Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The man was tanned and strong. His muscles rippled though the thin material of his t-shirt as his lips tranced down Seungkwan’s body. Seungkwan moaned, threading his hands through the man’s thick dark brown hair. The man unbuckled Seungkwan’s belt and pulled down his dress pants with ease before looking up at him with big blue eyes.

“I love you,” he said, taking Seungkwan in his mouth. Seungkwan whined, whined louder and louder until BEEP BEEP BEEP.

No.

BEEP BEEP BEEP.

Seungkwan opened his eyes, seeing the grey of his ceiling lit by the grey of the sky.

“No,” he groaned, in a distinctly unsexy way. It always ended when it got to the good bit. He was hard and going to be late for work if he didn’t get out of bed in the next two minutes. “Pathetic,” he muttered to himself before pulling back the duvet and heading to the shower.

In the shower, he tried to continue the fantasy that had started in his dream. The brown haired man had him in his mouth, soft dark brown hair, big blue eyes, yes. Yes, like that.

“You know, you’re as beautiful as the day we met, even better,” the man said.

“Yeah? Even though I’ve gained weight?” Seungkwan moaned.

“I hadn’t noticed,” the man said. Seungkwan smiled. He’d only met him - how long ago now? Six? Seven? Ten? Twelve months ago?

Seungkwan stopped, snapping his eyes open. He hadn’t got laid in twelve months. The shower felt like needles against his skin. He washed and dried himself quickly, unsure what to do with that information.

Had it really been twelve months since he’d met that beautiful man that looked like superman at that dusty little bar in central?

The rest of the morning passed in a stupor as he autopilotted his way through coffee; getting dressed and catching the bus to work.

He was going to die alone. He knew it. He was twenty-seven years old and his longest relationship had lasted only six months. He thought he was going to be married by now. Or at least engaged, with a mortgage on a house in some residential little town that had good schools and no knife crime. His sister’s warnings of dying a lonely whore came back to him and he cringed at the fact he wasn’t even a whore. He hadn’t got laid in a year!

“You’re looking chipper,” Jeonghan, his editor, said as he arrived at work.

“Am I?” Seungkwan said.

“No, you look awful. But anyway, you better be ready for the photo shoot. I’ll see you later.”

Seungkwan nodded. He’d worked at the magazine for three months now, after a friend managed to wrangle him an internship. The job was fine but he hated it. More precisely it just made him realise his own inadequacies every single day. The only thing that had stopped him quitting was—

“Seungkwan! Baby have I missed you, guess what I did this weekend?” Seokmin, his best friend, bounced over to him.

“Was it Joshua?”

Seokmin stopped mid bound, looking him up and down. “What’s up with you on this fine day?”

Seungkwan sighed. “Nothing, just a bit...”

Seokmin eyed him, waiting for him to continue and clearly not moving until he did.

“Okay, I realised I haven’t had sex in…” he trailed off.

“What was that?”

“In twelve months!” he said it louder than perhaps necessary. Seokmin clutched his imaginary pearls.

“Oh my, I thought something was actually wrong,” he said.

“Shut up, I’ve just realised I’m gonna die alone.”

“Yeah, I expect so with that attitude.”

Seungkwan shot daggers at him with his glare.

“I joke, I jest,” Seokmin took a couple of steps back. “You’re only twenty-seven, it’s a bit premature to give up on love quite yet.”

“Give up on love? Love is far gone - I’ve given up on even primal carnal desire! Nobody wants me.”

Seokmin rolled his eyes. “I can set you up with people, if you want to get laid.”

“Joshua’s friends?” Seungkwan asked, turning to his computer to check his emails.

“Well they’re all horny models, so yeah?” his best friend said.

“It’s not what I want,” he muttered. Seokmin didn’t speak, confirming, in Seungkwan’s eyes, that no one would ever love him. It was fine.

“Seungkwan!” Jeonghan called across the open plan office space. “Photoshoot has moved up, we’re going now. Come on.”

The intern sighed, it was going to be a long day.

They were shooting on location in a flower meadow just outside the city and Seungkwan arrived feeling sick - mainly from Jeonghan’s driving and maybe the three iced americanos he’d drunk that morning. Maybe he should give up coffee? Don’t be daft, he scolded himself internally. He trudged behind his boss, carrying all the heavy bags, while Jeonghan briefed him on the shoot.

“So it’s called City Boy Gone Country. We’re showcasing a stripping back from modern life with clothes inspired by more traditional garments but still with a chic edge. The first thing I’ll need you to do is get the coffees.”

“The coffees?” Seungkwan looked up to see the base camp consisting of four tents and around thirty people rushing around.

“There’s a coffee machine in that tent, hurry. The model doesn’t have all day.”

For the next hour Seungkwan hurried around the camp asking all the incredibly busy people if they’d like a coffee. Most people were delighted with the offer, a few were rather annoyed to be interrupted and every single person had a specific milk, shot and temperature requirement. Then he went to find the smallest and slowest coffee machine in the world and thanked goodness that he worked as a barista throughout university and could make coffee in his sleep. Still after thirty coffees, made and delivered, his intention to give up caffeine came back with a vengeance and he cursed the fool that first discovered a coffee bean.

“Excuse me,” a voice said behind Seungkwan.

“What?” Seungkwan said, frothing the milk for another oat cappuccino.

“Are you the person to ask for a coffee?”

Seungkwan slammed the milk down and turned to the speaker.
“What does it look like?” he snapped. The man gave him an awkward smile. He was pretty, with wide brown eyes and features that had clearly been carved by God (or a very good surgeon) - and he had clips holding his hair in place and a coverall over his clothes. He was the model.

Now I have to deal with some demanding model? Seungkwan thought, barely containing an eye roll and forcing on a smile. “What can I get you? An iced skinny latte with only half a shot? Or a decaf almond cappuccino with two sweeteners and strawberry syrup? Or perhaps a quadruple shot of espresso, extra hot?”

The model maintained his awkward smile as he listened to Seungkwan, nodding slightly as he went on.

“I can make my own, it’s okay,” he said once the intern had stopped for breath. Seungkwan stared at him before finishing his final order.

“Be my guest,” he finally said, breezing past him with the coffee, delivering it before locking himself in the toilet trailer.

“I’m quitting,” he said, having got Seokmin on the phone.

“Next time you tell me that I’m gonna draft your resignation letter myself.”

“Do it, I can’t take this anymore.”

“What did they get you to do?” his long suffering best friend sighed down the phone.

“I had to make like thirty coffees on this tiny coffee machine,” Seungkwan groaned.

“God forbid. So you’re going to quit and then do what? Oh yeah, get a job as a barista cause it’s the only experience you have. And then you can make even more coffee.” Seungkwan regretted calling him.

“I just don’t feel… useful.”

“Well go be useful instead of hiding in the toilets whining to me.”

“I actually hate you - how did you know I was in the toilet?”

“Goodbye Kwannie,” Seokmin said, hanging up the phone. Seungkwan sighed, knowing he was right and he needed to stop being a little bitch. He needed this job - it paid well, or at least better than his last one, and after all he had rent to pay and iced americanos to buy.

He wandered back towards the centre of the camp, trying to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and the warmth of the sun. It was only for a couple of hours and then he’d be at home.

“Seungkwan!” A very angry Jeonghan was marching over to him as a cloud covered the sun. “I thought I told you to make coffee?”

“I did? I made so many,“ he retorted.

“Then why has Vernon managed to burn his hand on the coffee machine, making his own coffee?” Jeonghan crossed his arms, his long blonde hair fluttering menacingly over his eyes.

“Vernon?”

“The model.”

“Fuck sake,” Seungkwan mumbled. Jeonghan continued looking at him expectantly. “I’ll tell him sorry.”

“You’ll do more than that, you’re first aid trained. Go.” His boss gestured to one of the tents.

“Isn’t anyone else?”

“Yes but we’re all rather busy, go. We start shooting in five minutes.”

It was the fastest he moved all day, a pervading sense of dread and guilt coming over him. Of course the model burnt himself, he’d probably never made coffee for himself once in his life. Seungkwan grabbed the first aid kit and headed to Vernon who was sitting in the makeup chair scrolling on his phone - the scene was not quite as dramatic as he expected.

“I’ve come to give you first aid,” he said, holding out the bag, as if to prove it.

Vernon looked up at him.

“I’m genuinely ok, they’re just making a fuss,” he said, turning his attention back to his phone. Seungkwan sighed. This wouldn’t do.

“Show me the hand, I’ll just have a look,” he said, kneeling beside Vernon’s chair. After a moment, Vernon presented his burnt hand. It wasn’t too bad, a little red and hot but no blistering or broken skin.

“Okay, so I’m going to recommend running it under cold water for twenty minutes,” he looked around the tent, spotting a stainless steel sink set up in the corner. “Here.” Seungkwan pulled on the model’s arm but the other man resisted.

“It’s fine.”

“No it isn’t. “

“Isn’t there any burn gel? Or an ice pack?” Vernon shook off Seungkwan grip, his burnt hand brushing the chair and causing him to wince in pain.

“You need to run it under cold water.”

Vernon reached for the first aid kit and began rummaging around inside. Seungkwan’s eyes widened and before he knew what he was doing he snatched the bag right out of Vernon’s hands.

“No you can’t use burn gel, it’ll cool the burn briefly and then wear off and the burn will heat up again and start to hurt again. And no you can’t use an ice pack because that would cause ice burns - the temperature difference is too much and your skin is already sensitive because of the burn. Run it under cold water!”

They both just stared at each other, Vernon’s mouth slightly agape. Seungkwan tried reading his expression, to see if he was going to get him fired. A moment later Vernon stood up and walked over to the sink, turning it on and placing his hand underneath it. A slight feeling of pride came upon Seungkwan as he watched. He joined Vernon at the sink, starting a timer on his phone for twenty minutes.

“Do we even have enough time for this?” the model asked.

“Jeonghan said the shoot would start in five minutes so I reckon we’ve got at least thirty,” Seungkwan said, garnering a chuckle from Vernon. They stood in silence for a little longer. Seungkwan took in the other boy; he was slightly taller than himself and slender. He’d bet Vernon would look good in a potato sack. Perfect model material.

“Have you worked for the magazine long?” Vernon asked, meeting Seungkwan’s eyes.

“Just three months,” the intern replied, casting his gaze back to Vernon’s hand in the sink. God, even his hands were gorgeous.

“You must be a fast learner.”

Seungkwan laughed before realising Vernon was being genuine. “What about you? How long have you been modelling?”

Vernon thought for a moment, “Since I was eight years old, so for almost twenty years now.”

“Fair, no wonder…” Seungkwan began.

“No wonder what?”

“That you can’t make your own coffee,” the intern shrugged.

“Hey,” Vernon nudged him but was smiling. “I’m not especially… gifted in that area.”

“That area?”

“Kitchen stuff.”

“Yes, I can see that,” Seungkwan watched as Vernon grinned. His teeth were perfect too. Memories of that morning and the crushing knowledge that he was going to die alone overcame him again. He didn’t have perfect hands or a smile to die for - who was going to want him?

They spent the remainder of the twenty minutes chatting about work or the shoot - Seungkwan finding it surprisingly easy to make Vernon laugh. Afterwards the shoot commenced and the intern watched from the sidelines as Vernon posed effortlessly and everyone fawned over him.

Seungkwan was packing up the car afterwards when the model walked up to him.

“Thank you again,” the taller man said.

