Archive of Our Own

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Kang Yeosang groans and throws a pillow at his alarm. He can't believe it's the start of another week. He reaches over and manually shuts the alarm off before sitting up in his bed.

He looks around his room and takes in the familiar, crappy orange colored walls, the odd stains that decorate the ceiling, and the piles of books that lay on his desk, which, mind you, looks like it will collapse any second.

Glancing over at his bedroom doorknob, he sees his raggedy, old handbag hanging. He once again notices how the straps of it are clinging on to its last few strings for dear life.

He desperately needs a job.

Soon, his eccentric of a best friend, Jung Wooyoung, bursts through his bedroom door and jumps onto him, planting a loud, obnoxious kiss onto his cheek before Yeosang could push him away.

"Can we not do this today," Yeosang groans as he kicks at Wooyoung without any actual intent to hurt him.

"Can't I show my best friend some love?" asks Wooyoung, with big puppy dog eyes looking down at him. Yeosang rolls his eyes and wraps his arms around best friend, squeezing him tight.

Moments later, his other housemate, Yunho, steps into the room and pouts. "Cuddle time without me?" He walks over to the two and slaps Wooyoung's behind, knowing he initiated the cuddles.

"Sorry, you big lug, but this bed would probably collapse if you were to join us." He sticks his tongue out before nuzzling his face into Yeosang's neck. Yunho rolls his eyes before leaving.

Soon after, Yeosang slaps Wooyoung's butt like Yunho did earlier. "Okay, get up. I need to start getting ready for the day."

*

Yeosang makes his way from the bus stop to his college's campus, which is about 10 minutes away. He looks up at the sky and hopes for it to be a good day.

Lo and behold, this is not the case.

About two minutes into the walk, his bag decides to break. The strap decides that this day, this moment, is the perfect time to just give out on him.

Yelping and quickly dipping down to collect his things, he embarrassedly scrambles to catch the pens that threaten to roll further away from him. His cheeks flush as he feels stares from people passing by on the street.

He stubbornly keeps his gaze low, but soon, he notices a pair of shoes and a briefcase placed near his belongings. He glances up quickly to see a handsome man, maybe a few years older than him, helping him pick up his things.

Stunned by the man's beauty, Yeosang's heart dares to skip a beat, embarrassingly so. His black hair is slicked back in a professional, clean way that compliments the suit he has on. His nose is prominent, but not in an unattractive way at all, and his lips are a perfect, full size and look well taken care of. He is honestly one of the most beautiful people Yeosang has ever seen.

The man looks up at him after feeling Yeosang's gaze on him, probably, and flashes a small small. His eyes. Oh, his pretty eyes that are both sharp but delicate at the same time.

Yeosang mentally smacks his head. 'Kang Yeosang, you can NOT be swooning over a complete stranger like this. This isn't fanfiction,' he thinks.

"Kinda rude of all these people to just walk past without helping you, don't you think?" The man questions as he hands Yeosang his things. Yeosang quickly grabs at it and laughs awkwardly. "I-I'm used to it. People kinda suck." He mentally smacks himself again for stuttering.

The man chuckles, picks up his briefcase, and swiftly stands up, and Yeosang scrambles to stand as well, holding all of his belongings in his arms. "Thank you so much for helping, you really didn't have to," he tells the man, bowing. The blush on his cheeks remains and he actually cannot stand himself for allowing a handsome stranger to affect him like this.

"It was no problem," he smiles at Yeosang. "It's unfortunate that something like this happened to you. I hope it doesn't put a damper on the rest of your day."

Yeosang beams at his words before glancing down at his watch. He only has a few minutes before the start of his first class of the day. He panics momentarily before telling the man he has to go. "Thank you so much again, see you later?" He asks in an (embarrassingly) hopeful tone. The man nods amusedly and bids him farewell. Yeosang waves and begins jogging towards campus, juggling his belongings in his arms.

*

Yeosang makes his way back to his, Wooyoung, and Yunho's crappy old house after finishing his work for the day. He scowls at his broken bag, blaming it for ruining his mood and the day as a whole.

On his walk back, he notices a flyer on a lamp post located close to his house. He walks up to it, curious, and reads the information on it.

It reads,
"Nanny Needed

I am looking for a nanny to watch after my 5 year old daughter on Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm. Must have experience with children and be caring, well-educated, and well-mannered. An interview with me is required. Here is my number to contact me: xxx xxx xxxx.

I am willing to pay..."

Yeosang's eyes ogle at the number provided on the paper. He quickly snaps a picture of the flyer and rushes home to make the call.

*

Yeosang makes it home and sighs in relief. He looks around for his roommates, only to see Wooyoung sitting on the sofa, asleep. Yeosang tsks as he places his things down and walks over to the fridge. He opens it up and groans in annoyance.

He makes his way to his sleeping roommate and throws a pillow at his head. Wooyoung yelps and sits up in alarm. "Hey! Jung Wooyoung, if you had no classes today, why didn't you go out to buy groceries?"

Groggy eyes look up at Yeosang before daring to turn guilty. Wooyoung scratches the back of his head and starts off with, "See..." He doesn't finish his sentence. Yeosang kisses his teeth in annoyance and stomps away to his bedroom.

Wooyoung scrambles to get up and rushes over to his best friend. "I'm sorryyyyy," he says as he clings to Yeosang's backside. "Sannie and I were spending time together and I lost track of time. I was too tired afterwards so I just came home..." He pouts.

Yeosang rolls his eyes and decides to forgive him because he knows how much Wooyoung likes San and how happy the boy makes him. "I'll let you get away with it this time, but next time I will kick your ass to Mars."

He turns around to face his best friend and flicks his forehead as the front door opens. Wooyoung whines and raises a hand to his forehead, satisfying Yeosang.

"Daddy's got dinner!" Yunho's voice booms through the house. Yeosang and Wooyoung grin at each other before they run out to the living room, and when Yeosang sees the box of chicken in Yunho's hand, he nearly bursts into tears. He runs up to him and jumps into his arms. "Yunho, my dear, you are the love of my life, did you know that?"

Trying to keep his expression serious as he jokes, Yunho says, "Wait, are we about to kiss right now?" Yeosang throws his head back and laughs before planting a kiss on his cheek. Wooyoung nags Yeosang to help set the table after that.

They eat dinner together soon after, and Yeosang's day ultimately ends on a good note because of his obnoxious, but precious friends.

*

Before falling asleep the night before, Yeosang called the number provided on the flyer he came across. The man on the phone, whose name is Park Seonghwa, set the time for their interview to be the next day, in between his classes, at a nearby cafe. Yeosang frets over his outfit for the day because he wants to make the best impression he possibly can without looking too formal.

He decides on a purple sweater on top of a white button up shirt with black jeans and a pair of boots. The sweater is a bit oversized so he looks cute and friendly, but the button up shirt underneath balances it out enough to be slightly professional and casual at the same time.

Smiling in satisfaction at his reflection in the mirror, he tucks his hair behind his ears to complete the look. He touches the ends of his blond hair that almost reach his shoulders and purses his lips, considering cutting it for the millionth time but not having the heart to do so.

Yeosang grabs a jacket and walks out of his bedroom, seeing Wooyoung in the hallway. He looks at Yeosang and raises an eyebrow. "Woah, woah, woah, who are you looking so cute for?"

A purse makes its way to Yeosang's face at the words. "I have an interview sorta-kinda thing. To become a nanny for a little girl. Also, I look cute everyday!"

Wooyoung raises his brows before grinning. "Oh, okay. Good luck, I know you're qualified enough for that. Let me know if her father's a dilf," he jokes. Yeosang gasps and slaps his arm. "I can't believe how shameless you are, Jung Wooyoung," he says incredulously, to which Wooyoung laughs hysterically. The other rolls his eyes, a recurring action when he's around his best friend.

"Let's play League together when you come back?" Wooyoung points finger guns at him once he settles down. Yeosang grins, nodding his head.

The two wave goodbye to each other before Yeosang heads out the door. He hopes Park Seonghwa is as kind as he sounded through the phone the night before...

*

Yeosang makes it to the cafe 4 minutes earlier than their agreed time. He quickly checks himself in the window of the cafe, tucking his hair behind his ears again before looking around the inside. Amongst many people in suits and formal wear of different colors, materials, and styles, a familiar face stands out to him. He scans the face and recalls when he last saw the man.

The handsome man who helped him pick up his belongings the other day!

Yeosang gawks, mildly panicking. He feels like he's in a romance novel or something. What are the chances that he would come across this man again? Oh well, he doesn't really have a reason to approach the man, unless…

Mustering up the courage to walk into the cafe, he tries to act casual as he swings open the door.

He recalls the phone call he and Park Seonghwa had the night before and remembers that he will have a flower in front of him, that way, Yeosang can easily identify him.

He glances at the man who helped him on the street the other day hopefully, he's ashamed to admit. He notices the rose placed on the table in front of him.

Yeosang sucks in a breath. The man who helped him is Park Seonghwa.

Despite the realization, he walks to the table with hesitation in his step. "Mr. Park...?"

Park Seonghwa quickly looks up at him. He gapes for a few seconds as well, probably recognizing Yeosang too. He snaps out of it and stands up, taking Yeosang's hand and shaking it. Seonghwa's grip is firm, but the big grin that adorns his face makes him look friendly.

A shy smile takes over Yeosang's features. They greet each other and relay their names again. Seonghwa is as devastatingly handsome as he remembers, and today he's wearing a navy blue suit that fits him perfectly, if not a little tight around his broad shoulders.

Yeosang places his jacket behind his chair after Seonghwa releases the grip on his hand, and they sit across from each other.

"So..."

"Do you happen..."

They both speak at the same time. They laugh softly, Yeosang lifting a hand to cover his mouth as he does. He insists that Seonghwa speaks first.

Seonghwa hesitantly says, "You're the person I helped the other day, right? After your things fell on the street?" Yeosang scratches the back of his neck. "Yes, that was me."

"Ah, what a coincidence. So... Uh… The weather is nice today."

"Um, yeah it is... It's sunny."

"When's your next class?"

"In about 45 minutes. There's no rush."

Seonghwa chuckles nervously, acknowledging the awkwardness of the conversation. "Sorry, I'm not used to this. I'm not exactly sure what to ask you," he tells Yeosang sheepishly.

With a laugh and a flick of the wrist, Yeosang suggests, "Maybe I can tell you my qualities? I think that's a good place to start." He hands him his resume with a cheeky grin. Seonghwa nods and his eyes twinkle in amusement. "Good point."

"I'm a student, as you know. I'm working towards a Master's degree in elementary education, to be a teacher. All of my work experiences are on my resume, and I have experience taking care of young family members in the past."

Park Seonghwa nods as he looks through the file. Yeosang takes a sip of the glass of water on top of the table as he looks over the man in front of him once again. He takes in his strong, sharp, but gentle features and wonders how a person could be sculpted to such perfection. He wonders what his age is. Park Seonghwa is a father, but he doesn't look over the age of 30.

Now that he thinks of it, he wonders why the man is looking for a nanny in the first place. Is he not married?

Lost in contemplation, he doesn't realize that Seonghwa called his name twice. The man reaches over and touches the back of his hand, which takes Yeosang out of his trance and makes a shiver run up his spine. "Y-Yes?" He stutters out.

A grin tugs at Seonghwa's lips. "You are indeed very qualified. Actually, you're much more qualified than necessary for this job. I think your line of study suits the qualities I'm looking for, and you as a person seem to be very well-mannered and kind." He pauses before he continues. "But, if you don't mind me asking… Why would you want to work as a nanny when you are more than qualified for other work?"

Yeosang's teeth dig into his lower lip. He decides this interview is not formal enough that he needs to come up with an answer that impresses.

"Honestly…" he starts, "I'm a Master's student paying for my own education. In short, I need the money… Also, I'll be on break for two months soon, until March, and it fits my daily class schedule too."

He hurriedly adds, "But, I assure you that I will do my best to care for your daughter. Honestly, I decided to study to become a teacher because I love spending time with children," a fond smile, "I like children and I have some experience with them, so… why not?"

Seonghwa stares at his face for a few more beats than Yeosang is comfortable with. He looks down at his hands, bashful, and a bit nervous that that was not the answer the man was looking for.

The older man simply hums and Yeosang raises his eyes to look at him. "I appreciate the honesty." He thinks over his next words for a few seconds before continuing, "How about you come over and watch Jangmi tomorrow afternoon as a test run?" Yeosang thinks he catches a glint of hope in Seonghwa's eyes.

Excitement rises in Yeosang's chest, a large grin plastered on his face. "Yes, that works! Thank you, thank you, thank you, I can't wait to meet her!" He grabs Seonghwa's hand in his excitement.

Surprised at the action, Seonghwa glances down at their clasped hands, then up at Yeosang's face. Something in him dares to think that Yeosang is a tiny bit adorable. Yeosang notices, and quickly lets go of his hand.

Seonghwa scans him up and down as discreetly as he can. He takes note of the sweater that engulfs Yeosang's small body. 'Cute,' he thinks. Objectively speaking. He snaps himself out of it before he gets caught, and stands up from his seat.

"I was a pleasure to meet you, Yeosang." He hands him the rose he had placed in front of him on the table with a charming smile.

Yeosang visibly turns a bright shade of scarlet as he reaches to take the rose, standing up as well. Quickly, he connects the dots and realizes that Park Seonghwa's daughter's name, Jangmi, means rose, like the flower in his hand.

"Your daughter's name… Jangmi. It's beautiful. I know she's as pretty as this rose, and I have yet to see her." He meets Seonghwa's eyes. "It was very nice to meet you. See you tomorrow?" He says in a hopeful tone once again.

At the sweet words Seonghwa can actually feel his heart grow in size, along with the smile on his face. He knows that he will not regret his decision of giving the younger man a chance.

"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, and I know Jangmi will be excited to meet you too." Yeosang's cheeks hurt from smiling. The older man is such a pleasant person, well mannered and lovely.

They wish each other a nice day. Yeosang waves at the man before grabbing his jacket and hesitantly leaving the cafe, feeling Seonghwa's eyes on him as he exits the building.

*

Yeosang is on his way to pick up Jangmi from school. Seonghwa trusted Yeosang with this task on his first day, so he must make sure this process runs smoothly.

Luckily, the school Jangmi attends is only about 10 minutes from his house. Pick up time is at 3:15, so everything works out perfectly.

Jogging up to the front door of the school, he has a few minutes to spare before pick up time. A fond smile adorns his face as he looks around at the drawings pasted on the windows of the classrooms.

Soon, classes of children come through the doors. The littlest ones, who he assumes are the kindergartners, are all in a single line and holding hands with one another. Yeosang coos at their tiny size and clasped hands. They are absolutely adorable. He walks up to the class and crouches down in front of the small group of children.

"Hello, darlings. Which one of you is Jangmi?" He asks sweetly. He waves at the teacher reassuringly as a little girl raises her hand and shyly walks up to him. "Are you the mister my daddy told me about? Yeo… Yeo… I forgot." She looks down at her feet.

Giggles erupt from Yeosang's mouth at her cuteness. He hesitantly reaches over to take her hand, not sure of her boundaries. Upon seeing that she doesn't pull away, he shakes it lightly and introduces himself.

"I'm Kang Yeosang! You were close, little one. How about we go home and you can tell me all about yourself?" She nods and lets go of his hand. She holds onto the sleeve of his sweater instead, ready to march her way back home.

After waving at the teacher again, he begins his walk with Jangmi. He looks down at her tiny body and can't help but internally squeal at how small she is, looking very forward to spending more time with her.

He follows the pace of her tiny steps as they make their way to Seonghwa's home.

*

Once they reach her home, Jangmi seems to relax a bit more. Yeosang lets out a sigh of relief. He helps her take off her bookbag, jacket, and shoes and places them down. As soon as he does this, he receives a call. Park Seonghwa, the screen reads.

He chuckles in amusement. The timing is just perfect.

Picking up the call, he decides to tease the man on the other end of the line, just a little. "Mr. Park, have your fatherly instincts already kicked in?"

He hears Seonghwa sputter before he continues, "Jangmi and I have just arrived home, no worries. Would you like to talk to her?" He hands Jangmi the phone before Seonghwa could answer. "It's your dad." He grins at her before walking a few steps away, granting them privacy.

Jangmi talks so softly that Yeosang can't eavesdrop even if he wants to. So, he decides to look at the picture frames that decorate the wall of the hallway in between the living room and kitchen.

The portraits only consist of Seonghwa and Jangmi and are all fairly recent, he notices. Those, and drawings undoubtedly created by Jangmi, line the wall.

Walking back over to Jangmi, he watches as her happy expression turns shy under his gaze. She hands him back the phone a few seconds later.

Seonghwa once again reminds Yeosang of things he has already said a gazillion times since this morning, when they had contacted each other over text and call. Yeosang smiles both fondly and with mirth as he lets Seonghwa ramble worriedly.

Soon, he hears someone call Seonghwa's name, and he hesitantly tells Yeosang he must hang up. Yeosang dismisses him and tells him not to worry, although he knows he will continue to.

Yeosang crouches down in front of Jangmi. He asks, "Do you want anything in particular for lunch?" Shaking her head, she fails to make eye contact with him. He hums understandingly before leading her to the kitchen.

Taking note of the drawings that cover the fridge, which resemble the ones he saw in the hallway earlier, he asks Jangmi if she knows who created the works of art, obviously knowing the answer to the question.

"Me," she replies shyly.

"Well, they're beautiful. You're very talented, Jangmi! Do you like drawing?" She nods enthusiastically.

"Maybe we can draw together after lunch?" He grins at her and opens the fridge up, examining the items in it. "How about sandwiches for lunch? Can you help me make them, please?" She nods again.

*

Seonghwa can't stop bouncing his legs. He can't get his mind off of the prospect of his daughter and Yeosang together, despite his gut feeling that Yeosang is a good person that he can trust.

Jangmi can easily talk and interact with him, but he knows that she is not as open with strangers since her mother left. He trusts that Yeosang won't cross any boundaries, and because of his line of study, he should know how to deal with her shyness.

Too caught up in a thought consuming spiral, he doesn't notice that his co-worker and friend, Kim Hongjoong, came over to talk to him.

"Hey, Seonghwa! What's gotten into you?" Hongjoong asks as he pokes his forehead with more force than necessary. "You've been out of it all day."

Seonghwa rubs his forehead dramatically, to which Hongjoong rolls his eyes. As Seonghwa slumps back in his chair sullenly, he explains the situation and his worries that come naturally with being a father.

"Oh yeah, I forgot that today's the test run. Speaking of, how is your nanny? What are they like?"

Odd is the first word Seonghwa's mind supplies him with. During their meeting yesterday, Yeosang had been a mix of assertive and shy with endearing blushes. Yet, at the same time, he displayed a confident demeanor that made him seem like he knew what he was talking about. Seonghwa wills himself not to think of his cheeky smiles and blushing cheeks, but he fails quite miserably. He feels his face heat up slightly once he realizes the subject of his thoughts.

"He… seems nice. Like a good person," is what he decides to go with.

"Is he good looking?" Hongjoong teases.

An unexplainable heat rises up his chest, his eyes widening at his friend's words. "Hongjoong! He's, like, 6 years younger than me. Not to mention, he will likely become Jangmi's nanny. That'd be… unprofessional."

Hongjoong rolls his eyes jokingly and pats his shoulder as he walks past. "I was just messing with you, dummy. We'll talk more at lunch."

Seonghwa watches him go, then turns towards his desk again.

'Is he good looking?' His mind repeats. He decides to entertain the thought before returning to work. Objectively he is… cute. Pretty, even. But he can't afford to get involved with him, especially not if he does become Jangmi's nanny.

He shakes his head, slaps himself with both hands, and throws all thoughts of Yeosang and even his daughter out of his head. He has to get something done today.

*

Yeosang and Jangmi have finished eating lunch. He tried to make conversation, but all he received in return were nods, head shakes, and facial expressions. He doesn't mind, though.

After cleaning up, Yeosang suggests that they draw together, for a little bonding. Jangmi scurries off to bring her supplies over.

As Yeosang waits, he looks around the house, taking in the expensive, modern furniture and open spaces throughout the house. He thinks the house fits Seonghwa's physical looks, but it doesn't exactly fit his personality, at least from what he's seen so far.

Jangmi returns with papers, markers, colored pencils, and paints. She seems to be having trouble juggling all of those things in her tiny arms, so Yeosang quickly goes over to help. He tries his best not to touch her, as she subtly expressed that she's not comfortable with that yet.

Together, they begin doodling some of their favorite things to get to know more about each other. Yeosang introduces her to his own original character, Hehetmon. Jangmi draws a big cat in the middle of her page.

Then, he has an idea. He asks Jangmi to borrow a marker and tells her he'll be right back. After rushing to a bathroom to look into the mirror, he draws cat whiskers and a nose on his face. Giggling at how silly he looks, he makes his way back to the kitchen table to show her.

He puts his hands on his head in a way that imitates cat ears and jogs up behind her. "Meow!" Jangmi quickly turns towards him, startled. She beams at him upon seeing his face, giggling. "Me too! Wanna be a cat," her eyes glow.

Yeosang shoots Seonghwa a quick text asking if it's okay to draw on her face with a washable marker. Once he receives an okay text, he draws whiskers and a nose on her little face.

"Oh, you look adorable. A tiny kitten," he coos as he fights the urge to pinch her cheeks.

"Meow!" She says softly, but with force. Yeosang giggles and his eyes light up with hope. He knows it will be gradual, but he hopes with everything in him that she will continue to open up to him.

They spend the rest of the afternoon just like this, making new artwork for the fridge and walls of the house, and slowly learning things about each other in their own, special way.

*

Seonghwa finally reaches home after a long, exhausting day at work. He walks up to the front door and part of him hopes to see a happy scene once he opens it.

Upon doing so, he couldn't be happier. He could see Jangmi sitting with Yeosang at the kitchen table, and he sees a radiant, but shy smile on her face as she listens to him speak. It's the most beautiful sight in the world.

"I'm home!" he interrupts.

Jangmi snaps her head towards the source of the voice and quickly scrambles off her seat to run to her father. "Daddy…!"

Standing up from his seat, Yeosang watches the scene play out in front of him fondly.

Joy and a kind of love Yeosang doesn't think he could understand dance across Seonghwa's eyes at the sight of his daughter. Yeosang sighs softly, longingly.

He tears his eyes away from them, so not to intrude. He begins to gather up the art supplies and Jangmi's homework worksheets into a neat pile.

"Are you a little cat today?" Seonghwa asks his daughter, knowing that's her favorite animal. "Yes, Kang Yeosang is a cat too!"

They both look over to him, and suddenly, Yeosang realizes how silly he must look with the doodles on his face. His cheeks warm up as Seonghwa looks at him, amused.

"I see that," he tells her. "Maybe Yeosang can make me a cat too?" He looks down at Jangmi, then at Yeosang. "Yes, yes, daddy. We can be a kitty family," she laughs softly, and both Seonghwa and Yeosang can't help but coo internally at her cuteness.

Yeosang grabs a marker and walks over to Seonghwa. He searches Seonghwa's eyes to make sure he wants him to go through with this, and when he sees no signs of hesitation, lifts his arm to doodle on the older man's face.

Him doing this for his daughter, offering to do it first, even, knowing it'll make her happy… Yeosang knows he's a good dad.

'Would it be weird to close my eyes? That would be weird, probably,' the older overthinks. He isn't sure where to look, so he decides to train his eyes on Yeosang's face.

He notices a spot, a birthmark? on the younger man's temple that he hadn't noticed the day before. 'Pretty,' he can't help but think, its uniqueness adding to Yeosang's charm.

