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Chapter Text

There were twice knocks on his office door before the door was opened by his new and young secretary. Jeonghan was young before. He wasn’t anymore and was in the blink to 33 in few months.

“May I, Mr. Jeonghan?”

“Sure.” Jeonghan, a handsome and smart co-managing partner of Y corporation, waved him in. “What do you need my help with, Seungkwan?”

Seungkwan gulped visibly before showing him the tablet— well, not really showing the tablet but rather the picture of a well-tailored black suit on the mannequin and a white mask covering where the eyes of the mannequin should be— if it does have one. “Which one do you prefer, Mr. Jeonghan? The white…” His secretary trailed off before swiping his finger to change the picture. It is the same suit and mannequin. Only the white mask was replaced with another. “Or the black one.”

“Do I have to choose the color of my mask?”

Boo Seungkwan is young. He surely is, with 22 as his current age. However, he was smart, witty, quick-learner, and priority organised. He should know better than let Jeonghan spend time choosing something so trivial for the up-coming masquerade that J company— one of Y corporation’s partnership— is going to hold.

Jeonghan did not choose to hire Seungkwan himself. HIs mom— the current CEO and president of Y corporation— is the one who interviewed and decided to hire him, to let him serve her son as a right-handed man. Jeonghan, though, didn’t have any problem with that. He needs a secretary, a very well-hand one.

“I was going to choose for you, Mr. Jeonghan.” The young secretary replied. “But, Mrs. Yoon asked me to let you choose.” Jeonghan knew better than anybody else what his mom’s ‘asked’ seems to be.

The co-managing partner sighed and frowned. He had no mind objecting to his mother’s demand today, when he has a lot of works to be done before dusk. And, it’s evening already. Jeonghan gestured Seungkwan to give a tablet to him. He moved his finger to see the two pictures Seungkwan showed him earlier.

“Jeonghan has to wear a black mask, you know.”

“Why would I?”

“Because I’m going to put on a white one.”

“Is that fair for me?”

“Of course. You said I looked good in white, and I want to look good. And, importantly, you should spoil your fiancee.”

“Fine. Fine.”

“Mr. Jeonghan?” Seungkwan called his boss timidly. He saw his handsome-but-cold boss smile for barely a minute. His mentor once said that Jeonghan smiled only when there was something up his sleeve— and it’s usually not a good thing. Throughout a year and a half that he has been Jeonghan’s secretary, he hasn’t seen the smile once. Not the business-advantages smile, but the actual smile that bloomed out of his heart. 

He could tell that Jeonghan wasn’t aware that he let the corner of his lips twitched up.

He won’t get fired, right? He just did what Mrs. Yoon told him to do.

“Tell them, I’ll go with the black mask.”

Seungkwan didn’t wait one bit to reach out for the tablet in Jeonghan’s hands. “Yes, sir.” He bowed and turned around to go back to his work.

“Wait.”

“Yes?”

“Is Mingyu a representative from Kim corp. for the masquerade?”

The young secretary widened his eyes with the sudden questions and tried his best to stumble upon all of the list of guests he remembered seeing. Kim corporation is another Y’s partnership, which is also J’s. They certainly sent someone to the party; he just was not sure if it’s Mingyu even though the chance is high since Mingyu is the president’s son.

“If it’s a yes, prepare the bottle of wine I bought from Italy. I told him I got a gift from my trip many times, but haven’t had a chance to actually give.”

The relationship between Y corporation and Kim corporation is a bit too complicated for a newbie in this cruel business like Seungkwan to understand. Outsiders knows that they are rivals, intensely compete in gaining market shares in the same market. At the same time, they acknowledged that Mingyu and Jeonghan seemed to get along really well. Seungkwan is one of the outsiders even he worked at Y corp.

He once went to some trips overseas together with both companies’ sons. Seungkwan could say that they are friend, judging from the fact that they joked and talked about life with each other. He wasn’t sure if there is anything more than that between them. He wasn’t sure he would like to know his boss’ private life as well. However, after a long time working closely to Jeonghan, he realised that Jeonghan has history with the Kim. Not this specific Kim Mingyu. But, he was too far out of their circle to know more than that.

He heard twice knocks before the door was swung open.

“Sorry to interrupt Mr. Jeonghan. Mrs. Yoon—“ Not waiting for Seungkwan to finish his introduction, a guest who came to visit his office at late evening walked pass his secretary to reside inside.

“Good evening, my son.” She gave him her usual warm smile, and turned back to Seungkwan with so much adoration. “Thank you for leading me the way, Seungkwanie. It’s getting late so I think you should probably go home and rest.”

Although Mrs. Yoon is the president here, at the topmost position in Y corporation, Seungkwan still did not quite obey her order as much as to Jeonghan’s. The young secretary looked back to met eyes with his boss. There’re far more work to complete within today on Jeonghan’s desk.

“I have nothing for you to help. Go back and rest like what the president said. Tomorrow you have to be at the ball with me.”

Seungkwan nodded. “Tomorrow, do you want me to—“

“I will go straight to the venue. Meet me at the closet around 5.”

“Well noted, sir. See you there, Mr. Jeonghan.” He bowed to his boss and to Mrs. Yoon before he left the room.

Chapter Text

“He’s cute and a great helper, isn’t he?” His mom turned to face him with a smile. Her eyes showed a lot of affection. Jeonghan saw that look in his mother’s eyes and sighed deeply with irritation. Who’s gonna know Mrs. Yoon more than her own son?

“He’s still young. Please stop whatever you’re thinking.”

“22 is not young in my sense. I married your father when I’m 21.”

“I’m thirty-two.”

“Age is just an age.” She moved to sit herself on the couch that Jeonghan had in his office for friendly visit from partnership or senior employees. Jeonghan knitted his eyebrowed and diverted his eyes back to the report on his desk. “You show me the same expression as your father.”

