#kim youngbin

A cup of tea, a quick shoulder massage, even just a small smile is enough to make you feel better. You recall when he noticed your dress was making you uncomfortable while you were meeting with important envoys from a neighbouring kingdom. As your guard, it is only his job to keep you safe, but as your betrothed, keeping you comfortable is just as important.

He had slipped behind you and discreetly loosened the laces on your gown, making sure the boning wasn’t digging into your skin and you had enough room to breathe freely. No one in the room ever noticed that anything was amiss. You never got a chance to thank him, but he never needed you to. He does these small things without being asked, and without looking for anything in return. He does them simply because that’s how he is. It’s one of his ways of loving you silently—in a way that only you and him can understand or even notice.

It’s another afternoon filled with far too many tasks than seems reasonable or manageable for just one person. The desk in front of you holds multiple large stacks of papers and letters. Some are trade offers or invitations to formal events. Others hold complaints or notices for the kingdom that need careful responses. And too many for your liking are offers of marriage from distant princes or kings.

At least those are easy to sort through. You hand them off to Youngbin one by one, letting him tear them into little pieces and dispose of them. They all get the same letter of refusal in response. One that has been drafted up for months now; ever since Youngbin claimed your heart and your hand.

Youngbin dismisses the first time you tilt your head in what looks like discomfort. You could just be stretching. He might have read your expression wrong.

But he also notes that you’re taking too long to read the letter in front of you. He’s read it through three times already, yet your eyes seem to not have left the third line yet.

Your eyebrows are furrowed, and you shut your eyes a bit too tightly to pass off as nothing. Youngbin decides to step in, even if he expects you'll wave him off and dismiss his concern in an instant.

“Are you alright, princess?”

You do dismiss him without missing a beat. You shake your head and force your eyes open, drawing them back to the page that seems to be torturous for you to get through. The breath you let out a moment later is a bit too shaky for him to ignore. His hand twitches to hold yours, but he restrains himself. 

“Are you in pain, your highness?”

“I’m fine, Youngbin. You don’t need to worry,” you tell him gently. His face shows he doesn’t buy it, but when you flash him a quick smile he seems to relax slightly.

You know your acting can only get you so far when faced with his attentiveness. Barely ten minutes pass before he notices you shifting in your chair and decides he won't let you pretend everything is normal anymore.

“Y/n, you’ve been reading the same letter for the past fifteen minutes, and you look uncomfortable. I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong.”

You sigh in defeat, and then you wince, not expecting the pain to hit when it did.

“It wasn’t supposed to come yet.” You glance up at Youngbin. “I thought I still had a few days. My monthly…” you trail off, hoping he gets what you’re referring to without you having to embarrass yourself further.

You shouldn’t be embarrassed, especially not in front of him, but you can’t help shrinking in on yourself at having to admit it. It’s not your monthly cycle that you feel ashamed about, it's the thought of all the work still needing to be done today. If you take the rest of the day off, it will all get delayed until tomorrow, or even later. You don’t want to be the reason responses are sent out late and issues stay unresolved. 

Youngbin can't watch while you push through the pain, though. He nods in understanding at your discreet explanation and immediately springs into action.

"You should rest in your bedchamber. I'll have the nurse bring tea and lavender. You should put some heat on it to ease the pain. Sleep would do you good as well," he says, "I'll sort through the rest of these letters while you rest."

You grab his wrist, stopping him before he continues to monologue. 

"I don't need the nurse… or the tea. But I would like you to stay," you tell him softly. Youngbin quiets immediately. His fingers slip between yours, thumb caressing the back of your hand.

"Alright. Whatever you wish."

He smiles fondly, and the simple look seems to numb the pain just slightly. He folds up the letter that had been tormenting you and straightens the stacks on the desk. Your steps are silent as you navigate through the corridors back to your room. You put on the same practiced smile and perfect posture each time you pass someone in the halls. Youngbin trails behind you, face stone-cold, curt bows given to court officials on the way. 

When you reach your bedchambers, the mask slips off you. Youngbin leads you to the bed, and you don't bother holding back your grimaces from the pain. 