As he finishes, Yeosang meets Seonghwa's eyes. He quickly looks down, shy, as he takes a step back. Seonghwa continues staring at his face until he hears a beautiful sound, his daughter's laughter, fill the room. "You look so funny, daddy."

He laughs and goes over to ruffle her hair. A smile tugs at Yeosang's lips at their interaction, and he offers to take a picture of the two of them together. He takes out his phone as Seonghwa picks Jangmi up in his arms, and they pose for the camera.

"How cute," Yeosang coos as he snaps multiple pictures. "Kang Yeosang, take pictures with us?" He hears Jangmi ask quietly. Yeosang's eyes widen and he throws a quick glance at Seonghwa to see if he's okay with that.

When the older man nods at him and gestures for Yeosang to come, Yeosang feels warmth envelope his chest and face. He puts a self timer on his camera and quickly moves to Seonghwa's side. He'll be sure to send Seonghwa the pictures later in the evening.

*

Seonghwa asks Yeosang if he's able to stay for a little longer tonight, so they could talk. Yeosang nods and sits on the sofa in the living room as he waits for him. He's honestly a bit nervous, as he didn't secure the job just yet.

The older man comes over and sits next to him on the sofa, facing him.

"Yeosang."

"Mr. Park," Yeosang smiles shyly, but it soon develops into a chuckle. He can't take Seonghwa seriously with the cat whiskers on his face.

"Sorry, I know I look dumb," the blond scratches the back of his neck.

"No, no, I appreciate you doing this for Jangmi. Plus, I look the same," Seonghwa grins, gesturing to his own face.

Yeosang's lips tug up into a beam, his eyes twinkling.

"So… how'd it go today?"

Yeosang's teeth bite into his lower lip as he thinks. "I think it went well… But it's not really for me to say. Jangmi helped me make sandwiches earlier, and I noticed all the drawings on the fridge and walls so we drew together. I found out she likes cats, so here we are…" He gestures to his face. Seonghwa cracks a smile at that.

The older hums before he asks, "When you picked her up, how did she react?"

A smile paints his features before he answers. "She forgot my name, but she told me that you told her about me. I noticed she says my full name since I introduced myself… It's honestly so endearing. I also noticed she doesn't feel comfortable with touching yet, so I let her hold onto my sleeve as we walked. You actually called the second we got into the house, so the timing was impeccable to say the least."

Seonghwa stares at his face before he breaks out into a content grin. The way Yeosang speaks about his daughter, the little things he notices about her…

"I have one more question."

Yeosang tilts his head. "Can you come back from tomorrow on?" The younger beams and nods his head enthusiastically. "Thank you so much, Mr. Park, really. I look forward to it!"

*

And it goes like this for the following few weeks. Yeosang wakes up to Wooyoung and Yunho, and sometimes San, as he's become a frequent visitor in the last few days, then picks up Jangmi. He has created a little bond with both Jangmi and her father. They get closer as the days go by, and it warms Yeosang's heart.

Yeosang wakes up one day to San and Wooyoung making way too much noise at a truly ungodly hour. Seriously, the sun has barely risen over the horizon.

He slips the pillow out from under his head and pushes it against his face, trying not to yell in frustration. He loves the two boys with all of his heart, he really does, but they are simply too loud sometimes. Can't whatever shenanigans they're engaging in wait?

*

Honestly, Yeosang feels a bit cranky for the remainder of the day because of his lack of sufficient sleep. He tries his best not to show it while he spends time with Jangmi though.

Yeosang has gotten her to speak more often to him, and even if her tone is still soft and her sentences short, he counts it as a win.

"Snack time! Want cookies, please," Jangmi looks at him with big, pleading eyes. Yeosang internally squeals at her adorableness.

"Hmm, there is some cookie mix in the cabinet over there." He pretends to consider whether or not he will make them knowing he can't say no to her and her big, shining eyes that very much resemble her father's.

"Only because you're so well behaved, little one. Should we share some with your daddy or should we eat all of them?" He grins mischievously.

"More cookies for me, less for daddy… Hmm…" She seems to actually think over the question, and he can't help but laugh out loud at that.

Soon, Yeosang receives a call from Seonghwa. He picks up hurriedly, a little worried to receive a call from him in the middle of the day rather than during his lunch break. "Hello? Is everything okay, Mr. Park?"

Yeosang can hear the smile in his voice as Seonghwa announces that he's coming home early today. Yeosang glances at Jangmi, who's trying to pretend like she isn't trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Keep it a secret from Jangmi though, please. I want to surprise her." Yeosang's heart seems to grow in size. Seonghwa is such a good man, such a good father.

"Gotcha! Well… See you later," he hesitantly hangs up after Seonghwa says goodbye.

"What did daddy say?"

"It's a surprise," he says, pressing his index finger in front of his lips. She visibly sulks a little, but then asks Yeosang if he needs help making the cookies.

*

Seonghwa walks up to the front door and quietly opens it. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight he sees.

Yeosang is asleep on the sofa with Jangmi pressed up against his side. He could see the hesitation in Yeosang's touch despite his sleeping form; Yeosang has a careful hand placed on her shoulder, probably to keep her from falling. Meanwhile, Jangmi has a hand placed on his chest, fisting the fabric of his shirt.

She's beginning to trust and feel comfortable around someone who isn't immediate family… A fond smile tugs at his lips.

He stares at the younger's sleeping face, all full, chubby cheeks, soft features, perfect eyebrows, and pretty, long blond hair. Seonghwa sighs at his beauty and imagines his big, doe-like eyes looking at him. He really is pretty… Objectively speaking, of course.

Shaking his head to clear his mind from thoughts of the younger man-- who's been the subject of his thoughts far too often lately-- he carefully walks over to his room to get a blanket to place on top of them.

When he returns, he accidentally knocks into the table in front of the sofa, which causes Yeosang to stir. "5 more minutes, Wooyoung…" Seonghwa snorts unpleasantly at that.

He opens his eyes and meets Seonghwa's. "Mr. Park…?" Yeosang's deep voice sounds even richer since he had just woken up, like honey. A chill runs down Seonghwa's spine.

The older clears his throat before he speaks, "Sorry, I didn't want to wake you. You must be tired." Yeosang almost scrambles to get up when he remembers Jangmi is at his side. "I'm so sorry… Oh gosh, I can't believe I fell asleep waiting for you… I'm so embarrassed," he says quietly, more to himself than Seonghwa.

Seonghwa is quick to reassure him, "It's no problem, at least Jangmi fell asleep with you, yeah?" The corners of his lips tug upwards. "She seems to be getting more comfortable with you."

Smiling fondly and looking down at her sleeping figure, the other softly responds, "Yeah, I'm glad."

Seonghwa loses himself in his thoughts as he looks at Yeosang. Pretty, he thinks yet again.

The blond suddenly snaps his head up and looks frantic. "Um, well, I should go, Mr. Park. I have some things to do at home…" Seonghwa looks into his eyes. Yeosang avoids his gaze.

Do I make him uncomfortable? he worries.

Yeosang carefully moves in a way that doesn't disturb Jangmi. Then, he quickly collects his things. Seonghwa wants to ask him to stay for a little longer.

He says goodbye to Seonghwa and opens the door, only for Seonghwa to follow him out.

"Wait, can we talk?"

Yeosang turns towards him with his eyebrows raised in surprise. Seonghwa looks at the ground, then raises his gaze to Yeosang's face.

"Do I… Do I make you uncomfortable? You're always quick to leave, and I don't think it's because you dislike Jangmi, so is it me?" He feels a bit tense as he finishes.

Bewilderment takes over the younger's features. "No, not at all Mr. Park. You don't make me uncomfortable. I usually pack up my things and leave quickly because I know you don't get to spend much time with Jangmi in the first place and I don't want to intrude." His soft smile and reassuring words make all the tension in Seonghwa's mind fade.

"That's…" Seonghwa gulps before he continues. "That's so thoughtful of you, Yeosang. But I don't mind you staying… In fact, I think this invite is long overdue. Would you like to have dinner with us?" The words leave his mouth without him even realizing, before he could stop them.

Yeosang feels a little breathless. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to bother you." Seonghwa reaches out and touches his arm. "Please stay?" He thinks of an excuse, "Um, Jangmi asked me to ask you a few days ago. Can you do it for her?"

Yeosang's heart drops a little bit for some unknown reason. He suspects a part of him wanted Seonghwa to ask him because he himself wants Yeosang to stay. Mentally face palming, he reminds himself to stop with the wishful thinking.

"I'll stay," he tells Seonghwa.

As they share smiles with one another, Seonghwa notices something, or the lack of something. He peers into Yeosang's face, trying to figure out what it is.

His birthmark, he realizes. It's not there, or it's concealed.

Before he realizes what he is doing, he reaches up and lightly runs his fingers along Yeosang's temple. Yeosang raises his eyebrows, almost flinching at the unexpected touch.

"Why did you cover your birthmark?" He asks the younger man as he drops his hand.

"Ah, you noticed it? I usually cover it with makeup, but I forget sometimes," Yeosang says sheepishly.

"But it's pretty."

'Did I just say that?'

'Did he just say that?'

"Do you…" Yeosang gulps. "You think so?" Seonghwa feels himself nod. "It's unique. It compliments your eyes…"

Yeosang absolutely cannot take this. His heart is racing at 100 miles per hour at the words, he's sure of it.

The older is pulled out of his trance when he hears rummaging from the room behind the door. He peeks inside to see Jangmi rubbing her eyes. His heart instantly melts.

"Um… Shall we head inside?" He asks Yeosang.

Yeosang follows him back in.

"Daddy!" Jangmi says and runs up to him, enveloping his legs in a hug.

"I'm home early today! I have another surprise." Jangmi squeals quietly and closes her eyes, holding out her hands. Seonghwa and Yeosang share a look and laugh.

"Not that kind of surprise, darling. Yeosang's staying for dinner today!" Jangmi gasps softly and looks at Yeosang to confirm. When he nods, she beams and looks between the two men.

Seonghwa ruffles her hair. He slips off the blazer of his suit, places it on the back of his chair, and rolls the sleeves of his dress shirt up to his elbows. He makes his way to the kitchen to start preparing dinner. Yeosang puts on a TV show for Jangmi before joining him.

"Need any help?" He eyes the older up and down. He looks absolutely dashing like this, with his sleeves rolled up and his strong forearms exposed.

"Mm, I'm planning to make American-styled pasta tonight and that requires minimal effort so not really. Maybe you can help set the table in a bit?" He smiles at Yeosang, who tries his best to act like he wasn't just ogling at the man. "You can hang out with Jangmi as you wait."

Yeosang grins and nods, joining Jangmi in the living room once again. Seonghwa can see the two of them from where he stands. He puts the pasta on boil before he watches them interact.

"Dance party?" he hears Yeosang ask. Jangmi enthusiastically jumps out of her seat and nods her head.

Soon, the two of them erupt into silly dances and giggling fits. Seonghwa actually feels his heart swoon at the adorable sight. He couldn't imagine his daughter acting in such a silly way and having so much fun with someone else, but he's more than happy that it's with Yeosang of all people.

He watches Yeosang with interest, watching his hips sway as he moves side to side. He looks so happy like this, so free and young. Seonghwa looks him up and down. The younger being clad in a pair of overalls and an oversized sweater makes him look all the livelier, and devastatingly cute.

Yeosang must feel his eyes on him because he makes eye contact with Seonghwa and puts a halt to his dancing. The corners of Seonghwa's mouth twitch upwards as he stares at Yeosang with mirth.

Then Yeosang, the absolute devil, winks at him.

Heat rises up Seonghwa's neck as he quickly turns back towards the pasta, pretending he was busy with it all along.

"Why don't you join us while the pasta boils, Mr. Park?"

Clearing his throat before he speaks, he mumbles out, "I'm not much of a dancer, um… You two have fun though."

"You seem like the type," Yeosang teases with a smirk.

Seonghwa just huffs in reply. Yeosang laughs out loud, raising a hand to cover his mouth, before he continues dancing with Jangmi.

A few moments later, Yeosang makes his way back to the kitchen and begins rinsing plates to set the table. He steals cheeky glances at Seonghwa, who still hasn't recovered from that evil wink Yeosang sent his way. God, he feels like a highschooler all over again.

Yeosang skips around the table and sets it, feeling much too mischievous for his own good. He pushes his hair behind his ears, huffing in annoyance at the amount of times he has to adjust his hair throughout the day. Seonghwa notices and thinks of a solution.

"Jangmi, dear, do you have clips Yeosang can borrow?" She nods and grabs Yeosang's sleeve to take him with her up to her room. Yeosang looks startled, but follows her nonetheless.

Serving pasta on each plate while he waits, he soon ends up finishing up the table setup. He takes a picture of it, feeling quite proud of himself.

Besides, this is the first time the table is set for 3 rather than 2 in a long time…

Yeosang returns in a few minutes, and when Seonghwa sees him, he almost visibly clutches his chest. He looks much too adorable for his own good, but he looks silly at the same time; much younger than his actual age. Jangmi chose her little butterfly clips to hold back Yeosang's bangs and his rear hairs are tied into two ponytails.

Seonghwa has to look away to stifle his chuckle, but the other notices nonetheless. Upon glancing at Yeosang, the younger man has a cheek puffed out, a pout on his face, and he lets out a huff.

"Daddy, stop! Kang Yeosang looks cute," his daughter huffs, copying Yeosang's facial expression. He walks over to them and gently lifts her onto her seat, even if she doesn't need help getting on it anymore.

"It's okay, Jangmi, your father just doesn't understand fashion," Yeosang flips his hair. Giggles erupt from her at his little performance.

Seonghwa rolls his eyes jokingly at Yeosang's words. "I'm not denying that he does, darling. Just looks a little silly, is all." He boops her nose.

The older gestures towards the seat next to him before taking a seat himself. Yeosang huffs again and takes a seat. A few minutes later, after they had begun eating, Seonghwa's words finally register in Yeosang's mind.

'I'm not denying that he does.'

'Did… Did Mr. Park indirectly call me cute?!'

Yeosang spits out his food upon the realization. His eyes widen in shock as he covers his mouth in embarrassment. He coughs a few times. Both Seonghwa and Jangmi look at him in shock. Yeosang quickly takes the napkin placed next to his plate and cleans the mess he made.

"Are you okay, Yeosang?" Seonghwa moves to stand up, but Yeosang lifts a hand in his direction and waves him off, rambling as he does. "I'm fine, just dandy. Don't worry about me, haha, just continue eating and ignore me. So sorry, I am so sorry."

The sudden urge to hide away in a ditch and never be seen again swallows him whole.

Jangmi, the little sweetheart, looks at him with worry. Yeosang sits back down and sends a reassuring smile and thumbs up to both of them.

*

Yeosang is a messy eater, that's just one of his defining traits, and Seonghwa notices. "You have something…" Seonghwa vaguely points around his mouth. Yeosang goes to wipe at it, but he misses completely.

A few more failed attempts later, Seonghwa takes the matters into his own hands. He takes the tissue from Yeosang's hand and places his other hand under his chin. He wipes at his mouth gently.

Yeosang's face must be as red as a mature tomato right now. His stomach fills with butterflies as he stares into Seonghwa's eyes, and when the older man glances up to meet his, Yeosang averts his eyes quickly.

The other doesn't seem to notice the position they are in until he finds himself frozen, staring at Yeosang's lips.

Yeosang has to be imagining this, right?

Jangmi looks between the two men, almost knowingly, somehow, for her young age. "Daddy?" Seonghwa snaps out of his trance and quickly turns to his daughter. He stands up and goes to wipe her mouth too, so not to make it awkward. Yeosang is still recovering.

After a bit, Yeosang thanks Seonghwa for the meal and for… wiping his mouth and tells him the pasta was delicious. "I'm used to just eating take out or ramen or something, so this home cooked meal was extra scrumptious," he grins. The look of concern Seonghwa throws his way is amusing, honestly.

He brings his plate over to the sink and begins washing the other dishes before Seonghwa can protest.

Heat rises up from Yeosang's chest as he realizes how domestic this all feels. The feeling only intensifies when Seonghwa comes over to help, drying the dishes that Yeosang hands off to him.

The two men look back at Jangmi, who's made her way back to the living room, when they hear her soft voice singing along to the opening song of the show playing on the TV. Yeosang then trains his eyes on Seonghwa. "Jangmi is really special," is all that he could express.

"Yeah… yeah, she is," Seonghwa smiles fondly. Their fingertips brush against each other as Yeosang hands him a glass. Seonghwa's heart feels like it leaps up into his throat. He feels the need to say something else. "Thank you for everything."

Yeosang's breath hitches. "No need to thank me, it's just…" My job? his mind finishes for him. Is it just that?

"I should be thanking you, Mr. Park. It's been such a pleasure getting to know Jangmi these past few weeks. She is so… she's so respectful and sweet and full of life. You know just by looking at her that she was surrounded by love growing up."

Seonghwa's heart swells, but it pangs moments later at the thought of Jangmi's other, absent parent. "It's been more of a pleasure having you around. For both of us."

Warmth envelopes both men as they finish washing the dishes together silently.

*

"Let me give you a ride back. It's pretty late."

Yeosang shakes his head. "It's bedtime for Jangmi, and I wouldn't want to keep her awake. It's no problem, really." He smiles as he collects his things for the second time that night. Jangmi walks up to Yeosang and taps his arm. "Kang Yeosang, stay again?"

Beaming bright enough to put the sun to shame, he replies "I'll stay as long as you'll have me."

His heart feels incomplete as he leaves the house, like it's longing for something, for some reason.

*

When Yeosang returns home, his thoughts consist of only Seonghwa and Jangmi. His skin burns wherever the older man touched him that night, and when he looks into the mirror of his room, he notices one of Jangmi's clips that he must've missed when returning them to her. He takes it out of his hair and looks down at it fondly. His hand closes around it, sighing deeply.

He's getting so attached to this little family.

*

Seonghwa opens the cupboard long past dinner for a midnight snack. He sees a clear jar filled with cookies, with a sticky note placed on the side of it. It reads, "Jangmi and I decided to keep some for you. Do you know how hard it was for us to fight the temptation to eat all of these? Consider yourself lucky, Mr. Park ;)"

His lips twitch upwards at the words.

His heart yearns for something, but he isn't sure what.

*

It's a few days later.

Seonghwa comes home from work with a gift bag in tow. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't feeling just a little bit giddy, excited to give it to Yeosang to repay him for the cookies he baked. He also got one for Jangmi, albeit much smaller than Yeosang's, to match whenever they want to bake again.

Unfortunately, the only adult-size apron available in the store was one with the classic "Kiss the Cook" written on it, but he's sure the younger man wouldn't mind. 'Hopefully he doesn't misunderstand or something,' the voice in Seonghwa's head says.

Though, he knows Yeosang would probably tease him for it, if anything.

He jogs up to the door with a wide, boxy grin on his face, failing to keep his excitement contained.

When he quietly opens the door and spots Jangmi and Yeosang's figures in the kitchen, unsuspecting of his movements, he sneaks up behind them.

In taking the present out of the bag, he accidentally crinkles the bag in a way that it blows his cover. Yeosang and Jangmi turn towards the sound, alarmed.

"Surprise…?!" Seonghwa tries to play it off, fixing his hunched figure.

Jangmi and Yeosang share a look and giggle before she launches herself at him. He catches her in his arms and twirls her around. "There's my girl," Seonghwa beams before fixing his gaze on the blond haired man, who's watching them fondly, like he does every day.

"I brought presents!" he exclaims, placing Jangmi down again. He resumes his earlier agenda, taking the aprons out of the bag.

He tells the two of them to turn around and close their eyes, and Yeosang looks at him with curious eyes before he complies.

Seonghwa slips the apron over Jangmi's neck and ties it in the back. She giggles in excitement, touching the fabric with her hands.

Next up, he ties Yeosang's behind his neck, his fingers brushing against his nape. He pretends he doesn't notice the little shutter that visibly runs through Yeosang's body at the touch.

Then, he ties the apron around Yeosang's waist, and my gosh, is he small. Seonghwa actually has to crane his neck back and look up at the ceiling instead, but he knows the blond's petite waist will be on his mind for the next few hours. Days even. Wow, he needs to get laid.

When the older finally steps away, Yeosang turns towards him. A grin makes its way to his face as he reads the words on the apron.

"Kiss the cook, huh?" Yeosang teases.

Seonghwa sputters as he answers, "They… This was the only adult sized one they had!"

Yeosang just laughs and thanks Seonghwa before he shifts his gaze to Jangmi. "You look so cute, my little sous chef!"

"Sous… What's that?" Jangmi questions.

Patting her head, Yeosang explains, "You're my little kitchen helper!" Seonghwa just watches fondly.

"Let me get a picture of you," Yeosang whips out his phone, always adoring Jangmi.

When Seonghwa suggests they take one together, the smile that creeps its way on his face is breathtaking. They take more than a few pictures before it's time for Yeosang to go.

*

It's the weekend now. Yeosang wakes up to Wooyoung, Yunho, and their frequent visitor, San, playing Super Smash Bros on their Nintendo Switch in the living room.

Yeosang grabs the spare remote and squeezes himself in between Wooyoung and Yunho.

"WOOYOUNG, YOU WHORE!" Yeosang's voice booms when he uses a strategy to make sure Yeosang can't save his character from falling off the map.

San and Yunho burst out laughing. Wooyoung gasps at the choice of words. "Look who's talking!" Yeosang pauses the game, placing his hands on his hips, pretending to be offended. "And what does that mean?"

His friends all share a knowing look that makes Yeosang feel nervous suddenly. Why? He has nothing to hide.

"You've been dressing nicely lately… Who are you looking cute for without telling us?"

"What are you accusing me of? I always look cute," Yeosang sticks his tongue out.

"You know what we're talking about!" says Yunho.

The blond thinks back to the past few days. He has been putting more of an effort into his outfits to give off the impression that he has his life together rather than being a disheveled master's student who lives in crappy student housing. Who is he trying to give off that impression to? Well... his boss.

Plus, ever since Park Seonghwa told him that his birthmark was pretty, he hasn't dared to cover it up with makeup. His cheeks heat up at the thought.

"YOU SEE, he's thinking about it right now," San says, "He's all red, look at him!"

Yeosang's blush only deepens. "Okay! Okay, you caught me. Don't judge, okay?" He knows his friends won't.

"Jangmi's dad is just really attractive, totally my type, and he's really sweet, too sweet really, and he's funny and super caring and seeing him interact with his daughter just melts my heart and a few days ago he told me my birthmark was pretty and I almost collapsed on the spot and when he looks at me my stomach just fills with butterflies and does somersaults and he's just. Wow. And he bought me an apron! And you all know I'm a messy eater and he wiped my mouth and maybe it's just my imagination but he stared at my lips for longer than necessary and it made me want to combust and I want to combust right now, why am I telling you all of this," Yeosang rambles.

The three are dead silent for a moment, trying to comprehend everything Yeosang just said. "The kid you're nannying's father?!" Wooyoung yells.

Nodding shamefully, Yeosang covers his face and slumps back into the sofa. "Yes! He's just so-" he groans in frustration. "I make a fool of myself in front of him all the time."

"Don't worry, it's probably because you've been single for like, a century now," Wooyoung says. "Gee, thanks," Yeosang replies, and they all can't help but laugh.

When they settle down, his friends consider what to say next. "From what I'm getting…" San starts, "He finds you attractive too."

"I mean, yeah, to say the least," adds Yunho, "Go for it!" Peering into Yeosang's face, he squeezes his knee in support.

"He's totally head over heels for you, dude," Wooyoung says. Yeosang doesn't think his face could heat up any more than it already has.

"But… It's not really appropriate to pursue anything. And I don't know how he feels about me, and I barely even understand my own feelings," Yeosang sighs.