“Surely, father doesn’t want a secretary to be his son-in-law.” He spoke monotonically. “Neither nor I.”

“You knew better than anyone, Jeonghan.” His mother’s voice was full with emotions: tired, concern, and a little bit of sorrow. “Your father didn’t mind a secretary to be your wife or husband.” Jeonghan didn’t look up to his mother when she continued. “Just the secretary.”

He hummed in response, reminiscing when his father told him a long time ago that he didn’t want who associated to the Kim to engage with Yoon. There was a second of silence filling the room before his mom initiated the conversation again.

“I knew I shouldn’t force nor ask you to do anything anymore. But you should marry and all now. Give times for your kids to grow up, to look at you, look at your success.” Jeonghan didn’t look at her, even slightly glance was not given from that beautiful brown eyes that look like her husband’s.

She sighed, knowing with all her heart that her son was tired of listening to her commands. She knew she took most of his youth, his joy, his life, even his heart to be at his position right now. It’s destined that Jeonghan, the only child of the Yoon, is the one to take over the company once she retired to join her husband in living sub-urban life. And, his dear accepted that fate, willing to keep what his father built. “I want you to have someone by your side. Someone that genuinely smiles at your success, cries his or her heart out when you’re in pain, love you as much as—“

“Whoever you think it would be, I’m not interested.” The interruption made Mrs. Yoon smiled bitterly. “I gave up on that thought since you broke off my engagement ten years ago. And, I don’t want to be with anyone you want to plan me with. I’m not interested in Seungkwan that way, and never will.” He knew it’d be harsh if Seungkwan heard it. But he wanted to be honest. He wanted to be honest to himself. “You should better give up on being a grandmother too.”

She knew that Jeonghan was still angry at them, at their command to break off his engagement with his lover— his fiancee— ten years ago. They were the one who gave them engagement ring when Jeonghan was 22. However, when they learned that their son’s lover, Jisoo, is a relative of the soon-to-be CEO at Kim corp, they did not want him to be with Jisoo anymore.

“I’m sorry.” Jeonghan looked up at his mom with surprise. He felt that his mother— probably his father as well— wanted to apologise. It’s a scar that not only hurt him but his family and his ex-fiancee. His uninterested in love anymore after that, and his less casual conversation with them made them feel guilty in some sort.  Nevertheless, he was never expected to hear it voicing out. “I’m really sorry.”

He just stared at his mom blankly, face voided with emotions. He knew it was some business strategy his father and mother thought it would work to secure their position in the market. Jeonghan did not understand back then, when he was young. He still did not understand now. And, he will not understand throughout his life. Why must his love life need to make profits, expand their market shares, relate to money, fames and all of that combined?

His family locked him out at some overseas trip, knowing that he couldn’t do much from there, while sneaked to meet his fiancee and broke off their engagement. He found out from his old secretary afterward. Mingyu knew nothing either. That Kim’s only son only heard from his father that his relative was going to study abroad, going back to where he’s from, despite that he once agreed to be here— to settle down in Korea with Jeonghan.

He used all of his power, tired everything he could, asked everyone he had connection with to find where he was, only to get nothing in return.

No one knew where Hong Jisoo was. Or, he should say, his family did everything to ensure that he will not know where Jisoo is.

Thank to Mingyu secretly spied his father’s document and gave him Jisoo’s picture in America, he felt relieve that his family was not too harsh on Jisoo like they used to be with him. He looked fine. There was a soft smile on his face. The one that Jeonghan always saw when he walked into a meeting with the Kim. His ring finger voided of accessary.

Mingyu updated him once in a while about Jisoo. He could not tell much and Jeonghan respected that. They are friends, but their families are rivals. Just knowing that Jisoo was not hate him nor angry that he wasn’t there at that time is only enough for Jeonghan.

"If you found anyone you happen to be interested in at the ball,…” Mrs. Yoon stood from the couch and walked towards her son.

Jeonghan sighed. He knew what his mother was talking about. The implication was so explicit that Jeonghan cannot ignore. Like, his mother gave up on the competitive shit of this cruel business world and told him to find someone to marry in the party that J company holds every year so that she can fully hand Y corp. to him.

He attended the party every year as Y corp.’s representative. He’s CEO son after all. Look, money, fame, wit, skills, he got them all. Some guests are the same every year as well, such as Kim Mingyu or Jeon Wonwoo— J company’s soon-to-be CEO. However, some also changes regularly. He understood that. Not everyone was sent to learn how to properly dance. It’d be a shame for the company to step on partner’s foot.

He has seen the list. There’re newfaces. But, the representative of Kim corporation is Kim Mingyu as he supposed. No ‘Hong Jisoo’ greeting his sight. He though he made his point very clear when told his mother he was not going to interest with anyone.

“I have seen the list. And, I would be only the partner of Y corp. rather than marry anyone to get the position.” He restated once more, looking at her in the eyes. There was something in them. Something Jeonghan was not sure about.

It looked like his mom knew something he didn’t.

“There are new faces from new companies. You may found one among them.” She held onto her handbag that Jeonghan remembered he bought it for her birthday year ago. “Never mind the new faces, I am more than okay with the old one. Whoever you love, honey.”

He knew his parents love him. He loves them, too. We’re all getting older. And, when you get older, you learn to forgive more. Plus, he felt like his mother had done something to compensate his past ten year.

He stood up from his work-desk with a long sigh. Whatever it is, he hoped that it was not about Seungkwan. “It’s late, mother. I will drive you home.” His mother nodded and smiled with relief when he allowed her to hold his hand.

Jeonghan was on his way to his home— his condominium— after dropping his mother at their house. He thought he might visit her more often due to her longing face. Even though he did not like the way they did to Jisoo, he has what he has today because of them. And, with the implication that they were not against the idea of him engaged or married with Jisoo anymore, he though he could use their power and connection to find Jisoo again.

