Archive of Our Own

“Aish, get a room,” Beomgyu muttered under his breath, though he immediately regretted it—technically, they already were in one.

Peeking around the corner of the hallway, he was greeted by the sight of Soobin and Yeonjun tangled up on the couch like a pair of lovesick octopuses. Yeonjun, as usual, was perched slightly too close, Soobin's arm slung casually around his shoulder. Soobin was practically glowing, a shy smile plastered across his face as Yeonjun leaned in, whispering something that made him erupt into another fit of giggles.

Beomgyu resisted the urge to gag.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered, retreating to his room to grab his sneakers. It wasn’t that he hated Yeonjun—actually, scratch that, he did kind of hate him right now. Not personally, of course. It was just the nauseating way Yeonjun had turned his normally shy and reserved childhood friend into this lovesick fool. Soobin was supposed to be Beomgyu’s rock, the steady presence in his life who didn’t flail at compliments or let himself get distracted by stupid things like whispering sweet nothing's and cheeky smiles.

Except, apparently, that’s exactly what he was doing.

“You’re still here?” Soobin’s voice floated down the hall, saccharine and way too cheerful.

Beomgyu poked his head back out, scowling. “Clearly. I can’t even sit in the living room anymore without witnessing whatever that is.” He gestured vaguely toward the couch, where Yeonjun gave him a lazy grin and waved.

“Hi, gyu,” Yeonjun said, annoyingly cheerful.

Beomgyu ignored him. “Anyway, I’m leaving. Don’t wait up. Or do. I don’t care.”

Soobin gave him a slightly guilty look but didn’t stop him as Beomgyu shoved on his sneakers. The fact that Soobin didn’t even try to apologize made him want to scream. Soobin was always like this when Yeonjun came over—caught in his orbit and entirely oblivious to the rest of the world, including him, who was currently being evicted from his own home.

“Are you okay, though?” Soobin asked hesitantly, his attention finally shifting. “You seem kind of... grumpy.”

Beomgyu shot him an incredulous look. “Oh, now you notice. I’m great, Soobin. Living the dream.” He grabbed his phone and stuffed it into his pocket. “Have fun being gross together.”

With that, he slammed the door behind him, stepping out into the rain with a dramatic flourish that would’ve made any k-drama actor proud.

Beomgyu hadn’t always been this annoyed—or bitter, for that matter. Back in Busan, his life had been...fine. Predictable, even. He’d been an assistant at a local TV station, which mostly involved fetching coffee and getting yelled at by older directors who thought he was too young and too opinionated for his own good. After two years of enduring their snide remarks and grueling schedules, Beomgyu had finally had enough. When a small production company in Seoul reached out with an offer for him to work as a producer, he hadn’t thought twice about packing up his life and moving to the city.

At first, it had been exciting—new job, new opportunities, new challenges. But the reality of living in Seoul quickly set in. Rent was astronomical, and finding a place to live on his budget had been impossible until Soobin, his childhood friend, had offered to share an apartment with him. It seemed like the perfect arrangement: Beomgyu got to save money, and he’d have someone he trusted to share the ups and downs of city life.

What he hadn’t accounted for was Yeonjun.

Soobin’s boyfriend was a recent addition to their lives, and while Beomgyu didn’t begrudge his friend a little happiness, it had thrown off the delicate balance of their home life. What used to be quiet evenings spent playing video games or eating ramen together had turned into Beomgyu feeling like a third wheel in his own living room. It wasn’t that Yeonjun was rude or anything—if anything, he was annoyingly nice. Too nice. And he seemed to enjoy poking fun at Beomgyu, knowing it riled him up.

Still, Beomgyu couldn’t exactly blame Soobin for wanting to spend time with his boyfriend. After all, Beomgyu wasn’t exactly thriving in the romance department himself. Between his chaotic job and his own tendency to sabotage anything resembling a relationship, he hadn’t even been on a proper date in months.

“Not that it matters,” Beomgyu muttered as he stepped out into the rain, pulling his hood over his head. The city stretched out before him, the neon lights reflecting off puddles on the pavement. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off his annoyance. It wasn’t Soobin’s fault he felt so out of place lately. This was his chance to build a life for himself in Seoul, and he wasn’t going to waste it feeling sorry for himself.

The rain soaked through his hoodie almost immediately, and he cursed under his breath, shoving his hands into his pockets as he trudged towards the convenience store. At least he could kill some time with snacks and energy drinks before heading back to the love nest his apartment had apparently become.

“Stupid Soobin. Stupid Yeonjun. Stupid rain,” he grumbled. “If this isn’t rock bottom, I don’t want to know what is.”

The rain seemed to pour harder in response, as if the universe had heard him and decided to play along. He kept walking, determined to stay out as long as possible. Anywhere was better than his apartment, currently occupied by Seoul’s reigning king and queen of domestic bliss.

So, naturally, his night got worse.

Out of nowhere, something hard and metallic jabbed into his side making him halt on his steps. “Ow, what the—” Before he could finish, his hoodie snagged on something, yanking him sideways with an awkward stumble. The next sensation was even worse—a sharp, unforgiving jab directly to his crotch.

Beomgyu’s eyes widened as pain radiated through his body, paralyzing him for a moment. His knees buckled, and he let out a strangled sound that was half gasp, half groan. He clutched himself, staggering backward. He doubled over, his life flashing before his eyes—or at least, the most humiliating moments of it.

Is this how it ends? he thought, his breath hitching as the pain surged through him. I’ve been through a lot—final exams, breakups, the absolute disaster that was Soobin’s attempt at baking brownies—but nothing prepared me for this. This isn’t pain; this is divine punishment.

He peered up at his assailant, only to see a wide-eyed boy frantically folding and unfolding the cursed umbrella like it was some kind of malfunctioning robot.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” the boy sputtered, his voice high-pitched with panic. “I didn’t mean to—I mean, I didn’t think—oh no, are you okay? Do I call someone? Are you dying?”

