Chapter Text
Sion isn’t ungrateful.
Privilege and the world’s social hierarchy was never a foreign concept to him. Sion became aware at the ripe age of three, when his father hired a nanny to fulfill his role as a parental figure, your average rich-kid sob story. As cliché as it is, the warmth of a stable household was never attainable, it was merely a childish desire. So be it. Sion always found ways to fill the void, or rather, satisfy his internal grudge.
He would show up to his father’s office with nothing but a hoodie and stained sweatpants at times, deliberately pissing the old man off. Other times? He’d simply ask for money- well shit, maybe he’s a petty asshole after all. Sion’s most recent endeavour was nothing less than expensive, however, it wasn’t necessarily driven by hatred or childhood trauma.
His father had eventually invested in a bakery to fulfill his unstoppable sugar craving, a diabetic curse brought upon him since he was old enough to chew. What Sion didn’t expect however- was to work for his very own establishment
“You need to learn about the real world kid” The words his absent father had uttered firmly.
Sion wouldn’t consider himself the big boss of Cupcake Society. The backbone to any bakery would be a qualified pastry chef, a title Riku takes pride in. Daeyoung calls the big shots, he manages all there is to manage. Whether it would be financially or even emotionally, during hectic days where things get heated. Sion however, is simply the owner’s son. Simply there to eat. At least, that’s what the original plan was.
“Please Riku-” Sion dodges yet another dirty spatula, thrown by his coworker. “Just one” He whines, fingers intertwined in a desperate plea.
Riku exhales sharply through the corner of his lips, blowing away the thin layer of flour on his plumb cheeks, visibly irritated. “No.”
Plain and simple. Not a beat of hesitation.
“You’re here to work not eat” His coworker’s muffin tin hits the table with a loud clack. “Direct orders from your dad”
“He’s torturing me” Sion attempts to reason.
“He’s humbling you”
Sion shrugs, still sulking- whining even. “I don’t see how one cupcake is gonna hurt”
“First of all” Riku lifts a finger, hand on his hip, like he’s scolding a toddler. “Rules are rules.” His coworker adds firmly. “and second of all…” Another finger. “These are for the sharing boxes. Couples only.” He concludes dryly.
Couples only. A useless rule implemented by- who exactly?
“Couples only?” Sion repeats idiotically, face scrunched up in frustration. What a ridiculous rule. If fucking a person long term would give him access to Riku’s cupcakes then he’d be near someone’s reproductive parts at the very moment. “Whose useless campaign idea was this?”
Riku squints, letting out a scoff sharp enough to jerk the 3D strawberries on his headband “My useless campaign idea”
Right, maybe he is a little stupid. Sion can already see the spite washing over Riku’s face. So he does what any other desperate person would do- begs. Sion pushes his bottom lip forward in a pout, fists balling up underneath his chin before widening his eyes.
“Please“
“No.”
“But Rikuuuu” A stretched whine fills the empty kitchen.
“Five times Sion” Riku holds his hand up. “I taught you my recipe five times, that’s enough fingers to fist someone”
The analogy somehow shuts down every argument Sion had in mind. It’s comical for Maeda Riku, the walking stereotype of a gay bottom, to even insinuate that he understands how the action of fisting someone works.
“I’ve tried, they never turn out as good as yours” Sion can’t help but sulk, like a child being told no.
“Too bad” Riku utters sarcastically.
“Please”
“No”
Fine, he can always weaponize his wealth. “I’ll buy them” Sion tries to offer, desperately, one final attempt.
“Couples. Only.” Riku immediately shuts him down. It’s truly unlike anything he has never seen before. A rejection. And a brutal one at that.
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
A loud bell rings through the empty bakery. “Welcome to Cupcake Society” Sion utters blankly into the air as the door swings open, disheartened eyes never leaving the register. “What can I get for you?”
“One strawberry crepe cake” The customer chuckles. “And a new cashier”
His eyes naturally roll at the sound of Sakuya’s familiar voice. Who would’ve thought jigglypuff’s reincarnation could produce such a satanic noise.
There’s usually some back and forth banter before one of them either admits defeat or ends up with a charge of attempted murder. But Sion is simply not in the mood. He looks up, immediately glancing towards Ryo.
“Not in the mood” Sion tilts his head in Sakuya’s direction. “Tell him I’m not in the mood”
“What’s with the attitude?” Ryo sighs “Did dada confiscate the red Porsche again?” His friend mocks. Either making fun of Sion’s dejected state or the obnoxious silicone donuts Riku had blissfully attached to his headband.
“Nothing happened, just…“ There’s a stretched groan, one that fills the room as Sion’s shoulders fall pathetically. “Riku and his stupid cupcake campaign happened”
“The sharing boxes?” Sakuya’s bland expression blooms into a blinding smile. “You’re mad you’re single?” He gasps before pointing a mocking finger directly at Sion’s face.
Sion smacks Sakuya’s wrist away, forehead wrinkled in annoyance.
“No” He denies through gritted teeth. “I’m mad he’s gatekeeping his fucking cupcakes”
“So you’re mad you’re single” Ryo points out, mirroring his best friend’s grin.
Sion throws his head back, palms sliding down his face in defeat. “Yeah I’m mad Riku is gatekeeping his stupid cupcakes because I’m not knuckles deep in some guy’s lubricated ass right now”
“Don’t put it like that” Ryo whispers, eyes wandering around the bakery in panic.
He shrugs. “Don’t ask”
“I didn’t”
“Here’s an idea” Sakuya chimes in. “Get a boyfriend”
“No” Sion snaps, with no real venom.
Here’s the thing, his love life is the literal equivalent of dogshit. Don’t get him wrong, finding Oh Sion attractive isn’t a problem for an average person with functioning eyes. Finding legitimate connections would be the fundamental root of his relationship problems.
“Not for real, get a fake one. How would Riku know?” Sakuya chirps.
Lies and deception. A quick solution from the sharpest problem solver known to mankind- a bored teenager. The idea itself is idiotic, stupid enough to actually work of course. Perhaps it’s Sion’s lucky day after all.
Ryo scoffs, as if his best friend had just uttered some lighthearted joke. “That’s awful and stupid and-“
“An amazing idea” Sion cuts in, eyes sparkling in awe.
His friend’s face falls. “No it’s not” Ryo is quick to deny, a failed attempt to knock some sense into him. “It’s not and you’re not doing it” He shakes his head, neck snapping in desperation.
“I’m doing it” Sion adds bluntly. There’s nothing to lose after all.
“He’s doing it” Sakuya concludes, ignoring his best friend’s protest with a proud smile.
“What if you break his heart?” Ryo tries to reason, arms flopping around hysterically. “What if he breaks your heart?” The other cries. “What if you catch feelings and everything rolls out like some tragic yaoi plot line?”
Sion simply shrugs, smirk plastered confidently on his face. “It won’t”
“Right” Sakuya is quick to support- suddenly on his side. “Cus it’ll be fake, duh” He smacks his palm lightly against his own forehead.
“No” Ryo pulls the other’s wrist in a deep sigh, forcing a stumbling Sakuya out of the door with him. “Time out. Don’t talk to each other.” He hisses towards his best friend.
As cruel as it is, Sion doesn’t spare time to remind the pair about their forgotten crepe cake. It’s Daeyoung’s day off, and Riku’s occupied in the kitchen as usual. There’s no fear as Sion happily runs a fork through the layers of cream and strawberry, humming a familiar melody as he digs in.
It’s his lucky day after all.
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
Sion weighs out his options carefully, some are undoubtedly out of the picture from the get go. He mentally discards the select few of his friends who are entangled in some kind of romantic relationship, official or not. Desperate measures would simply call for him to seek help from Daeyoung, if only his coworker wasn’t head over heels for Riku, an open secret.
It’s a given that Oh Sion knows a lot of people, not many people he’d trust well enough to involve in his little cupcake scheme however, which is why he eventually settles for the person he knows best.
The only man who has seemingly been able to put up with his bullshit.
Park Wonbin didn’t expect their last-minute hang out to be a premeditated plan for Sion’s shenanigans. But that’s what best friends are for, right? To be unapologetically annoying and intrude your cramped college dorm.
