Archive of Our Own

Hongjoong is so fucking exhausted.

It’s largely his own fault, really. He’d known he was pushing himself a bit too hard throughout the week—no average human being can pull five, consecutive overnight studio sessions and survive with their health unscathed. But it had been a necessary evil. The past week was truly the only time he had to squeeze in some impromptu, nighttime workshopping with other artists and producers in the city. It isn’t often that he visits L.A. for such an extended period of time, and he’d had to make the most of it.

In fact, it’s the sole reason he’s here, standing on Yunho’s doorstep at the ass-crack of dawn on a Saturday. He desperately needs a full twenty-four hours of uninterrupted peace and quiet before jetting back to Seoul the following afternoon, and he knows he won't be able to rest properly in the hotel his manager and security detail are staying in.

He hasn’t seen Yunho in over a year—hasn’t properly hung out with the younger man for even longer—not since their respective careers had taken off a few years back. Yunho had moved out to the L.A. area ages ago for the convenience of his work in modeling, and Hongjoong had remained in Seoul to pursue his music full-time, rarely seeing the sun with how often he was cooped up in dimly-lit, ambient studio spaces.

So he’d delayed his flight back home to Seoul for a day, making sure to work an extra full day in California into his calendar so that he could spend it with Yunho at his home. After all, Yunho is also scheduled to fly out the following day, needing to be in Paris for the upcoming annual fashion week. All-in-all, Hongjoong is excited to see his longtime friend again—except for the fact that he’s so damn tired.

I need a fucking nap.

Hongjoong doesn’t bother with knocking or ringing the doorbell—instead punching in the security code on a side panel that Yunho had texted him the day before—letting himself into the spacious home. He drops his carry-on and large suitcase right there in the entryway as he kicks off his worn-out loafers, letting out a loud yawn as he studies his surroundings in stunned approval.

Yunho’s home is nice. Well, way too nice for a guy who once survived on instant noodles and chaos right alongside Hongjoong.

The house is open-concept, with a subtle minimalist vibe present throughout the decor. The lack of partition walls allows Hongjoong to see a large majority of the ground floor without needing to walk around—a spacious kitchen to his right alongside a dining room, an open door to a laundry room to his immediate left and another door within that room that presumably leads out to the garage, a spiral staircase leading up towards the second floor, and a sizeable living room straight ahead with an adjacent hallway that most likely leads towards a spare room.

The house is warm and bright with natural light flooding in from the numerous windows throughout the space, and the entire far-end wall of the living room is entirely comprised of glass doors, leading out to what Hongjoong can partially see is a large deck and pool.

He lets out an impressed whistle as he studies his new surroundings through bleary eyes, yet another loud yawn escaping him a moment later.

Right. I need to sleep.

He leaves his luggage where it is—I can always grab it later; or better yet, Yunho can grab it for me—before making a beeline for the staircase. He takes the steps two at a time, eager to crawl into a warm bed and hibernate for the next couple of hours.

The upstairs is essentially one long hallway, with several doors lining the walls—all of them shut. Hongjoong pauses on the landing at the top of the stairs, feeling a bit like Alice in Wonderland as he internally debates on which door to try. Yunho is aware that Hongjoong is coming, so it’s not as though he needs to be cautious of his movements. But it is early in the morning, and he doesn’t want to accidentally wake his friend up prematurely by making a racket of opening and shutting doors up and down the hall.

Letting out a determined huff, Hongjoong eventually decides to try the door at the very end of the hallway first.

Jackpot.

He stumbles into what he assumes is the master bedroom, the space large and somewhat lit due to the open curtains and overhanging skylight-window. The room is clearly lived in, with a few pairs of shoes and articles of clothing littering the floor. An unzipped suitcase lays near the center of the room, displaying its contents packed away neatly inside. Hongjoong snorts with fond endearment as he notes the difference in decor between this room and the rest of the house—Yunho’s bedroom walls lined with posters from different franchises and shelves containing countless figurines. In fact, Hongjoong is so engrossed with observing his friend's private space that he doesn’t notice that the massive, four-poster bed in the center of the room is empty until he’s standing at the very edge of it.

Wait. What the fuck?

A loud splash! and ensuing cackles of laughter ring out from the pool deck outside and below, the sounds faintly drifting into the room via the open window. Hongjoong’s ears strain to listen closely as he notes several voices conversing with one another. His shoulders droop in relaxed realization, and he snorts in amusement as he crawls into Yunho’s bed with a tired groan.

Leave it to that overgrown puppy to have people over so damn early in the day.

The polite thing to do would be to suck it up—trail back downstairs and let Yunho know that he’s arrived safely. Say hello to whomever it is that his friend has over, engage in a bit of small talk, before finally allowing himself to retire to bed.

But Hongjoong currently feels far too exhausted to even think of doing the polite thing. Besides, he and Yunho have known each other way too long for him to be concerned with propriety in their friendship. His social battery is at an all time low, and he’s not exactly keen to begin mingling with Yunho’s friends when he looks as though he’s just escaped from the gates of hell. Yunho will come up and find him in his bed eventually, so there’s no need for Hongjoong to force himself into any unnecessary conversations with strangers.

He placates himself with these thoughts as he pulls the covers aside, sliding smoothly into Yunho’s bed before burrowing deep into the comforter.

Yunho will come find me once they’re gone…

X x X

It’s late afternoon when Hongjoong awakens with a quiet wince.

The bedroom feels cozy—a warm summer breeze drifting in through the open window combined with the lazy cycle of the overhead ceiling fan bringing the space to a perfect temperature. Rays of sunlight stream in through the windows and directly onto Hongjoong’s face, warming his skin as he stretches with a loud and obnoxious groan, slowly peeling his sleep-laden eyes open.

He glances around the sheets surrounding him, hoping to locate his cellphone which he’s sure fell from his sweatshirt pocket during his nap, but freezes instantly as he realizes he is no longer alone in the room.

A man is crouched over at the foot of the bed, an equally surprised expression written across his features as he stares at Hongjoong in silence.

What the hell?

Any and all residual exhaustion leaves Hongjoong immediately as his eyes widen, and he attempts to pull himself into a seated position under the stunned gaze of the man standing a few feet away. He nervously runs a hand through his ginger hair, embarrassed at having to be seen in this half-sprawled and disheveled state by a stranger.

And a gorgeous stranger at that.

The man is sporting a look on his face akin to a deer caught in headlights, but Hongjoong can still see clear as day that he’s incredibly handsome. With his large (and currently startled) doe eyes, thick black hair, and sharp, angular features that frame his face perfectly, Hongjoong finds himself instantly captivated by the man’s presence. He’s taller than Hongjoong as well—he can tell that much even as the man’s frame is hunched over, and Hongjoong himself is still laying in the bed.

He’s relieved when a warm, albeit equally embarrassed, smile spreads slowly across the stranger's face as he greets Hongjoong.

”Morning,” the man laughs gently, greeting him in Korean as he straightens up to his full height. “Sorry if I woke you. I swear I was trying to be as quiet as possible.”

Hongjoong waves his concerns off instantly, feeling incredibly flustered as he attempts to pull himself together. He responds in turn, “No, no. You didn’t wake me up, don’t worry.”

The man offers Hongjoong a reassured smile as he continues. “I’m Seonghwa, by the way. It’s nice to meet you, Hongjoong.”

And Hongjoong pauses for the briefest of moments in confusion before realizing that this man knows his name because he’s obviously a friend of Yunho’s, and had clearly asked who the guy passed out in Yunho’s bed is.

He coughs lightly, clearing his throat before responding. “Yeah. It’s uh- it’s nice to meet you too.”

The man, Seonghwa, smiles again then—genuine—and Hongjoong feels the singular flap of a butterfly's wings ripple through his abdomen at the endearingly cute expression. Seonghwa returns to his previous task, crouching down to the ground once more and out of Hongjoong’s immediate line of sight. Hongjoong shuffles off the mattress, spotting his cellphone laying near the pillow his head had rested on and snatching it up to re-pocket into his hoodie.

Seonghwa is hunched over the open suitcase, organizing the folded items within it with quiet diligence, his attention completely refocused to his task at hand.

Hongjoong hovers behind him quietly—awkwardly—for a few moments longer before deciding to take his leave.

I can’t just stand behind this guy like a creep all day simply because he’s attractive. Get it together, Hongjoong.

“I, uh. I should probably go say ‘hi’ to Yunho,” he utters out, voice coming out somewhat raspy and gravely with sleep. Seonghwa pauses in his movements, turning to look up at Hongjoong in clear confusion.

”Yunho isn’t here.”

Hongjoong frowns, still feeling disoriented. “What?”

”He flew out earlier this morning, a bit after you arrived I guess. He’s on his way to Paris already.”

Hongjoong silently balks. Wait. What?

“Oh,” he nods lamely, completely blown over by the news. So, if Yunho has left already, is Hongjoong meant to spend the night in his house alone? Had Seonghwa maybe stayed over the previous night, and is now packing up his things before heading out as well? Why the hell hadn’t Yunho updated him on this, the asshole?

Seonghwa seems to sense the shift in Hongjoong’s demeanor, and quickly deciphers the lost look on his face. “Sorry—I feel like I should explain a bit more, because it seems like Yunho didn’t.”

Hongjoong nods again slowly, grateful.

”Yunho and I were meant to fly out for fashion week tomorrow, together, but he mentioned something about needing to spend some alone time with a friend out there first?”

Hongjoong’s brows furrow as he listens. Spend some alone time with a friend?….It’s probably Mingi, by the sound of it.

“Ah. I see,” he hums in understanding, tugging his cellphone free from his pocket to check his notifications. And sure enough, there is a single text present on his lock screen from the model. He quickly unlocks his phone in order to properly read the message.

Yunho: Don’t be mad hyung. Give me a call when you read this!

Yunho, you evil little…

“I’m gonna give him a call,” Hongjoong excuses himself, nodding his head briefly in Seonghwa’s direction before shuffling quietly out of the room—eager to get away from his own stiltedness.

X x X

“Hyung, it’s not a big deal.”

Yunho’s voice is grainy through his phone speakers, the consequence of being halfway across the globe and midair in a plane as he speaks. Hongjoong closes his eyes, silently wishing he could reach through his phone to personally throttle the younger man.

“You’re a traitor,” he settles on griping out instead, running a hand through his unwashed hair with a wince. “How could you do this to me?”

“Don’t be so dramatic—Seonghwa hyung is a nice guy, and your age. You’ll get along great.”

“It’s not about us ‘getting along’. It’s about you ditching me with your hot friend so you can galavant across the globe to be Mingi’s bootycall!”

Yunho squawks indignantly from the other end of the line, his lie transparent. “I’m not meeting up with Mingi!”

Hongjoong snorts, unamused. “Really? Then why did you leave for Paris early?”

“…I have some business to attend to.”

“The business in question being held in his bed, I presume?”

Yunho’s end of the line goes silent for several long moments, before the model hastily changes the subject. “So you think Seonghwa hyung is hot, huh?”

Hongjoong flushes instantly, looking around Yunho’s kitchen paranoidly as if the man upstairs could possibly hear his friend's words through the phone pressed up against his ear. “I never said that—shut up.”

Yunho cackles, all too delighted at Hongjoong’s apparent embarrassment. “Yes, you did! You know he’s walking several shows with me this week, right?”

Hongjoong’s brows raise in surprise. “He’s a model too?”

Although, as he thinks about it, he supposes it’s not that shocking of a revelation. Seonghwa is ridiculously handsome—even Hongjoong can admit it would be a crime against humanity if the other man wasn’t somehow involved in the modeling industry.

A face like that deserves to be on magazine covers worldwide.

“Hyung, are you messing with me? He’s Park Seonghwa. The Park Seonghwa.”

Hongjoong stares off into space blankly. “…Okay?”

As a soloist under a label that generally supports his personal choices regarding his career, Hongjoong has managed to largely avoid the ‘idol’ tag, and the expectations that come with it. He’s never felt as though he was suited for that exact branding in the music industry, and is incredibly grateful to have grown a dedicated fanbase in spite of not taking the popular approach to his work as an artist in his city.

He’s able to put out his music on a much less intense schedule than most idol groups or soloists, work on producing songs for his label mates as well as other companies that commission him, pick and choose which public or promotional events he attends, and overall be his fully authentic self with the public without needing to adhere to a certain ’perfect’ image that is expected of most others.