"I think you should just go with the flow and see where it takes you, Sang," his best friend tells him, slinging an arm around his shoulders.

'Go with the flow and see where it takes you,' he repeats in his mind.

"Yeah… yeah, that sounds like a good plan."

His friends each pat him on the back and Wooyoung initiates a group hug. They all topple on top of him, and he complains outwardly, but his heart warms up from the support and love he receives from his favorite people.

*

Yeosang is waiting in front of Jangmi's kindergarten again. Her class comes out in a few minutes.

Once she sees him, she timidly waves goodbye to her teacher and runs up to him, flashing a bright smile his way. She has been warming up to Yeosang more than ever the past few days, and at every hint at progress, Yeosang feels absolutely elated.

Today, instead of holding onto his sleeve, Jangmi asks softly, "Kang Yeosang… Hold hands?" Her big, brown eyes look up at him nervously, as if he would ever say no to that.

Yeosang's eyes widen in shock. He wants to ask her for confirmation, but he's afraid that will make her think that he doesn't want to hold her hand. Instead, he holds out his palm to her.

When Jangmi's tiny hand wraps around one of Yeosang's fingers hesitantly, he feels his heart triple in size.

*

The two spend their afternoon doing the usual things: lunch time, their drawing sessions-- which have evolved into Pictionary now, or at least a version of the game that Jangmi could easily understand-- homework help, snack time, and waiting for Seonghwa together, who Yeosang has gotten more close and comfortable with.

Today is the same as always, but with the addition of Jangmi asking Yeosang to make her hair look pretty. She takes him to her room like she did a few weeks ago, this time holding onto one of his fingers rather than his sleeve.

Jangmi silently hands Yeosang her hairbrush and box of hair accessories. Together, they sit on the floor.

Yeosang lightly runs his fingers through her hair, making sure there are no knots that may hurt her later. Soon, he begins brushing through it.

"What kind of style do you want, little one?"

"Hmm… One that daddy doesn't do!"

Thinking back to the different hair styles he has seen on Jangmi he realizes how limited the list is. He could imagine how a single father would struggle with styling his daughter's hair. Yeosang smiles fondly and decides to go with pigtails and a mini tiara, which happens to be with her accessories.

He splits her hair into two parts and braids each side. Then, before placing the tiara on her head, he says, "How about you change into a dress too? Then you can surprise your daddy and look like a real princess!"

Jangmi nods and goodness, her eyes are twinkling so bright right now. She resembles Seonghwa so much like this.

He helps her pick a dress, one that is yellow since he learned that's her favorite color. She changes into it, and Yeosang places the tiara on her head.

Yeosang coos at her cuteness, dressed up and all. "Oh, you look like a real princess now! Like Belle from Beauty and The Beast." She recognizes the movie right away.

"Kang Yeosang, be my prince!" Yeosang looks down at his casual sweater and jeans combo, giggles, and bows down to her anyway, playing along. "I don't look like a prince, but anything for you, my princess."

"No, you hafta be the beast! He goes rawrrr!!" She says as she puts her hands up like claws and scrunches her little face up.

Yeosang imitates her pose and the sound she made. She nods in approval.

He's sure to snap (more than) a few pictures of Jangmi like this. Maybe a few videos too.

*

Seonghwa arrives home after a grueling day at work, but he knows seeing Jangmi (and Yeosang) will lighten up his spirits.

He walks up to the door and hears a beautiful singing voice coming from inside, rich and deep. Yeosang.

Opening the door, he peeks inside to see Yeosang singing to Jangmi as she sits on the sofa.

"Tale as old as time, tune as old as song. Bitter-sweet and strange, finding you can change, learning you were wrong..."

She reaches her hand out to him and he takes it with hesitation.

Seonghwa lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding when he sees Jangmi wrap her hand around Yeosang's fingers.

He watches the scene unfold as he quietly closes the door behind him and leans against it. They have yet to notice him there. His eyes and heart both soften. Yeosang cares for Jangmi so much… He cherishes her, and it shows.

"Certain as the sun… Certain as the sun, rising in the east, tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme… Beauty and the beast."

Jangmi looks up at him with big eyes, all of her attention focused on Yeosang and his beautiful voice and pretty face. Seonghwa feels the same way. He sighs dreamily as he listens to him.

Soon, Seonghwa's phone receives a notification, and the ringing sound it generates blows his cover. Yeosang quickly stops singing and he and Jangmi look over to him.

"I'm home," he smiles sheepishly at both of them. Jangmi runs over to him and he envelopes her in a hug. Yeosang looks down at his feet in embarrassment, not realizing he had an audience other than Jangmi.

"Look at my pretty little princess," Seonghwa coos and picks her up into his arms, pressing a kiss against her temple. Jangmi giggles and wraps her arms around his neck. "Daddy, why didn't you say you were here? Did you hear Kang Yeosang singin'? He was singing for me," she beams. "Kang Yeosang is my prince," she tells her father proudly, rambling on.

"Is that so? What about your daddy? Can't I be your prince?" He pokes her tummy.

"No, you're king! And 'want it to be him! My prince can sing to me and tuck me in bed like Sleeping Beauty."

Yeosang cracks a smile at that, knowing that is not the plot of Sleeping Beauty, but he won't break that news to her. "I can sing for you everyday if you want, princess Jangmi, but I'm afraid I can't tuck you in." He walks over to the two and boops her nose, avoiding Seonghwa's gaze.

She looks dejected. She seems to think something over before voicing it. "Can you tuck me in just tonight? Since you're my prince?" Her eyes glimmer with hope.

Yeosang gapes, opening and closing his mouth. No words escape other than an unintelligent "um" so he finally looks to Seonghwa for help.

Seonghwa looks at Jangmi with surprise. "It wouldn't hurt to allow Yeosang to tonight, I suppose…" Yeosang's eyes widen and he quickly replies, "No, no, I couldn't… I can't intrude like that. It's not my place."

Seonghwa puts a hand on his arm. "It's okay, I really don't mind. Jangmi seems to really want it as well." He places Jangmi back on the floor and takes off his jacket. "How about you help me make dinner? Then you can tuck her in afterwards?"

Yeosang nods hesitantly, quickly sending a text to his friends group chat to let them know that he will be arriving home late today. Jangmi busies herself with another drawing.

Yeosang joins Seonghwa in the kitchen with his lips pursed into a pout. "How could you not tell me you were listening to me sing, Mr. Park? Not cool." Seonghwa grins, boxy and cute. "Why, is it a bad thing?"

"It's embarrassing…" his cheeks heat up.

"Embarrassing? Why?" he presses on.

"It just is," Yeosang whines.

"You're a good singer, though. You sing, you dance," he references the last time Yeosang stayed for dinner. "You should be a popstar," he suggests jokingly.

Yeosang plays along. "Why haven't I thought of that? I should give you my autograph right now as a reward."

"I would cherish it forever, your highness."

"Hmm… Only if you promise not to sell it once I make it big."

Yeosang grins and holds out his pinky finger. Seonghwa gasps and tells him he would never. His twinkling eyes look into Yeosang's, then they settle on his hand. He interlocks their pinkies together, and they stamp their thumbs together to seal it.

*

Before they begin to make dinner, Yeosang goes over to Jangmi and crouches down in front of her. He looks at her seriously and asks, "Would you like to form an alliance with me?" Jangmi tilts her head, not understanding his words.

"Vegetables are bad… You would rather have ramen than vegetables, right?"

Jangmi nods dramatically. "Can we make daddy not make vege… vegeta…" she struggles to say it.

Yeosang grins and repeats, "Vegetables."

He tells Jangmi the plan before he walks back into the kitchen. He walks up to the older man, smiling sweetly.

"Mr. Paaark, can we pleeease have ramen for dinner tonight?"

"Hmm, I don't think we can, Yeosang. We need to have a healthy dinner. I'm sure Jangmi agrees," he says, thinking she will back him up.

"Nuh-uh, daddy, I don't want vege-tables. Want ramen!"

Seonghwa looks betrayed. "My own daughter doesn't appreciate my caring nature…" He grips his chest dramatically. Yeosang rolls his eyes playfully.

"You've changed her! You manipulated her!" He points accusingly at Yeosang. The younger man crosses his arms. "Maybe you're the one who manipulated her into thinking she likes vegetables!"

Jangmi stands by Yeosang's side and imitates his pose.

"Absolutely not! I'm not accepting this behavior in my household. This is… this is treason!"

"Daddy saying big words," Jangmi whispers. Yeosang stifles his laughter.

"Okay, okay, you win today, but only because I'm hungry." Yeosang relents. Jangmi sighs dejectedly at his words. "But next time… We will overthrow this dictatorship if we have to for the sake of ramen." He looks at Seonghwa with a challenge in his eyes.

"Pffff, alright, come help me now, you college student. You guys love your junk food!"

"Yes we do," he replies proudly.

*

As Seonghwa and Yeosang prepare dinner, Seonghwa realizes that the younger man fits into their life so easily, so seemlessly. The way he and Jangmi have both gotten accustomed to his presence enough that the house feels a bit empty when he isn't around… What they have going is good. Special, even. Seonghwa can't mess this up.

He's distracted from his thoughts when he hears munching coming from behind him, from the kitchen table. He turns around and sees both Yeosang and Jangmi with pieces of carrots in their mouths.

"Hey!" he startles the two, who freeze with the vegetables halfway into their mouths. "At least share," he chuckles.

Walking over to them, Jangmi giggles, holding out a piece for him too. She feeds him when he opens his mouth, since his hands are dirty. "Sorry, daddy. We'll be good, promise!"

"She said it, not me," Yeosang says as he pops another piece into his mouth.

Seonghwa rolls his eyes. "At least you're eating vegetables, I suppose," he says as goes back to the stove.

*

After finishing dinner, cleaning the kitchen, and helping Jangmi change into pajamas and brush her teeth, Jangmi takes Yeosang to her room for the second time that day. Seonghwa follows along behind them, smiling warmly as he watches them. He leans against the door frame as she gets into bed.

"My prince, you make me happy," she tells him, her tone suddenly shy.

After the events of today and now this, Seonghwa feels a bit alarmed. What if she's developing a crush on Yeosang?! He doesn't care if he knows and trusts the guy, Jangmi is simply too young to be meddling with boys. He walks into the room, but before he can interrupt, Yeosang replies.

"You make me even happier, little one. I had a lot of fun today, did you too?" She nods, and he continues. "Everyday is special with you! Now go to sleep so tomorrow can come quicker, okay? You can spend more time with me and your daddy then."

"Okay… Goodnight, Kang Yeosang. G'night daddy." She smiles sleepily. She holds her hand out to him and he squeezes it.

"Goodnight, our sleeping beauty," Yeosang says as Seonghwa says, "Sleep well, princess."

Yeosang lifts the blanket over Jangmi, tucking her in. Seonghwa steps in, pressing a kiss on her forehead as her eyes fall shut. They both look at her fondly, then they share a look and leave the room together.

Yeosang sighs at how domestic and intimate this is. If only it were real…

He leans against the wall near Jangmi's room and Seonghwa stands in front of him. "I know I said this before but… Seriously, thank you. You bring so much joy to Jangmi."

A smile so bright, one that could be mistaken for a star in the night sky, lights up the younger's face. It leaves Seonghwa breathless. "No, thank you. The happiness I have been feeling lately is different from any other. It's so special."

Seonghwa returns his smile at the words. "To tell the truth, part of me didn't interrupt your singing because I saw Jangmi reaching out to hold your hand. She's come so far, all thanks to you."

Yeosang feels seconds away from tearing up. "No, no, she was raised so well by you. She's who she is because you're such a good man, a good parent. You're lucky to have each other."

"Well, we're lucky to have you too now," he places a hand on Yeosang's forearm, near his elbow, and squeezes. "How about we get you home before it gets too late?"

*

He accepts Seonghwa's offer to drive him home this time since he only lives a few minutes away. A comfortable silence washes over the two men on the drive there, other than when Yeosang speaks to give the older man directions.

When they make it to his house, Seonghwa stops the engine and Yeosang thanks Seonghwa, for driving him home and for everything once again. His lips tug into a smile and he waves, closing the car door behind him.

He's surprised when he feels a hand grab his wrist gently. "Mr. Park…?"

Seonghwa blinks. He doesn't know why he left the car.

"You should stay over for dinner more often," he says before he could realize he opened his mouth.

Yeosang tilts his head, probably not expecting that. Either way, he hums, grinning widely. "I might take you up on your offer. As long as you'll have me."

"Always."

Yeosang's eyes cast downwards, his long eyelashes fanning over his cheekbones as his smile suddenly turns shy.

"Let me walk you to your door," Seonghwa breathes out, finding the younger absolutely endearing. When he takes a step, he realizes that he hasn't let go of Yeosang's wrist. "Ah… sorry," he grins sheepishly as he lets go.

Yeosang smiles back crookedly and they walk up to the door together, side by side. They stop and turn towards each other when they reach it.

"Next time, I'll cook for you," Yeosang tells Seonghwa.

"A college student who knows how to cook?" Seonghwa jokes. "I'll take you up on that offer."

"Psh, I'm amazing at cooking. You might propose to me on the spot after tasting my food. After all, you get a man through his stomach."

Seonghwa knows it's a joke, but he feels butterflies in his stomach at that. He chuckles a bit forcefully. "We'll see about that, hmm? Now head inside, it's cold," he jokingly shoos him.

Yeosang giggles cutely, covering his mouth with his sleeve. He unlocks the door and looks back at him. "Goodnight, Mr. Park, see you tomorrow. Get home safe!"

"Goodnight, I look forward to it," Seonghwa responds as he watches him head inside. He stares at the door for a few seconds before making his way back to his car, feeling as if all the air in his lungs was punched out of him.

*

When Seonghwa returns home, he finds a piece of paper on the living room table. On the upper lefthand corner of the page is Yeosang's signature, his "autograph." Seonghwa chuckles. Then, he notices, towards the bottom, there is a drawing of three people holding hands. A little girl in between two men, one taller one with dark hair, and another with yellow hair. He quickly identifies them as Jangmi, himself, and Yeosang.

He smiles so wide his cheeks hurt. He quickly looks for a frame to put this masterpiece in, to hang on the wall, right next to the family portraits.

*

Sunlight shines through the curtains.

Yeosang moves to lift his arm to cover his eyes, but a weight holds his arm down to the bed. He squints at the unfamiliar surroundings, then wiggles his arm, trying to set it free. He hears a deep, pleasant hum coming from next to him. The voice sighs and Yeosang feels their breath on the side of his neck. Goosebumps break out all over his skin.

"Good morning, Yeosang."

Seonghwa. Yeosang turns his head and is met with familiar dark, twinkling eyes. The eyes draw close again as he pulls Yeosang closer, nuzzling his nose against the younger man's neck.

Soon, he places a hand on Yeosang's chest and uses it and an elbow planted on the bed for leverage to sit up.

Yeosang stares up at him silently, his cheeks turning a bright shade of crimson. "Your heartbeat sped up," Seonghwa tells him, a smug smile decorating his pretty face.

Yeosang takes Seonghwa's hand off his chest and interlocks their fingers instead. "You're so beautiful, Sang… Extra beautiful when you first wake up. You shine brighter than the sun."

Yeosang reaches up and slaps his arm lightly. "So cheesy first thing in the morning," he huffs, scrunching his nose in the most adorable way. Seonghwa tips his head back and laughs, exposing the long column of his throat. Yeosang can't help but stare.

Seonghwa leans down while effortlessly straddling the younger. He brings his face close to his ear and whispers, "It's true though. I'll never get tired of looking at you." He turns his head just enough to lean forward to press his lips against Yeosang's.

Before their lips could connect, Yeosang hears a loud shriek come from the living room. Was that… Wooyoung? But, what…

Yeosang stirs, startled as he's shaken violently. He blinks as his vision focuses, being met with his best friend's face.

That… that was all a dream? Oh God, he's more whipped than he thinks. He doesn't know how to take what he just imagined. His face heats up and heat pools in his stomach.

Absolutely not.

Yeosang scrambles out of bed, pushing Wooyoung aside. His friend lands on his bed with an "oof" as Yeosang quickly makes his way to the bathroom. He strips as fast as he can and turns on the cold water, yelping as it hits him.

"Yeosang, are you okay?" Wooyoung asks from outside the door.

"Yes, yeah, absolutely dandy, having the best time of my life, really. Don't worry."

Wooyoung hums suspiciously. "Anyway, there's a big bug in the living room. I'm leaving you the honor of taking care of it. Love ya!"

*

After the… events of this morning-- more specifically, the dream he had-- Yeosang decides that he needs to take some time for himself. He informs his friends that he's going for a walk and that he'll be back later in the day.

The weather is exceptionally beautiful today, warm and bright despite it still being late March.

He finds himself in Seonghwa's neighborhood. His feet took him there as if it was out of habit rather than intention. He blinks in surprise at the familiar surroundings. If he doesn't have work today, why did he come here?

Yeosang sighs. He walks over to a bench at a park near Seonghwa's house and takes a seat on it, adjusting the shorts around his thighs.

After a few minutes of just looking around, taking in nature and whatnot, he receives a call. Park Seonghwa's name flashes across the screen. Yeosang feels butterflies emerge in his stomach again. He wonders why he's calling him on a weekend, though.

"Do you happen to be in my territory?" Seonghwa asks playfully, a smile evident through his voice.

Okay, um, that's kind of creepy, how does he know that?

Yeosang waits a few seconds before replying, "That just so happens to be the case. Why do you ask?" he can't hold back his smile and twists a lock of his hair around his index finger.

Seonghwa hums and replies, "Hmm, just wondering," as he approaches the familiar head of blond hair, a wide grin tugging at his lips.

Someone sits next to Yeosang on the bench. He turns to see the man in question sitting next to him. "Hi," he says breathlessly into the phone. Seonghwa laughs loudly and hangs up the call. The sound rumbles in Yeosang's gut, resulting in a whole flock of butterflies. "Hi."

Yeosang puts his phone away and looks around. "Where's Jangmi?" "My mother came to visit so she's with her. I thought I could use a breather. What are you doing here?"

He fiddles with the ends of his shorts. "I don't know… I just left the house for a walk and my feet just took me here? Force of habit, I guess."

Seonghwa hums in response, analyzing the younger man's pretty face. The time of day is perfect; the sun high in the sky, reflecting on his radiant skin, casting shadows in the right places. He looks beautiful like this, like an angel, really. The last time he saw Yeosang in daylight was the day of their interview. Now he knows what he's been missing out on.

Meanwhile, Yeosang checks Seonghwa out discreetly, and goodness, does he look dashing right now. He looks overwhelmingly handsome in a simple thick, black cardigan, a white shirt, and blue jeans. His hair is in loose curls and bangs hang over his forehead, which must be his natural hair style. This is the first time he's seeing the man in a casual setting.

Yeosang looks down at his own attire, and his cheeks turn scarlet at an alarming rate. He has on a plain white button up shirt, a sweater vest, and shorts that reach just above his knees, but when he sits, it rides up his thigh.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I look like a middle aged man," Yeosang says. 'Why am I apologizing?' he questions himself. He might as well be going through his midlife crisis with all the thinking and worrying he's been doing lately.

While he frets over his clothes, he doesn't notice that Seonghwa stares at his thighs, soft but muscular, before following the line of his toned calves. He has to force himself to look away for his own good. "No! No, you look fine…" He says a little too loudly.

A slightly awkward, but comfortable silence falls between them after Yeosang thanks him. Seonghwa decides to break the silence after a few minutes. "You know, it's such a coincidence that I found you here because as I was walking, I was going through all the pictures you sent me through text," his mouth speaks without his permission again. Yeosang looks at him with poorly-veiled surprise.

"Remember our first day together?" He realizes how weird the words sound after he says them. "Um, the first day you watched over Jangmi!" He pulls up the pictures that him, Jangmi, and Yeosang took together with their cat whiskers. Yeosang scoots closer to peer at his phone, and he feels a fond smile adorn his face at the memory. That familiar warmth travels up from his chest once again.

"And here are some of the others you've sent of Jangmi… Even though it's only been a little more than 2 months months, I feel like we're watching her grow."

Yeosang takes note of the use of the word we. Not just Seonghwa, he meant him and Yeosang. Together. Watching Jangmi grow. Yup, now Yeosang will have to go home and imagine a future with the man, even though that's impossible and never gonna happen. Great.

Seonghwa smiles as he scrolls through the pictures. Yeosang shifts his gaze towards the older, finding himself taken by the way tenderness and love swim in his eyes at the sight of his daughter, eyes crescent at the width of his smile.

After a bit, Seonghwa turns his face towards Yeosang, not realizing their close proximity.

They stare into each others' eyes for a few seconds before they both turn their heads in the opposite direction, heat enveloping their cheeks and ears, before they do something ridiculous like look down at each other's lips or accidentally draw closer. As if.

Seonghwa stands and clears his throat, "Ah, I just remembered," he tries to force his recovery, "I was actually planning to go to a nearby bookstore, if you want to join me?"

"Do you hang out with all your employees or is the honor only mine?" Yeosang asks jokingly, but regrets the words once they're out of his mouth.

Seonghwa looks at him nervously. Yeosang's right, that's what they are at the end of the day. Employer and employee.

But is that really it? They've developed a sort of friendship in the past few weeks haven't they? Plus, Seonghwa simply can't deny that he feels some kind of attraction for the younger, but he'll keep that unlabeled for now.

"Um," he answers unintelligibly after a moment.

Yeosang grins, "Just kidding. I'd love to join you… and learn more about you, if you'd like."

Returning a crooked smile, Seonghwa responds, "I'd like to learn more about you too. This is the first time we get to talk alone since the interview, really."

Yeosang flushes slightly at that, just now realizing that they're usually with Jangmi, therefore never really alone. "Mm… Do you like to read?" Yeosang changes the subject.

"Yeah, I do. I like reading poetry a lot."

"You seem like the type."

Seonghwa places a hand to his chest, pretending to be offended. "Is that an insult, Kang Yeosang?"

"Only if you want it to be, Park Seonghwa," Yeosang plays along. Goosebumps rise on Seonghwa's skin at the sound of his first name being uttered by Yeosang's deep voice. Not to mention, his adorable lisp accompanies the word, making it all the more special.

"Must be your old age that attracts you to that stuff…" He mutters, but makes sure Seonghwa hears him. He smirks and skips away from the older man.

"Hey! I'm not even 30 yet!" He jogs to catch up to Yeosang.

When Seonghwa catches up to him and they look at each other's face, they laugh together a little too loudly. People passing by stare at them judgemently, but the two don't realize it.

"No, but seriously," Yeosang states when they settle down, "You do seem to be the type to like poetry. You have a really elegant side to you that I can't really explain. You seem like the type of person to always see the beauty in life and the good in people. Your heart and soul are full of kindness and depth, so it makes sense that poetry moves you."

Allowing his gaze to travel over the curves and planes of Yeosang's face as he speaks, Seonghwa notices that he looks contemplative, as if he's really considering his choice of words.

Seonghwa does the same, thinking over his words before speaking. "I think those characteristics fit you too." He bumps his shoulder against Yeosang's. "Maybe you're just a little more timid in expressing it. But I knew from the first day that I would value having you in my life."

The younger man's cheeks warm at his words. "Maybe. I feel like spending time with Jangmi and you makes me appreciate life more. It gives me purpose. I feel more… whole."

"That's… We feel the same way. It's nice having you home. Having you around."

'Home,' Yeosang's mind repeats.

Seonghwa gulps and Yeosang tries not to follow the bob of his throat. "Ever since Jangmi's mother left after the divorce, she hasn't been open to getting close to others, or trusting them. Especially adults. But seeing how she interacts with you, how she's progressing… It means a lot. I'm glad it's you."

