Chapter Text
"You seriously haven't stopped smiling since Seungcheol put that damn ring in your finger. It has been THREE months already, for God's sake, stop giggling like a kid given a lollipop every time it catches your eyes..Focus on your work, Yoon Jeonghan."
Jeonghan, aka the reason Joshua already had two cups of coffee when it's not even nine in the morning yet, giggled even more. Clutching the hand with the ring close to his chest, locking eyes with Joshua - the one that's been glaring at him for being too cheesy early in the morning (and when not) —and said,
"Can you belie—"
"YES YES, we all CAN believe that you are getting married with your first, greatest love, with THE Choi Seungcheol, dreamy eyes, broad shoulders, huge biceps that leaves you with no sanity, who is always lifting you up with those hands so easily every time you guys make out" Joshua said in a mockery tone.
"And please don't make me say your disgusting narratives about his dick.It's way too early for that." Joshua whisper yelled.
"Why do you have all that memorized? " Jeonghan said while laughing.
"I have been listening you bragging your man for the past months every time we meet. So take a genius guess why I have all that memorized."
"We meet everyday"
"Yes genius, we do. So have you figured out yet why I have your love life memorized?"
Jeonghan grinned again—
"Come onnnnn...You are my best friend, are you seriously complaining about meeting your best friend every day?Are you saying you hate communicating with your best friend? Or did you already make another best friend? Do you not love me anymore? Hong Jisoo I'm hurt!!" Jeonghan slammed his palm on the table dramatically.
"Stop being dramatic and annoying Jeonghan."
"Annoyingly in love you mean" said Jun, as he passed by their desks to the photocopy machine.
"Come on Jisoo, you only get married once in your life— unless you mess it up, which obviously Jeonghan isn't doing..Also, on top of that, how many of us get the chance to get married with our first love? Let him be happy about it." said Ji Eun from the desk beside him.
"Exactly Ji Eun—ahh, tell him. Also if you had such hot boyfrie—no, fiance, you too would talked about him to everyone you know non-stop." Jeonghan said as he blew on his steaming coffee.
"Don't side with him Ji Eun..His so-called "first love" happened at him being 28. He was such a loser throughout his whole life— what I witnessed all. And now after finally getting a boyfriend after 28 years suddenly he is tearing my ears off with all that talk without a rest."
"Fiance you mean..also yah Joshua, are you perhaps jealous of my healthy, beautiful relationship? Just go get a boyfriend or someone to get laid, you are also 30.."
"Why do I even bother talking with you..." Joshua muttered as he reached for a file on Jeonghan's desk.
Is Joshua seriously jealous of Jeonghan and Seungcheol's relationship? No, he wouldn't dare, he loves his best friend way too much for that. But you see, after a two hour long phone call that lasted until 2 AM last night— comforting a freaked out Jeonghan who apparently decided to have a mental breakdown at midnight cause he has no idea how he is gonna maintain a "married life" with seungcheol, what if he mess it up. SonJoshua can't handle this giddy, in-love Jeonghan at eight in the morning who is completely opposite of the last night one. One moment he is crashing out saying he has no idea how to handle a marriage and then next moment he is jumping around, " 𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥. 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥? 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥? "
He is just that annoying like that. Also please forgive Joshua he had to hear an earful from his parents this morning too about when he plans to settle down like Jeonghan because, well..our sweet Jeonghan can't seem to keep his mouth shut about his marriage around Joshua's parents either.
They grew up together in the same neighborhood so naturally, both of them are close with each other's parents. Hell, they don't even knock when they go to each other's houses cause they are basically second sons in both families.
"Also stop talking about my marriage life you bastard. Just because you can't stop showing off your engagement ring and the upcoming marriage even to my mom, now she is lecturing me to follow your route." Joshua rubbed his temple.
"She is right though, when are you getting a boyfriend, you loser? Forget about marriage, when was the last time you got laid? Had a one-night stand or something?No wonder you have been in such a shitty mood for a while" said Jeonghan, making a disappointing face towards Joshua.
"Will you sto—"
"Yeah will you guys please stop discussing each other's personal life while at work?"
"Oh boss you are here! Would you like some coffe? Or tea? Or would you prefer I get you a fresh matcha from across two blocks—right in front of my fiance's office building?" Jeonghan batted his eyes innocently at his 'boss'.
"Shut up, Jeonghan. Just because you're my friend's fiance, don't think you can get away with gossiping around during office hours. Why don't I see your laptop open yet? Have you imported the photos that are due tonight?"
"𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦? Yah Jeon Wonwoo, have you forgotten all the years I have spent for the sake of your company? I was your employee first,bfor FOUR years and then your friend for several years BEFORE I ever became your friend's fiance...Don't just erase my employment of four years and our friendship like that!!" Jeonghan gasped dramatically, pointing an accusing finger at Wonwoo.
"Also aren't you the boss?Aren't you supposed to be late a few more minutes? Why are you here an hour early? Office hours start at 9 AM so don't you go lecturing me about work when it's only 8:30," Jeonghan mumbled again as he sat down on his chair and picked up his coffee mug, pretending to sulk.
"Why? I thought you loved hearing people call you 'Seungcheol's fiance' ? Isn't that why you have been going around telling every employee here that you are getting married? Jeonghan, why does even the chef from our cafeteria know that you are getting married in three months?You don't even like our cafeteria food that much, you don't even visit the cafeteria that often— when did you even manage to tell her that?" Wonwoo asked.
"I told her that when you asked me to grab the coffee you forgot at the counter. "
"That wasn't supposed to take even 50 seconds of your time. "
"Damn it, Wonwoo..That's the only thing I told her when I got there, okay? Why do you all hate me sharing my happy news with others?" Jeonghan huffed, looking away..pouting.
Wonwoo pushed his glass up, "I don't understand why you are jumping around with this news to everyone about you getting married when you don't even plan to invite them at the wedding."
Joshua snorted beside him.
"All of you are just jealous of our relationship.I am not inviting any of you at our wedding, just wait and see." Jeonghan said spinning his chair away from Wonwoo and turning back to his laptop.
"Whatever, you love-drunk.
Please open your email and start working on those photos already. We don't have much time and I can't risk you editing them mindlessly just because you can't stop thinking about your fiance." Wonwoo said in a mocking tone.
Jeonghan rolled his eyes at that.
"Also can you please turn off your phone cause I really, really need the photos done by 8 PM." He added.
"Why would I need to turn off my phone?" asked Jeonghan.
"You don't stop once seungcheol starts texting you."
"Jesus, let me live, okay?" Jeonghan said, rising his hands in the air.
"He has court today so he isn't calling me anytime before 5 PM.I will even dedicate my lunch break to you and your studio today, happy?"
"Whatever." Wonwoo said, starting to walk away. Jeonghan lifted a fist pretending to punch behind his back—
"I saw that" Wonwoo said pointing a finger at Jeonghan.
"Haha, I was um doing some stretching, you know since I have to sit at the desk for a long time.Uh...I— I will go get you a coffee."
Wonwoo eyed Jeonghan as he hurried off towards the stairs leading to the office cafe.
"This menace.." Wonwoo said while shaking his head, a small fond smile on his face.
"Ji Eun, were you able to collect those files that needed Mr. Tae's sign?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good, bring them to my office."
☕
Jeonghan sat down at a nearby table after placing an order for two coffees—one for Wonwoo and one for himself and a pastry for Joshua. Hoping some sugar in his system will help his friend take off whatever load that he has been taking in recently. He knows few or less about his family pressuring him to get married but today, amidst all the friendly, chaotic bickering, he seemed really off. He needed to find some time to talk with his best friend— about 𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘢, not himself.
While waiting for the order, he checked the time on his phone— 8:45..fifteen minutes more till his office hours and Seungcheol leaves for the court. He decided to send a quick text to Seungcheol.
𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞ᰔ
-𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵?𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.
𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐞~
-𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘐 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘰𝘹. 𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘐 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞ᰔ
-𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘺..𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐞~
-𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶😘
𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞ᰔ
-𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰. 𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘞𝘰𝘯𝘸𝘰𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬?𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬, 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘩.
𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐞~
-𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘮? 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺.
𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞ᰔ
-𝘺𝘢𝘺
-𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 :(
𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐞~
-𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘰, 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺?
𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞ᰔ
-𝘚𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶..𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘺𝘦 𝘣𝘺𝘦
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺.
𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐞~
-𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘺🤍
☕
Jeonghan met Seungcheol almost three years ago.It was right after a new beginning in his life...As the company he works for gradually grew, he had to move out from his parents' in Buam-dong and had to find a new place in Seocho-dong when the company decided to relocate to a better place.
Jeonghan is a photographer, the company he works at is named, "Before the shutter".
The name was given by Wonwoo, the current CEO of the studio. It's not a big company, but also not something too small to go unnoticed.
Jeonghan met Wonwoo back in his college, they finished studying photography together at Sangmyung University.They were not particulary close back then. Just classmates, nothing more...but once they graduated, Jeonghan started looking for jobs and during one of his interviews, he came to know that Wonwoo was handed over the small studio their family owned. And he was planning to take over it. Wonwoo personally approached Jeonghan with an offer to start working with him and Jeonghan just joined without much hesitation. Jeonghan had no doubt about Wonwoo's skill as Wonwoo was always one of the top in their major. Jeonghan thought it would be better working with Wonwoo, someone his age, instead of working under older professionals who would barely pay attention to his ideas, brushing his ideas off because he is a newbie.
So Jeonghan agreed and joined that small studio. Jeonghan was 24 when he first joined 'Before the shutter' and the studio back then was at Buam-dong. It was kind of a perfect place for photography. Hillside streets, small gardens here and there and a small, warm view of Bukhan. The early morning capturing the sun peeking over the edge of the hills, the beauty of the sky and earth bushing awake...the perfect moments to capture through a lens.
But breathtaking beauty wasn't enough for the business to stand strong among growing competitions.
At some point, Wonwoo shared with everyone that if they truly wanted the studio to grow and to make a stable living, they needed to expand, to add more branches.
Wonwoo got the idea when one of his old friends— who was currently working under a law firm— was talking with him about how they needed more photographers for their cases. That conversation stuck into Wonwoo's mind and after giving it more consideration and discussing a little bit with his father, he decided to reach out to that friend again.
The said friend was Seungcheol who just started working under a law firm in Seocho-dong back then. As a newly joined lawyer with no connections, he was having a hard time figuring out things to process in his appointed cases.
Seungcheol is two years older than Wonwoo who simply had grown close when they were kids. They also haven't met each other for a while and due to some work Wonwoo had to come to Seocho-dong so they decided to meet up.
They chose a small cafe near Seungcheol's law firm. After finishing the work he had to take care of, he called Seungcheol and shared their locations. After a short 15 min bus ride, Wonwoo reached the cafe. Entering the cafe, Wonwoo saw Seungcheol already sitting at one table and called out to him, walking over.
"Hyung"
"Hey, Won! It's been so long..." Seungcheol got up and hugged Wonwoo tightly.
"Yeah, it really has. It's been almost three years since you moved here, right?"
"Yeah, three years already.."
Wonwoo let out a small huff. "Three years since my favorite hyung from back home suddenly decided to be a lawyer and left me alone with an empty playground."
Seungcheol chuckled, "Well as much as I had to leave behind, it was worth it."
Wonwoo smiled. And placed a coffee as his order. Seungcheol already ordered for himself when he arrived.
"So, how's the studio doing? How's uncle?"
"Dad is good, just busy with mom. And about the studio, I have few ideas to expand its branches so, it is also one of the reasons I wanted to meet up with you, hyung."
"Oh? What about it?" Seungcheol asked as he sipped his coffee.
"Last time we had a phone call, you mentioned how you were looking for photographers for your cases?"
"Oh yeah..about that, I am also new at this, I don't know much either. I studied this major for years, sure, but studying in the book and applying it in real life apparently comes with a huge difference. So during my first few cases, I struggled a lot as I had to manage a lot of things on my own. While working on the cases I realized it would be so much better if I knew how to use a camera or if I had a professional, personal photographer. Cause often while visiting the crime sites, there are many times I felt like it would help me more if I could document it all in detail. It helps you a lot while studying the case later on. So that was about it pretty much."
Wonwoo nodded,
"Did you find one back then? A personal photographer, I mean. "
"Yeah I managed to find one but it was a lot of trouble though. You see, as Seocho-dong is mainly a concentrated legal place, it's quite tough finding new people to work for you as they are always somehow occupied. But I managed back then, had to empty up my wallet though" seungcheol chuckled.
"Why do you ask about this though?" he added.
"This idea stuck in my mind..using the camera in other fields too."
"Yeah? Tell me about it." Seungcheol put down his coffee and leaned toward Wonwoo, paying attention.
"The studio in Buam-dong, it's doing fine. I won't say it's struggling but in Buam-dong, the only opportunity is taking pictures of normal scenery, it's limited. Some of our photos are used by painters who decide to use those photos as their inspiration and reference, some art students also buy them to practice their painting skills.. some of those are also sometimes used in small magazines. So yeah, it's not all that bad."
He paused, glancing down the coffee glass in his hand before continuing,
"But you see, lately there have been more studios popping up in Buam-dong and I can finally feel the competition. The business has been getting a little bit tougher these days."
Seungcheol listened to it all attentively. Then asked,
“So you’re thinking of expanding the studio?”
"Yes. So I was planning to open a few new branches, including forensic photography too. "
"That's great, Wonwoo. If uncle gives you the permission and if you manage to hire professional photographers for that, then isn't it all settled?"
"Yes, dad did give me permission and we already have good photographers."
Seungcheol studied Wonwoo for a moment before carefully adding-
"Is there anything else in your mind?"
"I don't think adding additional branches will really help much if the studio stays in Buam-dong. The studio is not even well-known enough that we will get work offers from outside Buam-dong."
Seungcheol nodded in agreement.
"That's right, Buam-dong is a small place. Not many people need the studio there."
"So I have been thinking...about shifting the studio here, at Seocho-dong."
Seungcheol stayed quiet for a while. Deciding what to say.
"The idea is really good, moving the company here will definitely help the business grow. But you would need a place for that though. And I am not sure about you managing to find a place easily in Seocho-dong. As you can see, it's the centre place for law firms and institutions and the court. It's always tightly packed."
"I already rented a place. It was the main reason I had to come here today. Actually my dad sent me— he said he knew someone who could help."
"Oh? So how did it go?"
"That person agreed to rent the place. The price is a little bit high but manageable. I actually have already signed the papers too."
"Wow, Won it's a good news then! Where is it though?"
"Two blocks from your law firm."
Seungcheol’s face lit up.
"So we are finally getting back together again, huh?"
Wonwoo smiled back,
"Yeah, I guess I ended up chasing after my favorite hyung at the end."
"I am glad, my little brother. Come on,let me treat you something proper then."
Seungcheol glanced at his watch,
"It's lunch time anyway. This place really has quite good items in their menu. You choose today." Seungcheol pushed the menu card toward Wonwoo.
After having lunch, it was time for Wonwoo to head back to Buam-dong. Seungcheol walked him to the station. Before getting in, they hugged each other again,
"Thanks, hyung. It feels really great to meet you again after this long. Also it feels a lot of relieving knowing I have someone familiar in this completely foreign city."
"We will be seeing each other more from now on. So when do you plan to move?"
"Within a month. I already looked around the place so I just need to move few things from the studio. The studio in Buam-dong is not big anyway, so I don't really have much stuff to bring."
Seungcheol nodded.
"Well, let me know when you set the date. I will meet you then and let's keep in touch too. Let me know if you have any questions about anything."
"I will, hyung. I really look forward to sharing this city with you."
"Me too, it will be so much fun."
Jeonghan had no intention of giving up on the job. So when Wonwoo informed him about moving the studio in Seocho-dong, he agreed instantly.
"Wait, how come none of us ever thought of that before?"
Jeonghan leaned forward Wonwoo's desk,
"Yes we take photos, but who said it has to be only mountains and sea? We can take any sort of photos as long as it fills our pocket, right? We can also shoot at events like weddings too."