Dying? Beomgyu wanted to laugh—or cry. If death would save me from this humiliation, I might consider it. Instead, he groaned loudly, “You—you’ve completely ruined my entire night!”

“I didn’t mean to!” the boy wailed, his face flushing an alarming shade of red. “The umbrella—it’s defective! It’s not my fault!”

Beomgyu groaned again, bending slightly at the waist. He took a deep breath before moving to stand up. It took him a couple of minutes before he finally managed to straighten up, though his posture was still awkwardly hunched. 

“Oh sure,” Beomgyu said, his voice dripping with sarcasm but still strained. “Blame the umbrella. ‘Your Honor, it was the inanimate object that attacked his poor, defenseless crotch. Not me.’”

The boy’s flustered expression grew even more intense, and he waved the offending umbrella in the air as if it could plead its own case. “It wasn’t supposed to open like that! It just—it got stuck, and I panicked!”

Beomgyu opened his mouth for another snarky retort, but his words caught in his throat as he finally looked at the guy properly. Despite the rain plastering his hair to his forehead and soaking his clothes, there was something oddly striking about him. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones gave him an almost statuesque quality, but his round eyes, now wide with panic and guilt, are completely what made Beomgyu stop.

His black hair clung to his face, and his dark sweater looked like it had been through a storm (which, to be fair, it had). He was lean, with the kind of build that suggested strength but not bulk, and his expression was so earnestly apologetic that it made Beomgyu falter for a moment.

The guy blinked, clearly waiting for him to say something.

Beomgyu’s brain caught up a second too late, and he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “You look like a wet cat.”

The guy’s mouth fell open, his earlier panic replaced by him getting caught off guard. “What?” he said, his voice a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Beomgyu’s brain stalled as he realized what he’d just said. His eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing like a goldfish as he tried to backtrack. “I—I didn’t mean—you just—you look—” he spluttered, feeling the tips of his ears burn.

The other tilted his head, his damp hair plastered to his forehead and water dripping from the end of his nose. The sheer innocence of his expression only made Beomgyu flail harder. “A wet cat? That’s what you think I look like?”

Beomgyu crossed his arms, his annoyance flaring up as a defense mechanism. Plus the slight throbbing of his front is still present. “Well, I’m not wrong, am I? You’re drenched, your hair’s all messy, and you’re giving me those wide, guilty eyes. It’s very wet cat energy.”

the boy’s eyebrows shot up, his jaw dropping slightly before he recovered. “I was apologizing! I literally just said sorry for almost ruining your ability to walk, and now I’m getting compared to a stray animal?”

“You know what? Forget it,” Beomgyu said, throwing up his hands. “This is just the cherry on top of my already terrible day. Thanks for that.”

The guy hesitated, his expression softening slightly. “Look, I really am sorry. Are you… okay? For real?”

Beomgyu was preparing for a retort, but the sincerity in the guy’s voice made him pause. He let out a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his already-soaked hair. “I’ll survive. Barely.”

The guy blinked at him, then offered a tentative smile. It was small, but it was enough to catch Beomgyu off guard again.

“Let me make it up to you,” the guy said suddenly, his voice more certain now. “I’m on my way to the convenience store. Let me buy you something. As an apology.”

Beomgyu considered this for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “Fine. But only because I need snacks, and you owe me.”

The guy gave a short laugh, finally relaxing. “Fair enough. I’m Kang Taehyun, by the way.”

“Choi Beomgyu,” he replied, falling into step beside Taehyun, who was still struggling valiantly with the world’s most uncooperative umbrella.

“It’s dead, Taehyun,” Beomgyu said solemnly, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “Let it go.”

Taehyun shot him a sidelong glare, though his cheeks were tinged pink. “I can’t just let it go. It’s the only umbrella I have, and I’m not walking all the way back to my apartment looking like a drowned rat.”

Beomgyu snorted. “Hate to break it to you, but it’s a little late for that.”

Taehyun stopped abruptly and turned to him, holding the umbrella aloft like a sword. “Do you want me to hit you again?”

“Again?” Beomgyu gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “You’ve already ruined my chances of ever having children. What more could you possibly do?”

Taehyun groaned, his earlier flustered apologies bubbling to the surface again. “I said I’m sorry! I don’t know how many more ways I can say it! It was an accident, okay?”

Beomgyu rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t completely hide the amused smirk tugging at his lip. 

They walked in silence for a moment, the rain soaking through their clothes. Beomgyu’s hood was starting to fail, and water dripped down the back of his neck, making him shiver. He glanced at Taehyun, whose sweater was now thoroughly drenched, and sighed.

“Come here,” he muttered, his voice reluctant.

Taehyun blinked at him, eyes going wide as he looked at Beomgyu. “What?”

“Just—ugh, come here,” Beomgyu said, stepping closer and flipping up his hoodie to drape it awkwardly over both their heads. It was a tight fit, and Taehyun had to stoop slightly to squeeze under it.

“You’re sharing your hoodie?” Taehyun asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

“Don’t make it weird,” Beomgyu grumbled. “I don’t need you passing out from hypothermia and making my night even worse.”

Taehyun bit back a laugh. “You’re so generous, Beomgyu. Truly, a saint among men.”

“Shut up,” Beomgyu muttered, though his cheeks reddened slightly.

As they shuffled along, pressed close under the makeshift shelter, Taehyun glanced up at Beomgyu, his expression softening and his cheeks tainted red a little. “Thanks,” he said quietly.

Beomgyu looked down at him, surprised by the genuine gratitude in his voice. For a moment, he forgot about the rain, the pain, and even the ridiculous umbrella. “Don’t mention it,” he mumbled, his voice softer now.

When they finally arrived, the convenience store was brightly lit and oddly cheerful compared to the dreary rain outside.

Beomgyu casually browses through the candy section. He tossed a few bags of gummy bears into his basket, followed by a couple of chocolate bars. His impulse control when it came to sweets was practically nonexistent, and he didn’t mind indulging in his cravings, especially when he was in a bad mood. The whole situation with Soobin earlier had soured his night, and sugary treats were the quickest fix.