Yeosang has to stop walking to process the words. Seonghwa notices right away and turns to face him. He gently wraps his hand around one of Yeosang's. "You're tired already? C'mon you old man." He tugs Yeosang along.

Their clasped hands draw his attention, Yeosang staring at them, cheeks ablazed. His skin burns and his heart pounds away in his chest. It's warm. Seonghwa's soft hand engulfs his own. He squeezes without really meaning to, and Seonghwa squeezes back subconsciously, probably.

"You don't know how happy that makes me, Mr. Park. I'm so happy, so glad to be a part of Jangmi's life. Yours too, I'm glad we could spend time together like this."

"Seonghwa," the older man replies simply.

"What?"

"Call me Seonghwa." He looks at him with bright, shining eyes.

"Okay."

*

They make it to the bookstore, finally. Seonghwa hesitantly lets go of Yeosang's hand once they are inside.

Yeosang follows Seonghwa around like a lost puppy despite the store being virtually empty other than the two of them. Seonghwa looks back at him with a grin. "You look so in place here, with your sweater vest and all."

"Hey! I thought you said I look fine," Yeosang pouts. Seonghwa gets distracted before he could answer. He gasps and reaches for a book on a high shelf behind Yeosang, trapping the younger man against the shelf without realizing it.

Yeosang looks up at him and he has to stop himself from putting his hands on Seonghwa's chest. His heart hammers away, and he's almost certain that Seonghwa can hear it at his closeness. His head swims nervously at the thought.

After grabbing the book he was reaching for, Seonghwa releases his tippy-toes, coming face to face with Yeosang for the second time that day. This time, he allows his gaze to linger on the younger man's face, and places a hand on the shelf close to his head to steady himself.

"You look more than fine," he says, his voice dropping an octave. Yeosang shivers. Forget butterflies, there's a whole flock of birds flying around in his stomach right now.

Seonghwa's eyes drag up and down Yeosang's body almost suggestively, his eyes seeming to move without his permission. He looks at Yeosang's legs, his exposed thighs, for longer than necessary. They're big and muscular but look soft on the inside. Seonghwa has noticed them before, but seeing them bare like this makes a not-so-subtle warmth rise from his stomach.

Then, he shifts his gaze back up to his face and moves a lock of Yeosang's hair behind his ear, knowing he would probably do it himself soon anyway. He glances at the younger's birthmark, which reveals itself.

He thinks he sees Yeosang glance down at his lips, a fleeting moment. He feels something churn in his stomach.

He shouldn't feel like this. He can't. He has to stop.

Pulling away before he does something else, something stupid, he clears his throat and avoids the blond's eyes. "Do you want anything? I found the book I came here for," he says casually, as if nothing happened. Yeosang can't get himself to speak yet, afraid of what will come out of his mouth if he does. He opts to shake his head.

*

Once outside of the bookstore, Yeosang's stomach rumbles loudly. Seonghwa laughs as Yeosang covers his face in embarrassment. "Hungry?"

"Starving. I need food now or my stomach will start to eat itself."

"Well, we can't have that!" Seonghwa fakes a worried tone. "Craving anything?"

"Chicken!"

*

"No way are you a regular here," Seonghwa says after watching the younger's interactions with the staff of the restaurant.

"I most certainly am."

Yeosang is absolutely elated as he sits across from Seonghwa, waiting for the chicken legs they ordered to arrive at their table. They opted for a small table by the window since most of the booths in the restaurant are occupied, so their legs are pressed closely together. Despite this, Yeosang can't contain his excitement, so he swings his legs cutely and grins brightly.

Seonghwa chuckles at his cuteness. "You must really love chicken, I don't think I've ever seen you this happy." Yeosang suddenly looks serious. "I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for chicken."

Seonghwa shakes his head. Odd is still the perfect word to describe this man.

After the food arrives, Seonghwa sanitizes both of their hands before they begin eating. Yeosang has noticed his cleanliness habits. It's endearing, but he says nothing of it. It adds to the older man's caring nature.

Virtually every time they interact, Yeosang is reminded that Seonghwa is a good man, reliable, kind, and caring. How could he not be attracted to him? But he knows he can't pursue anything, that would just be wrong. It wouldn't be fair to Seonghwa or Jangmi. Plus, the two men are in two different stages of their life. It'd all just be a mess, and Yeosang is sure Seonghwa doesn't want the same anyway.

He feels like these feelings are mostly the result of missing having someone… Someone to hold, someone to rely on, someone to kiss and love. It's been a while since Yeosang has experienced those feelings. Almost 2 years, precisely. But, he realizes, he didn't start feeling like this until Seonghwa came into his life.

Lost in a spiral of his thoughts, he forgets that he's eating, and the chicken leg in his hand hangs uselessly. Seonghwa adjusts his leg to fit between Yeosang's, pressing their knees and ankles together. "Yeosang?" The younger man looks at him, finally pulled out of his thoughts. "What's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking about love and stuff…"

"Love and stuff?"

"Mr. Par- Seonghwa. Um… Do you have anyone in your life currently...?" Yeosang asks boldly.

"Do you mean… romantically? If so, no. I haven't really been with anyone since Jangmi's mother."

"Do you ever miss it? Having someone?" He asks in a quiet voice.

"Yeah, sometimes… What about you? Do you have someone?"

"No. I was just thinking that it's been a while since I've had that."

"How long has it been?"

"Almost 2 years," Yeosang sighs.

"You're still young, Yeosang. You have time," he offers.

Yeosang feels a bit bitter. "I'm already 24. Weren't you married with a baby along the way when you were my age?"

"I mean… Yes, but look at how that ended up."

Yeosang feels really bad now. He shouldn't take out his frustration on Seonghwa. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" Seonghwa cuts him off. He smiles kindly, always kind. "Don't worry, I understand your point."

"It's… it's a different journey for everyone. It's important to remember that we all go at our own pace in our own, unique journey to find love. There's no rush, I promise," he reassures Yeosang, his voice steady.

"You're right," Yeosang smiles. "I guess I just miss it."

Seonghwa nods, "Me too. Except, I don't think my first love was fulfilling, so maybe I never really experienced it. Love and stuff."

Yeosang's surprised to hear that. "What do you mean?"

"Honestly… My ex-wife and I were rash, we both so desperately wanted to find love in college that I don't think we really even loved each other. We realized we didn't have much in common, so it was always quiet in the house. We never played, never joked, or had fun. It was always tense. I think we only stayed together because she was pregnant… She never developed any love or an attachment to the baby in her stomach either… So here we are. She had no problem leaving." He whispers the last part.

"Take it as a lesson from my story: there's no need to rush love."

Seonghwa looks up at Yeosang nervously and with shame after opening up in such a raw way. As if Yeosang would ever judge him harshly or think less of him.

"That's… I'm sorry your relationship wasn't what you wanted it to be. Both you and Jangmi deserve someone better, someone who would stay… But you're right, love is unique for everyone. Maybe that was the universe's way of making you wait a little longer for the right one." He smiles and places a hand on top of Seonghwa's.

Seonghwa nods and flips his hand around, slowly interlocking his fingers with the younger man's. "One day, we'll both experience it again. We just have to be patient."

"I hope you find the love you deserve," Yeosang says as he looks down at their clasped hands. He pretends the heat on his cheeks and ears are from the temperature in the restaurant. "You don't have to hold yourself back or deny yourself."

Yeosang feels guilty saying the words to him, knowing that's exactly what he is doing to himself. He sighs as he slips his hand away from Seonghwa and picks up another piece of chicken.

Seonghwa studies his face and tells him, "Neither do you, Yeosang." He leaves it at that, but he presses his legs closer to Yeosang's still, hoping to offer him a little comfort.

*

When they leave the restaurant, it's already dark. They talked some more, learning new things about each other, like their college experiences and family back home, and even some stupid, basic questions ("It's a good a question as any!") like their favorite color, animal, and season.

Seonghwa offers to walk Yeosang home for safety reasons. In truth, he wants to spend a little more time with him. After insisting, Yeosang agrees to it.

The restaurant they ate at is only a few minutes away from Yeosang's house, unfortunately.

Yeosang looks up at the night sky. The back of his hand brushes against Seonghwa's. "It's silly, but part of me wants to think that we turn into stars when we die."

"Yeah, that sounds nice. Being a star and being surrounded by others. I don't think we'd have a care in the universe," Seonghwa looks at the younger fondly.

"Well, we'd have to worry about spontaneously exploding."

Seonghwa chuckles at that. "Yeah, after billions of years."

Yeosang's smile is so bright-- brighter than the stars in the night sky-- that Seonghwa almost has to look away for a moment. Almost.

"Your name is written like 'To be a star,' right? It's pretty," he adds since it pertains to the conversation.

The older can't stop smiling. It seems like a pattern, like he's in a trance whenever he's with this man. "Thank you. Your name is nice too. It suits you." He looks so pretty under the streetlights. Ethereal, really, his long blond hair glittering under the white lights, his eyes twinkling as they look into Seonghwa's.

They walk up to the door of Yeosang's house. "Well, we're here…"

"Today was…"

"I had…"

They speak at the same time. Seonghwa scratches the back of his neck and insists that Yeosang goes first.

"I had a lot of fun today. It was nice," he smiles softly, staring up into Seonghwa's eyes.

Seonghwa smiles for the millionth time that night. Actually, he's not sure if he's ever even stopped smiling. "I was going to say the same thing."

This is incredibly date-like. Like we just came back from a date and it's time to go our separate ways, Yeosang thinks.

They stand there for a few more moments, just looking at each other. Yeosang rubs his arm shyly and glances down at Seonghwa's lips. He wonders if they feel as soft as they look…

No, no. He shouldn't be thinking of that, it's wrong and inappropriate and he just can't mess up his relationship, his special bond with Seonghwa and Jangmi over feelings he hasn't even put a label on yet.

Deep in his thoughts, he doesn't notice that Seonghwa's eyes rest on his lips as well.

A loud sound comes from inside the house, followed by a yell that probably came from Wooyoung, the loud bastard. He swears he hears the word "idiot." It sounds suspiciously like he's right next to the door, and he suspects that the other two are right beside him.

He regains his composure before speaking. "Um, I should head inside," he giggles and gestures towards the door, knowing Seonghwa heard it too. "Get home safe. Text me when you're there, okay?"

Seonghwa nods wordlessly as he watches Yeosang head inside. He waits a few moments after Yeosang closes the door behind him, feeling frozen on the spot, before turning around and heading home, breathless. He feels like something was left unsaid, but he isn't sure what it is.

*

"Look who it is, guys! The casanova himself," Wooyoung yells as he slaps Yeosang's back.

"That doesn't work with gay people, dude," Yunho says. "I can't believe you brought him home!"

Yeosang clamps his hand over Wooyoung's and Yunho's mouths. "Shush, he could still be out there! What if he hears you?!" he whisper-yells.

"Yeosang, you sly dog!" San smirks. "While all of us are in the house?"

Yeosang groans and runs over to the window, peeking outside as discreetly as possible. When he sees no sign of the older man, he sighs in relief, then smacks all of his friends' arms.

"I know you guys were standing right by the door! Seonghwa and I heard Wooyoung's loud mouth!"

"Just Seonghwa now?" San asks smugly while Yunho and Wooyoung argue over who's the real idiot.

Yeosang sputters, "Um, well, yeah, we're kind of friends now? Kinda."

"Wait, spill, how did you guys end up together anyway? Where was his daughter?"

Yeosang sighs and tells them it's a long story. "So…"

*

"So basically, he wants to raw you," Wooyoung says, and he has the nerve to hold a contemplative expression.

"JUNG WOOYOUNG!" Yeosang slaps his arm hard.

"No, but you're actually Y/N, Sang."

"Are you sure your life isn't straight out of a kdrama?! What the hell was that bookstore moment?" Yunho lightly nudges Yeosang's shoulder.

"I swear my heart was gonna leap out of my chest, guys," he tells them, slumping back against the sofa. "He makes me feel like mush. Why is he doing this? We both know better…"

"Well, I told you to go with the flow, and the flow is totally making our ship sail, so I say continue doing just that," Wooyoung tells him.

San and Yunho nod and do a thumbs up at Yeosang, showing full support to Wooyoung and his carefree idea.

He actually cannot stand his friends. But, at least they have the power to distract him from his thoughts (sometimes). Maybe he loves these dummies.

*

In the time away from his friends, laying in bed, only the walls and ceilings of his room accompanying him, he admits it.

"Seonghwa, I'm falling for you," he whispers into the dark of his room.

He told Seonghwa he wants to experience love again, to have a relationship again. Little does the older know he wants it with him. He's the cause of this all, all these thoughts and feelings.

Or is it his own fault for falling?

What good is a love that can't go anywhere, anyway?

He sighs and pulls out his phone. He scrolls through the pictures in his "Favorites" folder on his phone. He comes across the pictures the three of them took together on the first day.

His thumb caresses Seonghwa's face through the phone, then touches the top of Jangmi's head.

This little family that he's grown attached to… It will never be his own.

*

Seonghwa arrives home with a heavy heart. Jangmi is asleep by now, and likely his mother too, her old age slowly getting to her.

He sighs and goes up to his bedroom, so dark and quiet and empty.

Why does he already miss Yeosang?

He stares into the darkness of his room and tries to come up with a reason as to why the younger man won't leave his mind. Why he's distracted with thoughts of him at work, why the house feels like it's missing something when he leaves it, why he feels the need to care for and reassure him, why he got so comfortable with him so fast.

The loud silence of his home doesn't help. It's a reminder of the life, the happiness that Yeosang brings with him to the house, into Jangmi's and his own life.

Seonghwa walks into Jangmi's room with heavy steps, but he tries to make as little noise as possible.

He looks at her sleeping figure and the corners his lips can't help but twitch up. They fall back down immediately when he recalls that ever since Yeosang tucked her in that one night, he imagines the blond beside him whenever he goes to do it himself.

"You don't have to hold yourself back or deny yourself," Yeosang told him earlier. Yeah right.

*

It's the beginning of a new week, and, like every week, Yeosang picks Jangmi up from school and they are on their way back to their home.

"Kang Yeosang, my daddy's birthday is tomorrow!"

"Really?! He didn't even tell me," Yeosang says, puffing one of his cheeks out.

"Maybe he wanted to surprise you…?"

Yeosang's lips twitch up at that. "Jangmi, darling, you're supposed to surprise people on their birthday, not the other way around."

"Ooooh. Now my last birthday makes sense."

Yeosang chuckles. This kid has so much personality packed into her little body.

"Anyway, I'm gonna give your daddy a call right now!"

He dials the number knowing there's a good chance of Seonghwa picking up. He hums and pulls Jangmi closer as they cross a road.

"Hello? Is everything okay, Yeosang?"

"Seonghwa… would you like to tell me why you didn't tell me your birthday was tomorrow?"

Laughing nervously, Seonghwa explains, "I was scared of having to deal with you cracking old jokes."

Yeosang laughs out loud at that, letting out a little snort in the midst of it. He could actually hear Seonghwa smiling in triumph at that. "No, but actually I usually don't do much for my birthday and I didn't want you to think you had to do anything special… Not that I expect you to do anything, just in case. Let's just treat it like any other day, okay?"

"Absolutely not, we have to celebrate! You're turning 30, a new decade. You practically already have one foot in the grave, we might as well celebrate now while we can!"

Seonghwa tips his head back and laughs at that, lovely. "There it is. Anyway, I really don't mind not doing anything."

"Psst, ask daddy if he can stay home please," Jangmi says.

"Ah! Yeah, that's a good idea. Can you stay home tomorrow, Seonghwa?"

"Unfortunately I can't, I have a lot to do tomorrow," he sighs.

Yeosang dejectedly tells Jangmi.

"But don't worry, I'll be back before the two of you know it. We can spend time together then!"

Grinning, Yeosang nods even though the older man can't see him. "Okay, that works! Now focus on work, you big lug."

Seonghwa chuckles. If only Yeosang knew that he was the reason he can't focus for more than a few minutes at a time, thoughts of the blond man filling his mind constantly.

*

Yeosang decides he wants to make Seonghwa's birthday special. The man has done so much for Jangmi, he works hard to make her happy, yet still puts in effort into being a present, loving father. He has also brought a lot of happiness into Yeosang's life, so he thinks this is a good opportunity to thank him in a way that isn't just words.

He's invited for dinner that night, Seonghwa being touched by his sentiments and interest in his birthday, but Yeosang kindly declines and makes up an excuse to leave. On the way home, he looks up recipes he can follow, quickly buys decorations from local stores, and thinks of a birthday present for the older man.

He makes a quick stop at the bookstore Seonghwa took him to a few days ago. After skimming the books, he finds the perfect one for him.

*

The next day, on Seonghwa's birthday, Yeosang goes to pick up Jangmi with a skip in his step and his hands full.

Yeosang looks at the bouquet of flowers he bought for Seonghwa on his way there and smiles delightly. It turned out so pretty, The different shades of pink and white and the meanings of all the flowers… beautiful.

He also has bags of groceries and decorations in his hands. Jangmi kindly offers to help him hold some things, so Yeosang hands her the bouquet. She gasps and tells him it's super pretty. After Yeosang tells her she's prettier, she blushes at the compliment.

Together, he and Jangmi rush home so they can begin decorating and making food.

Before he begins to make any food, he needs to make the cake batter and throw it in the oven as he cooks. He puts on the apron Seonghwa bought him a few days ago, puts Jangmi's on her, and they begin their long afternoon baking and cooking together.

*

Seonghwa leans back in his chair at work. He's been here now for-- he glances at the time-- a whooping 30 minutes! And he already wants to leave, to return home to his daughter and his… um, to Yeosang.

He closes his eyes and internally groans. Another session of thinking about Yeosang at work while he should be, ah, you guessed it, working. He opens his eyes and stares at the familiar ceiling which accompanies him and his thoughts whenever he gets distracted at work, which has been happening more and more often as he spends time with the younger man and gets to know more about him.

After the night they had together 2 days ago, wait, no, after the afternoon they spent together-- the other way sounded too suggestive-- he doesn't know what they are. He can't keep pretending that the ground below them hasn't shifted. He can't keep pretending that there isn't something that he's too afraid to put a label on.

Their situation is complicated. It's complicated and not right, but something is there and it's developing.

He sighs. His phone vibrates as a notification comes in.

It's as if Yeosang can sense that he's thinking about him. Seonghwa feels his mood pick up too much, too fast. It's alarming, really.

He opens the [image attached] notification to see a selfie of the man. Yeosang is holding a whisk in his hand, and he's winking with his tongue poking out of his mouth. His cheeks look so cute in the angle of the picture, so chubby and soft. Seonghwa's lips curl up into a smile as he zooms in on the picture, locating his lovely birthmark.

The picture is captioned with the message "hurry on home ;)"

Seonghwa sputters as blush spreads high on his cheeks and the tips of his ears.

Too distracted with his phone, admiring Yeosang's image, he doesn't realize that Hongjoong walks up to him.

"What'cha doing on your phone?"

Seonghwa quickly turns his phone off and stuffs it in his pocket as if he was doing something suspicious. 'Way to be smooth with it, Park Seonghwa.'

Hongjoong tilts his head but decides not to press further, not really wanting to know more about whatever weird behavior Seonghwa is exhibiting.

"Hey, I forgot to say happy birthday! Happy birthday, hyung," he smiles widely at him, lightly pushing his shoulder. "Any plans later?"

"Thanks," Seonghwa grins back. "Not really, just planning to go back home and spend time with Jangmi and… um, her nanny?" He hesitates, ending the sentence in a question.

Hongjoong squints at him suspiciously, picking up on his hesitation. "How's it going with Jangmi's nanny anyway?"

The shorter man has always been that coworker who he talks to and shares (honestly way too much) information with, but he hasn't really mentioned Yeosang to him since… well, since the first time they talked about him.

He's hesitant, not sure of how much information he wants to share this time.

"It's okay… he's still, um, he's still nice."

"He's still nice," Hongjoong repeats. He stares at Seonghwa skeptically until he starts avoiding his eyes, practically sweating under his gaze.

Seonghwa spins his chair so he's facing away from Hongjoong before he begins to talk. "2 days ago we happened to run into each other and… we hung out. Spent time together. Learned about each other. Yeosang is… pretty great."

"How do you feel about him?"

"I don't know. I don't want to think about it," he fiddles with his fingers.

Hongjoong walks over and places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, you're okay. Why are you so hesitant, Hwa?"

"He's my kid's nanny… I'm his boss, he's my employee. If others hear, they'll assume things."

"Who cares about others? If you both are willing, if you both feel something, don't let it be other people holding you back," Hongjoong spins Seonghwa's chair towards him to make him look back him. "Before any of those labels, you're both human. Remember that, Hwa. It's okay. Just take time and see how you feel after a while. For all you know, it might just be a little crush you will get over. But I think it's worth it to see it out. Don't throw something good away without even trying."

Seonghwa feels incredibly overwhelmed. He clings to the idea that this may be a little crush, that he can and will get over whatever this thing is with time. "Thank you, Hongjoong. Your words mean a lot. You're really wise for your age," he jokes to lighten the mood.

"I'm literally the same age as you," Hongjoong deadpans. They chuckle together before Hongjoong leaves him again, telling him they'll see each other again at lunch.

*

"I wish daddy was home," Jangmi says as she helps Yeosang hang the birthday decorations, only after completing her homework, of course.

"I wish he was too. His boss is a meanie, not giving him the day off on his special day."

"Daddy should kick him in the crotch!"

Yeosang's eyes widen in shock before he has to try and conceal his laughter. He actually has to cover his mouth to do so. "Jangmi! I don't want to hear you say that ever again!"

Jangmi actually looks guilty, so Yeosang pats her hand and giggles. "Well, maybe you're right. But don't say that in front of your daddy, okay?" Jangmi nods.

Taking a step back, Yeosang looks around the room, grinning, satisfied with their work. Fairy lights light up the area, bunches of gold, black, and white balloons are tied together, and "Happy Birthday" written in letter balloons hang against a gorgeous gold curtain. In front of the curtain is a table full of some store bought desserts and Yeosang's handmade cake and cupcakes.

Honestly, the cake isn't all that pretty, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Yeosang turns towards Jangmi. "We did such a great job, kiddo! Seonghwa's gonna love it." In the spur of the moment, he ruffles Jangmi's hair without realizing he even placed it on her head. He freezes, unsure of whether or not Jangmi was comfortable with that action.

His hand hangs in midair near her head as he anticipates her next move. Jangmi looks up at him with a contemplative face. Then, she slowly takes Yeosang's hand and places it back on her head. She wraps a tiny fist around his shirt as he lets out a breath and runs his fingers through her hair. Jangmi smiles sweetly at him.

*

Seonghwa cannot get home fast enough. He drives a few miles per hour over the speed limit, even. When he gets to their house, he sprints to the front door, pretending not to be spurred on by the selfie Yeosang sent earlier. He practically throws open the door, threatening its hinges. He's met with silence.

He peers into the kitchen and calls for his daughter and his… for Yeosang. That's when he notices a paper on the living room wall with a simple arrow drawn on it, pointing forward.

He follows the sequence of arrows which ultimately lead to the backyard. Once he opens the door to it, he looks around and still doesn't see the two. But, he does see beautiful decorations filling the space, and large letters spelling out 'Happy Birthday".

Yeosang and Jangmi jump up and yell "SURPRISE!" just a few seconds late, but that's okay. He adores them.

Closing the back door behind him and leaning on it, he looks around, speechless. To think Yeosang did all of this on such short notice, he didn't even know about his birthday until yesterday afternoon.

"Yeosang…" his throat feels dry. "This is all so beautiful. Did you do all of this yourself? So last minute?"

