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You glanced at the time and sighed softly, returning your attention to the laptop before you.

It was getting late… where was he?

Seokwoo would usually let you know in advance if he was going to be late. Did something happen?

The sharp ring of your phone pulled you from your thoughts. Chanhee.

“Chani? What happened?” you asked, worry already creeping into your voice.

“Nuna! Can you come pick up hyung? We went out for dinner and he drank a little too much…-”

Your brows furrowed as you were already reaching for your keys and coat, closing your laptop. “Is he okay…-” you started, but a startled noise from the other end cut you off, followed by Chani hurriedly telling someone to stay still.

“Nuna! Hurry, we’re at that restaurant by the complex!”

“Alright, I’ll be there.” you replied, unable to stop the small laugh that slipped out. You weren’t used to hearing the younger man sound so panicked.

Getting there was easy enough, you’d been to the place plenty of times before.

But the sight that greeted you when you stepped out of the car was… priceless.

A very flushed, very drunk Seokwoo sat on the curb, arms wrapped tightly around a street pole like it was the only thing keeping him grounded, his head drooping sleepily against it. Beside him stood Chani, looking completely worn out.

The moment Chani spotted you, his face lit up. He rushed over, stopping right in front of you.

“I’m so glad you’re here! Here, his things…-” he said, practically shoving Seokwoo’s belongings into your arms.

You blinked, caught off guard as he immediately turned to leave. “Oh..-wait, how are you going to…-?”

“I’ll get an Uber, don’t worry, nuna! Take care!” he called over his shoulder, already backing away.

Before you could say anything else, he was gone, shouting something along the lines of “Taxi!” as he ran off.

“…What?” you muttered, a soft chuckle escaping you as you shook your head, amused.

Then you turned back toward the restaurant, and more importantly, toward your very drunk boyfriend still clinging to a street pole like it was the love of his life.

You couldn’t help but smile, steadying yourself as you walked over to him.

“Just what did you do? Scaring poor Chani off like that…” you murmured, amused, crouching down in front of him. You set his things aside for a moment and reached out. “Alright, let’s go home now…-”

But Seokwoo immediately shook off your hands.

He blinked at you, squinting as if trying to focus, before tightening his grip around the pole like it might disappear if he let go.

“Don’t touch me…” he slurred, voice low and unsteady. “I’m happily in a relationship, you see…”

You paused, then let out a small, incredulous smile.

What?

Did he think you were a stranger?

“I know… and I’m…-” you tried again, reaching for his arm to help him up.

He brushed you off again, more insistently this time.

“I said don’t touch me… only my girlfriend can touch me…” he mumbled, attempting a glare that had absolutely no effect, before turning his face away with a soft, stubborn, “Hmph!”

You covered your mouth, unable to hide your smile.

Loyal to a fault, even like this.

He was… unbearably cute. Like a sulky, drunk kitten clinging to its favorite spot.

“Really?” you hummed, deciding to play along, tilting your head slightly. “She sounds very lucky to have you.”

Seokwoo’s expression shifted instantly.

A wide, soft smile spread across his face, his entire demeanor melting. He swayed a little, enough to make you instinctively reach forward in alarm, but he managed to steady himself.

“No…” he murmured, almost dreamy. “I’m the lucky one… Let me tell you about her…”

He lifted his fingers as if to count, though they wobbled mid-air.

“She’s beautiful… smart… kind… and cute…” he trailed off, pausing as if the thought alone overwhelmed him.

Then he covered his face, letting out a lovesick little giggle.

“So cute… she’s the cutest…”

Your breath hitched slightly, warmth creeping up your cheeks despite yourself.

Hearing him talk about you like that, so soft, so certain, while looking right past you as if you were just another stranger…

It made your heart race in a way you weren’t prepared for.

“But you can’t see her, absolutely not… she’s mine…” he added suddenly, his expression turning oddly serious for a split second, before it melted again into a soft, disbelieving smile.

“...She’s mine? She’s mine…” he repeated under his breath, almost giggling to himself like a lovestruck fan.

You huffed, fanning your face lightly, trying to calm the warmth rising to your cheeks. This man… you really couldn’t handle him like this.

“I know, she is,” you said gently. “Should we get going now… honey?”

Your voice softened, familiar, something he’d recognize.

And it worked.

Seokwoo’s head snapped up, eyes focusing on you again. For a brief second, he just stared, then his face lit up, breaking into a wide, delighted smile.

“Oh…- it’s y/n! What took you so long…?” he swooned, immediately slumping forward.

You barely caught him before he took you down with him, wrapping an arm around his waist to steady both of you.

“Sorry, I’m here now,” you murmured, hiding your smile as you helped him up, making sure he wouldn’t trip over his own feet.

A small thought crossed your mind, would he even remember any of this tomorrow?

It was too precious. You knew you wouldn’t forget it.

“You know…” he started again, voice dipping into a pout as you slowly guided him toward the car. “Before you came… a strange lady came to me, saying she wanted to take me home…”

You bit back a laugh as he complained about, well, you, hiccuping slightly mid-sentence. You reached up instinctively, patting his head.

“But I drove her away!” he added proudly.

Of course he did.

You smiled, opening the car door and helping him into the passenger seat.

“Really? Good job then.”

He beamed at you as you walked around to the driver’s side, eyes bright, almost expectant, like an overexcited puppy waiting for praise.

“Right? I did well, didn’t I?”

That smile, so wide, so sincere, made your chest tighten.

You nodded, reaching over to gently pat his head.

“You did. You did well… there, there…”

He visibly relaxed at that, melting into the seat as if your words alone drained the last of his energy.

You let out a soft sigh, fond, a little exasperated, adjusting the heater and making sure he was comfortable before starting the car.

Honestly…

What were you ever going to do with this man?

...!