Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Three Months Ago

Jieun had been gone for six months. She had earned a great promotion that allowed her to travel all over Korea, all over the world, to scout for filming locations for her production company. She was paid an unreal amount to visit amazing places, eat great food, and meet interesting people. Jongwoo knew that there was more to the job than that, but he was jealous of how great it sounded from the outside.

You would think that a studio based in Seoul would allow Jieun and him to meet more often, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. He had only been able to meet her once since she got the promotion, and that was only because she was outside of Busan at the same time he was visiting his mother for Children’s Day. They shared a quick lunch, and she was gone. He hadn’t seen her in person since.

When she was first notified of her promotion, they agreed to take a break. Just until she was back in Seoul full-time. Jieun knew how busy she was going to be and asserted that Jongwoo didn’t deserve to have an absent partner. Jongwoo didn’t make enough money at his internship for him to visit her.

They had this conversation in her apartment over a bottle of wine and said goodbye. They cried. Held each other. Jongwoo spent the night with her in his arms. They watched the sun come up from the balcony sofa. Jieun was curled into Jongwoo’s side, a blanket tossed over them, both with puffy eyes.

“We’ll be in the same city again someday. This isn’t permanent. We aren’t saying goodbye forever. I still want to marry you. I still want to make a family with you. But I do not want to half-ass this relationship in the meantime.” Jieun’s words were mature and pragmatic, but her tone betrayed how upset she was.

She knew this job would be amazing for her career; that it would give her the life her mother dreamed she would be able to experience before marriage.

Jongwoo held her tight until the alarm went off. Jieun’s hand, that had been resting comfortably on his chest, tightened at the sound, clenching his shirt in her hands. She was nervous. Her half of the apartment was already packed and placed in storage. Her replacement would be moving into the unit later that day. She signed the contract for the job weeks ago.

There was no turning back now. She wanted this opportunity, she really did, but she couldn’t help but be terrified by the unknown.

Jongwoo helped her rise off the couch and guided her to the shower. He made her breakfast while she bathed, knowing that she probably needed the privacy to cry. They ate together in silence. When the time came, Jongwoo grabbed one of her suitcases and walked her to the train station.

They shared an exhausted embrace. The utter lack of sleep, the crying, the weight of not knowing what tomorrow was going to be like. Jieun clung to Jongwoo until the train arrived. Her first assignment was in Japan, why couldn’t it have been in Incheon?

The doors opened and she ripped herself away from him, hastily grabbing her suitcases and headed toward the train. If she took the time to look at his face, to say goodbye yet again, to kiss him. She would have fallen apart in front of all these strangers.

She found her seat and tried her hardest not to look out the window, but she wasn’t that strong. She looked to her right and saw Jongwoo with his hand on his face, tears streaming down, lips in his distinctive pout. She waved; her own face wet with the tears she didn’t know she had left. He looked up just as the train began to move and they made eye contact for the last time.

The thing about a practical breakup is that they typically aren’t as rigid as an incompatibility breakup. Jieun called later that night to tell Jongwoo that she had arrived in Kyoto. She continued to send him pictures from the sites she visited. He sent her updates about the apprenticeships he was applying to.

Though they weren’t seeing each other in person, they quickly reverted into relationship-typical conversation.

Things were easier in the beginning. Jongwoo still called her most nights. They would text casually throughout the day. But just like they predicted in the beginning, the schedule was just not conducive to maintaining a long-distance relationship. Jongwoo tried to not let it bother him, but he would inevitably be hurt if Jieun didn’t answer his calls or if she couldn’t text back until the next day.

He tried not to mind that she didn’t seem interested in his stories about his coworkers. He could tell how exhausted she was over the phone. He tried so hard, but his heart was still having a difficult time. And Jieun noticed too.

“Jongwoo, do you have some time to talk today after work? We need to talk about us.” He stared at Jieun’s text. She was in Christchurch that week, meaning she was three hours ahead. Jongwoo wanted to tell her that he could talk now to keep her from having to stay up too late, but then he realized that she probably wouldn’t be finished with her work until much later.

Jongwoo knew this conversation was coming. He knew that they couldn’t keep pretending that they were just friends and no one’s feelings were getting hurt. He just didn’t want to deal with it.

She’d been gone for six months, and the resentment had been building that whole time. But he still wasn’t ready for the real goodbye.

“Yeah, I’m free after six. Call me whenever you get the chance.”

Two hours later, Jongwoo was six beers deep and had one less person in his life.

We need new boundaries.

I can’t keep hurting you.

We can’t be friends, there’s too much history there.

This is why we agreed to break up in the first place.

Jongwoo kept replaying the conversation in his head. It was everything he knew was coming. Well, almost everything.

“You should start seeing other people,” Jieun nearly shouted, as if she didn’t force it out her mouth, she would have never been able to say it.

“What did you say?” Jongwoo couldn’t hide his hurt. He knew what breaking up meant. You moved on. You met new people. You forgot about those from your past.

“Jongwoo. Nothing has changed. I don’t know when I’ll be back in Seoul. I don’t want you holding a torch for me until I get back. It could be years.” Jieun sniffed, obvious that she had cried at some point during the call.

“I want you to live your life. If we find each other again, that’s great. If not, we still have all our memories. You were my first love. That will never change.”

Jongwoo knew she was right, he just hated everything about this conversation.

“We can’t stay like this. Neither of us are happy. I know you hate that I can’t give you the love and attention you deserve. I spend most of my time feeling guilty. We can’t keep doing this.” There was a long silence.

Jieun could hear Jongwoo breathing on the other side of the line, absorbing what she had said.

“We can catch up when I’m in Seoul like old friends. But I think that’s the extent we should talk.” She said a brief goodbye and hung up. 

And there Jongwoo was, sitting on the sidewalk outside a convenience store with an empty six pack and an acceptance letter to an editor’s apprenticeship and no one to share it with.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

It took a while for Jongwoo to be comfortable looking at other women. He had been with Jieun since his third year of college. They talked about getting married, making a family. It’s what they both wanted. What they still wanted.

Once she got her next promotion, she wouldn’t be traveling as much and her and Jongwoo would be able to be a proper couple. They would be able to give adequate attention to each other once they were settled. It’s hard to provide emotional support for someone when you’re so drained just from trying to take care of yourself. Now just wasn’t a good time, but this was only temporary. But Jongwoo was still a man, and Jieun gave him the okay to branch out three months ago.

“You need to find someone, hyung. Just rip off the band aid. Nothing serious. You’re not looking for a girlfriend. You’re not looking to replace Jieun. But I know you’re feeling restless.” Seokyoon was trying yet again to get Jongwoo to go to the bar with him. He had a caring, but somewhat exasperated look on his face.

They’d had this argument for months. They had it when Jieun first started traveling. He wasn’t ready then. But he could only hold out for so long.

“Seokyoon, I just moved into my new place. I’ve only been at this job for a couple months. I’m tired. I need to finish unpacking.” Jongwoo was exhausted, but he knew his friend was right. He felt his sex drive wither when Jieun left, but he was starting to feel tense these past couple weeks.

He hadn’t taken care of himself since she left, and he really, really, needed to take care of himself.

“You’ve been here for two weeks! But fine, I will help you settle everything in this weekend. By Monday, this will be your completely established home.” Seokyoon wasn’t exactly lying, but Jongwoo knew him well enough to know that would never happen.

“Just come out with me. Take a look around. Please.” Seokyoon had quite the puppy dog eyes for a grown ass man.

Jongwoo signed, and reluctantly nodded in acceptance. It had been a long, long time since he was able to be intimate with someone, in any form of the word. He missed sex, but he also missed kissing. Holding hands. Sharing a bed. Jieun’s feet in his lap while they watched TV. He missed being the little spoon. He missed brushing his teeth with Jieun next to him, her trying to shove him out of the way from the mirror. Lovingly, of course.

He missed the intimacy that came with being in a relationship, but casual sex could help fill a little of what he was missing.

Seokyoon cheered like a little kid who won a cheap carnival prize. Over-excited and full of pride for such a small achievement. He got his twenty-something year old buddy to go get a drink with him in the presence of women. Not exactly Mount Everest.

Jongwoo knew he needed to find someone to fill part of the void that had grown inside of him. Seokyoon was a hugger, but it wasn’t enough. Though his hugs did help him realize just how touched starved he was. He needed that non-platonic intimacy that you couldn’t get from a friend.  

He downloaded the apps. He didn’t last more than a few days. He couldn’t understand how anyone could handle the mirage of bots and some of the worst people you’ve ever met. It wouldn’t have been so bad if there were other people in similar situations to him.

He didn’t feel comfortable with just a hookup after a few texts. He didn’t want to go on dates and lead someone on when he didn’t want a serious relationship. He felt there was no happy medium for him there, but he wasn’t in college anymore. He couldn’t meet people quite like he used to.

Going to bars seemed to be the way to go. He could feel a genuine connection with someone, and they would likely have a similar understanding: this is just two people letting off steam. This isn’t a relationship.

Jongwoo let Seokyoon pick out his clothes. He retrieved a black button up with long sleeves, black pants, and his one clean pair of sneakers. Jongwoo rolled the sleeves to the elbows. Jieun always said she liked that. He put on his father’s watch. Seokyoon grabbed the silver necklace that Jongwoo had bought from a shady street vendor years ago.

Judging from it’s price, it was either fake or stolen. He didn’t care, it looked good on him. He only brought it out when he wanted to look good. It wasn’t a choker, but it wasn’t as long as a normal men’s necklace. It gave him a completely different vibe when he wore it, and that’s what he liked about it.

His friend chatted excitedly about which club they should go to, which ones had drink specials, which ones had cabs readily available at the end of the night. Jongwoo just nodded along to the other man’s rambling.

Jongwoo had only recently been able to afford bars and restaurants and other luxuries of the like. Three months ago he had been an intern at an acquaintances company, making barely enough to get by. He hated it there, but he stayed just long enough to get Jaeho’s letter of recommendation for his apprenticeship applications.

Jongwoo was surprised the day he got the job; they only picked three people out of nearly a hundred applicants. Jaeho’s recommendation must have been outstanding. He didn’t know if it was because he wanted Jongwoo gone or if Jaeho really believed that he was a good worker. It didn’t really matter; he was just happy to be working the in the field of literature.

The job came with a massive pay raise, better hours, and better coworkers. He was able to move into a nice apartment building close to work in Mapo-gu. It was more expensive than he would like, but it was worth it. He had a gym. The place was very clean and secure.

The walls could have been a little thicker, but it was nothing like the goshiwon he had been living in before. His neighbors were pretty quiet, and he hadn’t even run in to the person who lived to the left of him. Jongwoo guessed they just had opposing schedules.

The best thing about his apartment building was the location. Seokyoon lived just down the block and his job was only a ten-minute walk in the opposite direction. A park was across the street. There were plenty of restaurants and stores and coffee shops. He got morning sunlight in his bedroom.  

It wasn’t the nicest apartment in Seoul, but he was proud of it. His own place.  A suitable dwelling to call home before he bought a house with Jieun.

“Ready to go, hyung?” Seokyoon said with a wide smile on his face. He was wearing a similar outfit, but his shirt was red, and he left the sleeves long. Jongwoo gave him a once over, did the same for himself, and nodded. They left his apartment and headed towards the elevator.

“I’m so excited for you to see this place. The cover is low and there’s always chicks from the women’s college. Maybe you’ll meet some PhD student just looking to take the edge off,” Seokyoon threw an elbow into Jongwoo’s rib with his last sentence, playful smile on his face. He let him pick the bar, trusting that Seokyoon knew better than him about Seoul’s nightlife.

Jongwoo laughed, knowing how excited Seokyoon was to make sure he had a good time. If he was honest with himself, he was excited too. Excited to flirt and be flirted with. To drink with his old friend and listen to the music. It had been a while since he had done anything outside of work or home, so he was starting to feel a little giddy.

He pushed the button for the elevator while Seokyoon read off the drink specials that this bar had. He smiled to himself.

Yes. This will be good for me. I can have some fun. Maybe get laid.

A moment later, the doors opened, and a man Jongwoo had never seen exited the machine. He was tall; at least ten centimeters taller than Jongwoo. He had black hair, parted down the middle, which flowed naturally with his movements, unrestricted by product.

He looked up and made eye contact with Jongwoo. His eyes were deeply set, creased in a way he didn’t think he’d ever seen. His lips were very pink, contrasting starkly against his pale skin. He had such a unique face, Jongwoo would have definitely noticed if he had seen him before.

The man stepped out of the elevator, keeping his eyes on Jongwoo’s. He turned to follow the stranger’s movements, oblivious to Seokyoon beginning to step into the elevator.

“You must be the gentleman who moved in next door. I’m Seo Moonjo.” He extended his hand in invitation and Jongwoo accepted. His hand was larger and gripped his smaller one firmly. He kept his eyes on his taller neighbor, barely noticing Seokyoon stepping out of the elevator and letting the doors close.

“Yes, hi, I’m Yoon Jongwoo. I was wondering when I was going to meet you. I was beginning to think you were a hermit,” Jongwoo cringed at his last comment. For a writer, you would think he would be better at words.

Moonjo didn’t seem to be offended. He lightly chuckled and ran his hands through his hair.

“I typically leave for work pretty early and get home pretty late. Most people are in for the night by the time I get home.” Jongwoo inspected the man in front of him. He was wearing professional clothing, obviously having just come from work. He was carrying a leather bag, but different from a businessman’s briefcase. Jongwoo might have stared a little too long, because Moonjo was the next to speak.

“Is this your roommate? Partner?” Moonjo asked, holding out a hand to the man standing next to him. “It’s nice to have you two in the building.”

Seokyoon let out a full belly laugh and slapped his hand on Jongwoo’s back.

“No, sorry. But I do visit quite often, so I might as well live here. I steal enough of his food to be his roommate.” Seokyoon kept the smile on his face as he took Moonjo’s hand. “Kang Seokyoon. Best friend, wingman extraordinaire, aspiring rapper, current office worker.”

Jongwoo chuckled. He loved that Seokyoon always introduced himself as a rapper, even if he wasn’t the best at the craft.

“Wingman, huh?” Moonjo said, looking the men in front of him up and down. Jongwoo could only imagine what was going through his neighbor’s mind, since his face was betraying nothing.

“Yeah, we’re heading to this club. Jongwoo is getting back in the game!” Seokyoon gripped both his shoulders and lightly shook him. Moonjo nodded, a curious “Ah,” coming from his open smile.

“Well, you two have a great night. Jongwoo, it was nice to finally meet you. Don’t be a stranger.” Jongwoo let himself keep eye contact with Moonjo just a little longer. Jongwoo felt this strange pull to the man in front of him. He knew he was looking at him for too long, but he couldn’t stop himself.

“It was nice to meet you as well.” Jongwoo kept his eyes on him as Moonjo turned and walked to his door, punched in his code, and walked into his apartment. He spared one last glance at Jongwoo before stepping inside.

The elevator dinged and Seokyoon excitedly guided him in.

“He seems nice. It’ll be good to be friendly with someone in the building.” Seokyoon mentioned offhandedly, pushing the button for the first floor.

Jongwoo nodded. Having someone nearby to have small talk with. Someone to water his plants when he’s out of town. Someone to borrow ingredients from if Jongwoo’s doesn’t have the time to run to the corner store.

The doors opened to the apartment lobby and Seokyoon practically skipped out.

“Let’s get wild!” Jongwoo laughed at Seokyoon’s outrageous but totally expected display of excitement. They headed out for the bar, and Jongwoo hoped to have some fun for once.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

Moonjo noticed his new neighbor the day he moved in. He was outside on the sidewalk next to a delivery truck on that hot day two weeks ago. He had his hands on his hips, shirt sticking to his chest from the sweat rolling down his body. The man ran his fingers through his hair to get the damp strands out of his face. The short but strong man fanned himself with his leasing paperwork, seeking refuge from the unforgiving Seoul humidity. Moonjo was enthralled with this man outside his window.

I wonder if he’ll be moving into the unit next to mine. It’s been empty for a while. And there’s not that many one-bedrooms in this building.

He just happened to get his name from the welcome bag left by the landlord in front of his door.

Yoon Jongwoo. Hmm. That’s a good name.

Moonjo heard the elevator open and quickly slipped back into his unit. Looking through the peephole, he saw that it was in fact the same man from the sidewalk. He was by himself. Moonjo thought about offering his neighborly services. That was until several delivery men entered the hallway carrying his furniture. Jongwoo spoke very kindly to those helping him, saying please and thank you often. Any mother would be proud of the manners he exhibited.

What a polite young man.

For the next week, Moonjo spent an inordinate amount of time at his mailbox before leaving for work each morning. He didn’t know Jongwoo’s schedule just yet but wanted to make their first meeting seemingly natural. Moonjo concluded increasing his time in the common spaces would increase his chance of a natural collision with the man. Unfortunately, this plan was not as a effective as Moonjo would like. He had to be at his dental clinic by 7:30 most mornings, and that was likely too early for Jongwoo’s schedule if he worked in a typical office.

Most days when he came home from work, Jongwoo’s living room light was on, meaning that he was in for the night. In the ten or so days since he moved in, he had not heard Jongwoo leave at night after coming home from work. Moonjo knew that Jongwoo worked, as he overheard one of his calls to his mother.

Moonjo wasn’t a creep. It wasn’t his fault that he had exceptional hearing and observation skills.

Moonjo had also googled his new neighbor like anyone else would. He found out that Jongwoo was twenty-seven years old, was a Korean literature major in university, and had already completed his military service. Information on his social media was limited, but Moonjo couldn’t hold that against him, as his own internet presence was almost nonexistent.

Friday afternoon, Moonjo was finishing up with his last patient, and began to think about how he should introduce himself to Jongwoo this weekend. He had both Saturday and Sunday off this week, and he assumed Jongwoo would as well.

Should I bring over some beers and soju?

Should I ‘accidentally’ order too much food and offer to share?

Should I run out of sugar making cookies?

Moonjo heard his patient loudly gurgle and felt them aggressively grip his arm, not realizing he was still spraying water into their mouth to rinse out the paste from their cleaning.

“Oh! Oh no, I’m so sorry. I just let myself get distracted,” Moonjo apologized, blushing under his mask. He hadn’t even met Jongwoo yet, he really shouldn’t be this infatuated with him. Especially not so much that it affects his career.

He helped the patient up from the chair, put them together an extra special goody bag, and told the secretary to knock 20% off their price as an apology for nearly drowning them in his chair.

I promise I’m not a sadistic bastard, he thought to himself.

The patient sent a dirty look in his direction before heading out the door. Dentists already had a bad enough reputation, and now Moonjo just added another person to the “dentists are evil” club.

He sighed, took off his gloves, and collected his charts to bring them to his office. He tidied up the patient records and signed the bottom of each document from today. Once he was done, he left them with his administrative assistant so she could scan them into the electronic medical record.

“Have a good weekend, everyone,” Moonjo obliged as he walked through his lobby. His staff liked him well enough, but they don’t always seem to be the most comfortable with small talk with him. They gave polite nods, and he headed on his way.

Moonjo walked the eight blocks from his clinic back to his apartment. He was a little lost in thought, still trying to make a plan for introducing himself to his neighbor. He wanted it to be natural. He wanted it to be happenstance, for maybe Jongwoo to approach him first. But that didn’t seem likely any longer. Moonjo was just going to have to bite the bullet and introduce himself, and also pretend like he didn’t already know a decent amount of information about him.

He walked toward his building, noticing that Jongwoo’s light was on. He’s already in for the night. Moonjo sighed, realizing he missed his chance. It was almost 9pm. Who goes out this late after a full day of work? He sauntered through the lobby, checking the mail area just to see if Jongwoo was there. He wasn’t. he pressed the button for the elevator and headed up to the sixth floor.

The machine lightly hummed as he ascended, Moonjo now just looking forward to snuggling with Gom, his three-year-old Siamese cat. He found him wandering the streets as a kitten after a particularly brutal breakup, and Gom has been a source of comfort ever since.

The doors opened and he stepped out without really looking. There are only three units on this floor, and it’s rare that he runs into someone that late at night. But today, someone was there. Jongwoo stood in front of him in an all-black outfit with a silver chain. His hair was styled to the side. He smelled like an earthy cologne. This was Moonjo’s first time seeing him up close, and he’s even more beautiful than he thought. Clear, tan skin. Soulful brown eyes. Lips that anyone would die for.

They look like soft pillows. I want to smash my face into them.

Moonjo continued bringing up his gaze, eventually making his eye contact with the shorter man. He began to step out of the elevator, victim to Jongwoo’s magnetism, like he needed to get closer to him, no matter what. He noticed that Jongwoo did not break his stare and turned his body as Moonjo entered the hallway.

Stop staring. And say something, you absolute creep.

“You must be the gentleman who moved in next door. I’m Seo Moonjo.” He feigned as much confidence as he could to extend his hand with Jongwoo without it trembling. A smaller hand grabbed his and squeezed.

“Yes, hi, I’m Yoon Jongwoo. I was wondering when I was going to meet you. I was beginning to think you were a hermit.”

Moonjo chuckled. He loved that Jongwoo got embarrassed by saying something without a filter.

His red cheeks are so cute. Grab them so you can kiss the pillow lips.

Moonjo ran his fingers through his black hair as if he was trying to rake those thoughts out of his brain.

“I typically leave for work pretty early and get home pretty late. Most people are in for the night by the time I get home.”

Jongwoo kept looking at him, as if investigating his statement. He took a look at his clothes and work bag before looking back up to Moonjo’s face. That’s when Moonjo noticed that they were not alone in the hallway. There was a bubbly young man standing next to Jongwoo, dressed in a similar fashion.

“Is this your roommate? Partner?” It was only a one bedroom. As much as he would like for them to just be roommates, it’s likely that they’re more than friends if he’s living in the unit too. “It’s nice to have you two in the building.”

No, it’s not. I just want Jongwoo here, not some boyfriend.

Luckily, the other man introduced himself as Jongwoo’s friend and wingman. Moonjo was thankful for the additional information, he was dying to know if Jongwoo was single, and the other man offered the knowledge up without him even asking.

Seokyoon told him that they were heading out to a bar so Jongwoo could meet someone, alluding that he had just gone through a breakup. He kept his eyes on the cheerful man in order to prevent another staring mishap with Jongwoo.

Wrap it up, they’re obviously going somewhere.

Moonjo turned his body to Jongwoo, wanting to study his features again before leaving.

“Well, you two have a great night. Jongwoo, it was nice to finally meet you. Don’t be a stranger.” Moonjo tried his best to keep his expression casual, hoping to sound like any other neighbor in the building.

“It was nice to meet you as well.”

It was nice to meet me.

Moonjo turned towards the door, smiling to himself. It finally happened. He met the man next door.

He heard the two younger men step into the elevator, he took one last glance, and punched in his door code. He stepped into his home with a growing smile on his face. His cat met him at the door, meowing to welcome his dad home.

“Gom, you’re never going to believe what just happened.”

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

Two Months Later

Jongwoo’s heartbeat has not come down in sixteen hours. He had run his hands through his hair more times than anyone could possibly count. His leg won’t stop bouncing.

“Hyung, calm down. Everything’s going to be okay.” Seokyoon sat down at the table, setting down their food and a couple bottles of soju.

“I can’t calm down. What if she’s actually pregnant? I can’t do this. I can’t do this to Jieun. I can’t do this to my mom.” Jongwoo gripped his hair tighter and tighter.

“We don’t know anything yet. She’s only two days late. One of the tests was negative. She’s at the doctor now. There are a thousand things that can cause pregnancy symptoms. You shouldn’t freak out until you have to. And even then, it’s not the end of the world.” Seokyoon’s voice was authoritative and kind, sure of the words he was saying.  

Jongwoo knew he was right, but he wasn’t responding to logic right now. Jongwoo met this woman at the bar the first night he went out with Seokyoon. They decided to keep hooking up since neither of them were looking for anything serious. She was a physician assistant and had an erratic schedule, but that worked for Jongwoo. Things had been fun; their arrangement was great. She was bold and communicative and understood his boundaries.

Things had gotten busy for both of them, and things had kind of fizzled a few weeks ago. Jongwoo was a little ashamed to have only thought about her when he was horny, but that was the beauty of a casual relationship, he didn’t need any additional emotional investment.  

That was until he got a call yesterday.

“Hey, Nari, what’s up?” Jongwoo answered the call coolly. It had been a stressful couple weeks at his new job and he was experiencing some writer’s block. He could have gone for an afternoon rendezvous.

“Hey, Jongwoo, do you have a minute? It’s important.” His heart had sunk, chest fallen. He could have lived his entire life without ever hearing those words again. It was what Jieun said to him when she told him about his promotion. It was what his mom said when his brother was hospitalized last year.

Nari methodically broke down the situation. Her period was late. One test was positive, one was negative. She had been feeling slightly sick, but nothing too specific to pregnancy. She had a blood test that day on her lunch break, wanting to keep the situation secret from her coworkers.

Jongwoo knew that they hadn’t been as careful as they could have been when it came to protection. Even though she was on the pill, that wasn’t 100% effective even when taken correctly 100% of the time. Nari admitted that she wasn’t the best at taking her medication on a regular basis.

How could this possibly be happening? I can’t be a dad. I don’t know how to be a dad. I can’t be a father with this woman I barely know. I can barely financially take care of myself right now. How am I going to do this? What am I going to tell everyone?

Seokyoon rested his hand on the Jongwoo’s back, trying to bring him some semblance of comfort. He’s never gone through this before, so Jongwoo knows he’s not sure what else to say to console him. But he knows that Seokyoon won’t leave his side.

“Jongwoo. You need to eat something. You haven’t had anything since lunch yesterday.” Seokyoon shoved the bowl of ramyeon in his direction and poured him a shot of soju. “We can hang out here until Nari leaves the doctor. We should know the answer in less than an hour.”

Two hours later, Jongwoo was three bottles of soju deep, singing along to the music at the bar despite not knowing the words. He noticed the couple next to them raising their glasses to cheers and shouted, “Hey! Next round’s on me! ‘M not gonna be a dad!” Jongwoo tried to raise his glass as well, despite the couple slowly turning away from him. Seokyoon ran up behind Jongwoo.

“I’m sorry, he just got some good news earlier, so he’s gotten a little too drunk,” Seokyoon apologized. “Hyung, maybe I should get you home. You’re making a bit of a scene, and it’s only 2 pm.” Seokyoon had his arm around Jongwoo’s waist, desperately trying to coax him out of the bar.

“Okay! Okay. K. Hyung, fine, we’ll go. But! You’re paying for dinner and you’re going to watch TV with me when we get home. I was almost a father. Parents don’t get to watch TV, you know? They have to watch kid’s stuff!” Jongwoo sloppily threw 23,000 won on the table and began to walk out the door. Seokyoon sighed and left another 20,000 won, since Jongwoo obviously lost his math ability sometime during that last bottle of liquor.

Jongwoo stumbled home in broad daylight with Seokyoon trailing behind him cautiously, trying to ensure he doesn’t fall to the ground. He also made sure that his friend didn’t drop his wallet or lose any more of his dignity. They made it the two blocks back to his apartment without much incident. Jongwoo tripped as he crossed the threshold of the lobby but caught himself before getting injured. They headed towards the elevator when they saw a familiar face holding a cat carrier.

“Dr. Moonjooooooo! I’m so happy to see you and your kitty. Do you want to have dinner with us? Seokyoon’s buying. I don’t know what we’re eating. Hyung, what are we eating?” Jongwoo barely registered the stunned look on the dentist’s face. He crouched down to look at Gom through the grate and stuck his finger inside. The feline rubbed his face against the digit, happy for the extra attention.

Moonjo threw a cautious look to Seokyoon. Jongwoo knew that this was his first time seeing him like this since the younger man had only lived in the building about ten weeks.

“He’s been drinking but he’s okay. It was a long day.” Jongwoo nodded enthusiastically. It was a long day. He didn’t care if Seokyoon was being a little too paternalistic.

Jongwoo was suddenly overcome with need and stood straight up, maybe a little too close to his new neighbor.

“Please eat with us Moonjo. Seokyoon is going to scold me if we’re alone. He’s too polite to do it if you’re there.” He pouted, remembering how Jieun said his pouts were irresistible. Jongwoo didn’t really know what he was doing. He had barely talked to this neighbor, just basic hellos and goodbyes. Why was he so insistent that he come over? “We’re going to watch TV too.”

Who gives a shit about the TV?

“I suppose I could do that. I’m a little hungry. I’ll just drop Gom off at my place, change clothes, and come over.” Moonjo stated rather monotonously. Jongwoo frowned a little, slightly disappointed with how uninterested he seemed.

The elevator doors opened, and they all stepped inside, Gom mewing at the change of scenery. Jongwoo looked the man next door up and down, not very inconspicuously. He was in a blue suit. White shirt buttoned all the way to the top. Shiny black shoes. Neat but fluffy hair.

How does he keep his hair so tidy without any product? Is he immune to the humidity?

“Hear that hyung? He’s going to come over because I’m a cool person. I’m fun to be around.” Jongwoo doesn’t know why he was bragging, but it felt like another win for the day. Seokyoon sighed and pulled out his phone to place a food delivery order.

“Why did they make Euntak a high schooler? I know the Goblin is like 900 years old, but the age difference is a little creepy. I wish she was at least in college.” Seokyoon munched on a samosa while pointing at the screen. “There’s a big difference between 19 and 23 when it comes to relationships.” He leaned back on the couch, making him and his full belly comfortable.

Jongwoo nodded in agreement, shoving another piece of naan into his mouth. “At least she’s 29 before anything really happens. I think the age difference is why so many people prefer Sunny and the Grim Reaper’s relationship.” Jongwoo stretched out on the couch, resting his feet on the coffee table now that they were finished eating.

Moonjo sat politely on the floor, resting his back against the couch’s arm. He was dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and black pants with bare feet. He finished his chicken tikka masala in record time. Jongwoo assumed that his job didn’t always allow for lunch breaks.

“I’ve never seen this show before, but I’ve been told that I look like the Grim Reaper.” Moonjo mentioned matter-of-factly. Seokyoon cut a look to Jongwoo, an unreasonable amount of excitement and knowledge in his eyes.

“Nah, don’t see it.” Jongwoo threw back to the older man. Yeah, he could be a little mean when he was drunk, but he didn’t want to admit they looked a like. Especially since he once told Seokyoon that he had a crush on the Grim Reaper when the show first came out, and Seokyoon routinely embarrassed him about it. Moonjo didn’t try to argue his point.

Jongwoo had begun to sober up over the first episode of the drama. Why Jongwoo picked Goblin of all things, he had no idea. Jieun didn’t care for it; she didn’t like shows that were too sad. He had watched it several times, and each time it made him sob like a baby. Why did he pick this show when he has two men over, including one he barely knows?

The episode finished and Jongwoo turned it off and changed it to standard TV. A variety show played, and he stepped to the kitchen for a beer, not quite ready to lose his buzz.

“Do either of you want a beer? I’ve got plenty.” Jongwoo reached into the fridge and pulled out a couple cans.

“Sure, I’ll take one.” Moonjo stood and sauntered to the kitchen.

He’s way too tall to be that graceful. Unfair.

He stood next to Jongwoo, reached for the beer, and cracked it open. He took a slow drink, a small piece of foam resting on his top lip. His unbelievably pink, cupid’s bow lip. The dentist gave a light “Ah,” as he finished his sip and then stretched his body. Jongwoo assumed he was stiff from sitting on the floor.

“Bring me one too, hyung!” Seokyoon was focused on the game show that was now on the television.

Jongwoo brought him a can and a second one for himself. He sat on the middle cushion, giving Moonjo enough space to sit on the couch as well. He didn’t want his guest to be uncomfortable on the floor.

A commercial break started just as Moonjo sat down on the end of the couch.

“So why were you drinking earlier today?”

Jongwoo sighed. He was worried Moonjo was going to be curious, but he couldn’t really blame him.

“The woman I was sleeping with thought she was pregnant. So, I started drinking to pass the time and distract myself while she was at the doctor. Then we got the news that she was, in fact, not with child, so I was drinking out of celebration. I guess I went a little too hard. Now I’m drinking because I’m not ready to be sober yet.” Jongwoo took another swig of his drink. “That’s why I didn’t break out the soju, just beer for now.”

Moonjo nodded, expression betraying nothing, but he didn’t seem to be disgusted. Jongwoo hoped he wasn’t judging him. The man next door was several years older than him, and Korea was still a conservative country at it’s core.

“That’s what I get for trying to have a casual relationship. I guess this means I’m going to stay lonely for the time being.” He sighed and took another drink, feeling sorry for himself.

He knew before that he missed sex, but he didn’t know just how much he missed fucking until he started doing it again. He did know he didn’t want to go back to an exclusive relationship with his right hand.

Moonjo was still quiet, still seemingly not judging him. Seokyoon had his eyes trained on the TV, giving the impression he wasn’t listening at all. Unfortunately for Jongwoo, this wasn’t true.

“Or, you could just have sex with men from now on,” Seokyoon murmured as if he was casually suggesting he start excluding dairy from his diet. Moonjo choked on his beer.

I guess he’s more conservative than I thought. Jongwoo couldn’t blame him, he was shocked too. If he had been drinking, it would have definitely come out of his nose.

“Think about it. Don't knock it until you try it.” Seokyoon’s eyes never left the screen, not noticing the panicked environment he created.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

Living next to your crush isn’t quite as fun as Moonjo imagined. The night they finally talked, Moonjo laid in his bed reflecting on their meet cute. Thinking about his features. About his small but strong body. Those pillowy lips. His chest was warm and his cheeks hurt from all the smiling. But he wished he was asleep when he heard Jongwoo came home later that night.

He wasn’t alone.

He heard a woman giggling in the hall, and then heard them make their way into the apartment. Eventually the pair made their way into the bedroom. He heard them talking. Then he didn’t hear anything for a while. Then came noises of pleasure.

I pay way too much in rent to be able to hear my neighbors like this.

Moonjo was suddenly very angry with himself. He left his headphones in his gym locker downstairs. He pulled the pillow over his head trying to drown out the moans, the creak of the furniture, the vulgar expressions said by both parties. His tender little heart was hurting, but he was also trying not to get turned on. He could hear everything Jongwoo was saying to her. Every time he heard him give instruction, he felt his skin heat up. He gave her praise, Moonjo’s toes curled. A guttural sigh made him want to rip his hair out.

Moonjo refused to touch himself while his neighbor was having sex. His neighbor that he just met and had a massive crush on. That was more disturbed than he would be able to rationalize. And there was absolutely no correlation to him taking a shower and rubbing one out after he heard them finish.

The way these apartments were laid out, the bedrooms shared a wall. Due to the positioning of the windows, closets, and bathroom, there was really only one place to put your bed: on the wall you shared with your neighbor. Just a few feet away, on the other side of the sheetrock, Jongwoo was fucking some woman who really seemed to be enjoying herself.

These meetings became a regular occurrence over the next month. He saw her leave early in the mornings occasionally, they even shared an elevator once. She was a beautiful woman. Perfectly polite. Moonjo hated her.

Jongwoo didn’t always come home at the end of the day. He could only assume he was spending the night at her place.

Why am I so hung up on him? I barely know him.

Despite barely knowing him, he kept going back to how he felt that first day seeing him on the sidewalk and the night they met. Hearing him speak with the movers. Seeing how he dressed up that first night they spoke.

Jongwoo didn’t look away when Moonjo made eye contact with him like most people did. His body turned with his. He said it was nice to meet him. He blushed when he accidentally called Moonjo a hermit.

He wanted to meet me. He had been thinking about me.

Moonjo decided that he needed to distract himself, so he opened up his dating apps. It was generally not hard for him to convince someone to come over, but it was harder to get them to stay. He either came on too strong post-sex or his partners laid explicit emotionless boundaries ahead of time.

He threw in a couple shirtless pics, made sure that there was no reference to his dental clinic in his profile, and made his account visible. As a bisexual man he had a pretty decent selection to choose from, and by the next night he had a stranger in his bed.

I wonder if Jongwoo can hear us. I wonder if he’s getting jealous too.

Moonjo let himself be especially vocal with his new partners, just in case his neighbor is listening in. He adjusted the bedframe ahead of time so that it would hit the wall a little louder. He did his very best work to make sure his partners were satisfied, hoping to let Jongwoo know just how good he was at this.

Over the next few weeks, the only direct interactions he had with Jongwoo were basic pleasantries. Sometimes Jongwoo would be leaving as Moonjo was coming home from work. They passed each other in the gym more than once. That was almost as painful as hearing Jongwoo fuck someone else. Seeing Jongwoo work out, but not being able to look at him. Not able to touch him. Not able to lick the sweat off his neck.

Stop it. You are so fucking creepy.

Moonjo had to make sure their workout schedules stopped overlapping. Jongwoo deserved to be able to work out in peace. It wasn’t his responsibility that Moonjo found his very existence to be unbearably sensual.

It had been a while since Moonjo had heard Jongwoo bring someone other than Seokyoon home. He also didn’t notice him spending the night anywhere else.

Did he break up with her? I hope so. We haven’t been able to spend any time together. Maybe if he’s home more often we’ll run into each other.

Moonjo dressed up in his work clothes, a basic blue suit and black shoes, and started getting ready for his half day. It was time for Gom to get his yearly vaccinations and checkup, so he’ll get to spend the day at the office with his dad. If it wasn’t for the fact that so many patients were allergic, he’d bring Gom to work with him every day. He envied convenience store owners who had their pets with them. Moonjo’s personal office was big enough for a litter box and cat condo, and Gom could get all the attention he desired by heading out to the lobby whenever he needed a scratch behind the ears.

The dentist left his apartment with Gom’s blue carrier at 6am, making sure that he had enough time to get his cat settled and get some breakfast before his first appointment. It was a Friday, so he hoped everyone would show up on time so he wouldn’t be late to their vet appointment. Moonjo hated being late.

He arrived at his clinic and brought Gom to his office. He collected the gear from the closet, supplies Moonjo kept here just for situations like this. He had a small litter box, collapsible food bowls, and a small bag of toys. He even had a blanket to put on his couch because his baby boy was spoiled.

Once the room was ready for him, Moonjo opened the crate. Gom chirped excitedly, rubbing against his legs before heading to the food bowl. Moonjo chuckled at how fast his cat acclimated to his new surroundings and headed out for some breakfast.

Three patients and an hour of paperwork later, Moonjo and his feline son headed to the vet. Gom typically behaved very well for the veterinarian but tended to get grumpy after inoculations. Just as expected, he was perfectly healthy, but the doctor warned that Moonjo should keep an eye on the amount of treats that he gives him. He’s an indoor kitty and doesn’t get the exercise that street cats get.

“How dare the doctor try to fat shame you? Can’t she see you’re perfect?” Moonjo said sweetly to Gom, who chirped back in agreement. Well, he wasn’t exactly perfect. He swatted at the vet after she said this, but he couldn’t blame the feline.

They walked the few blocks to their building. It was rare that Moonjo was home at this time of day during the week. It was a little strange to see light shining into the lobby. He stopped by his mailbox, flipped through the junk mail, and headed towards the elevator.

A commotion at the door caused Moonjo to look up. A familiar face was falling through the entrance of the apartment building, with about as much grace as a bull in a China shop. The assailant was Jongwoo, dressed in casual clothing and sporting red cheeks, a concerned Seokyoon trailing behind him.

Is he drunk? Why isn’t he at work? Why is Seokyoon sober? Why is he home? Did he spill soup on his shirt? What is happening?

Moonjo had a thousand questions rolling through his brain as Jongwoo approached the elevator, who eventually noticed his neighbor in front of him.

“Dr. Moonjooooooo!” Have I told him yet that I’m a dentist? “I’m so happy to see you and your kitty. Do you want to have dinner with us?”

Moonjo’s breath hitched in his throat. He was inviting him to eat with him. Well, Seokyoon too.

“Seokyoon’s buying. I don’t know what we’re eating though. Hyung, what are we eating?”

It doesn’t matter what we’re eating. I’d give up a rare steak to eat burned, plain rice with you.

Just when Moonjo thought he couldn’t get more infatuated with Jongwoo, he crouched down to greet Gom, with a soft, childlike appearance on his face. But after a few seconds of squatting, he began to fall to the side, and Moonjo’s concerned returned. He glanced up to Seokyoon to gather more information.

“He’s been drinking but he’s okay. It was a long day.” Seokyoon said, exasperated. Jongwoo nodded enthusiastically, maintaining eye contact with Gom through the crate. He began to stand but had to grab on to Seokyoon’s shoulder for balance.

“Please eat with us, Moonjo. Seokyoon is going to scold me if we’re alone. He’s too polite to do it if you’re there.”

Calm down. He’s drunk and asking you to eat with them, so his friend doesn’t hound him. He’s not asking for your hand in marriage.

“We’re going to watch TV too.” Jongwoo was excited, Seokyoon rolled his eyes. Moonjo had never been one for television, and he wasn’t so sure what was so special about this occasion, but he nodded.

“I suppose I could do that. I’ll just drop Gom off at my place, change, and come over.”

Okay, I think I kept my voice level enough. I hope they can’t tell how nervous I am.

They stepped into the elevator as Jongwoo drunkenly bragged to Seokyoon about how cool he is and that’s why Moonjo wanted to eat with him. Well, he wasn’t exactly wrong.

Moonjo picked Gom’s carrier up and headed into his apartment while the others enter the neighboring unit. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. He bent down and let Gom out of his kennel and poured a little food into his specialized food bowl.

Okay. I said I would change. What do I change into? Comfy clothes? Pajamas? When I’m home I usually don’t wear a shirt. It would be a nice way to show off. No, Moonjo, that’s a little weird. Just wear normal clothes.

Moonjo opted for his normal black long-sleeved shirt and black sweatpants. He forewent shoes. He liked wearing his dress shoes to work, but they were always a little tough on his feet. He looked forward to being barefoot at the end of the day. He took a quick look in the mirror, ran a hand through his too-long hair, and nodded at himself before heading next door.

Is this that show that my receptionist kept telling me to watch a few years ago?

Moonjo sat on the floor of Jongwoo’s apartment, not trusting himself enough to squeeze in next to him on the couch. They ate Indian food, something Moonjo hadn’t ordered in a very long time. He missed lunch that day and was ravenous for the meal in front of him.

Jongwoo picked the first show at the top of the streaming service’s home screen. It was apparently called ‘Goblin’ and it seemed to be very dramatic. Jongwoo and Seokyoon discussed the romances of the show, which Moonjo couldn’t weigh in on. Towards the end of the first episode, he remembered why his receptionist kept telling him to watch this drama.

“I’ve never seen this show before, but I’ve been told I look like the Grim Reaper.” Moonjo thought that his patients were calling him Grim Reaper because of his solemn appearance and dark clothing. The young woman who worked his front desk explained to him that he resembled the character in the very popular drama.

He wouldn’t know, he didn’t watch much television. He went to work, he exercised, he cuddled with his cat, and occasionally fucked strangers. There wasn’t much else to his life. He occasionally read but didn’t always have time for it, and when he did, he stuck to dental publications. He did his best to stay up to date on the science.

Plus, from the little TV that he had seen, it was overly chaste, and the romance was not realistic to life. He knew that even in his limited experience in the love department.

“Nah, don’t see it.” Jongwoo shut him down rather quickly. Moonjo decided to keep his mouth shut.

The episode finished and Jongwoo switched to standard TV, leaving a game show on. He stood up from the couch and wandered over to the fridge.

“Do either of you want a beer? I’ve got plenty.” He reached into the appliance for the alcohol.

“Sure, I’ll take one.” Moonjo rose to his feet to meet Jongwoo in his kitchen. It was a mirrored layout to his own. You could tell that this was the first place Jongwoo had lived on his own. The unit was fairly sparse, with minimal furniture and decorations. Only a rice cooker and coffee pot were on his counter. There were still a couple boxes in the corner of the living room.

He made his way over to Jongwoo, appreciating the red that was still in his cheeks from his earlier alcohol. His hair was ruffled from lying on the couch, breath smelling slightly like the garlic naan he ate. Jongwoo handed him his beer and looked up at him.

Moonjo was used to being taller than most people, but something about Jongwoo needing to angle his head to match his gaze just did something to his heart. The shorter man looked away when Seokyoon asked for a beer too, and he carried it over to the couch, with a second one for himself.

Instead of sprawling out like before, he sat on the middle cushion, leaving the closest to the kitchen completely open.

Okay, I guess this means he wants me to sit next to him.

He cautiously sat, making sure he was as close to the arm as he can get, ensuring that he didn’t infringe on Jongwoo’s personal space. He has been told that was one of his problems.

They haven’t spoken much even though they’ve been in the apartment for over an hour. Moonjo decided to break the silence.

“So why were you drinking earlier today?” He hoped it wasn’t too personal, but he was dying to know why his seemingly responsible neighbor was sloshed in the middle of the workday.

Jongwoo told him about the events of the past twenty-four hours. The woman he had seen and heard many times over the past couple months thought she was pregnant and caused Jongwoo a mountain of stress.

I’m sure she was stressed too, don’t be an asshole.

From the way it sounded, Jongwoo wouldn’t be seeing the mystery woman any longer, which satisfied Moonjo a little. It was hard for him to hear Jongwoo enjoying himself with another person, but it was only a matter of time before Jongwoo found someone else.

Trying to seem casual, Moonjo nodded as he absorbed the information. He hoped his face wasn’t betraying his mixture of jealousy and happiness that Jongwoo was uninvolved again.

“That’s what I get for trying to have a casual relationship. Guess I’m just going to stay lonely for the time being.” Moonjo watched Jongwoo sigh and bring his beer up to his lips. He didn’t want Jongwoo to be lonely. He deserved to be worshiped by a partner. For them to take away his stress, not add to it. He didn’t want anyone else to have Jongwoo, but he didn’t want him to be unhappy. Moonjo tried to take a swig of his beer when Seokyoon decided to jump in.

“Or, you could just have sex with men from now on.” Moonjo choked on the alcohol descending his esophagus. “Think about it. Can’t knock it until you try it.”

Moonjo tried to cough up the beer that had accidentally made it’s way into his bronchi. Jongwoo’s face was bright red, and not just from the alcohol. Seokyoon was obliviously casual. Did he really not realize what he just said? Or was it something that he and Jongwoo had talked about before?

Wait, is Jongwoo bi? Is he interested in men? Or is this a cruel joke?

