Work Text:
Jongin’s dating life (or the lack thereof) had always been a concern for his friends. Numerous jabbing remarks have been made at his expense. Everyone at work was wondering why their stoic, yet beautiful co-worker hadn’t found himself a girlfriend yet. Sometimes Junmyeon from Marketing would come over to his desk and ask him if he should set him up with a girl, who he knows is very sweet and good on the eyes.
Only problem was that Jongin had no intention of dating a girl. He wasn’t interested in the slightest bit and always politely turned down Junmyeon’s offer or laughed when Kyungsoo pointed out, that he was still single. The only one in the office who had seemed to spare him from pointing out the obvious – that yes, he was awfully single at the age of 28 and yes, maybe he should try looking for someone – was Chanyeol. Chanyeol’s desk was placed right across his and Jongin had a full view of the man. He knew that his gazes didn’t go unnoticed by the other, because whenever their eyes would meet, Chanyeol would wear a big grin on his face that was reserved for Jongin, and Jongin only. Jongin was already familiar with the different types of smiles. When Chanyeol’s smile didn’t meet his eyes and it looked like a lopsided frown, it meant he was annoyed. Just like the time Sehun had come over to tell Jongin he had found the perfect date for him. Other times, his smile would stretch out all over his face and his eyes would crinkle, those smiles were so infectious, Jongin had found his cheeks heating up and grinning like a fool.
Anyhow, not having come out at work was causing trouble for Jongin. He didn’t know how many more times he could handle Sehun staring at him with sorrow whenever the topic of dating came up. And it came up a lot, because most of the people in their office were of marriageable age and during wedding season last year, multiple invitations could be found on Jongin’s desk.
At least his family and close friends knew of his sexuality. It is not as if he was ashamed, he just felt like it wasn’t necessary to share this part of himself at work. Jongin’s mother had stopped asking for grandchildren, when his nephew and niece were born, saying that she was as happy as she could be and only hoped, that Jongin would find a good man. He had the support of his family. And it had taken a weight of his shoulder, when he had come out at the young age of 17. Already so sure of his sexuality. When he boys in his class had talked about Megan Fox’s legs, he looked at David Beckham’s. However, he had lied to his group of friends in school and pretended he was just like them. The fear of not fitting in had consumed his mind for years, until he had met Moonkyu in 10th grade. The transfer student and him got along well and one day the topic of sexuality came up.
“Jongin, you’re my best friend, so I want to be honest with you.”, Moonkyu sounded so unsure, as if he wanted to leave the confession unspoken.
“Uh, you’re my best friend, too?”, Shit, what was he supposed to say?
“You see, I have never told this anyone before, but I trust you.”
“Thank … you?”, Oh god, what was going on.
“I’m gay.”, Moonkyu’s confession had left his lips. His eyes were searching for something in Jongin’s and he only found acceptance and understanding.
“We’re not so different, you and I. You know that?”, he pulled his friend into a warm embrace and Moonkyu nodded in understanding, “We’re the same.”
The same friend had dragged him to a bar tonight. A gay bar to be exact. Jongin was not particularly looking for anything, he had made his fair share of experiences during his university years, when he had shared a dorm with Moonkyu. Finishing their business degrees and chasing freedom, after spending stifling years back home. It felt liberating to be true to yourself.
The bar was dimly lit, and soft jazz music was playing. They sat down at the bar on cushioned bar stools, the overall exterior looked luxurious, as the primary colors chosen for this location were black and gold. Jongin felt a little out of place with his sneakers, grey slacks and white t-shirt. He thought they would go to clubbing and he preferred comfort over appearance. The bartender came over and took their orders, a Gin and Tonic for Moonkyu and a sparkling wine for Jongin. He knew that all the wine connoisseurs would shake their head in disapproval and the Italian and French would scream in agony.
On their way to the bar they had talked about Jongin’s awful colleagues and one sweet co-worker he couldn’t get out of his head. They continued their conversation until their drinks arrived.
“You know, maybe I should just tell them, I want to see their faces.”
“Then they’d just try to set you up with a man.”, Jongin scoffed at his friend.
“I wish they wouldn’t. They probably just want the best for me, but I don’t want this.”, frustration was building up, so Jongin took a sip and the warmth of the alcohol slowly spread throughout his body.
