#haechan fluff

"right," riku sighs, smacking him again, on top of his head this time, before placing the pencil down. "you know what, this is my fault. i shouldn't have grouped with idiots."

you gasp, "excuse me? your gpa is only point 5 more than mine!"

"dude, i'm not even going to talk about mine..." anton adds, flipping to his back and flopping onto the bed.

obviously. anton, despite his nice, and shy exterior, had a peanut for a brain. a singular braincell he utilizes only for swimming.

you chuckle, secretly pulling up your messages — making sure riku doesn't see your screen. he would probably smack you like he did anton if he knew.

haechi [10:52 AM]: pspspspspspspsps haechi [10:55 AM]: umm love of my life? haechi [10:56 AM]: hot chocolate? in the kitchen?

you try to hide your smile by biting your lip, before excusing yourself for water.

...

it's been so long since you've been able to see your boyfriend.

mid-semester equates to a devastatingly long list of deadlines, and haechan had just started interning at corporate, submitting himself to the 9-5 life. it's a rare occurence to see your boyfriend, let alone be able to melt into his embrace like this.

"missed you," he hums, jet-black hair tickling your neck as he leans in, pressing a kiss onto your neck, he wraps his arms around your hips, lifting you up onto the counter before planting a kiss onto your forehead. "let me make you the drink right now."

you swing your legs in the air as he manages to make you the hot chocolate one-handed, his other hand resting on your thigh. haechan's become a pro when it comes to doing things one-handed — driving with his hand on your thigh, holding your shopping bags while holding your hand, typing on his laptop while playing with your hair... the list goes on. you talk about the things that happened throughout the week, all about your mean professor, your favourite cafe shutting down, and riku's strictness when it comes to assignments. he chuckles, shaking his head.

"sounds like riku," haechan murmurs, stirring the beverage. he chuckles at your pout, kissing it away. "sounds like a terrible week, baby."

once done, he passes you the mug, letting you warm your palms with the ceramic. you take a sip, setting it aside with a satisfied sigh. haechan couldn't stop chuckling at your every move, grinning with his arms rested against the marble countertop, on your sides, trapping you there.

"good?"

"mhm," you hum. "i like being here, like this, with you."

"me too, baby."

he leans in, pressing chaste pecks all over your skin — on your forehead, your cheeks, your nose, your neck, and lastly, your lips. what was intended to be innocent pecks turn to a make-out session, with his fingertips leaving imprints on your waist. your senses are overtaken with the smell of his cologne as he sucks your lower lip into his mouth, gently biting onto your lip.

"let's not defile my best friend on the countertop, please."

panickingly, the two of you break apart, your eyes blown wide while haechan stands there, grinning. absolutely no remorse. riku stands at the kitchen entryway, eyes narrowed at you — illustrating something along the lines of, "you're supposed to be doing work!" anton stands behind the brunette, munching on a bag of chips.

"hi hyung," anton waves, earning a wave back from haechan.

"hi, chanyoung."

"you," riku starts, pointing at you. you hurriedly jump off the countertop, brushing off your shirt awkwardly. "you're supposed to be working on the methodology!"

haechan's about to defend you when riku holds his finger up, "don't even start, hyung — you're distracting us from our marketing work. she's here for me, not you!"

"fine," haechan sighs, watching as riku drags you away, fast-walking back upstairs. he wraps an arm around anton's shoulder, "wait, marketing work? hey, i can help — i took that class on my second semester, you know."

seeing riku flash him a middle finger, he rolls his eyes, exchanging a look with anton. "you should've been my brother instead."

...

turns out, haechan is of no help. he may have taken the same marketing class, but what he didn't tell you, is that, he barely passed.

haechan stares at the excel sheets in front of him, hands hovering over the keyboard yet not actually typing anything. he considers himself to be a tech genius, what-not with the amount of time he spends playing games — but excel sheets are simply too complicated.

"oh my god, you're useless," riku grunts, snatching the laptop and placing it on his lap instead. he pulls up some youtube tutorial, while haechan flops himself onto your lap.

his hair tickles your thighs, but you don't mind. you let him lay on your lap, entangling your fingertips through his black strands with one hand.

"i'll help with the methodology, though," he murmurs to you.

"don't even bother, yn, he's stupid."

haechan glares at his brother, clicking his tongue. you chuckle, squishing his cheeks with your hands.

"it's okay, you're stupid-ly gorgeous."

"ew, what the fuck?" both anton and riku looks at each other, grossed out.

haechan sticks his tongue out at the two, "you're both just mad because neither yushi nor sohee likes you back."

they gasp, "what the fuck, yn — you've been telling my brother about our business?!"

...

Certamente não para Johnny — não daquele jeito. Entre vocês havia uma espécie de acordo silencioso, quase fraternal. Você, inclusive, já tinha prometido a ele que o apresentaria para sua irmã mais velha no próximo feriado.

— Pra sua tristeza, não. Mas eu trouxe...

— Ah, oi, Jaehyun!

Jaehyun já não era novidade. Na verdade, tinha sido um marco: duas semanas inteiras indo ao bebedouro da academia com a desculpa esfarrapada de encher a garrafinha d’água, só para observá-lo entre um aparelho e outro. Em uma dessas vezes, você quase deu de cara com a parede — a de verdade, infelizmente, e não o peitoral de algum cara gostoso. Uma pena.