Seokyoon got a call from their friend Junghwa. She needed a hand repairing her dishwasher, so the young man gathered his items to leave. Moonjo took this as his cue to leave as well and collected his trash from the table in an effort to clean up.

“Moonjo, you don’t have to leave. Jongwoo could use the company,” Seokyoon assured as he rushed out the door. “Bye, hyung!” I’ll text you later! Drink some water before you go to bed!” The door clicked behind him; you could hear him jogging the short distance to the elevator.

“I wish I could figure out what they’re doing. I sure as hell wouldn’t be that excited just to fix a dishwasher,” Jongwoo mumbled.

“Ah, young love,” Moonjo replied wistfully.

“What a bastard. Can’t believe he’s flaunting his crush in front of me, on my day of peril.” Jongwoo shook his head and opened his other beer.

Moonjo paused, wanting to choose his words carefully. It was just him and Jongwoo on the couch now. He angled himself towards the younger man, sitting comfortably against the nook of the sofa. He pulled his knee under his chin before he asked.

“Why were you looking for a casual relationship? Why not something real?” Jongwoo looked up, meeting Moonjo’s gaze. The older man was trying his best not to overstep any boundaries, to make sure he wasn’t being overbearing. He was just so curious about how Jongwoo lived his life up to this point. He wanted to learn everything about him, including what lead to him being so hurt today. Jongwoo sighed.

“I had been with my girlfriend Jieun for years. Years. We lasted through college, through my military service. I moved to Seoul over a year ago to be closer to her, but then she got a new job. She’s in a new city nearly every week. She doesn’t get weekends or holidays off. Most nights she isn’t done with her work until the moment her head hits the pillow. We agreed to take a break until she’s back in Seoul full time,” He paused, staring into his beer.

“But neither of us know when that’s going to be. So, in the meantime, she gave her blessing for me to start seeing other people. I still love her, so I didn’t want anything serious, because when she gets back, I want to be ready for her, and I don’t want to hurt anyone else in the process.”

Moonjo nodded, trying to force the lump in his throat down. Of course, Jongwoo had someone. Of course, this wonderful man who found himself in the unit next door loved someone else. A person who loved him enough for them to wait for each other.

“What about you?” Are you seeing someone?” Jongwoo asked, an inquisitive look on his face.

“Ah, me? No, I’m more of a one-night stand guy myself, whether I like it or not,” Moonjo admitted sheepishly.

“What does that mean?”

Moonjo cringed. He said too much, but if he changed the subject that would look more suspicious.

“Well, I want to be in a relationship, but I haven’t found someone that wants more than sex that also enjoys being around me outside the bedroom. Most people think I’m a little off-putting.” He looked away, suddenly interested in the one picture on Jongwoo’s wall. “I have to say, casual sex does keep things interesting, and I don’t have to worry about a partner being unhappy with my work schedule.”

“I’ve noticed that you’re a bit of a busy bee. In both work, and your, um, personal life.” Jongwoo took a sip and looked out the window, face nearly crimson.

Oh, he noticed? I wonder if he liked what he heard.

Moonjo smirked at the reference to his extracurriculars.

“Yeah, these walls are a little thinner than I would prefer. Anything louder than a basic conversation just carries next door. Doesn’t help that the bedrooms share a wall.”

Jongwoo’s head snapped to Moonjo’s direction as the realization set in.

“Oh god, you could hear me, I mean us? I’m so sorry. I didn’t know the apartments were set up like that. I didn’t know they were mirrored. I thought I shared a wall with your living room. Oh, oh no. This is embarrassing.” Jongwoo stood from the couch to walk into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

Moonjo chuckled at the younger man, enthralled with how embarrassed he was. He stood to follow him into the next room.

“It’s quite alright. I heard you, you heard me. I’d say we’re even.”

“I only heard you the one time. I used to live in a goshiwon, so I’ve gotten pretty used to sleeping with earplugs in. But one day I couldn’t find them and…” Jongwoo trailed off before making eye contact with Moonjo. His face flushed again.

“If you don’t mind me asking…did you happen to be with a guy?” Jongwoo was staring at his hands now, not wanting to offend the older man with his questioning gaze. “The voice was a little deep. But I’ve seen a woman leaving your apartment before.”

“If you think it was a man, then it most likely was. There was a bit of a mix there for a while,” Moonjo stated matter-of-factly.

“Oh, okay.” Jongwoo continued to study his palms, as if memorizing them for some anatomy exam on his hands.

“Is that a problem?” Moonjo cocked his head to the side, hoping to come off as casual.

Please don’t let it be a problem. Please, don’t let it be a problem.

“No, actually, It’s not.”

Moonjo nodded and smiled cheekily. He placed his beer can in the recycling and stepped towards Jongwoo, crossing his arms.

“I’m glad it’s not a problem. And I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other a little today.” He inched slightly closer, but not so much that the shorter man would be alarmed by it.

Jongwoo looked up to his neighbor, expression unreadable. Confused? Nervous? Moonjo wasn’t sure. He wasn’t the best at reading facial expressions.

“Me too.” Jongwoo kept his eyes on the older man.

“Well, if you ever want to get to know each other a little better, I’m right next door.” With that, Moonjo picked his phone off the counter and walked over to his unit. He didn’t know much about other people, but he knew it was best to leave them wanting more.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

Jongwoo rested his head in the crook of her neck. He wasn’t sure what her name was, and he really didn’t care. He felt his breathing slow with the smell of sweat, sex, and the stale bar bathroom flowing around him. She unhooked her legs from around him, lowering her self off the sink, and settling on wobbly legs. Jongwoo released his arms from around her waist, and pulled off the condom to tie it and tossed it in the trash can. She pulled her skirt down and began to flatten her hair while Jongwoo tucked himself back into his pants. The woman touched up her makeup, patted the man’s cheek with her hand, and exited the bathroom without a word. 

Jongwoo stepped up to the sink to rinse his face with water. He had been fading in and out of drunkenness and sobriety throughout the day and his body was starting to feel terrible. 

God, today has been a nightmare.

Between waiting for Nari’s results, Seokyoon’s suggestion, and his conversation with Moonjo, Jongwoo couldn’t remember when he last had such an uncomfortable day.

Why was Moonjo looking at me like that? Why did his voice sound like that? Why did Seokyoon have to bring that up?

He had known Seokyoon since college. He knew almost everything about him. Jongwoo told him about the crush on the grim reaper. He told him about kissing a boy during spin the bottle at summer camp when he was fifteen. What he didn’t know was the Jongwoo had been feeling that something was off about himself for the last several years. 

Jongwoo loved Jieun. He loved women. He loved having sex with women. But occasionally a man would catch his eye. He would try to shower by himself when he was in the military because there was a particular person who he would look at a little too often. His roommate his second year of college had this smile that Jongwoo would find exceptionally distracting. And his new neighbor found his way into his daydreams on more than one occasion.

And this was before Seokyoon made the suggestion that he start fucking men. 

Did he know? People always say that friends know more than we think they do. 

Jongwoo took one last look into the mirror and left the bathroom. He stopped by the bar to pay his bill, and began to walk home. He decided to visit a convenience store to get some water and some fruit, hoping that would make him feel better. 

Instead of heading directly to the apartment, he detoured to the park across the street, just to ensure he wouldn’t run into his neighbor.

Moonjo left his place earlier that night, and he couldn’t get him out of his head. He had heard him last month. Not with just anyone, he heard him with a man. Moonjo admitted to having sex with a man, and then seemingly flirted with Jongwoo. 

He remembered that night vividly. He was feeling particularly horny but Nari was busy, and he didn’t really have the energy to go out. He was just laying in bed, trying to sleep, regretting not emigrating to a country with legal porn. He heard his neighbor come home, quietly having conversation with someone else. Then heard arguably the worst thing Jongwoo could have heard in his state.

On your knees, the unknown visitor ordered.

Jongwoo wished he was a strong enough man to resist it, he really wished he was. But between his rekindled sex drive and the groans resulting from his neighbor’s obviously stellar performance, Jongwoo found himself coming into his hand before the visitor did. 

Jongwoo then had to sit through the torture that was the next hour or so. The knocking against the wall. The moans. The commands. The insults. The praise. Jongwoo could hear everything, like they knew they had an audience.  

Around his third shameful orgasm of the night, Jongwoo heard his neighbor’s front door close and the shower turn on. 

Thank God. I don’t think I could have handled any more. 

He drifted off to sleep, with deep set eyes and pink lips accompanying his dreams. 

That was what Jongwoo was thinking about whenever Moonjo suggested they get to know each other better. He sat on the park bench, reflecting on the past couple hours. The taller man left his apartment, he found himself hard, he took a shot of soju, and then went to the bar. He needed to find someone to take his mind off the man next door. 

He was lucky to find the woman he did. Dark wavy hair, deep eyes, pale skin. Ready to go, no questions asked. If they had a proper introduction he didn’t remember it. He just needed to get off, and to get someone off his mind.

It didn’t work. 

Sitting on a park bench catty corner to his apartment building, Jongwoo looked into his neighbor’s illuminated window and wondered why he’s still awake at this time of night. If it was a normal day, Jongwoo would have long been asleep. He was lucky that he didn’t have to work today. Now that he was an editors apprentice, he got actual benefits at his job. On the last Friday of every month, all full time employees got a paid day off. If he had to wait for the news while at work, he probably would have had a breakdown. If he had to shove down the emotions he was feeling while trying to do grammar checks for a dyslexic independent journalist, he would have screamed. 

Jongwoo rubbed his face with his hands, and then reached into his grocery bag. He purchased some cut up mangos to help his body recover from the alcohol of the day. He munched on the fruit, gazing into the treetops in front of him. He was happy to live in this part of town instead of the industrial death trap he used to reside in. There were no trees, no parks, no life around his goshiwon. It drained the soul from his body. He was so happy to get his apprenticeship when he did so he could move into a proper neighborhood. If it wasn’t for Seokyoon and Jieun living in more desirable neighborhoods for him to visit, Jongwoo doesn’t think that he would have lasted in Seoul.

He listened to the wind in the trees and the sounds of the city as he finished his mango. He drained his water bottle, already feeling better than he had half an hour ago. He rested comfortably against the bench and closed his eyes, absorbing the sounds and breeze around him. This city wasn’t half bad at 1 am. He was able to relax, and the stress of the day finally left him. 

“Yoon Jongwoo? Why are you asleep on a bench?”

Jongwoo opened his eyes, immediately noticing how stiff his neck and back were. His knees were pulled into his chest, with his left side leaning against the back of the bench. His head had been resting on his arms which were resting atop his legs. He turned his face to confront the person who had woken him up and to figure out exactly where he was.

His eyes adjusted to the daybreak sun, noticing a tall man in front of him. He was wearing an athletic shirt, shorts, and a hat, his fluffy hair still peeking out of the sides. He was holding his AirPods in his hands and his smart watch was blinking, indicating that his workout was paused. Jongwoo sat up straight, as if his position was the reason why his brain wasn’t processing the vision he was taking in. He finally realized who was in front of him.

“Did you lock yourself out last night? Are you sick? Should I call your friend?” His neighbor asked in quick succession, as he began to crouch in front of him.

“No, no, I’m fine. I stopped here to eat after leaving the bar. I guess I just fell asleep.” Jongwoo took a look at his own watch. 5:07 am. This monster was running in the park this early in the morning, even when Jongwoo had noticed that his lights were still on before he fell asleep last night. He couldn’t help the question that came next.

“Do you not fucking sleep?” He regretted it as soon as he spoke, but he was too tired to apologize. He rested his head in his hands, trying to soothe the headache that was making itself known to Jongwoo.

Moonjo chuckled, too joyous for the hour.

“Years of working in the medical field have taught me how to rely on less and less sleep.” He paused, an indistinguishable look fleeted across his eyes. “I’m a dentist by the way. My clinic is open around the clock, so I don’t have the typical 9-5 schedule of most of my colleagues.” He explained. 

“Yeah I know, I googled you once I found out your name. Couldn’t be living next to a creep, now, could I?” Again, Jongwoo regretted saying this, but it was too early in the morning for his filter to be properly active. 

His neighbor smirked. Still crouched in front of the younger man, he pushed the hair away from Jongwoo’s face. 

“Do you need help getting home? You should get some sleep in your actual bed. You could use the rest. You had a hard couple days.” Moonjo spoke tenderly, in a way that people who were basically strangers didn’t talk to each other. His fingers lingered on Jongwoo’s cheek, causing a shiver to go up his spine. 

“No, I’m okay. I just fell asleep. It was such a nice night out. I can make it home okay, it’s just across the street.” Jongwoo stood, avoiding eye contact, and keeping his distance to prevent any additional touch from the older man. 

“Okay. Sleep well. Actually…” Moonjo pauses while he pulls his phone out of his pocket, “we should exchange numbers. Just in case. It’s the neighborly thing to do.” He unlocks his phone, pulls up the contact app, and hands it to Jongwoo. 

Jongwoo pauses. He’s not sure if he should have the man’s number, but his face is so earnest. He concludes that it isn’t a bad idea, he wants to visit his mom soon and he’s going to need someone to water his plants, and Seokyoon has proven that he cannot be trusted with that responsibility. He pulls his phone out, noticing that it’s almost dead. He exchanges devices with Moonjo and puts his number in. They trade phones again and Jongwoo looked at the screen. 

Hot neighbor Moonjo

He looked up to the taller man, who had a devilish grin plastered across his face. He tossed him a wink, threw his phone back into his pocket, and continued his run. Jongwoo plopped down on the the bench and groaned. He was so fucked. He gathered his trash from the night before and headed back to his apartment, hoping for a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

Moonjo now had Jongwoo’s number. After over two months, they’ve made more headway in the last fifteen hours than they have in the entire time he’s lived in the building. He was especially happy that he decided to go for a run outside today instead of hitting the treadmill inside like normal.

But why did he go out last night?

He couldn’t quite figure out why he was alone after going out and had no one to ensure he got home. If Moonjo would have been with him, there was no chance that he wouldn’t have been tucked in by the end of the night.

Moonjo jogged into the apartment lobby, resting his hands on his knees after hitting the elevator button. He had run for much longer than normal today, needing to release the nervous energy that was building inside of him. The potential of Jongwoo’s number in his possession felt like bees swarming in his abdomen.

He made it up to their floor and he stopped by his neighbor’s door to see if he was still asleep. With a light knock and an ear to the wood, Moonjo heard no sounds, so he entered his own apartment with contentment.

I’m glad he’s sleeping. He looked so exhausted this morning.

Gom met Moonjo at the door, hopping onto the counter, aggressively demanding pets. He scratched him behind the ears and grabbed his food, pouring his breakfast into his silver bowl.

“I’m sorry I’m late buddy, I was gone longer than anticipated. I ran into the cute guy next door.” Gom grumbled as he chewed on the kibble, obviously not as fond of Jongwoo as Moonjo was. “I know, I know, you’re my baby first. It won’t happen again.”

Moonjo was reading in his chair when a knock came to the door. It was a classic leather chair he found in a thrift store after graduating dental school. Many of his professors had one like it in their offices, and he bought it as a gift to himself, as if cementing his place as a stuffy dentist. He was perusing the newest dental journal when the sound came from the other side of his entrance. Gom woke up from his nap and perked his head up, ready to investigate if necessary.

He stood, curious but apprehensive, carrying his coffee with him to the foyer. He wasn’t expecting anyone, and since it was midday on a Saturday, he shouldn’t be receiving any packages. He took a look through the peephole, seeing a familiar but unexpected face. He removed the chain and opened his door.

“Yoon Jongwoo. What a pleasant surprise.” Moonjo couldn’t begin to hold back his smile. It had only been about five hours since they last spoke, but he couldn’t help but miss him during that time. He was always acutely aware that he was just on the other side of the wall, almost wishing he had a peephole directly into his bedroom. Almost.

“Hi, were you busy? I hope I’m not bothering you.” Jongwoo ran his hand through his very messy hair.

“Absolutely not. What can I do you for?” Moonjo hoped the innuendo didn’t surpass him. The blush that crept across the bridge of his nose confirms it didn’t. He still hasn’t made eye contact, but he pulls something from behind his back. It’s a laptop. Moonjo really wasn’t expecting this.

“Could you proofread a chapter for me? I’m a writer, and this morning really struck a nerve with me. I’m trying to write a crime novel and I have a chapter and premise due next week at work. I had already written something, but I wasn’t very happy with it. Crime stuff creeps Seokyoon out, and since you were the inspiration...” Jongwoo trailed off. His explanation came out so fast it took a moment for Moonjo to absorb what was happening.

Jongwoo is asking you for your help. Say yes before he leaves.

“Ah, yeah. Yes. Yes, of course. Please, come in.” Moonjo opens the door for him, raising his arm to politely guide him inside.

Moonjo has lived in this apartment for nearly seven years, moving in the month before starting at his current dental clinic. It’s a little more lived-in than Jongwoo’s unit. He has pictures from the vacations he’s done over the years. The volunteer events he’s attended. A selfie of him and Gom the day he brought him home. He has a bookcase that hasn’t been reorganized in a while, with journals, magazines, and books haphazardly placed on top of the organized stacks. He sits at his dining table with his coffee, gesturing to his other chair for Jongwoo to sit.

He takes in the younger man in front of him. He’s in different clothes from this morning, thankfully. He had been wearing the same clothes that he was donning when he saw him falling through the entrance of their apartment building yesterday. His hair looks like he slept on it while wet. Moonjo assumed he took a quick shower after arriving home and immediately passed out. He didn’t exactly look refreshed, but he didn’t look as exhausted as he did this morning in the park.

“Were you able to get some sleep? I was worried you were one of those people who once they were awake, they were up for the day.” Jongwoo sat at the table, gently sitting his laptop down on the oak. It’s an older model, black and scuffed, with a sticker from a university.

“I showered and ate, and was able to sleep for about an hour. I had this crazy dream that woke me up, but it gave me the inspiration to write. So that’s what I’ve been doing for the past several hours. I haven’t had a chance to check grammar and punctuation. I just want you to tell me if the story is good and if it makes sense. If that’s okay.” He opened the laptop and began to sign in.

“Of course, that’s okay, Jagiya.”

What the fuck did you just say.

Moonjo saw Jongwoo freeze, but quickly continue typing. The younger man was choosing to ignore it, so would he.

Jongwoo turned the laptop toward him. Inspecting the document, he saw that it was twenty-seven pages.

“Wow, you wrote this in just a few hours? That’s astounding.” Moonjo was not easily impressed, but he was fascinated with the work ethic of the man in front of him. Jongwoo seemed to blush just a bit.

“I already had the general structure, but just had a better idea about how the victim gets noticed by the villain.”

“Don’t dismiss your accomplishments. You wrote a lot. I’m impressed with your work without even having read any of it. Please, take the compliment. You worked very hard.”

Jongwoo looked to the ceiling, to his hands, and then to the wall.

“Thank, hm, thank you.” It was barely more than a murmur, obviously unfamiliar with the idea of accepting  praise without dismissing it.

“Would you like to stay here while I read? I have plenty of books and a TV, and I’m sure Gom would like another person to snuggle with.” Moonjo gestured to the adjoining room. Jongwoo stood from the table. “Can I get you a cup of coffee? It’s not the best, I unfortunately have very cheap tastes when it comes to java.”. Jongwoo let out a huff.

“Do I look like a coffee snob to you?”

“Absolutely. You obviously only have the finest of palates. Yoon Jongwoo only drinks coffee that kings would have served to them on a platter.” The younger man giggled, giggled, while a blush crept up his neck.

“I don’t mind, just this time. Give me the cheap-ass coffee.” Moonjo smiled brightly at him playing along and got up to make him a cup.

Moonjo stepped into the kitchen to start the brew while Jongwoo began to inspect the bookshelf. He pulls out a copy of The Metamorphosis.

“Wow, this is one of my favorites. I know it’s old, but this book is one that I can read over and over.”

I know you liked it. I saw it in your apartment yesterday. That’s why I bought that copy today after my run.

“Oh really? I love it too, it’s truly a classic,” Moonjo said, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Please don’t ask me any questions about it. I haven’t read it yet, I thought I would have more time before you were in my apartment. It’s a miracle I recognized it at the used bookstore.

Jongwoo nodded in agreement, sitting in Moonjo’s leather reading chair that he was in earlier. He examined the book, noticing that it had been well loved in it’s years since it was printed. Moonjo hoped that he assumed it was loved by him.

“How do you take your coffee? Sorry, I don’t have any fancy milks, just the stuff from cows. I also have some creamer but it’s very sugary and caramel flavored,” Moonjo yelled, head stuck inside the fridge, wanting to make sure Jongwoo heard him. His neighbor laughed.

“Black with a little sugar is fine.” Jongwoo had a shadow of a smile on his face when Moonjo turned around, and his heart melted. Him, sitting in his chair with a book in hand, Moonjo making him coffee. Saturday sun pouring through the windows. Gom asleep at Jongwoo’s feet, unmoving from his earlier spot. He could get used to this.

Moonjo realized he was staring when Jongwoo cleared his throat and looked back to the book he was holding. He collected the coffee and delivered it to the man in front of him.

“Your coffee, your majesty,” Moonjo offered with an exaggerated bow. “I’m sorry, I’m fresh out of silver platters. My grubby hands will have to do.” Jongwoo laughed and took the cup.

“Thank you.” He paused, face steeling, looking down. “Please be honest with my writing. Don’t say nice things just because you don’t want to hurt my feelings. I’m stronger than I look. Plus, this is my career. You won’t be doing me any favors by being too nice. I want this to be the best piece I can create.” Jongwoo continued looking down and took a sip of the coffee.

Moonjo nodded, knowing exactly what he was saying.

“I always try to be honest. You strike me as an honest person yourself, and it would be a disservice to be anything less for you.” Moonjo crouched in front of him, much like he did this morning. Jongwoo met his eyes.  “You can always be honest with me. You can always be honest with yourself around me. The benefit of us not really knowing each other is that we don’t have the history holding us back, so we can show our real selves to each other with little consequence. I’ll always prefer the real you.” He spoke softly, trying not to scare away the man in front of him.

Jongwoo looked away and Moonjo felt that he had gone too far, but to apologize would directly contradict what he just said. He could feel that Jongwoo was different than the others he had tried to pursue. Moonjo didn’t want to be a fake version of himself, especially not with the younger man. He wasn’t wrong about him. He would accept him as he was, even if it required an adjustment period.

“I’ll get started on your chapter. Would you prefer me to ask you questions as I read, if I have them? Or do you want me to save all my thoughts for the end?” Moonjo wanted to be as thorough as possible.

“All at the end, please.” Jongwoo finally looked at him again, expression unreadable.

“Of course, your majesty.”

Moonjo grabbed a pen and a legal pad, and settled in at the dining table, excited to read Jongwoo’s work that was inspired by their meeting. One of their interactions was cemented into this document, likely to be the centerpiece of the novel that would inevitably be a bestseller one day. Regardless of how his relationship with Jongwoo would end up, they would always have this.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

“Jagi, jagi wake up.”

For the second time that day, Moonjo gently woke Jongwoo up. This time, he was gently shaking his shoulder, kneeling in front of him. His eyes adjusted to his neighbor before him, noticing his soft expression.

His hair was a little less tidy than normal. He had donned a pair of glasses now. The circular silver rims gave the impression that he was just any other person, and not the insanely hot dentist with flowery language who lived next door.

“I let you sleep for a while, but if you don’t wake up soon, you might have a hard time going to bed tonight. I don’t want your sleep schedule messed up too bad.” Jongwoo looked around the room. There was less light than earlier.

He tried to look at his watch, but the blanket Moonjo had placed around him had gotten in the way. Also, there was a chubby tan and black cat sitting on his lap which contributed to the logistical difficulties. Slipping his arm out carefully, he looked at the time. 2:13 pm. He had slept for another three hours. He groaned, closed his eyes, and leaned back against the chair.

“How on Earth did I fall asleep?” Jongwoo’s voice was rough, obvious that he had been in a deep sleep. His body’s adjustments caused Gom to be spooked. The cat jumped off his lap and ran to his water bowl, obviously offended that he had been disturbed.

“You were tired, it was quiet, and plus Gom makes for a great weighted blanket. You were out within a few minutes of him joining you on the chair,” Moonjo explained matter-of-factly. Jongwoo was learning that’s how he often speaks.

“How soon did I fall asleep after you started reading?” Jongwoo noticed that his coffee was only halfway consumed. He stretched and sat the blanket on the arm of the leather chair. Moonjo finally stood, towering over the younger man.

“About ten minutes. I looked back to ask if you wanted a snack and you were already snoring.” Moonjo smirked, carrying the coffee cup to the sink.

“I don’t snore.” Jongwoo mumbled. He knew he snored, but he didn’t want Moonjo to know that.

“Sure, jagi. It was probably Gom then.”

Jagi. Why does he keep saying that?

Jieun was never much for pet names. Sure, she called him Oppa, but that wasn’t exclusive to couples. He always wanted her to call him jagiya, honey, darling. Something of the sort. But she never did.

Jongwoo stood and walked towards the kitchen.

“So were you able to finish the chapter?” He was nervous to hear Moonjo’s thoughts. He wrote him into his story and based the chapter off them in the park this morning.

“I was.” Moonjo walked the few steps to the dining table to retrieve a pad of paper. He passed it to Jongwoo. He grabbed it, expecting there to be a few lines of notes. After seeing that the first page was full, he looked to the next one. And the next one. And the next one. There were nine total pages of handwritten notes on his chapter.

“Are you…joking?” Jongwoo was overwhelmed. Who would put in this much work for a random neighbor?

“Are you angry?”

“No, no of course not. I’m just surprised. Why did you do this? This is very over the top.” Jongwoo stared at the pages in amazement.

“‘Over the top’ is pretty much my personal brand.” Moonjo crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. “You asked for a favor. I wanted to help. And I don’t half-ass things.”

“Obviously not.” Jongwoo couldn’t believe that he had this wealth of constructive notes for his project. He finally looked up from the notepad. Moonjo was looking at him intently. His gaze was always so piercing, but now he couldn’t help his face from heating. Nothing was even happening, but the eye contact made his skin hot.

“Thank you. I don’t think you realize how helpful this is going to be for me.”

Jongwoo didn’t know what else to say. His body felt off from the sleep and yesterday’s alcohol. He felt overwhelmed by the helpfulness of his neighbor with his work. He was stunned by the way the taller man made him feel that he wasn’t quite able to process yet. He cleared his throat, wanting to break the growing silence.

“I think I should head back to my unit and go through these notes. This chapter is due this week, I still have a decent amount of work to do.” Jongwoo began to collect his things and head for the door, avoiding the spellbinding eyes of his neighbor.  

“If you would like me to, I would be delighted to read it again once it’s done. Give it a once over before you turn it in.” Moonjo spoke softly as he followed Jongwoo to the door.

“Really?” Jongwoo couldn’t imagine that someone would continually proofread his work without getting paid for it. Jieun wasn’t a reader, Seokyoon got scared by the content, his mom was always too busy. He had never had someone outside the literature world help him with his writing. Moonjo took another step towards Jongwoo, reducing the space between the two.

The foyer suddenly felt very small as they both squeezed into the space. Jongwoo was so aware of the taller man. His hair flowing around his face. The glasses resting low on his nose. The smell of soap surrounding him from his post-run shower. The moles that designated a trail from his nose to his neck, leading to a cluster of stars against his pale skin.

Moonjo looked down on Jongwoo, a look in his eye that shouldn’t belong to a man talking to his neighbor. He slowly brought his hand up, giving the younger man time to move. If he had even wanted to, Jongwoo was frozen in place. Everything was too much. He had no more self-preservation left in him.

The long fingers grazed his cheek, moving his disheveled hair away from his face. He took in an embarrassing amount of air when Moonjo’s digits connected with his skin and closed his eyes.

Too much. Too much. Too much.

“Anything for you, jagiya. Anything.”

Jongwoo cleared his throat, threw the door open, and ran to the refuge that was his own unit.

Jongwoo had been seeing Moonjo around a lot more frequently since their meetings on Saturday. At the grocery store, the coffee shop, the bank. Jongwoo had a very sporadic gym schedule, yet he saw Moonjo in there every day this week. He wanted to shower after a run before work one day, but as soon as he saw the other man in the open stalls, he left. He didn’t trust himself enough to shower with Moonjo. Not that anything would happen, but Jongwoo knew that it wouldn’t be good for his daydreams.

He was sitting at his desk Thursday afternoon when his boss stopped by his workspace. He was a good man, a better senior than Jaeho could have ever been. He was older, probably late fifties. His kids were in university and he was still very much in love with his wife.

It took a while for Jongwoo to get used to calling him by his first name, but Manshik insisted. He wasn’t a fan of a stiff hierarchy in the workplace and didn’t want his employees to be afraid of him.

“Are you going to be able to submit your work tomorrow? Or are you going to wait for the next submission cycle?” Manshik asked politely in a way that let Jongwoo know that he wasn’t pressuring him. Jongwoo looked up from his computer to meet his senior’s eyes and smiled. He really was a good boss. He was carrying a stack of papers and had a pencil tucked behind his ear, despite almost never writing anything by hand.  

“Yes! That’s the plan. I need to do a couple more run throughs of it though. I changed my story this weekend so it’s still a little rough.”

“Changing your story a week before it’s due? You sound like me in college.” Manshik chuckled and handed Jongwoo the papers. “Here are your assignments for next week. You can take the rest of the day to work on your chapter.” He patted Jongwoo on the shoulder, gave a half smile, and walked on to the next set of cubicles.

“Thank you!” Jongwoo shouted as his boss walked away. He couldn’t believe that he was getting four more hours to work on his chapter while on the clock. They’re technically only supposed to work on their personal writing for an hour each day. That was what made this specific apprenticeship special. Most only allowed one hour a week, if they allowed any personal writing at all.

Jongwoo used his excitement as fuel, and immediately opened the file to get to work.

Five o’clock came faster than he was expecting. He still wasn’t done with his chapter and summary. It was due tomorrow at noon, and he had assignments for tomorrow morning that couldn’t be delayed. His brain had been stuck. He hated every sentence he had written. He couldn’t distance himself from his work.

Typically, when he had this problem, he would take a break for a week or so and revisit the piece. But he didn’t have a week. Jongwoo put his head in his hands and groaned.

Suddenly, an awful thought crossed his mind. He had a way around this. But it wasn’t a path he exactly wanted to take.

Oh God. I’m going to have to ask him for another favor, aren’t I?

Jongwoo didn’t want to put himself in that situation again. He felt so overwhelmed by Moonjo’s presence. He still wasn’t quite sure what he wanted from him. Was he actually flirting? Or was he just fucking with him since he heard Seokyoon’s remark? What was worse was that Jongwoo hadn’t been able to meet anyone this week, so he had six whole days of pent-up frustration from their last encounter.

He looked at his laptop screen and felt the anxiety of his unfinished work and swallowed his pride. He hoped that his neighbor would be too busy with such short notice. Jongwoo decided to text the man next door for the first time.

Jongwoo: Hi, Moonjo. It’s Jongwoo. My chapter is due tomorrow, and my brain refuses to do another round of proofreading. Would you mind taking a final look for me? Don’t worry about it if you’re too busy, I know this is short notice.

Jongwoo threw his head back into his hands and sighed, very stressed with the state of his life. He began to pack up his work bag so he could go home. He really wanted a glass of wine and some kimbap and some TV. Since last week, he was halfway through his rewatch of Goblin, and even though he’s seen it several times, he was anxious to watch the next episode.

Less than two minutes after sending the text, his phone buzzed.

Moonjo: Of course. I’ll be home around 8. Would you like me to bring you home some food?

Shit. Jongwoo couldn’t believe what he was reading. There was no quicker way to his heart than through his stomach, but he was too hungry to wait that long.

Jongwoo: That’s very kind of you, but I’m grabbing some food now. I’ll see you at 8.

For just a moment, Jongwoo let his mind wander to a dinner with Moonjo. Not in their apartments by the TV, but at a restaurant. Nice clothes. Low lighting. Soft music in the background. Moonjo would likely take his hand and look into his eyes, and speak his wonderful words telling him-

What the fuck do you think you’re doing?

Jongwoo shook his head to get the thought of his mind. He needed to get laid. He needed to find someone. He needed Jieun back so he could reincorporate romance back into his life. He never thought that he would miss going on dates quite like this, but Jongwoo didn’t understand most of what his brain said these days.

He grabbed his bag and his phone and headed out the door. Jongwoo needed to get this day over with so he could turn in his story and reinvigorate his personal life.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

Moonjo practically skipped out of work. He was taking a break in between patients and just happened to check his phone to see a text from Jongwoo. He wanted him to read his work again. Moonjo offered to bring the younger man some food, but he declined. He understood, he gets home pretty late.

The dentist decided to stop by the store and pick up a bottle of wine. He got a carton of orange juice and a loaf of bread as well as to not seem suspicious. He needed the other items too, more or less. In walking back towards the checkout, he took the shortcut through the health aisle, and something caught his eye.

Do I have condoms at home? Do I have lube?

It had been a while since Moonjo’s last visitor, and they had brought the supplies with them. The items were looking at him, full of potential. He didn’t want to assume that Jongwoo would be interested in him, but he wanted to be prepared just in case. He could feel that his neighbor was thinking about a night with Moonjo, even if the implication made him uncomfortable.

He decided against buying the condoms, not wanting to jinx anything. He could always buy them later at his normal shopping trip. Plus, there was always the chance that he still had some in his nightstand. He cleared his throat and continued to the register, wanting to get home to Jongwoo as soon as possible.

The elevator doors opened and Moonjo stepped into the hallway. He wanted to change out of his work clothes before meeting Jongwoo, maybe brush his teeth. As a dentist, he was always supremely aware of the cleanliness of his teeth and the smell of his breath. He pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the time to see how long he had before Jongwoo was expecting him.

“You’re home early.”

Moonjo nearly jumped out of his skin at the unexpected sound. He then realized that it was just Jongwoo, not someone waiting to murder him. The younger man was sitting in front of Moonjo’s door, knees pulled into his chest. He pulled the headphones out of his ears as the owner of the unit approached him.

“Yes, my last patient cancelled.” Moonjo had to clear his throat to ensure that he could speak normally. He wanted, no, he needed the time to prepare before meeting Jongwoo. He wasn’t expecting this spontaneous encounter in front of his door. He reached his hand out to the younger man, offering to help him off the floor.

Jongwoo gripped his hand and groaned as he stood, exaggerating his strain as if to appear as an elderly man.

“I’m too old to sit on the floor like that. You definitely shouldn’t try it, grandpa.” Moonjo chuckled at Jongwoo’s dry humor. He typically didn’t care for people mentioning how old he was, but anything Jongwoo said just increased how enamored he was with him. The younger man picked his laptop off the floor and ran his hand through his hair. Moonjo punched in his door code and the delightful noise rang out, indicating that the number was correct.

“Please, come in.” Moonjo held the door for Jongwoo who bowed slightly as he entered. “Would you like a glass of wine? I just picked some up at the store.” He walked to the counter and sat his grocery bags down.

“Yes, thank you. I wanted some wine earlier actually, but I didn’t have any in my apartment.” Moonjo nodded and grabbed two glasses and the opener from the cabinet. He had already drank around Jongwoo before, but wine gave a different vibe than beer and takeout. They were alone this time. They were making this conscious decision together. Moonjo didn’t get nervous very often, but today, he was nervous.

He poured the cabernet into the glasses and handed one to Jongwoo. He spent a little more than normal on this bottle, wanting the best for the man next door.

“I know you already ate, but I’m going to heat up some kimchi stew, would you like some?” Shit. Maybe kimchi stew wasn’t the best thing to eat if Moonjo was hoping to take Jongwoo to bed. He should have picked something up on his way home.

Jongwoo nodded and smiled sheepishly.

He must have a big appetite. Cute.

A few minutes later, they were both sitting at the dining table eating their stew and drinking their wine. Jongwoo was chatting about his job and how excited he was when he was awarded this apprenticeship. It was three years long, he would study to become an editor, and it gave him the opportunity to potentially publish a novel with his company. This is what this chapter was for. It was his shot to get started and work toward his debut.

“You sound like you really love this work. It’s admirable that you decided to pursue a career that you’re actually passionate about. You allow yourself to be creative. It’s quite wonderful.” Moonjo was captivated with how Jongwoo spoke about writing. Most creative people would force themselves into compartmentalizing their art into a hobby, but Jongwoo wanted this to be his profession. The most wonderful part of it all was that Jongwoo was talented enough for this to be feasible.

When Jongwoo first told Moonjo that he inspired his story, he didn’t know what to expect, but went into the piece with an open mind. He was fully prepared to give his honest thoughts about the chapter, especially since that’s what Jongwoo asked for. But he loved it. He loved every second of it. Sure, there were typos and there were parts that were slightly confusing, but the story was beautiful. Jongwoo had such a distinct writing style that engrossed Moonjo completely. He considered himself well read, but he couldn’t compare his writing to any other author he had experienced.

The most mesmerizing part of the chapter was the villain. The villain with fluffy black hair, pale skin, and a beautifully sculpted face. Moonjo didn’t know exactly how to feel about being the inspiration for a serial killer with little social skills, but he loved the way Jongwoo wrote about him. Despite the character being a murderer, the author wrote lavishly about his appearance, his masked interactions with the general public. He felt warm inside with each description about the character that was really himself. Jongwoo must have a somewhat positive opinion about him if he wrote about Moonjo like this.

Eventually they finished their stew and Jongwoo poured each of them another glass of wine. Moonjo collected the bowls and placed them in the sink. Jongwoo met him by the sink to wash his hands.

“Would you like to stay while I read again? And just in case, would you like me to wake you up if you fall asleep?” Moonjo smiled cheekily and Jongwoo threw his elbow into his side, earning a laugh from the older man.

“I’ll stay if that’s okay. I think I’d be too anxious to go back to my own apartment. Plus, your little kitty is wonderful.” Gom, who had been politely standing by their feet, chirped in agreement. Moonjo chuckled. Gom was probably one of the most important beings of his life, and he was happy that Jongwoo liked him too.

Moonjo went back to the table and Jongwoo signed into his laptop for him. He brought up the document for the older man, all while Moonjo inspected his lovely face.

I wonder if he knows just how handsome he is.

Jongwoo glanced over, and Moonjo suddenly felt very embarrassed, as he was obviously caught staring. But he didn’t look away, wanting to hold his ground.

“Why do you keep staring at me?” Jongwoo spoke softly, maintaining eye contact with the man in front of him. Moonjo took a moment to respond, only being able to say the truth.

“I like you.”

“Huh?”

Moonjo kept looking at him. He wanted his eyes to convey as much as they could because he was worried what his mouth would say. Jongwoo blinked, apparently not knowing how to reply to such an admission. After a moment, Moonjo believed that he let the confession hang in the air long enough.

“You can watch TV if you want. The noise doesn’t bother me. The remote is in the side table.”

Jongwoo shook his head, finally back in the present.

“Ah, okay, yes. Thank you. And this chapter is a lot longer than before, it’s a full length. I mostly just need final thoughts. I don’t have time for any big changes. This is due tomorrow at noon, but I have a busy morning, so it needs to be finished tonight,” he explained. Moonjo nodded, deciding to leave the notepad in the living room and just use the editing function in the software.

Moonjo grabbed his glasses and slowly put them on, careful to tuck his hair behind his ears. His locks had gotten very long these past couple months; he wanted to know which style Jongwoo preferred before cutting it. Jongwoo left the dining area and walked to the adjoining living room, forgoing the leather chair this time, and opting for the couch. He pulled a blanket over his legs and brought up the streaming service that Moonjo had never taken the time to sign into. Jongwoo carefully typed in his own email and brought up Goblin. He was on episode 13 now, which was impressive, since they had only watched the first episode less than a week ago.

He heard the theme song to the drama begin, so Moonjo began to read.

After two full run-throughs of the chapter, Moonjo believed that he had done his very best work. It had been nearly an hour since beginning. He had topped off his wine glass a few more times, and so had Jongwoo. He could barely hear the dialogue from the TV, but he could hear Jongwoo sniffle here and there.

I heard that show was sad. I wonder why he’s watching it here.

When Moonjo looked back into the living room to let the younger man know that he had finished, he was fully crying. The blanket was pulled up to his chin, full tears streaming down his face. He looked to the screen and saw a collection of people on a rooftop, unsure of what was happening. Even though it was only a drama, Moonjo couldn’t stand to see Jongwoo so sad. He stood and gingerly walked over to the couch and sat next to his neighbor. Jongwoo’s eyes never left the screen, tears never stopping.

Should I comfort him? Is that too far?

Moonjo decided he didn’t care if it was too much, and wrapped his arm around Jongwoo’s shoulder, pulling him toward him. It only lasted a few moments before the episode was over, causing the younger man to stand up and rush to the bathroom to clean his face. Moonjo sighed, wishing he would have acted sooner. He paused the TV and collected the empty wine glasses. He washed them and placed them in the drainer. He started to tidy up the kitchen when Jongwoo came out from the bathroom.

“Uh, sorry about that. I forgot that was the next episode. The drama is quite sad in some parts.” He wasn’t looking down, but he sure enough wasn’t making eye contact.

“It’s quite alright Jongwoo. Never apologize for your natural emotions.” Moonjo kept cleaning, wanting to appear casual, not wanting to overwhelm the man.

“So, the writing, how did you like it?” Jongwoo finally met his eyes, gaze hopeful but apprehensive.

“It was wonderful. I’m quite partial to the character Moonbyul. I know he’s a serial killer, but he seems so attractive.” Moonjo through a cheeky grin in his neighbor’s direction, hoping to get him to blush. He was successful.

“I-I just, my last character he…” Jongwoo didn’t seem to know what to say. Moonjo was enjoying this, maybe a little too much. “My last character seemed too much like a stereotypical bad guy. Like he wouldn’t be able to blend in because his whole vibe screamed ‘criminal’. So, I thought about someone like you. A little creepy, but nice and good looking. Just normal enough where people wouldn’t think anything was wrong, but with awkward phrasing that would give the reader a hint that you’re not to be trusted.”

“Oh, so I’m creepy?” Moonjo dramatically feigned offense, knowing that he wasn’t the best at social cues, and he could be overbearing, especially when it came to romance. It was something he accepted about himself long ago.

“No! I mean, kind of, but I definitely don’t think you’re a serial killer. Sometimes you say things that catch me off guard, and I seem to see you around quite often, but it doesn’t really bother me. You’re my neighbor, I trust you.” Moonjo’s heart swelled. He trusted him.

“You trust me, huh?”

“Yes. Do you think I’d let you read my writing about you if I didn’t?”

“Hmm. I guess not.” Moonjo stepped toward him, leading Jongwoo to step back towards the wall.

“Yeah, you really helped me with the writer’s block and my own frustration with my work.” Jongwoo stepped back again, nearly touching the wall. Moonjo tilted his head to the left, studying the man’s features. His hair was shoved to the side, his casual clothes were wrinkled. There was a small, dried drop of wine on his collarbone.

“Do you know what I do when I have a mental block?” Moonjo watched Jongwoo’s Adam’s apple bob in his neck and scanned the length of his clavicles.

“W-what?” Jongwoo gulped. Moonjo wished he could open his mind to read it, desperate to know every thought and feeling that was running through his consciousness.

Moonjo took one more step forward and leaned into him, placing his hand on the wall by Jongwoo’s head to hold him up. Lips dangerously close to his ear, he whispered.

“I get off.” Moonjo used the thumb from his free hand to wipe the drop of wine from his skin, feeling the younger man shiver beneath him. “I told you I would do anything for you, jagiya. Anything.” Moonjo pulled back to see that Jongwoo’s eyes were tightly closed, and he was breathing quite deeply.

“Open your eyes.” Jongwoo’s lids flew open, eyes burning with an intensity Moonjo hadn’t yet seen. Moonjo wasn’t great at making friends or making people stay with him, but he was great at sex. If it was socially acceptable, he would put seduction on his resume. “Do you want me to help you? You still have some work to do tonight. It wouldn’t hurt for you to have a clear mind.”

Moonjo brought his free hand down from his shoulder to the bottom hem of his shirt, lightly tugging on it, letting his fingers scrape the skin of his abdomen.

“I know this may not be something you were expecting, but that’s the perk of having a neighbor you’re…close to. We can do each other favors. Take care of each other in a way our friends can’t.” Moonjo leaned down to press a wet kiss to his neck, hearing the younger man take in a sharp breath. Jongwoo wasn’t saying anything, and Moonjo could feel his entire body vibrating, but that wasn’t enough.

“Jongwoo, baby, I need you to say something. Do you want me to stop? Or do you want me to take care of you?” Moonjo may have thought about Jongwoo every day since he moved in, but he wasn’t comfortable doing anything without his consent.

“Yes.”

“Yes, what, jagi?”

“Take care of me, please.”

Moonjo lifted his head to look at Jongwoo, his face donning a devilish smile. He slowly dropped to his knees and Jongwoo backed up against the wall, leaning his head back already. Moonjo grabbed the strings of his sweatpants, the thin fabric betraying any possible resolve Jongwoo was trying to portray.

“What was that?” Moonjo’s hands froze, fingers just barely inside the waistband, waiting for Jongwoo to reiterate what he wanted. He wanted to torture him, just a little bit.

“God! Moonjo, please, just suck my dick. Please. Please, I need it. What are you wai-“

Moonjo hurriedly yanked the sweatpants to Jongwoo’s knees, pulling his briefs down with them, and rapidly took his cock into his mouth. Jongwoo gasped, and groaned loud enough for the entire floor to hear.

The older man went to work. Bobbing, sucking, his dick growing harder with each passing second. He pulled off, using one of his hands to stroke Jongwoo, and used the other to try and take his glasses off.

”No, leave them on.” Moonjo laughed as he heard the younger man’s breathy command, but obliged.

He took that moment to look at up the man through wet eyelashes, slowly taking him back into his mouth. He shoved Jongwoo down his throat as far as he could. He settled into him, rubbing his nose against Jongwoo’s happy trail. He hummed in his own pleasure, which caused the younger man to moan at the vibration. He repeated this slow method over and over, feeling Jongwoo squirm under him.

Moonjo grabbed the base with his hand and slowly pulled his mouth off his dick. He began to stroke while he caught his breath.