“That’s alright, is it hurting anymore?” he replied, struggling to close a box of props.

“Not at all,” Vernon said, looking at his hand.

“Well then, I did my job.” He finally closed the lid and shoved it into a space in the boot of the car only causing a cascade of other items to tumble out. Vernon started helping him pick them up. “You don’t have to.”

“I don’t mind.” He helped Seungkwan stack everything in a way that was at least semi-secure.

“Seungkwan! Are you ready to go?” Jeonghan yelled from across the field. The intern replied with a thumbs up.

“Well it was lovely to meet you Vernon, if the burn starts to hurt again run it under more cold water yeah?” Seungkwan moved around to the car door.

“Um, could I perhaps get your number?” Vernon said. Seungkwan spun around.

“Did they not give you follow up details for the next shoot?” the intern frowned. Vernon’s eyes widened.

“Umm, I don’t know?” he said.

“Your agent has Jeonghan’s details for sure, he’ll be the best person to message. I really don’t know anything. Like I said, I’m just an intern.” Seungkwan smiled, slipping into the car and wondering how a model twenty years in the game wouldn’t know how to get in contact with the editor? Well he couldn’t make coffee either, Seungkwan thought, and put it from his mind as he waved at Vernon slowly walking away. What an odd kid.

Chapter Text

“What do you think?” Seungkwan turned to Seokmin, who was laid on the bed and giggling at his phone. “OK I’ll just talk to the walls,” he shrugged.

“Huh?” Seokmin looked up, “what was that?”
Seungkwan gestured to his outfit. He was wearing a navy sweater over dark jeans and a colourful beaded necklace, complementing his eyes and sandy coloured hair.

“Looks great,” Seokmin grinned at him. Seungkwan stared at him. “What?”

“It looks terrible doesn’t it?”

“Why are you so annoying? You look fit, let’s go get you laid so you can stop having fantasies of decaying alone in your studio flat.” Seokmin stood up, patting Seungkwan on the shoulder in a way that should have been comforting.

In the cab ride over to Joshua’s flat, Seungkwan tried to get himself in the party mood. He’d pulled people before. He’d pulled fit people before, there’s no reason he couldn’t do it again. He was funny and cute - like a little kitten. Of course, no one wants to fuck a kitten. And had he really pulled anyone before? Well, yes but maybe they were all just desperate or did it as a joke or for a bet. And the few people he’d had longer relations with were all definitely deranged, he knew that much, or quickly realised they’d made a mistake and left him.

“Stop it,” Seokmin said.

“Stop what?”

“I can see you’re getting in your head.”

“I’m not,” Seungkwan huffed.

“Just have fun at the party. If you get with someone then it’s fine, if you don’t - that is also fine and doesn’t actually mean anything.”

Easy for you to say, Seungkwan thought. Seokmin had been dating Joshua for a year now and they were horribly perfect for each other in a way that made Seungkwan wonder if soul mates really did exist.

They could hear the party before they saw it, pulling up in the cab. It was in the pent house of a converted warehouse turned flats. Inside the music thumped, bodies moved and lights flashed. Everyone was gorgeous, exactly what Seungkwan had expected. Joshua was a model, amongst many other things, that’s how he’d met Seokmin. And all his friends were either models too or beautiful enough to be if they so desired.

“I need a drink,” Seungkwan yelled into Seokmin’s ear just as Joshua’s jaw dropping face made an appearance. Seungkwan knew that Seokmin would be preoccupied for the next while so he greeted the host and then went in search of hard liquor.

A bar had been set up in the open plan kitchen/living room with every alcohol imaginable lined up. He thought about starting with a beer but one look around the room and he changed his mind - he grabbed a bottle of vodka.

It didn’t take long for him to loosen up a bit as he bumped into some people he’d met through the magazine - Minghao from wardrobe and Mingyu who was a freelance photographer - and with the vodka taking effect, he was starting to have a good time. Minghao told him gossip about random people in the room while Mingyu kept challenging him to bets that would always result in one of them drinking.

Before he knew it, Seungkwan was dragging them both out onto the dance floor. Warmth flooded his body as he moved. He noticed some eyes on him, several, looking at him with what he knew was lust. He felt good, he felt sexy. One set of eyes consumed him with more hunger than the others, and they started to move closer. Seungkwan smiled, letting his body move to the music, turning with a spin to face -

“Vernon?!” Seungkwan stopped dancing, his heart sinking. The model from the shoot the previous week was there, of course he was. Seungkwan forced his face into a smile. “It’s good to see you!” He stretched his arms out, stumbling to give Vernon a hug before immediately regretting his over-familiarity.

“It’s good to see you too,” the model said, running his eyes up and down Seungkwan’s body and biting his lip. Oh god, he thinks I look stupid, Seungkwan thought, beginning to shrink back. The hungry eyes he saw across the room hadn’t been desire - just recognition. Annoyingly, Vernon looked somehow even more gorgeous than at the shoot. His hair falling in locks about his forehead and he was wearing a black mesh top with a leather jacket that somehow made his slender frame look strong.

“How’s your hand?” Seungkwan asked, keeping the smile on his face.

“Good thanks, I was well taken care of.”

“That’s my job.”

They stood in silence for a little longer before Seungkwan told him he’d see him around and sprinted off the dance floor to look for more vodka.

His rhythm was broken, the glow was gone. He didn’t feel sexy anymore and just wanted to wallow. He found Seokmin cuddling with Joshua on a sofa.

“I’m gonna go home,” Seungkwan whined. Seokmin looked at him without surprise.

“You know what Kwannie, if you want to go home you do it. But while you’re there think perhaps, am I really putting myself out there?” Seokmin’s speech was slurred and his eyes were hazy.

“I am putting myself out there; I came to this party?” Seungkwan retorted, wondering if he was sounding as slurred as his best friend.

Seokmin just shrugged, “Get home safe Kwannie.” He gave him a hug and flopped back down on the sofa.

“Message us when you’re home, I’ll look after this one,” Joshua said, a lot more sober than his boyfriend. Seungkwan nodded and began plodding towards the door.

He did put himself out there. He came to the party; he danced; he chatted; he drank. And nothing had come of it, how long would he be expected to embarrass himself for?

He checked his phone - it was midnight. He’d been at the party for two hours. Two hours was enough time, right? He knew he was lying to himself. He turned around. He had to try for at least another hour. He had to put himself out there. And, most importantly, he had to prove Seokmin wrong.

He found Minghao and Mingyu playing beer pong in one of the rooms - except instead of beer in the cups, it was gin - and decided to team up with Mingyu to take down Minghao and a kid called Chan.

It wasn’t long before they had lost track of the game, having shotted too much gin, and were stumbling out to the balcony for some air while giggling non-stop. Chan was cute, Seungkwan thought, not really his type and a bit…. But Seungkwan could tell the kid wanted to kiss him so that was something.

“I heard you work with Minghao,” Chan said, sidling up to Seungkwan as Mingyu and Minghao attempted to roll cigarettes.

“We work at the same company, just bump into each other occasionally on shoots,” he replied, taking a long gulp of some water that he’d snagged from the kitchen. “What about you?”

Chan said something about being a dancer and actor but Seungkwan wasn’t listening as was about whether he should kiss the boy or not. He really wasn’t especially attracted to him but he did want to kiss someone.

“Excuse one moment,” Seungkwan interrupted, rushing inside to the bathroom. He stared at himself in the mirror, checking his teeth and lips and hair. He looked good? He was drunk but not sloppy yet.

“Just kiss him, then you can go home without feeling guilty. You can tell Seokmin he’s wrong. It’s fine,” he told his reflection and a couple of deep breaths later he went back to the balcony to make his move. Once he got there, however, his gin-pong pals were nowhere to be seen.

He slumped against the wall with a sigh, sinking to the floor. He was relieved in a way. He wasn’t sure Chan wouldn’t get super clingy if he happened to kiss him so…

A figure stepped out onto the balcony. Seungkwan looked up to see Vernon standing there lighting a cigarette.

“Enjoying the party?” he said.

“Shit!” Vernon jumped back, looking down to see Seungkwan on the floor. “You scared me. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just lamenting my choices,” the intern sighed again.

“Uh huh?” Vernon grunted, taking a seat beside Seungkwan. He dragged on his cigarette.

“I just, I’m twenty seven years old. I have no money and no-“

“Don’t quote Pride and Prejudice at me,” the taller man said.

“You know Pride and Prejudice?”

“Not by choice, it’s my sister’s favourite.”

“Yeah… my sister’s too.” Seungkwan hoped he lied well. “Well anyway, I’m feeling a little sad, lonely, hopeless. You know I haven’t gotten… I mean kissed anyone in a year?”

Vernon raised his eyebrows, a slight smirk on his face. “Oh really?”

“I expect it’s not something you can relate to, but… I think I’m just one of those people that no one wants and everyone thinks is a joke.” Seungkwan cast his gaze away, tears almost forming in his eyes.

He heard a chuckle from his right hand side.

“What?”

“Sorry, sorry - I didn’t mean to laugh.”

“I’m bearing my soul here.”

“You know, it could be easily fixed,” Vernon said, stubbing out his cigarette and sitting up, moving closer to Seungkwan.

“What could?”

“I know there’s someone at this party who wants to kiss you,” Vernon’s eyes darkened and he bit his lip.

“Yeah I know Chan wants to but you know? Maybe I’m too old for that. I need to find my forever person.” Seungkwan tried not to notice that he could see Vernon’s nipples under the mesh shirt.

“Maybe I could help you with that,” Vernon leaned in closer again. “I mean it all starts with a date, doesn’t it?” He was giving him a smirk again.

“You’d set me up on a date?” Seungkwan sat up straight, pushing Vernon back unintentionally. “I mean Seokmin has been trying to set me up for ages but I don’t like needing his help. But I bet you know lots of people. I may not be a model but I’m funny and… yeah?”

“Set you up?” Vernon frowned, confusion on his face.

“Isn’t that what you meant? You don’t have to.”

Vernon thought for a moment, lighting another cigarette. “Okay, I’ll set you up some dates. Here, put your number in,” he said, passing Seungkwan his phone.

“That’s really sweet of you Vernon, I appreciate it.”

“Please call me Hansol, it’s my real name. Vernon’s my model name,” the other said with a smile.

“Hansol? Ok Hansol, thank you.”

Chapter Text

It had been a while since anyone had piqued Hansol’s interest. Being a model through his teens and early twenties, he’d done the whole “hoe phase” thing and got bored of it. People wanted to have sex with him, that much was clear. It was just a shame that there weren’t many people that Hansol wanted to have sex with anymore. Not that he didn’t have attractions, just no one seemed worth the effort.

That was until some lippy intern turned to him with the kind of glare Medusa would be proud of, just cause he asked for a coffee.

It wasn’t the pretty face that had caught his attention - he’d seen many pretty faces, even though Seungkwan’s was particularly nice - but it was fire behind his eyes; the way he spat “quadruple espresso”. Hansol couldn’t explain it but he knew then that he wanted Seungkwan, and after he had shouted at him a second time and then spent twenty minutes making him laugh, he knew he wanted Seungkwan more than he’d ever wanted anyone.

So with a desire to be chill and straightforward, Hansol. He didn’t like to complicate things or play games. And he’d never been rejected before, but that’s what it felt like when Seungkwan didn’t give him his number, even if it did seem like a genuine misunderstanding.

