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Shin Junghwan was not a man of many words. Some would say he was quite the intimidating guy. As the Creative Director of ‘Team 2’ in Shin Group’s Architecture and Interior Design division, he let his work speak for himself. Needless to say, his leadership has led his team to great heights, and they were also made known for their innovative designs.
But Shin Junghwan wasn’t as social as his cousin, who was in charge of leading ‘Team 1’. He, unlike Dohoon, had a knack for keeping his professional and personal life strictly private.
Well, that was until a certain new employee, Choi Youngjae, entered the picture.
Choi Youngjae is a bright kid. He was earnest, a bit clumsy, and maybe a little too eager to please. The team definitely had a soft spot for him, Although he’s still a rookie and he still has a lot to learn, his refreshing enthusiasm made his seniors find him absolutely adorable, Especially that cute speech of his. Everytime he clocks in to work, he makes sure to greet his seniors politely with a smile and would ask if any of them wanted coffee.
Youngjae was grateful the team liked him. Truth to be said, it was kind of awkward since he was used to working with ‘Team 1’. Having spent his intern days there, he never expected to be promoted to ‘Team 2’ instead. Overall he was very confused when he got the news, but turns out one of the Creative Designers had handed in their resignation letter and for a few days the team was teleported to hell and back trying to search for one.
To Junghwan, Youngjae was… a source of potential disruption. Not because Youngjae was incompetent, No. He has heard a lot of praises from Dohoon about how, not only is he flexible— he’s intelligent and kind. It’s just that, Youngjae’s mere presence was… distracting.
—
Before Youngjae joined them, the team had planned to go out for a team dinner after wrapping up a project but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was postponed. So, it was only natural that they managed to drag Youngjae along as well.
Junghwan, who was not particularly fond of such social gatherings, only attended out of obligation as he was their boss after all. Someone has to keep an eye on them. The last time Junghwan left them on their own, they all managed to show up to work late. Not again … he thought.
The atmosphere was lively as usual, with drinks flowing and laughter filling the air.
Youngjae, who was seated in the middle of the two connected tables, became the center of attention. His seniors kept pouring him drink after drink, despite his weak protests but alas, not wanting to ruin the joyous mood, he reluctantly downed each one, his face growing redder by the minute. Junghwan watched the scene unfold from the corner of his eye, silently judging the situation.
Minhwan, who was seated next to Youngjae, noticed him clearly out of it. “Youngjae-yah, Are you feeling okay?” He asked, a hint of pity laced in his tone. “Huh? I’m gooooood…. Sunbae! Don’t worry ‘bout me…” Youngjae replied with a thumbs-up, his words slurred together, barely making any sense.
“Are you sure you’re— ” Before Minhwan even finished, Youngjae was slumped over the table.
“Oh my, the baby is wasted..!” Jiyeon exclaimed from across the table. “You guys sure overdid it..” She continues, shaking her head.
Junghwan silently watched them fuss over what they were going to do with the drunk kid, until an idea popped up in his head. Maybe, he could use this as an opportunity to get out of this place. He abruptly shot up from his seat, everyone’s eyes on him.
“I’ll take him.” He said, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Oh no need, Director Shin!” Minhwan protested, “We can take care of him..”
“No, I insist. You guys have fun.” Junghwan replied, walking towards Youngjae and lifting him up from his seat with the help of Minhwan, draping Youngjae’s arm over his shoulder as they both walked out of the restaurant. The table fell silent.
The younger man was muttering incoherent words as Junghwan struggled to balance him while fishing his car keys out of the pockets of his coat.
Maybe it was due to his drunken state, but Youngjae looked lighter than he seemed. “You’re heavier than you look,” Junghwan muttered under his breath, guiding Youngjae to his sleek black car parked outside. Once there, he opened the passenger door and carefully flopped Youngjae into the seat, not forgetting to buckle him in, before closing the door and walking to the driver’s side.
Only when he started the engine did it dawn on him. He had absolutely no idea where Youngjae lived.
Junghwan heaved out a sigh, “Youngjae-ssi,” he said, glancing at the drunken newbie, who was now leaning against the car’s window, eyes half-closed, “Where do you live..?” he asked, only receiving a slurred “Mmmm.. jelly…” in return, his head lolling to the side.
Junghwan sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Great... just great.”
Left with no other option, he drove to his own apartment. It wasn’t that far from the restaurant and he figured it was better than driving aimlessly through the city late at night.
—
When they arrived, Junghwan parked his car in the underground parking lot and maneuvered the drunken Youngjae out of the car, wrapping an arm around his waist to keep him steady— the younger man mumbling something about rapunzel and pascal as Junghwan dragged him into the elevator.
Once inside his apartment, Junghwan laid Youngjae on the couch with a huff. He grabbed a bottle of water and placed it on the coffee table before taking a step back to assess the whole situation. He brought one of his drunk employees home. He thinks his head is going to explode and he didn’t even drink that much.
Meanwhile, Youngjae was fast asleep on the couch, lips slightly parted, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. In the soft glow of the living room light, he looked peaceful. Almost angelic. Junghwan shook his head, annoyed at himself for thinking of such a thing at that moment.
“You’re trouble,” He muttered after coming out of his room with a blanket, draping it over the sleeping Youngjae.
Junghwan walked to his room intending to take a shower to freshen up, leaving his bedroom door open in case Youngjae decides to wake up.
—
Junghwan woke up to the sound of soft groaning coming from the living room. For a moment, he forgot the events of the previous night, until the distinct sound of a blanket rustling on his couch brought it all rushing back. He rubbed his temples, glanced at the small clock on his bedside table, ‘6A.M.’, Assuming that Youngjae had woken up, Junghwan got up from his bed, grabbed his glasses and headed to the living room to check on him.
Youngjae, now sitting up on the couch, was holding his head in his hands, hair sticking out in all directions almost looking like a bird’s nest. The overall sight was unexpectedly… Endearing.
Junghwan cleared his throat, “You’re awake.” he said, his deep morning voice startling Youngjae, who was collecting his thoughts. Youngjae jerked up, wincing at the sudden movement aaand He’s pretty sure his shoulder is stuck.
But that wasn’t the problem right now. “D-Director Shin..?”, Youngjae stammered, raising his head and locking eyes with his boss. That’s when he noticed the situation that he was in. “Where am I? What happened? Oh no…” He says as his widened eyes started darting around the unfamiliar environment.
“You passed out yesterday,” Junghwan replied, matter-of-factly, while crossing his arms. “No one knew where you lived, So, I brought you here.”
Youngjae's ears turned a crimson red as he scrambled to stand, nearly tripping over the soft blanket that had slipped to the floor, “Oh god.. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble andㅡ”, He clasped his hands together and kept on bowing. ‘I’m doomed’, He thought.
“Stop apologizing, It’s fine.” Junghwan interrupted his river of apologies, sighing.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to drink so much but the sunbaes kept pouring so I had no choice..” He muttered, head hung low.
Junghwan patted him on the shoulder, “You need to learn how to say no, y’know. Although... I get where you’re coming from. But trust me, No one will think less of you for setting your own boundaries.”
Youngjae nodded quickly, his hands fidgeting at his sides, “Yes, sir. I’ll remember that!”
A moment of silence stretched between them after that, before Junghwan cleared his throat, “There’s water on the table, if you’re thirsty. And… I can drive you home for you to get ready, If you want.” He said, scratching his head.
“Ah, no! You don’t have to... I can call a cab back home” he replied, his voice a higher pitch than usual as he was beyond embarrassed while frantically reaching into his pockets to find his phone.
“Alright then, See you at work.”