— Johnny, você não vai acreditar… aquele otário do Don Lotário me deu uma caixa de bombons caríssimos. Mas, tipo, ele tem uns quarenta anos e é casado há, sei lá, vinte? Eu não sei mais o que fazer…

Você não gostava de fofoca, mas Johnny era a exceção. Era o personal trainer em quem você mais confiava, aquele que te protegia como se você fosse, de fato, sua irmã mais nova.

Tinha cogitado contar ao Changbin, mas entre vocês só existiam histórias engraçadas — e você não queria manchar aquilo com algo que se aproximava demais de um incômodo real.

Porque era isso que você sentia: incômodo.

— De novo?

— Sim, eu…

Foi então que você o viu.

E, de repente, tudo fez sentido.

Você esperava, sinceramente, que ele começasse a frequentar a academia na semana seguinte — não por qualquer motivo nobre, mas porque precisava de um novo alvo para os seus olhares descarados. Ele parecia uma boneca de tão perfeito.

Você ajeitou o cabelo quase por reflexo — e Johnny percebeu na hora.

Haechan seria o cara da semana.

— Ah, esse é o Haechan. Haechan, essa é a _____.

Você sorriu, um pouco envergonhada por ter falado tanto antes mesmo de se apresentar. Haechan retribuiu com o mesmo tipo de timidez doce e, naquele instante, você teve vontade de simplesmente… voar nele.

Nos dias seguintes, ele passou a frequentar a academia com uma regularidade quase religiosa. Às vezes, ficava parado ao lado de algum aparelho, claramente perdido, encarando o próprio celular enquanto fingia entender o que estava fazendo. Os QR codes estavam ali para ajudar, mas ele parecia mais interessado em disfarçar a confusão do que em resolvê-la.

Era… adorável.

Haechan iria embora em cinco minutos.

E, dessa vez, você estava pronta.

Ele não seria só mais um.

Ele seria o cara.

Você tinha finalizado o cabelo de um jeito diferente, retocado a maquiagem durante o intervalo — tudo milimetricamente pensado para chamar a atenção dele. Não que fosse exatamente necessário: nos últimos dias, vocês já tinham trocado olhares suficientes para deixar qualquer um desconfiado. Ele até tinha te comprado um smoothie da lanchonete.

E você, sendo quem era, quase o beijou ali mesmo.

Mas, claro…

Don Lotário apareceu.

— Você tá livre hoje?

— Tenho faculdade depois do expediente.

— Sério? Quer que eu te leve? Vim com o carro da minha esposa e…

Nojo.

Era só o que você conseguia sentir.

Qual era o problema desses homens? De onde vinha essa convicção irritante de que podiam tudo? Ele realmente achava que você se impressionaria com dois carros na garagem — sendo que um nem era dele?

Ou com a cadeirinha infantil no banco de trás?

Que ridículo.

— Amor!

Você se virou imediatamente.

Reconheceria aquela voz em qualquer lugar.

Por um segundo — um único segundo —, o pior passou pela sua cabeça: ele tinha namorada. Era claro. Era óbvio. Homens eram assim, não eram?

Mas não.

Ele estava olhando para você.

— Amor, você tá bem?

Você ficou imóvel, surpresa demais para reagir. Estar fora do balcão facilitou quando ele se aproximou e deixou um beijo leve na sua bochecha, murmurando baixinho:

— Confia em mim.

— Tô bem, amor — você respondeu, entrando no jogo, ainda que o coração estivesse completamente descompassado.

Don Lotário finalmente perdeu aquela expressão nojenta. Haechan nem sequer olhou para ele — toda a atenção dele estava em você.

E, de alguma forma, aquilo bastava.

— Te levo pra faculdade hoje?

Você assentiu.

Nem percebeu quando o outro homem foi embora, derrotado, levando consigo as caixas de bombom e o ego ferido.

— É sério… quer que eu te leve?

— Seria legal.

— Posso te buscar também?

— Sim.

O sorriso veio tímido, quase contido. Era estranho — e, ao mesmo tempo, absurdamente bom — perceber que talvez ele gostasse de você também.

Haechan se aproximou de novo, repetindo o gesto suave na sua bochecha, agora com as próprias orelhas levemente vermelhas.

a/n: Happy birthday to my favorite boy ever. Happy Hae Day!!!!!!! This is based on the lyrics of drop dead by Olivia Rodrigo. I’ve been loving this song so much and with Haechan’s birthday coming up, I wanted to combine the two. This is very rushed (life’s always busy) but I tried my best!! If you see any mistakes, I’m sorry in advance. This is also my first time posting smut SO PLEASE BE NICE THANK YOUUUUU that’s all. Likes, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated. Hope you enjoy 🤍

Donghyuck had a plan. On June 6th, he would sleep in, lounge around all day, have his brothers over, order delivery, and then game the whole night. Cake too, if he remembers.

Na Jaemin has a different plan.

A plan that Donghyuck is unaware of until now.

The birthday boy’s original plans had gone accordingly throughout the day. He woke up at a time far past morning and continued to stay in bed even later. Any other weekend, he’d have plans, appointments, places to be, but today is his day. No one and nothing to answer to unless he wills it.

Donghyuck smiles when he hears the doorbell ring- those would be his brothers, friends he’d known for the better part of a decade, the only people he wants to spend his birthday with.

He strolls up lazily to his front door, phone already open to a food delivery app.

However. When Donghyuck opens the door and sees Na Jaemin’s big smile, he feels his heart drop, dread washing over him.