“Is this good for you? You’ve been so quiet. Be loud if you want to, jagi.” Moonjo’s voice was rough and low, throat abused by the man’s length. He kissed the head as he continued to pump slowly, agonizingly.

“It’s good. So good. Keep going.”

“Look at me, Jongwoo.” He had kept his eyes closed nearly this entire time, head resting against the wall. The younger man responded to the command and looked down, seeing Moonjo on his knees. “Tell me what you want. We can get rough if that’s what you like.”

Jongwoo couldn’t form words, but he nodded, maintaining the eye contact. Moonjo grabbed Jongwoo’s hand and put it in his locks, silently instructing him to grab on tight. He sank bank down, hollowing out his cheeks to slowly suck the man’s dick. After a few moments of agonizing pace, Jongwoo used his grip on Moonjo’s hair to increase the speed. He relaxed his jaw, allowing his neighbor to take control of his mouth, to possess him for his own pleasure. Jongwoo began thrusting into his mouth, holding Moonjo still with two handfuls of his hair.

His neighbor still wasn’t talking, but he was breathing. Moaning. Grunting. It was a symphony to Moonjo’s ears. Sweat rolled down his neck, glistening in the low light of his hallway. Whenever he felt overwhelmed, he would clench his eyes shut or stare at the ceiling, but that never lasted very long. He would always bring his gaze back down to Moonjo.

He gripped the back of Jongwoo’s thighs, letting his index fingers trace the curve of his ass. He hadn’t seen it bare yet, but God, it felt beautiful. His throat was starting to hurt, his neck had long been sore from the angle, not wanting to look away from Jongwoo’s face. The grip on his hair was tightening, surely to leave his scalp tender for days. He had been gagging and could barely breathe through his nose. But he didn’t care. This is where Moonjo had wanted to be for months now, with the man next door fucking his throat with all his might.

Jongwoo indicated that he was going to come and began to slow down. Moonjo took this moment to lightly bare his teeth, pushing him over the edge. He emptied himself into the older man’s throat, who graciously accepted all of his seed. He was breathing heavy, hunched over, hands slowly releasing from the onyx hair. Moonjo finished swallowing and popped his mouth off his dick, with an exaggerated “Ah”, sticking his tongue out to show that he had finished every drop.

He caressed Moonjo’s face and looked at him, eyes barely open.

“Thank you. Just…thank you.” Jongwoo’s head rolled back as he rested against the wall, not having the energy to move. Moonjo stood, tucked the younger man back into his pants, and tried to make him look presentable.

“Wait, what about you?” Jongwoo looked quite confused, eyes lidded, cheeks flushed. Moonjo smiled at his concern and straightened Jongwoo’s bangs that were now damp with sweat.

“You have a deadline to meet. Does your mind feel clearer? Did I get the job done?” Jongwoo looked shocked, but he nodded.

Moonjo smiled again and collected his neighbor’s laptop for him.

“Good. Now go finish your masterpiece. We can take care of me next time.” Moonjo kept his voice low, hoping to portray just how much he wanted this to happen again.

“Next time?”

“Yes, next time. If that’s something you’d like to do. And it doesn’t have to be for any particular reason either.” Moonjo handed Jongwoo his belongings and opened the door for him. “Now, complete your bestseller and get a good night’s sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.” Jongwoo nodded and stepped out into the hall of their apartment building, the door closing behind him.

Moonjo sighed. He looked down at his slacks, the stiff fabric unforgiving for his own erection. He really didn’t want to stop, but Jongwoo needed to get his work done tonight. He methodically took off his clothes and walked to the bathroom and turned on his shower. It didn’t take very long for him to finish onto the porcelain floor, Jongwoo’s name on his lips.

Next time.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

“I promise you can tell me what happened. I’m not going to judge you. But if you killed someone, we should go somewhere a little more private.” Seokyoon, ever the loyalist, spoke in a low but joking tone to convey that he was kidding, but ready to become serious if the situation required it. Jongwoo loved him for it.

Jongwoo had called Seokyoon to meet him before work for coffee. They met at the shop that was located in between their apartments. Mysteriously, Junghwa had also joined them, despite living on the other side of the river, and it wasn’t even 7 am yet. And her police precinct was in center city. And her shift didn’t start until noon. Mysterious. Jongwoo kept eyeing both of them but didn’t quite have the brain space to make any accusations.

He sighed. Yesterday was a lot. He still doesn’t know how he completed his chapter before going to bed. Moonjo said he wanted to clear his mind, and it kind of worked. Unfortunately, once he was done writing, his cognizance was all static and thunder.

Jongwoo sipped on his coffee, hands shaking from the sleep deprivation, excess of caffeine, and the trouble of last night’s events. No wonder Seokyoon thought he killed someone.

“Do you remember my neighbor?” Jongwoo looked into his coffee, not quite ready to tell his friends what happened, but still wanting to get it out.

“Oh god, you did kill someone!” Seokyoon shouted, and Junghwa smacked his arm.

“Shut up. Jongwoo, please tell us. We’re not going to judge you. But also, you should remember that I’m a cop.”

Jongwoo rubbed his face with both hands, exasperated. Why didn’t he just text Seokyoon? It wouldn’t have been this frustrating. He trusted both of them. Both had been by his side since college. Why was he so nervous?

“I didn’t commit any crimes! That I know of, anyway. But I need you both to be understanding. It’s not that bad, but my brain is freaking out and I need someone to talk me down.” Jongwoo took a couple deep breaths and looked at both of his friends. They were looking at him with such anticipation, ignoring the coffee and pastries in front of them.

“My neighbor, Moonjo, um,” he took a quick look to Junghwa, instinctively not wanting to say this in front of a woman, “…sucked my dick last night.”

Junghwa was quietly absorbing what he said, like the police officer she was, wanting to understand the information before moving forward with an investigation.

Seokyoon started grinning like an idiot.

“I knew it! I knew there was something there. He kept looking at you when we were watching TV the other night. Plus, he’s super hot. Hey, don’t look at me like that.” Junghwa hadn’t yet seen Moonjo, so she couldn’t quite understand yet why Seokyoon admitted to how attractive he is. “How did it happen? I thought you two hadn’t really hung out with each other? Where was it? Tell me everything, hyung!” Junghwa smacked him again.

“He’s been proofreading my writing this week.”

“The story about the butcher who starts killing people? He was cool with that?” Seokyoon grimaced, not comfortable with Jongwoo’s writing.

“No, I rewrote my chapter. It’s about a community artist who is very involved in his neighborhood but is also a murderer.”

Jongwoo explained the circumstances. How he went out after they had dinner last week, Moonjo finding him in the park, waking him up gently.

“You rewrote your chapter, about a killer, so you could use your neighbor that you have a crush on as inspiration?” Junghwa summarized, trying to wrap her head around it.

“I didn’t have a crush on him,” Jongwoo weakly defended himself. Junghwa just cocked her eyebrow at him, and he blushed.

Why isn’t she a detective yet?

“Once I finished rewriting the first draft, I asked if he could proofread it for me, since you get so scared by crime fiction.” Seokyoon pursed his lips, not fond of Jongwoo’s true statement. “He left me so many notes and advice on the first draft that I went back to him yesterday for a final run-through. And then he…offered…to help with my writing stress.” Jongwoo grabbed his coffee, nearly chugging it, willing it help his mind settle. He sat the cup down and breathed deeply, almost happy to finally have it off his chest. The past twelve hours had left him so anxious, and he was glad that he didn’t have to process this alone.

“Okay, so are you together now? It’s nice that you live next to each other, that’s so convenient.” Junghwa was always levelheaded. “And if he’s as hot as Seokyoon says, congratulations.”

“No, we’re not together! I don’t want a relationship. Jieun will be coming home soon. Plus, I’m not sure if I actually think I’m into him, because I had never thought about him like that until last week. Thanks to you, hyung, since you’re the one who suggested I start fucking men, so no one gets pregnant!”

Jongwoo then realized how loud his voice had gotten. The other patrons in the shop were now looking at him, discontent about the unsolicited insight into his personal life. He looked around the cafe and noticed a familiar face that had just come in the door.

Why does the universe hate me?

Moonjo made eye contact with Jongwoo, shadow of a smile on his face as he walked to the register. He ordered a drink that Jongwoo had never heard of, something he was sure had too much sugar and flavoring.

Jongwoo looked down to the table, suddenly very interested in the chip in the wood. Seokyoon was giggling, Junghwa was just observing the situation.

“Good morning, Jongwoo, Seokyoon. I’m sorry, I don’t believe that we’ve met yet.” Moonjo held his hand out to Junghwa in polite introduction.

“So Junghwa, I’m friends with Jongwoo and Seokyoon. And you are?” Jongwoo wasn’t sure if she hadn’t put it together yet or if she just wanted him to tell her who he was himself. She shook the man’s hand with a neutral expression.

“Seo Moonjo, Jongwoo’s neighbor. I run the dental clinic down the street.” Moonjo points in the direction of his office, a light smile remaining on his face.

He looked so well put together. He was wearing a dark suit with a burgundy shirt, holding his leather work bag and coffee. His hair was neat, still without any gel to hold it in place. His pale cheeks were a little red from the cold, the crisp October morning nipping at his skin. His teeth were white and shimmering, nothing less expected from a dentist.

He took a slow sip of his drink, the steam fogging up his glasses. Jongwoo wished he didn’t see this, because it made his mind completely replay the events of last night.

“Open your eyes.”

The dentist was in front of him, so, so close to his body. Jongwoo was burning. It had been over a week since he’d been touched, by another person or himself. He couldn’t bare the possibility of Moonjo coming into his thoughts as he masturbated. How silly did that seem now?

“Do you want me to help you? You still have some work to do tonight. It wouldn’t hurt for you to have a clear mind.” Jongwoo’s resolve was melting. Moonjo’s dark eyes were burning. His hair was falling into his face, his glasses were low on his nose as he looked down on the younger man. He started tugging on the bottom of Jongwoo’s shirt, knuckles rubbing against his muscles.

“I know this may not be something you were expecting, but that’s the perk of having a neighbor you’re close to. We can do each other favors. Take care of each other in a way our friends can’t.”

Is this man trying to fucking kill me?

As if he was reading his mind and answering his question, Moonjo leaned down to kiss his neck with just the lightest of suction. He found the specific spot that makes Jongwoo shiver. He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t think. His entire body was on fire.

Jongwoo had been around the block. His first couple years of college he had made his way through the literature department at university. His summer in the states with his cousin was basically a non-stop fuck fest. But he had never felt like this. His body had never shaken like this with so little touching. It had only been a week since he last slept with someone. Jongwoo didn’t know why his body was reacting like this. He tried to focus on his breathing, knowing he couldn’t be coming off very well to be so excited so fast.

“Jongwoo, baby, I need you to say something. Do you want me to stop? Or do you want me to take care of you?”

Stop? You can’t stop.

Jongwoo remembered that Moonjo could not, in fact, read his mind, and tried to force the words out.

“Yes.”

“Yes, what, jagi?”

Jagi.

“Take care of me please.” Jongwoo kept breathing. Saying the words out loud solidified for himself that he really, really wanted this. Even if he regretted this later, he 100% needed this to happen.

Moonjo dropped to his knees.

Shit. He’s really trying to kill me.

The grin on his face was destroying Jongwoo and he couldn’t handle it anymore. He leaned all the way against the wall, angling his head back, and closing his eyes again. Even though he couldn’t see him, but he could feel his long, cold fingers against his skin. The older man moved his hand from the shirt to the strings of his sweatpants and lightly tugged. He heard a light chuckle. Evidently Moonjo could see just how turned on he was from this interaction.

Why did I have to wear these sweatpants? They’re too thin. I’m burning them as soon as I leave.

“What was that?” Moonjo stopped moving his hands, just as they entered his waistband. Jongwoo looked down for just a moment, face flashing with anger and frustration and horniness and just not being able to handle his dick not getting touched.

“God! Moonjo, please, just suck my dick. Please.” He was literally begging for a blowjob. But he wasn’t worried about his dignity right now. “Please, I need it. What are you wai-“

Oh. Oh.

In the blink of an eye, his sweats and underwear had been yanked down, and his dick was already in Moonjo’s mouth. He sucked in so much air he thought his lungs would explode. The sound that escaped his mouth after reverbed throughout the apartment.

Don’t be so loud. Other people live in this building. Do you want everyone to know that your neighbor is on his knees for you right now?

He took a look down as he felt Moonjo adjusting his body. He was trying to take off his glasses. They had begun to fog up from the act.

“No, leave them on.” Jongwoo wanted his voice to sound normal, but he failed. It was too breathy. Too quiet. But Moonjo listened, the glasses stayed on, and he looked up to the younger man through them.

Jongwoo clenched his eyes shut, trying desperately to not shout and holler in amazement at the mouth working him over. He was in heaven. He’d never had a bad blowjob before, but this was heaven. He was trying his best to be quiet, but sounds were still escaping him.

“Is this good for you? You’ve been so quiet. Be loud if you want to, jagi.” The sound of his voice was so different from earlier, evident of work he’d been putting in. He was still touching him, but much slower than Jongwoo would like.

“It’s good.” Say more. Let him know that you’re not lukewarm about this. “So good. Keep going.” Good. Words are good.

“Look at me, Jongwoo.” He didn’t think he could bare it. If he looked down, he was going to blow his load right there. He knew it. But Moonjo squeezed his erection, placing emphasis on the command. Jongwoo tilted his head to catch a glimpse. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

He was still in his work clothes. An off-white suit with a baby blue shirt. His shoes were off, bare feet stretched against the floor. His hair had fallen into his face. His lips were wet, sloppy and filthy with spit and precum, the mix dripping down his chin.

“Tell me what you want. We can get rough if that’s what you like.”

Oh my God. This can’t be happening.

Jongwoo had gotten dirty before, but he’d never really gotten rough. He and his partners had made their way into exhibitionist territory, but he had never wanted to push in the rough category. None of the women he’d been with had ever brought it up, and he was never one to coerce someone into something.

But Moonjo was offering, suggesting.

Jongwoo nodded, keeping the eye contact that had been ordered. He was guided to Moonjo’s hair, and he held on for dear life with both hands. His dick disappeared down Moonjo’s throat, moving leisurely to bring Jongwoo back into it. After a moment, he relaxed his jaw and blinked, giving Jongwoo the okay. He took control, increasing the speed. He wanted to build up speed, but it felt just too good.

He started thrusting too hard and too fast; all too soon, but Moonjo was holding on to him. The older man’s hands gripped the back of his thighs, holding his mouth close to Jongwoo’s hips. The sounds that were emitting from his throat brought him so close to the edge, obscene in a way Jongwoo couldn’t have imagined sounding like in person.

Jongwoo’s entire body felt overstimulated. He couldn’t maintain the eye contact with Moonjo and would often have to look away, throw his back into the wall as a way to ground himself, but he never let go of the locks of hair.

Jongwoo felt close, but he was worried because he didn’t talk to Moonjo beforehand about what he’d be okay with. He also didn’t have the wherewithal to bring up that discussion, so he just mumbled something about coming and slowed down. Moonjo took this as a sign to lightly scrape the bottom of his shaft with his teeth, definitively pushing him off the cliff. Shocks ran out through his body. Jongwoo was almost embarrassed by the grunted, indistinguishable phrases that came out of his mouth. There was no way that he was sexy right now.

He leaned over, breathing heavy, as Moonjo finished milking him dry. Jongwoo’s grip on his hair loosened and the other man brought himself off his cock and stuck out his tongue, obvious that he had taken every drop that Jongwoo offered.

Jongwoo didn’t have the energy for anything. His brain had literally been sucked through his dick. He couldn’t form words. So, to show his appreciation, but brought his palm to Moonjo’s cheek, lightly stroking the skin until he regained consciousness.

“Thank you. Just…thank you.” Jongwoo rested his head against the wall, having not yet regained his strength. He didn’t know what else to say.

And he was thankful. He had been thinking about men for a long time, and he had been thinking about Moonjo nonstop since Seokyoon’s suggestion.

Moonjo stood and redressed Jongwoo, as tidy and presentable as ever. Jongwoo was confused.

Why is he redressing me? Does he think I want to stop?

“Wait, what about you?” Jongwoo had never had sex with a man before, but if he was going to spend more time with Moonjo, he was ready break the seal. Moonjo brushed Jongwoo’s sweaty bangs out of his eyes.

“You have a deadline to meet. Does your mind feel clearer? Did I get the job done?” Jongwoo nodded, but he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He got one of the best orgasms of his life, but Moonjo didn’t want anything in return? Was he not interested in him? Did his come taste bad or something?

“Good. Now go finish your masterpiece. We can take care of me next time.” His voice was so low and rough, Jongwoo wanted to embed the sound into his brain.

He wants there to be a next time.

“Hyung! Pay attention.”

Jongwoo was called back to real life. Moonjo was still standing next to the table, fog fading from his glasses lens. Seokyoon and Junghwa had apparently noticed that he had been staring at the man before him and were now laughing quietly to themselves.

“Well, I have to get to work. My first patient will be arriving at 8. Goodbye, I hope to see you around soon,” he said speaking to the two friends at the table. “Jongwoo, good luck with your submission today. I know I’ll see you around.” He tossed the younger man a wink and walked out the door, not waiting for a response.

Their table remained silent for a moment. Seokyoon and Junghwa both looked widely amused, Jongwoo was teetering on pissed off and horny. How could he have shown up at this shop? Well, now that Jongwoo thought about it, he was next door to their building, and this was Moonjo’s normal work schedule. It’s not like Moonjo was following him, these things just happened when you live in a city and you let your neighbor give you a mind-blowing orgasm.

“Seokyoon, you weren’t kidding. He really is that attractive. I’d let him go down on me.” Seokyoon’s face dropped, evidently no longer finding this conversation funny.

“Jongwoo, you gotta lock that down,” Seokyoon expressed, very serious all of a sudden.

“Shut up, I need to go to work. I’m submitting today and I need to print and collate.” The table said their goodbyes and Jongwoo headed towards his publishing house. He needed to focus on this submission, but he couldn’t quite get the image of foggy glasses out of his mind.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

This week was probably the best one Moonjo’s ever had. After his rendezvous with Jongwoo, the world just seemed a little brighter. It was October, his favorite time of the year for Seoul. Typhoon season was mostly over, the leaves had changed and were beautiful. The mornings were getting cooler, but the afternoons were warm enough to go without a coat. Even his coworkers and regular patients noticed that he was emoting more frequently at work.

Friday was here again, meaning that Jongwoo would get his first set of notes back for his chapter. He couldn’t wait to hear from him about what a great job he’d done. Moonjo had been so enticed by Jongwoo’s writing that he couldn’t stop telling his dental hygienist about it, who didn’t seem quite as impressed. Moonjo had learned over the years to keep the conversation work related, but he just couldn’t help himself.

The dentist had catered in breakfast and lunch every day since he last met with Jongwoo. He had a very packed schedule, so he wanted to make sure his team had full bellies to keep up with him. He heard the whispers of those around him, asking why he was acting the way he was. He didn’t care. He was happy.

Moonjo had scheduled his afternoon so that he would get off work a little early today. And by early, he meant that he would still have a nine hour workday. He had front-loaded his entire week so that he could make it home in time to meet Jongwoo.

He had been thinking for a while now about how to ask Jongwoo to be his. In the end, he settled on tonight: make a nice dinner, ask the younger man to come over, and confess just how smitten he’d been with him from the very first moment.

The only thing that bothered him was the old girlfriend. Jongwoo had said something about waiting for her to come back to Seoul, but it had been almost a year, right? There had to be distance now, and plus, Moonjo was not the only person who sucked Jongwoo’s dick recently. He couldn’t be that attached.

He wanted to make Jongwoo his. Only his. Always. He had mentioned to the other dentists in the practice that he may be wanting to reduce his hours soon to make more room for his private life. They were all shocked at the implication he had a private life. They had scheduled a meeting for the next week to talk about scheduling and patient loads.

He left work at 4 o’clock, probably the earliest he had ever made it out of the clinic without taking a vacation day. He stopped by the grocery store to pick up fresh ingredients. Moonjo was going to try to braise a duck and roast Brussels sprouts. He graduated dental school on his own, he could do this, right?

He made it home about fifteen minutes before Jongwoo was due to leave work. He figured that he’d likely stay late due to the notes, so that gave him an unknown extra amount of time.

Moonjo: Don’t pick up any food on the way home. I’m making dinner.

He hoped that his assertiveness would pay off. He noticed that whenever he had plans with Seokyoon, they usually revolved around takeout or bars or coffee, not nice meals. He hoped that he hadn’t already given away his afternoon.  

About ten minutes later, the younger man texted back.

Jongwoo: Okay but be forewarned, if you’re a good cook I’ll eat you out of house and home.

Moonjo smirked to himself.

I’ll just eat you out.

Obviously, he couldn’t send that text. Not when he had a romantic surprise for him. But it was quite tempting. Moonjo thought about what Jongwoo would look like while reading a dirty text at work. His face would get red, his movements would grow fidgety. Moonjo would love to see it one day.

Moonjo: I’ll keeping feeding you as long as you want to be fed, jagiya.

Maybe the pet name was enough to make him blush.

Two hours later

Jongwoo: I’m leaving work now, should be home in about twenty minutes.

Moonjo smiled. This is what he wanted. Someone coming home to him, someone for him to dote on.

The duck was almost done, the side dishes were warming on the stove. He pulled a nice bottle of wine out of the cabinet and set it on the dining table along with some glasses. Not the cheap receptacles from before, but the real crystal glasses.

He took this moment to change and get himself ready for Jongwoo. He quickly brushed Gom and lint-rolled the furniture, hoping to minimize the hair around the apartment. He pulled out a black button up and black slacks. Moonjo knew that black was his color, and this outfit in particular always made people look his way. He hopped in for a quick shower, hoping to get the smell of ‘dental office’ off of him. He swished some mouthwash, splashed on some cologne. Moonjo ran some product through his hair, threw on his clothes, and ran back out to the kitchen to turn the oven down.

He'd never set his table for anyone before. At least, not as an adult. Moonjo had been in a few relationships, but he never felt this level of promise that he did with Jongwoo. He had plenty of lovers over the years, most of which only spent about four hours total with him. Sometimes people stayed the night, but they were always gone by morning. The only real partner he’d been with was Kihyuk, who was just a disappointment. He was enthusiastic, and Moonjo mistook that for a connection. He didn’t want to make that mistake again, but he knew it would never be that way with Jongwoo.

He was giddy like a child on their birthday, awaiting presents from their loving parents. At least, that’s how he imagined kids felt on their birthday. He spent his remaining time cleaning up after himself to be the most presentable to Jongwoo, despite him already seeing his place when it was messy.

A soft knock was at the door and Moonjo’s heart tried to escape. This is it. He took one last look at himself in the mirror to ensure his hair had dried properly, turned on his radio for some soft classical music, and opened the door.

A tired but beautiful Jongwoo stood before him. He was wearing a soft, faded, peach short-sleeved button up. His jeans were dark, his shoes were well worn. His hair was voluminous, likely a contribution from the Seoul humidity. He was holding his work bag, carrying his laptop and a mirage of ill-organized documents. Moonjo couldn’t help but beam. He’d smiled more this week than in the past five years of his life.

“Jongwoo. Welcome home.” He realized his phrasing was a bit much, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted to be Jongwoo’s home. As far as he was concerned, he could move in today. He already had the Gom seal of approval.

“Hi, Moonjo.” He stepped inside and slipped out of his shoes, taking a look around the apartment. He looked a little surprised, probably not expecting the changes the dentist had made that week in preparation.

His leather chair and bookshelf had been made into their own corner. One could describe it as a reading nook. The books and periodicals were neatly organized by type, so that the medical journals were kept separate from the novels. Suspiciously, the fiction selection was much more plentiful that it had been prior.

The table was set with a centerpiece, candle lit. There were decorative cloth napkins in front of each seat. The wine and glasses were already placed. Moonjo was a little embarrassed at the bottle, maybe it was a little too expensive for the occasion. But he rationalized it because Jongwoo was worth the very best.

“Wow, this is…different.” He looked thoroughly confused.

“Do you like it?” Moonjo asked, hoping that the man next door could see himself fitting in here.

“Oh, oh! Yes, of course. Plus, it’s your apartment. I just wasn’t expecting it to look different.” He paused. “Do you like candles?”

“I think they provide a specific ambience.” Moonjo smirked as he guided Jongwoo over to the table, pulling his chair out for him. The younger man sat down, politely nodding in thanks.

“I cooked duck, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and rice, if that’s okay.” He didn’t check and see if Jongwoo even liked this type of food, because he wanted it to be a surprise, and he was starting to feel a little nervous. He poured them both a glass of wine and retrieved the meal.

“Wow, did you cook all that?”

“Yes, I left work a little early today.” He placed the dishes on the table and sat himself, inspecting Jongwoo’s face for any clues. Neither man said anything. Moonjo was taking the time to enjoy his jagiya at his table after work, getting ready to eat a meal he slaved over. Jongwoo still looked surprised, the older man desperately wanting to know exactly what was rolling through his brain.

He placed some of each dish on Jongwoo’s plate and then his own, and they both ate, the music filling the silence.

Jongwoo seemed to enjoy the meal as he moved through the dishes fairly quickly.

“I haven’t had duck in a very long time, and never cooked like this. Thank you, it’s very delicious.” He patted his lips with the napkin and took a sip of wine, glancing at the bottle in from of them.

“You’re welcome. I wanted something special since you were getting your notes back today. How did it go?” He put a piece of meat in his mouth, eyes trained on Jongwoo, genuinely excited to hear about his day.

“Great, actually. Five total apprentices submitted their work, and three were allowed to move on to the next stage. And I was one of them.” He was looking down, but Jongwoo was smiling at his plate, proud of himself.

“I knew they would love your work. You have such a distinct writing style. Your words just bring the reader into the story. There’s nothing missing. You can imagine everything that’s happening, but you don’t infantilize the reader. I know it was only one chapter, but I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it. I can’t wait until you’re published, dear.”

This made Jongwoo look up from his food.

“You think I’ll be published one day?”

“Of course. Why do you not think that?”

Does he really not see how good he is?

“I mean, not everyone likes my writing. And most writers never get published, even those who work in the industry. I don’t know. So many people never make it from behind-the-scenes. I’m not any better than them. Plus, crime fiction isn’t for everyone. Shows and true crime podcasts are different from books, they’re not quite as popular.”

Jongwoo’s hand was wrapped around the stem of the wine glass and he attempted to raise it to his mouth before Moonjo caught him. He wrapped his large palm around the younger man’s, finally getting the contact he’d wanted to make all day. All week, really. He hadn’t been able to see him since last Thursday, let alone be skin to skin.

“I don’t lie. I don’t say things to make people feel better.” He placed his second hand on them. “I loved your writing, your employers liked it enough to grant you your job, and now your team likes it enough to move forward with publications.” He looked as deeply as he could into Jongwoo’s eyes, trying to portray just how much he meant this. “You are so much more than you know.”

Jongwoo bit his lower lip, a mix of emotions rolling across his face. Happiness? Embarrassment? Rejection of the sentiment?

He pulled his hands away to give Jongwoo a moment to process. He topped off their wine and went back to eating.

As the emotion in the air faded, the younger man talked about the notes he received. They mostly had ideas for how the story should move forward and elements of the story that he shouldn’t leave out. No real changes for his current chapter, just a few pacing suggestions.

They finished their meals and Jongwoo collected the plates, thankful for the food that the dentist made for him.

“I also want to thank you for proofreading. My review would not have gone as well as it did if you didn’t help me so much. Who knew dentists were so good at editing?”

Moonjo stood from the table and chuckled, walking into the kitchen behind Jongwoo.

“I actually thought about becoming a high school Korean teacher when I was younger. It was my favorite subject in school.” He placed his hands on Jongwoo’s shoulders, lightly massaging him from behind. “I’ve always loved to read. In college I wrote a lot of medicine-related materials for journals and newspapers.”

“Wow, I would not have expected that.” Jongwoo breathed, relaxing into Moonjo’s thin but strong fingers. Moonjo leaned into his ear.

“There was something I wanted to talk to you about today. About us.” His voice was barely over a whisper, wanting to keep Jongwoo in the moment. Light music, flickering candles, Moonjo massaging his body.

“Us?”

“Yes.”

“Is it…next time?” He sounded almost hopeful, which made Moonjo’s heart swell.

“It could be.” The older man turned his neighbor around, wanting to look into his eyes. One hand slid down from his shoulder, undoing a single shirt button.

Without saying anything, Jongwoo grabbed Moonjo’s hand from his chest and pulled him into the bedroom. He didn’t expect this. He took a quick glance around the room, spotted Gom on the couch, and breathed a sigh of relief. It was always awkward when he had to throw him out of the room before sex.

Jongwoo backed Moonjo up to the bed and shoved him on the mattress, crawling on top of him. He propped himself up on his elbows, ready to finally, finally kiss those pillow lips he couldn’t stop thinking about. He started to stretch his neck when Jongwoo put his hand over his mouth.

“Before we get started, we need some boundaries.” The younger man adjusted his straddle and Moonjo sat up a little more.

“Okay, what are you thinking?” Boundaries weren’t a bad thing, but he didn’t know where Jongwoo was going with this. Putting kiboshes on discussions about parents and his clown phobia could come later. Did Jongwoo have issues with sex? It didn’t seem like it with his predilection for casual partners.

“First: no kissing. On the lips that is.” Jongwoo move his hands and held on to Moonjo’s head, fingers intertwined in his hair.

“What do you mean no kissing?” The dentist was a smart man, but this confused him. He wanted to hear Jongwoo out and be respectful of any restrictions he needed, but his second head was starting to do the thinking.

“No kissing on the mouth. I’m okay with sex, but I still want to keep an emotional distance.” Moonjo stayed silent, just staring into Jongwoo’s face, waiting for the joke. He went on. “Jieun will be coming home one day, and I don’t want either of us getting too attached until then. A fuckbuddy is less messy than a relationship, that’s why I was looking for casual sex. Plus, we can’t get each other pregnant.” Jongwoo was so sure, so matter-of-fact. There was no room for discussion.

The silence was deafening, but if someone listened hard enough, they could still hear Moonjo’s heart breaking.

Jongwoo didn’t want to be with him. He just wanted to have sex with someone and not accidentally bring a child into this world. He still wanted to wait for his ex. There was nothing special about Moonjo, he was just willing and convenient.

Get it together. If he knows you’re upset, he’s never going to talk to you again. Act like you’re fine with it.

Moonjo cleared his throat and nodded.

He leaned up and put his lips to Jongwoo’s neck, wanting to move on from this conversation, wanting to hide his face from the younger man.

“So is this okay?”

Jongwoo gasped and nodded, pulling on Moonjo’s hair in approval.

I guess this is good enough.

Moonjo flipped their positions, pressed Jongwoo down on the bed, and started unbuttoning his shirt. He kept his face in his neighbor’s neck, not wanting him to see the tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

“Before we get started, we need some boundaries.”

Jongwoo was straddling the older man, half hard after only a few moments of contact. If he didn’t get this out now, there’s no way he could do it later. His hand was covering Moonjo’s mouth, not wanting him to kiss him.

Well, he really, really wanted Moonjo to kiss him, but that was the problem. He knew if he didn’t put up these walls, that there was no guarantee he wouldn’t fall for him. And that couldn’t happen.

“Okay, what were you thinking?” Moonjo was breathy, chest rising often.

He was in all black. He had some gel in his hair making it frame his face. He was so fucking hot Jongwoo nearly jumped him as soon as he arrived for dinner. He had left the first couple buttons undone on his shirt, a first that he had seen. Normally he was completely buttoned up to the neck, but today Jongwoo could see a couple moles on his chest, along with the peak of a scar on his collarbone. His two front teeth were visible from his open mouth, adding a dash of cuteness to the eroticism he exuded.

“First: no kissing. On the lips, that is.” He still wanted to be kissed, all over his body. He didn’t think he’d be able to handle sex with Moonjo if it meant that those perfect lips didn’t touch him at all.

“What do you mean no kissing?” Moonjo looked confused, which was understandable. Kissing was generally the first step to fucking, but Jongwoo needed the protection.

“No kissing on the mouth. I’m okay with sex, but I still want to keep the emotional distance. Jieun will be coming home one day, and I don’t want either of us getting too attached until then. A fuckbuddy is less messy than a relationship, that’s why I was looking for casual sex. Plus, we can’t get each other pregnant.”

He hoped that Moonjo understood. He wasn’t blind, he could tell that Moonjo was maybe looking for something a little more serious. But he suggested sex first, not a relationship, so he was going to be fine with this, right? Jongwoo knew that the older man was used to casual sex, this would be no different.

Moonjo didn’t say anything for a while. Jongwoo lightly moved his fingers in his hair, but his face didn’t react. He wasn’t the most emotionally expressive person, but generally his face said more than this. Eventually, he leaned forward to kiss Jongwoo’s neck, in that same spot he found last time.

“So is this okay?” He was quiet, speaking barely above a whisper.

Jongwoo gasped. This is exactly what he was looking for. Keeping Moonjo off his lips, but still have him on his body. He tugged on the older man’s black locks, telling him to keep going.

Before he knew it, Jongwoo was flipped on his back in the center of Moonjo’s bed, neck still being kissed and sucked on, shirt being opened up.

It was a king with a white comforter and black silk sheets. There was only one pillow, but there was a small, folded throw blanket on the corner of the mattress. Jongwoo giggled to himself when he realized that that’s where Gom slept.

“What’s so funny?” Moonjo moved from one side of his neck to the other.

“Your kitty has his blanket on the bed. It’s cute.”

“Please, this is Gom’s bed, he just lets me use it from time to time.” Moonjo finished unbuttoning Jongwoo’s shirt. He shimmied out of the garment and did the same for Moonjo, who rolled his head back at the contact from the younger man.

Jongwoo realized this was the first time that he had really touched him. He hadn’t put his hands on his body before, he hadn’t seen him naked. Moonjo had already seen his dick up close, and he had gotten excited about seeing his sternum earlier. But after tonight, they will have had seen every inch of each other.

Moonjo threw his shirt on the ground, and the younger man didn’t know what to think. He had looked so slim in his clothes, but he was buff. He didn’t have a lot of meat on his bones, but he was so sculpted. Every inch of him was toned and firm. He had a few scars across his body, but Jongwoo was more focused on the moles. He had seen the ones on his face and neck, but they were on his shoulders. His chest. His arms. Everywhere. Small brown orbs against his pale skin, marking the spot for Jongwoo. He sat up and went to work. Kissing, sucking, biting the marks all across his body.

The older man leaned his head back and groaned as Jongwoo made his way across his chest, nipping at his skin.

“Does this feel good?” Jongwoo mumbled against the man. He looked up to see him nodding. “You made me feel so good the other night, but you didn’t let me reciprocate. And today you made me such a nice dinner. Obviously, I need to repay you.” He licked a stripe from the older man’s chest mole to his nipple, taking it in between his teeth, earning a gasp from him.

“What do you want? I’m new to this, but I’m a fast learner.” Jongwoo wasn’t new to sex, but there was a lot about this he didn’t know. He could only learn so much from a brief internet search on ‘gay sex’ during his lunch break a couple days ago.

“Fuck me, please” Moonjo put his hands on Jongwoo’s back, stroking the muscles, holding him close to his chest. “Wait, shit, I never went to the store. I don’t have any condoms or lube.” He was suddenly very alert and embarrassed. He had prepared a lot for the day, but he forgot some very important elements.

“Hold on.” Moonjo slid off him and Jongwoo stood and ran to the foyer. His pants were still on, regretfully, and were uncomfortable against his erection. He knew they would come off soon, but he was not happy with his current clothing state.

He made a stop on Saturday and slipped some goodies into his work bag, hoping that this might eventually happen. He inspected the packages, not really knowing the difference between the lubes he bought. Jongwoo realized he purchased too many options and was now overwhelmed with the decision. He noticed that he’d been gone a beat too long and went with the warming kind, grabbed his go-to condoms, and went back into the bedroom.

Jongwoo knew he was getting ready to fuck this man. He had been thinking about him naked for a while now. But nothing could have prepared him for what he saw when he reentered the bedroom.

The comforter had been stripped off the bed, leaving just the black sheets. The lights were turned off but the candle on the dresser was now lit. A playlist was emitting from a small Bluetooth speaker from the corner of the room, evidentially curated for a moment like this. But none of that was the most jarring.

Moonjo was laying on the bed, propped up against the headboard. Completely naked. He had completed the task of undressing himself and was now leisurely resting on the silk sheets, stroking himself, just waiting for Jongwoo to come back.

The younger man stood in the doorway, condoms and lube in hand, cock hard as a rock in his jeans. He needed a minute. How did this striking specimen want him? How had he already blown him into oblivion and was now asking for Jongwoo to fuck him, so politely?

After possibly a moment too long of staring, Moonjo noticed that he was standing there.

“Are you coming, jagiya?’ He patted the bed, beckoning the man next door to join him.

“Oh, I will be eventually.” Jongwoo smirked and practically sprinted to the bed.

He shucked his pants, quickly and clumsily, before leaping onto the mattress. He didn’t think he’d been this excited to have sex since he was a teenager. And he was almost as nervous.

Now he sat on his knees, only in his black briefs, in front of Moonjo. He sat the products on the bed next to him to free up his hands. He grabbed one ankle with his left hand, and the other with his right. Then, he yanked Moonjo forward, bringing him away from the headboard and closer to Jongwoo, causing Moonjo to let out a full-belly laugh. It was a wonderful sound.

Starting with the left leg, Jongwoo kissed his way up, taking a break every now and then to speak to the man in front of him.

You knew that you’d drive me crazy sitting on the bed like that, didn’t you?

I just love the way your skin looks against mine.

You sound so sweet for me, Moonjo.

He kissed and nipped until he reached the inner thigh by his groin and switched legs, starting the process over again, leaving Moonjo whining.

Aren’t you a little eager?

Have you been thinking about this for a while? Because I have.

Do you want it slow? Or do you want me to rip you apart?

Moonjo didn’t answer any of the questions with words, just moans and groans and sighs. Once Jongwoo got to the top of his thigh, he skipped his leaking cock, and went to his abs. His chest pressed against the older man’s erection, leaving him squirming underneath him.

In an effort to torture him just a little longer, he licked a long stripe from just above his dick to his belly button and stroked the muscles.

“You know this line in between your abs? I wonder what it’s called.” Jongwoo traced the rigid lines with his tongue, not expecting a response.

“Linea alba,” a breathy voice responded.

“What?” Jongwoo didn’t really hear him, so he kept going.

“Linea alba. It’s what the line is called.”

Jongwoo stopped and raised his head to meet Moonjo’s eyes.

“How do you know that?”

“I’m a doctor.”

“You’re a dentist.”

“I still had to take comprehensive anatomy.”

Jongwoo frowned.

“How do you remember that? Wasn’t that class like ten years ago for you?” Moonjo seemed frustrated at the retort.

“Respectfully, could you go back to what you were doing?” Jongwoo was so thrown off by the anatomy lesson that he almost forgot they were having sex. He kept his eyes on Moonjo but brought his hand up to wrap around his length.

“Oh, you didn’t want me to move along?” He started at the base and stroked, squeezing maybe a little too hard, with no moisture in his hand. He moved his other hand under the other man’s ass and clutched the firm mass, digging his fingernails in.

Moonjo leaned back against the pillow and stretched his whole body out, writhing in both the pain and the pleasure.

“You like this? You like the pain?” Jongwoo made the assumption that Moonjo liked it rough from his commentary during his blowjob. He was right, because Moonjo nodded energetically.

“Do I even need to use the lube? Or should I just fuck you dry?” He leaned into his chest, back to biting the moles on his pectoral.

“No, please use the lube. You can rip me to fucking shreds, but use the lube first,” Moonjo requested, unambiguously.

“Oh, okay. Uh, sorry, I hope that didn’t bother you. I’m not really used to this type of dirty talk.” Jongwoo leaned back, a little embarrassed at his flub.

“No, it’s okay. We’ll figure each other out after a few tries. Practice makes perfect.” Moonjo’s smile was cheeky, letting Jongwoo know that he wasn’t angry or uncomfortable. “But if you were wondering, I am ready for you to prep me. It should be kind of easy, I used a butt plug not that long ago.”

The younger man nodded, hoping he remembered the instructions from that random American article he read. Anal sex and vaginal sex were different, and he wanted to be prepared.

He grabbed the bottle of lube and put some on his fingers, accidentally dropping some on the expensive sheets. He looked to Moonjo, stroking himself again, appearing lightly amused at the clumsiness of the man in front of him.

Moonjo spread his legs and adjusted his hips so that Jongwoo had better access. He moved in between the older man’s legs, lifted one by the thigh, and found his hole. He touched it with his pointer finger, and this was enough to make the dentist gasp. He pressed, oh-so-slowly, and made it past the ring of muscle.

Jongwoo used his hand to replace Moonjo’s on his erection, stroking him with his own precum while he moved his single digit inside of him. He jacked him off faster than he fingered him, not wanting to ramp up too soon. To his surprise, Moonjo knocked Jongwoo’s hand away from his cock.

“Stop, I’m going to come too soon. And put in two more fingers. I’m ready for it.” His eyes were dark and commanding, nearly stopping Jongwoo’s breath with how authoritative his gaze was.

A second finger was added, and when Moonjo groaned in frustration, not pleasure, Jongwoo added the third. He moved awkwardly, still trying to find a rhythm with more than one digit inside his rim.

The older man was grinding against his hand, looking for his own pleasure, so he decided to curl his fingers. And Moonjo screamed.

“Ah! Oh, that’s it. There it is.” With more direction, Jongwoo focused on that spot, finding a rhythm in stretching and brushing his prostate. Moonjo’s body language changed so much in just a moment that he was almost jealous. He’d never fucked his own ass before, so he didn’t know that it could feel this good.

“Okay, I’m ready. Your cock, now.” Jongwoo obliged, pulling out his fingers and bringing his briefs down to his knees, his own dick springing free. He was so focused on making this good for Moonjo that he didn’t really realize just how neglected he’d been. He put on a condom, then he slathered his own erection with a liberal amount of lube. He moved forward, getting himself as close to Moonjo as possible.

“Are you sure you’re ready?” he asked, remembering how Moonjo tortured him last week.

The dentist leaned up, grabbing Jongwoo’s ass with both palms, digging in.

“If you don’t fuck me now, I’m going to flip you over and ride you until you can’t breathe anymore.” His eyes were still dark, tone still serious. Jongwoo nearly came right there.

He guided himself inside, taking his time, before sinking all the way down.

Why did no one tell me how fucking good it feels to be in someone’s ass?

This was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. It was so tight and so warm, totally engulfing his erection.

He leaned down, pressing his forehead against Moonjo’s collarbone, too overwhelmed to move at first. They adjusted around each other, and he finally started to thrust. Slowly out, a little faster in. Soon, Jongwoo was moving at a consistent pace, but Moonjo wasn’t writhing like he was before.

In an effort to find his prostate again, he brought Moonjo’s leg over his shoulder and moved him on his side. The older man seemed surprised at first, but when Jongwoo increased his speed and found the spot, he was begging for more.

Jongwoo didn’t really sleep the night before, he was too nervous for his notes. To be honest, he hadn’t really slept since Moonjo sucked his dick. His anxiety had been overwhelming him, not knowing if he should be doing this with him. He had been exhausted.

He felt himself getting tired, but he had never felt more awake or alive than he did in this moment. His ethereal neighbor was screaming his name, uncaring about the other people who lived in the building. His entire body felt as if it was on fire. He felt that he was close, so he grabbed Moonjo’s cock and pumped, wanting to make sure he finished before him.

Harder thrusts and a few strokes later, Moonjo came, yelling expletives that nearly made Jongwoo blush. The shockwaves that went through is body and the sight of sweat-covered muscles was enough to push Jongwoo over the edge. He emptied himself in the condom, a guttural moan escaping him, louder than he expected.

That was fucking fantastic.

He took a moment to breathe because it was all just too much. He didn’t know how he was ever going to move on from this. Sex with Moonjo was heaven on Earth, an oasis in the desert. If this was going to be a regular thing, Jongwoo was going to need more rules, because right now he could see himself getting his brains fucked out every damn day by this man.

He pulled out and pulled Moonjo’s leg off his shoulder. Still breathing abnormally, he pulled the condom off, tied it, and placed it in the bedside trashcan. He flopped down flat on his back, next to Moonjo, both naked on the massive bed.

“Thank you,” was all Jongwoo could muster, for the second time in their sexual history.

“Why are you thanking me? I should be thanking you. I should be making you a sandwich.” It made Jongwoo smile to hear that this unearthly creature was still breathing hard like he was, just as affected by their act

“You talked me through it. I feel like it wouldn’t have been as good with someone else,” he admitted.

“No one’s as good as me, jagi.”

There was an awkwardness in the air once they finished their activities, and since Jongwoo wasn’t quite ready to go back to his apartment alone, he suggested they go get gelato.

An hour later, Jongwoo and Moonjo were sitting on the same bench that Jongwoo had fallen asleep on just two weeks ago, eating their dessert. Things were still quiet, still awkward, but at least now they had gelato.

Boundaries needed to be brought up, but Jongwoo didn’t want to offend him or make him uncomfortable. Mature couples did this all the time when it came to sex, why couldn’t he?

“So, remember how I said I needed to have some boundaries for us?” He knew Moonjo remembered, but he just didn’t know how else to break the ice.

“Yes, no kissing, I remember,” he stated flatly.

“Right. I have more that I need to say, but I haven’t exactly organized my thoughts. I didn’t know…that…would be happening tonight.” Jongwoo shouldn’t be embarrassed, he was literally balls deep in him just an hour ago.

There was a shadow of a smile on Moonjo’s lips, apparently also recalling the events of the evening.

“You can take a day or two and text it to me if that makes it easier. You’re a writer, just write it out. Send it to me, and I can make edits, like old times.” He was joking, but Jongwoo was intrigued.

“That’s actually not a bad idea.”

“It isn’t?” He answered, mouth full of mint chocolate-chip gelato, shocked.

“Yes, it’ll really help. I can take some time and work some things out. Sleep on it. That way I won’t leave any important rules out.” The longer he talked about it, the more down he was with it.

“Um, okay. I guess I’ll expect your list in two business days or less,” he responded dryly, returning his focus on his dessert.