He parked his car. He went to his room and went straight to take a shower.

While listening to the sound of water droplets bounced back from the tiles, his mind drifted to the masquerade he was going to attend. He was not a fan of that. He never was. But the memory when he learned how to dance properly without shaming his family was undeniable one of his beautiful youth.

“One, two, turn. Great. Young master Yoon, please don’t look at your feet.”

Jeonghan did as told. A moment later, pain from his foot was strike up.

“Sorry.” Followed by small sorry from his partner. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. But, I need you to take care of me for whole week.”

“Come on. It’s just a step on your foot.”

“And?”

“Fine. Fine. I will tell Mingyu that I won’t be around to help him with homework this week.”

Chapter Text

Jeonghan stepped out of his black carnival and suddenly greeted with flashes. He made sure to sent his signature business smile to most of reporters who appeared to wait along the red carpet that leaded to the entrance of J company’s venue. Tomorrow, there would be tons of his picture in news and articles. Him in black suit, black leather shoes, black hair, and black mask. His secretary walked behind him, leaving some professional gap between.

“Good evening, Mr. Yoon. You look breathtaking as ever.” The lady in red dress with red mask bowed to him. “Mr. Jeon already waited for you at the lounge. If you don’t mind, please follow me.”

He nodded and let the lady leaded the way.

Inside the venue was crowded. But, not as much as when the party officially started. Jeonghan planed to arrive around 30 minutes before that, to ensure that most of the guests had arrived and witnessed his well-built relationship with J company. It’s one of business-thingy that he was not objected to do.

“You look good in black, Jeonghan-hyung.” Jeon Wonwoo, a representative of J company, greeted him when Seungkwan closed the door behind them. The lady was going back to her place at the front of the venue. “You’re going to steal a spotlight away.”

“Is that new? Wonwoo-hyung?” Mingyu, who happened to sat in the lounge as well, smiled widely. “He always did. Even when he wore a golden mask that did not fit well with his suit two years ago. ”

“Thanks for the compliment. Both of you.” Jeonghan laughed charmingly and walked to sit beside Mingyu. He spotted a black mask of the younger’s lap. “Why you wear black this year? Dont’ you always wear white?”

“You asked me the same question as Wonwoo-hyung did. I just want to change.” 

Jeonghan nodded. If the younger insists, he will let him go. He glanced at Seungkwan who still stood near the door. “You can sit, Seungkwan.”

“Yes. Go ahead.” Wonwoo gestured to one of vacant sofas. “We always treat Mr. Yoon’s secretary as if our own.” He could not hide his teasing tone out of his word.

Seungkwan was reluctant to sit. He exchanged looks with his boss and received a nod in reply. Mingyu also smiled at him. He’s new to this, all of these. However, he knew that these three CEO-to-be didn’t treat every secretary like this. Like one of their friends.

The young secretary decided to sit at the far right edge of the sofa. Far away from three of them.

“Don’t be scare of us that much.” Mingyu whined. “I’m just two years older than you.” Kim’s representative shifted his position to lean forward to talk to Seungkwan. “Actually, I think we may get along really well. It’ll be fun with me rather than with that strict old man.”

That strict old man quirked his eyebrow in questioning manner. “Does the Kim always try to steal someone’s secretary like this all the time?”

Jeonghan’s word made Wonwoo cheer and Mingyu pout. When the cheer died down, Wonwoo quirked his eyebrow back at Jeonghan. “Jealous, huh? It reached us— at J company— that you flavour your new secretary so much.”

Jeonghan saw from the back of his eyes that Seungkwan’s slightly blush. He has no one to blame apart from his mother about this.

“Don’t help them spread rumour that you’re well aware that it wasn’t true.” He kept his voice stone and composed. He wanted to stop whatever is going to start in Seungkwan’s heart. Because he will not reciprocate that back. Never will. All of him belonged to someone since a long time ago. And it will be his, will be Jisoo’s, forever.

“Hmm.” Wonwoo just hummed in response. The atmosphere was awkward, which was nothing new to Wonwoo, Jeonghand and Mingyu. They were in way more awkward situation than this. Just business-thingy they needed to survive. However, Mingyu stood up from his seat.

“I’m going to look around the venue before the event starts. Anyone in?”

“Take Seungkwan with you. He’ll do on my behalf.”

He was not sure how he should react. A few second ago, he was confused to be involved in his boss’ inner circle. Another second, he was shut by an invisible barrier from his boss’s word.

“Come on, Seungkwan.” Mingyu urged the younger. “Your boss allowed you to wander around with me.”

And now, his boss just tossed him to go to work with rival’s son side-by-side.

The door closed and Wonwoo turned to the other. “I heard something.”

Jeonghan smiled smugly. “Let’s see if it the same as what I thought.”

“Well.” J company’s representative relaxed his posture. “Judging by the way you look at Mingyu’s black mask, it’s probably what you’ve been thinking.” The younger of the two adjusted the watch on his wrist. “How was you feel, hyung?”

“Huh?”

“The feeling when you thought he’ll be here.”

Another smile creeped up Jeonghan’s face. “His name is nowhere on the list.” He locked eyes with the owner of the masquerade. “I still don’t want to keep my hope up that high.”

“Fair enough.”

They lost in their thoughts for a moment. Wonwoo is one of his friends alongside with Mingyu. Their parents and their business are rival. But they were nowhere to care. Although Wonwoo might not know everything about him and Jisoo, he had his ears on the ground and his eyes in the sky— he knew a lot of secrets behind the curtains.

“What do you think?” Jeonghan asked.

“It’s 50/50.’” The younger chuckled. “Mingyu may just want to change his style. Or maybe he was asked to wear that black mask because certain someone wanted to wear white.”

