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[ gyeongwon: ] Hi, Dr. Baek. This is Dr. Seo using Dr. Park's phone. We both wanted to say how we hope you and Dr. Yang have a great time :) We're cheering for you!
[ jangmi: ] WOO!!!!!!!! YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!
[ jangmi: ] GO GET YOUR MAN!!!!!!!!
[ gyeongwon: ] Please. For our sake. There's only so much pining we can watch on a near daily basis.
[ gyeongwon: ] ^ That was me. Not Dr. Seo
[ kanghyuk: ] Why is he using your phone?
[ gyeongwon: ] Because his phone is too far from the bed, and I refuse to lose my human heater
[ jangmi: ] KDJSKJDS
[ kanghyuk: ] Seems like you're enjoying being assigned an on-call room together
In the middle of reading a flood of rapid-fire texts, and how Kanghyuk will soon enjoy his on-call room with his No. 1 even more-- a familiar voice calls out to him.
"Hyung!"
Glancing up, Kanghyuk's heart stops.
So does his lungs. His mind. Every cell in his body slams the brakes. If Kanghyuk could move, he may succumb to the urge of taking off his glasses, and cleaning them-- no, wait. Kanghyuk doesn't wear glasses. He can see clearly with piercing, 20/20 vision to this day.
It's just that Kanghyuk can't believe what he's seeing.
Kanghyuk sees Jaewon-- but more radiant than ever. Clear azure skies , and faint wisps of clouds part waves for the sun. Daylight burnishes honeyed gold over dark brown strands, and melts an incandescent glow over his shoulders. Breath trapping inside his throat, Kanghyuk witnesses picturesque slow-motion in reality. Jaewon's long coat billows in gentle waves, the light beige fabric mirroring the graceful flutter of birds taking flight from the courtyard. Flickering shadows pass over Jaewon, but don't diminish the scintillated light in his eyes even for a moment.
Kanghyuk doesn't wear glasses, but Jaewon does. Except those aren't the thin wireframes that Kanghyuk sees everyday at the hospital. Today, Jaewon wears a pair of sophisticated browline frames. The black upper edge contrasts with the silver underneath, reflecting like dazzling starlight. This pair of glasses bring out more of the warm sienna tones in Jaewon's eyes.
A light breeze sweeps through Jaewon's hair. Silken locks cascade in soft, halcyon waves of dark umber. It's a seemingly natural, effortless look, but even Kanghyuk knows it takes blow dryer wizardry to craft such a charming style. Temptation scorches Kanghyuk's hand. The man's ensnared by the impulse to run his fingers through Jaewon's hair, perhaps even tuck a few strands behind his ear.
"Hi, Kanghyuk hyung!" Jaewon picks up the pace with the last few steps. Drawing to a stop before Kanghyuk, the waves of his long coat settle into alluring ripples. "Sorry, did I keep you waiting long?"
"Not at all. It's okay." Even to his own surprise, Kanghyuk holds his voice reasonably level and steady. But any moment, his traitorous tongue may slip out secrets like, 'You look fucking gorgeous,' and 'Those glasses are stunning on you. Really brings out the color of your eyes.' Kanghyuk cages those dangerous, gunpowder words behind his teeth while appearing composed on the surface. "I just got here too, No. 1."
"Oh, good!" Jaewon lets out a breath of relief, but it quickly turns into a petulant huff. "Wait-" His brows knit together. "You're gonna call me No. 1 even now? Like when we're outside the hospital?"
"What else should I call you?" Kanghyuk fights the urge to do something atrociously, wildly deranged. Like kissing Jaewon who doesn't even know that his attempt at a stern grimace is more of a pout. "You want to be called Jaewon?"
Together, Kanghyuk and Jaewon stand in the vast, seemingly endless courtyard that leads towards the National Museum of Korea. Sheer, aching wonder floods anyone's lungs once laying eyes upon the space's magnificence. Rows of pristine, light gray steps gleam white beneath the sun. Climbing along the stairs' side, the low-rise wall whispers smoothly under curious fingers.
In front of the museum, the Geoul Pond basks under daylight. The mountainous horizon and tranquil waves melt harmoniously until earth and sky merge into one. Burnt sienna, countless ochres and celadon viridian from Cheongjaejeong and autumn trees reflect upon the oval pond. Even before entering the museum, there's an abundance of color and light all around.
And yet, Kanghyuk sees more vibrance, more brilliance standing before him as Jaewon smiles.
"Yes, that would be amazing, hyung!" Beaming, Jaewon lights up brightly. His eyes reflect more color than the Geoul Pond behind him. "Please call me Jaewon. Even if it's just for today?"