“Yes, sir!” Before he could fully process everything, Junghwan had already returned to his room, leaving Youngjae standing in the living room alone. He heaved out a sigh, deciding to fold the fallen blanket earlier, carefully placing it on the couch, before fixing his hair and quickly putting on his shoes, rushing out to call a cab back home.
‘What a crazy way to start the morning..’ He thought to himself.
—
The following week after the team dinner incident, was nothing short of a whirlwind for Youngjae. Between the mounting tasks, and piles of data he had to sort out he also had to endure the endless teasing from his seniors about being ‘Carried home by Director Shin himself’, he barely had a moment to catch a breather.
“Seriously, Youngjae-yah, I’m telling you. You should’ve seen all our faces when he carried you out,” One of his seniors, Yunah teased during lunch. “What did you even do to get that VIP special treatment from the director?” She continued, shoving a spoonful of rice into her mouth.
“I didn’t do anything!” Youngjae groaned, his ears fully flushed. “ Maybe, He’s just being nice...?”
“The same guy who barely says three words to us unless it’s about work? Yeah, sure.” Jun-il, another senior, snickered from beside him.
Youngjae buried his face in his hands. That’s when he realised, he didn’t even manage to thank Junghwan properly.
Meanwhile, Junghwan himself seemed… unchanged. He maintained his usual professional demeanor, giving instructions and feedback with precision. But Youngjae couldn’t help but feel Junghwan’s gaze lingering on him during team meetings, as if the director was observing him more closely than usual. Which he simply just brushed aside, ‘Probably because I’m new, and in case I cause any more trouble..’ He reasons, mentally groaning at himself.
That evening, as the office began to empty, Youngjae was still at his desk, scribbling some notes for an upcoming project. He was so engrossed he didn’t notice Junghwan approaching until a shadow fell over his desk.
“Youngjae-ssi.”
Youngjae jumped up, almost knocking over his water bottle, “Director Shin!”
Junghwan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, “Still here?” he asked.
“Oh, uh, yes! Just finishing up some prep work, Haha…” Youngjae stammered, hastily shuffling his papers into a neat pile, placing it on his desk.
“You shouldn’t stay too late,” Junghwan said simply, crossing his arms.
“Yes! I’ll be leaving soon.. Sir.” Youngjae replied, “Are you heading out now..?”
Junghwan hesitated for a moment before nodding, “Yes, do you need a ride?”
Youngjae blinked, caught off guard. “Oh no no, I couldn’t possibly.. You can leave first, Sir.” He said, flailing his arms around to make his point.
“If you say so. Don’t stay too late. Then, I’ll be heading out first.” Junghwan said, patting Youngjae lightly on the shoulder. “You’ve worked hard today.” He continued, giving a slight smile before making his way to the elevator.
—
Youngjae’s days as a full-time employee on ‘Team 2’ were flying by so quickly, he barely noticed as he was kept on his toes at all times due to the amount of work they have to go through every day. Two months had already passed since his first day on the team.
One late afternoon, the team was deep into brainstorming for a new luxury hotel project they were tasked with. The concept required blending traditional korean architecture with contemporary designs, a challenge even for ‘Team 1’.
As ideas flew around the room, Junghwan suddenly directed his attention to Youngjae, noticing how quiet he’s been the whole time.
“Youngjae-ssi,” he said, startling the poor guy, “You’ve been quiet, What are your thoughts on this?”, and Youngjae’s heart skipped a beat. All eyes turned towards him, and he felt the weight of their anticipation.
“I, uh..” He stammered, hesitating as his mind was racing. “I was thinking about how, we could incorporate traditional hanok rooflines into the modern structure, maybe using glass to highlight the curvature while letting natural light in.”
Junghwan’s expression didn’t change, but his nod was almost imperceptible... a rare sign of approval. “Good, expand on that idea and present it at our next meeting.” Junghwan said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Yes, sir.” Youngjae blurted in reply, his cheeks heating up at the attention.
As the meeting concluded and the team dispersed, Youngjae stayed back, furiously sketching out rough concept designs on his sketchbook. Not noticing Junghwan coming up behind him, he slumped onto his table and groaned.
Junghwan stepped closer, his gaze flicking to the sketches on Youngjae’s desk. “You’re not bad.” he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone. And Youngjae practically flew, almost screeching as he sat upright.
“Oh my god! You need to stop doing that.. Sir…” He exclaimed, a hand coming up to his chest.
Junghwan smirked faintly, the expression fleeting but undeniably there, “Doing what?” He asks, raising his eyebrow, a smug look etched on his face.
“The whole creeping up on people when they’re working thing..” Youngjae muttered, now slumped into his seat.
Junghwan blinked and let out a chuckle, “What? Are you scared?” To which Youngjae silently nods at.
He simply hummed, “Ah… Guess you shouldn’t stay too late then.” Junghwan lingered for a moment before walking away. Youngjae watched as his boss walked away before bringing his hand up to his chest and rubbing it again, sighing as he did so.
—
The next weekend, a company event— a charity gala hosted by Shin Group, gave everyone a rare glimpse of Junghwan outside the office grounds. Although, there wasn’t a particular difference that Youngjae could spot. Maybe it was the different environment. ‘Yeah, must be that,’ Because as soon as he arrived at the venue, he felt out of place in his modest suit amidst the sea of designer clothing. Spotting Subin and Yunah near the bar, he made a beeline for them, grateful to be able to spot familiar faces.
“Youngjae-yah! You look great as always today!” Yunah chirps as Youngjae makes his way to them.
“Thank you, sunbae…” Youngjae muttered, glancing around nervously.
“What’re you looking for?” Subin asks, taking a sip of his wine.
“The real question is... Who is he looking for?” Yunah teases.
“No one! What are you saying..” Youngjae replied, clearly flustered as he buried his face into a cocktail offered to him earlier. “Mhm, Sure.” Yunah says, sarcasm laced in her tone as she nudges Youngjae’s side with her elbow, her finger pointing to Youngjae’s left. And it didn’t take long for him to find their director. Junghwan stood near the edge of the stage, looking effortlessly regal in a tailored black three-piece suit. He was deep in conversation with a few executives, his expression calm yet commanding.
As if sensing Youngjae’s not-so-subtle gaze, Junghwan turned, their eyes meeting across the room, and for a moment all the noises and chatter began to slowly fade.
“What was that all about?” Subin whispered, nudging him excitedly.
“What’s what?” Youngjae asked, taking a sip of his cocktail, trying to feign innocence.
“That look ! Did you just exchange a moment with Director Shin ?” Subin exclaimed, to which Youngjae obviously replied to, with a very flustered ‘No!’.
“Tell me you saw that too, Yunah!” Subin continued.
Yunah grinned knowingly, “Oh I totally did. Don’t worry, Youngjae-yah!,” She says, patting Youngjae on the back, “We won’t tell anyone about this little office romance of yours.”
“What romance!” Youngjae hissed, though the heat rising to his cheeks told a different story. He downed the whole cocktail.
He couldn’t help but glance in that direction, and once more, Junghwan’s gaze managed to find his. Junghwan raised his glass in a subtle manner, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles. Youngjae’s heart seemed to have stuttered. He couldn’t seem to shake the feeling. Maybe, just, maybe, his colleagues weren’t entirely wrong.
His thoughts were soon disrupted by a cough, “Looks like your little moment just got an encore.” Subin gave him a sly grin and Yunah giggled at his embarrassed face, imitating Junghwan by raising her glass subtly.
Let’s just say he barely managed to survive their teasing during the whole event that night.
—
The following monday, the office was bustling with energy, everyone still riding the high from the success of the gala and the new project in the works. Youngjae arrived early as usual, determined to finalise his presentation about incorporating traditional hanok designs into the luxury hotel project. But no matter how focused he tried to be, his thoughts kept drifting off due to the nervousness he felt.
