Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gi-hun licked his lips, staring at the building towering over him like an imposing threat, but that was a ridiculous notion. Silly even. It's not like the building would chew him up and spit him out. He worried on his lip. Well if the interview doesn't go well, it might as well feel like it. Coming out of it battered and bruised, covered in a wet layer of shame and regret barely managing to hold onto his ego that threatened to fall through his slippery fingers. His hands curl Into tight balls before relaxing as he takes a calming breath. It was now or never. He mustered up the courage to move and walked into the tall building.

The cool air conditioning hit him. The quick change of warm breeze to cool air was enough to send a chill down his spine as he adjusted and welcomed the sudden change that shocked his nerves, relaxing him just a bit. Gi-hun took in the high ceiling and glossy floors. The lobby screamed professional and expensive, with its marbled walls, floor to ceiling windows, chandeliers, and luxury sofas and chairs expertly scattered around the designated sitting area. High end brand coffee tables sat in the middle of a cluster of couches and chairs while elegant end tables were next to soft upholstery arm chairs.

Gi-hun was left breathless and self conscious all of a sudden. Whatever confidence he was able to scrape up, vanished. He didn't belong here. Compared to everyone in the lobby, either sitting and working, or relaxing, chatting, or walking around with grace and ease dressed in outfits that looked tailored, he felt like he stood out like a sore thumb.

Again, a ridiculous notion, but he couldn't help but let the insecurity creep up on him. With a self-deprecating sigh, he made his way up to the receptionist, with a stride he hoped looked confident and composed— like he belonged there.

“How can I help you, sir?” The young woman asked. Her big doe eyes looked up at him expectantly. Her small gentle smile was welcoming, making Gi-hun feel less tense. Even if he bombed the interview and didn't get the job, he'd be sure to thank her for her calming presence and figure out how to give her an outstanding review.

“Ah, yes, I have an interview at nine forty-five, for the position of team lead in marketing.”

She typed away in pulling up schedules and appointments on her screen. “Ah, Seong Gi-hun?” She looked at him with a smile.

“Yes, that's me.” He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. She's absolutely adorable. Even if the ends of her hair were blonde giving her a sharper edge, the way her hair framed her face made her cheeks look rounder giving a softer and more inviting look. It's like she was made for this kind of job. Interacting and welcoming people. She's a natural.

“Okay, it'll be on the eighteenth floor, then you turn left and there should be another receptionist there who will help you.” Her tone was light, soft, and professional.

“Thank you,” he looked at her name tag, “Jun-hee,” he gave her a bright smile and waved goodbye as he turned to leave.

“Sir,” Jun-hee called him.

He turned to face her, and was greeted with an encouraging smile and two thumbs up, “Fighting!” She beamed.

He's surprised, but then gave her a thumbs up in return. “Fighting!”

Jun-hee giggled and waved him off to get going. With new found confidence, Gi-hun made his way to the elevator. Inside was sleek and modern looking. All the walls except one, were a shiny silver. The last wall was a mirror which he used to do some last minute touch ups of his hair and clothes.

The way up was relatively smooth, until the elevator stopped on the fifth floor, and Gi-hun nearly lost his breath at the sight of the man who entered. His brown hair was neatly slicked back. His jaw was sharp, and his eyes were a dark brown that didn't give anything away. He was maybe an inch or two shorter than him, but his presence was overwhelming, like he could control a room without saying a word. His broad shoulders gave away that he probably worked out quite often. And underneath that suite would be– he shook the thought out of his head.

What the most mesmerizing part of this man was his scent. Not too soft to fade from existence the second you caught a whiff, but not too strong either as to give a headache. It smelled of cedarwood and clove and some other scent not he couldn’t name, but that didn’t matter cause it had him– momentarily –dizzy. And it felt good. He could drown in his scent and never get tired of it. the scent was wasn’t light. Just like the man, it commanded attention. It turned heads.

“What department are you working in?” A deep and soft voice cut through his thoughts.

“Oh um, I'm actually going in for an interview in a few minutes,” Gi-hun managed to answer.

The other man hummed, his face completely unreadable as he looked at the doors. “What position?”

“Team Lead, in marketing.”

The other man finally looked at him, and Gi-hun suddenly felt like he was being pinned against the wall as the other took him in. “You think you'll be hired?”

It didn't sound sarcastic. It didn't sound condescending. It sounded more like he was gauging his confidence, and Gi-hun, for some reason, felt the need to be honest with this stranger.

“Not really, no. Well, I was nervous about the interview, but then the really sweet receptionist down in the lobby gave me a confidence boost. She's really good at her job, and she's the perfect person to work there. Any clients, or business partners that interact with her, I'm sure they'll soften up because of her.” He sighed, “I fully believe she deserves a raise.”

His heart twists. Gi-hun grimaces. “I would have liked to have a daughter like her. You know I almost married my high school sweetheart, but life pulled us in different directions, and I'm sure in another life, we would've married and had a beautiful daughter. But I'm past my prime, and I doubt any woman would want to settle down with me and start a family at such an old age.”

When Gi-hun looked at him, he couldn't fight the heat that rushed to his checks. Those eyes were intense, his pupils were blown out, and his jaw was clenched like he was trying to restrain himself. The man's eyes looked him up and down, pausing briefly at his stomach before settling on his eyes. Gi-hun swallowed. He didn’t want to know what the man was thinking. “Uh, sorry about that. Don't know why I just dumped that on you.” He laughed nervously trying to get rid of the tension that built up around them so quickly. “Um but, am I confident I'll get the job? No. Actually I'm a bumbling mess of a human. The only reason I'm interviewing is cause of the pay. Way more than what I'm being paid at my current job. It doesn't matter the outcome because I'll still have a job either way, ya’ know?”

Gi-hun kept nervously babbling on desperately trying to dispel the weird tension he was feeling, and hoping to distract himself from the man's intense gaze by looking around.

A zap of electricity shot through his shoulder and down his spine. He paused his rambling, and he stood stiff as a board. He chanced a glance to the other man, his eyes followed up the steady hand on his shoulder to the other’s face. To his surprise, his eyes settled into something warm and kind which made him relax and settle into the reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“So you have some nerves before the interview. It's only normal to feel that way, but you look like a competent man. I'm sure you'll pass the interview with flying colors.” The man gave him a gentle squeeze on his shoulder

“Uh, thanks?”

The man clicked his tongue, grabbing Gi-hun's attention. “That won't do. Be more confident.”

Gi-hun was suddenly facing the man. Two strong hands were now sitting on his shoulders, and Gi-hun had to fight the blush from coming back with a vengeance. That intense gaze was back on him. Even if Gi-hun looked away, he could still feel the weight of those dark eyes on him.

“Do you want this job?”

“What?” Gi-hun finally met his gaze.

“Do you want this job?”

“Wh–”

“Answer me.” The man said with a steady tone that left no room for arguing.

“Yes, I do.” Gi-hun answered, “The pay is fucking amazing, but not only that, the company is renowned for what they do, God I hope I get this job.”

There was reassuring pressure on his shoulders again. “You will get this job.”

“You sound confident.”

“And you don't sound confident enough.” The man threw back.

“Touché.”

“Now,” the man said as he fixed Gi-hun's lapels then dusted off his chest.

The touch was light. He could feel the man's warmth past all the layers, and the blush came back. He looked away again, inspecting the metal walls for the umpteenth time. With the close proximity, he could smell the man’s cologne even better. He tried his best not to embarrass himself by taking in a deep breath. His knees wanted to buckle at the man’s touch, at his scent, but Gi-hun could’t make a fool of himself. What if he actually gets the job? Then he’ll have to spend the rest of his career hiding from this gorgeous man. Which would be an absolute shame.

Gi-hun spots himself in the mirrored wall behind the man. He definitely looked nervous.

“Swallow those nerves, I know you'll do great.” his hands are back on Gi-hun's shoulders.

The elevator slows to a stop and dings. The man lets him go, taking a quick glance at the number on the small screen, “Looks like this is your stop.” Before the doors slid open, the man fixed a stray hair on Gi-hun’s head, making him blush. Then, the man turned to face the doors. As they opened, he stepped aside to give Gi-hun room, “See you around.” He said confidently, like Gi-hun already works here and they're coworkers that run into each other from time to time.

“Hopefully.” Gi-hun stepped past him.

“I will.” The man said matter-of-factly before the doors closed.

Chapter Text

Gi-hun let the man's words of certainty fill him up with courage and confidence as he made his way to the receptionist on this floor. If a random stranger– a random handsome stranger at that– is confident he could do it, then Gi-hun should also have that confidence in himself.

“Hello, I was told you’d be able to help me?” Gi-hun asked the receptionist with a disarming smile he hoped didn’t look strained.

The woman pulled her attention away from her computer. Her short hair swayed with her movements. “Ah, you must be, Seong Gi-hun.” She smiled at him.

His face must have shown how confused he felt because she let out a small laugh. “Jun-hee let me know.”

“Oh, the receptionist downstairs?” Gi-hun’s nervousness vanished.

“That’s the one!”

“Oh she’s just so sweet. She really gave me some confidence back there.”

The woman hummed in agreement as she stared at her screen, “As much as I’d love to sing our sweet Jun-hee praises, your interview is in fourteen minutes, Mr. Seong.” She looked at him with a soft smile with a hint of worry in her eyes, like she's scared he won't make it on time.

“Ah yes of course.” He glances at her name tag, “Thank you Hyun-ju.”

The woman gave him directions and words of support before he made his way to the waiting room. Nervousness and anxiety threatened to choke him, but the words of encouragement from three people, hopefully soon to be his coworkers or better yet friends, kept those feelings mostly at bay.

The waiting room was nice, stocked only with the essentials– chairs a couch, a small brown coffee table and a snake plant nestled nicely in the corner for a pop of color in the otherwise bland neutral tones of the room. The cream couch was cushy, as he sat and sank into a worn down cushion where many others before him sat. Gi-hun took calming breaths while rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb. He tried running through questions and answers in his head, but he couldn’t concentrate.

Like the carpeted floor and the fabric in the seats held on to other past interviewees' nervous energy, and all that uneasiness and the anxiety seemed to linger in the air clinging onto anything solid— like him. It only intensified everything. His leg shook as he tried his damned best to get his thoughts in order. This was like any other interview he had. Except this wasn’t like other interviews he’s had because they weren’t Hwang Miracle Investments. Sure other companies he’s worked for were good and had built a good reputation, but Miracle Investments? They built their name and prestige from the ground up to the point that it’s become a household name and was both actively revered and feared.

He couldn’t fuck this up. He couldn’t- what if he made a fool of himself? What if something goes wrong? What if he blacks out from sheer nerves and embarrasses himself to the point where he becomes the talk of the company for days to come. Sitcom levels of embarrassing things that can happen play on repeat in his head like reruns of said sitcoms.

‘Fighting!’ Jun-hee’s voice cut through the turbulent scenarios.

‘You’ve got this, Mr. Seong!’ Hyun-ju’s voice followed.

He took a deep breath. Right.

‘You’ll do great.’ The man’s voice added.

He had people rooting for him even if they didn’t really know him.

Gi-hun rolled his shoulders back and sat straighter. He can do this. He let their encouraging words ward off the restless energy that lingered in the air as he ran possible questions and possible answers for said questions through his head.

“Seong Gi-hun?” A feminine voice called out.

He stood up and answered, then followed into the room behind the woman.

“What made you decide to apply?” The woman asked after introductions were made.

‘Swallow those nerves’ the man's words crossed his mind. Gi-hun followed his instructions. He knew the answer to the question. He practically foamed at the mouth when Jung-bae delayed asking him why he wanted to work here after telling him one night over beer and fried chicken. He almost rocked back and forth barely able to contain his excitement like a kid waiting in line to enter an amusement park that night.

“I have been fortunate enough to witness the slow rise of Hwang Miracle Investments. I have seen many unique marketing techniques be used I didn't think were possible over the years. It has inspired me to be more creative, however, I haven't had the opportunity to try them out. From what I’ve seen, Hwang Miracle Investments fosters creativity and ingenuity. I know working here will grow my skills exponentially.”

The woman hums, and a small smile slips onto her lips. She continues the interview, and again Gi-hun flawlessly answers each question. With each answer he gives, he can hear the stranger's voice praise him. And each time it loosens him up, gaining more confidence. ‘You'll pass with flying colors’ he heard the voice whisper in his head. It almost guides him like a lighthouse to sailors out at sea.

Before he knew it, he was standing and shaking hands with the woman. Again he heard the man's voice, ‘I will see you again.’ And for the first time that day, he believed he will get the job.

He walked out with a pep in his step, relishing in the feeling of accomplishing this quest. His nerves still buzzed with an anxious rhythm ricocheting off his bones, but the oncoming high that came with pulling off the impossible, slowly replaced it. It buzzed far more comfortably in his bones and sat warm on his skin.

“Mr. Seong! How’d you do? I bet you killed it!” Hyun-ju called out to him.

“Oh I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I can't be too cocky, now can I?” The last thing he wanted to do was jinx himself by excitedly sharing the details and saying he’ll definitely be hired lest he make a fool of himself.

“Oh you’re so modest, but I’m sure you can spare some details.”

“It’s just regular interview things, nothing too crazy. You know how it is.”

“Hmm, fine.” She turned her away from Gi-hun while crossing her arms. “Keep your secrets Mr. Seong,” Hyun-ju pouted, but then she smiled, “but I will find out. I’ll see you soon.” She sighed, turning her attention back to the screen, her cheery attitude slowly leaving her features only to be replaced with a mixture of disbelief and dread. She groaned.

The interaction was shorter than he’d like but based on the quick clicks of keys, Gi-hun assumed she was quite busy. He gave her a sympathetic look, and she waved him off with stressed smile as if to say 'leave before I make you take my place.'

He hopped into the elevator after his exchange with Hyun-ju feeling optimistic. The elevator stopped a few floors down, and anticipation knocked on his chest while his lungs kept his air captive, but when the doors opened, the anticipation walked away as if it suddenly decided it didn't like who answered the door, and his lungs let the air go like it realized they had imprisoned the wrong person.

A group of men stepped in. Who was he expecting? He didn't even know anyone here. Well except that man. Well he didn't know the man, but what he did know was that man's voice and encouraging words before he embarked on this next step in his career, helped ease his interview jitters.

Of course Jun-hee's and Hyun-ju’s words of encouragement floated through his head to push him further, but the man's voice just had a certain je ne sais quoi to it. Gi-hun mentally groaned, internally cringing. He sounded pretentious even in his own head. The man had a compelling voice— one of a leader, is what he was getting at. A voice that knows just what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. A voice that can overpower a room of bolstering voices and immediately calm the ruckus without even trying.

At least that's what he got from briefly interacting with the shorter man. Just something about him screamed leader, screamed ‘my word is law’, screamed ‘I know what I'm talking about’, so if his voice had the starring role in his mind while Gi-hun answered interview questions, well it only made sense. Especially when he was so insistent that Gi-hun would be working here, so course Gi-hun was going to subconsciously give that man a space to rent in his head for free.

It only made sense. The logical sense.

There was another stop, and his body tensed. What looked like an intern who has had to deal with unnecessary errands, petty work drama, a pissy boss, and not enough coffee to deal with it all stepped in. It wasn't even noon. Gi-hun relaxed. He does not envy him. But again, who was he expecting? And even if it was him , what was he expecting to happen?

A gentle smile? A warm praise? A pat on the back? He shook the thoughts out as soon as he felt a warmth creep up his cheeks. The man was way out of his league and probably works in a different department. That chance meeting was probably one and a million, never to happen again.

Disappointment waltz along Gi-hun's limbs. Maybe he could ask around and find out who he is, maybe even ask Jun-hee. She probably sees everyone. Whether or not she knew them personally was a different story, but someone like that man is impossible to miss.

He shook his head. Why was he thinking of this man? Okay, so he's handsome, sure. And seemingly caring? Of course his thoughts will wander to him. Gi-hun has a working pair of eyes. He knows an attractive man when he sees one.

But what did he expect to happen? Have an office romance? Gi-hun swallowed his scoff, so the others wouldn't hear. He was being ridiculous, No better than a highschooler fantasizing about their crush and planning their future together because their crush is the one . He just met the man and already Gi-hun can't get him out of his head.

He sighed. Yep. Definitely no better than a highschooler. He fought the urge to groan in dismay. Whatever. Maybe if he's lucky enough, he'll be able to work with someone equally as handsome and forget the other man.

No! He doesn't even know if he'll get the job, and even if he did, he should be focusing on work and not some half-baked fantasy of a possible office romance with a handsome coworker that doesn't exist. 

Gi-hun resisted the urge to drag his hand down his face. Was he really that starved for a romantic connection?

The elevator stopped at another floor, and people spilled out as others joined him, replacing the other occupants as he thought back to his past relationships and flings. The last one being five years ago. Yup, maybe he was.

The elevator stopped again, and this time everyone filed out. So does Gi-hun as he realized they're finally at the lobby. Jun-hee called him over. A much needed and welcomed distraction from his own thoughts.

“So I’ll see you at work very soon Mr. Seong?” Jun-hee asked as he walked up to her desk.

“Ah, I’m not too sure.”

“Unnie was right, you are modest.”

“Your confidence is appreciated, however I don't wanna be disappointed if I don't get hired.”

Jun-hee’s eyes widened and nodded vigorously with a hum of agreement. She went on to say how terrified she was when she interviewed and how nerve wracking it was. She understood him. Understood the sense of triumph that came with getting out alive and unscathed only to wait and hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. They chatted a bit longer before Gi-hun bid her farewell.

Chapter Text

He doesn’t remember shit.

It was all a blur.

No. That would actually be a blessing if he could remember the interview as a blur—merciful, even. It would mean that he was at least somewhat conscious of himself during the whole process. When he tried recalling what happened, there was nothing.

He’d blacked out.

“Fuck,” Gi-hun mumbled, utterly stunned by this turn of events as he stood in the waiting room that seemed to warp around him. He was utterly fucked. Surely he did something absolutely ridiculous and embarrassed himself. Yeah, he’s never getting that fucking job. Goodbye dignity. Goodbye prospect of a good and happy life with a fat pension when he retired. He’ll be the talk of the company for days to come if not years about how there was this wacko nut job named Seong Gi-hun who thought he could be hired.

He sighed while running a hand down his face. ‘Welp, time to take the walk of shame’ he thought. There goes his chance at befriending that hot man in the elevator. It’s fine, the man was way out of his league anyway. Gi-hun straightened his posture and walked out like he didn’t just get blacklisted from this company.

Mocking laughs echoed around him as he walked down a never-ending hallway. The hall twisted and turned making Gi-hun stumble. What did he do during the interview? Fuck. His arms wrapped around himself. The laughs grew louder, banging against his skull like a drum with no rhythm. He so fucked up his chances at ever working here.

Suddenly he was in the lobby, and everyone was staring at him pointing at him, whispering to each other, snickering. The man from the elevator appeared in front of him. Those dark eyes bore into him with a look of disappointment, and Gi-hun felt guilt bubble up from his stomach, and up to his throat as it spills into pathetic apologies out of his mouth. The man turned around as more laughs grew to a crescendo.

Gi-hun woke up with a startled gasp and a pounding heart. His thoughts came rushing in order: What the fuck was that? A damn stress dream, apparently. And was that?

He groaned, “I can’t possibly be that hooked on that man that I dreamt I disappointed him.” He whispered to himself. He rolled onto his back and dragged his hands down his face. What was it they said this was? Limerence? He stared at his ceiling hoping it would give him answers.

It didn’t.

He frowned.

“That’s it. I’m a grown man. Let it go and focus on getting to work instead of the fucking bullshit my subconscious brewed up.”

He got out of bed, pushing the unsettling dream to the back of his head as he started his day.

It dragged on. Work was slow which meant any moment of peace was destroyed by spiraling thoughts that didn’t sound like him but more so akin to that of a student waiting to receive notes and a grade for their presentation.

Thoughts and made up catastrophes that didn't make sense to have after, and not to toot his own horn, doing a great job during the interview. Dreams, however, had the most powerful way of pulling people in any way the dream saw fit. For Gi-hun, it was down to a bottomless pit of anxiety, regret, doubt, and insecurities.

Because what if he did black out like in the dream, and his memory of doing well was just his way of coping. What if he did make a fool of himself the other day. The thought alone made him dread the phone call back, fearful of hearing ‘Thank you for interviewing with us. Unfortunately, we found a more suitable candidate for the role,’ on the other end. Which would be a nicer way of saying they found someone who wasn't a lunatic, so when the phone rang and the voice on the other end of the line offered him the position, he had to pinch himself to make sure it was real.

Gi-hun sighed in relief letting the tension come off him, then let out a laugh that took out the remaining nervous energy that's been festering inside him. All that worry and because of what? A stupid stress dream that only happened because it's been four days with no call back? He shook his head with a stupid grin on his face.

He’d have to save his excitement for later, though. He still had work to do and a letter of resignation to draft.

The air was warm around him, and smoke twirled in spirals up in the air before disappearing through a vent above. Gi-hun’s mouth watered as he turned the meat over to the other side. The smell of meat, grilled vegetables, and spices only whetted his appetite. He winced and hissed loudly as three consecutive stings pricked his back.

“Gi-hun-ah! I’m so proud of you! Never doubted you for a second!” Jung-bae barked out with a hearty laugh. Gi-hun winced once more as Jung-bae clapped his back one last time.

Gi-hun leaned back as his friend sat back down bringing a cup of beer up to his lips. “It didn’t sound like it when I told you about it last month.” He crossed his arms with a quirked brow. “What was it you said? ‘You’re insane. Why? You have such a cushy job already. They’re gonna eat you alive!’ Any of it ring a bell?”

“Aish, you’re remembering things wrong.” Jung-bae reached for some meat and placed it on Gi-hun’s plate to placate him. “We’re here to celebrate you getting the job, not reminiscing on your skewed version of the past. Here eat up! Eat up!” He served more meat and veggies on his friend’s plate. On obvious ruse to change the subject and to butter Gi-hun up.

Gi-hun clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes in feign annoyance and disbelief. “You’re lucky you’re paying.” He grabbed his chopsticks and picked up a side and a piece of meat. “Wouldn’t let it slide so easily otherwise,” he grumbled before taking his first bite.

They joked around, talking, laughing, eating, and drinking. Gi-hun was happy and relaxed, thankful for being able to share this moment with his best friend. Until his best friend decided to ruin it, as he so often does with his ill timed comments or jokes.

“So you dreamt that you fucked up your interview, and you statred stressing about it all day, gaslighting yourself into thinking you actually did fuck yourself over?”

