#baek gi

You hadn’t seen him in years. Not since university, back when you’d help each other with assignments but never crossed the line beyond what was strictly necessary. You had loved him in silence then, with the quiet timidity of someone who felt invisible. And he, always so focused, so buried in his own world, never seemed to notice.

But here he was, looking effortless in a black suit, his dark hair falling in a look of calculated messiness. Baek-gi was the only bachelor left in his circle of friends, while you were stuck in a relationship that felt less like a commitment and more like a life sentence. Your boyfriend stood beside you, absorbed in small talk with the other guests, completely oblivious to the way your skin burned under Baek-gi’s discreet gaze.

Then, the music shifted.

The melancholic opening of The Blue Nile drifted through the speakers, and the first chords of "Downtown Lights" wrapped around you. It was one of your favorites. Your fingers tightened around your glass as Baek-gi began to move toward the dance floor.

He wasn’t alone. He couldn't be.

A woman reached out for his hand, and he took it with that natural elegance that seemed to radiate from him. You felt a sharp, ridiculous stab of jealousy sink deep into your chest.

You took a shaky breath and looked away. You couldn’t bear to watch, so you slipped away, desperate for a change of scenery to calm your nerves.

The air in the restroom was warm and humid. You stood before the sink, staring at your reflection; you looked good, but the discomfort was written all over your face. Suddenly, you heard the door click shut. Before you could turn, Baek-gi had you pinned against the marble counter, his chest inches from yours. Your breath hitched, your heart hammering out of sync with the muffled music of the reception. He leaned in, his lips a breath away from yours.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his voice low and gravelly against your ear.

But you didn’t. Instead, your fingers tangled in his shirt, pulling him closer. Your mouth sought his with a desperation fueled by years of silence. The kiss was searing, urgent… a dam finally breaking. His hands, firm and certain, traced your body as if memorizing every curve. You melted against him, against the cold door, certain that if someone walked in right now, you wouldn't even care.

Then, your boyfriend’s laughter pulled you back to reality.

The vision of the bathroom evaporated. You were standing in the middle of the reception, an empty wine glass in your hand and your cheeks flushed hot. Baek-gi was still on the dance floor, but now, his eyes were fixed directly on you.

You swallowed hard and forced yourself to look away.

Deciding you needed something stronger than wine, you headed for the bar to order two mojitos. But a figure cut you off, grabbing your hand and pulling you into a run. You didn’t need to look up to know it was him… you just followed.

Once you scrambled into an unfamiliar car, you finally took in your surroundings. You were in the parking lot, the overhead lights flickering against the wet asphalt. You were in the passenger seat, and Baek-gi was behind the wheel, his expression raw and intense.

“Just say the word,” he told you. “And we’re gone. Anywhere you want. You don’t have to go back in there.”

You didn’t answer. You just stared at him, your heart a tangled mess in your chest. And then, without a second thought, you leaned over and kissed him. It was different from the bathroom, slower and deeper. Baek-gi responded with a quiet, simmering passion, as if he’d been waiting for this moment his entire life. His hands trembled as he held your waist, as if he were afraid to ever let go.

But the music changed again, and the fantasy shattered like glass.

Your chest heaved with shallow breaths. You scanned the room for Baek-gi and found him at the edge of the dance floor, watching you with an unnerving intensity. Something in his eyes told you he was feeling it too. That you weren't the only one drowning in forbidden thoughts.

Then, you saw him start to move through the crowd toward you. You glanced back at your boyfriend, who was still lost in his conversation. Baek-gi reached out his hand, and you didn't hesitate to take it.

Suddenly you were in the middle of the floor, surrounded by people, but they were the only two souls in existence. The music enveloped you, and when Baek-gi leaned down, his mouth finally met yours.

There was no fear, no doubt. Just the pressure of his lips and the absolute certainty that this was real. Your fingers laced through his hair, your body molding into his. The crowd didn't matter. The life you’d built with your boyfriend didn't matter. Only Baek-gi. Only this.

Except... it wasn't real.

Exhausted by the tricks your mind was playing, you decided to step out onto the patio for some air. As you passed his table, you caught a glimpse of Baek-gi standing up, following you with a steady, purposeful stride. Your stomach did a slow roll as he caught up to you. Without a word, he stood by your side and pressed a folded slip of paper into your hand. Your fingers brushed for only a second, but it was enough to send a jolt through your entire body.

As he walked away, you looked down at the paper. With trembling hands, you opened it.

A phone number.

There were no words, but you didn’t need any.