He didn’t even realise he had zoned out.
“Earth to Youngjae!”
That made Youngjae snap out of his thoughts to see Jiyeon waving a hand in front of his face.
“You okay? You’ve been staring at the same page for 10 minutes..”
“I’m fine, Sunbae!” Youngjae stammered, quickly shuffling his papers, “Just too focused..”
Jiyeon just raised her eyebrow and shrugged it off. “Well, focus a little faster. The meeting starts in 15 minutes, and Director Shin doesn’t tolerate delays.”
As if on cue, Junghwan walked into the office, dressed in his usual sharp suit, exuding an air of authority that silenced the room. His gaze swept over the team before landing briefly on Youngjae. The faintest flicker of amusement painting his features before he turned towards his office. And Youngjae let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
Soon, the meeting began promptly, and Youngjae found himself presenting his ideas to the team. Despite his nerves, he spoke with passion, explaining how the fusion of traditional and modern elements could create a striking, one-of-a-kind design.
When he finished, there was a brief silence before Junghwan spoke, “Well done, Youngjae-ssi.” he said, his tone firm, yet genuine. “Your concept aligns perfectly with the client’s vision. We’ll move forward with it.”
That alone made Youngjae’s eyes widen, “Really?”
Junghwan nodded, his expression softening just enough for Youngjae to notice it, “Yes, Good work.”
The team clapped, congratulating him, but Youngjae barely registered it. All he could focus on was Junghwan’s words and the warmth in his gaze.
Later that evening, as the office emptied out, Youngjae stayed behind to tidy up his desk. He felt a little accomplished today so when he gets home he’s going to crash on his bed immediately. Just thinking about that alone made him smile to himself. He didn’t expect anyone to come out of the shadows like that, but is he really surprised? Of course it was Junghwan. The guy had a knack for scaring the shit out of him lately. That didn’t mean he got used to it.
“Still here?” Junghwan’s voice broke the silence, making Youngjae nearly jump out of his chair.
“Sir, Can you stop doing that please?” Youngjae turned to see Junghwan leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. He stood up quickly, getting ready to leave with his bag slung across his shoulder.
“In such a hurry to leave?” Junghwan raised an eyebrow, looking amused.
“No, I just thought…”
“Relax. I just want to talk.”
“Oh..” Youngjae sat back down, his pulse quickening.
Junghwan walked over his footsteps unhurried, and stopped in front of Youngjae’s desk. “You’ve been doing well,” He said, his tone low but sincere, “Not just today, but since you joined.”
“Thank you.” Youngjae murmured, his cheeks can’t help but warm up at the praise.
Junghwan hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his next words carefully, “You make the office… less dull.”
Youngjae’s head shot up, eyes wide, “Really?”
Junghwan’s lips curved in a faint smile, “Yes, but don’t let that get into your head.” Despite the teasing remark, Youngjae couldn’t help but smile back. As Junghwan turned to leave after that, he paused.
“Youngjae-ssi,” He said, turning back towards Youngjae.
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget to set boundaries for the next team dinner, I’m not carrying you home, twice.” Youngjae’s face turned beet red as Junghwan walked away, his low laughter echoing down the hallway. And for some reason, it’s the first since joining the company where he felt like he really belonged.
—
The next few weeks passed by in a blur of work, meetings and stolen glances. Youngjae quickly became an integral piece of the team, his ideas not only earning praises from his senior colleagues but also from the director himself. Yet despite the growing camaraderie with the team, his relationship with Junghwan felt different.
Junghwan really wasn’t the one for frequent casual conversation, but whenever Youngjae spoke, he listened with an attentiveness that set him apart. Small gestures, like a subtle nod of encouragement during meetings, only added to the confusion brewing in Youngjae’s heart.
It all came to a head during another late night at the office.
The team was finalising their presentation for the hotel project’s client review. Most of the team had already left, leaving Junghwan and Youngjae behind, pouring over the final details.
“This section here,” Junghwan said, pointing to a section of the proposal on Youngjae’s laptop, “It needs a stronger justification. The client will ask why we chose this specific material.”
Youngjae nodded, scribbling his notes furiously, “I’ll revise it.”
Junghwan leaned back in his chair, gaze fixed on Youngjae, “You don’t have to do everything yourself. You’ve been staying late almost every night.”
“I just want to make sure everything’s perfect,” Youngjae admitted, looking up, “This project is important, after all.”
Junghwan’s expression softened, “I admire your dedication, but there’s a fine line between diligence and overworking yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
Youngjae hesitated before asking, “Do you worry about me as my boss, or…?” He trailed off, almost instantly regretting his boldness.
Junghwan’s lips twitched, the faintest hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, “Do I worry about you as what, Youngjae?”
“Nevermind, It’s nothing..!” Youngjae stammered, waving his hands in panic.
Junghwan chuckled, a rare and warm sound that made Youngjae’s heart skip. “Relax, I understand what you’re trying to ask.”
“As your boss, Of course, I worry about my employee’s well-being. But, with you it feels… like it’s more than that.”
Youngjae’s breath got stuck in his throat, “I...”
“You don’t have to say anything now,” Junghwan interrupted genty. “I just wanted you to know.”
The room fell silent, the weight of Junghwan’s words settling between them. For the first time, Junghwan’s composed exterior cracked and a small, genuine smile graced his lips after noticing Youngjae’s bright cheeks. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice low but soft.
“Let’s finish this presentation,” He said, his tone lighter now. “Then, maybe, we could figure out what this is... together.”
Youngae nodded, a smile tugging his lips. "I’d like that.”
They both returned to working on the presentation, the air between them felt lighter, filled with unspoken promises and the hope of something more waiting to be bloomed in full glory.
As the night deepened, the office grew quieter, leaving only the faint hum of computers and the occasional rustle of papers. Junghwan and Youngjae worked side by side, their conversations flowing more easily now, their movements in sync.
Every so often, Youngjae would glance at Junghwan, who seemed more relaxed than usual. There was a softness in his demeanor tonight that made him seem less like the ‘Untouchable Director Shin’ and more like… a normal person.
“You’re staring again,” Junghwan said without looking up from his papers, his voice tinged with amusement.
Youngjae was startled, nearly dropping his pen, “No, I wasn’t..” He mumbled.
Junghwan’s lips curved into a faint smirk as he leaned back into his chair, watching Youngjae getting flustered under the weight of his gaze. “You’re terrible at lying, Y’know.”
“I was just… thinking,” Youngje mumbled, his cheeks turning pink.
“About?” Junghwan prompted, his tone calm but curious.
Youngjae hesitated, fiddling with his pen, “About how… different you seem tonight... more approachable, I guess.”
Junghwan raised an eyebrow, “Is that so?”
Youngjae nodded, “You’re always so composed, like nothing can get to you. But tonight, it feels like… you’re letting your guard down.”
Junghwan’s expression shifted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features, “Maybe because it’s you.” His words hung in the air, leaving Youngjae momentarily stunned.
“Yes?” He managed to let out.
“You have a way of making people feel… comfortable.” Junghwn said, his voice quieter now, “Even me, and that’s not something I’m used to.” Youngjae’s heart skipped a beat at the admission. He opened his mouth to respond but nothing came out.
Junghwan stood abruptly, catching him off guard, “We should wrap up here for the night,” He said, his voice returning to its usual low, professional tone, “It’s getting late.”
Youngjae nodded, though his mind was still reeling.
They packed up their things in silence, but the tension between them was almost palpable. As they rode the elevator down together, neither of them spoke. The air thickened quickly.
When they reached the lobby, Junghwan turned to Youngjae, “Do you need a ride home?”
Youngjae shook his head. “I’m good, sir. I can take a cab.”