When he's done and going to pay for his snacks, he got distracted by the display of energy drinks and didn’t notice Taehyun already standing at the counter, starting to dig out his wallet. Taehyun placed his pile of snacks on the counter, but instead of stopping there, he casually tossed Beomgyu’s selection on the conveyor belt as well, not even giving him a chance to protest.

Beomgyu looked up, blinking in surprise. “What are you—?” he started, but Taehyun was already handing over cash to the cashier, his face a bit flushed from the recent awkwardness.

“Just... an apology,” Taehyun mumbled, his voice a little sheepish. “For... well, the umbrella incident. I owe you one for that. And also because I said I'd buy you something.”

Beomgyu’s eyes widened, but he couldn’t hide the small hint of amusement in his gaze. “You don’t have to pay for my stuff,” he protested, though his voice lacked any real force. But if he's offering…

“I insist,” Taehyun said, his tone firm but awkward, clearly trying to avoid eye contact. The cashier raised an eyebrow at their back-and-forth but didn’t comment. Instead, he just rang up their items and handed him the change.

When he's done, he hands Beomgyu his own separate plastic of snacks giving him a small smile. 

“Thanks,” Beomgyu muttered before they both walked out. 

Outside the convenience store, the rain hadn’t let up in the slightest. If anything, it seemed even more determined to drench everything in its path. Taehyun stood on the curb, cradling his plastic of snacks and his useless umbrella like a child clutching a broken toy.

“So, uh,” Taehyun started, his tone awkward but sincere. “Thanks for… not killing me. And for putting up with me after, you know, the incident.”

Beomgyu snorted, crossing his arms. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m still deciding whether to press charges for emotional damage.”

Taehyun laughed, a soft, genuine sound that made Beomgyu blink in surprise. He hadn’t expected it to sound so... nice.

“Seriously, though,” Taehyun said, his expression shifting to something more earnest. “I’m really sorry. For hitting you. And for the chaos. Anyway, I should get going.” 

Taehyun adjusted his grip on the plastic. “My bestfriend is probably waiting for his snacks. He made me promise not to come back empty-handed.” He waved his other hand where he's holding the umbrella, “Thus he lent me this umbrella.” 

Beomgyu nodded and snorted, seeing the sorry excuse of an umbrella, though an odd pang of disappointment bloomed in his chest. He brushed it aside. “Yeah, wouldn’t want to disappoint the mastermind behind the umbrella of doom.”

Taehyun laughed again, his smile widening, and Beomgyu caught himself staring. There was something annoyingly endearing about the way his dimples framed his smile, the way his cheeks flushed just slightly when he laughed. It was… cute, not that Beomgyu would ever admit it out loud.

Taehyun took a step toward the rain, then paused, looking at Beomgyu. “What about you? Aren’t you heading back?”

“Nah,” Beomgyu said, shrugging. “I’m staying here for a bit. My apartment’s… occupied.”

“Ah,” Taehyun said knowingly, his lips twitching into a half-smile. “Roommates?”

“Something like that,” Beomgyu muttered, shaking his head.

Taehyun gave a small nod, then looked down at his umbrella with a sigh. “Guess it’s back to braving the rain.”

Beomgyu hesitated, glancing at Taehyun’s soaked sweater and the sorry state of his umbrella. Before he could overthink it, he tugged off his hoodie and held it out.

“Here,” he said, his voice gruff to mask the awkwardness.

Taehyun blinked at him in surprise. “What? No, I can’t take that—it’s already wet, anyway.”

“It’s better than nothing,” Beomgyu said firmly, thrusting it toward him. “Just take it. You’ll catch a cold walking back like that.”

“But—”

“Don’t argue with me, Kang Taehyun,” Beomgyu interrupted, fixing him with a mock glare. “I’m not about to let you keel over and make me feel guilty about it.”

Taehyun stared at him for a moment, his cheeks reddening, before finally taking the hoodie. “Thanks,” he mumbled, pulling it over his head.

Beomgyu nodded, suddenly feeling weirdly self-conscious. “Yeah, well. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Taehyun’s smile returned, softer now, and he waved a hand as he stepped into the rain. “Goodnight, Beomgyu.”

“Yeah,” Beomgyu called after him, watching as he walked down the street, the hoodie slightly too big on him. “Goodnight.”

Taehyun turned to wave again, his face half-hidden by the hoodie, and Beomgyu caught the faint flush still coloring his cheeks.

As the rain swallowed him up, Beomgyu stood under the store’s awning, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

“Cute,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

+×+

A few weeks had passed since that rainy night at the convenience store, yet Beomgyu couldn't shake the memory of Taehyun. It wasn’t just the chaotic umbrella incident, though that was still a favorite story for him to tell (mostly for his own amusement). No, it was the small things: the way Taehyun’s eyes widened in genuine panic, how his dimples appeared whenever he smiled, and how that damn blush spread across his cheeks every time he got flustered. It was maddening. Beomgyu didn’t even understand why it stuck with him—he barely knew the guy. But there it was, Taehyun’s image hanging at the edge of his mind like a stubborn, unshakeable thought.

The past few weeks had been a blur of work for Beomgyu. The demands of his new role as a PD were both thrilling and draining. The tight schedules, the long hours, the endless meetings—it was enough to keep his mind occupied. But somehow, between the chaotic edits, the never-ending script revisions, and the constant chatter of his best friend Soobin, Taehyun’s cute, flustered face always seemed to pop up when Beomgyu least expected it. Maybe it was the way his voice trembled when he apologized, or the way he tried so hard to explain himself, even if he made the situation more awkward than it needed to be. 

But ever since that night, they hadn't crossed paths again, much to his disappointment.

Currently, Beomgyu’s mind was all over the place as he rushed down the street, coffee in hand, trying to make up for the time lost to Soobin’s relentless attempts at waking him up this morning. It was a rare morning where Beomgyu had slept through his alarm, only to be greeted by Soobin’s half-hearted “wake up!” that usually consisted of a pillow thrown at his face and a few extra minutes of grumbling. Now, late for work and already irritated, Beomgyu practically sprinted to his office, weaving between pedestrians, his coffee dangerously close to splashing all over him. His thoughts were occupied with all the things he needed to do for the day, completely unaware of the figure rapidly coming his way.