Wonwoo felt a quiet sense of relief at jeonghan's reaction. He was not sure if Jeonghan would agree to come to Seocho-dong with him, especially since it would mean he had to leave his parents behind.
"I didn't think you would agree so easily."
"Huh? Why not? Do you take me as a dumb? I don't plan to rot in Buam-dong forever too, I wanna get out. And yeah, I probably would not agree if you decided to move the studio somewhere random but Seocho-dong is really a good choice."
He leaned back in his chair, thoughtful now.
"The first months might be a little bit tough but once we get a hold on it, it's really a great place to settle into."
A grin spread across his face.
"Honestly, I want to kiss your friend for giving you that idea."
"How do you always manage to turn moments like these into your nonsense?"
"What do you mean by nonsense?
Jeonghan spun lazily in his chair.
"The idea your friend gave you was amazing, wasn't it? It got you packing up your studio and moving to a whole new place. I am telling you, we are gonna get so so big that there would be line at our studios."
"And hey, you can just ask that friend of yours to hire us." He added.
"That's not how it works." Wonwoo said as he reached out to Jeonghan just in time from falling off the chair.
"Why not??"
"Then it will feel like we are taking advantage of him." Wonwoo said as he started cleaning up his desk.
"So what? You said you two were in a great term so do you think he would refuse to help you?"
"No it's not that—"
"Then it's fine." Jeonghan cut him off.
"And if you are useless at that, give me his contact I will gladly persuade him."
Wonwoo gave him a look,
"Are you really trying to help my business or are you trying to get in his pants?"
Jeonghan huffed, "Dude, I haven't even met him yet."
Jeonghan got up from the chair and got closer to Wonwoo, eyes gleaming with mischief,
"What is it now?" Wonwoo eyed him up and down.
"But is he hot? Show me a picture."
Wonwoo grabbed Jeonghan's ear and tugged it,
"How about you just for once come and help me instead?"
"Ouch! ahh okay okay let me go, geez. You are no fun."
"Yeah yeah, now go bring those albums from the storage" Wonwoo said as he let go.
Jeonghan went in the direction, rubbing his ear and shooting him a glare .
A fond smile appeared on Wonwoo's face.
It was gonna be scary, challenging but probably Wonwoo could manage it just fine with a chaotic Jeonghan beside and a trusted hyung at the city waiting for him.
[ Present ]
Wonwoo had papers scattered all over the desk. A pen in between his lips, both his laptop and desktop open in front of him. Two takeaway coffee cups sat among the mess of scattered files. Amid the mess, suddenly he hears his cell phone ringing. With a grunt, he turned in his chair and he spotted his phone on the sofa by the door. Leaning over the desk, he somehow managed to reach it.
"Seungcheol hyung" flashed on his screen. He picks it — pinning it between his ear and backing it up with his shoulder, he answers it.
"Hyung"
"Pass the phone to Jeonghan."
Wonwoo dropped the files he had been organizing and slammed his hands over them,
"Are you serious? If you wanted to talk with him then why are you calling me? Just call your boyfriend directly!"
"He has his phone turned off. He said you told him to."
Wonwoo was already drowning in deadlines and his friends had somehow picked today as the perfect day to test a his patience.
Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath and replied,
"Yes, we have a few deadlines today. Everyone’s busy. I can’t have him losing focus right now.I really need the photos done by eight. I can't leave my office now, sorry. Hyung, if you are done at your work then just go home he will meet you —"
He glanced at the clock at his desk,
"— within an hour or so.He will leave at five as usual."
Wonwoo went back typing on his laptop.
Wonwoo heard Seungcheol humming softly before the line went quite. He glanced at his phone, the call had already ended.
Letting out a quiet sigh, he turned back to his laptop again.
~
Jeonghan had his headphones on. One of the perks of working under your friend, wearing his office slippers, editing the last remaining photos, adjusting the colors and all. Soft clicking of his mouse filled the room. Half of his coffee still sat untouched in the cup from lunch.
He glanced at the clock at his desk.
4:30 PM.
Only 30 mins more, he will be done with this last set of photos and and hand them over to Wonwoo and then off his goes.
He was so focused, leaning so close to the computer while editing the details that his face was almost right up against the screen.
He suddenly feels his headphones being pulled off—
"You are about to crawl into the computer.”
And he felt a soft kiss in his cheek.
Jeonghan turned around just in time to feel another kiss— this time on his lips.
Jeonghan's face lit up the moment he saw who it was.
"Seungcheol!!"
Seungcheol smiled, pressing another kiss to his cheek.
"Why are you here? Did the court finish early today?" Jeonghan asked as Seungcheol wrapped an arm around him from behind, loosely around his neck, gently swaying him in the chair.
"Thought I should save you from the misery my friend has been putting you through."
Jeonghan turned around, looking up at Seungcheol pouting,
"He has been sooo mean today. He gave me an earful just because I talked about you, even though it was a little bit." Jeonghan said pinching his fingers together to show how little it was.
"Twenty minutes of yapping first thing in the morning doesn't count as a little bit, Jeonghan." Joshua said as he got up from his desk.
Jeonghan just rolled his eyes at him.
"Hey, Joshua" Seungcheol said, giving him a small smile.
"Hey" Joshua nodded before slipping inside Wonwoo's office.
Seungcheol turned back to Jeonghan, still in the same position,
"Are you done yet?"
"Only this set of photo is left." Jeonghan said, wrapping his hand around the arm resting around his neck.
"It's gonna take me around ten more minutes, then I am all done. You can go visit my mean boss for the time being."
"Okay, I will wait there. No rush, take your time. Now we don't want Wonwoo dragging you back from home just because he isn't satisfied with the photos, do we?"
Jeonghan chuckled, "Absolutely not. I refuse to suffer outside my office hours too. Go meet him, I will be there in a moment."
"Okay." Seungcheol left, pressing another kiss his in his hair.
"I have already called you twice from my desk and you haven't responded once. Now I see why."
Jeonghan looked up to see Jun standing by his desk..His eyes crinkled as he grinned.
"Cheol came to pick me up. Once I am done we are heading home together.."
"You could have saved us the eye-destroying cheesy love show, though." Joshua said, swinging his bag over his shoulder as he got ready to leave.
"It's not my fault you are bitchless, you jealous deer." Jeonghan shot back, loud enough to everyone hear.
It was fine, most of them are close anyway.
Still, it earned him an empty coffee cup flying straight toward him—the one Joshua had been on his way to throw out.
Jeonghan turned back to his desk. A small, warm smile resting on his face.
He felt safe, happy in a way that left him content in his heart. He had a fiance who loves him with everything he had. Friends who were patient enough to tolerate his exaggeration. He had a job he was satisfied with. He couldn't ask for more, he wouldn't ask for more.
And soon, his life would become even fuller. A husband and a house of their own, a perfect happy marriage and a future that felt certain was waiting ahead of them.
That was enough for him for now, more than enough.
Tracing his fingers over the shining ring that settled on his hand, he went back to work to finish his remaining tasks.
He had a fiance and warm home, that actually felt like home, waiting for him, after all.
~
The loud buzzing of Seungcheol’s alarm cut through the quiet, curtain-drawn room, waking Jeonghan from his restful sleep. His hair messily scattered across the pillow.
Against his every existing instinct, he turned around, eyes still heavy with unfinished sleep, looking at Seungcheol, who was somehow still sound asleep despite the alarm piercing through the room.
Jeonghan slipped a hand under the blanket and pinched Seungcheol's bare skin. He was still shirtless from their last night's activities.
"Seungcheol, turn off your alarm."
Seungcheol just tugged the blanket over his head and went back to sleep, as if the shouting alarm he had set himself on a Sunday morning was none of his business anymore.
Jeonghan huffed in annoyance. Covering his ear with the pillow beneath his head, giving Seungcheol a light kick, "For God's sake, turn that off. Why do you always forget to change your alarms on Sundays?" Jeonghan whined.
Without lifting the blanket, Seungcheol blindly reached for his phone on the bedside table and turned off the alarm before letting his hand fall back onto the bed.
