#suhoxreader

Junmyeon knew it would’ve been selfish if he neglected Chanyeol’s wishes when he barged into his bedroom of their shared apartment, hair disheveled with a stressed look washed over his face. “I can’t do this anymore, I need to be with her. She’s all I think about, night and day. I haven’t even had a real conversation with her yet I know everything about her... and I love but hate everything about her because she makes me feel like I can’t live unless it’s with her.” He was aware that the younger male was going through the side-effects of refusing a relationship with his designated soulmate, evidently on the brink of detonation. It was time to let her go, no matter how much he loved her. She belonged to Chanyeol. 

The moment Junmyeon picked up the phone to ask Chanyeol to check up on her while on his business trip, he sensed over the phone Chanyeol’s wariness at the sight of the girl’s frame in bed, shivering from a fever. It was that very second it became clear to him that Chanyeol was biologically her soulmate, someone she could never let go even if she tried. Both of their dreams would be flooded with the thoughts of each other, sleepwalking mid-day to meet unconsciously, and yearning for the embrace of one another though far apart.

Goodbyes were rough. But the goodbye with her especially was the worst. 

Telling her that she wasn’t made for him and that they couldn’t be together while her eyes were brimming with tears was the hardest moment of his life. Breaking the heart of the woman he still loved was never in his plans. But Chanyeol was his best friend and watching him deteriorate day by day was just as painful for himself. 

So he sacrificed his love so that they could be together.

“Junmyeon, you don’t know how much it means to me that you came.” She says, voice soft. They’re standing in the corner of the living room, separated from the group just enough to hear the other speak. “I know how uncomfortable it must be for—”

“Don’t say that.” He interjects, adjusting the black beanie that sits on his head. “I meant what I said that day months ago. Just because we aren’t together like that doesn’t mean I won’t be in your life anymore. You were more than just a girl I dated, I loved you.”

He lied. He still loves her. But he’d never say that.

She’s chewing on her bottom lip, hair cut shorter from their last exchange that strays fall out from the hair-tie and over her face. He wishes he could push it away and behind her ear but that’s crossing the line.

“I loved you too, Junmyeon. You know that.”

“But you love Chanyeol now.” He adds, grabbing his jacket off the coat rack. Junmyeon was ending his night earlier than the rest, claiming that he wasn’t feeling too well from having to wake up early and sleeping later for an assignment at work when really he couldn’t bear to watch the two of them together for long, his heart still healing. “And I’m happy that it’s working out.”

His first love stands there for a moment, silent, despite the sounds coming from the main area as she walks him toward the front door. “Why are you so quiet?” Junmyeon questions, raising a brow.

“Chanyeol and I talked about the topic of marriage.”

Marriage. He hasn’t even fully recovered from the break-up yet and she’s already moved on entirely. 

“But... I’m not ready. I still think of you.” The words would have been more comforting if it resulted with her in his arms instead.

“We both need to move on.” He sighs, one hand on the doorknob and his heart still in hers. “It’s going to take some time but it’ll be worth it in the end. The torture from being without him will stop.”

“How did you know?”

“Know about what?”

“That I had those side effects. I never told you about it.”

Junmyeon sighs, finally turning the handle to open the door. “You started looking more and more tired each day and you complained about it often. So I did some research to see what was wrong. It’s a side effect from denying your soulmate.”

Forcing himself into work everyday was hard.

After spending so much time with his first love, she was close to convincing him to drop his day job for a career in music. Working in a corporate office was gnawing on him alive, not to mention how unbearably stiff the suits were while he sat at his office for over 8 hours a day.

“Hey,” Someone says. Her voice is tender and calm, capturing his attention. “Junmyeon, right?” You were peeking your head into his cubicle, too short to completely reach over the walls.

You were the CEO of the company he worked at, the founder of a skincare line that you developed the formulas on your own with hands-on operations and testing, utilizing your degree received after University where you studied in the States. He’d only been part of the business team for a short period of time and hadn’t even gotten to meet you yet, despite how heavily involved you were on the floor.

“Yes, I’m Junmyeon,” He says quickly, breaking his gaze before standing up, bowing and extending his hand for a shake. “Sorry about that. Wasn’t expecting to see you.” You repeat his actions and if he didn’t know any better, he’d think you were mocking him.

“Sorry, it’s okay. I came unannounced. Should’ve probably called or something right?” You ask, scratching the back of your head agonizingly, slightly unsure how to act in social situations. “I just thought I could stop by to talk to you.”

“I’m available to talk. Something wrong?”

Straightening the pencil skirt that hugs your lower half, you grin cheekily at him. “I’ve been going around lately, trying to understand the jobs of the people who work here. We’ve been doing so well that I wanted to meet the people who were extremely involved in the impact. Would you like to go out for lunch with me?”