Gi-hun quickly ran through the index in his brain at the mention of gaslighting. He’s heard it been used amongst his younger coworkers and upon remembering the definition they gave him and given the current context, yeah, he did gaslight himself. A blush found its home on his cheeks. He really did worry himself over nothing. “Listen, it was induced by stress. Don’t act like you haven’t came at me with wild dreams if not wilder, and started worrying about it. Saying it must be a prophetic dream or whatever nonsense you were spewing,” Gi-hun argued.

“But like the flooding!”

“Was in your printer in that dream.”

“It could’ve meant the end of times! Aren’t floods like super big signs of stuff?”

Gi-hun shook his head.

“Anyway,” Jung-bae moved on clearly embarrassed, “I’d say I’m worried about you making friends, but you attract people like crazy without even trying.”

“Actually, I’ve already made some acquaintances.”

Jung-bae sniffed and wiped away a non-existent tear as he placed a hand over his chest. “Oh they grow up so fast, making friends on the first day of school.”

Gi-hun laughed, “Okay, enough of that.”

They finished up their meal with casual friendly banter and stumbling steps outside before parting with a 'See you later, ya piece of shit,' and a 'Motherfucker I paid for your ass! Ugh. Whatever, jackass. Bye.'

The days went by in a quick blur after that. He went through the motions, finishing any last minute things on projects he was on before handing them off to someone else. His team took it well. Professional as always, the bunch. Though they did express they’ll miss how easy going he was. Living the life of luxury with such a lax boss. They were spoiled, and they admitted it.

A week later he stood in front of the very building that intimidated him a week prior. It wasn’t daunting; rather, it welcomed him with open arms and a new job. Even the air outside felt different. It didn’t hit him with the intense summer heat. Instead it lapped at his skin giving him a warm glow. It was a perfect way to start his new job—with a warm promise of fortune. 

The familiar cool air kissed his warm cheeks as he entered the building with a confident stride when a familiar voice called out to him.

“Seong Gi-hun! Oop!” She covered her mouth after realizing her mistake—a very unprofessional mistake—but it didn’t deter her, even with an embarrassed blush cutely adorning her cheeks. She waved to him excitedly, and Gi-hun smiled as he walked over.

“I knew you’d get the job!” Her hands already worked at drawers with practiced ease pulling out his necessary documents and cards while she talked away. That was until she paused briefly, interrupting her flow of excited words. He followed her eyes to the entrance and noticed a young man with long slicked back hair hurriedly walking towards them. His eyes looked everywhere but at them, and the gears were starting to shift in Gi-hun’s head.

The young man stood by Gi-hun’s side, his eyes still not settling on the young woman who’s eyes seemed to brighten. When he finally looked at her, his ears turned red in an instant upon seeing she was looking at him already. Gi-hun failed at hiding a knowing smile. He grabbed his badge and other items Jun-hee slid towards him. He left with a quick ‘bye’, leaving the two by themselves. A chuckle escaped him when the young man noticed he left and that he was alone with the young woman. His demeanor shifted from barely contained jittery nerves to an embarrassed and panicked mess. Like he was using Gi-hun's presence as a lifeboat of sorts to keep him from drowning. But Gi-hun recognized the look in the young woman’s eyes. He recognized the nervousness the young man tried to hide when seeing her. He didn’t want to interfere. He was rooting for them, and he silently wished the two luck.

He walked with a sense of purpose, like he belonged there amongst the others who have worked here for ages. Like he fit in perfectly into the mix like a piece to a puzzle. He blended in in the best way possible. As he reached the elevator he noticed a familiar figure. Unlike everyone else bustling around, rushing to clock in, casually walking, or even simply standing looking like an average office worker, this man stood out amongst the rest.

A smile formed. What were the chances? “You’re the man from last week!” Gi-hun beamed once he was right next to the man.

The man looked at him, and something flickered past his eyes. Then, a small barely there smile formed on his lips. “Welcome back, Gi-hun,” the man said.

Gi-hun paused, registering the man said his name. He stilled, and ice filled his veins. “How did you know my name?”

“Hm?” The man paused, almost looking caught off guard, “Oh. She called out your name earlier.” He gestured over to Jun-hee. “So I thought I might try it out.” He paused, “Does it bother you?” The man's face softened, his sharp eyes lost their edge as he tilted his head. His voice was soft and quiet, almost like a whisper between kids sharing a secret. It sounded more like the man was asking him for permission to say his name—no, a plea—with the way he looked at him.

Gi-hun was left breathless, close to speechless at the sight of this stoic man softening at the edges. Practically begging for permission to drop the formalities after meeting just once, and Gi-hun was nothing if not just as eager as the man to address each other as friends rather than coworkers. So he shook his head with an almost breathless sound and gave a small reassuring smile. “No, it’s fine.” He said as equally soft and quiet as the other man, like he was sharing a secret of his own.

The two stood there, eyes locked together lost in their own world. Gi-hun’s mouth went dry, and his heart stuttered. Maybe it wasn’t so ridiculous to believe something might blossom between them, or maybe he was getting ahead of himself.

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. The shorter man’s eyes flickered lower for a second before staring back. “Let’s go inside Gi-hun-ssi.”

Gi-hun was in a daze, head swimming at the strangely intimate moment, at the way the man said his name—like it was always meant to grace his lips. As soon as the other man entered the elevator, the spell was broken and he followed after. To his surprise and utter delight, they were alone. They stood next to each other, and Gi-hun let the man’s scent flood his system until he realized something.

“I didn’t catch your name,” Gi-hun said, breaking the comfortable silence.

“Oh Young-il,” the man tilted his head with a small disarming smile.

Gi-hun returned the gesture, “Young-il” he said, letting the name sit comfortably on his tongue.

The moment was broken when the elevator door opened again on the second floor. A group of four entered talking about the amount of work they had just been given. Gi-hun took the chance as an excuse to shift closer to Young-il to accommodate the new people. The two stood in silence while the group continued to talk amongst themselves. By the fifth floor, a pair entered. Their eyes widened when seeing all of them before joining. Again, Gi-hun shifted closer. They stopped again on the sixth floor. The group of four walked out, but a group of eight walked in.

Young-il had shifted in the transition, letting Gi-hun take the back corner of the elevator. Young-il  positioned himself in front of Gi-hun, facing him with his left arm bracing himself on the wall behind Gi-hun effectively giving him  just a little more space in the crowded elevator. They stopped on the eighth floor, and there was a quiet collective groan. It was already at capacity. They were all practically touching shoulders, but that didn’t stop the wide-eyed, anxious intern with documents from shoving her way in, muttering an apology as she pressed the button for the thirteenth floor.

Her forcing herself in caused a ripple effect. People stumbled into each other. Everyone but Gi-hun had suffered the discomfort of sudden unnecessary contact. Young-il took the brunt of the unfortunate ripple, but he didn't mind. Or at least that's what it seemed like. Gi-hun couldn't look at him, not so close at least. He wouldn't be able to bear looking at such handsome features up close.

The elevator jolted and started moving up. He felt something warm on his waist. He looked down only to see Young-il's hand. A blush exploded on his cheeks. He didn't need the mirror next to him to know it. He could feel it burning on his face.

“Sorry, just needa stay balanced. Cramped you know?” Young-il explained.

Gi-hun avoided making eye contact and just nodded. He could've just used the wall behind him or the mirrored wall next to them, but whatever. That's fine. Maybe. It’s not like his heart was pounding in his chest trying to escape. Gi-hun’s eyes stayed at the bottom of the mirror watching the shoes of the other workers. He gasped as Young-il hissed, tightening his grip on his waist.

“Someone stepped on me. Sorry.”

That was a lie.

A bold-faced lie.

No one stepped on him. No one even scuffed the back of his heel. He was looking at the ground through the mirror next to him when someone supposedly stepped on Young-il. He should be upset, worried even, at the lie, but Gi-hun’s mind was reeling at the close proximity—at the touch. He was warm, too warm. Too many bodies, too close, too on edge to feel normal with Young-il at least. And his scent? It was engulfing him now, almost suffocating. And those eyes? Well Gi-hun didn't dare meet them. Just looking at the mirror next to him, he could tell by Young-il's profile through it that he was staring intensely at him. Gi-hun swallowed.

He was hoping for an office romance to bloom and not some quick heated office sex, which sounded appealing, don't get him wrong, but it was his first day here, and he didn't want to get fired before he could even clock in. Unfortunately, his back was against the wall, and Gi-hun had no way out even if he tried. Young-il’s arm and the mirrored wall next to him blocked him in.

All he could do was endure this until people got off. The elevator stopped again, and mercy was granted. Four people got off, and no one replaced them. Young-il's hand loosened. His thumb rubbed smoothing circles as if to apologize. Another stop, and the rest miraculously filed out one by one.

Young-il glided his hand over Gi-hun’s stomach, his touch lingering there longer than necessary before pulling away and standing next to him when the elevator was finally empty.

Gi-hun’s face was on fire. He needed out, but he still needed three more floors before getting to his.

“I knew you’d come back,” Young-il cut the silence.

“Ah yes, so did Miss Jun-hee and Miss Hyun-ju,” Gi-hun let out a dry laugh.

Something flickered across his eyes at the mention of the two women, but it disappeared as quickly. Gi-hun could have sworn Young-il’s jaw tightened for a brief second, barely noticeable, but he wasn’t sure. 

“I'll be free during lunch,” Young-il stated.

“Is that so?”

“We should eat together.”

“I unfortunately don't think I can.” Gi-hun smooshed himself closer to the mirrored wall trying to create more distance. His heart was pounding. His face was burning.

Young-il closed the space between them as he turned to face Gi-hun. “I insist.”

“I'd like to take that time to get to know my team better outside passing out assignment and meetings,” Gi-hun answered as professionally as possible, not daring to meet the man's gaze. Gi-hun can feel it. He was scared of what he might see.

“Hmmm, I suppose that's for the best,” Young-il responded. Gi-hun chanced a glance at the man because there was something laced in Young-il's voice that was unsettling.

He regretted it. His face had become unreadable, eyes dark and dull as if he was off in his own world planning something. It was unsettling as it was hot. Gi-hun flinched. Another tight squeeze on his waist all of a sudden followed by a gentle smoothing out of his suit.

The elevator pinged which filled Gi-hun with dread. He couldn’t handle more people and more stops, but a quick look at the small screen and he relaxed. Finally the eighteenth floor.

“Ah my turn to get off!” He shoved himself past Young-il, desperate to escape the close proximity.

“Good luck on your first day,” The man said as Gi-hun stepped out.

He didn’t say anything, just a quick nod in response before leaving, trying to calm his heart and cool his cheeks. This was bad. This was bad. This was bad.

He had approximately Forty-five seconds to calm his nerves so he wouldn't look like he'd been tempted by the devil himself. Forty-four seconds to look like a calm and collected team lead. forty-three seconds to regulate his breathing. forty-two seconds to look calm enough to show his experience in the field. Forty-one seconds to look nervous enough about the new job and team. Forty sec– Gi-hun stumbled back.

“I’m extremely sorry!” A soft voice apologized immediately.

Gi-hun blinked, getting a hold of just what happened. A young man with soft eyes and round face looked at him nervously. Any earlier worries from the elevator and the man disappeared in favor of assuring the shorter young man that all was okay, much to the younger man’s relief. They parted ways. Gi-hun felt way better, no longer counting down the seconds to act, look, and feel like a normal person.

The reception desk for the floor came into view, and he saw Hyun-ju hanging up the phone with a quiet furry that only came from dealing with irritating people. He walked over to her desk with a chuckle announcing his presence to her. “I’m assuming that went well?”

She lifted her head. The frown and furrowed eyebrows on her face were replaced with a bright smile and laugh as she shook her head as if saying ‘you don’t even know the half of it.’

“I knew you’d get the job! How exciting!” She stood up clapping her hands. “Welcome Mr. Seong!”

“Ah, thank you.” He rubbed the back of his neck while he bowed. “But please, no need to be so formal with me. Just Gi-hun is fine.”

She hummed as she leaned down, “Okay.” She typed something on the computer then straightened up. “Okay, let me show you around.”

The tour was brief, only showing him the necessary parts of their little corner of the building. He was shown his own personal office with glass windows for walls to keep watch of his team when necessary. Which brought him to his next question. “Where is everyone?”

He knew switching jobs meant meeting new people, dealing with new people and their attitudes. In his previous job, his team was professional. No drama, thankfully, but it was just that. Professional. They were coworkers, and that’s where they drew the line. They worked well together during their job and projects, but outside of that, they weren’t very compatible. Even with Gi-hun as a common interest to hold them together, his team couldn’t really last five minutes together outside of work. But it was enough to get the job done while in the office. Gi-hun appreciated that.

Now with a new team, came new dynamics and new personalities he hoped weren’t volatile. He hoped they were at the very least, like his old team—professional and to the point

“Ah, they were next on this mini tour, and the last. They’re in the meeting room waiting for their new boss,” Hyun-ju answered brightly.

She led him to the room, and opened the door revealing a large long table with six people sitting on chairs. The chatter came to a halt as they all faced the door. Gi-hun immediately recognized two of them. The two also seemed to recognize him.

Hyun-ju cleared her voice, “Everyone, this is your new team lead.”

“I’m Seong Gi-hun,” Gi-hun introduced himself.

Everyone stood up and bowed. “Welcome, Mr. Seong.”

“Gi-hun is fine.” They all looked at eachother with surprise as they straightened themselves out. “Really, it’s fine.”

“Well you heard the man,” Hyun-ju said, “no need for formalities with him. Now introduce yourselves. Come on. Don’t tell me you forgot your manners.”

“I’m Se-mi,” A young woman started and bowed.

“Ali Abdul.”

“Kang Dae-ho, sir!” The young man from the lobby said a little too loudly with a salute. He looked a bit embarrassed. Gi-hun could only assume it was because he witnessed the young man practically short circuit in front of Jun-hee.

“Park Min-su,” The other young man he bumped into earlier, said.

“It’s good to meet you sir, I’m Park Geyong-seok.”

“Kang No-eul.”

Gi-hun smiled. “I hope we can work well together.”

“We already do, and we will even more now with you on board Ajushi,” Se-mi said with a casual warmth as she pulled Min-su in for a side hug along with Dae-ho.

Gi-hun flinched when he was referred to as ajushi. The young woman wasn’t wrong, but the reminder still stung. Oh well, it’s not the first and it most definitely won’t be the last. He let it roll off his back. She’s definitely the type to use that word with affection and as a slight mocking jab when the time seemed appropriate.

He clapped his hands together. “Alright, let's get to work, and I hope to get to know you all better through lunch if it's not too much of a bother.”

“Only if you pay,” Se-mi said.

“Se-mi!” Ali and Hyun-ju scolded.

“What? A little hazing never hurt anybody.”

“He’s our superior,” No-eul deadpanned.

“Even more reason for him to pay. He has a higher wage,” Se-mi shrugged and stuck out her tongue.

“He hasn’t been paid yet,” Gyeong-seok reminded.

“Meh, it’ll roll in soon. I’m sure he’s got money saved up from his previous job.”

Hyun-ju stomped over and swatted Se-mi’s arm. “Be nice.”

Se-mi squealed and ran away as Hyun-ju chased after her. They seemed like a good honest bunch. Oh this was far better than he could have ever expected. He already liked his new team.

Gi-hun smiled and laughed. It was warm, inviting, and pleasing to the ear. It made everyone pause and stare at him, watching him, taking in his laugh like a melody never once heard before—a captive audience to a private viewing of a prestigious orchestra.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll pay for lunch today.” He said softly with remnants of laughter still in his voice.

It was silent for a bit. Everyone was still stuck in some kind of trance until Min-su broke the silence, “Can we invite Jun-hee?”

Everyone else broke from their trance and turned to Gi-hun with expectant looks while Dae-ho looked away as he hid his face. “Of course we can,” he answered.

Then, like vultures, they descended on Dae-ho with knowing looks, but before anything could happen, Gi-hun cleared his throat. “Alight, now that introductions are over, let's get to work.”

Everyone groaned but listened as they exited the room one by one as if they were on their way to be executed.

Gi-hun was already receiving emails, projects, and reports to look over the second he logged into his computer. He threw himself into the immediate work load with practiced ease that came from years of working in the position. By ten in the morning, he asked his team what they wanted for lunch so he could place an order to have at the office ready for lunch.

By eleven, he’s served himself a second cup of coffee with Min-su and Dae-ho asking to look over some numbers for them to make sure everything was correct.

Twelve thirty hit, and everyone was already impatiently waiting for their food to arrive. Their minds were already on lunch and practically forgot about their work until Gi-hun reminded them lunch wasn’t until one, and that they should at least try to pretend to look like they're working in case someone higher in the totem pole walks in without warning. By twelve fifty-five, Jun-hee walked in with a delivery person following suit, and everyone rushed to the break room.

Lunch was filled with hums of satisfaction, jokes, and laughter. Gi-hun was brimming with joy watching and interacting with everyone. He was already feeling like he had been working with them for years rather than just barely meeting them. Unfortunately, their Lunch break came to an end, crashing their parade. They all trudged back to work.

“Hey, so I’m being told IT needs my help. That it’s urgent?” Se-mi stared at her screen in disbelief. “I have to stay after work.”

Gi-hun was by the printer when he overheard Se-mi. “Why does IT need your help? You don’t work in IT.”

“No, but she majored in computer engineering, and really knows her stuff.” No-eul chimed in.

“Decided to use my minor in marketing to work in an office instead. Thought it’d be easier.” Se-mi paused, staring blankly at her desk. “I think I only made it worse for myself.”

“Anyway, she’s proven to be a great asset and a last stitched effort when IT can’t figure stuff out.” Min-sue praised.

“Um, bad timing, but um, I’m being asked to look over some files over in the finance department,” Gyeong-seok said.

“What?” Hyun-ju almost shouted.

“I’m being asked to help train some–”

“Is everyone asked to stay longer after work?” No-eul cut off Dae-ho as she stared at her screen with furrowed brows.

Everyone looked at each other. They all groaned.

“Sorry, Gi-hun,” Ali said, “but we planned to go out to celebrate and welcome you after work.”

“Did the lunch not count?” Gi-hun asked, gesturing to the break room.

“Mm, hardly,” Gyeong-seok chimed in, “You paid for everything.”

“Yeah, we should be treating you, not the other way around.” Hyun-ju continued.

“We can do it at the end of the week!” Dae-ho suggested, “And we can drink until our hearts content! We can’t really enjoy ourselves if we have to limit our alcohol knowing we have work the next day.”

Everyone murmured in agreement, before giving apologies to Gi-hun for any disappointment. He assured them it was okay and even offered to stay with them to help where he could, but they didn’t let him. They wanted him to adjust first before staying late like the rest of them. There was push back, but in the end Gi-hun conceded to his team's demands. He wasn’t upset they weren’t accepting his help, rather he was happy and felt accepted and cared for. He knew better, though. Once they’ve buttered him up, they’ll start bombarding him with everything and anything. He’s been on the other side before, having a manager, or anyone above who cared for their employees and treated them fairly, usually got pulled every which way. Gi-hun wouldn’t mind though.

Gi-hun finished up his work and tried one more time to offer his help but was shut down immediately.

“Jun-hee knows right?” He asked Dae-ho, “About the change in plans?”

The young man’s ears grew pink. “Oh um yeah, she, um yeah, Ms. Cho told her.”

Gi-hun held back a snicker after getting the desired effect. “Okay, just making sure.” He bid the rest farewell and good luck before leaving.

The tension in his body he thought he would have was a lot less than expected. Sure he was a little achy, but nothing compared to what he’s come to expect after work. He could only contribute it to the easy flow of the day. He’d cherish this day because it would only go downhill from here on out.

The elevator door opened. Young-il was already in there.

His breath hitched.

Fuck.

Young-il eyed him. A small almost imperceptible smirk was on his lips. Gi-hun took a deep breath, then entered. He made sure to keep his distance this time and his eyes forward.

“No welcome party?” Young-il asked.

“What?” Gi-hun turned his head, “How did yo–”

“It’s a common practice, or did you forget?”

“Ah right.” Gi-hun bit his cheek. Then he finally answered after a short silent moment. “They actually did plan on one, but things came up for all of them.” Gi-hun rubbed his hands over his face, missing the way Young-il smirked, like he was proud of himself, then smoothed his face over when Gi-hun dropped his arms. “I feel guilty leaving them, but they insisted I leave on time.”

“Hm, what a shame. I can take you out to celebrate your first day, instead.”

“What? No it's fine you don't have to.”

Young-il turned his full attention towards Gi-hun. “Come on, don't be shy.”

His voice was enticing, filled with promise and smooth ease like honey and added with that utterly handsome smile, Gi-hun was weak in the knees considering the offer. It was after work, and if things escalated, well he wouldn't mind a bit of a fling. Though he'd much prefer finding a long time partner to settle down with rather than a one night stand. He was too old for this type of stuff.

What was he thinking? He had work tomorrow, and the man, while nice and somewhat disarming, was questionable at best. But it would be nice to give the man a chance to prove he’s not so—weird—to put it lightly. He looked at Young-il's face only to find he was already looking at him expectantly. Like he already knew the answer was yes, and Young-il was just being courteous, letting Gi-hun answer. He felt warmth crawl onto his face. He’s heard his previous younger coworkers complain about pretty privilege at his old job. It was a relatively easy concept to understand, but never before has he felt the raw power it has. Never before has he understood the concept so intimately well before now. Never before has he understood his coworkers sentiments on the concept until now

Damn pretty privilege.

“Yeah,” Gi-hun answered breathlessly.

Chapter Text

Gi-hun sat across from Young-il in a small restaurant. The tables around them were small, just wide enough to accommodate three people. The arrangement of the tables weren’t ideal, making the space feel a bit cramped, but Gi-hun couldn’t seem to find fault with the decision. The owners had to work with whatever floor space they had, but there was a certain charm to it all that appealed to Gi-hun. Maybe it was the warm air filled with spices or the subtle scuff marks on the brown round tables. Or maybe it was the atmosphere itself that drew him in. The customers seemed to have built good rapport with the workers since they spoke so casually with each other, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The more he looked around, the more Gi-hun was able to settle himself into one of the few worn red faux leather booths in the establishment. The neon sign at the window advertising their fried chicken kept drawing his attention. He was contemplating it already, well has been since the moment he saw it when he entered, and the more he thought about it the more he started to crave it.

“I see you keep looking at the window over there,” Young-il broke Gi-hun’s train of thoughts, “thinking of getting their fried chicken?”