“You. Are. Crazy” Wonbin stresses, breathless from pacing around his tiny living room. “You’re crazy and I’m not pretending to fuck you for a stupid cupcake”
“Five stupid cupcakes” Sion corrects, fist unfolding in front of his friend’s eyes. “Five of my favourite cupcakes handmade by Maeda Riku”
Wonbin groans dramatically before running a hand through his freshly pink locks.
“Wanna know what else has been in Riku’s hands? Daeyoung’s cock. Does it look like I wanna eat that?”
“Is everything about dick to you?” Sion cries. “Cock cock cock- This isn’t about Daeyoung’s cock. It’s about cupcakes and us” He waves a finger between them, back and forth. “I do everything for this homoerotic friendship and you’ve sacrificed nothing”
Wonbin’s lips quivers in disbelief. “Fine” He whispers silently, through his teeth.
“Then this homoerotic friendship is over”
“Fine” Sion folds his arms stubbornly. He decides to play dirty, a foul game- but he’s getting those fucking cupcakes ok?
“Then you’re out of my will”
An abrupt silence falls upon them. Wonbin’s hands shoot up, palms covering his lips in a moment of shock.
“I’m in it?”
“No. But do you want to be?”
Not a lot of convincing needs to be done before Wonbin bites his finger suggestively, free hand suddenly buried deep in Sion’s dark locks.
“Now that we’re talking business, let's get you those cupcakes angel” Wonbin utters seductively, almost in an airy moan. If his best friend’s inappropriate dick joke didn’t make him choke, then this definitely takes the cake. A loud gag echoes through the walls of Wonbin’s box-like dorm. Sion bangs his chest through a coughing fit.
“Ew” He spits in disbelief- in disgust.
“Excuse me?” Wonbin gasps, visibly insulted. “You wanted this.” He jabs a finger at Sion’s chest, it’s dramatic, knocking the remaining air out of Sion's lungs. “I’m just living up to the part. Method acting.”
He sighs, this doesn’t cut it. “Try another method” Sion suggests before pulling his best friend closer by the waist. “Talk to me like we’re in love. Make it believable, come on”
And then, silence.
Sion is met with nothing but a mindless glare and the sharp sound of Wonbin’s cheap wooden floor creaking awkwardly across the room.
“Quick” An impatient whine as he stomps his feet.
“Wait” Wonbin lays a palm flat on his chest. “I can’t do this”
“What? Why?”
Sion feels a slight vibration as Wonbin snorts. “You piss me off sometimes. Remember when I taught you how to work the oven?”
“You’re letting an oven get between us?”
“I can’t be in love with a logically challenged rich kid Sion. I can’t.”
“You can’t even fake it?”
Wonbin’s lips snap open, prepared to shoot another snappy remark before the sound of his phone cuts their banter short. Sion takes quick note of the re-appearing letters of Jung Sungchan's name shining from his best friend’s screen.
“Sorry” Wonbin mutters hurriedly before gliding towards his bedroom like the wind. “Gotta take this”
“Bootycall?”
“Yup”
It’s the last thing Sion hears before an overjoyed Wonbin swings his bedroom door shut in a stretched grin, so wide it almost looks painful.
Then he’s left alone, with nothing but a deep sigh that gradually escapes his body and a doomed cupcake plan. God, it sounds crazy, the things Sion would do for a few bites of mere pastry. But here’s the thing, they’re so much more than mere pastry. They’re Maeda Riku’s tapioca topped brown sugar flavoured cupcakes, a heart threatening sugar bomb. In other words…Oh Sion’s first love wrapped in parchment paper.
It happened on a sunny day, the day his coworker was lucky enough to find employment after a tiring search. His father had requested recipes from each applicant and that’s when it happened.
Oh Sion fell in love.
Not with the pearly eyed man who would later prove himself to be a reliable coworker, but rather, with his cupcakes. Light and fluffy, yet warm on the inside. Sweet- overly sweet, from the sugary taste of Riku’s signature cream cheese frosting, to the freshly boiled tapioca pearls, perfectly marinated in caramel-
*Ding*
“What the fuck” Sion mumbles quietly to himself, confused as Winbin’s doorbell cuts through his rapid train of thoughts.
Weird.
His best friend’s old roommate is long gone as far as he’s concerned, and frankly? Wonbin is never one to make plans while they’re hanging out just the two of them.
He shuffles towards the sound, lazily pulling down the handle without a second thought. The door sways open- wide.
Perhaps just as wide as Sion’s eyes as his gaze lands on the mysterious figure behind the wooden surface.
There’s a huge suitcase, and a few boxes scattered on the ground behind him.
But also, thick brows that peak through his jet black bangs. Round eyes that hold an innocent yet subtly anxious gaze. A bucket hat. One that shrinks his head, until it’s reduced to nothing more than a fucking pea.
“Sorry” Sion chuckles. “Who are you?” He questions in an airy and idiotic breath.
“I’m…” The stranger’s words tremble, almost nervously, as if he’s debating what to say “Moving in.”
Wow. Sion can’t believe it. He can’t believe that he’s smiling right now.
“Hi moving in” He stretches his arm, an invitation for the other to take his hand. “I’m Sion”
The stranger’s eyelashes bat rapidly.
He exhales, lungs heavy, like he’s bracing himself for a simple social interaction. Sion simply waits, arm aching until the man in front of him finally musters the courage to take it.
“Tokuno Yushi.” Yushi stutters, bottom lip between his teeth. “But you’re not Wonbin. Wonbin has pink hair. So is this the wrong place? I guess it is” He rambles to himself before dropping Sion’s hand. Eyes glued on their shoes, still avoiding eye contact.
Sion can’t help but scoff, not mockingly. But in amusement. Who can blame him? The guy looks edible. Almost like the human embodiment of a sweet treat.
Man, he’s cute.
“You’ve got the right place” Sion watches as Yushi’s chest falls in relief. He scratches his damp neck, gaze stuck on the cat-like man in front of him. Fuck, and now his ears are heating up too.
“Wonbin’s a little busy, I’ll just dust the cabinets for you.”
Dust the cabinets. Smooth.
Then he shuts the door, accidentally making Yushi flinch at the sudden action. It’s stupid. To the point where he mentally smacks himself. Well, there goes a good first impression with his best friend’s new roommate. Sion leans forward, palms against the doorframe before smiling to himself. To the literal fucking void.
It’s weird. Oh Sion isn’t usually one blush.
He tries to ground himself. There’s an attempt at least, a rather short lived one.
“What are you smiling about?” Well shit. He fails to notice Wonbin’s reappearing presence. Sion should feel embarrassed but instead, he chuckles quietly to himself. “Dude, you’re scaring me.” His best friend continues as he glares, baffled.
Luckily for Wonbin, his alarming behaviour passes by rather quickly, because It doesn’t take a while before Yushi’s knock is heard subtly from the other side.
“Hi?” A muffled sound. “Are the cabinets clean?” Yushi questions in childlike curiosity. Naive and genuine.
That’s when Wonbin gasps, hands on his heart in a moment of realization before plunging the door handle in one hurried motion.
“Yushi?” His best friend wheezes comically. Sion forces himself to hold back a snarky joke regarding Wonbin’s pathetic state. “You’re not supposed to be here before three pm”
Sion watches in amusement as Yushi tilts his head- eyes narrowing playfully, almost. The most emotions he has seen from Yushi so far. And frankly? He’s amused.
Thoroughly amused.
Yushi huffs, visibly sulking before flashing Wonbin’s eyes with his phone screen. “It’s four thirty. I’m late. Like really late.” Sion can’t help but grin lazily as the numbers display brightly across his plain, all black, wallpaper.
His best friend groans. “Fuck, sorry” Wonbin breathes out in an apologetic whisper. It’s not like Sion to feel any sort of guilt towards such a silly situation. He’d usually make fun of his best friend- crack a few lighthearted remarks. But instead, he elbows Wonbin slightly.
Sion steps forward, closer. Lips twitching as Yushi’s curious eyes follow him. “It’s not his fault, I was being a distraction” Then he slowly reaches out for the box in his arms, earning a gentle oh from Yushi and a sharp glare from his best friend, as if Wonbin is witnessing a ghost sighting.