He knows something is wrong when he steps back and really observes his friends.

Why is Renjun wearing his clubbing boots? Why are Jisung and Chenle holding two six packs of beer? Why is Jeno avoiding his gaze? Why is Mark wearing his good leather jacket? And, why is Jaemin looking at him with the most shit-eating grin he’s ever seen?

“What are you wearing?” Donghyuck starts, eyebrows raised so far you might think they’ll float off his face.

Jaemin claps back immediately, “What are you wearing?”

Donghyuck looks down at the sweatpants and old t-shirt he’s currently adorned in.

“I’m wearing clothes appropriate for a nice night in of pizza and gaming. Why the hell are you all dressed like that?”

Jaemin hums and they all push past the birthday boy, stepping into the apartment like they own it.

(With how much they stay over, they basically do at this point.)

The sound of the front door closing shocks Donghyuck out of his astonishment and he follows his friends into the kitchen.

“We’re going out. Tonight.” Jaemin says like it’s obvious. The friends work quickly around the space, pulling out glasses and bottle openers.

“No we’re not.” Donghyuck says sternly.

“I assure you, we are.” Jeno speaks up with a sigh, against the idea of going out in the first place but what Jaemin, Renjun, and Chenle want- they get.

“I’m sorry?” Donghyuck says, growing more frustrated by the minute. “Did you forget whose birthday it is today? I don’t want to go out.”

Jaemin walks over to face him directly.

“Baby,” he starts, to which Donghyuck rolls his eyes, “You only turn 26 once! You are a young, handsome bachelor. Why are you wasting your 26th birthday inside?”

Donghyuck steps back and rebuts- “It’s not a waste if it’s what I want to do.” Jaemin hums, point taken. But, he won’t give up. He refuses to let his friend stay home on his birthday.

“He’s not gonna take no for an answer, Hyuck. Let’s just go out tonight and we won’t bother you tomorrow.” Mark speaks up, snacking on some chips he found in his pantry.

The birthday boy scoffs. Closing his eyes as he weighs his options.

He wanted to celebrate with his friends. If his friends want to spend tonight at a bar, he guesses that’s okay.

Just as he’s about to surrender, Jaemin speaks up again.

“Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a pretty lady and she can make the whole night for you,” eyes wiggling suggestively in his Jaemin manner.

Donghyuck groans and turns to walk out of the room. “Fine. I’ll go get ready.”

He only hears the echoes of cheers as a response.

-

An hour later, Donghyuck emerges back into the kitchen. Hair slightly damp from his shower but still swept back with a light gel. A nice t-shirt compliments his frame and the leather jacket he wears on top accentuates his shoulders. Bootcut dark-wash jeans elongate his legs. Tying it all together is a pair of black boots. He looks good , even if he doesn’t feel like it.

Chenle whistles and Jaemin ‘woo-hoos’ when they see the man of the evening has returned in appropriate bar attire. Donghyuck shakes his head and reaches for a beer. God, he needs a drink.

Thankfully, they ordered pizza while he was getting ready. Eating and drinking commence while camaraderie takes place around him. He listens to Mark and Renjun have a debate about the best hotpot ingredients; he watches Jisung lose drinking games again and again to Chenle while Jeno and Jaemin (and himself) watch fondly.

The beer and pizza loosen him up a little bit and he feels better about the prospective of going out tonight. It could be fun, he supposes.

7:30 p.m. comes and the group starts getting ready to go- Chenle mentioning something about Jaehyun saving them a table.

Everyone is a little tipsy and in good spirits, even the birthday boy.

-

Soon enough, their taxi pulls up to a lively bar. Donghyuck had never been here before.

“Is this place new?” He wonders out loud.

“No,” Chenle answers for him, “But, Jaehyun recently took over the management and he really revived the place.”

Donghyuck could do nothing but agree. Groups gather at every table outside the bar, drinks on tables and in hands, cigarette smoke wafting through the warm summer air, but not enough to overwhelm you. The chatter is joyful and lively- you could tell good stories are being shared all around. Lamps extending from the brick exterior of the building give enough light to see in front of you but leave enough darkness to hide an intimate moment if you wanted to.

That thought give Donghyuck chills.

He follows his friends inside the bar, feeling relief that the good energy follows as well. The inside matches the outside, except a little louder as the chatter was now contained within four walls. Stone floors, wood paneling, tables, and chairs, warm lighting, small paintings decorating the walls- it reminds him of an English pub he visited during a boy’s trip to London a few years ago. The memory warms him inside.

Chenle finds Jaehyun soon enough. The older man’s face lights up when he sees the group has arrived. He moves from behind the bar to greet them properly.

“Donghyuck!” He shakes his hand.

“Been a while.” He replies with a smile. It has been a while since he saw his friend. Jaehyun graduated a few years before him, and post-grad life kept them busier than they anticipated.

“Happy birthday man!” Jaehyun claps him on the back affectionately. “I saved a booth for you guys.”

He leads the way and the younger men follow him like ducklings. Their table is a little tucked away from the main scene, to which Donghyuck feels a little relief- it’s just a bit quieter and it gives the group a chance to be with themselves. There’s only one other table- a high-top table where three young women sit, seemingly wrapped up in their own friendship too.

Once they get settled and order their first round of drinks, Donghyuck feels more at ease. Him and his friends carry on their own lively conversation. Sharing memories, inside jokes, teasing each other- the friendship flowed effortlessly between them. Donghyuck realizes that this is all he wanted- whether it was in his own home or in the bar, the company with him is all that matters.