The rabid canine of desire snaps its jaws into Kanghyuk's arm, gnawing at him relentlessly. Kanghyuk's violently overwhelmed by endearment. He wants to punch a stone wall, or go throw himself into those painted waters, because goddamnit--
Jaewon is so breathtakingly lovely.
"Alright." Letting out a quiet exhale, Kanghyuk continues walking up the low, wide gray steps. More fondness than faux exasperation colors his sigh. "For today, I'll call you Jaewon."
"Wow! Really?!" Smile still glowing, Jaewon falls in stride with Kanghyuk. Faint hints of ruby dusts across his face.
"Yes, Jaewon," Kanghyuk says just to self-indulge by watching the man burn a fiercer red.
"Oh-" Jaewon's shoulders rise with an overjoyed inhale. Like how a lens flare bleeds pure, brilliant white in resplendent rays, the light in Jaewon's eyes does the same. "Thank you, hyung."
'Eye level. Keep your gaze at eye level. Don't look down, you fucker, don't-'
Kanghyuk's stare drifts down the elegant lines of that white shirt tucking neatly into dark charcoal gray slacks, and oh god, it's that waist. Slim, narrow, dangerously exquisite. Kanghyuk's palms ache and burn with the need to wrap his hands around Jaewon's waist, circle those hip bones with his thumbs, and pull him closer until no space between them exists.
And what the actual fuck? Who has legs to torso proportions like this? Kanghyuk's aware of his own height, and how he has couple of centimeters over Jaewon. But something about Jaewon's body creates a bewitching silhouette that Kanghyuk can't stop obsessively tracing with his eyes.
No wonder Kanghyuk's always so mesmerized whenever Jaewon gestures with his hands. Even when Jaewon's frantic, there's a graceful manner to his hands that paint abstract shapes. Every line, curve and plane of this man is alluring. It's everything Kanghyuk craves to memorize, so he can draw the outline of Jaewon's shadow with eyes closed.
Unlike the loose hospital pants, Jaewon's slacks today are tailored, embrace his form, and accent how his legs go on for days. Kanghyuk swears he can feel the enticing lines of those thighs under his gliding palms. God, what Kanghyuk would give to map them out with his hands and mouth.
But confusion sparks along the intricate circuitry of Kanghyuk's mind. He can decipher the most complicated mayhem of cryptic symptoms, and reach a diagnosis. But Kanghyuk doesn't get why it's impossible to keep his heart rate steady around Jaewon.
Even before today, Kanghyuk has seen Jaewon outside of the hospital. Like when Kanghyuk takes the team out for dinner. Or late into the night when Kanghyuk runs into Jaewon at a convenience store. But that was a different kind of fatal threat to Kanghyuk's heart rate. Jaewon in an oversized hoodie, sleepy, but brightening the moment he sees Kanghyuk--
Goddamnit.
Part of Kanghyuk's gripped by the dire urge to throw the white lab coat back on Jaewon. Or at least have Jaewon change into scrubs. Kanghyuk sees now how much the hospital attire hides Jaewon's form.
Never has Kanghyuk been more grateful. The man knows his focus will never falter while he's helping a patient. But there's a high risk of distraction if Jaewon's dressed so handsomely while the two doctors go for their vending machine run. Or when Kanghyuk's in the middle of passive aggressively replying to senior staff's emails. Or any time Jaewon and Kanghyuk are in their on-call room together.
Jaewon walks up the front steps towards the museum, his long coat trailing behind him. "It's been a long time since I came here." With a soft gasp, he marvels at the monumental presence of the building. Jaewon looks over at Kanghyuk with an elated smile. "Thank you for inviting me, hyung."
"Better than me just going alone," is Kanghyuk's roundabout way of saying, 'I'm happy you said yes. I've always gone to these kinds of places alone, because it can be fucking exhausting being around people all the time. But you're the only one I'd want to go with. Everything's better with you, Jae-'
Kanghyuk's train of thought derails when Jaewon's fingers brush across the back of his hand. But the soft touch vanishes so swiftly that Kanghyuk assumes it was accidental. Kanghyuk ignores the sigh of disappointment from his heart.
"Actually, I've only seen da Vinci's sketches in books." Jaewon gestures passionately, sleeves waving with a glimpse of fingers. "Seeing them in person is going to be amazing!"
"It's my first time seeing them in person too." Kanghyuk tries not to forget how to string words together coherently. It proves to be a challenge, since Jaewon's excitement radiates in warm waves, and Kanghyuk's mind gets hazy at the edges. "When Madame Minister gave me the tickets, she said it's the largest collection of da Vinci's studies they brought into Korea."