Jeonghan smiled. “Let’s see.”

“Yeah. Let’s see.”

“Hey.” Mingyu called him after they went out of the lounge.

“Yes, sir?”

“Are you in love with Jeonghan-hyung?”

The question was so blunt that it made Seungkwan flush and stutter. “I think everyone would.”

“Not exactly.” Mingyu shrugged. “But you had a point.” The Kim’s representative stopped his track. “Nevertheless, I want to tell you something.”

“Y- yes?”

“Don’t be.”

Seungkwan blinked.

“He will not— would not and never not— love anyone.”

Once.

“I supposed you already knew that he had someone in his mind and heart all the times.”

Twice.

“See you around, Mr. Yoon’s secretary.”

Three times, before Mingyu turned on his heels and was out of his sight, leaving him alone at the vacant hallway, somewhere in this big big venue, didn’t spare anytime to listen to his excuse. Well— not an excuse but the fact— the fact that he was not involve with Yoon Jeonghan that way. He admired his boss. He wanted to be with someone like him. But, not him. Not Yoon Jeonghan.

If what he thought while bringing all the puzzles together turned out to be true, he would consider quitting his job as Yoon Jeonghan’s secretary to be certain someone’s secretary.

Only if that certain someone was not so mean leaving him alone like this.

Never mind.

He can find his way back.

“Why are you smiling so wide, Kim Mingyu.” The gentle voice greeted him as soon as he opened the bathroom door. “It makes you look weird, my brother.”

“Oh It’s you. Finish adjusting your mask?” He asked rather than answering to the given question.

“Yes. The ribbon kept on loosening. It took a lot of time to tighten it in place.”

Mingyu reached out to slightly move the angle of the mask on the older’s face. He smiled (not as wide as previous one) with his work, locking eyes with his cousin.

“You look great, Jisoo-hyung.”

“White surely suits you, like how Jeonghan-hyung alway said.”

“Thanks.” Jisoo gave his relative a small smile. “But, it’s Joshua now.”

“Okay. Joshua.”

“Joshua Hong. A representative from K&H company, a surely monster rookie in this industry.”

Joshua giggled cutely before parting away.

“See you at the floor.”

“Why do you bother to say that when you didn’t even think of dancing with me?” Mingyu shouted behind Joshua’s back teasingly.

“Manner, brother.” Joshua bit back with a grin.

Chapter Text

Jeonghan stood by near the wooden dance floor waiting for the president of J company (Wonwoo’s father, of course) to finish his opening speech. Seungkwan stood next to him, not too close, not too far. His secretary was within reach, yet, Jeonghan never wanted to reach to him. Not more than what boss and secretary would do. He exchanged looks with Mingyu who stood at the opposite side of the floor. Mingyu put his mask on, ready to dance with someone he found interesting enough to spend the whole night at the ball with. Wonwoo was next to his father, staring blankly to the other end of the room. He also got his mask covering his upper-half of his face. So did Jeonghan.

He was half-heartedly listening to the speech, when he saw someone walked toward Mingyu. Someone who was so familiar in every sense. Someone who was tall and lean and looked like to be at same height as him. Someone who wore well-tailored suit like them. Someone who had a white mask covering his face. Someone who made Jeonghan hold his breath. Someone who he always wished to meet again upon the star.

Even with the white mask, he was certain.

That’s his ex-fiancee. His ex-lover. His youth. His heart. His everything.

His Jisoo.

He had to fist his hands inside his trousers’ pockets. He wanted to reach out to him so bad.

Jeonghan felt eyes on him. Probably from Wonwoo, and maybe from Seungkwan. His posture might look tense in outer’s eyes. But that didn’t matter. Not at all.

Beautiful brown eyes behind the white mask glanced at him. They locked eyes. There’s no hint of surprise in them. Only sparkling of warmth and recognition. Jeonghan wasn’t sure what his eyes gave to him, but Jisoo gave his beautiful smile back in return.

Familiar waltz rhythm surrounded the hall, signalling that the masquerade was officially started. Jeonghan used no time to move across the ballroom. He walked past Wonwoo who shrugged at him, saying ‘rumour is true after all’ in one swift second. He reached Mingyu and whispered to the younger through gritted teeth and with low voice.

“We have to talk. After this.”

Mingyu just laughed nervously. “I swear I knew nothing until this morning.”

He let Mingyu slipped pass him. He didn’t want to pay any attention to the Kim more than this as well. He has something, more like someone, he wanted to give all attention to. The man whose his heart belong to greet him with a slight bow. “Good evening, Mr. Yoon.”

“Good evening, gentleman.” He greeted back with a smirk. “I’m fairly certain I haven’t met you here before. Would you mind introducing yourself?”

“My name is Joshua. Joshua Hong. I’m a representative of K&H company.”

“Newcomer.”

“Exactly, Mr. Yoon.”

Joshua looked into Y’s representative’s eyes and were immersed with them. How they were so sparkle. How lovely. How beautiful. How familiar they made him feel. How they made his heart beat fast.

“How have you been?” He blinked. Jeonghan asked him with his low soft voice like how he always did when they were together, lying side-by-side on Jeonghan’s bed dreaming about their future, how they will create their family.

It’s like Jeonghan didn’t ask about his company, nor his condition.

He asked him.

About those ten years when they were apart.

“Pretty great.” Joshua took a very long time to find his voice and not let tears fall from his eyes. He misses him. A lot. He prepared to face Jeonghan today. To have a conversation with him. To talk with him. To look into those beautiful eyes. But, it was so hard to hold himself, not letting his body fall into Jeonghan’s familiar warmth embrace. “Still adjusting to the timezone.”

“Glad to hear that life treats you well.”

Joshua nodded. “Hope yours is great, too.”

“I would say.” The background music changed into another song, but Jeonghan figured it was still waltz. And, they always learned how to dance to waltz.