“Oh um, yeah.” Gi-hun had almost forgotten about Young-il for a second which was surprising considering how he couldn’t shake off the nerves while driving over here, while meeting him at the door, and while sitting across from him. They lingered in his system as if wanting to set up camp. It should have been almost impossible to forget a presence like that, especially with the interactions in the elevator. He should be on high alert.

His eyes wandered around the restaurant, maybe it was the casual and friendly environment that was putting him at ease, slowly coaxing his nerves to settle down and rest without realizing. Maybe that’s what disarmed Gi-hun, making him forget the previous nerves and intense presence.

Young-il hummed. “Their fried chicken is one of the best. Tell me, do you like fried chicken Gi-hun-ssi?” He tilted his head, a boyish grin adorning his handsome features, and Gi-hun had to fight back a blush.

The man was so unfairly handsome, and with the warm lights decorating the room, it only enhanced his features. Like the light knew just where to highlight his cheekbones, knew how to make his eyes glow, and where to cast the perfect shadows to sharpen his jaw. With the tilt of his head, the light only shifted, and it was dangerous. Gi-hun had to hold back a groan of disbelief and awe because how was he just so utterly handsome in any angle?

He looked down at the table. If he kept staring at Young-il, he might just start complimenting him and asking if they could just skip to dessert. He played with the edge of a napkin to calm his rather crude thoughts and focused back on the question he was asked rather than the handsome man who threatened to crawl under his skin and settle there like he belonged.

“Yeah, actually,” he smiled shyly, “I really like it.”

“Can I get you both started on a drink?” A waitress asked after she introduced herself.

“Soju will be just fine,” Young-il answered.

“And are you two ready to order?”

Young-il looked at Gi-hun expectantly, waiting for his decision. Gi-hun looked back at the sign. It would be a shame not to try their fried chicken. He looked back at Young-il and nodded. Before he could answer the young woman, Young-il beat him to it.

“An order of the fried chicken platter will be all.”

The waitress nodded and walked away.

“You think that’ll be enough?”

“It's a large platter with a lot of chicken,” Young-il shows Gi-hun with his hands the approximate size of the plate. “Plus, gotta have enough room for dessert.”

Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Gi-hun scoffed, but there was a hint of amusement that came with it. “I’ll trust you on it, but if I'm not full by the end of the night, you’re paying for everything.”

“Oh I’ll make sure you’re full alright. Nice and stuffed.” Young-il smirked. His eyes darkened for a second, but they returned to normal quickly.

The comment wasn’t weird per say, but Gi-hun couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was a double meaning in that. His tone didn’t come off as flirtatious but more like it was a promise. Like the outcome was already predetermined. But even then, something about the way Young-il said it sounded— off.

Then he remembered how the man looked at him in the elevator earlier in the day. How he touched him, how he lingered. That was not a normal thing for a stranger to do. And the lie. A single lie but a lie nonetheless. And for what? Young-il was already so close to him, already holding him, why he squeeze his waist tightly?

Okay, so maybe in a different context that tight grip on his waist might have excited him, but that didn’t give Young-il the right to do that. Why did he even accept the action or why didn't he push him away? Gi-hun took a quick glance at the other man then returned his gaze back at the napkin he was playing with. Right. Pretty privilege. But it seemed like Young-il was attracted to him, too— if the two elevator rides today were anything to go by. And yeah, who hasn’t said a little white lie just to get a little closer to someone they’re attracted to. Gi-hun would’ve believed someone actually stepped on Young-il if he weren’t already looking at the bottom of the mirror.

If Young-il was flirting with him, then he really needed to work on his delivery because it landed nowhere near its intended target. It was weird and almost creepy in a way. Maybe Gi-hun would have blushed if the other man actually had a flirtatious lilt to his voice.

“So how was your day?” Young-il asked, when Gi-hun didn’t say anything.

Gi-hun looked up and all previous reservations vanished at the thought of talking about his day.

“It was great!” Gi-hun brightened, “The transition was smooth, and I was already working my ass off the second I logged on to my computer.” He laughed, “But other than that, it went fine. Couldn’t ask for a better first day!”

“You have me feeling envious. I was a headless chicken my first day.”

The waitress returned with a bottle of soju and two soju glasses. They gave their thanks as she walked away assuring them their food would be out soon.

Gi-hun drank his cup of soju after Young-il served him. It was chilled, perfect, and refreshing, and soon the alcohol warmed his body as a welcome. “Oh! Dae-ho was telling me how grateful he was for me already. How sweet is he, huh?” Gi-hun kept raving about his new coworkers throwing compliments left and right like he had an endless supply. He spoke highly of them, and in between the compliments, he threw in how he felt about the new office and other mundane things and past stories.

Somewhere between the compliments, complaints, and reminiscence, their food arrived. Gi-hun’s eyes widened. “Whoa, you were right! This is a lot.” He chuckled, before taking a piece.

Gi-hun was laughing, his voice loud and vibrant retelling their introductions. He missed the way Young-il clenched his jaw, missed the way his grip tightened around his cup, missed how he stopped eating. He didn't notice how the other man was holding something back, how his eyes seemed to darken with something unsettling.

“Mmm! This chicken really is amazing!” Gi-hun took another bite savoring it as he let the juices cover his tongue while he chewed. “I think this might be my new favorite spot!”

“I knew you’d like it.” Young-il leaned back with a smirk forming like he was just given validation.

“And how’d you figure?” Gi-hun chuckled.

“Everyone loves fried chicken.”

“You have a point. Oh! Do they do takeout?” Gi-hun wiped his lips, already looking for the young waitress that tended to them.

“Yes, they do.”

His smile widened, “Perfect! I’ll have to get their number so I can order this for lunch tomorrow.”

“You’ll be having more tomorrow?” Young-il laughed. “You like it that much?”

“Well I have to share this morsel of heaven with my team. They’re a great bunch. Only one day with them, and I’m already smitten. Can you believe that?” Gi-hun chuckled as he took another shot.

“Hardly,” Young-il replied dryly, playing with his drink and looking at it like it was the most interesting thing in the world, but Gi-hun didn’t seem to notice.

“Right? So many years of working, and it’s a dream to have a group who work well together and don’t hate you on the spot! I’m retiring here!” He laughed loudly. “I don’t care how much some other company pays, I’m not risking getting a group of people who can’t get their heads outta their asses cause of some petty nonsense and have no respect for anyone but themselves cause they believed they were better for the promotion.”

A familiar annoyance and rage filled his veins as memories of his younger years came through like an unwelcomed guest. The petty behavior, the purposeful mistakes made to get the other in trouble, the down right diabolical decision to drag everyone down just to get back at someone else. He could’ve been fired if he wasn’t able to prove his innocence back then.

“Sounds and looks like you’ve got some experience?”

“Ha! You have no idea!” Gi-hun shook his head as he took a shot of soju. “But I don’t wanna talk about that right now. I just wanna enjoy and talk about today.”

“Like your team,” Young-il supplied lamely.

“Yes! Did you know Se-mi is like IT's ace up their sleeve?”

“Really?” Gi-hun didn’t notice the roll of eyes.

“Yeah! I can’t believe I have someone so reliable on my team!” Gi-hun paused, “Maybe too reliable.” He rubbed his chin. “I can’t have them taking her whenever something goes wrong. I’m gonna have to step in if they keep asking for her. And Min-su-”

“You sure talk a lot about them.”

“Uh, what? Yeah? Why?”

Young-il played with the rim of his glass. “You know I met you first.” His tone was flat, but there was something underneath that like he was–

Gi-hun scoffed, “Are you fishing for compliments? To tell you what I think of you?”

Young-il stayed silent just staring at him.

“Oh my god! You are!” Gi-hun bit back a laugh, “I barely even know you!”

“And you just met your team.”

“I spent the whole day with them! We’ve spent what like six minutes in total on elevators, if even that, and we barely had time to have a proper conversation! And then now which adds up to–,” Gi-hun checked his watch, “-an hour and forty-eight minutes. And I’ve been the one mostly talking. Not much time to form a proper opinion, don't you think?”

Gi-hun crossed his arms. “Plus you don’t wanna know what I think.”

“Oh? And why is that? You think I'd be put off by the fact that you find me handsome?” Young-il leaned forward tilting his head with a smirk forming on his lips.

Fuck .

Because that’s what he thought. Absolutely that’s what he thought. He was handsome, blessed by Aphrodite herself, but not only that. Gi-hun played with the idea of dating him back on the elevator, hell he even settled for a quick fuck, a fling, a one night stand and whatever else the youth said. Hell he wouldn’t have even minded becoming friends with benefits. Coworkers with benefits? Something to that degree, but he couldn’t tell Young-il that. No, that was much too honest and much too crude.

“You made a great first impression, I’ll tell you that much. Really helped me with some confidence for the interview!” Gi-hun chuckled. But that's all he’d give him because the other interactions? Questionable at best, and his judgment was clouded by how utterly good looking Young-il was. Touching someone was a no-no. Basically hurting someone was a no-no. But damn, was the man handsome. It’s fine. The man was probably a go-getter or something. Takes what he wants, kind of guy. An Gi-hun would let him.

“That’s all?”

“You gonna talk more so I can form a better opinion on you, Mr. Strong and Silent?” Gi-hun smirked, lifting a brow.

Young-il grabbed the soju bottle and poured Gi-hun and himself a drink.

“I just realized you keep pouring us soju. Are you younger than me?” Gi-hun uncrossed his arms and straightened himself.

Young-il gently placed the bottle down and looked up at him. “Maybe,” his gaze was intense but sure.

“How old are you?”

“Forty-seven.”

Gi-hun blinked in surprise. “forty-eight.” With the way Young-il held himself, Gi-hun was sure the other man was older than him.

“Lucky me. I guessed right.” Young-il lifted his glass, and a small victory-like smile appeared. Gi-hun followed suit, and they took the shot.

How many shots have they taken already? He was so lost in talking about his day he was thoughtlessly taking them like water. He didn’t feel tipsy. Not yet at least. He had a pretty average tolerance, nothing too embarrassing. And he was eating, nothing was gonna be hitting anytime soon. He was also sharing a bottle with Young-il, which probably helped with not drinking so much, but he did feel warmer. Whether it was from the alcohol or warm atmosphere, Gi-hun couldn’t tell.

“You’re right about your assumption about me,” Young-il said all of a sudden.

“What? Strong and silent?”

Another smirk. No more like a devilish smile, a mischievous glint in his eyes as Gi-hun watched the other man’s hand reach for his. The touch was warm, electric. It sent a chill down his spine and heat to his cheeks. What was he doing?

DEAR GOD THAT’S ALL MUSCLE!

He was red. He could feel it on his face, feel how it burned his skin. He tried to pull his hand away, but Young-il was obviously stronger than him. He kept Gi-hun’s hand stuck on Young-il’s bicep. Gi-hun’s fingers twitched, aching to curl over the muscle and squeeze.

Young-il tilted his head, his once perfectly swept hair now loose from the day fell to his forehead. Could a man get even more handsome? Apparently so because the proof was right in front of him. That devilish smile and mischievous glint seemed to grow, and in a low, almost playful voice Young-il said, “Go ahead, you can squeeze. I know you want to.”

Gi-hun closed his eyes and bit his lip, but it did nothing to stop the whimper that came out. Because he did want to squeeze. By god did he want to squeeze his bicep and feel it flex under his hand, feel the hard muscle that was hidden beneath the fabric. The large warm hand over his applied more pressure, pushing against the firm muscle. Gi-hun gave in and gave a small squeeze. He was rewarded with a flex, and he practically swooned.

Was it bad that he wanted Young-il to choke him with it? Fuck, he really hasn’t had a good fuck in such a long time. He squeezed again, harder this time. Young-il let go of his hand.

“You can keep touching if you want,” he encouraged.

And Gi-hun took him up on his offer. He slid his hand down to his forearm, feeling Young-il flex as Gi-hun squeezed. Heat started to pool low in his belly, then it traveled lower . He slid his hand towards the tricep. God this man was built. He could only imagine how the rest of the man felt, how he looked.

“So are you full?”

Gi-hun looked at him. “I’m satisfied, but not full. Still have room for dessert.” He said breathlessly.

“I’ll make sure you’re nice and full by the end of the night,” Young-il purred as he winked.

Oh yeah. He was flirting earlier, and he's definitely flirting now.

Before Gi-hun could say anything in response, his phone rang. He silenced it and ignored it. Then a flurry of buzzes vibrated against his lap. Texts. Lots of them. Then it rang again. He groaned, silencing it again in favor of not losing this excitement, this tension that was building up between them.

Young-il smirked like he was proud of holding his attention, like he’s basking in the fact  that he’s far more important than anyone and anything else. “Not picking up?” He asked, sounding smug.

“And miss out on what’s next on the menu?” Gi-hun rested his chin in his hand making a show of eyeing the other man, like he was undressing him with his eyes. And Young-il? He leaned back resting his arms on the back rest. It pulled his shirt taut, buttons straining to hold the shirt together, revealing a vague outline of his chest like he was giving Gi-hun the go ahead to keep undressing him and picturing him naked. 

Gi-hun bit his lip already half hard, until his phone rang again. He groaned and finally took out his phone to see who it was.

He frowned.

Of course it had to be him. He declined it, ready to go back to ogling Young-il when it immediately rang again.

“Sorry, it seems this is urgent.” Gi-hun said, standing up and answering he phone. “What is it now, Jung-bae?” He asked as he walked away very annoyed.

“Gi-hun, I really need your help! Please come quick!” Jung-bae cried out.

Gi-hun winced, pulling the phone away from his ear before bringing it back to talk into it. “Jung-bae, I already have plans.” Gi-hun looked back at Young-il who was tapping his fingers looking annoyed. “Actually I’m in the middle of them.” He stood in the waiting area looking up at the ceiling.

“Gi-hun-ah! I really fucked up, and I need your help or else my wife is gonna kill me!”

“I’m not bailing you out at whatever shitshow you put yourself in,” Gi-hun scolded.

“Gi-hun-aaahh. Please! I’ll make it up to you with a meal! I promise!”

Gi-hun glanced back at Young-il who slammed back a shot. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down. Gi-hun bit his lip, entranced by the man, until a whine from the other line broke him from it. Suddenly rage and frustration took over. “This is not something you can make up to me with just a meal!” He wanted to yell, to shout at his best friend for interrupting him. He wanted to strangle the man for doing god knows what this time.

“Please! I’m on the floor begging you! I’ll do anything! ANYTHING!”

Gi-hun sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose not even believing he’s actually considering ditching Young-il. “What did you even do this time?”

“I’m not telling you unless you agree.”

“You– oh you–” Gi-hun turned back to Young-il, regret already forming in the pit of his stomach, “You fucking owe me big time asshole!” Gi-hun agreed through his teeth.

“Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Please be at my house in ten minutes!”

“What? That’s not–I can’t just–that’s–”

“Okay, thank you! See you in a bit! Bye!”

“Wait! What did yo–” the line went dead. Gi-hun looked to the ceiling. He was an atheist, but at that moment, he sent a desperate prayer to God for some god damn patience.

Gi-hun rolled his shoulder’s back, preparing himself to disappoint the most handsome man he had ever seen.

Young-il turned to him, an air of annoyance shrouded him, but oddly enough, it didn’t seem directed towards him. “What was that? Someone dying?” Young-il asked a little strained.

“Better be,” Gi-hun grumbled, casting his gaze down to the side in annoyance. “Anyway thank you so much for the meal, I really appreciate it, Young-il-ssi.” Gi-hun bowed in thanks. “But I must really go, Jung-bae really needs my help.” He turned and quickly made his way to the exit completely missing how Young-il glared at the phone in his hand and missed the tight fist that colored his knuckles white.

Gi-hun stepped outside, the fresh air doing nothing to calm him. His best friend had impeccable timing like always, ruining moments like these as if  he had a sixth sense for them. He muttered out curses as he walked to his car.

He stumbled back, his back hitting against a lean frame. Confusion and worry replaced his anger and frustration, but then the scent of cedarwood and clove hit his senses. Confusion and worry were immediately replaced by calmness and comfort. Young-il .

Before Gi-hun could turn around, his phone was taken from his hand. He turned quickly. “Young-il what are you doing?”

“Giving you my number,” The other man answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Even in the dark, the light from the phone illuminated his features casting a soft glow that made him look ethereal. Gi-hun ran his hands down his face. The man had no bad angles.

“Wait, how did you unlock it?”

“Hm? Oh, it wasn’t locked. You left it on.”

“What? No, I’m sure it was off.”

Young-il raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Then how am I using your phone?” He showed Gi-hun the screen with a new number ready to be added.

“What?” Gi-hun could’ve sworn he had locked it. He could’ve sworn it was off, but if that was the case, then how was Young-il using it? Maybe he was misremembering things. He brushed it off, yeah, that’s probably the case. He was so frustrated he had left it on without realizing it, or he accidentally unlocked it with his thumb using the fingerprint scanner.

“Anyway, you have my number now, so feel free to call or message me anytime,” Young-il handed him back his phone.

Their fingers touched. Gi-hun blushed. The feeling lingered. “Let me walk you to your car Gi-hun-ssi.” Young-il's hand settled on Gi-hun’s waist like it belonged there. Gi-hun nodded and walked to his car. He was a blushing mess the entire short walk over. The weight of his hand felt right. He could feel the heat through layers of clothes, how it burned his skin, how it burned him. Not uncomfortable. No, not that. It burned in the way that it wasn’t enough, burned in the way he became envious of his clothes feeling Young-il’s skin.

“What a nice car. Modest. It suits you,” Young-il complimented as he opened the door after Gi-hun unlocked it. Who said chivalry was dead?

“Thank you.”

“Actually, can I take a look inside?” Young-il asked, stepping closer to the car.

“Yeah.”

Young-il stepped in and examined the inside, his hands roamed the interior. Gi-hun swallowed, watching those hands and fingers glide over buttons and leather. He watched as Young-il’s body moved in an arguably nonsexual way, but in Gi-hun’s eyes, everything the man did was unbearably sensual. He wanted to ignore his friend’s desperate plea for help in favor of crawling into the backseat of his car and beg Young-il to fuck him within an inch of his life.

But he did say he’d be there. And while it’s not the most exciting way to spend the night, he’d still have chances with Young-il in the future. He was sure of it. If he didn’t go with Jung-bae, he’d never hear the end of it, and honestly, Gi-hun didn’t want to deal with that.

Young-il slipped out with a smug smile, “You have good taste.”

Gi-hun mumbled something unintelligible, distracted by the way Young-il stretched. “Thank you,” he was finally able to muster.

The shorter man brushed past him, his hand touching Gi-hun’s. “Drive safe.” Young-il said said softly.

“Yeah,” Giun answered breathlessly.

Gi-hun barely made it to work, barely sparing Jun-hee a glance of acknowledgement as he rushed to the elevator. He sighed in relief when he stepped into the small space with four other people. He wiped his temple of sweat and was finally able to breathe. Now the only thing he had to do was wait until he reached his floor, which the universe bestowed upon him mercy with a straight shot up with no stops.

No longer feeling the need to rush, Gi-hun calmly made his way to his office with a small grin. He’d made it on time.

As he drew closer to the corner, he heard voices talk over one another as if trying to get a word in edgewise. For a moment, it sounded almost conspiratorial. He’d thought to sneak up and hear what they were talking about, but as he turned the corner, the voices came to a hush before falling silent. Heads whipped around, all eyes zeroed in on him. Gi-hun was caught by surprise seeing his whole team gathered around Hyun-ju’s desk.

Gi-hun licked his lips and gave a wary smile. “You guys planning my demise? Or a birthday surprise?” He joked hoping to ease the tension that formed in the air. When no reply came he chuckled nervously. “The latter, I hope. I Just got this job.” Another nervous chuckle.

He felt the need to fill the uncomfortable silence that in the room, to ease their tension with a joke or two. That damn habit to just ramble on endlessly that got him in trouble one too many times during his younger years. A habit that would rear its ugly head once again after he thought he had rid himself of it. It’s a wonder he made it so far in his career with badly timed jokes and oversharing.

“It’s the former, isn’t it?” he laughed, “And here I thought I made a pretty good first impression.” The joke didn’t seem to land.

Hyun-ju cleared her throat, and everyone cleared a space, so she could look at him directly without obstruction. “Where were you last night?”

The question caught him off guard. He straightened up. Her tone called on to instincts that were seared into his muscles. A familiar panic surged through his veins, like he had been caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to be doing. The same panic his mother used to elicit. And that’s what it was, wasn’t it? The tone of a woman who knew the truth. The question asked not to confirm, but to see if the truth would be spoken. He knew that tone very well and while he has nothing to hide, he couldn’t help but feel like he’s done something wrong.

He swallowed. Everyone looked at him expectantly. “I was out with a friend.”

His team whispered amongst themselves. Confused looks were shared amongst them.

“And your friend’s name?” Hyun-ju asked, unfazed by his answer unlike his team.

“Oh Young-il.”

More exacerbated whispers. What was going on? Why were they so confused? If anything, Gi-hun should be the one confused. But Hyun-ju pushed forward like a woman on a mission.

“You sure that’s his name?”

“Am I sure tha– Of course that’s his name! He told me! And why are you all so invested in what I did last night and who I was with?”

“Hmm, cause a little birdie told me you were out with none other than our very own CEO, Hwang In-ho.”

“What?”

Chapter Text

“Hmm, cause a little birdie told me you were out with our CEO, Hwang In-ho.” Hyun-ju clasped her fingers together and rested her chin on them. Her gaze was questioning but more so curious than anything else.

“What?”

Confusion took over, momentarily stunning Gi-hun. CEO? His second day here, and already he's the star of office gossip. The confusion dissipated, and a laugh started to form. It rumbled in his chest quickly unfurling from his lips and what escaped was a full belly aching laugh. All tension in his body immediately disappeared.

“The CEO? Ha! Is this the level of scandalous rumors I should expect to hear from this office? You set a high bar!” He laughed, clutching his stomach. It was loud and boisterous. The type of laugh that knew no bounds. It filled the silence left behind by surprised and curious coworkers. When his laugh subsided, he looked around, his body buzzing from the laughing fit.

“You don't actually believe those rumors, right?” Gi-hun huffed out one last disbelieving laugh.

“Well it's a pretty convincing rumor,” Se-mi chuckled.

“Not so much convincing, more sooo-”

“Entertaining!” Ali interrupted Dae-ho.

“Fun speculation,” Gyeong-seok added with a shrug.

“Food for thought,” No-uel said.

“Can you tell we're bored?” Min-su asked, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeves.