Until they finished their gelato, they spoke casually about their plans for the weekend. Moonjo was working at a volunteer clinic helping seniors get fitted for dentures. Jongwoo was going to help Seokyoon lug around his musical equipment so he could pretend to be a busker. One could say they were both doing charity work this weekend.

They walked back to their apartments in comfortable silence. Not as awkward as the walk there, thankfully. Everything was fine until they got into the elevator.

The close proximity made Jongwoo hyperaware of the man next to him. It made him want to break the only rule he had made so far.

Eventually the doors opened, and he was free. They said goodnight and goodbye and went into the respective units. He wasn’t sure what to do with the rest of his night, so he drafted his boundaries.

Monday morning, he sent a document with what he needed to make this arrangement work:

1. No kissing on the lips
2. No pictures on social media
3. No telling family members
   1. Can tell close friends only
4. No traditional dates
5. No boyfriend behavior
   1. Can hangout inside or outside of the apartments as friends
6. Must use protection until both parties can get tested
   1. Protection will be used again if one of us sleeps with someone else
7. No asking questions about who the other is seeing
   1. Can only ask if there is another partner present for own’s sexual health knowledge)
8. No spending the night (cuddling/aftercare is allowed)

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

It had been a few days since Moonjo and Jongwoo had slept together. Since Jongwoo agreed to a relationship with him, but one without emotion. Without connection.

He had mostly been kidding when he suggested that Jongwoo write out his boundaries and give them to him, but the younger man took him seriously. He got back to him soon with a pretty reasonable list for an friends-with-benefits relationship. He told Jongwoo that everything was fine, but he had some thoughts.

1. No kissing on the lips

This one hurt Moonjo the most. He spent so much of his time after meeting Jongwoo thinking about kissing him, touching his lips. If he could trade the sex for kissing, he would. But he knew that wasn’t what Jongwoo wanted.

2. No pictures on social media

This didn’t matter, he didn’t use social media. This didn’t explicitly say no pictures, so he could potentially keep some for himself.

3. No telling family members

There’s no family to tell, so no issue there.

a. Can tell close friends only

Jongwoo’s friends already knew, but Moonjo didn’t know who he would really tell about it.

4. No traditional dates

He could deal with this; he could find ways around it.

5. No boyfriend behavior

This was also very ambiguous, but Moonjo figured he would have to reign it in. He wants to lay down petals for Jongwoo, and he thought that would definitely be considered boyfriend behavior.

a. Can hangout inside or outside of the apartments as friends

Thank God.

6. Must use protection until both parties can get tested

a. Protection will be used again if one of us sleeps with someone else

7. No asking questions about who the other is seeing (can only ask if there is another partner present for own’s sexual health knowledge)

These two points just showed how mature he was and how much he thought about this. He’s a responsible man, and that made Moonjo happy.

8. No spending the night (cuddling/aftercare is allowed)

As much as he wanted to wake up with Jongwoo in his arms every day, he understood. His former partners only stayed the night when they were too tired to go home. No one ever stayed with him intentionally, just by accident. But Jongwoo specified that Moonjo could take care of him after sex, which would have to be enough.

Moonjo went back to work that week in a much different mood than the previous week. He could feel how the hot and cold energy he had been exuding was affecting his staff, but to be honest, he didn’t care. He was doing his job; he didn’t need to be nice to the people around him. They didn’t like him much anyway.

He met with the other dentists in the office to discuss schedules and their business structure. When he called for this meeting, he was expecting his weekend to go very differently. He wanted a more regular schedule so he could give Jongwoo the time he deserved. Moonjo didn’t need to work as many hours as he did, but he had a hard time saying no to patients who needed to be seen quickly. Also, he was the only dentist in the practice without a family, so he always volunteered for night and weekend shifts.

Moonjo opened his office six years ago for low-income patients and those without typical work schedules and benefits. Not everyone can go to the doctor between the hours of 8am and 4pm, so he wanted a place that was open late and on weekends. Over the years, he had brought in an additional four practitioners to help him with his workload, but he still worked more hours than anyone else. One could say he was a bit of a masochist.

He had been ready to hire some more doctors, possibly poaching employees from high-end private practices to occasionally work with him for charitable purposes. This way, the five primary dentists could reduce their hours. His patient population was disproportionately poor and elderly compared to the other clinics in Mapo-gu, and he was hoping to guilt others into working for him.

Unfortunately, the other dentists remembered that he said he wanted this change to happen soon so he could make more time for his private life. When the initial meeting ended, two of the other doctors stayed behind to talk with Moonjo. And as a group of dentists who worked long, irregular hours, they were starved for gossip.

“Dr. Seo, are you finally seeing someone?” The youngest dentist in the practice asked. Dr. Kim intentionally sought out his practice following his graduation to care for their vulnerable patients.

Moonjo didn’t exactly know what to say. Yes, he and Jongwoo had started a friends-with-benefits relationship, but there was likely not going to be real date nights. No vacations. No trips to meet Jongwoo’s family. He didn’t really need to cut back on his hours if they were just going to have sex a few times a week and nothing else.

He thought back to how dejected he felt when the younger man told him what he wanted out of this relationship. It had stuck with him, perpetually hanging in the front of his psyche. It was probably the source for his sour mood.

But sometimes, like now, he would drift to the rest of the night. How Jongwoo spoke to him, how good he made him feel. He shattered his heart but nearly pieced him back together again. Then he thought about how they went out for dessert. Jongwoo got basic vanilla and made fun of his mint chocolate, but then ended up eating several bites of the other man’s gelato, despite Moonjo’s weak protests.

“It’s a long story.” Moonjo wasn’t sure what his face looked like, but it couldn’t have been the same smile he was sporting last week.

“Oh, come on, tell us. If we’re going to bring new people in the practice, we should know why. Plus, we’ve worked together for a long time. We know almost nothing about you.” Dr. Oh was the newest of the other dentists, joining the practice over two years ago.

Maybe she was right. Moonjo had rarely conversed with his coworkers about anything other than work matters. He suddenly remembered rule 3a. on Jongwoo’s list.

Close friends only.

Jongwoo didn’t know who his close friends were, and this could make them his close friends. He sighed.

“I’m kind of seeing my neighbor. We met a few months ago, and things escalated about two weeks ago. He works a typical office schedule, so I wanted our schedules to align a little better.” Moonjo didn’t know why he was embarrassed. Maybe it was because Jongwoo had rejected him so definitively. Maybe it was because he had never been in a real relationship.

Dr. Oh cooed, ever the romantic. The only thing he really knew about her was how many romance dramas she watched.

“Two weeks? That’s pretty soon to readjust your life. You must have a pretty good feeling about this guy.” Dr. Kim was more grounded than Dr. Oh, a little more cynical. Moonjo overheard the receptionist taking messages from a divorce lawyer for him, so that made sense.

“I can’t imagine being without him, but he wants to take it slower than I’d like.” Moonjo ran his hands through his hair, trying to brush out his anxiety.

“Is he still hung up on his ex?” Dr. Oh asked, very invested in the conversation. Moonjo nodded, and she placed her hand on his.

“Dr. Seo, I’m sorry. Sometimes people come around, but sometimes they don’t. Just try to keep in mind that if a relationship is no longer serving you, you should do what’s best for yourself.”

Moonjo blinked.

Is this what having friends is like? They just give you advice when you’re having troubles?

“Do your best to show him how good you are. Act like it doesn’t bother you in the meantime. But if he doesn’t come around, drop him. No use in wasting energy on someone who doesn’t feel the same.” Dr. Kim studied his hands, voice quieter than before.

The hour ended, and they returned to their offices to prep for the next round of patients. Moonjo felt a little lighter. He decided that he would be the best fuckbuddy Jongwoo could ask for. He would take care of him in bed and be a good friend to him, all while keeping his distance. He still felt that the younger man was cut from the same cloth as him and that they were meant for each other. Eventually, Jongwoo would be able to see that. Through food and sex, he would eventually come around.

Moonjo was making good on his promise. He and Jongwoo started meeting regularly, having wild sex anywhere they could. Truly, they were fucking like rabbits. The bed, the kitchen, the gym showers. The older man would frequently have food delivered to Jongwoo’s workplace, especially on nights where his team was staying late. He would take his neighbor and his friends out for dinner and drinks every couple weeks, building a connection with them. He just kept feeding Jongwoo and letting him fuck him. Moonjo also kept proofreading his work, wanting to be helpful without overstepping his bounds.

Despite having Jongwoo to himself in the physical sense, he wanted to have more of him. He figured the best way to do this was to start pushing boundaries. No, he wanted to make Jongwoo bring down his walls.

The Seoul Lantern festival was this weekend, and it was something Jongwoo had been wanting to go to for a while. He said that in all the time he’d lived in Seoul he’d never gone. Now, this year, Seokyoon was going to be out of town for work and Junghwa was going on vacation the same weekend.

“I’ll go with you. I don’t think I’ve been since I was a teenager.” Moonjo wasn’t really fond of the big crowds or the premise of the event in general, but Jongwoo wanted to go. He wanted to give him everything he wanted.

“Are you sure?” Jongwoo looked excited, but skeptical.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be sure?”

“Well, you’re not my boyfriend, you don’t have to go with me to places.” Jongwoo was sipping on his iced americano, walking in stride with Moonjo back from the coffee shop.

“I want to go; you want to go. We’re friends, friends can do things together,” he returned.

The day of the festival came, and Moonjo was surprisingly nervous. It was the first time pushing the walls Jongwoo had set up, and he didn’t know how it was going to go. Would he get angry? Would he give in to Moonjo’s masculine wiles?

He was dressed for the late November weather, a long dark blue coat over his work clothes. He had met Jongwoo at his workplace and they took the train together. Moonjo didn’t exactly know how to feel about picking the younger man up from work, not as his boyfriend.

There were massive lanterns everywhere. Every landmark and fictional character had been recreated. The sky was illuminated by paper mountains, cartoons, and flowers. Jongwoo was giddy, running from one display to the next, asking every attendant how they made their creation. The younger man may have been a writer, but he was excited by many forms of art.

He looked so young in this state. Jongwoo’s mouth was agape with amusement, eyes brighter than the luminance within the lanterns. The colors reflected off his skin, a little paler now that it was winter. He told Moonjo just how much he wanted to visit the Eiffel tower when they passed by the Paris exhibit. Jongwoo just loved that one kid’s show growing up. The flowers of this one lantern were so pretty in early summer. He had a story for every display, and Moonjo relished in it.

They couldn’t be like how Moonjo wanted. He couldn’t hold his hand or pepper him with kisses. He couldn’t hug him from behind while they watched the floats, holding him close to his chest. But brushing his hand against Jongwoo’s still made his heart flutter. His genuine excitement rubbed off on him, He learned so much about the structure of lanterns and the history of them in Korea. He had no idea that the younger man cared so much about this, and it was a wonderful insight to his life.

On the train home, Jongwoo was practically bouncing in his seat, like a kid who spent the day at the amusement park and was still bursting with energy.

“Wasn’t that just the best? Back in Busan I would look at the pictures every year and be so jealous. I could have gone last year, but my internship just drained me so much.” He looked to his left; grin painted on his face. “Thank you, Moonjo. It was very kind of you to come with me.” Jongwoo nudged his shoulder with his own.

“Anything for you, remember?”

Jongwoo looked to his hands resting in his lap. A moment of silence passed.

“Anything?” His grin shifted to a smirk, and Moonjo’s curiosity peaked. He hummed in response.

“Then, I think I’d like to try switching.”

“Oh, do you want this seat? Is yours too close to the heater?” Moonjo knew exactly what he meant. He just wanted to hear Jongwoo say it. The train was mostly empty. There was a medical professional dozing by the door. A young man was towards the back with headphones in. They didn’t have to worry about any nosy strangers. He tried to keep his face innocent as possible, but he felt a shadow of a smile creeping across his face. Jongwoo sighed.

“No.” He met Moonjo’s gaze directly, placing a hand on his thigh. “I want you to fuck me tonight.”

Moonjo had never been so happy to have a train station right by his apartment. His long legs were barely keeping up with Jongwoo, who pulled him by the arm into the apartment building. He pushed the elevator button several times, willing it to come instantly.

The doors opened and they stepped inside. Moonjo pressed the button for the sixth floor, suddenly unhappy that he didn’t live on the first. The metal sheets closed, and the taller man felt himself be pushed against the wall, handrail digging into his back. He didn’t care.

The shorter man had attached his lips to his neck, already working on his shirt buttons. He didn’t care about the CCTV in the elevator. Moonjo leaned his head back and sighed.

“I’ve been waiting for this all day.”

“Why didn’t you bring me into an alley?” Jongwoo replied, rather quickly.

“There were so many people, I didn’t think there was a place where we wouldn’t get caught.” He was embarrassed, he already sounded out of breath. The shorter man looked up and gripped his chin.

“Oh, so you thought about getting fucked in a dirty alley?” His voice was deep, growling. His stare was intense. Moonjo nodded, getting harder just thinking about it. Jongwoo spread his legs, using his thigh to put pressure on the other man’s groin. One hand was still clutching his chin, the other unbuckling his belt. “Answer me.”

“Yes. I thought about it. I thought about it a lot.”

Jongwoo pulled Moonjo’s belt out of his pants loop. He tucked a finger inside his waistband.

“I’ll have to keep that in mind for the future.”

The doors finally opened. Jongwoo still looked put together, but Moonjo had a completely unbuttoned shirt and was lacking his belt. His neck had bite marks and saliva; his face flushed. His pants were tight, their silhouette distorted. He was glad that their other neighbor was almost never out this late.

They made their way into the apartment and into the bedroom, Jongwoo stripping his clothes along the way. Gom looked up from his spot on the couch and promptly went back to sleep.

Moonjo met him in the room and threw his coat and blazer on the floor.

“Who gave you permission to be that fucking hot?” Jongwoo backed him up against the wall, hand splayed against his chest. He slowly brought that hand down to the button of his pants, tracing the muscles along the way. “It’s almost a waste for you to be in that dentist’s office all day.”

Jongwoo dropped to his knees. He had made it this far in their arrangement without doing this yet. Moonjo was always taking the initiative, not wanting to pressure him into anything he didn’t want to do.

Here the younger man was, on his knees in nothing but his briefs, toying with his zipper. This was something that Moonjo had envisioned for months at this point. Months he wanted Jongwoo to swallow his cock.

“God, if you only knew how you looked right now.” Moonjo was barely keeping it together. His breathing was erratic. He had barely been touched and he was coming apart at the seams.

Jongwoo pulled down the zipper impossibly slow.

“How do I look?” Moonjo could feel the heat of his breath through his briefs. His mouth so close, but so far.

“Beautiful, hot. Your lips are just--. Everything. You’re driving me crazy. I need your mouth on me.” Moonjo was begging. He was pathetic and begging for Jongwoo to blow him, but he always seemed to lose his dignity with him around.

“I love to see you pleading for me. You’re so collected in front of everyone. That face of yours is so stoic I can hardly tell what you’re thinking most days. But in here? You fall apart for me.” Jongwoo slipped his slacks down his legs and helped Moonjo step out of them. He brought his hands up the older man’s thigh’s slowly, slipping his fingers under the elastic of his underwear. He clasped the black cloth and paused.

He leaned forward and kissed the skin next to the lining of the briefs. Moving from one thigh to the other, and then to the abdomen. Moonjo was squirming. Jongwoo pushed the unbuttoned shirt to the side to kiss his flanks, but ultimately left the top on.

Moonjo’s hands found their way into Jongwoo’s hair. Not gripping, not yet. He smoothed the locks out of his face, and the younger man looked up at him.

“So beautiful, jagi.”

Jongwoo pulled the underwear down to let Moonjo’s erection spring free, fully standing at attention. He grasped the length, thumbing the slit for lubrication. The older man was gritting his teeth, holding on for dear life. Not a single fantasy of his could live up to the real thing right in front of him. Especially not when Jongwoo took his first tentative lick over his head. A shock went up his spine and a groan escaped his mouth. Thankfully, Jongwoo was already used to how loud he was, and had started encouraging him.

“That’s right. Let me know that you like it.” Jongwoo barely brought the glans into his mouth and sucked. An inhuman noise escaped Moonjo, and he had to step in. He gripped the base of his own cock, slightly pushing Jongwoo’s hand out of the way.

“If I don’t do this, I’m going to come in about two seconds.” As much as he wanted to come, he didn’t want to this early into their evening. They had barely been in the apartment five minutes, and he was too old to come apart this easy.

Jongwoo adjusted his position and began to bob on his dick, stroking to meet the rest of the length. Moonjo could feel the younger man’s hand every few seconds, it was almost romantic.

For someone who had never done this before, he knew what he was doing. He wasn’t sinking down very far, but he was probably still getting used to having a cock in his mouth. After a while, he popped off, saliva dripping from his lips down his chin.

Still stroking Moonjo, he brought himself to his feet. He stood on tiptoes to meet the taller man’s ear.

“My turn,” he whispered. Moonjo could only nod, happy to have the distraction away from his own aching cock.

Jongwoo pulled the older man by the shirt to the bed and pulled him down on top of him. He slid back to the headboard, bringing Moonjo to lay between his thighs.

“Do you still want me inside you?” Moonjo wanted to bury himself within Jongwoo, but he wanted to make sure the younger man was ready.

“Just treat me gentle, please?” His voice was softer than before; not as gruff as when he threw him against the wall a few minutes prior.

The words hung in the air for a long moment while the men gazed into each other’s eyes. Moonjo felt more care and protection for this person than he had for anyone before. He realized that he hadn’t been safeguarding his own heart as well as he thought. If he was, then he wouldn’t be feeling this warmth in his chest. He desperately wanted to kiss Jongwoo, but that was a line he wouldn’t cross. Jongwoo would have to come to him. He settled for pushing his long locks off his forehead.

“Of course. You just say the word, we’ll stop.” The younger man nodded, giving Moonjo the go-ahead to kiss his way down his torso.

He took his time with him, mouthing hot kisses against his skin while he opened him up. The older man always waited for confirmation before adding another finger. He used more than enough lube in both his ass and on his dick. He pumped him slowly while spreading him, getting him ready for Moonjo’s cock.

Soft whimpers escaped Jongwoo, fingers digging into Moonjo’s shoulders as his fingers curled inside of him.

“I think you’re almost ready,” Moonjo breathed between kisses. “Have you not done this yet, with your fingers or with a toy?” He wanted to know before they got fully into the throes of it so he knew exactly how to care for his man.

“No, not yet.” he rasped.

“Why? Haven’t you been curious?” Moonjo let his teeth lightly scrape across the younger man’s chest.

“I wanted to wait for you,” he whispered, looking at the ceiling.

In lieu of confessing his soul to Jongwoo, he placed a final kiss over his heart.

“Are you ready?” He nodded enthusiastically.

“Do you want to use a condom?” They stopped using them a few weeks back after they got their negative STI results, but Moonjo wanted to make sure Jongwoo was 100% comfortable with this.

“I want you to come in me.” He dug his fingers into Moonjo’s shoulder, and the older man knew just how serious he was.

He’s perfect, and he’s killing me.

Moonjo withdrew his fingers and quickly lined up his cock at the younger man’s hole, barely adding pressure to the previously full opening. More lube was added, and he looked to Jongwoo, who nodded in approval.

It could have been a century, or it could have been a few seconds, but Moonjo took his time sinking into Jongwoo. He asked him to be gentle, and that he would be. He finally shed his shirt, nearly forgetting it was still on.

The taller man adjusted his position over him, putting his arm on the headboard to hold himself up, the other under Jongwoo’s hips to angle him. The younger man’s legs were wrapped around him, heels digging into the small of his back. Moonjo pressed a kiss to Jongwoo’s neck, which elicited a sigh.  

“Okay?” Moonjo asked, lips tracing his skin.

“Yes. Yes.” Moonjo bottomed out and Jongwoo’s head lolled back. “Fuck, Moonjo.” His words were barely more than growls at this point.

Moonjo loved hearing his name come out of Jongwoo’s mouth. Especially in moments like these. Moonjo was the one making him feel like this, no one else.

He pulled out, and pressed in again, a little faster this time. Jongwoo moaned and dug his fingers into Moonjo’s back.

“I’m going to go a little faster, okay?” The younger man grunted in response, nodding sharply, biting his lip.

Moonjo found his rhythm. Slow. Deep. Passionate. When he was through with Jongwoo’s neck, he positioned himself directly above his face. Their lips were barely an inch apart, just breathing into each other, but not touching. The older man looked deeply into the other’s eyes, wanting him to feel the connection he felt.

“Am I fucking you good, jagiya?” This question was met with an exclamation as Moonjo finally found his prostate. “Do I make you feel good?”

“Yes. You make me feel fucking amazing. Shit,” Jongwoo was gasping with each thrust, each time hitting his spot. “I’ve never felt like this before.”

Moonjo pushed a little harder, making him moan. He knew that Jongwoo didn’t mean it the way he wanted him to, but at least he meant it this way.

“Anything for you.” Moonjo removed his arm from under Jongwoo’s hip and began to pump his erection, still burying himself deep into him at a steady pace. He was barely keeping himself from coming, but he didn’t want to be first. “You feel so perfect for me. Just for me.”

He pressed a kiss to his jaw and felt Jongwoo rake his nails down his back. He loved when Jongwoo marked him, especially when it lasted for a few days.

“I’m close.” Jongwoo barely formed the words. Moonjo nodded, back to hovering his lips over the other man’s, this time a little closer, nearly brushing.

Moonjo started rolling his hips, hitting him from a new angle and pumped his cock faster. Jongwoo threw his head back and screamed his name, coming white ribbons against his chest. His heels dug into the older man’s back, pressing him deeper inside.

Seeing him calling out his name, neck exposed, veins and tendons protruding, was enough to push Moonjo over the edge. A few additional thrusts finished him off, fully emptying himself in the younger man.

They stayed like that for a moment, feeling the shockwaves ebb out and the bliss ebb in. Moonjo remained above him, breathing into Jongwoo. He could see the consciousness return to his eyes, and just for a moment, they cast down to his lips. Moonjo could tell he wanted to kiss him, all he had to do was wait. He looked down at the other’s lips as well, making it obvious.

Just as Jongwoo began to angle his head to meet his lips, Moonjo sat up and pulled out of him, not looking at him anymore. He wanted to kiss him. He wanted it so fucking bad. But he didn’t want him to regret acting in the moment. He wanted him to think about it for days and make the decision with a rational mind, not in post-sex ecstasy.

He slowly stood and walked to the ensuite bathroom to grab a couple washcloths. He ran them under some warm water, rung them out, and brought them to the man splayed on his bed.

He was a marvel to gaze upon. Tan skin against the sheets, skin flared red from heat and friction. He was in nearly in the same position as before, barely holding his eyes open.

He crawled in the bed next to him with the washcloth to start cleaning him off. Jongwoo jumped when the linen touched his skin, then realized he nearly fell asleep. Moonjo started gently cleaning his abdomen.

“Here’s another for your bottom if you’d prefer to do that yourself.” Jongwoo accepted the second cloth with a heavy arm.

“My bottom?” Jongwoo chuckled.

“Sorry. Anything else just sounded too crass.” His cheeks felt a little warm, he kept wiping the younger man’s toned stomach, removing all the come.

“Have you ever heard yourself during sex? You’ve said some filthy stuff.” Moonjo could feel the eyeroll, but he could also feel the smile.

Once they were clean, Moonjo tossed the rags into the nearby hamper and cuddled up next to Jongwoo. He was so glad that the rules allowed for post-coital contact. For a few minutes, he could pretend that he was Jongwoo’s man, and not just a plaything that lives next door.

Jongwoo rolled over and laid on Moonjo’s chest, a first. Typically, he was the little spoon, not initiating any direct contact with the older man, who usually draped himself over him for the few minutes they had together.

This time, his head rested above his heart, his left hand lazily tracing the lines on his abdomen. His leg was thrown over Moonjo’s longer ones, tangled in the sheets at the bottom of the bed.

The few medical journals that studied sex and pleasure recommend ten minutes for cuddling after sex for increased gratification and decreased shame, especially in casual relationships. Moonjo set a mental alarm in his head as always to ensure Jongwoo didn’t fall asleep in his bed. He worked hard to keep the shame to a minimum.

“How do you feel?” Moonjo brought his hand up to Jongwoo’s hair, stroking it gently.

“Amazing. A little sore. It was different. But I’ve never felt so good.” He was quiet for a moment before laughing to himself. “I looked it up a while ago. The internet said the prostate gland was the male g-spot. I guess they were right.”

Moonjo let out a full belly laugh. Of course, Jongwoo would search that.

“I believe in the medical profession they call it a sexuality-neutral erogenous zone, but yes. Male g-spot.” He continued laughing as the younger man smacked him.

“How can you be so good as sex and be such a fucking nerd?”

“I’m a multifaceted man. Many layers to this onion.”

Moonjo looked over at the clock and noticed that their time was up, and he tried to start his normal post-Jongwoo routine: while he gets clean sheets, Jongwoo gets dressed and leaves. But this time, he tried to move, and the younger man held him tighter.

“Just a little longer, please,” Jongwoo whispered, looking up at Moonjo with soulful eyes.

He froze for a moment. Was this a trap? But when he felt Jongwoo’s hand travel further south, he relaxed into the bed. He thought about the day when he finally won’t have to worry if Jongwoo is testing him.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

The coffee shop was buzzing. The employees rushed to complete the orders in an organized fashion. They worked together so well as a team. Customers lined up along the wall, waiting to place their order. Nearly every table in the café was full. It must have been finals week because there were plenty of college students studying in groups.

It was his monthly Friday off, and Jongwoo had come to the coffee shop to write his next chapter. It wasn’t due for another week, but this was an important plot driver. He had already turned in his early chapters, including the middle chapter that he had submitted first. This was the chapter where Moonbyul gets caught by his acquaintance, and he has to decide whether to hunt him and tie up the loose end or bring him to his side.

Unfortunately, he was stuck. His inspiration had changed. The muse for his character was this unusual man who appeared in front of him at random moments. Someone who maybe should have blinked a little more. Someone who stared intently and spoke in a very comfortable fashion with people he barely knew.

Ever since last night, Jongwoo couldn’t see him as that. He was so caring, so gentle. Usually, their sex was a little rough, a little nasty. But not last night. He had gotten more nervous than he expected when bottoming for the first time. He was worried that it would hurt. Anxious that he wouldn’t enjoy it. He told Moonjo to be gentle, but he couldn’t have anticipated his behavior.

He was patient, passionate. He caressed him. Every action carried out was done with Jongwoo’s comfort in mind. His eyes burned into his, their hot breath mixing for the duration. He never thought he would enjoy basic missionary that much with someone he wasn’t even in a relationship with.

He nearly broke his own rule last night. Moonjo’s lips were so close, so seductive in their shape. Jongwoo knew how they felt on his neck. On his chest. On his cock. He wanted to feel them on his lips, desperately. But just when he was about to give in, Moonjo left him to clean up. Even wiping away the come on his body, he was comforting and courteous.

Needless to say, his writing was suffering because of it. He couldn’t write a serial killer that was this soft for another person. No one would buy in to it.

He closed his laptop in a huff. He couldn’t stop thinking about the man next door. Sure, they had some good romps that left him curling his toes for days after. But not like this. This wasn’t his dick reminiscing. This was something else.

Jongwoo feared that the walls he put up had been completely useless. Maybe he hadn’t been as strict as he should have been. They probably shouldn’t have hung out together so often. Moonjo should have never been invited along to dinner with Seokyoon or Junghwa. And they definitely should not have gone to the lantern festival by themselves.

He knew in the moment that it felt like a date. Moonjo’s eyes had been on him the whole night. Their hands brushed more than once while walking next to each other. Moonjo paid for his hot tea. He put his arm around Jongwoo when he slipped on the ice.

This can’t be happening.

Jongwoo watched the world go by in the coffee shop, trying to sort through his feelings. Were any of these people struggling with the same things? Did they have an attractive neighbor that treated them like royalty? Did they fuck them like they loved them?

Too much time passed. The sun moved across the sky, and Jongwoo didn’t get any progress done on his chapter. He decided he needed a change of scenery when he received a text.

Jieun: Jongwoo! I’m flying into Incheon today! I don’t have to be at work until Monday. Are you free?

Normally Jongwoo would have fallen out of his seat with excitement, but he felt like there was a typhoon in his brain. He was happy to hear from her, and it had been so long since they talked. He missed her. He sighed and replied, knowing that he would feel better once he saw her face.

Jongwoo: Yes, I’m free! What time do you land?

They had arranged a time for Jongwoo to pick her up at the airport so they could ride the train back together. She would stay with him for the weekend, so he went back to his apartment to clean up.

Jongwoo had picked up some drinks and snacks for the next few days. After washing the few dishes in the sink and changing his linens, he decided to go ahead and leave for the airport. He wanted to pick up some flowers on the way. He pulled his door closed behind him but glanced at Moonjo’s door.

I hope he’s busy this weekend.

He didn’t want Jieun and Moonjo to meet. He didn’t want those worlds to collide. But knowing his luck, that would be something he wouldn’t be able to avoid.

“I’ve missed you so much. There were so many times I wanted to call you and tell you about my day, but that would have been counter intuitive.” Jieun sat on her train seat, holding the lilies Jongwoo had bought her. She leaned her head on his shoulder and his arm was wrapped around her.

“I missed you too.” He kissed her forehead. He really did miss her. But he didn’t feel like he thought he would. They kissed in the airport and Jongwoo didn’t feel the lightning he was expecting. Her small hand in his didn’t fill him with warmth.

They sat like that for the rest of the train ride, Jongwoo not fully in the moment that he waited so long for.

They picked up some sushi at the restaurant on Jongwoo’s block and went upstairs to his apartment. He was excited for her to see his place. His mother’s home was rather humble and his goshiwon was a shithole. He was proud of this apartment and this neighborhood, it made him feel like he had his life together. The elevator doors opened, and his heart sank.

Moonjo stood in front of the doors in his winter workout clothes, obviously going for a nighttime run. He was playing with his smart watch, headphones already in his ears. He didn’t notice right away that Jongwoo was right in front of him.

His neighbor looked up to see the younger man and smiled prior to noticing the woman next to him. Once he registered her presence, his expression steeled. 

Jieun didn’t seem to notice the change in Jongwoo’s demeanor and stepped out of the elevator with her suitcase.

“Hello, Jongwoo.” Moonjo was cool as a cucumber, face flat as he pulled out his headphones. His eyes weren’t exuding the care they did last night. His eyes didn’t say anything.

“Hi, Moonjo.” This was his worst nightmare. Why couldn’t he have gotten lucky, just this once?

Jieun noticed the interaction and stopped walking. Jongwoo looked to her and back to Moonjo, then back to her.

“This is Jieun. I’ve told you about her before.” He didn’t want to say she was his girlfriend, because she wasn’t. He didn’t want to say she was a friend, because that didn’t feel right either.

“Nice to meet you! Are you one of Jongwoo’s neighbors?” she asked sweetly.

Moonjo looked at her and noticed her suitcase. He saw the food Jongwoo was carrying.

“Yes, I am.” He looked directly to Jongwoo, eyes sharper than before. “We’re quite close.”

“That’s good. I was worried he wouldn’t like any of his neighbors here like he did at the goshiwon.”

“He’s been a good neighbor. We take care of each other.” Moonjo tilted his head, face innocent. “Isn’t that right?”

Jongwoo could almost hear the jagi that he would have added if Jieun wasn’t standing there.

“We don’t want our sushi to warm up, we should head inside. Enjoy your run.” Jongwoo pushed Jieun to his door while she said goodbye to his neighbor.

The men made eye contact as the elevator doors closed. Jongwoo knew he looked guilty. Moonjo looked possessive, jealous, hurt.

Months ago, Jongwoo had planned how he would reunite with Jieun. But that didn’t happen. He didn’t have it in him. She initiated, so they just went to bed. It was fine. It was familiar. He had started to feel the comfort he found in her before, but just like everything else, it wasn’t the same.

It didn’t help that he was worried come might drip out of his ass. Logically, he knew that he was empty, but he couldn’t calm his mind down.

They laid in bed together, Jongwoo spooning her.

“This feels like old times. I missed this. It’s been so long since I’ve had sex. I forgot how good you are.” She kissed his neck and nuzzled into him. Jongwoo laughed.

“If it’s been a long time, I’m not sure you’re an impartial judge,” he replied dryly.

She sat up in his bed and placed her hand on his chest.

“Let’s shower.” Jieun patted his skin, and Jongwoo nodded.

They cleaned each other and had sex again, Jongwoo trying to bring his heart back into it. Maybe it was working. Maybe he was still distracted.

When they finished, Jieun was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. She had been in Singapore that morning and was obviously exhausted. And that was before all the sex.

Jongwoo helped her dress in her pajamas and got her into the bed. She laid her head on his chest, and quickly fell asleep. He couldn’t help but realize that this was the same position he had been in with Moonjo last night. When his heart had felt so full, so thankful of the way he took care of him.

Jieun snored softly on his chest; arms wrapped around him. He lightly stroked her back, happy to not be alone tonight. It had been so long since he shared a bed with someone while sleeping. It had been forever since he kissed someone. These were things he missed, and he was glad Jieun was here to share it with him.

An hour passed, Jongwoo still staring at the ceiling, when he heard Moonjo finally come home. It was well past midnight. There was no way that he had been running for over three hours, he must have come home and left again while he was busy with Jieun.

He hoped that Moonjo wasn’t too upset. Jongwoo had never kept his relationship with Jieun a secret. He told him exactly why he wanted a casual arrangement. Absolutely nothing had changed. He knew that they were just fuckbuddies, so if he was pissed off, it was on him, not Jongwoo.

Jongwoo was trying to work through any upcoming hypotheticals when he heard another voice. His mind was immediately cleared.

Through the walls, he could hear them talking to each other. Moonjo was telling a man exactly what he wanted to do to him. Things he had done to Jongwoo just the night before.

“You are such a great kisser,” he heard the other man say.

Jongwoo stayed awake for the entire event, and he could hear every movement. He was glad that Jieun kept sleeping, because there was no way he would have been able to cover up his jealousy.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

“Do you want to stay?” Moonjo asked the stranger who flopped down on the bed next to him.

“Uh, I need to head back to my place tonight. I have a dog. Thanks though.” He stood and dressed, gave Moonjo a kiss, and left the apartment. He knew he would never see him again.

He brought the man home specifically to make Jongwoo jealous, but he needed a little more comfort. Seeing that woman with her suitcase crushed him more than he liked to admit. He wanted to be held. But more, he needed Jongwoo to tell him that he was through with her and wanted to be with him forever.

Last night was different, he could tell. He could feel Jongwoo changing beneath him. They formed a connection different from the lust they already shared. The younger man wanted to kiss him. He wanted to bring down those walls he built. He was ready to be one with Moonjo. He felt that it was only a matter of time before Jongwoo came to him. But that woman just had to show up.

He couldn’t compete with his first love. A woman that he had promised to wait for. Jongwoo had told him that he wanted to marry and have children with her. That was something he couldn’t give him, especially not in Korea.

Moonjo shouldn’t be this upset over a man that was never his man. It’s not like he had an easy life with no struggles to compare it to. But he couldn’t deny that he wanted love, and he had completely fallen for the man next door.

He rose from the bed and stepped into the shower. He let the hot water cast down his body, trying to wash off the shame and anger and jealousy he felt. He leaned back against the wall, wondering how he got to this point. He was used to rejection. He was used to being abandoned. This shouldn’t have been any different.

The weekend passed slowly. Moonjo decided to not leave his apartment, not wanting to run into Jongwoo and that woman again. He and Gom stayed in the living room curled up with a blanket and several bottles of wine. He heard the others come and go over the next two days. He managed to watch some television. He read part of The Metamorphosis, but it reminded him too much of Jongwoo and had to stop.

Sunday night came and he heard a knock at his door. He decided to ignore it. It was probably some poor part-timer passing out menus for a local restaurant. But the knocks kept coming, a little harder this time.

“Moonjo I know you’re home. Your living room light is on.”

It was Jongwoo, and Moonjo’s heart sank. He couldn’t deal with this right now. He hadn’t showered. He was on his second bottle of red. It had been a while since he shaved. The pounding on the door continued.

“Moonjo, please. We need to talk.” He stood and walked towards the door.

“Talk to your girlfriend,” he shouted through the wood. He took a swig from the wine bottle, well aware that he was being an ass.

“She’s not my girlfriend and she’s gone. Please, just let me in.”Jongwoo was quiet and sounded sincere, but Moonjo was still upset. He sighed and unlocked the door, allowing Jongwoo to let himself inside. He walked back towards the couch and plopped down.

“Did she leave you again?”

Asshole.

“She went back to work. She just had the weekend off. We haven’t seen each other in over a year.”

“That must have been so hard for you.” Moonjo finished off the bottle and sat it down on the coffee table.

“Moonjo, please. I know that you’re upset.” Jongwoo looked hurt as well, and he was wearing on him.

“Yeah. It made me sad. I thought things were different. I thought they changed.” Tears were pricking the corners of his eyes which just made him angrier. He petted Gom to try and ground himself. Jongwoo joined them on the couch.

“I told you what I was looking for. I’m sorry if I didn’t remind you often enough.” Jongwoo was quiet, he must have known he was speaking total horseshit. Moonjo scoffed.

“It’s not that you didn’t remind me often enough. I was reminded every time I saw you. But I thought things changed during our last time.” Moonjo was nearly shouting, acting more irrational than he would like. This was why he didn’t let himself get drunk. He hated not being in control.

Jongwoo was still, resting his elbows on his knees, looking at his hands.

“They did. But they didn’t.” He spoke softly, reserved. “I felt something that I shouldn’t have. I can’t throw away a plan I’ve had for years for a stranger.”

Moonjo sucked his teeth and nodded.

“A stranger.” His anger was palpable.

“Why are you this upset? You brought someone else home that same night! Did you forget about these thin ass walls?”

“No I didn’t, because I could hear you too!” He stood and threw the blanket on the ground. He walked to the kitchen to look for more alcohol. Jongwoo groaned.

“This isn’t how this arrangement was supposed to be. This was supposed to be uncomplicated.” He stood and followed Moonjo into the kitchen.

The older man whipped around to Jongwoo, eyes burning. He was angry. Jealous. He felt belittled. But Jongwoo looked angry too.

“Why did it have to be you? Why did you move in next door? Especially if you were going to be like this," he yelled. Moonjo wanted to say more. He wanted to tell Jongwoo everything. He wanted to scream at him. He wanted to kiss him. But he didn't want Jongwoo to leave. 

Jongwoo gripped his shirt with both hands, almost if he wanted to rough him up. But the second he grabbed Moonjo, the air around them changed. The older man was burning for his touch, even with the resentment boiling within. Their breathing changed, and in a moment, they were ripping each other’s clothes off.

Moonjo reached into the kitchen junk drawer and pulled out the condom and lube he had stashed in there. He pushed Jongwoo over the counter, reached around him, and gripped his dick.

“I’m not going to be as gentle this time,” he spoke gruffly. Jongwoo nodded.

He slathered his fingers in lube and started with one, and quickly moved to two.

“I can’t believe you were with her not even twenty-four hours after I was inside you,” he spit out.

“Me either. I kept thinking she was going to find out somehow,” the younger man breathed out.

“She should have figured it out. Because I made you mine that night. She should have stayed in her place.” Moonjo added a third finger and curled them inside him. Jongwoo was squirming underneath him, so he held him down with his other hand. “Mine,” he whispered into Jongwoo’s ear.

The younger man moaned under him and rocked back against Moonjo’s fingers. He yanked them out without warning, making Jongwoo whine.

“Please,” Jongwoo pleaded, but it wasn’t enough for the older man.

“Please, what?” He rolled the condom on and slapped on some more lube, leaving Jongwoo completely without touch.

“Fuck me. Fill me up, please, Moonjo.”

“You need me for this. Only I can make you feel like this.” He place his hand on the younger man's lower back and used his other to guide himself in.

He pushed inside Jongwoo, who screamed and hollered at the intrusion. He gripped the countertop as Moonjo’s fingers dug into the younger man’s hips. “Only me.”

He took a moment for Jongwoo to adjust, but soon he found a relentless pace, plunging into him. Moonjo pulled the hips to him with each thrust. He didn’t touch his neglected dick, he didn’t deserve it. He smacked his tan asscheek, already red from slamming in to him again and again.

Jongwoo shouted each time Moonjo’s palm met his skin. Moonjo knew he was being rough, especially compared to last time. They had been rough before. But this time, anger was what made this unruly, not lust.

“I need to come. I need to, Moonjo.” Jongwoo propped himself up on the counter. Sweat was rolling down his back, dripping from his neck to the granite. Moonjo leaned forward and licked a stream of perspiration from in between his shoulder blades. He brought one hand up and placed it around his throat. He placed his thumb along the jugular and squeezed, making sure not to compress his trachea.

Gripping his neck, Moonjo pulled the younger man’s back to his chest and used his other hand to start jerking him off.

“Come.”

Jongwoo screamed obscenities while his body shaked, spouting his release onto Moonjo’s kitchen counter and floor.

He didn’t sound like this with her. Just me.

Moonjo pounded into him a few more times and came into the condom. He released Jongwoo’s neck and let him relax against the counter. He leaned forward, pressing his head to the younger man’s back, trying to catch his breath.

He pulled out of him and took off the condom. Jongwoo continued to lie across the counter, still breathing heavy.

He dropped the latex into the trash can, picked up Gom, and walked towards the bedroom.

“Leave,” Moonjo called out, before slamming his door.

He sat his cat on the bed before walking into the bathroom. He didn’t like what was staring at him in the mirror. He was unshaven. His hair was long and messy. His eyes were red. He splashed water on his face in attempt to ground himself and sober up. He heard the main door to his apartment open and close. Soon, Jongwoo opened his own door and entered his unit.

Moonjo flopped on his bed, accidentally disturbing Gom. He crawled under the comforter, and his cat curled up against his back. He let himself think about the last few days, and allowed himself to sink into the mattress.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

“Yoon Jongwoo, are you with us?” Jongwoo jolted to attention, unaware of how long he had been mentally absent from the meeting.

Manshik waved his hand in front of his employee’s face. He was standing at the front of the conference room next to the projection screen. The editing team was discussing their weekly progress, and when he asked his youngest apprentice for an update, he continued to stare into space.

“I’m so sorry, um,” he shuffled his papers around, “I still have a couple chapters left to start. The author keeps sending new additions, it’s making me fall behind.” Normally new pages wouldn’t be an issue, but he wasn’t exactly in the right headspace this week. “I’ll be sure to finish by the deadline, though.”

Manshik pursed his lips and moved on to the next apprentice. He didn’t appear angry, only disappointed. Which was worse for someone like Jongwoo.

I would rather him just yell at me.

He worked so hard for this job and now he was letting his personal life get in the way. He raked his fingers through his hair, frustrated with himself. For not maintaining his editing schedule. For not writing his own chapter this week. For still not getting a haircut.

The meeting concluded and Jongwoo picked up his belongings to head back to his desk. He needed to get his work done. Maybe he could stay late, it’s not like he was going home anyway.

“Jongwoo, could you hang back a minute? I’d like to have a chat with you.” Manshik asked politely. Jongwoo clenched his eyes, exhaled, and turned around to face his boss. He was hoping to avoid this conversation, but apparently his performance had been affected enough to cause concern.

“Yes, Mr. Yang?” Manshik sat and gestured to the chair next to him for Jongwoo.

“Is everything alright? You haven’t seemed like yourself this week. You’ve been here for five months. I’d like to think I know you pretty well by now.” His voice was calm, caring. It only made Jongwoo feel worse.

“I’m really sorry. Some personal stuff happened this weekend and I guess it’s left me a little distracted. I’ve been staying at a friend’s place too, so I haven’t been sleeping well.” He swallowed, hoping that it didn’t sound like he was making up a bunch of excuses.  “I will get my work done. I’ll work overtime, it’s no issue.”

“Jongwoo, I would like for you to be able to complete your work, but I’m more worried about you. I read your application. I’ve read your personal essays. Your background wasn’t an easy one. If you are being affected by something, I’m worried that it’s very serious.” Manshik put his hand on Jongwoo’s shoulder, genuine concern in his expression.

Jongwoo put his face in his hands. How is he supposed to tell his boss that he’s having relationship troubles? That he might have feelings for his neighbor? His male neighbor? That his girlfriend came to visit him which caused said neighbor to hate fuck him and then kick him out of his apartment? And because it’s his neighbor, he doesn’t even want to go to his own home?

“Just-, ugh, I feel silly even saying this. I was kind of seeing someone and it’s gotten complicated. I won’t bore you with the details. But I’m not going to let it affect my editing anymore.” He tried to sound confident, but he wasn’t sure he came off that way.

“Have you apologized?” Manshik asked plainly.

“Excuse me?”

“You’ve been staring at your phone all week. I’ve seen you send texts, but I haven’t heard your notification sound. Seems like you’re waiting on someone to reply, who obviously doesn’t want to respond. Have you tried apologizing?”

Jongwoo stood, put his hands on his head, and began pacing the conference room.

“I don’t need to apologize! He knew that it was only supposed to be casual! I told him about Jieun, that she would be coming back one day.” He froze, realizing the information he revealed. When Manshik’s expression didn’t change, he proceeded. “I was friends-with-benefits with my neighbor. My girlfriend, that I was with for years, that I’ve been on a break from, came to visit on Friday. And he got really upset! I was honest the whole time. I never hid my intentions or my relationship with her.” Jongwoo finally took a breath, relieved to have it off his chest.

He told Seokyoon when he showed up at his apartment Sunday night that he didn’t want to talk about it. Unfortunately, Jongwoo changed his mind, but he didn’t want to bring it up on his own. Maybe his mother was right. Maybe he was too stubborn for his own good.

“Sounds like he has feelings for you. How do you feel about him?”

Why is he being so rational?

“It doesn’t matter, because it’s not going to happen. Jieun is the plan. She’ll come back to Seoul, we’ll get married, and my mom will finally get her grandkids.” With the tension releasing from Jongwoo’s shoulders, he started to feel just how exhausted he was.

Manshik stood and walked over to where Jongwoo was standing, leaning against the wall now.

“Just because you made these plans doesn’t mean they’re not allowed to change. Think about your novel. You had written several chapters about the butcher, right? Now you’re writing about an artist, and you’ve found this story to be much more fulfilling. Imagine if you continued with your original plot. Yeah, you’d likely be satisfied with it, but you wouldn’t feel the same excitement that you have for this storyline.” He patted Jongwoo on the back and gripped his shoulder.