He reached his left hand out between them, bowing his head down until what Joshua would see was his black styled hair and the tip of his black mask.

“Would you have a dance with me, Joshua?”

All eyes are on them. But the world was nothing compare to the smile on Joshua’s face and the warmth of his hand on top of his.

“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Yoon.”

He lift his face up enough to lock eyes with Joshua. His lips curved up into a genuine smile. “Call me Jeonghan.”

“Yes, Jeonghan.”

“Where have you been?” Jeonghan whispered barely louder than the music. One hand in Joshua’s. Another on his waist.

“America.” The newcomer in this industry answered with his usual gentle voice. “Nothing interesting. Study, business, setting up my own company, wanting to prove that your parents were wrong about me being just a secretary of your rival.” Joshua turned when the rhythm suggested as learned when he was younger. “And, mostly missing you.”

Jeonghan couldn’t help but smile. “I miss you, too. The whole time.”

“Mingyu told me that he told you about me sometimes.”

“He couldn’t tell much.”

“I knew.”

They danced. And never once their eyes contact broke. Thank to years of practicing.

“Have you heard about me?”

“Hmm.” K&H representative hummed. “I heard rumours.”

“Which one?”

“I figured there’re lots.”

“None of them is true.” Jeonghan pulled their tangled hands a little, letting Joshua lean into his frame. “And, never will be.”

“Your mother loves him.”

“But, I don’t.” He said firmly, looking into Joshua’s doe-like eyes. “My heart was yours a long time ago. It is still yours. And, it will be yours.”

Joshua blushed slightly. He felt like he was back to 22 again. When they were young. When they were in love. When nothing mattered if they were together. Just them and the world.

“What’s about your mother?”

“She will not part us again.”

“How come you sound so certain.” Joshua murmured. He knew that Jeonghan’s father had retire. He also knew that his position in K&H right now did really well in counter his parents’ objection to stand beside Jeonghan. He was no longer a secretary from a rival company. Yet, nothing confirmed that he could be with Jeonghan again after all those efforts he put for these past years.

“She hinted me about your presence today.” Joshua widened his eyes and Jeonghan found it cute. “She wanted me to marry and I insisted that I would marry no one but you.” He saw pink dust creeped up Joshua’s puff cheeks. He chuckled fondly.

“You said something like that to your mother?”

“All the time.”

“You were so obedient to your parents back then.” It’s not surprise that Joshua knew how he behaved when he was younger. He was with him throughout his youth after all.

“Until what they did to you.” He sighed. “I was so angry, you knew?”

“I’ve heard from Mingyu.” Joshua patted his shoulder with his hand that was there as a reassurance. “It was hurt. I did not understand why. Until now, I still don’t.”

“Me neither.”

His ex-lover patted his shoulder again. “I’m fine now. I’ve met you.”

“She should apologise to you. You did nothing wrong.”

“I’m fine and I knew that you’re fine. That’s enough, Jeonghan.” Joshua was so kind. He was also this kind back then. And, that might be why he agreed to leave Jeonghan for good. But, he won’t let it happen again. “I’m more wonder how did she know that I’ll be here?”

“We’ll find out later.”

“We?”

“Yes. We.” He emphasised. “But, only if you want to.”

“You mean—-“

“Let me be your lover again. Your partner. Your fiancee. Your husband.” Jeonghan lowered their intertwined hands to his lips. “I got everything now, Shua. And I’m willing to give you everything that is mine.”

Joshua felt like his world stopped spinning. Music and crowded chatting sound were tuned out. He only saw his love— the one and only who got his heart and all— in front of him. He felt love in Jeonghan’s eyes, sincere in Jeonghan’s voice, warmth from Jeonghan’s hand.

“Would you like to take my name, Shua?”

That…

“Jisoo. Let’s get married.”

“What?” Jisoo closed his book in surprise and looked at his boyfriend who laying his head on his lap in his eyes. Jeonghan always teased him with any prank he could come up with. Yet, there was nothing but love and sincerity in those golden brown eyes of the twenty-two years old boy.

“Married.”

“I heard that. But—“ He was going to ask but Jeonghan got up and knelt down in front of him.

“Would you like to take my name, Soo?” The Yoon’s only son gave him a loving smile. “I would love you to take mine.”

“Are— Are you serious?”

“Of course I am. I love you, sweetheart.”

That brought back a lots of memories. His youth. His happiness. His everything.

And that… is still the best proposal line he ever heard.

They stopped at the edge of the floor. Bodies pressed close together. Closer than how dance partners should be. Close that if their teacher saw, she would scold them for messing up the dance. The music had been stopped. All eyes were on them. From their views, it would look like Joshua was in Jeonghan’s embrace. There would be gossips about them tomorrow. There would be a lots of questions from his broad, from Mingyu, from his uncle.

But, that doesn’t matter at all.

Even if the world is ending, it still doesn’t matter.

“I do.” Joshua couldn’t hold back his tears anymore. “I do, Jeonghan. I do.”

Jeonghan kissed gently on Joshua’s ring finger, where it would have a ring— the ring, the silver band they used to wear— on it. “You look good in white like you always do, you know?” He moved his lips away. One hand moved to loosen the ribbon behind Joshua’s white mask.

The white mask fell off, showing Joshua’s beautiful features.

“But, I don’t think you need it now.”

“I think so, too.” He reached out to loosen the ribbon behind Jeonghan’s mask. Let it fall next to his on the floor.

They looked at each other before their lips pressed together.

They kissed like there’s no tomorrow.

Eyes, cheers, smiles, flashes, gossips. Nothing matters.

As long as Joshua is smiling at him with sparkling eyes and glossy lips, as long as Jeonghan is holding him tight and looking at him with that familiar brown eyes, even if the world is ending, it still doesn’t matter.

“You are mine again, sweetheart.”