Silently, he unclasps your gown, pulling it off your figure. You're left in your undergarments as you slip under the covers. Youngbin sets your dress across the back of one of the armchairs.

"Are you sure I can't call for the nurse? You look pale," he says quietly, concern lacing his tone. You shake your head.

"Stay. I'll rest better if you're here."

"Yes, your highness."

"Not as my guard, Youngbin. I want you to stay as you."

You watch his eyes soften when you say his name. Although the entire palace knows of your engagement, the relationship between you will stay as princess and guard until your wedding day. That was the agreement the king proposed when Youngbin asked for your hand. 

Youngbin is dedicated to his job of protecting you, which makes it nearly impossible for him to leave those responsibilities around you. He's always on guard, even when you tell him not to. But today is one of those rare occasions that you seem to have gotten your wish. Youngbin doesn't protest. His stubbornness, which you have reasons to both love and hate, fades for the moment, and he silently gives in to your request.

His weight dips the mattress as he sits down. You grab his hand, tracing over his veins and the dips after each knuckle. His skin is warm and his palms hold callouses from years of sword fighting. 

"Hold me," you tell him, closing your eyes. He shifts, gathering you in his arms and resting against the pillows. 

His steady breaths distract from the ache in your head and the dull pain in your stomach. It only takes a few minutes for him to lull you to sleep. For you, his arms are the safest place in the world. 

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"Am I being a control freak?"

Youngkyun just leans back in his chair and sips his iced coffee.

"Please elaborate."

You sigh. "We have a wedding planner. She's competant and lovely and doing a great job. She's here to make our lives easier and yet here I am needing to be involved in every little decision just in case they choose something I hate or that will throw everything off or... I don't even know anymore."

You rub your hand over your face and shake your head.

"It feels like everyone is tiptoeing around me lately and I just need an honest opinion. Am I being a bitch about all of these stupid little decisions and driving everyone crazy?"

Youngkyun snorts.

"Neurotic maybe but no. Everyone's being cautious around you this week because you've been a little extra overprotective since that poor waiter made Minju cry at dinner last weekend."

You narrow your eyes at your fiancé.

"She's sensitive right now. I don't want anyone hurting her feelings, especially not because she's standing up for all of our choices. She shouldn't get any shit for supporting us, she doesn't deserve that. She just wants you to be happy."

Your almost sister-in-law has been trying very hard to make sure Youngkyun's opinions get heard and that he gets a say in any aspect of the wedding planning that he has thoughts about. She's only doing her best to be a good sister and you appreciate all the heat she's been taking with her parents for it, and yours. She's been milking being pregnant so whenever she's the bad guy they have to be lenient with her, especially now that the baby is getting so big and she's really feeling the side effects of all the changes her body is making.

"I know."

Your fiancé just smiles at you fondly. You scrunch your nose and poke ypur tongue out at him.

"Speaking of Minju, we should start thinking about presents for the baby shower."

He nods.

"Now are you going to answer the question?"

Youngkyun stands up, takes your hand and tugs you up to your feet. You're so startled that you let him. He slips your bag over his shoulder and rests a hand on the small of your back as he guides you towards the bakery down the street.

"Let's get you a sweet little treat before I find myself being used as human pincushion."

You just blink at him. "I've done no such thing to you."

He opens the door.

"Well, there was that one time you nearly stabbed me with that little nail art tool."

You step inside, already looking over at the pastry case as he follows.

"That was an accident and I already apologized."

Youngkyun just pats your shoulder.

"What variety of chocolate is calling to you today?"

You have to admit, your fiancé is a smart man. A very smart and well prepared man. It's not until you get home, sweet tooth now satisfied, and step into the shower that the cramps hit. It's a good thing you'd planned on spending the day finalizing the catering menu and sitting around going over details with Youngkyun. You have no reason not to slip into comfortable clothes, down two extra strength painkillers and curl up on the sofa with a hot water bottle. Youngkyun already has a big fluffy blanket and your favourite slipper socks ready.

You sink into the sofa beside him, making yourself comfortable as he opens his laptop.