Blinking blankly, Junmyeon is taken aback. You— the woman ran an entire company with products on the shelves of huge department stores to high end private shops just for the elite to take him out to lunch?

He glances over at his lunch bag that sits on the corner of the desk, pausing for a moment. And almost as if you read his mind, you say, “We could always put it in the fridge for tomorrow. Come. Let me take you out for lunch, Junmyeon. Company’s treat!”

Dropping by your office before making way out, you snatch the jacket off the back of your office chair, slinging it over your shoulders.

Junmyeon just stands in the doorway entering in, leery about coming in any further. Despite you being the one asking him to tag along, he still felt the invisible wall between the two of you, a CEO and just some guy in the business department.

Your office was massive— the windows were stretched from corner to corner, ceiling to floor, with a view of the city that was breathtaking. On the opposite side had a glass wall, seeing out to the rest of the floor where employees work, but oddly enough you never had the blinds of it opened.

“Why are you standing there so awkwardly?” You chuckle, grabbing your wallet, phone and keys from the top of your desk. “You know that you can come in here, right? I don’t bite.”

“Sorry,” he mutters, rubbing his nape anxiously. “Just kind of feels like I don’t belong here.”

You roll your eyes, walking toward him and out the room as he follows, closing the door behind. “Junmyeon, you’re always welcomed in my office. Any problems you have are mine as well. Don’t hesitate to talk to me about anything, I own an entire company for God’s sake! I would do anything I can to help a fellow employee.”

In his department, you had a reputation. Men thought you were hot— so attractive that whenever you’d walk by and greet everyone on your way to your office, they’d drool, eyes never leaving your bare legs or bottom. Women were more of a split category; some resented you for gaining the attention of men so easily, others admire your hard work and ambitions, yet trying very hard to accommodate any of the employees’ issues personally. It was hard to please everyone.

“Johnny,” You call out your assistant, his desk sitting several feet outside of your office. “I’m having lunch with Junmyeon today.”

Johnny is a skyscraper. But when he’s sitting down, he seems so small next to you, almost like a little grocery store in the corner of the block of a big city while at his desk.

“So you’re ditching Eunwoo today?”

“Never said I agreed to having lunch with him. If he comes, just say I left. I’m having lunch with Junmyeon.”

Leaning back in his seat, he has his arms crossed against his chest, squinting at you. Junmyeon always questioned the relations between you and Johnny, but after observing the entire conversation, it seems like he’s just a concerned friend. Most likely why you keep him around.

“Should I say you’re having lunch with Junmyeon? Might piss Eunwoo off.” He says, gesturing toward Junmyeon when he says his name.

“Why are you trying to piss him off? I said I was over it.” You click your tongue, waving off Johnny in dismissal afterwards. “Whatever, I said I’m leaving. See you after lunch.”

“You’re probably wondering who Eunwoo is,” You unlock the doors of your car, opening the drivers side when Junmyeon stops in his tracks. “He’s my ex.”

“Wait— you’re driving?”

“Yeah, how else would we get there?” Sliding into the driver’s seat, he hesitates for a moment before following into the passenger side.

“Just didn’t think you’d be driving.” Junmyeon responds, putting on his seatbelt over his body. “Were you supposed to meet with your ex today?”

“He assumed.” Pressing the start button, the engine of the Audi roars, a sweet sound to any car enthusiast’s ears.

“You don’t think I drive?”

“More like... I thought you had a driver.”

You shake your head, pulling out of the garage of the company’s building, driving in the direction of a restaurant he’s not familiar with.

“Where are we going?”

“Pick: a five star restaurant or a restaurant that deserves it?”

“The latter.”

“A man after my own heart,” You joke, glancing over his direction with a sweet smile. “My favorite spot. It won’t take long.”

It’s a ramyun restaurant hidden within a large city without much foot traffic, but he wasn’t going to doubt your plans.

After handing the waiter back your menus with your orders, you rub your hands on your skirt sheepishly. “Uh, do you have a girlfriend?”

Shocked by the sudden question, Junmyeon’s jaw slacks.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I mean, have you met your soulmate yet?” Once the words leave your mouth again, you groan at your lack of execution of holding small talk. “Sorry again, ignore that. Didn’t mean it like that.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend and no, I haven’t yet.” He thought your reaction was cute. It was understandable how people were so easily smitten by you. “Do you?”

“No,” You say, voice a bit disappointed but your face doesn’t show it. “But I’m too busy anyway. I meant to ask because you’ve been working endless hours and I was afraid it was taking you away from someone at home.”

You were worried about him. It was different from the way his first love showed that she cared, she was more of a person who showed that she was worried, less vocal than you.