“I’m always all yours, darling.”

Chapter Text

There’re twice knocks on his door as the usual sign asking for his permission to come into his office. Jeonghan stopped looking at the report on his desk, fountain pen was still in his hand. He’s sure it was Seungkwan, his secretary, behind the closed door.

“Come in.”

“President.” Seungkwan walked in with a big bouquet in his hand. “The bouquet has arrived.”

“Please put it there on the couch.” The young secretary nodded. He carefully placed the bouquet that was bigger than his torso on the couch as told by his boss, the president. It was not long after the masquerade at J company’s venue that Jeonghan was promoted by his mother to be at the topmost position of Y corporation. And, he was the president for 3 months now.

He glanced at his boss who was looking at him. He’s still handsome as ever— black hair styled back, black shirt, velvet suit, sharp jawline— oh, and also that silver band on his ring reflecting the fluorescence light.

It looked like Jeonghan knew he was mesmerising in his appearance. Well, who wouldn’t? Like he told that Kim corp’s representative that everyone— literally everyone— was starstruck with Jeonghan at least a minute.

“It’s late. You should go. I remembered you have a date tonight.” Jeonghan smiled when he saw his secretary blush hard. After his mother gave up the idea of him marrying Seungkwan and he knew from Joshua that Seungkwan was nowhere interested in him in romantic way, he felt more ease talking with the younger.

“I still have to wait for him to pick me up, sir. I can be any more help for you, president.”

“No need.” He looked at his wristwatch. Seungkwan knew that it was a very expensive watch receiving from the one and only K&H’s CEO last month as a birthday gift. “I have to go in 10 minutes, plus. Thank you for getting the bouquet for me though.”

“It’s my pleasure, president.” Seungkwan smiled widely, thinking about how his boss was so focus in choosing every detail of the bouquet, the flowers (red roses of course), the pulp paper wraps, the card, number of flowers, and even where to put his initial. Being a president at the big and rising company was surely busy. Jeonghan even gave his permission for Seungkwan to decide some admin works. Nevertheless, he took a lot of time during his lunch to choose it. He witnessed all the process, and was more than glad helping Jeonghan got what he wanted, what he planned to do.

Jeonghan didn’t mind his presence in the room anymore and went back to review the financial report of this quarter. Seungkwan knew that he had to finish it soon before the next board meeting next week. He should finish it now. Otherwise, he would have to bring the document back to work later tonight.

“See you tomorrow, president.” He bowed. “And, happy anniversary to you and Mr. Hong.”

Jeonghan caught off guard with the blessing. Seungkwan did know, but he didn’t expect the young secretary to blunt out like this. He felt blood creeping up his cheeks. It’s rare to have someone congratulate you and you fiancee on the anniversary. He murmured small ‘thank you’ before Seungkwan closed the door.

He looked at the calendar on his desk. After he asked Joshua to engage with him again, they decided to resume counting the anniversary. Today would be their 11th since they engaged ten years ago. However, they agreed that it should be their 2nd. Because they only experienced celebrating the anniversary once.

The reminder on his phone buzzed. It reminded him that he should be out of the office now, to meet his lover at his apartment. Joshua wanted to celebrate privately with only them, and Jeonghan was nobody to against that idea.

The president of Y corporation got up from his chair, gathered his essentials (the report), picking the big roses bouquet carefully to not leave damage on any of it, and walked out from his office space. Smiled was clear on his good-looking face. Thank to his mother who begged Mingyu’s father to let K&H enter the Korean industry and made Joshua join the masquerade. She did her part right this time, after all these ten years.

Jeonghan was driving home when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller name shown on his Mercedes’s control screen, before picking up.

“Good evening, sweetheart.” He greeted the caller through the bluetooth speaker. 

(Oh, you’re on the road now.)

Joshua’s voice gentle and clear like he was speaking right next to him. “Of course, honey. Where do you think I would be?”

(Your beloved office.) His fiancee answered back with a small giggle. (Dinner is ready and waiting for you to join.)

“I will be there in 10.”

(See you.)

(Drive safe, handsome.)

The call ended, but the blush on his face didn’t go away. Joshua always called him like that. His lover said it was a return for him calling Joshua nothing but sweet pet names.

He heard the whispers and gossips all the times about his feature and appearance. Some of them reached Mingyu, Wonwoo, his mother, or Seungkwan before reaching him. Nevertheless, not a single ‘handsome’ made his heart skip a beat like how Joshua’s did.

Despite his age, his position, his assets, he still felt like there were twenty-two and nothing but teenagers in love. He still was head over heel for Hong Joshua Jisoo.

Jeonghan pulled his car at the apartment’s parking lots. He left the report in the back seat and carried only the big bouquet that was an anniversary gift to his lover. The elevator ride to his penthouse wasn’t longer than usual; however his heart was beating really fast with excitement. Joshua kept the dinner a secret. He even used his annual leave to prepare for the surprise. He sighed deeply to regain his normal heartbeat. Hand that didn’t support the bouquet’s weight absentmindedly touched his shirt pocket. He also has surprise for Joshua.

Jeonghan waited for the door to register his keycard. He opened it and was greeted immediately with his lover, Joshua in white silk shirt and black slacks, his brown hair styled back. He looked ethereal. Like a prince charming from fantasy.

“Welcome home, handsome.” Joshua smiled sweetly at the CEO. His doe-like eyes widened in surprise when he saw what Jeonghan’s been holding all the time. His facial expression softened down after Jeonghan gave him a reassurance smile. “You don’t have to. Really, Hannie. I’m fine with just you being here with me.”

“It’s a special occasion, isn’t it.” The owner of the penthouse closed the door. “I would love yo give you a present, Shua.”

“You gave one to me on your birthday. Another one on our monthiversary. And I’m sure you’ll give one on my birthday.”