One of the few downsides to this choice, however, is that with how much time he spends holed away in his private studio, he oftentimes finds himself severely disconnected and behind with the celebrity world as a whole. It’s not something any of his fans mind at all, but it’s certainly something that Yunho minds.

Yunho blows out a frustrated breath. “He was just named model of the year in the London fashion awards? He’s like, on every major brand’s campaigns? We do a ton of shoots together—he’s one of my few main competitors in the industry?”

Hongjoong blinks. “Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“You’re absolutely hopeless. As my hyung, is it right for you to know so little about my work?”

“What’s the title of my latest EP that I dropped three weeks ago?” Hongjoong deadpans. The line goes silent for several more seconds before-

“Point taken. Anyways, be nice to him. The other guys I had over—Wooyoung and Yeosang—have already left my place, so it’s just you and Seonghwa-hyung now. You’re both leaving tomorrow anyways, so it’s only for a night. I promise I’ll fly to Seoul to hang out as soon as I’m done with work over here, okay?”

Hongjoong groans quietly in acquiescence. “Fine.”

They wrap up their call soon afterwards, with Hongjoong wishing Yunho good luck on his upcoming week, and promising to rewatch all of his runway highlights when he gets the chance.

It’s only as Hongjoong is ending the call that he hears the tell-tale sound of footsteps coming down the staircase. Seonghwa strolls into the kitchen a few moments later, a hesitant smile on his lips.

“Did Yunho pick up? There’s no way he didn’t pay for in-flight wifi.”

Hongjoong chuckles at this, shifting to somewhat hide himself behind the kitchen island as much as possible. Seonghwa may still be able to see his top half clear as day, but it’s better than allowing the model to take in his full frame—bleach stained sweatpants and all.

Fuck. I really need to quit embarrassing myself in front of this guy and go take a shower.

“Yeah, he did. He’s fine—I think he’ll be landing in France within the next five hours or so.”

Seonghwa nods in understanding, hovering on the other side of the kitchen almost shyly. He appears to be having some kind of internal debate, before eventually asking-

“Are you hungry? It’s past lunch time, after all.”

As if the mere mention of food has awoken Hongjoong’s appetite, he feels his stomach grumble quietly, and he laughs lightly. “Yeah actually, I’m starved. It’s fine though, I’ll just grab whatever that brat has laying around here.”

He stalks over towards the large, stainless steel refrigerator on his right, pulling the handles open even as Seonghwa attempts to protest, “Oh, wait- Yunho doesn’t have-“

“What the fuck?” Hongjoong exclaims.

The fridge is…barren.

There are only non-perishable items on the shelves—ingredients that are in no immediate danger of expiring: A tub of cream cheese, a carton of orange juice, an unopened container of tofu. The rest of the space is taken up by a half-empty bottle of white wine, and several cans of hard seltzer alcohol.

Hongjoong spins back around to face Seonghwa with a shocked expression, and the model breaks down into laughter at his reaction.

“I tried to warn you! This is an ‘ingredients only’ household. Check the pantry, it’s not much better.”

Hongjoong moves to yank open the pantry doors upon Seonghwa’s insistence, his concern for Yunho mounting with each passing second.

Just as Seonghwa had warned, there are no snacks. Only dry foods—pastas, rice, lentils, canned items. But nothing readily available to eat, not unless one is willing to start cooking a full-on meal.

“How can someone live like this? Seriously?” Hongjoong groans aloud, and Seonghwa’s laughter behind him grows in volume.

“I know! I get that we travel a lot for work, but still! Not even a bag of chips? No instant ramen?”

A laugh of his own startles out of Hongjoong, and he turns back to face Seonghwa with an exasperated grin. “It’s a miracle he’s survived adulthood for this long if this is how he keeps his kitchen stocked. He must be living off of fast food, because he sure as hell can’t cook decently.”

Seonghwa shakes his head, light giggles of amusement still escaping him as he speaks. “Here—wanna go out? I know a quiet place nearby with good food. Unless, you’d prefer we stay in and cook-?”

“Fuck no,” Hongjoong responds immediately, already moving to exit the kitchen. “A restaurant is good. Just give me a few to get showered and changed.”

He resolutely does not focus on Seonghwa’s choice of words. ‘Wanna go out?’…Get it together Hongjoong, that’s obviously not what he fucking meant.

Seonghwa voices his agreement, allowing Hongjoong to escape back upstairs and begin the process of feeling human once more.

He takes a long shower, practically drowning himself under the high pressure spray in Yunho’s bathroom. He ensures that he’s petty as well, using large amounts of his friends' expensive body washes and hair products while he resets—it’s reasonable payback for ditching Hongjoong, after all.

It’s only once he’s exited his much-needed shower that he realizes-

Shit. I forgot to bring my luggage up here from the front door…

He knots a towel securely around his waist after drying off, stepping back out into Yunho’s room to begin rifling through his closet for something to borrow, before spotting said luggage placed primly by the closed bedroom door.

…Did Seonghwa-?

An intense wave of fondness crashes over Hongjoong as he drags his suitcase and carry-on further into the room, beginning his process of getting dressed.

X x X

They take Yunho’s car.

Hongjoong himself feels infinitely better and more alert after his shower, now able to tune in on Seonghwa’s nervousness as the model settles into the passenger seat of Yunho’s convertible beside him.

“But…is it really okay for us to use his car like this?” he asks anxiously, and Hongjoong lets out a chuckle as he reverses the two-seater out of the driveway and out into the street, reaching forwards to press a button on the center console and lower the roof.

“It’s fine—Yunho and I grew up practically sharing underwear. I doubt he’ll mind me driving his baby.”

Seonghwa laughs gently, placated by his words as he tilts his head back against his headrest, the late afternoon sun warming their faces instantly as they make their way down the residential street. Hongjoong glances over at the man through the tinted lens of his sunglasses, a fond smile stretching across his lips as he watches Seonghwa settle back against his seat comfortably. A gentle breeze rustles his hair off his face as they drive along, and Hongjoong feels his heart begin to thud dangerously within his chest at the man’s stunning visuals.

Seonghwa himself appears to be oblivious to Hongjoong’s quick glances, his attention glued to the scenery around them as they exit Yunho’s quiet neighborhood and enter a main road. In spite of the dark shades shielding his eyes from the sun, he can easily make out the excited twinkle in the model’s eyes and the adorable smile tugging at his lips as he soaks up the summer rays.

He looks effortlessly breathtaking.

Shit. It’s no wonder he was named model of the year…

“I guess if he didn’t want us stealing his car, he should’ve hidden the keys better,” Seonghwa jokes as he refocuses his attention on the rapper, and Hongjoong snorts at the sentiment.

“Exactly. Leaving them in a bowl by the front door was practically an invitation.”

The restaurant Seonghwa recommended truly is close by, even by L.A. standards, and they reach their destination sooner than Hongjoong would’ve personally liked. He was rather enjoying his front row view of the other man looking shoot-ready, with the wind blowing through his hair as they cruised along.

The restaurant is sparsely populated due to the awkward hour in which they’ve arrived—past the usual lunch hours, and yet not quite dinner time either. Hongjoong is grateful for the small window of privacy they’ve been afforded as they’re led to their seats. It’s not that he’s fearful of being recognized—he welcomes any and all interactions with fans whether abroad or back home in Seoul, even when his social battery is as low as it is currently. But he’s not with his usual company of his manager and security, and judging by Seonghwa’s own social standing, he’s sure the model shares his relief of being able to freely exist in the outside world without worrying about any cameras flashing directly in their faces.

It’s located on a secluded section of the nearby beach, with the upstairs seating they’re shown to having a beautiful view of the waters edge. The crisp outdoor air smells faintly of salt and the delicious aroma of good food, inciting his appetite instantly. It’s only as they settle down into their seats and begin to flip through their respective menus that a small dilemma occurs in Hongjoong’s mind.

…What the hell am I supposed to talk about with this guy?

Hongjoong…well. He’s accustomed to largely socializing with others in the music industry. It’s rare that he has to step out of his comfort zone and interact with those of another field for such an extended period of time, and the model seated before him is definitely way out of his comfort zone.

Should I say something? Ask about his work, maybe? I know this guy is a friend of Yunho’s as well, but we don’t really have anything in common aside from that. I don’t want to come off as a withdrawn jerk if I can’t even make conversation…

He’s not quite sure why he’s so worried about making a good impression with the man, just that he needs to. He really wants Seonghwa to like him.

His worries are put to rest, however, when Seonghwa abruptly flips his menu around to point at a dish with an amusingly odd name, a goofy yet endearing grin stretching across the models face.

”This sounds absolutely disgusting…Should we order one just to try?”

A laugh startles out of Hongjoong at the suggestion, and he shakes his head with disbelief. “Hell no. You can order it if you want.”

Seonghwa sends him a playful yet effective pout, and Hongjoong feels his reservations instantly crumbling at the adorable expression. ”I can’t try it alone—this is something we have to do together!”

And of course Hongjoong caves.

How could he not?

Throughout their shared meal, Hongjoong finds that Seonghwa is incredibly easy to get along with. He has the same brand of humor that Yunho does, only with a slightly more unhinged twist. He’s deceptively calm in his outward movements and appearance, and yet manages to keep Hongjoong doubled over in laughter with the unexpectedly crude or childish lines he slips into their conversation. And for the first time in what feels like ages, Hongjoong finds himself able to discuss anything but work with someone he hasn’t known for long.

They trade embarrassing stories about Yunho, discuss their childhood towns, share their hobbies, and even discuss different locations they hope to travel to someday. And of course—Seonghwa manages to gently bully Hongjoong into taking a bite of the unappetizing menu item he’d ordered for them to try. (It’s as disgusting as its name suggests. Seonghwa claims to dislike it as well, but Hongjoong doesn’t miss the way he sneaks another bite off the plate when he thinks Hongjoong isn’t looking.)

It’s refreshing in the absolute best of ways. He finds that Seonghwa truly makes him feel human.

Shit, I really like this guy…

He’s enjoying the company of the model so much so, that he’s nearly disappointed as he notices the restaurant beginning to pick up in activity around them as the dinner rush begins, signaling that they’ll need to leave soon.

It’s a ridiculous emotion to feel, he knows. They still have the rest of the night together—they’ll be sleeping under the same roof, for fucks sake. But he wants to savor every moment he has left with the man he’s finding himself quickly gaining an interest in, and wants to freeze the night in time for as long as possible.

The sun has nearly completely dipped below the horizon by the time they arrive back at Yunho’s home, and Hongjoong is left alone in the living room as the model excuses himself upstairs to hop in the shower.

With nothing and no one around to bide his time with, he flops onto the sofa in the living room and pulls out his cellphone to get some work done.

He calls his manager to confirm their departure plans for the following day. He answers some messages he’s let pile up throughout the week due to his lack of energy to respond. He opens his fan-based messaging platform, sending out a string of texts to his fans informing them vaguely of what he’s been up to for the past few days, and how much he misses them. He throws in several photos he’s taken during his time in L.A., promising to post more on his social media pages when he gets the chance. He laughs aloud as the messages from his subscribers begin to roll in, the excitement of his presence evident in his fans' texts as they respond to him.

He becomes so engrossed with reading through his fans sweet and hilarious responses, that he doesn't hear the footsteps of another person entering the living room.

”What’re you laughing at?”

Hongjoong startles with a small yelp, eyes wide as he looks up to find Seonghwa standing over him. His mouth instantly runs dry as he takes in the man’s appearance, his ears and the nape of his neck warming with a feeling he’s not quite ready to acknowledge yet.

Seonghwa is shirtless, a fresh towel draped over his neck and a pair of black swim trunks resting low on his hips, exposing the chiseled lines of his narrowed waist openly. Hongjoong swallows harshly as he struggles to pull his gaze upwards towards the model’s face and not ogle at his defined abdomen or toned arms, because that would be fucking weird of him goddamit.

He raises a brow, a playfully judgmental expression slipping onto his face as he silently prays that his ears aren’t noticeably red. ”You’re going swimming? Where are you even getting the energy to do that at this time of day?”

Seonghwa laughs, shrugging casually. “I love water. Want to join me?”

Hongjoong shakes his head, hesitant. “I can’t, sorry. I have piss-poor genetics, so I’m allergic to absolutely everything. Including chlorine.”