And then, just like that, they collided.

The impact was sudden and jarring. Beomgyu’s heart leapt into his throat as the force of the crash knocked him back a few steps. His arms flailed, trying to steady himself, but it was no use. He felt a weight crash into him, and next thing he knew, he was flat on his back and his coffee splattered across the sidewalk.

And then, as if in some twisted version of fate, the stranger’s face dropped right in front of Beomgyu’s crotch.

Beomgyu froze.

Really?

"Are you seriously kidding me?" Beomgyu groaned under his breath as he lay there, stunned for a moment, trying to gather himself. His coffee was lost, and to top it all off, he couldn’t move because someone had literally fallen on top of him.

And then, just as Beomgyu was trying to process how absolutely ridiculous this was, he heard a muffled, apologetic voice above him. Movements so messy that the hands of the stranger somehow managed to worsen the deal, it's going anywhere Beomgyu's lower body.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry! Are you okay? I—”

Beomgyu looked down, blinking in disbelief, and his heart dropped into his stomach when he saw the familiar face.

It’s him. It’s freaking Kang Taehyun again.

Taehyun looked just as flustered as he did the first time they'd met, his face red, hands flailing to push himself up, and his book now crumpled beneath them both. His expression was a perfect mix of embarrassment, confusion, and mortification because who falls on top of a stranger with their face falling onto their crotch?

Beomgyu just stared at him for a second, speechless. His brain couldn’t quite catch up with the absurdity of the situation. Why was this happening again? Was he cursed? Did Taehyun have some kind of vendetta against his crotch?

“Taehyun,” Beomgyu finally muttered, his tone flat and exhausted.

Taehyun’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with recognition. “Oh my god, not you again.” His voice was a little strained, and he quickly pushed himself off Beomgyu, looking frantic and apologetic. “I am so sorry! This is... I swear I didn’t mean to do that! I was just reading, and then I—”

Beomgyu groaned, raising a hand to his forehead as he sat up, still feeling the aftershocks of the impact. “Are you always this clumsy?” he asked, voice dripping with sarcastic amusement. Despite his heart thumping fast because it's really Taehyun! 

“First the umbrella, now this. Seriously, you’re going to put me in the hospital one of these days.”

Taehyun looked genuinely mortified, and his face flushed deeper. “I... I don’t know how this keeps happening,” he stammered, holding up his book like it was a shield. “I wasn’t looking where I was going, and I didn’t see you, and—”

“And somehow you always end up putting me in danger,” Beomgyu finished for him, an exasperated laugh escaping his lips. “Do you have some sort of complex with my crotch, or is this just a weird coincidence?” He couldn’t help himself. The situation was so ridiculous that all he could do was laugh.

Taehyun’s face turned even redder, and he scrambled to gather his book and belongings. “I swear, I don’t! It’s not intentional, I—”

Beomgyu raised a hand, cutting him off. “Relax. It’s fine. It’s not like you actually hurt me or anything. But really, we need to stop meeting like this.” He slowly got to his feet, brushing off his pants and wincing slightly at the jolt of pain from the impact.

Taehyun was already standing, looking more flustered than ever as he tried to adjust his disheveled appearance. “I really am sorry,” he repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. He gave Beomgyu a nervous smile, his hands still holding his book like a lifeline.

Beomgyu just shook his head, his frustration melting away as he let out another laugh. “It’s fine, Taehyun. But I’m really starting to think the universe has a weird sense of humor.”

“Well, I’m definitely the punchline,” Taehyun said with a sheepish grin.

Beomgyu raised an eyebrow, his usual snark slipping back into place. “You sure are.” He glanced at the remains of his coffee on the sidewalk and sighed. “Great. My coffee’s ruined. My morning is ruined. And now you’re here... again.”

“I’ll buy you a new one,” Taehyun offered, his expression a mixture of guilt and determination. “But not right now, I have an exam and I'm almost late.”

“Wait, you're still in university? How old are you?” Beomgyu looked at Taehyun, clearly studying him. He took a glimpse of Taehyun's book that he's clutching, “Theories of Personality”. And wait is that his hoodie he's wearing? The one he lent him the first time they met. It made Beomgyu's heart go haywire knowing Taehyun was wearing it and didn't throw it or something. “And is that my hoodie?”

Taehyun glanced down at himself as though just realizing what he was wearing. “Oh. Uh. Yeah.” He tugged at the hem, his blush deepening. “I meant to give it back, I swear! I just… kind of… kept it?” 

He smiled sheepishly, “And yeah, I'm a graduating student actually. I'm taking up Psychology. And I'm 22”

The hoodie swamped Taehyun’s smaller frame, the faded fabric somehow looking better on him than it ever had on Beomgyu. The sight stirred something strange and unfamiliar in his chest. Then he shook his head, staring at Taehyun, completely stunned. “You’re that young?” He felt an unexpected jolt of surprise. Taehyun looked so... mature, almost professional with his careful words and thoughtful demeanor. But hearing that Taehyun was a college student—still at that age of chaotic youth and uncertainty—felt almost like a punch to the gut. Beomgyu could barely remember what it was like to be a student in college (he's just 25, but still).

Taehyun chuckled nervously, scratching his neck. “You’re not the first person to think I’m old enough, but... yeah, I’m a senior.”

Then Taehyun looked down at the hoodie again, clearly contemplating if he'll take it off and give it back to Beomgyu, which is the most natural thing to do but he kind of likes the hoodie, though.

Beomgyu noticed Taehyun's expression, “Don't worry about that hoodie, you can keep it.”

Taehyun looked up at him, eyes wide in shock, and doing things to Beomgyu's poor heart. Taehyun's eyes really can melt hearts. 

“Really?” He asked in awe.