“They’re all special occasions, honey. You also gave me on them as well. Let’s think of it as small gifts we missed to give each other for the past ten years.” He pulled Joshua into a hug, and planted small kissed on the younger’s forehead and cheeks. Joshua smelled like sakura with a hint of fresh peppermint, like Jeonghan’s bubble soap and shampoo.

Joshua gave in to the kisses, yet, he still grumbled a little. “That bouquet was almost twice your shoulder-length. It’s certainly not a small gift.”

“Your Rolex was also not, sweetheart.” Jeonghan laughed fondly at the disapproving noise Joshua made. He buried his nose on the silky brown hair.

“it’s nothing.”

“So do my bouquet.”

K&H’s CEO chuckled charmingly before pulling away. “Save the roses for later. Now, my pasta and steak were waiting for your attention.” Jeonghan watched the lean figure of his partner moved across the room to bring the dinner to the table. He placed the bouquet at the near sofa. He did intend to save the roses for last, as well as his other gift.

The last plate Joshua placed on the dinning table was Jeonghan’s favourite dessert. His fiancee looked up at him with sparkling eyes, like a puppy waiting for compliment. It’s so cute. He felt like his heart plumped up with happiness.

“You always know me best.”

“I do.” Joshua lit up the candle that he couldn’t remember he had. Maybe he went to but it today along with the ingredients.

Jeonghan smiled. He couldn’t help but felt nervous. Even the answer was laid bare in front of him, he was the type of person who wouldn’t keep his hope up high. He hoped Joshua would say another ‘I do’ later tonight.

He removed his velvet suit, and touched his shirt pocket again before sitting down ready to celebrate their second anniversary.

Chapter Text

“It’s like a dream celebrating our anniversary again.”

“You couldn’t imagine how much I dream our future like this.” Jeonghan gave his lover a genuine smile.

“I’m glad you still wait for me, Hannie. I don’t know what it’d be if you haven’t waited—” The look in Joshua’s eyes conveyed the words he couldn’t say, things he couldn’t voice out, afraid that it would be real someday. “Thank for giving me a chance to be your lover again.”

“Not at all, Shua.” Jeonghan reached out to hold Joshua’s hand that was placed on the table. The sudden contact with the ring reminded him that Joshua is here with him, despite all the things they had to face. They already finished their dinner. But none of them moved from their places. “It’s me who should say that. You did all the things to be right next to me again, while I was here, just reminiscing the past and wishing to the star to be with you.”

“Mingyu told me you did everything to find me. You tried your best, Hannie.”

“Hmm.” Jeonghan hummed in response to the comforting statement. “I could try harder thought. Shouldn’t let you suffer all of the hardships alone.”

“It paid out really well.” His lover smiled at him. His thumb gently rubbed Jeonghan’s back hand. “I got my own company, not to be under uncle’s wings all the time, your mother accepted me, I met you again, I’m your fiancee again as well.” Joshua stopped when he felt Jeonghan gestured him to stand up. “What with that, Hannie?”

“Come here for a second.”

Due to his confusion, Joshua stood up and walked toward his partner who stood up from his chair  too. Jeonghan didn’t let go of his hand and led them to the living room where the big rose bouquet was there.

The black hair CEO let go of their intertwined hand to get the bouquet.

“Happy anniversary, my love.” Jeonghan gave the roses to his fiancee with a smile that he always saved for his Jisoo, Joshua now. Voice lowered down to match the whispered, didn’t want to ruin the warmth atmosphere that surrounded them.

Joshua hugged the bouquet with two arms. Its weight told him how many flowers it hold. Jeonghan nudged toward the card so his eyes travelled along and landed on the message written in italic on the small square card. Jeonghan’s initial was also there.

‘For my husband— JH’

Joshua felt his hands were shaking. His eyes widened when his brain started processing the message. His heart was beating so fast that he thought Jeonghan could hear it clearly. He knew they’re in love with each other. They were engaged already, too, the silver band on his ring finger confirmed him this.

But, they were not officially married yet. Mrs. Yoon wanted they to just be only fiancee to each other, to the public’s eyes. Their lover activities behind the closed door were something else. She didn’t mind the plump lips of her son after lunch time, or the bruise on Joshua’s neck barely hidden under the shirt collar during the formal meeting. She just wanted them to keep it lowkey until the position of Y corporation’s president is firm in Jeonghan’s hold.

So, being called ‘husband’ was on the different page. The future page, if he was to be honest.

“J— Jeonghan.” His voice came out more shaking than his hands. “What—“ Joshua couldn’t finish his question when he saw the man in is question knelt down in front of him. Jeonghan looked at him endearingly. Love was full in his eyes.

Diamond ring was in his hand.

Joshua wasn’t sure where he kept the ring hidden for all this time.

“I have asked you to take my name, twice: in the study room at my old house, and at the masquerade. Nevertheless, all I gave you was just a plain silver band.” He shifted his gaze to the diamond ring hold in his left hand.

“You know I don’t mind at all.”

“I know. I know, sweetheart.” Jeonghan looked back at his lover in the eyes. “I said I wanted to give you my everything, and I still cannot give you my name, cannot call you my husband.” Jeonghan moved the ring to his left hand and opened his right palm in front of Joshua. “Be my husband. Built a family with me. Take my name. Give ours to our children. Watch them grow. I want to do all of these and much more with you, only you.”

“Hannie..”

“Would you marry me, Shua?”

Joshua knew he was in the blink of crying out of joy. He didn’t expected to be proposed today. Yet, this was the most beautiful and happy moment in his life, and it will be for his life. He felt tears   were falling from his eyes. He was proposed by the same man, the one whom he has been in love for decades, three times. And, he couldn’t help but cried every time.

“I do. You know I always do.” He answered between sobs.

He heard fond laugh before felt that Jeonghan put the diamond ring on his ring finger, over the silver band.