“No,” He chuckles light heartedly. Coming into your car, he was tensed and intimidated by your presence, but seeing the way you stuttered your words made you seem more human than how the employees made you out to be. “I’m alone. No one is nagging at me at home.”

“Ah,” You say, tapping your fingers onto the wooden table. “I see. I’m really impressed with your work, Junmyeon. How did you get into your career field?”

“Just seemed simpler at the time,” He admits, leaning back into his chair. “It was an easy major that my group of friends were considering, and although I really wanted to pursue music, I knew I needed some stability.”

“Music?” You ask as the waitress comes by with glasses full of water as you bow your head in appreciation. “Are you still interested in it?”

“Mm, sometimes. I’ve produced some songs here and there, I enjoy working with my creative side.”

“Would you venture out of your comfort zone?”

“I mean, if I could I would. But I have bills to pay, so I stay where I am now and do the best I can at it.”

You’re quiet for a moment as the server comes by, delivering your bowls of ramyun to the table. The aroma coming from the food made your mouths water, and your stomach growling in hunger in the process. “Sorry,” Your cheeks flush pink. “I’m kinda hungry.”

“Don’t apologize,” A smile tugs on the edges of his mouth softly. “It’s natural.”

Your stomach tightens at his smile but you brush it off as just a reaction from starving yourself from yesterday’s lunch. Business has been blooming, taking time away from your everyday from actually taking care of yourself. Taking Junmyeon here was supposed to be a learning experience about him, something you said you’d try doing frequently with your employees, but getting to eat at your favorite restaurant was your own version of self-care.

“How would you consider working in my marketing department? Well, more of the design or creative team. I have commercials and clips they play in stores to produce, and if you’re interested, maybe you can dip your toes in that. Both working with music and filmography?”

Junmyeon stops in the midst of blowing the steam from his raging hot noodles, lips pursed. “Wait, what?”

After chewing a mouthful of the delicious ramyun that awakens both you and your tastebuds, you blissfully lean back in your seat. “Jesus, just one bite takes me away.” You compliment before sitting back up, preparing yourself for another spoonful. “What I’m trying to say is, if you’re interested, you should consider working in the marketing department. I can’t offer you a record deal, but I can get your foot in the door somewhere.”

“I haven’t shown you a portfolio or anything.” He says, sweat beads forming on his forehead, and he’s not sure if it’s from anxiety or the temperature of the noodles.

“You don’t need to. It’s a learning experience and you grow and improve as you go. I trust that if you enjoy it enough, you’d get better with it. If you don’t, that’s okay. Feel free to tell me and I’d be more than happy to put you back in the business department, hauling away with meetings and conversations with both men and women that you probably hate with a fiery passion.”

“You’re not serious, are you?”

“Do you want it or not, Junmyeon? I’m a busy woman, I’m trying to eat my noodles.”

Knocking on the tall wooden doors that lead into your office, he discreetly opens it slightly, peering before completely entering. He calls out your name, the gentlest sound you’ve ever heard as your head snaps in his direction. “You asked for me?”

“I did!” You point to the seat across from your desk, gesturing for him to get comfortable. 

“What could I do for you?”

You’re finishing up an email, eyes glued on the monitor before hitting the ‘send’ button before fully giving your whole attention to the male in front of you. “It’s been a week since you’ve started in your new department. How is it?”

You were right, it had been an entire week since you’ve last spoken, occasionally exchanging glances in the office, and Junmyeon can’t believe how quickly time had passed by. You had transitioned him in the marketing department, with hopes that he could get some more exposure to a different part of the industry since his dreams fit more with dipping into his artistic skills. He was enjoying the new experience so much that he had forgotten how much time had passed, assuming he’d only seen you several days go.

“It’s been a week already?” He says without thought, running his fingers through his lightly styled hair. You can’t help but notice the way he makes your breath hitch but you dismiss the feeling by clearing your throat. “I guess I’ve been enjoying it so much I haven’t even noticed how quickly time has passed.”

“That’s good to hear!” He actually seemed delighted with his new job. One of the perks of being in your position was being able to do things like this and see people change, see people be happy. If it fit your means to do it, you’d make it happen. “I’m glad. Please feel free to tell me if you’re having any issues. I’m flexible, if you’re not content with what you’re doing, I can always transfer you somewhere else within the company, or even back to where you were.”

“Can I ask something?”

“Sure, shoot. What is it?” You rest your arms on your large glass desk that seemed so tiny in your spacious office. 

He’s quiet for a moment, licking his lips in thought. “Why are you doing this? I didn’t think it was possible for me to... just switch out of my department and do something entirely new. I don’t have the skillset for it, nor a degree or anything.”

Shrugging, you purse your lips, eyes circling the room. “Because life isn’t easy. Not everyone is going to find what they enjoy in their high school years when they’re applying for colleges. Hell, college isn’t necessarily the place you’re guaranteed to find what you like anyway.”