He's set up a little snack section on the coffee table and when you can’t find a comfortable enough position he pulls your legs over his lap and rubs at the ache in your lower back until your eyes flutter closed. It's like he knows just what pressure points to press, just where to knead his fingers to release some of the pain and tightness in your body. It helps more than you expected. You might have taken an unscheduled nap right there like that.

When you wake he's tucked a heated blanket against your back and started some of your favourite soup for lunch.

"How did you know?"

He glances over at you when you sit up and stretch, quirking one eyebrow. You gesture towards all of his preparations.

"You've been living here for months, I started tracking when you got crankiest and made a guess about the dates."

You just stared at him.

"Are you saying you've been anticipating this?"

He shrugged. "I wanted to make sure you were comfortable. You're already taking on so much and it's made you really stressed. The least I can do is know when you need a little extra patience."

You hold out a hand and wiggle your fingers towards his phone. He unlocks it and hands it over without any questions. You take a few minutes to share your tracking app with him and make sure it's working.

"Here." You hand it back carefully. "No need to guess. Now you can see when it's coming up."

He just slips the phone back into his pocket and offers you a hand.

"Are you hungry?"

"Not really, but I should eat."

"Good thing I'm a pro at this then."

You're laughing even as you groan at the ache that seems to radiate through every part of your body.

"Sore?"

Youngkyun's concern reads in his soft gaze. You nod.

"Not any more than usual. It's a little better after that nap."

He seats you at the island and starts making you up a bowl. You watch as he prepares less than usual. The nausea makes you thankful. The simple broth is inoffencive even to your lack of appetite and the soft noodles add a little sustenance that doesn't make you feel too full or weighted down.

"You kind of are a pro. I apologize for doubting your skill level."

Youngkyun smiles. "Minju gave me lots of practice."

You nudge him with your shoulder as you get up to put the empty bowl in the dishwasher.

"I owe her many thanks. She's the reason I get to be so well looked after."

He just rolls his eyes.

"Did you want to finish up the catering details?"

You nod.

"Mhm, if you don't mind. I did promise you a movie night and I'd like to get that done so even if I can't be the best company I can give you my full attention."

Youngkyun spends the entire time you walk through all the decisions you both have to make rubbing your hips. You don’t get a chance to thank him again because every time you try he hands you some water or a snack or interrupts you with a question. You decide to play along and give up trying. If that's what makes him happy you'll just have to do something nice for him next week instead to show your appreciation.

He proves to be a pro at diffusing not only your irrational rage and irritation but also at filling you with foods that don't leave you feeling worse by the end of the night. By the time the movie credits are rolling you've borrowed one of his hoodies for warmth and Youngkyun's hands have taken the place of your bra. You're still not entirely sure how he talked you into that one. It was uncomfortable, they were sore, and somehow the offer seemed less embarrassing because he made it while still looking away from you.

He had been focused on the screen and the relief when he took the weight off your back and shoulders was worth it being a little awkward at first. The way he kneaded at them absentmindedly throughout the movie also feels nice and you just resolved yourself to dealing with a little embarrassment for how comfortable you were able to get.

You were going to marry this man. He'd probably see worse over the course of the rest of your lives after all. You nod off with his head on your shoulder and wake to find him curled around your back the next morning. The way he blinks awake, eyes still bleary and hair disheveled, to check that you're okay when you slip out of his arms makes your chest squeeze fondly.

It takes you ten whole minutes to convince him to go back to sleep instead of getting up to make you breakfast before you head off to work but it's worth the rush it leaves you in because he needs the sleep. You don’t manage to escape entirely though. When you step out of your last meeting for the morning you find him standing in your office waiting.

"I thought I told you to sleep in."

He grins. "I did."

You sigh and Youngkyun pushes off the desk where he's been leaning.

"Who let you in here anyway?"

He just smirks at you. "I simply told the front desk I was here to take my future wife to lunch and they buzzed me right up."

You narrow your eyes at him.

"What did you bribe Jiyoon with this time?"

He picks up the little pastry box on your desk and pops it open. He brought homemade hotteok. You can see that they're still warm.

You shake your head. "Is that caramel?"

"Come over here and find out."

