Archive of Our Own

“Hello, is this Mr Yoon Jeonghan?”

“Yes that’s me.” Jeonghan furrowed his eyebrows, tilting his head to balance his phone against his ear while he pressed CTRL+S on his laptop. “Who is this?”

“Hi, it’s Ms Lia Kim, your building manager.” the lady responded. “There seems to be a delivery for you Mr Yoon.”

“A delivery? I was not expecting anything.” Jeonghan said. “Maybe it’s for another unit.”

“Sir the delivery is addressed to your unit, and there is a card with your name on the envelope.”

“What was delivered?”

“500 bouquets.”

“Excuse me?!”

“To be exact, 542 flower bouquets. All different shapes and sizes. The deliverymen have come and laid all the bouquets out on the floor in the lobby.”

“What?!” Jeonghan ran a hand through his hair in shock, eyes wide in disbelief. “No this can’t be, is this a prank?”

“I am afraid not sir, and the flowers are blocking the flow of traffic and causing some disturbance. Sir, if you wouldn’t mind, I think it would be best if you could come here as soon as possible to sort this out.”

“Jesus.” Jeonghan looked at the time on his laptop and groaned. “I’m nearing the end of my day at work, could you just push some bouquets aside and make like a walkway or something? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Very well sir, thank you.”

Jeonghan put his phone down and realized his building manager had actually texted him before she called him. He clicked inside the chat and his jaw dropped at the photos. She wasn’t kidding, it was practically an ocean of flowers, roses of all different shapes and sizes and colours, lined up from the building doors to the receptionist table. A cold shiver ran down his spine. There was only one person who would do this, and if that person really did, Jeonghan would murder him.

“Mr. Lee,” Jeonghan had his work bag over his shoulder. “I need to get off now, there’s an emergency in my building.”

“What kind of emergency?” his boss asked, raising an eyebrow.

“There’s a leak in my apartment.” Jeonghan made a face. “Got the floors wet and everything.”

“Okay then, I hope you get it sorted.” his boss nodded before returning to his work. Jeonghan passed Jisoo, his best friend in the teacher’s office who made a face at him. Jeonghan signalled that he would text him afterwards but first, he had to go and sort this “leak” out.

It was absolutely worse than he thought. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight of 500 and more bouquets of roses, sitting in his building lobby. The staff have carved out a lane where people could pass and Jeonghan wanted to die of embarrassment. There were old folks muttering as they walked past, kids squealing as their mums dragged them away so that they wouldn’t touch it. Ms Kim was at the counter, a frown on her face suggests that she was not as amused as the kids by the sight.

“Mr. Yoon.” She tipped her head.

“This is ridiculous.” Jeonghan said. “You said there was a card?”

“Here you are.”

Jeonghan took the card and immediately he felt his fingers twitching. The insignia on the back of the envelope spelled Choi. There truly was only one person that would do this, and two years ago Jeonghan had burned his clothes and kicked him in the balls.

“Fucking Seungjoon.” Jeonghan cursed as he tore the card open. “I don’t want…”

“Is it someone you know sir?”

“I…” Jeonghan stared at the card in shock. “Who…”

All that was written in the card were two words: I’m back. Then, at the right-hand corner there wrote: from the desk of Choi Seungcheol.

“Seungcheol?” Jeonghan bought a hand to his mouth. “It can’t be. There’s no way…”

But it has to be, it said so on the card.

Jeonghan thought the flowers were from his ex-boyfriend Seungjoon, but instead they were from his ex’s younger brother Seungcheol. The same Seungcheol Jeonghan hadn’t seen in two years after that fateful night Jeonghan decided to end his relationship.

“I… I have to go.” Jeonghan slipped the card into his back pocket. “I am so sorry about this, could you send every unit in this building a bouquet and tell them I sincerely apologize for the commotion. Whatever that is remaining, use it to decorate the building or take some home to your family.”

“Well, you should have one too then.” Ms Lia Kim handed Jeonghan a bouquet. Roses, deep, dark, beautiful red roses with a soft elegant scent to them. Jeonghan hadn’t seen roses this beautiful since that cursed night.

Jeonghan took the bouquet and bowed deeply. He pulled his hoodie over his face a little more as he took the elevator and rushed up to his apartment. He stepped inside and pressed his back against the door to breathe for a few minutes. He reopened his eyes and looked back down at the roses in his arms and realized he wasn’t dreaming.

Seungcheol was home, and he was looking for him.

Jeonghan placed the bouquet on his counter and grabbed his phone. He dialled his friend Mingyu’s number. “Mingyu?”

“Hi hyung, what’s up?” Mingyu answered.

“You told me the other day that you were transferred out of Seungjoon’s private office to report to a new boss.” Jeonghan said. “Do you know who that new boss is?”

“Oh I do, it’s his younger brother Seungcheol. He just came back from London a week ago.”

“Have you started working for him?”

“Not in full, I’m still in transition. Why do you ask?”

“Do you have his number?”

“I do, but why do you need it hyung?”

Jeonghan sighed, fully aware he sounded insane. “Where is he then?”

“He should be at home I guess? He left for the gym two hours ago.”

“Where is he staying?”

“At Ami Place. You should know where that is.”

Jeonghan does, in fact. Like the back of his hand.

“Thanks.”

“Hyung you still haven’t…” Jeonghan ended the call too early to hear what else Mingyu had to say as he started calling for a taxi to Ami Place. Seungjoon used to live there. It was a place Jeonghan had spent many months, laughing, crying, loving with the man he thought was the love of his life. Jeonghan hadn’t stepped foot near that building or the entire neighbourhood for that matter since they broke up.

It wasn’t super hard for Jeonghan to find which floor Seungcheol was on. He was pretty chummy with the building receptionist Mr. Park. He was an older, middle-aged man with a Santa Claus style laughter and Harry Potter glasses. In fact, he smiled when Jeonghan showed up like he spotted his son returning from war. “Mr. Yoon!”

“Parkie!” that was Jeonghan’s nickname for him. “It’s been a while.”

“So it has, though I am afraid if you’re here to see Seungjoon, the young master is no longer staying with us.”

“I’m not here for him, I’m here for his younger brother.”

“Oh, well then he’s on the 23rd floor. Just one floor below.”

“Thank you.” Jeonghan smiled. “Say hi to the wife and kids for me!”

“That’s very kind of you.” Mr. Park laughed.

Jeonghan’s hands didn’t start shaking until he was in the elevator and the attendant pressed “23” for him. Jeonghan hadn’t seen Seungcheol in years. In fact they weren’t particularly close at all. In Jeonghan’s memory, Seungcheol was just Seungjoon’s younger brother. They were about 4 years apart, and aside from sharing a father, they were not alike each other in any way. Seungjoon had never mentioned much about his brother, because they attended different schools and Seungcheol was raised by his maternal grandmother for the early part of his life. Seungcheol was kind of like cameo throughout Jeonghan’s relationship with Seungjoon. A side character that barely had lines but was just there to fill in the screen.

Until that one night.

Jeonghan walked down the corridor, heavy footsteps thudding against the carpeted floors. These dark walls elicit so many memories, not all of them pleasant. There was only one unit on level 23. Jeonghan knocked on the door and held his breath.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Jeonghan let out the breath he was holding and inhaled again. “Oh my god, it’s really you.”

“It’s been a while.” Seungcheol smiled. “Nice to see you again, Yoon Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan will blame it on the fact that he hadn’t seen Seungcheol in years but there is something about a man in a sleeveless white tank top and sweatpants, leaning against the door with his black hair slightly wet as if he just came out of the shower. Big brown eyes, jawline carved by gods, plump lips and a small dimple that appeared anytime he smiled.

“I take it you got my flowers?”

“So you did send them.” Jeonghan blinked. “Hang on this is ridiculous.”

“Why?”

“You can’t just… I mean we hardly know each other.” Jeonghan raised a finger in front of him. “Don’t do that again.”

“You came all the way here to tell me not to send you flowers?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow in amusement and Jeonghan’s blood started pumping in his veins. “You could have called, you could have texted, I know you still keep in contact with Mingyu so I knew you would find out my details through him, however I must admit I am surprised you came here.”

“I…” Jeonghan stuttered. “Listen, you disappeared for two years and all of a sudden just reappear with a flood of flowers, which by the way was a real annoyance to my building manager, you should apologize for that, you expected me to sit around and do nothing?”

“So you drove all the way here to see me?”

“I took a cab but that’s beside the point.”

“I think that is the point.” Seungcheol’s smile was getting wider and wider and Jeonghan was teetering between embarrassment and rage from being taunted like this. “Listen, my brother screwed up big time, but I’m not sorry he did.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s an idiot, and you’re too good for him.” Seungcheol said. “Do you remember that day my brother got your number at the bookstore?”

“I do.”

“I was there too.” Seungcheol said. “I was going to get yours first, but then a little kid needed help reaching for a book and when I turned around, my brother was already talking to you.”

“Are you serious?” Jeonghan blinked. This was the first time he was hearing this story. Of course, he remembered that day. A handsome man approached him at the bookstore, asking him for book recommendations and then getting his number afterwards. That was the only time he had ever given his number to somebody else, and it changed his life forever.

“I have no reason to lie about this.” Seungcheol said. “And I’m not going to miss out on another opportunity.”

“What opportunity?”

“My brother is getting married in four months, to Adeline Wong, the Hong Kong tycoon’s daughter.”

“Oh.” Jeonghan said. “I didn’t know that.”

“The invitations are out. It’s going to be a grand party and all that shit. He thinks that by marrying the eldest daughter and heir to the casino fortune, he’ll win my grandfather’s favour to be named deputy CEO of the company.”

“What’s this got to do with me?”

“Would you like to get revenge on my brother?” Seungcheol said. “For all the shit he put you through, for the way he embarrassed you and kept you hidden like you were a shameful object that he couldn’t bring himself to love.”

“I…” Jeonghan licked his bottom lip. “How am I supposed to do that?”

“It’s simple. Be my boyfriend.” Seungcheol smiled. “Come to the wedding as my date. You’re the only person I know who knows my brother intimately, especially in the last few years. If we embarrass him enough, we can prove to my grandfather he doesn’t deserve that position and potentially save the family and company from future ruin.”

“If he doesn’t deserve it, then who does? You?”

Seungcheol breathed in deeply and made a face. “Yes.”

“And what do I get out of it?”

“Anything your heart desires.” Seungcheol said. “You name it, you got it.”

Jeonghan looked down at his feet, then at Seungcheol’s feet, and then slowly trailed his eyes up his six-foot-tall frame to his face and eventually to his eyes. “That’s incredibly tempting.”

“We could discuss more of this over a meal.” Seungcheol said. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Shit.” Jeonghan grabbed his phone to check the time. “I uh… I have a kid’s party to attend tonight.”

“Okay, how about tomorrow?”

“I’m good for tomorrow.”

“Give it to me.” Seungcheol extended a hand and Jeonghan placed his phone in it. Seungcheol keyed in his number and saved his contact under the name Seungcheol. He pressed “call”, waited for a few rings and ended the call. “Now I have yours and you have mine. I’ll text you.”

“Okay, sure.” Jeonghan checked his phone. “Shit I have to go.”

“I understand. I’ll see you next time.” Seungcheol said. “By the way, did you like it?”

“Like what?”

“The flowers.”

“Oh.” Jeonghan felt his cheeks heat up. “They are beautiful.”

“I’m glad.” Seungcheol smiled. “There’s more where those came from.”

Jeonghan nodded and walked away, feeling Seungcheol’s eyes on his back as he slowly made his way to the elevator. He waved at Seungcheol one last time before closing the elevator door, and then his knees gave way as he collapsed on the ground.

What the FUCK just happened?

****************************************

Jeonghan has always prided himself in being the brains of the family. He was witty and smart. He did well in school and those around him would hardly ever describe him as gullible. Jeonghan thought he at least had common sense in him, but senses seem to fail when cupid hits its arrow, and love truly turns a man into a fool.

Hindsight is 20/20, and looking back there were certain flags and clues that should have hit Jeonghan like a monster truck regarding the kind of man Seungjoon would turn out to be. He was just a young adult when they first met. Final year in college, strolling in a bookstore, soon to be graduating in 6 months. Seungjoon was about four years older, and charmingly handsome. He was friendly and funny, and working as a manager in a big firm. He was like a mentor to Jeonghan, coaching him on how to do well in interviews, how to handle the corporate world, and when Jeonghan was tired of the toxic environment in his first job, Seungjoon offered him one in his current company Star Industries. Jeonghan was excited and stunned to learn that on his first day at work, the cute manager/boyfriend that introduced him was not just a manager, but the direct heir to the whole company.

“You never told me your grandfather is the CEO!” Jeonghan had chastised him after dinner, smacking his chest.

“Please darling, I didn’t mean to deceive you.” Seungjoon pouted. “It’s just I don’t really like to admit my relations to my grandfather. I want to be someone of my own merit, without relying on the family name.”

“But I am your boyfriend, I am supposed to know all this! I almost made a social faux pas at work today.”

“It’s fine, they will just think it’s a newbie mistake. By the way, did you tell the office we were dating?”

“No of course not.”

“Good. HR wouldn’t enjoy this if they found out, and office politics are already a mess, let’s not make it complicated.”

At the time, Jeonghan thought Seungjoon was just trying to protect them. It certainly made sense, but his best friend Hong Jisoo didn’t think so. “Why didn’t he tell you?” Jisoo scowled.

“He said he didn’t want to rely on his connections and his birth right to get to where he is.”

“But it’s not like you don’t know him, he kept this from you for two years.” Jisoo curled his lip up in disgust. “If you hadn’t needed a job, was he never going to tell you?”

“I don’t know.” Jeonghan blinked. “I never thought about that.”

“Hmm.” Jisoo said nothing and continued with his lunch.

Jisoo’s disdain for Seungjoon should have been a clue (to be fair, Jisoo has never liked any of the men Jeonghan dated). Still, Jeonghan ignored it. The two of them kept their relationship a secret in the office, texting only on their personal phones, taking separate lifts, never seen together in meetings etc. It had gotten to the point where Seungjoon didn’t even want Jeonghan to acknowledge him in the office outside of professional reasons. During Seungjoon’s birthday, the whole office threw him a tiny party and surprised him with a cake. Jeonghan had to pretend he didn’t know anything and write in the birthday card “Happy birthday Mr. Choi, have a good day”.

Jeonghan could count on one hand the number of times he had met Seungjoon’s family, even after dating him for a almost 5 years. Seungjoon said it was because his family was always so busy, and he preferred to stay at his apartment in Ami Place with Jeonghan. Jisoo argued that Seungjoon was keeping Jeonghan in the dark and he was secretly jealous and worried Jeonghan would upstage him. Jeonghan was doing well in the office and his direct superiors really like him. In fact, Jeonghan was one of the most popular people in the whole office.

“Why would Seungjoon be jealous of me? I’m just a lowly legal associate.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes when Jisoo bought it up.

“Because you are clearly well liked and he isn’t. You already said Seungjoon has enemies in the office.”

“Yeah, because there are people fighting for his position.”

“Or maybe he’s just an asshole.”

“He’s just determined.”

“Determination is baking the same meringue recipe a thousand times in order to get the right consistency. Hiding your secret boyfriend in the office and refusing to acknowledge them is gaslighting and a lack of respect for HR policy.” Jisoo said.

Still, Jeonghan was stubborn (and blind). Jisoo doesn’t know anything. He doesn’t know what Seungjoon is planning. Seungjoon wants to be promoted to the company’s London office, and he would take Jeonghan with him. They would be married there and they would live together in holy matrimony for the rest of their lives. It was a perfect plan.

Until it wasn’t.

Seungjoon’s grandfather, Chairman Choi, was hosting a guest from Hong Kong. A hotel and casino tycoon, someone the chairman had known and worked with for a long time. There wasn’t a lot of detail about the guest’s visit since it was a private family event, and Seungjoon didn’t say anything. However, Jeonghan was friends with Kim Mingyu, Seungjoon’s private secretary and he was the one who told Jeonghan that a grand dinner was held in the family mansion for the guest, inviting all of their close friends, family and even some of the company’s top management.

“Didn’t Seungjoon say anything?”

“No.” Jeonghan said. “It’s fine, I bet those parties are stressful anyways.”

“They are.” Mingyu complained. “And they make us do all the planning.”

Jeonghan tried to wipe off the party thing from his mind, using work as an excuse to drown his thoughts. Then one day, while Jeonghan was at Seungjoon’s apartment in Ami Place, waiting for him to return from the gym, his stepmother stopped by.

“Mrs. Choi,” Jeonghan stuttered. He had only met his boyfriend’s mother twice over the course of their relationship. “Are you here for Seungjoon?”

“I am. I was in the neighbourhood and his father asked to drop off his suit, so I thought I would stop by.” Mrs Choi smiled. Seungjoon always described his relationship with his stepmother as “distant” but in Jeonghan’s memory, Mrs. Choi had always been really nice and kind to him. She was a Seungjoon’s former preschool teacher, who met Seungjoon’s father routinely during pick up and eventually fell in love with him.

“Sure, I’ll hand it over to him.”

“Thank you, I’ll see you at the party this Saturday.”

“Oh, uh…” Jeonghan bit his bottom lip. “Sorry I won’t be there.”

“Why not?” Mrs. Choi tilted her head to one side.

“I have something else planned.” Jeonghan lied. He didn’t want to tell her he wasn’t invited.

“Oh but it’s a really important dinner, and you have never met Seungjoon’s grandfather right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then you should come. If you’re going to be Seungjoon’s future husband you should know the family.” she said. “I’ll talk to Seungjoon about this.”

“No no it’s okay.” Jeonghan said. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Good.” Mrs. Choi smiled. “So I’ll see both of you there.”

That, was the beginning of the end.

When Seungjoon returned and Jeonghan told him what happened, Seungjoon was furious. He said his stepmother shouldn’t be inviting people behind his back and Jeonghan snapped at him. They fought that night and Jeonghan stormed out. The next morning, Seungjoon called to apologize, saying he would pick Jeonghan up on Saturday.

Jeonghan had spent all day stressed over the dinner. He worried about what to wear, what to say. He dragged Jisoo shopping with him and he even asked him to do his makeup.

“There’s nothing to cover.” Jisoo said, throwing his concealer aside after dabbing a dot on his face. “Your skin is gorgeous.”

“You think so?”

“I say this a lot and probably you don’t believe me, but you are genuinely one of the most handsome and stunning people I know.” Jisoo said. “After me.”

“Fuck off.” Jeonghan laughed.

“Trust me, men will be lining up outside your door asking you for a date.”

“Stop it, this isn’t college anymore.” Jeonghan sighed. “I have to look presentable.”

“You are.” Jisoo smiled. “You’re too good for him Jeonghan-ah, you really are.”

Maybe he really was ethereal because Seungjoon was shocked when he picked him up. Jeonghan was wearing his favourite YSL heeled boots, satin top and black blazer, showing off his slim torso and long legs. His long hair was curled delicately at the ends, tucked behind his ears to show off his beautiful face, large doe eyes and pink lips.

“Wow.” Seungjoon smiled. “It’s been a while since you looked this good.”

“Maybe you should take me out more often then.”

“Maybe I should.”

That should have been another clue.

Jeonghan had never been to the family mansion, and he couldn’t help but act like a tourist at Notre Dame, just constantly mumbling “wow” and “woah” from the minute he arrived at the estate and as he entered the venue. It was full of people, of all races and ages, all dressed to the nines and with more jewels than a whole Tiffany store.

“There you are Jeonghan!” Mrs. Choi was pleased to see Jeonghan. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him in for a gentle hug. “My my don’t you look beautiful.”

“You look amazing too Mrs. Choi.” he smiled.

“Seungcheol ah, come and say hi.” Mrs. Choi waved her other son over. Seungcheol was dressed sharply in a white Loewe top, underneath a thick black blazer and perfectly tailored slacks. “Isn’t Jeonghan stunning?”

“Yes.” Seungcheol answered. He smiled politely. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Jeonghan smiled back. “It’s been a while.”

“It has.”

Jeonghan thought the night was going well, until the guests arrived.

Chairman Choi was laughing when he entered with his guests, an old, short man with a round disposition, with glasses and gold rings on each finger. An elderly woman dressed in Chanel was by his side (obviously his wife) and he began to introduce his family, including his children and grandchildren. Then Chairman Choi introduced his family: his wife, his two sons and daugter, their partners, 6 grandchildren and their partners. Jeonghan panicked, his entire body stiffening up as the line slowly moved to him.

“And this is…” the Chairman narrowed his eyes at Jeonghan, taken aback by the unfamiliar face.

“Yoon Jeonghan.” Seungjoon said. “He’s a friend of mine.”

Jeonghan had no time to react. The guests were reaching to shake his hand as he smiled awkwardly.

Friend? Is that all I was?

A friend?

The conversation had moved on while Jeonghan was left behind, still trying to understand what happened. Seungjoon said he was a friend, and no one came to his defense. Is this what Seungjoon had been telling people this whole time? That Jeonghan was just his friend?

“Hyung!” Jeonghan was shaken out of his thoughts when a hand grabbed him, and it turned out to be Mingyu. “Hey I didn’t expect to see you here!”

“Yeah.” Jeonghan nodded. “I don’t think I was supposed to.”

“What do you mean?”

“I need a drink.” Jeonghan said. “Where’s the bar?”

Jeonghan’s mind went back and forth between anger and confusion as he ordered drink after drink. He had some light food and skipped the dinner, after all he was pretty sure he wouldn’t be noticed. Jisoo was right this whole time. Seungjoon was ashamed of him and kept him hidden. That lying fucking bastard.

“Jeonghan?”

“What?” Jeonghan snapped as he turned his head. “Oh, it’s you Seungcheol.”

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Just some stuff.” he said. “Mingyu took some for me.”

“Okay, because I didn’t see you at the dinner table, so I was wondering if something happened.”

“Nothing happened, I am just making friends with the bartender.” Jeonghan chuckled. “His name is Jerry.”

“Hi Jerry.” Seungcheol waved and Jerry smiled. “Are you okay?”

“Why?” Jeonghan snickered. “Are you worried about me?”

“Well… I…” Seungcheol blushed and Jeonghan laughed loudly.

“Oh your ears turn pink! So cute.” Jeonghan giggled and kissed Seungcheol’s cheek.

“Jeonghan…” Seungcheol pulled back in surprise. His eyes scanned around the room.

“It’s such a shame we never got to know each other, you are just absolutely adorable, like a pretty pink peach.” Jeonghan cooed, pinching Seungcheol’s cheeks. “So pretty.”

“What are you doing?” a different voice interrupted the conversation.

“Who?” Jeonghan turned around to see Seungjoon, glaring at him and Seungcheol. “Oh, you.”

“Yes me, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“What I do is none of your concern.” Jeonghan took another swig of his drink. “Sit down buddy. I can take care of myself.”

“Where are you going?”

“Home.” Jeonghan swayed a little when he got to his feet. Both brothers reached out to catch him and Jeonghan swatted their hands away. “This party sucks.”

“You can’t just leave me!” Seungjoon said.

“Oh yeah?” Jeonghan smirked. “Watch me.”

Jeonghan spun on his heel and walked away, hands shivering as he pushed his chest out and walked out like he was in a rush to catch a flight. He called for a taxi just a few minutes before Seungcheol came to find him. The taxi should arrive any minute.

“Jeonghan!”

Jeonghan sighed deeply and turned around, watching Seungcheol run after him. He pulled his blazer tighter across his chest, the chilly breeze sending shivers down his back.

“Jeonghan…”

“I’m sorry I kissed you earlier, I’m sure you’re in trouble with your brother.” Jeonghan said. “Just leave me alone and I’ll be out of your lives, I promise.”

“I don’t give a fuck about him.” Seungcheol said. “Are you okay? Let me take you home.”

“No, please. My taxi is on the way.” He checked his phone for updates. “I have taken enough from you two. I need to go.”

“Jeonghan…”

“Tell your mom I’m sorry.” Jeonghan wiped his face, surprised to find tears running down his cheeks.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.”

“God.” Jeonghan sniffled. “I’m a fool. I should have known. God I’m so stupid.”

