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CURRENT WIPS:

How convenient was it to have the weekly dinner on new years eve?

Definitely not a coincidence as Wonwoo's name fell out of your mother's lips.

"You don't seem as excited as Mingyu to have Wonwoo over bun," your mother giggles as she clears out 'unused' bags and jewelry of hers, to hand it over to you. Says that you now have half the grace and attitude to be wearing them out.

"Gosh mom, a vintage Chanel? Really? Perks of being your only daughter," you hug the bag close to your chest, wiping off imaginary tears dramatically.

"Don't change the subject," she tuts over at you. Hands on her hips before she continues browsing through her collection.

"How should I know why Mingyu is so in love with him," you joke. "And, I don't know...feels like a lot of pressure to be bringing someone home, especially at my age. You know Dad's gonna take it rather seriously,"

"Oh bunny, you're still a baby in Dad's eyes. He will never be one to rush you into settling down...do you think Dad and I are the type to pressure you with regard to anything?" Your mother speaks with concern lining her tone, slightly shocked that you would be pressured by that.

"Well, no..." deep down, you knew why it was stressing you out. You barely figured out any form of feelings with Wonwoo, and with Cheol scrutinizing every detail, you feel the need to prove to him that you're not the frivolous and carefree bimbo he thinks you are.

"Don't worry too much about it bun, bring him around, it's just going to be a cozy dinner with your loved ones. No going all out for new years eve this year — your dad and I are exhausted," your mother's words bring you temporary comfort and you nod along, trying to convince yourself that you were overreacting.

"Seungcheol must be over again, your dad's laughing way too much," your mother perks up at the laughter sounds booming from downstairs.

"What? Cheol? What's he doing here at 10am on a saturday?" You get up on your feet, scurrying after your mother down the stairs when you receive no response from her.

"Oh honey! Just in time, I've asked Cheol to stay for breakfast, I need to hear more about his stories dealing with the Khan's" your dad has his newspaper set aside as he's sipping coffee..with choi seungcheol?

The look of confusion gracing your face is what greets him first. He's decked out in running attire, sweat causing his now translucent shirt to stick stubbornly onto his chest. A towel wrapped around his neck as his sips on his coffee, with an amused look as he notices you.

"Morning princess, why do you look so confused?" His tone is nothing but mocking as you walk towards the island area, home slippers shuffling with wariness.

"Because I am? What are you doing here?" You speak up, deciding to push away the fact that he called you princess, deep deep behind that brain of yours.

"Don't be so rude," your father frowns, gesturing you to come closer.

"Seungcheol has been dropping by occasionally after his morning runs for quite some time now." Your eyes widen comically at this info, he wasn't kidding when he mentioned being closer to your parents than you now.

"Nothing like starting my weekend mornings chatting with this man right here," he pats Cheol's back, smiling at him like you've never seen him smile before. Ah. The charm of Choi seungcheol.

"Right..." you grab a fork before helping yourself to the fresh platter of fruits prepared every morning before breakfast. New rules set by your mother — to have fruits and a glass of lemon water before breakfast is served every morning.

What kind of reality did you come back to?

New year's eve meant one thing and one thing only; an indestructible amount of glitter and shimmer. It was the only thing distracting you from the nerves biting at your heart.

"God, you couldn't be any brighter bun,"

Mingyu starts finding humour in how you look, immediately whipping out his phone to take a few snaps. You take pride in it. Posing for him and encouraging him to use flash — really makes the shine pop, you tell him.

"You're gonna look like an ornament next to your oh so tall boyfriend," he teases, while reaches out to take a strawberry from the charcuterie board you're plating.

You slap his hand away, "Stop, Madam Lee cut those fruits painstakingly the whole afternoon," you send a glare over, "and, he's not my boyfriend,".

"Soon to be. Tomato tomahto."

"Seems like a self manifestation gyu, you sound obsessed," you shrug, pointing out your brother's growing crush on Wonwoo.

"It's true, I would love to have him in our family," and you brush off his statement, appearing focused on your task at hand.

"Oh, I forgot to mention — I've invited a friend over myself too," he blatantly swipes a macadamia nut off your platter.

"Friend? What friend? You have friends?"