After that, seeing him at the party felt like fate - not that he believed in fate. But the man had been living rent free in Hansol’s head for a week so it felt like the universe was aligning in some way, or chance was on his side, and he wasn’t about to waste it.

Of course, the universe had other plans, plans that saw Hansol sitting at a cafe across from Seungkwan so they could talk about what the intern looked for in a date - a date that wasn’t Hansol. The universe was funny like that.

“He has to be kind most of all, but smart and funny. And he has to be motivated in his life but not married to his job y’know? I’d like him to be taller than me but that’s a want not a need.”

Hansol smiled as the other man spoke.

“What? Am I being too specific?” he said, noticing the model’s expression.

“No no not at all,” barely holding in a chuckle, “any thing else you don’t like?”

Seungkwan tilted his head in thought and Hansol couldn’t help thinking he looked cute. He was wearing a green checkered sweater vest over a white shirt and the sun coming through the window danced off the blonde in his hair.

“If they can’t cook, I don’t think they’re for me.”

Hansol felt a stab to his chest.

“Why?” he sat forward.

“I don’t want to be the one to do all the cooking,” Seungkwan shrugged, sipping on his iced americano.

“But- but that’s not something. Some people just can’t do stuff like that.” He could feel a blush come over his face. Seungkwan started to laugh.

“Oh I forgot you’re not good at kitchen stuff yourself. Don’t worry, this is just a me thing. I’m sure your future spouse won’t mind it.”

“Yeah.” Hansol slumped back, looking up at Seungkwan and wondering what he was doing so wrong that the intern wouldn’t even entertain him as a romantic option. Could he win him over? Would that be overstepping his place? “I think I’ve got someone you can meet.”

“Yeah?” Seungkwan leaned forward.

“His name’s Jun, he’s someone I’ve known since I was kid - we both worked in the industry. He’s cool. I think you’ll get on.”

“Shall I book somewhere or plan something?”

“Nah he’ll do it.”

Seungkwan raised his eyebrows but gave a little nod of approval.

Upon leaving the cafe, Hansol phoned Jun.

“Sollie, it’s been a while. How’s it going man?”

Hansol hesitated before answering, checking around him to make sure he was alone.

“I need you to take someone on the worst date of their life,” he said.

“Got it, how bad we talking?” Jun replied, making Hansol slightly concerned by how quickly he agreed.

“Like, nothing traumatising - don't fake your death or whatever. Be messy. But like, don’t make it seem like it’s your date’s fault, you know?”

“Okey dokey, send me the details and I’ll be there.” He hung up. He must be really bored, Hansol thought, before shrugging and setting about planning the date.

The morning of the date Hansol woke early with nothing planned for the day yet a restlessness that he couldn’t shake. He tried to watch a film but barely made it thirty minutes in before switching it off. He went for a walk, which helped a bit, but he kept itching to get back to his flat. He phoned his mum; phoned his sister; texted a friend; ran a bath and then decided against it and drained it again. At the end of the day the only thing that would keep him sitting still was when he happened across a series of cooking lessons on YouTube and so he watched those for three hours until he assumed the date was over. He messaged Seungkwan and Jun at the same time asking how it went. Jun replied first:

Jun: Nailed it

About twenty minutes later he heard from the other:

Seungkwan: Maybe this was a bad idea

Hansol: No vibe there?

Seungkwan: …you could say that.

Hansol: I’m sorry. Next time I’m sure will go better.

Seungkwan: I don’t think there’ll be a next time.

That wiped the grin off his face.

Hansol: You can’t give up like that. Let’s meet up tomorrow and talk things through. Then I’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for.

He paced up and down his bedroom as he waited for a reply.

Seungkwan: OK, at the coffee shop 10am. See you then.

Hansol: See you.

He flopped down on his bed and sighed loudly.

“Am I losing my mind?” he asked himself aloud. There was no reply.

Chapter Text

Watching Jun down glass after glass of wine; knock over at least three jugs of water; chew open mouthed and tell Seungkwan he was “the kind of girl you take home to your mama” while licking his lips, Seungkwan wondered if he himself was really the problem or were men all just insane?

“In what world did you think he was a good choice for me?” Seungkwan asked Hansol at the cafe the next day. The model’s face was flushed red, rightfully embarrassed.

“Sounds like he’s changed a lot,” Hansol said.

“Or maybe had a lobotomy? Honestly…”

Hansol smiled at that.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Hansol sat back, taking a sip of his black coffee. “Where did he take you?”

“Some chain Italian place.”

“Ah.” They sat in silence for a moment, looking around the cafe.

“So what’s the plan for the next one?” he asked, looking at Hansol.

“Well um… I have other friends? Or perhaps there’s someone you’ve met that you maybe could reconsider? Like a friend who could actually be like…”

Seungkwan watched the other man stumble over his words and his awkwardness became clear. He didn’t want to be there. Seungkwan cringed inwardly thinking back on that night where he drunkenly expressed his loneliness to Hansol. He obviously just felt sorry for him, oh god.

“You know what, it’s okay. This is my problem, I’m sorry for dragging you into it and thank you for the effort you went to with Jun,” Seungkwan rambled, standing up and gathering his bag.

“What? No, I can help.” Hansol looked up at him with big eyes and Seungkwan had to steel himself against getting drawn in.

“It’s so okay, I’ll see you maybe at some point.” He left the cafe, feeling like he was snapping himself out of a ridiculous stupor. Why was he dragging a stranger into his own crisis? As if he was the first person in the world to die alone.

He spent the night watching Bridget Jones for the third time that week and trying not to cry.

The next day he arrived at the office to see Jeonghan waiting by his desk.

“Why have you had a face like a smacked arse all week?” he asked, looking Seungkwan up and down.

“Long story really,” Seungkwan sighed.

“Another time then - I have a task for you. One of the models from one of our shoots wants to go through some stuff and insisted on coming in so you’re going to see to him, please. He’s waiting by the lift. Go see to him.” Jeonghan began walking away.

“But, what am I supposed to say?” the intern shouted after him.

“I don’t know, make him happy so he leaves us alone? Go on.” Jeonghan left Seungkwan alone. He turned to stare at Seokmin on the neighbouring desk.

“Don’t look at me, you’ve got this,” he said, not taking his eyes off his computer.

“You know, one day when you need my help, I’m not gonna be here either.”

Seokmin turned to him with a smile and nod. The intern sighed and trudged towards the lift.

He was always given the shitty awkward jobs where he had to deal with people that weren’t important enough for Jeonghan to deal with so he was left not being able to promise anything, because he had no power, but having to be shouted at, because he was there.

“Seungkwan.”

He rounded the corner to see Hansol standing there.

“Oh it’s you? You're the model…” he trailed off, relaxing at seeing the familiar face and then, remembering their conversation the previous day, tensing again. “How are you?”

Hansol shrugged, “Yeah not bad. Just would like to talk through the photos and stuff…” he nodded. They stood for a moment longer. He was wearing a simple black t-shirt and jeans which made Seungkwan wonder why he put any effort into his clothes - if some people could look so good in just those.

He signaled for Hansol to follow him to a meeting room. They sat side by side while Seungkwan pulled up the photos on his laptop.

“Did you have any particular concerns?” he asked, turning to the model.

“No not really”, was the reply, as they flicked through the photos. It wasn’t the first time Seungkwan had seen them but he was still struck by just how ethereal the model looked. Even with the slightly ridiculous concept, he was breathtaking. These were the type of photos that Seungkwan would’ve cut out from magazines as a teen and stuck them on his bedroom walls - because of the clothes, he’d tell everyone, not because of the boy wearing them. The fact that he was sitting next to such a beautiful man almost made him panic before he reminded himself that he wasn’t a teenager anymore - he’d grown up and faced reality.

Reaching the end with little comment, Seungkwan closed the laptop and began standing up.

“Well, if there’s no problem, I think I’ll get back-“

“I had an idea,” Hansol interrupted, causing the other to sit back down.

“You do?”

“You should show me what your perfect date would be,” Hansol said, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.

“Is this why you came today?” he asked, taking in the model's tense posture.

“No… maybe. I just, I wanted to get it right with Jun and feel like I caused you more trouble because of it so let me make it up to you.”

Seungkwan observed him for a moment. “You like playing matchmaker don’t you?” he asked.

Hansol frowned and then shrugged, “Maybe? I just think if you actually show me what you’d like on a date then I’d have a better idea of who to match you with?” He smiled at him in a disarming way.

Seungkwan was still a little embarrassed but it was quelled slightly by the fact that Hansol seemed so eager to do this for him.

“Really?”

“Only if you don’t mind spending the time with me of course,” the model said.

“Okay, why not?” Seungkwan said and Hansol’s face split into a grin.

When he came back to his desk after the meeting, a slight smile had spread across his face.

“Someone’s had their morning coffee, meeting wasn’t as bad as you thought?” Seokmin asked him. Seungkwan decided to explain to him the situation with Hansol. “So you’re taking him on a date?” was Seokmin’s takeaway.

“Have you not been listening? I’m showing him what a good date for me is so he can set me up.” Seungkwan rolled his eyes.

“Sounds like a date to me,” his best friend mumbled, turning back to his screen.

“He wouldn’t date me,” Seungkwan laughed.

“Why not?” the other said with a frown.

Seungkwan shrugged, “Well look at him and then look at me, y’know?”

Seokmin rolled his eyes. “Kwannie, firstly you’re way hotter than you think - and secondly, when has love ever been that simple?” He shook his head.

Seungkwan turned back to his work but there was a pit in his stomach for the rest of the day. Hansol wasn’t a date, was he?

Chapter Text

The plan was genius, that was for sure - go on a date with Seungkwan that wasn’t actually a date so he would somehow see that Hansol was boyfriend material and hope that it wouldn’t result in him being pushed further into the matchmaker territory… This was the final ditch effort though, if Seungkwan didn’t see him like that after this then Hansol knew he had to back off. For his own sake. He'd instead set Seungkwan up with a good match and hope he was happy. 

He met up with Mingyu the day before the date to discuss a project they had been working on together and the meeting ended how their's always did; by having a drink together. 

“Wow, I’m the one who usually does that,” Mingyu commented as Hansol finished off their fifth bottle of soju and ordered another. The model shrugged at the other man, who raised his eyebrows so Hansol told him his predicament (leaving out names). When he finished, Mingyu thought for a moment. 

“I’d usually just see if I can get their blood rushing honestly, it usually gets things moving. If you get their blood rushing and they still aren’t giving you any signals then it’s not the one,” the photographer said, pouring out another shot for Hansol, which he accepted. 

So with Mingyu's help, they brainstormed ideas for what would get someone’s blood rushing. 

That’s how Hansol ended up at the date with a bunch of flowers and a small box of chocolates.

“For some people, gifts are the best way to go but they’re hit or miss - so go traditional otherwise it can seem weird.” 

He saw Seungkwan first, sitting on a bench in the park where they’d agreed to meet. He was wearing a checkered pink and black coat over a white knitted jumper with black slacks. Well, at least Hansol knew that just the sight of the other man got his blood rushing. 

“Hey.” He approached. Seungkwan looked up with a smile and then noticed what was in his hands and frowned. 

“Hansol, what?” He stood up from the bench. Hansol looked down at the gifts.

“Well, uh, I need to know what you like on a date right? Are you a flowers guy or a chocolates guy? Or both or-“

“Both.” 

Hansol grinned, seeing the other man’s surprised but satisfied face. 