The boxes are heavy- unsteady against his palms, it’s an unusual feeling to say the least. Sion isn’t one to help around the house, he pays for labour, it’s as easy as that. However, something about Yushi’s shy smile and rose tinted cheeks makes him want to rearrange the entire facility for the other’s comfort.
The other lets out an airy huff. “Thanks”
Yushi giggles. He giggles.
And Sion smiles. He can’t help but smile, lips stretched to the point where his own best friend, Park Wonbin, glares in an astonished grimace.
“No problem”
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
“The fake boyfriend thing is out of the picture” Wonbin utters into what seems to be the thin air. “Sungchan” That’s all he needs to say.
Sion hums, not impressed, purely in understanding.
It’s not unlike Jung Sungchan to come crawling back. Don’t get him wrong, Sion had warned his best friend countless times. However, some people simply don’t want to be saved. The push and pull isn’t healthy- mentally draining to say the least.
“Yeah yeah, you’re out of the will” He mumbles, pretending to care- eyes still glued on the bedroom door in front of him as he silently melts into Wonbin’s sofa. “I’ll figure it out” Sion’s gaze hasn’t left for an hour, maybe two. Depends on how long Yushi has been locked inside his room.
Wonbin sighs, a disappointed one, nothing new. Sion has heard a handful of them throughout the years. “Don’t even think about it.”
The dry sentence- no warning comes as a slight shock. It sounds far from their usual light hearted jabs.
“What do you mean?”
“Yushi deserves the world, that’s what I mean” Wonbin slurs his words as he sips his cheap beer lazily. “Don’t use him for your stupid plan. Don’t be an asshole and fuck with him for a few cupcakes”
“I won’t” Sion smiles, fingers fidgeting with his own can. “He’s intresting, that’s all”
Yushi is interesting. From the moon shaped scar on his cheek to the awkward demeanour. And Sion is intrigued
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
Plan B is quickly put into motion. It takes place the very next day, to be exact.
Sion didn’t think he’d have to seek desperate measures this quickly, there’s only Jung Sungchan to thank for that. He scoffs quietly into the cold air, almost in disbelief of what he’s about to do. Sion’s fingers go stiff around his spare key as he unlocks the café door- sending a loud click through the empty streets. It’s late after all, way after their usual closing hours.
Sion silently makes his way inside, like a robber on his tippy toes, before switching the lights on.
Nothing.
No desserts on display. No customers- and most importantly? No Riku. Just a row of chairs stacked neatly on top of their mahogany tables and Sion’s favourite cupcakes stored at the very back of their kitchen.
Stealing is bad, a crime if you will. But is it really considered stealing if it’s from his own establishment?
“No” Sion answers his internal dialogue in a hushed voice. “Technically not” He shrugs to himself before practically bouncing towards their fridge, like an overly excited rabbit.
It’s a stealth mission. A quick in-and-out without getting noticed. Subtleness has never been Sion’s strong suit, one could say his presence is louder than words. He’s impulsive, clumsy- a point quickly proven to be true as his body crashes into the kitchen counter, earning a pained hiss.
“Fuck”
Sion can only hope Riku doesn’t break out in cold sweat somewhere in the busy city of Seoul.
His short lived optimism is quickly thrown out of the window however, as the kitchen door swings open. Sion barely has the time to react- or hide for that matter before a tall figure approaches him with a familiar puppy-like eye smile.
Daeyoung snorts. Sion doesn’t know whether it’s due to amusement or the embarrassing position he finds himself frozen in. “What are you doing here?” The other questions through a cheeky smirk.
“What are you doing here?” Sion tries. A pathetic attempt to say the least.
“Forgot my keys” The sound of metal clings through the air as Daeyoung dangles his chain between them.
Of course he did.
Sion rushes straight to their refrigerator, briefly scanning the items before pointing to the first crumb coated cake his eyes land on.
“I’m frosting this wedding cake”
The smirk of Daeyoung’s face only stretches smugly as he chuckles- handsome face twisting in disbelief.
“That’s a birthday cake” The other breathes out dryly, arms crossed against his broad chest. “She’s turning four”
It’s the last thing Sion hears before the other shuffles towards him. Daeyoung has the nerve to meet his gaze with a wink, one that reveals the charming dimple on the side of his face. There’s no fight left in his body to protest before he’s thrown over the other’s shoulders, as if he’s made out of nothing but pure cotton. So Sion lets himself get manhandled, carried out of the kitchen like a pathetic rag doll.
Sion can practically hear the smirk in his words. “We hid them”
Sion’s first love- his precious cupcakes.
“Fuck you” He mumbles bashfully against Daeyoung’s shoulder as he’s escorted out.
“It was Riku’s idea”
“Fuck him too”
“I already do”
Sion groans into the fabric of Daeyoung’s shirt. “I’m not in the mood to be verbally cucked”
Daeyoung only hums as he swings his car door open, Sion still hanging from his shoulders. “Then verbally shut up”
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
Sion mourns his failed plan by simply eating his sorrows away. A quick solution to his insignificant life problems.
Daeyoung had eventually agreed to drop him off at the nearest convenience store- whether it was a reward for sitting through his coworker’s fifteen minute lecture, or an act of pity isn’t something he chooses to dwell on. Sion strolls lazily through the entrance, shoulders hanging loosely as a welcoming bell rings through the silent store. He directs himself towards the candy aisle, legs moving on their own- almost out of pure instinct. He’s faced with his favourite ball shaped chocolates in what seems like a matter of seconds. Sion can’t help but stare blankly.
Only one left.
A lonely bag shoved all the way to the back of the dusty shelves.
The corners of his lips twitch uncontrollably, failing to suppress the satisfied grin that slowly blooms on his face. Maybe it’s his lucky day after all- perhaps it’s the world’s way of apologizing for his earlier humiliation. Sion reaches out, fingers dancing happily towards the bag- wait what.
His movements come to a complete halt. Truth be told, Sion may have been too deep in his own thoughts as he completely fails to notice his surroundings. Because in contrast to the usual sensation of plastic against his palms- Sion is met with the warm touch of someone’s silk like skin.
Both him and the stranger turn to the side in one synchronized motion. That’s when Sion sees him. Tokuno Yushi. Lips hanging open like a confused fish, absent gaze reflecting through his glassy eyes. Sion should be annoyed, he should dash out of the door with a cocky smirk and a bag of his favourite chocolate, he would by now if it was anyone else.
But his best friend’s roommate doesn’t seem like anyone else- Yushi seems gentle, too gentle for his own good.
Sion lets out an airy chuckle and waits for it.
“I’m sorry”
“Here- just take it.”
“It’s fine. Really”
Words one would naturally expect from a person like Tokuno Yushi. Words that never come.
“I saw it first.” Yushi stutters instead, bottom lip bitten shyly between his teeth. It’s a whisper, barely audible, yet it doesn’t fail to stun Sion into silence.
What the fuck. Well, that’s a first. He isn’t usually told no, at least not this bluntly.
Don’t get him wrong, Yushi doesn’t seem like a complete pushover. Sion simply didn’t know he had it in him. Hell, Yushi is still avoiding his eyes as they speak, fighting back with a cotton candy-like voice that almost makes Sion forget all about his sugary craving- the keyword is almost.
“I was here first”
Yushi somehow manages to scoff softly with a newfound confidence. “No you weren’t”
“Yeah I was” He bites back at the speed of light.
Then Yushi squints, brows furrowed- the expression of a man who isn’t ready to back down from a challenge anytime soon.
He points to where their hands overlap, not-so-shyly this time. “My hand is under yours.”
Sion blinks rapidly, brows lifted in a dumbfounded expression- the expression of a man who’s about to face defeat.
“Look“ He tries, arms flinging down to smack his thighs in growing frustration. “My day has been shit. I need those- I deserve these fucking chocolate balls”
“And I don’t?”
The banter comes to a halt as Yushi takes a sip of his half empty boba cup. His words had rolled out blankly- a rather plain statement. One that doesn’t carry a whole lot of emotions through Yushi’s voice alone. However, Sion catches onto the way his gaze stays glued to their feet. The way Yushi keeps his arms crossed awkwardly against his chest. The way he quietly sulks to himself. It’s cute- well, it’s odd.