Jeonghan tried to go back to sleep, but it was pointless, he had always been a light sleeper. Any small sound would jolt him awake and once he was up, sleep simply gave up on him.
Jeonghan groaned in frustration before sitting up halfway and started hitting Seungcheol with his pillow.
"Wha— baby, ouch, hey hannie—what's wrong?" Seungcheol jolted awake from his sleep.
Jeonghan pulled the blanket away from Seungcheol, "In what language do I need to beg you to finally change your alarm on Sundays? I would like to sleep in on one Sunday too. Why do you even bother setting an alarm you don't even wake up for?"
Jeonghan threw the pillow he was holding off the bed.
Seungcheol smiled apologetically, pulling jeonghan down by the waist against his chest. Jeonghan protested a little but eventually gave in.
"Sorry baby, I will change it right after I get up today."
"You say that everyday." Jeonghan mumbled, his voice muffled against Seungcheol’s chest.
"This time I will, promise."
"What time is it?"
"Who cares? Let's go back to sleep."
Seungcheol said, tightening his arms around him.
Jeonghan hit his chest lightly.
"You know damn well I can't fall back asleep once I am awake."
“To make up for it… what about breakfast in bed today? I’ll cook whatever you want.” Seungcheol mumbled, playing with Jeonghan’s soft hair.
It was getting longer.
Jeonghan hadn’t cut his hair short since they got together. It was a small thing, something most people wouldn’t notice but Seungcheol had once said he loved his hair long, and Jeonghan had quietly kept that close to his heart. Even though Jeonghan never said it out loud, Seungcheol knew it was because of him.
Jeonghan peeked up from the crook of Seungcheol's neck, "Promise?"
"Promise, baby." Seungcheol chuckled, wrapping the blanket around them again.
They drifted back to sleep just like that—wrapped around each other cause even if they woke when their day off was almost over, even if work was only a few hours away again, they would still have each other by their side. That was enough, yeah, for now that was everything Jeonghan could ever dream of in his life.
~
When Jeonghan woke again, the clock on the bedroom wall read 12 PM.
True to his word, Seungcheol had gotten up to cook for him. The warm, familiar scent of food filled the room, wrapping a familiar feeling around him.
He got out of bed and padded his way to the washroom. After brushing his teeth, washing his face and finishing a small morning skincare routine, he headed toward the kitchen.
A familiar sight welcomed him. Seungcheol in the kitchen, an apron snug around his waist as he gathered plates and bowls to prepare the table.
Jeonghan walked over to him and wrapped his arms around him from behind, burying his face against his back.
Seungcheol covered Jeonghan’s hand with his own, where it rested against his stomach, smiling softly to himself. It was one of Jeonghan’s most adorable habits. He would always come up from behind, wrap himself around him, and snuggle in like a clingy kitten demanding attention.
Turning around, he wrapped his arms around Jeonghan’s waist, drawing him closer.
“You’re up.”
“Mmm… smells good. ”
“I made your favorite. Soft tofu stew. Extra meat, just how you like it,” Seungcheol murmured, tapping his nose.
“Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
They sat down at the table across each other, the soft morning light spilling through the long window right beside their dining table.
Steam curled gently from the bowls as Seungcheol kept picking out pieces of meat and placing them into Jeonghan’s bowl— a gesture Jeonghan noticed in Seungcheol whether they were eating together at home or outside with their friends.
Jeonghan picked up his chopsticks, taking a bite of the warm food. A soft, satisfied hum escaped him, almost instinctive.
“This is honestly one of the main reasons I agreed to marry you,” he said between bites. “You cook way too well. I couldn't lose the chance to taste your food every day. I might just move in permanently.”
Seungcheol chuckled, leaning over to wipe his mouth. “You already did.”
Jeonghan grinned, mouth still full. “Best decision of my life. I’d do it again."
“Moving in or agreeing to marry me?” Seungcheol asked.
“Both.” he said as he took another spoonful of rice.
“Careful, the stew is still hot. Don’t burn your tongue,” Seungcheol warned.
“Yes, sir.”
The quiet clink of spoons and chopsticks filled the kitchen as they ate and talked about their day.
“So what was that shoot Wonwoo was stressing about?” Seungcheol asked, re-filiing Jeonghan’s bowl again.
“A wedding,” Jeonghan said after a bite. “The couple was really particular. They’d been together for eight years, so they wanted everything documented—every look, every conversation, even small interactions with guests.”
He paused to sip in little water,
“There were a ton of photos, and the deadline was tight. Plus it was a big client, so Wonwoo didn’t want to take any risks— to mess it up.”
Seungcheol hummed softly.
“So you’re not going to be that busy for a while?”
“Probably not?” Jeonghan replied. “Wonwoo rejected most of the new offers while handling this project.”
Seungcheol nodded. “I’ve got a big case coming up, but once it’s done, I should get about a week off. Let’s go somewhere. It’s been a long time since we’ve properly taken a break together.”
He tilted his head toward Jeonghan,
"It’s been too long since we’ve had time just for ourselves. What do you say?”
Jeonghan let out a small groan, putting down his bowl. “Please, I need one break,” Jeonghan groaned. “Even if I’m busy, I’m still going. You’re in charge of convincing Wonwoo. I don’t care—you have been so busy lately it’s impossible to even get time off together.”
“Alright then,” Seungcheol said, standing up with the bowls and bringing them over the sink. “We’ll pick a place before I finish my case.”
Jeonghan trailed after him, helping him put everything into the dishwasher.
“I could also bring my camera,” he said, voice bright. “To capture anything worth capturing… including us.”
He looked up at Seungcheol with a tender smile.
~
That evening, they went to Yangjaecheon Stream—only a fifteen-minute walk from their apartment, a path worn familiar by their countless walks.
They walked side by side with their hands clasped together.
Seungcheol was dressed simply in grey sweatpants and a fitted black sleeveless shirt, his jacket draped loosely over his back.
Beside him, Jeonghan was wrapped in an oversized soft, pastel pink ribbed sweater that almost swallowed him whole, his hands tucked inside the sleeves, all but disappearing. He also brought his camera with him— the digital one. The one Seungcheol got him for his last birthday.
The path along the stream stretched quietly ahead of them. This side had always been quieter— enough to make the chaos of the city feel distant, almost forgotten.
Jeonghan wasn’t sure if it was the quiet surroundings or the person walking beside him that made it feel this way.
Either way, he felt content, full in a way that made him feel whole.
Seungcheol walked a little ahead of him now, hands tucked into his pocket as he looked around for a bench to sit on.
The sun was almost setting—the sky washed in a reddish glow, the light dimming with each passing second, the evening slowly settling in.
Taking the chance, Jeonghan lifted his camera and snapped a photo of him.
The soft click of the shutter made Seungcheol turn—Jeonghan caught him again, mid-glance.
A soft smile spread across Seungcheol’s face. He stretched his hand out toward Jeonghan, silently asking him to take it again. “Why are you taking photos of me secretly like that?”
"It's not a secret if it made you turn around, is it?"
Seungcheol chuckled softly, the sound low and warm— before pointing toward a small bench beneath a tree. “Let’s go sit over there.”
They made their way to the bench and sat down. Jeonghan stretched his legs, resting his hands on his knees.
“This place always feels like it’s not even part of Seocho-dong. Like the city forgot to bring its chaos here.”
Seungcheol leaned back on the bench, resting one arm along the back behind Jeonghan, his legs slightly spread in a relaxed posture.
“It’s nice, right? I chose the apartment in this area because it has a bit of both—a glimpse of the city’s chaos, and a place you can easily run back to when it gets overwhelming. It felt the perfect choice back then… for our first home together.”
He laced their fingers together again.
“It 𝘪𝘴 perfect,” Jeonghan said softly, leaning his head against Seungcheol’s shoulder.
After a brief silence, Jeonghan glanced up at him.
“The wedding… are you nervous about it?”
“Honestly? Yes, a lot. Nervous… or more like terrified.”
Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan a little closer against his chest before continuing. “Hannie, when I was proposing to you, I could barely breathe. I was that nervous. I kept thinking—what if you didn’t want it yet? What if it felt too rushed for you? What if you thought I was pushing you?”