“It’s not your fault, he lied to you. He’s the one who’s stupid, not you.”

Jeonghan wiped his face again and looked up. “You’re really cute.” He said.

“I am?”

Jeonghan couldn’t explain what went through his head, but he grabbed Seungcheol’s lapel and pulled him forward to kiss him. Liquid alcohol pumped in his veins as he closed his eyes and parted his lips, deepening the kiss. Seungcheol was frozen, his hands in the air in shock but as Jeonghan’s body began to tilt his hands flew to his waist to support him.

Jeonghan felt a buzz on his phone through his pocket and weakly pushed Seungcheol away, his head light and dizzy and his lips went from the kiss. “I have to go.” He said. “Don’t follow me.”

Seungcheol didn’t. Jeonghan walked out of the estate by himself, freezing in the autumn breeze and getting into the taxi. The rest of the night was a blur. Jeonghan got home safely, slept and woke up with his eyes swollen like golf balls.

Once Jeonghan realized he was betrayed, he moved fast. He sent Seungjoon a simple message: “We’re done. Eat shit and die.” And then blocked all of his contacts. He moved his stuff out from Seungjoon’s condo, not before taking out some of Seungjoon’s expensive clothes and cutting them into pieces (that was Jisoo’s idea). He dumped every picture, every gift, every outfit Seungjoon gave him, every item that held sentimental value into a great big pile, set it on fire and held a party to celebrate. He was surprised at how thrilled his friends Jisoo, Seokmin, Seungkwan and Wonwoo were when he told them he dumped Seungjoon.

“Oh fucking finally, this is the happiest day of my life.” Jisoo raised his beer can.

“That guy was an asshole hyung, I was waiting for you to dump him.” Seungkwan said.

“He’s a tyrant too.” Wonwoo said. “Everyone hates him.”

“I can’t believe it took me so long.” Jeonghan said. “How could I have been so blind?”

“Love makes a person blind.” Seungkwan said. “Don’t worry hyung, you managed to get out.”

“Yes, we got you hyung.” Seokmin smiled.

Jeonghan wiped away his tears of joy and gratefulness as he hugged his friends with the flame of his previous romance burning in the background. He felt his lips quiver and raised a finger to touch it.

Seungcheol

That was the last time he saw Seungcheol. The night when his relationship fell apart. Jeonghan submitted his resignation a few days later, he couldn’t stand to even be in the same space as his ex. His bosses were disappointed, and tried to offer big bonuses to convince him to stay, but Jeonghan refused.

Jisoo found him a job at his preschool, as a school admin doing paperwork and running class schedules. Earlier during the year, Jeonghan decided to try teaching and he was really enjoying it. The school headmaster Lee Taeyong told Jeonghan he was welcomed to transition to teaching full time if he wanted, and Jeonghan took him up on that offer. He went from senior legal associate at one of the top conglomerates in the country to a rookie preschool teacher, and that was how Jeonghan lived for the next two years after that. The Choi family was out of his life, until the 543 bouquets landed in his apartment building.

BANG!

“Holy shit!” Jeonghan cursed, slapping a hand over his mouth. The balloon in his hand had popped, and a 7-year-old kid was smiling at him, jumping up and down with a pen in his hand.

“That’s enough Jeno-yah.” Doyoung, the boy’s father reached for his hand. “You’re scaring Uncle Jeonghan.”

“Be careful Jeno-yah, you could poke someone’s eye out with that.” Jeonghan teased, pinching Jeno’s chubby cheeks. He picked up the remnants of the balloon and walked to the kitchen where Jisoo was, cutting up fruits for a fruit platter.

“You okay?” Jisoo asked.

“Yeah, just a popped balloon.” Jeonghan said. “When do we blow the candles?”

“In about half an hour, after the kids are done playing musical chairs.” Jisoo said. “Is Seokmin still out there?”

“Yeah.”

“In his baby shark hat?”

“Yup.” Jeonghan tilted his head to look at the scene in the living room, Seokmin and Seungkwan with matching shark hats, singing a tune while the kids played musical chairs. Little Minsoo, the birthday boy whom they are celebrating was sitting on his grandmother’s lap, watching the scene.

“You sure know how to pick a man who’s good with kids.” Jeonghan bumped hips with Jisoo and Jisoo bumped him back.

“By the way how is the leak in your apartment?” Jisoo asked. “Did you get it fixed?”

“Oh.” Jeonghan swallowed thickly. “There was no leak.”

“What do you mean?”

“It wasn’t a leak.” Jeonghan sighed. “It was a delivery. Someone delivered 500 bouquets to my building and piled them up on the floor.”

“What?!” Jisoo dropped his knife into the sink, his eyes wide with shock. “Who?”

“You’re never going to guess who.”

“Who the…” Jisoo pointed a finger at him. “I swear to god if it’s fucking Seungjoon you better…”

“It’s not him.”

“It’s not? Then who is it?”

“It’s his brother, Seungcheol.”

Jeonghan started recounting what happened to Jisoo and he watched his best friend’s jaw drop lower and lower. “Let me get this straight,” Jisoo said. “Your ex-boyfriend’s brother, whom you haven’t seen in two years, says he’s back in town and he sent you 500 bouquets of roses to your building and you ran over there to see him and he asked you to be his boyfriend to get revenge on your ex?”

“In simple terms, yeah.” Jeonghan said. “I don’t know, I am so confused and shocked I guess, like why after all this time is he back for…”

“Is he cute?”

“Well…” Jeonghan paused, his mind replaying that moment when Seungcheol opened the door. Wet hair, messy bangs, clear skin, a gentle smile. “That’s not the point…”

“Is he cute?”

“Does it matter if he is cute?”

“It absolutely does. Is he cute?”

“I mean…” Jeonghan could feel his cheeks heat up and his heart pounding gently. “He’s not bad…”

“What’s his name? I’ll look him up.” Jisoo whipped his phone out from his back pocket. “A man of such high profile should have a public social media platform.”

Jeonghan tried to pretend he wasn’t interested when Jisoo found Seungcheol’s public Instagram profile. “Oh,” he pressed two fingers to his lips as he scrolled. “Oh he is cute.”

“Shut up.”

“Oh he’s so your type.” Jisoo said. “He’s got dimples, he got that comfortable yet classy aesthetic, he’s got puppy and gym photos too. Okay sir.”

“He said he wants to meet me tomorrow to discuss things.”

“You said yes right?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Then let’s just see what happens after that.” Jisoo said. “I mean come on, it would be fun to get back at your ex.”

“Come on Jisoo you know me, I am not that kind of person.”

Jisoo glared at Jeonghan for long enough until the two of them started giggling. “You? Not up for revenge? Bullshit.”

“Okay fine,” Jeonghan inhaled to compose himself. “But I’m just trying to wrap my head around it like, why me? Like really? Me?”

“He said he wanted to get your number first, that man had his eyes on you from day one.” Jisoo said. “Damn this is so incredibly juicy. Imagine, what if you really picked the wrong brother?”

“God, did I?”

“Only one way to find out.” Jisoo winked. “There’s no harm in just a meal, and if at the end of all this and you really don’t like him, you could always just end things. I don’t think Seungcheol would be the kind of person to hold you against your will.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Jeonghan shrugged. “I have nothing to lose right?”

“Absolutely.” Jisoo said, returning to his phone. “Oh, he has a shirtless gym picture.”

“Where?!” Jeonghan snatched the phone and came face to face with a picture of Seokmin and Jisoo, smiling widely with their baby Minsoo sitting between them. Jeonghan groaned and nearly threw the phone back at Jisoo.

“You are so transparent.” Jisoo teased.

“Fuck off.”

“Hey, no cursing in front of the kids.”

Jeonghan stuck his tongue out and mouthed “fuck off” as Jisoo laughed and clapped him on the back.

****************************************

It had been more than two years since Jeonghan went on a date and for a brief moment, he forgot how to dress for one. He used to stress about dressing for dates with Seungjoon, because he so badly wanted to impress him. Seungcheol on the other hand, didn’t tell Jeonghan anything about their “date”. He just said “I’ll come and pick you up for dinner.”

Thinking it would be just dinner, Jeonghan opted for a simple navy varsity sweater and jeans. He went down to his building lobby and passed by Ms Lia Kim. He bowed awkwardly to her and she politely bowed back.

On the dot at 7.30pm, a black BMW rolled up to the front of the building. Seungcheol got out from the car and waved.

“Have a good evening Mr. Yoon.” Ms Lia Kim smiled widely. Jeonghan couldn’t hide his blush as he bowed back and ran to Seungcheol.

“Hi.” Seungcheol grinned. “Why are you so pink?”

“Nothing, let’s get in the car.” Jeonghan rushed in and pressed a hand against his cheek.

“You okay?”

“My building manager saw me get into your car.” Jeonghan groaned. “She’s the one who called me about the 500 bouquets you sent, now she probably thinks you’re my boyfriend.”

“Ah.”

“Ah? Is that all you can say? Ah?”

“I’m not going to refute a thought that benefits me.” Seungcheol said. Jeonghan felt his cheeks heat up even further and he started playing with his fingers.

“Where are we going?” Jeonghan asked, trying to move on.

“I have been craving Korean food since I got home last week.” Seungcheol said. “How does samgyupsal sound?"

"Sounds good." Jeonghan said. “Where did you return from?”

“London.”

“Wait, Seungjoon wanted to go to London.”

“Yeah, he didn’t. I got the London posting and Seungjoon went to Hong Kong instead.” Seungcheol said. “It was meant to be the other way around but he asked grandfather to change his mind.”

“Hmmm.” Jeonghan huffed. “I didn’t know he was so interested in Hong Kong.”

“Neither did I.” Seungcheol shrugged. “But it worked out, since he’s marrying Adeline, the casino tycoon’s eldest granddaughter.”

The barbeque restaurant was a humble little shop in a back alley that had maybe 10 tables at most. There was no air-conditioning and the sign looked like it hadn’t been painted since 1967, but Seungcheol loved it. He swore it had some of the best kimchi in town. Jeonghan smiled. He loved places like this. Humble, quiet, with an emphasis on good, quality food. Seungjoon would never step foot in a place like this.

They spent the dinner catching up with each other. Jeonghan told Seungcheol about how he left the company, joined a preschool and became a teacher. Seungcheol told him about how he left for London, worked for two years, travelling around Europe and establishing a service centre there for their European business, and was eventually promoted to return home. He missed his brother’s engagement due to work, but as expected everyone in the family was thrilled about the marriage, especially his grandfather.

“His grandson is marrying his best friend’s granddaughter, he’s on the moon for sure.”

“I bet.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes and Seungcheol laughed with him. “What is Adeline like?”

“She’s nice.” Seungcheol said. “I don’t know her very well, but she’s smart and very well-educated. She has a masters in neuroscience apparently.”

“What’s a girl like her doing with a bum like him?”

“I don’t know.” Seungcheol laughed. “But my brother can be a charmer, let’s admit that.”

“Ugh, I know. Former victim here.”

“Did you really cut up his shirts?”

“No, my best friend Jisoo did. I cut out the crotches in his pants.”

“Ohhh, lethal.” Seungcheol winced.

“Yeah, so don’t try any funny business, I’m good with knives and scissors.”

“Noted.” Seungcheol raised his hands in the air and laughed.

“So what exactly did you send those flowers for?”

“I told you.” Seungcheol said. “I want to be your boyfriend.”

“Most people start their first dates with “I just want to get to know you.”.”

“Okay, the short-term goal is, I want to get revenge on my brother.” Seungcheol said. “The primary goal is to make sure my grandfather doesn’t pick him as deputy CEO. He thinks he stands a chance because he is marring Adeline, and it seems that way. However, I have worked with my brother before. I know what he’s like and I know what his subordinates think of him. He’s rash, selfish and incompetent. He’ll run this family to the ground.”

“And you want to be picked instead?”

Seungcheol sighed. “I’m not saying it must be me specifically, but if my grandfather picks me I wouldn’t say no.”

“Do you not get along with your brother?” Jeonghan asked.

“My brother has spent his whole life belittling me, taking almost everything I wanted and he used to beat me up as a kid.” Seungcheol said. “I get it, he probably wasn’t thrilled when my father divorced his first wife to marry a commoner teacher who would give birth to me, but we never saw eye to eye. We’re just too different.”

“So you want to get back at him?”

“Yes, because he’s so good at pretending he’s the prince of the family. My mother has no idea about the kinds of things he used to torment me with when we were kids.”

“Seungjoon mentioned he didn’t like his stepmother, aka your mother, very much.”

“Yeah well,” Seungcheol shrugged. “I’m not surprised.”

“How do I fit into this scheme then?”

“You know my brother really well, or at least used to, and you’re smart and wily. I could use someone to help me find ways to prove my brother is unfit for that position, and to expose him for being a lowdown cheating scumbag. Plus, you’re the only person I know who potentially hates my brother as much as I do.”

“You’re correct on that.” Jeonghan raised his beer glass.

“I can imagine my brother’s face when I bring you into the family dinner as my boyfriend, oh it would piss him the fuck off and that gives me so much joy.” Seungcheol smiled. “It’s perfect.”

“So I would have to be your fake boyfriend then?”

“Is it really fake if I declare my intention to court you? Honest intention.”

“Yes.” Jeonghan said. “Because I am entering the social status of being your ‘boyfriend’ when I have not yet accepted you wholeheartedly as my boyfriend.”

“But if you have consented to entering said social status, that makes you a ‘boyfriend’.”

“I firmly believe in the steps of courtship.” Jeonghan said. “Or in other words, bases, and you haven’t even stepped up to the god damn plate yet.”

“Fair enough.” Seungcheol nodded. “Shall I tell you my long-term goal then?”

“What is it?”

“To hit a home run with you.”

****************************************

“You don’t have to walk me back to my apartment.”

“I insist,” Seungcheol turned the car off and opened his door. “What if you get kidnapped on your way up there?”

“Please it’s only a few floors, and this is a gated and guarded apartment block.”

“Will you stop being so stubborn and let me walk you back?”

“Jeez,” Jeonghan rolled his eyes. “You’re quite clingy, aren’t you?”

“If you mention it one more time I’ll back off.”

Jeonghan paused and pouted. Seungcheol let out a little giggle and tugged on Jeonghan’s sleeve. “Which floor is it?”

“17.”

“Let’s go then.”

They made their way to the lobby and Ms Lia Kim was still there, trying her best not to smile too hard while she greeted the two of them. Jeonghan was blushing furiously while Seungcheol placed a hand on his lower back, guiding him into the elevators.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“It’s like a dream come true.” Jeonghan elbowed him and Seungcheol faked a groan.

“Can I see you again tomorrow?”

“Well now hold on sir, we only just finished the first one.” Jeonghan wriggled his eyebrows. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll be sick of me?”

“I waited 7 years for this, Yoon Jeonghan.” Seungcheol said, his voice soft but deep, eyes boring seriously into Jeonghan’s. “I just don’t want to waste another opportunity.”

Jeonghan knew what it meant. If he said yes, he would be saying yes to Seungcheol’s plan. To re-enter the Choi brother’s life, to revisit some painful memories with his ex and to witness his downfall. If he didn’t want it, he could still back out.

“I’ll text you.” Jeonghan said.

“Okay.” Seungcheol nodded. “I’ll be waiting.”

They bid each other goodnight and Jeonghan closed the door behind him, hearing the sound of the lock mechanism whirring before pressing his back against the door and sighing heavily. His heart was beating like a drum and his belly felt funny, like it was light and floaty. His cheeks hurt because he was smiling so hard. He hadn’t felt this way in a really, really long time.

Jeonghan took a nice, long shower and changed into his thick, pink pyjamas. He thought about calling Jisoo, and then he saw the roses on his countertop. They looked just like the roses outside of the Choi family mansion, that night when he drunk kissed him before he walked away.

Jeonghan picked up his phone and sent Seungcheol a message “Do you play billiards?”

****************************************

“Did you ask me to play billiards with you so that you could win?”

“No, I asked because your brother hates it.” Jeonghan tugged at the sleeve of his white shirt. “We played once and I beat him, we never played again.”

“Figures. My brother would never play anything he wasn’t good at.”

“Are you good it?”

“I used to play with my grandparents, though I haven’t in a while.” Seungcheol adjusted his cap backwards. “I hope I still have my skills.”

“You played with Chairman Choi?”

“No, my maternal grandparents. My grandpa especially.” Seungcheol said. “I spent a lot of time with them as a kid.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. They owned a small little Chinese restaurant in the suburbs where my mom grew up. I used to help them take orders, worked the POS system, cut noodles and wash dishes.”

“Oh wow.” Jeonghan said. “Are you still close with them?”

“Very.” Seungcheol said. “Every year for my birthday they make my favourite jajangmyeon, just the way I like it.”

“That’s so cute.” Jeonghan giggled. “I just imagined a cute little boy taking orders and carrying big bowls of noodles to the table.”

“Hey those bowls were heavy, they will whip your ass as a 7 year old kid.” Seungcheol grinned.

Jeonghan was ready to whip Seungcheol’s ass in billiards, only to find out he was surprisingly good. Seungcheol seemed surprised by his own skills too. “Wow, I can’t believe I made that shot.”

“You’re pretty good.” Jeonghan said. “You might win this.”

“What would you give me if I do?”

“Next meal is on me.”

“Deal.” Seungcheol grinned.

“You still need to beat me though.”

“I will.”

It was down to the wire, and the final ball was in a really tricky corner. “You’re not going to make this.” Jeonghan said.

“I’ll just try.” Seungcheol leaned forward, aimed, strike, and they watched the ball bounce out, roll to one end, and then bounce off the side into the hole. Jeonghan dropped his jaw as Seungcheol cheered and raised his fist in the air.

“I win!” he laughed. “Next meal is on you.”

“You got lucky.”

“I was not!”

“Oh yeah? Let’s bet on another round.”

“If you lose again, I want more than just a meal.”

“Yeah? What do you want?”

“I’ll think of something.” Seungcheol mused. “Come on, let’s go for that meal.”

“I’ll beat you next time.”

“Next time?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, at least give me something to brag about to your parents when I see them.” Jeonghan put the cue stick down. He looked up at Seungcheol who was grinning from ear to ear.

“My parents will love you. My mom already does.”

“Really? I never heard of such thing with your brother.”

“My brother kept you in the dark, like you’re some prized possession under the bed that only he can touch. I’m not like that.” Seungcheol said. “I want you by my side, I want you to know everyone I know, and I want them to know you, so that they know how much you mean to me, that you are the best thing about me. That you belong to me.”

“Hmmm.” Jeonghan had to fight the butterflies in his belly. “Possessive much?”

“So that’s the one trait I share with my brother.” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow. “Believe me, I have no intention of keeping you hidden away. You’re going to be a part of my life, as much as I will be a part of yours.”

“Your brother is going to hate you for this.”

“Good.”

****************************************

 “And so Cinderella and the prince got married, and they lived happily ever after.” Jeonghan flipped the last page of the book he was reading to his kids. “The end! Did you all enjoy that?”

“Yes Mr. Yoon!” the kids chorused.

“That was lame.” one of the boys in the front row yawned.

“Okay then next time you can select the story and we can read together before lunch, okay?” Jeonghan chuckled at the young child who shook his head.

“Mr. Yoon,” little Lisa raised her hand. “Why does Cinderella have yellow hair?”

“It’s called blonde, and some people have blonde hair naturally.”

“Do you have blonde hair?”

“No dear, my hair is black.”

“I think you would look great with blonde hair.”

“Why thank you dear.” Jeonghan laughed. “Okay kids, make sure you wash your hands before lunch, okay?”

“Yes Mr. Yoon!”

Jeonghan was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as he put the books away on the shelf behind him. He picked up his Cinderella book and paused to look at Cinderella for a moment, her beautiful blonde hair in a bun atop her head.

Jeonghan looked at himself in the mirror in the teacher’s bathroom. His black hair was now almost shoulder length, his bangs are now long past his ears and he has to tuck them back with a headband when he was at home. Jeonghan had always considered himself lucky, he had a face and a kind of beauty that could pull off almost any hairdo, but just usually out of laziness he always ends up with long hair (going to the barber was a drag for him). He had always considered going blonde for once, but for some reason he never did.

“I like you with black hair.” Seungjoon said to Jeonghan over lunch once. “I don’t think blonde suits you.”

Jeonghan curled his right hand into his fist, punching the sink. Why did he let Seungjoon convince him as such? How and why did he ever let him hold so much power over him?

“Jisoo yah,” Jeonghan asked his best friend shortly after. “Do you think I would look good with blonde hair?”

Jisoo paused for a bit. “Yeah I think you would. Dirty blonde would suit you.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah,” Jisoo nodded. “Why do you ask?”

“One of the kids, Lisa mentioned it.” Jeonghan said. “I have always wanted to, but Seungjoon used to disagree so I never did it.”

“And so… what’s stopping you now?”

“Nothing.” Jeonghan said. “Yeah,” he smiled. “Nothing.”

****************************************

“Good morning everyone.” Jeonghan greeted everyone in the teacher’s office the following Monday.

“Good… holy shit.” Jisoo’s eyes widened in shock.

“Oh my.” Headmaster Lee Taeyong adjusted his glasses and blinked in rapid succession.

“Whoa.” Jihyo the math teacher covered her mouth in shock.

“Yes I know.” Jeonghan sighed as he placed his bag on his seat. “It’s still a little dry and frizzy because of the treatment, I have to work on that this week.”

“Hannie…” Jisoo stood up from his seat to walk closer to him. “You’re blonde.”

“I know.” Jeonghan smiled shyly, grabbing the ends of his hair self-consciously. His now blonde hair shone under the lights, giving him an almost halo-like effect. “Do you like it?”

“You’re like a freaking angel.” Jisoo said. “Holy shit you look amazing.”

“Thank you.”

“I am usually not one to comment on my teacher’s looks, but Jeonghan, blonde is your colour.” Taeyong gave him a thumbs up and Jeonghan laughed.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Did you tell Seungcheol you dyed your hair?”

“No, he was on a business trip all week.”

“I think you should show this to him.” Jisoo grinned.

“You think he’ll like it?”

“He’ll like it even if it’s green. And besides, what’s he going to ask you to do if he doesn’t like it? Shave it?”

“What if he does?”

“Then call me and we’ll shave his ass bald.”

Jeonghan laughed hard at that as he took out his phone to take a picture. Jisoo snatched the phone from his hand. “Let me, go straighten your clothes and put on some lip gloss, this is a serious one.”

****************************************

Some of the best parts of Jeonghan’s day is when he gives his class a quiet assignment for 15 minutes and he gets those precious 15 minutes to himself. The assignment was to draw a picture of the sea. Jeonghan even said “I’ll give a star sticker to anyone who is quiet” and lo and behold. 15 minutes of guaranteed silence.

He watched his students focus on their work, some of them trying to quietly whisper to one another. Jeonghan’s phone was facing down on the table, a habit he made to ensure he was not distracted in class, and quickly flipped it up. No notifications. Nothing.

It had been about an hour since Jeonghan sent Seungcheol pictures of his new hair. Jisoo took a couple of shots of him, standing in the sun with his eyes closed as the sun shone on his face. There were also some shots of him sipping his iced americano, talking to his fellow teachers. Jeonghan had sent one of each with the text “hi, new week new hair.”

Jeonghan knew Seungcheol had seen his messages, that’s what the two ticks were for, but it was unlike him that Seungcheol had not responded yet. Ever since he agreed to be Seungcheol’s fake but not really fake boyfriend, they have been texting every day for at the past three weeks and it’s been frequent enough for Jeonghan to notice a pattern in the way Seungcheol communicates. Seungcheol never leaves him on read, even when he’s in the middle of a very important meeting.

Is he busy? Does he not have internet access? Does he not like my new hair?

Jeonghan tapped his fingers on the back of his phone, turning to look outside the window. “Mr. Yoon?” he heard one of his students Felix call for him.

“Yes?” Jeonghan turned his head and Felix was pointing at the door. Jeonghan turned further and dropped his jaw.

“Hi.” Seungcheol was at the door of his classroom, in a white top and light grey jacket, smiling softly.

“Excuse me kids.” Jeonghan stood up. “Silent time is extended for another 15 minutes. I’ll give an extra sticker to all of you if you’re quiet.”