Sion squints, suspiciously eyeing the plastic cup in Yushi’s hand, evidently labelled 100% sugar. Then he tilts his head, gaze landing on the ice cream wrapper curled inside Yushi’s fist.
Then it dawns on him.
“Sweet tooth…” Sion utters silently to himself as the slow realization eventually hits. “You’ve got a sweet tooth”
Sweet face. Sweet voice. Sweet personality. Sweet tooth. Sweet fake boyfriend material.
He doesn’t mean to stare. He doesn’t mean for Yushi’s face to twist in discomfort, and then into a perplexed expression that slowly turns stern, as if he’s somehow aware of Sion’s schemes.
“Can I ask you something?”
“No” Yushi doesn’t think before cutting in.
It earns an offended glare. “You didn’t even let me finish” Sion whines.
“Wonbin told me to say no if you ever start asking questions” The other concludes without further explanation.
“He talked shit to you?”
“He warned me” Yushi adds. “I don’t fake date. Especially not for a few cookies. Find another victim.”
Cookies? The voice in Sion’s head questions comically. He scratches his neck, momentarily ignoring his best friend’s shameless betrayal to correct Yushi’s words. “Cupcakes” Sion says, finger pointed to the air confidently. “My favorite brown sugar flavoured cupcakes”
The reaction is instant. As if he’s caught in a spell, Yushi’s eyes shoot up, body stiffening at the words. Sion can’t help but force down a grin. The chocolate treats, now fully in Yushi’s hands, are long forgotten.
Bingo.
“Topped with tapioca and cream cheese frosting…” He steps closer, intruding Yushi’s space, neck bending slightly to look his best friend’s roommate dead in the eyes with a blinding smile. “I know you want it”
Yushi’s face heats up quicker than a fucking kettle. But he doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t even fight back. Maybe it’s the sole fact that Yushi doesn’t trust himself to speak without spiralling into a stuttering mess. He only shakes his head furiously.
Cute Sion thinks. Like a helpless puppy- or cat. However, he’s still being stubborn. Sion can’t help but wonder how much Yushi is able to take before he breaks.
“You’ll get half of them”
“No.” A verbal response this time, rather weak.
Sion grins before leaning forward, face hovering just above Yushi’s. He tilts his head- almost tauntingly. “I’ll let out borrow my chef for a month”
There’s a stretched silence- a moment of doubt even, before Yushi clears his throat awkwardly. “Two” He whispers shyly between them. “Two months and we’ve got a deal”
Yushi tries to play it off cool, like he didn’t just fold- surrender easily at the thought of free food.
Sion can't help but suppress an amused grin. Perhaps breaking Tokuno Yushi isn’t too hard after all.
“You’re that broke?” He lets out an airy chuckle.
“I live off student loans” Yushi responds flatly. “I’m that broke”
“Alright” Sion mutters under his breath. He doesn’t give it a second thought before leaning closer, hands moving towards the back of Yushi’s pants, making him stumble backwards in shock.
“Chill” He chuckles as Yushi clashes against the snack shelf, almost knocking the entire aisle down like dominos.
“Take a guy out before groping him”
“I’m not groping you”
His arm continues to travel carelessly, body draped over Yushi’s frame. Sion smiles to himself, amused as Yushi lets out a trembling breath against his neck. The phone is pretty easy to grab- already hanging halfway out of his pocket. What a naive guy, the type to get robbed in broad daylight.
“Wha-“ Yushi doesn’t get to finish the question before Sion’s phone is shoved in his hands.
“We’re dating now” He shrugs. “Give me your number” Sion waits as Yushi blinks dumbly, eyelashes batting at the speed of light. Then he starts typing, slowly.
Yushi clears his throat, Sion’s phone still in his hands as he looks up with the eyes of an innocent deer.
“Don’t corrupt me” It’s a stern warning, one that spills out of Yushi rather firmly. However, Sion spots it, the way his shiny eyes flicker, almost in concern. As if Yushi is waiting for him to seal some sort of unspoken promise.
He tilts his head, making sure to hold Yushi’s gaze. “Maybe you’ll corrupt me” Sion responds instead.
A soft giggle quickly fills the space between. Yushi’s chest trembles subtly as his beautiful eyes close shut, head shaking weakly. It’s airy- sweet almost.
“Maybe I will”
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
The inside of his mouth tastes like metal. Sion doesn’t know how long he’s been biting his skin by now, all he knows is that lying to Riku might not be a simple walk in the park after all. The nerves hadn’t gotten to him as they went over the plan in Yushi’s closet-like bedroom, not even as a baffled Wonbin walked in on them rehearsing basic skinship on his roommate’s single bed. Wonbin had turned hysterical, blabbering a row of panicked protests, not enough for Sion to back out.
Not enough for him to doubt his own plans.
However, the doubt is certainly getting to him. It’s been getting to him since they started walking towards his workplace, not even fifteen minutes ago. They stand in front of the bakery rubbing their eyes, still half asleep. Yushi remains silent for a while, waiting by his side patiently as Sion hesitates to open the door.
“You ok?” The hoarse sound of Yushi’s voice pulls him back to earth.
Sion throws his head back in a groan. “Nervous”
Scared.
Don’t get him wrong, Riku is far from a rude person. Sion would think the guy was made out of glitter and cotton candy if he didn’t know any better. However, his coworker can be extremely observant. There are a few instances at work, times where Riku would look over his shoulders, waiting for even the slightest mistake to unravel. Then, there are days he gets scolded. Not your usual loud lecture. But rather, a few cold glares until you realize what you’ve done wrong.
Maeda Riku isn’t someone Sion should mess with carelessly.
“Come on” Yushi nudges him. “Hold my hand. Like we practiced.”
Right. Just like they practiced.
Sion looks down at Yushi’s unfolded hand, inviting him to lace their fingers. Perhaps it’s the anxiety- the nerves, but his palms turn sweaty. Eyelashes batting slowly as hesitation takes over his body.
Their arms swing roughly as Sion takes Yushi’s hand, almost yanking it. It’s quick- as if he's rushing to get it over with.
Yushi’s eyebrows scrunch in discomfort. “You’re sweating”
“I’m not” He lies.
“You’re all wet”
“Take a guy out before calling him wet”
“You’re a relationship virgin” The comment is shot blankly, as a matter of fact rather than a playful jab this time.
Sion scoffs in disbelief. “What?”
“You’ve never dated anyone, have you?” Yushi continues rapidly. “You don’t have a romantic bone in your body”
Well ouch.
“I do, between my legs” Sion snaps back childishly. “Accompanied by his friends ball and sack”
Yushi only blinks, unimpressed. He shakes his head in a heavy sigh, an action that speaks louder than any word Yushi has spoken in his twenty one years of living. Then his expression twists- just enough for Sion to take the hint.
“No, I haven’t been with anyone romantically” A hushed confession, voice strained with slight embarrassment.
“What does that even mean?”
“It means I fuck and flee”
“So you’re a whore”
Sion’s chokes on his spit, free hand landing flatly against his chest dramatically. “I come with a one night free trial”
Yushi rolls his eyes before stepping closer, his hand travels towards the back of Sion’s neck- making him flinch at the sudden warmth. It’s an unusual sensation. Yushi’s thumb is tracing his skin, caressing him almost.
It’s strange, unlike any touches Sion has felt in his life. Physical contact isn’t usually tender. Sometimes it’s the nails of a stranger marking his back- begging him for more, just another high for Sion to chase. Other times, it’s a pair of feather-like lips against his, panting questions about his father’s assets between kisses.
Sometimes it’s a cold pat on the back, ones his father would give him before disappearing.
Nothing like this however. Nothing like the way Yushi is massaging his neck, almost in comfort.
Sion’s breath hitches. “What are you doing?” He questions weakly.
“Relax for me” Yushi’s words are soft. Not on purpose, Sion knows he doesn’t mean to be gentle- it’s simply the natural state of Yushi’s voice, calm and mellow. “Relax your body” He repeats. “Loosen your grip, you’re overly tense”
Sion’s nanny loved him, she loved him despite his bratty tendencies. He simply doesn’t listen. It’s unlike Sion to obey easily- there’s usually a few stubborn refusals before he’s willing to listen. But listening to Yushi is easy, especially when the instructions are uttered like a soothing melody.