He glanced up at the sky, now slowly fading into the darkness of the night. “And when you said yes… it felt like something heavy in my chest was finally lifted off.”
A quiet chuckle escaped him as he remembered it. “I was such a mess—crying like a kid. It was almost embarrassing.”
Jeonghan giggled, the memory slipping back easily. “Pretty sure I was the real mess. I cried so hard my mascara was running down my face and you had to wipe it off for me.”
Jeonghan traced over the rings they were both wearing, tightening his grip slightly.
“And for the wedding… I really can’t mess it up either—Not after you finally trusted me to take care of you. It’s going to be the start of our life together. I can’t let it go wrong. I’ve been thinking about it a lot—how to make everything go smoothly. I’ll do whatever it takes— whatever it costs to make it one of the best memories of our journey so far.”
“We’ll handle it together, like we always have.”
Seungcheol hummed softly.
“We’ll start planning next month, hm? I’ll take a one-month off too for the wedding. I haven’t taken time off in months. I’m sorry we haven’t been able to spend much time together, but I didn’t want to rush our time as newlyweds. I want us to have those moments just for ourselves after the wedding, without worrying about returning to work soon after.”
Jeonghan sat up straight, facing Seungcheol. “You’re going to make me cry.”
Seungcheol tapped the tip of his nose gently.
“Good thing I’ve got tissues with me this time too. I’ll wipe them for you again.”
Even though it was slightly chilly this time of year, Jeonghan felt oddly warm. Was it the sweater? Or the person wrapped around him, holding him close?
Jeonghan chose to believe the latter—logic had never really mattered to him anyway.
~
They picked up some food on their way home.
Seungcheol unlocked the front door and they stepped inside together. They slipped off their shoes, setting them neatly in the cabinet before Seungcheol made his way to the fridge to put away the ice cream they’d bought.
“Do you want to take a shower?” Seungcheol asked as he opened the fridge.
“No, I already showered in the morning.”
“Alright, then I’ll go take a quick shower. After that, we can have dinner together and enjoy the ice cream later."
“Okay, I’ll set the table."
After dinner, Jeonghan curled up on the couch with a light blanket draped over him, a random show quietly playing on the TV.
Seungcheol sat beside him, one leg folded, laptop open on his lap as he went through some emails.
A full stomach and the soft clicking of the keyboard must have made Jeonghan’s eyelids grow heavy. When Seungcheol looked up from his screen, he found Jeonghan comfortably knocked out, his head resting against the armrest.
He glanced at the time on his laptop—7:30 PM.
As peaceful as Jeonghan looked, Seungcheol knew he had to wake him. Jeonghan always had trouble falling asleep —if he dozed off in the evening, he wouldn’t fall asleep later that night. And then the next morning, he’d wake up with a headache, spending the entire day in a cranky mood.
Seungcheol closed his laptop and set it aside before leaning closer, gently nudging Jeonghan awake.
“Hannie, hey”
Jeonghan stirred awake, brows knitting slightly as he sat up straight.
“Don’t fall asleep yet. Let’s have the ice cream now, hm? Then we can head to bed.”
Jeonghan let out a sleepy hum, rubbing at his eyes.
Seungcheol returned with the ice cream in two small glass cups, each with a tiny spoon and handed one to Jeonghan.
Jeonghan’s was strawberry-flavored, while Seungcheol’s was cherry.
As Seungcheol sat down beside him, Jeonghan scooted closer, draping his legs over Seungcheol’s lap.
Seungcheol adjusted the blanket over both of them
“So…” Jeonghan started, taking a bite from his spoon, “when does your case end? I need to apply for leave.”
“Two days,” Seungcheol replied. “I’ll be wrapping it up on Monday. After that, I’ll have to go to Namhae.”
He scooped up the last bite of his ice cream, setting the empty cup aside before continuing, “There’s another case that’s been dragging on.The client’s not in Seocho-dong anymore. He went back to his hometown, so I’ll have to go there myself to wrap it up.”
“Namhae? That’s around a five-hour drive, though.”
“Yeah, but I think it will be fine if I leave early. If I can avoid the rush hour, I can probably get there in about four hours.”
“That’s still a long drive. Are you going alone? Can’t you just take the bus or a train instead?”
“Yes, I’m going alone.”
He turned to look at Jeonghan, who now seemed a little worried.
“Hey… it’s fine. I can handle a four or five-hour drive.”
“If you drive back the same day, that’s almost nine hours, Cheol…”
“Then…” Seungcheol reached for Jeonghan’s hand, gently wrapping his fingers around it—which are now cold from holding the ice cream cup.
“If I feel too tired, I’ll stay the night there. Find a hotel or something.”
He gave his hand a small squeeze.
“What do you think?”
Jeonghan looked up, worries still lingering in his eyes. “Just… promise you’ll stop driving if you get tired. And take breaks in between—go for coffee or something.”
"I promise, baby. I will text you as soon as I reach there."
Jeonghan hummed in response.
“Let’s go lie down properly in bed.”
Seungcheol said, getting up.
Jeonghan immediately lifted his arms, demanding to be carried.
Seungcheol bent down and lifted him by his legs. Jeonghan wrapped his legs around Seungcheol’s waist and his arms around his neck, letting out happy giggles.
“You always give in to my little requests without complaining.”
“How could I complain when my fiancé asks to be carried?” Seungcheol replied as he turned off the TV and started walking towards the bedroom.
“If I can’t handle something this small, how am I supposed to survive the married life— an eternity waiting for me?”
He carried Jeonghan toward their bedroom while Jeonghan idly played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Reaching the edge of the bed, Seungcheol eased Jeonghan down onto the mattress, guiding him to the middle.
He hovered over him, their bodies close.
Jeonghan's arms still rested loosely around Seungcheol's neck. He parted his legs slightly, Seungcheol settling in the middle.
They stared at each other for a while.
"Now this position is a little bit…" Seungcheol's hot breath fanned across Jeonghan's face.
"Does it remind you of something?"
"Reminds me of what an amazing night I had yesterday," Seungcheol murmured, nuzzling into Jeonghan's neck. He inhaled the faint lavender from Jeonghan's body soap— still lingering from the morning shower.
Jeonghan tightened his hold around Seungcheol's neck, pulling him even closer until only a few inches remained between their lips.
"Come on, Mr. Lawyer. Time to make up for waking me up at six in the morning on a Sunday." Jeonghan said, slightly buckling his hips upward.
Seungcheol pressed his mouth to Jeonghan's neck, pushing aside the long, silky strands of hair. His lips lingered there for a moment before he began to gently suck on the skin right under Jeonghan's ear.
His hands stopping jeonghan by his hips from making another movement.
"So a table full of breakfast wasn't enough?"
Jeonghan held him by the waist, pulling him closer until their crotches brushed lightly. His breath was getting heavier — he was trying to hold back, not to appear desperate. That much was obvious. Then, whispering in Seungcheol's ear in that slutty tone, "Your cooking's got nothing on your dick game."
Seungcheol groaned and dropped his full weight onto Jeonghan, grinding roughly against his front.
Jeonghan let out a satisfied gasp.
"That mouth of yours…"
"Is good at many things" Jeonghan said as he took one of Seungcheol's hands and put two fingers in his mouth— gently sucking them.
Seungcheol moved up from the curve of Jeonghan's neck and finally pressed their lips together — closing the distance.
Jeonghan gasped, then opened his mouth wider— letting Seungcheol in, tugging at Seungcheol's t-shirt impossibly tighter .
Seungcheol's hand left Jeonghan's waist and traveled lower— down the curve of his hip, until it reached the swell of his ass, squeezing the soft flesh roughly. The action earned another muffled gasp from Jeonghan's lips—still caught between Seungcheol's. Seungcheol took the chance to slide his tongue inside the hot opening, exploring the little space.
Seungcheol lifted one of Jeonghan's legs, shifting them upward on the bed — never breaking the connection of their lips. His hand slipped under the waistband of Jeonghan's pants, grabbing Jeonghan's ass over the fabric of his underwear.
