so glad I had the tuesday nights open late.”
“Sorry it was not fancy I thought you would like it more if we were alone at such a special moment.”
“Its fine, it was perfect, it wouldn't be you if it was cliche like a proposal in front of strangers. I loved it.” Kihyun said and kissed Hyunwoo with all the love he held for the other in his heart. “And of course because I love you too.”
“Always beautiful to hear it from you.” Hyunwoo closed the distance again to kiss the other. “I love you so much, my muse.”
Getting a happy ending for the webtoon author was never on his mind. Before he met Kihyun he cared only about his characters getting the happy ending after all the struggles he put them through. Creating and actually living life was so different yet luck turned on his side and he got what he thought would never come so easily in his life.
He didn't really know who to thank for that horrible day that has happened more than two years ago, that dark day that turned his life back on track after he met his muse, but he was grateful, very grateful for whatever force led him to the warm light in the darkest night.
There was a happy ending written for him too after all.
~
The End