He stands up to help Renjun with the next round of beers- he’s strictly prohibited from paying for any round tonight- but he’ll help carry the drinks as a thank you.

Falling into conversation with Jaehyun, Donghyuck didn’t even notice another figure appear next to him. Didn’t notice until-

“Can I get three pints of Kloud please?” A sweet voice interrupts.

Nothing could prepare Donghyuck for the vision he sets his eyes on.

Is he so far gone that he’s seeing angels now?

You lean forward on the bar with a smile that matches your sweet voice. Somehow there are stars in your eyes that compliment the flush in your cheeks.

Donghyuck can’t breathe for a second- mind and body too busy taking you in- the way you look just like heaven. The conversation with Jaehyun and the beers in front of him long forgotten.

“Are you ever gonna try anything else?” Jaehyun teases you with a playful grin, preparing your pints nevertheless.

“We know what we like, nothing wrong with that.” You play back. Your smile grows and it makes Donghyuck very nervous.

Thankfully, you hadn’t noticed the silent stranger whose eyes were glued to you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear if he looked away for a moment. Unfortunately, the stranger’s friend behind the bar did notice Donghyuck’s sudden quietness.

When he takes your card from you, he nods his head toward the man next to you.

“It’s my good friend’s birthday tonight.”

Donghyuck looks away quickly to not be caught staring at you. He stares down an old water stain on the bar top while his cheeks fail to hide his blush.

When your eyes do land on the dark-haired boy, warmth rushes over you. In the moment, you’re keen to blame it on the alcohol.

It’s amazing how someone who looks so cool can simultaneously be so shy.

You feel endeared toward him and you’ve not yet spoken a word.

“Happy birthday.”

Your honey voice sounds like music to his ears and when he looks up to meet your gaze, an entire symphony erupts.

Are everyone’s eyes so pretty? How are you so pretty?

“Thank you.” He hopes you can feel his genuineness and when your smile grows just a bit more, he has a feeling you do.

Your eyes break away from his and move to the drinks sitting in front of him, “Surely you’re not paying for your own drinks tonight.”

He chuckles and shakes his head, “No, no. My friend would never let me pay tonight- they’d hide my wallet if they could.”

You giggle in response and he feels his confidence returning. Thank god. He’d never forgive himself if he fumbled that bad in front of you.

“You have good friends.”

“Yes, I do.” He agrees. You two then fall into easy conversation, how you each know Jaehyun, your jobs, where you’re from, your current neighborhood- not the most exciting conversations but Donghyuck makes it fun anyway.

Pints and beers long forgotten in front of you, swept up in the company beside you.

“I just moved a few months-“

“Donghyuck-ah!” comes the booming voice of Zhong Chenle. The man in question flinches, praying to any god listening that this younger brother won’t embarrass him.

“Why are you taking so long? The beer must be- oh.” Chenle stops his complaint as soon as he sees what- rather who- has kept Donghyuck from returning to their table. A teasing smile immediately appears on his face as he glances between you two. Donghyuck adorns a tight lipped smile while you smile as if you’re not bothered at all. Matter of fact, you’re curious about Donghyuck’s friend.

“I see.” Chenle says, mostly to himself. It’s taking every thing in him not burst into giggles.

“I’m sorry I kept your friend and your beers.” You shoot Chenle a smile, but the playful glint in your eyes tells everyone that you’re not really sorry.

“No, no. Not a problem at all.” He says, big goofy grin on his face. “I’m Chenle.” He holds his hand out, which you shake. Irritation grows in Donghyuck’s chest. He was perfectly content getting to know you within your own bubble.

“I’m Y/N.”

“It’s his birthday.” Chenle nods toward Donghyuck, mimicking Jaehyun’s actions minutes earlier.

“I’ve heard.” You grin, turning back to the handsome boy whose cheeks are flushed once again.

“You know he didn’t even want to come out tonight.” Chenle starts; he can’t help but being a shit-stirrer, even on his friend’s birthday.

You feign shock before sending Donghyuck a sweet smile. “Well, I’m very happy you did.”

“Me too.” He admits. Chenle grabs the beers and leaves the two of you, alone once again.

Just as you’re about to continue your conversation, a familiar melody starts playing through the bar. Donghyuck wishes he could capture the way your face lights up and frame it forever.

“Just Like Heaven” by The Cure- one of his favorite songs.

“I love this song!” You exclaims.

One of yours too it seems.

You start singing the lyrics, and Donghyuck joins in, unable to resist.

You wish you had a tape recorder so you could capture his sweet voice and listen to it on repeat forever.

No one pays attention to you both- well except for the two tables of friends who are already planning all the jokes they’ll make about the two of you. But, you pay no mind to them. You’re lost in your own world.

“You

Soft and lonely

You

Lost and lonely

You

Just like heaven”

When the song finishes, your eyes meet Donghyuck’s; and though out of breath, you both burst into a fit of giggles.

“I think we’ll deserve a drink after that.” He declares, already pulling out his wallet.

“Oh no.” You place a hand on his arm, making Donghyuck freeze. “I can’t let the man of the hour pay for a drink on his birthday.”

He shakes his head and takes out his card anyway. “Since it’s my birthday, I can do whatever I want. And, what I want is to pay for a pretty girl’s drink. What would you like? A pint of Kloud?”