Seonghwa snorts, reaching down to grab Hongjoong’s arm and attempt to tug him up off the couch. “C’mon, you’ll be fine—it’s a saltwater pool.”

Hongjoong chuckles as he wriggles out of the man’s grasp, settling back against the couch firmly. “Alright, alright, I will. Just give me a moment to wrap up some work and change my clothes.”

Satisfied with his acquiescence, Seonghwa grins as he turns to exit the house onto the back deck. It’s barely a minute later that Hongjoong hears a loud splash! ring out from beyond the glass doors. He refocuses on his screen as he attempts to calm his now rapidly beating heart, unable to deny his immense attraction to the other man any longer.

Fuck.

It’s barely ten minutes later that Seonghwa treks back indoors towards the kitchen, trailing small puddles of water behind him that Hongjoong can’t be bothered to comment on as he subtly studies the model from his place on the couch. He watches as Seonghwa yanks the fridge open, tugging out two cans of seltzer before making his way back over to Hongjoong’s side. He waves a chilled can before him temptingly.

”Are you done with your work yet?”

And Hongjoong can’t help but feel hopelessly endeared to the obvious fact that Seonghwa wants to spend time with him—isn’t just politely offering out of pity.

He laughs, pulling himself to a standing position and pointedly not focusing on the close proximity of their bodies, or the fact that he can practically feel the heat of Seonghwa’s wet, bare torso radiating onto his own skin.

Get a damn grip, Hongjoong.

“I haven’t changed yet,” he says as he takes the proffered can, cracking it open immediately and taking a long sip of its contents.

”Just swim in your boxers,” Seonghwa suggests as he shoves against the rappers shoulders, effectively shoving him out of the house and onto the back deck.

”What?” Hongjoong asks, perturbed even as he pauses to observe what is essentially Yunho’s fenced-in backyard.

The space is brightly lit by string lights stretched overhead, illuminating a massive pool and accompanying hot tub. The pool and tub lights themselves are bright from beneath the water, multicolored blue and purple lights flashing intermittently. There’s a grassed area to his left, leading towards a higher level of the fenced-in deck, upon which rests a large grilling area and fire pit with seating. The positioning of Yunho’s house itself is elevated, resting at the top of a hill that grants them a beautiful view of the L.A. suburbs around them, and the downtown city itself beyond.

It’s beautiful.

The sound of a can being opened behind him prompts Hongjoong to turn, watching as Seonghwa takes several chugs of his own drink before setting aside the can and diving straight back into the pool's waters. He trails to the pool's edge, letting out a laugh at the adorable way in which the model's hair sticks to his forehead as he resurfaces.

”Start stripping!” Seonghwa insists as he closes the gap between them, startling a snort out of Hongjoong at his choice of wording.

”If you insist,” he teases, stepping back to kick off his sneakers and jeans. He removes his button up, keeping his black undershirt on because while he may be able to hold eye contact with his new friend for longer than two seconds at a time now, he’s not certain he’ll be able to act normal for the remainder of the night if he’s in such a state of undress.

Seonghwa practically lunges over the edge of the pool to drag Hongjoong in as soon as he’s within reach, and the rapper lets out a loud laugh as he’s forcefully yanked down and into the warm water. Seonghwa himself looks entirely too smug at the fact that he’s finally managed to convince Hongjoong to join him, and Hongjoong isn’t sure if it’s odd for him to find another grown man his age so cute, but he does.

They spend the majority of their evening in the water, splashing one another childishly and lazing about on pool floats as they relax—only exiting the water to finish their drinks before starting on their seconds. The warmth within Hongjoong’s chest only seems to grow as the night drags on, and he finds that he feels incredibly happy and comfortable in the model’s presence, despite having only met him several hours earlier. And it appears that Seonghwa feels the exact same, if the way he openly teases Hongjoong both verbally and physically are any indicator.

A yelp of surprise leaves Hongjoong briefly as he’s startled out of his thoughts, before he’s submerged completely below the water. He resurfaces to the sound of Seonghwa’s melodic laughter, the man treading water a mere few feet away after purposefully sneaking up on Hongjoong in order to knock him from his float.

“You’re a fucking brat,” Hongjoong growls out playfully, lunging forwards and grabbing Seonghwa swiftly, catching the other man off-guard. Seonghwa lets out a loud giggle as he attempts to unsuccessfully squirm free.

”I’m sorry-!” He gasps out between laughter, flailing as Hongjoong’s deft fingers find their way to his exposed ribs and attack.

Hongjoong laughs loudly as he tightens his hold, allowing no chance of escape. Faintly, at the very back of his mind, he contemplates why it is he seems to be able to act so childishly around the other man. But everything seems to come out so easily around Seonghwa, including Hongjoong’s playful side.

It’s only when Seonghwa appears to be seconds away from biting Hongjoong in order to break free that he decides to ease up on his teasing, relaxing his grip and tugging the model gently through the water towards the shallower end.

”You’re mean,” Seonghwa pants out—breathless and giddy as he reclines further within Hongjoong’s arms, clearly in no rush to separate.

”You started it,” Hongjoong rebuts childishly, a grin of his own stretching across his face so strongly that his cheeks faintly ache. “I’m cold—c’mon. Let’s warm up a bit before heading inside.”

He guides Seonghwa up the pool steps and out onto the deck, leading them towards the hot tub a few feet away. Wasting no time in switching on the jets, the pair don’t bother with waiting for the water to fully heat before clambering in, Hongjoong’s arms still wrapped gently around Seonghwa’s torso.

As they enter the bubbling water, Hongjoong moves to sit on the internal ledge and finally releases his grip on Seonghwa, not wanting to push his luck too far as he fully expects the other man to pull away.

His heart nearly stops within his chest as Seonghwa follows him—casually moving to sit in his lap as he stretches his legs out before him.

”I can’t believe you want to leave the pool already,” Seonghwa teases, swinging an arm around the back of Hongjoong’s neck to pull himself flush against the rappers chest, and Hongjoong swears he’s seconds away from blacking the fuck out…

He swallows harshly, attempting to reign his expression into the realm of normalcy before Seonghwa catches the stupid look on his face.

Seonghwa himself appears to be completely at ease, as if crawling into the lap of someone you just met a few hours before is absolutely standard behavior. And while Hongjoong is certain that he can consider the two of them as friends now, and that he does feel immensely comfortable around the other man despite having only met him this same day, he can’t help but feel somewhat guilty at the same time.

His newfound feelings for the model are untowards at best, and straight up crude at worst. This is Yunho’s close friend and coworker, for fucks sake. He needs to behave himself. He can’t start thinking with his dick just because of the way water droplets cling to Seonghwa’s long lashes, or the way his adam’s apple bobs attractively each time he says Hongjoong’s name, or the way his corded muscles ripple beneath his gorgeously tanned skin with each of his movements…

He refocuses as Seonghwa nudges his shoulder gently—teasingly—a small smile still present on his face as he attempts to recapture Hongjoong’s attention. “You zoned out there—are you good? Am I really that heavy?”

Hongjoong pinches Seonghwa’s waist chastisingly, smiling fondly. “Stop that. And I was just wondering how you can have so much energy. Swimming exhausts me.”

”It’s because I’m secretly a merman,” Seonghwa jokes, and Hongjoong can’t help but focus on the way the multicolored underwater lights reflect gorgeously in the man’s large eyes, the small sparkles akin to the stars in the sky above.

Fuck…

“Makes sense—you’re beautiful,” he breathes out, his quiet words hardly audible over the noise of the tub jets around them. He blinks in surprise moments later at his own words, not intending to let them slip out.

So much for behaving myself…

Seonghwa’s face and neck flush so deeply at his words that it’s hardly reasonable to blame it on the now fully-heated water swirling around them. Hongjoong is sure he doesn't look much better, feeling his own ears and neck warm in sudden embarrassment.

”Thank you,” Seonghwa finally murmurs, visibly flustered, and he looks so honest and soft and devastatingly handsome that Hongjoong decides to just fucking go for it.

”You’re welcome. I know you probably hear that all the time, but I-“

”It doesn’t matter. It means more from you, because I know it’s not obligatory or empty flattery,” Seonghwa cuts in, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

Hongjoong’s brows raise in teasing confusion. “How do you know it’s not empty flattery?”

”Beause you had no idea who I was earlier today.”

It’s Hongjoong’s turn to flush now, guiltily caught off guard by his words. “What makes you say that?”

Seonghwa fixes him with a knowing look. “Hongjoong, I’ve been in the public eye for years. I know the look of recognition that appears in people’s eyes when they realize who I am. But I didn’t see it in yours…you just looked confused as hell.”

The latter part of his words startle a laugh out of Hongjoong, and he leans forward to press his forehead against the model’s bare chest as he chuckles. “Alright, you’ve got me—I didn’t know who you were when I woke up, yes. But Yunho told me later when I called him.”

”Still. You’ve been kind to me all day, and didn’t change your attitude when you did learn who I am. I really appreciate that—I wasn’t sure if I could expect that even from someone as amazing as you.”

Hongjoong pulls back from where his face had been pressed against Seonghwa’s skin, a confused furrow between his brows as he zeros in on the man's words. “What do you mean by that?”

Seonghwa pauses for a few telling seconds, his doe eyes widening infinitesimally and Hongjoong can quite literally see the gears turning in the man’s head as he attempts to find a way to backtrack.

He squeezes Seonghwa’s waist gently—prompting. “Seonghwa.”

Seonghwa shifts in his lap uncomfortably, clearly avoiding his gaze as he responds. “I like you.”

Hongjoong is sure there’s a giant question mark floating above his head, even as his heart stutters embarrassingly at the model’s cryptic words. “…I like you too? But- that’s not what I’m asking. I meant, what do you mean you weren’t sure if you could expect that from ‘someone like me’?” he attempts to clarify.

Seonghwa coughs quietly. Hongjoong waits patiently.

“I meant…that I like you. I uh- I listen to your music a lot.”

Hongjoong blinks. Lets the words sink in.

A disbelieving grin spreads across his face as he leans further into Seonghwa’s space, attempting to catch the blushing model’s eyes. “Oh?”

Seonghwa doesn't meet his gaze, but fumbles along with his words regardless. “Even before Yunho told me that the two of you were friends, I knew who you were.”

Hongjoong can’t help but feel somewhat surprised at the revelation, and hopelessly endeared. He certainly didn’t expect the model to be aware of his career—especially seeing as he hadn’t mentioned his field of work once the entire day—and he doesnt classify himself as a big enough name in the industry to warrant an immediate recognition from anyone. But, still. It warms his heart endlessly to discover that the man he’s spent the day growing closer to and developing feelings for has already had a prior knowledge and interest in him.

”So, you’re a fan of mine?” Hongjoong asks teasingly, laughing when Seonghwa splashes warm water on his face and attempts to squirm out of his grip.

”Shut up,” Seonghwa mumbles petulantly, but Hongjoong doesn’t miss the adorable small smile pulling at his lips as he struggles within Hongjoong’s arms. “It’s embarrassing!”

”Why is it embarrassing?” Hongjoong asks, his grin obvious through his tone.

”Because I basically spent the day lying to you while secretly fanboying,” Seonghwa finally relents, ceasing his efforts to free himself from Hongjoong and leaning back into his embrace shyly. “Sorry for that.”

Hongjoong snorts, squeezing him gently. “Don’t apologize. It makes me happy to know that you like my music, really. And besides- if I’d known earlier on that you know who I am, I probably wouldn’t have the balls to do what I’m about to do.”

Seonghwa shifts in his arms, finally making eye contact once more as he sends Hongjoong a questioning look. Hongjoong is sure the sound of his heart thudding away against his ribcage is audible even above the sounds of the hot tub they occupy and the city that lies beyond the property. He leans further into the model’s space slowly, his gaze flickering back and forth between his plush lips and gorgeous boba-eyes. Seonghwa’s breath catches at the close proximity—Hongjoong can feel the way his body jolts ever so subtly at the lack of distance between them.

Fuck it.

“Can I kiss you?” He rasps out quietly, damp hand coming up to cup Seonghwa’s cheek gently.

Seonghwa nods silently—eyes wide with surprise—yet clearly eager as he shyly leans in even closer, leaving less than a breathswith between them.

Hongjoong closes the short distance.

Seonghwa lets out a trembling gasp as their lips meet—a mixture of contentment and need—and Hongjoong finds himself instantly pressing more firmly against the model, deepening their kiss.