"Oh please, you wish you had the social circle of my magnitude — and yes, she went to college with me, we're working at the same company now and and, get this,"

You make an irked expression while looking at him talking while chewing on his macadamia nut.

"She has the biggest crush on Cheol, so, what better opportunity than this — a slightly intimate dinner to bring them closer," he huffs and looks proud of himself for accomplishing this 'feat'.

You raise your eyebrows at this, feeling a small wave of discomfort boiling in your gut.

"Cheol? Well, I can see why one would think he's of good calibre when it comes to looks, I guess but, he'd be too nonchalant for a boyfriend,"

Now it was your turn to reach for a strawberry, needing something to sink the weird feeling down your throat walls.

"Makes the two of us but hey, I'm just doing my part as a friend, and my matchmaking skills have been rather impeccable — quite the track record,"

You shrug it off, thinking maybe it would be a good idea to get Cheol a girlfriend. He's always been uptight at times and in need of some form of...release, if you will. If jiu jitsu won't cut it, maybe Mingyu's friend could do the job.

Maybe now he won't be too concerned with how you and Wonwoo are throughout the night. Seeing as how he's about to step into unknown borders, unaware of what's about to hit him.

Seungcheol loves the idea of being self sufficient. Adores that he sets his own rules in life, lives by his own ideology, and has essentially everything he needs. Doesn't like to entertain any possibilities of an anomaly in his pre-constructed life graph.

It all leads back to how he and his brother were raised. With his mother passing when he was just 9, he's foreign to the idea of warmth nestled at home. Only has curated ideas of how his life should map out from his father planted deep in his brain.

Aloof. Distant. Words to describe his father after the death of his mother. As a business man, he appears to be the best father in public. It's his job. He's not even sure how he's maintained such a good connection with Mr. Kim, but they've been friends for the longest of time.

Maybe there's still some form of sentimental heart in that old man.

But he would like to think he's a better man than his father. Was exposed to a certain altitude of love and warmth through time spent with your family growing up.

You were his abstract anomaly appearing time to time, but he thinks it's under control.

When Mingyu introduces his colleague who works in the same law firm as him with extra ardour, he sees through the lady in the matching grey pantsuit who's eyeing him with coyness to her words.

Hm, boring.

He may be a fan of predictability and consistency, but he does like a little dash of flavour. Enjoys being surprised, having words washed out of his mouth.

So when he sees you at the table looking like the naked glitter troll just puked rounds on you, he can't control the twitch in his lips. Knows never to be disappointed in what you have up your sleeve always.

"The diamond troll called. Said he wants some glitter back,"

You look over your shoulder, smirking at the snarky remark. Had to rack some brain energy to remember who the hell the diamond troll was, then you generate images of a sparkling troll you somewhat remember from watching random cartoon clips.

"Time for a closet update Cheol,"

"What?"

"Oh nothing, seeing as how you're constantly in shirts too small for you,"

"Happy new year's eve to you too, and thanks for calling me buff," he tilts his head, with that arrogant smile of his before he heads over to greet your parents at the head of the table.

You direct your attention to Jeonghan and Minji who struts in after him, and Jae who's already getting busy finding the drink bar. Cooing at the newlyweds, you demand them to get you gifts when they debark on their honeymoon next week.

Wonwoo arrives not a second later, eyes crinkling while giving a hum of appreciation at how bright you are.

"Very festive, very apt," he chuckles, letting you lead the way towards the dining hall.

With Mr Choi mingling with your parents, you take the time to get Wonwoo a glass of cabernet for starters - figuring he may need it tonight. Taking you up on that offer, he chuckles before taking a small sip to start.

"Ah! Wonwoo, so glad to have you join us tonight, we've heard so much about you,"

No one escapes your mother's keen eye.

She ushers Wonwoo over with her hands, before welcoming him with a light hug.

"Come, sit sit, let us get to know each other better,"

Wonwoo nods politely, pulling out a chair for you before settling down beside you.

"Chivalrous,"

The man clad in a shirt a few sizes too small for him speaks up. Nods slowly with a patronising smile. But you're refusing to be in on his inside joke. You send over a deadpan expression to which Jeonghan seems to find amusement in, his eyes darting between individuals on the table.