"Oh, wow! That's awesom-" Jaewon abruptly halts. Blinks. Then gets struck by a meteorite of shock, and frantically windmills his arms. "Madame Minister?!"
With lightning fast instinct, Kanghyuk wraps a protective arm around Jaewon's waist, and pulls him close, so Jaewon doesn't go tumbling down countless flights of stone stairs. It's already distressing that Kanghyuk was wheeled into the trauma center. Kanghyuk never wants anyone else on his team sent into the hospital.
As Kanghyuk hauls Jaewon away from the stairs, their bodies press flush. Hearts race recklessly, wildly fast. Chances of not feeling each other's drumming heartbeat is rare, since there isn't any sliver of space between them.
But Kanghyuk doesn't realize how Jaewon's heartbeat rivals lightspeed, because Kanghyuk's entranced by the man's comforting scent. Ocean breeze. Subtle notes of gardenia. Sandalwood. A serene symphony that blooms memories of the last museum exhibit Kanghyuk visited. Monet. His studies of light changing, dancing as the sun rises and slumbers over ponds of water lilies, a marvelous cathedral, rows of haystacks. Slowly, Kanghyuk breathes in Jaewon's scent once more. In the landscape of Kanghyuk's mind, ethereal pastel indigo and cobalt blue dreamily sweep across the infinite horizon, flickering with a scattering of goldenrod yellow.
Lifting his head off Kanghyuk's shoulder, Jaewon gazes at the man. "Hyung?"
"Careful," Kanghyuk warns with a hint of a playful smirk. "I doubt our team would want to be called into the OR, because of us."
"Hey!" Jaewon's cheeks burn warmer. The flash of a scowl extinguishes as his eyes soften. "And that wouldn't happen, since you caught me." Jaewon's grasp on Kanghyuk's sleeve tightens, fingers curling into the dark fabric.
Kanghyuk blinks once realizing just how closely he holds Jaewon. Clearing his throat, Kanghyuk releases the embrace, and takes a step aside. "Well, it's not like I'd ever let you fall. Who else is going to suture for me in the OR?"
Jaewon lets out a scoff, but there's no bite to the sound. "Is that why you keep me around?"
"Of course not." Kanghyuk flashes a smile that may have a glimpse of carnivorous fangs. "You started catching the pens senior staff throw at me during meetings." Usually Kanghyuk just evades the projectile objects by leaning to the side. But it's far more amusing and impressive how Jaewon masters the art of catching ball point pens in midair. "We'll never need to use our budget for office supplies, since they kindly donate to us."
Shaking his head fondly, Jaewon follows Kanghyuk, and catches up to the man. "So..." Curiosity flickers in his eyes. "Madame Minister gave you the tickets?"
"Mmhm." Kanghyuk holds the door open, so Jaewon can step inside the museum first. "Said it'd be educational for us." Giving in just a little to temptation, Kanghyuk's gaze sweeps appreciatively over Jaewon's form. "Wanted us to go together for 'mentor and protege development' or something like that. And she thinks very highly of you."
"Of me?!" Jaewon exclaims, then slaps a hand over his mouth.
But Jaewon's startled yelp already echoes in the peaceful, meditative space. A few visitors glance over with peculiar looks. One security professional just casts an austere deadpan. Jaewon smiles apologetically.
"Many people think highly of you, Jaewon." Kanghyuk's face remains calm, despite how he's enthralled by Jaewon's wildly expressive reactions. "You're my protege, after all. I'd only choose someone exceptional." Whether it's a surge of bravery or madness, Kanghyuk surrenders to the compulsion of resting a hand on the small of Jaewon's back, and guiding him forward. "You're the only one I trust to save my life."
Suddenly, the light in Jaewon's wide gaze shutters like candlelight struggling to endure rainfall. His eyes flicker to where the abdomen scar hides under Kanghyuk's shirt. Quietly, Jaewon whispers, "Thank you for trusting me, hyung."
A sharp, blistering throe unfurls inside Kanghyuk's chest. The man rarely brings up that surgery. Not because Jaewon performed poorly. It's the opposite. Jaewon operates so exceedingly well that Kanghyuk recovers fast, and without any complications.
But even after Kanghyuk's physical wound scars over, he knows it's still a vulnerable, raw memory for Jaewon. It's Jaewon who witnesses seeing Kanghyuk almost fatally wounded, steers the team once he's abruptly lead surgeon, and agonizingly waits for Kanghyuk to wake up.