The mischief on his face would usually make you hesitate but you step forward, letting him feed you a bite. He's gentle and careful not to make a mess of your makeup but the hot caramel is a bit messy and you both end up laughing as he cleans up a few stray strands that linger on your chin.

"That's incredible Kyun."

You don’t think you've seen the pride in his eyes shine quite so brightly. Before he can make a snarky comment about his abilities you take his hand and drop your files on your desk.

"Come on, I believe I was promised lunch."

He's still grinning when you lead him out to the elevator bank, carrying the box of hotteok with him. You have to pause in the courtyard to let him feed you the rest, and manage to talk him into sharing the last one with you since he refuses to eat the whole thing. This time you get to lean up and clean off some caramel that lingers at the corner of his lips. He flushes when your thumb brushes over his bottom lip and then you lick the caramel from it, making you grin.

"Oh how the tables turn."

"Oh shush, are you hungry or not?"

"That depends, are you paying?"

Youngkyun sighs and takes your handbag from you while you’re gloating.

"You know I am."

He never minds you paying for anything except food. It was the subject of more than one playful argument at first until you'd agreed to let him cover food if you could pay when you went for coffee or drinks. It wasn't exactly equal, but it was enough to feel like you weren't just taking advantage of him for his money.

"Suddenly I'm absolutely starving."

Youngkyun tilts his head back and laughs. Your smile feels like it's only a hair away from splitting your face in two as you lace your fingers with his and tug him along.

"Can we get ramen?"

"We can have anything your heart desires sweetheart, just so long as it isn't going to get me in trouble with dad for keeping you away from your duties for too long."

Youngkyun seems to have an endless well of creativity when it comes to planning dates. It's been months now and he still keeps finding things that you haven’t done together yet. You shake your head and turn to your fiancé. He's already taken you to the observatory, the night market, tried many bars and restaurants on his bucket list, set off fireworks at the beach, walked through parks and artist alleys and along the river.

He's taken you to cafés you mentioned thinking were cute, every little indie bookshop in the city and of course had a picnic or three. You even attended a perfume making class together last weekend. You've been wearing the scent you came up with since and it makes Youngkyun smile every time he smells it.

Tonight you're here to see a musical you've heard good things about. You'd mentioned that an actor you like was in it and Youngkyun had immediately gone looking for reviews and planning an evening of it as soon as he was able to get tickets.

"I can't believe you went to all this trouble just because I was curious."

Youngkyun takes your hand and you join the small queue waiting to enter the building.

"I want to do things with you that we both enjoy. You seemed excited about this one so, I figured it was worth a try."

You don’t imagine the way his ears go red as you press a kiss to his cheek.

"If you're going to cover me in lipstick prints, could you wear a brighter colour next time?"

The teasing comment doesn't quite mask how flustered he is. You notice the way his hand trembles a little as he wipes away the small smudge the balm you applied over your lip stain left on his cheek.

"I'll take that into consideration."

When you step back out after the show, clinging to Youngkyun's arm, you tug your coat closer around you. It's much colder now than it had been when you'd entered. Youngkyun pulls you closer into his side, angling you both so that his body breaks the wind for you.

"How does some hot cocoa sound?"

You try your best to keep up with his brisk pace.

"Incredible actually."

Youngkyun slows a little as he notices you struggling. You make your way towards his car, doing your best to avoid the worst of the crowd as it slowly disperses around you.

"So, what did you think?"

You glance up to see him watching straight ahead. Youngkyun has a habit of not making eye contact when he asks important questions. It's almost like he thinks if he doesn't meet your gaze you won't see how much he wants to know the answer and it won't jinx your reply or something. You let him have his cool guy act this time.

"I think... it was definitely worth seeing."

He smiles softly, glancing down at you. Even in heels you're not quite the same height but you don’t mind.

"Yeah?"

You nod. "I'm glad I got to see it with you."

He opens his mouth to say something when you catch sight of a stall around the corner.

"Ooh, bungeoppang! Can we get some?"

Youngkyun follows your gaze to see the street vendor you've spotted and though his sigh is tired and long suffering, he smiles as he lets you lead the way over.