The night kicks in smoothly, with conversations flowing between different people at once.

Your mother is in a discussion with Mingyu and Wonwoo, with Mingyu giving rather lacklustre suggestions for game development.

Like he knows anything about it.

Your father and Mr. Choi are now listening to Mingyu's colleague, Rihyeon, talk about her recent transition into corporate law.

She spoke with elegance and her dark mauve lips accentuated her intense eyes. She looked so.. put together. Not a single crinkle in her outfit, not a single flyaway to be found. Simply put, she seemed to be the complete opposite of you.

You start to believe that your brother does know what he's doing, because now the image you've let your neurons construct was one of Cheol and Rihyeon together. They seem like a fine match. A power couple even.

You dwell on the possibilities. But the fact that Cheol meets your gaze the moment you look up brings you some form of comfort that you refuse to acknowledge. It's the way he seemed to be waiting to catch your gaze for a while.

You give a tight-lipped smile, and he offers one in return. It's the 3 glasses of wine that makes you hyperaware of the way his dimples sit when he smiles. The way his eyelids get heavier a few drinks in.

You chide yourself, pulling yourself back to the man in glasses who screams perfect boyfriend material.

Mingyu returns from the living room, with the television now blasting the live broadcast loudly.

"Hurry let's grab our glasses and head to the patio, the countdown's 'bout to start anytime soon," he ushers everyone out of their seats, eyes glimmering with anticipation.

Wonwoo extends his hand towards you, and you almost swoon at the way his pretty fingers urge you to grab onto them. You don't hold back your giggle, before grabbing onto his huge hands, letting him lead you towards the patio.

His warmth radiates on your back as you look up at the particularly bright night sky.

"Thank you," he breathes out.

You hum, turning back to look at the tall man behind you.

He catches your gaze, "for inviting me today, I mean. With my family out of town, I felt... happy, to spend new years eve with yours," his smile widen as a light tint of blush spread over his cheeks.

"All right all right it's starting, 10..." Mingyu shouts as he runs out from the living room, leaving the sliding door open as the live broadcast starts to count down.

With your eyes tracing your brother's frantic behaviour, you accidentally meet Cheol's gaze yet again. His deep set eyes trained on you while Rihyeon clings onto his bicep lightly, while jumping excitedly.

Your heart starts to act abnormal again.

"5, 4..."

Cheol sees nothing but the way your face radiates under the patio lights and the full moon. Hates that he wants to ring in the new year with you in his arms. Gave in to the fight with his intrusive thoughts a few glasses of wine in.

Irks him that Wonwoo's large and slender hands are the ones gently cupping your face.

"3...2....1! Happy new year!"

The fireworks that explode blocks out all noisy thoughts in his head. He observes the way you blush when Wonwoo engulfs you into a hug. Thinks he's capable of warmer hugs.

"Happy new year," he turns to Rihyeon, dodging her attempts to side hug him. Walks towards Mingyu and Jae instead, lovingly envelopes his drunk friend and brother with a hug.

Jeonghan and Minji share a haste yet sweet kiss, and everyone exchanges loud cheers of celebration.

Everyone loiters at the patio to soak in the new year — the burnt smell from the aftermath of the fireworks wafting through the air, the clinking of glasses and the sweet taste of wine.

Cheol thinks he's fucked. For letting that small anomaly of his erupting and deviating totally into a different path of its own.

Your mom's a big fan of Wonwoo. Thinks the universe couldn't have sent anyone more fitting as your boyfriend. Mingyu agrees completely, though he now feels you're no match for him.

You being you — absolutely hating when people in your life are pushing a certain narrative a little too hard. Except these two people are the people you trust most, with your entire heart. They would know what's best for you.

Sighing, you put on your earrings before spritzing your favourite perfume all around.

Wonwoo: i'm here!

You speed up, grabbing your purse along with your folder consisting of your resume and relevant transcripts.

"I'm heading out!" You holler out to whoever's home; though it was likely nobody was home.

Spotting Wonwoo leaning against his Mercedes, you take the way his fingers drummed lazily on his hood, legs so long it seemed to extend into the ground. A slight smirk playing on his lips as he sees you walk over, he opens the door and motions for you to get in.