Seonghwa’s skin feels warm to the touch as Hongjoong’s hand slides to the back of his neck, tilting his head to an angle as he shamelessly slides his tongue into the other man’s mouth. Seonghwa matches his enthusiasm effortlessly, whimpering softly as he pliantly opens his mouth further, allowing Hongjoong to lick into his wet heat messily—desperately.

Hongjoong finally pulls away with a rough groan when Seonghwa lets out a quiet whimper in response to him tugging the model’s bottom lip teasingly. Seonghwa’s cheeks are visibly flushed as he lets out a small laugh, his smile blindingly beautiful and Hongjoong feels his heart flutter pathetically at the sight.

”I’d have told you that I’m a fan a lot sooner if I’d known that this is the reaction I’d get.”

Hongjoong pinches the model’s waist again in retaliation—a childish growl on his lips as he speaks over the giggled shriek Seonghwa lets out, protesting, “I kissed you because you’re you and I like you. Not because you like my music.”

Seonghwa quiets down at his words, the look in his eyes taking on an endeared glimmer as he responds quietly. “And I like you because you’re you. Not because I like your music.”

And suddenly, Hongjoong feels as though he’s back in primary school on the playground, stomach flip-flopping about inside of him as his crush holds his hand down the slide and he learns that they like him back.

He doesn’t respond to Seonghwa’s confession verbally—isn’t able to—choosing instead to simply drag the man back into another kiss.

Seonghwa follows easily, and Hongjoong feels himself getting lost in the sensation of their tongues dancing wetly against one another. Of the bubbling water swirling around them warming their heated skin even further. Of the wet strands of hair at the nape of Seonghwa’s neck gliding through his fingers easily as he tugs, eliciting a needy moan from the model. Of Seonghwa’s own hands shifting to grip the soaked material of his shirt securely as he repositions himself to straddle Hongjoong firmly, dragging a groan deep from within Hongjoong’s chest as he feels their quickly-hardening lengths press flush against each other.

Hongjoong feels almost dizzy with heightened arousal as Seonghwa shifts forward ever-so-slightly, dragging their crotches together with an addictive friction as their kisses grow more fast paced—more desperate.

Fuckkk…

He grows bolder with his touches, letting his right hand trail down from Seonghwa’s hair and down his toned back, exploring the gorgeously tanned expanse of skin. Seonghwa moans into Hongjoong’s mouth as his hand settles on his clothed ass, squeezing firmly enough to cause the model’s hips to kick forward with arousal. Hongjoong responds with a sound of his own, deepening their kiss eagerly as Seonghwa’s hands trail down his covered torso, reaching the hem of his shirt and slipping under the fabric as he begins to feel up Hongjoong shamelessly.

It’s only when Seonghwa begins to visibly grow desperate—needy sounds pouring out of him as he non-too-subtly rocks his hips over Hongjoong’s own—that he pulls back with a quiet moan. A thin trail connects their wet and kiss-bruised lips briefly before breaking, and Hongjoong feels as though he’s overheating at the very noticeable sensation of Seonghwa’s hard-on pressing up against his stomach.

”Hongjoong,” Seonghwa breathes out quietly—voice thick with need—and Hongjoong tilts his head down ever so slightly in order to catch the other man's gaze. Seonghwa’s eyes are hazey with want, his expression overwhelmed as Hongjoong grips his waist tightly, shifting him backwards then forwards in order to purposefully drag their hard lengths against each other.

The moan Seonghwa lets out at the feeling causes Hongjoong’s throat to run dry, his mind muddled with the heat of the water around them, of Seonghwa’s body against his, of the need to touch, touch, touch.

Seonghwa’s hands press against his torso firmly from their position under his shirt, the model’s thighs clamping down around his waist needily as Hongjoong leans forwards to press a gentle kiss against his lips.

”What do you need, baby?”

He doesn’t miss the way the model’s eyes dilate ever-so-slightly at the use of the pet name, and he can’t help the rougish grin that tugs against his lips at the adorable reaction.

Seonghwa’s tongue darts out against his lips, the flash of pink catching Hongjoong’s eye as the model breathlessly begs, “Touch me? Please?”

“Of course,” Hongjoong murmurs out before leaning forwards to recapture Seonghwa’s lips in a heated kiss.

Hongjoong doesn’t bother wasting time, allowing his hands to slowly shift from Seonghwa’s ass, trailing around to the front of his waistband. Deft fingers work quickly to undo the small tie at the front of the model’s trunks, and Seonghwa gasps into Hongjoong’s mouth as his hand finally slides inside, gripping Seonghwa’s throbbing length gently.

His movements are a bit restricted within Seonghwa’s shorts—but he makes it work—the warm water surrounding them aiding his small glides as he twists his palm around the tip of Seonghwa’s cock. He thumbs teasingly at his slit as the model shudders in his lap with a breathy moan, eyes screwed shut with pleasure as he moans against Hongjoong’s lips, no longer concerned with keeping up with their kisses.

Hongjoong’s lips wander from where they’re pressed against Seonghwa’s, shifting to trail kisses from the corner of the man’s plush bottom lip down the elegant slope of his neck—throwing in gentle nibbles against the skin because he knows he can’t leave marks against the model’s neck, but he also can’t really bring himself to hold back entirely.

He’s only human.

Eventually, he withdraws his hand—much to Seonghwa’s dismay—but quickly hushes the model with a placating kiss as he moves to grip under Seonghwa’s ass firmly, shifting him off his lap and onto the upper deck step, leaving only his legs in the water.

”Shh, I’ve got you baby,” he mumurs against Seonghwa’s lips when the man makes a questioning sound, his hands tightening around Hongjoong’s shoulders at the abrupt movement. Hongjoong’s hands move to the waistband of Seonghwa’s shorts, tugging at them gently in suggestion. “Can I use my mouth on you?”

Seonghwa takes a moment to register the question, eyes clearly unfocused as he busies himself with wrapping his legs around Hongjoong’s torso instead, attempting to drag the rapper in closer. It’s only when Hongjoong tugs against his shorts once more that Seonghwa glances up, cheeks adorably flushed as he responds with an eager nod.

”Please.”

Granted permission, he makes quick work of gripping the top of Seonghwa’s shorts, sliding the fabric down and clean off the model’s legs, leaving them to float away in the water behind them freely. He takes Seonghwa in hand once more, allowing himself to be dragged into another kiss as he slowly glides his hand up the other man’s shaft with ease now that the shorts are no longer in the way.

Seonghwa’s suddenly giggles around a moan, the sound reverberating against Hongjoong’s lips as he pulls back with a questioning look.

”I’m going to taste so salty,” Seonghwa teases, and Hongjoong pauses for a moment before remembering that Yunho’s pool and hot tub use saltwater, and that this is the only reason Seonghwa managed to convince him to enter the water in the first place.

He laughs at the realization, leaning forward to bite teasingly at Seonghwa’s collarbone. “It’s fine—no worse than any lube tastes. I don’t mind.”

Seonghwa’s mirth quickly dissipates, however, when Hongjoong finally begins to lower himself. His thighs tense in anticipation beneath the rapper’s hands, and he lets out an audible inhale as Hongjoong’s tongue finally darts out, licking up the length of his cock from base to tip.

”Shit,” Seonghwa whimpers out, thighs spreading even more to accommodate Hongjoong further, and Hongjoong smirks as he repeats the motion—pausing the top to swirl his tongue around the tip and teasingly flick his tongue into Seonghwa’s slit. He hums in pleasant surprise as he presses wet, open mouthed kisses up and down Seonghwa’s cock, the taste of saltwater extremely faint against the clean taste of his bare skin.

Seonghwa soon gets loud—overwhelmed gasps and moans spilling steadily from his kiss-bitten lips as Hongjoong finally slides the tip of his length into his warm mouth. He seals his lips around the girth as he slowly lowers himself, taking more and more of Seonghwa into his mouth until the model's fingers are intertwining with his damp hair and tugging.

Hongjoong groans at the sharp sensation—the vibrations of the sound reverberating against Seonghwa’s sensitive nerves—causing the model’s hips to press forwards slightly in pure pleasure, chasing the tight, wet feeling of his mouth. He glances up at the other man, being greeted by the visual of his sharp jawline, head thrown back in pleasure as Hongjoong works on gradually taking more and more of him down his throat.

He tries his best to relax his throat—breathing in deeply through his nose as he allows himself to get lost in it. Lost in the way Seonghwa’s hips twitch with the barest of restraint each time Hongjoong flattens his tongue and runs it along a prominent vein on the underside of his shaft with each drag upwards. Lost in the way Seonghwa’s abdomen visibly contracts and relaxes with each of his movements. Lost in the way each time he glances up at the model through his lashes, he’s met with the breaktaking view of the man’s eyes completely glossed over with want, his plush lips consistently parted with a desperate sound.

The glide is easier than Hongjoong had expected it to be—simply because Seonghwa is so goddamn wet—precome dribbling out of his slit in a near constant stream. It’s all so heady and attractive and Hongjoong feels as though he’s astral projecting as he finally manages to take Seonghwa all the way in, the tip of his cock nestled firmly against the back of Hongjoong’s throat, and swallows.

“Nnngh-!” Seonghwa gasps out, his fingers wound through the orange strands of Hongjoong’s hair tightening even further as his hips jump up from the deck step below him, grinding forwards into Hongjoong’s pliant mouth in search of more of that delicious, tight and wet warmth. Hongjoong forces himself to relax his throat further, simply taking it now as Seonghwa’s self control quickly crumbles away. He thrusts slowly into the rapper’s throat openly now, his thick brows furrowed with pleasure as he gasps and whines over moans. His torso and neck are thoroughly flushed, cheeks rosy and eyes watery as he grows visibly closer and closer to his peak.

”H-hongjoong—ah—wait-!” Seonghwa gasps out suddenly, hands abruptly shoving against his shoulders in an attempt to pull him off. Hongjoong goes easily, replacing his mouth with his hand as he languidly continues to provide Seonghwa with stimulation. His other hand finally comes up to join in, trailing even further between Seonghwa’s legs and brushing against his balls lightly—teasingly—feeling the way they instantly draw up at the touch.

”You look so good like this, fuck,” Hongjoong can’t help but groan, beyond turned on as he watches the way Seonghwa’s long lashes flutter shut as he attempts to stave off his orgasm for as long as possible. “Are you close, baby?”

Seonghwa nods wordlessly, clearly past the point of normal speech as his thighs tense up and begin to tremble slightly. Hongjoong lets out a small growl of disapproval, tightening his grip around the model’s leaking cock just that much more, increasing the pressure of his movements.

”None of that, angel. I want you to use your words.”

Seonghwa moans loud at that, his doe eyes blearily blinking open as his fingers grip onto Hongjoong’s shoulders tightly. “‘m c-close, but…don’t wanna come yet—the water-“ he gasps out, eyes squeezing shut once more as he clearly teeters on the very precipice of pleasure, just waiting for that last push to shove him over the edge.

Hongjoong grins at the sight. “I want you to come for me, Seonghwa. Don’t worry—I’ll clean you up.” He leans forwards, swallowing Seonghwa down in one go.

Seonghwa breaks.

”F-fuck!” Seonghwa cries out, thighs trembling on either side of the rapper’s shoulders as the first wave of his orgasm washes over him, spilling so deeply down his throat that Hongjoong barely gets a taste of the model’s spend before he’s forced to swallow.

His throat bobs, tightening further around Seonghwa’s length as he works on taking it all. Seonghwa sobs around a moan at the sensation, hips bucking forwards as he just keeps coming.

When Hongjoong finally pulls off, his jaw aches and his throat feels raw. But the slight pains are all worth it for the visuals he’s greeted with.

Oh, fuck...

Seonghwa looks wrecked, chest rising and falling rapidly as he struggles to regain his composure. A single tear slowly trails down his cheek from his watery eyes, and Hongjoong can’t help the small coo that escapes him at the sight—immediately reaching behind him to fetch Seonghwa’s discarded shorts that had been floating in the warm water behind them—sliding them up the models legs and securing them once more around his waist. Seonghwa lets out a small noise of distress when Hongjoong pulls away from him, but the rapper quickly placates him by pulling himself out of the water and onto the deck step beside him.