"Only because you're going to pout all the way home if we don't."

You just smile and hurry forward, already scanning the menu of filling options.

"Let's try the one with custard." You turn to find your fiancé closer than you expected. "Please?"

He just laughs at your startled look and the way you tug at his sleeve gently. Youngkyun nods.

"We'll take three."

You blink at him.

"One for you, one for me, and one to share." He clarifies.

You nod. "You know me so well."

He doesn’t stop smiling the entire way home. Not even when you take refuge from the cold inside his car to sit and eat, and you get custard on his nose trying to feed him a peace. If anything, that seems to make it grow. You're not sure you're ever going to understand this man but you're glad he seems to be getting comfortable having you around. You like being friends.

It doesn't last.

You find yourself getting so comfortable so easily it almost seems too good to be true. Even knowing Youngkyun from a distance for most of your life and the circumstances around your engagement don't explain how natural it feels that he’s become the first person you turn to. The one you always want to talk to or lean on. The way your chest warms when he returns that trust and closeness.You'd say he'd taken Youngbin's place but he's not your best friend, not exactly.

You can't quite explain how it's different, just that it is. There's something about the way you don’t feel self-conscious being vulnerable with him that you just can't compare to your friendship with his brother. It's more intimate somehow but maybe part of that is both of your circumstances.

It's a Wednesday when you get voluntold into attending yet another gala for some business partner of you soon to be in-laws. The Kims can't be in two places at once so they'll be attending a dinner party across town while you and Youngkyun play good little heirs. You could have said no but you’re finally getting somewhere at work and you don't want to disappoint Mr. Kim.

For all that he’s been pushing you, he’s also been supportive and you really do like him. You know you can do this job, and do it well, and tonight is your first real chance to prove that to yourself and everyone else.

"I know why YOU have to be there tonight but why do I have to go too?"

You bite back the smile as Youngkyun pouts from where he lays like a starfish on your bed. He's cute when he whines. It doesn't happen very often but you’re starting to like when it does.

"Moral support."

He sighs, staring at the ceiling.

"This is a side effect of making you like me, huh?"

You do smile then, laughing as you lean down to pat his cheek.

"Looks like it buddy."

He blinks, turning to narrow his eyes at you as he nips at your fingers. He really is like a giant grumpy housecat sometimes. He had been half-asleep when you stepped out of the shower twenty minutes ago and you felt a little bad for waking him with the hair dryer but it couldn't be helped.

"We've been over this y/n, it's babe to you."

You probably would have gotten comfortable using pet names with him the way he seems to enjoy throwing them around with you, but his annoyance when you don’t reciprocate is too funny. You can't help teasing him about it any chance you get. You reach over to smooth out the crease between his eyebrows. Annoying him has become one of your favourite passtimes lately. It helps to let out some of the frustration you've built up about work and wedding planning and your parents getting pushier about you and Youngkyun finding your own place.

You know they mean well but their focus on image is an irritant in your relationship at the moment. Especially when their views and those of your in-laws clash and you get caught in the middle. You don’t know how Youngkyun does it, sometimes his patience seems endless. Except with you. Only when you try getting under his skin. Mostly because you enjoy testing it. Part of you thinks he lets you for his own amusement.

"Oh?" You flutter your lashes at him innocently. "Are you deciding for me now?"

He groans. "You hate me."

You shake your head and pat his shoulder.

"If I hated you, we wouldn't be getting married. Come on, we're going to be late if you keep sulking."

He huffs but sits up. You press a kiss to his cheek. It's become normal between you. Youngkyun isn't always the biggest fan of skinship, unless he's initiating, but this is a form of physical affection he allows without too much complaining.

"You're lucky I like you."

He stands and stretches, tucking both hands in his pockets.

"Is there a colour palette for tonight?"

You nod. "I left a new shirt on your bed for you."

Minju wasn't even needed this time. You've seen enough of his dress shirts up close to know his sizing now. It feels a little more domestic than you want to dwell on right now, mostly because you kind of like it.