“You’re a good kid. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. It’s obvious that you care for the people around you. But you should live for you. Take your time and think about what you want out of life. You write your own story, and you can change the plot at any point.” Manshik released the man’s shoulder and exited the conference room, allowing Jongwoo to absorb what he said in peace.

Who is he to tell me what to do with my life?

Jongwoo picked up the tissue box from the console and threw it across the room.

He’s right, though.

Seokyoon was chopping vegetables when Jongwoo came home from work. He had stopped by his apartment to water his plants and get some fresh clothes since he knew Moonjo would still be at work. No, it wasn’t creepy to go onto the clinic’s online scheduling portal to see when he was available for appointments. He was just collecting information for his own wellbeing.

He did notice that Dr. Seo was working very long days. He had scheduled himself through the weekend as well. Other dentists in the practice didn’t seem to take half the patients he did.

I hope he’s taking care of himself.

Jongwoo shook his head. He shouldn’t care what Moonjo does at all, it has no effect on his life.

“Hyung, welcome home! Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes. I picked up some beers too.” Seokyoon’s apartment was similar to Jongwoo’s. Respectable size, minimally decorated. The biggest difference was that Seokyoon left his rap drabbles all over the apartment. Random pieces of paper with one or two lines were taped to the walls. There was a notepad on every counter and table. “Junghwa’s coming too. She’s working night shift so this will technically be her breakfast.” Seokyoon smiled sweetly as he stared at the bell pepper in his hand.

“If you like Junghwa so much, why does this rap say ACAB?” Jongwoo asked as he held up one of the many notepads.

“Obviously I don’t mean her, plus, it’s for the American audience.”

“What American audience?”

“Hyung! If you want to keep sleeping on my couch, you have to stop criticizing my writing,” he exclaimed, pointing the knife in Jongwoo’s direction. After attempting intimidation for a few seconds, he went back to chopping.

“Fine.” Jongwoo sighed and sat down on the couch, leaning his head all the way back. The ceiling had that popcorn texture that he hated. He didn’t know why every contractor in the world added this useless design to every building in the eighties and nineties.

“So, are you ever going to tell me what’s going on between you and Junghwa? I mean she was my friend first.” He didn’t intend to sound as jealous as he did, but he couldn’t help that he felt a little abandoned.

Seokyoon poured the vegetables into the sizzling pan and stayed silent for a moment. He turned around and put both hands on the kitchen island.

“I’ll tell you after she leaves. I don’t want things to be weird while she’s here. You don’t have enough time to process sensitive information right now, especially in your state.”

“My state?” Jongwoo sat up, staring at his younger friend.

“Yes, your state. And I have an idea on what’s causing it. So don’t pretend like you’re in your normal headspace.” He pulled clean plates out of the cabinet and sat them on the table.

Why is everyone calling me out today?

Seokyoon was a better cook than Jongwoo gave him credit for. Maybe he didn’t like to admit that his bro that was a part-time rapper had more life skills than him. The three of them ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the food before them, when Jongwoo finally spoke up.

“Jieun came to visit this weekend,” was all he could manage to say at first. He knew that once his friends knew the whole story, he wouldn’t be able to deny any feelings that would arise. They would see it all over his face.

“And?” Junghwa asked.

“It wasn’t the same.” Jongwoo sat his chopsticks down and put his hands in his lap.

“Was it awkward because you haven’t seen each other in a long time? Like when you got out of your military service?” she asked.

“No. It was comfortable, but I felt guilty the whole time. It still felt like she loved me the same, but…” Jongwoo just shook his head. He couldn’t really articulate exactly what he felt. Did he just love her less? Or not at all? Or just as a friend? Or was it just a temporary feeling that would go away once they spent more time together?

Junghwa put her arm around Jongwoo and stroked his back. He leaned his head on her shoulder, thankful for the embrace. Her short hair tickled his nose, and her uniform was uncomfortable against his face, but he didn’t care.

“What do you think changed?” she asked. Jongwoo laughed dryly at the question. She knew what changed. So did Seokyoon. They had spent time around him and Moonjo. They listened to their banter. They heard Moonjo call him “jagiya” more than once.

“He just got so angry when he saw Jieun. He brought someone else home to make me jealous. I can’t really blame him. I slept with Jieun. I didn’t expect him to get so upset.” Jongwoo paused. “I didn’t expect to get so upset. To hear him with someone else.”

The table sat in silence for a moment. Jongwoo had been at Seokyoon’s for nearly six days without a peep. Neither wanted to interrupt him, in fear that he would shut down again. Junghwa squeezed Jongwoo, just to remind him she was there.

“After Jieun left, I tried to talk to him. But-,” Jongwoo couldn’t help but remember their last meeting. Him bent over the kitchen counter, Moonjo ripping him apart. So rough with him, when just days before he was so gentle. He leaned out of Junghwa’s embrace to prop himself up on the table.

“I know we shouldn’t have had sex, but it just happened. And then he threw me out. Now he’s not answering my texts.” Jongwoo was exhausted. This whole thing was exhausting.

“Hyung, why didn’t you tell me? Especially when it’s been bothering you this much.” Seokyoon looked like he was tearing up. He was always so empathetic when it came to Jongwoo.

He just shook his head. He didn’t really know why he didn’t want to talk about it. Maybe he was too tired. Maybe he didn’t want to be honest with himself.

Jongwoo straightened his posture and took a drink of his beer, trying to seem less pathetic in front of his friends.

Hi, I’m Yoon Jongwoo, I’m 28 years old, and I’m having boy problems.

“Do you have feelings for Moonjo?” Junghwa pushed the hair out of Jongwoo’s eyes, helping him collect himself.

Jongwoo leaned back in his chair and sucked his teeth.

You know you do. Just say it.

He bit his lip and nodded, unable to find the words.

“But I don’t want to-, I mean I can’t-,” Jongwoo sighed. “I’m done talking now. Finish your food. Junghwa, you need a full stomach for your shift. Hyung, thanks again for cooking.”  He shoved a spoonful of rice into his mouth and chewed.

Jongwoo was washing dishes when Seokyoon came up behind him to give him a hug. He huffed, but still appreciated the gesture.

“Seokyoon, I’m okay. I know I was being moody earlier, but I’m fine.” He patted his friend’s hands that were resting on his belly.

He sat his chin on his shoulder. Even though he was younger than Jongwoo, he was several inches taller.

“Do you want to go out drinking? Karaoke?”

“Nah, not tonight.” He sighed and reconsidered. He couldn’t hide out here forever. “Maybe tomorrow.” Jongwoo smiled, a little excited about seeing Seokyoon drunk and singing. His friend released him and walked towards the couch.

“Boys night!” He flopped on the furniture and grabbed the remote, probably looking for some mindless reality show.

Jongwoo let the motion of cleaning the dishes sooth him. The monotonous task made his mind go numb, providing him with clarity he hadn’t had for several days.

How am I going to make this right?

He finished the dishes and wiped his hands on Seokyoon’s kitchen towel, that just so happened to have Tupac’s face on it. Jongwoo rolled his eyes.

He heard his phone ring in the living room, and he jogged over to pick it up. Could it be Moonjo? Did he finally want to talk? It was nearly 10pm, who else would be calling at this time?

The screen displayed a picture of him and his mother, the one Jieun took of them when he was discharged from the military.

“Umma? Why are you calling so late? Isn’t it passed your bedtime?” he joked. He had always made fun of her for going to bed so early, even though she generally awoke hours before the sun came up.

“You need to come home. Your grandfather passed away.”

With Seokyoon’s help, he made it to Seoul Station and hopped on the 10:50 KTX to Busan.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

It had been nearly a week since he last saw Jongwoo’s living room light on. Each night he came home, looked into the window, and sighed with disappointment. In the mornings he hoped to see signs of life, but there was nothing.

He couldn’t have moved out, could he?

Moonjo stopped by the café before his Saturday shift. He already had some coffee, but this shop had great milkshakes, and he deserved a treat.

He held his leather bag and was in his work clothes, a simple black coat over a navy suit and white shirt. He entered the café like any other morning, hoping to see Jongwoo at his table in the corner.

“Good morning. What can I get for you today?” the chipper cashier asked.

“A vanilla milkshake, please.”

Vanilla. Jongwoo would be pleased.

The younger man always picked on him for his “childish” tastes. He drank coffee with flavoring and a mountain of whip cream. He liked his pancakes with chocolate chips. And he liked fun ice cream flavors. Sue him.

“Are you sure? It’s rather chilly out. I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold.”

“I’ll just have it here, thank you.” He knew it was winter, couldn’t he just eat a damn milkshake in peace?

He received his order and turned around, looking for a table. It was rather busy for a Saturday. Apparently, there was going to be an event for a local book club later on in the morning. Amidst the crowd, he saw a familiar face sitting by himself, writing into a notebook.

“May I sit here? There seems to be no other available tables.” Moonjo asked Seokyoon. He could've waited for a table to be cleaned, but he wanted to gather information.

“Sure, Moonjo.” He smiled up at him politely and moved his laptop out of the way.

They sat in awkward silence for a moment. He took a sip of his shake and Seokyoon had some of his americano. Another beat passed.

“So, how are things? Did you get your ingrown toenail taken care of?” Moonjo didn’t know much about him, but this was something he complained about at their last get-together. Granted, he was rather inebriated. Seokyoon stared at him.

“Dr. Seo, has anyone ever told you that you’re a little unsettling?”

“Yes, many,” he said, not breaking eye contact, unfazed. “Most recently, I’ve been told that I should blink more, but then I was immediately criticized for blinking too much.”

It was Jongwoo who said those things, actually.

Seokyoon shook his head and looked down so he could continue to write.

“Can’t believe he likes you,” he grumbled to himself.

Moonjo looked up from his drink. There was a considerable amount of chatter in the coffee shop and there was music playing. He couldn’t be sure of what he heard.

“What?”

“Hey, you proofread, right? Could you take a look at this?” Seokyoon handed him the paper. On it, there seemed to be a poem. He looked it over, unsure of what to say.

“It’s not grammatically correct, but I don’t believe you were going for that. This isn’t my preferred medium of art,” he stated, handing the notebook back. “But I did notice the rhyming pattern. It’s unique.”

Seokyoon nodded and smiled, seemingly pleased with any positive feedback.

Moonjo cocked his head to the side, observing the young man.

“Has Jongwoo mentioned anything to you, about me?” He didn’t care if it made him seem pathetic. He wanted to know what the man next door had been doing all week. He missed him. And he was worried about him not coming home.

Seokyoon squinted at Moonjo inquisitively, sizing him up.

“He has,” he flatly stated.

Moonjo stared back, waiting for him to continue. A moment. Another moment.

“And?”

What is this guy’s problem, can’t he see that I want to know what he knows?

“Look, Jongwoo has been my best friend since college. I’ve seen him through multiple girlfriends. I’ve known him the entire time he’s been with Jieun. I know when he’s seriously hung up on someone.” He leaned back in his chair and threw his pen down on the table. “I also know he wants to make his mother happy. And he thinks that means a wife and kids,” he mentions, quieter now.

Moonjo looked down, having already come to that conclusion himself. They would have to move to Taiwan if they wanted to get married, and they would have to leave Asia all together if they wanted to adopt children. He wished things were different, and maybe they would be some day, but that doesn’t help them now.

“So, if you’re not serious about him, if this is just some possessive shit or you’re just pumping up your ego, leave him alone. You need to be all in. Are you?” Seokyoon was stern, defensive for his friend. Moonjo was glad that Jongwoo had someone so loyal in his corner.

“I am. I’m serious about him. I never wanted to be casual. I wanted to go all in from the very beginning, but that wasn’t what he wanted. So, I decided I would rather have him that way than not at all.” Seokyoon nodded and took another sip of coffee. Moonjo turned his attention back to his milkshake, nearly melted in the warm café.

“Do you know where he’s been? I haven’t seen him since…” he paused, not wanting to mention how he treated Jongwoo the last time they met, “since I threw him out on Sunday. I don’t think he’s been home.” He looked into his cup, stirring the ice cream in a lazy circle.

“He was staying with me, crashing on the couch.”

“Was?” Moonjo looked up, confused at the use of the word. “Is he home now?”

“Um, no, actually.” He scratched the end of his nose, hesitant to continue. “I’m not sure if I should tell you this, but he’s back in Busan. His grandfather died last night, and he caught the last train out of town. I don’t think he’ll be back until next week.”

“His grandfather?” Moonjo couldn’t believe it. Jongwoo told him just a couple weeks ago about how his harabeoji was the closest thing he had to a father. Apparently, Jongwoo’s dad had been an orphan, and when he had died, there was no one left from that side of the family. His mother never remarried, so her father helped raise him and his brother. He taught them how to shave, how to go fishing, how to respect their mother and other women. He seemed liked a great man.

“Yeah, he had been cancer free for several years now. We all thought he was in good health. But last night he fell asleep in his chair watching TV and just didn’t wake up.” Seokyoon was quiet. Even though it wasn’t his relative, it was obvious that he was still close with him.

Moonjo couldn’t believe the stress and heartache that Jongwoo was experiencing right now. He didn’t remember what it was like to lose his parents, he was too young. The closest thing he had to compare was when his professor and mentor from university passed several years ago.

“I’m heading down there later today. My train leaves in about an hour. I just came here to pass the time.”  Moonjo was now noticing that the backpack at their feet was unusually full, likely containing his clothes and belongings for the trip.

Moonjo reached into his wallet and pulled out some cash.

“Please, could you relay my condolences? And do you have money to spare?”

“Sure, Moonjo. And I’ve got it covered. Thank you.” Seokyoon folded the money and placed it into his wallet.

The dentist looked at the time and noticed that he didn’t have much to spare before his first patient.

“I need to go, it was nice to see you, Seokyoon. And I’m sorry for your loss. Have a safe trip.” Moonjo gathered his belongings and exited towards his clinic.

“Hi, Jongwoo. I just got off work and wanted to give you a call. Seokyoon told me about your grandfather’s passing, and I wanted to give you my condolences. You don’t have to call back, I’m sure you’re busy. But please, let me know if you need anything, I’ll try to help best I can.” Moonjo hung up, almost happy that he only got his voicemail. He didn’t expect anything, especially not after how he treated him last week.

A few minutes later, he received a text.

Jongwoo: Water my plants, please. I won’t be back until the end of the week. I don’t trust Seokyoon not to kill them after he gets back. My door code is 670816.

Moonjo smiled to himself. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

He entered the apartment tentatively, almost as if he was trying to sneak into the property. He typed in the code and the door mechanism clicked open, security box chirping.

I shouldn’t be this nervous. He explicitly told me to do this.

Moonjo admired Jongwoo’s impressive display of foliage along the back wall of his living room. He had succulent on his bedroom windowsill. Some tree thing was in his bathroom. Jongwoo had accumulated quite the collection since the last time Moonjo was in the apartment.

He cleaned the debris around plants with a small vacuum, and then decided to vacuum the rest of the living room. Then he cleaned the windows to ensure they were getting optimal sunlight.

Before he knew it, Moonjo had cleaned nearly the entire apartment. It wasn’t that dirty, but there were irregular tasks that needed to be completed. Just as he was about to strip the bed of it’s linens, he noticed their smell.

Jongwoo.

A clock on the wall read 12:23 am. Just after midnight. A perfectly acceptable time to sleep.

No, you can’t sleep in his bed. It’s an invasion of his privacy.

Angel Moonjo was right. He shouldn’t stay here. He had his own bed. His own apartment. A cat to get home to.

It was an invasion of privacy to clean his apartment when he just asked you to water the plants. You folded his underwear. You’ve already broken the seal.

Devil Moonjo was also right. And it’s not like he was reading his diary, it was just crashing in his bed. And snuggling his pillow.

Take a shower first. You’re all sweaty from cleaning.

Devil Moonjo was making some great points.

After a long shower using Jongwoo’s shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, he decided to dress in Jongwoo’s briefs and robe. It was the only option; he didn’t have any clean clothes with him. Moonjo was feeling especially refreshed. It must have been the eucalyptus hanging from the shower head.

He tried not to snoop, but he couldn’t help but be impressed with the skincare products he had on his counter. For a bachelor, he seemed to have much of his life together. He didn’t use a 3-in-1 wash like some men; that put him far above the rest.

He crawled into Jongwoo’s bed and settled in, glad to have already fed Gom his dinner. The sheets were basic red flannel and they smelled just like him. He rubbed his face onto the pillow and breathed deeply.

Moonjo missed him. He hoped that he was okay at the funeral. He wanted to be there for him, but he knew if he tried it would just cause Jongwoo more stress. Not to mention the patients on the schedule for tomorrow.

Creepy really doesn’t begin to describe what Moonjo was being right now, but he just didn’t care. He was lovesick, and he might not get the chance to take in his scent again. This could be it for them, and he didn’t want to waste a perfectly good opportunity.

He pulled the homemade quilt up to his chin and drifted off to sleep, pretending Jongwoo was in bed next him.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

Jongwoo sat on the edge of the seawall looking out into the Sea of Japan. This was his thinking spot back in high school. Hell, even before then. As soon as his mother let him go outside without her, he needed the water to deal with his angst.

He would come here whenever he needed to sort through any of the problems in his life. The waves would tell him what to do. The boats would give their advice. A seagull would occasionally shit on him, generally alluding that he needed to get his shit together.

It had been a while since he paid a visit to the sea. The Han just wasn’t the same. No matter how much stress your hometown causes you, there will always be things you can’t replace, whether you like it or not.

He could imagine how silly he looked now. He was in his funeral suit, bare feet, knee pulled under his chin. His mother had cut his hair this morning. And he let her. She couldn’t control her father’s death, but she could control the length of her son’s hair.

He had no father. Now his father figure was gone. They had lost his grandmother a few years ago, so now he was without grandparents. It was only his mother, his brother and him. That was the only family left until he or his brother got married.

“Hyung, it’s time to go. We need to head to the funeral parlor,” He heard Seokyoon call from behind him. It’s almost funny that he grew up in the next neighborhood over, but they didn’t meet until they went to college in Daejeon. His grandfather served with Jongwoo’s in the military, and they still occasionally played chess together. Small world.

“How are you holding up?” Seokyoon asked as he refilled Jongwoo’s soju glass for the second time. He shook his head and knocked back the shot.

He sat on the floor of his mother’s living room, propped up on the table with one elbow. His brother and Umma were finishing up at the funeral parlor. The three days were over, his grandfather was dead, and it was time for everyone to move on.

It was just him, Seokyoon, and Jieun in his childhood home. Surprisingly, she was in Jeju for work and was able to escape for the day.

“Do you want any food? I haven’t seen you eat all day.” Jieun sat on the floor next to him rubbing his back. She did the same when his grandmother died. He found it a lot more comforting then.

“No thanks. I’ll be fine.” He poured himself another glass of liquor. He had a few bites of rice that morning, it was plenty.

“When do you need to be back, Jieun?” Seokyoon was looking at the pictures on the wall, still in his suit.

“Tonight. I should probably leave for the airport soon.”

“Me too. My boss only gave me one day off, asshole.” Seokyoon rolled his eyes. “I’m going to try to stop by and see my mom before I leave, so I’ll probably be on a late train.”

“Jieun, can I talk to you outside?” Jongwoo interrupted.

“Sure, let me just grab my bag.”

The pair walked out of his mother’s house and in the general direction of the train station. He didn’t know exactly what he was going to say, but he knew what he needed to tell her.

When she came to Seoul, she told him all about her work. How much she loved it. How many different types of food she’d tried. All the famous people she’d met. He knew that she wasn’t going to move on from that job any time soon.

But the driving force behind this needed conversation, surprisingly, was a discussion he had with his brother last night.

“We’ve been seeing each other for about six months now. I was going to introduce her to mom at the new year, but then this happened. I don’t want to bring any more stress on her right now.” Jongwoo’s brother said, a shy smile on his face.

“Wow, you’ve finally got a girlfriend.” He playfully pushed his shoulder.

The two were sitting on the rooftop of their mother’s building. It was cold, but it was a warm evening for Korea in late December.

“Yeah. Because of the money you sent us, I was able to see that new doctor and get my epilepsy under control. That’s how we met. She’s a patient there too.” He took a drink of water. “I can work now. She has a full-time job as well.”

Jongwoo huffed in amazement. Doctors had told his family for years that it wasn’t going to be possible to reduce his seizures, but now he’s living a normal life.

“I’m proud of you. I wish you many happy years.” He clinked his soju bottle against the water glass.

His brother bit his lip and smiled at Jongwoo.

“I’m gonna tell you a secret.” A beat of silence. “I’m going to propose soon.” He pulled a small black box out of his pocket and shook.

“No way!” Jongwoo couldn’t believe it. The sibling that he had cared for his whole life was all grown up and was going to be a husband.

“I’m going to wait a little while, though. But we’ve already talked about it. Marriage. Kids. Mom and her coffee cup collection.” The brothers laughed at their mother’s quirk, her one vice in this world.

He hated that he was visiting under such horrible circumstances, but this was a bright spot in his time in Busan. His brother was as healthy as ever. He was in love. And he was going to have kids one day.

“What did you want to talk about, Jongwoo?” Jieun was rolling her suitcase and looking at him expectantly. He swallowed his nerves.

“I don’t think I feel the same about you anymore, Jieun.”

He didn’t know what he was expecting. A lightning strike to smite him? Her to cry and punch him in the face? Push him in front of a taxi?

“I know,” she said softly.

He stopped dead in his tracks.

“How?”

“I just did. There’s someone else, right?” She wasn’t accusing him of anything, there wasn’t a bit of nastiness in her voice. She was just an old friend who wanted to know a few details about his life. Jongwoo took a moment before responding.

“Yes. There is someone else.” There was no sense in lying, especially not when he came to be honest with her. Jieun sighed and kept walking.

“About a month ago, I was missing you, so I called Seokyoon to ask how you were doing. He was drunk, and he complained that you were hanging out with Moonjo. I didn’t know who that was at the time.”

Jongwoo grimaced. Of course, Seokyoon was the leaky faucet.

“When I came to visit, things felt weird at the airport, but that was to be expected, right? But then your neighbor introduced himself, I instantly knew. The way he looked at you. And your entire body froze. You were on edge for the entire weekend, especially when we were in the apartment.”

“Jieun-,” Jongwoo tried to protest, but she stopped him.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. We loved each other once, you were a great boyfriend to me, and I still care about you. I want you to be happy. With whoever that may be.”

They reached the local train station and she turned to him. Jongwoo couldn’t believe how well this conversation had gone. He was expecting tears, a fight. Instead, he hugged her.

“Thank you, Jieun.” She hugged him back and kissed him on the cheek.

“Good luck. Now get back to your mom’s place so you can tell Seokyoon before he leaves.” She laughed, patted him on the cheek, and walked down into the station.

He jogged back as fast as he could with half a bottle of soju and no food on his stomach.

The rest of the week went by in a blur. He met his brother’s new girlfriend. He helped his mom deal with her dad’s estate. They packed up his home. They shed many, many tears.

His mother was going through the condolence money when she noticed something strange.

“This name isn’t on the guest register, and I don’t recognize it. Do you?” She passed him the white envelope to read.

“Seo Moonjo”, very obviously written in Seokyoon’s handwriting. He smiled, chest warm with appreciation.

“I do, Umma. He’s a friend of mine.” She looked at him; confused.

“Have you known him long?”

“About four or five months, why?”

“Because he gave us 500,000 won.”

Of course, he did, thoughtful bastard.

“He’s a dentist, so he has a little money to spare.” Moonjo knew that his mother struggled financially and must have known that the funeral was going to be a lot for them.

“Hmm. He seems like a kind man to give this much after only knowing you for such a short time.”

“He is a kind man.”

He was finally on his way back to Seoul. His train is supposed to arrive at 10:12 pm. If he caught a taxi, he could be home before 11, and Moonjo could still be awake.

He hadn’t talked to him since that first night when he asked him to water his plants. Now, he was silently kicking himself.

What if he’s angry with you for not speaking to him? What if he’s still angry about Jieun? What if he’s moved on?

He knew he wasn’t thinking rationally but grieving his grandfather and caring for his mother had drained all the sensibility right out of him.

He had made this train ride with his family many times, often only being able to take day trips to the capital for their vacations. His grandfather would keep them entertained with magic tricks when they were younger, or stories about the military when they were older. They would walk around Seoul, and he would point out the places where he protested back in the day. He would take them to the plaza where he met their grandmother, the beautiful woman that she was.

The two-and-half-hour train ride left Jongwoo a little bittersweet. He missed his grandfather, and was happy to reminisce about him, but it kind of took the romantic spirit out of him.

He was exhausted. Emotionally drained. The past month had just been too much for him.

He decided to take the bus from Seoul Station back to his apartment. The cab would have cost of fortune at this time of night, and he had already spent so much money on the funeral and travel.

As he hopped off the bus, he noticed a dim light shining from Moonjo’s window.

He might be awake. Or he may have just left a lamp on.

He wheeled his suitcase into the elevator and pressed the button for the sixth floor. Another wave of exhaustion hit.

Home. You can go to sleep now.

He stepped off the elevator and walked to unit 604. Not 603. He had just enough energy to try once. If he didn’t answer, he was just going to act like this never happened.

He rapped his knuckles against the door twice. And waited.

And waited.

He sighed and rubbed his eyes.

What are you doing? You didn’t even call first. It’s late. Go home.

He wheeled his bags over to his door and began to punch in his code when he heard a mechanism unlock.

A head of black hair and pale skin peaked around the frame and in his direction.

“Jongwoo? You’re home?”

Every wall he put up collapsed. Every excuse and reservation he had concocted in his brain was thrown out the window. He wasn’t waiting anymore. Why did he ever wait to begin with?

Jongwoo marched over to Moonjo, put his arms around his neck, and pulled him down for a kiss. A real one, on the lips.

Once the taller man realized what was happening, he wrapped his arms around Jongwoo. He put his hands on his lower back, holding his body close to his. His fingers dug into the skin, desperate to not let him escape.

The younger man sighed into Moonjo’s mouth, giving way for his tongue. Jongwoo laced his fingers into his hair, feathering through the locks. He pulled back, just for a moment.

“I missed you,” Jongwoo whispered. A quick peck on the lips.

“I missed you, too,” Moonjo replied.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

It had been a long two weeks since he last saw Jongwoo. They hadn’t talked since Saturday when he received a single text from him. Moonjo didn’t want to bother him or cause him any additional stress. Jongwoo was the man of the family and was likely taking on a majority of the responsibilities.

In the meantime, he took care of the younger man’s plants. He cleaned his apartment. Filled his cabinets with non-perishables. Stocked up on items he may run out of soon. It was probably a little much, but he had this undeniable urge to care for Jongwoo.

Friday night had arrived, and Moonjo laid in bed, thinking about Jongwoo. He had felt so much animosity towards him last week, but the moment he heard of his loss, it dissipated. He knew they still had problems to work through, but he was done being an asshole about it.

It pained Moonjo to think about how that conversation would go.

I know you have feelings for me, but I don’t feel the same. I’m still in love with her.  

Would he be able to handle not having Jongwoo at all? Would they eventually be able to be just friends?

Just friends.

Moonjo turned on his side. The thought made him sick to his stomach. Jongwoo would be in his life, but he couldn’t touch him. Couldn’t have him. It was nearly as bad as losing him all together.

If Jongwoo decided to completely cut Moonjo off, that at least wouldn’t constantly reopen his wounds.

Gom stood from his blanket on the bed, stretched, and curled up against Moonjo’s back.

He must be looking for a warm spot.

Moonjo scooted over in the bed to make sure Gom had enough space. Just like a cat, he was pushing his owner out of his own bed.

His big, empty bed.

Normally Moonjo didn’t sleep this early, but he honestly didn’t know what else to do. He couldn’t focus on reading. He didn’t want to be anywhere near a bar. And his anxious mind was telling him Jongwoo wouldn’t be coming back any time soon.

It didn’t help that he was more exhausted than he could ever remember being. He had been working nearly open to close every day since he kicked Jongwoo out, including weekends. When he came home from work, he was generally too fried to fall asleep at an appropriate time. He had been running on 2-3 hours a sleep for too long now. Tomorrow was his first day off in nearly two weeks, and he was desperate for a good night’s rest.

He left his reading lamp on in the living room, but he didn’t feel like getting out of bed to turn it off. After twenty minutes of tossing and turning in bed, he decided that it was a deciding factor in preventing his slumber.

Moonjo groaned as he got out of bed and walked the corner of the living room, the reading nook he sat up with Jongwoo in mind. He clicked the lamp off and sighed. Plenty of light was still coming from the window. Seoul was alive tonight. Christmas lights were still up around the neighborhood. Streetlamps and car headlights illuminated the walls of the apartment. Moonjo sighed and closed the curtains in attempt to keep out any unnecessary light. He heard the elevator open in the distance.

Must be Dr. Hwang coming back from her staff party.

He had run into his neighbor this morning and had a chat with her. Her university was holding an end-of-the-year party for faculty, and she was excited for the free drinks. Her unit was at the opposite end of the hall from him, so he wasn’t surprised to not hear much noise after the elevator closed.

Moonjo began to amble back to his room when he heard a noise.

Was that a knock?

It was so quiet, like something accidentally hit his door twice. He walked to the door and didn’t see anything through the peephole. He thought maybe Dr. Hwang’s dog had gotten out of her unit and jumped at his door, so he decided to open it and inspect the hallway.

Moonjo peeked his head out, only slightly worried that there was a serial killer out there, drawing a trap. He turned to his right and saw what only could have been a mirage.

“Jongwoo? You’re home?”

His neighbor was wearing a red shirt and black joggers. His suitcase was scuffed and dusty, wheeled in front of his own door. Jongwoo slowly looked up from his keypad in the direction of the noise. He looked beautiful, but wearied. His shoulders were slumped. Dark circles were painted under his eyes. His hair was no longer hanging in his face but was a much shorter, conservative cut.

Recognition eventually found it’s way into the tired man’s eyes. He walked towards Moonjo, reached his arms up, and pulled Moonjo down to his height. Jongwoo’s full lips were against his, soft. Sweet.

I’m dreaming. I must have fallen asleep.

Not one to waste an opportunity, even when asleep, Moonjo wrapped his arms around the smaller man and brought him flush against his body. His fingers found their way under the hem of Jongwoo’s shirt and dug into his skin.

You feel so real, please stay.

Jongwoo gasped into his mouth at the contact, and Moonjo licked his way inside the younger man’s mouth. Hands were soon in his hair holding him in place, just as he was holding the other. One hand slipped down to caress his cheek and the instigator pulled back.

“I missed you.” He was quiet, breathy. His eyes were still focused on the cupid’s bow lips in front of him. Jongwoo planted a quick peck and pulled back again.

“I missed you, too.” Moonjo’s eyes were lidded as he looked down to the younger man. His vision was blurry, both from the lack of sleep and the lack of glasses. He rubbed his nose against Jongwoo’s cheekbone, tracing his lips along his jawline.

He met Jongwoo’s neck and kissed him just below the ear when he smelled something. It was the slight but distinguishable scent of body odor.

What?

Moonjo straightened his posture and loosened his grip around the man in front of him.

“Are you really here, jagiya?” He brought up his hand to touch Jongwoo’s face, inspecting him for reality. His thumb brushed his lips, wet and swollen from their meeting. Jongwoo brought up his hand and placed it atop Moonjo’s.

“Yes, I am.” He took his hand off his cheek and pulled Moonjo into the apartment, leaving his belongings in the hallway.

He’s here. He kissed me. He’s here.

A toothy grin broke out across Moonjo’s face. The rare one that almost never came out to play. Sure, Moonjo smiled, but it was usually tight lipped or just a smirk. This was a genuine, full smile. And Jongwoo brought it out of him.

After they kicked off their shoes, Moonjo picked up the shorter man and sat him on the kitchen counter, a giggle escaping from him. Jongwoo grabbed him by the face and kissed him again, this time with more passion.

The taller man loved that Jongwoo had the advantage in this position. He stood between his legs, hands traveling from his thighs to his back.

“Moonjo,” Jongwoo gasped as he pulled back.

“What?” He chased those pillow lips he had been craving all this time.

“I’ve been traveling. I have to pee.” He bit his lip and squinted. His cheeks were either red from the kissing or the embarrassment. Moonjo chuckled and brought the younger man off the counter.

Jongwoo quickly scuttled to the restroom.

He’s so cute.

Moonjo took this moment to retrieve Jongwoo’s belongings from the hallway. He arranged them in the foyer next to their shoes.

He walked over to the couch and sat on the arm. His visitor temporarily woke him up, but he was still sleep deprived. If he actually sat on the cushion, there was no guarantee he would make it off it.

Standing up on unsure legs, he walked into the bedroom just as Jongwoo was exiting the bathroom. He opened his arms, and the younger man threw himself into his chest.

“I’m so happy you’re here.” Moonjo wrapped his arms tightly around Jongwoo and kissed the top of his head. Jongwoo looked up.

“Can I sleep here tonight? I don’t want to be alone right now.” His voice was barely above a whisper, eyes hazy. Moonjo nodded. “And…can we just sleep? I don’t think I have the energy for anything else.”

“Oh, thank God. I’ve barely slept, I didn’t know how I was going to make it good for you.” Jongwoo chuckled at Moonjo’s obvious stress relief, and he bent down to kiss the younger man.

Moonjo picked up Gom from the center of the bed and placed him on his corner blanket. He crawled under the comforter and patted the space next to him. Jongwoo took off his socks and shirt before getting in. He placed his head on Moonjo’s chest, hand resting on his belly.

The older man wrapped his strong arm around Jongwoo, wanting to hold him and never let go. He brought his other hand up and used his pointer finger to tilt Jongwoo’s head towards his. He placed a chaste but loving kiss on his lips.

“Goodnight, jagi.”

If Moonjo’s brain wasn’t only functioning at 12%, he would have told Jongwoo exactly how he felt. How he’d felt that way from the very beginning.

They didn’t have to talk tonight. They had time.

Both men relaxed into each other and were asleep within minutes.

The next morning, Moonjo took Jongwoo out for breakfast. They had slept until nearly 10am, only waking up when Gom headbutted him awake, demanding food.

He opened his eyes, confused at first. There was too much light in the room, and he felt a slope in the mattress. Gom lightly tapped him on the face with his paw, gently reminding Moonjo that he had yet to be fed. He looked around the room and saw the smaller man next to him. He was sleeping on his front, arm draped over Moonjo’s midsection. He looked so peaceful Moonjo almost felt guilty waking him up.

They walked to the coffee shop in comfortable silence. Moonjo was in casual clothes and his blue winter coat. Jongwoo stayed in his joggers but had put on one of the older man’s shirts and his hoodie. The clothes swallowed him, sleeves long enough to keep his hands warm.

Jongwoo ordered a black americano and a buttered croissant, Moonjo a caramel coffee and cinnamon roll.  

“So many came to the funeral. I didn’t realize how many people cared about my grandfather.” Jongwoo told Moonjo about the events of the last week. About what it was like to grow up in Busan. How his high school teacher encouraged him to be a writer, and his grandfather was the first in the family to support him.

“By the way, my Umma was very grateful for your condolence gift. Thank you.” Moonjo politely smiled.

“I sent the money along with Seokyoon, I didn’t know if he was going to tell you it was from me or not,” he mentioned sheepishly.

They finished their food and walked back to the apartment building, enjoying the sun filtering around the buildings and trees. It was chilly, but it was beautiful out. Moonjo wasn’t quite brave enough to attempt to hold his hand, and didn’t think the timing was right, especially when he had been describing his grief earlier.

Back on the sixth floor, Moonjo stopped outside of Jongwoo’s unit. He rested his hands on the younger man’s shoulders.

“I know you need to catch up on your own life since you’ve been out of town, but I want to say something. I don’t want to pile on you emotionally. I don’t want to force you into making any decisions. I’m just going to say what I’m going to say, and you don’t have to say anything, alright?” Jongwoo nodded, an apprehensive expression flittering across his face.

Moonjo took a deep breath and dropped his hands.

It’s going to be okay, no matter what happens later.

“I noticed you the day you moved in. You were out on the sidewalk with your hands on your hips, sweating through your clothes. You looked so cute. I spent weeks trying to figure out how to talk to you and introduce myself, but then I just ran into you at the elevator.”

He took a step forward and brushed his knuckles across Jongwoo’s cheek.

“Most people don’t like me. I say things that make others uncomfortable. I come on too strong. But you’ve stuck around. You laugh when I say dumb shit that no one else finds funny. You don’t get upset when I start talking about medicine or anatomy. We’re different, but we’re the same. We mesh together so well.

“I’ve been obsessed with you from the very beginning. It’s never wavered. I’ve sunk my teeth in you, and I never want to let go. And I know that you have your apprehensions, but I will do anything for you, jagiya. Anything.”

Moonjo ran his hands through his hair and turned towards his door.

“Moonjo-,” Jongwoo grabbed his arm.

“I don’t want you to say anything. Or decide anything today. I just wanted you to have the information. You have plenty on your plate right now.” He grabbed Jongwoo’s hand, brought it to his mouth, and gently kissed it. “Just come back to me when you have time.”

The older man dropped his hand, walked back to his apartment, and closed the door behind him.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

Two Months Later

Jongwoo was stressed. Really fucking stressed. He still had a few connecting chapters of his novel left to write and only a month before they were due. His brother had announced his engagement which threw their mother into a tailspin. And he still hadn’t talked to Moonjo about his feelings.

At first, he just needed to catch up on what he missed while he was in Busan. It didn’t help that he was already behind on his writing prior to the funeral. He was glad his boss gave him the entire week off, but it created a massive backlog in work. He still had not gotten back to his standard schedule.

His life had very few surprises these days. He went to work, he would go to a café and write, then he would go home just long enough to sleep. All the apprentices had to attend several weekend workshops for both their editing technique and their own writing. He even took a few trips back to Busan to help his mom settle her father’s affairs.

Moonjo was helping him where he could. He had food delivered to his workplace whenever he had to do overtime. He would pay for his coffee order on the way to work so Jongwoo would just have to ask them to make his americano. These gestures were everything to Jongwoo, but it stressed him that he couldn’t repay Moonjo.

The biggest stressor, however, was that he and Moonjo had not slept together. At all. Jongwoo was a crazy, horny mess, but he just hadn’t had the time to take care of business. It didn’t help that Moonjo was working extreme hours too. He really needed to get off, but he didn’t want to use Moonjo like he used to.

When his boss announced that their publishing company would be attending an annual literature conference, Jongwoo had a hard time appreciating the opportunity. He knew it would be great for networking, but he just wanted to get back into his normal routine. This year it would be held in Sokcho, further away than Jongwoo wanted to travel.

What I would give for a normal workweek and a free weekend.

“Your hotel rooms are paid for, and you get a 150,000 won stipend for food and other expenses. Unfortunately, you’ll have to find your own transportation there. Everyone will be dismissed at noon Friday to ensure you can make it up there in time.” It was the week of the event, and final details were being relayed to the team. Manshik clasped his hands together. “Any questions?”

“When we will figure out who are roommates are?” another employee asked.

“Actually, we got a great group rate at this new hotel since this is their first big conference. No sharing rooms this year.”

Jongwoo perked up.

New hotel room. No roommate.

“And yes, you can bring a plus one, though most spouses are bored to tears during the lectures.”

“Is Dr. Seo with a patient?” It was Jongwoo’s first time at the dental clinic. He felt a little guilty that he had never visited him at work when Moonjo had been to his firm several times.

“Yes, but he should be free soon. May I ask what you need him for? Do you need dental care?” the young receptionist asked.

“Oh, no, um, it’s actually a personal matter.” Jongwoo cringed at himself. Why did he make it sound so weird? “I’m his neighbor. I just need to ask him a quick question.”

The receptionist nodded and went to the back of the clinic, presumably to tell Moonjo that Jongwoo was waiting in the lobby. He stood awkwardly at the desk, waiting for her to come back. She came around the corner and waved him over.

“Dr. Seo would like for you to wait in his office. Could you follow me this way, please?” She turned and Jongwoo scurried to catch up to her.

He was led into a modest office. There was a simple brown desk with a couch along the window. An array of diplomas and certificates lined the wall. Pictures of community events were arranged around the room. The only window was the one that faced Seoul, letting the evening sun illuminate the office.

Jongwoo had seen Moonjo’s apartment many times. He had literally been inside the man. But his office was a strange insight into his life. He volunteered with the police department. He worked in the community garden. He ran a marathon for cancer research. He guessed that there was a lot more to the dentist that he still had to learn.

The door opened and Jongwoo turned to see his neighbor donning a short white coat and his spectacles. He hadn’t cut his hair since they met and it was now touching his shoulders. And Jongwoo found it really fucking hot.

“Jagiya, what a pleasant surprise.” His smile was so soft, so subtle. A stranger probably wouldn’t even notice it.

“Hi,” Jongwoo replied quietly. Why was he acting shy now?

He gingerly took a step towards Moonjo and grabbed the lapel of his coat with both hands.

“I hope I’m not keeping you from any patients. I just had a question to ask.” He looked up at the taller man, wondering if he could tell how excited he was.

This trip could be a way for him to pay Moonjo back for all that he’s done for him lately. He could give him his time. He could take care of him. It wasn’t exactly an altruistic offer, but Jongwoo was brimming with anticipation.

“I have a few minutes before my next cleaning. Eunchan will come get me when they’re ready.” He closed the gap between them and put his hands on Jongwoo’s strong arms, reciprocating his touchy-feely behavior. “What did you want to say?” His voice was lower, deeper than before.

Jongwoo nearly melted under his stare. He had seen that burning expression many times before. It had been too long since it last made an appearance. He smiled cheekily, hoping to get the answer he wanted from Moonjo. He looked down to his chest and smoothed out his clothes, feeling the muscles beneath them.

“Are you working this weekend? I’m going to Sokcho for a literature conference on Friday. And I’ll be staying in a hotel room.” Jongwoo looked up through his lashes. “All by myself.”

“Did you want some company in that lonely hotel room, jagi?” Moonjo lowered his hands down to Jongwoo’s hips and hooked his fingers through the beltloops.

Jongwoo bit his lip and nodded. He rose to his tiptoes to kiss the man before him for the first time in weeks.

Finally.

He brought his hands up and threaded them through Moonjo’s hair, gently tugging on his long locks.

The embrace quickly escalated. Their mouths were open and accepting of one another. Without breaking the kiss, Moonjo bent down, put his hands on the back of Jongwoo’s thighs and lifted him. He carried the younger man the few steps to the desk and carefully laid him down. A pencil cup and a stapler fell to the floor but neither cared.

Moonjo used one hand to push Jongwoo’s shirt up, exposing his midriff. He used his thumb to massage his nipple, drawing a quiet moan out of the man.

Jongwoo tightened his legs around the dentist’s hips, pulling him closer. The grip on his hair had grown stronger. Moonjo ground down, letting the man beneath him feel his hardening length. The younger man gasped into his mouth, eager for more contact from the dentist. He arched against him, trying to connect as much of their bodies as possible.

“Dr. Seo, your next appointment is in exam room three,” the intercom on his office phone emitted. Eunchan was paging him from the reception desk. Moonjo broke the kiss, groaning in complaint. He hid his face in Jongwoo’s collarbone, like a teenager trying to hide under a pillow because they didn’t want to go to school.

“You heard her, Dr. Seo.” Jongwoo was flushed and breathing heavy, but he didn’t want Moonjo to risk his good name for an orgasm. He released his hold on his hair and unlocked his legs from the other man.

“Call me Dr. Seo again and neither of us will be able to leave this office,” Moonjo mumbled as he kissed his neck, hands still under the younger man’s shirt.

“Moonjo, go, please.” Jongwoo pushed Moonjo as he sat upright on the desk. The older man stared longingly at him before nodding in acceptance. He helped him down off the desk and they adjusted each other’s clothes. Jongwoo ran his hands through Moonjo’s hair a few times, attempting to return it to it’s previously tidy state.  

“I’ll let you know about my schedule. I know I don’t have any patients on Saturday or Sunday, but I’ll have to see if I can move Friday around.” He planted a quick kiss on Jongwoo’s swollen lips. “Thank you for coming to see me today, Jagi. You’re quite the pick-me-up.”

Moonjo stepped out of the office and into the hall, cool as a cucumber. Jongwoo could still feel the flush on his neck, the tingling sensation on his lips. He decided to stay for a moment longer before exiting, not wanting to provide Moonjo’s coworkers with any gossip. He picked up the office supplies that had been knocked to the ground and reorganized his desk.

He took a deep breath, left the practice, and walked home for the night. Mysteriously, he was simultaneously more and less frustrated than he had been that morning. He needed to clear his mind without sex because right now he was too frazzled to do any writing. He figured he could go ahead and start packing, as the trip was only a couple days away.

Later, when Jongwoo stepped out of the shower, he saw the texts that had come in.

Moonjo: I traded my Friday appointments, so I’m free all weekend.

Moonjo: I’ll drive

Jongwoo rubbed the towel over his hair while he stared at the phone screen.

Moonjo has a car?

Moonjo had a car, apparently.

The pair walked into their apartment’s parking garage on Friday afternoon, both rolling small suitcases. This was the first time Jongwoo had been in the structure, he’d never had a reason to go in.

Moonjo took out a key fob and pressed the unlock button, and the lights on a black SUV blinked. The trunk hatch raised on it’s own and he placed both of their suitcases in the back. He pressed another button, and it closed by itself.

Jongwoo slid in the passenger seat, inspecting the vehicle around him.

This is new. This is expensive.

“So, this is your car?” Jongwoo knew it was a stupid question, but he couldn’t help himself.

“Yes.” Moonjo adjusted his mirrors and started the ignition.

He must have noticed Jongwoo staring at him because he went on.

“In university I helped my mentor develop a dental adhesive. The patent has done very well in the US and Europe. It’s how I can run my clinic with little profit,” he explained flatly, as if he were describing the weather.

How much do I still have to learn about him?

Moonjo navigated them out of the parking deck with ease. The car seemed to have all the bells and whistles available. He assumed that Moonjo’s rent was almost the same as his, so he tried to do the mental math to figure out how much money he would have to make to be able to afford this.

“What are you thinking about, jagi?”

“Just curious about what else I don’t know about you.”