"Jaewon." Kanghyuk presses his hand a little more against Jaewon, tenderness bleeding through his fingers. "I'm the one who's thankful. You-"
'--make me grateful to be alive. You make me want to hear your voice before I sleep. You make me want to share meals together. You make me want to hold your hand in this museum. You make me look forward to tomorrow, because I'll get to see you again. You make me want to give you everything, so you can be happy and safe. You make me want to love you everyday-'
Oh.
Oh, god.
As Jaewon gazes at Kanghyuk, standing below a luminous beam of natural light, looking so beautiful--
'Fuck. I'm in love with him.'
Kanghyuk's breath traps inside panicking lungs. Overwhelmed by the tremendous weight of this epiphany, Kanghyuk doesn't know whether to pull Jaewon into his arms, or let his body calcify into stone.
The aching only grows once Jaewon smiles softly. Why? Fuck if Kanghyuk knows. It's the same, secret smile Jaewon will show once seeing each other at opposite ends of the hospital's glass bridge. Or when they finally complete hours of surgery, masks still on, but Kanghyuk sees that smile reach Jaewon's eyes.
"You know who else appreciates you keeping me alive?" Kanghyuk draws his hand away, ignoring how his heart hisses that Kanghyuk's changing the subject. "Madame Minister. She wants to have coffee with you someday."
"O-oh, wow--" Jaewon instinctively moves closer to Kanghyuk. "I'm honored. Really." And from the look of his wide eyes, Jaewon's reeling in bewilderment. "Thank you for talking to her about me."
"It's not because of anything I said." Kanghyuk catches Jaewon's sleeve, and tugs him along towards the special exhibit entrance. "Your work speaks for itself." His fingers linger for a moment longer before Kanghyuk's hand tucks into his pocket. "I'm proud of you, Jaewon."
It's no exaggeration that Madame Minister holds Jaewon in high regard. Being a perceptive and sharp tactician, she knows that Jaewon's crucial for revolutionizing Korea's health care system with trauma centers. Kanghyuk doesn't need to talk Jaewon up. The reports of Jaewon's surgeries, and Kanghyuk surviving a near-death experience is more than enough proof.
But she also knows that Kanghyuk's absurdly, hopelessly fond of Jaewon. Same goes for most of the hospital. Christ, even Dr. Han knows. From the looks the National Rescue Unit gives the pair, Kanghyuk has a feeling they know as well.
The only one who doesn't know is Jaewon.
Kanghyuk never doubts that Jaewon's brilliant. Jaewon didn't earn top scores in academics with the help of a silver spoon. It's obvious Jaewon rightfully earned everything just from the way his skills shine in the OR, and the counterarguments he gives during key stakeholder meetings. All Jaewon needs is guidance and support-- some advice on how to better approach a medical procedure, but mostly helping Jaewon to believe in himself.
If Jaewon doesn't know how to do something, he'll learn it. Kanghyuk's never seen someone with a fast learning rate like Jaewon. The original timeline Kanghyuk has in mind for Jaewon's growth becomes obsolete within weeks. Kanghyuk can assign Jaewon to be lead surgeon way earlier than what Kanghyuk first estimated. He's so proud of Jaewon, but never surprised. Since day one, Kanghyuk knows Jaewon will surpass him in the future.
Yes, Yang Jaewon is brilliant, skilled, and perceptive. But with all the kindness in Kanghyuk's heart (or black void as some hospital staff may argue), even Kanghyuk admits that sometimes Jaewon is...unaware.
While strolling through the exhibit, Jaewon's oblivious to all the entranced eyes that gravitate towards him. A horde of moths to the flame. Warm, dark tones build up the exhibition space, so the framed artwork contrasts with a focused, luminescent glow. So does Jaewon who stands out with his sandy beige long coat, his posture echoing the graceful, resolute lines of the sketch he stands in front of.
As Jaewon passionately whispers his thoughts on a detailed anatomical study of the human arm, Kanghyuk counts at least nine-- no, twelve passers-by casting looks at Jaewon. Some enamored. Some awed. Some puzzled as if wondering if Jaewon's a model, actor, musician, a rising star. All of them are enchanted, because Jaewon's eyes are so open and full of adoration. His soft laughter is the music box melody you want to play forever.
Although said passers-by are startingly quick to look away, because there's a tall, towering shadow by Jaewon that glares sharper than any scalpel. Kanghyuk rests a hand on Jaewon's shoulder, or touches the small of his back more than he ever has before.
