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Kim Sunoo is not super fond of surprises.
He likes it when he’s the one planning the surprise, of course. Birthday parties for his roommate, best friend and favourite person on earth, Yang Jungwon, are a definite must.
No, the surprise is directed at himself.
Enter: Jake Sim.
His head pops up over his computer during the lunch hour. Both him and Sunoo are the only ones in their small office right now. The others have gone down to have lunch. Sunoo needs to finish up this article and Jake is doing God knows what.
“Hey Sunoo, could I ask you a favour?”
Sunoo winces. The last time Jake asked someone for a favour, it didn't go super well. Granted, Riki and Jake made up in the end and the former got his happy ending with the hottest man alive, Sunghoon. But still.
Internally, his voice screams no. Externally, curiosity gets the best of Sunoo as he replies, “What kind of favour?”
Jake looks up right at the camera above their heads then back down at Sunoo. “Not here. Come on, let’s get lunch already.”
So they eat at a different place from the others. Jake gets his usual fish and chips and Sunoo gets his usual fried rice dish. Then, Jake gets down to business.
“So. You know how Jay has a really huge down bad kinda thing for Heeseung, right?” Jake begins.
Sunoo drops his spoon. Interesting. Even worse, surprising. He sighs.
“What are you planning?” Sunoo asks with a frown.
“We should give him a helping hand. Get them together. I know Heeseung thinks Jay of his type but is too afraid to do anything about it,” Jake continues.
Sunoo rolls his eyes. “And what if we fail? What if we make Heeseung despise Jay instead?”
“For starters, Heeseung wouldn’t.”
“How are you so sure?”
“Because Heeseung really likes Jay too. I know this. Trust me.”
“And?”
“And you’re really good with all of this.”
Sunoo raises an eyebrow. “Define ‘this’.”
“Like. Romance. You wingman-ed for Jungwon and now he’s got a girlfriend. Isn’t that a good sign on your part?”
Well, Jake was somewhat right in that department. Jungwon was crushing on Youngeun for the longest time since their university days. Sunoo just did a bit of digging through his connections, set up a date between the two of them and now they’ve been dating for almost a year.
“So, do we have ourselves a deal?” Jake proposes.
To his utmost surprise, Sunoo nods.
“Deal.”
“Heard from the grapevine that you’re trying to get Heeseung and Jay together,” Jungwon, Sunoo’s roommate, informs the moment Sunoo steps into the apartment.
Sunoo only sighs. “Did Ni-ki tell you?”
Jungwon shrugs.
“That eavesdropping little bitch,” Sunoo curses.
“Hey, do what you want. But keep in mind, Heeseung’s your boss,” Jungwon warns. “You could honestly get fired.”
“I won’t get fired, Jungwon,” Sunoo reassures.
“Just looking out for you.”
Just then, Jungwon’s phone pings. He picks it up and reads the text, instantly smiling after.
“Was that Youngeun?”
“None of your business,” Jungwon snaps.
“Hey, watch your tone. She wouldn't even have known you existed if not for me.”
“And I thank you kindly everyday.”
Jungwon puts away his phone and gives Sunoo a hug. “Good luck getting fired!” He exclaims before going into his room.
It’s Friday. Thank the Lord. Sunoo absolutely knows for sure if he is given another assignment to complete under a terrible deadline, he will literally combust.
So there he is packing away his things, all ready to embrace the weekend.
That is until Jake pops up over the partition and shoots Sunoo a gigantic smile.
“Got my text?”
Sunoo did in fact get Jake’s text. About an hour ago, to be clear. He just didn't really bother to open it since it probably wasn’t that important. Seems like he might have been wrong.
He switches on his phone and reads Jake’s text. It appears that Jake has sent him an address. Sunoo raises an eyebrow at his pesky desk neighbour.
“What am I looking at?” He asks.
“Dinner,” Is all Jake says. Followed by, “You coming?”
Sunoo is dumbfounded. “Jake, are you asking me out?”
“What? No! It’s for the plan, silly.”
Oh. Sunoo blushes a bright shade of red. In the midst of all the research, the paperwork, the actual writing of the articles themselves and the horrific deadlines, Sunoo had completely forgotten all about Operation: True Love (HeeJay Edition).