Before Beomgyu can respond, Taehyun's phone lights up with a notification. His eyes widened as he read the message looking at Beomgyu. “Shit, okay– uhm how about you give me your phone number so that I can treat you to a coffee some time? I really need to take my exam right now.” 

With Taehyun's wide eyes looking at him almost pleadingly, he sighed. There's no more room for arguing here and it's not like he can stop Taehyun when he's already late himself. He quickly typed in his number and call himself so that he can have Taehyun's number as well. 

Taehyun take his phone from him, smiling sheepishly at him. “So, uh I'm sorry again for… you know.” Taehyun averted his gaze lower from Beomgyu's face to his front, flushing before looking anywhere. 

“A-and–”

“And practically falling onto my crotch and wasting my coffee?” Beomgyu couldn't help it but he's satisfied seeing Taehyun's face becomes red with embarrassment. Clearly trying his hardest not to look at Beomgyu's low body again. 

“Y-yeah… I'll s-see you soon. And thank you for the hoodie!” Taehyun bowed slightly before practically sprinting, his ears much redder.

Beomgyu shakes his head, a smile plastered on his lips. Well, what a morning indeed.

+×+

After their chaotic sidewalk collision and the revelation that Taehyun was a graduating college student, Beomgyu wasn’t exactly expecting to hear from him again. But true to his word, Taehyun texted him that same evening.

Taehyun: Hey, this is Taehyun. The human disaster who ruined your coffee this morning. I owe you one. Let me make it up to you properly? How about we meet tomorrow for that coffee? If you're free, that is.

Beomgyu had stared at the message for a good five minutes, debating whether to reply. He wasn’t sure if he was more amused or annoyed, but there was something oddly endearing about Taehyun’s earnestness. So, against his better judgment, he texted back.

Beomgyu: Fine. But only because I can’t keep enduring my mornings without caffeine. You’re lucky I’m nice.

That one coffee outing turned into two, then three, and soon it became a regular occurrence. It wasn’t even planned most of the time; they’d bump into each other at the café or exchange casual texts. Their "meet-ups" ranged from grabbing coffee to quick lunches, and occasionally even wandering around convenience stores debating the merits of plain rice crackers versus spicy ramen.

While Taehyun insisted on paying sometimes, Beomgyu found himself footing the bill more often than not. It wasn’t out of pity—well, maybe a little—but mostly because he couldn’t ignore the fact that Taehyun was still a student. Beomgyu, despite his penchant for dramatics, wasn’t heartless. Besides, he didn’t mind an excuse to treat Taehyun.

—

As the days turned into weeks, Beomgyu found himself drawn to Taehyun more than he expected. It wasn’t just the quiet confidence that Taehyun seemed to exude or his natural charm—it was the little things.

The way Taehyun always tried to look composed but somehow managed to spill something every single time they met. The way he had a comeback for nearly everything Beomgyu said, always delivered with a sly grin that made Beomgyu’s chest feel weirdly tight. The way he could be effortlessly sassy one second and then sheepishly apologetic the next when he realized he’d accidentally roasted Beomgyu a little too hard.

Even Taehyun’s quirks were bizarrely captivating. Like how he always carried a notebook with him, scribbling random thoughts or diagrams in the margins, or how he would pause mid-conversation to adjust his glasses, leaving Beomgyu hanging. It was infuriating and fascinating all at once.

—

Beomgyu wasn’t the only one who noticed. Soobin picked up on it almost immediately.

“Why are you smiling at your phone like that?” Soobin asked one evening, leaning against the kitchen counter with a knowing smirk.

Beomgyu didn’t even realize he’d been smiling. He quickly locked his phone and scowled. “I’m not.”

Soobin snorted. “Sure, you’re not. Is it that guy you’ve been hanging out with? What’s his name? Taehyun? The one who hit your dick with an umbrella?”

Beomgyu bristled, suddenly defensive. “FYI, it's accidental, and why does it matter? We’re just friends.”

“Uh-huh,” Soobin said, clearly unconvinced. “Friends who you treat to coffee like, every other day? Friends who make you laugh like a maniac at two in the morning because of some text they sent?”

Beomgyu glared at him, but his reddening ears gave him away. “Can you not?”

“Can I not what? Point out that you’re totally into him?” Soobin teased, grinning now. “Even Yeonjun hyung noticed, and he’s too busy being disgustingly in love with me most of the time.”

“Okay, first of all, gross,” Beomgyu shot back. “Second, you and Yeonjun hyung are not allowed to judge anyone about relationships. You two are practically a rom-com come to life.”

Soobin shrugged, unbothered. “Fine, deflect all you want. But just so you know, you’re really bad at hiding it.”

—

And much to Beomgyu's annoyance, Yeonjun, Soobin’s ever-charming boyfriend, had chimed in during one of his visits.

“So,” Yeonjun had started casually, plopping onto their couch. “When are you bringing this Taehyun guy over? I feel like I need to meet the person who’s managed to make you less insufferable.”

Beomgyu groaned, throwing a pillow at him. “He’s just a friend. Stop making it weird.”

“Right,” Yeonjun said, catching the pillow with ease. “Just a friend. Totally explains why you’re always looking at your phone like a lovesick puppy.”

Soobin, sitting next to Yeonjun, laughed. “I told you he’s bad at hiding it.”

Beomgyu buried his face in his hands, mumbling something incoherent about meddling roommates and annoying boyfriends. But even as he tried to protest, a small part of him couldn’t stop thinking about Taehyun.

Every little moment with Taehyun lingered in Beomgyu’s mind long after their meet-ups ended. Whether it was Taehyun’s teasing grin, his clumsy quirks, or the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed—it all stuck with Beomgyu in a way that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Beomgyu didn’t know what to make of it, but one thing was certain: no matter how chaotic their encounters were, Taehyun had become an undeniable presence in his life.

+×+

The invitation to Taehyun’s apartment had come completely out of the blue, and Beomgyu wasn’t quite sure how to process it. Normally, their meet-ups were casual—coffee shops, quick meals, or random hangouts at convenience stores. The idea of hanging out at Taehyun’s place felt... different. Not bad, just unexpected.