“Good to know, here.” He handed him the presents and he took them, tucking them both gently into his tote bag. 

“ Complement his appearance when you arrive.” 

“You look good, cosy…” Hansol said, cursing his lack of creativity. 

“Oh thanks,” Seungkwan said, looking down at his clothes. The model watched for a tint of blush on his face but couldn’t spy any. He’d have to try harder. 

They chatted about their day as Seungkwan led them out of the park and down the street, arriving at an artist studio. Inside six white tables were laid out, with a set of paints on each. 

“Your dream date is a painting workshop?” Hansol turned to Seungkwan. 

“Uh, no not specifically, I just prefer activity dates. I find it to be less stressful, you know?”

It turned out it wasn’t just any old painting but pottery painting. They both chose bowls to paint and gave each other a theme. 

“You should paint a bowl that is tangerine themed,” Seungkwan said.

“Why that?” the other smiled.  

“It’d be pretty wouldn’t it. Now what about me?” 

Hansol thought for a moment.

“Have you ever seen Fantastic Mr Fox?” he asked.

“I love that film.” Seungkwan’s face lit up.

“Okay, do it themed on that film.” Hansol beamed right back.

“Anything in the film?” 

“Anything.” 

So they painted for the next hour, chatting idly about what films they liked. Seungkwan was a romance fan while Hansol couldn’t really pick a genre but had many favourite directors. 

“Would you like to act one day? The model to actor pipeline is pretty straightforward,” Seungkwan asked.

“I think I’d be more interested in directing. Or even writing. I don’t know, I’m not so good with words but maybe one day.” He shrugged, working on the tangerine border he had decided to form around the top of the bowl. He peered over to see Seungkwan’s. He’d painted the tree - the Foxes’ house - with autumnal orange and brown tones and inside the bottom of the bowl two foxes lay. “You’re really good.” 

“Also complement them on a skill - something not to do with their appearance.” 

Seungkwan looked up with a smile. No blush, but there was a tiny smudge of orange on his cheek. 

“Hey, you’ve got something.” Hansol reached over, using his thumb to swipe at the paint. Seungkwan’s smile faded. Their eyes locked and the moment lingered, Hansol’s hand still on the other’s face, trying not to get distracted by how soft his skin was. “I think I’ve made it worse,” he said, barely a whisper, before catching himself and pulling backwards. 

He stared down at his bowl, trying to slow his heart. He glanced up at Seungkwan - was there a tinge of pink in his cheeks or were his eyes playing tricks on him?

They finished up, leaving the bowls at the studio to be glazed. Outside the sun was beginning to set.

“So what’s next on your dream date?” Hansol said. “Dinner?”

“Actually I can’t usually eat much on first dates ‘cause anxiety makes me nauseous. I booked a bar instead that also does, like, snacks and sharing plates,” Seungkwan said. “But you don’t have to stay for long, I’m sure you’ll get the vibe quickly.” 

“Would you prefer to go alone?” Hansol asked, frowning. The intern looked startled.

“No, of course not, I just don’t want to take up too much of your time is all,” he mumbled. Hansol debated how to reply, whether to play it safe or not. 

“ Be romantic but only if it feels real - don’t force it.” 

“I like spending my time with you,” Hansol said, looking straight ahead. Seungkwan didn’t reply but seemed to stand ever so slightly closer to him as they walked to the bar, their arms almost brushing. 

“ Laugh at his jokes”

That was the easiest thing on Mingyu’s list, Hansol couldn’t help but laugh - especially when they were a couple of cocktails in. The bar was dark but comfortable with round booths lining the walls where couples snuggled up close. 

By the fourth cocktail he’d lost track of time and was wondering at what point did their legs start touching and whether Seungkwan was deliberately not pulling away or just hadn’t noticed. 

“You wanna hear something funny?” Seungkwan asked. 

Hansol nodded.

“This was the bar where I last pulled someone,” he said before hiding behind his espresso martini. 

“Did you want to run into him again?” Hansol asked, amused by the other’s embarrassment.

“God no, beautiful as he was, he was like talking to a peloton.” 

Hansol glanced around the room, imagining Seungkwan being seduced in that space, being held and kissed. 

“ Be sexy.” 

Mingyu’s final advice. This Hansol thought would be most difficult because he’d never tried to be sexy before; people usually already found him sexy. But feeling Seungkwan so close to him, it didn’t feel that difficult after all. 

“So tell me, how would your perfect date end?” He raised his eyebrows. Seungkwan laughed. 

“With a peck on the cheek and a calling card,” the intern said with a giggle. 

“Go on, tell me. I should know.” he took a sip of his whiskey sour. The other man thought for a moment. 

“Well y’know, I’m no prude. If it feels like it’s going a certain way I’m not going to stop it,” he said. 

“So the first kiss in the bar or outside?” Hansol asked, his voice low. Seungkwan faltered as their eyes connected.

“Outside.” 

Hansol felt the alcohol giving him confidence and leant closer so their arms brushed.

“Hmm, ok and would you like him to take control and lean in first?” 

“Yeah, I’d like that,” Seungkwan said, wetting his lips with his tongue. His face was flush pink but Hansol couldn’t tell if it was just the alcohol.

“And would you like him to run his hands through your hair” he said, brushing a hair from the other's face, “or down your back?” he was barely whispering as they were so close. Seungkwan pupils were blown wide.

“My hair,” he breathed. Hansol leaned in so close he was at Seungkwan ear, hearing the other man’s jagged breaths.

“And would you like him to fuck you gentle or do you like it rough?” 

He could’ve sworn a gasp hitched in the other’s throat and he could feel him leaning against him. He pulled back to see his face. 

But it wasn’t what he expected. Instead of a look of desire, a look of confusion possessed Seungkwan’s expression. 

“Are you okay?” Hansol asked, worried he’d read the situation very wrong. Seungkwan wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“I’m gonna go home,” he mumbled.

“Okay, let’s call you a cab.” 

Once he’d seen Seungkwan safely away in the taxi, Hansol felt a sinking feeling come upon him. He had no idea what the other man was thinking but he knew for certain that he himself was head-over heels. And he may have just fucked up his chance.

Chapter Text

The entire world seemed upside down. The ground was sky and sky was ground and the birds swam and fish flew through the air. 

Hansol had made a move on him. 

“It must just be funny for him right? To make someone like me think he has a chance,” Seungkwan lamented, laying across the sofa like he was in therapy with Seokmin and Joshua sat opposite him. Joshua was listening attentively while Seokmin was doing something on his laptop - some best friend, huh? 

“I don’t think he’s really like that, I’ve only ever seen him be lovely if a little reserved” Joshua said, hand combing through his boyfriend’s hair. 

“Maybe I seem so pitiful and he was trying to make me feel better then? If he’s such a good guy,” he sighed, remembering the way he felt when the model had whispered in his ear. 

Seokmin snapped his laptop shut. “Honestly I can’t take this anymore,” he said, glaring over.

“What?”

“The man whispers dirty things in your ear, brings you flowers, says he likes spending time with you - what is so hard to work out about this? Call a spade a spade Kwannie, stop playing dumb.” 

Joshua and Seungkwan stared at Seokmin, a slight smile playing on Joshua’s lip which he was clearly trying to suppress whenever he caught Seungkwan’s eye. 

“I’m not playing dumb actually,” Seungkwan finally said. 

“I think the writing is on the wall,” Joshua said with a shrug. “Do you like him?” 

“I don’t know. He’s a bit… there’s not much to him.” The younger man turned his gaze back to the ceiling and lay there for a little while thinking about the previous night. Hansol had made a move on him and he had wanted to. 

He spent the next week trying to process this, going backwards and forward. It was starting to make sense - if Hansol was, perhaps, a little boring then maybe he found Seungkwan interesting and that’s why he was drawn to him. And sure, the model was beautiful, but Seungkwan cared far more to have someone that would make him laugh than anything else.  He’d likely have continued this thought process until the end of time, if it weren’t for his boss’s insistence that he come in on his day off to help.

“We’ve got that pretty boy coming in, you know the one who burnt his hand - Vernon? It’s part two of the project - ‘Country Boy comes to the City.’ Honestly, who comes up with this shit?” Jeonghan rambled, causing Seungkwan’s world to crumble around him.

They were shooting at 5am in the city centre as the sun rose. The empty streets bustled with cast and crew. 

“I suppose I’m on coffee duty again?” 

“Nope, you’re helping out in make-up and on set. We need someone to hold the antlers,” Jeonghan muttered, shooing Seungkwan towards the makeup tent. 

“Hold the antlers?” the intern murmured to himself as he trudged towards the tent, knowing who was in there.

He didn’t know how Hansol would react to him after the last time they met. He should’ve messaged to make it less awkward or whatever but now it was too late.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the curtain. 

Hansol was there; a make-up artist was applying a shimmering silver powder to his bare chest, shoulders and neck. His face sported a pink blush with dramatic silver and black eyeshadow highlighting his eyes and his hair was slicked back. He looked like a fairy and it was hard for Seungkwan to not just stand there and stare in awe.

“Hey,” he said, trying to sound calm, “I’ve been told to help in here.” Everyone turned to look at him but he only noticed Hansol glancing at him with a neutral expression before looking away without any greeting. 

“You’re here to hold the antlers?” one of the makeup artists asked. 

Seungkwan nodded, glancing at Hansol who kept his eyes on the floor. 

“Great. Vernon, you can sit down now. You, stand here.” She pointed to the spot right in front of Hansol’s chair. He stepped up, keeping his eyes on the model who was refusing to look at him. It was starting to get to the intern, had he really done something so wrong? He'd be ready to meet Hansol with maturity but if the model was going to act like this... 

The artist and a hair stylist gently lifted from a box a silver bejewelled set of antlers, connected in the middle with silver bands. 

“So dear, we need you,” the stylist spoke while setting the antlers on Hansol’s head, “to support the weight of the antlers cause we don’t want to do any damage to Vernon’s neck now do we?”

Seungkwan glanced down at Hansol again, who was now scrolling through his phone. The intern took hold of the antlers, where the stylist told him to, his arms reached out straight as he tried to keep as much distance between him and the model as possible. The make-up artist then proceeded to paint and glue the antlers down to Hansol’s head. 

“Your arms are going to get tired like that,” she said. 

“I don’t mind,” the intern replied, but after twenty minutes or so his arms were starting to shake. He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the burning in his biceps. 

“You can stop holding it for five minutes, you know?” Hansol said once the artist and stylists had left the tent to grab more silver. 

Seungkwan jumped at Hansol’s voice, looking down to see his eyes still fixed on his phone. “I’ve been told to do this, the paint isn’t fixed yet,” he replied. 

“Well at least stand closer, there’s no need -” 

“I’m fine.” 

Hansol sighed, grabbing Seungkwan’s waist and pulling him forward. 

“Hey!” Seungkwan cried, as he stumbled, knees connecting with Hansol’s and immediately feeling relief in his arms. Hansol looked up at him with big eyes and the intern felt his heart skip and thoughts jumble. “We shouldn’t have started this,” he blurted out before sense came back to him. Why did I say that?

Hansol frowned, letting go of Seungkwan’s waist. “Okay… well I didn’t really want to anyway. I’m not a matchmaker.” 

“Then why did you?” 

Hansol shrugged, “Bored I guess.” 

“Right they’re ready for you on set,” the make-up artist bustled in, interrupting the conversation and fussing over the last details of the model’s make-up. 