“You’re doing good” Yushi praises. “Just like we practiced”
He’s doing good.
He’s doing good.
He’s doing….good?
Sion hums, letting their intertwined fingers swing steadily between them. The sensation is comforting, relaxing almost. To the point where it feels like he’s in the clouds. “Lets get those cupcakes babe” He sings lightheartedly, making Yushi tense up like he’s holding back a smile.
Cupcake Society is a relatively well-known bakery located in the busy streets of Seoul. Customers come for the beautiful desserts. They stay for Maeda Riku’s beautiful smile. With that being said, Sion’s workplace is never empty. Which is why he chose the most reasonable time slot to show up- before opening hours.
As predicted, the bakery is empty, with only the presence of Daeyoung who’s going over the floor one last time, and Riku who’s putting their freshly baked goods on display.
“Busy?” Sion sings out as he practically drags Yushi across the room, until they’re close enough to clearly watch Riku’s confused expression behind the counter.
“It’s your day off”
“I know” He pulls Yushi by his shoulders. The action is a little stiff, not fully convincing yet. “Just thought my boyfriend and I would stop by”
“Boyfriend?” The pair exclaims. Daeyoung’s mop falls dramatically, filling the silence as it hits the floor in a loud clang.
Riku’s mouth hangs open in disbelief, body draped over the counter as if he’s about to jump over and choke the truth out of Sion.
“I’m seeing someone”
“Hallucinations or a therapist?”
“Me” A gentle sound interrupts. “I’m Yushi” The introduction is barely audible, cotton-candy like voice coming out in its usual straightforward manner.
It’s Daeyoung’s turn to squint skeptically. “And You’re Sion’s boyfriend?”
“Yeah” Yushi nods firmly, like there’s no question about it.
“You like him?”
“A lot”
“For his personality?” There’s genuine shock in Daeyoung’s words.
Sion’s head snaps towards Riku. “What the fuck does that mean” The statement is simply brushed off as his coworker stands frozen in disbelief.
“How’d you meet?” Riku shoots this time.
“Mutual friend” “Wonbin” They say at the same time. An awkward silence stretches between them. Sion holds back a squirm as Yushi pinches his sides- like a signal to shut the fuck up and let him do the talking.
“A mutual Wonbin” Sion’s comical attempt at saving face.
“A mutual Wonbin?” Riku questions, unimpressed eyes wandering back and forth between the pair.
“A mutual Wonbin.” Yushi whispers, confirming through an anxious nod.
He watches Daeyoung’s perplexed expression, one that resembles a confused puppy. Riku on the other hand, isn’t amused in the slightest.
“Do you think I’m fucking stupid?” He doesn’t allow Sion to answer. “I deny you my cupcakes and you pop up with a boyfriend? You don’t do boyfriends”
“You’re denying our love on pride month?”
“It’s April” Daeyoung chimes in, making Sion shut his mouth quietly.
But then, just as he prepares to shoot another snarky argument, the warmth of Yushi’s hand travels towards his nape, fingers slowly making their way into his hair as a silent way of telling him to please shut up.
Sion relaxes in his touch, almost on command, as if Yushi had just tamed the brat in him. He can’t help but sulk as the corner of Yushi’s lips twitch, finding it
hilarious. The room falls silent, way too silent. That’s when Sion notices the eyes on them. Daeyoung’s, round and stunned. While Riku’s are even rounder, even more stunned- dumbfounded.
“One month” Riku eventually utters. “I’ll give you one month to convince me that this-“ He waves a finger back and forth between the pair. “Is real. Then I’ll give you my cupcakes. Deal?”
Yushi smiles sweetly, so wide Sion can see the pretty scar on his cheeks stretch. “Deal” They announce in unison.
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
Sion isn’t new to college parties. He can’t count the number of times he has woken up on Wonbin’s sofa, head aching, liquor from the day before threatening to spill back out. Yet, Sion feels nauseous as he drags Yushi across Haechan’s crowded apartment. It’s loud- with only the sweaty bodies of dancing students being visible through the dark.
Riku had sent a simple text- “take him to Haechan’s tonight”
Which is how they end up in this predicament, with Yushi trailing nervously behind him through a foreign environment. He’s grabbing onto Sion’s hand like his life depends on it- until his knuckles turn numb and red. Sion finds them a corner, one by the kitchen where it's less crowded.
“Need a drink?” He asks under his breath, like they didn’t take god-how-many shots on Yushi’s single bed before heading out.
He shakes his head before grabbing onto Sion’s wrists, pulling him closer until he’s practically caging Yushi against the wall. “Stay here for a bit” His face is stone cold, as usual. But Sion hears his voice quiver just slightly.
Yushi is begging and Sion doesn’t have the heart to say no.
“Anxious?”
“A little”
Sion lets out an airy chuckle and stays. It’s quiet for a while, just between the two of them as music blasts loudly through the overlapping voices of other students. He looks down- Yushi’s face is flushed, cheeks heating up by the minute. Sion doesn’t know whether it’s from the alcohol or the warmth in Haechan's apartment. All he knows is that Yushi is bearing the expression of a concerned kitten.
He looks soft. Delicate. Too fragile for the world almost.
“He’s eye fucking me” Sion tilts his head to the side, signaling for Yushi to notice the guy boring holes into his head from across the room. The stranger’s lips are bitten between his teeth as he sips his beer in between.
“And?”
“and at least pretend to be jealous” He whispers smugly. “You’re my boyfriend”
Yushi lets out a weak laugh. “I’m not” He says, deadpanned.
“Right now you are” Sion inches closer, until the back of Yushi’s head hits the wall. “When there’s people around, you are”
He sighs- chest heaving before crossing his arms, lips forming a pout. Yushi’s eyes travel between Sion and the stranger, like he’s sulking.
“Baby” Sion slips into the act smoothly. He grabs Yushi’s waist, hands travelling under his shirt until he can feel the goosebumps on Yushi’s bare skin.
“Wanna tell me why you’re mad?”
Yushi only rolls his eyes, giving him the silent treatment. Sion watches with a smirk as the stranger scratches the back of his neck awkwardly before walking out of the room.
“Is it a bad time to interrupt?” Not Sion or Yushi, but rather, the loud voice of Riku who’s practically yelling over the music.
Haechan is stumbling under Riku’s arms, posture straightening in a clumsy manner as his gaze lands on the pair, a weak attempt at concealing his drunken state.
“Fucking hell Oh Sion” He cries dramatically, words slurred. “When did you get a boyfriend? That’s him? Pretty boy over here?” Haechan walks over, staring at Yushi intensely until the corners of his lips break out in a wide grin.
“Lee Haechan” He presents a hand for Yushi to shake.
“Tokuno Yushi”
Haechan goes still for a moment. He hesitates to speak, as if the sole mention of Yushi’s name has his mind running laps.
There’s a brief pause before Haechan clears his throat. “You know, Sion doesn’t usually do boyfriends?” He looks Yushi up-and-down before chuckling. “But I can see why he suddenly does them no- OW” He’s interrupted by a loud smack on the arm.
“What was that for?” He pouts at Riku.
“You’re too drunk”
“m’ not even drunk”
“Haechan.”
“I’m fine” There’s another attempt at standing upright, followed by a rather off-putting smile. “See? Fine. Not drunk at all.” Riku isn’t convinced. Sion can tell by the unimpressed grimace growing on his face.
“Why do people keep saying you don’t do boyfriends?” Yushi’s cotton candy-like voice suddenly cuts through the banter. “Something you aren’t telling me?” He questions Sion sternly, still immersed in the jealous-boyfriend act.
Sion opens his mouth, ready to respond until Haechan interrupts with an obnoxious crackle, as if Yushi’s question was nothing more than clueless and all too naive.
“This guy is a whore” Haechan directs his thumb towards Sion. “Always on fuck and flight. I haven’t seen him settle with someone for more than ten hours”
“Haechan” Riku begs again, tugging his cousin’s arm in panic.