"Thanks for doing this Wonwoo, you really didn't have to go out of your way," you lean back, letting the warm vanilla scent in his car engulf you.

"Of course I did, it's a big day; you shouldn't have to stress about anything else," he offers a reassuring smile before starting the car, checking his blindspots and driving off.

"Mingyu must've told you how stressed I get about driving," you bite your inner cheeks, starting to feel silly about yourself.

Wonwoo shrugged, "maybe, but I would've offered to drive you there eitherways,"

You sigh contently, mentally going through possible interview points you may come across. It was the first job interview you'd landed since coming back, not to mention without the help of your parents.

You're confident you would have a few job offers lined up if they were involved but, both Mingyu and you always promised each other to make it in this world in your own terms.

And that's what you're going to do.

With more pep talk along the way, Wonwoo drops you off at the large and brooding office building, before heading off for his own meeting.

You wished you'd arranged for a ride back because right now, you want to do nothing but scream into a pillow.

"I'm sorry, you seem like a promising candidate but right now you're not exactly what we're looking for and, we're looking to fill this spot rather urgently. Thank you for your time though, feel free to apply again once you've gathered more credentials."

Letting out a slow breath, the weight of rejection was settling heavily on your chest. You understand it takes a certain number of failures before one succeeds; but right now you're slightly shaken by the quick rejection. They didn't even want to ponder upon it?

You find yourself walking to a cafe right outside the stretch of buildings, letting the display of sweet treats pull you in. Nothing like a cheesecake for a quick pick-me-up.

"Bunny? Is that you?"

You jerk up at the familiar voice, dropping the buzzer that you were fidgeting with on the table rather loudly.

"Cheol?"

You couldn't help but call and drag out his name in longing tone. He was your comfort person after all. Seeing his face after a dejected day was like the universe sending you a pity gift.

He chuckles, "Wasn't too sure if it was you... the pencil skirt and blouse did throw me off a little but, I'd spot that pout of yours anywhere." He pulls out the seat opposite you and settles himself there.

You blush at the slight connotation that he recognises your pout, your... lips. Brushing it off, you can't seem to say anything yet all you want is for him to tell you it's okay, with a pat on your head.

"What're you doing here?" Instead, was what you managed to spurt out.

He narrows his eyes, "I could ask you the same. My office building is somewhere around here, I drop by here for coffee mid-day at times." He holds up his buzzer, waving it.

"Oh..." you nod slowly, unsure whether he should be informed of your failed interview. Would he comfort you? Or would he start to nag once again. You're not too sure you're ready for a round of lecture about your life directory. Wound's still rather fresh.

He stares at you, raises an eyebrow as if he's still waiting for you to explain what were you doing in this vicinity.

"I was here for a job interview... I mean, I guess you can tell by..what I'm wearing," you shrugged. And then decided to just surrender. "But, they rejected me, right on the spot so," you pop your lips, trying to act casual and cool about it.

"It's whatever," you continue to stack up your act, thinking you're doing a rather convincing job.

You feel the warmth of his hands covering yours. With a steady touch, his palms felt like a shield from this world. Thumbs moving up and down, caressing your hand in consistent manner. With each trace, you feel your hands start to burn up.

"I'm sorry bunny, I know how job rejections must feel. I've had a couple myself and, I know it fucks with your self worth so please," his thumbs move to brush over your knuckles lightly. "Don't take it too hard on yourself, alright?"

His eyes travel around your features, and you purse your lips as you look at the man in front you. Fully understanding why he was who you once turned to in times like these. He knew when to be strict, and when to let that facade peel away and be that soft-hearted guy he truly is.

You missed having access to moments of Cheol like this.

"Thanks...Cheol," you felt like a slab of melting butter, waiting to just melt and spill away under that gaze of his.

You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding when both buzzers went off. He picks up both and heads to the counter. And when you're alone, you start to puff out quicker volumes of air while adjusting your hair. Stopping yourself midway. Why the hell were you adjusting flyaways?

"Cheesecake. Still your go-to sobfest food I see," he smirks as he places the cheesecake down before you.

You waste no time, and start to attack the poor dessert in front of you.