They walked out on set, Seungkwan holding one antler while the artist held the other. Hansol was positioned on a sunny patch of road. Seungkwan stood back to watch. 

Bored? Seungkwan thought, glaring at the model. 

“Bring on the chair. Vernon, if you could sit there, can we get some antler support please” the director called out as two runners carried on a chair made of sticks, twigs and leaves - it looked like it could be a fairy queen’s throne. “Let’s dress the scene.” 

Seungkwan stepped forward to hold the antlers. 

“Oh dear, this is going to be…” a bald man who was fixing leaves and roots to the end of Hansol’s trousers looked up at Seungkwan. “You guys might have to get a little cosy if you don’t mind. It’s just…” 

“Oh okay, should I hold from behind?” Seungkwan asked, recognising the spatial issue. 

“No - if you could just sit here on his lap, that should be fine,” the bald man said. 

“What?” Seungkwan looked in horror from Hansol to the man, Hansol’s face giving away nothing. The intern wanted to work out a different way but the set dressers were all getting impatient and then Jeonghan shouted across at him to do what he was told so Seungkwan found himself clambering onto the chair, legs either side of Hansol’s, sitting facing him so he could hold up the stupid antlers. 

He did everything to ignore the feeling of Hansol so close, feeling his body heat radiating through him. He kept his eyes on the sky or on the ground or watching the set dressers. 

“You can't even look at me?” It was barely a whisper but it felt like a slap. Seungkwan met his eyes. 

“You know I can find my own dates,” Seungkwan hissed. 

“How’s that panning out for you?” Hansol replied. 

“What is your problem? Is this because I didn’t jump at the chance to sleep with you? Because I’m not worshipping at your feet?”

“Why would I care about that?” Hansol spat.

“You know a pretty face doesn’t get you everything.” 

That silenced the model but his eyes didn’t leave his and Seungkwan would be damned if he was going to be the first to back down. Seungkwan could see every eyelash, every freckle on his beautiful face and it made him seethe. This man had everything going for him, everything. There was fire behind Hansol’s eyes too and the intern could see he was as angry as him. Good , he thought, watching as Hansol’s eyes tracked down his face to his lips. Seungkwan noticed Hansol bite his own lip, they looked so stupidly soft and pink and - 

“Okay, clear set now. We’re all ready.” 

The world reappeared as the intern snapped his head around. He leapt off the chair and stalked to the edge of the set, putting as much distance between him and that man as possible. 

Seungkwan: He's just completely full of himself. 

Seokmin: He's a model. 

Seungkwan stayed away for as long as possible, busying himself with cleaning and tidying until he was called back in the makeup tent. They removed the antlers and the two men refused to acknowledge the other until they were left alone just the two of them. Then Hansol turned to him. 

“Maybe you should think about why you can’t find a date,” he said. 

“Maybe you should think about getting a personality,” Seungkwan snapped back before he could stop himself. He saw the surprise in Hansol’s eyes. 

“Okay Seungkwan, I’m the problem here.” He shook his head, grabbing a make-up wipe and rubbing at his skin. 

Seungkwan wanted to say something else; to make it clear that he didn’t care what Hansol thought and that his opinion meant nothing to him. Instead he just left. 

He sat in the car, waiting for Jeonghan and calming down. 

“Well that was a good day,” his boss said, getting in the car. “I’ve had a very interesting proposal that you might be interested in.”

Seungkwan just grunted in response, still focusing on slowing his breathing. 

“Take a look at this.” Jeonghan turned his phone towards him. Seungkwan glanced at it before double taking and snatching the phone. On it was a photo of Hansol and Seungkwan, inches away from each other's faces. It was when they were arguing on the fairy throne, glaring at each other with such intensity. And… they looked good. Hansol with his sharp facial features, emphasised by the dramatic makeup, while Seungkwan’s soft face made for a contrast that - if it was anyone else - the intern would think was front cover material. 

“No way.” 

“Don’t worry, we won’t use these photos - there’ll be a new shoot. For the two of you.”

Chapter Text

Hansol scrubbed at his face until it was pink and raw, Seungkwan’s words running through his head. Is that what he thought of him? No personality? As if he even knew him. 

He messaged Mingyu asking if we wanted to go for a drink, which he always did, and hotfooted it off the set - avoiding anyone who might delay him.

“And then he just storms out, as if I’m the fucking problem,” Hansol spat, stubbing out a cigarette and swigging on his beer. 

Mingyu made a face. “Bad day then?” he said. 

“Uh huh.” 

“So what? Are you gonna like report him or something?” 

Hansol frowned.

“Not that I think you should, just like what do you want to do about this?” Mingyu continued.

“I don’t know, you mean revenge?” Hansol sat back, pulling his cap low over his face. Mingyu sat forward, mouth pursed in thought.

“Well there’s lots of types of revenge - either you ruin his life, like get him fired, or…” Mingyu gave him a suggestive nod which meant nothing to Hansol.

“Can you just tell me? I can’t do these things.” 

“Well, make him beg for your forgiveness because he wants you?”

“But he doesn’t want me, that’s the problem,” Hansol lit up another cigarette. He didn’t usually smoke this much.

“Maybe I just assume everyone’s horny all the time, that might be my bad,” Mingyu mumbled before signalling to the waiter to bring them more beer. 

Hansol sighed. “Do you think I have no personality?” 

“No! Of course not. Don’t be stupid,” Mingyu emphasised each sentence with a tap on the table before sipping on his beer. “I mean…”

“What?” 

“Well, you remember at Paula’s party? When those girls were talking to us?” 

“The American girls?”

“You remember how I went home with both of them?” 

Hansol nodded, waiting for Mingyu to elaborate.

“Well perhaps that… how do I say this? I think you’ve relied on your looks to pull.” 

“Isn’t that how everyone pulls?” He removed his cap and scratched his head. 

Mingyu laughed, “Right, I see how we’ve gone wrong.”

“Anyway I don’t care, I don’t even like him anymore so who cares.” Hansol shrugged and changed the topic. 

Hansol spent the next morning recovering from his hangover and stalking Seungkwan’s social media. All his posts were with his friends, usually laughing or pulling silly faces, going on adventures - the model couldn’t help comparing it to his own feed which featured solo shot after solo shot, usually all for work. He threw his phone down, telling himself that social media doesn’t reflect life anyway so there was no point getting caught up on it. 

Just after midday when he got a call from his agent.

“I’ve sent you an email with the proposal, they have a free spot for a campaign they’re running - someone dropped out, cost them a fortune so they’re keen to get someone in as soon as possible…” she rambled on as Hansol pulled up the email and saw the photo; Seungkwan inches away from his face looking at him like he wanted to kill him. He wished it didn’t turn him on. 

“I’ll do it,” he said. 

“I haven’t even told you the rate yet. Well great, I’ll get the ball rolling. We still have to wait for confirmation from the other model - but I’m sure they’ll find someone else if needed.” 

Once they’d wrapped up the conversation, Hansol’s heart was racing. He’d said yes because he knew he’d regret it for the rest of his life if he didn’t. He needed to prove him wrong. He did have personality. He wasn’t dull. He wasn’t just a pretty face. 

He was having a hard time convincing himself. 

He sent Mingyu a message asking if he wanted to go get a drink to which the photographer replied, No. After he got over the shock of this, Hansol decided to go out by himself - he needed to practice somehow before he saw Seungkwan again. Practice what? Personality?  

It took a minute for him to pick a place, flip flopping and overthinking little things, but in the end he chose a bar near his house where he knew he’d pulled before. 

It was the kind of place where you’d spend a fortune if you bought more than two drinks - but the vibes were good and people weren’t really intending on hanging around too long. 

Within fifteen minutes a girl was willing to come home with him and Hansol felt good about it before realising that Mingyu was right, he did rely on his looks too much. 

He mumbled something about being only into men to which she looked mad about and went on her way. Hansol hurried to the bathroom. How was he going to do this? It’s not like he could suddenly change how he looked? No, but he needed to go for people who weren’t obsessed with his looks. 

He re-entered the bar and noted everyone who glanced at him, gave him a smile or just full on gaped. There was only one guy that looked but didn’t really seem to care - bingo. 

The man was brunette with round glasses and pretty eyes. He was sitting at the bar with a friend, however the friend was preoccupied by a guy that looked like a Nordic god. Either this guy really wasn’t impressed by looks or he was not into men at all, cause he didn’t even glance at the god. Either way, it was worth the challenge.

Hansol sidled up beside him, catching the bartender’s attention to order another whiskey sour. What do I do now? Ninety per cent of the time Hansol was the one being approached - he did not do the approaching. And the times where he had approached, it was clear that the person was very interested beforehand. 

He was saved from his dilemma by the bartender setting his whisky sour down in front of him.

“What’s that drink?” the brunette man asked, noticing the frothed liquid.

“Uh it’s a whiskey sour,” Hansol replied, trying not to look too startled. 

“Ah, they do that with egg whites right?” the man said. 

“Do they?” He looked at his drink in mild disgust. 

“I think so.” 

“There’s egg in it?” Hansol lifted the drink up to his nose to sniff - it didn’t smell like egg?

“Actually we use aquafaba for the foam here,” the bartender interjected before shaking another cocktail. 

“Well, I guess I was wrong,” the man smiled, it was a nice smile.

“What’s aquafaba though?” Hansol looked at his drink with even more suspicion. The man laughed. 

“Your expression,” he said. “Funny.” 

“Really?” Hansol snapped his eyes to the man - he’d never been called funny before. 

“I’m Wonwoo,” the man, Wonwoo, held out his hand. “Can I get you another drink? Something a bit less eggy?” 

Hansol took his hand and introduced himself, “Yes please.” Wonwoo bought them both tom collins and they fell into another awkward silence. It was Hansol’s turn to continue the conversation, he knew it. Should he ask about work? Or if he came to the bar often? It all sounded so cliche and so lame. 

“Do you like films?” he blurted out, cringing inwardly. 

Wonwoo nodded, “Well depends on the film, doesn’t it?” 

“I suppose,” Hansol trailed off. This wasn’t going to work. 

“Are you okay?” Wonwoo said, frowning at his expression. Hansol drank his cocktail which was lemony and sweet. 

“I’ve been told I have no personality and I’m trying to work on it,” he said. This couldn’t really go worse. 

Wonwoo stared at him a moment before nodding. “I’ll be honest, I don’t think I can help you.” 

Hansol sighed. “Sorry, I’m just getting in my head. Thanks for the drink though.” He turned away from Wonwoo to finish his drink in shame, but then he heard a chuckle in his direction. “What?” He turned back.

“I don’t know, you’re funny,” Wonwoo said. 

“Am I really? Cause you’ve said that twice now,” he said, leaning forward.

“I think not deliberately.” 

“Oh,” Hansol sulked again. 

“But maybe that’s your answer, stop thinking about how other people are viewing you and you know,” Wonwoo said with a shrug. It sounded a bit too much like logical advice and he didn’t know if he could implement such changes by the time he saw Seungkwan again but it did make sense. He’d grown up with people only caring about his external appearance and that was good enough for almost everyone - so he never really showed himself, apart from to his sister maybe. 

“I think I’m going to go home now,” Hansol said. Wonwoo gave him a confused grin and a nod before turning back to his friend.

As Hansol left his phone started buzzing. 

“Right, where’s this drink at then?” Mingyu said through the phone. 