“I mean come on sir! A new boss comes in, and at the end of the night, he's off on a romantic date night with the CEO! You can't say that's not the juiciest rumor you've ever heard!” Daheo stepped closer, shaking his fists in front of his chest excitedly. “We're gonna have questions!”

Gi-hun huffed out a laugh, “Unless Young-il is a doppelganger to this," Gi-hun gestured vaguely in the air alluding to the illusive man. "-CEO of ours, I can assure you it wasn't Hwang In-ho. And it wasn't a date. He just wanted to throw a little celebration for my first day.”

“My sources are rarely wrong, Mr. Seong. You'll come to learn that as you work here.” Hyun-ju’s voice cut through like ice. It was professional, leaving no room for argument.

With nothing to reply, Gi-hun grasped onto something easy to move the conversion forward. “I’ve already said to call me Gi-hun. It's okay.”

“Yes, I’m well aware, Mr. Seong, but I think this kind of intervention requires some formalities. Don’t you think?”

“Interven– what are you talking about? I was out with a friend named Oh Young-il who works in–,” Gi-hun paused, what does he work in?

He didn’t even bother to ask him. A bit of guilt started to form, but at the same time Young-il simply let him talk. He didn't really share anything about himself. It was odd that he didn’t interject, but maybe he’s more of a listener rather than a talker. Oh well, he’d have to ask next time he sees him. 

“Oh! Right! I can just text him.”

Everyone let out a disbelieving ‘what’ simultaneously. Gi-hun looked up from his phone and then presented it.

“The CEO gave you his personal number!” Ali and Dae-ho both asked.

“What? No. I’m telling you it was Young-il,” He said as he typed out his question then sent it.

“Mhmm,” Hyun-ju stared at him, and Gi-hun couldn't help but shrink back like he’d done something wrong.

Gi-hun's phone vibrated in his hand. A text from Young- il.

“Data analyst,” Gi-hun read aloud.

Hyun-ju hummed again, clearly unconvinced. She typed something into her computer. “Does your data analyst friend Oh Young-il, as you call him, look anything like this?” She turned the screen to face him.

Gi-hun walked towards her desk to get a better view. Everyone parted for him like the red sea, and he froze. There on the screen with a stone cold face was Young-il, and under the picture in small, bold letters, it said Hwang In-ho Founder of Hwang Miracle Investments . The resemblance was there. The sharp jaw, neatly combed hair, broad shoulders, and if Gi-hun wasn’t convinced with everything else, the uneven curve of the upper lip did.

Oh Young-il was actually Hwang In-ho.

His jaw dropped.

What? Why did he lie? What was the reason? What was the point of it?

“So ahjussi, you believe us now?” Se-mi chuckled, very much amused by his reaction.

“You really didn’t know he was the CEO?” Min-su asked.

“Clearly not, I mean look at him,” Geyong-seok gestured to Gi-hun.

“Does that look like the face of a man who knows he's dating the CEO?” No-uel chuckled behind her hand.

“I'm not dating the– it wasn't a date!”

“I don't know the way our informant was describing what they saw… It sounded like you were ready to pounce on each other at any moment.” Ali informed with a teasing tone.

Gi-hun fought valiantly against his rising embarrassment, but it was all for naught. Heat sprang to his cheeks, licked his ears, and spread down to his neck and chest. This was not the way he wanted his Tuesday morning—his second day— of work to go. Not with his subordinates knowing he was ready to let, apparently their CEO, do whatever he wanted to him. 

This was the end of it. His career was over. Maybe he'll live out the rest of his life as a chauffeur. Gone are the days of a cushy office job. Time for a new dawn— customer service.

“So like not to intrude on your personal and sexual life, boss, but I'm totally intruding on your personal and sexual life. How was it?” Se-mi asked nonchalantly, with a hint of mischief.

“Se-mi you can't just ask that!” Min-su scolded her.

Gi-hun’s soul left his body, this girl is gonna be the death of him.

“Ow! Se-mi! Stop that hurts!” Min-su swatted her fingers away from his cheek.

“Sorry, you just have a pinchable face.”

“I second Min-su." No-uel agreed, “I personally don't wanna know that." A pause. "Not sober at least.”

“Okay, I know I'm curious, but I'm not that curious. I don't wanna know who topped and who bottomed,” Geoyng-seok chimed in, covering his face as if he's mortified.

The only one who should be mortified was Gi-hun. Never in a million years would he have expected his subordinates to talk so freely about his sex life. In front of him at least. Behind his back with hushed voices was to be expected. He wasn't above gossip every now and then, especially during his earlier years. He's been there, done that.

They're all comfortable with each other and him. Maybe too comfortable since they were talking about that without out fear of being reprimanded. Maybe he was too easy going the first day. Or maybe they're hazing him. Either way, he wanted to die.

“Now that I am curious about!” Se-mi practically shouted as she leaned over Min-su while pointing frantically at Gyeong-seok like he just made a valid point.

“Se-mi leave the poor man alone.” Hyun-ju said.

“Yes! That! Please listen to Ms. Cho.” Daheo finally spoke with an ever bright red on his cheeks as he desperately tried to stifle a giggle behind his hand.

Placing his hands on Gi-hun’s shoulders, Ali asked with all seriousness. “Did he at least treat you right?” There was a reassuring squeeze. A squeeze that meant he had Gi-hun's back if his answer was anything but positive.

“It wasn't a date!” Gi-hun's voice cracked as he brushed Ali's hands off. “We just had a simple dinner at this little family owned restaurant to commemorate my first day. And then I had to leave to help my friend who was in trouble! Nothing happened!”

“Booooo!” Se-mi and dae-ho said together.

“I wanna know why he lied about his identity though.” Hyun-ju interrupted as she leaned back, crossing both her arms and legs.

“Maybe it was love at first sight, and he wanted to make sure you loved him for him and not his money.” Dae-ho speculated with his eyes shining like stars.

“You're watching too many dramas,” No-uel laughed.

“Rich CEO x hard working civilian. Can't you see the vision?” Dae-ho leaned on her dramatically with a wrist on his forehead.

“Where he observes Gi-hun's modest and maybe in Hwang's eyes, frugal ways and he falls in love even more because he's not like all the rich snot nosed people who only care about wealth and vanity.” Se-mi mimics Dae-hos action.

The mortification Gi-hun slowly slipped away as he watched the two act dramatically. The others started joining in on the fun throwing in all the tropes possible. All while dramatically leaning on the shorter woman.

She was surprisingly sturdy and strong. She didn't falter at the weight of her coworkers, but Gi-hun did worry for No-uel.

At some point they turned to role playing and while it made Gi-hun cringe watching his team role play his possible love life with the CEO, it was far better than listening to them speculate who topped and who bottomed.

But he was curious. What was the reason? There was an obvious attraction. Maybe he thought Gi-hun wouldn't want to do anything if he knew his real identity. Mr. Hwang would be right. That would deter Gi-hun from making a move. It might be a good thing that Jung-bae interrupted then.

“Oh Gi-hun! Will you do me the honor of marrying me!” Ali was on one knee, his hands holding an imaginary ring box.

Dae-ho covered his mouth with both hands, a surprised gasp leaving him. “Oh Mr. Hwang of course! Yes! A hundred times, yes!” He jumped up excitedly as Ali pretended to slip a ring on his finger.

Hyun-ju sighed and face palmed herself while the rest were laughing. Gi-hun, while not particularly excited about their impromptu play of his future, he was glad they moved on from far more embarrassing topics.

“Watch Mr. Hwang ask Gi-hun to carry his babies!” Se-mi cackled as the rest erupted in laughter.

“Jagiya,” Se-mi pulled Min-su in front of her, wrapping her arms around his waist. She rested her chin on his shoulder. “I think we're ready for the next step of our relationship.”

Min-su blushed, but he pushed forward to play the part. He placed his hands on hers over his stomach, “You don't mean,” he gasped.

“Let’s try for a baby.”

The two doubled over in laughter as the others practically fell to the ground gasping and wheezing and crying. They were in hysterics. Some clutched their stomachs, others on were on their knees holding onto anything to keep them from fully collapsing on the floor. There were 'Oh gods!' and 'I can'ts' and 'AAAHHHs' filling their small corner of the building. 

Gi-hun rolled his eyes. The blush burned his cheeks and tips of his ear. He cleared his throat loud and with as much authority as possible. 

“Okay, okay! Everyone get to work! Please spare me the embarrassment!” Gi-hun finally spoke up, remembering that there's a job to be done and that he's their boss, and he can tell them what to do.

Everyone groaned and booed, laughter still present in their voices regardless of their protests as they trudged away to their desks. Behind him. Hyun-ju mumbled something.

Gi-hun turned and as if reading his mind she answered his unspoken question.

“I trust them with info and they blow it out of proportion.” She sighed. “I swear they’re a ridiculous bunch. And I’m sorry for telling them, but Dae-ho is right, it’s some juicy gossip, Gi-hun-ssi.”

Before he could say a word, the phone at Hyun-ju’s desk rang. She immediately answered it the moment it and went straight to work.

Gi-hun sighed and walked to his office passing by his team who were still giggling. Shaking his head, he rolled his eyes.

But something was nagging at him. What if they went all the way last night? What did Mr. Hwang plan to do then? Was it going to be a one time thing? Was he going to want more? If so, how far was he willing to go with the lie?

What if the rumor spread farther than just his team? What if they thought he didn't get this job of his own merit but because he won the favor of the CEO?

His hand froze over his keyboard. The day of the interview. The elevator. Did Mr. Hwang give him the job because he…

Gi-hun ripped out his phone and searched for his name. Young-il . There it was. His name staring back at him like a taunt, daring him to go through with the accusation.  He dialed his number. It rang, and rang and rang. Until it didn't. He called again, each second, rage and disbelief were slowly consuming him. He couldn’t have gotten the job because of the CEO, but the way he was eyeing him on the elevator…

His phone vibrated.

Young-il:

I'm super busy

I’m sorry

Gi-hun took a deep breath to control the annoyance and anger that threatened to consume him whole.

Gi-hun:

We need to talk. See me during lunch

Young-il:

This is very urgent, can it wait?

Gi-hun rolled his eyes. Of course whatever he’s doing was important. He’s the CEO so he’s doing very important CEO things. If Gi-hun didn’t know any better, he would assume Young-il was in a meeting, or finishing up a project with a deadline quickly approaching. But he did know better, so the man was probably making a big business deal, or talking to some other CEO or important person talking about who knows what.

Regardless, Gi-hun didn’t care. He just wanted answers.

Gi-hun:

Then meet me at the restaurant from last night after work.

He stared at the phone before adding:

Gi-hun:

IMMEDIATELY AFTER WORK

Young-il:

Okay

He couldn't pay attention to work. The words and numbers blurred. Emails and meetings were pointless, boring, and useless.

His team managed to interact with him without giggling, and if they did, a quick glare shut them up, thankfully, and proceeded with a bit more professionalism.

With this sudden discovery, he threw himself at new marketing strategies and techniques that have been festering in his mind for years but have never been given the chance to test them. He was offered this job because of his work ethic. Not because the CEO wanted to get into his pants.

He's a hard worker. He's a valuable worker. He's a talented worker. He has years of experience!

Why the fuck did he lie? Why couldn't he have been honest! Build an honest relationship from the ground up. Sure there would have been hesitation but… God he couldn't focus. Couldn’t focus on work, couldn’t focus on the words in front of him, couldn’t focus on the diagrams he drew in a frenzy to prove himself.

His pulse quickened.

No.

He knew his worth.

He knew his worth.

He knew his worth.

“God, I can't believe I almost—” Gi-hun groaned, dragging his hands down his face. 

“I need a break.”

Everyone perked their heads when Gi-hun walked out of his office, but he waved off his team, saying he needed a smoke break. They slumped just a bit when noticing the tension in his body. He ignored their silent worry.

On the rooftop, the afternoon heat was brutal, but it was welcomed. It burned his skin and suffocated his lungs. The heat surrounded him like it was trying to consume him. Dealing with the heat, however, was far better than thinking about Young-il and his deception.

Or rather Hwang In-ho and his deception.

Gi-hun hastily lit a cigarette and took a long drag. The smoke curled in his lungs, the familiar burn grounding him. It was a relief. Relief from the anger. Relief from his spiraling thoughts. Relief from the self doubt that threatened to pull him down with every second.

The sun beat down on him with no mercy, relentlessly as if he owed it money. Beads of sweat formed on his temple and he wiped it away, sighing as he finished his cigarette. He leaned against the tall ledge of the roof looking out to the city.

Impatience took over. Or rather anger and impatience were feeding off each other, a vicious cycle. The feelings grew stronger with each passing second. He needed answers now. He could storm the man's office and demand them. Maybe slap him, push him, shove him against the wall, choke him, kiss him, grind up against him, bite his lip until it bled, bite along his jaw, his ne—

Gi-hun pushed himself back from the ledge like it burned him. No. He can't. Absolutely not. Not anymore. It would only serve as proof that the rumor was true. Even if he just went in guns blazing with an accusatory finger, things would still look bad for him because no one would blame the CEO, rather they would blame Gi-hun for being desperate, that he knew he wouldn't get the job with out agreeing to sleep with Hwang In-ho.

He took another cigarette out and lit it. “Fuck!” He ran his fingers through his hair. Hwang In-ho had a lot of explaining to do.

The day dragged on, his team giggling almost every hour. Hyun-ju was absorbed in her own thing. Se-mi asked if he'd buy them lunch again. He gave her a pointed look that said ‘what do you think?’ She groaned and turned away.

Gyeong-seok put his two cents on their boss’s decision and all he got in return was a ‘shut up,’ and ‘you were in on it too.’

Time ticked by. Slowly. Gi-hun wanted to bang his head on his desk. He had reports to review strategies to revise, emails to answer, but all he wanted to do was drag In-ho out by the ear and demand answers. Unfortunately, that wouldn't look good for him, so there he was revising, reviewing, and answering in the hopes the day would go by faster.

It didn't. The end of the day took its time, and once it arrived, Gi-hun turned everything off in his office and rushed out, barely giving his team the time of day.

Dae-ho whistled, “Looks like he can't wait to see his CEO boyfriend.”

“Love does things to a man,” Ali added with a sigh.

Gi-hun ignored them as he turned the corner and beelined to the elevator. To his relief, Young-il or rather Hwang In-ho wasn't there. Or maybe it wasn’t a blessing that the man wasn't already there. Maybe he’d be late. Or better yet, maybe he left earlier. After all, he's the CEO. He could do whatever he wanted. Who was going to stop him?

He hoped it was the latter. That way, Gi-hun can get straight to the point the second he sat down rather than wait for the other.

Gi-hun stepped off the elevator this time properly acknowledging Jun-hee unlike in the morning, before leaving. He made a mental note to give her a small snack as an apology. If it weren’t for Jung-bae royally screwing up last night, he would've gotten some proper sleep. He would've woken up on time, gotten to work on time, have a little conversation with her and still have time to spare before clocking in.

And if it weren’t for him, Gi-hun would've finally had sex.

With the CEO of Hwang Miracle Investments.

Gi-hun slid into his car. The car where he was seriously considering having sex in the back seat with Young-il. No, Mr. Hwang.

He pulled out of the parking lot. He'll buy Jung-bae a bottle of soju as thanks for saving his career, but Gi-hun won't tell him that. Knowing him, he'd hold it over him until the end of times. Even if Jung-bae passes before Gi-hun later on in life, he could already feel Jung-bae's ghostly presence lingering over him, still taunting, or seeing him in his dreams. ‘Gi-hun-ah, remember when I saved you from fucking the CEO and saving your career?’

Gi-hun chuckled and rolled his eyes. Despite the mild annoyance and turbulence the man added to his life, Gi-hun wouldn't trade him for the world. Well maybe for a bottle of soju, but the fucker would do the same in a heartbeat.

The small restaurant finally came into view and Gi-hun parked.

Inside, the same warm atmosphere wrapped around him in a comforting embrace as he made his way to the booth they sat in the night before. Gi-hun sighed.

Great.

He's not here. He pulled out his phone and texted Young-il.

Gi-hun:

I'm here where are you at?

I said to meet here as soon as work was over.

Gi-hun set the phone down and ordered water. No reply yet. He shook his leg, doing everything in his power not to look back at the entrance.

The waitress returned with his water then Gi-hun dismissed her, saying he's waiting for someone before ordering. Truth of the matter, he didn't plan on ordering anything. He simply planned to confront Young-il or rather Hwang In-ho about the whole situation and then leave.

Time went by, and Gi-hun was able to rein in his anger. He was able to pull his thoughts together. Plan his words. It was annoying to wait for him, but Gi-hun had to admit, the man being late was a blessing in disguise.

“Gi-hun-ssi!”

Gi-hun turned to the direction of the voice. Young-il was hurriedly making his way to him, his hair disheveled from the day, and he was smiling softly, unguarded. Gi-hun's heart stuttered. The damn man always looked so effortlessly handsome even after a long day of work. He shook his head. He couldn’t get distracted. He had a plan.

“Sorry I'm late.” Youn– Mr. Hwang said as he slid into the booth. “So much to do, I was scared I was going to have to raincheck this little meeting.”

Yo– Mr. Hwang looked around the restaurant quickly and chuckled. “I see you can't get enough of this place. First lunch, now dinner? Keep this up and you might be the one person keeping the establishment afloat." He teased.

“Didn't get to have it for lunch.”

“I thought—”

“My team didn't deserve it, Mr. Hwang. They were just a tad annoying today. I don’t reward bad behavior.”

Mr. Hwang laughed, “It’s like that sometimes, but at least–” he froze, “What did you just say?”

“Did you forget your name Hwang In-ho or do you just lie to everyone you meet?” Gi-hun crossed his arms.

The man across from him went stiff, a deer caught in headlights.

“Honestly, what was the point?”

“I– how did you know?”

“I didn't! Until Hyun-ju and my team told me! And how do you think that looks, huh?” He felt that the earlier rage came back. “I told them I met you before the interview, defended you, repeatedly saying you were just some guy that works as a data analyst! You know what that looks like!”

In-ho's eyes were wide. He was silent.

“It looks like I was trying to hide the fact that I'm fucking the CEO! That I got this job because I let you in my pants!” Gi-hun hissed through his teeth as he lowered his voice, so no one would hear. “Do you know how pathetic and embarrassing and desperate that makes me look?”

Gi-hun tightened his fist, his nails dug into his palms, the sting grounding him.

“Please tell me you didn't interfere with the interview to try to get me into bed afterwards?” 

“Why would–”

“Oh I don’t know? Maybe when you kept insisting I would get the job. Sounding so confident I will get it like you had a say in the matter and considering your status, you clearly do!”

“I can see why you–”

“If I didn't get that call last night, things would've escalated. Someone saw us here last night. There are rumors already. Imagine if they saw us leave together.” Gi-hun stared him down and then softer, “my reputation would already be set in stone.”

Gi-hun looked down fidgeting with a napkin before gripping it tightly in his fist. “I can already hear it. ‘New hire got the job by sleeping with the CEO.’ ‘Look, it's Mr. Hwang's boy toy.’” Gi-hun sneered. He ran a hand down his face trying to calm the anger simmering under his skin, missing the smirk on Mr. Hwang's lips at the mention of ‘boy toy’.

“I can explain.”

“Please enlighten me Mr. Hwang.”

The man's jaw tightened briefly. “Let me start off by saying, I didn't interfere with anything. You got the job all by yourself. I did check everyday if you got it. I really wanted to see you again. I was happy when I saw you got the call back and accepted.” Mr. Hwang took a deep breath. “I gave you an alias because I was sure you wouldn't be so comfortable with me if I told you who I was.”

“You were right,” Gi-hun replied dryly.

“I was hoping to get to know you better.”

“Right, cause getting into bed with me is getting to know me better.”

The man leaned in, his features falling into something more mischievous. His voice dropped lower, velvety. “It's one way to get to know you better.” His eyes flickered down then achingly slow, raked them up. “Intimately closer.”

Gi-hun’s breath hitched. The warm velvety voice caressed his skin, and heat pooled in his belly. That’s not fair. He couldn’t just use that voice, use that look to disarm Gi-hun.

“This is not the time nor place, Mr. Hwang.” Gi-hun scolded the man, but mostly to remind himself of why he was here.

Mr. Hwang clicked his tongue and sat straighter and the Cheshire-like grin disappeared.

“What would've happened if it wasn't just a one time thing. If it kept happening, would you have kept the facade up?”

“Would've told you my name. Don't like hearing another man's name off your lips.” Mr. Hwang twirled a fork in his fingers, looking at it like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Gi-hun felt the blush explode on his cheeks. “That's not the point!”

“Yeah you're right. Stupid of me to give you a fake name. Would've gotten jealous and told you my real name, mid thrust.” Hwang huffed, resting his cheek in his palm.

“Mr. Hwang that's not–”

“And it would be In-ho spilling from those lips, not Mr. Hwang.” He reached across the table and took Gi-hun's cup of water.

He held it up to the light. Examined it. He turned it slowly then stopped. A small smirk appeared, almost satisfied. Gi-hun furrowed his eyebrows, confused while watching the other. The man tilted the cup to his lips and slowly drank out of it.

Gi-hun couldn't help but stare at him, watching his adams apple bob up and down with each gulp.

Mr. Hwang turned the cup and placed it back where it was. Gi-hun didn't know what to think of the action, but he wasn't given another second to think.

“Though I wouldn't mind Mr. Hwang under certain circumstances.”

“I'm going to need you to shut up.”

He was here to chew his head off.

Nope.

Bad term of phrase.

Gi-hun was here to tell him off, not be uttered speechless when the other flirted with him so openly now like there was nothing holding him back. When really this was something that should be holding him back. Like the fact that Mr. Hwang was the CEO and shouldn’t conduct himself this way.

If anything that fact seemed to embolden him.

“You lied to me. I don’t like that you lied to me, but I can see why. I just don't like that you didn't really think things through. The rumor is just known amongst my team that I know of. If word spread I kept referring to you as Young-il it would have looked like I was trying to hide a secret. What if I wanted a relationship? How long would you have kept up the charade.?”

Mr. Hwang rolled his eyes and sighed, “I already told you, I would’ve told you my real name mid thrust. I wouldn't be able to stand another man's name out of your mouth.” He answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“You’re joking. You've got to be kidding me.”

“Nope, completely serious here.”

“I can't believe this. You're ridiculous. I can't– look, let's just drop this and call it a day and pretend we don't know each other Mr. Hwang. I don't wanna get into any trouble. I don't want my reputation to be ruined.” Gi-hun sighed.

“It was fun while it lasted but this, I can't do this.” Gi-hun said as he stood.