You’re grateful he’s turned his head away from you so he can’t see the blush that graces your cheeks.

He’s thinks I’m pretty.

“Yes, please.”

With drinks in hand, Donghyuck offers to walk you back to your table. Initial disappointment weighs on your chest. Is this where it ends? A handsome stranger charms you to a blushing mess, buys you a drink, and now he’ll walk you back to your table and….leave you alone for the rest of the night?

No. Something inside tells you that it’s not over yet. A gut feeling. An intuition.

“Where’s your table?” Donghyuck puts his hand lightly on your lower back to help guide you through the still-crowded bar. He hopes you don’t feel the way it shakes.

“It’s in that corner back there.” You point. When Donghyuck follows your gesture, he realizes it’s the high top right next to his booth.

“Oh you’re right next to mine!”

When you get closer, you realize that you do recognize Chenle at Donghyuck’s table.

You pause in front of the tables, looking at him, hopeful that this won’t be where you part for the night.

“So, we’re here.” You prod. He can practically see the hope shining in your eyes.

“Thanks for talking with me tonight. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening with your friends.”

Donghyuck winces at this own response. He can’t believe he just said that. He’s too out of practice, too sober, to think of a flirty, clever way to talk to you more. He shifts his gaze to avoid seeing your disappointment, but is unfortunately met with the disapproval of his friends. Renjun sighs and Jisung shakes his head.

“I hope you have a good birthday.” You say softly before walking back to your table.

As soon as Donghyuck returns to his seat, the scolding begins- though at low whispers as to not be heard by the neighboring group.

“Are you stupid?” Jaemin scolds him in a whisper-shout.

“Oh my…” Mark mutters to himself.

“Even, Jisungie is better at flirting than that.” Renjun sighs out again.

“What do you guys suggest I do? Hm?” He exhales, looking at his friends expectedly. If they were going to nag him, the least they could do is offer him some solid advice.

However, as he suspected, the table grows quiet. “Exactly. Let’s keep our comments to ourselves.” Then, he takes a long sip of his beer.

Camaraderie ensues again, but Donghyuck can’t stay focused. His eyes keep moving back to you. The way you’re leaned on the hightop table, fully focused on the story your friend is telling, and how your eyes somehow sparkle in the low bar lighting- he thinks you’re so pretty.

You catch him staring at you a few times, but before you can hold the eye contact, he looks away, as if embarrassed.

“This is your chance.” Jaemin mutters to Donghyuck, snapping him out of his daydream.

“Hm?”

“Her drink. It’s empty. Offer to buy her a new one and then ask you if can talk more privately.”

Donghyuck thought for a moment. It’s actually a good idea. What’s the worst that could happen? You could laugh in his face and tell him he missed his chance.

But you wouldn’t do that.

He stands up, his own empty beer glass in his hand, and walks around to your table. He feels even more pleased with his decision when your face lights up seeing him in front of you.

“I see you’ve got an empty glass. Care for a refill?”

“Who’s paying?” You prod with a teasing grin.

“It’s on me if that’s okay with you.”

“More than okay.”

Donghyuck is sporting a full toothed grin now. Feeling brave, he holds his hand out. When you take it, he feels on top of the world. A simple gesture has him flying.

He leads you back to the bar, pays for your drink as promised. Comfortable silence comes over you while you watch Jaehyun pour your beers.

“I’m not sure how much longer you’ll be staying but I wanna talk with you more, away from my nosy friends.” He says as confidently as he can.

You blush- you were right to listen to your heart. This is not over. “I’d like that a lot actually. You know I was a little disappointed when you went back to your table.”

Donghyuck throws his head back and groans, “I know, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that.” The dramatics make you giggle.

“It’s okay. I’ll just go let my friends know.” Donghyuck watches you walk back to your tables. He’s entranced by you, completely. Taking a deep breath, he prays that tonight goes in his favor.

It’s his birthday after all.

Not even minutes later, you return.

“Let’s go to that table over there.” As he follows you, he finally notices that the bar has considerably cleared out. Soft jazz music now plays through the speakers. A mellowed out vibe compared to an hour earlier. This puts him more at ease.

You both slide into the booth, only centimeters separate you. You’re practically sitting shoulder to shoulder, feeling the heat radiate off him.

Conversation between you both begins again, flowing like it never stopped. You talk about the friends here with you tonight, your go-to coffee orders, your travels- if he’s ever been to Japan or France. Everything and anything in between.

Somehow you’ve both drifted closer to each other, shoulders now touching. You’re leaning into him as he is into you. Beer glasses still half-full- too caught up in the company next to you to care.

You can hardly focus on anything at this point. His proximity makes your head spin- or maybe that’s the alcohol still in your system you’re not sure. All you know is you can hardly focus on anything but the way his lips move as he talks. They look so soft. How would they feel moving against yours?

“….That’s when I told Jeno he was absolutely crazy. Are you even listening to me right now?” He teases.

You can only hum and nod as your reply, too dazed and entranced by him to properly say yes. Even so, it’d be a lie. You were not listening; you were just staring at his lips and begging any higher power listening that they would whisper to Donghyuck that-

“Y/n….can I kiss you right now?” He asks, voice barely above a whisper as if he’s afraid he’ll pop the perfect bubble you’re in right now.

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

You nod and before you know it, he’s leaning in.