Yeosang scratches the back of his neck bashfully at the attention, then gently places his hand on top of Jangmi's head. "Jangmi helped me lots! Don't give me all the credit." She looks up at him with pink cheeks and twinkling eyes, happy to be acknowledged.

Seonghwa is so overwhelmed with gratitude, with joy, awe, and so many more emotions he can't even identify. He crosses over to where the two stand, behind the table, and lifts Jangmi into his arms, then pulls Yeosang in for a group hug.

"Thank you so much," he whispers against Yeosang's nape. Yeosang feels his face and ears warm up, begging his heart not to speed up obviously as he wraps an arm around the older's shoulders.

Pulling him in closer and placing a hand on his lower back, Seonghwa thinks 'He's so small…' taking note of his small waist again.

Yeosang feels his stomach flip. He places his head on Seonghwa's shoulder, lightly skimming his nose against his neck as he slides his arm around Seonghwa lower down. He looks up at Jangmi, still held up by the older's other arm. Reaching up with his free hand, he allows her to wrap her hand around one of his fingers. They share a smile as Seonghwa watches their interaction fondly.

Finally, the older presses his nose against the crown of Yeosang's head, then slowly releases him. Yeosang relents, slowly moving his arms away from the two.

Seonghwa's whole body is burning, from their shared warmth or the blush that's spread across his face, neck, and chest, he isn't sure. He looks into Yeosang's bright eyes for a few more seconds before looking over at the table with desserts.

"Oh, these look delicious," he walks towards it. "Did you make the cake?" he asks excitedly.

Yeosang nods, a shy smile taking over his features, "The cupcakes too."

"Can I have some now?"

"Me too!" Jangmi says.

"We can have dessert after dinner, you big babies," he teases. He grabs Seonghwa's wrist and leads him inside, to the kitchen, where the table is set with a bunch of different foods.

"I should reheat the food before we eat. You just sit down and relax, okay?"

Yeosang puts the pots on the stove one by one. Seonghwa's eyes light up as he looks over his shoulder to see what was cooked.

"So I finally get to try your cooking, hm?" Seonghwa grins, boxy. The tips of Yeosang's ears give away his blush as he refuses to turn around, pretending to be too focused on turning on the stove. "Don't judge too harshly, okay?" he says softly.

Seonghwa replies, "Never," as he sets Jangmi down in her seat. "I'll be back after I change."

The younger peeks over his shoulder when he hears Seonghwa leave and walks to Jangmi. "We're gonna give your daddy his presents after dinner and the cake, okay?" She nods. "Kang Yeosang, your face is red!" She pokes his cheek.

Yeosang stammers, "I… I'm just nervous for you both to try my cooking! I'm not sure if you'll like it…"

"It's okay, I know it's yummy and I didn't try yet!"

"Thanks, cutie. You made me feel all better!" He goes back to the stove after ruffling her hair gently.

Seonghwa returns and takes a seat at the table. "Jangmi, how was your day at school today, my love?"

"It was so good! I told Seojin that it's your birthday and she said happy birthday and tomorrow is Seojin's birthday so you hafta to say happy birthday back, daddy."

Yeosang looks back and tries not to giggle at how adorable Jangmi's babbling is.

"Tell her I said thank you and happy birthday back! How old is she turning?"

"6! She's so big…" Jangmi sighs.

"If she's big, what's your daddy? He's 5 times older than her," Yeosang jokes as Jangmi giggles understandably.

"Hey! Well you're, like, 4 times older than her so…"

"That's not as bad as 5. Nice try," Yeosang sticks his tongue out cutely. "Now help me bring these pots back over to the table, will you?"

"I thought you told me to sit here and relax?" He raises an eyebrow, amused.

"Well, I changed my mind."

Seonghwa huffs and when he walks over to the stove, Yeosang hip checks him, throwing him a cheeky smile.

The older rolls his eyes in response. They don't catch Jangmi looking at them with a wide smile on her face, taking note of how happy her dad has been recently.

Together, the two men bring the pots back to the table and begin eating.

*

They're almost done with dinner now. Yeosang notices that Seonghwa left over a few small pieces of chicken, probably saving it for last. He looks at Jangmi mischievously, and she returns the same expression back (10x cuter, of course).

He gasps and points to the right, making Seonghwa turn his head. As soon as the older man does this, Yeosang steals 2 pieces of chicken from his plate, one for Jangmi and one for himself. Seonghwa turns his head back in time to see him pass Jangmi her piece but decides not to say anything of it, smiling to himself.

'God, I adore him.' Seonghwa wishes he could say it out loud.

"What did you point at?" he questions instead, playing along.

"I thought I saw a spider. Nevermind!" The younger's cheek pokes out cutely where he stored the piece of chicken. Seonghwa bites his lips to hold back a chuckle.

He squeezes Yeosang's knee under the table, changing the subject. "Dinner was delicious, thank you. I totally underestimated your abilities," he teases.

"Yeah, it was so yummy, Kang Yeosang! I can eat your food forever."

Yeosang hides his face shyly as he recovers from the compliments. "You can only eat it while it lasts, Jangmi. I doubt it will for a long time because your daddy eats a lot!" he jokes.

Pretending to be offended, Seonghwa gasps and slaps Yeosang's thigh lightly, still under the table, then keeps his hand there for a few more seconds longer than necessary. It takes the blond's face flush.

Clearing his throat, Yeosang continues, "I'll make more food next time, okay?" Jangmi nods excitedly.

*

After eating, cleaning the table, and indulging themselves in (way too many) desserts, the three take pictures together, Seonghwa claiming it'd be a waste to not do so in front of Yeosang's pretty decorations.

More than a few pictures later, Yeosang orders Seonghwa to take a seat for present-giving time. Seonghwa sits on a seat on the patio with Jangmi in his lap.

As Yeosang goes to pull out the bouquet of flowers and a wrapped box from under the table, Seonghwa reads the card and letter Jangmi made for him in her childish handwriting, and takes notice of the doodles at the bottom of the pages. He hugs her tight, thanking her.

Soon, he looks up at Yeosang, who has the items in his hands. He looks at them curiously.

The bouquet he has is so beautifully composed, the hues and shades of pinks and whites dancing around each other so gorgeously that Seonghwa sucks in an inhale at the sight of it.

Yeosang returns and sits in the seat next to him. He gently lays the bouquet on the table in front of them and hands him the wrapped box with shaky hands.

"After all you did, you really didn't have to get me anything else, Yeosang…"

"It's not much, I just put together a few things," he smiles nervously.

Seonghwa returns a reassuring smile, then places Jangmi on her feet next to him.

He carefully unwraps the present, not wanting to tear the pretty gift wrapping paper. It matched the rest of the decorations; it's clear how much thought Yeosang put into this all.

After he lifts the top of the box off, he's surprised to be met with a book.

When The Stars Wrote Back.

He flips through the book and sees short verses. A poetry book.

Between the pages lies a bookmark of some sort. When he flips to the page, he sees a beautifully pressed red rose, like the one he gave him on the first day they had formally met.

When he reads the words on the page, his heart stutters before it begins to hammer against his ribs, a fuzzy feeling making its way to his stomach.

"Don't hold yourself back from love. Stars are brave for falling. So are you."

Such simple words, yet it so perfectly fits the story of them, of him and Yeosang. His mind automatically reflects on the conversation the two men had in the restaurant, where Yeosang told him not to deny himself or hold himself back. Whether or not he had meant to place this rose in this particular spot, or he'd haphazardly placed it between the pages of the book, this has to be a sign, right? This has to be the universe telling him something, the stars lining up just right for this moment to occur. Call it fate, destiny, whatever have you, it has to mean something, right?

Silence surrounds them as Seonghwa takes a deep breath, lightly brushing his fingers against the page and thumbing the petals of the dry rose before slowly closing the book.

"When we spent time together that day, you told me you like poetry books, and this one has to do with stars so I couldn't help but think of you," Yeosang says, his voice shaking slightly.

Seonghwa could imagine Yeosang putting thought into this, spending time at the bookstore going through the poetry book section. The corners of his lips tilt up at the thought.

"I can't wait to read it," he says simply, but he's feeling so much more.

He feels another weight in the box, so he gently places the book on the table and reaches inside. He feels something hard and rectangular, similar to the book but completely different at the same time.

With tentative hands he pulls out a picture frame. A picture frame that contains a picture of him, Jangmi, and Yeosang, from that first day where they had hand drawn cat whiskers and noses on their faces. Puffy stickers surround the frame, in heart, rainbow, smiley face, and cat head shapes. At the bottom of the frame are the letters S, J, and Y, for each of their names. That was about 4 months ago now… Seonghwa feels his heart swell. "Oh, Yeosang…"

He meets the younger man's eyes, his own glimmering brighter than all the stars in the night sky. "This is so cute, so so lovely."

"The stickers are from Jangmi," he adds quite uselessly. "I noticed you like pictures and picture frames. You don't have to hang this one one up like the others though, of course," he whispers.

"Absolutely not. This is going right on the wall next to Jangmi's drawing."

Yeosang tilts his head, wondering which drawing Seonghwa is referring to.

He places the frame down and picks up the bouquet. He smells it, then brushes his fingers against the pedals of one of the carnations, that being the only flower he recognizes of the bunch.

"The flowers are so pretty!" Jangmi sighs dreamily.

Seonghwa smiles at her, then his eyes flit to Yeosang. Yeosang hasn't looked away from him.

The older man looks so ethereal like this, happy and kind. His features look so much gentler under the shadows casted by the soft light of the fairy lights. He never looks anything but kind, but Yeosang certainly noticed that he looks more happy than usual now, more lively.

"Are you well versed in flower language?" Seonghwa asks him, drawing him away from his thoughts.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that, Park Seonghwa? I picked out these flowers for a reason, silly."

One side of Seonghwa's mouth lifts up at that. "I'm afraid I'm not. Tell me the names and meanings of each flower?"

Yeosang smiles softly and leans forward in his chair. Seonghwa tilts the bouquet in a way they can both see it.

"This one is a carnation, but you knew that already, I hope. You probably received them by secret admirers in the past," a playful wink. The tips of Seonghwa's ears turn a bright pink as he listens intently.

"Light pink carnations represent gratitude. You already know how thankful I am for you and for our little Jangmi, of course," he grins at her.

"Then we have baby's breath. This one is more of a space-filler, but I believe the main meaning of this flower is… everlasting love." He avoids their intense, focused gaze as he explains this one, knowing he feels what is quickly developing into just that for the two.

"Next are lilies. Dark pink ones stand for love and admiration because I admire and look up to you a lot. And finally, camellias. They mean…"

He hesitates before he explains this one, thumbling at the petals. Seonghwa glances at his thin fingers before peering into his face again.

"Longing," it comes out as a whisper.

He keeps his eyes trained on the bouquet. When he finally gains the courage, the will, to raise his gaze, he finds that Seonghwa's eyes are still fixed on him, unmoving.

Both pairs of dark brown eyes swim with an unknown emotion. They both exhale deeply, their breaths mingling in the space between them.

Jangmi looks between the two men, contemplative. She reaches up and touches Seonghwa's forehead, then Yeosang's, drawing both men's attention. "What are you doing, darling?" Seonghwa questions.

"Kang Yeosang and your face is red, are ya sick?"

The two men sputter unintelligently. "I-I think it's bedtime, dear!" "No, no we're okay Jangmi, just a little… hot!"

Seonghwa and Yeosang share a quick look and decide to put Jangmi to sleep for the night. Seonghwa gathers the presents and bouquet, and before Yeosang can go to help, Jangmi makes grabby hands in his direction. "Want upsies!"

Not expecting her to want him to carry her, Yeosang's eyes widen. She's gained so much trust for him so quickly, my gosh, Yeosang feels like he's going to combust because of how quickly his emotions heighten.

He carefully picks her up. Jangmi puts her hands on his shoulders and looks at his face close up. "You're more pretty up close!"

Yeosang blushes at the compliment. "You are too, little one. You're the prettiest rose in the garden!"

Jangmi giggles and hides her face. "Tuck me in with daddy?"

Yeosang looks back at Seonghwa, who has the most tender look on his face, his eyes soft at the scene before him. "You heard the kid," he grins. "Let's go!"

*

Seonghwa and Yeosang help Jangmi with her bedtime routine before placing her in bed. This time, both men are together, side by side again.

"Daddy, did you have a good birthday?"

"Yes, my love, today was the best birthday."

Beaming brightly, Jangmi says, "Kang Yeosang, thank you for making my daddy happy." Yeosang certainly was not prepared for that. He gapes, then nervously glances at Seonghwa, whose own eyes are slightly widened, an obvious blush creeping up his neck at his daughter's exposing words.

"He makes me happy too… And you, cutie. It's… the least I can try to do," Yeosang replies softly.

Tiny hands reach upwards as Jangmi yawns and stretches her body. Seonghwa leans down and kisses her forehead once she snuggles into her blanket. "Good night, Jangmi. Thank you for making me happy today!"

She smiles sleepily and reaches for Yeosang's hand. "Thank Yeosang too, daddy!"

"I will, I promise."

Yeosang squeezes her hand once, then runs his fingers through her hair. "Good night, sleep well, our little cutie." He steps back, joining Seonghwa's side once again.

They watch her fall asleep silently and stay a few moments after.

Seonghwa and Yeosang don't say another word until they're downstairs again.

"Did you really have fun today?"

A grin decorates Seonghwa's face, "I think this is the best birthday I've had in a long time.

Yeosang looks into Seonghwa's eyes, searching for any lies, any trace of discontent. When he finds none, he smiles back even brighter. "I'm just happy I can do something to repay you for everything you've done for me."

Seonghwa shakes his head. He puts a hand on Yeosang's arm, near his elbow again. He gently caresses the inside part of his elbow with his thumb, rubbing it in circles. "You really went above and beyond. I can't thank you enough, seriously."

Yeosang holds his breath, nervous to let it out knowing it will be shaky. His veins feel like they're on fire as Seonghwa follows the line of them to his wrist. Goosebumps break out along his skin, and Seonghwa notices, of course he does.

At least I'm not alone in this. At least he feels the same way, Seonghwa reassures himself.

His arm falls limp at his side, not wanting to continue eyeing Yeosang's receptiveness to his actions, knowing it'd encourage the heat that's begun to fill his lower stomach.

"Do you want to stay and have some wine with me? I have a sudden craving for it," he admits.

"On a school night?" Yeosang teases.

Scratching the back of his neck, Seonghwa responds, "Ah, you're right. Um… maybe on Friday? If you're up for it?"

"I would love to. Only if you've got the fancy stuff, though," Yeosang sticks his tongue out.

"Of course, who do you take me for?"

Yeosang giggles. "Okay, I should start heading out… Let me just grab my stuff," he points towards the living room with his thumb.

Seonghwa nods and watches him collect his things. Yeosang toes on his shoes and Seonghwa follows him out into the yard afterwards. He offers to drive him home, but Yeosang declines, reminding him that he only lives a few minutes away. Plus, he brought his skateboard, so the journey home will be shorter than usual tonight.

They turn towards each other when they reach the fence that separates the lawn from the rest of the world.

The younger looks contemplative for a few seconds. "I have something else for you," he says as he reaches into his pocket with his free hand. Seonghwa tilts his head curiously.

He pulls his hand out and flashes a finger heart.

Seonghwa freezes in his spot, not believing the younger man actually did that. His suspicions are proven incorrect when Yeosang cringes, covering his face, embarrassed. Seonghwa bursts out laughing, startling Yeosang. Soon, he joins him. They laugh and laugh, a little too loud considering the time of night, bent over in half.

"Oh my gosh... Kang Yeosang…!" he gasps between his laughs.

They both straighten up, and it takes a few moments to fully settle down from that. They can't keep the smiles off of their faces.

Soon, a cold gust of wind breezes between the two. Seonghwa visually shivers, only wearing a short sleeve shirt despite the low temperatures of the nighttime.

"You should head inside, you'll catch a cold out here."

"Only after I watch you go," the older says, and his voice sounds so tender that it seeps straight through Yeosang's ribs, straight into his heart.

Yeosang nods and slowly turns, hesitant because he doesn't want to leave the older man just yet. Seonghwa catches the hesitation, feeling the same. A smile graces his features.

Yeosang opens the gate and looks back, catching the smile on the other's face. He feels himself return it.

"Thank you again for today. Get home safely. I'll see you tomorrow, hm?"

"Of course. Goodnight, Seonghwa."

"Goodnight, Yeosang."

Yeosang closes the gate behind him and begins his ride back home. Seonghwa watches until he can't see him any longer.

*

Yeosang's scent lingers in his brain, along with the tender warmth of his body pressed against Seonghwa's own as he steps back into the house.

Each day it gets harder and harder to watch the younger man go. Even if Seonghwa knows he'll be seeing him the next day or after the weekend which always goes by quickly (but not quick enough), he still yearns for Yeosang to stay. To never have to leave when the sun sets.

He thinks of Yeosang's deep, honey-like voice explaining the meaning of the camellia flower. Longing. The look they shared afterwards…

Sighing, he walks to the kitchen, where he placed the gifts given to him by Yeosang. Smiling again at the sight of the picture frame, he takes it and walks to the wall where many pictures hang along with drawings created by Jangmi. He places this frame underneath the framed drawing Jangmi made of the three of them holding hands, right next to the family portraits.

This one stands out the most. It looks complete, unlike the others.

This definitely isn't just a little crush, that much he knows.

*

"You what?!" Yunho exclaims Yeosang pinches the bridge of his nose. "I need you to pick me up from Seonghwa's house on Friday because I'm gonna drink with him."

"You're gonna what?!"

"Yunho!"

"When did you two get so close?" He raises an eyebrow.

Yeosang flushes. "I don't know… I told you we're friends. Anyway, don't make it obvious when you come get me. I don't want Wooyoung and Sanie to act out."

"Of course," Yunho nods. Yeosang knows he's going to tell them all about it.

*

Friday comes quickly.

Yeosang puts in a little extra effort into choosing his outfit today, wearing black leather pants that flatter his long legs and thighs, a black turtleneck, and a silver necklace for added measure. He even puts on a little eye makeup and lip gloss.

"Stop right there, young man! Where are you going looking all cute?" Wooyoung asks, pointing at him when he leaves his bedroom.

"Are you my mom?"

"I don't like your tone," San says, sitting beside the other. "Wooyoung, they grow up so fast… One day you send them off to school and the next they play around with boys."

Yeosang rolls his eyes, deciding to ignore their bantering somewhat. "Mommy, daddy, I'll be home late so don't wait for me," he sticks his tongue out before speeding out the front door.

*

Yeosang, Jangmi, and Seonghwa do their usual daily routine, along with Yeosang having the opportunity to tuck Jangmi in again tonight, which the young girl excitedly agrees to.

Minutes after she falls asleep, the two men return to the first floor. Seonghwa asks Yeosang to bring two glasses while he gets the wine. As they pass through the hallway between the kitchen and living room, Seonghwa stops to look at the wall, which causes Yeosang to do the same.

Yeosang just now notices that Seonghwa hung up the birthday present he had gotten him, the frame with their picture in it. His face heats up.

His eyes scan the other pictures nearby and he recalls that they are all of the two of them, Seonghwa and Jangmi, precious family portraits. Then, he notices a drawing he has never seen before.

Seonghwa's fingers trail over the drawing, "I think this is the most special drawing Jangmi has ever made," referring to the one of the three of them holding hands. Yeosang feels his heart sink. He wishes the contents of the drawing could come to life…

Seonghwa meets Yeosang's eyes as if he could sense Yeosang's longing. He notices the sadness in his eyes but decides to say nothing of it, realizing they are probably thinking the same thing.

They share one last look before they silently agree to move to the living room. Upon arrival to the room, Yeosang sets the glasses down on the table and takes a seat on the sofa as Seonghwa pours the drink in each glass. He thanks the man when he passes him one.

The older takes a slow, languid sip from his glass. Yeosang watches the bob of his throat before taking a large swing of his own, nerves settling in his stomach as he realizes that they are pretty much alone.

"The house is so quiet when Jangmi isn't around. What do you usually do after she falls asleep?"

"Honestly, I usually fall asleep soon after," he admits sheepishly. "I don't have much else to do. I think the main role of my existence is to be a father, and other than that, work, and a few hobbies, I don't have much else."

Yeosang hums contemplatively. "I wonder what that feels like…"

"What what feels like?"

"Like, living for someone else. Being a parent. Being responsible for another human. It all sounds scary."

"You're basically doing the same thing I do when you watch Jangmi. You might even be doing a better job than I am, honestly," he chuckles. "I think you would be an amazing father." His voice is a little too tender.

Yeosang forces down another sip, hoping to drown whatever feeling emerged in his chest in the red liquid. He soon changes the subject.

They speak about everything and nothing, the quiet of the house otherwise deafening. By now, Seonghwa knows the names of Yeosang's professors, all his hobbies, about his love for food, and how he likes to doodle like Jangmi. No wonder the two get along.

Meanwhile, Yeosang learns the names of many of the dark haired man's coworkers, how he secretly enjoys ASMR content and Kdramas, and that he is very particular about cleaning. Yeosang tells him he definitely has noticed the last fact from the cleanliness and neatness of the house at all times.

Sharing stories of all kinds, they banter and learn more about each other.

Soon, the conversation dies down and silence surrounds them, but the house still feels full with Yeosang's presence.

Seonghwa lowers his glass, fixing his gaze on the other. He scoots closer to Yeosang and turns to face him, tucking one of his legs under his body. He puts his glass down on the table, already feeling a bit tipsy, as he has a low tolerance for alcohol.

"Yeosang, how is school going? I hope you… being here doesn't affect your work ethic or anything." He didn't want to call it a job. He couldn't, after everything that has happened.

"Not at all," Yeosang reassures. "I'm a night owl so I manage to keep up with my schoolwork." He goes to take another sip of his wine.

"A night owl, hm? So will you stay up late with me tonight?"

Yeosang nearly chokes midway through his sip. He swallows too much at once, his throat and chest burning. He coughs and rubs at his chest, a blush spreading across his cheekbones as he notices the corners of Seonghwa's mouth tilt up. The older rests his arm on the top of the sofa, looking at Yeosang with contempt. He scans him up and down, his gaze stopping on his waist.

The arch of Yeosang's lower back, the small of it, is etched into his memory after the hug they shared on his birthday. The slimness of his waist, and the perfection of his entire body really, is so attractive. He would love to try and see how well the younger would fit into his lap.

'God, do his thighs look fantastic in those pants,' his mind supplies as his eyes travel to them.

Yeosang, of course, notices his gaze. He'd be lying if he said he didn't notice the older man checking him out multiple times throughout the day, finding Seonghwa's eyes on his legs and waist frequently.

Hell, the older even grazes his hands across Yeosang's hips and waist when he passes by him while they cook together sometimes, unnecessary considering the ample amount of space in the kitchen. Yeosang wonders what's gotten into the other male.

He remains quiet and decides to gulp down the rest of the glass, then moves to pour some more. Seonghwa reaches over and offers to do it for him, out of courtesy.

The effect of the alcohol is already settling in Yeosang's stomach, but he drinks some more anyway. Seonghwa returns his arm to the top of the sofa, watching him with a playful smirk on his lips.

"What kind of drunk are you?"

Yeosang is surprised at the question. "Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"Last time I checked, you're drinking so much on your own accord. Am I making you nervous?" He teases.

A proud shade of crimson covers the younger's cheeks and ears. "No…!" His habit of covering his face when he's embarrassed says otherwise.

"Why are you covering your face then? You only do that when you laugh, or when you're embarrassed."

Yeosang gapes, this mouth opening into an 'o' shape.

"I picked up on that little habit of yours," Seonghwa hums, "I wish you wouldn't though. Especially not when you laugh, I want to see you when you do that."