“Yes Mr. Yoon.” The kids said.

“What are you doing here?” Jeonghan couldn’t take his eyes off Seungcheol as he slowly closed the door behind him. “Why didn’t you reply me?!”

“Wow.” Seungcheol mumbled. His eyes seemed to soften and dimples appeared on both cheeks as he smiled.

“Excuse me but you have never taken this long to reply me I thought you were kidnapped or something.” Or that you hated my new hair

“You’re beautiful.” Seungcheol said. “Wow.”

“You came all the way here just to tell me I’m beautiful?” Jeonghan raised an eyebrow but his cheeks gave him away by slowly turning red.

“It was the best thing to come home to after a long flight from New York.” Seungcheol chuckled. “I came as soon as I saw your message.”

“So you realized you can’t survive a week without me?” Jeonghan teased, resisting the urge to reach out and touch Seungcheol. 7 days is quite a while and it’s like Jeonghan “forgot” how handsome Seungcheol is.

“It’s better with you, that’s for sure.”

“Nothing happened in New York?”

“Meetings, dinners, my father’s American counterparts asking about my brother’s wedding blah blah. It was about as exciting as a lecture on Stone Age paintings.”

“So not very then.”

“Yes.” Seungcheol stepped closer to him. “Can I touch your hair?”

“Sure.” Jeonghan gasped softly as Seungcheol reached out to touch Jeonghan’s hair. He was combing the front layers gently, softly pushing his hair out of his face. Seungcheol’s fingers felt soft and almost featherlike through his scalp, brushing down the back of his neck. His palm cupped Jeonghan’s cheek gently, like he was holding porcelain that could break at any moment. Jeonghan closed his eyes, leaning into the touch. His hands reached up to caress Seungcheol’s wrist.

“I missed you.”

“Me too.” Jeonghan said.

“What are you doing after work?”

“Nothing.”

“Good, I love nothing.” Seungcheol smiled. “Can I come and see you?”

“Sure.” Jeonghan felt like a feather floating in the air. He would have done anything Seungcheol asked him to do.

“Oh,” a voice broke the couple out of their sweet daze. “So you are the elusive young millionaire bachelor my staff is so obsessed with.”

“Oh!” Jeonghan stepped back and bowed immediately. “Mr. Lee… I… uh…”

“Mr. Lee Taeyong,” Seungcheol swallowed thickly and cleared his voice. “Lovely to meet you, I’m Choi Seungcheol.”

“Lovely to meet you, Lee Taeyong, headmaster of the school your boyfriend works at.”

“And I’m Hong Jisoo.” Jisoo smiled as he extended his hand. “I’m Jeonghan’s best friend.”

“Oh yes, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All good I hope, and even if it isn’t, he’s just overreacting.”

“Hey!” Jeonghan glared at him.

“I believe you have a class to teach Mr. Yoon.” Mr. Lee raised an eyebrow at him.

“Yes I’m getting back to it. I just...uh…”

“I just flew in from New York and I just had to see Jeonghan so I apologize for the disruption.” Seungcheol said, reaching for Jeonghan’s hand.

“That’s alright.” Mr. Lee made a face. “Let’s get back to work now, shall we?”

“Yes sir.” Jeonghan bowed again. The two of them stood there until Mr. Lee and Jisoo had left the corridor. Jeonghan turned to Seungcheol and the two of them started giggling.

“I should get back to my kids.”

“Okay.” Seungcheol held onto Jeonghan’s hand as he opened the door. Then he tugged on Jeonghan’s hand and flipped it. He bought Jeonghan’s hand to his face and pressed his lips on the back of his knuckles. He chuckled while Jeonghan stared at him in shock. “I’ll see you later.”

Jeonghan bit his bottom lip to supress a smile as he re-entered the classroom. His kids were all smiling and giggling while looking at him, and Jeonghan knew he was caught.

“Now why are you looking at me like that?” Jeonghan made a face as if he didn’t know why.

“Mr. Yoon, is that your prince charming?” Lisa asked and the whole class giggled.

“Maybe.” Jeonghan shrugged and the class made an “aww” sound.

“If he’s prince charming then you’re Cinderella!” Amy said.

“Yeah, you even have Cinderella hair!” Felix said.

“Sure.” Jeonghan shook his head. “Call it whatever you want.”

The class started making a ruckus and it took another few minutes to quiet them down. Jeonghan finished the rest of the day with the biggest smile on his face, like he had struck the lottery and more.

“You know,” Jeonghan told Seungcheol over dinner (samgyupsal with soju, something that Seungcheol always craves after time abroad) that night. “I told your brother when we were dating that I wanted to dye my hair blonde and he said no.”

“Why?”

“He said I would look weird with them.”

“He has no idea what he’s talking about.” Seungcheol shook his head. “He puts people in boxes and tries to control them.”

“Yeah, which is why,” Jeonghan smiled “If I’m going to be reintroduced to him again, I want to be everything he hated.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I don’t know why I let him get into my head like that. What was I thinking?”

“Don’t blame yourself.” Seungcheol said. “He lied to you and deceived you. He made you feel like you would be happy being small. You were lucky to get out when you realized what he was doing.”

“Still, I can’t believe I was such a fool.”

“I know.” Seungcheol said. “Which is why, when I reintroduce you, I am going to be everything he’s not. I spent years watching my brother fuck up the man of my dreams, I’m not going to make his mistakes.”

Jeonghan bit down on his spoon. “You’re good at this.”

“Good at what?”

Making me believe in love again. “Making soju cocktails.”

“Oh, my grandfather taught me.” Seungcheol grinned, tipping the shot glasses of soju into a big glass. “He’s the best.”

“I bet he is.” Jeonghan smiled.

****************************************

Jeonghan stared at himself in the mirror of his bathroom for a few seconds, and then he turned the faucet on.

New hair, new look, new me.

New hair, new look, new me.

Jeonghan’s reintroduction to Seungcheol’s parents happened roughly a week after he dyed his hair, and to be honest, Jeonghan felt surprisingly relaxed. When he first met Mr and Mrs Choi, it was a rushed “hi-bye” situation. Seungjoon was rushing to the airport and his parents were picking him up from Ami Place. His first greeting to Seungjoon’s parents was through a thick tinted car window and it lasted about 5 seconds before they had to jet off.

This time though, Seungcheol had organized a lunch with his parents. “I told my parents we were dating.” he said.

“And what did they say?” Jeonghan asked.

“They were shocked to say the least.” Seungcheol cocked his head to one side. “Of course, my parents were concerned about what Seungjoon would think. My mom asked me if I told him.”

“And what did you say?”

“I said he’ll find out in due time.”

Jeonghan couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, to deliberate on it was moot as he was already entering said restaurant with his hand in Seungcheol’s, watching as Mr and Mrs Choi stood up to greet them at the table.

“Mom, dad.” Seungcheol squeezed Jeonghan’s hand. “This is Yoon Jeonghan.”

“Oh darling,” Mrs Choi blinked rapidly. “Your hair…”

“I know.” Jeonghan lowered his head shyly. “I just wanted something new.”

“You look amazing.” Mrs Choi smiled and squeezed Jeonghan’s hand with both of hers. She had beautiful glowing skin and gorgeous dimples. It was easy to see who Seungcheol took after.

“It’s been a while.” Mr Choi shook Jeonghan’s hand as well. “Have a seat.”

Seungcheol helped Jeonghan with his. Jeonghan smiled at him appreciatively.

“What have you been up to this whole time?” Mrs Choi asked. “How did this happen?”

“Yes, how did it happen?”

“Well when I moved to London, I reached out to Jeonghan and we started talking.” Seungcheol said. “When I came back, I confessed and said that I would like to pursue him, and the rest is history.”

“And does your brother know?” Mr Choi asked. “Not that I think it would matter to him with his engagement, but I think he should know about this.”

“Seungjoon is engaged to Adeline, do you know that dear?” Mrs Choi asked Jeonghan.

“Oh yes I did.” Jeonghan nodded. “I am not bothered by it at all Mrs Choi, I’m in love with Seungcheol and that’s all that matters.”

“I haven’t told Seungjoon yet. He’s too busy.” Seungcheol made a face.

“Well don’t take too long.” Mr Choi raised an eyebrow at his son. “This has nothing to do with us, but I would hate for you two brothers to fall out over something like this, especially with Seungjoon’s big day coming.”

“Then he shouldn’t be affected.”

“You never know, Cheol-ah, you never know.”

For the first time in a while, that line made Jeonghan ponder over his actions and what they were doing. Yes, there was nothing Seungcheol and Jeonghan would love more than screwing with Seungjoon and making him miserable, but for his parents who did not know the extent of their sons’ relationship with one another, it might seem like Jeonghan was some lecherous gold digger who failed to get one brother and was now trying with another.

“What have you been doing since…” Mrs Choi circled her hand in the air.

“Well I left Star Industries and now I’m working as a kindergarten teacher.”

“Oh!” the mention of Jeonghan working as a teacher sparked something in Mrs Choi and Jeonghan smiled. “Did you just start? Are you enjoying it?”

“Yes, I started earlier this year and I’m beginning to enjoy it.” Jeonghan chuckled. “It is hard, but it’s also really fulfilling.”

“His students call him Mr. Pretty.” Seungcheol chimed in. Jeonghan turned to him in surprise and Seungcheol just smiled back.

“Well I’m not surprised, and with your new hair I am sure the students are having a field day.” Mrs Choi laughed. “Oh, but I’m glad you are enjoying it. No wonder you look a little different this time. It’s like you have a glow on you.”

“That’s probably just the reflection of the blonde hair.” Jeonghan laughed.

“No I don’t think so.” Mrs Choi giggled. “I see a lot of happiness on you Jeonghan, more than I think I have seen before.”

“Well,” Jeonghan placed a hand on Seungcheol’s on the table. “I have Cheolie to thank. He has been very encouraging when I made my career change.”

“That’s lovely to hear.” Mrs Choi said. “I’m very happy for the two of you.”

“Same here.” Mr Choi nodded.

Jeonghan and Seungcheol looked at each other and smiled. The rest of the lunch went well, with casual banter and Mrs Choi sharing tips from her teaching days. The longer it went on, the more Jeonghan could tell Seungcheol was definitely his mother’s son, while Seungjoon took after his father. Seungcheol and Mrs Choi had the same talking manner, same occasional pout and even made the same humming noise when they eat something delicious. Mr Choi was more stoic and nonchalant, and at first, he seemed like he wasn’t interested in the conversations, but he was listening to his wife. He may not have caught what Seungcheol or Jeonghan was saying, but if Mrs Choi said something he gave her his full attention.

As lunch neared the end, Jeonghan was pretty sure he was in Mrs Choi’s good books, but he could tell Mr Choi was still concerned of what his eldest son thinks. He couldn’t blame him for feeling that well, especially since Seungcheol has made it abundantly clear he doesn’t care what Seungjoon thinks.

“Oh,” Mr Choi checked his phone. “Your brother is nearby and he’s coming over.”

“Father!” Seungcheol groaned and Jeonghan felt his heart stop. They did not plan for this. Jeonghan cleared his throat and drank some water to try and calm himself.

“I just said I was here with you and he said he would stop by to say hi.” Mr Choi shrugged. “Oh, there he is.”

“Hi everyone.”

Jeonghan inhaled sharply. Just the voice alone was enough to bring Jeonghan’s blood to a boil. He closed his eyes and muttered a quiet mantra, and then he opened his eyes again.

“Hello Seungjoon.”

“Jeonghan?” Seungjoon’s eyes widened in shock. He was about the same height as Seungcheol with a rounder face. He used to be gaunt, but it seems planning the wedding of a century has aged him. Jeonghan could spot a few grey hairs on his head. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here with your brother.” Jeonghan said.

“What?”

“Yes.” Seungcheol took Jeonghan’s hand in his and placed it on his lap.

“They are dating now.” Mrs Choi said. “Sit down darling.”

“Hmm, I’m happy for you.” Seungjoon made a face as he sat down next to his stepmother, facing the couple. “I was not expecting to see my ex at my own wedding, though it appears I don’t have a choice now.”

“Neither was I but well,” Jeonghan moved closer to Seungcheol. “I guess everything worked out.” he turned to smile at Seungcheol and Seungcheol smiled back lovingly.

“How long have the two of you been dating?”

“For about a month.” Seungcheol said. “But Jeonghan has been keeping me company while I was in London.”

“Oh, so you made your move after we broke up?” Seungjoon raised an eyebrow at his brother. “You certainly know how to grab on to opportunities huh?”

“You certainly know how to provide one.”

“This dessert is lovely.” Mrs Choi tried to diffuse the tension.

“Really? I think it’s too sweet.” Mr Choi frowned.

Seungjoon rolled his eyes and pulled out his phone to check his messages. Seungcheol looked at Jeonghan and rubbed the back of his hand soothingly. He hasn’t let go of Jeonghan’s hand since Seungjoon arrived, and honestly Jeonghan couldn’t be more grateful to him for that.

Lunch ended and Mr and Mrs Choi left the restaurant first, with Mrs Choi giving Jeonghan a warm hug and hoping that they could meet more often. Seungcheol told Jeonghan he would get the car. Jeonghan nodded and found himself in the position he previously only dreamt of: face to face with his shithole ex-boyfriend.

“Tell me the truth.” Seungjoon said after Seungcheol left. “What the actual fuck are you doing here?”

“Were you asleep at the wheel this whole time?” Jeonghan glared at him. “I am dating Seungcheol.”

“If you think,” Seungjoon chuckled “That you still stood a chance with me by playing your little schemes, you thought wrong. I’m engaged to the woman of my dreams Jeonghan, you should let it go.”

If Jeonghan was a lesser gentleman he would have punched Seungjoon in the face and broken his nose. Instead, he laughed as well.

“Oh how I missed this.” Jeonghan giggled.

“What?”

“Your delusions of grandeur.” Jeonghan shook his head. “If you’re so happily engaged, why should my appearance with your brother bother you? And how bold of you to assume I am actually interested in you.”

“Jeonghan…”

“I’m here to patch up my mistake, but not with you. With Seungcheol.” Jeonghan saw Seungcheol’s car roll up in front of the restaurant. “I should have picked him 7 years ago.”

“You…”

“We’ll be seeing more of each other, whether we like it or not, so let’s play nice.” Jeonghan grinned. “I don’t want to be enemies with my future sister-in-law.”

“You little bitch…”

“Have a good day.” Jeonghan waved a hand at him as he walked towards Seungcheol’s BMW. He didn’t bother to turn his head as he put on his seatbelt and Seungcheol stepped on the gas pedal, revving out of sight.

“Did everything go okay?” Seungcheol asked. “Did he say something to you?”

“Yeah, he thought I was scheming to get back with him.”

“And?”

“I told him to go fuck himself.” Jeonghan smirked. “God I was truly an idiot. I hate him so much.”

“It’s nice to have someone on my side for this.” Seungcheol grinned. “You did great.”

“You think we were convincing?”

“That we’re a couple? Absolutely.” Seungcheol grinned. “After all, I was nothing but completely authentic in my feelings for you.”

Jeonghan clicked his tongue and felt a blush creep on his cheeks. It was almost annoying how Seungcheol was so good at this. He was sweet, attentive, charming and romantic. He made Jeonghan feel more loved in one month than any of his relationships ever did.

It felt too good to be true, and Jeonghan didn’t want to believe it, because if it wasn’t true, it would break him till the end.

“So, what’s next after this?” Jeonghan asked.

“I suppose my father will tell my grandfather, and slowly more family events will arise.” Seungcheol said. “At one point my father will organize a dinner with Adeline, and it will be the first time we will all meet as a family.”

“Wow.” Jeonghan let out a deep breath. “Sounds like a lot of work.”

“I’m not nervous, you’re here with me.” Seungcheol said. “But if at any point you feel uncomfortable, just let me know. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

“Then what are you going to tell your parents? That your two sons share an ex?” Jeonghan huffed.

“I don’t plan on telling them any of that.” Seungcheol grinned. “The next time I say anything regarding my relationship, it’ll be with a ring on your finger.”

Jeonghan’s heart pounded so hard he felt like he could throw up. He looked at his own fingers and smiled. “I like diamonds.” he teased.

“Noted.” Seungcheol nodded. They spent the rest of the ride back to Jeonghan’s apartment in a comfortable silence, with Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me” blasting through the speakers.

****************************************

Bright lights, tiled floors and music playing through muffled speakers, there’s nothing Jeonghan enjoys more than grocery shopping. He wouldn’t call himself a fantastic cook (Jisoo and his husband Seokmin are the chef pair of their friend group, and Jeonghan never says no to packed food from them), but he can at least cook ramen and handle easy single-portioned meals.

Jeonghan was checking the ingredients on the back of a soup can when he felt a hand on his shoulder. “Yoon Jeonghan?”

“Hyungwon?” Jeonghan’s eyes widened and he broke out into a smile. “Oh my god hi!”

“What is up?” Hyungwon gave him a fist bump and a friendly side hug. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been great, it’s so nice to see you again.” Jeonghan smiled. “How is everything back at Star Industries?”

“Oh you know, work is work.” Hyungwon shook his head. “We do miss you in the office though, no one knows how to work the printer better than you.”

“That’s me.” Jeonghan puffed his chest out and they laughed. “Are you still with Mr. Byun?”

“Oh no, I’ve transferred out.” Hyungwon said. “I’m working in Strategy now.”

“Reporting to who?”

“The golden boy.” Hyungwon lowered his voice. “Choi Seungjoon.”

“Oh?” Jeonghan raised his eyebrows. “How is that going?”

“It’s…” Hyungwon made a face. “It’s been challenging.”

“Oh? How so?”

“There are some weird things going on.”

“Really?” Jeonghan looked around. “Hey I’m just going to finish up and maybe we should get coffee or something to catch up.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.”

****************************************

bunnyhannie: cheolie? are u free?

cherrycoups: i’m on my way to the gym, what’s up?

bunnyhannie: i’m having coffee with an ex-colleague from Star and he’s telling me some interesting tea about Seungjoon

cherrycoups: what kind?

bunnyhannie: it’s too much, i should tell u in person

cherrycoups: meet me after gym and bring a napkin, it’s time to spill that tea

Seungcheol’s gym was the kind of gym Jeonghan would have to donate a kidney to in order to afford the membership there. Jeonghan was used to going to his local gym, tucked in between a small coffee shop and a used bookstore with 3 treadmills and a cycling machine that couldn’t tell time. Seungcheol’s gym was the definition of a celebrity luxury gym, with a sauna, spa and dedicated trainers for everything.

Jeonghan stepped in and already he felt a little self-conscious. He was just dressed in plain oversized tee, casual sweatpants and slippers as he was just on a shopping run. Jeonghan was about to walk back out when he heard a “hey”.

He turned back and saw a guy with dirty ash blonde hair, bulging muscles and a dirty smirk. “Are you lost baby doll?”

“What?” Jeonghan stepped back, repulsed by his attitude.

“Come now, don’t be shy…” the dirtbag was pulled behind by Mingyu, dressed in a black tank top with a cap on his head. “Back off Nam, he’s taken.”

“Oh shit, sorry Gyu.” Nam chuckled. “Didn’t know he was yours.”

“He’s not mine.” Mingyu chuckled. “He’s the boss’s.”

“Oh.” Jeonghan saw Nam’s face turn white instantly and he bowed in apology.

“Hey Jeonghan hyung,” Mingyu smiled warmly at him. “Seungcheol hyung is over here.”

“You train with your boss?” Jeonghan chuckled, walking over to him. “I didn’t know you guys were that close.”

“We just started last week, but he’s cool.” Mingyu said. “He’s a better work out partner than most people.”

“Hannie,” Seungcheol put down his weights and wiped his hands on a towel, rushing over to him. “You okay?”

“I’m…uh…” Jeonghan stuttered, suddenly hyper aware of how close Seungcheol is and how… scantily clothed he was.

“Nam tried to hit on him.”

“Nam’s a jerk.” Seungcheol rolled his eyes. “One day he’s going to get his teeth knocked out.”

“I’m fine.” Jeonghan said. “You should probably finish your routine, sorry to interrupt.”

“It’s fine, I’m done.” Seungcheol huffed as he tried to catch his breath. Jeonghan grabbed the towel on his shoulder and pressed it against his forehead and cheek, patting the sweat off him gently. His eyes slowly scanned Seungcheol’s face, then down his neck and to the broadness of his chest. Seungcheol’s biceps were flaring up from the session earlier and Jeonghan could feel the butterflies in his stomach stir up. Suddenly the room was getting very warm and Jeonghan’s hands started shaking.

“Ew, go make out somewhere else.” Mingyu pulled a face and Seungcheol glared at him. Jeonghan started laughing to ease his nerves and it worked.

“Get lost Mingyu.”

“I will.” Mingyu grinned. “Bye boss, see you tomorrow. See you soon Jeonghan hyung.”

“Bye.” Jeonghan waved.

“Come,” Seungcheol grabbed his hand. “Tell me everything.”

It took about an hour of sitting in the gym’s changing room corner, knees touching while Jeonghan told him what he learned from Hyungwon. Seungjoon had initiated plans to start utilizing a parcel of land in India to build a luxury resort slash entertainment complex, but the team ran into issues quickly and Hyungwon felt uncomfortable with some of the decisions Seungjoon made and how he pushed the team.

“I bet he’s doing all of this to please his new father-in-law.” Seungcheol said. “But it does sound risky.”

“Yeah, Hyungwon said the internal auditors are starting to look into it and the whole team is exhausted. They are beginning to overlook things in favour of just getting it done to please him.”

“That’s not great.” Seungcheol sighed. “That’s not great at all.”

“Are you going to say anything?”

“I’ll check with the board and other staff from our execution department, but I am keen to take this to the Chairman.”

“You think he would believe you?”

“He won’t, but it’s a good start.” Seungcheol said. “Thank you, that’s a useful lead for me to work on in the meantime.”

“No problem.”

“Do you want to get food after this? I just need a shower and I’m done.”

“Sure.” Jeonghan nodded as he stood up to stretch his legs. Seungcheol carefully peeled his white tank top off him and Jeonghan had to pinch himself not to scream. “Oh, you have a tattoo.”

“Oh yeah, I do.” Seungcheol chuckled. “You like it?”

“It’s pretty.” Jeonghan moved closer to use his finger to trace his back tattoo. “An olive tree?”

“For resilience.”

“How fitting.” Jeonghan’s finger drew patterns on his broad shoulders, further down his back, following his spine. The room suddenly felt hot again and Jeonghan drew his finger back.

“Sorry,” Jeonghan stuttered “I should just wait outside…” his foot slipped on a small patch of water and Seungcheol immediately grabbed his hips to hold him steady. Jeonghan’s palms landed flat on the wall in front of him, forehead touching the wall. Seungcheol squeezed his hips from behind.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m… okay…” Jeonghan shuddered to think about the position they were in, Seungcheol pressed up against him, hands holding his hips tightly. He shifted his hips and the room turned hot again. There was a thick muscle pressed up against his ass and Jeonghan withdrew in panic.

“I’ll be outside.” he said quickly as he ran out of the changing room. He was panting like he was running a damn marathon but really all he was doing was just being too close to Seungcheol.

It had been WAY too long since Jeonghan was intimate with anyone, and sex with Seungjoon was never frequent because Seungjoon was always busy. Jeonghan had never pondered what it would be like to be intimate with anyone else after the breakup, but for the first time in years, his heart starts to race and his mind begins to wander.

Jeonghan banged his head softly against the wall.

****************************************

“Tell Jackson I want to set a call with him when he reaches Houston.” Seungcheol looked over the papers on his desk before grabbing his pen to make notes. “And make sure you do a run through with the legal team before we send those documents over to the Chairman for approval. I want our ship water tight before it sinks.”

“Yes sir.” his executive nodded as Seungcheol handed the papers to him. Seungcheol cracked his knuckles and checked the time on his Patek Philippe. He didn’t have to; his stomach was much better at telling him it was lunch time than any Swiss timepiece ever made.

Normally Seungcheol would just get a quick lunch and be back to work since his afternoons were packed with meetings. Before he could even call his secretary Mingyu, Mingyu was already outside the door with a big grin, waiting to be buzzed in.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow.