Junghwan frowned slightly, as if he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the answer, but he didn’t press any further. “All right. Be careful.”
“You too, sir.” Youngjae replied, offering him a small smile.
Junghwan hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Youngjae’s face, before he turned and walked towards the parking lot.
As Youngjae stepped out of the company, he was greeted by a breeze of cool night air making him shiver. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. As he made his way home, his mind buzzed with thoughts of Junghwan; His unexpected warmth, his quiet admissions, and the promise of something that felt too dangerously close to hope.
Meanwhile, Back in his car, Junghwan sat in silence for a long moment before starting the engine. As he drove through the city streets, he found himself thinking about Youngjae’s words.
‘You’re letting your guard down.’
And for the first time in a long while, Junghwan wondered if that was such a bad thing after all.
—
The following days at work were a curious blend of normalcy and subtle, unspoken tension. Youngjae and Junghwan interacted as usual during meetings, exchanging ideas and discussing project updates, but there was an awareness both had noticed.
For Youngjae, it was the way Junghwan’s gaze lingered a fraction longer than necessary or how his voice softened when addressing him. For Junghwan, it was the quiet warmth in Youngjae’s smile or the way his presence seemed to fill the room making everything else feel slightly less significant.
That evening, Youngjae was at his desk, pouring over material samples for the upcoming project, when a shadow he seems to be familiar with by now, fell over his workspace.
“Not going home yet?” Junghwan’s voice was calm, but there was a trace of concern.
Youngjae looked up, no matter how many times he does this, Youngjae always manages to be startled each time. “Oh, Director Shin. I didn’t realise you were still here.”
Junghwan glanced at the scattered samples and sketches on Youngjae’s desk, “You’re working too hard again.”
“Ah.. right...” Youngjae just scratched his head, smiling sheepishly.
Junghwan’s expression softened, “Perfection isn’t achieved by running yourself to the ground.”
Youngjae opened his mouth to respond, but hesitated, unsure of how to navigate the familiar yet unfamiliar dynamic between them. Instead, he gave a small nod and started tidying his desk.
Junghwan stood there for a moment, as if thinking, before speaking again, “Youngjae-ssi, Are you hungry?”
Youngjae blinked, “Excuse me?”
“It’s late and you’ve been here for hours,” Junghwan said, “Have you eaten?”
Youngjae paused, “...Not really.”
Junghwan’s lips couldn’t help but twitch into a smile, “Come on. Let’s grab something.”
Youngjae’s eyes widened, his head turning to the side, almost comically as if there was a giant red question mark dangling from above his head, “You mean… together?”
“Unless you’d prefer to eat alone,” Junghwan replied, raising an eyebrow.
“Ah, no! Together is fine, sir.” Youngjae stammered, hurriedly gathering his things and shoving them into his bag.
A short while after, they found themselves at a quiet, understated restaurant not far from the office.The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the usual formality of their work environment. As they sat across from each other, Youngjae couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. This wasn’t the ‘Director Shin’ he knew from the office, This was ‘Junghwan’, someone more… easy-going.
Junghwan broke the silence, his tone almost casual, “How are you finding the team so far after 3 months?”
“It’s great,” Youngjae said, honestly. “Everyone’s been very nice.”
“And the work?”
“It’s challenging.. But in a, good way.” Youngjae replied, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve learnt so much already.”
“How do you feel compared to back when you were in ‘Team 1’?”
The question caught him off guard, “Um… I would like to keep that confidential.”
Junghwan laughed, “You’ve exceeded my expectations, Youngjae-ssi. Dohoon was right.”
The younger man’s ears flushed at the compliment, “Thank you, Director Shin.”
“Dohoon-ie talked about me? What did he say?” Youngjae asked, leaning against the table, curiosity getting the best of him.
“Mmm… I would like to keep that confidential.” Junghwan smiled.
“Ah, no fair.” Youngjae huffed.
“What do you mean? I’m totally playing it fair!” He laughed at Youngjae’s reaction, “Also, are you close with Dohoon?” He leaned his head on his palm that was perched on the table, curious.
“Dohoon-ie? Maybe? We went to the same college.”
Junghwan frowned slightly, “Why do you use informal speech with Dohoon? He’s technically your boss too.”
Youngjae furrowed his brows, trying to assess the situation, “Eh? Are you jealous?” His impulsive thoughts came rushing out before he could stop them.
“Yes.”
“Huh?” Youngjae really didn’t expect for him to actually admit it.
“When it’s just us, you can just call me hyung.” He said, his tone calm but firm.
Youngjae visibly hesitated, “Okay… Hyung.”
A faint smile splayed on Junghwan’s face, and for the rest of the meal, the conversation flowed a little more easily. They talked about work, their interests, threw a few jokes here-and-there and even a few lighthearted topics that drew quiet laughter from both of them.
By the time they left the restaurant, the initial tension had melted away, replaced by a comforting warmth. As they walked back to the car, Youngjae glanced at Junghwan, his heart full of questions he wasn’t quite ready to voice out yet.
Junghwan, meanwhile, was lost in thought. His mind replaying the way Youngjae’s face lit up when he laughed or how his voice softened when he spoke about his passions.
As he drove Youngjae back to his apartment, Junghwan finally broke the silence.
“Thank you for accompanying me tonight.” He said, his voice low.
Youngjae turned to look at him with a smile, “I should be the one thanking you… Hyung.”
Junghwan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. “Sometimes.. I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like to enjoy something as simple as having a meal with good company, You reminded me of that tonight. Thank you.”
Youngjae’s breath got stuck in his throat at the sincerity in Junghwan’s tone. “I’m glad.” He replied softly.
When they finally parted ways for the night, they found themselves both lost in thought, unable to fall asleep as their minds were consumed by the thoughts of each other. And though neither of them had said it aloud, they both knew something had shifted between them, drastically. Something that both of them could not ignore any further.
—
The following morning at the office, neither spoke about the previous night, but the unspoken connection lingered like a shared secret.
Youngjae was focused intently on his work, though he couldn’t stop replaying Junghwan’s words in his mind. ‘Sometimes.. I think I’ve forgotten what it’s like to enjoy something as simple as having a meal with good company, You reminded me of that tonight.’ His cheeks warmed at the memory, but he quickly shook it off, reminding himself to stay professional.
Meanwhile, Junghwan was no less distracted. Sitting in his office, he found himself glancing outside towards Youngjae’s desk more often than he would like to admit. The younger man’s presence had become a strange source of comfort, a fact that both intrigued him and unsettled him.
They couldn’t help but glance at each other throughout the day, their hearts beating faster every time their eyes would meet. And as the hours passed, one thing was certain, Whatever was happening between them— it was far from over.
That same afternoon, a company-wide email announced the quarterly team-building retreatㅡ a weekend getaway to a serene lakeside resort. It was mandatory for all team members, which meant that Junghwan, despite his preference for solitude, had no choice to attend.
—
The resort was as picturesque as promised, with sprawling gardens, cozy-looking cabins and a clear, glimmering lake that reflected the sky. Upon arrival, the employees had taken their luggage to their assigned cabins to unpack before having to be divided into groups for activities with prizes involved.
And to Youngjae’s surprise and secret delight, he found himself in Junghwan’s group along with Yunah and Subin.
The first activity was a trust-building exercise that involved navigating a makeshift obstacle course while blindfolded, guided only by the teammate’s voice. There were two rounds, so they had to pair up. Naturally, Subin and Yunah paired up. Yunah, being the tease she was, came over beside Youngjae and whispered an, “I got your back.” into his ear and winked. She and Subin giggled as they got ready to participate in the first round.
Youngjae froze for a moment, his eyes widening. “I guess we’re pairing up then, Director Shin…”
Beside him, Junghwan raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest.