You expected fire- hot and heavy that makes you flinch if it burns too long. But, the moment your lips meet Donghyuck’s, it’s warm. Not sparks, a steady flow of electricity that makes you feel alive. His lips are as soft as they look. He applies the perfect amount of pressure that doesn’t push you away but still leaves you wanting more. His hand comes up to cup your jaw and bring you closer together. Your mouths move more fervently and one hand comes up to rest on his chest to keep you steady. You’re starting to squirm, that electric flow awakening other parts within you. If he stops now, you might drop dead.

To your dismay, he pulls away, leaving you both breathing heavy. He smiles, a mix between embarrassment and satisfaction.

“You know the bar closes at 11.” He mutters. You turn to check the wall clock.

10:45

“Maybe, if you never finish your beer. We’ll never have to go.” You joke, but there’s a hint of sadness in your voice. You’re worried once you exit the walls of this bar, you’ll go back to being strangers. Then, you’ll spend the rest of your life missing that one handsome man you met at a random bar in your twenties.

“I don’t think Jaehyun would like that.” He says while patting your head affectionately as you pout in response.

“It’s getting late. Let me take you home.”

Such a simple statement stirs butterflies in your chest. You’re still feeling buzzed from the kiss you just shared.

“My apartment’s only a few blocks from here.”

“Lead the way pretty girl.”

You both bid goodbye to Jaehyun who is already starting to clean up. If you two weren’t so caught up in yourselves, you would’ve read the phone messages your friends sent you that they’ve gone home.

You don’t know when your hands connected after leaving the bar but you’re more than happy they did. The action warms your heart more than the alcohol tonight ever did.

You swing your hands together almost childlike as he walks you home. The light to guide the way are the street lamps. But, you’re not scared. Not with Donghyuck by your side.

“What did you do for your birthday today? Before the bar?”

“Hmm,” He thinks for a minute, “I slept in really late and stayed in my pajamas most of the day until my friends took me to the bar.”

“You didn’t do a lot..” You murmur.

“It’s exactly how I wanted it to go.” He raises your intertwined hands and kisses the back of yours. Donghyuck of course leaves out the part that his friends had to practically drag him out of his apartment to this bar. He figures you don’t need to know that.

“Did you have any cake at least?”

“Hmm. Nope. No cake.”

You completely stop in your tracks. He walks a few steps before feeling a tug on his hand.

“You didn’t have any cake?” You ask incredulously, eyes practically bugging out of your skull. Donghyuck chuckles to himself at the sight. You’re so damn cute, and dramatic.

“I guess we just kind of forgot.” He shrugs.

“We have to fix this.” You shake your head. “There’s a convenience store the block before my apartment. Let’s see if we can find something in there.”

He doesn’t argue with you, letting you pull him forward. Donghyuck doesn’t know you well but he has a feeling once you set your mind to something, there’s no convincing you otherwise.

Sure enough, after walking a ten more minutes, you’re stood in front of a 24 hour conveniences store. The bright light glowing from the sign almost makes Donghyuck squint.

The bell rings as you push yourself inside, dragging the birthday boy behind with your intertwined hands.

The clock reads 11:07. Plenty of time.

You scan the aisles diligently; Donghyuck follows like a lost puppy (he practically is one in this moment). Finding a pack of two basic candles, all that’s left is a cake, or something close to.

“All they have is a big chocolate cookie or a cup of strawberry ice cream.” You frown. Donghyuck feels the temptation to kiss it right off you. He refrains for now- you’re on a serious mission after all.

“Whatever you want pretty.” He says, moving his thumb across your hand absentmindedly. Donghyuck truly doesn’t mind- he’s not even sure he wants a sweet treat. But, you’re so determined, he can’t say no to you.

“But it’s your birthday. I want you to choose.” You whine.

“Ok. Let’s do strawberry ice cream and we can share it.” You smile in satisfaction before taking the both of you to the register.

“Oh! Do you have a lighter?”

After he shakes his head, you take one off the shelf and start to pay. Best believe, Donghyuck insisted he pay but, you argued back that he payed for your two drinks and it’s a gift for his birthday. He conceded in the end.

Next thing you know- you’re sat on the curb outside of the store. You prepare the impromptu birthday cake, carefully placing the two candles in the very small cup of ice cream.

“Ready?”

He nods, giving you the okay to light the candles.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..”

Your voice is so sweet. He wants to drown in the honey. He wants to freeze this moment. Just between you and him, and the bright convenience store lights.

“Make a wish!” You whisper.

He closes his eyes and really wishes.

He wishes for more moments like this with you. He wishes that this isn’t the end of your journey together. He wishes that by the end of the night he’ll be brave enough to get your number. He wishes this, whatever this is, will blossom into so much more.

Donghyuck will never say any of this out loud though. He won’t risk anything for his wish to not come true.

He opens his eyes and blows out the candles. You cheer and watch the smoke dissolves into the summer night.

11:35 perfect timing.

“Happy birthday, Donghyuck.” You smile at him shyly. He wants to eat you alive. How can you have such a hold on him? Not even four hours ago, he hadn’t even known you. He never wants to go back there again.

You both dig into the ice cream. Granted, you each only get about four full bites in before the cup is finished.

“Best birthday cake ever.” He says, and you giggle in reply. He hopes you know that he means it though. Silence settles over you. It’s disgusting- the hearts that are coming out of both your eyes. Anyone would become sick looking at the two of you.