He lets out a small chuckle of amusement that quickly fades into a quiet moan as Seonghwa immediately crawls into his lap once more, his firm ass brushing against Hongjoong’s crotch and reminding him that he has literally never been this goddamn hard in his life.

“S-shit, baby—wait,” Hongjoong groans out between kisses as Seonghwa absolutely attacks him, practically shoving his tongue down Hongjoong’s throat as his hips grind down against the rapper’s non-too subtly.

”Want this off,” Seonghwa mutters out petulantly as he tugs insistently at Hongjoong’s soaked undershirt. Hongjoong complies with his wishes easily, tugging the material off without a second thought because they’re clearly way past the point of him still attempting to behave decently.

If he had thought that an orgasm would tire Seonghwa out—slow down his already hyper-active energy levels—he was sorely mistaken. Granted access to new and exposed skin, Seonghwa seems to zero in on trailing his lips everywhere they can reach. Hongjoong lets out a breathy moan as the model’s mouth trails over one of his nipples, the sensitive bud perking up at the touch. The thin material of his soaked boxers leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, and he’s able to feel every grind and circle of Seonghwa’s ass against his achingly hard cock, as if there aren't two layers of fabric between them at all. It’s only when Seonghwa manages to position his hips just right—causing Hongjoong’s cock to slip in between his cheeks perfectly, the material of their respective shorts and boxers being the only thing to stop his tip from pushing right up against his rim—that Hongjoong pushes the other man back with a low groan.

”Tell me what you want,” he grips Seonghwa’s face firmly, forcing the man to look at him as he responds.

”Want you to fuck me, please,” Seonghwa all but whines out, words honest and needy. 

Hongjoong’s own eyes flutter shut for a few moments, attempting to regain even a modicum of his self control because he swears he just almost came in his boxers like a fucking teenager at the model’s words combined with his gorgeous face alone.

”Fuck,” he swears, leaning in to reclaim Seonghwa’s mouth in a filthily possessive kiss. He draws back with a wet sound, peppering small kisses across the model’s cheek and down the slope of his neck. “Don’t worry angel, I’ll take care of you. Let’s get out of this water now, yeah?”

Seonghwa whines at needing to be moved off the rapper’s lap, clearly not a fan of having any sort of space between them, but he allows Hongjoong to move him nonetheless. They head towards the large glass doors leading indoors, Hongjoong mindful to switch the hot tub jets and pool lights off as Seonghwa rifles through a large deck box, retrieving two towels for them both. It isn’t chilly outside due to the season, but the shift in temperatures from the tub to deck is jarring regardless, and Hongjoong can’t help the endeared laugh that escapes him as he watches Seonghwa burrito himself in his towel. His nose twitches as he burrows into the fluffy fabric, looking extremely bunny-esque as he shuffles closer to Hongjoong.

”What’s so funny?” He asks, practically draping himself over Hongjoong’s back, clearly seconds away from climbing the shorter man like a tree if Hongjoong doesn’t drag him inside soon.

”Nothing,” he shakes his head with a grin. “You’re just adorable.”

Seonghwa’s eyes narrowy in defiance as he fixes Hongjoong with a look. “‘m not adorable—I’m a sexy and mature grown man.”

Hongjoong snorts at his words, noting how Seonghwa has interlaced their fingers together in spite of his affronted words. So fucking cute…

 “So? You’re still adorable.”

Seonghwa huffs petulantly, and Hongjoong leans up to kiss the pout on his lips away as he tugs him forwards.

Crossing through the living room and heading up the spiral staircase, Hongjoong feels his heart thudding dangerously against his ribcage in anticipation. Seonghwa’s hand feels warm and secure in his grip, allowing himself to be guided through the home without a second thought.

He pauses at the top landing for only a split second before leading the model down the hall, back towards Yunho’s bedroom. He knows it’s pretty sleazy of him to fuck Seonghwa in his friends bed, especially after already desecrating the man’s hot tub, but they need condoms and lube. He knows Yunho has to have supplies stashed somewhere in his room.

”Oh, we’re terrible,” Seonghwa giggles as they enter Yunho’s bedroom, squeezing Hongjoong’s hand gently. “He’ll kill us if he finds out.”

They don’t bother with switching on the overhead lights, the large skylight in the center of the room offering enough brightness from the stars and moon above to be able to navigate the dim space comfortably.

”We’ll wash his sheets,” Hongjoong brushes Seonghwa’s concerns aside easily, dragging him further into the bedroom and shoving the model down onto the bed. Seonghwa bounces gently against the mattress at his back, matching Hongjoong’s enthusiasm effortlessly as he leans up and meets the rapper halfway, allowing himself to be kissed breathless.

The urgency from before seems to return tenfold as soon as their lips meet, and Hongjoong groans into the kiss as Seonghwa bites down onto his bottom lip harshly, legs spreading to allow Hongjoong more space to press down against him. Both shirtless, Hongjoong feels as though he’s suddenly burning up as their bare skin brushes together. His hand trails up to tangle with Seonghwa’s hair, using the leverage to tug his head to the side as he breaks their kiss, baring his neck freely and trailing small kisses and nibbles against his skin.

”H-hongjoong,” Seonghwa pants out, hips beginning to shift restlessly against the sheets below them impatiently. “Want you to fuck me—now, please.”

Hongjoong’s brows furrow as he considers the flushed and desperate man beneath him, and he nips down against his neck hard, drawing a pained moan out from the model. “Be patient,” he reprimands playfully, even though he’s so hard within his boxers that it’s taking all of his restraint to not flip Seonghwa over right there and then, taking him like a damn caveman.

Seonghwa doesn’t listen—of course he doesn’t—his hand trailing down Hongjoong’s abdomen until it reaches his waistband. Hongjoong notices the presence of his hand far too late, only registering the touch when said hand has already slipped inside.

”Shit,” he hisses out around a moan, forehead pressing down against Seonghwa’s chest as the model takes him in hand, palm trailing upwards until he’s thumbing at his slit. “Baby, wait-“

“You’re so hard,” Seonghwa breathes out, a hint of wonder in his voice as he thumbs at the drops of precome beading at Hongjoong’s tip, spreading the wetness down his length even further. Hongjoong’s eyes screw shut in pleasure, breaths growing laboured because even though Seonghwa’s touch is light, it’s the first hint of true relief he’s felt on his stiff cock all night and it feels so fucking good.

It takes every ounce of his self control to lift his head off the model’s chest and grip his wrist tightly, tugging Seonghwa’s hand out from his boxers with a wince. “Jesus- baby calm down. You want me to fuck you, right?”

Seonghwa bites his bottom lip, nodding his head in agreement. A whine of disapproval slips out when Hongjoong pulls off of him, but Hongjoong merely pinches his waist gently before moving to Yunho’s bedside table, beginning to rifle through the drawers.

Jackpot.

He grabs the small bottle of lube he finds there, as well as two foil packets, tossing them onto the bed. Seonghwa lets out a startled laugh at the supplies landing beside his head, and an even louder one at what Hongjoong pulls out next. A pair of fuzzy, obnoxiously neon pink handcuffs dangle from the producer’s fingers. Hongjoong himself is staring at the cuffs with an affronted look of shock, head shaking in faux disappointment.

“Yunho, really…” he tsks out jokingly, before dropping the metal back into the drawer and slamming it shut. He pointedly does not focus on the cord of rope or satin blindfold he had also spotted in the compartment—because he may be about to defile his friend's bed, but that doesn’t mean he needs to know everything about Yunho’s personal activities, thank you very much.

“How much do you wanna bet that those cuffs are Mingi’s?” Seonghwa cracks, and Hongjoong snorts aloud at his words.

“Ah, so you know about his ‘not-my-boyfriend’ boyfriend?” He laughs openly, shaking his head in disbelief.

Seonghwa grins at him, an equally exasperated smile on his face. “Oh yeah. Those two are so clueless, it’s exhausting.”

Returning to Seonghwa’s side with a chuckle, he practically drags the model further onto the center of the bed with non-too-subtle eagerness, drawing another laugh out of the man as he essentially pounces on him. Their short toweling session outdoors had done them a world of good, drying them off a great deal. Seonghwa’s swim trunks are nearly fully dry at this point, the material designed to dispel water. But Hongjoong’s boxers are still moderately damp and cling to his thighs and hard-on uncomfortably, the material outlining his shaft obscenely.

He doesn’t miss the way Seonghwa blatantly eyes his crotch with a glint of hunger in his eyes so evident that it sends a shiver of anticipation and flash of heat down Hongjoong’s spine.

“C’mere,” he coaxes, tugging Seonghwa in closer with a tight grip around his waist. His hands glide lower, fingers slipping into the waistband of his shorts as he sends him a questioning look. When Seonghwa grants him a small, eager nod, Hongjoong wastes no time in tugging the fabric down and off the model’s long legs once more, leaving him laid bare below him.

God fucking damn…

Out of the hot tub, there are no distractions—no bubbling water or intoxicating steam—to block Hongjoong’s undivided attention as he looks down at the man below him. Seonghwa’s hair is on the longer side, still somewhat damp and fluffy as it fans out behind his head, framing his face angelically. His chest rises and falls on a rhythm that clearly indicates impatience and anticipation alike. His skin is gorgeously flushed, a light dusting of pink scattered across every surface visible to Hongjoong’s greedy eyes. Seonghwa is undoubtedly, unequivocally beautiful in a way that convinces Hongjoong that he would have had nations of men at war over him mere centuries ago.

And Hongjoong has somehow managed to get this man under him.

Fuck.

“You are so fucking gorgeous,” he can’t help but breathe out—tone hushed and reverent in a way that somewhat embarrasses him—completely in awe of the other man.

Seonghwa’s face flushes with a mix of sudden shyness and happiness alike, clearly pleased with his words. “Thank you,” he mumbles out just as quietly, but Hongjoong hears his rich tone clearly regardless.

He lets his hands wander—curious fingers plucking at his pert nipples, blunt nails dragging against the ridges of his defined abdomen, palms smoothing against the angular lines of his slim waist. Any and all parts of Seonghwa he’s able to get his hands on, he does.

“Do you want my help prepping?” He asks, voice raspy yet tone casual, as if he is simply commenting on the weather and not offering to slide his fingers deep inside the other man.

Seonghwa seems to hesitate for a moment, internally debating before finally replying, “No thank you—want you to watch me.”

Well fuck.

He lets Seonghwa shimmy out from under him, observing as the model positions himself comfortably against several pillows on the headboard. He nearly chokes on air as the man grabs the bottle of lube and a foil packet, spreading his legs easily until his most sensitive area is visible.

Hongjoong swallows harshly.

Seonghwa puts on a show, even though he’s clearly impatient to get the process over with. Lube drips excessively—obscenely—over the condom rolled over two of his fingers. He works himself open slowly at first, fingers circling his pink rim sensually, adding only the barest hints of pressure as he warms himself up to the sensation. An audible groan leaves Hongjoong as he watches Seonghwa slowly begin to press against his entrance, gently adding more force until the flesh finally gives way, allowing him to slide the two tips of his digits inside.

“God,” Seonghwa whimpers out at the stretch, inching more of his fingers deeper inside.

Hongjoong swears he’s never been this turned on in his life, and he just knows this scene will be engraved in his mind for eternity—set to haunt him for the rest of his days. But it’s when he finally manages to drag his eyes up to Seonghwa’s face that his own hips kick forwards in pure want, because Seonghwa is staring directly at him.

The model's gaze hasn’t left his face once, focusing on him even as the pace of his fingers has increased, an audible and outright obscene squelch ringing out in the room as he fucks himself open.

He wants my eyes on him- he likes being watched… Hongjoong thinks vaguely as his gaze flits back downwards, noting the way Seonghwa has shifted further onto his back. His legs spread apart even more, and he tilts his hips upwards slightly to give himself a better angle to slide his fingers that much deeper inside.

As he thinks about it, he supposes it comes with the territory. Seonghwa is beautiful, yes, and his profession is quite literally using said beauty to bring art to life on runways and in photo shoots. He’s constantly surrounded by flashing lights in the public—constantly has the world's eyes on him at all moments. It’s no wonder that he’d enjoy having Hongjoong’s undivided attention on him here in private as well.

His open confidence is so attractive.

Wanton moans and gasps begin to spill out of Seonghwa as he seems to find his rhythm, hips grinding forwards to meet the thrusts of his fingers in a fashion so desperate that Hongjoong feels as though he’s going to genuinely black out if he doesn’t fuck him now.