“Ah, bro. Well I’m just about to leave, but…” he turned around to see Wonwoo looking bored with his friend. “There’s a guy I think you’d like here.” 

“Text me the details, I’ll be there,” Mingyu hung up. Hansol smiled. 

“Are you sure he’s here?” a familiar voice caught Hansol’s attention, he whipped his head up to see Seungkwan walking toward the bar - arm in arm with some girl giggling together. He looked so happy and beautiful. 

“He’ll be perfect for you, trust me.” She playfully slapped his arm. Seungkwan feigned pain just as his eyes connected with Hansol’s. He stopped. 

“What’s going on?” the girl asked, looking around to see Hansol. Hansol felt his cheeks redden, the accusations of lacking personality flooding his mind again. He was embarrassed to even face the other man. He ducked his head and turned away.

“Nothing,” Seungkwan said. 

Something snapped in Hansol. How was he going to change if he kept making the same choices? Maybe it was the cocktails at work but before he knew it he was standing in front of Seungkwan. 

“Do the photoshoot with me,” he said. 

Seungkwan’s eyes widened, “Why?” 

Hansol paused, running his eyes over Seungkwan before saying, “Are you going on a date?” 

“What’s it to you?” came the reply, crossing his arms over his chest.

Hansol smiled, “You look good. See you next week.” 

Hansol spent the walk home replaying the interaction and coming up with a million better lines he could’ve said. He just hoped he’d done enough to get Seungkwan to the photoshoot.

Chapter Text

Within minutes of seeing Hansol at that bar Seungkwan had sent Jeonghan confirmation of his participation in the photoshoot. He then spent his supposed date ranting about “this guy at work”, so his date left within twenty minutes and the friend he’d arrived with had already found alternate amusement with some guy that looked like Thor.

He then ran into Mingyu chatting with some guy at the bar and tried to crash their party but it was clear they were already undressing each other with their eyes. So Seungkwan left, trying not to imagine every scenario that could possibly occur when he saw Hansol at the photoshoot. 

He arrived at Seokmin’s house about fifteen minutes later.

“Kwannie’s crashing,” Seokmin shouted back at Joshua as he opened the door.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting,” he mumbled.

“You say that every time but I don’t think you’d really care anyway,” Seokmin smiled and ruffled the younger man’s hair. “Shua’s just off to bed anyway, he has an early morning. Can I get you a cup of tea?”

Seungkwan accepted the offer and trudged over to the sofa where Joshua was standing up from.

“Sorry for interrupting,” Seungkwan said, flopping down.

“Of course, Kwannie. Rough night?” Joshua said while collecting his phone and laptop and a couple of cups from the table. 

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Seungkwan mumbled.

“Good night then,” Joshua smiled at him and gave him a little kiss on the top of his head before heading to the bedroom. 

Seokmin returned with two cups of tea and a pack of chocolate digestives. They put on their favourite show and Seungkwan felt his heart settle and warm, feeling at home.

“I’m going to propose to Shua,” Seokmin said after a couple of episodes. 

Seungkwan sat up and turned to his best friend. He didn’t know what to say so he just pulled him into a fierce hug, causing Seokmin to squeal. 

“Oh god, I’m so happy for you! You’re perfect for each other, just perfect,” the younger man mumbled, trying to keep tears from forming. 

“It feels right,” Seokmin said once he’d been released, a grin plastered across his face. 

“I better be your best man.” 

“He hasn’t even said yes yet! But yes you will be.”

They watched one more episode of their show before Seokmin grabbed the spare bedding for Seungkwan to curl up in his usual spot on the sofa and headed to bed. It was the first time in a while that Seungkwan had fallen asleep happy, barely able to keep a smile off his face. 

“How am I even going to do a photoshoot though?” Seungkwan mumbled into his coffee the next morning. Joshua turned to him from where he was buttering some toast. He looked him up and down and pursed his lips.

“Well, I’ll be honest, it’s not the easiest thing but you know what? Ninety per cent is attitude,” Joshua said, stepping forward and brushing Seungkwan's hair out of his face. 

“So just look cool?” 

“Not really, let’s practice - pretend I’m giving you directions on set - I want you to look longingly at Hansol but with a veiled barrier of something that cannot be.” Joshua looked at him expectantly.

“What does that even mean?” Seungkwan said.

“Just do it.” 

So Seungkwan thought for a moment and tried to do as he was told, but Joshua’s face scrunched in a way that told him he'd done it wrong.

“Right, I think you’re thinking too hard about it. Try not to move your face, instead try to feel the emotion, yeah?” 

He tried again, “God this just feels stupid.” 

“Let’s try a different emotion - look at Hansol like he’s stolen all your money and you're setting a curse on him with your eyes.” 

The idea of setting a curse on Hansol seemed too easy to imagine.

“That’s more like it,” Joshua said, giving him a little applause. “Let’s just hope they go in that direction, huh?” 

“Yeah, let’s hope.” 

On the following Monday there was a meeting held at the office about the shoot. Hansol was already there once Seungkwan had arrived, sitting beside his agent. Seungkwan took a seat by Jeonghan on the other side of the table while the company running the campaign began outlining the brief. 

“It’s called ‘The Last Two on Earth’, an idea where two people are trapped on the last hospitable island on Earth. Both unable leave, torn between hating the other and needing the other. A battle of survival, where the question is asked - do you fight to be the last alive or would the loneliness of being without the other be too much to handle…” the director rattled on. These shoots were always like this, some high concept thing that was really just about selling something - in this case it was jewellery. “Close ups will be the focus on the shoot, capturing the emotion with the earrings, necklaces and rings accenting the scene.”

Seungkwan looked over to Hansol as the director continued speaking and saw that he was already looking at him. He held his gaze. Hansol looked away first but before did, he smiled. This was going to be a tough job.

Chapter Text

“This is fucking stupid, who just gets a random person to be a model,” Seungkwan whined to Jeonghan in the car to the studio.

“It happens all the time and you’re not a model, you’re in one photoshoot,” Jeonghan replied. 

Seungkwan hadn’t been able to sleep at all the night before. All of it was just running through his mind. What if he’s laughed off set? What if Hansol sees it? What if this is all a big prank orchestrated by Hansol to get back at him for telling him he doesn’t have any personality? 

“I think we should call it off,” the intern said, turning to his boss with pleading eyes.

Jeonghan sighed. “You know why I hired you Seungkwan?” 

“Because Seokmin asked you to…”

“Because I thought you had guts and you’re smart. I thought you wouldn’t be afraid to voice your opinion, to put your neck on line. And the reason I haven’t fired you is because I’ve still seen glimpses of that fire - but you doubt yourself at every turn.” 

Seungkwan processed this for a moment. 

“So what do I do?” he mumbled.

“You’ve got to start trusting yourself, but that will only happen when you realise you have something of value to offer.” 

They passed the rest of the car ride in silence. When they arrived at the studio, Jeonghan stopped him one more time before they entered.

“Now Seungkwan, do a good job, alright?” 

It was the first time Seungkwan had felt genuine affection from his boss and, in his already fragile state, he had to stop himself from welling up. 

Inside the studio he was met by a whirlwind of movement. People moving sets; making calls; setting up lights; running coffee - he was a least glad that wasn’t his job today. Within minutes he was whisked off to wardrobe where Minghao handed him a tattered pair of jeans and torn T-shirt.

Looking at his reflection he saw that actually, his jawline looked sharp and the t-shirt hung off his shoulders in a really flattering way. Do a good job, Jeonghan had said. Maybe he could work with this. 

He was then whisked through hair and makeup, and which took a very long time for such a natural look, but while he was there the director came by to giving him a thorough brief and breakdown of the day. That’s when his anxiety started to rise again. 

And as he was walking out of hair and makeup and saw Hansol walking the same way, the anxiety hit an all time high. He mumbled something about needing the bathroom and bolted, locking himself in the cubicle. 

This time he didn’t call Seokmin. He just crouched there and hoped no one would find him. What was he doing here? Hansol looked like he was molded by the gods, he couldn’t do this, he didn’t even want to be a model. 

He wasn’t sure how long had passed when he heard a knock at the door. 

“Seungkwan? Are you in here?” It was Hansol. “Are you okay?” 

He probably thinks I’m throwing up, or worse, Seungkwan thought. He stood up, opened the cubicle and shuffled out. Hansol’s eyes widened as he saw him but then he smiled. 

“Don’t laugh at me,” Seungkwan mumbled. 

“Why? You gonna lock yourself in the toilet again?” the model raised an eyebrow. 

“Yeah I might,” Seungkwan replied, leaning back against the wall. Hansol smirked and Seungkwan couldn’t help smiling. “Are they all looking for me?” 

“Not yet, I noticed before they did,” he said as he moved to lean beside him. 

“I just don’t think I can do this. I’m not… I don’t look like you.” 

Hansol sighed and shook his head.

“What?” Seungkwan asked.

“I don’t get it. You hold yourself to completely different standards. You value being funny and having personality in other people but why can’t you value it in yourself?”

“I do! I just don’t see how that helps in a modelling job.” Seungkwan stood up and walked to the mirror. 

“You’d be surprised,” Hansol joined him at the mirror. “And for the record, I think you’re rather nice to look at.” 

Seungkwan rolled his eyes but when he caught Hansol’s gaze he could see he was being sincere. It was hard to ignore the way his heart skipped.

“Let’s go,” Hansol tapped his shoulder and Seungkwan found himself wanting to be near the other man in that moment. 

The photoshoot began tamely enough, with them staring into the distance moodily, and then staring at each other angrily. Seungkwan felt as if he was almost getting away with it - that was until the director wanted them to get more… physical. 

“You’re the last two on Earth, fighting for your lives.” 

So Seungkwan did as he was told and lay down on top of Hansol, who was propped up on his elbows, and threaded a hand through the other’s hair as if pulling back his head to expose his throat. 

“Are you okay?” Hansol asked, low so only he could hear. 

“Yeah, just don’t want to hurt you,” the intern mumbled, trying to hold his full weight off the model while ignoring the way Hansol’s scent was consuming him. He smelled like vanilla and cigarettes. 

“I don’t mind a bit of pain so don’t worry,” Hansol said with a wink and a chuckle. It felt like a thunderbolt through Seungkwan’s body and… oh no. Hansol’s eyes widened - he could feel Seungkwan crotch pressing against his leg - and then he smiled. He moved his leg ever so slightly and Seungkwan had to bite his lip to stop from gasping. 

“Yes, I love that,” the director said. “The tension is perfect. Vernon put a hand around his neck, like you’re fighting back - just don’t cover the jewellery.”

More panic flooded Seungkwan’s mind. 

“Is that okay with you?” Hansol asked, still a smirk on his face. 

“Yeah of course, why wouldn’t it be?” he tried to sound non-chalant but it came out very chalant. 

Hansol gently brought his hand to cup Seungkwan’s throat, causing the younger man to stifle a moan. 

“Looks like I found something you like,” the model whispered. 

“Shut up,” Seungkwan replied, yanking at the model's hair and enjoying the way he gasped a little too much. 

The rest of the shoot passed in a blur of close ups and various other things but all Seungkwan could think about was the way Hansol smelled and the way he felt under him and his stupid smirk. 

As soon as they called a wrap he bolted back the toilets, needing a moment of peace and calm. Of course he was getting worked up, he hadn’t had sex in a year and he was pressed against a very attractive man, anyone would. It didn’t mean he wanted Hansol specifically, it meant he wanted to have sex in general. And he definitely shouldn’t do that with Hansol. That would be a mistake by anyone’s standards. 