You're not staring. You're not. You're just admiring that you did well in choosing the sizing. The shirt fits him well and he looks good in green. He always cleans up well but maybe that's just because you're so used to seeing him in casual clothing. He lives in jeans when he isn't being dragged along to functions or business dinners on your arm. His hair is down tonight, the way you prefer it, and it brushes his jaw now at the front.

"Do I have something on my face?"

You blink as Youngkyun strides over, handing you a drink. You accept the glass of wine, shaking your head as he moves to stand beside you.

"No."

You've done your rounds and you're taking a breather along the edge of the room before dinner. Surveying if you will. Youngkyun sips his beer, not looking at you as he speaks again.

"You're allowed to look you know."

"Hmm?"

You turn to him and he shrugs.

"We're engaged y/n, you're allowed to find me attractive."

You study him, trying to decide if he's playing with you. He seems genuine and he's never jerked you around before. You realize that if this is ever going to be any kind of real relationship, then he’s right.

"I always find you attractive."

That makes him blink.

"You do?"

His surprise makes you smile.

"Kyun you're objectively handsome."

You know that can't be news to him. He has to know he's pretty. He just shrugs and sips his beer.

"Objectively doesn't explain why you were staring."

You smile softly. "The shirt looks good on you. Can I not be proud of myself for picking a good outfit?"

He considers this. "Like I enjoyed seeing you in that dress I bought?"

You nod. "Yeah."

He doesn't get a chance to ask anything further as just then one of your executives comes by to introduce his son and ndw daughter in-law. You say your hellos with a smile and then it's time to find your seats. Youngkyun plays his part well, stretching his arm over the back of your chair and putting on the charm as you navigate the dinner conversation. These evenings always seem to go by faster when he's by your side.

You find your hand resting on his knee as you lean in to chat with the couple seated beside him and he takes the opportunity to scoot you a little closer in your chair. The alcohol just keeps coming and though you do your best to pace yourself you have to admit you're tipsy by the time the event ends. Youngkyun steadies you with a hand around your waist as you bid your goodbyes to everyone and you let yourself lean into him.

"Ready to go home?"

You're glad he stuck to just the one beer because getting into a taxi would have been fine, or a rideshare, but there's something about the way he tucks you carefully into the passenger seat of his car that's just much better. You smile at him as he helps you buckle your seatbelt and reach up to brush his hair back behind his ear.

"Thank you for being so good to me."

Youngkyun pauses, moving to crouch beside you instead of leaning over into the car as he listens. You take his hand in both of yours.

"I know I haven't always been as invested in this relationship as you were. And sometimes I've been annoying and frustrating and a lot to deal with. Thank you for being there and listening and taking care of me anyway."

His smile is sad and you lean forward to brush the frown line between his eyebrows with your thumb.

"You don't have to thank me y/n, this is how relationships work. You talk, you work through things and you support each other."

You pout. "Don’t be sad for me. I was sad enough. We're done doing that."

He laughs and squeezes your hand. "Yeah?"

You nod. "Mhm, time for being happy."

He leans up to press a kiss to your cheek.

"I'm glad, I like seeing you smiling."

You tilt your head to watch the way he unfolds until he's standing, one hand lingering on the door.

"You make me smile a lot."

He doesn't reply, just closes the door gently but firmly and walks around to get in. You watch as he climbs into the driver's seat and buckles himself in, just admiring him because you can. His side profile is stunning and you're reaching out to trace your fingertips over his jaw before you catch yourself.

Youngkyun just smiles, taking your hand in his and pressing a soft kiss to each of your knuckles before starting the car. He doesn't let go of your hand the entire drive back. You don't speak but you find yourself watching him most of the way there.

When you stumble back inside, with more than a little help from the hand Youngkyun has around your waist, you turn to him. You're not entirely sure what prompts you to say it but you blurt it out without thinking.

"We should start looking for our own place."

He just smiles. "Your mother's been pushing us to book viewings for weeks and you keep saying no."

You nod. "I changed my mind. I love your family but I want somewhere we can come home to and have it just be us."

His smile grows soft. Your fiancé turns you towards the stairs and guides you with both hands on your hips.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow."

You focus on getting up to your room without tripping.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

You make it to the landing before you stumble and Youngkyun scoops you up princess style. You yelp and hold onto his neck.