“J-joong,” he moans out, and Hongjoong’s eyes snap back upwards to meet the model’s glossed over ones. Seonghwa’s free hand twitches from where it rests against the sheets below them, supporting his frame with his hips tilted upwards. It moves slightly, almost as if he’s seconds away from stopping just so he can reach out towards him, but Hongjoong understands it. Knows by now how much the model seems to need him close by—to have some sort of physical contact between them at all times—the comfort it brings him going beyond simply being a tactile person.

So he shuffles closer, drawn in by the magnetic pull of Seonghwa’s sparkling eyes locked with his. Earlier in the water, he had agreed that the model did give off the vibes of being a merman, but he realizes now that he was wrong.

With the hold Seonghwa seems to exert over Hongjoong without even trying, it’s impossible for him to be anything but a siren.

“Doing so good for me baby, shit. Look at you- so gorgeous,” he praises him easily, shifting to settle against the headboard beside Seonghwa before hooking his arms around the other man, dragging him bodily into his lap. Seonghwa makes a noise of surprise as he’s pulled onto Hongjoong’s body—settling in between the rapper’s legs—his back pressing flush against Hongjoong’s chest. In this position, Hongjoong can’t exactly see what Seonghwa is doing to himself, but he can hear the movements, and can feel the motions. God, can he feel it.

Seonghwa presses back against him firmly, spread wide once more as Hongjoong forcefully hooks his arms around Seonghwa’s legs, tugging them apart. Like this, he can feel the rise and fall of Seonghwa’s breaths clearly. Can feel the way his moans and whines reverberate throughout his chest as he works himself open. Can see the way his neglected cock slaps against his navel with each thrust, an obscene amount of precome leaking from the tip as it smears against his skin.

He presses gentle kisses against Seonghwa’s flushed face, murmuring words of encouragement and praise into his skin the closer he grows to his peak. It’s when Seonghwa’s legs begin to tremble within Hongjoong’s hold, his moans reaching a fervent pitch, that the model finally slips his fingers out.

Hongjoong barely manages to muffle the groan he lets out against Seonghwa’s hair at the shlick! that sounds in the air at the movement.

So fucking wet…

“‘Joong-“ Seonghwa whines immediately, clearly distressed at the abrupt emptiness as he begins to shift in Hongjoong’s lap, moving to straddle him.

Hongjoong shushes him with a soothing kiss against his heated forehead, releasing the model’s legs to help him turn around. He pulls Seonghwa against him firmly once he’s in a more comfortable position, pressing warm kisses against his lips and cheeks as Seonghwa grinds down against his lap, his leaking cock and sloppy hole rubbing against Hongjoong’s skin in tandem.

”Fuck, you did so good baby. Loved watching you- thank you for the show,” Hongjoong groans against Seonghwa’s neck, noting the way the man visibly preens at the praise.

So damn adorable.

“Please, please, please,” Seonghwa begs quietly, rutting down harder against Hongjoong’s own aching cock, and the rapper swears quietly as he moves to shift him off his lap and onto the sheets beneath them.

”Shit…Yeah, I’ve got you baby,” he grunts, practically ripping the second foil packet in half in his eagerness to open it. He shimmy’s out of his boxers, finally, the restrictive material nearly getting stuck around his thighs halfway down before he forcefully yanks them off the remainder of the way, discarding them off the side of the bed. His cock slaps up against his stomach with a wet sound as it’s freed, and he lets out a small hiss of relief.

He rolls the condom on swiftly, grabbing the bottle of lube next to pour a generous amount over his length. The pressure of his hand wrapped around his shaft feels so fucking good as he slicks himself up, and his hips buck forwards into the tunnel formed by his palm of their own volition. Glancing up at Seonghwa through his lashes, he finds the man’s gaze already fixated on him intently. Hongjoong snorts aloud at the outright predatory glint he finds in the model’s eyes, his amusement only growing as Seonghwa unsubtly inches closer to him.

”Alright, alright. C’mere angel,” he laughs gently, opening his arms invitingly—an invitation that Seonghwa accepts without hesitation. “How do you want me?”

Seonghwa immediately begins pushing against Hongjoong’s shoulders, shoving him down until his head hits a pillow behind him. “Like this. Wanna look at you.”

Hongjoong’s heart nearly gives out within his chest as Seonghwa straddles him, the visual almost too much for his weak organ to take. He teasingly utters out, “You want to look at me? Look who’s talking.”

Seonghwa’s face flushes as situates himself properly atop Hongjoong, the cleft of his plush ass sliding easily—teasingly—over Hongjoong’s cock. “Of course I like looking at you. You’re handsome.”

Realistically, Hongjoong knows Seonghwa finds him physically attractive. It’s not often that one hooks up with someone they’re not attracted to in the first place. But hearing the sentiment verbalized by the model, even with such timing, leaves Hongjoong’s own face heating with sudden embarrassment.

He doesn’t answer—doesn’t get the chance to—because Seonghwa chooses that exact moment to reach behind him, grasping Hongjoong’s cock firmly in his palm as he guides the tip up against his rim.

Fuck.

Fuck.

”Oh fuck,” Hongjoong groans out at the first press of his length against Seonghwa’s ass. The model lets out a high-pitched keen as the head of Hongjoong’s cock pushes past his rim, the fit incredibly tight yet eased along by the excessive amount of lube they had used. Hongjoong throws his head back against the pillows, chest rising and falling rapidly as Seonghwa slowly begins to lower himself. “Baby- shit. Feels so good.”

“H-hah,” Seonghwa pants out as inch by inch slips deeper inside him, the stretch almost too much.

Seonghwa’s cock is longer in comparison with Hongjoong’s, but Hongjoong is thicker, and he knows for a fact that the two measly fingers the model had used to prep himself were not enough. And yet, Seonghwa seems to enjoy the burn as Hongjoong’s girth splits him open. When he finally bottoms out, a loud moan escapes him as his hips jolt forwards because Hongjoong is big enough to feel him everywhere even without moving, and the tip of his length is now pressed snugly against Seonghwa’s prostate.

”’s too much,” he slurs out, damn near drunk on the rapper’s cock already, and Hongjoong groans aloud as Seonghwa clenches around him rhythmically, milking him as his body struggles to adjust.

”You can take it baby. Doing such a good job already, look at you.” His hips rise, grinding up into Seonghwa just to feel him helplessly clench around him once more, a quiet cry escaping his lips as he slumps over Hongjoong momentarily.

He gives Seonghwa time to adjust, letting the man gently bear down against him as he works up a pleasurable pace. His hips slowly begin to rise and fall with an easier glide as his body grows accustomed to the overwhelming stretch. His cock slaps against his stomach with each thrust, the sound almost unbearably lewd when accompanied with the wet sounds of Hongjoong spearing him open.

”O-oh shit,” Seonghwa gasps out as he drops down once more against Hongjoong, the head of the rapper’s length once again grinding onto his now swollen prostate, the action causing a trickle of precome to escape his own tip’s slit. Having already been worked to the edge while fingering himself open, Seonghwa is incredibly close even now, his thighs beginning to tremble in exhaustion and desperation alike.

Hongjoong himself can feel his orgasm growing closer and closer in spite of the fact that they’ve basically just begun, but he’s been on edge the whole night—practically rock hard for the past hour straight—so he can’t bring himself to feel embarrassed about finishing so soon.

But he’ll be damned if he doesn’t bring Seonghwa over the edge first.

”Move your hands, angel,” he instructs, voice raspy with need. He guides Seonghwa’s hands onto the mattress below, pressing them against either side of his chest in order to give the model better support. “You did so good for me. Let me take care of you now, yeah?”

Seonghwa lets out a small noise of surprise as Hongjoong draws his legs in beneath them, elevating Seonghwa in his lap as his hips buck upwards. With his hands gripped securely around the model’s waist to ensure his balance, Hongjoong doesn’t bother easing into the motions—they’re both far too strung along for that. Digging his heels into the mattress below, he sets a fast and hard pace from the start.

A loud moan escapes Seonghwa as the rapper's cock begins to piston in and out of him in rapid succession—the pace fast enough that he barely registers the emptiness each time Hongjoong withdraws to the tip, what with his thick cock slamming back in immediately afterwards.

Seonghwa’s flushed length bobs against his stomach with each thrust of Hongjoong’s hips, smearing excessive amounts of precome against his skin until it’s visibly slick, even in the dim lighting of the room. He barely manages to last through a handful of pumps more before his arms give out from beneath him, falling forwards against Hongjoong’s chest.

”W-wait-“ he sobs out, overwhelmed with pleasure as he buries his face into the rappers neck. Hongjoong tightens his grip around the model’s waist, shifting his body in his lap to the perfect position before going for it, fucking up into Seonghwa’s tight hole that much faster.

Seonghwa lets out his loudest moan of the night yet, body trembling as the head of Hongjoong’s cock begins to ram against his prostate with each thrust in. His hips jump at the immense pleasure, and he attempts to shift away from it, previously unshed tears now beginning to roll down his cheeks because it’s just too much.

Hongjoong lets out a small growl of displeasure, pulling Seonghwa back down onto his cock and grinding up against his sensitive bundle of nerves filthily. He presses a kiss against the model’s hair, groaning out, “You can take it baby- know you can. Isn’t this what you were begging me for?”

Seonghwa cries out against the crook of his neck, head shaking vehemently even as he begins to grind down against Hongjoong’s body, rubbing his aching cock against the hard planes of the rappers abdomen. He slurs out, “C-can’t! ‘s too much, please-!”

Oh my fucking god…

Hongjoong groans loudly, head feeling hazy and muddled with pure lust as Seonghwa lifts his head from his neck, face hovering right over Hongjoong’s. And fuck it all if Hongjoong isn’t absolutely gone for this man—for the way his doe eyes glisten gorgeously with overwhelmed tears, for the way his face is flushed the most adorable shade of pink, for the way his lips are parted as endless moans and gasps spill from them because he just feels so good.

“Kiss,” he whines out the single word, pouted lips coming forwards before Hongjoong even gets the chance to reign his heart rate back to a safe speed at the adorable expression on Seonghwa’s face.

He indulges Seonghwa easily, his pace unwavering even as the model whines against his lips needily—licking wetly into Hongjoong’s mouth—desperate and heated. He can feel the man’s thighs beginning their tell-tale shake above him as his velvet walls begin to contract around Hongjoong’s aching shaft, clearly close to his peak. An already tight fit becomes even more difficult as Seonghwa clenches around him, but Hongjoong grits his teeth and continues to fuck him through the mind-numbing sensations.

Seonghwa breaks away from their kiss, voice wobbly and thick and whiny as he warns, “C-close!”

Hongjoong hisses at his words, somehow mustering up the resolve to go even harder, suddenly desperate to make Seonghwa fall over the edge now. “Shit, baby- so good. You feel so damn good around me.”

”Hongjoong, gonna come-“ Seonghwa sobs out, voice trailing off into a loud gasp as Hongjoong chooses that exact moment to pull Seonghwa down flush against him hard, grinding the head of his cock up against the model’s prostate determinedly.

His right hand leaves Seonghwa’s waist, slipping in between their bodies to wrap around the other man's slick length. His thumb rubs against a sensitive spot just below the head of Seonghwa’s shaft as he pants against his ear, ”Let go for me angel. Wanna feel you come for me again.”

Seonghwa breaks.

“A-aah!” He cries out, entire frame trembling against Hongjoong’s as his cock begins to shoot out seemingly endless spurts of come between their chests—making a mess of them both.

Hongjoong groans loud, thrusts growing increasingly sloppy as he attempts to keep fucking up into Seonghwa—to prolong the model’s pleasure until tears begin to spill endlessly from his gorgoeous eyes and his voice grows hoarse from overuse—but the way Seonghwa clenches around him is too much. He’s been kept on the edge for too long—has been consistently hard for the past hour at least.

He sees white as he comes, back arching from the bed as he grinds up into Seonghwa’s warm walls with a loud moan.

”God, f-fuck-!” He groans aloud, hips stuttering up against the model’s ass as he explodes into the condom, cock being rhythmically milked as Seonghwa shudders above him as he comes down from his own high.

Hongjoong’s orgasm feels never ending, and he’s unsure as to whether it’s due to him being strung along for such an extended period of time, or if it’s due to the fact that he’s coming inside the most gorgeous man he’s ever laid eyes on, but he can’t bring himself to ponder it for long as gasps and groans spill from his lips.