“Have you actually told them, that you don’t want to be set up on a date?”, Moonkyu asked, looking straight into Jongin’s eyes. The latter boy slowly shook his head.
“Yah, how are they supposed to know, if you don’t tell them.”, Moonkyu gently knocked Jongin’s head with a balled fist.
“Telepathically, I suppose.”, he tried to joke.
“Just like how Chanyeol is supposed to telepathically know that you have the hots for him?”, that brought out a pout on Jongin’s lips. He just didn’t want to confess to a guy who could be straight.
Their conversation drifted to the topic of Jongin’s dogs and that they had learnt new tricks. Moonkyu talked about his work and the guy he was currently seeing, when suddenly Moonkyu kicked Jongin’s shin.
“Dude, look behind you.”, Moonkyu turned Jongin’s bar stool so he could face the entrance.
And Jongin? Jongin was shocked to see his co-worker aka his work crush walk into the same gay bar. Was he supposed to ignore him or greet him? He was contemplating about which choice to make, when he saw the same man take long strides towards his direction.
“Jongin, what are you doing here?”, Chanyeol asked, mouth agape. He almost looked like a fish, a cute fish, because Chanyeol always looked cute.
“I could ask you the same, you know.”, stupid Jongin, is that the only thing you can offer, he berated himself.
They looked at each other, when Moonkyu cleared his throat in a weak attempt to gain their attention. He smiled and Chanyeol and pointed at the bar stool next to Jongin. “Come sit with us, if you’re not meeting anyone else.”
“Is this okay?”, Chanyeol asked, more Jongin than Moonkyu. Jongin could only nod.
He didn’t know how to feel about seeing his co-worker out of work, he looked even better in casual clothes than the suit he wore at work. He kept stealing glances to try to remember this very look. Chanyeol looked so different with his hair styled back.
“Oh Jongin, I forgot I wanted to meet my boyfriend, I have to leave.”, Moonkyu looked at his phone. “Sorry, let’s meet again soon.” Despite his apology he didn’t look apologetic in the slightest bit. He paid for his drink, said his goodbyes and left the bar in a hurry.
“That … was my friend Moonkyu.”, Jongin looked back at his drink. Confidence leaves his body without his friend by his side to lend him the moral support to talk to his crush outside of work. They were outside of work.
“I thought you were straight.”, Ah, Chanyeol didn’t talk around the point. It was something Jongin had noticed during their multiple work meetings. When their co-workers danced around an issue, Chanyeol was the one who addressed the problem right away. He had always been very open and honest.
“Yeah, never cleared that up at work.”, a sigh left the man’s lips. “I mean, I wanted to but I also thought it wasn’t necessary.”, he added.
Before Chanyeol had the chance to reply, the bartender came back to take Chanyeol’s order. Jongin took small sips of his wide, he was a light weight and he knew if he drank more, he wouldn’t be able to hold his tongue.
Liquid confidence.
He downed his wine in one and ordered a new one.
“Aren’t wines meant to be enjoyed?”, the taller man playfully asked.
“That’s why I’m ordering a new one.”, Jongin cheekily grinned.
They talked about work, hobbies and the latest movies they had seen. Their conversation went smoothly and Jongin knew, he actually liked Chanyeol, it wasn’t just physical attraction.
The alcohol had gone to his head, when he spoke the next words, “I like you and I thought you were just being nice at work.”
“Oh, Jongin.” Chanyeol took Jongin’s hands in his. His hands were warm, and also bigger than Jongin’s, he stored that information in his brain.
“I like you, too. I thought you just weren’t interested in dating anyone.”, Chanyeol’s grin reached his eyes. Beautiful.
Jongin felt like he was sobering up, intoxication leaving his body when Chanyeol had confessed his feelings. They were mutual! Jongin’s cheeks were heating up, before he placed a kiss on Chanyeol’s cheeks.
“Your apartment or mine? Just to sleep, of course.”, he grinned at the taller man.
“Of course. And we can go to mine.” Chanyeol left a bill before he took Jongin’s hand. Together they left the bar, happy and with warmth spreading through their bodies. The alcohol wasn’t to blame.