Seungcheol let out a low groan, breaking the kiss to suck in some air. His forehead rested on Jeonghan's.
"You drive me crazy, you know that? I'll never get enough of you." He pulled back slightly to look Jeonghan in the eyes. "You look like a hot meal."
"Enjoy your meal, then." Jeonghan sat up and pulled his t-shirt over his head, arching his back deliberately — knowing exactly how it drove Seungcheol crazy.
Throwing his shirt somewhere in the room, Jeonghan started tugging at Seungcheol's shirt.
"Up, up. Take it off."
Seungcheol sat back a little and pulled the shirt over his head, never breaking eye contact with Jeonghan. The fabric fell away, revealing golden-brown skin — his insanely broad shoulders, firm defined abs, and pants hanging low under his navel. Jeonghan's mouth watered.
"Bon appétit" Jeonghan said as he rolled Seungcheol over and straddled his middle.
Their lips found each other almost immediately again, as if they were tasting each other for the first time all over.
Seungcheol's fingers dipped into the soft skin of Jeonghan's waist — his other hand tugging gently at his hair.
Jeonghan started grinding on Seungcheol, rocking back and forth. Then Seungcheol flipped them, Jeonghan now under him again.
Seungcheol went back again— sucking and gently biting along Jeonghan's collarbones before moving down to his rosy buds.
Seungcheol's mouth brushed over Jeonghan's nipples — not taking them in yet. His lips ghosted over the right bud, feeling it harden beneath the warmth of his breath. His fingers traced slow circles around Jeonghan's nipples, never touching where Jeonghan wanted the attention most.
Jeonghan whined, impatient. One hand came up to hold Seungcheol's head firm."Don't tease."
"Alright. Since I have something to make up for."
Seungcheol kissed the middle of his chest, then licked a slow stripe over his left nipple.
Jeonghan arched his back, breath hitching in his throat.
Seungcheol laced his fingers with the hand that wasn't tangled in his hair, gripping it firmly — holding Jeonghan down, restricting him from moving.
Jeonghan jerked violently when Seungcheol finally took one of the buds in his mouth properly — twirling his tongue around it, sucking roughly. Jeonghan had always been sensitive there. And Seungcheol knew exactly what he was doing.
Jeonghan moved his hand from Seungcheol's hair, sliding it down to palm Seungcheol's dick through his pants. The action made Seungcheol bite down on his nipple.
Jeonghan moaned, squeezing the shaft.
Seungcheol growled, panting right against Jeonghan's face.
Jeonghan pulled off the waistband of Seungcheol's pants along with his underwear, shoving them down together. He immediately wrapped both hands around his length, moving up and down, small fingers teasing over his slit.
Seungcheol's hips buckled, pressing deeper into the small, warm cave of Jeonghan's hand.
Without wasting another second, Seungcheol tugged at Jeonghan's lower clothing— clumsy with desire, leaving them both naked under the soft gleam of streetlights peeking through the window.
The contact of their lengths brushing together sent a current jolting through Jeonghan's whole body. He moaned loudly,
"Seungcheol... Cheol... get inside me. Now. Please."
His hands gripped Seungcheol's shoulders tightly, nails digging in roughly.
Seungcheol trailed down, pressing kisses and soft bites into the pale, milky skin as he settled between Jeonghan's parted legs.
His mouth stayed on Jeonghan, lips dragging lower, tongue tasting every inch, while his fingers fumbled blindly in the bedside drawer, looking for lube.
His hand finally found the bottle. Seungcheol pulled back — just enough to break the seal of his lips against Jeonghan's skin — and fumbled the cap open. He coated his fingers generously with the lube. The scene leaving shivers down Jeonghan's spine.
Jeonghan let out a small, broken whimper — like waiting any more was physically painful. His hands lifted, attempting to pull him back down.
"Patience, baby."
Jeonghan whined, legs kicking weakly against the sheets. "No need to prep — I'm still loose from last night..just — please get inside me already."
Seungcheol lifted one of Jeonghan's legs, hooking it over his shoulder. He pressed kisses to the soft, pale skin of his inner thighs— breathing him in..before lifting Jeonghan's hips just enough to come into view with the pink, gaping hole. He circled his lube-coated fingers around the rim. Jeonghan shivered slightly from the cold.
Seungcheol decided he'd teased Jeonghan enough. He pressed two lube-coated fingers inside — gentle and found him still a little loose. Jeonghan's walls gripped him tightly from the inside, tightening around his fingers. Seungcheol worked him open for a few more moments before pulling out, wiping the slick onto Jeonghan's inner thigh.
Jeonghan was already a panting mess beneath him — his hair spread loosely across the sheets, thighs trembling lightly from the touches.
Seungcheol leaned down, capturing his mouth again — teeth clashing, tongue sliding in. He coated his dick with lube before finally positioning it at Jeonghan's entrance.
Jeonghan broke the kiss, gasping, eyes dropping to where they were joined.
Seungcheol pushed in — slow at first, then slammed the rest in with one brutal thrust.
Jeonghan choked on a pained moan. Seungcheol gave him a moment to adjust before snapping his hips harshly, sucking on Jeonghan's collarbone.
Jeonghan's head fell back against the pillow, mouth open in loud scream. His legs wrapped around Seungcheol's waist, pulling him deeper — as if not getting enough of the stretch.
Seungcheol groaned low in his throat, burying to the hilt — even deeper.
"Ah — Cheol —"
"Fuck — god, Jeonghan, you feel so good around me. I'll never get enough of you."
Seungcheol moved up to look him in the eyes — already looking ruined.
"Better brace yourself. After the marriage, you're ain't leaving the bed. You'll cook, and I'll bend you over the kitchen counter. Never a separate shower — you'll be riding me in the bathtub."
He pounded into that sweet spot mercilessly.
Jeonghan moaned loud at that, holding onto Seungcheol's biceps.
Jeonghan's lips parted around a shaky exhale— looking already fucked senseless.
"Seung... cheol... close — I'm close."
Jeonghan said it almost above a whisper.
"I got you."
Seungcheol wrapped his rough hand around Jeonghan's leaking length, stroking him in time with his thrusts. His hips moved in an uncontrollable rhythm before they both came hard. Jeonghan came first with a loud cry, Seungcheol following behind — emptying inside him.
He collapsed over Jeonghan,careful not to crash him, forehead pressed to his shoulder, both of them shaking and breathing heavily.
After catching his breath, Seungcheol pulled out gently — mindful of Jeonghan's swollen hole.
He parted Jeonghan's bangs that had fallen over his eyes and face. "Are you okay, baby?"
Jeonghan gave a small smile before replying, "I don't mind getting railed every day after the marriage if it's this good."
Seungcheol chuckled, kissing his cheek before going to the bathroom. He came back with a wet towel to wipe Jeonghan off. He knew Jeonghan wouldn't be moving at all — complaining about being sleepy.
After they both cleaned up, they lay in bed again. Seungcheol draped the blanket over both of them and pulled Jeonghan onto his chest. Jeonghan nuzzled into the crook of his neck, tightening his hold on Seungcheol's waist — struggling to keep his eyes open even a second longer.
Seungcheol turned off their bedside lamp — painting the room completely dark — before whispering to Jeonghan, "Good night."
Jeonghan mumbled something back that was too soft to reach Seungcheol's ear.
Seungcheol drifted off to sleep like that — a warm smile lingering on his face. He would not want to be anywhere else. For now, till forever.
~
Jeonghan stepped into the café on the first floor of the studio and ordered two coffees—one for himself and one for Joshua.
With the cups balanced carefully in his hands, he made his way up to the studio— on the second floor.
Joshua was already there, turning on his desktop, getting ready to start his day already.
Jeonghan walked over to his desk, letting the strap of his bag slide off his shoulder before dropping it onto the chair.
“Why do you live your life so boringly?” he started, slipping into his office slippers and getting comfortable. “You just got here. At least greet your coworkers first—ask how their morning’s been, how their weekend went—before diving into work like a robot.”
He placed one of the coffee cups on Joshua’s desk with a soft thud.
“Here. At least pretend to care about your coworkers a little.”