“Sir,” Mingyu winked playfully. “You have a guest.”

Seungcheol followed Mingyu out the door and a smile lit up on his face. Jeonghan was greeting everyone in the office, chatting and laughing loudly like they were old time friends. Hyungwon gave him a side hug before heading off to another important meeting and the accountants were all fawning and cooing over him.

“Your guest is a lot more popular than you are.” Mingyu quipped.

“I can tell.” Seungcheol gave him a mean side eye and his secretary giggled. “How did you know he was here?”

“He texted me, asked if you had any lunch plans.”

“Hello Seungcheol.” Jeonghan waved, walking over with a two lunch bags. He still had his teacher’s lanyard hanging on his neck and a great big smile that Seungcheol would happily go to war for.

“Hello there.” Seungcheol kept his hands in his pockets, aware that he was in a professional environment and shouldn’t be overly affectionate, but he certainly didn’t push Jeonghan away from linking their arms together. “What brings you here?”

“I know you have a big investor dinner tonight so I thought we could have lunch together instead.”

“You came all the way here from school?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t you be late trying to rush back?”

“I’ll make do.” Jeonghan waved a hand in front of his face. “I have katsu bentos and coffee.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect.” Seungcheol grinned. “Let’s go to my office.”

“Okay sit back down everyone, stop being so nosy.” Mingyu gestured to everyone else in the office and some even booed at him. Seungcheol opened the door to let Jeonghan in and before he closed it, he turned to his secretary and said “Mingyu?”

“Yes sir?”

“Take a longer break today.”

“Did I ever mention you are the best boss ever?”

“Quit it with the flattery.” Seungcheol rolled his eyes. “Go.”

“Yes sir!” Mingyu dumped his file and was the first one at the lift to disappear for a while.

“So, because we are not having dinner together you decided to come all the way to lunch?” Seungcheol teased, finally pulling Jeonghan closer now that the doors are closed. “You’re so clingy.”

“Don’t make me regret coming here.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes before wrapping his arms around Seungcheol’s neck and pulling him into a lovely, warm hug. “I know you have been really tired lately.”

“I am, there is so much work and so much to prepare for.” Seungcheol sighed, sniffing Jeonghan’s shoulder. “You make things so much better.”

Lunch was a simple affair. Jeonghan got to brag that he made the katsu himself and even if the salad was saltier than usual Seungcheol ate everything with gusto. Jeonghan eventually found himself on Seungcheol’s couch, his back pressed up against Seungcheol’s chest as he faced the view of Seoul through his window, both of them casually sipping their iced americanos. Seungcheol was sniffing his hair like a dog obsessed with his owner’s scent while Jeonghan played with Seungcheol’s fingers.

“My brother had always resented my mother.” Seungcheol said as he continued dropping more fun facts about his family. “The divorce was one thing, but my mother didn’t cave into him like his birth mom did. My mom was a disciplinarian, and I don’t think he liked that.”

“What was his birth mom like?”

“You’ve never met her?”

Jeonghan shook his head.

“She lives in New Zealand now and rarely returns, but when she was here she spoiled my brother, constantly buying whatever he wanted and catering to his every whim. I suppose it was to make up for her not being there in his life.”

“Why did they divorce in the first place?”

“They never told us, but the staff suspect infidelity."

“On who’s part?”

Seungcheol shrugged. “Not sure. Maybe it’s not that important.”

“Maybe.” Jeonghan said. Seungcheol pressed a tiny kiss under Jeonghan’s ear and Jeonghan hummed softly in response.

“Your brother,” Jeonghan chuckled when Seungcheol’s hot breath travelled down his neck, tickling him. “Has never acknowledged me in the office.”

“I know.” Seungcheol said. “I think he’s jealous.”

“Of what? Everyone else I worked with was taken or married.”

“Not them, of you.” Seungcheol corrected. “You were more popular than he was in the office and he’s jealous that you are more liked.”

“Yeah,” Jeonghan giggled, tipping his head back further while Seungcheol’s big hand laid flat on his thigh, gently massaging the flesh. “That’s what everyone said.”

“And they were right.” Seungcheol grinned. “You smell lovely Jeonghan.”

“I do?”

“Yeah.” Seungcheol moved boldly, pulling Jeonghan’s hair aside to kiss his neck. When the teacher didn’t pull away, he simply took his time kissing, hands interlocked with Jeonghan’s to hold him close.

“Hmmmm…” Jeonghan moaned absentmindedly. “Cheolie…”

The kisses travelled from the base of Jeonghan’s neck to his ear, to his jawline and just at the edge of his lips. Seungcheol lifted his head, searching for Jeonghan’s eyes. “Hannie…”

Jeonghan was going to reach up and pull Seungcheol down but then Jeonghan’s phone started ringing. He saw Jisoo’s name and groaned. “Fuck, I have to go.”

“I’ll get my driver to send you back.” Seungcheol let out a heavy sigh.

“Thanks.” Jeonghan groaned as well, absentmindedly picking up containers. He grabbed Seungcheol one last time and kissed his cheek. “Make sure you kill it at the dinner tonight.”

Seungcheol smiled the biggest Jeonghan had ever seen. “I will.” he grinned. “And after that, I’m all yours again.”

****************************************

“Oh look at this!” Jisoo giggled, grabbing a tiny white jacket from the hangers of the department store. “Baby clothes are just so adorable, Minsoo would look so cute in this.”

“Oh that pink hoodie is so cute.” Jeonghan pointed to a tiny child’s hoodie with matching bear ears. “I wonder if they make it for adults.”

“Since when do you like pink hoodies?”

“I think they are cute. Seungcheol likes pink too.”

“Oh.” Jisoo made a face and he turned to Seungkwan who also made a face. “So, your new boyfriend likes pink.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“If Seungcheol is not your boyfriend then we are all single and will die alone.” Seungkwan rolled his eyes. “You two are practically joined at the hip, he pays for most of your meals, you cook him lunch, you have met his parents, you two are boyfriends.”

“We have only been talking for such a short while.” Jeonghan said. “Albeit I will admit, things are progressing a little faster than I anticipated.”

“Like what? A proposal?”

“No!” Jeonghan’s nostrils flared open like an angry hippo. “Just… you know. My feelings for him.”

“You didn’t expect to fall for him this quickly huh?” Jisoo grinned.

“It’s just so annoying, like why is he so good at this?!” Jeonghan groaned. “He’s never late, he’s never sloppy, he’s so good at communicating, he never promises what he can’t achieve and he’s genuinely fun to hang out with as well.”

“You forgot to mention, he’s also extremely hot.” Jisoo teased.

“Is he?” Seungkwan asked.

“He is.” Jisoo smiled. “The absolute definition of a wet dream.”

“Please don’t mention wet dream.” Jeonghan blushed.

“Why? Did you…” Jisoo caught the look on Jeonghan’s face and he laughed. “Oh my poor horny, sexually deprived best friend.”

“It was embarrassing, okay?” Jeonghan groaned. He could still remember a few nights ago, waking up feeling frustrated and uncomfortable like he was still some teenage boy with raging hormones jerking off to Enrique Iglesias. He just simply dreamt of Seungcheol holding him close, whispering hotly in his ear while he pleasured him.

“My little bunny.” Seungcheol teased, licking and kissing the shell of his ear. “So tight and wet for me.”

“Have you ever had a wet dream for Seungjoon?” Seungkwan asked.

“No.”

“Well well well,” Seungkwan teased. “So it really is the younger, hotter brother that ticks your boxes. Honestly if I were you, I would just open my arms and say take me.”

“No but I understand where Jeonghan is coming from. Your last relationship was terribly traumatic and your current relationship is closely tied to that, I think it’s natural to be cautious.”

“Thank you so much.” Jeonghan pressed a hand on his chest. “Finally, someone gets it.”

“Cautiousness is one thing, honesty is another.” Seungkwan said. “Hyung, honestly you knew about halfway through your relationship with Seungjoon that something was wrong right? But you were determined to stick by him and you thought you could fix him, that’s why you stayed right?”

“I can’t…” Jeonghan paused for a bit. “Yeah maybe.”

How could he not? The signs were there. Seungjoon’s reluctance to introduce him to his parents and friends. Seungjoon calling their relationship “low maintenance” when clearly, he was just lazy to communicate. Jeonghan thought these were things he could fix, so he worked overtime to do so, but in the end it was too broken to be fixed. He wasn’t aware at the time, but now that he had Seungcheol, he could almost clearly see how heavily in denial he was back then.

“You bore the burden of the relationship the last time around, isn’t it nice to have someone share that responsibility this time around? Isn’t it nice to be clearly wanted and desired? And if what you’re telling us is true, that man has desired you for YEARS.” Seungkwan said.

“Kwan has a point.” Jisoo nodded.

“I wish it was that simple.” Jeonghan said. “Honestly, it terrifies me how much I want this to be real.”

“But it is.” Seungkwan argued.

“Kwan stop,” Jisoo placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’re still looking for baby clothes.”

“Fine.” Seungkwan pouted.

“Don’t mind him.” Jisoo told Jeonghan. “But he’s not entirely wrong either, it’s something to think about.”

“I know.” Jeonghan nodded. “I know you all just want the best for me. Thank you for checking in.”

“I say this sincerely, we have not seen you this happy in a long time.” Jisoo smiled. “You deserve it.”

“Thank you.” Jeonghan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Now let’s get clothes for Minsoo and then your pink hoodie.” Jisoo chuckled. “And maybe a thong to match it.”

“Jisoo yah!” Jeonghan stared at him.

“Please, don’t act like you’re not excited by the idea.” Jisoo winked and dragged his best friend to where Seungkwan was.

****************************************

The time for the big dinner between Adeline and Seungjoon’s family had arrived, in a fancy Japanese restaurant on the highest building in the city (one family Korean, one family Chinese, split the difference and make the meal Japanese). This was the first time Jeonghan felt properly nervous to meet Seungcheol’s family, and even Seungcheol seemed to be on guard this time.

“Have you met the Wongs before?” Jeonghan asked in the car as Seungcheol drove them over.

“Only several times.” Seungcheol said. “They are nice but they are very old money.”

“As in traditional?”

“Yeah.” Seungcheol pulled a face. “Which depending on how you see it, could also mean boring.”

“Well,” Jeonghan shrugged. “I guess it could be worse.”

They stepped into the elevator at the lobby to head up to the 56th floor when Jeonghan caught a glimpse of their reflection in the mirror. “Oh no.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I probably should not have worn this.” Jeonghan looked down at his soft khaki-coloured trousers and white top.

“Why not?”

“I’m wearing white. We look the bride and groom and right now.”

“Oh.” Seungcheol looked at their joint reflection, Jeonghan in white and Seungcheol in his black dress shirt and pants. He took out his phone. “Say cheese.”

“What?” Jeonghan stared at him after he took the picture and Seungcheol simply smiled at him.

“We look hot together.”

Jeonghan rolled his eyes but it got him laughing and feeling more relaxed. His hand naturally found Seungcheol’s and he interlaced his fingers, letting the young heir guide him to the restaurant.

Mrs Choi spotted them first and she waved them over excitedly. They were still exchanging hugs when shortly after, Seungjoon and Adeline, along with her family arrived.

“Hello everyone.” Seungjoon said. He looked at Jeonghan, gave him a once over and subtly rolled his eyes. Jeonghan gritted his teeth.

“Jeonghan, this is Adeline.” Seungcheol pulled him closer. “This is my boyfriend Jeonghan.”

“Hello there.” Adeline shook his hand warmly. She was dressed in the finest cashmere sweater Jeonghan had ever seen, tucked into a gorgeous golden silk skirt. She had a round cherubic face with pink cheeks and elegantly painted lips. “This is my younger brother Andrew, and my parents.”

“Pleasure meeting you.” Jeonghan shook all their hands and bowed politely.

“You do look vaguely familiar.” Adeline said as she took her seat opposite Jeonghan and in between Seungjoon and his stepmom. “Have we met before?”

“Uhhh, maybe briefly perhaps.” Jeonghan had no recollection of ever meeting Adeline before but then he realized she must be talking about that night when she visited with her grandfather. The night Jeonghan realized Seungjoon was a cheat and he kissed Seungcheol drunk. Jeonghan blushed slightly. “I was a friend back then.”

“I had no idea Seungcheol was dating at all.” Adeline turned to her fiancé and glared at him a little. Seungjoon shrugged. “I had no idea either.”

“How long have you two been together?” she asked.

“Two months now.” Seungcheol answered. “We started getting close while I was in London, and when I came back, we started dating.”

“Oh, how adorable.” Adeline cooed, smiling so wide her eyes became slits. “What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a teacher.”

“He teaches kindergarten and preschool, just like I used to.” Mrs Choi chimed in.

“Well well Choi, two for two.” Mr Wong raised his glass. “You must be thrilled.”

“I am, Wong.” Mr Choi raised his glass. “And I am even more thrilled to have our two families joined together tonight through Seungjoon and Adeline. To the happy couple.”

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast and cheered. The meal started and everyone started engaging in friendly, polite conversation. Jeonghan tucked his hair back behind his ears to eat his udon, holding it with one hand while he fiddled with chopsticks for the other.

“Are you okay?” Seungcheol asked when he noticed him fidgeting.

“I’m okay, just that my hair is getting in the way.”

Seungcheol flipped his wrist and pulled out one of his leather bracelets. “Could you use this to tie your hair?”

“Oh.” Jeonghan blinked in surprise. He tied a little bun on the back and breathed a sigh of relief. “That is much better, thank you.” He looked up to see Adeline smiling sweetly at him.

“How romantic.” she teased.

“Oh that? It’s nothing.” Jeonghan giggled shyly, feeling his cheeks get even warmer.

“It’s interesting how different both brothers are, aren’t they?” Adeline said. “But when it comes to their partners, they are both so soft and gentle.”

“I guess you can say that.” Jeonghan chuckled. “How did you and Seungjoon meet?”

“We meet during a party at his place when I came to Korea with my grandfather for a visit. He sat next to me and we talked a lot about business and work, but also music and fashion. On my last day in Korea, he asked me to dinner the rest is history.”

“So you two were doing long distance?”

“For a bit yes, then he flew to Hong Kong to work and we started seeing each other every day.” Adeline moved her fingers and the 5-carat pear shaped diamond engagement ring came into view. It sparkled under the lights and Adeline noticed Jeonghan looking at it. “He proposed when we were in Paris together, on a hotel balcony with the view of the Eiffel Tower.”

“That must be amazing.”

“It was, our friends were there as well and we had a big party. I think Seungjoon tried to call Seungcheol but he was busy with work.”

“Yes I heard from him as well.”

“It must not be easy dating someone as busy as Seungcheol, how do you guys make time?”

“We make it work.” Jeonghan turned to look at Seungcheol, who was absorbed in a conversation with his mom, and turned back and smiled. Truth be told, Jeonghan never pondered if it was “difficult” to date someone so busy. Seungcheol has always made himself available for him, so it felt easy.

“That’s nice.” Adeline said. “I’m really happy for you.”

“Thank you, and congratulations to you and Seungjoon as well.” Jeonghan raised his glass as a small toast to Adeline and she clinked hers with his.

After dinner the Choi patriarch invited everyone back to his mansion for second round drinks. Jeonghan was still fiddling with his hair when they arrived and Seungcheol placed his hand on his thigh and smiled. “Do you remember this place?”

“I do.” Jeonghan sighed. “This was the place I found out your brother is an asshole.”

“And something else?”

“Oh.” Jeonghan froze. “That.”

“Not exactly how I wanted our first kiss to go but I’ll take it.” Seungcheol winked as he turned the car engine off.

“Hey!” Jeonghan protested weakly. “In my defence…”

“And what defence is that?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow. “Too drunk to remember?”

“I didn’t want our first kiss to go like that either but…”

“But what?” Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan in by the waist and grinned as he started to tease him. “What were you imagining then?”

“Cheol…” Jeonghan’s eyes flittered to the porch where Seungjoon and Adeline’s parents were slowly making their way inside. “People are watching.”

“We’re not going in until you finish your sentence.” Seungcheol said, gripping Jeonghan’s waist tightly.

“Cheol…” Jeonghan whimpered.

“Come on.”

“What are you two doing?” Seungjoon’s commanding voice snapped the two of them out of their stupor.

“None of your business.” Seungcheol snapped back at him.

“Oh, how nice to be young and in love.” Mrs. Wong giggled and the other folks started laughing. Seungcheol ignored his brother as he stepped inside the house but he held onto Jeonghan anyway, making sure he was close.

The butler prepared drinks for everyone as they gathered inside the living room to rest. “I have something to mention.” Seungjoon raised his hand. “I was talking to Grandpa a few days ago and he mentioned it would be nice for our families to go on a short trip together before the actual wedding in June.”

“Yes, and my grandfather thinks the same as well.” Adeline said, looping her arm around Seungjoon’s.

“So we were thinking of a short trip to south of France in the next two weeks? Grandpa has that chateau in Provence that we haven’t been to in a while.” Seungjoon said.

“I think that sounds lovely.” Mr Choi said.

“Only close families and their spouses are invited.” Adeline said.

“Can I bring Jeonghan?” Seungcheol asked. Jeonghan turned his head to look at Seungcheol in surprise.

“We said spouses.” Seungjoon spat out each word slowly as if everyone else was hard of hearing. “No short-term boyfriends allowed.”

“Seungjoon!” Mrs Choi chastised him.

“You also said family, and in case it hasn’t been clear, Jeonghan is my future family.” Seungcheol said.

“Has Grandpa met Jeonghan before?” Mr Choi asked. Jeonghan shook his head.

“Hey if it’s about money,” Seungcheol’s lips spread into a tiny smirk. “I will gladly shoulder the additional costs to bring Jeonghan.”

“Cheol.” Jeonghan placed a hand on Seungcheol’s shoulder to stop him.

“It’s not about the money.” Seungjoon said, frowning as if that was the biggest insult he had heard all his life. “Everything is all planned for.”

“I don’t see what the harm an additional person would bring.” Mr Wong shrugged.

“Me too, if everyone is bringing their spouses and expecting to be paired up, it wouldn’t be right to just leave Seungcheol alone.” Mrs Choi said.

“I guess it’s just one person.” Adeline tugged on her fiancé’s arm. “It should be alright. Some people on my side may not be able to come.”

Seungjoon could only sigh. “Fine, do whatever you want.” he shrugged.

“Thank you.” Seungcheol grinned. “Hannie, have you ever been to Europe?”

“No.” Jeonghan shook his head.

“Then it’ll be fun.” Seungcheol said. “We’ll have a good time.”

****************************************

“Did you see Seungjoon’s face when he said “no short-term boyfriends allowed“?” Seungcheol said as he walked Jeonghan back to his apartment after drinks. “That smug bastard.”

“He isn’t entirely wrong though.” Jeonghan said. “It is supposed to be a close family thing…”

“If you weren’t allowed to go, I wouldn’t go.”

“Why not?”

“A week in Provence surrounded by people I don’t know and a brother I can hardly stand? That’s not a vacation that’s just a day in the office.”

“But still.” Jeonghan pouted a little as he looked down at his own feet, his tummy fumbling around as he tried to sort through his emotions.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” Seungcheol asked.

“My sister is opening her salon and we have a small party to celebrate tomorrow.”

“You sister has a salon?” Seungcheol’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Well, I…” Jeonghan blinked. “I just assumed you weren’t interested so I didn’t say anything.”

Seungcheol’s eyes shifted as his shoulders sagged downwards. Jeonghan felt a chill down his spine as for the first time, real disappointment and sadness flashed across Seungcheol’s face. “Is that how I made you feel?” he asked.

“What?” Jeonghan’s eyes widened in panic. “No, not at all. I just… I…” he stammered, unable to find the words to explain.

“Jeonghan, I know my brother was a piece of shit, and what he did to you traumatized you.” Seungcheol said. “The last thing I want to be is a repeat of my brother and I am trying to do better, because you deserve better and I want to give you that.”

“Cheol…” Jeonghan bit his bottom lip, pulling Seungcheol’s arms to wrap around his waist.

“In case I haven’t made this clear to you, I really really, really like you.” Seungcheol said. “I may have fibbed on the timeline but I am not faking any of my feelings or intentions towards you. Not even a little bit. You’re the first thing I think about when I wake up, and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep. You are a huge part of my life and I want to be that in yours too. I just… I just want to be with you.”

A small moment of silence passed between them as Seungcheol reached up to stroke Jeonghan’s jawline. Jeonghan interlaced his fingers behind Seungcheol’s neck. “I…” he started softly. “I’m not entirely pretending either.”

“Really?” Seungcheol raised one eyebrow in genuine surprise.

“It’s just a lot to unpack.” Jeonghan sighed. “There are so many aspects to this that I have never experienced before, in any of my relationships even before Seungjoon, and I apologize if I am not giving you the response that you need sometimes. It’s just… it’s a lot to unlearn and rediscover.”

“Oh.” Seungcheol pulled him closer. “I don’t want to push you into a corner and make you uncomfortable.”

“No no, on the other hand.” Jeonghan smiled gently. “I’m really touched that you care this much.”

“Hannie,” Seungcheol smiled back. “I would move mountains and swim fucking oceans to see you smile. Believe me, this is the least I could do.”

Jeonghan wanted to cry. How on earth did he ever get this lucky? Is this finally retribution for all of the heartache from before? Did he really deserve this? “You’re so clingy.” he teased softly.

“What time does the party start tomorrow?”

“11am.”

“I’ll be there.”

“You will? Really?”

“Of course. Does your sister like flowers?”

“She likes beer.”

Seungcheol let out a loud laugh. “Then we’ll get along just fine.”

“I think so as well.” Jeonghan laughed with him. “I think she’ll really like you.”

Seungcheol leaned in and gave Jeonghan a gentle kiss on the forehead. He waited a little bit and then kissed his cheek as well. “I’ll text you.”

“Okay, I’ll send her address.”

Jeonghan waited until Seungcheol had left to enter his apartment. Then he buried his face in his hands and cried. It was not the first time he had done so for a man, but the reasons were so different. For the first time, he was smiling through his tears and his heart had never felt so full.

Choi Seungcheol you bastard. You’re healing a heart you didn’t break.

****************************************

“Oppa,” Subin, Jeonghan’s sister, stared at the table full of food in front of her. “Isn’t this too much food?”

“Didn’t you tell mom?” Jeonghan laughed. His mother had very different notions of what a “small” meal should entail.

“I told her my salon pantry wasn’t big.”

“Well, Seokmin and Jisoo are coming and I think they have food as well.”

“Oh my god.” Subin groaned. “I thought I told you to tell them not to bring anything.”

“What makes you think they would listen to me?” Jeonghan made a face. “Also, dad said no arguments, so be nice to Seungkwan and stop bringing up the fact you beat him in badminton.”

“Shucks.” Subin pouted. “That’s my only leverage over him.”

“HELLO EVERYONE!!” Seokmin’s loud voice came from the salon entrance. Jeonghan nudged his younger sister. “Be nice.”

“I’m always nice.” she flipped her hair over her shoulder and he laughed.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how loved you can be. As Jeonghan watched Seokmin, Jisoo, baby Minsoo, Wonwoo and Seungkwan flood in with presents and flowers to greet Subin and his parents, Jeonghan was gifted with the timely reminder that these were the people who lifted him from the darkness two years ago. Jeonghan’s mom cooed at his friends and immediately took baby Minsoo in her arms. Jeonghan’s father helped with the flowers, arranging it on a shelf.

“What a precious little cutie.” Jeonghan’s mom kissed Minsoo’s chubby cheeks. “So when’s the next one?”

“Oh we can’t.” Jisoo and Seokmin shook their heads. “Not for a while at least.”

“He looks like he could use someone to play with. Maybe Seungkwan or Wonwoo could contribute?” Jeonghan’s dad teased.

“Please, I’m trying to get Hansol to notice me.” Seungkwan groaned. “What’s the use of living next door to your crush when he only opens his door for food?”

“Hansol is pretty cool.” Wonwoo said. “He comes by the library sometimes and he always borrows old Marvel comics or Douglas Adams novels.”