He winced as and was yanked back. A firm grip was on his wrist, verging on too tight and painful. “Let go!” Gi-hun hissed trying to pull his hand away, but it only granted him with a tighter grip.

“Gi-hun-ssi, wait! Please!”

It was a desperate and pathetic plea, but a surge of satisfaction ran through Gi-hun’s veins. Cruel, almost, in the way he wanted the man to crumble apart in front of him. To fall on his knees and beg for forgiveness. For another chance and then not be given it. Mr. Hwang's eyes were wide and desperate, searching for some give in Gi-hun, but all Gi-hun wanted to do was see him suffer under his pointed gaze and ignore him just to watch that man try and fail to win his favor again.

But it was weird how the man latched on to him so quickly. So desperate to stay that apparently the thought of not talking or being near Gi-hun seemed to have him in ruins. It was nice, a small revenge for almost ruining Gi-hun’s reputation. He'll take great satisfaction in this moment.

“I'm not listening to what you have to say. Maybe if you'd actually been honest in the first place, we could've built something from the ground up.”

Another hand clasped his.

“Let’s start over! Please! We can start over, and I'll be honest this time!”

Hwang was on the edge of the booth. So close to falling to his knees. Gi-hun suppressed a smirk, hiding his intention behind a mask of indifference and annoyance to push the CEO over the edge and beg, to make a fool of himself.

“Please just let this go. We can be formal in the office, acknowledge each other if we have to, but that's about it. Whatever this was gonna be, is over before it even started.”

A hard thud. The man was on his knees. A cruel satisfaction bloomed in Gi-hun's veins. Perfect. A vision came to fruition.

“Gi-hun-ssi, please,” Mr. Hwang said softly and placed Gi-hun's hand on his cheek then leaned into it. “I don't think I can stand that. I don’t think I could survive pretending that we’re strangers. Not speaking with you. Not spending time with you.”

He nuzzled his face in Gi-hun’s hand and looked up. Gi-hun’s breath hitched. He looked pathetic, desperate. Gi-hun almost gave in. His skin was warm and smooth against his palm. Gi-hun had to be strong, walk away and cut ties; he can't be caught up in this. He got to see the man on his knees. Mission accomplished. Now he had to go.

“I–”

“Please, Gi-hun.” His eyes were teary.

Gi-hun was genuinely surprised. Felt bad even, but something was stirring in his chest, and it wasn't anything nice. Suddenly that sick satisfaction of seeing this man groveling wasn't so satisfying anymore. Pathetic and desperate he can handle, but tears were a bit too much. It was concerning to say the least. Crying? Sure Gi-hun is a little flattered to receive such a reaction, but hindsight twenty-twenty, falling to his knees was also a call for concern. They've essentially known each other for an accumulative of a few hours. This man on his knees, while an attractive sight, was acting like they've been together for ages and was trying to convince Gi-hun not to break up with him.

Gi-hun wasn’t thinking with his head. Well he was, but just not with the right one. He needed to put a stop to this. This was… embarrassing and eyes were on them now.

Shit.

He sighed, placing his free hand on the other man's hands. “Mr. Hwang, sit back down please.”

He didn't budge.

“Look, I'll sit back down too, okay?” Gi-hun slid in the booth, and then the other man relaxed. He didn’t let go of Gi-hun's hand. Mr. Hwang sat down.

Gi-hun took a deep breath, ignoring the way those hands felt warm and strong around his own. Pulling away would be useless. Mr. Hwang wouldn’t let go, so he let it be.

“We can’t do this. It's not appropriate.”

“Please don't say that, I don't think I can live without you.”

Gi-hun wanted to cringe. He so badly wanted to cringe. Yeah, he was definitely thinking with the wrong head earlier. God this was horribly embarrassing. How didn’t he notice it before?

“Mr. Hwang I–”

“No more lies, just please give me a chance. We'll take it slow.”

The response was earnest, honest even, and with a clearer head, the proper one, Gi-hun didn't really mind. If it works out, he bags himself a hot and rich boyfriend. Though, maybe he should watch out for how quickly this man took to him, or maybe he's the type of person who loves too much, but nowhere to pour it. Maybe he's a man who believes in love at first sight.

Gi-hun looked at Mr. Hwang. So devastatingly handsome.

Fuck.

Was he really going to give in?

Mr. Hwang tilted his head, sweet, boyish, cute.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

He's really gonna give in.

Just so that Mr. Hwang could stop being embarrassing and calling attention to them. Gi-hun told himself.

“Fine, but we'll go slow. Friends, nothing more.”

Mr. Hwang's jaw clenched.

“For now. We'll see where it goes.”

“For now,” Mr. Hwang repeated like he was trying to convince himself it wasn't the worst thing in the world.

“Yes, for now.”

“So there's a chance for more.”

“Yes.”

Suddenly, Mr. Hwang perked up. All sense of desperation and frustration vanished in an instant. Too quick. Too sudden. Those once watery eyes dried up and that hunched, submissive posture was replaced with a dangerous confidence like his earlier actions didn't happen.

“So all I have to do is woo you, and you'll be all mine?” He kissed the back of Gi-hun's hand with a wink.

The blush came back.

“Cause if so, then I might as well start calling you mine. It'll be that easy.”

“Alright, don't get too cocky.”

“You were practically undressing me with your eyes last night, I think I have a little right to be cocky.”

Mr. Hwang turned Gi-hun's hand and kissed his palm, closing his eyes like he was savoring the skin on his lips.

He cracked his eye open and smirked. “You can do it again if you want.” He muttered against his hand, “I don't mind.”

Gi-hun yanked his hand away. His thoughts went a million miles a minute. This was dangerous. This was not taking things slow. This was trying to speed run the process. His throat felt dry. He lifted his cup, and suddenly Mr. Hwang was staring at him intensely. His eyes were boring into him.

Gi-hun lifted the cup, noticing how the man across from him was focused on his lips. When the smooth, cold glass met his lips, Mr Hwang smirked, satisfied. Proud. But why? He was just drinking water. Nothing grand. It shouldn't be some spectacle. The cool water soothed his dry throat. He was grateful for the drink as he finished it. It bought him time to gather himself.

As he set the cup down, the glass caught the light in such a way that it revealed the imprint of lips. Gi-hun’s brows furrowed. Hwang also drank from it. But no other imprints were visible. Just his and an overlap of another.

His heart stuttered. His stomach did a flip. They just shared an indirect kiss.

Gi-hun wanted to cover his face in embarrassment just to hide the blush deepening in color, but he settled on playing with the edge of a napkin. He shouldn't be so flustered, acting like some highschooler sharing drinks with their crush. He never batted an eye before when sharing drinks with friends, with coworkers. It was a simple gesture. To try a new drink, to help another feel better, or to be a menace and steal a sip. Nothing ever came out of it. No butterflies in his stomach or a skipping of a beat in his heart. But with Mr. Hwang?

It was different. And all because of what? He likes him? He's been reduced to nothing but a highschooler having their first crush. Finding meaning where there's none, making things bigger than they actually are, except, Mr. Hwang reciprocated. Eagerly. Maybe too eager, but that just meant there was no guess work. No finding meaning where there was none, because there was meaning behind all those gestures, all those lingering touches and gazes.

And that was dangerous. Because as much as this man said he'd take things slow, he knew how to wield his words to disarm Gi-hun. He knew how to look at him to make Gi-hun squirm. He knew how to move to make the heat curl in his body. Like he knew what made him tick. Like he's known him for a long time.

Gi-hun couldn't let him win so easily.

“We said we'd take things slow, so that won't be necessary. Friends don't look at each other like…” Gi-hun paused trying to find the right words.

“Like they're trying to devour the other? Undress the other with their eyes?” Mr. Hwang finished his sentence. He sighed, “What a shame. I'm gonna have a real hard time then.”

Gi-hun rubbed his temples. “Don't forget, I'm still upset that you lied to me. So don't push your luck.” He stood up. “Anyway, I should really get going. I'm actually really tired.”

“I'll walk you out.”

Gi-hun didn't fight him on it. It was useless to convince him otherwise, but Gi-hun did keep his distance, trying to avoid the other's warmth. It seemed however Mr. Hwang wasn't very fond of this decision as he wrapped an arm around his waist the second there were no physical obstacles in his way.

The hold wasn't tight, but it was firm. It was a claim. It was possession . Like Gi-hun already belonged to him. Like it was written in the stars.

Gi-hun was at a loss for words, both from the sudden pull and from the hard muscle he could feel under all those layers. His heat was coming off of him and infecting Gi-hun's skin, making heat pooled lower. And Mr. Hwang's scent with the fresh evening air had Gi-hun’s knees almost buckle.

“Ah, Mr. Hwang, friends don't hold each other like this,” Gi-hun tried to push himself off, but the arm around his waist tightened. “We're hardly friends, barely acquaintances, and they definitely don't– Hey!” Gi-hun smacked the man's hand, but it doesn't release.

Mr. Hwang continued to ignore his protests until they reached Gi-hun's car. “Safe and sound at your car.”

“Don't pat yourself on the back, I didn't ask for this.” Gi-hun tried to pry himself away, but he was just pulled in.

“Don't you think your knight in shining armor deserves a reward?”

“If I see him and he actually saves me I would give him a kiss.” Gi-hun puts a hand over his eyes searching the parking lot. “But seeing how I'm still glued to you, I don't think there is one to come save me.”

Mr. Hwang's eyes darkened. His grip tightened even more. His fingers dug into Gi-hun's side making him hiss. “Don't you dare mention another man.”

“It was a joke.”

“I don't care.”

Gi-hun froze. The way he said it was cold and hard. A warning. In more ways than one. He had to proceed with caution.

“Were you referring to yourself?”

“I brought you to your car safely,” Mr. Hwang said matter-of-factly.

“I didn't ask you to, and you could've done so without keeping me hostage.” Gi-hun flicked the shorter man on the forehead.

He looked surprised, offended, and confused all at once. If it weren’t for the fact that Gi-hun was trying to get away, he would’ve laughed and teased. Instead, he took this chance to slip from his grasp and put some much needed distance between them, before slipping into his car.

The car quickly came to life, and Gi-hun stuck his head out of the window.

“I'll see you around, Mr. Hwang!” Gi-hun peeled out the lot leaving the other man stunned and speechless.

His heart was pounding. His skin was burning. Wires were crossed. Flags were raised. He didn't know what he was doing. He was at a loss for words. One moment he's yelling at the CEO the next he's melting in his hands, then confused and angry. This man was making his head spin.

He should’ve been stronger, but Mr. Hwang was being weird and drawing attention. Gi-hun just wanted that to stop. He groaned as the city blurred passed him. He just couldn’t believe he’s giving him another chance.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Gi-hun gave Jun-hee a chocolate croissant and coffee as an apology for rushing past her yesterday. The way her eyes widened and sparkled at the sight made her look twice as cute, and Gi-hun had the overwhelming urge to pinch her cheek like his mother used to do to him.

She took a sip and hummed appreciatively. “Thank you, Mr. Seong.”

“Please, Gi-hun.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I don't think that's appropriate right now.” She gestured to the lobby and the many people walking through it. “I've already been given a warning for it the other day.”

“Well, it's perfectly acceptable when you're off the clock, okay?”

“I'll keep that in mind,” Jun-hee took another sip then placed the drink down. Her eyes scanned the lobby before leaning closer to Gi-hun, gesturing for him to come closer. He did.

With one hand by his ear, she whispered. “How was your date with CEO Hwang last night?”

Gi-hun sputtered, his face flushing in an instant. “It wasn't–” he lowered his voice before it got too loud, “it wasn't a date. And how did you know I was out with him?”

“Ali and Dae-ho told me,” She shrugged. “Well they figured you were after what happened yesterday. You just confirmed their speculation,” Jun-hee glanced around real quick again before pulling out her phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Telling them they were right and that Gyeong-seok-ssi owes them.”

Gi-hun groaned. “I can't believe this. Just don't go spreading that rumor, it's not true.”

“Don't worry sir. It's only contained within the group.”

Gi-hun pursed his lips. Something wasn't right. Who saw him, and how has this rumor only been contained within his team. Hyun-ju had informants. That much was clear. As to how she kept them quiet? That was the question. He sat with the thought for a moment, mulling it over in his head. She seemed like a pretty intimidating woman when she needed to be, maybe she had the informant quit talking via blackmail. An even more unsettling thought. Blackmail gathered by other informants, a web of intel and all kinds of details that she holds the power to.

A shiver ran down his spine.

Yeah, he could see that as a possibility.

“Good just, please be careful when talking about that with the group. I would rather you not talk about it at all, but I know that won’t happen,” He sighed, “I'll be heading off now.” Gi-hun waved her farewell and made his way to the elevator.

On the way up he used this time to prepare himself for the onslaught of feral voices asking him what happened because by now Dae-ho and Ali must have told everyone they had confirmation he was out with the CEO. But it wasn't a date like they claimed. It was a confrontation… That was supposed to end in cutting ties with the man, not further entangling himself with him. God he was weak. Not thinking straight. He giggled, allowing himself that brief respite of a joke. Definitely not thinking straight .

Then he stopped. He cleared his voice. Joking was not something he should be doing after messing up.

The elevator dinged, and he stepped off taking a deep breath as he walked down the hallway with white and grey walls adorned with boring modern art that he’s quickly grown accustomed to. He expected giggles, chatter, arguments, something as he got closer, but it was eerily quiet. Maybe it was an ambush. Have him fall into a false sense of ease with the silence just to throw him off balance by hitting him with a barrage of questions.

When he rounded the corner, his blood ran cold. Now he wished that was the case.

Standing there by Hyun-ju’s long desk was none other than Hwang In-ho. What in the actual fuck was he doing here? He looked at his team who were hunched at their own desks, stiff but still threw cautious and curious glances over their way. Except Se-mi. Se-mi leaned back on her chair casual as ever, a blue lollipop in hand without a care in the world. She made no intention of hiding her curiosity and intrigue.

Gi-hun looked at Hyun-ju, but she was glaring at the CEO’s back like he was interrupting her peace, so he couldn't cast a questioning glance her way for an answer of sorts.

Gi-hun finally looked at the CEO and made eye contact with him. He bit his cheek while fighting back the urge to fidget with the hem of his sleeve. He bowed.

“Mr. Hwang, what brings you here?”

“I just came to see how things are going.” His voice was smooth and professional, but god did it sound unnecessarily deep. It circled around Gi-hun and curled itself into his body, begging to be noticed. No demanding to be listened to. Gi-hun had to stop himself from letting out a sound that would let Mr. Hwang know he was being affected in a not safe for work manner and to not embarrass himself in front of his team.

“Bit too early, don't you think? We haven't even gotten into the rhythm of things yet,” Gi-hun said with a strained voice as he tried his best not to laugh nervously.

“Gi-hun-ssi, um I need you to check something please. I can't seem to figure out what this means,” Gyeong-seok pointed to the diagram in his hand.

“Of course Gyeong-seok. I'll help in a moment,” Gi-hun turned back to the CEO and caught him clenching his jaw glaring at Gyeong-seok.

“Mr. Hwang if the–”

“I see you all feel so comfortable addressing your superior by his first name,” Mr. Hwang addressed the room with a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. “I'm happy to see such cooperation, however,” his tone dropped.

His eyes landed back on Gyeong-seok. Mr. Hwang was a vision of calm and composed perfection, but Gi-un caught the narrowed eyes and clenched jaw.

“I would like for you all to conduct yourselves as professionally as possible and address him as you should.”

“But Gi-hun allows us to call him by his first name,” Ali chimed in.

Mr. Hwang clenched his jaw again. And did his eye just twitch?

“He’s comfortable with it. Most if not all of us are comfortable with it. I don't see the problem,” Se-mi added.

“That may be so, however if someone, one of the higher ups, were to walk in and you all were so blasé they'd think we're running an unprofessional business here. Please address your boss properly. I will settle for nothing less.”

“It just makes us look like we work well with each other, get stuff done, reliable. What's that saying you old timers say? A well oil machine?” Se-mi stood and walked up to him.

“It’s fine! It's fine, Mr. Hwang. If someone comes in and has any complaints about it, I'll take responsibility,” Gi-hun interjected, trying his best to be as professional as possible even if anger was starting to rise and annoyance.

The CEO clenched his fist. “From now on address him as Mr. Seong.”

“Mr. Hwang, it's really not necessary.”

“I'll address him however I want, right Ahjussi?” Se-mi looked over to Gi-hun.

Mr. Hwang looked at her, sizing her up, and she reciprocated. Gi-hun looked between the two. They were a few feet apart. The tension was palpable. The silence? Deafening. A challenge in the air ready to ignite with one single spark.

“A bit disrespectful.”

“Hardly.”

“I'll have you written up for insubordination. I can have you fired.”

Se-mi popped the lollipop out of her mouth and closed the gap, “Careful old man. That sounds like retaliation.”

Gi-hun’s world tilted. No. He couldn’t. Why would he? Gi-hun glared at the CEO. Heat unlike any other spread through his veins like wild fire. What gave him the right? Why did he think he could just come in here and start acting like some belligerent boss not getting his way? There was no way the bastard was going to get away with firing one of his employees. Gi-hun's nerves rattled, ready to burst at a moment's notice. Every muscle in his body shook with rage and disbelief, ready to detonate with one one wrong word.

Se-mi leaned in, “Lots of problems this company has had with tech, I helped fix. I created the codes, I know how they work. All of the shit I created to help this department run smoother, I patented. You fire me, and this all goes to shit.”

Gi-hun’s anger subsided. It was replaced with shock and pride. Mr. Hwang on the other hand looked like he was fighting back rage.

Se-mi smirked, “That's what I thought.” She popped her lollipop back in her mouth as walked back to her desk like she just won a battle. “Anyway, Ajusshi, can you take a look at this?”

“Yeah, Se-mi.” Gi-hun answered breathlessly, amazed by her confidence.

“You should refer to them by their last name as well. Keep them in line Gi-hun.” Mr. Hwang said with thinly veiled anger. He turned to walk away.

Gi-hun stood there bewildered, but all too soon, his anger returned.

“Mr. Hwang! Mr. Hwang!” He followed him around the corner. “Mr. Hwang, I know you hear me!” He chased after him. “Hwang In-ho!” Gi-hun stopped and stomped his foot.

The man stopped and turned around, all earlier annoyance and anger was replaced with a smile. “Yes? What can I do for you Gi-hun?”

Gi-hun laughed incredulously. “Unbelievable. I can't fucking believe you right now!”

He closed the gap and shoved a finger to In-ho's chest. “You come here and tell my team how to address me, throw a whole fucking fit about it, threatened to fire one of my employees, and you have the fucking audacity to speak so casually to me!”

“Gi-hun please calm down.”

“You demand that my team refer to me as Mr. Seong, then you should too. Don't be a fucking hypocrite, Mr. Hwang.” Gi-hun was burning. Every second standing in front of this man and listening to him speak only seemed to fan the flame.

Mr. Hwang's eyes hardened, “In-ho.”

“What?”

“Call me In-ho.”

Gi-hun stared at him then laughed. Laughed at the absurdity of the whole situation. Laughed at him. “You can't be serious.”

“Friends call each other by their first names,” Mr. Hwang said, alluding to their conversation last night.

“My team are my friends.”

In-ho took a step closer. “They’re your coworkers, address them as such.”

“You’re the CEO, I should address you as such.”

“No.”

“No?” Again, Gi-hun laughed incredulously. He held on-to his stomach, trying to soothe the ache from all the laughing.

This man was insane! Unbelievable.

“No.” Mr. Hwang reaffirmed. “Call me In-ho.”

He’s as petulant as a child.

 Gi-hun calmed down from his little laughing fit. “I am not doing that. You know how that looks? Same problem as you lying to me.”

“Then in private. When no one is around. Just you and me.”

“I can't do this right now, Mr. Hwang,” Gi-hun turned to leave, but he was pulled again by his wrist. “Jesus! What is with you and pulling me?”

“Gi-hun, I told you to call me In-ho.”

“Oh my fuc– fine!” Anything to get this man off him. “I'll call you In-ho when we're alone! There! Happy now? Can I go?”

The grip on his wrist loosened. “Very much so.” In-ho’s stern expression softened, relief flooding his features.

Now Gi-hun wanted to act like a petulant child. It wasn’t fair! In-ho shouldn’t look like that! Soft and sweet and kind. It wasn’t fair at all! Because Gi-hun really wanted to reject this man—and he has a very good reason to— but when he’s like this, it’s hard to be mad. Instead he just wanted to cup the man’s face in his hands and kiss those lips as a reward for just looking sweet and nice despite the shit he just pulled minutes ago.

Then Gi-hun suddenly remembered. “You have to call me Mr. Seong when we're around people.”

The relief, the gratefulness, the softness disappear in an instant, and the rough edges return. In-ho rolled his eyes, huffing like he didn’t like the idea of it. “Fine.”

“Thank you! Now will you please let me go?” Gi-hun tried to pull away, but to no avail. Instead he's pulled closer.

“What are y–”

In-ho pushed a stray strand of hair away from Gi-hun's face. He froze upon feeling the warmth of In-ho's fingers and the gentleness of the action.

“There,” In-ho said softly, “Now I can see that pretty face of yours.”

Gi-hun pushed him away, “You're insufferable.”

He retreated before In-ho could say anything else, but mostly to hide the blush that exploded on him. He could still feel the ghost of gentle fingers burn his cheek like a brand. He couldn’t keep letting that man get away with stuff… but man he was so fucking handsome. It’d be a fucking shame to loses out on that.

Nope! In-ho was a pain, weird, and insufferable. Gi-hun couldn’t allow himself to be swayed by looks. Maybe just once wouldn’t hurt.

He shook his head. No! He shouldn’t sleep with the CEO.

But damnit. It was so tempting.

When he returned everyone was around Hyun-ju’s desk whispering amongst themselves.

“So like, what was that about?” Neo-ul asked.

Gi-hun sighed, rubbing his temples. “I wish I knew.”

“So do we have to call you?” Ali let the rest of the question hang in silence.

“No, he can't monitor us here, but just in case he stops by, do your best to do as he said.”

Everyone nodded.

Slowly but surely everyone relaxed and found their rhythm. Gi-hun went to help Gyeong-seok, and he was just as perplexed. Another marketing team had sent over a diagram showcasing… Gi-hun didn't even know what. He could see the general idea but it wasn't concrete. A first draft of sorts it seemed.

No clear message other than, ‘hey, come look and solve this riddle that only corporate people can decipher rather than the common folk. You know the people we’re trying to market to?’ Gi-hun sighed. He instructed Gyeong-seok to leave it on his desk. He would have to call the other team for a meeting, so they could explain this cipher to him.