Usually physical contact between them is Kanghyuk ensnaring Jaewon's shirt in a vice grip, and roughly dragging him into a helicopter. After Kanghyuk's surgery, there's a little more contact that doesn't involve emergency transport vehicles. Kanghyuk will fix Jaewon's white coat lapels before a meeting, or clap his back hard in lieu of a greeting.
But today, Kanghyuk's hand rests steady and gentle on Jaewon. Whatever snarling, bloodthirsty, green thing that was rousing awake in Kanghyuk's chest quietens down into content purrs once Jaewon leans into his palm.
"Kanghyuk hyung."
"Hm?"
"You look--" After a shaky breath, Jaewon takes a half step closer to Kanghyuk's side. "You look really nice today."
Blinking, Kanghyuk turns his eyes away from the framed artwork. "Nice?"
"Handsome." Even under the soft, amber lights of this exhibition, Jaewon's blush shows clearly. "Like-- very handsome. Stunning."
Kanghyuk glances at his all black outfit-- black long coat, black button up shirt, black necktie, black slacks, black shoes. This is the first outfit he thought of wearing for today. After trying on half a dozen different outfits, Kanghyuk inevitably circles back to this first option. Never in his life does Kanghyuk agonize over what to wear. He'll dress clean and sharp, since he enjoys it. But Kanghyuk doesn't give a damn about impressing anyone. At least, maybe not until a certain assistant surgeon.
"Thanks." Kanghyuk suddenly grows engrossed by the small card mounted on the wall, and reads the historical context about this sketch. Hopefully, his profile view makes the burning scarlet less obvious. To his dismay, Kanghyuk feels the heat creep down his neck, and trickle under the shirt collar. "You have a good eye for ties."
Delight shimmers in Jaewon's quiet, sharp inhale. "I'm happy that you'd wear it, hyung." Jaewon smiles warmly. "Couldn't help but think of you when I saw it."
Fuck. Kanghyuk's burning up. Just like he does when Jaewon gifts him this designer brand necktie. It's exactly the kind of aesthetic that Kanghyuk seeks out for his wardrobe-- not flashy or gaudy, but sharp. For Kanghyuk, wearing suits is like wearing armor. This necktie easily becomes Kanghyuk's favorite. It calms Kanghyuk's heartbeat, and keeps that cesspool of grief at bay when Kanghyuk reveals to Director Choi who inspired him to become a doctor.
Jaewon gifts him this necktie...just because? Not any holiday. No milestone. Just Jaewon seeing something in a store, and thinking about Kanghyuk. It's so bizarre for Kanghyuk to receive something without anything being expected of him.
"Oh-" Stepping closer, Jaewon reaches out with a hand. Fingers brush down the midnight silk. "Sorry, hyung." His smile turns sheepish. "Guess it loosened a bit when you saved me from cracking my skull open."
"Jaewon, what-" Kanghyuk's breath hitches as Jaewon undoes the necktie.
Standing in a secluded corner, rest of the world fades away until it's only the two of them. In Kanghyuk's peripheral, there's a glimpse of ink lines, charcoal shading and red chalk silhouettes. But Kanghyuk only sees the quiet, intense focus brimming Jaewon's eyes.
While silk whispers in the silent air, Jaewon's deft fingers brush under Kanghyuk's jaw, and over his neck. Tender, vulnerable spaces that devoted touches have never graced. Kanghyuk stands more statuesque than any bronze or marble throughout the entire museum. Every light, gentle caress of Jaewon's fingers scorches Kanghyuk with intimacy.
Kanghyuk doesn't flinch when he's in the middle of a combat zone with raging gunfire, deafening explosions and sweltering flames. Not from a lack of fear. But a lack of giving a damn about himself. If Kanghyuk gets stabbed, burned, shot, kidnapped, tortured, killed-- so what? There are other doctors in the world. Kanghyuk has always been grateful for how Black Wings cares about him. But even Kanghyuk knows that if one of them falls, the rest need to keep moving forward for the mission.
It's why Kanghyuk never flees from fire, but runs right towards it. As long as Kanghyuk can save the patient he's with in the present, then Kanghyuk doesn't care what happens to himself later.
But there aren't any exploding minefields, or a maelstrom of bullets here. There's only an avalanche of tenderness. Kanghyuk feels more on edge, because Jaewon gazes at him as if Kanghyuk matters. Not Dr. Baek. Not the Director of HNUH's Trauma Center. But Kanghyuk.
"There! All done," Jaewon whispers loudly with a smile, then straightens out Kanghyuk's shirt collar. "Feel okay? Not too tight?"