Moonjo smirked and reached for Jongwoo’s hand and brought it to his lips.

“Anything you want to know, just ask. I’m an open book for you.” He released Jongwoo's hand and returned his back to the steering wheel.

Well, he’s a responsible driver.

Jongwoo nodded and looked down, a little embarrassed that he was thinking so much about money. Instead of prying into Moonjo’s finances, he decided to tell him about the schedule for the conference. Friday had a short presentation introducing the weekend and a dinner. Saturday was full of lectures and debate panels. More seminars and an awards ceremony were on Sunday.

“You can come to any of the events if you want, but I doubt they’ll be interesting to you. Plus, the apprentices are going to be busy. They have us working behind the scenes for several of the presentations.”

“I might stop in if I find any of the topics intriguing. I’m quite fond of Sokcho, it’s my go-to vacation spot, but I haven’t been in a few years. It’ll be nice to spend time by the beach and people watch around town.”

Jongwoo chuckled at the thought of Moonjo trying to have a casual day on the beach.

“Just don’t freak anyone out with your people watching. I’d rather not pick you up at a police station this weekend.” Jongwoo paused and then looked at the driver. “Why do you go to Sokcho? Why not Jeju or Okinawa?”

Moonjo sucked his teeth and tilted his head, keeping an eye on the road. A moment passed.

“I don’t like planes.”

“Excuse me?”

He sighed and gripped the steering wheel, probably regretting that he told Jongwoo he would be honest with him.

“I’m scared of planes, so I stay on the mainland. And before you say it, I don’t want to go on a ferry either. It’s a giant slow boat. Why would I want to be on a hunk of steel with a bunch of people for three hours just to go to some island? Sokcho and Wando are perfectly acceptable coastal cities.”

Jongwoo bit his lip and smiled. He leaned over and kissed the dentist on the cheek. A shadow of a smile appeared on Moonjo’s lips and the tension released from his shoulders.

I learned another thing.

A couple hours later they arrived at the hotel in Sokcho and Jongwoo was amazed. It was an oceanfront high rise that looked to be almost brand new. He had no idea how his firm was able to afford this for the whole team.

Jongwoo checked in and took their bags upstairs while Moonjo found parking. The receptionist asked how many people would be staying in the room and he felt incredibly embarrassed to say two. It’s not like they were having an illicit affair, they were two consenting adults who liked each other. And were probably going to have dirty, nasty sex.

The pair took a short walk around the neighborhood before getting ready for the orientation and dinner. They could have spent their time doing other activities, but Jongwoo was nervous. He didn’t want to rush anything or accidentally ruin the mood for the weekend.

Moonjo took a shower and changed into his suit while Jongwoo took a look around the convention space. When he returned to the room, Moonjo was in a black-on-black suit. Jongwoo was almost happy that Moonjo had to go back out to the car and get his phone charger while he changed, or they would have never made it downstairs.

As expected, the presentation was boring, but Jongwoo was given the final schedule for the lectures. He was picked as the apprentice representative for the “True Crime and Crime Fiction Ethics” panel which was the position he’d been hoping for.

“I can’t believe they picked me. There are probably at least fifty publishing companies here, each with their own apprentices.” Moonjo patted Jongwoo on the back, careful to not show too much PDA amongst all the strangers. They exited the conference room to move to the dining hall along with all the other attendees.

“Your talent is undeniable. They know you’re a rising star in the field, they would be fools to overlook you for this.”

Kiss him in front of everyone. Who gives a shit?

Jongwoo didn’t anticipate how seeing Moonjo in formal wear would make him feel. He wore suits every day to work, but he never wore a tie. And he didn’t wear suits that were perfectly tailored to his body. His proportions were absolutely remarkable.

Broad shoulders. Strong enough to hoist Jongwoo against the wall.

Tiny waist. Small enough to fit just right in between Jongwoo’s thighs.

“Jagi, what are you looking at?” Lips were close to his ear, speaking just loud enough for Jongwoo to hear over the hum of the crowd. The younger man blushed and reciprocated their positions, grabbing Moonjo’s hand.

“Just thinking about you in that suit. And you without any clothes at all.” He let go of his hand and returned to normal posture. Jongwoo walked ahead, but he could feel Moonjo’s sweltering gaze and smirk burning into his back.

Apparently Jongwoo wasn’t the only person at his company who was taking advantage of the solo hotel rooms. Several others brought friends or significant others, and the rest were anticipating a hookup. Conferences may appear to be places for academic engagement, but they’re really just a gathering place for sexually frustrated drunkards.

He and Moonjo were sitting at a circular dining table with Manshik, the two apprentices from his year and their plus ones, and three others from another firm. Their dinner was expensive and the alcohol was flowing.

“So, Dr. Seo, how do you and Jongwoo know each other? Was he your junior in college?” Yoojeong, another apprentice, asked. Despite being with her spouse, she made heart eyes at the man. Maybe that was just how she looked at people, but Jongwoo still wasn’t that fond of it.

“We’re neighbors. It has been a while since I’ve taken time away from the practice to go on vacation, so Jongwoo was kind enough to invite me,” he replied steadily, betraying nothing.

I invited him so we could fuck, Yoojeong. Are you jealous?

Manshik looked at Jongwoo, recognition in his eyes. He panicked just for a second.

Don’t blow my cover, Mr. Yang.

The man sitting next to Moonjo from the other company, already too inebriated, jumped in the conversation.

“Why would you invite your friend when the room only has one bed? Are you going to sleep on the couch?” He interrogated; speech slurred.

Jongwoo looked away, not wanting to answer the question.

“Yoojeong, how long have you and your husband been together?” he inquired, trying to change the subject. The stranger huffed and turned back towards his colleague.

When the dinner was over, the house band began playing and the open bar was in full swing. The attendees gathered on the dance floor and waiters started clearing the tables.  

Moonjo was mingling well with Jongwoo’s coworkers, surprisingly. He was keeping the discussion surface level, smiling at the right comments, and nodding at normal intervals. Maybe the liquor helped, but the others seemed to be quite smitten with him.

It hurt Jongwoo to not be able to touch him. He wanted his hands all over the man. The way he looked in his suit was making the younger man feral. They haven’t had sex since mid-December and it was nearly March. The whiskey wasn’t helping. He had kept a quarter-chub for most of the night and it would take next to nothing to get him completely hard.

They had been making eyes at each other all evening, but that wasn’t enough.

Jongwoo was talking with the other crime writers that he would be working with the next morning, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off Moonjo. He was holding a flute of champagne, politely smiling, and chatting with a few of Jongwoo’s coworkers. His hair was gelled, just like the first time they slept together.

I think I’ve networked enough for the night.

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll head to my room now. The traveling really takes it out of me.” He said his goodbyes and started to walk to Moonjo’s circle, meeting his eyes along the way. Before he arrived however, the stranger from their dinner table approached Moonjo.

“What are you doing here? You’re a dentist, you can take a vacation whenever. And you can pay for your own room.” The stranger emphasized his interrogation by repeatedly poking Moonjo in the back. He turned to face the man, expression blank, shoulders tense. He was easily a head taller than the stranger and was obviously in better shape.

“Sir, would you like some water? I can retrieve a bottle for you if you’d like.” His words were well-mannered, but the polite smile was replaced with an icy exterior. His voice was low, stern. Scary. Hot.

“Why do you and your little boyfriend keep avoiding my questions?” He looked up at Moonjo, pissed that anyone was denying him attention. Instead of poking him, this time he shoved his palm into Moonjo’s chest. He barely moved.  

Moonjo took a few small steps towards him. He brought the champagne to his lips, took a drink, and swallowed hard. Jongwoo was watching from a few steps behind, unsure if he should intervene.

“I smiled and spoke to you politely. Do you think I’m a joke?” His eyes were boring into the stranger, who was now shrinking in Moonjo’s presence. “What, you want to fight me?”

He towered over the man. Dark hair was shadowing his face. He stared him down; unwavering, unblinking. For those several moments of silence, no one took a breath.

“Moonjo, please, I think we’re okay here.” Jongwoo rushed to his side, not liking where this was going.

Well, he liked it. But he knew that it would have consequences that he didn’t like.

“I-, I’m sorry. I was just bored. I didn’t mean anything by it. Enjoy your weekend.” The stranger scrambled away into the crowd, not looking back. His colleagues apologized from afar and followed after him.

Jongwoo looked around them. Manshik and his coworkers had watched the entire thing. They were frozen, waiting for Moonjo’s next move. He placed his hand on the man’s arm, who’s eyes were still following the stranger through the crowd.

“Moonjo, are you ready to go up to the room?” He looked over to Jongwoo and his expression immediately softened. He glanced behind him to his conversation mates.

“My apologies, folks, I just have a terribly low tolerance for rudeness.” He took another sip of his champagne, morphing back into his polite self. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go top off my drink.” He nodded and made his way to the open bar to order another flute.

Jongwoo’s colleagues resumed their conversations, except for Manshik. He strode over to his youngest apprentice and spoke quietly to him.

“So that’s your neighbor, huh?” Jongwoo nodded, taking a sip of his whiskey, not looking at his boss. Manshik returned the nod in approval. “You know, he seems very similar to the character in your novel. I thought I was making things up until he spoke to that prick.”

“Your point?” Jongwoo shook the ice in his glass, feigning nonchalance. He didn’t feel like being judged for this right now.

“No point. A lot of people use real life for their writing inspiration. People always say, ‘write what you know’. I think you understated his looks, though.” He smirked and nudged Jongwoo with his shoulder, who tried to stifle a smile.

“What? Was I supposed to say the serial killer was super fucking hot?” Jongwoo took the last remaining sip of his drink with a smile on his face. If he were sober, he would have been horrified that he swore in front of his boss, but right now he couldn’t care less. Manshik laughed and gripped his shoulder.

Both of them watched as Moonjo returned with two drinks in his hands. The lights from the stage flickered against his porcelain skin and were reflected by his eyes.  

How does he look like such a fucking model?

His boss must have noticed the way Jongwoo was staring because he dismissed himself.

“Have a good weekend, Jongwoo.” He walked off to continue his networking, chuckling as he left the two men alone.

“Was he upset with me?” Moonjo asked, handing Jongwoo a fresh whiskey on the rocks. He took his old glass and placed it on a waiter’s tray.

“No, but he did figure out that you were my inspiration for Moonbyul.” He took a sip and licked the moisture off his lips. Jongwoo took a step forward and stood on his toes to meet Moonjo’s ear. “I can’t believe we’ve only been here for a few hours and you’re already making trouble. At least you looked hot telling that piece of shit off.”

“Did I?” He took a long drink of his alcohol, presumably to finish it quickly.

“You did. I hated that he interrupted. I was coming to tell you that I was done mingling and was ready to go upstairs.” Jongwoo leaned back to see Moonjo’s expression. His eyes were dark, but not like earlier. They were filled with lust. With life. Not with anger or hatred or whatever else Moonjo had been feeling.  

He was quiet for a moment as his eyes grazed all over Jongwoo’s body.

“Are you going to punish me?” He took a step closer, slowly looking up the younger man’s frame, eventually meeting his gaze. He tilted his head to the side. “You know, for causing a scene.”

Jongwoo cocked his eyebrow and then smiled devilishly. This is what he had been waiting for.  A quickie before orientation wouldn’t have satisfied him quite like this. He raked his tongue across his teeth and nodded.  

“Finish your drink. Say goodbye to your coworkers. I’ll wait in the hall for you.” Moonjo cut through the crowd, leaving Jongwoo to his own devices.

He chugged his whiskey, which was probably a mistake given that he was already tipsy. He said his farewells to his coworkers, promising to meet them for breakfast.

I hope they can’t tell I’m rushing. I hope they didn’t notice that Moonjo already left.

If he was more sober, he probably could have been more inconspicuous, but those skills had fallen to the wayside.

Jongwoo strolled out of the ballroom and into the hall. There were a few stragglers getting air or waiting to go off-campus to keep the party going. He walked around the clumps of humans, looking for the only person he cared about right now.

Moonjo was around the corner, standing near the wall by the elevator. His black, wavy hair had fallen into his face. His hands were resting by his side in that awkward way only Moonjo stands. Jongwoo used to find it unsettling, now it was only endearing.

He watched as individuals passed by, making good on his promise to people watch. He noticed Jongwoo as soon as he rounded into the lobby and gave him a sly smile.

“Hi,” Jongwoo breathed. It was too early for him to be this far gone.

He punched the call button and the doors promptly opened. The smaller man dragged Moonjo into the elevator, without checking to make sure no one saw them first. Jongwoo backed himself against the wall. He pulled the taller man into him, flush against his body.

Moonjo leaned down and kissed Jongwoo forcefully, while also trying to reach the button for the 18^th floor.

“It’s a long elevator ride, do you think you can make it?” Moonjo teased.

The younger man cupped his dick and massaged the hardening erection through his slacks.

“Do you?” Jongwoo returned.

Their lips were everywhere, uncoordinated and desperate for contact. Moonjo untucked Jongwoo’s shirt and ran his hands up his back.

Using his free hand, Jongwoo unbuckled Moonjo’s belt and ripped it from the loops, still stroking his cock.

“Do you want me to use this?” he asked against the taller man’s jaw, who whined in response.

Jongwoo turned Moonjo around and pushed him to the opposite wall. He placed his hands against the stainless steel and perked his ass out.

“Hurry, we’re almost there.”

Before he even finished his sentence, Jongwoo had brought the leather across his cheek. Moonjo hissed but pushed his hips further back. Two more strikes came down before the elevator doors opened.

Moonjo turned around to exit, and Jongwoo reveled at the site. His eyes were lidded and glassy. His pants were strained and distorted. His neck was flushed, beads of sweat collecting on his skin.

Jongwoo folded the belt around Moonjo’s neck loosely, giving him plenty of room to breathe, and pulled him in the direction of the room. Moonjo trailed dutifully behind him. He pulled the keycard out of his back pocket and inserted it into the locking mechanism.

He fumbled with the handle and used his feet to widen the door. He continued to pull Moonjo by his own belt. Jongwoo turned once in the room and planted a hungry kiss against his lips.

“How do you want me?” the younger man breathed.

“Inside me.” Moonjo bit down on the other’s lip lightly. “Raw.”

Jongwoo slipped the belt off of his neck. He slowly unbuttoned Moonjo’s black silk shirt, barely controlling himself from ripping it off. He loosened and removed his tie, throwing it across the room. The younger man pushed his shirt and blazer off his shoulders, letting the garments hit the ground.

He didn’t want this to be fast and nasty. He wanted it to be slow and nasty.

Moonjo remained still, looking down to his companion, pliant and ready for instruction. Hands tucked into the front of his pants and yanked him forward. The button was undone, quickly followed by the zipper.

Jongwoo squatted, slowly pulling Moonjo’s pants and underwear down with him. He took the older man’s hand in his, helping him out of his clothes. He stood and wrapped his hand around the head of his leaking cock, using the precum to ease his stroking.

“Get on the bed. All fours. Hands on the headboard.” Moonjo nodded and complied, looking over his shoulder, waiting for Jongwoo to follow him.

The leather belt was picked up off the floor and was popped by it’s possessor.

“You look so beautiful for me, Moonjo. But you were a troublemaker today.”

Jongwoo trailed the leather over the other’s back. He lightly smacked his now bare ass, eliciting a moan from the man.

“Do you want it harder?”

“Yes, jagi, yes.” He hung his head and arched his back to improve his position.

Jongwoo stripped the rest of his clothes and joined the other on the bed.

“You nearly started a fight in front of my coworkers.”

Smack.

“Do you think that would have gone well for me?”

Smack.

Jongwoo didn’t give a fuck about what his coworkers thought. He would have loved to have seen Moonjo beat the shit out of that asshole; to have him beg for mercy. Jongwoo got harder just thinking about him with a little blood on his face. But he needed to punish the older man for something.  

Each time leather met flesh Moonjo would moan. He smacked his ass with the belt and would bring his palm down to massage and soothe the area. He repeated this process many times until the red was permanently embedded into his pale skin.

He sat the belt down and crawled up the bed. He grabbed a fistful of Moonjo’s hair and angled his face towards him, quickly kissing the older man.

“Are you ready to be prepped?” Moonjo nodded and Jongwoo slid off the bed to retrieve the lube out of his bag. He remained in his four-point position; ass likely too sore to lay on his back.

“I didn’t hurt you too bad, did I?” Jongwoo asked as he returned to the mattress.

“No, it feels so good, jagi.” He looked over his shoulder to the younger man, eyes lidded and hungry. His cock hung heavy in between his legs, untouched since Jongwoo stripped Moonjo of his clothes.

Jongwoo kissed the red cheek in response, another whine escaping Moonjo’s lips.

“Such a good boy for me in here,” he mumbled against the hot skin before lightly biting the meat. “If only you could be this good out there.”

Jongwoo spread Moonjo’s cheeks and spit directly into his hole despite the lube on his fingers. The older man moaned loudly, and his elbows buckled, causing the front of his body to fall forward.

He opened Moonjo’s ass up, taking a little longer than normal, tight from the lack of use. He continued to kiss and bite the tender, abused skin around his hole. Moonjo rocked against the three fingers scissoring him, chasing his own pleasure.

“Please, just fuck me already,” he moaned against his own arm, still holding onto the headboard.

Jongwoo withdrew his fingers and smacked Moonjo’s ass once with his palm.

“You just can’t get enough of me, huh? Are you a slut for me?” Moonjo whined and nodded, pushing his hips back, unhappy with the emptiness.

The younger man stood on his knees and lined up his cock. He pushed in slowly, groaning at the heat engulfing him.

“Fuck, you feel so big.” Moonjo arched his back and looked over his shoulder to the younger man.

Jongwoo slid out and thrusted in a little faster than before and Moonjo shouted from the intrusion.

“Let them hear you.” He pulled out, pushed in again. “I wonder if that asshole from before is in the next room. Hearing you scream for me.”

Moonjo moaned with each thrust, pushing back against the other’s hips. Jongwoo found a slow, steady pace, trying to draw this out. He wanted to bury himself in Moonjo. Make him feel this for days. He leaned forward and pressed kisses along his back.

Jongwoo loved him like this, but it had been so long since they had been together that the position felt impersonal. So, he pulled out and rolled over on his back, temporarily confusing his partner.

“Ride me, kiss me. I miss you.” Moonjo smirked and climbed on top, sinking down on Jongwoo’s dick. He bent down and kissed all over the younger man’s face before finally meeting his lips.

“You spent the whole day with me, and you miss me?” He pressed his hands on Jongwoo’s chest and sat up, grinding down on his pelvis.

“I missed you. I missed this. It’s been too long.” He began thrusting up as Moonjo bobbed up and down, nailing his prostate.

Jongwoo spit into his hand and pumped the older man’s dick, finally being touched after being neglected for so long. Moonjo gasped and cried out, ecstatic to finally have contact.  

Desperate to kiss Moonjo again, he sat up on the bed, pressing his chest against the other’s. The older man bent down to meet his lips, grunting into his mouth each time Jongwoo hit his spot.

Moonjo came in between the both of them, depositing his seed on his chest, screaming Jongwoo’s name. The younger man followed closely behind, emptying himself into Moonjo for the first time in months.

After a long shower and a blowjob from Jongwoo, the pair laid in their temporary bed, looking out the window to the ocean. Moonjo’s arms were wrapped around the younger man, fingers laced in front of them. He nuzzled into Jongwoo’s hair, occasionally planting kisses on the crown of his head.

The view was beautiful. The full moon was shining into their room and reflecting off the Sea of Japan. Blue ripples of the waves lulled them into a solaced silence. Jongwoo could only imagine how the sunrise was going look the next morning. How soft light would shine on Moonjo’s face as they woke up with the world. A gentle smile under the rays, pale limbs tangled in white sheets. Messy black hair splayed across the pillow.

But for now, it was still night. Moonjo was holding him from behind, strong arms protecting him from the outside world. Jongwoo inspected the rough hands caressing him and was reminded of the scar on the other man’s forearm.

“Are you still an open book?” Jongwoo whispered.

“Of course, jagiya,” he replied, lips in the younger man’s hair.

“How did you get your scars?” Jongwoo had wanted to ask for months now but he didn’t want to intrude. There was still so much to learn about the older man, and he had to start somewhere.

He was quiet for a moment and tightened his arms around Jongwoo.

“It’s a long story, do you want to hear it?” His tone was flat, betraying nothing.

Jongwoo nodded.

I want to know more about you. I want to know everything.

“Most of them I got when I was a kid. From the time I was six, I lived in an orphanage. This one on my wrist is from a surgery. Some of the older boys caught me sneaking extra food and they curb-stomped my arm. They broke the head off my radius and ulna and crushed several of my carpals.” Moonjo spoke calmly, seemingly unaffected by recalling the story.

“The director was so angry with me for needing medical care she hit me with a wok, and that’s where this small scar on my forehead came from. The one on my chest is from her too. Ms. Eom had gotten drunk while she was prepping food for the week. She swung her knife around when I asked her to sign a permission slip for school.”

Jongwoo gripped his hands tighter trying to bring comfort to Moonjo and himself.

“Most of the others are from fights with the other boys. Luckily, I hit a growth spurt when I was fourteen and they stopped targeting me. Suddenly they weren’t so tough when I was taller than them.” He sighed. Jongwoo turned around in his arms to face the other man.

He didn’t know what to say. ‘Sorry’ didn’t seem appropriate. So, he just kissed him softly on the lips, and then kissed the scar on his chest. Moonjo lightly stroked his bare back, lulling him back into comfort.

“Not all of my scars are so tragic. The big one on my back came from when I attempted to go skiing with my dental school classmates,” he joked. His smirk was dry, his eyes empty.

“You don’t seem like the skiing type.” Jongwoo traced the raised skin along his collarbone. He could imagine Moonjo awkwardly trying to blend in with the wealthy students at a ski resort.

“Hence, the scar.” He huffed. “That damn tree just came out of nowhere.”

Jongwoo quietly laughed and curled into his chest. He tightened his arm around the older man’s abdomen, trying to retroactively bring him the comfort he deserved as a child.

“Go to sleep, jagi. You have a big day tomorrow.” He kissed Jongwoo’s forehead and held him tight.

Moonjo had been so honest with Jongwoo, but he still didn’t have the courage to tell him how he felt. He didn’t know why he was hesitant to talk about it, nearly all the walls preventing their relationship had already been torn down. Jieun was gone, his mom would be getting a daughter-in-law and grandkids, and his schedule was nearly back to normal.

But instead of being honest in return, he let slumber take him under.

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

“Moonjo, turn off the alarm, you’re closer,” a sleepy voice grumbled.

A hand was nudging his chest. He slowly opened a single eye in an attempt to take in his surroundings.

Cell phone alarm ringing from the nightstand. A sliver of sunlight shining into a room. Lying in an unfamiliar bed. A warm body draped over him.

Moonjo reached over to turn off the alarm. The other body sighed in relief. He groaned as he stretched his physique, surprised that it was stiff and sore. He rubbed his eyes and retrieved his glasses from the nightstand.

The warm body was Jongwoo, head lying on his chest, smiling lazily up at him. His hair was unruly. His cheek was red from sleeping on the older man’s chest. Small crusties remained in the corners of his eyes. His hand rested on Moonjo’s abdomen, languidly tracing the lines of his muscles.

What a wonderful way to wake up.

The sun was rising over the water and into their hotel room. Their blinds and curtains were left open, so they got the full view of what Sokcho had to offer. Small boats had come inshore for low tide fishing. A single person was jogging along the sand.

Moonjo brought his hand up to brush Jongwoo’s hair out of his face.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, jagi.” He bent down to press a light kiss on the younger man’s lips and his back ached in response. He groaned again as he returned to his original position.

“Ugh, what did you do to me last night?” Moonjo sat up in the bed and stretched his arms and twisted his back. “My whole body is sore. If I would have known I’d feel like this, I would have stretched before bed.”

Jongwoo sat up and leaned against Moonjo’s back, resting his chin on his shoulder.

“Do you want a massage, grandpa?” he offered, cocking an eyebrow at the other man. Moonjo turned his head and kissed his nose.

“How much time do you have before you need to be downstairs?”

“I told my coworkers I would meet them for breakfast at 7:30.” He quickly looked at his phone. “It’s about 6:45 right now.”

Moonjo stood from the bed and reached his arms out to Jongwoo.

“Come on, get up. I don’t want you to be late.” Jongwoo clasped on to his hands and let himself be pulled off the mattress despite a very prominent pout.

Now that they were both standing, Moonjo was very aware they were still naked. Not wanting to get distracted, he promptly led him to the bathroom. The older man placed one of the hotel’s complementary robes around him and then put one on himself.

They brushed their teeth over the large sink, making eye contact in the mirror. There was something so domestic about brushing your teeth with another person outside of a dental clinic. Completing mundane tasks but in the company of the one you love most. It was an intimacy that Moonjo didn’t know he desired.

It’s almost like we’re a real couple.

Moonjo also caught a glimpse of the bite marks on his neck and chest in the mirror, but that was beside the point.

After flossing, Moonjo wrapped his arms around Jongwoo’s waist and placed his chin on his shoulder.

“I’m going to make a tea while you finish getting ready. Would you like one?” Jongwoo nodded as he reached for his face wash. Moonjo smiled and peppered his neck and jaw with kisses, causing the younger man to giggle and squirm away. The older man sauntered out of the bathroom, content with the sound he brought out of Jongwoo.

Moonjo slipped into his joggers and sweatshirt while the electric kettle was boiling. The hotel had a rather impressive selection of complimentary teas and coffees to choose from. He brought their drinks out to the balcony where a fully clothed Jongwoo joined him several minutes later. He was wearing a black suit with a dark gray button-up, leaning into the noir vibe of his genre. He forewent the tie and left the top few buttons undone.

“I know this is the same water that’s in Busan, but it’s just so pretty here,” he mentioned as he reached for his tea. Moonjo patted the cushion next to him on the balcony couch. Jongwoo sat and the older man wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

“You’re just so pretty, jagiya,” Moonjo returned, placing a soft kiss on the other’s temple. Jongwoo lightly nudged him in the ribs, a tinge of embarrassment gracing his cheeks.

Moonjo knew this trip wasn’t good for him. He and Jongwoo weren’t together. They might never be. But for now, all their boundaries had vanished, and he could nourish his delusions while there was still sustenance to gather.

He understood there was a possibility that Sokcho could be the last of them and he was trying to take advantage where he could. Jongwoo just felt too different this week. He couldn’t help the irksome ache in the back of his brain that he was preparing him for goodbye.

Moonjo didn’t want to let go. He felt dreadfully possessive of the man. Jealous of that woman Jongwoo was waiting for. Jealous of anyone else who might touch him in his lifetime. Jealous of those who would occupy his mind even though they would never appreciate him like Moonjo did. The innermost pits of his psyche yearned to trap the man in his home to occupy him just for himself.

But obviously he couldn’t do that.

The older man’s lips journeyed from his temple to his jaw, and then to his neck.

“How much time do you have now?” He mumbled against his skin.

“About ten minutes,” Jongwoo whispered.

Moonjo slipped off the couch and onto his knees in front of the man.

“Plenty of time.”

“Thank you for joining our panel today, everyone. Enjoy the rest of the conference, we’ll see you back here tomorrow morning,” Jongwoo announced into the microphone.

Moonjo clapped a little louder than he should have, but he was just so proud of his jagiya. He moderated an empathetic and informed debate on the duties and ethics of crime-themed media. He was respectful yet firm with the presenters despite them being his seniors. He wasn’t afraid to shut them down when they got out of hand.

Jongwoo remained on the stage and shook hands with those involved. He needed to say goodbye and make small talk and tie up his loose ends. He was going to be busy for at least a few more minutes, so Moonjo decided to hang back instead of greeting him immediately.

“The schedule says his name is Yoon Jongwoo. First year apprentice at Eden Publishing in Seoul,” a guest near Moonjo mentioned. He couldn’t help but overhear them.

“He did well. I hope he comes back next year. He seemed knowledgeable and he didn’t let himself get walked on,” a second attendee commented.

Moonjo tried to hold back, he really did.

“If you liked him here, just wait for his novel. It’s almost done. It’s slated to be published by Eden later this year.” Moonjo approached the strangers with a smile he knew was too wide.

“Really? What’s it about?”

“It’s a crime fiction novel about an artist who is a pillar of the community, but he lives a second life as a murderer.” Moonjo wanted to say more, but he didn’t want to accidentally spoil the book for anyone. It wasn’t finished and he still didn’t know how Jongwoo was going to reveal the shocking moments.

“How do you know about it? Do you work at Eden publishing?” the second stranger asked.

“Actually no, but I’ve been Jongwoo’s proofreader for the duration of this project. It’s not something I normally do, but after I read his first chapter, I just couldn’t say no to the opportunity to be graced by his storytelling.”

It may have seemed like Moonjo was laying it on thick, but he sincerely meant every word. Jongwoo’s writing was poetry to him. He worshiped every letter on the page. They were his beloved’s creation, how could he not?

The men nodded in intrigue, seemingly accepting Moonjo’s praise. Hopefully, they would remember Jongwoo’s name and keep an eye out for his book once it was on the market. Moonjo felt a hand lightly graze his back as another person emerged in his periphery.

“Moonjo did you give away the ending of my novel?” Jongwoo kept his body at a distance, but his hand remained on his back for a flash longer. His smile was professional but apprehensive of the attendees in front of them.

“Of course not. Just a one-sentence summary. I did, however, reveal that you’re the best upcoming author at this conference.”

Jongwoo’s smile faltered for a moment as he looked up at Moonjo.

“I’ll leave you with these two gentlemen for a few minutes while you practice your sales pitch.” He patted him on the shoulder and left Jongwoo to talk about his work.

He met Moonjo out in the nearly empty hall, sporting a conflicted smirk. He grabbed the older man by the hand and squeezed.

“Let’s take a walk on the beach.”

“Why did you tell them that my novel was being published this year? I’m on the publishing track, but they haven’t agreed to print it yet. The book isn’t even done.” Jongwoo had been quiet for a long time before he finally spoke up.

They walked on the sidewalk that ran along the sand. The sun was going down and the air was chilly. The sound of the waves drowned out the soft scrapes of their shoes on concrete.

“Because I believe in your writing. And your boss has told you time and time again that your story is fantastic. They will not pass you up.”

“Moonjo-, Please just-,” He took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t get my hopes up. Please. If they turn me down, it’s already going to be hard. But if you keep giving me hope…” He looked off into the waves and shook his head.

Why should I stop? You gave me hope by inviting me here.

“I’m happy that you support me. You’ve done more for my career than anyone else in my personal life. I shouldn’t be frustrated with you. But I was just caught off guard by those guys asking me questions about my book. That’s never happened. I didn’t know what to say. I don’t know how I came off. Plus, it’s not like they were just other apprentices. They’re the lead editors of a company in Daegu.”

“Jagi, I’m always going to support you. I wish you believed in your writing the same way I do. I’m sorry if I overstepped. If you would rather me wait to tell people until the book is out, I will.”

The waves and the gulls echoed around the men. Neither spoke for a while.

“Thank you, Moonjo. And no, you don’t have to wait. I’ll be ready from here on. I just didn’t realize how soon this would be happening.” An easy smile appeared on his lips as he came around to the idea.

Moonjo chuckled, pleased with Jongwoo’s change of heart. He inspected the area around them and noticed they were alone. He grasped the other’s hand and gingerly intertwined their fingers.

“Moonjo, what are you doing?” he inquired softly without taking back his hand.

Taking advantage while I can.

“Nothing,” the older man returned.

They continued their impromptu journey, but when the sun got too low, they returned to the hotel. Few words had been uttered. They weren’t necessary. The pair walked hand-in-hand until the high rise’s entryway was in view.

Jongwoo dropped the other man’s palm as they approached the doors. He lingered and turned to Moonjo.

“Take me to bed,” the younger man requested, gaze gentle.

The two ordered room service for their remaining meals, not wanting to leave the room for a moment. They were making up for lost time; just fucking and kissing and eating. But it wasn’t like the night before. They caressed one another. Traced every inch of the other’s body. Massaged the ache out of the other’s muscles to prevent any excessive soreness.

There was no rush when Moonjo buried himself in Jongwoo. No hurry when they had slow, languid sex in the bath. Breakfast on the balcony progressed to what could only be considered lovemaking before Jongwoo left for the day.

Moonjo attended all the events of the conference on Sunday. He didn’t want to miss a minute with Jongwoo, even if the younger man was behind the stage and he was in the crowd. He needed to be in the same room as him, always.

He had felt like this in some way from the very beginning, but now it was exponentially more overpowering. He was near panic when Jongwoo left the sanctity of their hotel room that morning. He quickly followed behind him even though the first seminar wasn’t for another hour. He sat in a chair out in the gallery while Jongwoo ran through a presentation with his boss.

He knew the younger man could see him. He knew it was overbearing. But he couldn’t get himself to care.

This is bad. This is really bad.

The rest of the conference passed by without incident. They packed up their belongings and loaded them in the car, a grin on Jongwoo’s face.

“This weekend was better than I expected. I got so many business cards. Met so many authors. I can’t believe so many people asked about my book today,” he announced as slipped into passenger seat. “I almost don’t want to go home.”

I don’t want this to end, either.

“Well, we have to go home eventually. But we could take the scenic route through the national park,” Moonjo offered as he started the car.

Jongwoo’s smile grew as he nodded. He leaned over and kissed the other man in approval.

They drove through the mountainous area on a highway lined with evergreens. The younger man seemed to enjoy the playlist that Moonjo curated that morning with Jongwoo in mind. The air around them was light, almost like a bubble of positivity.

But in a few hours, they would be back in Seoul, and Moonjo didn’t know just how that bubble would pop.

“Moonjo, I’m really sorry,” Jongwoo said out of nowhere.

Moonjo’s stomach dropped. His skin went clammy.

“What is it?” He attempted to convey nonchalance, like it was any other conversation. He didn’t want Jongwoo to know how petrified he was.

“I really have to pee. I forgot to go before we left, I was too excited.”

Moonjo laughed, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He really needed to stop overreacting.

If I keep acting like the world is going to fall apart, I’m going to ruin something.

“That’s fine. I’ll stop soon. Don’t apologize for normal bodily functions.”

Moonjo pulled over at the first rest area he came across. Jongwoo bounded out of the car and scampered inside to use the bathroom. Moonjo exited the car to stretch his legs while he waited for the man. He left the car running so he could keep listening to the radio.

Aside from them, the parking lot was entirely vacant, which was unexpected. Moonjo recognized that they were taking backroads home, but he assumed there would be more people out traveling.

It was a beautiful Sunday night in late winter. Siberian pine trees surrounded the area providing the illusion that spring was already here. The sun had nearly completely set over the mountain. The warm wind was blowing. The radio was playing classic ballads. It was a satisfying end to a magnificent weekend.

Jongwoo exited the building and strolled back towards the SUV.

“Do you need to go?” He asked, shaking his hands dry. Moonjo leaned into the car and turned up the radio.

“Come here.” Moonjo opened his arms for the younger man. Jongwoo apprehensively approached him. When he was close enough, Moonjo wrapped one arm around his waist and grabbed his hand with the other. Then he began to sway.

“What are you doing?” Jongwoo probed quietly, pink rising in his cheeks.

“Dancing.” Moonjo tightened his arm around him to bring him flush against his body.

The music, the birds, and the wind in the trees were the only sounds for a moment.

“Why?”

“Because I like this song.”

That response appeared to satisfy Jongwoo, because he laid his head on Moonjo’s shoulder and allowed himself be led along to the tune.

Forever. I want this forever.

They made lazy circles on the asphalt, not really keeping time with the music. The song was perfect. The lyrics were sensual and catchy, and it contributed an air to the intimacy.

Their wholesome, chaste moment evolved when Jongwoo began to kiss Moonjo’s neck, who groaned in response.

“Jagi, don’t start something you can’t finish,” he breathed.

Jongwoo placed a soft bite along his neck.

“There’s no one here. The weeping willows block off this section of the parking lot. It’s dark. You have an SUV. We’ll have no problem finishing this.”

“You’re just insatiable.” He ran his hands under Jongwoo’s shirt, feeling the rippling muscles on his back.

Moonjo craned his head down to kiss the younger man.

“I put the lube in the glovebox,” Jongwoo mumbled against his lips.

He’s so fucking perfect.

“Grab it. I’ll fix the seats.”

Moonjo popped the trunk and moved the suitcases to the floorboard. He laid down the seats, making the cargo area about the same size as a bed. He climbed into the back and waited for Jongwoo to join him.

Glad I didn’t buy the convertible.

The younger man crawled into the cargo area and straddled Moonjo. He grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him hard.

“We should make it fast, just in case,” Moonjo asserted. He reached over and jerked down the hatch, closing them inside.

Jongwoo nodded and stripped off his clothes, then assisted Moonjo with lowering his pants. He wanted to stay mostly clothed in case someone did show up to the rest area.

Moonjo propped himself up and began kissing and biting Jongwoo’s chest, marking him yet again. He grabbed the bottle of lube that was next to them and put some on his fingers, careful not to spill any on their clothes. He probed the younger man’s hole with his pointer finger, and it easily slipped in.

Jongwoo moaned at the intrusion, but Moonjo raised a hand to cover his mouth.

“You know I like you loud, but you’ve got to be quiet.” He angled his head to kiss along Jongwoo’s jaw and nibble his ear. “You’re still loose, jagiya,” Moonjo murmured against the other’s tan skin. He thrusted him with the one digit and swiftly progressed to three.

He rolled on a condom and Jongwoo positioned himself over his cock. Moonjo leaned all the way back against the carpet of the trunk, bringing the other down with him.

“If you’re going to ride me, you have to watch your head.”

“You take such good care of me,” Jongwoo answered, sinking down on his erection. He promptly went to work, bouncing on his dick, Moonjo thrusting up into him.

“I’ll take care of you forever.”

They were moving with an urgency never before possessed. It’s not like they had been turning each other on for past hour and were ready to go. They cold-started this, and it was going to take some work to finish. Another car could pull in at any minute.

Moonjo raised his shirt to keep it away from Jongwoo’s eventual come, and then returned his hands to the younger man’s hips. They had been together so many times now, Moonjo was having no trouble finding his prostate.

Jongwoo brought his hand to Moonjo’s mouth and asked him to spit, and he complied. Then the younger man started jerking himself off, chasing his own release.

“Moonjo, don’t stop, don’t slow down. I’m so close.” He dug his nails into the flesh of Jongwoo’s hips, attempting to sustain his speed.

“Jagi, you look so pretty when you touch yourself.” Moonjo harshened his pace for the next several thrusts, bringing him to climax. Jongwoo came on the other’s stomach, hand over his own mouth to muffle the sound of his cries.

Their movements came to a stop, and the younger man slithered off and laid next to Moonjo. He removed the condom and went down on the dentist, so fast that he nearly gave the man whiplash.

It didn’t take very long for Moonjo to come into his mouth. Jongwoo devotedly swallowed every drop and promptly fell to the wayside.

Both men laid supine in the cargo area trying to catch their breath. They’ve never had to rush any of their sex like this before.

“Damn. Guess I can skip my cardio this week,” Jongwoo heaved. Moonjo leaned over and offered a wet, open-mouthed kiss. He could taste himself on the other man’s tongue and he groaned against his lips.

“I can help you skip your cardio every week.”

Jongwoo snorted and smacked his chest.

“Lay back, you’re going to make a mess.” He took the tissues he grabbed out of the glovebox and mopped up the come from his abdomen. Moonjo tugged his underwear and pants back to their initial position.

“I’ll go throw this away, you get dressed.” He tried to sit up and reach for the hatch handle, but Jongwoo grabbed him by the shirt to draw him back down for another kiss. He pulled away and slowly opened his eyes.

“I just wanted one more before you go.”

Dammit.

Moonjo went back down, crawling in between Jongwoo’s legs, reuniting their lips and tongues.

Just a little longer.

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

I wish I would have taken a vacation day.

Since he and Moonjo took backroads to get back home, and they made a prolonged pitstop, Jongwoo didn’t get home until almost midnight. His 8am shift came too early.

He probably shouldn’t be complaining so much. Moonjo’s first patient was going to be arriving at 7:30, and he had been long gone by the time Jongwoo woke up for work.

When they got back to Seoul, Moonjo pulled up in front of their apartment building to drop Jongwoo off while he parked his car. He wasn’t ready to be separated, but he didn’t want to seem clingy. And he didn’t want to vomit all his feelings in the middle of their busy street. So, he took the elevator up by himself, entered his unit by himself, and eventually went to bed by himself.

His own mattress had felt unfamiliar. He shared a bed with Moonjo all weekend and his own sheets felt cold.

Jongwoo heard Moonjo come up the elevator and enter his own apartment. He heard him greet Gom and pour kibble into his bowl. And instead of knocking on Jongwoo’s door, he stayed there.

Is he sick of me?

He debated with himself on whether he should go next door and say goodnight or stay put, but he fell asleep before he made a decision.

Eden Publishing was an amalgamation of gossip and hangovers when Jongwoo arrived. No one was working at their typical output. They could have all stayed home, but honestly, Tuesday would have been the same had they waited an extra day. The team needed this allotment to debrief and process the event with their colleagues.

Jongwoo couldn’t help but overhear some of the conversations surrounding him, but one particularly caught his ear.

“Do you see the guy that Yoon Jongwoo brought with him?” a female coworker asked another woman.

“Oh, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. That suit he wore at the dinner was just made for him.”

“I wonder if he’s single. I would love to have a chance with a tall handsome man like that. Yoojeong said he owned his own dental practice. Do you think Jongwoo would introduce me to him?”

Jongwoo had the sudden urge to walk to the printer and copy some of his documents.

“Sorry ladies, he’s not single. None of you have a shot with him,” he retorted.

He fucked me all weekend, and he didn’t even look at you.

He sauntered back to his desk, leaving the women to pout and continue their stories. He shouldn’t have been so delighted that he crushed their fantasies, but he couldn’t deny that he was.

They weren’t the only people talking about Moonjo. It seemed that everyone who met him at the conference brought him up at some point during the day.

Yes, he’s handsome.

Yes, he’s really a dentist.

Yes, I know he’s tall.

Yes, he is an awkward guy.

No, he’s not single.

It was a long shift.

Jongwoo fought the urge to tell everyone that Moonjo was his but that wasn’t even true.

As a silver lining, this was the first time in a long time that Jongwoo didn’t have to work over or spend his whole afternoon writing. He had gotten a considerable amount of writing done during the drive and throughout boring presentations.

Jongwoo received a text as he packed his work bag.

Seokyoon: Hyung! Let’s go eat, tell me about Sokcho

Jongwoo: Sure, let’s go to the barbecue joint on the corner by your place

“So, let me get this straight. You took him with you to Sokcho. You stayed in a fancy hotel room together the whole weekend. You had multiple romantic moments. You made the several-hour drive together. And you still didn’t talk to him?”

Jongwoo rested his head in his hands. He had a full stomach and more than a bottle of soju in him. He didn’t want to tell Seokyoon that he invited Moonjo, but he just happened to notice him wince as he sat on the metal chair.

The conversation started out lighthearted, but his friend quickly grew furious with Jongwoo.

“Look, I know. I know. I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to mess anything up. Maybe he changed his mind. Maybe I waited too long. I didn’t want to tell him on the first day and then it be weird for the rest of the weekend. Then on the way home I chickened out.”

Seokyoon reached across the table and flicked him in the head.

“You fucking idiot! Jongwoo, I love you, but you are such a pussy.” Seokyoon shook his head and took another shot of soju.

“Yah! Don’t talk to me like that, did you forget that I’m older than you?” Jongwoo rubbed the spot on his forehead. It didn’t physically hurt much, but his pride was gravely damaged.

“I don’t give a shit. I’m not gonna lie to you. You’re being a fucking coward,” he spat. “Aren’t you the one who always complains about miscommunication tropes? Say they’re overdone? What a hypocrite.” He picked up a piece of zucchini from his plate and threw it at Jongwoo’s face.

“Who are you to give me relationship advice? You won’t even tell me what’s going on with you and Junghwa.” Jongwoo leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, a mix of anger and shame boiling in his stomach.

Seokyoon sat up straight and steeled his expression.

“We slept together after her birthday party. We started to like each other. But she lives with her dad and her grandma is really sick. She’s trying to make detective. I’m trying to pursue music. Neither of us can really handle a relationship right now. But we’re honest with each other. We’ve told each other how we feel. We remind each other how we feel. That’s more than you can say about you and Moonjo,” he barked.

Jongwoo put his head in his hands again, fingers grasping his own hair.

“What do I do? Just…what do I do?”

Seokyoon leaned across the table and put his hand on Jongwoo’s arm.

“Just tell him. Don’t wait for a perfect moment. Don’t think about what’s going to happen after. He already told you what he wants. I doubt that’s changed. Stop hesitating.”

“Hi, it’s me again. Is Dr. Seo with a patient?” Jongwoo asked the receptionist, out of breath.

He probably shouldn’t have run to Moonjo’s clinic. Or left Seokyoon with the restaurant bill. Especially not when he was slightly inebriated. And especially not when this was a personal conversation. But he didn’t want to wait anymore.

“No, he’s in his office right now. Do you remember where it is?”

Jongwoo nodded and walked into the back of the practice.

Don’t fuck it up.

He knocked against the door, probably a little too frantically.

Moonjo opened the door with a confused expression, probably not expecting the man in front of him. He was in a white dress shirt, buttoned up all the way to the top. His glasses were resting low on his nose. He had slipped his shoes off and was just wearing black dress socks.

Kiss him. Throw yourself in his arms and kiss him.

“Jagiya, what brings you here today?” His expression was neutral, smile absent. There were small bags under his eyes, evidence of his lack of sleep.

Moonjo raised his arm and guided Jongwoo into the office. He couldn’t help but remember the last time he was in here. How the desk felt against his back. How Moonjo effortlessly lifted him.

“Do you have time to talk?”

“I’m just doing paperwork right now. I have a late appointment today, but it’s not for another hour,” he replied, sitting on the edge of his desk. “What did you want to talk about?”

Jongwoo sat on the couch. Then stood. Then paced the length of the room.

Where do I start? Why didn’t I plan this first?

He brought a hand to his hair as he marched, trying to organize a speech he should have planned months ago. Then, he felt strong hands grasp his shoulders to hold him still.