“Does Wonwoo still not have a date yet?” Mrs Yoon frowned. “If you need help, I can ask around.”

Wonwoo nearly spat his rice out. “Mama why me, how about your daughter?”

“Hey!” Subin stuck her tongue out at Wonwoo.

“Subin hates all the men I suggested.” Mrs Yoon made a face.

“Exactly, just leave me alone. You should help oppa instead.” Subin rolled her eyes.

“Oh I don’t think he needs any help.” Jisoo grinned and Jeonghan kicked him under the table. His friends started giggling.

“What does that mean?” Mr Yoon asked. “Son, are you seeing someone?”

“Yeah dad.” Jeonghan nodded. “I am seeing someone.”

“Please tell me he’s a better guy than that asshole you dated.” Subin said.

“I don’t even remember what his name was.” Mrs Yoon said. “Seung-something?”

“Well...” Jeonghan bit his lip and his sister slapped his arm.

“Don’t tell me you went back to your ex-boyfriend, oh my god oppa!”

“It’s not my ex.” Jeonghan said. “It’s his brother.”

Everyone at the table gasped and Subin almost dropped her fork.

“Oppa!” her face changed into something more devilish. “How naughty!”

“What’s his name?” Mr Yoon asked.

“You’ll know. He’s on his way.”

“He’s coming here?!?!!?!” the whole table stared at Jeonghan in shock.

Jeonghan nodded. 5 minutes later, the bell hanging above the front door chimed open and Seungcheol appeared, dressed in a comfortable flannel shirt and jeans. If this was a drama there would be soft violins playing in the background as Seungcheol opened the door and entered.

“Hi.” Jeonghan stood up and ran to Seungcheol, looping his arms around his neck and pulling him into a hug. “You came.”

“Of course I did.” Seungcheol smiled.

“Guys, this is Choi Seungcheol.” Jeonghan smiled. “He’s my boyfriend.”

“Oh my.” Mrs Yoon dropped her jaw. “You’re so handsome.”

“And you bought gifts?” Mr Yoon stood up as well.

“Oh I did, these are flowers for the salon.” Seungcheol handed Subin a large bouquet. “And this is my friend Kim Mingyu.”

“And I have the beer.” Mingyu lifted the cans and everyone cheered.

“These are for you.” Seungcheol handed Jeonghan a smaller bouquet. “And one for Mrs Yoon as well.”

“Oh!” Mrs Yoon pressed a hand on her chest and smiled. “How sweet! It’s been a while since a man bought me flowers.” she turned to Mr Yoon and made a face at him.

“Chill it son,” Mr Yoon tapped Seungcheol’s shoulder. “You’re making it hard for the rest of us married men.”

“Yeah, where are my flowers?” Jisoo turned to Seokmin.

“They come when you least expect it.” Seokmin made kissy faces at Jisoo to try and appease him. Jisoo clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes.

“Mingyu, these are my friends Hong Jisoo, Lee Seokmin, their son Lee Minsoo, Boo Seungkwan and Jeon Wonwoo.” Jeonghan grabbed Mingyu’s wrist to pull him closer. “And yes, Wonwoo is single.”

“Hey!” Wonwoo furrowed his brows and looked down shyly.

“I was not expecting a feast.” Seungcheol looked at the table, rolling his sleeves up in reflex. “You should have told me; I would have gone light on breakfast.”

“It’s nothing fancy.” Mrs Yoon laughed. “These are all Subin and Jeonghan’s favourite dishes.”

“I’m excited to try it all.” Seungcheol licked his lips.

“I made the right decision to skip breakfast.” Mingyu grinned. “God it looks so good.”

Jeonghan watched as Seungcheol and Mingyu started blending in seamlessly into the group. There was so much casual teasing and laughter as Seungcheol started formally introducing himself and what he did. Seungcheol said he studied in New York and Jeonghan’s dad asked if he ever watched baseball. Seungcheol mentioned he wasn’t a big baseball fan and Mr Yoon pulled a face and Seungcheol went white.

“Gee,” he said and Jeonghan laughed as he watched Seungcheol panic. “I’m not sure if that’s going to cut it. We’re very big into baseball in this family.”

“You are?” Seungcheol turned to Jeonghan and he smirked.

“Baseball players maybe.” Subin quipped and everyone laughed.

“Just relax, my dad is kidding.” Jeonghan said.

“That’s right, learn to take a joke kiddo.” the older Yoon winked and his wife just shook her head.

“I thought I was going to die there.” Seungcheol breathed a sigh of relief.

“There are other ways to die, stunned by an old man is not really one of them.”

After lunch, everyone pitched in to help clean up. Seungcheol offered to wash some of the dishes in the pantry kitchen, and because it was so small, only two people could be in there without feeling claustrophobic. Jeonghan helped his sister fold up tables and move chairs, then he went to the kitchen and looped his arms around Seungcheol’s waist, hugging him tightly.

“Oh?” Seungcheol was taken aback by the arms, and then he relaxed when he saw who it was. “Jesus Hannie, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Thank you.” Jeonghan mumbled softly against his back. “Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for letting me be here.” Seungcheol said. “Everyone is so nice and lovely. I can see where you get your wit and sense of humour from.”

“I was so nervous.” Jeonghan said. “You’re the first boyfriend they have met so I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“Hang on, are you serious?” Seungcheol turned the faucet off to look at Jeonghan. “You have never introduced a boyfriend to your family before?”

“Not this way.” Jeonghan shook his head. “I used to introduce Seungjoon as my friend, and they only met him a few times. They didn’t know we were dating until we were at least 3 years in.”

“Holy crap.”

“I know.” Jeonghan smiled. “But they liked you, so I’m really happy now.”

“Thank god.” Seungcheol chuckled. “I could have really screwed up big time.”

“I don’t think so.” Jeonghan laughed. “I think they would like you even if I hadn’t said anything.”

“Did they like Seungjoon as well?”

“I don’t know.” Jeonghan shrugged. “My dad doesn’t even remember his name.”

“Then I guess I’m one up above him this time.”

“You are,” Jeonghan laughed. He leaned in and kissed Seungcheol quickly. “You always are.”

Seungcheol dumped the sponge he was using in the sink and wiped his hands on a nearby towel. His right hand moved to cup Jeonghan’s head and he bought him in to plant his lips on Jeonghan’s. Jeonghan grabbed Seungcheol’s flannel shirt, allowing himself to close his eyes and sink into the kiss. He couldn’t quite remember if the night he drunk kissed Seungcheol was as good as this, but Jeonghan felt like he was floating. He felt so light, so full, so warm, like he was a hot air balloon that could fly and Seungcheol was holding him down on the ground. Jeonghan parted his lips to deepen the kiss, tasting the coffee at the end of Seungcheol’s tongue. They broke the kiss for air, panting heavily with a thin saliva string between their lips, akin to the red string of fate holding them together.

“Wow.” Seungcheol breathed.

“Yeah,” Jeonghan nodded. “Wow.”

Jeonghan leaned in for another kiss, locking his arms behind Seungcheol’s head. They were so absorbed in each other that they didn’t hear Mr Yoon calling for them until his voice went “HEY!”

“Oh!” They broke apart quickly, Seungcheol turning to face the sink while Jeonghan wiped his lips. “Yeah dad?” Jeonghan answered.

“Are you kids done with the dishes?”

“Uhhh yeah, almost.” Jeonghan answered.

Jisoo, Seokmin, Seungkwan, Wonwoo and Mingyu then peered into the pantry. Their cheeky faces showed that they knew more than they let on and Jeonghan stuttered. “What are you all looking at?”

“Hey Minsoo, daddy has a new song,” Seokmin said, holding Minsoo in his arms. “Seungcheol and Jeonghan, sitting in a tree.”

“K-I-S-S-I-N-GGGGG!!!!” The rest of them sang loudly and cackled as Jeonghan threw a dish rag at them.

“Go! Get lost!” Jeonghan gave them all air kicks and the group dispersed while laughing like evil witches. Jeonghan returned to Seungcheol’s side and sighed, resting his forehead against his muscular shoulder.

“Should we do that?” Seungcheol asked.

“What?”

“Find a tree and make out.”

“Shut up.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes while Seungcheol laughed, but he didn’t move. He just pressed his face into Seungcheol’s shoulder and smiled.

****************************************

Ask any salaried worker this, but the busiest times of your work is always right before you are about to go on vacation. Taeyong signed off on Jeonghan’s time off plans for the UK but told him he had to finish grading the semester and draw up homework plans for his substitute to take over. Jeonghan started going to work earlier in order to be able to complete his work on time, and going early meant taking the first bus at 5.30am. Therefore, you can imagine Jeonghan’s shock when he got a message the night before from a mysterious number.

adelinewong: hi, i got your number from Seungjoon. I’m Adeline.

“Fuck why does he still have my number?” Jeonghan cursed.

bunnyhannie: hey Adeline! what’s up?

adelinewong: I heard you are a teacher at St Morris Preschool, that’s not too far from my office, I was wondering if you would like to get breakfast tomorrow.

bunnyhannie: Oh that’s really sweet of you to offer, but I have to get to work pretty early nowadays, around 6.30am.

adelinewong: That’s okay, I start early too. I can come and pick you up around 5.30am?

Jeonghan dropped his jaw. Holy shit, who does this? Who the fuck agrees to picking up someone they barely know at 5.30 just for a meal? Am I being kidnapped? Does she want something?

bunnyhannie: Oh I’m okay with the time but I really don’t want to be an inconvenience, maybe we could do lunch instead?

adelinewong: Don’t worry about being an inconvenience, I just want to get to know you more.

bunnyhannie: Well then hard to say no to such a kind offer ^^

adelinewong: Hahaha don’t mention it, could you send me your address?

Jeonghan wasn’t sure if Adeline was being serious, but apparently she was, because she showed up in her Mercedes, on time and absolutely flawless in Manolo Blahnik heels, her dress from Jacquemus, her blazer from Chanel and her bag from Hermes.

“Good morning Adeline.” Jeonghan greeted as he got into her car.

“Good morning.” Adeline smiled. “Have you had anything to eat yet?”

“Just some coffee, I wasn’t sure what we were getting.”

“A classic.” she winked.

The classic turned out to be McDonald’s breakfast. They ordered through the drive through and sat in Adeline’s car to eat it. Jeonghan was deathly afraid of spilling anything on her seat but Adeline was just so comfortable in it, asking him to relax.

“Do you eat in your car a lot?” Jeonghan asked.

“I do, especially on my way to work.” Adeline said. “It’s nice to get a break from people every once in a while.”

“True.” Jeonghan nodded. “I have that too. After a couple of hours with the kids I just don’t want to talk to anyone.”

Adeline smiled and took a sip of her coffee. A chilly silence passed between the two of them. Jeonghan knew what she wanted to ask about, but he wanted her to say it first.

“How long have you known the Choi family?” Adeline asked.

“Uhm, a couple of years.” Jeonghan said. “I met Seungjoon first in my last year of college and then Seungcheol later.”

“Seungjoon told me you two used to date.”

“Ah,” Jeonghan let out a soft chuckle to diffuse the tension. He could tell Adeline was nervous about it. “What else did he say?”

“He said you two dated for a short while and it didn’t work out. You two were broken up before I met him that night at his place with my grandfather.”

That fucking bastard.

“Hmm.”

“Why?” Adeline asked. “Is that not what happened?”

“I think it was a little longer than a short while.”

“So how long? Years?”

Jeonghan nodded. “I can see where you’re coming from, and in fact when you called, I had an inkling this would be bought up. Yes, Seungjoon and I dated but obviously it didn’t work out. Seungcheol was there for me during that tough time and one thing led to another,” he shrugged. “Here we are.”

“So you have no feelings for Seungjoon?”

“The only feelings I have are mutual respect and the occasionally desire to break his nose.” Adeline spat her coffee back into her cup. “Oh don’t be like that,” Jeonghan smirked. “We all despise our exes in one form or the other.”

“I guess so.” Adeline coughed, but Jeonghan could see a smile forming on her lips.

“You have nothing to worry about I swear.” Jeonghan placed a hand on his chest. “My heart is with Seungcheol.”

“I can tell.” Adeline said. “You two are so very much in love, everyone could feel it. Seungjoon’s father told my dad that he hadn’t seen Seungcheol this happy in a long time.”

“Oh,” Jeonghan smiled. “That’s lovely to hear.”

“It’s just that you’re so…” Adeline sighed. “You’re so nice and popular and I can tell Seungjoon’s parents really like you and you seem to know your way around and I just…” she looked down, rubbing her arm self-consciously. “I wish I was like you.”

“Me?” Jeonghan nearly choked on his coffee.

“Yeah, I can’t tell if Mrs Choi likes me, but I know she really likes you.”

“You can’t compare, I have been with the family for longer.” Jeonghan said. “Technically. I didn’t know Mrs Choi very well until recently when I started dating Seungcheol.”

“You were never close even while dating Seungjoon?”

“I think you would know,” Jeonghan said. “That Seungjoon and his stepmother have a slightly distant relationship.”

“That’s true.”

“There’s no right or wrong here. Both brothers have very different relationships with their parents and each other, and that has an effect on how we build our own bonds with them.” Jeonghan said. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. It takes time to build these bonds, and Mrs Choi is not that kind of stepmom or mother-in-law, I promise.”

“Do you think so?”

“I do.” Jeonghan reached out to hold her hand as a gesture of comfort.

“You know, Seungjoon is the first real man I have ever been in a relationship with.” Adeline said. “I have never felt like this with anyone before, and I really want to do well in this.”

“How old are you?”

“I’m 23.”

Jeonghan’s eyes widened in shock. “You and Seungjoon are nearly 9 years apart?”

“Yeah.”

She’s just a child holy shit. Seungjoon what the fuck are you doing? Jeonghan breathed in deeply. “You’ll be okay.”

“Really?”

“I’m here. You will be.”

Adeline turned to Jeonghan and smiled. In what felt like a blink of an eye, Jeonghan arrived at the preschool.

“Thank you for everything Adeline.”

“No Jeonghan, thank you.” Adeline said. “I needed this.”

“I’m glad I could help.” Jeonghan said. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“What do you like about Seungjoon? I mean what made you fall for him?”

Adeline paused for a bit. “He made me feel like a woman.”

“Ah.” Jeonghan figured he would not be able to relate to that.

“What about you? What made you fall for Seungcheol?”

Jeonghan smiled to himself as he pictured Seungcheol in his head: handsome, strong, warm, comforting, playful, romantic. “He made me feel loved.”

The two of them waved at each other as Adeline drove off. An ugly feeling gnawed at the pit of Jeonghan’s stomach. Adeline was so young, and clearly head over heels in love with Seungjoon. Jeonghan debated telling her the truth. Revealing Seungjoon as the lying monster he was could save Adeline many years of heartbreak and sorrow, something he had wished for himself, but could it be possible that Seungjoon has changed? Could he have learnt the error of his ways and actually treated Adeline with love and kindness? What right did he have to step into a happy couple’s life and break them apart?

Jeonghan’s instincts were screaming at him. Not now, it said. Not now.

Jeonghan spent the rest of the day feeling unsettled. He couldn’t get over how young Adeline was, and how innocent she looked and sounded talking about Seungjoon. He left school immediately once it was over and instead of heading home, he went straight to Seungcheol’s office, asking if he could see him. When Seungcheol came down to the office lobby, Jeonghan ran into his arms and hugged him.

“Hannie?” Seungcheol stroked his hair. “Is everything okay?”

“It’s…” Jeonghan blinked. “I just needed a hug.”

“Of course, anything.” Seungcheol pulled him in tighter. “Anything you want.”

“She’s so young.” Jeonghan sniffled.

“Who?”

“Adeline.” Jeonghan buried his face in Seungcheol’s shoulder. “She’s so young.”

Seungcheol kissed the top of Jeonghan’s head gently. “I know.”

“I fucking hate Seungjoon even more now.” Jeonghan said. “If he hurts her, I will break his balls.”

“I’ll bury the body.”

“You’d protect a murderer?”

“You make it sound like I have no reason to hurt him.” Seungcheol chuckled. “He hurt the person I love more than anything. I have every reason as much as you do.”

Jeonghan smiled. “I know you have to go soon, one last hug?”

“Okay.”

Jeonghan wasn’t lying to Adeline. In Seungcheol’s arms, Jeonghan felt more than love. He felt like he was at home.

****************************************

“Are you okay?” Jeonghan asked Seungcheol.

“I can’t decide if I would rather jump into volcanic lava or be eaten alive by lions.” Seungcheol mumbled, adjusting his sunglasses as the airport travelator moved them and Seungcheol’s parents closer to the lounge.

“If you’re this nervous then I should be crying in the bathroom right now.” Jeonghan tapped his hand. “It’s okay, we’ll be fine.”

“How are you so calm?”

“I couldn’t sleep last night and I took a pill this morning. I’m going to get on that flight and knock myself out for the next 12 hours.”

“Smart.”

They got closer and closer to the VIP lounge and Seungcheol held onto Jeonghan’s wrist, a movement that was almost second nature at this point, to hold him back so that his parents could move ahead of them. Jeonghan interlaced his fingers with Seungcheol’s and sucked in a deep breath, adjusting his shoulders as they followed Mr and Mrs Choi.

“Father.” Mr Choi called.

“Ah, there’s Kangmin.” Chairman Choi, an elderly man in his 80s, was seated on couch with his maid beside him. He still had a booming voice and pleasant smile, slowly standing up to greet his son.

“Father you don’t need to get up.”

“Manners son, have I taught you none of it?” the Chairman shook his head. “Minju.” He greeted Mrs Choi. “And… oh?”

“Grandpa,” Seungcheol placed a hand on Jeonghan’s lower back. “This is my boyfriend Yoon Jeonghan.”

“Goodness gracious.” Chairman Choi beamed. “Cheolie has a boyfriend?”

“He does Father.” Mr Choi chuckled.

“That’s wonderful news, that means it worked.”

“What worked?” Mr Choi asked.

“What?” Jeonghan blinked in confusion.

“Father.” Mrs Choi shook her head. The chairman shrugged and took both of Jeonghan’s hands in his.

“Forgive me. It’s lovely to meet you. I was just confused, I thought you were a woman.”

“Oh!” Jeonghan laughed. “Sorry, it’s my hair.” Jeonghan had his hair tied into a half bun today. “I get that a lot these days.”

“Well you’re certainly prettier than most women.” The chairman chuckled. “Welcome, is this your first time with us?”

“Yes Grandpa.” Seungcheol answered.

“Good good, we’ll have fun. Is everyone here yet?”

“We’re waiting for Seungjoon and Adeline with her family.”

“Fabulous.” The chairman beamed. “I’m looking forward to this.”

Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan back and gave him a thumbs up. Jeonghan was then introduced to Seungcheol’s aunt and uncle, plus their spouses and their children. One of Seungcheol’s cousins was a young teenage girl of roughly 16 years old named Wonhee. She shook Jeonghan’s hand and smiled. “I remember you.”

“You do?”

“I do, aren’t you the one who dated Seungjoon and got dumped?”

“Wonhee!” her father nagged her.

“No no it’s okay.” Jeonghan smiled. “Yes I did date him, and I was the one who dumped him.”

“Nice.” She smiled. “He’s a dick anyways.”

“Wonhee!”

Jeonghan grinned. He figured he and Wonhee would be good friends one day.

The bride and groom arrived shortly after with the Wongs, consisting of Adeline’s grandparents Albert and his wife Mary, then her parents, Andrew and her aunty Christy with her two daughters and one son. Albert and Chairman Choi greeted each other warmly, laughing with each other as if they were two boys in a pub drinking beer and watching football.

“There’s almost thirty of us, good grief.” Jeonghan counted. “Your grandpa would need to buy out a whole business class suite.”

“I don’t think grandpa would do that.” Seungcheol chuckled. “Knowing him, he would go one step further.”

And he did, because Chairman Choi chartered an exclusive VIP Airbus just for them. Jeonghan had never been on a flight this exclusive and this luxurious, and of course had the rookie experience of pressing every button on his seat to figure out what they did and had an absolutely amazing time.

“Cheolie it reclines!!”

“I know,” Seungcheol giggled. “And if you press that the footrest comes up.”

“Holy shit.” Jeonghan gaped. “And you do this every time you fly?”

“Hell no.” Seungcheol made a face. “This is luxury even for me.”

“Wake me up when the champagne starts.” Jeonghan grinned. “I don’t want to miss a thing.”

“Will do Hannie.”

Jeonghan and Seungcheol downed as much alcohol as possible, and also slept as much as possible. Jeonghan felt the effects of his pill almost immediately, and really only woke up to eat and drink. After what felt like hours on the flight plus a private bus, they finally arrived in the south of France. Jeonghan swore this was what heaven looked like.

“Cheol,” Jeonghan gripped his arm as he stared out the window, watching the beautiful green hills under a blanket of gold laid by the sun setting low in the sky. Little sheep and cows dotted the landscape with old French castles covered in vines and moss, their red roofs adding contrast to the view. “This is beautiful.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Seungcheol pressed his cheek against Jeonghan’s shoulder.

“Isn’t this the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?”

“No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

“Shut up.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes and shrugged him off. Seungcheol giggled and reached for his hand.

“I’m serious.”

Chairman Choi’s private chateau was one of the largest in the region, a sprawling mansion on a near 750-acre piece of land, nestled between olive and grape vines. The massive stone staircase flowed out from the second floor on both ends like cascading waterfalls, bridging the main entrance. A flurry of staff waited to greet them at the front and help with the luggage.

The mansion was staffed by almost 100 staff members, who regularly ran the chateau as a tourist destination and hotel. For this week only, it would be home to almost 30 people from two of the richest families in Asia.

“Rooms are on the first and second floor, please help yourself.” Chairman Choi said as his assistant started handing out keys. Chairman Choi took one and turned to Seungcheol and Jeonghan. “Now I know you two are not engaged or married, but I trust you two wouldn’t mind sharing a room?”

“Oh not at all grandpa.” Seungcheol answered quickly.

“Fine then, behave.” The chairman smirked. “I know what you lot are like at your age.”

“What age?” Jeonghan was too busy staring at the art on the walls to pay attention.

“If he gets too rough, kick him out.” Chairman teased.

“What?” Jeonghan scratched his head in confusion.

“Nothing.” Seungcheol laughed. “Come on, let’s find our room.”

The room they picked was on the second floor and probably the size of Jeonghan’s bedroom, bathroom and dining room combined. A huge double bed in the centre, elegant 17^th century furniture with a gorgeous chandelier above the bed and a balcony overlooking the gardens at the back of the chateau. The fabrics felt soft, the carpet plush, the gold trimmings in the bathroom. Every detail felt like a dream.

“I can’t believe this is our room!” Jeonghan pushed his luggage aside in excitement and ran out to the balcony. “I can’t believe I’m here at all, this is insane.”

“Believe it.” Seungcheol took his hand and spun him on the balcony playfully. “I have been looking forward to this all month long.”

“I thought you hated the idea of travelling with your family.”

“I do, but knowing you are with me makes all the difference.”

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you too.” Jeonghan smiled, pulling Seungcheol in for a kiss.

The giddiness of being in Provence couldn’t outweigh the exhaustion everyone was feeling from the long journey. Jet lag was starting to sink in, and after a quick meal in the dining room, everyone was ready to turn in and call it a night. The next morning, Seungjoon and Adeline had organized a private tour to some of the most beautiful sights of the French Riviera. Everyone was energized and fuelled up on coffee, buttery croissants and cheese and ready to go.

They passed through rolling fairy-tale hills, quaint villages and came upon some of the most beautiful coastline anyone had ever seen. During one of the stops in Marseille, as the group were walking along the coast and passed quaint gift shops, Seungcheol told Jeonghan he had to stop to take a work call. Jeonghan nodded. In Seungcheol’s line of work, work never actually stops in full.

Jeonghan was helping himself to an ice cream cone, scrolling the pictures he took earlier when he felt a dark presence block the sun on his arm. “Oh.” Jeonghan looked up to see Seungjoon next to him. “What do you want?”

“What did you say to Adeline?”

“Adeline?” Jeonghan raised an eyebrow. “Just now? We were talking about buying olive oil from that old lady we saw earlier.”