Yushi looks up at Sion, teary eyed. So defeated he quietly has to remind himself that it’s all a part of their performance. “So I’m just a part of your collection?”
“It’s in the past, you’re special” Sion defends himself, holding desperately onto Yushi’s wrist before he yanks it out of Sion’s hold.
“Special? Just like the guy who undressed you with his eyes?”
“I made it pretty clear that I’m taken”
“Took you a fucking while”
The words startle Sion. It’s convincing, so much in fact that even Haechan gasps, brows knitting together in guilt.
“Guys i’m sorry-“
“It’s fine” Yushi cuts in before he’s able to apologize. “I just need some air” Then he storms off, but Sion isn’t that dumb. So he trails right behind, almost pathetically, as if Yushi has him on an invisible leash.
Sion can hear the whispers as he tries to catch up with Yushi. Some from people who have been not-so-quietly watching the entire ordeal. Some from people who are simply shocked he suddenly showed up in a committed relationship.
It doesn’t take a while before they reach Haechan’s bedroom. He squeezes himself between the sea of people, making it inside before Yushi has the time to slam the door on him.
Sion laughs loudly once it’s just the two of them, finding the way Yushi slides against the wooden surface in exhaustion amusing- cute almost.
“What a performance you put on out there, but I thought we were roleplaying a healthy couple” He utters between light giggles before flopping ass-first onto Haechan’s bed. “We can’t hide here all night”
Yushi shrugs. “Why? Couples disappear at parties all the time”
“Like you would know. You’re overwhelmed aren’t you?” Sion’s question only receives a weak nod. Great, he has gone non-verbal now.
“You don’t really party, do you?”
Another nod, it’s more tense than the last one, with Yushi’s eyelids half closed. Like he’s about to fall asleep on the damn floor.
“You’re a party virgin, aren’t ya?” Sion points out through a cocky grin.
Yushi exhales sharply this time. Much to Sion’s surprise- he gets up from the floor, dragging himself to where Sion is sitting. There’s a hand buried deep in his black locks before he knows it. Yushi pulls his hair, yanking until Sion’s neck is exposed- until he has no other choice but to look up at Yushi’s eyes.
He slaps a hand over Sion’s mouth. “One more word and I’ll actually kill you”
The threat is rather weak, but he can tell Yushi is sincere, genuinely drained. Still, Sion can’t help but smile widely underneath Yushi’s palm.
“Can’t kill me before our one month anniversary, remember?” He jokes through muffled words anyway, earning a stretched groan.
“I’m tired”
“And?”
“And hungry”
The banter is cut short by a loud knock, much to Yushi’s disappointment. His arms fall to the side, finally freeing Sion from his short-lived prison.
“It’s occupied!” He yells softly, trying to give more time for Yushi to calm down before diving back into the storm. The response is three frantic knocks, even louder than the one before. “We’re fucking!” Sion eventually yells.
The knocking comes to a complete halt, he celebrates internally- a feeling that doesn’t last long before Haechan’s bedroom door swings open, hitting the wall in a loud thud. Sion would be impressed if it didn’t leave an ugly dent.
A tattoo covered man practically flies through the opening. “Get your hands off my brother” He hisses.
“Yuta?” Yushi can only gasp, eyes widening in nothing but horror. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I’ve known Haechan for thirteen years” Yuta shoots right back, pointing an accusatory finger towards his apparent brother. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Sion can only watch the scene with his mouth wide open, like a dumbfounded fish as Yushi whines, completely looking past his brother’s question.
“You’ve never told me about a friend named Haechan”
“The gremlin who regularly tries to kiss me”
“You hate that guy!”
“No I don’t” Yuta denies. “We’re mutual co-depended enemies”
“Mutual co-depended enemies…” Yushi whispers to himself, eyebrows knitted trying to decipher the claim, looking at his own brother as if he has grown an extra head.
“And don’t change the topic” Sion flinches slightly as his eyes meet Yuta’s burning gaze. “Why do you have a boyfriend, and why is it Oh Sion?”
Truth be told, he has never encountered Yuta before. If there had been any interactions, then they must’ve been small, insignificant enough for Sion to quickly forget. But words about him travels quickly around here, so it doesn’t shock him that he’s being called out by his full government name.
Yuta clicks his teeth in disappointment. “He hasn’t even introduced himself”
“You just said my name sir.”
“Do I look like a sir to you?”
“Sorry si-“ His face scrunches up in pain as Yushi elbows him. “Hyung.” Sion eventually settles for the safe option.
Yuta cries hysterically towards his brother. “He can’t be your boyfriend!”
“I’m a grown adult” Yushi argues back, feet stomping like a true younger sibling.
“A grown adult would’ve told his brother about a boyfriend” Then he whips out his phone, pointing it towards Yushi like a petty threat. “I’m telling mom”
Yushi practically screeches. “No!”
It’s unusually loud, enough for Yuta to take a step back and look his brother up and down- as if he just saw a ghost.
He gulps, slowly putting his phone back into hiding. “Alright” Yuta huffs before glancing sharply at Sion. “Then I'll take care of you myself”
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
A good scolding would’ve done the trick. Sion had expected a loud interrogation. Hell, he had even expected his head on a stick. What he didn’t expect however, was to spend his dinner with Haechan.
Sion clears his throat. “Why are you here again?”
His question isn’t immediately answered- not before Haechan takes a messy chug of his beer, spilling some through the corner of his lips.
“This place makes a mean kimchi jjigae” He beams before leaning back against his wooden chair. “And I wanted to apologize”
It’s hard for Yushi’s sober brain to meet Haechan’s eyes, especially with Yuta’s grumpy expression souring the atmosphere. He pretends to think about it- rocking uncomfortably in his chair before shrugging.
“You’re forgiven” Yushi mumbles blankly, wearing his usual unreadable expression. A stark contrast to the disgusted grimace Sion is met with as he finally musters the courage to glance at Yuta’s direction.
Maybe it’s the way his body visibly tenses- or the way Yushi’s hand makes its way towards Sion’s thigh under the table as a subtle touch of comfort. But Haechan sighs, tugging Yuta’s sleeve in an attempt to grab his attention.
“I’m getting some broth, come” He points towards the free condiments, like a demand.
“You’re getting kimchi jjigae and broth?” Yuta questions dryly.
Haechan forces out a cough loud enough for the elderly around them to flinch at the sound. “I’m deadly sick”
“Then die”
“Fuck you” Yuta stops himself from falling flat on his face as Haechan drags him by the arm. “You’re scaring the kid” He eyes Sion pitifully.
“He’s pounding my brother”
Yushi shrieks. “I’ll pound your face” Haechan snaps back in a hurry, forcing Yuta away just as his younger brother gets ready to throw a pair of metal chopsticks across the table.
It would usually be words right out of Sion’s script- but they wouldn’t exactly benefit his current situation. They won’t get him his cupcakes, that’s for sure. So he stays put, watching stiffly as the pair disappears further into the restaurant.
“They’re looking” Yushi utters through his teeth.
Sion can tell. Yuta’s intimidating gaze isn’t something he can easily ignore. He’s like a predator quietly observing his prey. Their food has barely been touched, and which is odd for someone like him, with a bottomless pit for a stomach.
Just as Sion gets lost in his thoughts- Yushi’s voice brings him back.
“Do something romantic.”
It’s a straightforward request. Far from a lighthearted suggestion. Yet, Sion finds himself hesitating.
Something romantic.
Something romantic.
Something romantic?
The words play over and over again in his head- touch him? Should Sion touch him? Give him a hug? A kiss?
Yushi winces as Sion pulls his chair closer- unbelievably close, it’s almost intrusive. He doesn’t get the time to fully bury his hands in Yushi’s locks before he’s pulled away by the wrist.
“Are you crazy” He stresses. “They’re looking”
“You’ve said that”
“So do something sweet, don’t eat my fucking face”
Sion looks back at the last time he was met with an act of affection- an act that could be described as sweet. He eyes the untouched meat on their table. Riku isn’t big on meat, he’ll usually feed them sweets, huge slices of cake shoved down their throats in the middle of a shift. An act that reduces Daeyoung to a blushing mess more often than not.