"Relax sweetheart, I've got you."

You trust that he does. He hasn't let you down yet. You relax a little and he starts moving towards his bedroom. You blink as he sets you down on the end of the bed and kneels to slip off your shoes. It feels nice and you roll your ankles, humming softly. He just presses a kiss to your knee and takes your hand.

"Come on, let's get that makeup off."

"Oh, yes please!"

He laughs at your enthusiasm. You clean up side by side, too tired to question how long or why Youngkyun has little travel sizes of all your favourite products in his bathroom. You're glad he does because it makes the process easy. You don’t even have to think about it.

"Help me put my moisturizer on?"

He lends you a shirt and soon you're warm and comfortable, curled up against his chest with the duvet tucked around you.

You wake in almost the same position, Youngkyun's arm slung over your waist and your hands resting against his chest. You're less hungover than you had expected to be so you take advantage of his sleepy state to slip out of his arms and freshen up. Once you've changed and you're ready for the day, you pad down to the kitchen to make breakfast before you both have to rush to work. Thankfully in light of last night you're not expected to be in until a little later this morning so you have time to whip up some kimbap.

It's not fancy but you're not exactly a chef so it'll have to do this morning.

You're just making a fresh pot of coffee when Youngkyun stumbles down the stairs, hair still all ruffled from sleep, and peeks over your shoulder. He rests his chin on top of your head as you pour two mugs.

"Evening shift?"

He shakes his head. "Lunch today."

"Mmm..."

He sips his coffee and migrates over to the island as you bring over the kimbap.

"I have to run after we eat but I'll come to you after work then and maybe we can grab dinner tonight?"

He nods. "Sounds good. There should be some hangover soup in the fridge if you want to take it for lunch."

You shake your head but you’re smiling.

"How are you always prepared?"

He sighs.

"We have a shared calendar, I do use it."

You just lean up to kiss his cheek and put your mug in the dishwasher.

"I've noticed."

You pack up the soup while he finishes eating.

"Can we talk about looking for our own place over dinner?"

You're surprised he remembers.

"I promised you we'd discuss it today."

He always keeps his promises. You know how seriously Youngkyun takes them.

"Yeah, yeah of course. I'll see you later."

He perks up then, looking a little more awake as he stares at you while you grab your things. You just blink until he points at his cheek.

"You're so spoiled."

He widens his eyes and you sigh, stepping over to press a big smooch on his cheek.

"Happy?"

He nods. "Very. See you tonight sweetheart."

You roll your eyes at his refusal to let you leave without a kiss but you're smiling as you get in the car. You never do make it out to dinner.

Youngkyun looks exhausted when you show up at the restaurant just after six. He's waiting in the back, folded into the chair behind the big desk in his office going over paperwork. You can hear the sounds of cooking and cleaning taking place around you. They're already prepared for dinner service up front, tables and napkins and silverware all changed out and ready. There's a few guests eating at candlelit tables and it's not even dark out yet.

You prop your hip against Youngkyun's wooden desk and he looks up with a tired smile, running a hand through his hair. You set your purse on the corner of the desk and slip a hairtie from your wrist, stepping around him to pull it back off of his face. You don’t even think, just gently sweep the dark mop into a little ponytail and tie it up.

His fingers brush your wrist as he reaches up to feel what you've done and smiles.

"Thank you."

You move to step back but you don’t get far. Youngkyun reaches for you, catching your hand in his and tugging you closer as he turns. You end up standing between his thighs as he leans back and just looks at you.

"Like what you see?"

You try breaking up the moment by teasing him but his earnest reply undoes you.

"Yeah. I always do."

You think maybe you know how he felt the other night. You just inhale a deep breath and look at him, really look. His expression is soft, vulnerable. He's opening up to you and hoping it doesn't backfire. He really means it.

You squeeze his hand. "Kyun."

He shakes his head, tugging your hand gently until you let him maneovre you so you're seated on one of his thighs.

"Don’t ask me to take it back."

You can't bring yourself to meet his eyes as his arm slides around your waist.

"I wasn't going to."