"Slow down, no one's stealing it away from you," he sips his coffee, an amused look painted on his face as he leans back and crosses his arms, watching you eat.

You send a mini glare his way, trying to play it back to the hate dynamic of your relationship. Dialling it down was important, especially considering the slight intimate moment you'd just shared. Balance is necessary.

"So, what's your next course of action?"

God, you didn't want to think about the numerous emails you'd gathered in your sent folder, still not generating replies.

"Don't you have a job to get back to?"

"I'm just trying to help, bunny. Not nagging. Helping, as someone who's been through it, let me," his sincerity made you reflect on your snarky remark, and you put down your fork for a moment.

"I know, I'm sorry... I just- I'm eager to make mom and dad proud and sometimes I just forget it isn't the easiest job hunting as a fresh grad these days," you lower your head, letting vulnerability speak for itself.

He nods, "I know, bun. I've heard from Mingyu about how you're both refusing help from your parents too which I think is rather refreshing," he affirms while scooping up a bite of cheesecake, before extending it towards your mouth.

Confused, but you take the bite. "So you can't expect it to be a smooth road down," he continues, "It's important that you plan a few courses of action and alternatives each time so you'll always be prepared, I'm here if you need any help,"

Swallowing, you nod appreciatively. "I'm thankful, and grateful that I still have all of you around me as great support systems,"

"Like Wonwoo too?"

You tilt your head in slight confusion at the sudden mention of him, and Cheol nods his head over to your phone which is currently ringing with his name flashed on the caller ID.

Waiting for the call to pass, you send him a text to let him know you're already on your way home. Just for some..quality time with an old friend. You did miss having time with Cheol like this.

"So, it seems like Mrs. Kim's taken quite a liking towards him," He plays around with the condensation on his iced americano in a plastic cup.

"Meh. You know how mom is," you shrugged, not too sure why you're playing it down. "She's everyone's best friend, and, don't worry — Mingyu still prefers you over him, for now at least," you wiggle your eyebrows, highlighting what he was probably more worried about.

"And you?"

You furrow your eyebrows, and point the cake painted fork towards yourself, "Me?"

"Do you prefer me over him?"

The way his eyes fixated on you in the afternoon sun almost made you think he was desperate and pushing for you to say yes.

"Well yeah, I mean, I've known you for a way longer period of time. Would be nonsense if I'd choose him over you," in that duh tone, you add a laugh at the end to solidify your justification.

You weren't sure if it was the blinding sunlight casting hallucinations on you or if Cheol indeed let out the tiniest crack of smile with a one-sided dimple, before slumping his shoulders.

"Right. Of course the man who was your personal chauffeur for a good year deserves that top spot." He leaned forward on his elbows, "Better make sure it stays mine yeah," he lightly flicks your forehead, and immediately smooths it over with his thumb.

You roll your eyes at his actions, finally taking a sip of your strawberry-milk-crush drink you saved for the last, "We'll see about that, Wonwoo may replace you as my next personal chauffeur,"

Cheol straightens up. Feeling a wave of unknown territorial possessiveness wash over him. That was his job.

"He can't be a better parallel parker than I am,"

"Only one way to find out,"

"He lets you take over aux while karaoke-ing?" He quirks an eyebrow up, not backing down until you admit you'd rather have him as a chauffeur. Cheol wants to let the anomaly remain as it is. Just an anomaly that quirks up but disappears.

"He will."

"Trust me bunny, after once, there's no way anyone sane would trust you with the aux again,"

But now he seems to be a bigger fan of experiments and nourishing that oddity. Needing it to be a constant variable.

And so, he creates non-existing conditions to nourish that damn anomaly — and offers to drive you home in the middle of his work day. And you're still the same you that runs to the doe-eyed man whenever you feel a little lost in life.

ׂׂ╰┈➤ a/n: i swear i'm always apologising when i come on here but.. i'm sorry guys for the late upd.. not the proudest! of this! but i think the next few shld unfold rather excitingly i hope!! pls let me know any feedback u have abt this series <3 i welcome all comments! brain is muddled with exams rn but i'll do my best to come on here more often too!! ily guys so much!! 🖤

╰┈➤ like + reblog + comment if you've enjoyed it! all love <3

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