He pulls Yushi back into his space. Then Sion tilts his chin, until he’s looking up with a pair of curious eyes. They’re big- really big. Yushi’s pupils go wide, until Sion can see his own reflection, perhaps even every star in the galaxy.
Yushi’s lips automatically open as Sion feeds him the bossam. He turns to the side and chews with a shy smile, cheeks stuffed with food.
The next move wasn’t exactly in his internal script, his body simply moves on its own. Sion cups Yushi’s cheeks before placing a light peck on his forehead. He’s stunned into silence, red from holding his breath.
“Sweet enough for you?” Sion taunts with a proud grin plastered on his face.
“Corny”
“Convincing”
“Sure” Yushi adds sarcastically, failing miserably to hide the shy smile on his face.
Sion is quickly reminded of the eyes on them once Yuta makes his way back. His expression has softened- less murderous after watching over them from afar. It doesn’t take a while before they get to the interrogation stage, Yuta barely allows Haechan’s bowl to hit the table before rapidly firing questions.
“How old are you?”
Sion straightens his back. “Twenty four sir-“ Fuck. “Twenty four hyung.”
Yuta only rolls his eyes before glossing over the mistake. “Your first relationship?”
“Yes”
“Favorite color?”
“Black I guess”
“Why are you interested in Yushi?”
Haechan groans. “Are you investigating him?”
“Look-“ Yuta snaps back in no time. “I’m just trying to figure out what the heir of O&H Construction likes about my brother”
The words seem to take Yushi by surprise. Because he freezes- body visibly tensing up in his seat. Perhaps Sion should’ve brought up the topic beforehand, or at least given him a heads up. But frankly, he’d rather die than mention his father in any type of conversation.
“You didn’t know?” Like clockwork, Yuta questions his brother’s reaction.
Yushi gives Sion a glare from the corner of his eyes. One that carries a combination of both curiosity and suspicion. “Of course I did” He lies.
It’s not convincing enough for Yuta to let his guard down. Even Haechan- who has quietly been supporting the pair, scratches his head in doubt.
Sion clears his throat awkwardly. “He’s cute…” He says. “I like how round his eyes are, it looks like he’s constantly frightened by the world. Same with his voice, it’s all soft and stuff-“
“Yushi likes the fatty parts.”
Sion’s movements come to a complete halt upon hearing Yuta’s words. He looks down at the lean meat between his chopsticks- hovering right above Yushi’s bowl.
It’s Haechan’s time to scoff. “You didn’t know?”
“Of course I did” Sion’s voice breaks before redirecting the samgyepsal into his own mouth. Yushi remains rather calm. As always, not a man of many words. But the way his eyes tremble in panic as he avoids Yuta’s gaze isn’t convincing, not in the slightest.
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
“We gotta work on this” Sion taps his steering wheel furiously- no. Nervously. Turns out, his little cupcake scheme isn’t a simple walk in the park after all.
“No shit” Yushi chews sluggishly around his third, perhaps even fourth chocopie.
“You just ate dinner”
“Yeah”
“And now you’re eating a box of chocopies”
“Yeah”
He doesn’t get the chance to utter another word before Yushi leans back against the leather seat, hands reaching to rub his belly playfully. “There’s always room for dessert” The statement is muffled, lips never letting go of his snack.
It’s fucking stupid. Stupidly cute.
Sion ignores the weird feeling in his stomach, simply glosses over it before giving Yushi an unimpressed glance. “Do you know how fucking weird you are?”
Yushi’s usual dry remarks never come. “I don’t, tell me” is uttered instead.
“A stranger offers you food and you start fake dating him”
“Says the stranger in question, offering yourself for your coworker’s cupcakes”
Sion groans. “Don’t talk about my first love like that”
“Your coworker?” Yushi snorts.
“His cupcakes.”
“Do you know how fucking weird you are?”
“I don’t, tell me” He challenges.
Yushi doesn’t budge, instead giving Sion a deadpanned look as he chews the last piece of his snack. “I don’t have all day” He’s curled on top of the car seat now, chin resting on his knees. “You gonna drive or not?” The question itself comes out innocently. But Sion spots the way Yushi’s eyes squint teasingly.
He doesn’t bother responding. Sion simply hits the gas, not before stealing a chocopie however. The only thing stopping a feral Yushi from jumping in defence being his seatbelt.
They drive in silence, with only the sound of Sion’s fifth Frank Ocean song filling the vehicle. It’s not awkward or anything, he’d describe it as rather comfortable. Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to hanging out with Yushi anyway. He’s looking out of his own window, humming to some of Sion’s favorite songs.
Yushi’s voice is light and clear. Refreshing almost. Like a cold glass of water after a long run.
The singing eventually comes to a halt. Yushi points to an empty bus stop, already undoing his belt before Sion has the time to react.
“This isn’t your house”
“A few minutes away, I’ll walk” He shuts the door before sticking his head through the open window. “I don’t give out my address to strangers”
Sion lifts a brow. “But you date them?”
The question unlocks a new expression from Yushi. A lazy grin, with the corner of his lips turned upwards mischievously. “Only the weird ones”
It leaves Sion stunned- speechless even. As always, Yushi is unpredictable. Maybe even an alien who somehow snuck himself into earth.
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
Sion looks good, he knows he does. Dressing up isn't unusual for him. Going the extra mile to look presentable is simply a part of his routine, no matter the occasion. Especially during days like this- days where he’s preparing for a date.
Not a real one, of course not.
It’s all just a part of their plan after all. You could call it a play date, or perhaps even practice for future scenarios. Much to his surprise, Yushi is the one who proposed the idea, a rather smart one if Sion may say so himself. That’s how he ends up in front of the mirror. Fixing his hair one last time before layering his freshly ironed polo shirt.
He planned a casual dinner, one at his favorite restaurant. There are roses waiting for Yushi downstairs, just to show dedication to the bit. Method acting if you will.
Sion takes one last look at himself. He skims over the details. His hair, clothing, jewelry- no flaws. A loud echo travels through the house as he opens his bedroom door. Sion doesn’t mind the sound, not like it’s preventable, not when the mansion is this empty anyway. It’s just him, his thoughts and a few housekeepers.
Just the usual. At least that’s what he thought before stepping into the living room. Sion is barely fazed by the sight he’s met with, it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
“Do you think i’m nonchalant?” Sakuya, the intruder, questions from Sion’s couch where he’s sat all-too-comfortably.
“The code was for emergencies”
“This is an emergency” His friend hisses. “I’m too nonchalant”
“Doesn’t seem like it” Sion lets out a deep sigh, taking one last look at Sakuya’s distressed state before plopping down next to him.
“Shut up” He snaps before crossing his arms like an annoyed child. “Do you know where Ryo is?”
“No-”
“At the movies” Sakuya interrupts, answering his own question. “Watching spiderman with some new friend, Chanwoo or whatever”
There’s a moment of silence. Partly to let Sakuya’s irritation die down, mostly so Sion has the opportunity to give him a long, judgmental glare.
But he can’t take the enemy’s side just yet, not before hearing his friend out first. “And?” Sion utters, as nicely as possible.
“I’m supposed to be his only friend” Sakuya rambles. “Why can’t Chanwoo find his own Ryo? Why does he have to steal my Ryo? This is ryonapping”
“Your Ryo?”
“My Ryo”
Sion isn’t one to run out of words. In fact, people have begged him to shut up more often than not. But the world is changing, flipped upside down even, because Oh Sion is yet again left baffled- speechless.
He takes Sakuya’s hand, gently-parenting him through his next question. “Have you opened up to Ryo about this?”
“Pffffft-” Then Sakuya scoffs, as if Sion had just uttered the dumbest question known to man. Like the option was never in the picture to begin with. “Why would I do that?”
“So he knows how you feel”
“That’s exactly why I’m not telling him”
“You’re nineteen” Sion tries to reason. “You can’t be an emotionally constipated teenager forever”
“Watch me” Sakuya says stubbornly. “Hag” He mumbles the last part. But Sion hears it clearly. Loud enough to grab the pillow next to him, arms coming in full swing, ready to launch at Sakuya before his housekeeper interrupts.
“Oh Sion” The elderly woman warns.