“No, before this.” Seungjoon said. “She picked you up for McDonald’s.”

“Oh that.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes. “She knew we dated so I just told her some stuff. I didn’t lie about anything, unlike you.”

“Listen,” Seungjoon huffed. “I am just trying to save her the heartache, okay? If she knew we were technically together while I asked her out, she would be heartbroken.”

“Yeah, because then she would realize she was marrying a cheat.” Jeonghan sneered. “Whatever.”

“Hannie…”

“Don’t fucking call me that. My name is Jeonghan.”

“Jeonghan.” Seungjoon sighed. “Whatever you have planned….”

“I don’t have anything planned. My plan is to come here with my boyfriend and have a good time and you are fucking it up by accusing me of shit I didn’t do.”

“I swear if anything…” Seungjoon looked around cautiously. “I can’t lose this.”

“That’s your problem.”

“Listen Jeonghan. I know I wasn’t good to you when we dated. I see how my brother treats you and frankly, it embarrasses me. Because I should have treated you like that. I have never seen you this happy with him as you were with me.”

“Yeah no shit.” Jeonghan turned to the side a little.

“This apology should have come years ago, but I’m sorry I wasn’t any better to you.” Seungjoon swallowed thickly. “But I really like Adeline. She’s wise beyond her years and she keeps me grounded and humbled. I need her.”

“Then stop treating her like a fucking child and treat her like your wife.” Jeonghan said. “You yourself said she is wise beyond her years, then treat her like one.”

“It’s men like you who spend more time coming up with ridiculous excuses for their poor behaviour rather than actually doing something.” Jeonghan snapped. “You might have fooled me once before but you can’t do it again, and don’t underestimate Adeline.”

“I got it.”

“This,” Jeonghan punched Seungjoon in his left arm. “Is for being a piece of shit to me.”

“Ow!”

“This,” he punched again “is for fucking up Adeline.”

“And this!” he punched again, harder this time “Is for all the shitty things you did to Seungcheol.”

“What the fuck.” Seungjoon winced, rubbing the spots where he was hit.

“Do it again and I’ll break your ribs next time.” Jeonghan growled. He stepped away from Seungjoon, pushing past a small crowd to find Seungcheol who was by the beach stand, ordering his own ice cream after he ended his call.

“Hannie?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow.

“I just punched your brother.”

“Good boy.” Seungcheol grinned. “Did you break his nose?”

“No, I only punched him in the shoulder.” Jeonghan pouted. “I did it three times, one for me, one for Adeline and one for you.”

“Awww my bunny.” Seungcheol pulled him in by the waist. “You’re always looking out for me.”

“He also apologized to me, for how he treated me.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“I guess I needed to hear it more than I thought, but I thought I would feel relief, now it’s nearer to indifference.” Jeonghan said. “It feels like he’s not the point anymore.”

“I think that’s called moving on.”

“Yeah.” Jeonghan nodded. “I think I crossed that bridge a long time ago.”

****************************************

Jeonghan woke up the next morning to the sound of birds chirping and people giggling and grunting all at the same time. His eyelids fluttered open, craning his neck as he rose up slowly. His feet trudged against the soft carpet towards the window.

He pulled the curtains apart and stepped onto the balcony to check on the noise outside. It was Seungjoon and Andrew, playing tennis in the court just right by the manicured gardens and fountains. The two men were laughing and teasing each other while playing. Seungjoon even gave Andrew tips on how to play better. Adeline joined later, holding two cups of coffee for them.

“Hannie?” a deep, sleepy groan came from inside. “Where are you?”

“Out here.” Jeonghan answered.

“Such morning people.” Seungcheol yawned, stretching himself on the cabinet before plopping his head on Jeonghan’s shoulder. “Could never be me.”

“Me too.” Jeonghan rubbed his eyes. “We should go wash up.”

“Together?”

“You can brush your own teeth right?”

“No.” Seungcheol whined cutely. “Want you to do it for me.”

“What am I? Your mother?”

Seungcheol lifted his head and smirked. Jeonghan made a face like he was going to throw up and smacked Seungcheol’s butt. “Just go.”

“Yes mommy.”

Jeonghan tossed his bedroom slipper at him.

****************************************

“Oh grandpa!” Seungcheol was just coming out of the bathroom when he saw Chairman Choi walking slowly along the corridor.

“Oh hello Cheolie.” Chairman Choi smiled as his grandson took his hand and walked slowly with him. “How was the tour today?”

“Amazing grandpa, the wine was exquisite.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Did everyone drink?”

“I think so, but no one got drunk, except maybe uncle Kangho.”

“Well he can’t hold his liquor anyways.” the older man chuckled. “How is everything so far?”

“It’s wonderful, the place is beautiful and…”

“I’m not talking about the tour.” he said. “I’m talking about you and Jeonghan.”

“Oh,” Seungcheol blushed slightly. “It’s going great grandpa.”

“Good, that’s all I want to know.” he nodded. “You know, money really isn’t everything.”

“Is it?” Ironic, coming from you.

“It truly isn’t. For me, nothing gives me greater joy than watching my children and grandchildren experience the power of love.” Grandpa Choi said. “Your grandmother would agree with me on this.”

“I know.”

“This place feels a little emptier without her, but I’m happy everyone else is here to add noise and energy to this place. It makes it feel alive again.”

“OKAY PEOPLE!” Seungcheol’s mom’s voice could be heard booming from the living room below, mixed with the sound of mahjong tiles knocking against each other. “One more round!”

“Is this the kind of noise you were hoping for grandpa?” Seungcheol laughed.

“Your mother is just excited.” the old man smiled. “Have you been helping with the wedding plans?”

“No grandpa, Seungjoon hyung has been doing all of it himself.”

“Ah yes, he has been so busy with the wedding and the latest resort complex. I saw his initial write up report, it looks very promising.”

“Right,” Seungcheol cleared his throat. “About that.”

“Why? What have you heard?”

“I heard some conflicting accounts about that project.”

“Hmmm,” the chairman hummed. “I haven’t heard anything different from the Wongs, then again they may not be aware either.”

“That’s true grandpa.”

“Still, I’ll believe it when I see it.” they reached the bottom of the staircase and the chairman tapped Seungcheol’s shoulder. “I trust that if something truly is wrong with it, you will do something about it.”

“I will.”

“That’s my boy.”

“Choi!” Albert called from the chess table. “Come on old man, let’s play a game.”

“Look who you’re calling old.” the chairman mocked. “I have more hair than you.”

Seungcheol walked his grandfather to the chess table and helped him settle in. Jeonghan was playing mahjong with Mrs Choi, Mrs Wong and Christy, Adeline’s aunt. Seungjoon was taking a work call while Adeline was at the bar with Seungcheol’s younger cousins.

“My my Jeonghan has such a lucky hand.” Mrs Wong laughed, shuffling the tiles around again. “He’s a real card shark.”

“I think I was just lucky Mrs Wong.” Jeonghan smiled. He caught Seungcheol’s eye and winked at him.

****************************************

“Why are you still down here?” Jeonghan asked, turning the corner into one of the smaller private libraries where Seungcheol was hiding (or seeking refuge) in with his laptop. “It’s getting late.”

“I know, I was just reading this draft report.” Seungcheol typed away on his laptop. He moved his arm away to allow Jeonghan to sit on the arm rest, placing his arm back on Jeonghan’s thigh.

“Is this about the resort project?”

“Yeah. They mentioned some due diligence issues and workers negligence on site.”

“That’s quite serious isn’t it?”

“I don’t know if it’s serious enough, but it’s a start.” Seungcheol sighed. “It’s just a draft anyways, more to come.”

“The billiards room is next door, let’s play a round.”

“This late?” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow.

“Oh come on, we’re supposed to be on holiday.”

“Okay okay I’m coming.” Seungcheol rose slowly, closing his laptop. He finally got a good look at Jeonghan and his eyes slowly widened. Jeonghan was in a pair of very, very short shorts, a very oversized shirt that was clinging onto the edge of his shoulders and the buttons opened a little lower than usual. Jeonghan stretched lazily, unaware his partner was mentally undressing him in his head.

“Hurry.”

“Coming.”

Seungcheol and Jeonghan have played billiards thousands of times before, but doing it in a beautiful 17th century room dimly lit with candles and his grandfather’s old LP player in the corner was a new experience. Usually, Seungcheol would be more focused on beating Jeonghan (his competitive streak wouldn’t allow him to lose, even for his lover), but tonight, with the way Jeonghan was bent over the table, hips high in the air, Seungcheol could care less about the game.

“I’m hitting all the moves today.” Jeonghan grinned. “You know, I won about 200 Euros during mahjong earlier.”

“Really?”

“Nothing compared to your mom winning 600, but not bad. I could have beaten her, but let’s not be disrespectful to your elders.”

“That’s a bold claim to make.” Seungcheol’s words trailed off as Jeonghan moved closer, tip-toeing to lean further on the table. “My mom is really good at mahjong.”

“That she is.” Jeonghan groaned a little, trying to adjust his cue stick. He lifted one leg off the ground for balance and Seungcheol gripped his thigh.

“Let me help you.”

Jeonghan was trying to make a shot when Seungcheol’s thumb rubbed the inside of his thigh. His stick slipped and the cue ball jumped, hitting the wall instead.

“Hey!” Jeonghan glared at him. “You were supposed to help me!”

“I did! You could have slipped!” Seungcheol sounded innocent, but his smirk told a different story.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re about to attack me.” Jeonghan made a face at him. “It’s distracting.”

“Maybe I do want to attack you.”

“What did I do?”

Seungcheol pulled him close and whispered darkly in his ear “You look like you’re begging to be eaten.”

“Stop it.” Jeonghan elbowed him. He got himself ready for his next shot, spreading his legs for stability. He gasped when he felt Seungcheol standing behind him, one hand squeezing his left hip.

“Go on baby.” his deep voice sent chills down his spine. “Take that shot.”

Jeonghan closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to focus on the game. He readjusted himself but all that did was push him back against Seungcheol and Jeonghan cursed himself. He missed that shot and Jeonghan whined.

“Oh, it looks like I win.” Seungcheol made a surprised face. “Woo hoo!”

“That is not fair, you distracted me!”

“I did not!”

“Come on one more game!”

“No way, come on Hannie it’s late.”

“Just one quick one and we can get this over and done with it.”

“Billiards is not a quick game though.”

“Fine, let’s arm wrestle.”

“Arm wrestle?!” Seungcheol’s eyes widened in shock and his eyebrows almost flew up to the sky. “Hannie, no.”

“Come on!”

“Jeonghan no offense, but you are practically the weight of a rag doll right now.” Seungcheol sighed. Jeonghan was lean and had a hard time putting on weight. Seungcheol on the other hand was strong, muscular and wide. Wonhee once said it was like watching the Hulk and Barbie holding hands. “I could hurt you.”

“No you won’t, I trust you.” Jeonghan tapped the bar table.

“Fine, what do I get if I win?”

“How about 50 Euros?” Jeonghan said.

“Okay, are you sure about this?”

Jeonghan nodded. Seungcheol reached for his wallet in his pocket and pulled out a couple of bills and placed them on the table. Jeonghan placed his right elbow on the table and Seungcheol held his hand. Their arm size difference was incredibly noticeable, and for a brief second Jeonghan thought he could actually break his arm.

“I’ll go easy on you.” Seungcheol said, being careful not to exert unnecessary strength.

“Sure.” Jeonghan smiled. “Go!”

First 10 seconds in and Jeonghan tried using his strength, but it felt like pushing a rock. What annoyed him more was knowing Seungcheol wasn’t using his weight or strength at all, he was just resisting as normal.

“You okay there?” Seungcheol teased.

“I’m fine.” Jeonghan’s left hand went to his shirt and he pulled it roughly. The thin shirt fell off his left shoulder, exposing the shoulder completely and the upper half of his chest, his left nipple just peeking above the shirt. Seungcheol’s jaw dropped and his arm went limp. Jeonghan took this advantage and slammed his arm on the table.

“I WIN!!!” Jeonghan grabbed the 50 and ran around the room cheering.

“Now that was cheating!” Seungcheol pointed a finger at him, lips forming into a pout.

“All’s fair in love, war and money.” Jeonghan fanned himself with the bill, showing off his exposed shoulder as he danced to himself, wriggling his hips.

“Come here!” Seungcheol chased him around the room, finally catching him and hoisting him up on the billiards table, his butt resting on the edge while Jeonghan wrapped his legs around Seungcheol’s waist for support.

“You’re such a naughty little bunny.” Seungcheol growled, snatching the bill from Jeonghan who was giggling so much his face was red.

“You’re so easy to trick.” Jeonghan teased, raking his fingers through Seungcheol’s thick hair, bringing their faces close. “Just a little skin and you’re all over the place.”

“Don’t poke the sleeping bear darling.” Seungcheol held onto his chin. His breathing was laboured, like he was really trying to hold himself back. His other hand snaked up Jeonghan’s thigh to creep under his shorts, stroking the skin sensually. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me right now.”

“Really?” Jeonghan’s breath fanned across Seungcheol’s cheek, his lips hovering over Seungcheol’s. “You should show me.”

They closed the distance and it was fire upon fire, their lips tangled for dominance. Jeonghan tightened his limbs around Seungcheol, as if he couldn’t get any closer to him. Seungcheol’s hands reached around to grab his ass through his shorts, pulling him closer until their groins touched. Jeonghan bit his lip to suppress a moan. He tipped his head back to expose his neck and shoulder, guiding Seungcheol’s head with his hold on his hair as Seungcheol sucked and nibbled on the smooth skin.

“Fuck baby,” Seungcheol groaned. “You are so perfect.”

“Cheolie please,” Jeonghan moaned softly. “Touch me.”

Jeonghan shifted his hips, trying to grind onto Seungcheol when he heard a small creak from below them. He ignored it at first and then the creak got louder, until eventually a loud SNAP reverberated across the room.

“What was that?” Seungcheol lifted his head.

“I don’t…” Jeonghan tried to move and the billiards table below him shifted, causing him to almost slip. The two of them stared at each other in horror.

“Did we...” Jeonghan stammered.

“Shit.” Seungcheol grabbed Jeonghan’s hand and their belongings.

The next morning, Jeonghan and Seungcheol joined the family at the breakfast table like normal. They decided it would be best to just keep quiet about the billiards table thing and pretended nothing happened.

“Morning.” Mr Wong greeted them. “You two rested well? I know Seungcheol was working last night.”

“I did.” Seungcheol nodded.

“Jeonghan sweetie,” Mrs. Choi peered through her glasses. “You have something on your neck darling.”

“Oh.” Jeonghan took out his phone and turned on his front camera to check his reflection. “How silly of me.”

“Is everything okay?”

“I’m okay.” Jeonghan smiled, pulling at the ends of his hair. “Adeline, do you have any concealer?”

“I do. What do you need it for?”

“Just to cover a little love mark, I’m sure you know what that is.” Jeonghan waved a hand in front of his face and watched as Adeline blushed profusely. Mr and Mrs. Choi paused their chewing to stare at each other and Seungcheol blinked in confusion.

“Let me see.” Seungcheol pushed Jeonghan’s hair back and grinned. “My apologies.”

“No you’re not.”

“You’re right I’m not.” Seungcheol took a bite of his toast and everyone at the table started giggling.

“I believe it’s rather uncouth to mention this at the table.” Seungjoon glared at the two of them.

“I’m not the kind to deny Jeonghan and I had a good time.” Seungcheol said rather calmly, sneaking his other hand on Jeonghan’s thigh to massage it gently.

“That’s my boy.” Chairman Choi cracked a smile and everyone at the table laughed.

“I can give you a whole tube of concealer.” Adeline said, her cheeks red from laughter.

“It’s okay, a little will do.” Jeonghan raised a glass to his lips. “No one else can see the rest.”

Adeline dropped her fork as Chairman Choi let out a deep chortle. Seungcheol pressed his lips to Jeonghan’s ear. “You’re gonna get it.” He whispered darkly.

“It’s part of the plan.” Jeonghan whispered back.

“Be careful princess.” Seungcheol squeezed Jeonghan’s thigh, his hand dangerously close and high up to his crotch. “The next time this happens you’ll be limping to the breakfast table.”

“By the way,” Christy’s son raised his hand. “I heard that the billiards table is broken.”

Jeonghan and Seungcheol looked down at their plates.

“Oh yes, the staff told me, one of the legs gave way.” Chairman Choi said. “It’s a gorgeous antique, but I suppose it needs some fixing, so sadly no billiards for the rest of the trip.”

“Aww.” the younger cousins pouted.

“That does remind me,” Mary raised her hand. “Adeline darling, when is your bachelorette party?”

“I’m not having one Popo.” Adeline said.

“Really?” Mary looked up in surprise. “Seungjoon?”

“I’m not having one either.” Seungjoon said. “We really don’t have the time.”

“Oh well I am sure you have some now.” Albert said. “And if you want, you kids are welcomed to plan your own little celebration.”

“That’s right, we old folks can handle ourselves.” Chairman Choi said.

“Oooh can we have tea parties during your bachelorette?” Adeline’s younger cousin Wendy asked.

“Well I guess we could organize something.” Adeline giggled. “Like a little spa party with tea and scones.”

“And we could check out a bar something.” Andrew tapped Seungjoon’s shoulder. “I heard Aix-en-Provence has some fantastic clubs.”

“You guys have fun.” Mr Choi shuddered. “I’m too old for this.”

The plans for a spontaneous bachelor and bachelorette party quickly took shape. Adeline insisted Jeonghan join hers while Seungcheol was naturally included in his brother’s plans. Jeonghan managed to get a quick shopping run with Mrs Choi to pick up a gift for Adeline before her party. What the bride wanted more than anything was a day of relaxation after the stress of wedding planning, so she booked an hour of massages and spas for everyone.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Adeline laughed during dinner, at a very expensive restaurant that Mrs Wong recommended (Jeonghan learnt quickly that “cheap” recommendations don’t mean the same to them).

“I wanted to.” Jeonghan grinned. “Open it up.”

Adeline opened the box and she gasped in excitement. It was a tiny princess crown with a veil. “I know it’s meant for kids but I think you’ll love it.”

“I do!” she placed the crown on her head and let the veil fall over her shoulders.

“Awww my big sister is so pretty.” Adeline’s younger cousin hugged her.

“Thank you for everything.” Adeline laughed. “I’m having a lot of fun.”

“Me too.” Jeonghan smiled. He and Adeline had gotten closer in the last few days, and he was beginning to feel protective of her, like an older brother.

“I thought having something like a bachelorette was kind of old school, but it’s actually nice to just relax and enjoy.” Adeline said. “I still can’t believe I am getting married.”

“Are you nervous?”

“For the ceremony, not so much marriage itself.” Adeline said. “There’s just a lot of things to do, especially when combining such large families.”

“I understand. When my best friend Jisoo was getting married we were running on 4 hours of sleep per day on average.” Jeonghan nodded.

The party enjoyed a lovely, intimate dinner with pasta, rose and non-alcoholic fruit punch for the younger cousins and tons of dessert. Jeonghan was texting Seungcheol on and off, wondering what he was doing. Seungcheol replied with a video of the bar they were currently in, drinking shots of whiskey as the opener.

“What are they doing now?” Adeline asked.

“Taking shots.” Jeonghan told her.

An hour later Andrew sent his sister a video. The guys found another group of friends who were also having a bachelor party at the same bar and they were now buying each other drinks. Seungcheol had a beer mug in his hand as he chatted with the dude next to him, then a lady in a short skirt came and patted his arm, asking him to join them in a round of cheers.

Adeline watched Jeonghan’s smile drop when the video ended. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Jeonghan huffed. “Fine.”

“I wonder which bar they are at.”

“Me too.”

“It’s still early.” Adeline said. “We could drop the kids off and join them.”

“Can we?” Jeonghan’s ears perked up.

“I’ll ask my brother.”

With the location and time set, the group went back to the chateau to drop off the younger kids and got changed. Jeonghan didn’t pack any clubbing wear per se but he had a beautiful sheer baby blue top and a pair of skinny jeans. He was supposed to wear the top as an outerwear for the beach, but fuck it, it’s club wear time.

Jeonghan applied gel to his long hair, giving it a slick, wet look. He pulled his jeans higher up his waist, showing off his long legs and grabbed his trusty YSL boots. Adeline was waiting for him at the front, in a pink cocktail dress and nude heels. “Let’s go.” she grabbed his hand and they climbed into the back of the car, back to Aix-en-Provence.

****************************************

The only thing keeping Seungcheol interested in the club was the alcohol and the music. It was Andrew’s idea to visit the club as it was recommended by the Spanish dude they met at the bar earlier. Seungjoon was trying to keep Andrew under control and the rest of them were partying and having a good time. Some of the girls tried to approach Seungcheol but Seungcheol just shook his head politely.

“You look miserable.”

“What the fuck,” Seungcheol dropped his jaw and ran to envelop Jeonghan in his arms. “What are you doing here?”

“Andrew said you looked bored out of your mind so I came to keep you company.” Jeonghan smiled. “What do you think? Do like what I am wearing?”

Seungcheol could say a hundred words to describe how delicious Jeonghan looked, but instead he pulled Jeonghan into his arms and kissed him deeply, like they have been apart for too long.

“Stunning.” Seungcheol smiled. “You always are.”

Seungjoon seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when he saw Adeline, and now the group was really beginning to relax and have fun. Jeonghan downed a couple of shots and pulled Seungcheol onto the dance floor to dance with him. Seungcheol couldn’t take his eyes or hands off him, touching him everywhere, kissing his neck, a desire building so intensely from within. He would need the willpower of God to hold himself back from devouring Jeonghan then and there.

The DJ’s music began to slow, and the lights somehow got dimmer. The steady beat of Beyonce’s Partition got Jeonghan’s hips moving, brushing their lower regions against each other. Then the sensual rhythm of Doja Cat’s Streets kicked in, and Jeonghan’s hips slowed down, as if he was taking his time to feel every inch of Seungcheol’s hard body against his.

“Bunny,” Seungcheol groaned, lips pressed against Jeonghan’s ear. “Keep this up and I’m going to forget how to behave.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?” Jeonghan teased, turning around to press his back against Seungcheol’s front, one hand on Seungcheol’s nape.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Seungcheol gripped his chin to twist his face towards his, lips sliding against his in a teasing kiss. “Look at you acting this way, like you’re begging to be fucked out here in the open.”

“That’s what you think.” Jeonghan panted. “I don’t care if I’m fucked out here in the open, I just want you to be the one fucking me.”

“No.”

“No?” Jeonghan furrowed his eyebrows.

“Not here.” Seungcheol released his hold on him but gripped his wrist. “Not like this.”

“What?” Jeonghan stumbled behind Seungcheol as he pulled him out of the club and back onto the streets. Aix-en-Provence was filled with young people and tourists; all looking to party and celebrate on a hot summer night. Seungcheol turned a corner with Jeonghan close behind him. A hotel came into view after a short walk.

“Hi,” Seungcheol pulled out his black card and placed it on the counter. “Your finest room please, quickly.”

Jeonghan was amazed they even made it through the door. His entire body was screaming at him when they walked down the corridor and the minute the door slammed shut, he pinned Seungcheol to the wall and kissed him sloppily. Teeth and tongue clashed at each other while his hands fiddled with Seungcheol’s shirt.

“Cheol please…” Jeonghan whimpered when Seungcheol pushed him away, but only to throw him over his shoulders so that he could complete the walk to the bed, where he laid Jeonghan on the bed, his blonde hair sprawled out and his sheer top half open.

“Fuck,” Seungcheol cursed. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Kiss me please.” Jeonghan raised his hands to grab him. Seungcheol removed his shirt and lowered himself on his elbows, kissing Jeonghan hungrily. He took his time removing Jeonghan’s shirt, kissing, licking and sucking at every inch of skin he could see. He took Jeonghan’s left nipple in his mouth and Jeonghan moaned, arching his back off the bed. He moved to the other nipple and Jeonghan curled his toes in pleasure.

“Seungcheol… fuck…” Jeonghan moaned, removing Seungcheol’s belt and fiddling with his jeans. “Please, please just fuck me.”