Gi-hun strode over to Se-mi. She was almost done with her lollipop. She pointed to an email regarding becoming the social media manager.

“Comes with a raise, but also extra work, and I lowkey don’t feel like doing more work than necessary. I mean, I’m already an honorary IT member. Now they want me to be the social media manager?” She paused. She was lost in thought, her eyes wide in consideration. “Actually, fuck that guy. I’m Gen-zing the fuck out of his company's socials.”

Gi-hun looked at her confused by what she meant but also because that meant she’d be stretched thin.

“Hey I’ll be fine. It’s easy money. And if the stuff is cringe, well that's not my fault. Just catering to a new audience.”

“But if you’re only targeting the younger audience, you'll be completely alienate the older generation.”

“That's what this is for.” Se-mi gestured to the office. “Can’t get the new adults the same way the old adults get snagged. C’mon, sir. You should know when it’s time to try new tactics.”

Nodding his head, Gi-hun sighed. “I’ll trust you know what you're doing. And please don’t overwork yourself.”

“Sir, I’m doing this out of spite. I have all the energy in the world.”

“Yeah! Fuck that guy,” Nou-el shouted from the other side of the room.

“Can’t believe I was already planning your wedding,” Se-mi grumbled before returning to reply to the email.

Gi-hun shook his head. He couldn’t believe he was giving the man another chance, especially with how he acted today. Trying to fire Se-mi. He wanted to throw something, preferably at In-ho. Maybe that would straighten him out even if it’s just a bit. It would definitely relieve some of Gi-hun’s stress. He sighed. It was a missed opportunity when they were alone. He could’ve thrown one of those picture frames at the man.

Lunch time should have been peaceful— well as peaceful as it can get with his team's banter. It should’ve been filled with laughs and chatter. It should’ve been light and easy. Instead it was suffocating. Uncomfortable. Tense .

There was barely any time to settle before Hwang In-ho entered the break room and sat next to Gi-hun. Everyone stiffened. Whatever playful atmosphere was building as they transitioned to the break room, was shattered into a million pieces. Jun-hee walked in a minute later with that bright smile and cheery attitude, and Gi-hun watched that smile slowly fall as she noticed the man sitting next to him.

“Mr. Hwang, what brings you here?” Gi-hun asked with barely restrained anger.

“Just came down to get to know the employees of my company better.”

Hyun-ju raised an eyebrow as she brought a cup to her lips.

“Right,” Gi-hun dragged out the word as he turned his attention to his food, and everyone did the same, stiffly eating their lunch.

And that was the routine for the last two days. Clock in, greet everyone, work, have an uncomfortable lunch break with the CEO, continue work, clock out and go home. It was a terrible time for all of them.

The man would come in like clockwork much to the dismay of everyone. He wouldn’t allow anyone to sit next to Gi-hun as Dae-ho discovered on Thursday when he pulled out the chair next to him. In-ho had given him the meanest glare. One that could send chills down the spine, one that raised the hairs on the back of the neck. One that had adrenaline pumping in the veins. One that set off the fight, flight, or freeze response in a person, and evidently Dae-ho’s response was to freeze.

The poor young man stood there frozen in fear with wide eyes. His mouth opened and closed like a fish. If it weren’t for Jun-hee, he probably would’ve stood there until the end of lunch. He settled himself next to her as she soothed him by patting his back and whispering soft words.

Gi-hun watched it all unfold. The way Dae-ho tried to keep a pep in his step as if the CEO wasn’t there. He watched how he grabbed the back of the chair without a care in the world. Gi-hun felt the warmth of an arm land on the back of his own chair. He watched as the young man froze.

Gi-hun turned to look at In-ho to see why Dae-ho acted like that. He wished he hadn’t. The glare was terrifying, but worse so—horrifyingly so— it was attractive. Gi-hun was ashamed, embarrassed. Poor Dae-ho was terrified, and there Gi-hun was, practically drooling over this man that was actively putting a damper on their lunch.

There was definitely something wrong with him. He should be upset with his presence, but all he wanted to do was drag In-ho somewhere, crawl on his lap and ride him until lunch was over. God he actually needed to have sex soon. It couldn’t be with the CEO though, what if he’s actually good in bed. Gi-hun would get addicted. No he needed someone who was on equal standing with him so it wouldn’t compromise his reputation. Maybe then, he can finally drop this man that insisted on keeping him. Maybe he wouldn't be so easily swayed by his good looks and lingering touches.

Gi-hun shoveled food into his mouth to ignore those thoughts and ignore the man next to him. But god was it so hard to do so when he could feel the man staring like he wanted to devour him whole.

Friday came, much to everyone's relief. There was that excited buzz in the air that came from wanting the work week to end. Talk of plans for the weekend were weaved into conversations of numbers and future projects. The entire office building was anxiously awaiting the end of the day, so that it and the rest of its workers could enjoy the weekend.

Gi-hun’s team were already planning where to go to celebrate their boss's first week. Gi-hun smiled, and his heart warmed listening to them take the planning seriously like it was the most important event of the year. Meetings were a dread, quarterly check-ins, future projections, all of it was stuff that Gi-hun already figured. Nonetheless, his team continued their planning after the meetings like it didn’t happen.

Once lunch kicked in, a silence took hold of the office. A quiet understanding not to speak of after work plans in front of the CEO in fear he’d invite himself. And that was the last thing everyone wanted.

They all sat down. No one sat next to Gi-hun. Dae-ho sat several spaces away from him. Gi-hun took a deep breath. He’d have to scold In-ho the next time they're alone. He avoided sending a text to reprimand him. He knew it would open the flood gates to a borage of texts from the man. He just knew the second he’d give him an inch, In-ho would take a mile.

And just like Wednesday and Thursday, he walked in the break room like he owned the place. Well he technically did, but that was besides the point.

The break room was a sacred place to relax, decompress, and hide away from the brutal monotony of work. It was a place to completely forget about emails and meetings entirely. A slice of paradise in living hell. But here was In-ho. Work personified settling himself in this temple of relaxation amongst its loyal followers, like he too was a believer of their religion, when in reality he was the very antithesis of their belief. Solid, stone cold, and stiff. Body rigid, clothes always pristine. He was a constant reminder of what laid beyond their temple of relief.

They ate stiffly, like the days before.

Gi-hun knew tonight was going to be catered to him, but he made a mental note to cover for at least two rounds as an apology for somehow attracting this man and ruining their lunch. He could only hope that this ‘getting to know his employees’ doesn’t actually become a… habit.

Everyone ate in awkward silence. Little by little Gi-hun could sense In-ho shifting closer to him until their knees touched. It shouldn’t have sent an electric shock through him, but it did. Gi-hun convinced himself it was the lack of a sex life that had him jumping with every touch.

And then.

A hand, firm on his thigh.

Warm.

Hot.

It burned through his slacks and burned his skin. Then a squeeze. Gi-hun almost choked. Everyone looked at him with concern, but he dismissively waved them off as he lifted his drink to his lips.

Another squeeze. He took a deep breath and swatted In-ho’s hand away, but the hand remained firm. He’s given another squeeze, harder this time like In-ho was warning him to stop. And as an apology for the pain, his thumb stroked along his thigh.

Heat rushed everywhere. His cheeks, his ears, his stomach and worse, his dick. The strokes were light but very present. Each brush sent blood rushing to places he didn’t want it to go. It sent electric shocks through his nerves, and his fingers were barely able to hold on to the delicate chopsticks.

Gi-hun held on tightly to his dignity, doing his best not to show how affected he was by the touch happening under the table by keeping his head down. With his free hand, he tried to nudge In-ho’s hand away. In-ho did move his hand, but higher up his thigh, closer to his hardening dick.

Fingers massaged his thigh, cruel in its touch, but tender in its care. Gi-hun was tense. In-ho’s thumb grazed his hip. Gi-hun focused on chewing his food. He kept track of the number of times he chewed to keep himself from shivering at the touch. That hand goes further up, and dangerously close to Gi-hun’s dick.

Gi-hun’s eyes went wide. His heart raced. He was frantically trying to figure out how to get out of this situation without revealing to everyone that he had a god damn hard on at work.

“Gi-hun-ssi.”

Thank the heavens above!

Everyone paused. Food mid bite, drinks mid sip, chopsticks frozen in the air. All eyes were on Ali. A mix of reprimanding and pitying stares were thrown his way. Gi-hun cleared his voice and answered with a simple ‘yes?’

At that, In-ho’s attention was drawn back to him, like he’d just been betrayed, but Gi-hun ignored him trying to use this distraction to calm himself. In-ho looked back at Ali, and he shrank back. The man didn’t respond.

“Ali, what is it that you need?” Gi-hun asked clear and composed like he wasn’t being wrecked by In-ho’s touch.

The other man sputtered. “Oh, I was just going to ask if you can pass me the sauce.”

Before Gi-hun could reach for it, In-ho passed it to him. Thankfully using the hand that was on his thigh. Gi-hun took this time to discretely flex his arms to rid himself of the damn erection. A trick he accidentally learned when he was younger.

He was grateful and sorry for Ali that In-ho was scolding him. It gave Gi-hun more time to tense up the muscles in both his arms.

“I thought I told you all to refer to him as Mr. Seong.” In-ho said sternly.

Finally, it was gone.

Gi-hun sighed, glared at In-ho before rolling his eyes and then walked away. Of course In-ho immediately followed.

“What were you– No, Why did you do that!” Gi-hun hissed as soon as they were out of ear shot and out of view. He was beyond annoyed, beyond embarrassed. He was pissed. “I swear if murder wasn’t a crime, I’d have committed it already!”

“Trying to woo you,” In-ho said it so casually like it was the most obvious answer in the world.

“Woo me? Woo me?! That’s your idea of wooing me?”

“And you looked tense, so I thought I might help.”

Gi-hun’s eye twitched.

Ha.

Unbelievable.

“Mr. Hwang, will you drop the nonsense!” Gi-hun Silently yelled. “I’m tense because my team is tense. And they’re tense because you’re here!” He gestured to In-ho and then to the office.

“It’s In-ho.”

Gi-hun stared at him with wide-eyed disbelief. He shifted his weight from one foot to another with a huff. “Will you stop with this! You're making my team uncomfortable!”

“I’m making sure they call you Mr. Seong.” In-ho responded with barely contained rage. “And it looks like I was right to be coming here. There are clearly still slip ups happening. You need to tell me so I can properly reprimand them. Write them for not cooperating.”

He wasn’t just pissed, Gi-hun was at his limit now. Anger was boiling under his skin. Rage ready to ignite. “What gives you the right to do any of that! They are my team, and they listen to me! Why are you so insistent?”

In-ho looked up at him. Those dark and calculating eyes softened to something gentler, sweeter, sadder. He took a step closer, then another, and then another. Gi-hun couldn’t move, completely caught off guard by the sudden change of demeanor. His hands are suddenly enclosed in warmth. Thumbs ran over his knuckles.

“I’m sorry, Gi-hun. I simply wanted only us to use our first names with each other and no one else. I was hoping it would draw you closer to me.”

He was so fucking wrong about that. Does this man even know how to interact with the human population? Threatening people was not the way to go. It did the exact opposite of what he wanted to achieve. What kind of logic was that?

In-ho nuzzled his cheek into Gi-hun’s hand, “Please don’t be too mad with me.”

Gi-hun’s knees almost buckled at the sight. At the softness of his voice. Those dark eyes looked at him, pleading and pathetic and desperate.

“Gi-hun-ssi, please.”

He pulled his hands away and took a step back, In-ho followed. Gi-hun took more steps back until his back hit the wall, and In-ho was right in front of him. Gi-hun looked to his side trying to calm his nerves and trying to ignore the way In-ho’s eyes seemed to darken.

Seeing no other way out, he decided to placate the man. He sighed. “Ugh, fine, just please stop making my team uncomfortable. They really miss enjoying their lunch.”

“Promise you won't call them by their first name.”

“I’ll do my best not to.”

‘Around you.’  Gi-hun amended in his head.

A warm arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him away from the wall, and a hand was placed oddly possessive on his lower back. He was chest to chest with In-ho.

“Good because I am a jealous man,” In-ho whispered dangerously close to Gi-hun’s ear. His breath was hot, and Gi-hun wasn’t fast enough to stop the shiver that ran through his body,

Gi-hun was pressed closer, “And I don’t like sharing.” A low possessive growl made Gi-hun bite his lip.

In-no noses along Gi-hun’s jaw and down his neck then took a deep breath of his scent.

Gi-hun swallowed. A blush unfortunately was making its comeback at the sound of In-ho’s low voice, at his possessiveness, and at his touch.

“In-ho, what are you doing?” Gi-hun tried his best to sound calm and even and totally unaffected even though his body was already reacting.

“I don’t like waiting for what’s mine.”

Gi-hun shut his eyes tightly, trying to resist the shiver due to the deep timber of In-ho’s voice. He tried to ignore the lips that grazed the soft, thin, sensitive skin of his neck, and he desperately tried to stop another erection.

“I’m not yours– I– this isn’t taking things slow,” Gi-hun managed to argue.

“I did take it slow. It’s been three days hasn’t it?”

“That’s your idea of taking things slow? Fuck!” Gi-hun slapped his hand over his mouth to stop the unexpected moan, his eyes wide with horror. “In-ho what the fuck? Shit!”

In-ho’s knee was between Gi-hun’s legs slowly adding more and more pressure.

“Yes. Matter of fact, it was too slow for my taste.” He pressed harder.

Gi-hun pushed In-ho away, and took a step back to put some space between them, but to his horror, he’s backed up against the wall again. In-ho smirked cruelly as he quickly closed Gi-hun in and settled his knee between Gi-hun’s thighs like they belonged there. Gi-hun shuttered.

The pressure was divine and as In-ho continued to knee him, Gi-hun felt himself losing control. His clothes suddenly felt too hot and too tight. His legs were going weak. He leaned against Inho, arms wrapping around those broad shoulders, hands fisting In-ho’s black suit jacket. And then, he rutted against that damn knee and he almost crumbled. It was pure pleasure, pleasure with another warm body he hasn’t had in such a long time. He held on tighter as he moved in tandem with In-ho’s knee. Gi-hun hid his face on the other man’s shoulder.

In-ho chuckled as he stroked his back. “There you go. Look at you. Pathetic and needy.”

Gi-hun whined and shook his head despite the words going straight to his cock. His eyes were screwed shut from pleasure as his hips moved of their own accord. It felt so good, he could just keep going. And In-ho would let him. Gi-hun moaned into In-ho’s shoulder. He was panting, drool already spilt out of his lips onto the expensive black material on In-ho’s shoulders.

“Go ahead. Ride my thigh to your heart's content. Hump my leg like the desperate dog that you are.”

Gi-hun shook his head mortified at how the words sent a pleasurable jolt through his body as he moaned and started moving faster, chasing that high.

“No?” In-ho chuckled.

The pressure eased between his legs and hands on his hips forced him to stop. His eyes went wide. Gi-hun stared at In-ho trying to figure out why he stopped. When he wasn’t given an answer, he whined, trying to move his hips to get that delectable friction, but he couldn’t. In-ho’s hold was firm. Unwavering.

Gi-hun tried again. He was unsuccessful. He lightly hit In-ho’s chest, whining at the loss of friction. “In-ho,” He cried out, “Why did you-” He tried to move again, but In-ho kept him still.

Gi-hun slumped forward, fingers digging into that strong back as he panted into In-ho’s neck. “In-ho,” he moaned.

He felt the man shudder. Fingers dug into his hips, making Gi-hun groan.

“Yes?”

“Don’t–” Gi-hun whimpered.

“Don’t what? Don’t do this?” A pause. “Or don’t stop?” In-ho asked in a low husky voice that made Gi-hun tremble with desire.

Gi-hun shook his head again, and with a quivering weak voice he answered. “Don’t stop. Please. In-ho.”

With a cruel grip, Gi-hun’s hips were forced to move against In-ho’s, and he practically cried out at the friction. His hips were moving again with steady hands on them just resting. He was scratching at In-ho’s back. His fingers tangled in In-ho hair. He was grabbing at anything on In-ho to ground himself from the pleasure that was wrecking his body.

His movements were desperate. That thick muscled thigh was delicious against his aching dick. Stopping wasn’t an option, not with how In-ho seemed to willingly be used for Gi-hun’s pleasure. The thought drove him wild. He quickened his pace moaning In-ho's name into shoulder to muffle himself. 

In-ho chuckled. “I can’t wait to see you come and ruin your pants,” He groaned.

Gi-hun’s eye snapped open, and he stopped. What was he doing? He shouldn’t be doing this!

He’s pushed up against the wall. In-ho glared at him, his knee relentless against him. “Why did you stop? Didn’t you say you didn’t want to stop?”

Gi-hun gasped. It was too much. “I– no– fuck, too good.” He was seeing stars, and god he didn’t want to stop, but he had to or else everyone would see him and the mess he made in his pants. But how was he going to make In-ho—who was hell bent on pleasuring Gi-hun— stop? Then, he remembered. In-ho did say he was a jealous man. Gi-hun would have to use that against him.

“No, In-ho,” Gi-hun couldn’t help but moan. “What if– if they see the stain.”

In-ho groaned like he loved the idea of it, “Baby, let them see.”

The pet name made Gi-hun’s heart skip a beat, and he wanted to melt. But he couldn’t. He had to push through. “What if they see the stain and think I’m easy?” Gi-hu gasped, he was close. He was so close.

He could shut up. He could let In-ho help him finish, but the shame and embarrassment would be too much. He had to keep it together no matter how much he wanted to fall apart in In-ho’s hands.

“What if they’ll try to steal me away from you,” Gi-hun swallowed, preparing for the final nail in the coffin. “What if I fall for them instead of you?”

In-ho froze.

Thank God! Gi-hun was just seconds from finishing. He was trembling from the sudden halt, from the sudden denial. Regret was settling in as his cock pulsed with an aching need that hurt. He wanted to cry from the unbearable need, from how close he was, from the sudden denial he planned. 

“What?” In-ho growled.

The growl shook something in Gi-hun. It was arousing, it was dizzying, it was possessive. He couldn’t let himself give in no matter how much it turned him on. Gi-hun took his time to calm down, gulping down air and trying to focus on losing his erection and arousal. “What if someone tries to steal me away from you.” He repeated, “What if I like them better?”

Gi-hun’s chin was forced down. In-ho’s fingers tightly held his chin. A small moan escaped his lips, his skin still sensitive from arousal.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

A deep breath in. A deep breath out. “Probably not, but I wouldn’t risk it if I were you. There are plenty of pretty-to-look-at people here, and if you don’t play nice, I just might drop you.”

And just for extra measure. “This may be taking it slow for you, but it’s not for me, Mr. Hwang. You’re on thin ice.” He pushed In-ho away and walked away from the damn wall—In-ho's accomplice. 

There was a conflicted look on In-ho’s face. Like he didn’t know whether to argue or concede. His jaw tightened and he sighed. “I’ll try to go slower. Be more patient.” he grumbled reluctantly.

“Good.”

In-ho extended his hand out to Gi-hun, palm up. Gi-hun tilted his head, then cautiously placed his hand on the other’s. He let out a surprised gasp when In-ho kissed his knuckles. “I’m sorry for rushing you. I just got too excited.”

“It’s– yeah- whatever. Just– I also got carried away too,” Gi-hun mumbled.

“And you sounded beautiful through it all,” In-ho winked.

And with that he left, leaving Gi-hun grappling with what just happened. Still flushed from everything and the echo of In-ho’s voice. Not again. Not again. Not again. He let In-ho off the hook again! He pulled his hair in shame and frustration.

His breathing became erratic again. The moment played in his head over and over, a broken record. He could still feel the press of In-ho’s knee, the heat of his body, and the warmth of his breath on him. It clung to him like honey, sticky, sweet, and messy. It drove him insane.

He could go to the restroom, end this shameful arousal. The thought of being caught scared him, but when In-ho’s face flashed through his head, suddenly the thought wasn’t so bad. Touching himself, in a stall with barely concealed moans trying to reach that euphoric end, when suddenly, the restroom door opens. Gi-hun wouldn’t stop. He’d bite his lower lip to stop the moans from escaping. He’d throw his free hand over his lips as an extra precaution.

The click of expensive shoes walking on white tiled floor passing by all the other stalls would have his heart racing. They would stop in front of him, and Gi-hun would freeze, trying to steady and quiet his labored breathing. Slowly the door would open and there standing amused, would be In-ho. He’d walk in, close the door behind him and lock it. Gi-hun would gasp, try to hide himself, but In-ho would open his legs, spread him wide, and gently move Gi-hun’s hands off himself. He’d hiss at the sudden cold hitting his dick, but then would gasp when In-ho’s hand would wrap around it. In-ho would look into his eyes, a smirk playing at his lips.

Then, slowly, oh so terribly slow, In-ho would move his hand.

Gi-hun gasped. His cock twitched. His legs trembled under him. Every step was unsteady, so he had to lean on the wall for support. Heat, want, and need pumped through his veins at the thought, at the very vivid image of In-ho jerking him off. He covered his mouth to muffle the pathetic sound that grated against his throat like an animal trying to escape.

He couldn’t go back like this. He needed to calm down, needed to stop the arousal coursing through his blood like venom. A venom In-ho injected him via insistent touches and a low husky voice.

Gi-hun could go to In-ho’s office, crawl onto his lap and grind against him. He could ruin both himself and that stupid CEO so they both can be marked by their shame. They can hide away in there until the end of the day where they would be alone, and In-ho would bend him over the desk and fuck him all night.

Gi-hun punched the wall. The pain traveled from his wrist up his arm and up his shoulder. His knuckles pulsed with red hot stinging pain. All his attention was now turned to soothing his knuckles. His previous arousal, While not entirely forgotten, was definitely subdued and slowly disappearing. He took his time calming down before going back.

When he returned, his team looked at him with questioning gazes, before no-uel spoke up.

“Oh, god. Boss, please don’t tell me you made out with him.”

“What? Why would you think that?”

“Your face is red, and your hair is a mess,” Hyun-ju pointed out.

Gi-hun dragged a hand down his face. He should’ve done a better job at fixing himself before returning. “Please don’t say such things. I know what it looks like, but I promise it’s not like that.”

It was true. They didn't kiss. Other things did happen, but they didn’t need to know that. They didn’t need to know he was pushed up against the wall dry humping the CEO’s leg ‘like the desperate dog you are’ In-ho’s words finished his thoughts. It was a gut punch hearing those words loud and clear. Gi-hun pushed all memories to the side and continued with the conversation before the hard on he so desperately tried to calm down earlier, came back with a vengeance.