“Shit, is that tonight?” Sunoo whispers.
Jake’s eyes widen. “You know, I could always reschedule! I’ll just tell them that you’re busy and—”
Sunoo shakes his head. “No. No. It’s fine. Maybe I need this dinner either way.”
He sighs. “What time are we meeting?”
“Does 8 sound good?”
“I’ll be there right on the dot.”
True to his word, Sunoo rushes his preparation when he reaches home. He puts on the first nice shirt and pair of jeans he can find. He slaps on his cushion foundation onto his face. As he runs for the bus, he applies his lip tint.
At eight on the dot, he is just behind Jake in the line to the restaurant.
“Hey, you managed to make it on time!” Jake exclaims.
He’s put on a nice outfit as well. It’s an all black casual smart outfit, to put it simply. Definitely different from what Jake usually wears at work. He even found the time to clean up a little. His hair is even gelled up and tousled. While Sunoo knew Jake has always been attractive, right now before him the man just looks downright handsome.
“I told you I would,” Sunoo says with a grin.
“How many of you?” The waitress asks.
“Four, please. Could we get a booth?”
The waitress brings them in and thankfully enough, the two of them are able to get a booth. According to Jake, it’s better to do wingmen activities in a close proximity. Or something.
“Do you think we’ll get fired from doing this?” Sunoo asks Jake first thing after they ordered.
Jake shakes his head. “Nah, we won’t.”
“And why is that?”
“Because like I said. You’re pretty good at this, Sunoo.”
“Why are you so adamant that I have such a good grip on romance?” Sunoo decides to ask. “You know I’ve never even dated, right?”
“Really?” Jake scoffs. “You?”
“Yeah! Is that so hard to believe?”
“I mean. 25 and you never had a relationship?”
“I mean I had crushes, duh. But I never really acted on them.” Sunoo leans back and folds his arms. “Why? Is it such a bad thing?”
“No, I’m just surprised because you’re so easy to fall for.”
Sunoo blinks. It feels like the world has suddenly stopped turning.
“Your drinks,” the waitress announces, placing the two’s drinks on tbe table.
Sunoo’s world goes back to normal. Jake keeps smiling.
“Thanks!” Jake takes a sip of his Iced Lemonade. Sunoo keeps staring at him, wondering how the man could act so sane like he didn't just utter the craziest thing ever.
Sunoo clears his throat. “So what about you? Have you dated?”
Jake shrugs. “Had like a girlfriend in highschool who I caught making out with an asshole I hated.”
Sunoo winces. “Damn, that must have sucked.”
“It really did.” Jake smiles. “But hey, enough about that. Do you want to know the full story about Sunghoon and Ni-ki?”
Sunoo nods enthusiastically. “Is that even a question?”
So Jake tells Sunoo the whole story of how Jake coerces his best friend into embarrassing his mortal enemy. Only, the twist in this little tale is that Ni-ki ends up falling for Sunghoon.
“So, I guess instead of Sunghoon being embarrassed… you were the one who got embarrassed?” Sunoo concludes.
“Unfortunately.” Jake grins. “Kidding. I’m happy for them. Or whatever.”
“Or whatever?” Sunoo asks.
Jake only grins once more. “But seriously, I’m really happy for them. They’re surprisingly good for each other. And now Ni-ki doesn’t have to bother me as much anymore.”
“Or me, for the matter.”
“Exactly!”
Their food arrives at long last. But Sunoo can barely even pay attention to how the grilled fish is melting on his tongue. He’s more focused on how Jake’s eyes glisten whenever he talks. The way he talks is so interesting too. Even the way he grins too. It’s a handsome, devilish grin that Sunoo is somewhat blinded by. Or maybe he is just so, so charmed by Jake Sim after all.
Interesting. Should he be thinking of such a revelation about a close friend? Let alone, a co-worker? Sunoo internally scoffs. Jungwon would have his head if Sunoo told him all about this. He would call him a scandalous whore etc. etc.
The worst part? Sunoo would not even disagree.
“Did you know that Sunghoon was like a famous figure skater when he was a kid?” Jake pipes up.
Sunoo shakes his head. “No, I did not.”