“Patience,” Seungcheol said, helping Jeonghan with his jeans. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.” Jeonghan shook his head. “I trust you.”

“Jesus Jeonghan.” Seungcheol’s eyes darkened when he saw the red thong Jeonghan was wearing. “Were you planning this?”

“I was hoping to get lucky.” Jeonghan propped himself up on the pillows, one hand moving down to pull the wet thong down. “Please don’t prove me wrong.”

Seungcheol grabbed Jeonghan’s ankle to pull him closer to him. He pressed his knees apart, finally allowing himself to taste what he has spent years dreaming about.

“Fuck!” Jeonghan arched off the bed. “Cheol…”

“Stay still princess.” Seungcheol slapped the underside of Jeonghan’s thigh and he moaned weakly. Seungcheol inserted a long finger into Jeonghan’s needy hole and Jeonghan swore he saw the Lord himself. Seungcheol fingered him nice and slow, trying to be as gentle as possible. Then came another finger and Jeonghan’s whimpers got louder and louder. He gripped the sheets tightly, balling them up in his fists as he felt Seungcheol’s fingers brush against his pleasure zone, working him up skilfully.

“Cheol, please…” Jeonghan moaned. “So…so close.”

“I’m just getting started.” Seungcheol chuckled darkly. He pulled his fingers out, replacing it with the hot, wet muscle that is his tongue and Jeonghan had to bury his face into a pillow to muffle his scream. Seungcheol took his time, alternating between his mouth and his fingers, sometimes doing both. The young man ate Jeonghan out like he was starving and Jeonghan was his first meal in a week. Spit and slick dribbled down his thighs and taint and Jeonghan had never felt so dirty and so desperate before.

Jeonghan came for the first time with a loud scream, sweaty with his blonde bangs matted to his forehead. His limbs felt like jelly as he tried to get up on his forearms, but Seungcheol flipped him over again, one hand fisting his angry, hard cock.

“Are you ready?” Seungcheol asked, ripping a condom packet open with his teeth.

“Yes, fuck yes.” Jeonghan almost sobbed when he felt Seungcheol’s thick cockhead pressed against his rim. The spit from earlier and some lube Seungcheol managed to find in the room (Jeonghan had no capacity to question that) helped to make the slide easier, but still it hurt. Jeonghan should have known that Seungcheol was big, but he may have underestimated how big he was. It spreads him so good, hard and huge inside him.

“Breathe baby,” Seungcheol kissed Jeonghan, rubbing his waist softly to get him to relax. “You’re so tight fuck.”

“So…full…” Jeonghan breathed.

“It’s okay.” Seungcheol tipped his chin. “I got you.”

Jeonghan focused on his breathing and nodded. Seungcheol started slow, watching Jeonghan carefully for any sign of pain or discomfort. As he picked up the pace, Jeonghan started gasping louder and louder. Eventually the sounds turned into high pitched moans, like a melody accompanying the staccato of Seungcheol’s hips slamming into Jeonghan’s, his own deep groans mixed into it.

“Hannie,” Seungcheol’s low possessive voice felt like a drug. “So fucking good baby. Wanna fuck you all night.”

“Please,” Jeonghan nodded. “Please please please.”

“Please what princess? Use your words.”

“Please make me come.” Jeonghan sobbed softly, tears running down his cheeks from the insane pleasure he was feeling. Every nerve in his body felt like it had been electrocuted. His toes hurt from being curled up as he squeezed, drawing Seungcheol in deeper. Seungcheol bumped against his prostrate and Jeonghan cried louder. “Please let me come. Please I’m so close, please.”

“My pretty bunny,” Seungcheol praised, kissing his neck and nipping his skin with his teeth. “So tight and wet for me.”

“Cheol!”

“It’s alright baby, let go.” he urged. “I got you.”

And just like that, Jeonghan unravels. His second orgasm washes over him like a tsunami, leaving him shaking, crying, mewling, creaming and spilling all over his belly and on the sheets. Seungcheol follows shortly after, leaving an unintentional bite mark on Jeonghan’s shoulder. He rode out his orgasm, using all of his energy to make sure he doesn’t collapse on top of Jeonghan.

Jeonghan couldn’t feel his own toes and his fingers. It was like his soul was ripped out of him, ascended to heaven and now slowly sinking back down. His hole gaped openly as Seungcheol withdrew, like it missed Seungcheol’s monster cock and was asking to be filled again. Jeonghan gently flipped on his side and felt a hand on his forehead, slowly patting him.

“Hannie? Love?” Seungcheol called softly. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay.” Jeonghan nodded. “Shit.”

“You did so well.” Seungcheol kissed him. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Hold me.”

“Of course I will. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jeonghan fell asleep to Seungcheol cleaning him up and tucking him in. The last thing he saw was Seungcheol’s handsome face, kissing him goodnight.

****************************************

The next morning was utter agony. Jeonghan woke up with every muscle screaming at him like he did a Hyrox race unprepared. He reached for his phone on the table and blinked at the 20 missed calls and messages, from Adeline, Andrew, Mr and Mrs Choi, and even Seungjoon.

Jeonghan turned to his side and his eyes widened. Seungcheol was lying face down, his back tattoo on full display. Little scratches remain on his shoulder as evidence of what happened the night before. Their clothes were all over and the condom wrapper was on the table, fluttering slightly under the wind from the hotel air conditioning.

“Cheolie?”

Seungcheol slowly stirred awake. “Good morning Hannie.”

“Did we…” Jeonghan groaned. “Did we do that?” he pointed to the clothes on the floor.

“We did.” Seungcheol pulled him in, pulling the sheets over them as he kissed Jeonghan’s cheek. “Why? Do you have regrets?”

“No.” Jeonghan giggled, wrapping an arm around Seungcheol’s waist. “Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.”

“Best night I have had in a long time.”

“Me too.” Jeonghan nodded. “I think that was the first time I came twice in one night.”

“You have got to be joking.” Seungcheol stared at him. “Not even…?”

Jeonghan shook his head. “If Adeline is expecting the sex drive of an older man, she’ll get that, plus the stamina.”

Seungcheol burst out laughing, cradling his tummy. He heard his phone buzz on the counter and he checked the notifications. “Shit it’s my parents.”

“I know.” Jeonghan sighed. “I think they all tried to contact us.”

“Whatever.” Seungcheol rolled his eyes.

“We should get going. Your grandfather could be looking for us.”

“True.”

They slowly peeled themselves from the bed. Jeonghan groaned as he stood up, his hands flying to his lower back for support.

“You okay?” Seungcheol asked.

Jeonghan glared at him as Seungcheol tried to resist a grin. “This is your fault.”

“My fault?”

“You started this.”

“I’m not the one who went ‘please please fuck me’ last night.”

Jeonghan grabbed a pen from the table next to him and tossed it at Seungcheol who dodged it. Seungcheol walked over and swooped Jeonghan off his feet, carrying him to the bathroom. Steam filled the room as the hot shower came raining down upon them.

“Han?” Seungcheol gasped when he saw Jeonghan on his knees, hands gripping his thighs.

“Might as well.” he teased. “We won’t have this kind of privacy for a while.”

Seungcheol interlaced his fingers into Jeonghan’s blonde hair. He tipped his head back and moaned as Jeonghan took him in.

****************************************

“There they are!” Wonhee pointed at Seungcheol and Jeonghan, walking hand in hand towards the family that was crowded around the swimming pool, having drinks and grilling sausages on the side.

“Where have you two been?” Mr Choi lowered his sunglasses and adjusted the newspaper on his lap.

“Where else could they have been?” his sister quipped, shuffling the cards on the table. “Out there banging each other without the disruption of us old folks.”

“Sora!” Mrs Choi frowned.

“Oh come on, stop pretending they wouldn’t do that. They are not kids anymore for Christ’s sake.”

“Did you two sleep well?” Christy teased.

“We did, thank you for your concern.” Seungcheol pulled a face. Jeonghan simply smiled and sat down next to Sora, Seungcheol’s aunt.

“Had a good time?” she nudged him playfully. Jeonghan nodded and the two of them shared a quiet giggle.

“Where’s Seungjoon?” Seungcheol asked.

“He and Andrew have gone hiking.” Adeline said, her feet soaking in the pool water. “I’m too tired from all the dancing last night.”

“Baffles me how they could party till 3am and still go hiking.” Adeline’s mother shook her head.

“Do we really have to leave this place?” One of Adeline’s cousins pouted, pressing his chin on the pool tiles as he supported himself on a giant floatie.

“Time flies doesn’t it?” Mary nodded. “In exactly one month from now, Adeline and Seungjoon will be married.”

“I have a special final meal planned for all of us on our last day.” Chairman Choi said. “One to celebrate this wonderful trip and our newlyweds.”

They spent the next two days drinking wine, swimming, basking in the sun, shopping, napping, and just enjoying themselves to the fullest. Seungcheol took Jeonghan to one of the nearby lavender fields for a lunch date, with a picnic blanket, rose wine and plenty of ham and cheese.

“If this is heaven,” Jeonghan straddled his thighs, brushing Seungcheol’s hair from his face. “Bury me here and leave me alone.”

“Can I stay here with you?”

“Wouldn’t be heaven without you.”

Jeonghan slowly pushed Seungcheol on his back and tasted the wine on his tongue with his. Only the birds were witnesses to the promise of love they made.

At night, Chairman Choi organized a special party, featuring local foods, the staff members of his estate who meticulously organized everything, his distinguished guests and of course more wine and meat than they have ever had.

Jeonghan was in his room, changing outfits into something more comfortable after he realized how stifling French summers can be. He had just left his room and was walking downstairs when he passed by Mrs Choi and Mrs Wang, along with Christy and Sora in the second-floor powder room, talking loudly while touching up their makeup.

“You must be so thrilled.” Mrs Wang said. “Both your sons are in loving, happy relationships.”

“If I may be so honest, I was surprised Seungcheol went with Jeonghan.” Sora said. “Is that why none of his previous relationships worked out?”

“Could we even call them relationships at all?” Mrs Choi sighed loudly. “It is kind of a shame though. I really liked Minnie, the actress from Thailand.”

“I thought one of younger nieces Yuqi would be a nice fit for him, but she came home and said Seungcheol was boring as hell.”

“There must be something about Yoon Jeonghan don’t you think?” Christy said. “Some kind of spell he has to make both brothers obsessed with him.”

“Especially the younger one.” Mrs Choi said and they group let out a giggle. “I do adore him and I can see the appeal. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

“If he wasn’t pining for Jeonghan he might be married now, and possibly with a child too.” Sora said.

Jeonghan’s throat felt tight and clammy, and his eyes started to hurt. He really couldn’t listen to the conversation anymore, so he took the back way and left the second floor via the kitchen. The staff were surprised to see Jeonghan but said nothing as he passed through the galley.

“Can I have this?” he passed by a waiter preparing trays of white wine. The waiter hadn’t even opened his mouth and Jeonghan already took the glass. He opened the servant’s door and stepped out into the cooler, summer night. The ruckus of the party was behind him, and Jeonghan walked further and further to get away from it.

I am so stupid. How could I have been such a fool?

“Jeonghan?” Seungcheol called as he roamed around the gardens. “Hannie?”

“There you are.” Seungcheol walked towards the pool where Jeonghan was sitting on a lawn chair, hugging his knees to his chest. “I was looking all over for you… Hannie?”

“Jeonghan,” Seungcheol got down on one knee, cradling Jeonghan’s face, using his thumb to wipe the tears on his cheek. “My love, what happened?”

“Were there others before me?” Jeonghan asked weakly, his eyes red and tired from crying.

“What?”

“Please don’t lie to me.” Jeonghan sniffled. “Just tell me.”

Seungcheol looked down, his hands moving from his face to hold Jeonghan’s. “No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I tried Hannie, I tried.” Seungcheol said. “My mom set me up on dates, heck even Adeline’s mother tried. My family wanted me married as soon as my brother announced his engagement. I tried and nothing worked. I tried even while you were dating Seungjoon and nothing.”

“Why?” Jeonghan asked. “You are so handsome, so sweet, so loving and caring, how could it fail for someone like you?”

“Because there is something so, so very broken about me.”

“No, you’re not broken, you’re…”

“You broke me.” Seungcheol said. “You broke me so that I can never have anyone else but you.”

“Cheol…”

“That night you kissed me, right outside the family mansion.” Seungcheol smiled softly. “You don’t know what that did to me, the way it kept me up all night, wishing, yearning, begging to see you again, to even just hear a whisper of your voice.”

“Why didn’t you text me when you were in the UK?”

“Because I thought you needed space. You were so hurt, I thought it would be better if I didn’t come in to ruin your peace, but I told myself that when I do come in, I would be the man you deserve, all of that and more.”

“If I am very honest, meeting you again scared me. I was terrified to send you those flowers. I thought you would hate me, yell at me, curse me out, or worse, I thought the fantasy I had spent years building in my head would crumble immediately, and all of it was just an illusion.” Seungcheol’s voice started to break as well. “But then we started spending time together, and you became everything I dreamt of and more. I have never met someone who understood me so well, who listened and supported me, who made me feel so strong and confident, yet also soft and vulnerable.”

“I…” Jeonghan stammered. “I don’t want to hold you back.”

“You’re not.”

“I just… I am such a fool.”

“Hannie, what are you talking about?”

“I took you for granted.” Jeonghan swallowed thickly. “I was so comfortable in your love and your warmth, I assumed you would always be there. It never occurred to me, until I heard your mom talking about setting you up, that I could have lost you. That you were never mine to begin with.”

“Jeonghan-ah…”

“I am so scared. I have never fallen for anyone so fast and so strong. I thought I would be jaded after Seungjoon but you came in and I fell for you. You taught and showed me love in a whole new light. You made me feel more myself, in ways that I have never imagined. I told myself to not be an idiot, to not be a fool, yet here I am in the middle of nowhere crying because the thought of you not being with me terrified me.”

“I am so tired of pretending, I don’t want to do this anymore.” Jeonghan shook his head. “I love you Choi Seungcheol. I love you so much.”

Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan into his arms, pressing Jeonghan against his shoulder, nose buried in his hair. “I love you too Yoon Jeonghan.”

“You do?” Jeonghan looked up. “This isn’t pretending?”

“It will take me a lifetime to prove to you in full how much I love you, but I’m willing to do that.” Seungcheol smiled, pressing their foreheads together. “If you want me.”

“I do.” Jeonghan nodded. “I want you.”

Seungcheol leaned in to press his lips against Jeonghan’s. This kiss was different. It felt fuller, more grounding, more whole, more complete. Jeonghan melted in Seungcheol’s arms, eyes closed as he let the older man take control. They parted for air, then Seungcheol took Jeonghan’s hand and they went back inside. Not to the party, but to their rooms.

“Touch me please,” Jeonghan whispered quietly, cupping Seungcheol’s face as he straddled his lap. “Make me yours.”

“My love,” Seungcheol murmured against his skin, trailing kisses down Jeonghan’s neck. “My heart,” he removed Jeonghan’s shirt. “My everything.”

There was so much tenderness that night. In the way Seungcheol held Jeonghan, in the way Jeonghan brushed Seungcheol’s hair from his face, in the way they reassured each other of their love again and again and again. It was so soft, yet so overwhelming, in a way that made them feel like balloons on the edge of bursting into a pile of confetti. Jeonghan had never felt so full, like he was born for Seungcheol. They mumbled each other’s names like a prayer chant, gripping sheets and twisting blankets, whispering words of love until their bodies could take no more.

“You ruined me.” Jeonghan said, interlacing his fingers with Seungcheol’s.

“No, you ruined me.” Seungcheol shook his head, pressing his ear against Jeonghan’s chest. “Tell me how am I supposed to move on from you.”

“You can’t.” Jeonghan smiled. “You’re stuck with me now.”

“Oh perfect.” Seungcheol hummed. “That’s all I have ever wanted.”

It was finally time to return home the next day. Jeonghan didn’t think he would return home a different person after just a week, but perhaps that is the magic of Provence. Adeline walked up to him as they waited for their luggage to be placed on the coach and handed him a red envelope.

“For you.” She said. “I know you will come as Seungcheol’s plus one, but I want to formally invite you anyways.”

“Oh,” Jeonghan opened the card to reveal an exquisite Chinese style invitation. Red cards, gold embroidery and their names written in beautiful calligraphy. Jeonghan smiled when he saw his own name there, in Chinese characters. “Thank you, Adeline. That’s very sweet of you.”

Adeline gave him a warm hug before she walked away to join her fiancé. Seungcheol approached him after that. “What’s up?”

Jeonghan showed him the card and Seungcheol smiled. He kissed Jeonghan’s forehead tenderly and took his hand. “Guess you’re one of us now.”

“Yeah.” Jeonghan simply smiled back.

****************************************

“You’re looking good.” Jisoo raised an eyebrow when he met Jeonghan back at school, dipping his tea bag into his cup a few times in the teacher’s lounge.

“Thanks.” Jeonghan beamed.

“You’re looking well-rested, happy,” Jisoo raised a cup to his lips. “And well-fucked.”

Jeonghan said nothing. Jisoo grinned. “It was good huh?”

“It was nice.”

“Nice? Just nice?” Jisoo cackled. “My best friend hardly texted me all week in Provence and I was worried sick if he was eating well or kidnapped and when I do hear news of him all he said was ‘I can’t walk’.”

“I can still feel it.” Jeonghan pouted, reaching behind to rub his lower back.

“Well it’s nice to hear you got your back cracked.” Jisoo said. “I take it he’s a lot better than your exes.”

“He’s unlike anything I have ever had before.” Jeonghan said. “He makes me want to…” he trailed off shyly.

“You can say it, get on your knees and worship his cock.”

“Jisoo!” Jeonghan slapped his arm. “We are in school!”

“Tell me I am wrong though.”

Jeonghan huffed and said nothing. Jisoo pulled him into a hug and giggled.

“Now that, is good dick.” He smirked. “Let’s go, we got kids to serve.”

****************************************

cherrycoups: i’m coming home

bunnyhannie: what?

cherrycoups: this place sucks i miss you

bunnyhannie: you just landed in Hong Kong two hours ago, you are not coming home

cherrycoups: why not?

bunnyhannie: because your bother is getting married in 48 hours and you have family duties to attend to

cherrycoups: but i’m sick

bunnyhannie: from what?

cherrycoups: it’s a medical emergency

bunnyhannie: no it isn’t

cherrycoups: don’t you want to know what it is?

bunnyhannie: what?

cherrycoups: it’s about my heart

bunnyhannie: what about it?

cherrycoups: you have it and you’re too far away, how am i supposed to function?

bunnyhannie: i’m taking the first flight over tomorrow, i’ll be there in a few hours <3

cherrycoups: what if you take the first flight now?

bunnyhannie: i can’t, i’m literally in the middle of class

cherrycoups: bring your class with you

bunnyhannie: seungcheol, no

cherrycoups: there’s a Disneyland here the kids would love it!

bunnyhannie: we can’t afford to bring all the kids

cherrycoups: i can

bunnyhannie: stop it, just hang in there, i’ll be over tomorrow

cherrycoups: i miss you

bunnyhannie: it’s only been 12 hours

cherrycoups: too long. i miss our snuggle time

bunnyhannie: true, that was nice

cherrycoups: miss the little noises you make too, like cheolie it’s cold, cheolie hold me tighter, cheolie please fuck me

bunnyhannie: stop it

cherrycoups: you didn’t say that last night

bunnyhannie: i will literally block you on this chat i have class to teach!

cherrycoups: i love you

bunnyhannie: i love you too

****************************************

“Hi Mingyu!” Jeonghan rushed out of the arrival gates where Mingyu was waiting, dragging his luggage behind him. “Sorry if that took a while, long line at immigration.”

“I’m just happy you’re here hyung.” Mingyu sighed, helping Jeonghan with his luggage. “My boss is annoying without you.”

“He’s not that bad.”

“He kept texting me every hour to look for ways to leave Hong Kong and run back to you while I’m still organizing the seating chart.” Mingyu huffed. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

The family was staying at the Mandarin Oriental, smack bang in the very heart of the city itself. Seungcheol was in the middle of a family portrait shot in the lobby, so Jeonghan had some time to quickly unpack his luggage, freshen up and then join him.

Jeonghan left his room to return to the lobby, when he heard a little sniffling noise coming from the end of the corridor. He walked over and was surprised to find Andrew, leaning on the windowsill, shoulders hunched over as his head hung low.

“Andrew?”

“Jeonghan?” Andrew turned around and quickly used the back of his hands to wipe his face. “You’re here.”

“Yes I just arrived.” Jeonghan walked over. “Are you okay? Have you been crying?”

“It’s just…” Andrew sniffled. “I can’t believe my sister is getting married. It’s very emotional.”

“Oh, I understand.”

“She was always there for me, and now she’s moving away.” Andrew said. “I can’t believe I won’t get to come home and see her.”

“She will still be there for you.” Jeonghan rubbed his back comfortingly. “In fact, you’re gaining another brother, and I am sure both of them will drop everything and run to you when you call for them.”

“Yeah.” Andrew managed a smile. “Perhaps you’re right.”

“Come.” Jeonghan extended a hand naturally to guide Andrew downstairs to the lobby. When they finally appeared, Seungjoon got up quickly from his seat, sighing heavily.

“Andrew where have you been?!”

“I just needed a break.”

“There you are.” Seungcheol grinned, adjusting his Chinese inspired suit as he stood up to hold Jeonghan’s hand. “How was the flight?”

“It’s business class, hard to say it was unpleasant.” Jeonghan smiled, kissing Seungcheol briefly.

“You two should take a picture.” Mrs Choi giggled. “Oh Lana! Lana please take a few shots over here.”

“Oh no this is a family thing I shouldn’t…”

“Nonsense.” Mr Choi tapped his shoulder. “Sit down and smile son.”

“Consider this practice for the future.” Seungcheol grinned. “We’ll have more where this came from.”

****************************************

The next day was Seungjoon and Adeline’s big day. The first half of the day was for traditional rituals, including prayers and tea ceremonies as per the Chinese customs of the Wong family. The family gathered in the VIP lounge of the hotel, waiting for the traditions and customs to start.

“You look so beautiful.” Seungcheol said, kissing his hand. “Prettier than anyone I know.”

“Do you like how I did my hair?” Jeonghan turned around to show off his hair in a bun. He was dressed formally in a grey blazer with a crisp white shirt underneath. Seungcheol was still wearing the Chinese inspired suit his brother ordered for his immediate circle. “I stole my sister’s binyeo for this.”

“Looks stunning.”

The family was still waiting for the wedding planner to usher them in. Out of the corner of Jeonghan’s eye, he noticed some of the wedding staff running down the stairs from the upper floors. When he went to the washroom, he passed by one of Adeline’s bridesmaids who was on the phone talking loudly in Cantonese to someone, and then she took the lift to another floor.

Something doesn’t feel right.

“I’m going up.” Jeonghan said told Seungcheol. “Something is wrong somewhere.”

Jeonghan did not wait for Seungcheol to answer. He took off first, following one of the wedding staff to Adeline’s floor. He garrivedand it was like an airport terminal. People were buzzing about, doors left open with people whizzing to and fro. Adeline and Seungjoon had essentially booked the whole hotel just for the wedding so they wouldn’t disturb anyone else.

“Celine?” Jeonghan recognized one of Adeline’s younger cousins, who was shaking in her step and she reached out to hold his hand.

“Jeonghan oppa…” Celine called weakly.

“What’s wrong?” Jeonghan asked. “What’s going on?”

Celine pointed to one of the rooms and Jeonghan walked towards it. Adeline was on her knees, still in her red bridal dressing gown, crying helplessly on the floor. Seungjoon was on the bed, crying as well. Andrew was on the floor next to his sister, also on his knees.

Jeonghan was utterly confused, until he realized both men were shirtless and only in their underwear. There was a gold ring on Andrew’s finger. Jeonghan gasped.

“What. The fuck.” Jeonghan stepped inside. “You didn’t.”

“Han?” Seungjoon looked up at him. “Jeonghan get out of here.”

“So desecrating a 20 year old child was not enough, you went for the BROTHER TOO??!!?” Jeonghan slapped Seungjoon’s face, the sound cracking in the air as Adeline sobbed harder and Andrew crawled to Jeonghan.