"Yeah, everything's great. Thanks, Jaewon." Kanghyuk keeps his hand tucked inside his pocket, so he doesn't grab Jaewon by his coat lapels, and pull the man closer. Maybe to get a closer look at those eyes, and see exactly which shade of brown they are.
Captivated by solving that elusive mystery, Kanghyuk means to say, 'The tie's perfect,' but his voice slips out, "You're perfect." Silently debating between burnt umber or terra rose for the color of Jaewon's eyes, Kanghyuk doesn't catch his own slip of tongue.
For a moment, Kanghyuk wonders if he spoke too quietly to be heard, since Jaewon just stares at him. Suddenly, Jaewon flushes a charming shade of red, frantically gestures and mutters under his breath, then turns towards the next framed piece.
Kanghyuk doesn't understand a single word Jaewon attempts to say. But he's left dazed by how ridiculously adorable one man can be. Fondness warms deliriously inside of Kanghyuk's chest. He might cross the painted line on the museum floor, and touch one of these gilded art frames, so security hauls him away. Far away from Jaewon who decimates Kanghyuk with want, need, and yearning.
Side by side, Kanghyuk and Jaewon venture through the museum's labyrinth. Kanghyuk appreciates how Jaewon doesn't just glance at something for two seconds, then hurriedly whisks off to the next thing to glance at. Jaewon takes his time admiring each piece. In their chaotically hectic lives as trauma surgeons, Kanghyuk enjoys seeing Jaewon slow down, and breathe. It helps Kanghyuk to calm down the noisy, static storm in his turbulent mind. The more Kanghyuk's with Jaewon, the more Kanghyuk can be anchored in the present.
Once they reach the museum's end, and step outside, Jaewon draws in a deep, abundant breath. Closes his eyes for a moment. Cherishes the waterfall of daylight flowing down his clothes, pooling pale liquid gold into the folds of soft fabric.
Kanghyuk clenches his fist inside his pocket. Molten yearning chars his palm. "Are there any museums around the world you want to go to?"
"Oh, gosh, there's so many." Laughing breathlessly, Jaewon strides into the white light of the expansive upper deck. His coat tail ripples languidly around him. "Musée d'Orsay would be amazing. Or anywhere else in Europe. Especially Italy!" Humming, Jaewon taps an arpeggio on the glossy pamphlet in his hand. "And I'd love to go to The Met. Like that whole building just looks gorgeous."
"Have you ever been to New York?" Kanghyuk can't take his eyes off Jaewon, even when there's the stunning view of the city skyline behind him.
Jaewon shakes his head. "Only place I've been to outside of the country is Sudan." With a smile, he glances over his shoulder at Kanghyuk. "I'm glad my first trip was with you, hyung."
Bravery?
Or madness?
Maybe it's both that drives Kanghyuk to ask, "Do you want to go with me?" When he sees Jaewon blink curiously, Kanghyuk takes a step closer. "New York. Italy. France. Any of those places."
"Wh-what--" Jaewon stumbles to a stop. He catches his footing in time, so he doesn't almost topple over again. "I- uhm--" Incredulity bursts into flustered, delighted notes in Jaewon's laughter. He faces Kanghyuk with a smile that shines more than sunlight trickling down his shoulders. "Yeah, of course! That would be-- wow! Oh, my gosh-" In the middle of inhaling deeply, a thought crosses Jaewon's mind. "I mean-- but the trauma center?"
"When we're fully staffed." Kanghyuk doesn't say 'if', but 'when'. He knows it'll happen. The man will make sure of it. "We can go then." Kanghyuk's heart races more than it ever has when held at gunpoint, or being near a burning building. But he still takes another step towards Jaewon. "Wherever you want to go, I'll take you."
"Kanghyuk hyung--" Laughing, Jaewon raises his arm, and hovers a hand over his face to hide the blush. "I'd really like that. A lot."
A breeze picks up, dotingly sifting through Jaewon's hair, his coat waving around him. Even with Jaewon's hand obscuring his face, Kanghyuk sees the lovely traces of scarlet between fanning fingers. Kanghyuk reaches out to gently grasp Jaewon's hand, and lower it, so he can see those bright, hopeful eyes. But after a moment, worry flickers in Jaewon's widening stare.
"Wait- Hyung, are you okay?" Jaewon steps closer, the light fabric of his coat brushing against Kanghyuk's shadowy, dusk attire. "You're really red. Do you feel sick?"
"I'm not si-" Kanghyuk's eyes widen as Jaewon reaches out towards him. Once Jaewon presses his hand against his forehead, Kanghyuk nearly blacks out.