When the final waves of his orgasm finally begin to recede, Hongjoong can’t help the endeared chuckle that escapes as Seonghwa folds down against him, all strength seemingly zapped from his body in an instant. The model’s arms wrap around his body tightly as he snuggles down against him, and Hongjoong wraps his own arms around Seonghwa’s back in return as he presses several kisses against the side of the man’s head. He’s careful to keep his hips still—waiting for his hard-on to completely go down. He knows Seonghwa’s walls must be incredibly sensitive at the moment, and doesn’t want to cause the man any unnecessary discomfort by dragging his thick girth out of him prematurely.

Seonghwa’s body grows lax against his own, and when Hongjoong finally deems it safe enough to pull out, he questions for a split second whether the model has fallen asleep on him—even with his ass still plugged with Hongjoong’s cock.

”Seonghwa? Baby, I’m gonna pull out now,” he warns gently, letting out a laugh as the man finally responds with a protesting groan and tight squeeze of his arms. “C’mon, lift up a bit. You can’t sleep with me inside you.”

”Says who,” Seonghwa mumbles out quietly, petulantly, but he complies regardless. A quiet hiss leaves Hongjoong as he slides his now-flaccid length out of Seonghwa’s hole, watching the way it clenches as lube dribbles out of it.

His dick twitches with renewed interest, and he has to force his gaze away from the sight before he accidentally gets hard again, because he does not think the model could handle another round anytime soon.

Get a grip Hongjoong…

He rolls Seonghwa off of him, depositing him onto the mattress beside him gently as he rises from the bed, pressing a kiss to the model’s lips with a murmured promise to be right back.

In Yunho’s bathroom, a startled laugh leaves him as he studies his reflection in the mirror. He hadn’t been paying much attention to the extent of Seonghwa’s actions when the model had been kissing and biting against the skin of his neck, but looking at the marred and bruised skin now, he’s shocked that he hadn’t noticed it earlier.

Goddamn, he’s possessive.

He’s going to have to wear a hoodie for the next couple of days. He briefly wonders what his manager will have to say about it if she catches a glimpse of his quickly purpling and reddening neck.

He cleans himself off thoroughly with a fresh washcloth as quickly as possible, before running another one under warm water for Seonghwa. They can take proper showers in the morning—he doubts the other man would be keen on the idea of hopping in the tiled space at this moment.

Seonghwa blinks up at him sleepily when he finally returns to his side, body pliant and willing in his hands as he allows Hongjoong to wipe him clean. The comforter spread atop Yunho’s sheets is an absolute lost cause at the moment, so he strips it off the bed completely before pulling Seonghwa back down onto the bed beside him.

The windows in the bedroom are still cracked open the same way they had been hours before in the morning, and the temperate, summer night air wafts into the room from the outdoors, warming their skin cozily as they settle in to sleep.

Seonghwa, predictably, throws both an arm and leg around Hongjoong as he nuzzles against his bare chest sleepily. Hongjoong’s frame rumbles with a quiet laugh as he settles down against the bed, his own arms coming up to wrap around Seonghwa warmly as the model practically clings to him in a koala-like fashion.

”You okay?” He murmurs, pressing a kiss to Seonghwa’s forehead, even as the model’s eyes have drifted shut in apparent exhaustion.

”Mmh,” Seonghwa mumbles in agreement, tilting his head to press a warm kiss of his own against Hongjoong’s chest. “Just sleepy.”

Hongjoong laughs aloud then, pinching Seonghwa’s waist. “You saying I wore you out then?”

Seonghwa cracks an eye open, glaring up at him teasingly. “You were okay.”

Hongjoong sends him an exaggerated look of mock-offense, twisting his body to swiftly flip Seonghwa onto his back, hovering over him playfully. Seonghwa’s pupils widen at the abrupt shift in positions, and his legs spread thoughtlessly to allow Hongjoong more space to settle between them.

His face heats up immediately when he realizes what he’s just subconsciously done, and Hongjoong’s brows raise as he sends him a cocky look, eyes flickering from between Seonghwa’s open legs to his embarrassed face. “Hm. You seem pretty eager for someone who claims the sex was ‘just okay’.”

Seonghwa giggles—lifting a leg to kick out at him—but Hongjoong catches his knee easily, pressing it backwards to further press Seonghwa down against the mattress. Seonghwa’s breath audibly hitches as Hongjoong leans in closer, a quiet whine slipping out as his eyes flicker between the dark look in the rapper's eyes, and the multitude of bruises littering his neck. Hongjoong catches on to where his gaze is, and snorts out a laugh.

”You really marked me up, huh?”

Seonghwa’s smile turns sheepish yet unapologetic, reaching a hand up to brush against the sensitive skin. “It looks pretty…”

Hongjoong hums in agreement, watching in real time the way Seonghwa’s eyes darken the longer he studies his handiwork, clearly growing more and more aroused with each passing second.

Okay, this is quickly getting out of hand.

He shifts off of the model, flopping back onto the bed beside him before he can begin to get wound up again, because it’s late, they’re exhausted, and they absolutely cannot afford to start getting hard again when they both have flights to catch the following morning.

Seonghwa seems almost disappointed at Hongjoong’s decision to move off of him, but he’s quickly placated by the kisses the rapper begins to litter across his face as he pulls him snuggly against his chest once more.

Even when clearly fighting sleep, Seonghwa manages to find a way to be energetic, mumbling out questions and silly jokes as they settle in for the night, and Hongjoong is hopelessly endeared by the man.

”What time is your flight tomorrow?” He yawns out, lips brushing against Hongjoong’s skin with each word.

”Noon,” Hongjoong replies, stomach twisting uneasily at the reminder that they’ll be going their separate ways in a matter of hours. His arms tighten around Seonghwa instinctively, and he desperately attempts to fight the disappointed thoughts beginning to shove their way into his mind.

”Mines in the morning—at 10,” Seonghwa murmurs, returning Hongjoong’s tight squeeze. “I should pack you in my suitcase. You’d fit.”

Hongjoong pokes him. “You’re not that much taller than me.”

Seonghwa giggles, twisting to look up at him, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “Oh? But-“

”Go to sleep,” Hongjoong interjects before the model can continue his teasing. A play-argument right now would only lead to play-fighting, which would lead to Hongjoong needing to put the other man in his place, which would lead to…well.

And they really do need to sleep.

“So…am I the best fan you’ve ever fucked?” Seonghwa questions, clearly still intent on trying to gain a reaction out of Hongjoong for his personal amusement.

”Your pillow talking could use some work,” Hongjoong snorts, eyes fluttering shut resolutely.

Seonghwa laughs, smacking a hand against his chest. “I’m taking that as a yes, by the way.”

”Well, I’ve never fucked a fan before. So, go ahead.”

Seonghwa wiggles in his arms once more, and Hongjoong doesn’t need to open his eyes to know the model is sending him a skeptical look. “Are you kidding?”

Hongjoong shakes his head. “Nope. I hate to break any illusion you have of me, but I’m actually a bit of a hermit.”

Seonghwa giggles again at his words, leaning up to pepper kisses along Hongjoong’s jaw. “You’re so funny.”

Hongjoong isn’t exactly sure what he’s said that’s so amusing, but he’d repeat it a million times over just to hear the model's melodic laughter.

“Aren’t you going to ask if you’re the best rapper I’ve ever fucked?” Seonghwa yawns, and Hongjoong cracks his eyes open just in time to watch his nose crinkle up and twitch adorably once more.

He really is like a bunny…

He decides to humor the model, continuing the ridiculous conversation topic for whatever reason. ”Am I the best rapper you’ve ever fucked?”

”You’re the only rapper I’ve ever fucked, so I guess we’re both each others firsts, huh?”

And it’s silly, the way Seonghwa’s words always somehow manage to make him laugh, yet feel hopelessly endeared all at once.

Fuck, I am so far gone for this man…

X x X

Hongjoong awakens the following morning to Seonghwa groaning against his neck.

A disoriented grunt of discomfort escapes him as he feels the man stretch against him, and he peels his eyes open in an attempt to orient himself. The sheets of Yunho’s bed are pushed down towards the bottom of the mattress, tangled with their bare legs. Hongjoong’s stomach aches in that familiar way it typically does after a strenuous workout of core exercises, and despite still feeling tired, he can’t remember the last time he slept this good.

An alarm is blearing from somewhere across the room—probably Seonghwa’s—but he’s warm and cozy and comfortable with the model wrapped around him, so he lets his tired eyes slip shut once more and does his best to ignore it.

Seonghwa, unfortunately, does not.

He pulls away from Hongjoong with a grumbled protest, disentangling their legs and slipping from the bed to find his cellphone and dismiss the alarm. He returns to Hongjoong’s side immediately afterwards, clambering back onto the bed and flopping down atop the rapper so abruptly that he lets out an involuntary yelp at the sudden weight.

They’re both still naked, bare skin pressed together instantly transferring warmth between them. Hongjoong cracks his eyes open once more to glare at the model, his playful annoyance instantly melting away into mirth as he takes note of Seonghwa’s bed head—though he’s sure his own must be much worse.

”Morning,” Seonghwa murmurs sweetly, pressing a chaste kiss against Hongjoong’s cheek. His voice is rough and deep with sleep, the rich sound reverberating through his chest strongly enough to reach even Hongjoong’s skin, and his heart skips a beat at the attractive sound.

Hongjoong grins into his hair, slinging an arm across Seonghwa’s back and pressing them further against one another. “Good morning, baby.”

There’s a small cloud of blatant sadness that hangs over the pair as they go about their morning together. Much to Hongjoong’s dismay—because he really does want to stay in bed a bit longer—Seonghwa drags them both into the en-suite bathroom to shower together and prepare for the day.

The water is warm and comforting as it rains down on them, and Hongjoong is sure they’ve raised Yunho’s water bill with the extended amount of time they spent in there simply holding one another, exchanging sweet kisses and nibbles of affection.

He feels infinitely better after the shower—fuzzy and soft and comfortable in a way he’s never felt around a hookup before. Except, that’s the problem, isn’t it?

He doesn’t want Seonghwa to be a one-night-stand. Doesn’t think he could genuinely bear the thought of never seeing the model again. He knows he’s only known the man for twenty-four hours max, but he likes him—isn’t ready for them to board their separate flights and go their separate ways.

Not yet. Not like this.

He doesn’t bother worrying about whether he’s moving too quickly with his affection, as it’s clear that Seonghwa feels the same way. The familiarity with which they navigate around each other as they dress for the day, brush their teeth, do their hair…to Hongjoong, it only further solidifies his stance on their relationship. Or rather, the relationship he wants with Seonghwa.

Seonghwa sticks close to him as they go about their personal routines, subdued and adorably clingy in a way that suggests he’s unwilling to let the rapper out of his sight for longer than three seconds at a time. Hongjoong’s chest tightens with a strong mixture of dread and affection as he studies their reflection in the vanity mirror before them. He’s halfway through shaving his face, while Seonghwa stands beside him, applying the finishing touches of his makeup.

We look so domestic, his traitorous brain interjects.

He feels the inaudible sound of the minutes ticking by reverberating through his brain as they drag Seonghwa’s luggage downstairs. They dutifully throw Yunho’s sheets into the washer for a thorough cycle—making the executive decision to simply throw away his comforter, as it truly is beyond saving. They do a quick sweep of both the indoors and back deck, tidying up Yunho’s house and ensuring they put away any items they had mistakenly left lying about.

His heart sinks to his stomach when they settle onto the couch side-by-side, and Seonghwa’s phone begins to buzz. The model looks down at his screen with a forlorn expression, and Hongjoong is sure that whatever message he’s reading isn’t positive.

“My manager will be here in about thirty-minutes to pick me up,” he states quietly—plainly.

Fuck. 

Hongjoong nods in understanding, wordlessly opening his arms in an invitation that the model accepts without hesitation, crawling into his warm embrace and pressing them both down against the plush couch below them. They spend the remainder of their time together in this fashion, the rapper turning on the television to play a quiet movie in the background as white noise, since neither of them are paying much attention to the screen.