Not that he was complaining.

When Taehyun had texted him with a casual, Hey hyung, wanna come over? I’m lazy and don’t feel like going out. Plus, I need someone to test this new console game with, his first reaction was confusion. Did this mean Taehyun considered him close enough to invite to his home? Or was this just Taehyun being practical because his usual gaming buddy—aka Hueningkai—was out of town?

Taehyun: Don’t worry, I won’t try to kill you with an umbrella this time.

That had been enough to make Beomgyu laugh out loud before replying with a nonchalant, Fine, but only because I’ll probably wipe the floor with you in whatever game you’re playing.

—

When Beomgyu arrived at Taehyun’s apartment, he was greeted by the distinct smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of faint music playing from a speaker somewhere. The place was tidy but lived-in, with a cozy couch, a pile of throw pillows, and a small but impressive collection of video games stacked neatly on a shelf.

Taehyun opened the door, looking casual in a sweatshirt and joggers, his hair slightly tousled as if he’d just rolled out of bed. “Hi, hyung,” he greeted, stepping aside to let Beomgyu in.

“Wow, inviting me into your lair,” Beomgyu said, stepping inside and glancing around. “Should I be flattered or concerned?”

Taehyun smirked. “Neither. You’re just convenient.”

“Ouch.” Beomgyu clutched his chest dramatically. “Way to make a guy feel special.”

“Do you want to play this game or not?” Taehyun asked, holding up a controller. “Because I can always call Hueningkai and make him come back early.”

Beomgyu waved him off, kicking off his shoes. “Relax, I’m here to destroy you. What are we playing?”

As they settled onto the couch, Taehyun explained the premise of the game—a fast-paced multiplayer battle game that looked deceptively simple but was clearly designed to test friendships.

Predictably, chaos ensued.

“Why do you keep targeting me?!” Beomgyu shouted, mashing buttons furiously as his character was once again knocked off the screen.

“Because you’re terrible at dodging,” Taehyun replied with a grin, effortlessly landing another hit.

“I’m not terrible; you’re cheating!” Beomgyu accused, glaring at the screen.

“Sure, blame the game mechanics,” Taehyun teased, his tongue poking out slightly in concentration as he delivered another fatal blow.

By the time they took a break, Beomgyu was half-slumped against the couch, dramatically lamenting his losses while Taehyun sat smugly beside him.

“You’re insufferable,” Beomgyu muttered, reaching for the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table.

“And you’re a sore loser,” Taehyun shot back, nudging him with his elbow.

Despite his grumbling, Beomgyu found himself surprisingly at ease. There was something warm and inviting about Taehyun’s space, like it perfectly reflected his personality—organized but with a touch of playful chaos.

“You know,” Taehyun started, his tone unnervingly calm as he set a can down, “I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”

Beomgyu hummed absently, stuffing a handful of chips into his mouth. “What, that you’ve finally decided to admit I’m better at gaming?”

Taehyun smirked, but there was a flicker of nervousness in his eyes. “Not exactly. It’s, uh... kind of serious.”

The words made Beomgyu pause mid-crunch. He turned to face Taehyun, chewing slowly as his brain tried to piece together what could possibly warrant such an ominous tone. “Serious?”

Taehyun nodded, sitting properly next to him. He fiddled with the hem of his sweatshirt, a rare uncertainty creeping into his usually confident demeanor. “Yeah. I like you.”

The words hit Beomgyu like a bolt of lightning, leaving him frozen in place. His brain stalled, then rebooted with a flood of conflicting thoughts.

“You... like me?” Beomgyu repeated dumbly, his voice an octave higher than usual.

Taehyun nodded again, his cheeks tinged with pink. “Yeah, hyung. Like... more than a friend.”

Beomgyu blinked. Then blinked again. His face felt like it was on fire. “You—you like me?”

Taehyun groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Yes, Beomgyu hyung, that’s what I just said. Don’t make me repeat it.”

Beomgyu stared at him, mouth opening and closing like a fish. It wasn’t that he was against the idea—if anything, the thought of Taehyun liking him was making his heart do weird acrobatics. But he hadn’t been prepared for this kind of emotional whiplash.

“And,” Taehyun added, peeking out from behind his hands, voice turning into whisper, “I’ve also kind of... wanted to give you head since that morning I fell into your crotch.”

The room went silent.

“What?!” Beomgyu croaked, his voice cracking like a teenager’s.

Taehyun’s blush deepened, removing his hand from his face, he somehow held Beomgyu’s gaze with a mix of boldness and mortification. “You heard me.”

“No, no, I don’t think I did,” Beomgyu said, shaking his head vigorously as if that would clear his brain. “Because it sounded like you just said—wait, head? Are you serious right now?!”

Taehyun bit his lip, clearly torn between laughing and hiding under the couch. “Look, I know it’s insane, okay? But you have to admit, the way we met was... memorable.”

“Memorable?! You mean mortifying!” Beomgyu squawked, his face now beet red.

Taehyun shrugged. “Potato, po-tah-to. Plus I want to see if it's really as big as what my face felt that day.”

Beomgyu buried his face in his hands, groaning. “Oh my God, this is not happening. This is not real life. Someone pinch me.”

Apparently, Kang Taehyun doesn't have any filter telling what he wants. Beomgyu is sure taking notes.

“Do you want me to pinch you, or are you just looking for an excuse to get me to touch you, hyung?” Taehyun teased, leaning closer.

“Taehyun!” Beomgyu practically screeched, swatting him away.

Taehyun laughed, his shoulders shaking as the tension broke. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, Beomgyu hyung—I like you. A lot. I’m not just saying this to mess with you. I wanted you to know.”

Beomgyu sat frozen on Taehyun's couch, his mind spinning like an overworked hamster on a wheel. He replayed Taehyun's words over and over in his head-I like you. I've wanted to give you head since I fell into your crotch. Who even says that?! Who confesses their feelings and telling someone you wanted to give them head like they're talking about their favorite flavor of chips? And yet, here he was, heart pounding and face burning, because Taehyun was looking at him like that.