“No! Don’t hurt him!”

“You stupid, lying piece of shit. You absolute motherfucking…” Jeonghan raised an arm to punch him.

“No don’t!” Andrew grabbed his arm. “Please, I love him!”

“He has taken advantage of you!” Jeonghan snarled at Andrew who whimpered.

“What is going on here?” Jeonghan whipped his head to find Seungcheol and his parents outside the door, staring at everyone in shock and horror.

“This piece of trash here,” Jeonghan pointed a finger at Seungjoon. “Has more than one Wong on his dick.”

“You…” Seungcheol’s eyes widened. “You didn’t.”

“This is none of your business, this is a private matter, get out!” Seungjoon roared.

Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan aside to punch his brother in the face. Everyone gasped. Andrew started crying again and Jeonghan bent down to pick up Adeline.

“What the… how did…” Mrs Choi stammered, gripping the wall in shock. “How is this…”

“How fucking dare you…” Seungjoon growled.

“You were a piece of shit from day 1 and you always were.” Seungcheol spat at him.

“Look, everyone get out.” Mr Choi stepped forward. “This is a private matter, Seungjoon and Adeline will deal…”

“There is nothing to deal.” Adeline said. She wiped her tears and glared at Seungjoon. “I would rather rot in hell than marry you.”

“Adeline no!”

Jeonghan pushed everyone out as Adeline and Seungjoon started arguing. They closed the door behind them with Adeline, Andrew and Seungjoon inside taking turns to scream at each other. Mr Choi had gone white in the face. “We… we have to tell my father.”

“Grandpa is not going to like this.” Seungcheol said.

“We don’t have a choice.” Mr Choi said. “There is no way they will reconcile after this.”

****************************************

The Chairman was indeed, not pleased at all. In fact, Jeonghan watched his face turn from shock, to anger, and then to pure disappointment. After a long while, the Chairman asked for some hot tea. After the tea, he took a while to compose himself. Then, he asked “Has Albert said anything?”

“We don’t know yet.” Mr Choi said. “I am sure Adeline has told her parents.”

“I must talk to Albert.”

Jeonghan and Seungcheol helped the Chairman find his friend, and he left them to deliberate on the next steps. Jeonghan turned to Seungcheol “This was not in the plan.”

“Hell no.” Seungcheol pulled a face. “I was going to show grandpa the full audit report of his project, but this is even worse.”

“What do we do now?”

“There’s nothing we can do.” Seungcheol sighed. “We just have to wait.”

The group broke for a short break. Mingyu, Seungcheol’s secretary, was in the thick of the shit storm, and he walked around like he was about to be set on fire. “Boss, no offense, but this is close to being one of the worst days of my life.”

“I’m sorry Mingyu.” Seungcheol sighed. “You can take the next few days off.”

“Can I also borrow your car?” Mingyu raised his eyebrow. “To take Wonwoo out?”

“To take WHO out?!” Jeonghan dropped his jaw, shocked at the revelation.

“Sure.”

“The Maserati?”

“No, the Mercedes.”

“How about the BMW?”

“Deal.” Seungcheol sighed.

“Thank you boss, now if you will excuse me.” Mingyu sighed as he took out his phone. “I have to cancel on Richard Clayderman.”

“Mingyu wants to take WHO out?!” Jeonghan was still trying to process this information.

“I found out only recently, believe me I am as surprised as you are.” Seungcheol shrugged. “I should have known when he started taking gym selfies and laughing to himself.”

About an hour later, the Chairman called for a meeting with his family. What he announced would surprise all of them.

“As it’s obvious, the wedding is off.” Chairman Choi said. “But, the party is still on.”

“What?” Sora stared at her father. “How is that possible?”

“We can adjust the decorations, talk to everyone in person. The food and venues have all been arranged, and so are all the performers. It makes no sense to waste everyone’s hard work and effort, let’s enjoy the food and have a party.” he said. “Albert sent Adeline and Andrew away with their family and bridesmaids, and I sent Seungjoon home immediately. We can deal with them later, but for what it’s worth I think we all deserve a nice time after whatever that happened.”

“I guess that’s…” Mrs Choi shrugged. “I guess that’s true.”

“I wanted to ask if this has ever happened before but…” Jeonghan turned to Seungcheol. “It doesn’t seem that way.”

“No, this is really new.”

“You know what darling,” Mr Choi turned to his wife. “Our anniversary is coming up, perhaps we can consider this as our party.”

“Oh my, it is.” Mrs Choi blinked. “I completely forgot about it.”

“That settles it then,” the Chairman smiled. “Let’s celebrate the love we have now.”

Jeonghan had his doubts but in moments like this he could see where Chairman Choi got his reputation from. He mobilized the staff to quickly adjust the schedules and the decorations, he personally apologized to all the guests together with Albert, and the two old friends somehow turned what would be a huge social disaster into a PR case study.

The guests seem to have no issues with staying, once they overcame the initial awkwardness of realizing the wedding was no longer happening. Friends of the couple left quickly, but others stayed for the food and the dancing.

“This food is good.” Jeonghan nodded, stuffing a piece of pork rib in his mouth. “It would be a shame to cancel on the food.”

“Yeah.”

“You okay?”

“I just can’t believe it happened.” Seungcheol sighed. “I’m frustrated but also angry for Adeline.”

“At least your grandfather knows what a piece of trash he is.”

“Yeah but,” Seungcheol sighed. “I thought it would feel good but it doesn’t.”

Jeonghan rubbed the back of Seungcheol’s hand soothingly. “That’s because you’re so pure. At the core of it, you’re just a sweetheart.”

“Thanks.” Seungcheol grinned. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Are you still going to send the report to your grandfather?”

“One thing at a time.” Seungcheol sighed. “Let’s not give him a coronary.”

The lights in the hall dimmed and the disco ball above the dance floor started to shine and rotate. A spotlight shone on the dance floor. A cello started playing the tune of A Thousand Years as smoke gently filled the dance floor.

“This was supposed to be my brother’s first dance.” Seungcheol pointed out.

Mr Choi stood up first, then he asked his wife to join him. Everyone watched silently as Mr Choi, the normally stoic and serious deputy chairman, took his wife in his arms and started to sway slowly. Sounds of applause started to break out amongst the crowd.

“Jeonghan,” Seungcheol stood up. “May I have this dance?”

“What?” Jeonghan still had a piece of pork rib in his mouth. “Now?”

“Yes now.”

Jeonghan spat out the bone and quickly dabbed his lips clean. He placed his hands on Seungcheol’s shoulder, watching as one or two more couples slowly joined them on the dance floor. Mingyu was off to one side filming the scene and smiling widely.

It was a long day, and it was chaotic and messy. Jeonghan looked up at Seungcheol and felt none of that. He felt safe, secure, happy. He felt what he had wanted the most in his life. He felt peace.

“This is our first dance.”

“It is.” Seungcheol smiled. “I hope it won’t be the last.”

“Me too.”

“The world can wait. For now, it’s just you and me.”

“You and me.”

Jeonghan met Seungcheol’s lips in a dizzying kiss and closed his eyes. Yes indeed, the world can wait.

****************************************

SIX MONTHS LATER

Jeonghan’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of Seungcheol’s morning alarm. A shaky hand stretched out under the blankets and fumbled around the nightstand, reaching for the phone. Jeonghan pressed a few buttons, using his sense of touch to turn it off, but when it didn’t work, he just threw it against the wall, and it stopped.

Jeonghan’s head crawled out slowly, like a turtle extending its neck out the shell. There was still a bit of sleep crust in his eyes and he tried to wipe it off, yawning quietly. The bed shifted as Seungcheol turned next to him, draping a thick arm over Jeonghan to pull him close.

“Cheol,” Jeonghan groaned. “No…more…”

“Han.” Seungcheol murmured, his deep voice ladened with sleep mixed with lust, kissing his boyfriend’s naked shoulder.

“Can’t, so tired.”

“Okay then, just rest.” Seungcheol hummed comfortingly. “You did so well.”

“Do you feel better?”

“I do, yes.”

“Great, because I can’t feel my lower half.”

“I asked if you wanted to stop and you said no.”

“You looked like you still had ways to go.” Jeonghan glared at Seungcheol who just blinked innocently. “By the way, I know this is not healthy, but you do fuck better when you’re stressed.”

“Is this your way of telling me taking on this project was a good idea?”

“I’m just saying,” Jeonghan smirked, trailing his hand down Seungcheol’s chest. “I think your Grandpa was looking out for us.”

“He’s trying to get me to get you pregnant so that he could have another grandkid.”

“You know I can’t get pregnant right?”

“Doesn’t mean I am not going to fuck you like pregnancy is possible.”

Jeonghan squeaked lightly as Seungcheol leaned in to kiss him, picking him up by the waist like he was a rag doll so that Jeonghan could lay down on top of him. Jeonghan wiggled his butt and Seungcheol slapped the back of his thigh.

“I thought you said you were tired.”

“I’m energized now.” he giggled and Seungcheol laughed and kept on kissing him. It was days like this that Jeonghan wished time would stop so that he could be in Seungcheol’s arms forever.

Ever since the disaster that was Seungjoon and Adeline’s wedding 6 months ago, Seungcheol had to step up at work. The Chairman removed his grandson from his current position, sending him to a small office in the Cayman Islands to be a low-ranking manager there. The family fallout was quite dramatic, and Seungcheol’s parents had a nasty row with their eldest. Seungcheol sent the internal audit report to his grandfather and he pulled the plug on the project. Seungcheol’s role expanded in the meanwhile, taking over his brother’s portfolio temporarily until they found a replacement.

Seungcheol started working more closely with his grandfather and people began touting him as the one next in line. While Grandpa Choi stated that Seungcheol had a long way to go, he was proud of him for coming this far and told him “You will make a great leader one day.”

“I’m not sure I even want it.” Seungcheol told Jeonghan afterwards.

“Why not?”

“I was born competitive, all my life the one thing that fueled me was beating someone to the finish line. But lately, things have changed.”

“It’s called getting old.” Jeonghan teased.

“Not that.” Seungcheol rolled his eyes, but he reached for Jeonghan’s hand across the dinner table. “Competition doesn’t fuel me as much as it used to. Now, what gets me out of bed is running somewhere to see you. I have the motivation to complete work not to climb the ladder, but because I could get off on time to see you.”

“So you’ll stop beating me at billiards then?”

“Correction: running somewhere to beat you at billiards.”

“You’re so annoying.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes. “But in all seriousness, I don’t think you have to decide it now. You may change your mind in the future, for now you just need to do your best.”

As for Adeline, the last thing that Jeonghan heard was that she had decided to quit her job and pursue her PhD in Oxford. She wanted to stay far away from her family, and for once live a life on her own terms. They don’t text but every once in a while, Jeonghan will come across a picture of her on social media where she was out on the streets, drinking coffee and enjoying her life, he will feel proud of her for finally choosing herself.

“So… full…” Jeonghan moaned, his thighs were practically yelling at him as he lifted his hips up, riding Seungcheol in a lazy manner.

“Baby you’re killing me.” Seungcheol grabbed the back of Jeonghan’s thighs to support him, obsessed with this view of Jeonghan’s long hair covering his face, eyes rolled back in ecstasy and lips parted for air.

Jeonghan’s phone started ringing. The two of them groaned.

“Can you pick it up?” Jeonghan asked.

“It’s your phone.”

“I am literally sitting on your cock right now.” Jeonghan glared at him

Seungcheol leaned over to get it and answered “Hello?”

“Hey, Hansol and I are going to be late for our amusement park outing, we’re stuck in traffic coming from the airport.” Seungkwan said over the phone. “Hold on who’s this?”

“Oh hey Kwan, it’s me Seungcheol.” Seungcheol groaned as Jeonghan leaned back slightly, shifting his hips so that the new angle could hit that specific spot.

“Where’s Jeonghan?”

“He’s…” Seungcheol pinched Jeonghan’s nipple in retaliation when Jeonghan purposefully squeezed around him. “Busy.”

“Ew I don’t want to know.” Seungkwan gagged and ended the call. Seungcheol tossed the phone aside and flipped them around, pressing Jeonghan on his back without ever slipping out of him. Jeonghan giggled, looping his arms around Seungcheol’s neck.

“You like getting us into trouble huh?”

“What are you going to do? Punish me and spank me?” Jeonghan teased, squeezing again.

Seungcheol smirked. “You asked for it.”

****************************************

THREE MONTHS LATER

“I have never been to such a fancy mansion before.” Jisoo looked out the window as the Choi mansion came into view. “I feel like I should have worn a different tie.”

“It’s fine, you’ll get used to it. It’s just a big house.” Jeonghan chuckled in the backseat.

“Hyung not all of us are used to limos and first-class seats.” Seokmin raised an eyebrow as he turned the corner and drove into the Choi family compound. Jeonghan adjusted the sleeves of his off-white Saint Laurent blouse as the head butler opened his car door. Jeonghan gave him a smile as the old man said “Welcome back Mr Yoon.”

“Well look at you, striding like you own the place.” Jisoo teased.

“One day he will.” Seokmin giggled and Jeonghan glared at them.

“Just shut up.” Jeonghan rolled his eyes, his heels tapping against the marbled floors. Jeonghan knew the mansion by heart as he led his friends to the oval dining room.

“There you are.” Seungcheol smiled and he patted the seat next to his for Jeonghan to take a seat.

“Am I allowed to even touch anything?” Seokmin held his hand up. “I feel like even a hair on this would cost me a couple thousand.”

“Just relax.” Seungcheol laughed loudly. “Truly, make yourself at home.”

“If it’ll make you feel better, I bought those glasses online.” Jeonghan said. “Cost about 3 dollars each.”

“Oh then that’s fine, I’ll just touch the cheap glass.” Seokmin quipped and everyone laughed.

“Hi!” Seungkwan huffed, holding Hansol’s hand as he entered. “Are we late?”

“Not at all, have a seat.”

“Hi everyone, this is my friend Minghao.” Hansol introduced a tall, lanky and impeccably well-dressed man, with tattoos on the back of his hands. “He owns and operates the art studio and gallery Wingstreet.”

“Oh my god you’re the artist The8?” Jisoo stood up and shook his hand. “I followed you on Instagram, I am such a huge fan of your work.”

“We have a couple of his paintings in our office.” Seungcheol said. “They are so good.”

“I’m so happy to hear that.” Minghao bowed and smiled. “Very pleased to meet everyone.”

“Hello everyone!” a younger man with a big smile and a bottle of wine soon arrived, with another tall, Chinese man behind him. The Chinese man had a gentle, cat like smile and an incredibly muscular frame.

“Oh, they are my friends.” Seungcheol grinned. “This is Chan and this is Junhui, we all met in college.”

“Shut the front door.” Hansol dropped his fork. “The Wen Junhui?!?! The martial arts actor and model?!?!”

“Hi, that’s me.” Junhui bowed shyly. “You can call me Jun as well.”

“I have watched every single movie you ever made.” Hansol couldn’t resist standing up to shake Jun’s hand. “The Shadow’s Edge was so good, I almost cried at the end.”

“Oh I’m honoured, thank you so much.”

“Jun hyung is very shy,” Chan teased. “Quick, keep complimenting him and let’s see how red he gets.”

“Chan here owns an LP cafe and store.” Jeonghan said. “We should try there sometime.”

“Yes, everyone is welcomed! First drink is on me.” Chan winked playfully.

“Are there still more people to come?” Seungkwan asked, counting the seats at the table.

“I have another two friends and of course, the star is late.” Seungcheol rolled his eyes.

“Hello everyone!” A man with a booming voice and holding two boxes of fruits came in. He had a black undercut and a tiger necktie, and a smile that took up half his face. Chan, Seungcheol and Junhui stood up to greet him.

“This is Kwon Soonyoung.” Chan introduced. “We all went to college together and he’s the director of the National Wildlife Federation.”

“Hello everyone, nice to meet you. This is my husband Lee Jihoon.” He gestured to the smaller man in glasses and a long haired pixie cut.

“Hello.” Jihoon smiled sweetly.

“Doctor!” Jisoo and Seokmin shot up and shook his hand, smiling and laughing.

“You guys know each other?” Jeonghan raised an eyebrow.

“He’s the medical director of the fertility centre we went to.” Seokmin smiled. “Without him Minsoo wouldn’t be here.”

“Oh it’s my pleasure.” Jihoon giggled shyly. “Are you two ready for another one?” he teased.

“How much do you charge?” Hansol asked. Seungkwan stared at him and Jeonghan laughed at them. “What?” Hansol smirked a little. “Just asking.”

“Sorry everyone,” Mingyu bowed as he entered the room, with Wonwoo following behind him. “Traffic was really bad.”

“I did warn you, you should have left earlier.” Seungcheol nagged. “It’s not nice to keep our guests waiting.”

“Hyung no offense, I would have gotten here faster if you gave me the Maserati.” Mingyu pulled a face and Seungcheol rolled his eyes.

It was the first time the 13 of them have ever gathered like this. Jeonghan and Seungcheol’s closest friends all seated at the table, laughing and chatting as if they have known each other their whole lives.

“Before we start,” Seungcheol raised his hand. “I just want to thank all of you for coming, and really this celebration is in honour of Mingyu, who has some pretty big news to share. Mingyu?”

“Oh,” Mingyu blushed. “Do I?”

“Yes of course.”

“So,” Mingyu cleared his throat. “I have had the great fortune of working with Seungcheol hyung, who I have grown to love and respect like my own brother, for the last few years. I was recently given an offer that was too big to refuse. I had a long chat with Seungcheol hyung, my parents and of course,” he turned to Wonwoo and held his hand on the table. “The love of my life, and I have decided to take this opportunity. In August, I shall be the Financial Director of Star Industries.”

“Holy shit!!!” Seungkwan gasped.

“Wait so you’ll be even higher than Seungcheol hyung?!?!” Jun clasped a hand over his mouth.

“We’re the same.” Seungcheol raised an eyebrow. “He’s my colleague now, not my underling.”

“That is fantastic, congratulations.” Soonyoung extended his hand to shake Mingyu’s. “Now you can walk all over Seungcheol.”

“Hey!”

“I am looking forward to this role, trust me.” Mingyu pulled a face and everyone laughed at the table.

“Hey let’s go round and each of us say something that we are proud to have achieved and want to celebrate.” Jeonghan suggested. “Wonwoo next.”

“Oh, uh...” Wonwoo blinked shyly. He adjusted his glasses with his sweater sleeves. “We managed to secure funding for the public library, which means it will be open for at least a few years. And thank you to Seungcheol hyung, our library has new air-conditioning!”

“Congratulations!” they cheered.

“And I managed to put down my books and go out.” Wonwoo giggled. “I have someone to go out with now.”

“He means me by the way.” Mingyu said.

“We know.” Chan rolled his eyes and everyone giggled.

“Well for me, our little ramen shop is doing well, and hopefully in a year or so we’ll be able to move to a bigger shop.” Seokmin smiled proudly. “Our son Minsoo is also growing well, and that’s my biggest pride.”

“I defended my dissertation last week, and soon I will have my doctorate.” Jisoo said and Jeonghan and Seokmin immediately started cheering, prompting everyone at the table to follow. “Thank you, I’m so relieved, and after all of this, Seokmin and I will try for a second child.”

“I’ll be ready to have that appointment.” Jihoon shot a finger gun at them and the couple gave him finger guns in return.

“My third solo art exhibit will be launching soon in September.” Minghao smiled happily as they cheered again.

“Are we all invited?” Seungkwan asked.

“Absolutely please.” Minghao nodded. “I would be thrilled to have all of you there.”

“Are you single?” Soonyoung asked.

“I am.”

Chan nudged Junhui who glared at him.

“I am in the midst of rehearsals for the Hedwig musical.” Seungkwan beamed. “And we will officially start performing in September as well. Personally, my biggest achievement was getting Hansol to ask me out after living next door to him for two years.”

“I thought you were taken.” Hansol defended himself. “You had so many different people over to your apartment.”

“Oh you nasty!” Jisoo teased and Seungkwan widened his eyes in panic.

“They were all my castmates!” he refuted.

“Anyways,” Hansol smiled. “Aside from my job at the library, I’ll be performing more frequently at the Space Garage Bar on weekends now, and my biggest achievement was getting to tell Seungkwan how I feel and have him with me.”

“You sing?” Chan leaned in closer.

“Yeah, and rap. I do a little of everything as part of the underground club scene.”

“We should all hit up Space Garage Bar now.” Mingyu said. “I love EDM.”

“Drinks on Mingyu!” Seungcheol raised his glass and Jeonghan pulled it down.

“I would love to have you perform at my LP bar.” Chan said. “We just hit our 5th year anniversary, and we’re looking to open a second location, and I’m very excited about it.”

“My…” Jun cleared his throat still feeling shy. “The Shadows Edge went well and I will start filming my next project soon. I’m a little nervous, because it’s a romance focused role instead of a martial arts role, but I am ready to take a challenge.”

“I will watch anything you’re in.” Hansol gushed. “I am such a big fan and you will be amazing in it.”

“Where will you be filming?” Jeonghan asked.

“Hainan.”

“Oh what a coincidence!” Minghao smiled. “That’s my hometown!”

“Oh fabulous!” Soonyoung grinned wickedly. “Maybe you could practice dating too…ow!” he winced when Jihoon pinched his elbow.

“Babe!” he pouted. “Oh, it’s my turn. Well we successfully raided and stopped a huge animal poaching ring, one of the largest we have had in recent years. We managed to save almost 15 thousand rare animals in the process.”

“I don’t have anything special.” Jihoon said when it was his turn. “My success stories are in the everyday, just helping regular people like Seokmin and Jisoo have the family they have always envisioned, and my hope is I can continue doing that.”

“Babe, maybe we should…” Soonyoung made a bunch of obscure hand gestures and the table went from cheers to giggles when Jihoon rolled his eyes.

“We already have two dogs, two cats, an iguana and a parrot at home.” Jihoon shook his head. “I am not adding another human to that mix.”

“Oh.” Jeonghan cleared his throat when he realized it was his turn. “Well teaching has gone well for me, my class is well behaved, I am still alive, that’s a pretty big achievement.”

“Well said.” Seungkwan clapped loudly.

“And well,” Jeonghan smiled shyly as he turned to Seungcheol. “Opening myself for love again is definitely one of the highlights of my year.”

“So admit it, you picked the wrong brother.” Jisoo quipped.

“I did, I admit it.” Jeonghan sighed as they laughed. “I redeemed myself though.”

“My turn?” Seungcheol asked. “Well, a lot has changed for me. Professionally and personally. My family life took a whole turn, and that caused my professional life to turn as well, but sitting here with all of you, my best brother on one side, my future husband on the other, I realize the turns were worth it.” he kissed Jeonghan and the whole table erupted into cheers.

“Ewwww,” Mingyu pulled a face. “Why am I sitting here?”

“The man who names his lover as Pookie Wifey in his phone should not be judging me.” Seungcheol stuck his tongue at him.

“I pray for anybody who has to work under you two.” Jihoon shook his head.

“Thank god it’s not me.” Jeonghan laughed.

****************************************

“Hannie?” Seungcheol walked out to the gardens to find Jeonghan, standing outside with his hands in his pockets. “Come on in, the boys want to play mafia.”

“In a bit.” Jeonghan smiled, cheeks pink from the alcohol. “Do you know what day today is?”

Seungcheol checked his watch. “It’s Sunday now, since we passed midnight.”

“I know. Happy anniversary.”

“Han, our anniversary was a couple of weeks ago.”

“Not that.” Jeonghan pulled Seungcheol into his arms. “Don’t you remember?”

“Oh no.” Seungcheol’s eyes widened in horror. “Is this a test? What have I done?”

Jeonghan giggled and cupped Seungcheol’s face to pull him in and kiss him. “Oh,” Seungcheol’s eyes widened. “You mean that.”

“Funny,” Jeonghan said. “I used to associate that day with one of the worst times of my life, but now, I think of it as the start of one of the happiest phases of my life.”

“And we have many more to make together.” Seungcheol said. “I love you, Yoon Jeonghan.”

“I love you too, Choi Seungcheol.”