Donghyuck brings a hand up to your cheek. “You have a little something here….” And, he’s kissing you again. It’s sweeter this time- the lingering taste of strawberry on both your lips. In sheer desperation, you grab his shirt to pull him closer. He opens his mouth in response to you, his body telling you that he wants you as much as you want him. Your tongues dance together, in perfect sync. Breathing in each other’s air, you’re bordering on exhibitionism.

Maybe, not that far.

But, if he keeps this up, you might ask him to take you right here on the curb.

“Please take me home.” You whine, breaking away, an unfortunate but necessary communication.

“Okay, yes, okay.” He stands up, helping you in the process. You’re a giggling fluttering mess, practicing skipping the rest of the block to your apartment. Donghyuck follows close behind, extremely amused and equally as happy.

His hands are on your waist as you come to your front door. You fumble with the keys, from both nerves and giddiness

As soon as the door opens and closes, he’s on you again. Arms wraps around your waist to pull you close and your lips connect again, moving with more passion than before. It’s quite a haphazard scene- the two of you walking backward in the dark completely unaware and uncaring about your surroundings.

Eventually, Donghyuck taps your thigh. You hop up and wrap your legs around his waist, fully supported by him now.

“Where’s your bedroom sweet girl?” He detaches for a moment and then continues kissing down your neck, waiting for your reply.

“To the left, down the hall.”

He walks with haste; you appreciate it. Pushing open your bedroom door, he sets you down, now hovering over you.

“I should prep you baby. What do you want?” He says, searching your eyes. You look like a dream- face flushed, hair laid out around you like a halo. The moonlight that shines through your window seems to make you sparkle.

You blush at the question. What do you want? Your mind is too clouded by him . That’s the only answer you have.

“Just want you.” You murmur. He hums and thinks.

“Really want to be inside you. How about my fingers? I’ll eat you out another time- I’ll do it slow and properly next time. Is that okay?”

You nod frantically. You’d have him in anyway; it didn’t matter to you.

“Need words.” He whispers, hardly a centimeter from your face.

“Please fuck me, Donghyuck.” You practically whine out, growing patient. If you weren’t such a horny mess, you’d be more appreciative at his thoughtfulness.

With the green light, he helps to strip you, throwing the clothing across your room.

God, you’re a sight. He could come just looking at you.

He full crawls on top of you, connecting you lips once again. One arm braces himself over you while the other one snakes down your torso. You whine into his mouth when his hand stops at your hip. Your body tries to take initiative when your hips buck into him. He chuckles into your mouth.

“Okay, okay.” He relents. Donghyuck didn’t mean to tease you- he was trying to savor the moment.

Once his fingers prod your entrance, all is forgiven. It’s overwhelming- how he stimulates your clit, applying just the right amount of pressure to make you squirm. He curls his fingers in just the right way. Your body reacts to him so well- like you’ve known each other for years.

That familiar coil starts to wind in your stomach. You’re close. He knows it, you feel it.

“Want you inside me.” You whimper. He happily obliges to your request. Taking his fingers away from your core- you whine at the loss of contact, even though that’s what you just asked for. Donghyuck takes his fingers up to his mouth and you watch, with lust-filled eyes, him put his fingers into his mouth, sucking and licking them clean from your slick.

He moans at the taste. “You taste so sweet, baby. I promise I’ll fuck you with my tongue next time.”

After completing stripping himself, he lifts your leg and bends it, exposing your core. Donghyuck starts to nudge himself inside- the feeling making both of you close your eyes in pleasure.

You could feel him pulsing inside your walls; he no better, barely holding his sanity together.

“You’re so tight babygirl. Fuck.” He grunts.

“Move please, Hyuck.” You whimper. When he does start rocking his hips against yours, you feel euphoric all over again. The rhythm, the angle- he’s hitting all the right spots. His head is buried in your shoulder, willing himself to not come just yet.

But, something about you makes it hard for him to control himself. His movements turn frantic, chasing that high for both of you.

“I’m close.” Your grip on his arm tightens as you’re about to come undone.

“Yeah? Come for me baby.”

He leans down to connect your lips again. It’s with such passion, adding to the stimulation. Overwhelming but welcome nevertheless.

You unravel under him. Donghyuck winces when he feels you come around his cock. He rocks inside you a little more, helping you ride out your high before pulling out and finishing on your stomach. Collapsing next to you, he’s silent for a minute, catching his breath and recollecting himself. You’re doing the same. The perspiration on your skins makes you look like you’re glowing. Some could argue it’s a post-sex glow; Donghyuck argues it’s also from pure happiness.

Not long after you’ve both finished, he starts to get up- the urge to take care of you ever present. You murmur sleepily where your washcloths and pajamas are. Donghyuck is now on a mission.

First, he sneaks into your kitchen for some glasses of water. Then, he stops in your bathroom to prepare a washcloth to clean you up. His final destination is your closet where he finds a soft old t-shirt and new underwear for you to sleep in.

Once he cleans you up, he lays down next to you, pulling you into his chest. You’re so sleepy and far gone, you could think this is a dream. The last thing you feel is Donghyuck’s steady heartbeat before you’re pulled into a deep sleep.

-

It’s sunlight that pulls Donghyuck into consciousness. The light shining through your windows prods his eyes open. Then, he registers a weight on him. You’re sprawled out across him, left leg draped across his body and arm curled on his chest. He relishes in the feeling.

Donghyuck doesn’t know what time it is, if you have plans today, or how you’ll feel when you wake up. All he knows is that he doesn’t want to leave your warmth.