The vulnerability in Taehyun's gaze, that slight pink to his cheeks, the way his lips curled in a small, nervous smile–it was all too much. Beomgyu felt his resolve crumbling, his usual bravado nowhere to be found.

"I-I can't believe I'm saying this," Beomgyu stammered, his voice unsteady, "but I... I like you too, okay? There, I said it! Happy now?”

Taehyun's eyes widened, and for a brief second, his usual confidence faltered. Then, as if on cue, his lips tugged into a sly grin. "Took you long enough."

Beomgyu groaned, dragging his hands down his face. "You're impossible.”

Taehyun just shrugged and smirked before leaning closer.

The proximity made Beomgyu's brain short-circuit. All he could focus on was Taehyun's face–his sharp yet soft features, the curve of his smile, and oh God, his lips.

Before Beomgyu could stop himself, he blurted out, "Your lips look way too soft. It's distracting."

Taehyun blinked, clearly caught off guard, before his grin turned downright wicked. "Well, there's one way to find out.”

Beomgyu didn't even have time to process that statement before Taehyun leaned in, his lips brushing Beomgyu's in a way that sent electricity shooting down his spine.

It started tentative, almost shy, but quickly spiraled into chaos as Beomgyu, completely overwhelmed by the softness of Taehyun's lips and the warmth of his touch, grabbed the front of Taehyun's sweatshirt and pulled him closer. Taehyun let out a surprised laugh against his mouth, which only made Beomgyu more determined.

Their movements were anything but smooth. At one point, Beomgyu's elbow knocked over the soda can on the table, and Taehyun accidentally kneed him in the thigh as he shifted closer.

"Ow–watch it!" Beomgyu hissed, breaking the kiss just long enough to glare.

"Sorry, the couch is tiny!" Taehyun shot back, though he didn't seem all that sorry as he tugged Beomgyu back in.

Their lips crashed together again, this time with more urgency.

Beomgyu wasn't even sure where his hands were anymore–one might have been in Taehyun's hair, while the other was dangerously close to knocking over another snack.

Somehow, in the midst of their fumbling, Beomgyu managed to lean too far to the side, and the two of them toppled over, landing in a tangled heap on the couch.

Taehyun burst into laughter, his face inches from Beomgyu's, his dimples on full display. "We’re terrible at this," he teased, though his breathlessness betrayed how affected he was.

Beomgyu groaned, covering his face with one hand. "Oh my God, this is a disaster. We're a disaster."

Taehyun reached out, gently tugging Beomgyu's hand away so he could see his flushed face. "Yeah," he said softly, his voice laced with affection. "But I don't mind. Makes me wanna suck you off more.”

Beomgyu groaned, cheeks turning red because Taehyun is really one bold motherfucker. And before he could second-guess himself, he leaned in again, capturing Taehyun's lips in a kiss that, while still messy and uncoordinated, felt right.

It was clear from the moment Taehyun dropped to his knees that this was going to be interesting. Beomgyu, sprawled on the couch with a mix of nervous excitement and disbelief, stared down at Taehyun, whose usual confidence seemed to flicker under the weight of the situation.

“Are you sure about this?” Beomgyu asked, his voice a little shaky.

“Of course,” Taehyun replied, though the way he fumbled with the waistband of Beomgyu’s sweatpants suggested otherwise. “I’ve totally got this.”

Beomgyu arched a skeptical brow but didn’t say anything. He wasn’t about to discourage Taehyun—not when the sight of him kneeling there, looking equal parts determined and flustered, was doing things to his brain.

Taehyun tugged at the waistband, but it caught awkwardly on Beomgyu’s hip, eliciting a soft grunt from him. “Sorry!” Taehyun mumbled, adjusting his grip and giving another tug, which sent the sweatpants halfway down Beomgyu’s legs in one jerky motion.

Beomgyu snorted, unable to stop himself. “Smooth.”

“Shut up,” Taehyun grumbled, his cheeks flushing. “I said I’ve got this.”

Taehyun’s determination was admirable, but it quickly became apparent that his inexperience was going to make this far more chaotic than either of them had anticipated. He leaned forward, his hair brushing against Beomgyu’s stomach, and hesitated just long enough for Beomgyu to notice the slight tremor in his hands.

“You don’t have to—” Beomgyu started, but Taehyun shot him a glare.

“Don’t ruin the moment,” Taehyun snapped, though the effect was somewhat diminished by the nervous way he licked his lips. “It's– it's just my first time.”

That admission made Beomgyu pause, his laughter fading into something softer. “Wait, really? Your first time doing... this?”

Taehyun nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Yeah. But I want to, okay? I just... might need a little guidance.”

Beomgyu’s chest tightened at the vulnerability in Taehyun’s voice. Reaching out, he gently cupped Taehyun’s cheek, tilting his head up to meet his eyes. “You don’t have to prove anything to me, you know,” he said quietly.

Taehyun smiled, small but genuine, and leaned into Beomgyu’s touch. “I want to, though. For you, hyung.”

And when he finally got the courage, Beomgyu didn't know what to do. He groaned, his head falling back as Taehyun's mouth closed around the tip of his cock, although hesitant at first. The sensation was electric, sending waves of pleasure coursing through his body. Taehyun's tongue swirled around the sensitive head, tasting every drop of pre-cum.

Taehyun's hand wrapped around the base of Beomgyu's shaft, pumping slowly as he worked his mouth up and down. Beomgyu's hips bucked involuntarily, desperate for more contact.

"Fuck, Taehyun. Are you sure it's your first time?" Beomgyu panted, his nails digging into the bedding. "Don't stop, you're doing great, darling.”

Taehyun hummed approvingly, his movements growing faster and more aggressive. His teeth scraped lightly against Beomgyu's sensitive skin, eliciting a sharp gasp. Beomgyu's hand tangled in Taehyun's hair, not pulling but guiding, urging him on. 