Jun-hee gasped. “Ahjussi! Your hand!”

Dae-ho whistled while leaning back in his chair. “And here I thought you went to go do the hanky panky. What the heck did he do?”

Gi-hun sighed. “That man is gonna be the death of me.” Not an answer, not really anything but meaningless words to fill in the silence.

“In what way?” Se-mi snorted, “Cause I can think of a few.”

Gi-hun took a deep breath, checked the time, and made a decision. “That’s it. I’m cutting lunch short. Lunch is over. Get back to work everybody.”

There was immediate outrage, but with a promise of being released early in compensation, they quickly packed up and went straight to work.

Time knew no mercy. It ticked annoyingly slow. Everyone grew restless, too excited to drink the night away.

Gi-hun opened an email. A new project. A new group effort. A whole new group to work with. The sales department was going to send a team to work with Gi-hun's. The lead of the team would email him at their earliest convenience to familiarize themselves with each other. He groaned but as was the nature of the marketing department. It was intimately intertwined with the sales department. They go together hand in hand. Working with each other was inevitable, and a constant.

He relayed the information to his team and they all groaned. Gi-hun tried to placate them, but they interrupted with an explanation for their hesitancy. They’ve had unpleasant experiences with a man who they couldn’t bother to remember the name of because of how much they dislike them. They only refer to him as ‘the salesman’ as he learned. Weird, unsettling, disturbed were words they thought befitted the man like a well tailored suit.

Gi-hun sighed, shaking his head as he gave a mini lecture about respect and the importance of remembering names. It was to help pass time, but also it meant Gi-hun wasn’t thinking about what happened during lunch.

Finally their work day ended. Everyone rushed out, supper excited to eat and drink. When they all met up at the bar near the office, they sat at the biggest table. They ordered an abundance of food and drinks.

Gi-hun insisted on buying a round or two and eventually succeeded. They cheered. They joked. They sang. They laughed. It made something warm curl around his heart, being so easily accepted like they've known each other for ages. He was let in on inside jokes, they created inside jokes, created memories. His cheeks were flush from joy and alcohol, and the stress of the day slowly melted away.

At some point, Jun-hee leaned on Dae-hoe’s shoulder and hugged his arm. His face went red, and everyone laughed. “So glad you're sitting next to me. You can protect me from all the mean people.”

“What about, Mr. Seong, he’s also sitting next to you.” Dae-ho sputtered trying not to look so overwhelmed but utterly failing.

“I’m too old for any valiant acts of bravery. You're young and strong. A far better candidate than me,” Gi-hun countered and everyone murmured in agreement nudging each other and passing knowing and encouraging looks to Jun-hee.

“Yeah, what he said, it has to be you!” Jun-hee looked at him with those bright wide eyes.

Everyone laughed watching the poor young man stiffen and grow redder.

The night continued on. Drinks were still coming in, food was still being eaten, office horror stories were being shared along with personal stories and life updates. At some point Gi-hun had reached his limit. He was warm, giggly, and loose. His head was swimming, but in a good way. When was the last time he had this much fun with coworkers. When was the last time he had felt comfortable enough to really let loose with a group of people without the fear of being judged too heavily?

‘Too long’ , his drunken mind supplied.

Gyeong-seok laughed and shook his head asking if anyone he knew could take him home. Gi-hun managed to unlock his phone, call Jung-bae, argue with him to pick him up, and hung up. Everyone laughed at the interaction, saying they’ve never seen him so belligerent before.

Gi-hun sighed, “He brings the worst outta me sometimes.”

Everyone laughed. They were all in varying levels of intoxication. Hyun-ju looked like she was fighting internal demons with the way she was cursing to herself. Gyeong-seok rubbed her back.

“It’s okay,” he soothed.

“I used to be able to drink you under the table. What do you mean I'm already feeling the effects of the alcohol?”

“Its been explained to you multiple times.”

“Bullshit. I want a refund.”

“No you don't," everyone but Gi-hun said in unison.

Gi-hun tilted his head in confusion. Another inside joke? He’d ask later when he’s sober. He probably wouldn’t get it with how drunk he was.

He swayed back and forth, giggling at the way the world around him moved. Eventually he got into a heated argument about cats versus dogs with Se-mi. In the end they both conceded and took a shot as a truce. Dae-ho sat quietly amongst the noise, trying to stay as still as possible since somewhere between the dares and drinking games Jun-hee had succumbed to the alcohol and fell asleep on his shoulder.

Then the table fell quiet. Everyone stilled and the joyful atmosphere was replaced with an icy silence. Confused, Gi-hun followed their eyes.

“Mr. Hwang?" Gi-hun slurred, “What are you doing here?”

In-ho clenched his jaw, “Late night. I wanted a drink.”

Min-su lifted his eyebrow suspiciously, “It’s almost midnight. Why this bar?”

Gi-hun chuckled a little, noting the shy and meek young man grew a little bolder with alcohol in his system. They don’t call it ‘liquid courage’ for nothing.

“It’s one of the better bars near the office. Everyone knows this,” In-ho answered. Gi-hun looked away when they made eye contact. It was just a second, but those eyes made him hot all over.

In-ho sighed. “But it seems like I’ll just have to sacrifice that just to take Gi– uh, Mr. Seong home.” He shook his head as if he was sacrificing a relaxing night to himself.

At this, the swimming in his head ceased. Gi-hun stared at him in disbelief, but before he could say anything, Jung-bae walked up to the table. “You owe me Seong Gi-hun!”

Gi-hun bristled. “I already told you over the phone you're paying me back for the other day!”

In-ho’s nostrils flared as he glared at Jung-bae.

 Dae-ho carried Jun-hee bridal style so Gi-hun could slide out of the booth. He ignored In-ho. Gi-hun paused, and brushed Jun-hee’s bangs out the way, and placed a gentle kiss. A surge of emotion took over him, hitting him like a tidal wave. A tear slipped out.

Damn alcohol.

“You know,” He looked at his team, “Had I married my high school sweetheart, I'm sure I would have had a daughter her age, by now. Or a daughter period. She’s like a daughter I never had.” He sniffed, trying to reel back the tears.

“What am I chopped liver?” Se-mi asked in mock offense.

Gi-hun stuttered.

“I’m just kidding, old man!” She laughed.

Everyone was busy focusing on him taking in his openness and how emotional he could get while drunk. Not a single person paid mind on the man next to him whose pupils were blown out staring at Gi-hun like he wanted to ravish him right there and then. Gi-hun was pulled in from behind, a firm hand placed on his stomach. “You know there’s a solution to that,” In-ho whispered.

His voice was low and husky, laced with something dangerous. The words were meant for only him, and the breath was warm against his ear. Thank god for his already alcohol induced flush in his cheeks because In-ho's breath, his voice, his scent, his solid chest against his back, it was all too much. And then a subtle grind of hips against his ass. He could feel the hardness of—he didn’t want to finish that thought. Then came the memories from lunch.

Gi-hun pulled himself away, spun around doing his best to look confused by the man’s words, and not aroused by the memories and the man himself.

“Gi-hun-ah! Let’s goooo! I'm tired!” Jung-bae broke him from the trance.

He said his goodbyes to everyone, but In-ho, because fuck him. Oh he so wanted to. He shook the thought out.

“Aish, you’re heavy!”

Gi-hun clung on to Jung-bae like a life line. The alcohol was weighing on his limbs heavily. The quick spin he did to look at In-ho finally caught up to him, and he wasn’t too sure he could trust himself to stay up right. Jung-bae was scolding him, calling him every name in the book, but it all went over his head as he was being dragged to the car. His phone vibrated. It was an email.

He quickly read it before the hum of the car lulled him to sleep. The letters blurred, he barely understood what any of it said in his drunken state. His eyes scanned through words until his eyes settled over the last two lines before being dragged under by sleep.

I look forward to the collaboration,

Moon Kiyong.

Chapter Text

The morning after, Gi-hun woke up with a pounding headache and fuzzy memories of the night before. That Saturday he spent nursing his hangover. He was too old to be drinking like he was young. Regardless, he smiled and chuckled throughout the day when new memories of last night surfaced.

Then he cringed remembering how he cried in front of them and placed a kiss on Jun-hee's forehead, revealing an ache that was still raw even after having years to come to terms with it. He dropped his head on the counter, banging it against the faux marble counter over and over and over again, mumbling curses to fight against the embarrassment. He groaned both from the pain on his head and shame.

And then he remembered something that pulled him from his embarrassing thoughts. The warmth of a body against his and a deep voice filled with promise. He shook that memory away, but his body tensed, blood rushing like rapids in his veins when he remembered the faint roll of hips against his ass. Hardness against soft, cloth-covered flesh of ass.

His breath hitched, heat coiling in his lower belly remembering the warmth behind him, the hand possessive over his stomach, the deep rich voice in his ear whispering an innuendo with a canting of hips to make the message clear.

Gi-hun muttered a line of curses as he let pain bloomed in his palms to try and calm himself down.

“He's crazy,” he laughed incredulously, “he's fucking crazy. In front of everyone? Did no one actually catch him?"”

He ran his fingers through his hair.

“Who the fuck does he think he is?” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and covered his mouth as he tried to think things through, but nothing came up other than maybe…

He's just fucking crazy.

“Oh right,” he snapped his fingers, his mind immediately pivoted.

He shoved the memory of Hawng In-ho raining on their parade deep to the recess of his mind so the memory of last night with his colleagues wasn’t soured by that infuriating man.

Gi-hun opened his laptop to properly read the email with a clear head. He read it in such an inebriated state last night, he actually didn’t remember what it said. So he pulled it up to reread it. Formal, to the point, professional. An apology for the late email. The details aligned with the previous email informing him about working with another team. There was a time for a meeting for just the two of them to arrange things before a group meeting. And then a name. Moon Ki-yong.

An interesting name, though probably the most interesting thing about the person. Whatever, as long as he's tolerable and not a pain. He already had to deal with the damn CEO breathing down his neck. The last thing he wanted was for someone else to fight for the spot of biggest thorn in his ass.

He emailed the man back and continued with his day.

Sunday was uneventful, with only a stroll to the park followed by a nice picnic, then ending the stroll with feeding the geese and ducks some seeds and oats that he packed.

He ended his day with a shower followed by a warm bath to prepare himself for the week ahead that would surely kill him.

Gi-hun crawled into bed with a tired sigh and just as he found the most comfortable position, his phone rang. It was Jung-bae. It had to be Jung-bae. It had to be. Who else would call him right before his bedtime? This was payback. There’s no way this wasn’t payback for waking him up on Friday at almost one in the morning. Gi-hun reached for his phone, grumbling about losing his comfortable sleeping position and cursing his best friend.

There on his screen read:

Hwang In-ho

He silenced his phone.

Now he wished it was his best friend.

The phone lit up again. He ignored it. It rang again, and again he declined. It rang again. He declined it again. It rang again. Gi-hun growled in frustration as he finally answered.

“What do you want? I’m trying to sleep,” Gi-hun gave no effort to hide his annoyance.

“Gi-hun-ssi,” In-ho said breathlessly like he was relieved Gi-hun answered.

“What?”

“I have a business trip abroad. I won’t be back until Thursday.”

“Okay? What does that have to do to me?”

There was pause. “Communication.”

Gi-hun pinched the bridge of his nose trying to decipher what that meant in his sleep-ridden mind. “What?”

“So you don’t think I just up and left you. So you don’t think I gave up,” In-ho said softly, like a confession.

Gi-hun’s mouth moved before he could stop it. “A little unnecessary and dramatic, but that’s actually kinda sweet of you. And thoughtful.”

“Really?”

He could practically hear the man perk up.

“Wait no, I didn’t mean it! I’m tired. I don’t even know what I’m saying,” Gi-hun laughed nervously, trying to fix his mistake.

In-ho hummed, sounding very amused and pleased. “Try not to miss me too much the next few days,” it came out teasing, but most of all it was deep, filled with that raspy grogginess that only sleep could give, and it sent a jolt of shameful arousal through Gi-hun’s whole body. 

His breath hitched and In-ho caught it. Of course he did. And of course, he didn’t let it slide.

“What was that?” In-ho mused, his voice velvet and caressing his ear.

Gi-hun shut his eyes trying to keep his breath steady.

“Gi-hun-sii~” came a sing-song voice that curled around his body, hugging him in a sinful embrace.

Gi-hun bit his lip as he curled in on himself, doing his best to stop the blood from rushing down but ultimately failing. In-ho chuckled darkly, and his dick twitched with interest. Without his permission, a whimper escaped him. He covered his mouth.

“Are you tense?” A pause, “Do you need help relaxing?” Another pause, “I can help.”

He shook his head, but his body was already heating up and begging for more. His mind was at odds with his body. His pride was the only thing keeping him in check, keeping him from giving this man his address, so he can be screaming into his mattress until his voice gave out.

“You know, I normally wear a black silk pj set, but,” In-ho hummed, letting the time stretch and drive Gi-hun mad with anticipation he didn't want to admit to feeling. “Tonight I’m just wearing grey sweats that hang low on my hips and a black tank that stretches thin over my chest.”

The image of it painted itself clearly in Gi-hun’s head, and it's the hottest thing In-ho could possibly wear. His imagination ran wild. The black tank slightly raised, revealing a sliver of skin by his hip and more sinful, the band of his underwear peaking out of the sweats. Name brand probably. It's a sinful sight in his head but he eats it up greedily.

He whimpered.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours, hm? What are you picturing in there?” He chuckled, “Like what you see?”

The voice was a shock to his system, a delightful shock that lit his nerves on fire. His breath picked up, and his hand was already reaching down.

“I could be gentle if you want. Or rough. But hearing you like this,” Gi-hun heard fabric shift and a creak of wood. In-ho groaned, “I don’t think I'd want to be gentle.”

Fuck. Was In-ho touching himself? Gi-hun bit his lip, shutting his eyes tight, picturing it. In-ho, on his bed, dick hard and heavy in his hand, the tip beet red and oozing precum. God it’s a sight that made him hornier. In-ho, touching himself because of him. Because he wants him.

Gi-hun finally touched himself, and he muffled his moans into his pillow. It felt so good. Blinding even, when he finally stroked himself. He let out a groan that even the pillow couldn't quiet. He tightened his fist around his cock. Each stroke was just as rough as the last like In-ho himself was the one touching him.

“I’d be slow but rough with each stroke. Dig the tip of my thumb in the hole and drag that pretty pearlescent precum down to slick you up,” In-ho described, steady but underneath each word, laid something feral, ready to unravel at any given moment. His breath hitched, “Fuck, Gi-hun.”

Gi-hun followed the instructions, slow and rough. And at the tip, he did as In-ho described. He choked on a moan, canting his hips without thinking. He imagined it was In-ho’s hand. He repeated the torture with every other stroke.

“You sound so damn pretty. Don’t hide. I wanna hear you.”

“No,” Gi-hun whined.

“Don’t make me come over and fuck you til you can’t walk, until your throat hurts.”

The threat sounded tempting. In-ho in between his legs, one hand pinning his wrists over his head, the other on his waist holding him tight as he pounded into his ass at a punishing pace, making sure he screamed, hitting his prostate with each hard thrust.

“Or would you like that? For me to ruin you. Stretch you open with my dick and make you scream my name until you lose your voice. And I’ll keep going til you cry. Babbling nonsense from how good I make you feel.”

Gi-hun could hear the man's breath shorten. Each breath was more labored than the last. Gi-hun was not fairing any better. His body was burning, skin screaming for the heat of another, and worse, his hole was aching. Aching for the stretch, aching for the burn, aching to be filled.

“I’ll fill you up till you’re leaking with my come. Til your belly is full with my seed. I’d plug you up, have you walking around, with your belly bulging from my own spend.”

What In-ho said wasn’t just dirty, it was beyond vulgar, but damn if it didn’t paint such an pretty picture. To be fucked until he was full, forced to carry that fullness throughout the day for In-ho’s pleasure. God what was wrong with him? That’s not something he’d normally enjoy, but In-ho made it sound like it would be euphoric. Like he’d worship him for it. And that was just too enticing.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you, baby?” In-ho grunted. “You’d look so good baby. Fuck, I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you. I’d fuck you all day.”

Gi-hun whined.

“Why don’t you stick your fingers in for me, baby?”

Gi-hun's lust-hazed mind followed the instructions, and he started sucking on his fingers, coating them slick with his saliva. He couldn't stop. He was lost in the haze of want and need and kept sucking. Lewd wet noises matching pace with the hand on his cock. It was obscene. The loud squelching sounds paired well with his needy moans.

God, how long has it been since he last sucked on a dick. He missed it and he’s desperate, using his own fingers as a poor substitute for one. For In-ho’s cock.

“Fuck, baby. Ya' thinking about sucking me off? You that desperate you can’t pull your fingers outta that filthy mouth?”

Gi-hun whined, drool sliding down his chin, chest rising and falling. His curls stuck to his forehead and the nape of his neck.

“They should be wet enough. Go ahead and stick them in for me.”

Reluctantly, Gi-hun pulled them out with a wet pop. In-ho hummed appreciatively.

When his fingers found his rim he gave a tentative touch. He moaned. Loudly. He might not last.

“Come on baby, you can do it. Say my name. Scream my name, when they go in.”

In-ho. Hwang In-ho.

The name repeated in his head as he teased himself.

Hwang In-ho.

Hwang In-ho.

“In-ho,” he moaned loudly as he stuck a wet finger in. His back arched at the intrusion.

“That’s it, Gi-hun. Keep going baby,” In-ho praised, “just like that, keep saying my name.”

Gi-hun moaned and whined his name as he kept thrusting his fingers in and stoking his leaking cock. He could hear In-ho grunt and breathe faster. It emboldened him.

So he kept going, chanting his name like a prayer, ruining himself just for In-ho.

In-ho groaned. “Fuck baby, you have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

Gi-hun’s toes curled. He was close just from In-ho's voice, his breath, his praise.

Then sudden realization hit.

Ice ran down his veins, and the cloud of arousal made way for logic. That’s the fucking CEO! He shot up, throwing his hands off his body trying to get his breathing in order.

“Mr. Hwang, this is entirely inappropriate, and again this is not going slow.” Gi-hun had hoped it came out stern, but instead it came out like a petulant whine.

The man groaned on the other line, like the scolding was getting him off rather than turning him off. It made a shiver go down Gi-hun’s spine. He took a deep breath.

“I don’t know, I thought I was guiding you pretty slow,” In-ho said with a chuckle.

“Mr. Hwang, that’s not what–”

“Mmmm, baby,” In-ho groaned.

Gi-hun flushed further at the pet name. It was dragging him back to temptation.

“Keep going baby, I’m so fucking close.”

Gi-hun squeaked. He couldn't decide. He was on the edge. Should he just finish with the CEO or maintain his dignity?

“Come on, baby, I know you want to.”

Well that answered his question.

“Goodbye Hwang In-ho!” Gi-hun said quickly before hanging up. He was panting, flushed, and sweaty. The haze of lust slowly cleared from his head. He did not just have phone sex with In-ho. He did not just have phone sex with the CEO, with his boss! But the sticky mess on his hand, stomach, and sheets from just how much he was leaking spoke the undeniable truth. 

He ran a hand through his damp hair not caring that it was still wet with spit. Shit. He fucked up. He fucked up so bad. He groaned before getting up and throwing his bed sheets into the wash and throwing himself in the shower in an attempt to wash off the shame. To erase the mistake that stuck to his skin.

He left himself flushed and still hard, arousal burning in his skin. He could finish himself off. He was getting close anyway. What's a couple of more strokes? But to In-ho? Now this was just a pride thing. He refused to masturbate to that damn, handsome, honey voiced man who refused to listen and kept dragging him down to sin, to temptation. He wouldn’t. He just wouldn’t.

He turned on the cold water and jumped in, instantly killing his hard on. One quick ice-cold shower later, and he’s back to bed, shivering. Not just from the cold, but from the arousal that still simmered beneath his skin. He ignored it in favor of thinking about documents and reports he thought might need a second opinion until he fell asleep.

He woke up hard. Normal morning wood. Gi-hun would just have to wait it out as he went on about his morning routine. A difficult task considering the memories of last night kept hitting him in waves. He managed to ignore it and walked out when he was ready.

The day was particularly hot. The sun scorched everything in its path, even in the morning. The summer air burned his skin like a brand. The short trek from his door to his car had Gi-hun wishing he bought that portable fan he saw on sale at a small shop. He huffed and mourned the loss because it had a cute little cat design. When he closed the door to his car, he turned it on. The air conditioning blasting hot air straight to his face, suffocating and scalding him.

He cursed the heat, the sun, the weather as he waited for his car to cool down. Sweat beads slid down his temple. Gi-hun took out a cheap handkerchief he got on sale in bulk and wiped them away. It was punishingly hot outside.

When he parked his car, he licked his lips. They were dry from the cold air blasting straight into his face the entire ride to work. As he stepped out, he put on lip balm to relieve the dryness. Again walking through the sweltering heat just to get to the building, had him internally cruising anything and everything under his breath. He just might buy that damn fan. Pink all over and the blade guard round. Cat ears sat on top and the cutest part? The handle had little stubs to look like the body of a cat. The best part? It had a wrist strap on the end making it look like the tail!

Gi-hun smiled giddily, trying his darndest to not look like a little kid at a candy shop from thinking about the cutest fan he’s ever seen. Sure it might be too small in his hand, from what he could remember, but so were most hand held electronic fans. Well, he knew what he was doing after work.

Gi-hun strolled in the building briefly chatting with Jun-hee, hoping that no one told her of his sentiment from Friday night then went up to his floor. Thankfully, it seemed like she didn’t know. Maybe, everyone was too drunk to remember. 

He wiped his sweat off with his handkerchief again and stowed it away in his breast pocket when he hopped onto the elevator.

He got off and when he turned the corner, he greeted those who were there. He clocked in and got to work until it was time for the meeting With the other team lead.

Either everyone forgot about working with the sales department, or they just didn’t care enough to ask who they were going to be working with anymore.

He only had an hour to do some tasks before the meeting with Mr. Moon. He busied himself until it was almost time to leave.

Upon entering the meeting room he was greeted with the sight of a tall man facing the large floor to ceiling windows. His hands were in his pockets as the man took in the view. The grey suit fit him like a glove and from the looks of it, his hair was combed to the side.

“Mr. Moon?” Gi-hun called out, letting the name sit on his tongue to see how it felt.

The man turned around.

Gi-hun’s breath hitched.

He was gorgeous.

His smile and eyes were welcoming. There wasn’t a single hair out of place. Even the way he walked was hot. Gi-hun snapped himself out of the trance. He met Mr. Moon halfway.