He doesn’t have to wonder long as he feels you start to stir as well. The way you nuzzle into his shoulder makes him melt.

“Morning.” You murmur, still refusing to open your eyes to the sunlight.

“Hi pretty girl.”

“Did you sleep okay?”

“Better than ever.” He grins.

“Good.” It’s quiet for a moment. Maybe, you’re feeling brave, or maybe it’s the sleep clouding your brain, you dare to ask, “How long can you stay?”

Forever, Donghyuck thinks.

But, he squeezes your waist instead and offers an answer much less overwhelming, “I have no plans other than you, baby.”

Let’s go steady.

Let's go out

And tell the whole damn world how….

You woke up an hour and a half earlier to get ready. Every hair in your blow out sat perfectly, your face glowed and your outfit looked amazing. You even took an everything shower and shaved your whole body, just in case. Not that any of this would make a difference because the IT department insists the meetings are online as none of them can be bothered to come into the office. But you still want to look your best for the occasion.

Entering the call, you are ready to sit back and look pretty because you don’t plan on adding anything productive to this meeting or anything at all. You look around the small pictures of your coworkers and spot him. The man of your dreams, the love of your life, the father of your future children. You hit the jackpot today because instead of his usual purple LED lights, he actually sits next to a window and the clear sight of him overwhelms you. Haechan looks absolutely scrumptious. The fleece jacket he wears is the one that everyone gets as a present on their first day on the job. You threw yours away the day you got it but now you regret it as you wish you could match with him. When you look at his hair, your hands are twitching as if they feel the strands in between the fingers. What would his hair feel like? Soft and smooth? Dry and stubborn? What shampoo does he use? How often does he wash his hair? Does he wash his hair at all? Does he have dandruff? You want to know all about it.

Satisfied, you sit back and for the next hour you have a dumb smile on your face as you watch Haechan while everyone else spoke about go-through rates and adjustments in the UI. You hope he looks at your icon, too. Which is not the case based on the lines of code that reflect on his glasses. You get lost deep in thoughts while the meeting carries on.

-

It’s when you hear a chorus of “Bye”s that you realise the meeting is over and everyone’s leaving. As one picture after the other disappears, you notice Haechan is still there. This is your chance. You fidget with your mouse to turn your mike on and your voice comes on just in time before he leaves “Oh Haechan, ehm would you mind staying for a little. I had a question.” His pretty eyes look at you expectantly through his glasses. Now that his picture is fully sized on your display you can’t help but admire the small details on his face. Skin clear but with a slight stubble at his chin like he knew you would go feral over that. You follow the path of moles from his nose down to his neck which remind you of constellations of stars. And just like a shooting star, the lights shine bright in his eyes. Even his ears are pretty, this is so unfair. You remember he is still waiting for you to speak.

“Oh, ehm, yeah so, I wanted, I mean, I was thinking” Ok, it’s not that hard just finish the sentence.

“I just wanted to” You keep stumbling over your words.

You close your eyes and take a deep breathe in before the word vomit leaves your mouth.

“I just wanted to say that I had a lot of fun on Friday. The work event I mean. I didn’t know you would come because you never show up to these kinds of things haha Not that I noticed ehm my… ah yeah right my coworker mentioned that to me. She keeps track of this kind of stuff. I mean, no, she doesn’t. But yeah so I wanted to say that I had fun and you are such a great dancer. The way you did the milli rock was so cool. Maybe you could teach me one day? Maybe during lunch break? Or maybe not during lunch that would be weird, right haha. Maybe without the dancing and only the lunch, that would be better, I guess. Do you like sandwiches? For lunch, I mean. I have a 50% off coupon for the grocery store next door. You could also do your grocery shopping if you wanted. You know because I have a coupon, it’s a great deal. So yeah no dancing only lunch. Like us. Together. When we have a break. You with me. Eating lunch together? During the break?”

Good thing there was no air left in your lungs to continue this embarrassment. You open one eye to watch Haechan’s reaction. He looks at you unblinkingly. You give him a nervous smile, neck turning red while you wait for his reply. Oh no, he doesn’t want to have lunch with me, you think to yourself, I weirded him out. I shouldn’t have mentioned sandwiches, he probably hates sandwiches.

You try to save face “We don’t need to meet for lunch. Actually, I’m just realising I’m busy this week. And the week after. Oh, I’m busy until July” you pretend to scroll your calendar “in two years. Just forget I asked.”

He stays silent, frozen. In fact, not even blinking. Slowly it dawned onto you – the internet connection was gone.

“YN, you hear me? I think the connection is gone.”

Dumbfounded, you reply shortly “Oh yeah, it was.”

“Did you say something?”

His doe eyes stare into yours, warm and patient. But you couldn’t do it, all the courage a minute ago left you. So, you gave up.

“No, I was just about to log out.”

You hang up the call before you slam your face against your desk groaning loudly. Heads turn your way but you didn’t care because you just lost your chance to ask Lee Haechan out for lunch.

-

Goodbyes were exchanged as the Marketing x IT meeting ended but Haechan stayed a little longer. He waited until everyone else was gone and before you could leave the call, too, he spoke up.

“Hey Y/N, would you want to grab lunch together some day?” He waited a few seconds, no reaction. Then he noticed the connection was gone.

“YN? YN, you hear me? I think the connection is gone.”

After you both hung up the call, he felt stupid for ever even considering that maybe you would want to get lunch with him.