Another half a glass of wine is chugged down by Yeosang. This is absolutely too much, he has no idea what has gotten into the older man. Is he drunk? Why is he being so open? So uncaring of what he's saying? Like he's… flirting?

Yeosang feels his consciousness alter slightly under the influence of the alcohol in his system. His head swims from the intake of so much liquor at once, but one thought sticks out amongst the rest: Seonghwa.

"Why would you wanna see me and my face?"

"Can't you take a guess?"

Yeosang huffs, "Wanna hear you say it."

"I like your face. I think you're pretty. Objectively speaking, you're one of the best looking people I have seen," he resists the urge to close the minimal space between them and look at his face from closer up.

"You're prettier," Yeosang breathes out simply. Seonghwa reaches for his drink and takes another long sip. "Can I ask you a question?" A nod in response.

Yeosang considers his words, looking for the right ones. He takes another sip before he speaks.

"Are you okay?" Seonghwa tilts his head at the sudden words. "I'm doing alright, why?"

Well that didn't work much. Yeosang tries to find the words again, his consciousness and thoughts failing him slowly. Heat finds its way to his face. "Um… I wanted to ask… Why did ya wanna drink with me anyway?"

Seonghwa lets a smile fall onto his lips, but pain dances between his eyes. "Honestly, I've been feeling a little inadequate lately in every aspect of my life. I don't… feel like a good worker, father, or anything really." Little does the younger know it's because he's constantly distracted because of him. "I wasn't a good lover when I tried either," he adds bitterly. "I thought alcohol would help numb the feelings of self doubt a bit."

"Not true! Why do ya say that?" He puts his glass down and turns to face Seonghwa, the alcohol in his system slowly causing him to behave cutely, always the consequence of his excess drinking. He moves his hands to cradle Seonghwa's face, to which the older man widens his eyes, cautiously moving his face back a few centimeters.

"Jangmi 'nd I know you're doing your best! Raising a kid and working and doing other stuff like keeping up with your hobbies and being friends with me is a lot of work! You were doing all that while tryin' to maintain your marriage too. But not the friends with me part 'cause I didn't know you then," he giggles. The tension that rose in Seonghwa's chest virtually melts away at his words and the sound of his laugh.

"Hwa you are so good. Too good for the world. You can't do everything perfectly but humans aren't perfect! Just keep tryin' and we'll love you for it, promise."

He gasps, covering his mouth. Leaning closer to Seonghwa he sings, "Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!" to him cutely. Seonghwa actually has to grip his chest at the display. He knows the other is tipsy if not drunk, but his words still mean a lot. Seonghwa's eyes soften as he peers into Yeosang's flushed face, now distracted with his own hands, as if he doesn't believe they belong to him.

If he's sure of one thing in his messy life it's this.

He likes Yeosang. Maybe even that is an understatement.

Seonghwa takes another sip of wine at the thought, overwhelming but honest, before placing the glass down again. Yeosang looks up at the sound.

"Want a hug to feel better? I want hug, I think it's hug time," he practically babbles. How could Seonghwa refuse his cute request?

Yeosang crawls into the space in front of Seonghwa, sitting up on his knees.

He opens his arms wide and wraps it around his neck as Seonghwa returns the gesture half-heartedly, not wanting to further memorize the width of his waist or the dimples in his lower back. He settles for placing his hands on Yeosang's waist.

Yeosang wiggles his hips, attempting to convey to the other that he wants him to enclose his arms around his waist, not knowing that the action will cause a fire to light up Seonghwa's insides.

"You'll be the death of me," Seonghwa mutters.

"Hwa… 'm uncomfy… Can I sit on you?" Yeosang whines, his breath fanning across his cheek.

Seonghwa goes stiff, but heat rises from his chest at the question nonetheless. He feels wrong for this, wrong for even being so close to the younger. If he moves just a few inches closer, he can press his own chest against the Yeosang's and the younger will surely have to crawl into his lap to compensate. Surely his heartbeat would give him away if that were to happen, but Yeosang's current state probably can't pick up on the change anyway.

"Hwa?" Yeosang moves back to peer into his face, keeping his hands around his neck.

Seonghwa allows his hands to slide down lower, stopping around Yeosang's hips. His thumbs mindlessly rub circles into his hips, which causes the younger's shirt to lift up a bit, exposing a small amount of skin. Seonghwa wants so badly to slide his hands up his top, but he would never do so without the other's conscious consent.

He keeps his gaze low on Yeosang's face, not wanting to look into the younger's big eyes.

"Silly Seonghwa… my heart's gonn' explode if you keep teasin' me," Yeosang whines, staring obviously at his lips.

Seonghwa shifts his gaze to Yeosang's lips in return, soft, pink, and pretty. He gulps, heart in his throat. "I think you should head to bed," Seonghwa whispers, knowing his voice will crack if he speaks any louder, his stomach an endless loop of flips.

"Whispering…! Can I tell you a secret?" He leans close, his breath hitting the shell of the older's ear. Goosebumps erupt across his skin. "I don't wanna leave. Wanna stay here with you forever." He lays his head on the other's shoulder.

Seonghwa absolutely cannot take this right now. Yeosang is acting far too cute and needy, and he has to fight every one of his senses with his slightly blurred consciousness in order to ignore the warmth settling deep in his stomach. He wants the same, wants even more, wants all of him, but he can't act on his desires, not now.

He thinks he feels Yeosang's lips brush against his neck, but he moves away too quickly to process it truly. He gently removes Yeosang's arms from him and slowly moves to stand. "Hwa…! I want you," Yeosang whines, pursing his lips into an adorable pout.

"Not when you're like this, Yeosang… I think you should stay the night here. I'm a little tipsy so I don't think I should be driving, and it's not safe for you to walk in this state."

"Hmm, told my friend to come get me… But I'm tired. Will Hwa let me sleep on his bed?" He looks at him with pleading eyes.

Seonghwa's mouth tilts up. "Of course. I'll sleep on the couch."

"Okayyy… Wanted to cuddle though," Yeosang pouts, disappointed. "Can ya tell m' friend Yunho not to come?" He slurs, his eyes beginning to feel heavy. He leans back against the sofa and hands Seonghwa the remote. He's "Gentle Giant" in m' phone…" Seonghwa laughs, deep and loud, and tells him he can't exactly text someone with a remote, but Yeosang is far too gone to pass him his cellphone, so he has to get it himself.

He leans down and takes the phone from his pocket, unlocks it, and searches through the contacts for "Gentle Giant".

Seonghwa pretends not to notice the heart emoji next to his own name in Yeosang's contacts, but his heart says otherwise, racing in his chest at the sight.

Upon finding Yunho's number, he shoots a quick text introducing himself and letting Yunho know that Yeosang is safe and that he no longer has to come get him.

Yunho texts back within seconds, before Seonghwa could place the phone down. "I hope he's not doing too much. He gets all cutesy and clingy when he's drunk, but thanks for taking care of him," it reads. Seonghwa smiles at that, then sets the phone on the table.

"Alright, let's get you upstairs," Seonghwa tells the younger. "Can you walk or should I carry you?"

"I can walk, jus' watch me!" He stands up so quickly that his head swims, something like static surrounding the corners of his vision. Before he loses his balance, Seonghwa grabs onto his upper arms.

"My knight, you saved me," Yeosang whispers. Seonghwa rolls his eyes playfully, even though the other probably won't register it. "Come on, I'll carry you princess-styled and everything."

Yeosang practically jumps into his arms, a sudden burst of energy taking over him at the thought of Seonghwa's touch. Seonghwa keeps his promise, moving one arm to his mid back and the other under the back of his knees. Yeosang looks at him dreamily-- the only way to describe his stare, really-- as he wraps his arms around the older's neck once again.

He holds him up so effortlessly that Yeosang's stomach flutters, and his already fuzzled mind adds more clutter to the mess that is his thoughts, imagining being lifted and playfully thrown into bed by the older man.

As Seonghwa walks up the stairs, Yeosang tells him he looks handsome. The older tells him he's even more handsome.

"Are you sure? I don't think anyone's handsomer than you…"

Seonghwa can't help but allow a smile to take over his features.

If Seonghwa didn't know it before, after tonight, he can certainly solidify that Yeosang feels the same way about him. He just wished he wasn't in a drunken state so he could have acted upon his desires.

He sighs to himself, finally reaching his bedroom. This all feels so suggestive, allowing Yeosang into his room for the first time. Actually, let him correct himself: carrying Yeosang into his room for the first time.

He gently places the younger man onto the bed and tries to step back, but he doesn't notice that Yeosang still has his arms around him. So, Seonghwa ends up toppling on top of him, planting each of his hands on either side of Yeosang's head to stabilize himself. Their noses bump together.

After a few moments gaping mouths and wide eyes, Yeosang once again looks down at Seonghwa's lips, causing a flock of butterflies to emerge in his stomach again. He licks his lips out of habit, and watches as the younger follows the action with his lidded eyes.

"I wish I could kiss you. I want to," Seonghwa hears himself whisper.

"Please," Yeosang replies simply, desperate and needy.

"Not like this. I can't, not now," he sighs, his breath cascading over his face. He pulls away, leaving Yeosang whining quietly in disappointment as he sits up.

Instead, he walks to his dresser and takes out a pair of pajama pants and a shirt. "You can change into these to sleep in." The other begins stripping immediately, lifting his shirt up. Seonghwa quickly turns around, blush spreading across his cheeks as if he was a high schooler, only after catching a glimpse of Yeosang's soft looking stomach.

"I'm ready, look! It's big," Yeosang giggles. The older braces himself for the sight he is about to see. He is not prepared to see the younger man in only the shirt he handed him, his shirt, which rides down to just above his midthigh. His boxers peak out under it, but still.

The familiar soft-looking inner thighs greet him once again. His gaze lingers on them before he snaps his head back up towards the ceiling, focusing on a spot, pleading to someone, anyone, to somehow get him through the night.

Seonghwa's lips part as he tries to say something. "Um" is all he manages. 'Words, you are capable of making words, Park Seonghwa. '

Instead of trying (and probably backfiring at) talking to Yeosang more, he just decides to quickly go over and gently push him in the direction of the bed.

He peels back the covers and helps the other get under them before haphazardly tossing the blanket back over his exposed legs. He sits on the side of the bed, staring at the floor contemplatively.

"Hwa?" Yeosang calls. Seonghwa turns his head to look at him. "Thank you for carin' for me… I care about you lots but I feel useless around ya, like a burden…" he frowns.

Seonghwa's eyebrows draw together. He places a hand on Yeosang's one that remains outside of the covers. "No, it's not a burden for me at all. I enjoy spending time with you, and caring for you, and lov…" he clears his throat, "You are so wonderful. If you'd let me, I would do even more if I could. If you ever need help or a place to stay or anything, no matter what it is, I'm here for you with open arms." He tells him softly, then squeezes his hand. Big, shining eyes stare up into his own.

"Now go to sleep, will you?" He pokes his forehead to lighten the mood.

"Will you stay?" Yeosang asks quietly.

"Only if you want me to."

"Please."

Yeosang pulls the covers up to his chin. Seonghwa brushes a strand of hair away from the other's eyes. He is so precious like this, in Seonghwa's space, in his clothes. It's like he belongs… He wishes he could get under the covers with him.

"Sleep well," Seonghwa whispers. Once he hears soft snoring, he watches the other sleep, shifting his gaze across his face.

Yeosang's eyelashes fan over his scarlet cheeks prettily. Seonghwa looks at his lips, slightly puckered in his slumber.

After a few minutes of admiring the younger, he finally leaves the room. He leans against the door, letting the back of his head hit it with a soft thud.

He thinks of what he said a few moments ago with a heavy heart. 'I enjoy spending time with you, and caring for you, and lov…'

Love? Did he almost tell Yeosang he loves him? Is that what this is, the feeling in his stomach and chest, the warmth on his cheeks and ears, the longing he feels towards the other?

Surely another late night session of drowning in his thoughts awaits him.

*

Yeosang wakes up to soft bedsheets and sunlight peeking through curtains.

His head hurts. He stubbornly closes his eyes harder and rolls onto his stomach, moving to the other side of the bed, hiding his face from the rays of the sun.

Wait. His bed is not nearly spacious enough for him to roll around, and it certainly does not smell like this… whatever this familiar smell is.

He turns around again and sits up in a flash, causing his head to throb in pain. He holds it and looks around with wide eyes, alarmed. A picture frame on the nightstand of Seonghwa and Jangmi reveals that he's in their house. He looks down at the covers that surround him. The smell he's gotten so fond of…

Is this… he gulps, interrupting his own thoughts, is this Seonghwa's bedroom?

He moves the covers and looks down at his body, clad in an oversized shirt and no pants. This isn't what he came here in… His cheeks burn.

He tries to piece together what happened the night before. He was drinking with Seonghwa, that much is certain. He can recall their conversation up to a certain point.

Flirty suggestions coming from the other fill his memories and thoughts, and he covers his face shyly just from thinking about it. He must've drowned himself in alcohol after that.

At least he has some clothes on and isn't nude. That means he and the older man didn't do anything. Not that he expected them to… Of course. He definitely would have remembered that, and nothing hurts other than his head, which suggests that he and the older did not engage in… such activities.

A little voice in his head that sounds suspiciously like Wooyoung adds a "yet" to the end of that sentence. Yeosang's head hurts more at that.

He thinks he recalls Seonghwa carrying him, and his stomach flips at the thought. Was he heavy? Or can Seonghwa's muscular body easily accommodate his weight? He sighs dreamily.

Such a charming man, allowing him to take his bed and not joining him because he wasn't in the right state of mind to provide consent. This just further proves that he's the perfect gentleman, the perfect fairy tale prince.

But that means he must be sleeping on the couch or something… he frowns, feeling bad.

Oh goodness, he is such a messy drunk, why would he allow himself to get to that state in front of Seonghwa?

How will he face him? First thing in the morning, waking up in his house and all… and Jangmi, she will be so shocked. He hopes it's a happy shock.

He groans and holds his head as memories of the night before flood back to him, hazy. He remembers Seonghwa's face close to his, whispering something, but he can't recall what.

He covers his mouth in shock. 'What if I said something I shouldn't have?!' He thinks, knowing he's a cutesy kind of drunk that has no filter.

This is killing him. His head throbs worse at his worried thoughts. He feels sick, definitely feeling the lasting outcome of drinking the night before.

He gets up, slowly, carefully, to get a glass of water from the kitchen, doing his best to pat down his messy hair as he does so.

*

Jangmi wakes up early to catch a TV show she likes to watch first thing on Saturday mornings. She doesn't expect to find her father there, on the sofa, sleeping.

She momentarily wonders why he's sleeping on the sofa instead of his bed, but she decides maybe she can miss this week's episode as long as a friend tells her what she misses.

Luckily she brought down one of her dolls to watch the show with, so she won't be completely bored.

Soon after, she hears a creaking noise coming from the staircase. She crawls towards her dad, alarmed and terrified. Is there a stranger in their house?! What if they hurt her dad?!

She jumps on top of her father and shields him with her tiny body, protecting him. He stirs under her, lazily opening his eyes. She stares at the staircase, waiting to see who it is that's in their house.

"Kang Yeosang?!" she questions when she sees his sleepy face. Seonghwa sits up immediately when he hears that, holding Jangmi in his lap.

The other looks adorably rumpled first thing in the morning, his face a little puffy and very much precious. He keeps his eyes on the ground, probably embarrassed about the night before.

He still has no pants on, Seonghwa notices. He can't help himself from allowing his eyes to lock on to those soft inner thighs once again.

"Um," is all he musters up, a replay of the night before. 'Oh, for crying out loud.'

Jangmi scrambles off her father and runs up to him, excited. She wraps her small fists around the fabric of his shirt and presses her cheek against his stomach as Yeosang places a hand on her head, their special way of hugging. "Why are you here?! Can we spend today together too?"

"Uh… I stayed here after tucking you in yesterday! Surprise!" As for the second question, he makes eye contact with Seonghwa. The older's heart skips a beat.

"You're awake," Seonghwa says, much too late for it to be casual. The corners of Yeosang's lip lift up, lovely, at the delay.

"Yeah, I needed some water. I'll go get it, be right back," he ruffles Jangmi's hair as he passes by her.

Seonghwa walks over and lifts Jangmi, putting her on the sofa. "You don't want to miss your show, do you? You can watch it while Yeosang and I cook breakfast."

Her eyebrows pinch together, much too aggressively for her baby face. Seonghwa is afraid that she's upset that Yeosang stayed. What if she thinks he's intruding on their space…? Does she not like him as much as he thinks she does?

"What's wrong?" he asks nervously as she crosses her arms over her chest, a pose she definitely picked up from Yeosang. "Daddy, you hanging out with Kang Yeosang without me? Not fair!"

Surprised by the answer, he blinks at her, then sighs in relief. "Ah… Sorry darling. We were talking about grown up things and Yeosang got tired so he stayed over. Is that okay?"

"Okayyy… But we have to share him today."

"What is this favoritism…" he mumbles under his breath. He promises her that they'll share Yeosang today, then meets up with him in the kitchen.

In the midst of chugging down a glass of water, Yeosang doesn't notice the older walk into the room. Only when a pair of arms trap him against the counter he's leaning on does he react, almost choking on his water. He blushes at the close proximity.

A memory comes to mind from the night before. He somewhat recalls Seonghwa's hands on either side of him, but that time, they were on the bed he woke up in and his own arms were around the other's neck… Their noses were touching. Their lips were only a few centimeters apart. Oh goodness.

So close yet so far.

"...Hi."

"Hi," the older grins, lopsided. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, just a headache."

"We'll have soup for breakfast, hopefully that'll help with the hangover."

Seonghwa places his forehead against Yeosang's, making the younger man's cheeks blossom with color, heat enveloping his face. "You're warm, are you sure you're alright?"

"That's because of you, silly," Yeosang accidentally says out loud, under his breath. His eyes widen, letting the older know he wasn't supposed to hear that.

Feeling much more confident after the previous night, where their feelings for each other were clearly on display, Seonghwa takes this opportunity to tease him. He turns to murmur into his ear. "Hm… what happened to bold little Yeosangie from yesterday?"

"I…" Yeosang gulps, his breath hitching in his throat. He closes his eyes and furrows his eyebrows, not sure what to expect, much too shy to do anything else.

Seonghwa moves his head back to see his reaction, grinning in triumph when he sees his embarrassed expression. He pokes the space between the younger's eyebrows, but he wishes he could kiss it instead. "You'll get wrinkles, then you'll look older than me!"

Yeosang slaps his arm jokingly, effectively getting him to move it from the counter, therefore giving him a means to escape. Once he gets a few feet away, he crosses his arms (ah, yes, Jangmi definitely picked it up from him) and huffs. "Don't steal my jokes!"

"I can and will, you can't stop me," the older sticks his tongue out momentarily. "Now help me make breakfast pretty please, my lovely sous-chef."

"Hmm… Only because you asked so nicely. I'll go, um, put on some pants, I'll be right back."

He turns and scurries away, not catching Seonghwa's eyes once again drawn towards his thighs and the sway of his hips.

*

Yeosang is cutting vegetables like usual whenever he helps Seonghwa prepare food. The older knows he's capable of doing more, but he doesn't want him to strain himself when he's recovering from the night before. It's a nice thought, considerate. It warms Yeosang's heart.

He's made it to the onions and begins chopping them. His eyes naturally tear up, and forgetting what exactly he is tasked with, he goes to rub his eye to wipe his tears away before they could stream down his face.

Big mistake. He stops what he's doing, dropping the knife he's using, catching Seonghwa's attention. "My eyes…!"

The older quickly runs over to him and cups his cheeks. He directs him to the sink and helps him rinse his eyes with cold water, then looks at him again. Yeosang can barely open his eyes, squinting, as tears roll down his cheeks.

His shaky breath gives him away. "Are you really crying…? Oh, Yeosang," the older man holds his forearms. "Does it hurt that bad?" He moves to cup his cheeks again instead, wiping away his tears with his thumbs.

"It's not that," Yeosang sniffles, keeping his eyes on the floor. His headache worsens. "I'm sorry, you're always taking care of me… It's embarrassing, I'm this old and I still have to be taken care of… I'm supposed to be watching over Jangmi but I feel like a kid myself."

Seonghwa watches him, sadness dancing across his eyes. "Oh, Yeosang… You said something like this last night too but I'm not sure if you remember. I'm the one who's sorry, it's just in my nature to be so caring. I'm sorry it makes you feel that way, but I promise you're not a burden. If anything, I adore you more because I can treat you like this." He pinches his cheeks lightly, making the younger man's lips tug into a tiny smile. "I will do this and even more if you allow me to. I'll always be here."

He circles Yeosang's frame with his arms, pressing their chests together, holding the younger as if he was made of fragile sunflowers. He could feel his racing heart through their thin layers of clothing.

"I… Thank you, I don't know what to say," Yeosang whispers, returning the hug, melting into the older man's frame. He knows he doesn't need to say it for the older to sense his gratitude, so he leaves it at that.

Yeosang closes his eyes and they stay like that, cheek to cheek, swaying back and forth slowly as if they were slow dancing.

Hesitant lips press against his temple, where Yeosang's birthmark is located. "Your presence in this house and in my life is so, so appreciated. Thank you for being here and for being you," Seonghwa whispers.

Yeosang's heart stutters. His face heats up, so he hides it against the older's neck. "I'm so happy to have met you. Thank you so much. I don't know what I did to deserve this," he tells him, his voice hushed.

"You deserve this and more," the older states, slowly pulling away to peer into the other's face.

Words remain unspoken, but in this moment, they don't have to be voiced to understand. The ground under them has shifted again. There is less hesitation in their touch now, more openness in expressing their thoughts, and more warmth that surrounds the two.

*

After breakfast with Jangmi, the two are alone again as they wash dishes together. Their fingertips brush together every once in a while, but neither of them pay special attention to it, accustomed to it by now.

Yeosang wants to make sure of something that's been swimming around his mind.

"Seonghwa? How did I end up in your bed? I don't remember what happened after we were on the couch…"

Seonghwa isn't expecting the question, so his cheeks heat up. "Um, I carried you there?"

"Of course, just further prove that you're a real life prince straight out of a fairy tale or something," Yeossng says under his breath, but the other hears it clearly. His throat feels dry.

"Did I do anything, you know, weird?"

"Define weird."

Yeosang turns the sink water off and turns towards the older. "Like, I know I get clingy when I'm drunk. I hope I wasn't overwhelming…"

Seonghwa contemplates his reply. "Well, you did and said a few things that I wish I could have… acted upon," he responds vaguely.

"As in…?"

Before he could explain his statement, Jangmi comes into the kitchen and asks the two men if they can go out and get ice cream together. Her big, pleading eyes are hard to resist, so of course they relent, leaving behind a few dishes along with their unfinished conversation.

*

As they walk to a nearby ice cream parlor together, Yeosang sends a quick text to his friends letting them know that he's okay and he'll be home in a few hours. His friends text back smirking emojis and suggestive words that he can't help but roll his eyes at.

"Can I hold your hand too, Kang Yeosang?" Jangmi asks from between the two men when he places his phone back into his pocket.

"Of course, cutie," he takes her hand gently. She swings both men's arms, and they share a fond smile at her antics.

"This is like the picture I drew!" Jangmi remarks, the beam on her face brighter than ever.

The two men noticed, of course, but Jangmi pointing it out makes it all the more special.

"You're right," Seonghwa responds tenderly.

*

Upon arrival at the parlor, the cashier at the register coos, "Aren't you the sweetest little family!" Warmth creeps up both men's faces, but neither of them goes to correct her.

"What can I get you all?"