Jeonghan kissed the diamond ring. “You’re officially my husband now.”

“And, will always be yours.”

The black hair man stood up and brought Joshua into the tight hug. The younger was crying so hard that he’s afraid that Joshua’s eyes will be swollen tomorrow. Jeonghan hugged Joshua like that until the sobbing subsided. He took a look from times to times to ensure that Joshua’s okay. Now, his eyes were red, so did his nose and lips. He used his thumb to shed the remaining tears away.

“Why is my husband crying so much, hmm?”

He didn’t know either.

All of the memories they had, hardships and challenges they faced, love they shared, everything hit him the moment Jeonghan knelt down with diamond ring, proposing him with his warm whisper. The longing he felt when he was away. The dream he always had when he slept alone thousand miles far, which became reality. A much more better reality. The feeling was so much, too much to be real. It’s overwhelming.

“I don’t know.” He murmured to Jeonghan’s chest.

“Let me kiss the tears away, then.”

He nodded and let his husband placed a kiss on his forehead, trailing down to place one on each eyelids, another two under them— at his eyebags everyone’s envy because it looked like dolly eyes—, on his cheeks, on the tip of his nose, before stopping at his lips.

“I love you.” Jeonghan whispered on his lips while locking eyes with his.

“I love you, too, husband.” He whispered back, then closed his eyes as the kiss on his lips deepened into something more, urging both of them to ignore the bouquet and press their bodies closer.

This was the best anniversary ever.

And, he believed, it would be craved in his heart, forever.

The door was knocked twice. And, Jeonghan couldn’t help but automatically voiced ‘come in’.

“President, Mrs. Yoon called me to remind you about the dinner tonight.”

“I noted it already, Seungkwan. I won’t forget.”

“I know, president.” The young secretary smiled understandingly. “She also told me to ask you to bring Mr. Joshua to the dinner.”

“He has a meeting today. I remembered telling mother that.”

“I will tell Mrs. Yoon again on your behalf, sir.”

Jeonghan nodded. Seungkwan also worked eagerly like he did when he was first accepted to the job, to be his secretary. And, he liked that. Seungkwan did help him a lot for both work and non-work (read: surprising Joshua) issue. Thanks to Joshua cutely asking Seungkwan to keep helping him so he wouldn’t worry much, when the younger planed to resign and go to serve the Kim.

“Seungkwan.”

“Yes, sir, president?”

“Please tell Mingyu to drive Joshua home after the meeting. You may clock out then, too, if you like.”

“I already told Mingyu that, sir.” Seungkwan answered with sheepish smile. “About me, he’d pick him up first, so I may leave half day, sir. Mrs. Yoon called me when I was coming to wave you goodbye, actually.”

“Thank you for that, Seungkwan.”

The secretary really loved his husband like his brother, he could tell. Well, he should not be surprised by now that everyone has weak spot for Joshua Yoon.

Joshua Yoon.

It’s been a month since their wedding, and the name still made him smile and blush hard.

“No problem, sir.” The young secretary bowed. “Have a great weekend, president.”

“You too.”

They are more comfortable around each other more than before. Maybe because Jeonghan was happier. Maybe he was less tense, and smiled more.

Thanks to his husband.

Joshua did a lot for him.

Jeonghan opened his penthouse door and was greeted with the same sweet smile and gentle voice. “Welcome home, husband.”

“How was you day, sweetheart?” He closed his door and pressed his lips on Joshua’s as a form of his greeting.

“Tired as usual.”

“I get that. Have you eaten dinner?”

“Not really. I had some snack during the meeting, and coffee.”

“That’s not good for your health.” Jeonghan frowned. He adjusted their position so that Joshua’s back was against his chest, leaning his chin on his husband’s shoulder. “Want me to cook something for you?”

“You’re also tired. I knew.” Joshua leaned back to rest his head on Jeonghan’s cheek.

“Not of you.”

“Sweet talker.”

“Hmm.” He hummed. He liked the smell of sakura bubble soap and fresh peppermint on Joshua. They stayed pressed like that for a moment, acknowledging each other’s familiar warmth before Jeonghan’s eyes landed on something.

It’s their wedding photo in a wooden frame. The size of it was half of their wall’s height.

“Where do you get that, love?”

“Your mother had someone delivered it to my office today.”

“My mom?”

“Yes.” Joshua giggled because of Jeonghan’s amusement in his tone. “I was surprise, too. Mingyu’s jaw also hung as well when he saw it.”

He figured that was why she kept telling him to bring Joshua to the dinner. Didn’t know she would send it to Joshua directly. The frame was so big. He wondered how Joshua carried it to here.

As if his husband could read his mind. “Mingyu helped me bring it inside.”

“I met her today. I didn’t understand why she had to make a scene.”

“Hmm. You should ask your mom then.”

“Next time.”

Joshua nodded. He was in good term, neutral term, with Mrs. Yoon. She didn’t do anything to part them again like Jeonghan had said. Judging from the frame gift, maybe she was more into their wedding than he thought.

“Sweetheart.”

“Yes?”

“I always say you look good in white.” Joshua didn’t turn back to face his husband, but he knew where Jeonghan’s eyes were. “You really did look good in white. Especially in your wedding grown in our wedding.”

“Do you want to marry me again in your next life?” He poked Jeonghan’s cheek fondly.

“Of course, I do.” Jeonghan pressed feather kiss on Joshua’s left cheek. They locked eyes in the living room of their house. “In all my lifetimes.”

Joshua leaned in to initiate the kiss. The kiss that was more than lips touching, sweet whispering. He moved his left hand to cup Jeonghan’s jaw. The sensation of their wedding ring made his husband smile into the kiss.

“Hannie.” Joshua broke the kiss, face red and breath fast.

“Yes, darling?”

“Let’s built our family.”