Joshua glanced at the coffee, then back at Jeonghan. “Is that what you’re doing?” he asked. “Pretending to like me?”
Jeonghan rolled his eyes.
“You say that like I didn’t stand next to you in class back then—even when I remembered to bring my textbook,” he shot back, pointing a finger at him.
“Just so you wouldn’t have to stand there looking embarrassed on your own.”
Joshua sat down and took a sip of his coffee.
"I don't want to ask you about your weekend cause I don't wish to hear about how satisfyingly you got dicked down. I went to church before coming to work, you know,” Joshua continued, taking another sip of his coffee. “I’d very much like to save myself from any unholy fantasies of yours.”
“Those aren’t fantasies, baby. That’s just life with THE Choi Seungcheol,” Jeonghan shot back, folding his coat.
“Whatever,” Joshua muttered. “My mom asked you to visit her.”
Jeonghan immediately made a dramatic sound.
“I miss her sooo much. I haven’t seen her in a while, and that’s probably why my skin is breaking out here and there lately,” he said, touching his cheek. “I need her face packs. I can’t risk my face turning into a disaster right before the wedding.”
“Good morning, Yoon Jeonghan-ssi. Good morning, Jisoo-ssi,” Ji-Eun greeted brightly as she walked in.
“Heyyyyy my favorite coworker. How are you?”
Jeonghan turned back to Joshua, pointing at her. “See? This is how you start a day at the office.”
He turned back to Ji-Eun again,
“Did you get to sleep in yesterday? Did you eat something warm?”
Ji-Eun chuckled as she settled into her chair. “Not everyone has a fiancé waiting at home, oppa,” she teased. “But yes, I slept in. When I woke up, I just reheated whatever I had left from last night.”
“No, Ji-Eun-ah, you shouldn’t be eating cold food on the weekend,” Jeonghan said, sounding all serious.
“Cheol made soft tofu stew for me yesterday morning—with lots of meat.” Suddenly his voice all bright— almost melting on the chair before sounding firm again, “No, in this kind of weather, warm food is a must.”
“Here you go again, showing off your fiancé,” Joshua muttered, walking over to the photocopy machine and turning it on.
Jeonghan ignored him.
“I’ll keep that in mind next time—and work harder to find a boyfriend like yours,” Ji-Eun teased.
Jeonghan grinned, finally plugging in his laptop.
~
Jeonghan knocked on Wonwoo's office chamber twice before going in, a sheepish smile on his face.
"Good morninnnggg!"
Wonwoo crooked one eyebrow at the dripping-with-sweetness tone of Jeonghan.
"Are you busy?" He walked over to him. "I bought you some cookies. I baked them especially for you," Jeonghan said, his eyes bright.
"Which store?"
"Huh?"
"Which store did you buy them from? You can't bake for shit, Jeonghan. Are you forgetting I shared a house with you for two years? I almost didn't make it out not burned up."
Jeonghan gasped, one hand flying to his chest before saying dramatically,
"I spent all those hours making sure they were soft and perfect, and this is the thanks I get?"
Wonwoo just narrowed his eyes slightly, looking over his glasses.
"Fine, I got them from the bakery down the street." Jeonghan huffed as he dropped onto the sofa.
Wonwoo went back to checking photos on his computer, not bothering to say anything in return.
Jeonghan suddenly made a dramatic sound.
"Oh my, your glasses are dirty!" He scooted over to Wonwoo. "Let me clean them for you." He removed the glasses from Wonwoo's face and started wiping it with his napkin.
Wonwoo dropped his hands from his keyboard before letting out a sigh.
"What do you want, Jeonghan?"
"A seven days' leave." Jeonghan replied immediately, without an ounce of shame.
Wonwoo's lips pressed into a thin line — expression flat.
"Not happening. Give me back my glasses."
Jeonghan basically threw his body over Wonwoo, whining. "Wonwoooooooooo..."
"Go away, Jeonghan. I have work." Wonwoo tried pushing him off.
"Pleaseeeeee. Seungcheol hasn't had any day off for the past few months, and he finally took off seven days."
"You can still meet him at home just fine. Let him rest too, Jeonghan. He must be exhausted from all your whining."
Jeonghan started shaking Wonwoo in his chair. "Please, please, please... I haven't taken any leave for the past month either."
"What the hell—" Wonwoo braced his hands on the desk, keeping himself from falling.
"You can't always have everything your way just because you're my friend."
Jeonghan started stomping his feet on the floor, like a kid refused a chocolate.
"What do you mean by always have your way? Did I or did I not help you wrap up the last project — staying overtime with you? Didn't I agree to go to that exhibition opening even though it wasn't mine? And it's not like I'm abandoning my current projects. I'll finish them before I leave."
Wonwoo pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling heavily.
"Fine. When?"
Jeonghan's face lit up.
"From Wednesday. Cheol will need to go to Namhae on Monday. He might end up staying one night. We'll leave on Wednesday."
"Leave? Where?"
"Seungcheol said it's a surprise," his face curving up again.
"Okay, you can go. BUT — you're staying till 6 PM today, finishing half of the photos." Wonwoo said, pointing one finger at him.
"I don't mind. You're the best..." Jeonghan squeezed Wonwoo tightly.
"Ugh — you're so annoying. Go back to work."
"Mmm hmm... I'd even give you a kiss if I didn't have a boyfriend." Jeonghan left, throwing some flying kisses at him.
Wonwoo smiled softly, shaking his head in adoration, and focused back on his work.
Jeonghan made his way back to his desk, spinning dramatically in the middle, grinning ear to ear.
"Did you get your paycheck today?" Joshua asked, witnessing Jeonghan's shenanigans.
"What? It's not even the 20th of the month!"
"Then why are you so giddy?"
"I'm going on a vacation with Seungcheol for seven days." Jeonghan spun in his chair.
"Does anything ever happen in your life that is not related to Seungcheol?" Joshua said while typing on his computer.
"Why would it be? He's my fiancé, Joshua. I'm getting married to him. Of course from now on it's going to be everything with him."
"Here's the thing — it's been the same for the past three years."
"And forever it goes~" Jeonghan sign songed.
~
The office started slowly emptying around him. The sun hangs low in the sky now— the last bit of sunlight slipping through the blinds.
Joshua got up, unplugging his laptop and slipping into his coat.
"Are you not leaving?"
Jeonghan glanced at the watch on his phone before looking up at him.
"Not yet. I'll have to stay around another hour and a half. That's the price of my seven days' leave," Jeonghan said, chuckling.
Joshua simply nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag.
"Get home safe."
"Hmm... bye." Jeonghan waved a little at him.
From beside him, Ji-Eun and Jun got up to leave too. The door clicked shut behind them.
Softly sighing and rolling his back, he got back to work.
~
The door beeped open. Discarding his keys on the cabinet, Jeonghan got inside.
Hearing the sound, Seungcheol appeared from the kitchen.
"Hey," he greeted Jeonghan softly. "You are late today. It's seven already!"
Jeonghan showed the bags in his hands. "I stopped at the grocery store on my way back."
Seungcheol stepped closer, taking the bags from him and left them on the kitchen counter. He then took Jeonghan's office bag from him and removed his coat. Jeonghan dropped his head onto Seungcheol's chest, still standing.
Seungcheol wrapped his arm around him.
"Are you tired?"
Jeonghan made a muffled sound.
"Was the studio too hectic today?"
"It's not that. I asked Wonwoo for leave today. He did permit me, but I have to finish some work before leaving. I had to stay an hour and a half overtime." Jeonghan wrapped his arms around Seungcheol's middle too.
Seungcheol patted Jeonghan's head, tracing his fingers through the soft locks.
"Only two more days, baby. Once I'm back from Namhae, we're finally leaving the next day to release some steam."
Jeonghan shook his head against his chest,
"We're taking the day off at home after you return from Namhae. You need to rest before driving long hours again."
"Whatever you say. Come on, go wash up. Dinner's almost done."
They fell into the easy rhythm of their daily routine — warm food that Seungcheol had cooked, washing the dishes side by side, turning off all the lights one by one until the apartment dimmed into darkness.