Once round 1 was finished, Subin and Yunah placed 3rd. Their reward? Free lunch coupon for a year at the company’s cafeteria. Hearing the prize, Youngjae felt more determined to win.
“Mmm. Let’s get this over with.” Junghwan said calmly, stepping behind Youngjae to tie the blindfold. His fingers brushed against Youngjae’s neck briefly, sending a shiver down his spine.
After being blindfolded, Youngjae felt an odd mix of vulnerability and trust.
“Take one step forward.” Junghwan instructed, his voice steady and precise.
Youngjae followed the directions carefully, his hands outstretched to avoid bumping into anything. Junghwan’s calm, authoritative tone guided him through the course and with each step, Youngjae felt his nerves ease.
“You’re almost there,” Junghwan said, “One more step to your right.”
Youngjae took a step and stumbled slightly, but Junghwan was there in an instant, his hands steadying him. “You’re fine, I've got you.” Junghwan said, his voice lowered into a whisper.
Youngjae swallowed hard, nodding as he removed the blindfold. The way Junghwan’s hands lingered on his arms for just a moment longer than necessary didn’t go unnoticed.
They managed to place 4th. The reward being matching pajamas and a blanket set.
Later that evening, after dinner and a round of team bonding games, the group settled around a bonfire by the lake. Laughter and conversation filled the air, but Youngjae’s attention kept drifting to Junghwan, who sat a few feet away, quietly sipping a drink and watching the flames.
Summoning his courage, Youngjae excused himself from the group and walked over to where Junghwan sat. “Mind if I join you?” he asked hesitantly.
Junghwan looked up, his expression softening. “Go ahead.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the cracking of the fire filling the space between them.
“You’re not much of a group activity person, are you?” Youngjae said with a small smile.
Junghwan chuckled quietly, “Not really. But I can tolerate it… occasionally.”
Youngjae laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I think you did pretty well today. Especially with the obstacle course.”
Junghwan glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. “You did well too, You trusted me.’
Youngjae’s heart skipped a beat at the way Junghwan said it as though it carried more weight than just a comment about the exercise. “I did,” Youngjae said softly, meeting Junghwan’s gaze. “And I don’t regret it.”
For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them bathed in the warm glow of the bonfire. Junghwan’s eyes searched Youngjae’s face, as if looking for something he couldn’t quite name. “Neither do I.”
And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet hum of the retreat and the soft crackle of the fire, Youngjae felt like he was standing on the edge of something new... something that both terrified and thrilled him in equal measure.
As the fire crackled softly in the background, Youngjae’s heart raced. The weight of Junghwan’s words, ‘Neither do I’, hung in the air between them, and for a moment, neither of them spoke, both caught in the intensity of the moment. Junghwan’s gaze lingered, his usually unreadable expression more relaxed now, more… open.
“Youngjae-yah,” He said, quietly, as if testing the name on his lips, “You’re more courageous than you think.”
Youngjae titled his head, confused but intrigued. “Courageous? How so?”
Junghwan looked away briefly, his eyes flickering to the flames before returning to Youngjae. “You don’t hide yourself. You wear your heart on your sleeve, even in an environment where most people are afraid to.”
Youngjae’s cheek flushed at the unexpected comment. “I… I guess I never thought of it like that,” He admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
Junghwan leaned back slightly, a smile curving his lips. “It’s refreshing. And… Dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
Junghwan’s eyes darkened slightly, his tone turning more serious. “For people like me, who find themselves drawn to it…”
Youngjae’s breath hitched, the quiet admission sending a rush of warmth and nervous energy through him. He wanted to say something, anything, but his thoughts seemed to fail him in the face of Junghwan’s raw honesty. The moment stretched on, the quiet intimacy between them growing stronger with every passing second.
Finally, Junghwan broke the silence, his voice quieter now. “I don’t want to make things seem difficult for you, Youngjae-yah. But… I also can’t pretend I don’t feel it.”
Youngjae’s eyes widened, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure Junghwan could hear it. “You mean…?”
Junghwan nodded slowly, his gaze steady. “Yes. I don’t know when it started, But I can’t ignore it anymore.” The vulnerability in Junghwan’s words and expression left Youngjae momentarily speechless. This was a side of Junghwan he had never seen before. Junghwan, who allowed himself to be vulnerable, who had let Youngjae see a part of him no one else had.
Youngjae took a deep breath, his hands gripping the edge of the bench for support. “I… I don’t know what to say.” He admitted, his voice trembling slightly.
Junghwan’s lips quivered into a faint smile, “You don’t have to right now. I just wanted to let you know how I feel… about you.”
The tension between them softened slightly, but still noticeable. Junghwan stood, brushing off nonexistent dust off from his trousers. “You should get some rest. It’s been a long day.”
Youngjae nodded, still dazed, as he watched Junghwan walk away, His tall figure silhouetted against the glow of the fire.
When he was alone, Youngjae pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the rapid thud of his heart. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but one thing was certain. His feelings for Junghwan were there, for sure.
—
The next day, the team gathered for breakfast, and though the energy was lively and light-hearted, Youngjae found himself stealing glances at Junghwan, who remained as calm as ever. But every so often, their eyes would meet and in those brief moments, Youngjae felt a quiet reassurance— that what had happened between them wasn’t a dream.
As the retreat continued, Youngjae couldn’t help but notice Junghwan's actions towards him. The way he subtly kept an eye on Youngjae during activities, the quiet encouragement he offered during team games and the occasional fleeting smiles that seemed meant for Youngjae alone.
By the time the retreat ended, Youngjae felt as though something profound had shifted, not just between him and Junghwan, but within himself.
As they boarded the bus back to the city, Youngjae made a silent promise to himself. He wouldn’t run from this. Whatever this thing between them was, he wanted to see where it could lead. Although he could feel his patience thinning by the passing days.
Junghwan, seated a few rows away, caught Youngjae’s gaze through the reflection in the window. He gave the faintest nod, as if he had heard the promise.
The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, neither of them felt the need to look away.
—
The return to the office after the retreat was both a relief and challenge for Youngjae. The familiarity of the workspace brought a sense of normality, but the subtle tension between him and Junghwan remained, a quiet current running beneath their professional interactions.
Junghwan, as composed as ever, fell back into his role as the team's unyielding leader. But Youngjae couldn’t help but notice the smallest signs that their dynamic had changed. How Junghwan’s eyes would soften when they met him, or the occasional moments of hesitation as if Junghwan was holding back from saying something more.
A week later, a major project presentation was scheduled. The team had been working tirelessly, and the day of the pitch was finally here. Youngjae wasn’t expected to present, but he’d contributed significantly to the design concept, and his nervous energy was palpable as the team gathered in the conference room.
Junghwan, ever the consummate professional, delivered the bulk of the presentation with his usual calm authority. But when the discussion turned to the intricate design details, he surprised everyone by gesturing towards Youngjae.
“Choi Youngjae was instrumental in developing this concept,” Junghwan said, his voice steady but with a distinct note of pride. “I think it’s only fitting that he explains this section in detail.”
Youngjae froze, his brain spiraling. He hadn’t been prepared to speak, and the sudden spotlight made his heart race.
“You’ll do fine.” Junghwan whispered, his gaze locking with Youngjae’s. It was a simple statement, but the confidence in Junghwan’s tone steadied him.
Taking a deep breath, Youngjae stepped forward and began explaining the design concept. His voice trembled at first, but as he spoke about the work he was so passionate about, his confidence grew. By the time he finished, the room was silent, the clients nodding appreciatively.
When the presentation concluded, and the clients had left, the team erupted into quiet cheers, congratulating each other on the successful pitch.