Jaewon leans even closer. So close that Kanghyuk sees flecks of brilliant, warm gold from the sun reflecting across those everchanging browns. Kanghyuk was right earlier-- there's burnt umber, terra rosa, along with more shades dancing between deep, dark mahogany and reddish amber. It's just a matter of how the light catches upon Jaewon's eyes, and the kaleidoscope of emotions wavering inside them.
"Hmm--" Jaewon hums thoughtfully. "Doesn't seem like a fever."
"It's you."
Startled, Jaewon draws his hand back, and points at himself. "Me?"
"How you look today."
"Oh." Jaewon's face collapses into a crestfallen expression. Worrying his lower lip, Jaewon glances down at his outfit. "Uhm-- is it bad-"
Jaewon's eyes widen when Kanghyuk grasps the side of his face. Tenderly, ardently. A touch that flickers with glowing embers. Kanghyuk's palm molds perfectly along Jaewon's jaw, then tilts his face up, so their eyes meet. Jaewon loses breath over the firestorm of yearning that simmers in Kanghyuk's gaze.
As his thumb brushes across that warm cheek, Kanghyuk confesses, "You look beautiful today, Jaewon."
Jaewon inhales sharply. "W-what?"
"And everyone else must've seen it too," Kanghyuk lowers his voice, just barely burying the serrating growl. "People probably looked at you more than the art." Although Kanghyuk doesn't blame them, since he did the same.
"Oh, really?" Blinking curiously, Jaewon tilts his head. "I didn't notice, because I was only looking at you."
Kanghyuk stares.
Jaewon stares back.
Can't say who burns fierce, raging scarlet first, since it happens lightning fast.
"You look at me?" Kanghyuk points at Jaewon, then at himself. "What? Why?" His voice strains with sheer incredulity. But not even Kanghyuk's words drown out the deafening thunder within his chest. His battering ram heart ceaselessly slams into his cracking sternum. "When?"
Jaewon stares at Kanghyuk in bewilderment, then lets out an elated, sparkling laugh. "Oh, god-" Shaking his head, Jaewon smiles. "When am I not looking at you, hyung? Even today, it's always been you."
The past couple of hours replay in Kanghyuk's mind. Fondness brimming those warm eyes. Every bright, boyishly charming smile. Hand brushing against his every so often. The compliments, the praise. Fixing Kanghyuk's necktie. A palette of blushes in rosy shades. That adoring gaze that always seeks out his own.
"Oh." Kanghyuk blinks, then exhales softer, "Oh."
With a breath that trembles at the edges, Jaewon steps closer. "I really hope-- I'm not reading this wrong, but-..." His fingers caress over the back of Kanghyuk's hand. "Today kind of felt like a date?"
"It wasn't." Before Kanghyuk lets even a flicker of hurt and disappointment touch Jaewon, he reaches out. "I'd be doing this if it was a date." Kanghyuk takes Jaewon's hand into his, and laces their fingers together.
Eyes widening, a rush of vibrant carmine and rouge colors Jaewon's face. The blush cascades down his neck, undoubtedly gathering in the soft hollows above his clavicles. Jaewon stares at their clasped hands, then dares to raise his gaze to Kanghyuk.
Raw vulnerability glimmers in Jaewon's eyes. "If this was a date, what else would you do?"
'I would stay near you. I would kiss your knuckles. I would hold you close when we're in a crowded bus or subway. I would rile you up, because I can't get enough of seeing you flustered. I would want to hear you talk about anything and everything, because your voice is my favorite. I would take you anywhere you want to go.'
And there's so much else Kanghyuk wants to say. He'll keep each promise. But Jaewon stares at Kanghyuk with oceans of aching want, and hope fighting to reach the watery surface. It's the open, vulnerable look Jaewon shows after Kanghyuk fights for Jaewon to be his protege, after they survive gunfire at night, after Kanghyuk wakes up from surgery. Kanghyuk doesn't want to keep Jaewon waiting anymore.
"I would do this." Kanghyuk obliterates the empty space between them with a kiss.
Like the sky and earth reuniting upon the Geoul Pond, their mouths eclipse. Jaewon returns the kiss, even deepens it. There's a hint of a sharp, elated smirk from Kanghyuk as Jaewon fiercely grips his coat lapels, and pulls Kanghyuk closer until chests collide. Christ, how Kanghyuk loves this man of enthralling paradoxes. Soft eyes, softer heart, yet Jaewon's kiss cuts sharp with hunger, and possessiveness bleeds through fists gripping Kanghyuk's clothes. Razor thrill fissures down Kanghyuk's spine at how good it feels to be wanted by Jaewon.