They made their way to the bed eventually—Jeonghan's head finding its usual spot against Seungcheol's chest. Arms wrapped around each other — enough to know the other was there.
Outside, the city went on its way. Inside, there was only the soft rise and fall of their breathing, the warmth of each other and the gentle pull of sleep.
Tomorrow, there will be works and deadlines again. But tonight, there was this.
Them wrapped around each other.
~
The day Seungcheol had to leave for Namhae eventually arrived. He got up while the outside was still dark, showered, and prepared breakfast for Jeonghan as quietly as he could. After packing his small bag and finishing getting ready, he came back to the bedroom again. Jeonghan was still peacefully asleep under the blanket, curled up like a shrimp — it was chilly, and his body had always despised the cold.
Crouching down in front of the bed, Seungcheol moved a few strands of hair from his face, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead — careful not to wake him.
Jeonghan stirred awake nonetheless. The light from the dining room cast the room in a dim glow.
He rubbed his eyes, blinking away the sleep, and noticed Seungcheol was already dressed — a blazer layered over everything.
"You're already leaving?"
"Yes. Go back to sleep." Seungcheol tried to tug the blanket back over him, but Jeonghan sat up.
"No, I wanted to send you off. Why didn't you wake me up?" He got out of bed.
"You would need to wake up around seven again. I also made a light breakfast for you, so you can just get up and have some quick before leaving."
"Why did you? That means you had to wake up even earlier. You're driving, Seungcheol!"
"It's okay. I already had a shot of espresso."
Seungcheol led them to the hallway, in front of the door.
"Have you packed everything you need? Are you sure you're not leaving any important files behind?"
"The only important thing I'm leaving behind is you." Seungcheol said, resting his hands on Jeonghan's waist.
Jeonghan hid himself against Seungcheol's chest, holding him close before murmuring softly against the fabric,
"I'll miss you. Drive safe. Text me as soon as you reach there, okay? Take breaks in between to have another proper breakfast."
"I will. I will."
Jeonghan fixed Seungcheol's coat, his hand falling back to the ring on Seungcheol's finger.
Seungcheol leaned over and kissed him sweet on the lips— unhurried and tender.
"I better leave now before the sky gets clear. It'll take me forever if I get caught in traffic," he said, pulling back.
"Okay." Jeonghan hugged him again, one last time.
Jeonghan stayed as Seungcheol put on his shoes. After a few more exchanged kisses, Seungcheol stepped into the elevator and disappeared.
Jeonghan walked to the window and waved at him again before he got into the car and drove away.
Then he went back to bed — unable to fall asleep again, as always. He stayed lying down until it was almost time for work.
He got up and headed straight to the bathroom. After brushing his teeth and putting on his work clothes, he went to the kitchen. Seungcheol had prepared some fried rice for him — the food was still a little warm. He scooped some onto a plate and sat down at the table.
After finishing, while walking over to the sink, he saw a box on the table. With a note saying,
"Don't eat lunch from the cafeteria today."
Seungcheol had even packed lunch for him.
Jeonghan's heart swelled. Even while getting ready to leave somewhere far, Seungcheol's first thought had been what Jeonghan would eat for breakfast and lunch.
Jeonghan started missing him already. Pulling up his phone, he sent a text to Seungcheol — it was 8 a.m., already three hours since Seungcheol had left.
"Call me when you stop to get breakfast."
While walking to the sink, he accidentally nudged one of the mugs to the floor — causing broken pieces to scatter all over the kitchen floor.
"Oh—no..shit, no"
It was the cup Seungcheol had his espresso in before leaving.
Jeonghan crouched down to pick up the pieces, collecting them carefully.
A heaviness settled over his heart. This had never happened before. Breaking something first thing in the morning brought an uneasy feeling over him.
Still, brushing off the uneasiness, he washed the plate and left for the studio after making sure he locked the door.
~
Jeonghan entered the studio with Jun.
Ji-Eun and a few other workers greeted him at the entrance. Jeonghan quietly walked over to his desk and settled down, already plugging in his computer.
Joshua, who had arrived earlier than him, asked, "Where's that bubbly energy of yours today?"
"Hm?" Jeonghan asked, a little unfocused.
"You didn't get a good sleep?"
"No, I did. I accidentally broke a mug this morning."
"Are you hurt?" A little concern appeared in Joshua's eyes.
"No, it's just... it's never happened before. It was also the mug Seungcheol used this morning."
"Things like this happen. Don't take it to heart that much." Joshua said, patting his shoulder.
Jeonghan nodded slightly.
"Did Seungcheol leave already?" Joshua asked again, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah, he left at five."
"Oh, that's early!"
"Yeah, he wanted to avoid the traffic."
Joshua nodded before going back to work.
Seungcheol...
Jeonghan picked up his phone to see if Seungcheol had called him or at least texted him back.
He hadn't.
Maybe he was still driving. That stubborn... Jeonghan had told him to take breaks and to eat something.
Putting his phone down, he started working on some photos — keeping his phone within his sight.
Jeonghan buried himself in work. Suddenly, it was lunchtime. He took out the lunch Seungcheol had packed for him and brought it to the studio microwave. Jeonghan checked his phone again as he waited for the food to heat up.
Still no response from Seungcheol.
This time, Jeonghan decided to call him. The phone rang and eventually went to voicemail.
Jeonghan frowned a little. It was already 1 PM. Seungcheol should have arrived by now. He tried a few more times — still no response.
The microwave dinged in the background, signaling the food was done. He slipped his phone back into his pocket and headed to his desk with the food.
He chatted a little with everyone while eating, his eyes glancing at his phone every few seconds.
He finished his lunch and returned to his desk. Sitting down, he tried calling Seungcheol again. Again, no response.
He tried to convince himself Seungcheol was probably in the middle of meeting with his client. He probably had his phone on silent. He would call back once he checked it.
He went back to focusing on his work — or well, he tried to.
The day blurred into afternoon. Jeonghan worked through photos — sorting, editing — but his phone stayed stubbornly dark. No call. No text. Not even a read receipt.
He kept refreshing the chat.
Maybe the network is bad there?
It was seaside. Yeah, that was probably it. Seungcheol would call him back once he was at the hotel.
He finished editing the photos he needed to before leaving for his leave. He thought it would take him another day, but he managed to finish them by today.
Maybe he could choose not to come to work tomorrow — spend the entire day with Seungcheol once he was back.
Yeah. He could do that..
Jeonghan brought the photos to Wonwoo's office and handed them to him.
"You're done?"
"Yeah," Jeonghan replied quietly, tightening the strap of his bag over his shoulder.
"Hey, you sound tired. Did you rush to finish them? I would have still let you leave early tomorrow, you know."
Jeonghan gave a small smile in return — barely there.
"No, I didn't rush. But yeah, somehow I got it all done by today. I just... feel a little off. I may or may not come tomorrow. I'll head back now."
Jeonghan seemed oddly off, but Wonwoo chose to say nothing.
"Okay. Go home safe."
Jeonghan left the studio.
~
The apartment was exactly as he'd left it that morning— it felt colder now, maybe because Seungcheol wasn't here to welcome him with his warm, gummy smile.
The broken mug was still in the trash. The faint smell of the fried rice he'd made before leaving still lingered in the kitchen.
Jeonghan set his bag down and pulled out his phone again. Nothing.
He called again. Once. Twice. Three times. Four times. Each one went straight to voicemail.
Maybe his phone died.
Jeonghan tried assuring himself. Maybe he forgot to charge it after arriving at the hotel— too exhausted to do so.
He reheated whatever leftovers he had in the fridge and ate sitting at the table.
The note Seungcheol left for him was still there. Jeonghan never throws those little notes away.
He washed his dish, brushed his teeth, and got into bed. The sheets still smelled like Seungcheol. He buried his face in Seungcheol's pillow and called again.
Nothing.
He texted: "Call me when you get this. I don't care how late."
He lay there in the dark, staring at the ceiling, waiting..shifting side to side in the bed. He doesn't know when he fell asleep but the last thing he remembered—
Seungcheol didn't call him back.