“Great job, Everyone!” Junghwan said, his tone professional but warm. His eyes briefly met Youngjae’s, and there was a flicker of something deeper— a silent acknowledgement.
What comes next after that? A team dinner.
And well… Youngjae ended up drunk again. Although it seemed like he didn’t drink as much as the last time around, he still felt a little light-headed afterwards.
Junghwan who saw his state, immediately bid goodbye to the team and dragged Youngjae back to his car before he could do any more damage.
—
Junghwan sighed as he punched in the passcode Youngjae had barely managed to slur out, the door unlocking with a ‘Beep!’. With a barely conscious Youngjae half-draped over him, he maneuvered Youngjae inside, kicking off Youngjae’s and his own shoes before dragging the younger man towards his bedroom.
“You really don’t learn, Do you?” Junghwan muttered, lowering Youngjae onto the bed.
Youngjae let out a small groan, turning on his side as he nuzzled into his pillow. His flushed cheeks and half-lidded eyes made him look strangely cute and Junghwan, despite himself, found his gaze lingering. Shaking his head, he exhaled sharply and turned to leave, he had done his part. Youngjae was home, in bed and hopefully would remember this as a lesson tomorrow. A sudden warmth around his waist made him freeze.
Junghwan turned around and looked down to see Youngjae, eyes barely open, arms wrapped around his stomach in a loose but stubborn grip.
“...What are you doing?”
Youngjae buried his face in Junghwan’s torso, mumbling something incoherent against the fabric of his shirt. Junghwan could feel the heat of his breath and it sent an unexpected shiver down his spine.
“Youngjae-yah,” He warned, his voice firm. “Let go.”
Youngjae shook his head, his grip tightening. “Don’t wanna…” He mumbled, “Don’t leave.”
Junghwan felt his pulse stutter, “You’re drunk.”
“I know,” Youngjae said, lifting his head slightly. His eyes, though hazy, locked onto Junghwan’s with surprising intensity, “But I still don’t want you to leave.”
Junghwan’s jaw clenched. This was dangerous.
Youngjae, who was always so calm, so careful, was looking at him with such unfiltered emotion, his usual walls completely down. And it was making Junghwan’s own resolve waver.
“Do you even know who you’re talking to right now?...” Junghwan asked, prying at Youngjae’s hands but he only clung together, his warmth seeping through Junghwan’s thin dress shirt.
Youngjae nodded, “Junghwan-ie hyung…” He murmured, his voice quiet.
Junghwan’s breath got caught in his throat, something inside him cracked just a little.
He sighed, bringing a hand to rub at his temple, “You’re impossible.”
Youngjae hummed sleepily against him, “But you like me anyways, Do you not?”
Junghwan stilled. Youngjae had no idea what he was saying. No idea what his words did to him. He was completely wasted, unaware. And yet… he wasn’t wrong.
The moment of silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Junghwan should have left. He should have walked out and let Youngjae sleep off his drunken state. But he didn’t. Because Youngjae, even in his intoxicated state, refused to let go.
Junghwan swallowed hard as the younger man shifted against him, his arms loosely wrapped around his waist.
“Youngjae-yah,” He said, his voice lower now, strained. “You need to let me go.”
Youngjae didn’t answer at first. Instead, he tilted his head up, his half-lidded eyes staring up at Junghwan’s own with something unreadable. Then slowly, a lazy, drunken smile curved his lips.
“You feel nice,” He murmured, fingers tightening against Junghwan’s back. “So warm…”
Junghwan cursed under his breath. This wasn’t good at all for his heart. Not when Youngjae was looking at him like that, like he wanted something moreㅡ something Junghwan wasn’t sure he had the strength to be able to resist.
“You don’t know what you’re saying.” Junghwan muttered, trying to pry Youngjae’s hands away, but he stayed persistent. And before Junghwan could react, Youngjae’s fingers curled around his tie, tugging him forward.
Their lips brushed. Just barely, a ghost of contact, but it was enough to make Junghwan freeze, his breath stuttering.
“Hyung. Junghwan-ie hyung… I like you.” Youngjae whispered, his voice a little more sure now, despite the alcohol clouding his mind. “You like me too, right..?”
Junghwan knew he should stop. Whatever is happening right now, between him and Youngjae, he should stop it before Youngjae regrets it tomorrow. He knew he should.
But instead of words, his body betrayed him.
With a sharp inhale, Junghwan closed the distance between them, capturing Youngjae’s lips in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was full of heat and desperation— a collision of unspoken feelings spilling over in a way neither of them could take it back.
Youngjae gasped into his mouth and Junghwan took advantage of the sweet sound, deepening the kiss as he pushed Youngjae back against the soft bed. His hands found Youngjae’s wrist, pinning them to the mattress as he hovered above him, his self-control unraveling with every second that passed by.
Youngjae’s breath was ragged when they pulled apart, his lips slightly swollen and tinted a bright pink.
“You...” He swallowed, his pupils blown wide. “I thought you were planning to leave.”
Junghwan exhaled sharply, his forehead resting against Youngjae’s. “Yeah,” He whispered, his voice rough. “So did I.”
Youngjae let out a breathless laugh, his fingers twitching under Junghwan’s grip. “Guess we both stuck at staying away.”
Junghwan chuckled, darkly. “Guess so.”
His lip crashed against Youngjae’s, the kiss deep and consuming, filled with all the tension they had been avoiding for weeks. His hands slipped under Youngjae’s shirt, fingertips grazing the warm skin as Youngjae gasped against his mouth.
Youngjae arched beneath him, pressing their bodies together, the heat between them unbearable. “Hyung—”
Junghwan groaned, swallowing whatever words Youngjae was about to say as he kissed him harder. His hand slid up Youngjae’s side, tracing every dip and curve, memorising the way his body reacted to his touch .
“You have no idea what you’re doing to me,” Junghwan whispered against Youngjae’s lips.
Youngjae giggled softly, his eyes hazy yet mischievous. “Then, show me.”
Junghwan didn’t need to be told twice.
His hands moved with purpose, his lips trailing down Youngjae’s jaw, his neck, his collarbone, leaving behind a trail of bright red marks. Youngjae’s breath hitched as Junghwan bit down on his soft skin, gently, soothing the marks with his tongue.
“God,” Youngjae gasped, fingers threading through Junghwan’s hair, tugging just enough to drive him crazy.
Junghwan exhaled shakily, his patience hanging by a thread. “You’re dangerous.”
Youngjae laughed, breathlessly, tilting his head back to give Junghwan more access. “But you like it.”
Junghwan groaned, his self-control crumbling as he pressed Youngjae further into the mattress. Junghwan’s lips traced a slow, tortuous path down Youngjae’s neck, his hands exploring every inch of skin he could reach. The heat between them was unbearable, the tension snapping like a live wire, electrifying with every touch, every addicting sound that left Youngjae’s lips.
Youngjae’s moaned softly as Junghwan’s fingers skimmed beneath the hem of his shirt, grazing his bare waist. Youngjae’s body shivered at the touch, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment as Junghwan traced slowly, teasing circles that sent jolts of pleasure through him. Youngjae’s back arched involuntarily, his breath catching in his throat. He opened his eyes to find Junghwan watching him intently, his gaze a mix of desire and something deeper.
“You’re so sensitive.” Junghwan whispered, his voice low and thick. His lips curled into a smirk, his hands moving higher, sliding up over Youngjae’s ribs and stopping just below his chest. He could feel Youngjae’s heart racing, pounding against his chest with each touch.
Junghwan’s hands continued its lazy journey, his fingers trailing over the sharp jut of Youngjae’s hip bone, the curve of his waist. He could feel the shivers that ran through Youngjae, the way his body arched into the touch. Junghwan smiled, his tongue darting out to taste the pulse point at the base of Youngjae’s throat.