He stepped out of the cubicle and splashed some water on his face. He gave himself a reassuring nod in the mirror and then turned to the door, where Hansol was standing. 

“Hi,” Hansol said.

“Hi” Seungkwan said. 

In two strides Hansol had reached him and in one more second their lips collided. 

Chapter Text

Hansol pushed Seungkwan back against the wall, lips not leaving the other’s, hips colliding. They both moaned. One hand was on Seungkwan’s lower back, holding him close, the other was around the back of his neck while the shorter man’s hands were in Hansol’s hair, gripping as if the world was gonna fall away if he let go. Seungkwan’s lips were soft and wet. Hansol bit the bottom one lightly, pulling forth a sound that went straight to his core. 

He broke the kiss. Seungkwan looked at him with wide eyes, pupils blown, almost pleading. Hansol turned to the door, finding the lock and turning it closed. 

“Wait, what? There’s so many people out there, they’ll be looking for us and…” Seungkwan stopped complaining as Hansol began trailing kisses down his neck. 

“Do you want to stop?” Hansol whispered in his ear, placing a gentle kiss just below it. Seungkwan’s breath was ragged but he didn’t reply. Hansol stepped back. “We can stop, it’s okay,” he said soberly. Seungkwan cast his gaze from Hansol, to the door and then back to Hansol. 

“They’re probably all busy right?” Seungkwan said. 

Hansol smiled, “I expect they probably are.” He stepped closer to Seungkwan again.

“They wouldn’t even miss us?” his hands landed on Hansol’s shoulders. They stared at each other for a beat longer before Seungkwan leaned in and kissed him gently. The kiss deepened quickly, their tongues exploring each others’ mouths while Hansol’s hands roamed down to grab Seungkwan’s ass. He lifted him up and the intern wrapped his legs around his hips, pulling him in even closer, grinding into each other, desperate for friction. Hansol brought a hand up to Seungkwan’s neck, caressing it. 

“Was I right? You like being choked?” Hansol mumbled, barely separating from the kiss. 

“God yes,” Seungkwan breathed, grabbing Hansol’s hand and pressing it hard into his throat. 

Hansol smirked, needing no more encouragement and loving the whimpers the other man let out as he gently squeezed the other’s throat. 

He set Seungkwan’s back down on his feet and dropped to his knees in front of him. 

“Fuck Hansol,” Seungkwan gasped as the model worked open his jeans. 

“Promise one thing,” he said, looking up at him. 

“Yes?” he said, swiping his thumb over the kneeling man’s bottom lip.

“When you pull my hair, pull it hard.” And the next second Hansol had removed Seungkwan’s underwear and took him into his mouth. He heard the intern moan and looked up to see him throwing his head back, mouth wide. Hands threaded through Hansol’s hair and pulled deliciously causing him to moan around Seungkwan’s cock. 

He worked him up and down, flicking his tongue in all the right spots so that Seungkwan looked like he was falling apart. 

“I’m gonna come, I’m gonna come,” Seungkwan mumbled, pushing at Hansol’s shoulders but he kept going until the other finished. Standing back up he smiled at the effect he’d had. Seungkwan was slumped against the wall, pulling his clothes back on, eyes sleepy. 

“They’re probably looking for us now,” Hansol smirked. Seungkwan let out a chuckle, reaching for Hansol to pull into another kiss, this one soft and slow. 

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

“Well we couldn’t leave a mess could we. Go to dinner with me?” 

Seungkwan laughed. Hansol frowned.

“What? What’s funny?” 

“Just the, y’know… Okay, let’s go for dinner.” 

They left the set, thankfully with no one having missed them, agreeing to see each again the next day. 

That night Hansol couldn’t sleep, he felt like he’d been electrified. The thoughts of Seungkwan filled his brain to the point that he wasn’t sure he was able to have a thought that didn’t lead back to the man. The man he’d reduced to moans and whimpers just that afternoon. There was no chance he was going to sleep.

He grabbed his laptop and watched cooking lessons on YouTube, which had become his favourite, in the hope that it would distract him. But sitting still felt like torture. 

So he did something he’d never done in his flat before - he decided to cook. He ran down to the convenience store on the corner and grabbed flour, butter, oat milk, bananas, cinnamon and baking powder. He had some leftover chocolate in the fridge, which he mixed into the batter once he was back at the flat and scoured his cupboards for something he could use as a cake tin. 

He found some disposable aluminium trays that he usually used to store leftover takeaways and, after filling the tray with the banana cake mixture, he set it to bake in the oven. 

Grabbing a pack of crisps, he sat down in front of the oven and watched the cake rise as if it was television. It was quite peaceful really and Hansol almost drifted off but the timer on his phone woke him up. He checked the oven. The top of the cake looked golden brown. It was done.

It took forever to cool and Hansol had to stop himself from eating a steaming slice of the cake, but eventually it was cool enough to try. The moment of truth. 

The slice came away clean, chocolate chips scattered through the cake. Taking a fork from the drawer, he lifted a chunk to his mouth, taking a second before he proceeded as he was reminded of all the culinary disasters he had made before. It smelt better than those though, so that was positive and it looked quite nice too. Biting the bullet, he took a bite. 

It was soft and sweet but not too sweet, with the hint of cinnamon balancing beautifully against the flavour of banana. Did he, Chwe Hansol, just cook something edible? Sorry, not just edible but tasty! Hansol wolfed the rest of the slice down, each bite a shock that it still tasted good. Goddamn, he thought. He wondered if Seungkwan liked banana cake too.

Chapter Text

“You’ll pick the ring up for me today, right?” Seokmin said to Seungkwan, pulling on his jacket.

“Of course of course, leave it with me.” Seungkwan said from his desk, in the middle of drafting a boring email.

“And bring it to me at that bakery near Joshua’s, yeah? I’ll meet you there, 8am sharp.”

Seungkwan nodded, not taking his eyes away from his screen.

“Hey!” Seokmin slammed a hand down on the desk, Seungkwan turned to him.

“Do you mind?” he hissed, noticing their colleagues giving them questioning looks.

“This is the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life so far and I’m not having it messed up. I know it’s a lot to ask of you, but I cannot have the ring on me until the last second - Shua’s like blood hound, he’ll sense something’s off immediately. So this is the only way. Do you understand?” Seokmin was now leaning over Seungkwan so far, he had a clear view all the way up his nostrils.

“Yes, sorry, yes.” Seungkwan swallowed.

“I’m going to be late for me meeting. You’re awfully distracted today Kwannie, has modelling gone to your head?”

“No.” The reply came a little too eagerly. Seokmin gave him a suspicious look before grabbing his bag and heading for the door.

Seungkwan sank back in his chair with a sigh and stared at the two sentences he’d written on the email. It might as well have read “Hansol Hansol Hansol Hansol”, as that was all that was going through his mind like a freight train.

The rest of the afternoon passed in similar torture, each tick of the clock going slower and slower. Hansol had said he’d message where they’d meet but there was a deafening silence coming from Seungkwan’s phone.

Five o’clock came and still no message, the intern just decided he’d go home and curl up and hibernate for a century, when a figure appeared at his desk. Expecting it to be Jeonghan, Seungkwan looked up. disgruntled. Instead Hansol stood there, in a white t-shirt, jeans and a black leather jacket. His hair wavy and soft.

“Hey,” Hansol said with a smirk. Seungkwan tried, unsuccessfully, to repress a smile.

“I thought you were going to message?” he stood up.

“I thought I’d surprise you.”

“Well it’s a bit early for dinner.” Seungkwan had to stop himself from stepping closer to the other man. Play it cool, he told himself.

“I have some other plans too.”

They ended up in a huge arcade, all purple and neon lights with weird cocktails that tasted like sweets.

“You said you like activity dates,” Hansol smiled, sipping on a pina colada. Seungkwan eyed the space.

“But which activity should we start with?” he said.

“I don’t really mind, maybe -“

“There’s pool!” Seungkwan shot off to the other end of the room, hearing Hansol try to keep up. He arrived at the pool table just in time before another couple were approaching it. He gave them a dirty look to make sure they stayed back.

“Pool huh?” Hansol walked up, taking a pool cue from the table.

“You know how to play?”

Hansol laughed, “I think all you can hope is you don’t lose too badly.” He winked.

Seungkwan’s eyebrows shot up and he bit his lip. “I don’t lose at pool. I never have and never will.” He squared up, a smirk on his face.

“Game on.”

The game was a tight one, each using dirty tactics to distract the other and push the game in their favour. Seungkwan couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so much. He knew it was getting serious though when Hansol took off his jacket although he wasn’t totally convinced that wasn’t a distraction technique either as the t-shirt was much sheerer than it first appeared.

They were both on the last ball, all niceties off the table, when Seungkwan sunk the ball. He jumped up and down in celebration. Hansol just stared at the table before slowly clapping.

“I told you I don’t lose,” Seungkwan said, getting up in Hansol’s face. Hansol winced in annoyance but was smiling. “Guess you’re just not as-“ Hansol shut Seungkwan up by planting a kiss on his lips. He felt his cheeks flush at the kiss as his stomach did a somersault.

“What can I beat you at next?” he said. “Mario cart? Or ring toss?”

Seungkwan stopped in his tracks.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Hansol placed a hand on his shoulder, worry all over his face.

“I forgot to collect the ring,” Seungkwan wailed.

It took a minute to calm him down but once Hansol had, he began plotting a plan of action. They took a cab over to the jewelers, just in case someone was still there to talk to. On the way, Seungkwan tried to call the owner but he wasn’t picking up.

“God, what am I going to do? I’ll have ruined it all.”

“Hey it’ll be ok,” Hansol said, taking his hand in his.

They pulled up to the jewellers. The shutters were already down and everything looked locked up.

“There must be a way in,” Hansol mumbled.

“It’s a jewellery shop, security is going to be insane. Where are you going?” Seungkwan watched as Hansol walked around the side of the building to the back of the shop. He hurried after him, glancing around to make sure no one was watching them. He found Hansol stepping over some bin bags that seemed to have accumulated from the neighbouring restaurant and make his way to the back door.

“Hansol, no!” Seungkwan hissed. The model turned to him.

“Do you want the ring? This might be the only way!”
He tried to the door and much to their surprise it opened. They hesitated, Hansol looked at Seungkwan, waiting for the go ahead. This was a stupid plan that would probably get them arrested but what else could he do? He couldn’t mess up the most important day of his best friend’s life.

They slipped in through the door, arriving at a corridor which was surprisingly well lit. Making their way to the front of the building they came to the door that should’ve led to the show room of the shop and the cashiers desk, but the door was bolted shut and through the little window Seungkwan could see that everything was padlocked and probably alarmed. He turned to Hansol, shaking his head. Hansol sighed and shrugged, giving Seungkwan a small kiss on his forehead before leading the way back down the corridor.

As they approached, they heard a whistling coming from the room on the left. A door handle turned. In an instant Seungkwan grabbed Hansol and barreled him in through the door on the right. They stood still, listening against the closed door. Whoever it was continued whistling down the corridor, a moment of silence, and then the sound of a vacuum cleaner turning on.

“The cleaner?” Seungkwan mouthed to Hansol, he nodded. They both turned to the room they were in. It appeared to be an office, although it was empty save from a desk and a filing cabinet. A thin layer of dust covered both. This room clearly wasn’t on the cleaning rota.