"Rainbow sherbert for me, please," replies Seonghwa kindly. "Jangmi, do you want to tell the nice person which ice cream you want or should I tell them?"

Jangmi looks between her father and Yeosang, and closes her fist in determination. "I… I can do it." She walks closer to the register and smiles shyly at them. Seonghwa feels his heart double in size upon seeing her social growth.

"Chocolate, please...!" She says just loud enough for the cashier to hear. It was only two words, but Seonghwa knows she would not have been able to utter them in front of a stranger only 4 months ago. Yeosang has helped her progress so much, he will forever be thankful to him.

He glances over at Yeosang, who is looking at all the flavors thoughtfully, probably unsure about what to order. The way his eyebrows are pinched together and a finger is pressed against his chin as he thinks is so incredibly endearing.

He scrunches his nose, another adorable habit of his, and decides to go with cookies and cream. "I'll be back to try other flavors though!" he says to no one in particular.

*

They're now outside the parlor with their ice cream cones in their hands. Yeosang steals a glance at Seonghwa's colorful cone, suddenly interested in what it would taste like.

"Seonghwaaa~ Can I get a lick of your ice cream pretty please? It looks good!"

The older man guards his ice cream with his body as if his life depends on it. "Yeosang, I would give you the world if you asked me to but no way are you getting any of my ice cream."

"The line is ice cream?" Yeosang deadpans.

"The line is ice cream."

"And if I asked you to…" he looks down at Jangmi, too preoccupied with her ice cream cone to pay them any mind. "Kiss me? Would you do it?" he whispers, a teasing smirk pulling at his lips.

Seonghwa freezes in his spot. His mouth hangs open like a fish out of water at the question, knowing the answer but decidedly not answering it out loud.

Yeosang takes this as an opportunity to lean down and take a small bite of his ice cream, humming at the flavor.

"Wha- hey, you…! You're pure evil, did you know that?"

"I get that sometimes," he sticks his tongue out. "You can have some of mine as pay back. I'll pretend I don't see it," he covers his eyes and leans his cone towards the other's face, a cheeky grin remaining on his face.

Seonghwa takes a bigger bite than Yeosang did, just to get back at him. The younger man lets it go, hiding his smile behind the cone.

Meanwhile, Seonghwa finds himself looking at Yeosang's lips, still reflecting on the question he asked earlier, even if it was part of his mischievous scheme.

He would not hesitate in the slightest if the blond had asked him to kiss him, not in this moment, or any time in the future.

Shaking his head to rid of the thoughts that plague his mind, Seonghwa suggests, "Let's hurry on home after this. We should watch a movie together."

Yeosang agrees. None of them notice the use of the word home or the domestic warmth of the suggestion, all of them used to feeling and acting like a family.

And when Seonghwa holds Yeosang's hand with one of his own and Jangmi's with the other as they walk back home, Yeosang's heart feels fuller than ever.

*

That night, Seonghwa falls asleep to the perfect mingling of his own and Yeosang's scents on his bedsheets. It's intoxicating. It seems just right.

He falls asleep to the memory of Yeosang's rumpled, sleepy figure first thing in the morning, wearing his clothes, hair an adorable nest.

He falls asleep remembering Jangmi's soft voice telling him that she wishes Yeosang was there to tuck her in as well that night. He couldn't help but agree.

He falls asleep thinking about how he wants Yeosang to stay.

To come to his house and never leave it. To pick a side on their shared bed. To tuck Jangmi in at night with him. To hold and to love, to tease mercilessly.

He falls asleep with a heavy heart. It's missing a piece, but he knows exactly what it is.

*

A few days have passed. Yeosang has the day off today, it being the weekend, but he has no plans so he decides to get ahead on his assignments for the week.

That is, until he receives a call. "Seonghwa <3" flashes across his screen. He tilts his head in curiosity before picking up the call.

"Hello? Yeosang? Hey, I'm really sorry for the inconvenience, but Jangmi is kind of throwing a tantrum right now because she wants you to come with us to drop her off for a play date at her friend's house so she could introduce you to her. Seojin, remember? The kid whose birthday is the day after mine? Um, anyway, I know you're not… working today but do you think you can make some time to come over?" he rambles, and Yeosang lets him because he could never get enough of Seonghwa's deep, smooth voice.

"No worries, I really don't mind! When do I need to get there by?"

Seonghwa bites his lip. "In the next, like, 20 minutes if it's possible? Sorry for the short notice."

"Shush, no more apologies! I'll be there no problem," Yeosang walks towards his closet while still on the phone. "I wonder why she wants to meet her friend so badly though," he wonders out loud.

"I think it's because, well, um… Maybe because she doesn't have another parent to introduce? So you're like…" he doesn't finish his sentence.

Yeosang's heart leaps to his throat. He knows Jangmi loves him, but it couldn't be so much to adopt him as a parental figure, right?

"S-Seonghwa, I have to get changed so I'll see you soon, okay?" he says hurriedly, suddenly filled with an uncalled for desire to see the father and daughter pair he has fallen head over heels for.

*

Jangmi asked Yeosang to come with her dad to come pick her up later, so Yeosang and Seonghwa decide it'd be best if they just stay in the house and wait for that time to come.

What they don't realize is that they will be together alone. In the privacy of their home. Alone.

Yeosang only realizes this when he sets foot in the house, and his cheeks automatically flush at the thought. He freezes in his spot, halfway into the door, and Seonghwa questions him from behind.

He quickly moves aside, allowing Seonghwa to step into the house as well. Seonghwa must realize it then, because the expression on his face turns shy as he analyzes Yeosang's face.

"So… Let's make snacks? I'm hungry," Yeosang says to distract himself from the words his mind is spewing at him.

"Good idea, I didn't get to eat lunch but I don't feel like cooking," he grins, then starts a race to the kitchen without informing Yeosang first. The younger catches on within seconds, yelling at Seonghwa as he tries to catch up to him.

Seonghwa throws his head back, laughing in victory when he reaches the room first. "I won!" "No, you didn't, you cheated," Yeosang corrects, poking his chest, hard.

"Don't be a sore loser," Seonghwa teases. "You're the loser," Yeosang sticks his tongue out childishly before he notices a loose button on the other's shirt.

"Oh! A loose button," he points at it. He walks over to a cabinet, pulling out a small box. Seonghwa watches him curiously. "I can finally show off my mad sewing skills."

"And you call me a loser," Seonghwa jokes, cracking a large grin at Yeosang's choice of words.

"S-Shut up!" Yeosang demands, smacking his shoulder lightly. "For your information I thought sewing is an important skill for nannies to have so I taught myself how to. Never got to use it before, though," he purses his lips. "Come here," he gestures.

Seonghwa is reminded of the effort Yeosang puts into caring for his daughter and it warms his heart time and time again. He steps forward, but not near enough, so Yeosang grabs his forearm and pulls him close. The tip of his nose almost bumps against the younger's.

He begins working on the button, too focused on it to notice their closeness. Seonghwa, on the other hand, blushes deep and red, looking anywhere but at Yeosang.

Eventually, his eyes drift towards the younger, and he stares down at him, watching his eyebrows draw together in concentration.

The younger's lips pout slightly, probably a habit of his when he's focused on something. Seonghwa trains his eyes on his lips, not noticing that Yeosang glances up at his eyes. He stops momentarily when he realizes just where the older man's eyes are fixed, and it causes warmth to settle on his cheeks.

Seonghwa flits his eyes to meet his own, then he looks back down at his lips. Yeosang's heart stutters in his chest.

"I'm finished," Yeosang whispers. When he glances down at the other's lips as well, he feels himself slowly start to lean in.

Just then, perfect timing, really, just fantastic, a loud song starts to play. Yeosang snaps backwards, away from Seonghwa, and it takes him a few seconds to register that it's his phone that is ringing.

He quickly pulls it out of his pocket and picks up, not even looking at the name on the screen. "Hello?" he asks, out of breath for absolutely no reason.

"Saaang~ Where are you? I miss you, bestie," Wooyoung's drunken voice resonates through the phone. "Yeah, come drink with us," Yunho's giggly voice adds, sounding distant.

Yeosang looks at Seonghwa, who honestly looks… a little annoyed, really, before he turns towards the kitchen, taking out boxes of cookie and cake mix.

Yeosang pinches the bridge of his nose. "Guys, I swear to God- Why are you drinking this early? It's the middle of the day! Are you shameless?"

"Sangie's our biggest hater," San whines near the receiver. "Nevermind, you're not invited anymore!"

"San, you don't even live there!" he reminds the younger.

"He basically does live here and he loves me so don't be mean to him," Wooyoung hiccups. He hears San coo in the background, telling Wooyoung he's in love with him. He has to roll his eyes at that.

Yeosang looks up at Seonghwa who listens in on their conversation, now amusedly. He grins to conceal his embarrassment.

"Anyway, I really can't deal with you all right now so I'm hanging up. I'll be back later. Don't do anything stupid, love you!" he hangs up before any of them can reply, shoving his cellphone into his pocket.

"You college kids are something else. It reminds me of the old days," Seonghwa remarks.

"Tell me about it," Yeosang facepalms. "Also, don't say it like that, it makes you sound ancient."

"You just keep coming up with new ways to tell me I'm old, don't you?"

"Of course, that's my job," Yeosang laughs, loud and bright. Seonghwa smiles fondly, watching him.

"Okay, let's get on with these cookies!" He joins Seonghwa at his side, slipping on his apron.

*

Music plays throughout the house. Yeosang dances along to the song playing. He hip checks Seonghwa, who is busy with actually making the cookies.

"Loosen up, you bag of bones! Dance with me," he grabs Seonghwa's dough-covered hands.

"Bag of bones? That's new too," he laughs, giving in. He pulls Yeosang close by his forearms and they dance around together, silly and full of life at the upbeat song that comes from the speaker.

Seonghwa's eyes follow Yeosang's movements, paying extra close attention to the swinging of his hips, before trailing up to his face. He looks so happy, Seonghwa can tell he's having fun and he feels a bit smug at the fact that he's part of the reason why. He would place his hands on the blond's hips if it weren't for his dirty hands.

Yeosang doesn't fail to notice the older man's gaze, or the lack of hesitation in his touch recently. He distracts himself with the tune of the song.

They go on like this for the next two songs, radiant and full of energy. Yeosang soon itches at his arm where the dough from Seonghwa's hands is beginning to harden. He skips over and grabs a towel, taking a seat on top of the kitchen counter, his thighs spread to make room for the older in front of him.

"Seonghwaaa, look, you got dough all over me!" he complains playfully. "Come be a dear and wipe it off?"

The older man rolls his eyes but moves to stand between his hanging legs nonetheless. He rubs some frosting on the tip of the younger's nose before doing so, grinning. Yeosang whines but doesn't rub it off.

Then, he takes the towel from Yeosang's hand, gently tugging his wrist. Yeosang watches quietly as Seonghwa lightly rubs at the dried dough on his forearms.

Suddenly Beauty and the Beast from the original soundtrack comes on shuffle, and blush spreads across Yeosang's cheeks, instantly recalling the time Seonghwa heard him singing along to it.

"Sorry, my playlist is kinda a mess," he grins sheepishly in Seonghwa's direction. "I'll change it," he pauses it from his smart watch.

"No, no, keep it," Seonghwa grins. "Can you sing for me again, your highness?" he pokes Yeosang's shoulder playfully.

"Never," Yeosang purses his lips.

"Aw, don't be like that! Please, you have a really nice singing voice."

"What will I get out of it?"

Seonghwa thinks for a few moments. "You get to choose dinner the next 3 nights," he smirks, knowing Yeosang loves his junk food and especially chicken. He can't resist this offer.

Yeosang pretends to contemplate his decision. "You, my good sir, have a deal."

He reaches behind him for the whisk that lays on the table uselessly. Seonghwa remains in his spot in front of Yeosang, standing between his spread legs.

"I'm only singing a verse or two, by the way~" Yeosang singsongs as he presses play.

"That wasn't part of the deal!"

"You didn't specify," Yeosang grins.

Before Seonghwa could answer, he sings along to the song, joining the singer from the soundtrack, using the whisk as a makeshift microphone.

"Tale as old as time. True as it can be. Barely even friends, then somebody bends unexpectedly…" he starts, closing his eyes so he doesn't have to see the older's reaction as he sings.

Little does he know Seonghwa is completely smitten, and his expression shows it, relaxed, the soft smile that paints his face refusing to leave. He places his hands on either side of Yeosang's thighs, listening to his smooth, gorgeous voice intently.

"Just a little change. Small, to say the least. Both a little scared. Neither one prepared… Beauty and the Beast," he decides to stop there abruptly, much too shy to continue at the realization that the lyrics fit their current situation.

A shy smile takes over his face as he opens his eyes to see Seonghwa staring at him with an expression so tender and raw it makes him feel as if he can see through him, straight into his soul. The music continues to play in the background.

Yeosang feels a little self conscious, suddenly much too aware of the flour that covers his clothes and his hair which must look messy from jumping and dancing around so much.

"Sorry, I look crazy…"

"You're beautiful," Seonghwa breathes out, shaking his head, his mouth working on its own accord. Yeosang feels as if his heart might explode any second.

Seonghwa takes in his features; the flour that somehow made its way to his cheeks, his big, beady eyes staring back at him, the frosting that sits on his cute nose, the whisk that remains in his hand, making him look all the more precious. His pink, pretty lips that are slightly parted in disbelief, as if he couldn't believe that those words came out of Seonghwa's mouth.

"U-Um, let's grab the cookies and cupcakes and do something together, yeah?" Yeosang suggests, changing the subject, his eyes bright, smiling.

*

The two decide to watch a movie together to kill time, the atmosphere much easier now compared to before. Yeosang insists that they watch a horror movie, and after a bout of hesitation and teasing from the younger, Seonghwa gives in.

"C'mere, I'll protect you, you big baby," Yeosang gestures for the other to come closer. When he does, Yeosang spreads a blanket over both of them and wraps a protective arm around his shoulders. Maybe Seonghwa doesn't regret settling for this movie.

Seonghwa takes a mental note of Yeosang's touch, less hesitant in the past few days. He could get used to this.

They're touching almost from head to toe, their sides pressed together tightly. Their warmth radiates against each other. Both pairs of cheeks turn a bright shade of scarlet, but neither of them notice, too engrossed by the suspense being built up in the film.

"The intro of scary movies are always so long," Yeosang sighs.

They nibble on the cookies they baked earlier as they wait for the exciting stuff, the beginnings of horror movies always slow and boring.

*

When he groggily wakes up about an hour and a half later, Seonghwa finds himself practically laying on top of the younger man. They must've fallen asleep while waiting for the plot of the movie to pick up.

They really are touching from head to toe now, his forehead pressed against Yeosang's neck, their arms wrapped around each other, and legs tangled together.

Seonghwa slowly lifts his head and just stares at Yeosang, his soft breaths that make his chest fall and rise, his sharp jawline but almost dainty features that decorate his pretty face, his full cheeks and pouty pink lips, his long eyelashes that cast a shadow over his cheekbones. He looks so relaxed like this, sweet and uncaring of the world around them. Seonghwa is absolutely enamoured.

He carefully moves one of his arms, lifting his hand to Yeosang's face. Yeosang stirs a bit when Seonghwa caresses his cheek, but soon returns to his slumber. The older man gently traces the slope of his nose, the outline of his cheeks, his gorgeous birthmark, and perfect eyebrows. He moves to his bottom lip, gently pressing his thumb against it, testing if it's as soft as it looks.

It is.

Staring and staring for minutes on end, he memorizes the plains and contours of the younger's face. He sighs deeply, his breath fanning over the younger's face, slowly pulling him out of his slumber for good this time.

"Mmm…" he hums, his voice rumbling from having just woken up. It lights Seonghwa's insides on fire. "Hwa…?"

He doesn't reply, doesn't say anything, just lifts his eyes to meet sleepy ones.

"Good morning," Yeosang jokes, and when Seonghwa doesn't crack a grin at that, he takes in their positions on the sofa.

A hand is placed on his cheek and a thumb is caressing his cheek bone, Yeosang processes. The lethargy instantly leaves his body, feeling fully awake and aware of his senses, of each and every point where he and Seonghwa touch. They are pressed so close together, touching everywhere, sharing warmth. And the way Seonghwa is looking at him… God… His cheeks and ears burn.

A shy smile finds its way into the younger's face as he peers back at the lidded eyes that stare into his.

Unspoken words rest on the tips of their tongues. Seonghwa trails tentative fingers through Yeosang's long, silky hair and the younger hums prettily, the sound vibrating through the air between them. Seonghwa feels it in his chest, his heartbeat picking up.

Yeosang can't help himself, just has to steal a glance at the older's full lips in the heat of the moment, finding now a perfect opportunity to resume their earlier scene. He reaches his hands up, placing them on Seonghwa's shoulders, maybe to steady himself, he doesn't know. He looks back into the other's eyes, watching hopefully, seeing if he is receptive to his hints.

Seonghwa's throat feels dry, but he speaks anyway, looking as if in a trance. "I'm afraid…"

"Of what?" Yeosang asks, voice hushed.

"I don't know. What if I… What if we…-"

Yeosang flits between Seonghwa's eyes and his lips knowing the older wants the same thing as him.

His shifting eyes finally settle on the other's, holding his gaze as he speaks. "I'm afraid too… But I want you to listen to your heart. Don't hold yourself back."

"Then… If you'd let me, I'd like to act on what I'm feeling."

Yeosang tilts his head, listening intently.

"Can I kiss you?" he whispers.

"Please," Yeosang breathes out, his voice shaking, a repeat of the other night.

Seonghwa leans close, closing the little gap between them. Yeosang moves to wrap his arms around the older's neck, leaning up to press their chests together, closer, even if they are already touching everywhere. It isn't enough, it will never be enough.

Their lips slide against each other perfectly yet tentatively and it's like a romance novel in the way the world feels like it stops around them. After months of waiting, of dancing around each other, of being afraid of their own feelings, they finally can let go, breathing sharply through their noses so they can keep their lips connected for a little longer, sharing slow, sensual kisses that make both of their hearts race in their chests.

Seonghwa runs his hands down Yeosang's sides, the action making the blond's stomach fill with warmth. The older stops at his hips, rubbing his thumbs in circles, another repeat of a few nights ago as he licks his bottom lip cautiously.

Yeosang responds immediately, parting his lips as their kisses develop into open-mouthed ones, albeit still hesitant and slow.

Out of breath, Yeosang is the first to pull away. His now puffy lips remain parted, panting heavily as he stares into the other's eyes. He holds Seonghwa's face in his hands, then runs a hand through his hair. The older can do nothing but watch, shifting his gaze over the other's beautiful face.

"I've wanted you for so long… I've been waiting," Yeosang mumbles.

Seonghwa responds with his lips, connecting them to the younger's again, this time more certain of his actions, slowly moving to straddle his hips.

He nips at his bottom lip lightly, causing Yeosang to gasp into his mouth and move his arms around his neck again. He pulls them ever close as Seonghwa licks into his mouth, hot and wet. Yeosang shutters, faintly circling his tongue around the older's.

The pit of Seonghwa's stomach lights aflame at the younger's delightful receptiveness. His member twitches in his pants when Yeosang slides his tongue against his own with less hesitation, and when he feels Yeosang's growing erection poke against his thigh, he sucks in a sharp inhale through his nose.

A few more moments of kissing and sucking tongues go by when Seonghwa pulls away, looking at Yeosang with such intensity and disbelief that it makes Yeosang feel like he is a work of art.

"Do you want to move upstairs?"

Yeosang nods, breathing out an enamored, "Yes."

Seonghwa doesn't hesitate to pick him up from his spot on the sofa, quickly carrying him up the stairs as Yeosang takes this time to press his lips against his neck, wrapping his legs around Seonghwa's waist. He nips at the junction of his neck and shoulder, not sure if he can leave a possessive spot just yet.

When they reach a familiar bedroom, Seonghwa's, the older carefully places Yeosang on the bed then frames his face with his hands. He leans down and meets Yeosang's pink, wet lips again, this time chaste and sweet. Yeosang returns the kiss, clinging onto his forearms.

Pulling away, a wide smile makes its way onto Seonghwa's face. "So handsome, Yeosangie, so pretty after being kissed," he says from above him, tilting Yeosang's face up by his chin to peer at his kiss ridden lips.

When Yeosang's glassy eyes meet his, his cheeks flushed, Seonghwa's heart pangs.

He steps back before stripping away his shirt, revealing his skin inch by inch. The way Yeosang is looking at him, intent, ravenous, makes his member twitch again, hardening at a quick rate.

He peels off his pants as well and allows Yeosang to ogle at him before joining the other, pushing him down as he climbs on top of him again.

Yeosang runs his hands over his biceps and the strong muscles of his chest, out of breath. "How are you real…"

"I should be asking you that, Sang," he whispers, moving his fingertips to the hem on his shirt. "Can I?"

"Yes, please touch me," Yeosang sighs out, patience running thin.

Seonghwa trails his hands under the other's shirt, feeling the soft skin of his stomach.

His chest is so warm, Seonghwa notes as he reaches to tweak one of his nipples. When Yeosang releases a high pitched whine, lifting his hips automatically, the older smirks. "Sensitive?"

He lifts Yeosang's shirt enough to expose his pink buds. He moves his face closer, whispering "God, you are so beautiful…" before licking one of the hardened buds teasingly. He swirls his tongue around it as he pinches the other one, using his other hand to pin Yeosang's hip to the bed.

Teeth graze delicately against one of his nubs. Yeosang thrashes under the older's touch, covering his mouth to muffle his loud moans. It feels incredible, but his arousal is making him grow impatient.

"Please touch me, Seonghwa, ah… please, please, I need you," he pleads between his groans, attempting to lift his hips to alleviate some pressure off of his hard member.

It's been a long while since Seonghwa had last done something like this, but going by the younger's reactions, he thinks he's doing a damn good job so far.

"I am touching you, am I not?" he teases, pulling away and running his fingers through his hair tenderly. Yeosang whines when Seonghwa places his thigh between his legs, pressing it against his clothed cock.

Yeosang feels so incredibly hot and bothered, precum rubbing against the cloth of his underwear, the hand on his hip not allowing him to press farther against the other's thigh.

"Please," he whines simply.

"Do you want something, baby?" Seonghwa continues to tease, leaving a trail of open mouthed kisses along the column of his neck. Yeosang shivers at the pet name, a warm flush spreading across his cheeks as he tips his head back, exposing more of his skin.

"Please touch me… want you inside me."

"Are you sure?" Seonghwa asks seriously, his breath hitting the side of his neck, traces of his teasing suddenly gone. "Do you want to do that today? I mean, it's our first time…"

"I haven't been so sure of something in a long time," he tells him. "Please, I want you, need you."

Seonghwa moves off the bed and Yeosang watches him, alarmed. "Just grabbing the lube and a condom," he reassures, kissing his knee before he reaches for the materials, placed in the drawer of his nightstand.

He returns, walking over to the edge of the bed, and Yeosang watches as his big, still clothed cock tents his boxers. He reaches up, tugging at the older's waistband, "Take 'em off, wanna see you," he breathes.

The corners of Seonghwa's mouth tilt up. He pulls his member out of his boxers as he shimmys them down his legs, wanting to lighten the atmosphere a bit, but Yeosang just keeps his eyes trained on his now revealed, hard cock, shamelessly reaching into his pants to touch his own.

Soon, he stands in front of Seonghwa, pushing down his pants and peeling off his shirt. Seonghwa's breath hitches at the sight of his soft thighs, and Yeosang notices as his cock twitches again. He trails his eyes up the younger's body, taking notice of and appreciating his suprisingly muscular build.

Yeosang reaches his hand out, looking into the other's eyes for permission. He runs his fingertips over Seonghwa's length, then presses his thumb into the slit of his head, smearing the bead of precum that collected there. Seonghwa groans deliciously.