Junghwan’s lips lingered over the spot, sucking gently before he pulled back, his gaze locking with Youngjae’s. Junghwan pressed himself closer, his body a perfect weight against Youngjae’s. He could feel every gasp, every shiver, every hitching breath. He cupped Youngjae’s cheek with his large palm, this thumb brush against his bottom lip, tugging gently.
“You’re so… cute. Do you know that?” He whispered, his gaze roaming over Youngjae’s face, taking in ever flushed-red detail of it.
Youngjae could feel the heat of his blush creeping down his neck like wildfire under Junghwan’s intense gaze. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, and he couldn’t find the words to respond. So he wrapped his arms around Junghwan’s neck, pulling him closer so their faces were inches apart.
“Stop talking nonsense…” He murmured, his lips brushing against Junghwan’s.
Junghwan didn’t need any further invitation. He captured Youngjae’s lips in a hot, feverish kiss, his tongue pushing past his parted lips, seeking, demanding more. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of Youngjae’s hip, holding him in place as he deepened the kiss, devouring his mouth like he was starving.
Youngjae’s hands clenched in the sheets, his body arching instinctively towards the source of delicious sensations coursing through him. He needed more. So much more.
Junghwan moved lower, his hands sliding under the hem of Youngjae’s shirt, pushing it up to expose more of his bare skin. His lips hovered over the flat of Youngjae’s stomach, warm breath sending goosebumps over his skin. His fingers dipping into the waistband of Youngjae’s pants in a teasing manner.
Youngjae couldn’t help but squirm under the slow, deliberate touch, his hips lifting of their own accord as he sought more friction. He could feel Junghwan’s smirk against his skin, the damn tease knowing exactly the effect he was having on him.
“Hyung, please…” He gasped, his voice desperate, needy.
Junghwan let out a low chuckle, the sound deep and incredibly sexy. He lifted his head, his lips ghosting over Youngjae’s earlobe before he whispered, “Please what, Baby? Use your words.”
Youngjae cursed under his breath, his cheeks burning. The man knew exactly what he was doing, and he was enjoying every moment of it.
“You’re such a tease…” He hissed, his fingers digging into Junghwan’s shoulders through his shirt and motioning for him to take it off.
Junghwan smirked. “Maybe,” He agreed as he loosened his tie, removing it and unbuttoning his shirt. Youngjae’s hands wander as he helps Junghwan take it off and drop it somewhere on the floor.
Youngjae bit his lip in a vain attempt to stifle the whimper that escaped him as he felt Junghwan’s tongue lick over a spot on his collarbone while gently caressing his waist. Junghwan’s hands went up to unbutton Youngjae’s shirt as well, patting him on the shoulder for Youngjae to arch his back making it easier for Junghwan to slide it off him, throwing the piece of clothing to the corner of his room.
Junghwan pulled away and his hands moved to the waistband of Youngjae’s pants. He unbuttoned them quickly, his eyes never leaving Youngjae’s face, watching his every reaction.
Youngjae’s breath hitched as he watched him, his body tensing in anticipation. He lifted his hips and Junghwan finally pulled his pants off, along with his boxers, discarding them somewhere in the room.
With a smirk, Junghwan lifted himself off of Youngjae, moving to stand by the bed. He unbuttoned his own pants slowly, his actions deliberate as he undressed in front of Youngjae.
Youngjae watched him, his eyes filled with desire, his lips parted as he caught his breath. He couldn’t look away, his gaze drawn to every inch of Junghwan’s newly exposed skin.
Junghwan paused, his gaze locking with Youngjae’s for a moment, then he knelt between his spread legs, his hands sliding up Youngjae’s soft thighs, gripping them in a firm, possessive hold. His touch was electrifying, sending shockwaves of pleasure through Youngjae’s body. Junghwan spread Youngjae’s legs wider, making Youngjae arch up towards him, silently pleading.
“Baby,” Junghwan murmured, his voice thick with desire as he looked at the sight unfolding just before him. “Do you have lube?”
“Yes, in the drawer, Second compartment.” came Youngjae’s breathless reply. He was so incredibly eager, his body trembling with anticipation, his eyes begging silently for more.
Junghwan let out a deep chuckle, amused by how eager Youngjae was. “Impatient much?” He teased, even as he reached over to the drawer and opened the second compartment to find the lube and a condom.
He took his time, coating his fingers with the liquid, his gaze never leaving Youngjae. “Relax.” He whispered, his voice soothing, his touch a promise of pleasure that was to come.
Youngjae did his best to relax, his body shaking with excitement and nervousness. He wanted this, ached for it, but there was a hint of fear in his eyes, a hint of the unknown that made him hesitate, even slightly.
Junghwan noticed, of course, and he gave him a reassuring smile, his free hand coming to pet his thigh. “It’s okay, baby. I’m here. I won’t hurt you, I promise.”
Youngjae nodded, his breathing becoming more ragged as anticipation built. His eyes were locked onto Junghwan’s, his gaze heavy with lust and trust.
“I trust you,” He muttered, his voice a shaky whisper, before biting his bottom lip.
Junghwan leaned down, placing a soft kiss on his hip, a silent affirmation of his words. His fingers, now lubed, moved to circle the tight muscle that would soon welcome him. He could feel Youngjae’s body tense in anticipation, the trembling of his thighs, the sharp intake of breath.
He took his time, his touch deliberately slow, his gaze intense, so heated, it made Youngjae shiver all over. He couldn't look away, couldn’t even close his eyes. He was completely captivated by the raw need and desire he saw, it made his whole body ache in response.
Junghwan pressed a lubed finger into the tight hole, completely losing his mind at the warm heat surrounding his long finger. He pushed it in gently, until he was knuckle-deep inside him.
Youngjae let out a cry and Junghwan scrambled to hold him.
“Baby, does it hurt? Are you okay?” His brows furrowed as he asked, worried.
“I’m.. fine..” Youngjae managed to breathe out, hands gripping the sheets.
Without a word, Junghwan leaned down, his mouth leaving a trail of wet, open-mouthed kisses up Youngjae’s inner thigh trying to distract him from the uncomfortable feeling. His tongue flicking out to taste every inch of skin, leaving a trail of fire in its wake as his finger slowly moved in and out of the hole.
Youngjae’s hands clenched the sheets, his body trembling with every caress, his breathing ragged and desperate. He was losing himself to the sensations, to the pleasure that threatened to consume him whole.
Junghwan’s free hand was roaming all over his hips, and waist, his touch both teasing and possessive. He knew what he was doing, how to rile him up, and he took great pleasure in doing so.
While Youngjae was distracted, he pushed in another lubed finger, gently thrusting them both in and out.
Youngjae’s hands found their way into his hair, fingers gripping it tightly as a soft moan escaped his lips. He felt like a mess, his body hypersensitive to every touch, every kiss and every tease.
Soon, after pushing in four fingers and deeming Youngjae ready, Junghwan gave a final, sharp nip to the inside of his thigh, moving up to capture Youngjae’s lips in a hot, searing kiss. His body pressed against Youngjae’s, hard and unyielding.
He shifted, pulling his fingers out and slotting himself between Youngjae’s legs, their bodies fitting together perfectly as he grabbed the condom from the bedside table, ripping it open with his teeth, and stretching it onto his cock.
“Can you relax for me?” He whispered, his voice thick with desire.
Youngjae nodded. But when he looked down out of curiosity, he gasped out loud. Quickly raising his head, looking into Junghwan’s eyes with his own, his cheeks a bright red.
Junghwan’s gaze darkened, his fingers coming to hold onto Youngjae’s thin waist.