“Jongwoo, slow down. What happened? Is something wrong?” There was such concern, such kindness in his eyes. But there was still no smile.

“I completely broke it off with Jieun,” he shouted, not knowing the volume of his own voice. “Months ago,” he added, quieter now. “At the funeral.”

Moonjo released Jongwoo’s body.

“Have you been drinking?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, Seokyoon and I went to dinner after work. But that’s not the point. This isn’t a drunk confession.” He stepped towards the other man. “I’ve wanted to say this for a while, but I was tired and emotionally exhausted and busy and…” he took his first breath in a while, “then I just got scared.” Jongwoo hung his head, not being able to look Moonjo in the eye.

“Jieun is gone. She’s been gone. I told her there was someone else. My brother is engaged and they want kids. My life has settled down. I don’t have any more excuses. And Seokyoon helped me realize that I was being stupid waiting for the perfect moment. I had a weekend of perfect moments, and I did nothing. I don’t want to wait anymore.

“I’m yours, Moonjo. You are under my skin. You’ve embedded yourself in me. I want you with me, all the time. Especially now that I realize how much time I wasted waiting.” Jongwoo continued pacing the office.

“I don’t want rules or walls-, well no, that’s dumb. You should still have boundaries with people even if you love them. We’ll have boundaries but normal ones. Like you not reading my writing unless I ask you to. Or me not stealing food off your plate. Shit like that. We can talk about it later, it’s not important right now. Just-,”

Moonjo put a hand on Jongwoo’s shoulder and spun him around. He wrapped his arms around the younger man’s waist and pulled him tight against his body. He brought a hand up to caress his jaw, thumb brushing his cheekbone. He angled Jongwoo’s face up so he could meet his gaze.

“Are you sure? Absolutely sure?” Moonjo’s voice was a broken whisper. His eyes were tight.

Jongwoo nodded fervently.

“I’m yours, too,” he breathed.

Moonjo brought his other hand up to Jongwoo’s face. He leaned down and kissed the other man with a hunger that had been absent in their early rendezvouses. All their kisses held yearning, but this was something different. Jongwoo discerned that the electricity flowing through them was buzzing at an altered frequency.

Jongwoo gasped into his mouth and fisted his shirt. He felt his entire body relax into Moonjo. Months of anxiety melted away.

No more denying his feelings.

No more delaying his confession.

No more wondering.

Moonjo licked into the younger man’s mouth and sucked on his lip. His nose pressed sternly into Jongwoo’s face. If he wasn’t enjoying the kiss so much, it might have hurt.

Jongwoo backed up until he found the couch and sat down, pulling Moonjo down on top of him. He spread his legs and allowed the older man to settle in between his thighs. He untucked his shirt and began to unbutton it. Moonjo broke the kiss and made his way to Jongwoo’s neck.

“I love you. I’ve loved you. For so long.” Moonjo raised his head, eyes flittering between Jongwoo’s gaze and his plush lips.

“I’m sorry I was dumb,” he kissed him hard, “for making you wait.”

“You’re here now.” He clasped the hem of Jongwoo’s shirt and pulled it over his head. He kneeled on the couch and finished unbuttoning his own shirt, shucking it off and tossing it to the floor. Jongwoo hands caressed his chest and shoulders, tracing the scars and moles that grace his skin.

Mine. This beautiful specimen is mine.

“Lock the door,” Jongwoo instructed. Moonjo leaned down and planted a quick kiss before standing.

He meandered to the entryway. The door was locked. His phone was unplugged. Moonjo removed his glasses, folding the temples and gingerly placed them on the desk. He opened his desk drawer to pull out a small packet of lube and a condom and placed them in his pocket.

“We should probably keep this clean,” he mentioned in a low voice. He kneeled back onto the couch and ran his hands up Jongwoo’s thighs. He unbuttoned the man’s slacks and leisurely removed them. He pulled his briefs down his legs and tossed them on the floor. His cock was growing harder, laying against his thigh, untouched.

Jongwoo wanted to stroke himself, but he knew he shouldn’t.

He’s torturing me. I deserve it.

“Moonjo, please touch me,” Jongwoo moaned.

“Hmm, I’m not sure you’re ready to be touched.”

He lifted Jongwoo’s leg and began to kiss down it, starting from the ankle. He nipped and sucked and licked his flesh, growing harder at the symphony of the younger man’s mewls. Once he tended to the spot behind his knee, he started over with the other leg.

“I can’t wait to listen to you make these noises forever. Just for me.” He bent over and kissed Jongwoo, clothed erection pressing against the other man’s bare one. He rocked against him, drawing a moan out of him.

“These walls are thick, don’t worry jagiya.” He gripped his hips and angled him so he had better access to his hole.

He thumbed the slit on Jongwoo’s cock and smeared precum down the shaft.

“So pretty for me,” he grunted as he stroked.

Moonjo pulled the lube out of his pocket and coated two of his fingers. He slowly circled his rim before pushing in past the muscle.

Jongwoo shouted as he arched his back, stretching against the arm of the couch.

He scissored and thrusted his fingers, quickly opening him up, eliciting more moans out of the man.

“Moonjo, please, I’m ready.”

The dentist withdrew his fingers and pulled his pants and underwear down his thighs, staying mostly clothed. He rolled the condom on and added more lube.

He used one hand to push Jongwoo’s thigh up and used the other to guide himself into the younger man. He sank into him completely, groaning as he bottomed out. Moonjo lowered himself to be chest to chest with Jongwoo and gave him an open-mouthed kiss.

Jongwoo ran his hands up Moonjo’s back, digging his fingers into his flesh as he rocked into him.

“Oh, you feel so good. I’m never gonna get sick of this,” he breathed against his lips.

“Never.”

Moonjo moved his lips to Jongwoo’s neck and marked him, sucking on his skin to sooth the pain of the bites.

“I want everyone to see that you belong to me.” He sunk a bite onto the skin covering his collarbone. “Mine.”

He picked up his pace and pounded into the man beneath him. Each time skin met flesh, Jongwoo emitted a noise of pleasure. Moonjo wrapped his fingers around the younger man’s erection, twisting as he stroked.

Jongwoo felt that familiar warmth in his abdomen as he got closer to climax. He grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled Moonjo back to his mouth for another kiss.

“Oh, I’m close,” he groaned.

“Come for me, jagiya.”

Moonjo sped up and Jongwoo came on his stomach, liquid pooling around his bellybutton. The older man kept pounding into him, dangerously overstimulating his prostate. Jongwoo dug his fingernails into his skin, trying to bear the overwhelming sensations shooting through his body.

His pace faltered as he came, finishing with a few languid thrusts. He rested his head into Jongwoo’s neck as he caught his breath. They stayed still for a moment, just breathing onto one another.

Jongwoo stroked his hand up and down Moonjo’s back in attempt to soothe the abrasions he carved into his flesh.

“You should probably get dressed, I’m sure your patient will be here soon.”

Moonjo lifted his head, just barely, and kissed the other man’s jaw. He stood and walked back to his desk. He plugged his phone back in and pulled a pack of baby wipes out of a drawer.

“Why do you have those?” Jongwoo asked as he propped himself up on his elbows.

“I keep them in here in case I eat sticky foods and I want to keep doing paperwork.”

Of course, he would.

Jongwoo chuckled as the older man kneeled next to him.

“Has anyone told you that you’re a dork?”

“I believe you have many times, jagiya.” He began to wipe the come off the other man’s stomach. Jongwoo smiled lightly to himself, watching Moonjo take care of him.

“My dork,” he said quietly. Moonjo beamed up at him. He pushed Jongwoo’s sweaty bangs off his forehead, leaned forward, and kissed him again.

“Yeah. Your dork.”

He stood and helped Jongwoo off the couch. They assisted each other in returning to presentable appearances.

“I should probably leave. Your receptionist is probably onto us.”

Moonjo wrapped his arms around him, hugging him tightly.

“Okay. I’ll see you at home.” He pressed a kiss to the top of Jongwoo’s head. “But I have a question for you.”

Jongwoo looked up at him quizzically.

“Does this mean we’re going steady?”

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

Each morning had started practically the same. For over a week now, Moonjo woke up with Jongwoo in his arms and Gom curled up on his side of the bed. He would get ready for work as the younger man slept. Before heading out the door, he would wake Jongwoo up with a kiss so that he wouldn’t be late.

Each night was basically the same as well. Moonjo would meet Jongwoo at the café where he would be dutifully writing and editing his story. The dentist would look over previous chapters while Jongwoo worked on new ones. When he felt satisfied with his novel’s progress for the day, they would pick up some takeout and eat in Jongwoo’s home. After dinner, he organized his thoughts and goals for the next day on his plethora of notepads, and then they migrated over to Moonjo’s place for the rest of the night.

They had been inseparable. Work was the only time they were apart, and that didn’t stop them all the time. Twice Moonjo had a gap in his patients, so he walked the eighteen blocks from his clinic to Eden publishing to meet Jongwoo in the stairwell.

Moonjo occasionally asked if he was being overbearing, but Jongwoo continually reassured him that he enjoyed how clingy he was. Much like Gom, he followed the younger man to the bathroom while they had conversations. If he rose from the couch to get a beer, Moonjo trailed behind him into the kitchen.

When they were on the sofa, he often laid in between the man’s legs with his head resting on his abdomen. If he was in his chair when Jongwoo came over, he would pull him into his lap and engulf him in his arms. Moonjo often attempted to feed him when they had dinner together.

If it wasn’t for Jongwoo’s constant unsolicited validation, Moonjo might have felt more anxiety about his dependency on the younger man, but for now they were happy. He wanted to do something for him, something that he hadn’t been able to do with him before.

“I think we should go on a date on Friday,” Moonjo announced to his partner as they laid in bed. Jongwoo’s head was on this chest and he had been lazily toying with his hair. The younger man looked up at him with a coy smile painted on his lips.

“A date?”

Moonjo responded with a slightly dramatic nod.

“What were you thinking?” The younger man rolled onto his stomach, folded his hands across Moonjo’s pectoral, and rested his chin on them.

“You know, the basics. Dinner. In public. Holding your hand. Seokyoon and Junghwa far away from us,” he theorized dryly, eliciting a chuckle out of Jongwoo.

“Have we really never been out for a meal without them there?”

Moonjo reprised the same theatrical nod from earlier. Jongwoo groaned against his hands.

“So, would you like to go somewhere nice, somewhere fancy, or somewhere really fancy?”

“Can’t we just go get some pork belly? There’s this cute place on the river that’s in a decommissioned boat. It has a great view.”

Moonjo scoffed at the suggestion.

“Pork belly? For our first date?” he asked, voice dripping in offense.

“What’s wrong with pork belly? Plus, we’ve been sleeping together for six months and you’ve told me you love me at least seventy times today. I would hardly consider it our first date.”

Moonjo brought his hand up to Jongwoo’s face to brush his knuckles across his cheek.

“Jagiya, I want to show you off. Treat you to the best of this world. We can do pork belly any day of the week. But I want to give you something special.”

Jongwoo rolled his eyes, but Moonjo saw the pink in his cheeks.

“Okay. Okay, fine. If you want to be dumb and lovesick and romantic, surprise me. Just tell me what to wear and where to go, and I’ll be there.”

A cheeky, tight-lipped smile graced Moonjo’s face, happy with the suggestion. He bent down and pressed a kiss to Jongwoo’s lips.

As much as Moonjo wanted to take Jongwoo to the most extravagant restaurant on the peninsula, he knew Jongwoo would be uncomfortable, so he settled for a very nice steakhouse in Gangnam.

Maybe it was still a little much, but he really did try to reign it in.

He had a courier take Jongwoo a suit to his workplace so he wouldn’t have to go home first. It had been very hard to steal one out of his closet without him noticing so he could take it to the dry cleaners, but Moonjo was sneaky, and managed to get it done.

Once he received the delivery confirmation, he sent Jongwoo a text to let him know he would be picking him up from work.

Jongwoo: You’re not taking me somewhere that’s like 500,000 won for two people, right?

The dentist sat on his stool and chuckled, taking a break before inviting the next patient in.

Moonjo: Of course not jagi.

He estimated that it was going to cost about 385,000 won, but Jongwoo didn’t need to know that.

He wrapped up his last patient and went to the dry cleaners to pick up his own suit. Moonjo made it home about an hour before Jongwoo was due to get off work. When he told his coworkers he would be taking a half day, more than one person asked if Gom had a doctor’s appointment.

No, I’m going out with my boyfriend, kiss my ass.

Instead of revealing that personal information, he told them that Gom was perfectly fine, he just had plans for the day.

Now that he and Jongwoo were officially together now, he should probably get to interviewing new dentists for the practice. The other doctors had agreed to it way back when, but there wasn’t any rush before. One or two new employees would probably be enough to reduce his work hours to match Jongwoo’s.

After a shower and a shave, Moonjo dressed in a royal blue suit with matching shirt. He put product in his hair since Jongwoo had mentioned at the conference that he liked how it looked. His locks had grown significantly since they met, but the younger man seemed to love it the longer it got.

He felt rather glib as he leaned against his SUV as Jongwoo walked out of Eden. The writer walked down the steps in his gray suit and backpack. His coquettish smile revealed that he was excited, even if he wouldn’t admit it himself. Moonjo opened the door for Jongwoo as he sheepishly ducked into the passenger seat. If it wasn’t for one of his coworkers straggling at the entrance, he would have scooped him up in his arms first.

Moonjo returned to the driver’s seat and leaned across the center console to kiss the man.

“Hi, jagi” he whispered against his lips.

“Hey,” Jongwoo replied, grinning against him.

The dentist returned to his seat and started the car, teeming with joy and anticipation.

“So, where are we going? I figured we would just take the train or bus if it was close by.”

“Just over to Gangnam, but I figured you could use a break from public transportation. Plus, I wanted to ensure we could make our reservation without rushing.”

“Reservation?” Jongwoo asked, apprehensively.

“Yes, reservation. If you were craving tteokbokki or ramyeon, I’m sorry.”

The classical music emitting from the radio was the only sound for a moment. But soon Moonjo felt a hand lightly gripping his thigh.

“I’m not exactly craving food.”

Moonjo grasped the steering wheel tighter.

“Jagiya, I’m driving…” he weakly protested.

“Hmm. That you are.” Jongwoo’s hand moved a little higher as he leaned over to press a wet kiss to his neck. His fingers migrated to the inside of Moonjo’s thigh, massaging his gracilis.

I should stop this. It’s not safe to drive like this.

Jongwoo switched hands, moving his left to the back of Moonjo’s head, gripping his hair. The right hand found it’s way to the older man’s cock and stroked him over his clothes. He took the lobe of his ear in between his teeth.

“Jagi-, Jongwoo. Please. I don’t want to crash and your hands are quite distracting,” Moonjo pleaded. Jongwoo didn’t stop.

As if the gods were looking down on them, there was construction on the highway that led to a standstill in traffic.

Jongwoo unbuckled his seatbelt and swiftly returned to the man.

“Now we don’t have to worry about crashing. Just keep your eyes open in case we start moving again,” he breathed against his neck.

Moonjo groaned and nodded at the instruction. He moved his seat back and positioned his hips forward, giving Jongwoo better access to his dick.

The younger man unbuttoned his pants and guided out his growing length. He made eye contact with Moonjo as he licked the length of his palm before grasping his shaft.

“You take such good care of me, baby,” Jongwoo said against his jaw. “Just lay back and let me take care of you.”

Jongwoo leaned down to put his mouth around Moonjo’s cock, laying all the way across the front of the SUV.

Moonjo kept one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the back of Jongwoo’s head and leaned back against the seat, hoping the people in the next lane couldn’t see what they were doing.

Despite the traffic, the pair made it to the restaurant in time for their reservation. They each ordered a steak; Jongwoo’s cooked medium, Moonjo’s cooked rare. Much to the younger man’s surprise, the dentist had ordered a bottle of Château Cos Labory ahead of time and it was brought to the table with their appetizers.

“You must know a lot about wine if you knew to pick this one. It’s very good.”

“After I finished dental school, I suddenly had a lot more free time and a lot more cash. There were no more fourteen-hour study sessions or eating toast for dinner. I picked up wine tasting as a hobby for a while. Did the same thing with jewelry making. Neither lasted very long, but I’ve still retained a decent amount of knowledge.”

In the spirit of the theme, Moonjo and Jongwoo asked each other typical first-date questions for topics they didn’t already know. They talked about their education, concerts they had been to, vacations they had gone on.

Maybe Moonjo was a little biased, but the most recent visit to Sokcho was his favorite.

They finished up their meal and made their way through the restaurant when Moonjo saw a familiar face.

“Dr. Seo! I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Dr. Oh, how are you?” he greeted his colleague politely. She was on her husband’s arm and wore a swanky dress, much different from the scrubs she normally wears.

“Great, thank you. We were able to find a babysitter for the night.” She patted her partner’s chest as he smiled down at her sweetly. He was a lawyer, and Moonjo knew that they weren’t able to get out very often. She then seemed to notice Jongwoo standing behind Moonjo and held her hand out to him.

“Hi, I’m one at the dentists at Dr. Seo’s clinic. And who might you be?”

Jongwoo took her hand and shook, looking up at Moonjo, not knowing how much he wanted to reveal to his coworkers.

“Hi there, I’m Jongwoo, I’m…” A flash of panic crossed his face.

“My boyfriend,” he interrupted, wrapping his arm around the man. “Jongwoo is my boyfriend.”

“Ah! The neighbor boy!” she shouted, much too excited with her revelation.

Jongwoo’s brows knitted in confusion as he looked between the two dentists. Moonjo chuckled and nodded.    

“Yes, the very same,” he whispered as he smiled down on Jongwoo. The younger man returned the expression.

They were walking from the restaurant to the parking deck when Moonjo felt himself be pulled into an alley. He was brought around to a divot, well hidden from the street. Jongwoo pushed him against the bricks and kissed him.

“You called me your boyfriend.” Jongwoo rubbed his hands across Moonjo’s chest.

“Yes, I did. Is that okay?”

“Very okay. I loved hearing it out loud,” he whispered as he looked up through his lashes, gripping the lapels of his suit.

Moonjo moved his lips to his neck, lightly biting down, causing Jongwoo to cry out.

“I love hearing you out loud.”

He moved back to the younger man’s lips and licked into his mouth. He gripped him by the hips and pulled him tight against his body.

“Do you remember the lantern festival? And what you said about the alley?” Jongwoo asked, pulling away to take a breath.

Moonjo took a moment to think back to that day months ago. 

“Oh, so you thought about getting fucked in a dirty alley? Answer me.”

“Yes. I thought about it. I thought about it a lot.”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind for the future.”

“Oh, jagi, did you bring me into this alley to fuck me?” he asked breathlessly.

Jongwoo looked back at him with hooded lids and nodded. He turned Moonjo around and pushed him back up against the bricks. He reached around the man to unfasten his pants and yank them down his thighs.

“I’ll pay for your dry cleaning, don’t worry.”

I don't give a fuck about the dry cleaning. 

He pressed his chest to the other’s back and palmed the older man’s erection through his briefs. Jongwoo rutted against his ass, desperate for his own stimulation. Moonjo could feel him through the thin fabric of his underwear, slitting into his cleft. He leaned his head back and onto Jongwoo’s shoulder and moaned as he stroked him.

Jongwoo kicked Moonjo’s feet to spread his legs as if he was a cop getting ready to frisk him. He squatted and yanked down his briefs, pushing the clothing to his ankles. The younger man spread the dentist’s cheeks with both hands to kiss and lick and bite the area around his hole.

“Is this okay?” he asked as he sunk his teeth into the meat, lowering himself down to his knees.

“Yes, God, yes.”

He was made for me.

Jongwoo flattened his tongue and licked a stripe over his hole, drawing a whimper out of the man.

“Jagi, you’re driving me fucking crazy.”

Instead of responding, he plunged his tongue into his ass and went to work, eating the man out in the middle of a public alley. He tightly gripped Moonjo’s hips, not allowing him to squirm away from his mouth. His hands dug into his iliac spines, adding pain to the pleasure Moonjo was feeling.

Once his hole was slicked up, he added a finger into the mix. He thrusted into his with both his pointer and tongue, working to open Moonjo up. The older man braced himself against the brick wall and tucked his face into his elbow, attempting to muffle his cries.

There was a busy street very close by and there were apartment windows just a few floors above them. If either of them were too loud, they could draw unwanted attention. Sex in public was very illegal and getting found out would not be good for either of their careers.

But Moonjo would almost be okay with jailtime if it meant that Jongwoo wouldn’t stop.

He was writhing underneath Jongwoo, rocking back against his mouth and fingers. Without any warning, two more digits were added, forcing an unprotected scream out of Moonjo.

“Be quiet, baby. We don’t want to end this early.” He lightly bit the crest of Moonjo’s cheek. “Did that hurt too much?”

“No, no, hurt just right. Just right.” His voice was ruined, uncontrolled. He was gasping for air and sweating through his suit. Jongwoo curled his fingers inside him, brushing his prostate. He sunk his teeth down on his own arm to stifle the noise.

Jongwoo’s wet, protruding tongue and his skilled fingers were almost too much for Moonjo, who was rapidly crumbling under his work. His thighs were shaking, abdominal muscles quivering.

“I’m ready. Need you. To fuck me. Now,” he mumbled against his suit sleeve, drooling on the cloth.

The younger man stood but left his fingers inside his ass, thrusting more aggressively, intentionally abusing his prostate. He leaned up into the other’s ear.

“You think you’re ready, huh?” he whispered against his shell. With one hand, he unzipped his own pants and took his hard cock out, hissing at the cold outside air blowing against his erection.

“Rip me open,” Moonjo whined.

Jongwoo yanked out his fingers and brought his clean hand up to Moonjo’s mouth.

“Spit.”

Once Moonjo complied, twice, Jongwoo added his own to his hand. He slicked himself up and traced the outside of the other man’s hole. He slowly guided himself in halfway but slammed in the rest of his length. Moonjo had tears pricking the corner of his eyes and moaned into his bicep.

“Fuck, you’re tight,” Jongwoo groaned through gritted teeth as he rested his forehead in between the taller man’s shoulder blades. He took a moment to allow Moonjo to adjust before moving.

He pulled almost all the way out and reached around to grab Moonjo’s cock. He pumped him a few times before bringing his hand back to spit in it again. He gripped the base of his erection as he moved inside the man.

“I don’t want you to come quite yet.”

“I won’t, I won’t,” Moonjo breathed.

Jongwoo gradually increased his speed and rolled into Moonjo, forcefully pounding against his prostate. He brought his free hand to the taller man’s neck and wrapped around him like a necklace. He held him close to his small but strong body, ramming into his hole.

“I’m getting close,” Jongwoo growled against his neck. He released the base of Moonjo’s cock and jerked him off, pulling him closer and closer to the edge.

“Choke me, jagi, please,” moaned as he leaned his head back.

The younger man positioned his fingers over the vessels in his neck and pressed, bringing Moonjo out of consciousness and further into ecstasy.

Moonjo came for the second time that night, spraying his seed against the brick wall of the alley. His body shook and rocked against Jongwoo’s frame, who only increased his pace. He never stopped stroking him. He kept destroying his spot, gravely overstimulating the older man.

Jongwoo’s unrelenting pace faltered as he came, emptying himself into the dentist.

As much as Moonjo enjoyed topping Jongwoo, he couldn’t deny that he loved being filled up by the younger man. To have his come dripping out of his ass. To wince every time he sat down.

Jongwoo released his cock and his neck, but leaned his head against Moonjo’s back as he caught his breath.

Moonjo bent over and pulled up his pants and underwear, tucking his flaccid dick into his clothes. He turned around to help Jongwoo get redressed.

“Jagiya, your knees are dirty,” he noticed as he tried to kiss the younger man, but Jongwoo pulled back.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to chew some gum first?” he asked, angling his head away, spitting onto the ground.

“No.” He gripped Jongwoo’s jaw with one hand to hold him still and kissed him, not caring about the taste in his mouth. “But you should still brush your teeth soon; for your gum health.”

“Yes, Dr. Seo,” Jongwoo replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes as he tucked his shirt back into his pants.

Moonjo groaned as his grasp on the other’s chin grew harsher, reuniting their lips.

“What did I say about calling me Dr. Seo?”

Chapter Text

Jongwoo POV

Three Months Later

“Yoon Jongwoo, could you follow me please?”

Jongwoo looked up from his desk to see Manshik waving him over from the door frame. He had a pencil tucked behind his ear and his tie was loose around his neck. The poor man looked exhausted.

“Sure, give me just a moment.” Jongwoo collected his notebook and a pen and scampered off to the manager’s hall.

Here we go.

Jongwoo had submitted his completed novel over a month ago, and he was supposed to hear if Eden would be publishing his work any day now. His newly allocated free time was stressing him out; it allowed him to overthink about his potential failure.

If they selected his manuscript, they would send him off with edits, giving him a significant mountain of work. If they didn’t choose him, his book was complete, and he could perfect it before presenting it to future companies.

He smoothed out his clothes in attempt to improve his appearance, wishing he had ironed his shirt that morning. He ran his hand through his hair and exhaled, steeling himself for this conversation.

Manshik guided him into a large office where the two other chief editors and the CEO were sitting on a vintage sofa. Jongwoo sat in a squeaky leather chair and fidgeted with his notepad. He probably didn’t need to bring it in with him, but it was somewhat of a comfort blanket for him now.

“So, Pillar of the Community. What are your thoughts on it?” An editor asked.

“My thoughts? On my own work?” Jongwoo asked, pointing to himself.

“Yes. I want to know your relationship to your writing.”

Jongwoo took a moment to think before answering.

“I’m proud of it. I originally had another story that was…fine…but I found an inspiration for this new plot. It was a creative revelation that I had never experienced. I immersed myself into Moonbyul and did more in-depth research than I could have possibly anticipated. I reached out to so many sources. I wanted to make sure every sentence was accurate.

“I have loved crime novels since I learned to read. I believe that I have done very well with short stories throughout my education and career. But this project proved to me that I’m capable of writing an entire book that is really good. And I don’t care if that sounds arrogant. Because I’m proud of the effort and the outcome.”

Jongwoo finally took a breath, having not let himself pause during his response. Manshik briefly smiled at him reassuringly. The rest of the panel nodded, expressions neutral.

“We haven’t published a crime fiction novel in a while. True crime has been trending better these days and fiction can be rather overdone.” The CEO straightened his posture and adjusted his blazer. He looked at Jongwoo over the brim of his glasses.

“You’re not the first person to write about a serial killer. But I think the order of revelations and incorporating scientific and forensic support is unique. It reads nearly like a true crime due to the sheer scale of detail and analysis provided.”

“Thank you, that was my intention.” Jongwoo could feel the perspiration rolling down his neck. He knew Manshik supported him, but he wasn’t certain about anyone else.

The editor that hadn’t yet spoke, the one who was notoriously cantankerous, piped up.

“You’re finishing your first year. You’ve only worked for a couple years outside of university apart from your military service. One of those years was not in literature,” he relayed firmly.

Jongwoo looked down. These were the same insecurities he had for his duration at Eden. While he was working for Jaeho, barely scraping by, most of his coworkers were interning at other publishing companies or newspapers.

Please, just stop dragging this out.

“However, you’ve shown great work ethic and your labor speaks for itself. For both your writing and your editing. You were ahead of your peers when you arrived, and you’ve far outshone them.”

He looked up at his employers, eyes flittering between them.

“Jongwoo, congratulations. We have decided to move forward with publishing Pillar of the Community,” Manshik declared, honored grin on his face.

At the end of each apprentice year, Eden Publishing hosted a party. Jongwoo came last year knowing no one, but still had a great time. This year, he had made friends with his coworkers, could invite his own friends, and had a reason to celebrate.

When Moonjo picked Jongwoo up from work the day he got the news, the man lifted him up and spun him around in excitement. The dentist cooked a meal while the writer called his mother and invited Seokyoon and Junghwa to join them.

Now, Jongwoo could invite them along to Eden’s banquet for free food, dancing, and a bit of boasting.

Jongwoo was a tad tense about bringing Moonjo along. Most of his coworkers knew who he was at this point, especially those who went to the conference. But he hadn’t divulged to anyone that he and Moonjo were together now. He was in no way ashamed of Moonjo or their relationship, he just didn’t want to cause a ruckus or be the subject of gossip. He briefly considered bringing him along as a friend, but that was quickly disregarded.

He didn’t hesitate in introducing me to his colleagues. I shouldn’t with mine.

“Hyung, this spread is fantastic. You need to ask who the caterer is,” Seokyoon remarked as he shoved a chicken leg into his mouth. “Junghwa, stuff some of this into your purse.” She smacked him on the chest and clutched her bag to keep it away from her date.

“I don’t make enough money to ruin this bag with greasy food. I’ll just make friends with the servers and make a to-go plate at the end of the night.”

Seokyoon smiled at her with a mouth full of chicken.

“You’re so smart.” He bent down and pressed a quick, greasy kiss on her lips, and she giggled in response.

I’m glad they stopped hiding from me. I wish they could be like this all the time.

The three of them made plates from the buffet line. They were wearing casual party clothes and nodding along to the band. Jongwoo was having fun with his friends, but he was missing someone.

Moonjo had gotten held up at work with an abscessed tooth and was running late. Jongwoo understood, that was the life of a medical professional. He went ahead and made him a plate so he wouldn’t miss any of his favorite side dishes.

The trio was making conversation at their table with a few of Jongwoo’s closest workmates when he felt a strong pair of hands on his shoulders and a set of lips by his ear.

“Sorry I’m late, jagi,” Moonjo whispered. He slipped into the chair next to Jongwoo silently, not wanting to interrupt Seokyoon’s impassioned speech on the artistic merit of rap music.

“It’s okay, I know you had a patient.” He smiled at the man and nudged his shoulder with his own. “Here’s some food. I hope it’s not cold, I just wanted to get you something before it was all gone.”

Moonjo’s lips curled as he brought the food closer to him and dug in.

He looks so handsome.

He wore a black shirt with several buttons undone: a rarity for Moonjo. You could see his scars, his moles, the curvature of his muscles. The shirt was tucked into his pants, only accentuating just how impossibly small his waist was.  

“Dr. Seo! I didn’t know you would be coming tonight!” Yoojeong exclaimed, jumping up from her table to visit theirs. The rest of their group looked up to notice the new addition that had quietly joined them.

“Yes, Jongwoo’s book is getting published. I wanted to support him,” Moonjo replied.

The dentist was caught up in conversation for a while. Many of Jongwoo’s coworkers wanted to reconnect with their handsome acquaintance.

I’m not jealous. He’s here for me.

Seokyoon brought a round of beers to the table and led everyone in cheers, congratulating the apprentices for finishing their year and Jongwoo for his book. In the midst of the commotion, Moonjo leaned into his ear.

“Meet me in the bathroom,” he ordered gruffly.

He took a drink of his beer, excused himself, and walked towards the restroom. Jongwoo soon followed suit.

The writer stepped into the bathroom and was momentarily confused until Moonjo appeared from behind the door. The older man turned the lock and pushed Jongwoo against the steel. Moonjo’s hands slid from Jongwoo’s waist to his ass, taking the muscle fully into his hands.

“We can’t stay gone very long,” he breathed before aggressively kissing the man.

Jongwoo whined and licked into his mouth, eagerly searching for his tongue. Moonjo’s hand moved to behind his knee, bringing up Jongwoo’s leg to wrap around his waist. He rutted against the younger man, dry humping him like a teenager. Jongwoo brought his hands up to cling around Moonjo’s neck.

He broke the kiss just for a moment.

“I missed you today,” Jongwoo breathed against the other man’s lips. “You left so early this morning.”

They didn’t slow down their grinding, not even for a second. Jongwoo’s hands moved to Moonjo’s hair and tugged. He leaned his head back and groaned, giving the writer newfound access to his neck. He licked a stripe up the prominent muscle before sinking a bite by his hinge.

“Fuck it.”

Moonjo dropped to his knees and pulled Jongwoo’s dick out of his slacks.

I fucking love this man.

The older man smeared the precum down his shaft as he sucked on his balls. His free hand gripped the younger man’s thigh, tightly compressing the inner muscle with his thumb. With a flat tongue, he licked from the perineum to the glans, forcing Jongwoo to bite down on the joint of his thumb to stifle his moan.

He took all of him in his mouth, stroking the underside of his erection with his tongue. He rubbed his nose against Jongwoo’s pelvis and gagged on his length before popping off. A trail of saliva connected from the head of Jongwoo’s cock to Moonjo’s lips.

“You are so fucking pretty,” Jongwoo gasped, bringing a hand up to cup Moonjo’s jaw and brush a thumb against his mouth. His lips could be blamed as the source of the writer’s lasciviousness. He had always had a high sex drive, but Moonjo made him fucking ravenous.

Already pink tissue was red and swollen, glossy with spit and precum. Their shape plunged Jongwoo into insanity just by existing. He was fortunate to be alive after witnessing them sink down on his cock again.

“Close, close, close,” Jongwoo reiterated, barely in command of his faculties.

Moonjo bobbed down on him, maintaining eye contact as he stroked him to make up for the remaining length. Using his pinky nail, he drove the sharp edge into Jongwoo’s taint, forcing the man into climax.

Despite his own palm in his mouth, Jongwoo’s cries reverberated throughout the bathroom. The dentist sucked every last drop out of him and swallowed, not wanting any inadvertent spillage.  

Jongwoo leaned against the paper towel dispenser attempting to slow his heartrate as Moonjo stood. The older man tucked him back into his pants and kissed him, letting Jongwoo taste his own come.

“Come on, let’s get back out there,” Moonjo suggested as he straightened Jongwoo’s clothes.

“No, no, we’re not done yet.” Jongwoo brought his hand down to the dentist’s still hard cock. “I don’t think this is going to take very long,” he teased with a sly smile

And Jongwoo was right. Within a minute of him being on his knees, Moonjo was spilling down his throat, biting into his lip to suppress his sounds.

They were taking a moment to make each other presentable when there was a knock at the door.

“Guys, I know you’re in there. The presentation starts in five. Jongwoo, you need to be up there,” Seokyoon announced from the other side of the door.

Jongwoo hid in Moonjo’s shoulder as he released an embarrassed laugh.

“Thanks, Seokyoon. He’ll be out in just a minute,” Moonjo responded, wrapping his arms around the younger man.

The pair stepped out of the restroom to a disappointed Seokyoon tapping his foot. No one else in the hall seemed to notice how long they’d been gone.

“How am I supposed to have sex in here later tonight when I know that you two already did?”

The rest of the banquet passed without a hitch. The new apprentices seemed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, excited to start their careers. Everyone in Jongwoo’s class was moving forward to second year. All senior apprentices ‘graduated’ and secured positions at either Eden or other publishing companies.

The bosses announced the publishing schedule for the year. Jongwoo and a senior apprentice sat on the stage behind the pulpit, waiting for their turn after the big-name authors and universities.

First, the romance-fantasy novel written by the third year was announced. It apparently had a wonderfully intricate world and left plenty of space for a series.

Finally, Manshik walked up to the mic to introduce Jongwoo’s book. He gushed about his young apprentice’s research habits and how dedicated he was to the story. How after reading the novel, he had trouble sleeping because he was that unnerved. Jongwoo shook his supervisor’s hand and returned to his seat next to Moonjo.

“And as is tradition, we will now read the dedications of the works we’re publishing.”

Jongwoo had completely forgotten about that part from last year. Jieun had just dumped him for the second time and he had taken advantage of the free booze. His eyes grew wide as he turned to Moonjo.

“Um, I think I messed up my dedication page.”

“That’s okay, jagi, I’m sure they can fix it before it’s printed,” Moonjo whispered.

“That’s not it,” Jongwoo replied, shrinking into his seat.

The announcers made their way through the publishing list and eventually made it to Jongwoo’s book.

“I would like to thank my mother, who sacrificed so much for my education,

My best friend Seokyoon, who believed in me from the day we met,

And my partner Moonjo, who proofread every word of this novel.”

Jongwoo looked up at the older man who had the most content smile on his face. He could feel eyes on him from those surprised at the revelation. He could hear Seokyoon and Junghwa nearly squealing from their side of the table. And he most definitely perceived the smile in Manshik’s voice as he read the dedication.

“I don’t think anything’s wrong with it, jagiya,” Moonjo softly commented as he leaned over and pressed a kiss to Jongwoo’s lips.

Ever the hype man, Seokyoon hoot and hollered at the sight, standing and clapping in congratulations. Jongwoo giggled against Moonjo’s lips, overcome with joy and embarrassment in the moment.

Moonjo and Jongwoo held each other on the dancefloor, tipsily swaying to the music from the cover band, no longer worried about others noticing them. Several people had initially approached them, but eventually everyone went back to their own business.

The younger man rested his head on Moonjo’s firm chest, who’s strong arms surrounded him.

“I’m glad you found me on that bench that day,” Jongwoo whispered against his collarbone.

“I’m glad you moved in next to me.”

“Me too. I almost moved into Seokyoon’s building.”

“I would have found you anyway, jagiya.” Moonjo pressed a kiss to Jongwoo’s temple. “Speaking of apartments, I was thinking about not renewing my lease.”

Jongwoo raised his head to look quizzically at the older man.

“I was thinking about buying a house,” Moonjo announced with a smirk. Though delayed in his inebriated state, Jongwoo understood the implication and grinned.

“Did you want a roommate for that big, empty house?” the younger man teased.

“I did, Jongwoo.” Moonjo leaned down and kissed Jongwoo like he hadn’t seen him for a month and tightened his arms around his waist. The younger man stood on his toes and threaded his hands into the dentist’s hair, not caring that they weren’t alone on this dancefloor.

Jongwoo broke the kiss and pulled Moonjo’s forehead down to meet his.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Chapter Text

Moonjo POV

Holding two cups of coffee, Moonjo peeked his head inside Jongwoo’s office to see the man laying his head on his closed laptop. His brown eyes were closed, and his mouth was slack. The dentist knocked twice on the door frame, disturbing the writer. His eyes flew open as he sat straight up in his chair, rolling back a few inches from the desk.

My darling.

He took a gander around the room and saw that Jongwoo still had not unpacked all of his books, despite being in their new house for a month now. The curtain rod was propped up against the wall, the curtains still in their packaging, thrown haphazardly on the floor. Gom was asleep in a mostly empty box, resting in the sun beam from the unobstructed window.

Seokyoon had promised to help Jongwoo finish unpacking, but the last time he came over the pair just ended up drunk and playing video games.

They had bought a brick fixer-upper in Bongwon-dong, not too far from their old neighborhood. Neither of them wanted anything ostentatious; all Jongwoo asked for was a spare room for his mom and a bathtub. Moonjo would happily move into a cardboard box as long as Jongwoo was there. And he would have happily bought a mansion for the two of them.

Moonjo drove them both to work on days he didn’t have to be in clinic that early. On those other days, Jongwoo just took the bus. Moonjo offered to teach him how to drive, but Jongwoo said he preferred having a chauffeur.

The younger man looked hazily at Moonjo before smiling in recognition. His cheek was red from pressing it against the computer and his hair was mussed.

“Have a nice nap, jagiya?” Moonjo asked, passing the coffee to Jongwoo. He carefully gripped the mug with both hands and took a sip before humming in appreciation.

“I did. Do you know why?” he asked, quickly taking a look at his watch.

“Why?” Moonjo asked cheekily, sitting atop the cherry wood desk, hands gripping the edge. The sturdy furniture was just barely tall enough for him dangle his legs.

“Because I just confirmed the final round of edits. Which means I am officially done with my book. I sent Manshik the email, closed my laptop, and immediately went to sleep,” he explained, a content smile on his face.

Moonjo gently brushed the hair away from Jongwoo’s forehead, strands much shorter now after going to the barber this week.

“Congratulations, jagi,” the older man praised, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. “So, you won’t have to work any on the trip?”

“Nope, not at all,” Jongwoo beamed as he stretched his arms over his head in his leather office chair. His smiled faded a little as he brought his hands back to his lap. “Are you sure you want to meet my family? You don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” he assured, grabbing Moonjo’s hand and lacing their fingers together.

“Your brother is getting married. You’re going to be wearing a suit. Of course, I want to go,” he responded, bringing their joined hands up to his lips, brushing a kiss across Jongwoo’s tan skin. “Are you sure you’re okay with telling your mom about us? I won’t be offended if you’re not ready. There’s no rush.”

The younger man smiled softly but cast his eyes down.

“I need to tell her. She knows about your existence. But she doesn’t know the exact nature of our relationship.” He sighed and looked back up at the man on the desk. “I don’t think she’ll have a problem with it. My brother already knows. I don’t know why I’ve been so…reluctant.”

“Change can be hard, it’s normal to be hesitant.”

I wish I could empathize with him more. I have no family to disappoint or grow estranged from.

Jongwoo stood from his chair on positioned himself in between Moonjo’s legs, rubbing the tops of his thighs with his small but strong hands.

“Either way, you’re going to meet her. She knows you’re coming and said you can stay at the house. I think you’re too tall to sleep on any of the beds. We’re a short family,” he joked dryly.

Moonjo chuckled as he draped his arms over Jongwoo’s shoulders. He leaned forward and planted a chaste kiss on the shorter man’s lips.

“I can get a hotel if that makes you more comfortable. I know that you wanted to spend time with your mom, I wouldn’t want to be a cause of strain,” he mentioned softly, scanning Jongwoo’s face for evidence.

“We’ll see. I may need you there depending on how frazzled she is.” He sighed deeply as he lightly smacked Moonjo’s thighs. “I need to start packing if I’m getting on that train tonight. I just wish you could come with me.”

Moonjo pouted as he toyed with the strands of hair by Jongwoo’s neck.

“I know, but I could only get Saturday and Sunday off work with Dr. Oh on maternity leave and Dr. Lee out on a broken leg. I’ll take the train early Saturday morning and be there with plenty of time before the wedding.”

The older man hated that Jongwoo was going to be gone for three whole days before he could make it down to Busan. He knew that he needed to help his family deal with some last-minute tasks, but Moonjo didn’t care for them to be separated for so long. They haven’t spent longer than 36 hours apart in months.

“Try not to sulk too much while I’m gone, alright?” Jongwoo joked, pulling away from the other man, causing him to groan.

“You can’t leave me like this,” Moonjo whined, pulling the writer into him. He kissed him deeply, threading his fingers into his short hair. He pulled back and rested his forehead on the other’s. “I don’t like being apart from you. I miss you when I’m at work. What am I going to do for three days?”

“Read my books, sleep on my side of the bed, have phone sex with me at night,” the writer drawled, smiling against Moonjo’s lips before kissing him again.

“Hmm, that doesn’t sound too bad,” he whispered as he worked his way across his jaw.

Moonjo packed a suitcase for Jongwoo while he showered. He pulled his suit out of closet and gingerly folded the garment, careful to not wrinkle it. The older man did a quick run through of the room, making sure that he didn’t leave anything out.

Jongwoo came out of the bathroom in comfortable traveling clothes, toweling his hair dry, holding his toiletry bag.

He’s so perfect.

The younger man added the bag to his suitcase, did a quick once over of it’s contents, and zipped it up. Moonjo stood behind him and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. He knew he was being too clingy, but it was something that Jongwoo was used to by now.

Moonjo loaded his luggage into his SUV and drove his partner to Seoul Station, just in time for him to make the 6pm KTX to Busan. A quick kiss over the center console, and Jongwoo was on his way.

Saturday came and Moonjo was anxiously waiting at the train station with his leather overnight bag and his suit in it’s garment carrier. Next to no one was on the platform with him. A single attendant working the booth, a handful of custodians sweeping the walkways, and a college student snoozing on a nearby bench. That was it. Probably because it was only 4:37 am and the first train didn’t depart until 5:15.

He had missed Jongwoo, tremendously. He had been busy with wedding prep and taking care of his mom. She was very emotional about her first son’s marriage so soon after taking control of his disability. Stressed about him marrying his first ever girlfriend. Nervous about having an empty nest. Jongwoo called home each night, but Moonjo could tell that he was exhausted. He didn’t want to keep him on the phone too long.

Moonjo tried to get a little more sleep on the train, but his mind wouldn’t let him rest. He was too eager to see Jongwoo. Instead, he listened to the younger man’s playlist that he listened when he got ready in the mornings. They had different tastes in music, but the high-tempo melodies soothed him.

Jongwoo told Moonjo that he was going to pick him up at the train station, and he kept his word. The KTX arrived shortly before 8 am and the younger man was on the platform in sweatpants, leaning against a pillar. He looked sleepy; he usually didn’t have to wake up quite this early on a Saturday.

I should have told him to stay home and sleep in.

Moonjo stepped from the car and made his way over to the writer who dozily wrapped his arms around his waist.

“Hello, jagiya,” he whispered, leaning in for a quick kiss, careful not to exhibit too much PDA amongst the crowd of travelers. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too. Do you want breakfast?” Jongwoo asked, a hopeful look in his eye. They had been together long enough now for Moonjo to know that this meant the younger man was hungry and wanted to go out.

The dentist smirked and nodded, not exactly hungry, but wanting to satiate Jongwoo. He tossed his suit over his shoulder, and they left the train station in search of a nearby restaurant.

After sharing some gyeran-mari and some coffee, they headed towards Jongwoo’s childhood home on the edge of the city. It was a humble apartment with beige walls and assorted floor tiles, differing with each room. It was clean and as well organized as a small home can be. Picture frames lined each wall, displaying Jongwoo’s growth over his many years. His first day of kindergarten. His high school graduation. The day he left for the military.

Many of the photos were of Jongwoo and his brother with their grandparents, at a dining table or holding fishing rods. The newest frame was one of Jongwoo’s brother and his fiancé, her showing off the engagement ring. There were only a few pictures that included his mother, and Moonjo assumed that was because she was the one always taking the pictures.

Moonjo could feel the affection in the home.

“You can set your things in here. The bathroom is through the kitchen if you need it,” Jongwoo informed, gesturing to the different locations in the home. “I told my mom that I’d be at the venue soon. I need to grab my suit real quick.”

“I’ll go ahead and call a cab to take us over,” Moonjo offered as he sat down his overnight bag. He pulled out his phone and began to look up the number for a taxi company.

“Moonjo, you don’t have to come with me right now. My mom is just going to put you to work,” he advised, a smirk gracing his lips.

Moonjo straightened his posture but looked placidly over at Jongwoo.

“I don’t know if you know this jagi, but I am quite strong and have commendable stamina.”