“Apparently, he was like. Really good. That’s why he got famous.”
Sunoo hums. “So why’d he quit?”
“Guess he just loved writing even more,” Jake assumes.
“Really? Thought it would be because he was scared I was gonna outskate him.” Sunoo chuckles. “Joking.”
“Did you skate as a kid?” Jake questions.
“A lot. But not ice-skating. Roller skating.”
There is a brief moment of silence as Jake stares at Sunoo. Then, he shoots up from his seat.
“Get up,” Jake suddenly commands.
“Um, okay.” Sunoo complies. He gets up.
Why the Hell is he getting up?
“Swear to God if you get me fired, Jake? I’m killing you first thing.”
There’s a snappy yet really beautiful girl at the front of the unknown building. Despite her unwelcoming attitude, Jake throws her a large smile.
“Thank you so, so much for doing this, noona. Love ya to bits. You know that, right?” Jake exclaims.
“Asshole,” The girl murmurs under her breath. She catches Sunoo’s eye. “So you’re the one and only Kim Sunoo?”
Sunoo nods. “Where the fuck are we?”
Hyeju snickers. She gives Jake a look. “You’re surprising him?”
Sunoo’s eyes widen. “What does she mean by that?”
Jake shakes his head. “It’s nothing too bad! I swear!”
Hyeju continues to laugh as she unlocks the door to the building. Now Sunoo is really getting terrified. He hates surprises. And no he doesn have any tragic backstory behind his hatred for them. He just hates them because he can.
“Jake, swear to God if you’re about to humiliate me or something,” Sunoo warns.
To another one of Sunoo’s unwarranted surprises, Jake takes his hand into his with a gentle smile. “It’s nothing, Sunoo. Hyeju-noona is just being dramatic. Do you trust me?”
No. “Kind of.”
“Then you have absolutely nothing to worry about,” Jake adds. “I promise.”
So Sunoo allows himself to be swept away by how warm it feels for Jake to hold his hand. He allows himself to venture into the unknown of this really dark and creepy building. He allows himself to realise how much he likes being so close to Jake, even if it means him falling into grave danger.
Sunoo realises that Jake could turn out to be a serial killer and he would simply turn a blind eye.
Is that a weird thing to realise? Sunoo has to ponder about this another time.
In the distance, Hyeju switches on the lights in the room. Lights flicker on and the room comes to life.
Sunoo’s jaw drops.
“I told you,” Jake says. “Nothing to worry about.”
A roller rink. Jake Sim, his co-worker and his friend, has brought him to a place where his childhood once lived.
“So, I’ll be in the back catching up on my assignments,” Hyeju announces. “You two can handle shit on your own?”
Jake nods. “Thanks again, Hyeju!”
Hyeju rolls her eyes. Even from a slightly far distance, Sunoo can still her mouth the words, “You owe me.”
“Hey, it’s an even deal! I wingman-ed for you the other night!” Jake retorts.
Wingman? But Sunoo does not get to ask. Hyeju has slammed the door after giving Jake the middle finger and Jake is looking at him with those same beautiful brown eyes one could get lost into.
“So, you wanna skate?” Jake offers.
In record time, Sunoo excitedly slips on his skates and rolls out onto the rink. Jake manages to get the speakers on and connected to his phone. With Tinashe playing in the background, Sunoo skates like his life depends on it.
Okay, dramatic. But he’s definitely skating really fast around the rink. He’s going round and round in circles. He’s laughing and giggling, feeling all of the feelings he once felt as a kid.
He slows to a stop near the barrier of the rink as he reaches to where Jake is watching him skate.
“Are you not getting on the rink?”
Jake shrugs. “Not my thing.”
“Laaaaame,” Sunoo scoffs.
“Hey, it’s not my fault I don't know how to skate!” Jake defends himself.
Sunoo gapes. “You don’t know how to skate?”
“Never liked being on wheels. It always seemed really dangerous.”
“You literally have a driving license,” Sunoo points out.
“Well, that’s more of a necessity…”
Sunoo sighs. “Come on, go get your skates. I’ll teach you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah? Don’t act so surprised now.”
Jake chuckles. He gets his skates and slowly steps out onto the rink.