He presses his lips against the younger's again, holding his face and moaning into his mouth when Yeosang pumps him slowly, with a loose fist. "You're making me feel so good," he says against Yeosang's mouth.

Yeosang breaks away from the kiss first, kneeling down in front of Seonghwa. He takes the hint immediately, rooting a hand in the younger's hair. Yeosang looks up into his eyes as he hums, licking a stripe up Seonghwa's length, from his base to the tip.

The older throws his head back with a long groan as Yeosang presses his tongue into the slit of his cock, then gives him teasing kitten licks as his fingers press into the back of his thighs. He kisses his tip once, twice, then takes the head fully into his hot, wet mouth. Seonghwa sees stars.

"Fuck… Good boy, so pretty like this, just for me," he praises, gripping onto his hair harder. Yeosang moans around his cock at the words, loving the praise and attention. The vibrations make Seonghwa hiss. He bobs his head before bottoming out, the older's balls resting on his chin.

Seonghwa watches as his member disappears into the warmth of the younger's mouth, and the way Yeosang chokes momentarily as the tip prods at the back of his throat.

Tears gather at the corners of his eyes, and Seonghwa thinks of how sexy it'd be to fuck his mouth. Maybe another time, he decides, this surely not being their last as long as Yeosang doesn't want it to be.

The way Yeosang hollows his cheeks and keeps his tongue busy, licking the underside of his cock, makes precum pour out of him, allowing the younger to get a taste of him. Yeosang moves back and laps at it, holding him at his base.

Seonghwa can't keep quiet, mumbling words of appraisal between his groans. "Sang, I'm gonna cum if you keep this up," he places a hand under Yeosang's chin, pulling him away. "You did so good, such a good boy for me. Next time I'll let you go on longer."

Yeosang keens at the praise, shoving his hand into his underwear to palm his own cock. The pit of his stomach is on fire currently.

"Come on the bed, I'll give you what you want," he holds out a hand to him.

With his help, Yeosang returns to the bed, laying on his back immediately. Seonghwa places delicate fingertips on the elastic of the younger's underwear, asking him permission to remove them. Yeosang takes note of all the times he asked before doing anything; he knows the older man is ever sweet and considerate so he isn't surprised, but it doesn't take away from the sentiment of it.

He grants permission and watches as Seonghwa slowly peels the boxers off centimeter by centimeter until his member springs out, hitting his own stomach. Seonghwa inhales sharply, staring unabashed at his length.

He follows the trail of his body with his eyes, from his red, hard cock to his beautiful face, and the words leave his mouth seemingly without permission from his brain. "How are you possibly this perfect? God, Yeosangie, I'm so lucky…"

Seonghwa lays between his legs, spreading them before pressing kisses on his soft inner thighs. The pads of his fingers trail up and down the otherwise muscular limb, his touches feather-light.

"These are gonna be the death of me. I haven't stopped thinking about them since I first saw them that day we spent together…" He nips at his inner thigh, causing Yeosang to yelp, his chest, face, and ears enveloped by heat.

He probably shouldn't leave love marks, but the way Yeosang cries out at the scrape of his teeth against the soft flesh makes him reconsider. He sucks at one or two patches of skin, silently hoping to catch the blossoming of color sometime later, soothing the bruising spots with a swipe of his tongue. He'll take his time marking him up another day.

He reaches one of his hands up and begins to stroke the blond's length languidly, spreading his precum. Watching his reactions, he's mesmerized as the younger arches his back up towards the touch with a moan that comes from deep within his chest.

Seonghwa moves back and reaches for the lube with his free hand. He reluctantly removes his hand from the other's cock to spill some out on his fingers, spreading it across both hands. Yeosang whimpers momentarily at the loss of stimulation, his length aching to be pleased.

Seonghwa returns to pumping him soon after, rubbing the lube between the fingers of his other hand to warm it. "Are you sure you still want this?" he asks before he goes on.

"Yes, please, hnng," Yeosang breathes out.

Slowing down the hand that jerks his member, he gently circles a finger around the rim of Yeosang's entrance, just to tease. When Yeosang whines high pitched and needy from above him, he finally, slowly prods at the ring of muscle, then pushes into him up to his knuckle.

Yeosang tenses above him, releasing a choked off moan as he grips the bedsheets under him. "Is this okay? How are you feeling, Yeosangie?" he watches his expression closely.

"More, please, want more… Feels so good, Hwa," Yeosang mumbles, writhing at the feeling.

Seonghwa takes this as encouragement as he presses his finger in deeper, as far as it can go, before pulling it out nearly all the way. He thrusts it back in and creates a rhythm, working him open slowly.

Yeosang lets out a strangled sound, arching his back as Seonghwa flicks his wrist and fists his length faster, adding a second finger after a bit.

Seonghwa gives him time to adjust, slowly curling the fingers inside of him before resuming his movements, scissoring his fingers to prepare him for a third. "You're taking my fingers so well," Seonghwa hums approvingly. He matches the pace of his fingers to his stroking, Yeosang an endless supply of pleasured sounds.

"Another, I can take it…!" Yeosang pleads a few moments later, pushing down against his fingers. Seonghwa complies quickly, sliding in a third digit after pouring more lube onto his fingers. Seonghwa watches dazed as his fingers disappear into the younger's puckering hole, not really believing just who he is doing this with.

He quickens the hand that pumps Yeosang's cock, losing the pace he had set before, uncoordinated. Yeosang squeezes his eyes shut and bucks his hips. "Wait, Hwa, stop, please," he touches his arm, and Seonghwa freezes. "Gonna cum if you continue… Can I have you now?"

"Right, of course," Seonghwa gulps, his length straining, aching for release. He moves his hands away and watches as Yeosang's rim clenches around nothing, whimpering at the loss of touch. The knot in his stomach tightens at the sight.

Seonghwa opens the packet and rolls the condom down his length, then reaches for the lube, using it to slick himself up. "You've been so good for me, baby," he smiles at Yeosang as he pumps himself a few times to relieve some pressure. Yeosang returns the expression shyly and watches him, his neediness overwhelming. He would touch himself but he's so sensitive he's afraid he will cum on the spot.

Finding his place between his legs again, he lines himself up with Yeosang's entrance. Before pushing in, he leans down and presses a long, slow kiss against his lips. Yeosang returns it, cupping his face with a hand.

"I can't believe I get to have you like this," he murmurs into his mouth. Yeosang smiles into their kiss, thinking the exact same. It melts Seonghwa's heart.

Seonghwa uses his other hand to hold the base of his cock as he rubs his tip against the other's entrance. Yeosang whines, wiggling his hips, trying to quicken the process.

Soon, after uttering a warning to prepare him, Seonghwa pops his throbbing head inside of Yeosang. He uses his other hand to push the back of the Yeosang's knee up against his chest, pressing him harder against the bed.

He has his lips on Yeosang's to distract him from the pressure, hardly a kiss in the way they breathe against each other's mouths.

The younger man hisses and stiffens, holding onto the Seonghwa's bicep as he slowly, slowly slides in deeper, bottoming out.

Yeosang is so tight and hot that Seonghwa groans into his mouth, licking into it once more before pulling his head back to look at the expression on the blond's face. Yeosang meets his eyes, his eyebrows knitted together, and feels around for the older's hand, clasping it tightly when he finds it.

"Fuck, Sang… So tight around me," Seonghwa groans, momentarily starting with a gentle pace to allow Yeosang to adjust to the intrusion. He thrusts in and out a few centimeters at a time, going further in each time.

"Feel so full… faster, I'm so close already," Yeosang whines needily. The older complies, thrusting into him at a quicker, steady pace. Yeosang throws his head back and groans each time Seonghwa's hips meet his own.

"Mm, you're taking me so well, Yeosangie, feel so good around my cock," he hums, reaching up to tweak one of his nipples.

Their moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin fills the room. Seonghwa moves his free hand to Yeosang's hip, holding it down as he speeds up his thrusts, now rough and rhythmic and ever deeper as Yeosang scratches at his back.

Seonghwa allows his eyes to graze over the younger, trailing from his sweat slicked bangs and mouth that hangs open to his red, dripping cock. He growls deep in his throat at the view, squeezing Yeosang's hand hard, the younger's hole swallowing his length deliciously.

Possessiveness fills Seonghwa's senses, spurs his actions as he leans down to graze his teeth against the younger's neck, the angle allowing him to push his cock further in still, his tip now pressing against his prostate with every thrust. Yeosang practically yells at that, precum leaking from his tip, begging for release. "There…! There, please," Yeosang sobs.

Seonghwa kisses along his collarbone as he slams into the spot repeatedly, latching onto his skin with his teeth, leaving red-tinged marks low enough on his chest to be covered by his shirt later. Yeosang's walls squeeze around his length each time he thrusts in, quickly driving Seonghwa closer to the edge. "You feel so good, baby," Seonghwa groans against his flushed skin.

"Seonghwa… hah, I'm gonna cum, please, please," Yeosang pleads desperately, gripping his shoulder and hand as if they were his life source. Seonghwa moves his hand from his hip, wedging it into the space between their bodies to stroke his cock, rushed and uncoordinated, his grip firm as he chases his own orgasm.

"Cum for me, Yeosangie," Seonghwa mumbles into the younger's ear on a particularly rough thrust, ecstasy lighting his veins on fire, his stomach tightening unbelievably fast.

Tightening the muscles of his rim, it's one, two more flicks of the wrist and Yeosang's coming with a loud cry, covering their stomachs and Seonghwa's hand with streaks of white.

As he milks the younger, he watches Yeosang's expression contort, his mouth hanging open widely as the pleasure runs through his body, causing him to shiver under him. Seonghwa slows his thrusts, allowing the other to catch his breath, but not a moment later does Yeosang squeeze his hand and wiggle his hips, breathing out, "No, want you to keep going, cum for me."

Seonghwa feels the coil of arousal deep in his stomach unravel at the words, desperately and sloppily slamming into the younger, moving both of his hands to hold Yeosang's hips.

The younger writhes under him, body experiencing a mix of pleasure and pain, but he wants Seonghwa to release as well.

As he nears his climax, Seonghwa presses his face into the junction of Yeosang's neck. Once he reaches the peak of it, he groans loudly, his hips stuttering wildly as he spills into the condom.

Seconds later, his body falls limp on top of the man under him and just breathes against him, his hot breath fanning against Yeosang's already sweaty neck, not caring that he landed in the pool of cum on Yeosang's stomach.

Yeosang allows him to come down from his high, running his hand through his hair. "You did so good, felt so good," Seonghwa mumbles against his skin, post-orgasm drowsiness hitting him. Yeosang hums in response, a crimson colored flush spreading across his face.

Seonghwa nuzzles the skin of his neck and kisses it lazily while carefully pulling himself out of the younger. Yeosang winces momentarily.

"As much as I love being squished by you, you're kinda heavy and we're gross right now."

"Aaaand there it is," Seonghwa grins, boxy and bright. He picks his head up, looking down at Yeosang's blissed out face, his eyes droopy and dazed but bright.

He pecks the younger man's lips a few times, more times than either of them have the patience to count. "Let's stay like this a little longer," he mumbles against his lips before he rolls onto his side, facing Yeosang.

The younger turns to face him as well, and they just smile at each other, enamored. "How long have you, um, been wanting this…?" Seonghwa asks hesitantly, thumbing at Yeosang's bare hip. His mind momentarily flashes to the thought of Yeosang rocking on his lap, down on his length. He stores the thought away for later, clearing his throat.

Yeosang hums, tracing shapes on Seonghwa's chest as he thinks of his response. "Not sure of the exact moment, but seeing how reliable, handsome, sexy, and caring you are made it hard for me not to," he explains shyly.

He draws a big heart where Seonghwa's actual heart is located with the tip of his index finger, causing the older's breath to hitch.

Seonghwa takes his hand with his clean one and lifts it up to his face, kissing the back of it charmingly, then his wrist, where his pulse has increased.

"I want to cuddle but we're gross, like you said," Seonghwa sighs dejectedly. Yeosang pouts, nodding. "How about we take a quick shower then come back to bed? We still have some time before we have to pick up Jangmi," he suggests.

Seonghwa nods excitedly at the plans, quickly standing up from the bed. Yeosang huffs, slowly sitting up, "Not too fast, I'm kinda sore." Seonghwa blushes up to his ears knowing he's the one who put him in that state.

Yeosang winces as he gets off the bed, using Seonghwa's arm as leverage.

Seonghwa allows the younger to use the bathroom connected to his bedroom, and when Yeosang asks why he doesn't join him, he tells him he's much too shy to and that he'll take the bathroom downstairs.

Yeosang chuckles, shaking his head to himself after he enters the bathroom, closing the door behind him. 'Only Park Seonghwa would be nervous to take a shower with someone he just fucked silly,' he thinks to himself. 'Unbelievable. I love him.'

*

When Yeosang exits the shower, honestly taking longer than necessary, he wraps a towel Seonghwa told him he could use, clean and unused. He peaks into the room, surprised to not see the older man.

He goes into Seonghwa's drawer, taking out one of his large shirts and a pair of shorts. After putting them on, he skips downstairs, looking around for the other, ignoring the panicky, abandoned feeling slowly creeping up his gut.

Thankfully, he catches a glance of the older's dark hair peeking from behind the counter. He sneaks up on him from behind and jumps on him, making the older yelp in surprise.

"Hi, you," Yeosang giggles in his ear, hugging him around his neck.

A smile decorates Seonghwa's face at the sound.

He places his hands on the back of Yeosang's thighs and lifts him up, effortlessly giving him a piggyback ride. He zooms to the sofa, placing Yeosang down on it, a fit of giggles and shimmering eyes.

"Gosh, you scared me! Making me think you left or something…"

"Leaving my own house?" he lifts an eyebrow, amused. Yeosang scratches his nape bashfully at that. "Anyway, I'm here, and I'm all yours."

"You better be," Yeosang pouts. "Why're you down here?"

"Oh, I was just gonna clean. We didn't really get to since we were… distracted."

"Let me help!"

"No, it's okay, I'll be done soon!"

"If I help you that means we finish earlier and can cuddle," Yeosang insists.

"That is a compelling argument," Seonghwa grins. "Alright, can you take care of the flour on the table while I wash the dishes?" Yeosang nods enthusiastically.

Minutes into wiping the counter, he realizes how domestic this scene is once again, but this time, he's in Seonghwa's clothes and they just… made love. Well, had sex, but there was definitely something more to it. His cheeks warm up, knowing this has the chance to develop into something real, long term.

He looks at Seonghwa who has his back turned towards him. He smiles to himself then walks over, wrapping his arms around the older's waist from behind.

"Thank you," he says simply.

Seonghwa continues on with the dishes but his mind belongs somewhere else. His lips twitch upwards. "Why are you thanking me?"

"I dunno honestly. For everything?" he ends in a question.

Seonghwa shuts off the tap water before drying his hands on a nearby rag. He turns towards the younger, still enveloped in his arms.

He stares at Yeosang's face, his gaze calculating, and it makes Yeosang feel shy if not nervous. He wraps his arms around his neck, pulling him close for a tight hug.

"Imagine if I had never met you… How bland my life was and still would be without you," Seonghwa starts, speaking into his ear softly. "How will I send you home today? It's already been hard but goodness, after today… You have a place in this house and in my heart, it feels void without you."

Yeosang inhales sharply, not prepared for the words he's told. "You… What if I told you I don't want to leave, not today or ever? Will you have me?" 'It's irrational, right? It has to be, even after the events of today.'

"I want you here forever and longer."

Yeosang sighs in relief, his breath shaky. "And Jangmi…?"

"Jangmi may adore you even more than I do, honestly. If only you heard the way she speaks of you," he smiles fondly against Yeosang's cheek. "You've impacted our lives so greatly, don't you see that?" he murmurs, leaning back to look at Yeosang.

The happiness Yeosang feels knowing he's wanted, knowing he's appreciated so deeply, presents itself clearly, stretched across his lips in the form of a beam, twinkling in his eyes. It knocks the air out of Seonghwa's lungs.

Radiance bounces off of him, the setting sun causing a golden effect on his skin, making him look so warm and bright. Seonghwa's clothing envelopes his small frame, so in place in this house he has made his presence known in.

Happiness sits beautifully on his face, through his actions, everyday, but especially on this day. It's contagious, filling Seonghwa's bones with shared joy

With it the feeling in Seonghwa's chest, the urge to let it all out, spill his truth in the form of words into the world, to detach himself from the last thread that holds him back amplifies tenfold.

Words rest on the tip of his tongue, and before he knows it, they're spoken into the space between them.

"I love you, Yeosang."

Heat rises to Yeosang's face immediately, his mouth gaping open and close, trying to find words to say, although he knows he feels the same. His mind dumbly supplies an "um" and his mouth follows the command, uttering that and that only.

With furrowed eyebrows Seonghwa starts to move away, mumbling a, "Sorry, I must've read this wron-" before he's cut off by Yeosang. "Don't," he says simply.

Panic rises in Seonghwa's chest, freezing in his spot, before the younger continues. "I'm just surprised. God, Seonghwa, I love you too… I was so afraid, constantly telling myself it was all wishful thinking. To think you feel the same is…"

Seonghwa holds his face in his hands. "I was afraid too, so worried considering our… situation until a little birdie reminded me that we're human first," he makes a mental note to himself to thank Hongjoong later. "I love you so much and I can't keep it hidden anymore, keep denying myself, like you said. You've made your place in my life, my heart, our house."

Yeosang practically jumps into his arms, planting a kiss onto his lips, barely a kiss in the way he can't stop smiling.

Tenderness overwhelms Yeosang, he has never felt this with anyone else, never such a deep and precious love.

A toothy grin spreads across Seonghwa's face as well and their teeth click, making them laugh. They cling onto each other, elated, a little hysterical with their giggling.

"You know, Hwa, we got it all backwards," Yeosang says through his giggles. "We made love then you decided to go and confess afterwards… You're such a perv!"

Seonghwa deadpans jokingly. "Last time I checked, you're the one who looked at my lips first on the sofa. You basically initiated it!"

"Nuh-uh, you kissed me first. How'd you spring all of this onto me in the same afternoon, anyway? It's like you want my heart to explode." He purses his lips.

Seonghwa plants a peck on his pouty lips. "You just look extra radiant today. Extra beautiful. I couldn't help myself."

"Cheesy," Yeosang teases, scrunching his nose before sparing a glance at the time. "Oh, it's almost time to pick up Jangmi!"

"One more thing before we go?"

Yeosang tilts his head curiously in response.

"I love you."

Yeosang runs away playfully and Seonghwa chases him, laughter bubbling out of him as he nags the younger to say it back.

*

They arrive at Jangmi's friend's house together, and when Seojin's mother refers to them as Jangmi's parents, neither of them go to correct her.

Jangmi hugs both men tight, grinning brightly at them. She timidly waves goodbye to Seojin and her mother, then enters the car with Yeosang's help.

On the drive back home, Seonghwa asks how her playdate went.

After explaining the events of her day, Jangmi asks, "What did you do with Kang Yeosang, daddy?"

Seonghwa flushes scarlet, reflecting on their long evening, alone, together.

"Yeah, Seonghwa, what did we do together? I forgot," Yeosang, the little shit, teases.

"Um, we just talked and baked cookies and cupcakes. We saved some for you, our princess," Seonghwa replies after clearing his throat.

Yeosang is suddenly a ball of giggles and Seonghwa spares a glance at him, confused.

"Jangmi, remember when we baked cookies and you were thinking of eating them all without your daddy? You were so funny on that day!" The little girl giggles into her hand. "You were thinkin' about it too, not only me!"

Seonghwa shakes his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "You're both so fake. Who bought that cookie mix in the first place?"

"Sorry, daddy," Jangmi continues giggling, Yeosang laughing harder now. Seonghwa has to bite his lips not to join them.

The atmosphere is so lovely, so easy. Seonghwa's two favorite sounds, Yeosang and Jangmi's laughs, the most beautiful expression of joy, fill his ears. He could get used to this, to them spending time together, just the three of them, a little but complete family.

When he looks through the rear-view mirror and sees the wonderful, bright beam on Jangmi and Yeosang's faces, holding each other as they laugh, he knows for sure this is right.

*EPILOGUE*

That night, Yeosang steps away from his two loves to give his friends, the other loves of his life, a call.

Wooyoung picks up the video call with pursed lips and a complaint in his voice, "Yeosaaang, how could you do this to us?"

Yeosang sits there amusedly as he prepares to share the news with his friends, watching and listening to the three complain and whine for a few moments.

"Okay, but once you guys hear what happened while I was alone with Seonghwa, here, in his house, you're gonna shut up real quick."

"ALONE?!"

"Dear God… Did he raw you after all?!"

"Not raw but… yes," Yeosang whispers, and chaos ensues.

San whips out his phone at the speed of light, blasting the song "I Just Had Sex" at the highest volume possible. The camera view shakes as Wooyoung yells at the top of his lungs, then drops the phone to shake poor Yunho's shoulders wildly.

"WAIT STOP, are we getting him a cake? We have to get him a cake," he hears Yunho say as if he's not there.

Wooyoung hastily picks up the phone again, his face coming into view. "We need every single detail, like I want to feel as if I was there with you."

"In your dreams," Yeosang makes a disgusted face. "I'm not shameless like you and San!"

"It was one time, the sex was just really goo-"

"Wooyoung if you say one more word I'm literally gonna kick your ass to Pluto."

Yunho snatches the phone out of his hand. "Any other good news?" he asks hopefully.

Yeosang hears Wooyoung whine, "Sanie, Sang's being mean to me again!" He rolls his eyes before continuing.

"We… We feel the same way towards each other," his tone gently, still not believing it himself.

San pops onto the screen now, dimples galore, "I'm happy for you, Yeosang. You deserve all the love in the world!" Yeosang smiles shyly, he loves his friends.

There's a knock at the door and Yeosang turns, seeing Seonghwa enter. "Oh, are you on a call? Sorry, I'll come back in a-," he starts, but Yeosang interrupts, "Do you want to meet my friends?"

The other side of the line is quiet, his friends listening to their interaction. When Seonghwa nods and scoots onto the bed behind Yeosang, placing his chin on his shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist, his friends all share a look between each other then greet him, introducing themselves.

"So you're the one who stole Yeosang's heart, huh?" Wooyoung's loud voice demands, squinting at him through the phone. "What are your intentions with him, big man?"

"Wooyoung," Yeosang warns jokingly.

"So you're the ones who were drinking during daytime earlier?" he stifles his laughter, already feeling comfortable with the boys. When the three of them gasp, he chuckles, loud and bright. Yeosang rubs the pads of his fingers against Seonghwa's scalp, giggling.

"No, but seriously, I only have good intentions. I love Yeosang, I've been feeling this way for a long, long time. I hope you don't mind that I'm keeping him for the night though," Seonghwa smiles, leaning into Yeosang's hand.

"And what about that night you walked Yeosang home? What did you do to him on that day?" San interrogates, amused.

"I simply walked him home from the restaurant we ate dinner together in," he answers, voice steady and sure.

"And I thought Wooyoung and San were gross when they first got together," Yunho murmurs.

"Hey! We still are gross," San purses his lips.

"Yeah, but you guys aren't newlyweds like these two," he refers to Yeosang and Seonghwa. Flush rises to Yeosang's cheeks and he quickly sputters out, "O-Okay, I've had enough of you all, bye," before hanging up the call despite the yells coming from his friends.

He turns his gaze towards Seonghwa who has an amused smile on his face. "Your friends are just as odd as you," he laughs into Yeosang's ear, melting away his embarrassment.

"Odd in a good way?" Yeosang pouts.

"Odd in the best way."