He relaxes a little. "Please don't ask me if I'm sure. I've had years to figure out how I feel."

You shake your head with a smile.

"How long?"

He chuckles, playing with your fingers. "How long have I had a crush on my brother's ex girlfriend?"

You scrunch your nose as the way he phrases it.

"Ex-fiancée if we want to get technical."

He just smiles as you lift your head to look at him. He nods.

"Right."

You poke his cheek gently.

"Back to the question."

He turns his head to press a kiss to your finger. You shake your head even though you're smiling.

"How long Kyun?"

He considers for a moment.

"How long have I known I was in love with you? I think I figured that out within the first month of you being back."

You didn't expect that answer. You'd suspected there were feelings growing between the two of you but you hadn't expected them to be so strong. Or so sudden. Youngkyun just laughs at your surprise.

"Trust me, it's been a long time coming. I know you didn't really notice me before, but you were around so much I couldn't not see you."

You let your cheek rest against his shoulder.

"I'll admit I was sort of walking around the world with blinders on." You agree. "I saw you, I just... didn't really stop to look any deeper."

He smiles softly.

"I know. Sometimes you did, just for a minute."

You smile back. "Mm, like that time you were getting bullied in junior high but you wouldn't tell Youngbin about it because you didn't want him to solve all your problems for you."

He flicks your forehead lightly.

"I handled it."

You snort.

"With a little help." He amends.

You nod. "You could have handled it on your own."

He strokes your hair and presses a kiss to your forehead.

"Probably. Your solution was much more satisfying though. I don't know that I would have been mean enough."

You do appreciate that about him. How sweet and kind he is. How easily that just comes to him.

"One of us should be a good person."

"Yah!"

Before he can protest and list off your virtues or something you surprise yourself by leaning in to kiss him. It's soft and quick, just a peck really, and when you pull back you let your palm rest against his cheek.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

He blinks at you. "I think it's gone forever. I totally forgot."

That makes you laugh and then he’s the one kissing you this time. One kiss leads two, then three and before you realize it you've shifted to straddle him so you can wrap your arms around his neck. You're so lost in Youngkyun, the softness of his skin under your fingers and the sting of his teeth as he nips at your lip before pulling away to catch his breath, that you don't even hear the door open.

That's how Minju finds you, forehead pressed against his as Youngkyun traces the lines of your face with his fingertips.

"Well, hello there lovebirds."

Her cheerful voice startles you so badly you would have fallen right off of his lap if your fiancé hadn't had one hand pressed against the small of your back. You cling to Youngkyun's shoulders as you try to convince your heart everything is fine.

"Yah! Kim Minju!"

She just laughs. You sigh and Youngkyun's grip on you loosens as you climb off of his lap to right yourself. He looks disappointed and you can’t help leaning in for one more kiss. Minju can just close her eyes. When you finally turn around the smirk on her face is so wide you don't know how it doesn't hurt.

"What are you looking so smug about?"

She just shakes her head as Youngkyun stands up, slinging an arm around your shoulders.

"Oh nothing. I was going to invite you to dinner but I can see you're busy. I'll leave you two to get on with it."

She waddles out before you have a chance to process what she just said. Youngkyun sighs and rests his cheek against your hair.

"She's a menace."

You laugh. "Yeah, but we love her."

He snorts and pulls away but doesn’t disagree. You know he loves his sister just as much as you do, if not arguably more.

"So, about what you said last night."

You turn to watch as he gathers his things.

"About finding our own place?"

He nods, glancing at the pile of paperwork and sighing. He scrubs a hand over his face.

"Yeah, I promised we'd talk but maybe we can do it at home instead of going out?"

You don't care about getting dressed up and going out. Especially not when he looks like he's getting a headache just from seeing the stack of papers piling up on the desk.

"Only if you let me help you with that."

He picks them up, adding them to his bag.

"There’s no point in arguing with you, is there?"

You shake your head. "Nope. Can we get takeout?"

He smiles even as he ruffles your hair and slips an arm around your waist.

"If that's what you want."

"It is."

You grab your purse and let him lead you back outside to your car.

"Also, I'm driving."