“Okay! That’s a start.”
Jake scowls. “Fair reminder that I’m just a beginner?”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Sunoo says with a smile. He reaches out his arms for Jake to hold on to.
“Okay. Slowly, now. Left foot first. Then right. Got it?” Sunoo guides.
“Left. Right,” Jake mutters. “Got it.”
They start off slow. Left. Right. Sunoo ensures that Jake maintains the pace. He’s also realizing that he’s teaching a man definitely much taller than him to skate. Okay, no. The height difference between them isn't that huge. Keeping in mind that this is a topic the two of them love to bicker about. It always ends whenever Riki steps in to ruin the fun with his 6 foot tall ass.
Anyway.
Jake is nice to be around. He’s also seemingly getting the hang of skating too.
Sunoo beams. “There you go!”
Just as Sunoo is about to let go, Jake’s grip tightens.
“Wait, don’t go yet,” he says.
“What? Why? You’re doing so well!” Sunoo exclaims.
“I still want you close to me. Is that a bad thing?” Jake admits.
Against his will, Sunoo’s cheeks burst into flames.
“Um….” He stupidly stutters.
Jake only looks at him with those stupid brown eyes.
“Fine. I’ll hold your hand,” Sunoo retaliates. He skates around to be next to Jake and takes Jake’s hand into his. “This okay?”
Jake nods, smiling. “Better even.”
Sunoo rolls his eyes. “Shut up.” Then, he returns the smile.
They skate for at least one round before picking up the pace. Jake begins a conversation about work related stuff which then turns into Sunoo wondering if Riki and Sunghoon will ever get married which then turns into Jake going on a tangent about a specific quantum physics theory Sunoo has no clue about to Sunoo asking if Heeseung and Jay even have great chemistry for the whole workplace to want to set them up together to….
“Oh my God.”
Sunoo lets go of Jake’s hand. He stops skating.
“Sunoo?” Jake stops skating too. He turns around. “Is everything alright?”
“Heeseung and Jay are already dating, aren't they?” Sunoo says.
“Um.”
Sunoo gives Jake a dumbfounded look. “Did you just trick me into going on a date with you?”
Jake sheepishly smiles. “Surprise…?”
Sunoo takes a step forward. “Is that why we got a booth? So it seemed less suspicious that we weren't actually eating as a group?”
“Well, yes. But…”
“And you weren't kidding when you said I was so easy to fall for?”
Jake slowly nods.
“Why?” Sunoo presses. There’s an answer he’s truly seeking.
“Because…”
“Because?”
“I like you,” Jake finally says. “I really, really like you.”
Sunoo smiles. “I knew it.”
“Think I’ve liked you since we first met. You were so nice and cool and really cute and well, pretty. And we kept talking but you really only saw me as a friend.”
“So why didn't you just ask me out earlier?”
“I was scared.”
“I’m not that scary! Am I?”
Jake shrugs. “Most of the time.”
Sunoo playfully hits him in the chest.
“Hey!” Jake yelps.
“Asshole. That’s how you wanna confess to me? By saying I’m scary?”
“Fine, not scary. Intimidating. Plus, I really didn't want to make shit awkward if you didn't like me back. I didn't want to lose what we had,” Jake continues.
Sunoo hums. “Okay. Cool. You wanna kiss me now?”
Jake blinks. “Um—”
Sunoo doesn't let him finish. He pulls Jake in by the collar and simply lets his lips do the talking for the two of them.
So yeah.
Sunoo hates surprises.
But maybe, just maybe, this one isn’t so bad after all.
When Sunoo enters his apartment the next morning after a great night spent with his Prince Charming (read: Jake), he is face to face with his greatest enemies.
“Heard from the grapevine that you fucked Jake Sim into oblivion,” Jungwon says next to a Riki who bursts into laughter.
Sunoo’s eyes widen. “Riki!”
jake
had a fun night x
u ready for round 2?
sunoo
In ur dreams
jake
ok hot
sunoo
ewwwwwww
jake
but seriously
when r u free
sunoo
i’ll text u
no more surprises
ok?????
jake
not guaranteed x
sunoo
you’re lucky i like you
jake
:)