“Hyung, Wait— Wait a minute,” Youngjae took a sharp inhale, his arms wrapping around Junghwan’s neck for support.
“Relax, Youngjae-yah. Hyung is here.” Junghwan rubbed his nose onto Youngjae’s cheek, tone full of reassurance.
Although he trusted Junghwan, he couldn’t help but glance down at that thing, and at his own stomach wondering if it would fit. But alas, he just closed his eyes and gave himself to Junghwan completely.
With that, Junghwan pulled back slightly, his hands grabbing at Youngjae’s hips, holding him in place as he shifted, lining himself up, Youngjae’s body shaking with anticipation in his hold. Junghwan leaned over to whisper sweet nothings into his ear, acting as a soothing balm on his desperate mind, the deep sound of his voice vibrating through his body.
Junghwan took his time, slowly pressing forward and easing himself inside and all Youngjae could do was cling tightly onto Junghwan’s broad shoulders, gasping and moaning his name.
Junghwan’s lips traveled from his neck, to his face, to his mouth, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. He could feel Youngjae’s body trembling, he could see the desperation in his eyes and knew he was hanging on by a thread. He continued whispering into Youngjae’s ear, his voice low, “Just breathe for me, Relax.”
Youngjae’s grip on his shoulders tightened as he tried to follow Junghwan’s instructions. The sensations were new, and dizzying but he let himself sink into the moment and surrender himself to the pleasure that was building up within him.
Soon enough, Youngjae, who felt more pleasure than pain, hooked his legs around Junghwan’s hips and slowly moved himself on Junghwan’s cock.
Junghwan groaned, his voice a low rumble in his ear. He began to move, slow and steady, watching Youngjae’s reaction. His eyes were fixed on him, tracking every change in his expression, every gasp and sigh that escaped those sweetly addicting lips. And as he leaned in to capture Youngjae's lips once more, he knew, full well— this was dangerous.
But hell, he was already in too deep now.
“You’re doing so well,” Junghwan murmured, his free hand rubbing circles on Youngjae’s hip gently. He increased the pace a bit, his movements smoother, more fluid and Youngjae’s body reacted, arching up, seeking more contact.
Junghwan nearly loses his mind when he was able to notice the shape of his cock protruding out of Youngjae’s flat stomach. He groaned, reaching for Youngjae’s hand and placing it on his stomach, thrusting a little harder so Youngjae could feel it under his palm. Youngjae moaned loudly. His eyes widened, his hand coming up to cover his mouth, his ears flushed a bright red.
Junghwan grabbed his wrist and pinned it above his head, “I want to hear you.” he whispered into his ear, thrusting at a faster speed. Youngjae let out a moan in response.
As he moved, the intensity only grew, the heat between them threatening to consume them both whole. A thin film of sweat coated their bodies, making them all the more sensitive to each other’s warm touch. Junghwan’s mouth found its way to Youngjae’s smooth neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there, littering the skin with red and purple marks that would serve as a reminder of this moment, of their connection. The world outside ceasing to exist at that moment.
—
The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft streaks of gold across Youngjae’s apartment. The quiet hum of the city waking up filled the air, but inside the small and cozy space of Youngjae’s apartment, everything felt still and intimate.
Youngjae stirred awake first, the warmth of another body next to him grounding and startling all at once. Memories of the night before washed over him, a rush of heat spreading across his cheeks as he realised how far things had gone. He mentally cursed himself.
Turning his head slightly, he found Junghwan lying next to him, his face relaxed in the soft glow of the morning. The usual sharp lines of his expression were softened in his sleep, making him look almost boyish. It was a rare sight and Youngjae couldn’t help but smile, his heart swelling with an unfamiliar warmth.
As if sensing the gaze on him, Junghwan’s eyes fluttered open. For a moment, he blinked groggily, then his gaze focused on Youngjae. A small, almost shy smile tugged at his lips, so much different from the image of the composed director Youngjae was used to when he first joined the team.
“Morning,” Junghwan said, his voice husky with sleep.
“Good morning,” Youngjae replied, his vice soft, almost inaudible.
A comfortable silence settled between them before Junghwan reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Youngjae’s forehead. “How are you feeling?” He asks, dropping his hand to lace them together with Youngjae’s.
“Surprisingly… okay,” Youngjae admitted, his smile turning sheepish. “I thought I’d be more panicked, but…” He trailed off, biting his lip.
“But…?” Junghwan prompted, his tone gentle.
Youngjae met his gaze, his cheeks tinted a shade of pink. “But being here with you feels… right.”
Junghwan’s expression softened further, his thumb lightly tracing circles on Youngjae’s wrist in a comforting manner. “I’m glad,” He whispered. “Because I feel the same.”
The weight of his words settled over Youngjae, filling him with a quiet certainty. Whatever this was between them, it was something worth holding onto.
“Youngjae-yah,” Junghwan spoke up, making Youngjae tilt his head in question.
“I know I might be lacking in some aspects, But I really want to be with you... as a… couple,” Junghwan said, his ears warming up. “If… If that’s okay with you…”
Youngjae smiled, and gave him a peck on the cheek, nodding in approval.
They both got up from the bed, Youngjae laughing at Junghwan’s unusual messed up hair, bringing him back to when he woke up on his couch after the first team dinner and the first thing he saw was a disheveled Junghwan with glasses sitting atop his nose bridge.
“Hyung,” Youngjae called out, racking his hands in Junghwan’s soft locks, smoothing them out.
“Hmm?” Junghwan asked, staring fondly at Youngjae.
“You should wear glasses more often,” He said, “You look cute with them.” He smiled.
“Really?”
Youngjae nodded quickly, making Junghwan laugh and pinch his cheek.
Reality however, couldn’t be ignored for long. As much as they wanted to savor the morning, the clock ticked relentlessly towards the start of the workday.
Youngjae hurried to get ready, his nerves slowly creeping back as he thought about how to face the office. Junghwan, meanwhile, remained calm, his usual demeanor slipping back into place as he adjusted his tie in the small mirror by the door. He had to borrow Youngjae’s clothes, which were no problem as the pants fit quite okay, but all the dress shirts were quite small since Junghwan has a broader build due to his shoulders.
“Are you sure this won’t be… weird?” Youngjae asked, hesitantly, his fingers fidgeting with his shirt cuffs.
Junghwan turned to him, his gaze steady. “It’ll only be weird if we let it be,” He said simply.
Youngjae nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “You make it sound so easy.”
Junghwan’s lips quirked into a smile, his dimple slightly popping out. “It’s not easy. But I’ll do everything I can to make sure you don’t feel uncomfortable.”
The sincerity in his voice reassured Youngjae and by the time they finally left the apartment, he felt a little more at ease.
—
At the office, things initially felt normal. Almost too normal. Junghwan was as professional as ever, while Youngjae busied himself with the tasks he had at hand. But as the day went on, Youngjae began to notice the subtle shifts. The way Junghwan’s gaze lingered just a second longer when they passed each other in the hallway and the slight uptick of his lips whenever Youngjae entered the room. If they weren’t careful enough, a rumor would start sizzling up in no time.
By the end of the day, Youngjae couldn’t help but feel quite the sense of relief. Whatever awkward tension he’d feared wasn’t as nearly as bad as he’d imagined.
Later that evening, as Youngjae packed up his things, a message popped up from his phone.
ㄱJunghwan-ie hyung
ㄱJunghwan-ie hyung:
Dinner at my place tonight?
Youngjae’s heart skipped a beat as he read the message, a small smile spread across his lips as he typed his response.
You:
I’ll bring dessert ☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆
And just like that, the delicate balance of their professional and personal lives began to take shape, the line between them blurring in ways that felt both thrilling and inevitable.