“Let’s just wait it out until he’s gone.” Hansol whispered, walking further into the room. He wiped the dust off the desk before sitting down on it, gesturing for Seungkwan to join him.

“How are you so calm?” Seungkwan asked, taking a seat on the desk.

Hansol frowned, “I don’t know. I don’t really think about it too much.” He shrugged.

They were silent for a moment, listening to the vacuum cleaner get further away.

“I’m sorry about what I said to you, about the personality thing. I didn’t mean it. I was just being an asshole,” Seungkwan said, not meeting Hansol’s eye.

“You’re right, you were. But so was I,” he replied. “I’m sorry too.” Seungkwan looked up then, feeling a warmth in his chest as he looked at Hansol. He leaned in and kissed him gently. The other man’s hand came up to caress his face, it felt nice so Seungkwan moved forward until their bodies met. The kiss heated up, tongues delving and exploring while Seungkwan’s hands roamed down Hansol’s body, feeling that he was hard through his jeans. Hansol broke the kiss to stop himself moaning.

“We shouldn’t do this here,” Hansol whispered, capturing the other’s lips again with his own and pressing his hand down even harder into his crotch.

“I agree,” Seungkwan mumbled back between kisses, pushing Hansol’s jacket off him and caressing his toned arms. Hansol pulled Seungkwan up and across so he could straddle him, grind against him.

“Take these off,” Hansol murmured, tugging at Seungkwan’s slacks and shirt. The intern stood up and did as he was told, watching as Hansol removed his own jeans and t-shirt. He jumped back onto him, immediately releasing Hansol’s cock from his underwear and working his hand up and down him, drinking in the whimpers that Hansol made into his mouth. He began trailing kisses down his front and sinking to his knees and taking him in his mouth. “God you look so fucking hot like that,” Hansol moaned as he watched Seungkwan, his hand coming down to Seungkwan throat and resting there so he could feel when Seungkwan took him deep.

“Can I fuck you?” Hansol whispered. Seungkwan hummed assent around his cock. The model pushed him off, bringing him to his feet.

“You mean now?” Seungkwan said. “We haven’t got any… provisions.”

Hansol looked at him sheepishly. “I may have come prepared.”

Seungkwan let out a quiet laugh before diving back for Hansol lips for a quick kiss.

“Turn around,” Hansol said, grabbing up his jacket and rummaging in one of the pockets to pull out lube and a condom. Seungkwan turned to face the desk, Hansol’s hand coming to his back to bend him over.

Seungkwan blushed at the position slightly but that didn’t last long once he heard Hansol open the lube and squeeze some onto his fingers. The intern braced as Hansol’s finger touched him, warmer than he’d expected. He massaged around his entrance for a moment before pushing a finger inside. Seungkwan gasped.

“You going to be quiet for me?” Hansol whispered into his ear. Seungkwan nodded, eyes rolling back as Hansol brushed over his prostate again and again. A second finger entered him and he bit hard on his lip, sure he was going to draw blood. He could hear Hansol breathing heavily behind him as he worked him open. After a moment longer, he leant back into his ear. “Are you ready?”

“Please,” Seungkwan eeked out. The fingers were removed and in one swift action, Hansol entered him and it was all he could do to not cry out.

“Oh fuck you feel so good,” Hansol breathed, gripping his hips as he pulled out and slammed back in again and again. Seungkwan couldn’t think, waves of pleasure washing over him, he could feel it reaching a peak. He reached down for his cock, desperate to come. Hansol must’ve noticed, must’ve known and must’ve known he wouldn’t be able to stay quiet. He let go of his hips and brought a hand over Seungkwan’s mouth while the other grabbed his hair. It sent him over the edge in seconds while the model continuing to fuck him through his orgasm. Hansol finished close behind, slumping over Seungkwan as he slowed. He pressed little kisses to Seungkwan’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“You could say that,” Seungkwan huffed a laugh. “Are you?”

“Never better,” he said.

They got dressed and cleaned up the best they could before stopping to listen. There wasn’t any vacuuming anymore. Both weren’t exactly sure when it had stopped. They peered out into the hall. All the doors were shut and the lights were off. The cleaner had left.

They slipped out the door and back to the street, unable to stop giggling.

Chapter Text

Seokmin stood by the bakery, soaking in the warm sunlight and trying to control his breathing. Today he was going to propose. He had it all planned out - on the pretence of getting breakfast pastries, he’d gone out to meet Seungkwan to get the ring. Joshua was smart. He knew what Seokmin was thinking just by looking at his face. Seokmin didn’t think of himself as an open book, although others would disagree, but while the fact that Joshua could read him so well was one of the reasons he loved him, it really did him a disservice when he was trying to surprise him.
He’d tried to surprise him before with a trip to the Maldives but Joshua somehow knew everything before they even arrived at the airport. Maybe he really was telepathic?
It was 8:02 - Seungkwan was late. Seokmin breathed in for four seconds, held for four and breathed out for four. He couldn’t get flustered.
“Where is that little shit?” Seokmin mumbled under his breath. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted over from the bakery, making his stomach rumble. Not that he could eat anything right now - he was too anxious.
Just as the four by four breathing was getting increasingly more like four breathes every second Seokmin heard running down the pavement. He covered his eyes and squinted into the sun to see Seungkwan running towards him - with Hansol following close behind. Why was he here?
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Seungkwan said, fumbling in his bag and pulling out a ring box, slowing as he handed it to Seokmin. The sight of the box halted all thoughts in his head - suddenly the fact that Seungkwan was late and being tailed by a pretty model didn’t matter. It was real. This was happening. He took the ring, looking up at Seungkwan who was smiling at him warmly.
“Thanks,” Seokmin said, pulling him into a tight hug. Hansol stood behind them, smiling politely with his hands in his pockets. “Hi Hansol, how are you?” he said over Seungkwan’s shoulder. Hansol nodded and gave a thumbs up. They parted from the hug and Seungkwan stepped back besides Hansol, turning to look at him. Hansol looked back and Seokmin was reminded of how he and Joshua had looked at each other in the beginning - full of warmth and excitement and fear. As the time passed, the looks they shared became deeper and warmer and more knowing. Seokmin hoped that Seungkwan had found the person who would know him like Joshua and himself knew each other. He deserved it.
Saying goodbye to Seungkwan and Hansol, Seokmin stopped in the bakery and picked up some croissants and danish pastries. Back at the flat while Joshua showered, he arranged the breakfast on the table with hot coffee and orange juice - a bouquet of Joshua’s favourite daisies sat in the vase in the centre. The shower stopped, Seokmin heard Joshua exit the ensuite into the bedroom to get dressed. He let his gaze shift out the window that overlooked the park next to the flat.
The door opened, Joshua stepped through - a smile immediately appearing as he saw the spread and began making his way over to the table. But he stopped abruptly as he met Seokmin’s eyes. It was now.
Seokmin stood, approaching the other man.
“What’s all this?” Joshua said, smiling, tears already beginning to well in his eyes. Seokmin took his hands in his.
“Joshua, ever since I met you I’ve known you’re the person I wanted to spend my life with. And I was so shocked when you…” he trailed off, getting lost in Joshua’s big brown eyes. He reached into his pocket and knelt on one knee. Joshua’s smile widened, a tear escaping his eye. “Will you marry me?” He opened the box, revealing the delicate gold ring that sat within.
“Yes! Yes of course I will,” Joshua said, pulling Seokmin up and wrapping his arms around his neck as he pulled him in for a kiss. They broke the kiss, foreheads resting on the others, both unable to stop smiling. Seokmin took the ring out of the box and placed it on his boyfriend’s - no, his fiance’s finger.
Later that day as they walked hand in hand through the park, their faces hurting from smiling so much, Seokmin said, “Seungkwan was with Hansol when he gave me the ring this morning.”
Joshua turned to him with a surprised face that morphed into amusement.
“They’d make a nice couple,” he said.
“Yeah, I think they would,” Seokmin replied.

Chapter Text

“Hansol, what are we?” Seungkwan asked, staring at the other man over the breakfast that he’d made them - toast and eggs, nothing extraordinary but god did Seungkwan love being cooked for.
It had been one year since Seokmin and Joshua had gotten engaged, despite the mad dash to the jewellers the morning of feeling like just yesterday. Seungkwan had to beg to be let in and only managing to because the jeweller recognised Hansol and was a fan - with Hansol offering a heavy side of flirtation to the mix which Seungkwan was grateful for, even if the pangs of jealousy ate at him for the next twenty minutes; that’s how long it took for Hansol to finally hold his hand again.
After that morning, there wasn’t really a day that went by where they didn’t see each other. Hansol would call Seungkwan up to meet on his lunch break, or Seungkwan would swing by Hansol’s after work to catch up and at the weekends they would always be at one of their apartments - watching films, ordering food, sometimes they’d go out to the cinema or to a bar. It just became the expected thing to do. One day, after lazy Sunday afternoon kisses, Hansol looked at Seungkwan and told him he loved him and Seungkwan said it back.
Of course they bickered and argued - that never changed. Seungkwan was a high strung maniac and Hansol was sometimes a little too nonchalant but if you asked either of them, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
One year after Seokmin’s proposal to Joshua, Seungkwan was deep in best man duties - and the stag do was that night. Hansol had stayed over at Seungkwan’s and while he cooked the eggs Seungkwan got a call from his landlord.
“We’re selling the flat, you have three months to find a new place. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Come live with me,” Hansol said after Seungkwan began wailing at him as he set the eggs down onto the table. This one comment led to Seungkwan silently stewing for twenty minutes before he finally asked:
“Hansol, what are we?”
Hansol jaw dropped and he froze, coffee cup half way to his mouth.
“What are you talking about?” the model said after a moment, setting down his coffee cup.
“Well we’ve never talked about it…”
Hansol’s eyes snapped back up to him. He took a deep breath and nodded before standing up and walking around the table to Seungkwan before saying, “You’re an idiot,” and planting a kiss on his lips. “I’m going to have a shower.”
As much as Seungkwan wanted to sit and stew in his thoughts, today he couldn’t - a stag do was to happen.
At 10:30am a bus picked up the whole party from the central station, Seungkwan having to wrestle soju out of Mingyu’s hands because he couldn’t have them drunk before doing water sports - he wouldn’t be responsible for injury.
They spent the afternoon wake boarding and water skiing and falling off banana boats - Seokmin loved it, running around like a child.
Afterwards they went to the house that Seungkwan had rented for them - complete with karaoke machine. They cooked and they drank and they tried to drag bargain with Seokmin to have a turn at karaoke. Eventually he let up when he Mingyu brought out a pot of ramen and hunger took over.
Seungkwan felt exhausted but a calm happiness was beginning to settle over him. He’d done a good job - Seokmin was happy and that’s all that mattered.
“Ah ah,” a voice sounded over the microphone. Seungkwan recognised it immediately. “Inspired by your love Seokmin, I’d like to dedicate this song to my boyfriend.” Hansol was clearly tipsy, red flushing his cheeks as he began to sing a cheesy love song directly at Seungkwan.
“Oh boyfriend!” Seokmin yelled, grabbing his best man by the arm. “Get up there boyfriend.”
Seungkwan squawked before being pushed towards Hansol. His boyfriend immediately pulled him in with an arm around his waist and passed him the microphone.
“Did that answer your question?” Hansol said after the song was over.
Seungkwan smiled and kissed him.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”