By the time Beomgyu was gripping the edge of the couch like his life depended on it, a low, guttural moan escaped him. "Oh, my God– Taehyun. Finally," he groaned, his head tilting back against the couch. "You're going to kill me, you chaotic little–oh, fuck–genius.”

Taehyun pulled back, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a smug yet slightly flushed expression on his face. "Told you I'd figure it out," he said, voice rough and teasing but undeniably proud of himself.

Beomgyu looked down at him, still catching his breath, and narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, well, don't get too cocky, rookie."

"Oh? You're calling me rookie after that reaction?" Taehyun shot back, crawling up to straddle Beomgyu's lap. The playful glint in his eyes made Beomgyu's breath hitch again.

"Alright, you've had your fun," Beomgyu said, his voice low and teasing as he slid his hands up Taehyun's thighs. "Now it's my turn.”

With Beomgyu taking the lead, what followed could only be described as an exercise in controlled chaos. Clothes were shed in a flurry of movement, ending up scattered across the floor. They were a tangle of limbs and awkward movements, punctuated by soft gasps and the occasional curse when someone bumped into the armrest or shifted too quickly.

But the chaos only added to the heat of the moment, and soon they found their rhythm. Beomgyu leaned in, his lips brushing against Taehyun's ear as he whispered something that made the younger man shiver beneath him.

By the time they were both spent, the couch cushions askew and the blanket half-draped over them, Beomgyu could only lie there, catching his breath. Taehyun was curled against his side, his face buried in Beomgyu's chest, still glowing with a mixture of exertion and satisfaction.

"That was..." Taehyun began, trailing off as he searched for the right words.

"Chaotic," Beomgyu finished for him, a wry grin tugging at his lips.

Taehyun chuckled, his voice muffled. "Yeah. But... good."

"Good?" Beomgyu teased, arching an eyebrow. "Babe, I just rocked your world."

Taehyun groaned, ears and cheeks turning red, lightly smacking Beomgyu's chest. "Don't push it.”

A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the distant hum of the TV and the game they'd forgotten to turn off.

"So," Beomgyu said after a while, his tone more serious. "What now?"

Taehyun lifted his head, meeting Beomgyu's gaze. "We date, obviously. What else?"

Beomgyu blinked, then laughed softly. "Obviously," he echoed, his heart swelling at how natural it sounded.

+×+

A few weeks into their relationship, it became abundantly clear to everyone in their respective orbits that Beomgyu and Taehyun were a force to be reckoned with—two chaotic souls who had found their perfect match.

Beomgyu, who once grumbled about Soobin and Yeonjun’s gross displays of affection, now took every opportunity to match their energy, especially when Taehyun was around. On one such evening, Beomgyu and Taehyun were sprawled on the couch in Beomgyu’s shared apartment, their limbs tangled as they fed each other chips in an overly theatrical manner.

“Stop it,” Soobin groaned, throwing a cushion at them from across the room. “I already have to deal with Yeonjun hyung being clingy. I don’t need you two adding to my misery.”

Beomgyu caught the cushion midair and smirked. “Jealous much? You started it. This is karma, Soobinnie.” He then leaned closer to Taehyun, loudly declaring, “Baby, you’re the best boyfriend ever. Kiss me right now.”

Taehyun rolled his eyes but obliged, planting a quick peck on Beomgyu’s lips, much to Soobin’s visible dismay.

“I’m moving out,” Soobin muttered, slamming his laptop shut.

“Good,” Beomgyu shot back. “Then I can finally kiss Taehyun on the kitchen counter without worrying about your delicate sensibilities.”

Meanwhile, Taehyun just sat there, shaking his head but grinning like the chaos enabler he was.

—

Their antics extended to Taehyun’s shared apartment as well, where Hueningkai had become an unwitting victim of their shenanigans. Taehyun had promised to introduce Beomgyu to Hueningkai properly, but circumstances had a way of... complicating things.

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon when Hueningkai returned home earlier than expected. Stepping into the apartment, he immediately froze at the sight of Beomgyu and Taehyun tangled together on the couch, naked save for a single blanket that looked dangerously close to slipping.

“Uh—” Hueningkai started, blinking rapidly as if trying to erase the image from his brain.

“Oh, hey Kai,” Taehyun said nonchalantly, propping himself up on one elbow. The blanket shifted slightly, and Hueningkai yelped, covering his eyes.

“Why are you like this? And really, on our couch?! What the fuck Kang Taehyun?!” Hueningkai groaned, backing up towards the door.

Beomgyu, ever the troublemaker, grinned. “Aw, come on, Kai-ah. You’ve caught us at our most vulnerable. Don’t you want to join the cuddle pile?”

Hueningkai gagged audibly. “I hate both of you.”

Taehyun laughed, reaching for his phone. “Relax, we were just napping. You’re the one who didn’t text before coming home.”

Hueningkai peeked through his fingers, looking genuinely traumatized. “This is why I should’ve moved back in with my parents.”

As Hueningkai fled to his room, muttering about finding new roommate, Beomgyu turned to Taehyun with a grin. “So, that’s the famous Hueningkai? I think I like him.”

Taehyun snorted, leaning back into Beomgyu’s arms. “You would.”

—

In the weeks that followed, Beomgyu often found himself marveling at just how naturally chaos seemed to follow him and Taehyun wherever they went. Whether it was mocking each other’s snack choices, teasing Soobin and Yeonjun relentlessly, or inadvertently scarring Hueningkai for life, there was never a dull moment between them.

And yet, in the relentless chaos, there was an undeniable harmony—a sense that, for all their messiness and unpredictability, they fit together perfectly.

As Beomgyu lay in bed one night, with Taehyun dozing peacefully beside him, he couldn’t help but smile. “Chaos,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Taehyun’s face. “It really is our middle name.”

Taehyun stirred, mumbling something unintelligible in his sleep before nuzzling closer to Beomgyu. And in that moment, Beomgyu knew there was nowhere else he’d rather be.