“Mr. Seong?” The man tilted his head curiously.

Gi-hun nodded, trying not to stare at his jaw or his neck or his lips and stuck his hand out.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Moon.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” the man said warmly, shaking Gi-hun’s hand.

Gi-hun couldn't hide his wince, nor his hiss of pain when Mr. Moon shook his hand. The hold wasn’t firm. It was a boa constrictor around his hand. Gi-hun caught something wild flash in the man’s eye, but he wasn’t too sure. Mr. Moon finally released him, and Gi-hun had to fight back the urge to soothe his hand.

“Please take a seat and we can discuss the details,” Mr. Moon pulled out a chair and gestured for Gi-hun to sit.

Gi-hun nodded, mumbled a thanks and did his best to hide his blush. Talk about chivalrous. He sat down. To his dismay or maybe delight, Mr. Moon sat right next to him. Close. Maybe even a little too close, but Gi-hun didn’t mind. Mr. Moon leaned in closer while showing him some papers.

From this close he could smell him. Sharp, clean, fresh. Completely different from In-ho's, but no less dizzying.

The man spoke smoothly, leaving no room for doubt. He sounded so sure of himself. He clearly knew what he was doing. He continued to explain the engagements and sales ratio and where there could be improvements.

Gi-hun was only half listening even though he should be giving his whole attention. Words settled themselves down in his head for him to unpack later. He gave answers when they were needed as Mr. Moon continued to write out a plan and schedule. Gi-hun let his eyes wander down to the man’s hands. He bit the inside of his cheek, using the pain to ground himself.

Those hands were large. Long fingers that splayed on the table as the others gripped a pen writing down notes.

Gi-hun’s mind wanted to wander. He so desperately wanted to let thoughts of those fingers doing something else to unravel him, but he couldn’t. So he looked back at Mr. Moon's face, but his eyes gravitated to his lips.

Nope!

“We'll have to work very close this week, you and I. We'll obviously delegate tasks to our prospective teams, but you and I are going to be stuck together like glue,” Mr. Moon said.

Oh, he was doomed. Hot coworker. Smooth smile, even smoother voice. Yeah, he’d need a miracle to pull off this work week without trying to seduce the man into his pants. He swallowed thickly.

“Ah, and here I thought we'd be sending each other emails with updates,” Gi-hun chuckled nervously.

The other man hummed. “There will be that too, but I also like a hands on approach,” he clasped his hand on Gi-hun’s shoulder and gave a hard pat.

He winced. He's quickly learning, Mr. Moon might not know how to control his strength.

“Let’s go meet your team, yeah?” Moon suggested.

“Oh um yeah, let’s go and yeah,” Gi-hun blushed at his own stumbling.

He led the way, Moon following closely next to him, then suddenly, he’s pulled into Moon's side, a strong arm resting over his shoulders. “To a new partnership!” He laughed, squeezing his shoulder too tight. Gi-hun yelped. Any normal person would have let go and apologize. Moon has done neither. Maybe because he was too lost talking about how well they're going to work together, he hadn’t realized what he'd done or heard Gi-hun's pained yelp.

When they made it to his little corner of the office, the clicking of keys and humming of the printer were the only sounds being made. A sense of pride filled him. His team would make a good first impression.

“Everyone, say hello to the team lead Moon Ki-yong!”

Eyes locked on the man and there was a collective groan. Gi-hun’s mouth dropped, shame and disappointment now making their way up his cheeks. He turned and tried to apologize but paused when a wide unflappable smile was resting on the other man’s lips.

He clapped and then bowed. “I know, I know. Hold the applause. Your favorite salesman is here!” He announced, “Good to see you all. I’m looking forward to working with you all once again once again!”

“Ugh boss, why didn’t you tell us we were working with that guy,” Dae-ho groaned.

“Yeah, you could’ve given us time to emotionally prepare to work with that,” Gyeong-seok paused as if mulling over his words, “person.”

“None of you seemed particularly bothered by the collaboration today, I thought the topic didn’t need to be brought up.”

“We just forgot that’s all,”  Min-su piped up.

“Plus, it’s your job to remind us,” Se-mi added.

She made a valid point. He sighed. “You’re right. I made a mistake and failed you all.” a pause. “Wait didn’t you say you guys didn’t remember his name?”

Their silence was an answer.

“So it wouldn't have mattered if I told you or not,” he pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

Another silent answer.

The salesman laughed. “I’m thankful for your forgetfulness, otherwise I wouldn’t have made such a great first impression with my new partner. Can’t imagine he’d be so willing to cooperate if you all soured my image before I got to meet him.”

Gi-hun's blush burned harder. Partner. His stomach did a flip and a giddiness warmed him at the prospect. It sounded good coming off his mouth. A smile forged itself on his lips before he shook the thought from his head.

Work partner Gi-hun. WORK partner! He scolded himself.

He was already getting excited, and he'd only met the man! Who did he think he was? Anna from Frozen?

“I hope to work with him more in the future.”

Gi-hun grunted when the salesman placed both his hands on his shoulders. “Wouldn’t you like that? To work with me again in the future?” Mr. Moon practically purred into his ear. Then fingers kneaded into his shoulders, thumbs working at his neck. He suppressed a moan of pleasure, feeling the muscles be worked out. God, when was the last time he had a massage?

“Depends on how well we work together. Aguh! AH!” Moon’s thumb went over a particularly nasty knot. He tried to pull away but to his dismay, the man didn't let go. Only held him still and dug harder, making him yelp.

“Be good, hyung or you’ll make me wanna be rougher,” He whispered discreetly.

“You're hurting him!” Ali stood up.

“No it’s okay. He just started giving me a— massage? He went over a knot, and he’s going at it like he has a personal vendetta against it,” Gi-hun explained as he almost buckled under the pain.

Se-mi narrowed her eyes. “Feels like I’m intruding on something. I don’t consent to this. Please stop.”

The salesman shrugged and stopped. “Only ‘cause you asked nicely.”

Gi-hunn relaxed now the pain was gone, but a part of lamented the loss. He hadn’t had a massage in ages. They did have work however, so he couldn't ask him to keep going. He’ll just have to make an appointment later after work or during lunch.

“Alright, let's get back to work. We have a meeting after lunch with Mr. Moon’s team to go over the schedule,” Gi-hun clapped his hands, and everyone turned to focus back on their work. “Alright, I’ll see you after lunch,” Gi-hun smiled at him and turned to go to his office.

Only, when he tried to close the door, someone stopped him. “Huh?”

The salesman followed him in and closed the door behind him. “I did say we were gonna be stuck like glue, did I not?” The man said slyly as he closed the blinds of the office, blocking his view of the team.

“I didn’t expect so soon,” Gi-hun laughed nervously. He thought he’d have until lunch to mentally prepare for being near this gorgeous man for the rest of the week. He was not prepared to immediately work with him. He would have to be with this man in this office or in Mr. Moon's. He swallowed. He was not looking forward to it. He sat down.

His lips were chapped again. He sighed and applied more  before absentmindedly placing it on his desk. 

Moon pulled up a chair next to him. “There should have been an email sent out to you. We can look over it and start seeing who in our teams could work together. We want efficiency."

Gi-hun nodded and pulled up his inbox.

“Right there,” the man leaned in.

They went over their plans, their members, and where they excelled. As distracted as he was with working it wasn’t enough to stop him from noticing how the man would inch closer to him until their thighs were touching. At that point, Gi-hun was having a hard time focusing on anything but on the heat next to him.

“You look tense,” Moon stated, “I can help with that.”

Gi-hun immediately flushed. Memories of last night with In-ho came flooding into his mind. Heavy breathing, ragged breath in his ear, deep pleased groan mixed with a chuckle. The way the sound licked his ears, lighting fire to his skin. The way In-ho guided him close to climax until he realized what was happening.

To his horror, his body was reacting to the memory. Worse, it was reacting to what Moon could mean. As nonchalantly as possible, he crossed his legs.

“Thats not necessary, Mr. Moon,” Gi-hun muttered with a waning smile.

Moon stood up and rounded behind Gi-hun, clasping his hands roughly on his shoulders. He let out a sound of surprise.

“Nonsense!” Moon squeezed his shoulders, making him groan, “It would be my pleasure,” he practically purred in his ear. Gi-hun shivered.

Thumbs dug into the back of his shoulders with a pressure that had his eyes rolling. Those hands went lower and the pressure increased. He leaned forward, giving Mr. Moon better access to the span of his back.

“Here, let me take this off you,” Mr. Moon slid Gi-hun’s suit jacket off and placed it on the chair next to him. Moon then slid his own off followed by rolling up his sleeve.

“AH!” Gi-hun pulled away from the pain. He was going to scold the man, but the words died in his throat. A hand gripped the back of his neck and forced him down against his desk. Another hand splayed in between his shoulder blades. His breathing picked up, as pain prickled and fingers dug into a knot with firm pressure.

“That hurts,” he grunted, “can you use a little less pressure?”

Mr. Moon hummed, “Pity,” his thumb dragged over the ball of nerves with enough pressure to make Gi-hun yelp, “unfortunately, that’s not possible.” His palm went over the knot again. “You have such a nasty knot. I have to be rough.”

The hand on his neck started to massage him, fingers kneading the back of his neck. It was gentle at first, but it didn't last long.

“You're just so tense all around. I can’t afford to be gentle.”

Gi-hun hissed as the other hand found another knot along his shoulder blade. He tried to move, but Mr. Moon kept him pinned to his desk. Mr. Moon dug his fingers into the knots making him yelp and groan and hiss. The man was relentless, intent on ridding him of the knots. It was getting harder to handle.

His body was shaking with discomfort with every press against tense muscle. Why was he even letting himself get massaged by a man he just met? Gi-hun was going to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist during lunch! He should stop him, but the hand on his nape was large enough to cover the sides of his throat and it squeezed.

He gasped, lids half closed, and panting. Shit. That felt way too good. The pressure was constant but not uncomfortable, just enough to have his eyes rolling to the back of his head. A distraction to the discomfort happening on his back. And strangely, the pain was starting to feel good. Until the salesman dug harder.

He twisted and contorted trying to escape, but the hand only pressed down harder on his neck.

“Look at you withering in pain,” the salesman murmured, “it’s a good look on you.”

Gi-hun could hear the smugness dripping with every word.

“Ha ha, very fu–AH! Wait!” Gi-hun started panting. Sweat started beading down his temple. “Mr. Moon, please stop. Give me a break, SHIT!”

“But you have so many knots, and you have so many tense spots. Now be a good boy and stay still for me. Okay?”

Good boy.

Despite the pain and discomfort, the way he said it made Gi-hun whine and whimper. The name set fire in his body. 

“Like I said, it’s my pleasure,” his hand stopped, giving Gi-hun relief from the onslaught of pain. “Now what did I say?” A finger slid down his spine, feather light.

He shivered.

The hand on his nape slid around his throat. Light but there. Gi-hun felt himself go hard. His mouth opened and closed dumbly.

“To stay still.”

“That’s not all I said.”

Gi-hun resisted the urge to moan as the hand around his throat tightened just a bit. He was panting, his eyes closed trying to calm himself.

“What did I say, hm?”

He started to wiggle trying to escape his grasp, but he gasped. Eyes shooting open when a knot was pressed down with fingers. They curled under, making the pain unbearable.

“What did I say?” The salesman repeated sternly.

Gi-hun hissed, “To be good and stay still.”

A thumb pressed into the knot. Gi-hun screamed. And the salesman? He hummed like that was the reaction he wanted, like he was pleased. “That’s not all I said, Mr. Seong.”

Gi-hun was huffing, flushed, his wires started to cross. Pain became indiscriminate from pleasure. Fuck, the man was going to make him say it. He was going to make him call himself a-a…

He swallowed.

The thumb pressed harder. He cried out.

“I’m waiting~”

“You said– you said to be a– to be a good boy and stay still,” he panted. Already ruined.

“For?”

Gi-hun whined.

“For– for you, Mr. Moon,” he closed his eyes, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

The hand on his throat disappeared and gently stroked his temple while the other slowly ran down his spine making him shiver.

“Good boy,” Moon praised.

Gi-hun’s eyes rolled back again as he groaned when the salesman went over another knot with gentle pressure.

“I’m gonna let you go, but you keep your head on your desk, understood?” The salesman whispered in his ear as he stroked his hair.

Gi-hun nodded. “Ah!”

His hair was pulled. It sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, and now his body was thrumming with it.

“Use your words.”

“Understood,” Gi-hun panted out.

What was he doing? Why was he letting this man do this to him? And why was he getting turned on by this damn massage that bordered on torture. He should put a stop to it. This felt inappropriate. Or maybe his reaction to this all is why it feels inappropriate. This was just a favor from a coworker. A coworker. And the hair pulling?

A moan escaped without his permission. The hair pulling was divi– an unnecessary action and very much so inappropriate.

“Good boy.”

Okay, so what if this is a little weird, those hands felt amazing on his back, relaxing his tense muscles, and the man touching him was hot. What more could he ask for? A date maybe. Or to be fucked within an inch of his life against his desk. He’d be happy with either or.

The soft tender care on his back didn’t last long. Those large hands started their assault on his knots again. Gi-hun shut his eyes, baring his teeth as mixed signals were sent to his brain. Pain, pleasure, relief. He’s so hard, it hurts. This was a damn fucking mistiake and he needed to stop it. He’s being a pervert, seeing this act of service as something sensual rather than a friendly favor.

Though from the way the man was speaking to him and touching him, maybe his intention was the former.

One of the smaller knots finally gave and popped. “Ah shit!”

“Breathe. Just breathe.”

“It fucking hurts!”

“I know,” Moon paused, then reached to his lower back. Gi-hun sighed. He was drooling now as the salesman massaged him more gently. Then he grabbed his waist.

“Such a small fucking waist. Jesus Christ,” he squeezed him, “What in the actual fuck?”

Gi-hun peeked at the man. His eyes were wide and wild, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing, and the smile was fucking manic. He looked crazy.

Shit.

Was it bad that he found it hot? Was it bad that he wanted the man to hold onto his waist as he pounded deep into him? What the fuck was getting into him?

He groaned. Fingers slid up his sides making him shiver. “Senseitve are we?”

It’s because of last night. When he stopped himself from finishing with In-ho on the phone last night. He’s pent up. That's the real reason. Not because he’s some kind of sexual deviant who gets off from massages alone. Yeah, he was just pent up from last night. The arousal was still lingering from the night before. He took a desperate breath of air. Hell since he first met Hwang In-ho. It’s all biting him in his ass.

Maybe he could ask him out on a date during lunch. He’s confident he won’t get rejected. The man just called him a good boy and pulled his hair for crying out loud! Who does that unless they’re interested? He groaned painfully.

“There you go,” the salesman said encouragingly as he massaged harder.

Gi-hun huffed, keeping his body still and pliant for this man. Listening to him and letting those words seep into him like oil.

His dick twitched again.

What would it be like if he took off his shirt right now? To have those large hands on him. The warmth of his hands would be hotter without the thin barrier. And to have oil  to help, slippery and fragrant. God he could just imagine it. The easy glide of slick hands on skin, no resistance like there was now. Still, he couldn’t seem to tell him to stop anymore.

Body warm, dick hard, skin sensitive. He was so close to locking his door and asking the man to please fuck him— the blinds were already closed. He’d even get on his knees and beg for it. God he was so far gone, all this pent up arousal was making him unreasonable. He could do it, he could ask. The man was literally touching him and praising him. After lunch, during lunch, before lunch, right now just to get it out of his system, and bonus, he could finally stop thinking about In-ho.

The salesman was a great pick. No power in balance in the work place. They work in different departments. They’re on equal footing. It would work out.

He groaned, as the salesman passed over more tense muscles, and Gi-hun was on the verge of tears now. He whimpered. And then…

He stopped. Hands off. Pressure gone.

Gi-hun looked back confused and whined. Pathetic, needy. Gone. 

“Why’d you stop?” His words were slurred and hoarse. He didn’t want it to stop, but there was also relief. He wasn’t being tortured anymore. Yet he wanted more.

“Lunch is starting soon,” Moon informed casually as he fixed his sleeves. “I’m sure you’d want to make yourself presentable. You look like you’ve melted.”

Gi-hun checked the time. He was right. Fuck. He was still hard, and he could feel the dampness of his underwear stick to his tip. A stop to the bathroom to freshen up would be absolutely necessary— maybe let himself finally finish. He stole a glance at the man. He would probably follow him in, maybe shove him against the wall or bathroom stall and kiss him like a starving man. Maybe fuck him against the wall. Gi-hun was half tempted, but threw the thought out. He didn’t want to get fired or want more rumors spreading around about him again. Though this time, thes rumors would be true.

“Feel like it too, but uh,” Gi-hun finally answered as he stretched, wincing just a bit doing so, “couldn’t you have gone a little easier on me?”

“I could have,” he smirked, “but where’s the fun in that?”

Gi-hun didn’t get a word in edge wise because Moon was already talking about the last few things they needed to clear up before lunch. And poor Gi-hun was left wanting and needy, and embarrassed. The man was finishing up while Gi-hun was desperately ridding himself of his erection. It went away, but the arousal lingered, simmering in his nerves.

The salesman stood up abruptly, slipping his coat back on and smoothed down his lapels catching Gi-hun off guard. “Should we head out now?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” Gi-hun laughed nervously. He was just glad his dick wasn’t hard anymore. He grabbed his coat and followed the salesman out only to find that everyone else had left for lunch. The Salesman was heading to the lunch room, and Gi-hun grew nervous. The group already didn't like the guy, and now he’s going to lunch with them. They just might start a mutiny against him for this.

“Well, it looks like we were beat,” Mr. Moon laughed upon seeing everyone in the break room.

“What in the world is he doing here?” Se-mi asked, her disdain clear as day in her voice and her even more so on her face.

“Hey Bossman, why do you look like that?” Gyeong-seok asked, slightly worried.

He thought he fixed himself enough before lunch. He sighed. “Dont get massaged by him, he sucks,” he jutted  his thumb to the salesman—as his team so lovingly refer to him— who seemed unbothered by the comment.

And it was true. He sucked because he wouldn’t listen, but damn if he didn’t feel better, more relaxed. He won't deny that the man knew what he was doing with how much better he felt. He’ll keep the man’s skill a secret until he deemed someone worthy of punishment.

And they seemed to take his words as truth since he probably looked worse for wear based on their faces looking at him.

Unceremoniously No-eul spoke up. “Can you leave?”

“Alright,” the Salesman raised his hands in surrender. “I know when I'm not wanted. I need to settle some things with my team, anyway. I’ll see you all during the meeting!” He turned to exit.

“Wow. I didn’t think that would work,” Ali said dumbfounded.

“Unlike someone else who can't take a hint even when explicitly told,” No-eul grumbled into her cup. A grimace holding her features captive.

“So no one's gonna talk about what we heard?” Dae-ho spoke up.

Everyone groaned and Min-su threw a napkin at his face. Gi-hun flushed all over ready to die on the spot. He was begging for the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He was too loud.

“You heard the man, it was a back massage,” Hyun-ju mumbled with a sour face as she mixed her food with her chopsticks. 

“Ha! It sounded anything but!” Se-mi cackled.

“Please I beg you, it was a back massage. And it hurt like hell. Mr. Moon doesn't hold back. He sucks and doesn't listen.

“Hmmm, sounds like the bastard, always doing as he pleases so long as it's entertaining,” Gyeong-seok confirmed in between bites.

“He did sound like he was actually in pain.” Min-su said with genuine concern.

“I know it was very unprofessional of me and ugh, oh god I'm so sorry,” Gi-hun hid behind his hands in shame.

“You could always buy us lunch!” Dae-ho shouted.

“For a week!” Se-mi added excitedly.

Everyone murmured in agreement and Gi-hun sighed in defeat.

“Sure, yeah, if you guys can just forget it.”

“Hmph! We'll try but I'm traumatized,” No-eul laughed.

Gi-hun groaned but sat down to eat.

“Hey, I just noticed. Where's the big boss?” Jun-hee asked.

“Work trip.” Gi-hun answered tiredly.

“How do you know?” She asked.

“Wouldn’t stop calling until I picked up to let me know, that insufferable prick,” Gi-hun grumbled.

“Well at least we can eat in peace,” Hyun-ju said.

And eat in peace they did until lunch was over. They gathered their things from their desks to prepare for the meeting.

The meeting room was suffocating. Not because of pressing deadlines, or the meeting with a new team, or because of the salesman. It was suffocating because it was hot. The AC in that specific room was broken, and everyone was suffering. And as luck would have it, all the other meeting rooms were also occupied.

Makeshift fans were made as both Gi-hun and the salesman took turns explaining the plan for the week. Gi-hun sat down to let the other man take over a section. A fan was passed to him from his team as he was listening to the salesman. As he fanned himself, he pulled out his handkerchief to dab off excess sweat. The salesman glanced over at him, and the look he was giving him was intense.

Gi-hun ignored him, and continued to dab off sweat from his forehead. The makeshift fan only did so much, only ever circulating warm air from the hot room. When it was his time to share, he reluctantly left the fan behind. He didn't know how he managed to get through his part, but he did. By the time the meeting was finished, his handkerchief was damp with sweat.

Everyone fled the room, but Gi-hun needed a moment to get his head straight, the handkerchief now abandoned on the table. He sat back fanning himself. The salesman came back in with a cup of cold water from the water cooler down the hall and handed it to Gi-hun as he sat next to him.

Gi-hun took it and downed it in one go. He thanked him, leaned back and sighed. The proximity of the salesman wasn't even bothering him from just how hot he felt. He looked over to Moon only to flush further when seeing a smile on his lips.

He's up and awkwardly mumbled that he needed to get going. The salesman tilted his head and smirked, his long fingers tapping on the table making Gi-hun flinch.

“Shame, you look rather cute, all flushed and sweaty like that, Mr. Seong.”

Gi-hun laughed nervously looking everywhere but at the salesman. “Ahem, I think I'll head out now and see if my team have any questions.”

“I suppose that's a logical decision,” he sighed, “I guess I should do the same,” he stood up.

Gi-hun took a step back as he swallowed.

“Go on ahead, Mr. Seong, I have to make a private call first.”

Gi-hun nodded dumbly and high tailed it out of there, almost running into one of their custodians as he went straight to his office to calm and cool down. His lips were annoyingly chapped again, so he reached for his lip balm on his desk only to not find it where he left it.

“Hm. Could'a sworn I left it on my desk…” he sighed at his forgetfulness, simply pulling out his spare from his drawer before working.