Jongwoo stepped towards Moonjo and placed his hands on his chest, his sly smile growing.

“Oh, I am well aware of your ample stamina.” Jongwoo smoothed Moonjo’s black shirt with his hands, dragging his palms slowly across the breadth of his shoulders. “Fine. You can come. It’s better for everyone to meet you before the ceremony anyway. Grab your suit.”

Jongwoo stepped into his bedroom and fetched the outfit that Moonjo had packed for him a few days prior. Moonjo picked up his garment bag and they went outside to meet their taxi.

“Dr. Seo, dear, do you know anyone else here?” Jongwoo’s mom asked expectantly.

“Please, call me Moonjo. And I know Jongwoo and Seokyoon,” he answered matter-of-factly.

“Well, my son is best man and Seokyoon will be playing the piano. Would you like to sit next to me during the ceremony?”

At least it seems like she likes me.

Jongwoo sat down the stack of chairs he was carrying and walked towards the pair. He made eye contact with Moonjo, indicating that he was a little nervous. Moonjo gave her a tight-lipped smile.

“I would be honored, ma’am,” he said with a slight bow. He turned to Jongwoo and smirked. “We can get to know each other a little better.” The mother of the groom smiled in acceptance and before calling out to the flower delivery man, directing him on where to sit everything down.

The younger man sighed and turned to Moonjo.

“I haven’t told her yet, and I want to be the one to do it,” he said soberly, looking over at his mom.

“Of course, I’m not going to tell her. You don’t have to worry. I really like her. She cares about you even if she’s tough. She hasn’t had any trouble bossing me around today,” he pointed out with a dry laugh.

Jongwoo ran his hands through his hair took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He exhaled slowly and let his arms drop to his side.

“I know you’re not going to tell her, but you’re an… intense person. I’m just nervous.”

Moonjo took a quick look around the venue and saw that everyone had moved on to different rooms. He put his hand on Jongwoo’s cheek and leaned in for a short but loving kiss. The younger man relaxed into him, having been deprived of his touch since he arrived in Busan.

“We should probably get dressed soon. Other people are starting to show up,” Jongwoo mentioned quietly.

Moonjo could hear the bridesmaids in the background discussing hair and makeup. Seokyoon was out in the hall talking with the officiant about the timing of the wedding march. He gave Jongwoo one more quick peck and dropped his arm, taking a step back. He nodded and smiled softly, returning to finish his tasks.

Thanks to the direction and persistence of Jongwoo’s mom, everything was set up in time and the wedding went without a hitch. Moonjo sat next to her in the first row as she tearfully beamed at her son becoming a husband. Moonjo passed her a tissue, not really knowing how to comfort her.

Should I pat her on the back? Take her hand?

Moonjo opted for neither.

As much as he tried to focus on the bride and groom, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of Jongwoo. The younger man stood next to his sibling and passed them the rings when it was time. He was one of three groomsman, and by far the most handsome one.

I’m biased. But I don’t care.

Jongwoo looked so proud of his brother. As the couple exchanged their vows, his gaze drifted over to Moonjo momentarily, a contented smile gracing his features. The older man stared intensely at him in return.

“…and I promise to love you, until death do us part,” the bride swore, teary eyed and beaming.

Until death do us part.

You and I will be together forever, jagi.

The writer soon cleared his throat and turned his attention back to the bride and groom, a tinge of pink in his cheeks. Moonjo looked around the room, trying to ground himself and keep his heart from bursting. Many people in the small ceremony were grinning at the love being displayed. The bride’s father was actively trying to suppress his tears. Seokyoon was sitting on the piano bench by the altar and openly weeping.

I guess I should have expected that.

The ceremony concluded, and the crowd erupted in applause as husband and wife made their way down the aisle, groomsman and bridesmaids trailing behind them. Jongwoo made a passing glance at Moonjo before ducking his head and smiling.

Jongwoo POV

Guests of the bride and groom capered about to the music being played by Seokyoon, who was deejaying the event. Jongwoo’s brother and his new wife were spinning each other around on the dancefloor, silly and lovesick. Jongwoo’s mother sat down at one of the empty tables, slipped off her heels, and took a sip of champagne.

She looks more peaceful than she has all week.

Jongwoo had been making the rounds of greeting family and friends and neighbors that he had not seen in a long time. Moonjo, not comfortable with making small talk with this many sober adults, many of whom were Jongwoo’s sister-in-law’s extended family, spent most of his time communing with the children. The younger man felt bad about leaving him to his own devices for so long, but he needed just a few more minutes.

“How are you feeling, eomma? Do your feet hurt?” Jongwoo asked, sitting down next to her. He took a sip of his water and fanned himself. The September heat didn’t provide them with any relief for the occasion, despite his mother repeatedly praying for it.

“Hmm, a little. I just needed a quick break,” she replied calmly, looking out at the crowd. Jongwoo followed her gaze.

“You seem relaxed,” he mentioned softly.

“Big events make you reflect. Weddings, funerals. Something clicked in the middle of the ceremony, and I just stopped worrying. My children grew up well. I trust how you both are living your lives.”

I think it’s time.

Seokyoon put on a slow song for the crowd. The groom held his wife close, and she rested her head on his shoulder, leisurely swaying to the music. Other couples, young and old, were dancing in similar fashions.

Moonjo was dancing with a little girl, no more than six years old. Her feet rested a top of his and he twirled them around theatrically, causing the young one to giggle. Jongwoo smiled softly at the sight.

How is he so good with kids, but can be so bad with adults?

He let his mind drift for a moment, remembering the frequency of Moonjo asking Junghwa about her impacted wisdom teeth before they got to know each other better. Jongwoo turned his gaze back to his mother to find that she was already staring at him. He felt his throat tighten as he steeled himself for his confession.

“Eomma, I have something to tell you.” Jongwoo paused, gauging her reaction. She nodded; neutral but tired expression unchanging. Jongwoo took a deep breath. “Moonjo isn’t just my roommate. He’s my boyfriend. We bought a house together,” he spit out quickly, not wanting to lose his nerve.

After a moment of stillness, his mother smirked at him, sending a slow blink in his direction.

“I know, son.”

Jongwoo’s jaw dropped open as he furrowed his brow.

“Well, not about the house, but about the relationship,” she clarified, taking another of sip of her alcohol.

“How? Did Seokyoon tell you? Did my brother tell you? Jieun?” he asked accusatorially, quickly trying to connect the dots.

She let out a dry laugh, sat down her glass, and took his hands in hers.

“Jongwoo. My child. I saw him kiss you earlier today. You two were making eyes at each other during the ceremony. You have talked about him a lot since you’ve been here. Well, more than you talked about anyone else. I could tell that you missed him.”

He exhaled deeply, shoulders slouching, as his mother dropped his hands. He put his head in his palms and laughed to himself; partly embarrassed, partly relieved.

“Plus, talking on the phone with you each week, I’ve heard him in the background calling you ‘jagiya’. More than once. That didn’t leave much room for interpretation. I’ve had some time to process it. That’s why I’m not surprised, dear,” she added.

“I guess we weren’t being as secretive as I thought we were,” he groaned, peeking out between his fingers. He dropped his hands looked up at her sincerely. “Are you okay with it? Me not being with a woman?”

She pursed her lips and looked over a Moonjo, who was now holding two children, one on each hip, and swaying back and forth with them.

“He seems thoughtful. And intelligent. He has a steady job. He’s exceptionally handsome,” she tossed Jongwoo’s way, smirking at him again. “Does he treat you well?” she probed earnestly, a critical look in her eye.

“Yeah. More than I deserve,” he replied softly.

Way, way more than I deserve.

She brought her hand up to Jongwoo’s chin and cupped it for a moment.

“Son, you deserve the world. I couldn’t give you the life I wanted to give you. I was either too busy and absent or too present and smothering. I couldn’t afford to get you everything you needed. There was a layer of guilt about raising children in poverty that I could never quite shake, and I took out my frustrations on you sometimes.” She paused and took a sip of her champagne, slowly sitting her glass back down.

“You have lived your hard life already. You deserve to be spoiled now,” she reassured, a kindhearted look in her eye.

Jongwoo leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her neck, pulling her in for a tight hug. She laughed at the response and circled her arms around him, rubbing his back like a mother does.

“Eomma, I was so worried you would be upset. I know you want grandkids and I know you wanted a daughter. I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

She pulled back and straightened his hair, having been ruffled during their embrace.

“I gained a daughter today. And by the way she’s not drinking any champagne, I feel that grandkids may be in my future sooner rather than later,” his mother speculated dryly, cutting a curious glance over to the new couple.

“Hey, you can’t mix alcohol with some seizure medications. Don’t go making assumptions quite yet,” Jongwoo joked as he rubbed his eye with the heel of his hand.

“But I also have a third son now, and that makes me just as happy,” she added, a layer of seriousness in her voice, ignoring Jongwoo’s last statement.

How is she this composed? This accepting? I was expecting her to tell me it was fine but still be a little disappointment. My brother must have coached her. That has to be it.

His mother stood and pulled Jongwoo up by his hands.

“Now go spend some time with him, those children have been treating him like a jungle gym all night. And I should go have a conversation with the bride’s parents.” She dropped his hands, gave him a soft smile, and made her way back to the crowd.

Jongwoo looked over at Moonjo, who had pried himself away from the kids temporarily to make his way over to the cake stand. A bright smile grew on the younger man’s lips as he strolled over to meet his partner.

He was wearing a navy suit; white shirt buttoned all the way to the top. He had already tucked his tie into his pocket. Moonjo looked so much like how he did when he and Jongwoo first met. His hair was back to it’s shorter length, having cut it during the summer, and his face sported a cool expression. Even after playing with the kids, he didn’t look disheveled at all.

It had been a year since Moonjo had stepped off that elevator as Jongwoo and Seokyoon were heading out for the night. Even if he looked the same, so much had changed.

I’m so glad I found him.

Moonjo noticed him walking towards him and raised his eyebrows, hardly altering his face at all. Jongwoo knew him well enough by now to know what those tiny expressions meant and how he was feeling.

“Jagi, I know you don’t really like desserts, but you have got to try this cake. It’s like-,” he rejoiced before being interrupted.

The writer took the small plate out of his hand, sat it on the nearby table, and brought his hands up to Moonjo’s neck. The older man swallowed the cake in his mouth and licked the icing off his lips.

“Hey,” Jongwoo whispered, smiling up at the man.

Moonjo reciprocated immediately, a toothy grin growing on his face, hands meeting at the small of Jongwoo’s back.

“Hi. You look happy.”

“I am,” he affirmed as he stood on his toes and kissed Moonjo like he had wanted to all day.

In the background, Jongwoo could hear the kids making kissy noises and giggling.

Jongwoo stepped out of the bathroom to Moonjo and his mother watching the evening news together. The older man had already put on his grey Henley and sweatpants. His mom had changed into her night clothes, but still had a face full of makeup on. She excitedly pointed out locations around Busan the newscasters mentioned, providing context to each story, and Moonjo nodded along politely.

What an odd sight.

The three of them had took a cab back to the apartment together after the reception. Moonjo and his mother sat in the back by themselves as she grilled him for details about their relationship. Jongwoo sat powerlessly in the front seat, feeling incredibly mortified. Moonjo seemed to have been holding his own, answering the direct questions well, if not a little flowery.

“I’m done with the bathroom if you need it,” Jongwoo announced, ambling into the living room, running the towel over his hair.

His mother slipped into the bathroom to take off her makeup and brush out her hair, quietly singing to herself. Jongwoo could tell she was still a little inebriated, but so was he, so he couldn’t say anything.

“Did you have fun today, boys?” she asked from the sink, wiping a cloth over her face.

“Yes, ma’am. I haven’t gone to many weddings and this one was very nice. Thank you for allowing me to come and to join you in your home,” he replied graciously, attempting to be the perfect guest.

“I’m glad to have you here. It’s never a problem for me to have an attractive young man in the house,” she giggled tipsily, swinging her hairbrush around.

Jongwoo could see that Moonjo was flattered but unsure of how to respond. His lips formed a straight line as he looked around the room, avoiding eye contact with his mother.

“Alright, eomma. Moonjo, are you ready for bed?” Jongwoo asked, changing the subject from his mother being attracted to his boyfriend.

The writer hung the towel on the hook, walked over to the couch, and smoothed out Moonjo’s hair. The older man looked up at him and nodded as he stood from the sofa. He began to follow Jongwoo towards his room when they heard his mom finish up.

“I cleaned up your brother’s room yesterday, so Moonjo can stay in there,” she called out, turning off the bathroom light and walking towards the kitchen.

Oh no.

The two men turned around and looked at her, slightly stunned and confused. She nonchalantly filled a glass with water, keeping her back towards them.

“Um, eomma, I figured he would stay in my room. With me,” Jongwoo embarrassedly admitted, cheeks bright red, scratching the back of his head. She turned around and leaned against the kitchen counter, cocking an eyebrow.

“Jongwoo, you know the rules. I didn’t let you share a room with Jieun, and I didn’t let your brother share a room with his fiancé,” she reminded, taking a sip of water from her glass. “No hanky-panky in my house.”

The younger man huffed as he regressed into his teen angst, like being told that he couldn’t go to the movies with his friends.

“Eomma, we live together,” Jongwoo whined, grabbing Moonjo’s hand.

God this is torture. Moonjo must find this ridiculous.

“Don’t care. Moonjo, you’ll respect my rule, right?” she asked pointedly, avoiding her son’s cutting glare, but Jongwoo could see the smile that was threatening to break out.

“Yes ma’am, of course,” he agreed, eyes flittering back and forth between the two, lips in a tight but polite smile.

“Good.” She locked the front door to the apartment and turned off the kitchen light.

She stood in the living room outside her bedroom door with her arms crossed. She silently waved them into their separate rooms, and Jongwoo could still see the shadow of a smirk she was concealing. The men looked at each other longingly before succumbing to his mother’s authority and headed to their respective beds.

“Goodnight, boys. Sleep well,” she called out through the doors.

Jongwoo crawled into his bed and sighed. He heard his mom close the bedroom door behind her and turn her fan on. He stared up at the ceiling and rested his hands on his stomach, pouting at not being able to share a bed with Moonjo.

My bed feels emptier than it has all week.

He tossed and turned for a while before he heard his phone ding on the nightstand, and he quickly stretched his arm out to retrieve it.

Moonjo: I miss you, jagiya.

Jongwoo: I miss you, too. I’m sorry about my mom.

Moonjo: Don’t be, she’s kind of funny. Now I see where you get your attitude from.

Jongwoo: What attitude?

Moonjo: Oh jagi, I love you and your quips.

Moonjo: You were so handsome today.

Jongwoo: So were you. I love when you wear your tailored suits and a tie. It was hard keeping my hands off of you.

Moonjo: I wanted to drag you into the bathroom, but there were so many people around.

Jongwoo: I was planning on something fun once we got back to the apartment, but I didn’t think my mom would still enforce this unmarried-bed-sharing rule.

Moonjo: Does this building have a rooftop?

Jongwoo: Meet me in the living room.

Jongwoo quietly eased out of his childhood bedroom and saw Moonjo already standing outside his door.

“Hi, jagi,” Moonjo whispered, intertwining his fingers with the younger man’s, smiling coyly.

They silently slid on sandals as Jongwoo undid the deadbolt on the door. He grabbed his keys off the hook and locked the door behind them. The younger man led Moonjo by the hand as they slinked up four flights of stairs to the roof, thankfully finding it empty.

I’m glad it’s clean up here. The roof of my goshiwon was disgusting.

The writer walked backwards, dragging Moonjo across the rooftop. The Busan skyline was shining in the background and his eyes were hooded and hungry.

“I need you,” Jongwoo sighed as he backed up against the brick wall. He threaded his hands into Moonjo’s hair and pulled him down to his height, encompassing his lips with his own.

Moonjo enclosed his arms around the younger man, one hand under his knee, wrapping his leg around him. The other hand pressed into the small of his back, pulling him into his body. He licked into Jongwoo’s mouth and found his tongue, eager and wanting for him and him alone.

“Did you bring anything with you?” Jongwoo asked breathlessly, barely pulling away, grinding his hardening length against Moonjo’s thigh.

The dentist removed one of his hands from the other’s body and fumbled around in his pockets. He pulled out a packet of lube as Jongwoo sighed in relief.

“Oh, thank god,” he moaned as Moonjo went back down for another kiss.

Jongwoo could feel the brick through his shirt, the rough surface irritating his skin, but he didn’t care. He had missed Moonjo all day, all week, so any amount of pain was worth this level of pleasure.

“Me or you?” the older man asked as he traced Jongwoo’s jaw with his lips. His hands found the hem of Jongwoo’s shirt, fingers lightly grazing the skin.

“Me.” He drew in a sharp breath as a bite sunk into his neck. “Fuck me, please. I need it, need you,” he nearly begged, lulling his head back against the brick. Moonjo hummed in agreement as he planted a wet kiss on his bite.

Jongwoo pulled away, hurriedly yanked his own shirt over his head, and shoved his joggers to his ankles, drawing a dry laugh out of Moonjo.

“So impatient, jagi,” he remarked gruffly, attraction evident in his voice.

“Shut up. Get naked,” Jongwoo demanded, attempting to pull the long-sleeved shirt off the older man before he even raised his arms.

He flung the top away from them and shoved his hand down into Moonjo’s pants, gripping his swiftly filling cock. Jongwoo hooked his arm around hiss neck and pulled him back down for another kiss, stroking him methodically under his clothes.

Moonjo awkwardly dropped his pants and underwear to his knees, attempting to not break their contact, Jongwoo not giving him any distance.

“Turn around,” Moonjo commanded deeply, eyes nearly shut from how lidded they were. His cupid-bow lips were slick and swollen, parted to allow his ragged breaths to escape. His neck was flushed red, and his veins were prominent, straining under his skin. His pale complexion shined in the moonlight, scars and moles just barely discernable in the dimness.

Mine. He’s mine.

Jongwoo nodded fervently and instantly turned around, planting his hands on the bricks. He let out an unrestrained moan as Moonjo got on his knees behind him, tracing his nose over his clothed ass cheek.

“You’re so sensitive tonight, jagi,” he pointed out as he sluggishly ran his hands up the younger man’s outer thighs, tucking his fingers under the elastic of his briefs. “Sensitive just for me,” he whispered, languidly lowering the garment down his legs.

“God, Moonjo, you’re killing me,” Jongwoo whined, hiding his face in his elbow, hands still holding himself up against the wall, fingernails digging into the brick.

“That’s the point, darling,” he replied sweetly, gripping his hips with his long, slender fingers.

Oh, he’s going to fucking get it later.

Despite the frustration of having to wait, he inhaled abruptly, so incredibly turned on at the refusal of instant gratification. He could feel the older man’s smile against his skin as he heard the reaction.

“Your whole body tensed, jagiya. The muscles in your back rippled. You are such fine specimen,” he doted before licking the crease between the cheek and his thigh. “I could just eat you alive.”

Jongwoo’s body shivered in response, and his elbows slightly buckled. He pulled on hand off the brick and brought it south, hoping to bring some relief to his leaking cock.

“Don’t even fucking think about it,” Moonjo reprimanded harshly before he was able to make contact, digging his nails into Jongwoo’s flesh.

Fuck, that angry voice is so hot.

The writer whined and returned his hand to the wall, but perked his ass out, hoping for Moonjo to put his lips on him again. He bit and licked across his cheeks for what seemed like hours before finally spreading them. The older man exhaled hot breath over his hole, fingers digging into his muscle.

“Is this what you’ve been waiting for? You want my fingers? My cock?”

“Need all of you, please,” Jongwoo beseeched, voice too panting and too ruined to have his hole and cock still be untouched.

Moonjo opened the packet of lube with his teeth and coated two of his fingers with the substance.

“Spread your legs,” he commanded, and Jongwoo quickly obeyed.

He gingerly traced the younger man’s hole with his pointer finger, not yet inserting it. Jongwoo could feel him breathing slowly against his skin, using his free hand to knead his ass.

“So stunning for me, jagiya. Are you like this for anyone else?” he asked, obviously knowing the answer already.

“No one. Just you. Only you,” Jongwoo sighed as Moonjo breached the ring of muscle, slowly pushing his finger inside.

“Good. No one else is ever going to see you like this again. Because you’re mine,” Moonjo growled against his skin.

He took his sweet time with the first digit, leisurely letting the younger man acclimate, before adding a second. He scissored his fingers, drawing moan after moan out of Jongwoo. He continued to kiss and suck along Jongwoo’s lower back, planting light bites whenever he got close to his prostate. He would drag his teeth across the skin until he felt Jongwoo push back against him, and sank in as he thrusted his fingers deeper.

“More, more, please,” the writer pleaded, consistently rocking back against Moonjo.

A third finger was quickly added, as Moonjo’s other hand gripped Jongwoo’s hip harsher. He roughly thrusted into him, curling his fingers often and continually striking his prostate.

“Moonjo, I haven’t came in days. If you don’t stop, I’m going to soon,” Jongwoo warned, trying to grip the brick wall and ground himself, hanging his head as the older man took control of his senses.

“Are you trying to tell me what to do?” Moonjo scolded, shoving his fingers as deep as they would go, forcing a shriek out of the man.

“No, no.”

Moonjo ripped his fingers out of Jongwoo, making him whine at the sudden loss. He stood up behind the man, pressing his toned chest against the shorter man’s back. He reached around and clasped his neglected dick firmly, bestowing a deliberate stroke on the tender flesh. He slitted his own cock into the cleft of Jongwoo’s ass, awarding himself his own stimulation while denying Jongwoo the penetration and release he craved. Moonjo traveled sluggishly in between his cheeks, tormenting the man under his touch.

“Do you want me to fuck you?” he huskily probed, dragging his lips along the writer’s trapezius, placing a gentle bite when he met his neck.

“Yes.”

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

“God, Moonjo, I need your cock in me now. Please,” he entreated, leaning his head back on the other man’s shoulder.

He’s ruined me. I’m ruined.

He released Jongwoo’s dick, added lube to himself, and positioned himself at his hole. The younger man pushed back against him, trying to impale himself with the other.

“Jagi, you are so eager,” Moonjo whispered against his neck. He gently sank into him, bringing his hands down to rest on Jongwoo’s hips. “Do you want it hard?”

He nodded fervently as Moonjo bottomed out, who groaned at finally being enclosed in the writer’s heat. Jongwoo could feel the sweat in between his back and Moonjo’s chest as their skin slid against one another’s. The older man had tucked his face into Jongwoo’s neck while he continued to lean back on Moonjo’s shoulder.

Moonjo pulled out nearly all the way, just leaving the head inside Jongwoo. He gripped his hips tightly and slammed into the younger man, establishing a relentless pace that ignited the entirety of Jongwoo’s senses.

As he felt the familiar warmth and pooling in his abdomen, he could feel his arms growing weaker, still holding them up against the wall. The warm, humid Busan night produced droplets of perspiration all over his body and sensed them rolling down his chest.

Jongwoo hoped that the building was insulated well enough so the top floor couldn’t hear his cries of ecstasy. He especially hoped that everyone in the neighborhood left their windows closed tonight as Moonjo’s lustful groans echoed off of every surface. Even the sounds of their bodies slapping together reverberated across the rooftop.

Moonjo slowed to catch his breath, rolling his hips into the writer, who adjusted to the new pace. He leaned back against Moonjo, hooked his arm around the front of his neck, put his hand in his hair, and pulled him down for an open-mouthed kiss. He used his other hand to grip the base of his own cock, wanting to delay his orgasm just a little longer.

Pants and underwear still around his ankles, Jongwoo awkwardly shucked off the garments from one of his feet. The older man lifted Jongwoo’s leg with one hand to maintain the angle that he was rocking into him, supporting nearly all his weight.

“I love you,” Jongwoo gasped against the dentist’s jaw, inhaling each time he plunged into him.

“I would die without you, jagi,” he declared, placing a wet kiss in the corner of his mouth.

Their lips brushed against each other’s as their breath mixed; Moonjo gradually amplifying his thrusts.

“Always so dramatic, Moonjo,” Jongwoo smiled, stretching up to kiss the older man, licking into his mouth. It was messy and uncoordinated, both too far gone to be balletic in their movements.

The dentist panted as he rolled into Jongwoo harder and faster, drawing whimpers out of the younger man.

“Close, close,” he announced as he released his grip on his own dick. His thighs were shaking as his lower abdomen tightened beyond belief, his breathing erratic.

Moonjo brought his hand down to Jongwoo’s cock and stroked it as the writer moved his hands back to wall, supporting them yet again.

“Come, jagiya,” he sanctioned, escalating his speed for the final stretch.

A few strokes of his length and Jongwoo was coming onto Moonjo’s hand, semen dropping to the concrete below. The moans he released rang out through the night, unable to suppress the volume.

The older man’s pace faltered as his thrusts became more arrhythmic, Jongwoo still quaking from the shockwaves of his orgasm. He slammed into the writer once more and emptied himself into him, sinking his teeth into his shoulder in order to muffle the noise.

He released Jongwoo’s leg and also put his hand on the wall, wrapping his arm around his midsection to support the both of them. Moonjo rested his forehead on the back of Jongwoo’s neck, softly kissing his skin as he regained his breath.

Moonjo pulled out of Jongwoo, come dripping out of his ass as he straightened his posture. The younger man turned around, careful to keep his pants away from the seed on the ground. He put his hands on the dentist’s shoulders, stabilizing his still wobbly legs.

“Thank you,” Jongwoo whispered, looking up to the taller man in front of him, eyes barely open, a blissful smile growing.

Strong arms wrapped around him, holding him steady. Moonjo leaned down and left a chaste kiss on his lips.

“I missed you,” he confessed again, hair soaked with sweat, bangs sticking to his forehead. The younger man brushed them away from his eyes, gazing adoringly at the man.

“I don’t like being away from you, but it makes our reunion sex is just too good,” Jongwoo rejoiced, lulling his head back in ecstasy. “Distance makes the heart grow fonder, and all that.”

Moonjo released the writer and helped him redress, careful to not soil his clothes. His own pants had not been completely spared, but it would be an easy cleanup once they were back in the apartment. They had to search for their shirts as they had been thrown away from them haphazardly.

“I wonder if your eomma has realized that we’re gone,” Moonjo speculated, adding the final touches to make Jongwoo’s appearance presentable.

“Probably not, she’s a heavy sleeper and we’ve only been gone…” Jongwoo took a look down to his watch and snorted, bring his hand up to cover his smile, “…almost an hour,” he revealed before hiding his face in Moonjo’s chest.

Oh my God, of course he kept me out this long.

The older man brought his hands up and rubbed Jongwoo’s back, chuckling along with him. He rested his chin atop his head, something that he didn’t do very often, not wanting the younger man to feel too small.

“We should probably head downstairs soon,” Moonjo suggested, hugging him tightly.

Jongwoo looked up at the dentist and pouted at him melodramatically.

“Do we have to?”

“We’ll be home tomorrow. You’ll be okay for one more night,” Moonjo reassured, kissing the writer gingerly on the forehead.

The older man turned and attempted to make his way to the stairwell, but Jongwoo pulled him back by the hand.

“Not yet. Just give me a few more minutes,” he asked, raising himself to his toes and enveloping the other man’s lips with his own.

I’m not ready to be separated from you yet.

Moonjo conceded, and wrapped his arms around the writer, holding him flush against his body and opening his mouth to allow for Jongwoo's tongue.

Moonjo POV

Six Weeks Later

Early copies of Pillar of the Community had been printed and sent off to critics for reviews since Eden Publishing was anticipating a positive response from the public. The initial assessments were so glowing that they invested fully in marketing and scheduled several occasions for Jongwoo to attend across Korea.

He had a couple interviews with podcasters and journalists to promote the novel and answer questions about it and himself. He had book reading events in Seoul, Incheon, and Busan to encourage people to buy the book when it was released on November 1^st.

Moonjo had attended every event in support of his partner, clapping proudly for him in the crowd each time. He loved how delighted Jongwoo looked when strangers responded positively to his novel. There was no hesitation when the younger man informed him of a new program, immediately ensuring that his work schedule allowed for him to attend.

When the dentist arrived home from work, he opened the door to Jongwoo, sweating and still in gym clothes. He was chugging water with his hand on his hip and smiled at his partner as he entered. His hair was wet and slicked back from the perspiration and he looked gorgeous.

“Hi, jagi. Did you go for a run?”

“Yeah, I haven’t gone much lately. All these promotion events are screwing up my gym schedule,” he explained, taking an additional long drink from his water bottle. “By the way, I have new one next Friday at a literary festival.”

“That’s great! Is it in Daegu? An extra one in Seoul?” Moonjo asked eagerly as he sat his work bag down on the table and slipped off his blazer.

“No. It’s in Okinawa. Japan,” the writer announced hesitantly, eyeing the older man carefully.

“Wow, international, they must think your book is going to sell really well,” he congratulated earnestly before his face fell.

Oh.

“Moonjo, you don’t have to come with me. You’ve been at all my other events, and I’ve really appreciated it, but you can stay home. I’ll only be gone a couple days.”

The dentist ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath, steeling himself.

“No. I’ve gone to all of them, and I want to support you at this one too,” Moonjo declared, scratching his own forehead. “I will get on a plane, it’s fine.”

“Moonjo-,”

“Yes, I will get on a plane. And we can make a vacation out of it. Okinawa is supposed to be beautiful, right? Yes. Let’s go. I’m excited,” he reiterated unconvincingly, eyes flittering around the room.

Jongwoo approached him and gingerly wrapped his arms around the older man.

“There’s nothing to be scared of, you’re far more likely to get into a car accident than be in a plane crash. You drive almost every day,” he reminded the dentist.

“But in my car, I have control. I can drive defensively. I can get out at any time. You can survive a 30mph fender bender much easier than a plane nose diving into the ocean.” He took a deep breath and looked towards the ceiling. “In a plane you’re trapped. You just have to trust the pilot isn’t drunk and there isn’t a lunatic on board wanting to commit bioterrorism.”

Stop being so irrational. You can trust the professionals. There are systems in place exactly for this reason. People fly every day without issue.

“Moonjo, I told you not to watch that movie,” Jongwoo chastised, looking up at the taller man.

“You did. You did,” Moonjo agreed, nodding slightly. “But he looked just like you, jagiya,” he announced cheekily, tightening his arms around the younger man.

He knows you’re changing the subject.

“You’re saying I look like a terrorist?”

“No, I’m saying you look hot, especially when you’re sweaty,” he clarified as he tipped Jongwoo’s chin up with his finger. He slowly molded his lips against the writer’s plush ones, lazily turning his head to make room for his nose.

“Interesting, I happen to be sweaty right now,” Jongwoo drawled as they broke away. He stripped the athletic shirt off his body and tossed it on the ground.

Moonjo chuckled as he unbuttoned his shirt, bending down to kiss Jongwoo again.

“Seokyoon, are you sure you can handle this responsibility?” Jongwoo asked his friend sternly as he dug through their kitchen cabinets.

Thursday afternoon had arrived, and Jongwoo and Moonjo needed to get to Okinawa before midday Friday. To make the most of the trip, they decided to stay for an entire week. To have real vacation together.

“Yes, hyung, damn. Can’t you trust me?” he asked, shoving a handful of chips into his mouth.

“You’ve killed every plant I ever asked you to water.”

“This isn’t a stupid orchid, it’s a cat!”

Moonjo loved when Jongwoo acted like a protective dad with their cat. He had become very devoted to Gom and had basically adopted him as his own.

“I swear, hyung, nothing can happen to our cat. If anything happens to Gom that is your fault, Moonjo will put a hammer through your head, filet you, and stuff you in the freezer. Do you want that?” he asked, voice a crescendo as he continued.

The dentist sat at the kitchen island, silently laughing at the interaction between the two longtime friends. Seokyoon looked over to him with raised eyebrows, so he nodded as to not diminish Jongwoo’s authority.

“Do you have to be so graphic with your threats?”

“Yes,” Jongwoo stated with 100% sincerity.

Gom chirped and weaved in and out of their legs, knowing that he was the topic of conversation.

“Don’t worry. I recruited Junghwa to remind me to come over every day and she knows all the plant stuff. Your cat and your succulents are going to be fine,” Seokyoon reassured.

“Oh, thank God, I didn’t want to ask her because I didn’t know how busy she was with her new schedule,” Jongwoo sighed, gripping the counter for support.

“She’s a detective now, she works the same shifts Monday through Friday. She occasionally has to go in after hours, but it’s not very often.”

“Good for her,” Moonjo commended, smiling into his coffee cup.

As good as she is at grilling everyone, I’m surprised she’s not head detective.

“Doc, how are you holding up?” Seokyoon asked, having been informed of his plane phobia.

“I’ll be fine. Once we’re in the air I’m sure I’ll mellow out,” he responded evenly, lying through his teeth.

Jongwoo cut him a look, raising a single eyebrow, knowing when he wasn’t being entirely truthful.

Their suitcases were packed by the door and they had changed into their comfy clothes. Both of them said goodbye to Gom before departing their home. Seokyoon drove them to airport in Moonjo’s SUV so they didn’t have to do too many bus transfers.

It was a practice run for the older man putting his trust in another person when it came to transportation.

He’s actually a good driver. Surprising.

The pair said their farewells and took their bags out of the trunk, Moonjo growing tenser as they approached the entrance. He hoped he didn’t look too nervous going through security; he didn’t want to accidentally put them on a watchlist.

Moonjo and Jongwoo boarded a red eye out of Incheon to Okinawa. They picked a late flight, hoping there wouldn’t be as many people on it, and they were right. Excluding the staff, there were only ten other people aircraft. In order to balance the weight of the plane, Jongwoo and Moonjo were in the back alone, six people were in the middle, and the other two were in the front.

The men had the back six rows to themselves, giving Moonjo plenty of space to freak out and pace if he needed to. He repeatedly refused drugs, wanting to be sober in case an emergency happened.

Jongwoo is being so patient with me. He must hate this.

Moonjo frequently checked his seatbelt to ensure it was securely fastened as the aircraft taxied down the runway. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply, trying to regulate his breathing. He gripped the armrests and attempted to be comfortable giving control over to someone other than Jongwoo.

“Are you okay?” the younger man asked, putting his hand on Moonjo’s.

“Yes. Distract me,” he solicited tensely.

The plane increased in speed and began to lift off the ground, traveling to the appropriate altitude. The older man strengthened his hold on the armrests and straightened his back against the seat.

“How were your patients today?” Jongwoo asked with a positive, cheery voice.

“Fine. A kid threw up in the lobby. He was sick and the parents didn’t want to reschedule.”

“Um, have you ever left the country before today?”

“No. Next question.” He leaned his head against the window, trying to find some comfort or grounding.

“What would calm you down?” Jongwoo asked from the middle seat of their row.

The plane began to level out; still going higher into the atmosphere, but not at the harsh angle of before.

“Being on the ground.”

I’m not helping. I’m such a prick.

Jongwoo gripped his chin and turned his head towards him.

“Hey, you’re okay. You’re safe. I’m right here,” the writer affirmed, big brown eyes gazing into Moonjo’s.

He took a deep breath as he nodded, Jongwoo placing a quick peck on his lips. He went in for a second, longer kiss, still holding onto Moonjo’s chin.

That made me feel a little better.

Moonjo smiled at the younger man, happy to have him by his side.

“Attention passengers, you may now remove your seatbelts and move about the cabin,” the intercom announced. The workers began to offer sodas and snacks to the people in the front of the plane as Moonjo kissed the writer again.

The flight attendant asked from a few rows away if they needed anything, cheeks pink from interrupting their kiss. Jongwoo politely declined, sending the employee back to the front of the aircraft.

Since they were flying through the night, now at a cruising altitude, the cabin lights turned off in case anyone wanted to get some sleep. Jongwoo looked over to Moonjo, studying his face. As they adjusted to the darkness, the older man saw his eyes light up with an idea, and then quickly grow dark.

Jongwoo faced his shoulders forward, but reached his hand over the armrest and unbuckled the dentist’s seatbelt.

“Jagi, no-,” Moonjo hissed, slightly panicking at his loss of safety.

“Shhhh,” Jongwoo hushed him, still looking frontward.

The writer moved the belt buckle out of the way and put his hand on Moonjo’s inner thigh, rubbing the inner muscle there.

“What are you…” he began to ask, mind still occupied with being 30,000 feet in the air.

Oh.

Jongwoo moved his hand from the inner thigh to his junction, palming the organ through his sweatpants.

Oh.

“Just make sure you stay quiet, Moonjo,” the younger man warned quietly, letting his eyes trail up the dentist’s body before returning his attention to the front.

He continued his ministrations through the cotton until Moonjo’s body began to relax. He moved his hips forward, making it easier for his dick to be handled. Even though it took longer than normal, he grew hard from Jongwoo’s expert hand and his low whispers. His breathing evolved from anxious to amorous as he lulled his head back against the seat.

Moonjo raised his pelvis up and lowered his pants and underwear to his midthighs, letting his erection breech the open air. Jongwoo made eye contact with the older man, brought his hand up to his face, and licked a stripe up the length of his palm.

He is so fucking hot.

Jongwoo wrapped his spit laden palm around his cock, enclosing his fingers around it one by one. Moonjo released a guttural sigh as he made contact, stretching his torso as shocks went up his spine. The younger man gripped him tightly and made eye contact with him.

“Baby. Quiet,” he whispered austerely, loosening his hold on Moonjo’s dick after he nodded in agreement. He bestowed him with a couplet of exploratory strokes. “Do you feel good?”

“Yes, jagi. I feel so good,” he breathed, cautious of the volume of his voice.

I’m so lucky to have him.

Luckily, the roar of the plane’s engines masked the soft whimpers and hearty sighs Moonjo couldn’t hold back. In a moment of clarity, he lifted the armrest between the two of them so Jongwoo had the best access. The writer adjusted his position and stroked him methodically, spitting in his hand twice to keep him lubricated. A few beads of precum escaped as he thumbed his slit, adding that to the slickness of his shaft.

Moonjo looked at the man next to him through hooded eyes and examined his lovely face. He could tell his cheeks had reddened, even under the soft blue light of the plane. His plump lips were parted, breathing softly, obviously affected by tending to his partner. His gaze fell to Jongwoo’s groin and spotted how his cock strained against his grey joggers.

He slinked his arm under Jongwoo’s and caressed his neglected erection before making eye contact with the younger man again.

“Can’t leave you wanting, can I, jagiya?”

Jongwoo smirked and slid his hips forward on the seat, lowering his clothes just enough so his dick could escape. Moonjo looked to the front of the plane to ensure that no one was approaching them and then he spit into his hand.

The older man started at a faster pace than Jongwoo did, wanting him to catch up to his echelon of carnality. Moonjo’s toes were curling inside his shoes; he wasn’t far from apogee. He attempted to focus on stroking Jongwoo’s hard cock while his own body was lit aflame.

As the younger man grew closer to coming, he hid his face in Moonjo’s shoulder, sinking a bite through his shirt when he wanted to moan loudly. He continued to twist and pump his hand balletically on Moonjo’s length even as he lost all composure.

“Close,” Moonjo whispered, decelerating his strokes on Jongwoo as he focused to keep himself from spilling over.

The writer pulled Moonjo’s hand off of him and bent over, wrapping his full, lascivious lips around his cock. In seconds, he was spurting into Jongwoo’s mouth as his hand threaded into his hair, holding him down on his dick. He bit hard into his hand to prevent his moans from filling the cabin and disturbing the other passengers, still unaware of what was going on in the back row.

Jongwoo pulled off of him and sat up in his seat, wiping the dripple of come off his lip with his thumb and popped it into his mouth, all the while making eye contact with Moonjo.

“Fuck, jagi,” he gasped, planting a wet, tongue-forward kiss on his lips, quickly as to not get caught.

Moonjo returned his pants to their rightful position and slid into the floor in front of his seat. He adjusted Jongwoo’s legs so he could crawl in between them, gripping his thighs tightly.

“Yank on my shirt if someone comes this way,” Moonjo instructed as he went down on the younger man, working on him hurriedly.

He brought Jongwoo as far into his throat as he could, gagging on his length. The dentist popped off, saliva dripping down his face and coating the hand on the younger man’s cock. Moonjo repeated this two more times, each occasion causing Jongwoo to constrict his clasp on the older man’s black strands.

Moonjo pulled off to catch his breath, and jerked the writer quickly, placing some kitten lick along his head. He bent a little further to suck on his balls, still twisting his hand on his shaft.

“Almost there, Moonjo,” Jongwoo whispered, barely loud enough to hear over the thunder of the engines.

The older man bobbed on his cock, dragging his tongue along the prominent ridge underneath. Jongwoo gripped his hair tightly with both hands as his hips jerked forward insentiently. He was unable to muffle his hedonistic noises as he came, a moan escaping his lips at a too-high volume.

Moonjo sucked every drop, careful not to let any spill, and looked up at him as he swallowed. Jongwoo had a moment of panic in his eyes when he realized how loud he had been, but soon gathered that no one seemed to hear.

“That was supposed to be for you, to make you feel better,” Jongwoo chastised, chest still heaving.

He is the most wonderful man. So perfect. Made only for me.

The younger man tucked himself back into his joggers and pulled them up, now presentable in case anyone came to the back of the plane.

“Well now we both feel better,” Moonjo quipped with a smirk, climbing back into his seat.

He leaned over to kiss Jongwoo again, a little longer this time since they were both fully clothed. Moonjo’s tongue met the younger man’s, allowing him to taste himself. He brought his hand up to Jongwoo’s throat, caressing his Adam’s apple. He broke away for a moment and rested his forehead on the other’s.

“You are the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he murmured, pressing a kiss along Jongwoo’s cheekbone, bringing his hand from his throat to his jaw. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Don’t get too sappy. You already gave a speech this week on how much you love him.

“Likewise,” Jongwoo responded cheekily, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

The two relaxed into their seats as they laughed to themselves about their escapade. Moonjo wrapped his arm around Jongwoo’s shoulder and he laid his head on his chest. The younger man turned on the TV that was on the seat in front of them and picked the first movie listed. Their breathing synced as they watched the film, trying to enjoy the rest of the flight.

“Thank you everyone for coming out today. Please keep an eye out for Pillar of the Community when it is released next week. It is my first novel, and I hope you enjoy it. Enjoy the rest of the festival, everyone,” Jongwoo announced shyly to the crowd, bowing as he finished.

Moonjo clapped as he sat in his chair, so proud of his man. The response to the book had been resoundingly positive, from both critics and individuals who attended chapter readings. Eden had even discussed sending copies to other countries in Asia. It was already going to be sold in Japan and The States, but only in cities that had a large Korean population.

The crowd began to dissipate, and Moonjo strolled to the front of the room to meet Jongwoo.

“I think that was your biggest audience yet, I’m so glad I came with you,” he declared, taking the younger man’s hand in his.

I can’t believe I almost stayed home because I was frightened of a piece of machinery.

“I’m glad you’re here too. Your presence always grounds me when I get tripped up on my words or a question stumps me,” Jongwoo admitted, squeezing the hand grasping his.

The pair left the room walked through the rest of the literary festival, stopping at the booths that they weren’t able to check out before the reading. As the sun went down, they visited a beachside restaurant to gorge themselves on sushi and steamed seaweed.

Moonjo led Jongwoo out of the establishment by the hand and back to their hotel. The couple had been holding hands in public nearly all day, which was a change for them. Jongwoo usually liked to keep the touching to a minimum in case someone approached them, but now he didn’t seem to mind.

The younger man seemed so happy with how the day went. He seemed to be happy with the way his life was turning out.

I hope I can keep him happy.

Moonjo unlocked their door and pulled him inside the room.

“Your vacation officially starts now, jagiya,” he announced to the writer. “Change your clothes,” Moonjo suggested, a touch of a smile on his lips.

“Any special requests?” Jongwoo asked, giggling at the sudden statement.

“Swimming trunks.”

Jongwoo raised his eyebrows but nodded, seemingly okay with whatever Moonjo was planning. They both changed out of their suits and into their swimming clothes.

He’s so cute when he’s surprised.

Even though it was late October, Okinawa still felt like summer. The warm air coming off the water was comfortable, even with them in their short-sleeved shirts and shorts. They walked hand-in-hand down to the sand, greeting the ocean for the first time since they arrived. They slipped their shoes off at the access point and strolled along the empty beach under the full moon.

Moonjo pulled Jongwoo a little closer to the water, and the younger man seemed to catch on to his plan. They walked ankle-deep into the ocean, letting the sand get sucked out from under their feet, drawing a childlike giggle out of the writer.

His laugh. His smile. His joy.

“I love the way the sand feels when the waves go back out,” he mentioned, throwing his arms around Moonjo’s neck. “It’s been so long since I’ve been able to get into the water.”

“Well, let’s get in then,” he returned, pulling back from Jongwoo.

Moonjo peeled his shirt off his body and tossed it onto the dry sand, far away from the escaping tide. He took a few lumbering steps into the waves, shocking his body with the water. Jongwoo also stripped himself of his top and followed the older man into the ocean.

Between the low tide and beautiful weather, the waves were limited, allowing for a peaceful swim. They didn’t get too deep, just deep enough to stand and mostly be covered in water.

This couldn’t be more perfect for us. The world is really working in our favor tonight.

Once again, Jongwoo wrapped his arms around Moonjo’s neck as the older man encircled his waist. Their chests pressed together and their lips were only inches apart. The older man chuckled as Jongwoo enclosed his legs around him, fully letting himself be held by Moonjo.

“I wouldn’t be on this beautiful beach without you,” Jongwoo beamed, a smile brighter than anything Moonjo had ever seen. “You inspired my book. You proofread it, for free. You took care of me while I buried myself into my writing.”

“I am quite literally only here because of you. I was perfectly content with never getting on a plane in my life,” he joked.

I love you. Only you. Forever.

“Moonjo, I’m serious. You have changed the trajectory of my life, forever. I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve you, but… thank you… for finding me.”

“Jagi, you have loved me. You brought me into your family. You have given me things that I never thought I would have. I knew from the moment I saw you that you were one of my kind. You see the world as I do.”

Jongwoo brought his lips against the older man’s, tasting of salt and sake. He brought his hands into his wet hair, tugging on the strands in rhythm with the kiss. The two continued to embrace each other, confessing their feelings through their lips. The warm ocean lapped around them as the moon shone down, bathing them in a soft light.