He knows, deep down, that he’s probably being a bit irrational about this all. Acting as though the world is about to end simply because he has to say ‘bye’ to his newfound crush is a bit ridiculous for a grown man, in the grand scheme of things. But he’s comforted in the fact that Seonghwa appears to feel equally devastated, if the way he’s clinging to Hongjoong like a lifeline and pressing endless kisses against his lips and face in general are anything to go by.

When Seonghwa’s phone finally rings again, signaling that his team are outside and waiting for him, Hongjoong’s heart absolutely shatters within his chest as he watches the model’s eyes slowly begin to fill with tears as he stares at him.

”Seonghwa, no-“ he immediately tries to intercept the man’s sadness, pulling his face in closer to press a gentle kiss against his forehead. “Baby, don’t cry. We have each other’s numbers, we’ll see each other again soon—I’ll make sure of it.”

Seonghwa lets out a quiet sniffle before laughing embarrassedly, "I'm sorry. I know I’m being super dramatic right now.”

Hongjoong chuckles, unable to keep the edge of sadness out of his tone. “You’re not being dramatic. Believe me—I feel the same way.”

They rise from the sofa slowly—reluctantly—the pair shuffling towards the front door in heavy silence. Hongjoong stops Seonghwa as they stand in the threshold of the door, gently tugging the model flush against him for a long and deep kiss. The weight of Seonghwa’s body sags against his own as the man melts into the touch with a soft moan, hands gripping the front of Hongjoong’s hoodie tightly as he presses in even further.

When their kiss finally breaks, Seonghwa rests their foreheads together for several brief moments, his eyes shut in quiet contemplation. When he reopens them, a small smile stretches across his lips that doesn’t quite meet his eyes.

”Promise we’ll stay in touch?” He asks—voice light—but Hongjoong hears the underlying sadness in his words, and his heart aches.

He nods immediately, reassuring. “I promise. Fly safe baby. I know you’re gonna kill it this week.”

Seonghwa giggles as Hongjoong surges up to press several ticklish kisses against his cheeks and lips. “Hongjoong, my makeup!”

”Don’t care,” Hongjoong mutters, pressing several last kisses onto Seonghwa’s closed eyelids before patting the man’s ass gently in parting. “I’ll call you, yeah?”

”Yeah,” Seonghwa agrees quietly. He grabs his small suitcase and a tote bag, hauling it through the door and down the short driveway towards the black suv waiting in the street for him. The doors open before Seonghwa can even reach the vehicle, two men hopping out to grab his bags from him and get him settled inside the car.

And then, he’s gone.

Hongjoong truthfully doesn’t have the heart to watch the car drive off down the street and out of sight around the corner, but he does it anyway.

He lets out a heavy sigh as he glances down at his phone screen, noting the time. He needs to call a cab now as well, and begin making his way back towards the hotel his staff are staying at in order to travel to the airport together.

But…he can’t help feeling as though saying goodbye to Seonghwa was the wrong decision. As though he’d found something precious—something as rare and beautiful as a pearl—and was somehow choosing to chuck it back into the sea.

His chest feels heavy as he shuts the front door behind him, needing to begin packing up his own things upstairs in preparation for his departure.

The house feels incredibly empty as he treks up the staircase silently.

X x X

Hongjoong feels as though he’s lost his goddamn mind.

He doesn’t speak a word of French beyond the basic “hello” and “thank you”. He can’t read any of the signs around him. And his manager is beyond exasperated with him, having talked his ears off the entire switched flight to Paris as she lectured him.

He understands her frustration—he truly does.

His decision had been a rash, spur-of-the-moment thing that he’d known could potentially land him in some hot waters, but he hadn’t cared. He’d had to cancel several important meetings and events that were scheduled for the week in Seoul. Had to buy whole new flights for both himself and his staff. And had to disguise himself excessively when landing at the CDG, because technically, he’s not supposed to be in Paris—and is certainly not supposed to be at Fashion Week. He’d already received invitations to attend the shows of two major brands, but had been forced to turn them down due to his overlapping commitments.

With the week already upon them, it’s far too late for his team to rescind the declination and re-work the shows into his official schedule. But this also means that he can’t afford to be spotted in public while here—it would rub too many important people’s shoulders the wrong way, and cause too much confusion with not only his fans, but the general public as well.

Which is why he owes Yunho a big one after the strings the model had pulled for him.

The hallway he stands in is a flurry of absolute chaos, with people walking and talking wherever his eyes land. Hongjoong steps to the side, pressing himself back against a wall to narrowly avoid catching an overly puffy tulle petticoat to the face as a stylist scurries past him. His eyes scan every face he can see, subtly searching for his friend whilst trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Yunho had been beyond enthusiastic when Hongjoong had called him and explained his situation—explained that he needed to come backstage for he and Seonghwa’s first show of the week together. The model had asked questions, of course. And he’d been less than thrilled when he learnt the extent of how close Hongjoong and Seonghwa had grown over the twenty-four hours they spent together (Hyung, how could you hook-up in my house like that? Does my property seem like the studio set for ‘Singles Inferno’?!)

But he’d been more happy for the pair than upset, and had easily agreed to help Hongjoong gain dressing-room access for his first walk of the week together with Seonghwa.

Which is how Hongjoong has now found himself here, shivering in the overly air conditioned back rooms and hallways of a large, countryside estate in spite of the leather jacket he dons. Feeling completely out of his element—not just because he’s currently surrounded by the world of high fashion—but because this is incredibly out of character for him. His work, his music, are his whole life. He’s never made time for anything, or anyone, else. Let alone blown off his responsibilities for any reason.

And yet here he is. Doing everything he thought he was incapable of. And all for a man he’s known for two days.

He’s definitely lost his mind.

“Hyung!” he hears a familiar voice call out from somewhere to his left. He turns, spotting Yunho instantly as the man strolls up to him, a large grin on his handsome face. He’s shirtless—wearing only dress slacks and a pair of bedazzled loafers as he approaches—his hair already pinned back alluringly. He’s clearly in the middle of getting styled for his upcoming walk.

“Hey,” Hongjoong greets him warmly, letting out a small grunt of amusement as the younger man pulls him into a bone-crushing hug. “I missed you, brat.”

Yunho laughs, pulling back to look Hongjoong over. “You look great! I hope security didn’t give you too much of a hassle getting back here—I gave them forewarning that you’d be swinging by, but you know how these things are.”

Hongjoong waves his concerns away. “It’s alright. It’s better that I got here a bit earlier anyways—saves me from running into the mobs of reporters that’ll be showing up soon.”

Yunho glances down at the, admittedly, ridiculously large bouquet of flowers in Hongjoong’s hands. A sly grin stretches at his lips as he observes the way Hongjoong’s ears instantly begin to tinge a dark shade of red.

”Shut up,” Hongjoong snaps preemptively, pulling a loud laugh from the taller man.

”I haven’t even said anything! Don’t worry hyung, I think it’s cute. I never knew you could be romantic like this, I’m impressed!”

Hongjoong rolls his eyes, but the shy grin tugging at his lips gives away his true feelings on the subject. “Yeah. Well. Seonghwa is worth it.”

Yunho nods in agreement, slinging a casual arm around the rapper’s shoulder as he begins to steer them down a long hallway—navigating between the bustling crowd of models and staff members alike easily. “Well then, let’s get you to your loverboy, Romeo.”

His heart rate picks up to a precarious speed as Yunho leads them along, anxiety skyrocketing.

What is he doing right now? Will Seonghwa even be happy to see him? There’s every possibility that the model won’t find his gesture cute. After all, isn’t he technically using his personal connections (Yunho) to stalk the man? And right before his first walk of the week at that.

Maybe this is a mistake. Maybe-

“Hyung, you have a visitor!”

Hongjoong screeches to a halt behind Yunho, narrowly avoiding  smacking into the man’s bare back and crushing the flowers in his hold in the process. Yunho has led them to the door of a private room, and he glances up to find a plaque hanging on it with three names.

Seonghwa Park

Yunho Jeong

Yeosang Kang

Whereas many other models he has seen around the backstage area are changing out in the open, as well as having their makeup and hair styling occur in the hallways, it appears that Seonghwa, Yunho, and the third person all had a private dressing room together.

Most likely due to their seniority with modeling for this brand…

Hongjoong hasn’t met this Yeosang guy before, but he does vaguely remember Yunho mentioning his name recently—something about him also being at Yunho’s home with him and Seonghwa, shortly before Hongjoong had arrived?

Yunho raps his knuckles on the door three times as a warning before twisting the handle, swinging it open wide. He shuffles inside immediately, leaving Hongjoong to stand in the entrance alone.

His eyes find Seonghwa instantly, the man clothed in a satin robe as he sits in a vinyl, makeup highchair. The large, white vanity before him is littered with several makeup products, and his hands are fiddling with his long hair, adjusting curling rods.

Seonghwa’s eyes lock with his own in the vanity’s mirror, his doe eyes growing adorably large as he spins around in his chair with record speed.

“Hongjoong?” He asks quietly, voice thick with disbelief.

God, how is he so fucking cute?

An embarrassingly large grin pulls at the rapper’s lips as he steps forwards into the room. “Hi baby.”

”Oh, gross hyung.”

Both of their eyes snap over towards where Yunho stands with another man he hadn’t noticed until now (although he’s most definitely a model as well due to his undeniably good-looking features, and the matching satin robe that he too wears), and he sends the younger man a warning glare.

Yunho seems to catch his drift immediately, grasping the other man's hand as he begins to tug him out of the room behind him. “C’mon Yeosangie.”

Yeosang allows himself to be dragged along easily, letting out a small, impressed whistle as he passes by Hongjoong, eyeing the massive bouquet in his hands. He bows briefly in greeting towards Hongjoong, and the rapper returns the gesture quickly before the door is shut once more, leaving him and Seonghwa alone.

Seonghwa climbs from his chair, standing before Hongjoong within seconds. “What…what are you doing here?”

Hongjoong shrugs, feigning indifference even as he presses the flowers into Seonghwa’s waiting hands. “I told you we’d see each other soon, right? Plus, I wanted to wish you good luck on your first event of the week.”

He watches as Seonghwa’s eyes begin to water, and nearly panics because holy shit, did I say something wrong? But then the model is pressing into his personal space, grabbing onto the lapels of Hongjoong’s leather jacket and pulling him close as he presses countless kisses across his mouth and cheeks.

Hongjoong laughs aloud at the affectionate gesture, returning Seonghwa’s hug instantly. “I’m guessing you like the flowers?”

Seonghwa blinks at him, clearly trying not to cry and ruin the light yet stunning makeup painted on his face. “I love them. Thank you for coming even though I know you’re busy…this is the sweetest thing a guy has ever done for me.”

And Hongjoong’s heart isn’t exactly happy with that revelation. He himself isn’t the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to dating. His past experiences are sparse, and a little messy as none of them had ended well due to his lack of effort and lack of adequate time to devote to the other person. But standing here now, he vehemently believes that Seonghwa deserves far more than a simple bouquet of flowers and a surprise visit. He isn’t sure what type of men Seonghwa has been with in the past, but he’s determined to be better than them.

The model deserves the world. And Hongjoong wants to try his damn hardest to give him it.

He pulls back from Seonghwa’s embrace, clearing his throat gently. It’s been less than 48 hours since they’d last seen each other, and yet to the rapper, it feels as though it’s been far too long. He’s missed the energetic model—missed the way they are complete opposites in every way he can think of, and yet he can’t help desperately wanting more of the man.

“Actually- I didn’t just come here to wish you good luck. I wanted to ask you something.”

Seonghwa blinks again, nodding slowly, encouraging Hongjoong to continue.

“I’ll be staying in Paris for the rest of the week, just hanging around. I know you’ll be incredibly busy with your work, but if you find a free moment in your schedule…I’d like to take you out on a date—If you’ll let me.”

Hongjoong watches in real time as Seonghwa’s pupils dilate with happiness, the softest most adorable smile he’s seen from the model yet blooming across his handsome face. He nods swiftly, eyes gorgeously misty with emotion.

“Yes please…I’d really, really like that.”

(Extra:

“Are you staying? To watch the show, I mean.”

“Ah…No, I can’t baby, I’m sorry. But I’ll watch it on a stream, alright?”

“…Why aren’t you sitting out in the audience with the other guests? Did you break in here or something?”

“…”

“Hongjoong?”

“Something like that. Hey, do me a favor—can I hide out in this room until the show is over? For totally chill reasons, I need to avoid the paparazzi like the plague this week…”

“…?”)