And finally, fucking finally-- Kanghyuk can wrap his hands around that wickedly tempting, lovely waist. 'Perfect,' fires across Kanghyuk's mind like a blazing comet's tail. Kanghyuk prides himself on being a man of self-control. But now that he has a taste of how damned perfect Jaewon's hips feel within his palms, Kanghyuk craves to hold Jaewon bare, no fabric, only warm skin, only indigo stars matching Kanghyuk's fingerprints.
With a touch that strikes like matchsticks, and ignites more flames than kerosene, Jaewon glides his hand up the side of Kanghyuk's neck. Fingers get lost in those dark, soft locks. A gentle, yet claiming tug. Kanghyuk holds back a groan. But from the flicker of a smile, Kanghyuk knows Jaewon feels the rumbling vibration between their chests.
Once the kiss breaks, they're both left breathless, aching with joy, smiling, eyes shining with exhilaration.
Kanghyuk runs his fingers through Jaewon's hair. He marvels at how the strands are even softer than how they look. "Are you free rest of the day?"
"I am." With a smile, Jaewon leans into the man's touch. "At least, until I get called in."
Kanghyuk chuckles. "Must be tough, since you'll be spending a lot of time with a stubborn, rebellious surgeon."
"Yeah, but--" Jaewon's smile grows as does the sunrise light in his eyes. He wraps his arms around Kanghyuk's shoulders, already tilting his face up for another kiss. "He's my favorite surgeon."
Turning his head, Kanghyuk tries to cover up a flustered sound by clearing his throat. But it only backfires when Jaewon kisses his cheek. Caught off guard by the ambush of affection, a breathless laugh escapes Kanghyuk. He can't remember the last time he heard that kind of spirited brightness in his own laughter.
"Well, then, since you're free--" Kanghyuk tightens his arm around Jaewon's waist, and leans closer. The question brushes across Jaewon's smile. "Would you let me take you out to dinner?"
With a shy laugh, Jaewon reaches up, and gazes warmly at the man. His hand cradles the side of Kanghyuk's face. "I'd love that, hyung."
A flock of birds take flight, soaring overhead. Hurricane of fluttering wings, settling into the tranquil reverie of matching heartbeats. As eyes fall closed, their lips reunite in a soft kiss.
+1.
( earlier that day )
"Think they'll finally get together?"
Words trickle across Gyeongwon's shoulder blade, warm and drowsy. After setting the phone away, Gyeongwon returns to laying on his side, and faces his partner. Even before Gyeongwon settles in place, Dongju gravitates towards him. With muffled hums, Dongju buries his face in Gyeongwon's chest. Gyeongwon's eyes soften with sunlit warmth that only reveals itself around Dongju. Likewise Dongju shows this yearning for affection only with Gyeongwon.
"Those two will be more than fine." As Gyeongwon brushes his lips across Dongju's temple, his calloused fingers trace the battleground of scars over that broad, strong back. He doesn't know the stories of all of these scars yet. But his hands and mouth have each one memorized. "After all-" Gyeongwon exhales a quiet chuckle under his breath. "We found each other, right?"
Dongju lifts his head, adoring eyes seeking out his partner's gaze. "Yeah, we did." His smile curves with the beginnings of an endeared smile. "Still can't believe you kept messaging back."
"Trust me, your messages were all I'd look forward to." Gyeongwon lightly pecks that shy smile dimple.
Laughing breathlessly, Dongju half-smothers his burning face into the pillow. The caress of Gyeongwon's hand over his body only melts Dongju more. After years of blood, gunmetal and fire, Dongju basks in the soothing rainfall of Gyeongwon's touch.
"And what about now?" Through a mess of bangs, Dongju glances at Gyeongwon. "You still like my messages even when we're in the same continent?"
"Absolutely. I'm always looking forward to them." It's why Gyeongwon set a unique notification sound for Dongju's texts. It hasn't changed even after they start dating. "I'd never delete any of your messages. But--"
Gyeongwon eases Dongju onto his back, then slides over to straddle him. Slowly, Gyeongwon's palms scorch up the beautiful expanse of warm skin, never flinching at scar tissue, one hand resting over that resilient heartbeat. "I love this even more."
As Gyeongwon captures Dongju's mouth in a fierce kiss, Dongju cradles the back of Gyeongwon's head, fingers sinking into those long, gorgeous locks. Three precious words echo between lips, each syllable cherished and held close. The kiss deepens, smolders, heals.
After aching and longing for each other over oceans and continents, they're finally here.
Together.