“Ajumma-“
“What did I tell you about killing the little one?” She scolds, taking his hand and giving a weak slap.
Sion gets a glance of Sakuya’s mocking grin through the corner of his eyes as his head hangs apologetically. “I’m sorry Mrs. Kim”
“Apologize to Sakuya.”
“I’m sorry Saku”
The little asshole has the nerve to smile.
“You better be” She ruffles his hair. “Choi alerted me” One of his guards, his dad’s guard. “Your guest just arrived” A bouquet of roses is shoved into Sion’s hands before he knows it.
Right. Yushi.
The thought of strangling Sakuya almost distracted him from their perfectly curated plan. Footsteps are heard just as Sion is about to kick him out, and suddenly, Yushi is standing in front of them. Accompanied by a housekeeper.
His jet black hair which usually falls softly against his forehead is slightly parted. Sion takes note of Yushi’s outfit. It looks put-together, a change from his every day baggy jeans and oversized sweater combination. He’s even wearing specs, thick black frames that look somewhat too big for his small face.
“Sakuya” He reaches out for Yushi’s hand, introducing himself before Sion is able to utter a compliment- or a word for that matter. “I suggested the whole fake dating thing” Sakuya announces proudly, too straightforward for Yushi’s brain to adapt.
“I’m great” He stumbles over his words. “I mean I’m Yushi. And that’s great.”
It doesn’t take Sion by surprise when Sakuya laughs shamelessly, like they’ve known each other for years.
“Man you’re fucking weird”
Yushi nods. “I get that a lot” Then he walks over to Sion, dragging his feet like they’re heavy. “You look good”
Oh.
Sion looks good, he knows he does. Yet, the words take him by surprise.
“You too” He whispers, because those are the only words he’s able to muster. Sion barely registers the thorns scraping his skin until Yushi looks down- eyes brightening in amusement.
“Are those for me?”
“Yeah”
And Yushi chuckles softly. “I like tulips”
“But?” Because he knows there’s more. Because Yushi happens to love pushing his buttons for his own enjoyment.
“But this will do…” He takes the flowers happily. “You’re getting better at this romance thing”
Not like it’s hard. Sion did his research after all, spending hours looking back at small moments between Riku and Daeyoung- observing couples online so he can put on a convincing act.
“Ready to go? Or do you want to compliment me all day?”
“I actually want to borrow the bathroom if that’s cool with you”
Sion is left alone with Sakuya and Yushi’s jacket in his arms as he’s directed away by a housekeeper. It smells like him, the jacket. It leaves a candy-like scent of sweet citrus.
Sakuya clears his throat once Yushi’s figure has completely disappeared from their sight. “I thought you were fake dating”
“We are”
Silence. And then-
“Oh” It’s a confused one, the kind that comes out like a question. “Anyway” Sakuya snaps out of it so quickly Sion’s brain completely brushes over the interaction.
He puts on a cap and a pair of suspicious sunglasses. “I’m going to the movies”
Sion’s expression twists, it's his time to be confused. “You said Ryo was at the movies”
“Yeah”
“Stalking is a crime”
“So is ryonapping”
There’s no point in fighting a determined Sakuya, so Sion simply rolls his eyes. “Try explaining that in court”
“God forbid I want to keep my best friend safe and sound” Then he’s out, legs working faster than lightning. Sakuya might think he’s being helpful, he might even think he’s being rightfully protective. But Sion simply thinks he’s being jealous and gay.
🥞⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
Family dinners are some of the only fond memories Sion is able to recall of his childhood. Sure, they would involve his father and a girlfriend of the month. But those days meant he didn’t have to eat alone at the very least.
It would generally be the same restaurant, his father’s favorite one- the one he had apparently taken Sion’s mom out on a first date at, a fact that’s engraved in his brain for some reason.
“Wow” Yushi breathes in awe, still watching the chandelier dangling above them. Sion is surprised his neck hasn’t snapped in half yet. “I feel under dressed”
Sion snorts at that. “You look great” he reassures, not a lie. “It’s a casual dinner”
“This is casual to you?”
He shrugs. “Yeah”
“Right…mister-heir-of-O&H construction” Yushi giggles when Sion groans in embarrassment. “So you own the grounds I walk on?”
“I don’t own shit”
He’s not convinced, Sion can tell by the way Yushi lifts a brow, looking at him as if he is the alien who snuck onto earth. The server doesn’t help Sion’s case, greeting him by his full name before offering their finest wine, which he accepts with a smile.
It’s quiet as they wait for the first course to come. Yushi glances around the venue- rather fascinated. Meanwhile, Sion’s eyes stay put on the man in front of him. Yushi’s face still shines despite the restaurant’s dimmed lights. He has seen good looking people before, no one like this however.
A pretty person who seems unaware of the fact.
“Have you been in love before?” The sudden question snaps Yushi’s neck back in place. Sion doesn’t know whether it’s his uncontrollable mouth or the alcohol talking.
“What?” He teases as a spiteful expression washes over Yushi’s face. “You can ask me if I’m a relationship virgin, but I can’t do the same?”
It’s a valid point, one that makes Yushi roll his eyes in defeat.
“I have”
The least surprising answer. Sion can tell he has experience with romance- the feeling of being loved.
He nods. “What happened?”
“It didn’t work out” Yushi says bluntly. “Once someone gains my trust, I’ll let them completely in. Once they lose it? I’ll back out, completely.”
Sion doesn’t want to question him any further, especially not when he looks like a kicked puppy trying to keep his composure.
“Have you ever been in love?” It’s Yushi’s time to ask, courage driven by luxurious wine.
“Relationship virgin, remember?”
“That’s not what I asked”
He’s quick with it, so much that it leaves Sion dumbfounded for a split second.
“I don’t think so”
It’s the truth, an honest answer. Sion has never felt the urge to leave himself vulnerable, to give his heart out on a platter for someone to take and take. He’s unsure of what to make out of Yushi’s expression. It’s not pity. Truth be told, Sion would hate for it to be pity. He would hate to seem weak- to seem like a pathetic existence in Yushi’s eyes.
Not many words are exchanged as they wait for their first course to arrive. Sion can tell Yushi is getting tipsy. From the way his cheeks heat up, to the way he giggles at even their smallest interactions.
It gets harder for Yushi to hold back his laughter at the sight of their food. He turns red. Not in a slightly flushed way anymore, but in a way that resembles suffocation.
“Are they feeding humans or ants? He points hysterically at the plate, drawing attention from people around them. “It’s microscopic”
Sion doesn’t really mind the stares. “There are seven courses”
“Just enough for a hamster”
It’s not funny, but he laughs silently. Sound trapped inside his chest. “Not my fault you’ve got the appetite of a whale”
“Look who’s talking” Yushi’s words are muffled around his medium rare steak. “Your appetite is the only reason we’re doing this, you should be getting on your knees and thanking me” His fork bounces back and forth between them.
Sion can only smile in amusement. It’s not every day you see a timid guy like Yushi this carefree, sipping his third glass of wine as he cracks jokes shamelessly.
“Don’t act like you’re not benefitting from this”
“You know what I’d benefit from right now?” Yushi rests an elbow on the table, cheek in his palm as he meets Sion’s gaze with a pair of anticipating eyes. “A burger. Wanna make me one?”
Fuck, it sounds delicious actually. “I don’t know how to make one” Sion utters in defeat.
Yushi wines. “So Wonbin was right”
“About what?”
“You being a logically challenged rich kid”
“Does he ever say something good about me?”
“Lots” Sion breath hitches as Yushi’s hand slowly makes its way on top of his fingers, toying with his rings. “But they’re a secret for now” He traces Sion’s veins before giving him a drowsy smile.
It takes about one single night for Sion to see through Yushi’s awkward front.
He shies away from attention, yet enjoys it, secretly smiling to himself when he assumes no one’s looking. His eyes speak louder than words. Yushi doesn’t verbalise his needs, but Sion could tell when he wanted less broccoli in his dish, or if his wine needed a refill. He loves to laugh, but he loves making people laugh more. Repeating an unheard joke over and over again until Sion can’t help but break out in a fit of giggles.
Tokuno Yushi isn’t much of a mystery after all.