“But you did?”

“I did, but I got lucky. I’ve witnessed enough people go through those feelings. Graduating from a university with a degree you worked hard to obtain in four years, only to realize that this isn’t what you want?” Taking a brief moment to organize your thoughts, you continue. “I want the people who work for me to be happy, Junmyeon. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them, if it weren’t for people like you. In actuality, I think I work for everyone here since everyone is working to make my dreams come true. It’s only fair if I try to do the same.”

Junmyeon wasn’t quite sure why, but he was comparing you to his first love again. 

There was a huge difference between the both—few similarities like how independent the two of you were, how immersed in your careers you’d been, and how much you cared for other people. It’d been the first time in a while since he’d been so observant and drawn someone, so distracted from his ex that he found himself wanting to know more about you.

“That’s... selfless.” 

“Just a thought.” You grin, tapping the pads of your fingertips against your desk again. It’s a habit of yours when you’re dubious about your next action, he picks up. “Do you think you can show me some of the things you’re working on before they air?”

“I heard you got a new job,” Chanyeol says from beside, startling Junmyeon as he’s grabbing a couple pieces of pork onto his plate. “How’d you land such a great deal? You’re producing the commercial for that skincare line you used to work for, right?”

“Somewhat right,” Junmyeon responds, a bit distracted by cooking the raw meat, placing the completed ones on Chanyeol’s plate. “I still work for that company. They just transferred me out the department to try something new.”

“No way.” Chanyeol’s eyes are huge, but they’re bulging out his head from surprise. “How did that happen?”

Junmyeon shrugs however a smile sits brightly in his face. “CEO asked what I wanted to do, I told her, and here we are.”

“Sounds like she likes you.” Minseok interjects into the conversation, popping open another bottle of cold beer. “You won the heart of the big CEO lady already? Sounds like a Korean drama,” He says, wriggling his brows suggestively.

Junmyeon denies. “Honestly, she does this thing where she has lunch with several employees to get to know what they do everyday since there has been growth in the company.”

“So you’ve had lunch with her?” Jongin is in on the conversation now, eyes from all the men at the table glued into Junmyeon.

“Uh, yes?”

“So, it was a lunch date.” Sehun invites himself in.

“No, it was just a boss and employee lunch. What’s up with you guys?”

“You’ve never really... talked about a girl lately.” Jongdae points out faintly, almost like he’s scared to pull a nerve. “At least, not for this long.”

“She’s nice... I just don’t think someone like her would ever like someone like me, though. She’s attractive, nice, and caring— but guys, come on. She owns an entire skincare line that are on the shelves of every store.”

“Stop talking down on yourself,” Chanyeol’s speaking now, and his warm orbs are comforting when they meet with Junmyeon’s. “There’s no guarantee that you’ll meet your soulmate, especially since the age is coming up. Doesn’t hurt to try shooting your shot with her, right?”

The age. The age where once you turn thirty, your chances of ever meeting your soulmate declines almost to 2%. Junmyeon has already hit the ripe age of 29 with only a year left before his probability descends into the abyss.

“I can’t hit on her.” He furrows his brows, stuffing his cheeks with a bite of kimchi. “She’s my boss.”

“Be discreet. Give her some subtle hints. If she doesn’t reciprocate, then abort mission and pretend you were just being nice.”

Junmyeon rolls his eyes at his friends’ advices. They were constantly interrupting each other with new ideas after another before someone taps his shoulder. “Junmyeon?”

“Oh— hey. Hey!” He says your name; he always says it the same way, the way that it warms your heart to the point you just wish you could grab his arms to wrap around you so you could doused yourself in his scent. He had an impact on you but you held your composure. Maybe you were starting to crush on him, if you haven’t already, because he was just so kind but he’s the type to be kind to everyone.

“Uh, guys. This is my boss...” He introduces, scratching his head. He continues on naming the rest of his group, hesitant about the whole ordeal as you wave cheekily to them all.

“You guys can just call me by my name, I’m not Junmyeon’s boss outside of the office.” You turn to look at the older male, hands stuffed into the front pockets of your jeans.

Even in the horrible brightness of fluorescent lighting, you managed to still look seamlessly beautiful in Junmyeon’s eyes. Your attire was distinct from the everyday work apparel yet you still appeared put together. Maybe Junmyeon was the one crushing.

“Come join us!” Chanyeol says quickly, gesturing the seat on the other side of Junmyeon as Jongdae slides over to give you enough room.

Junmyeon clicks his tongue, feigning a hit to Chanyeol before looking over at you. “I’m sorry, are you here with someone? I don’t want to take you away from them or force you to sit with us if you don’t want to.”

“Ah, honestly, I was just going to order something off the menu and take it home to eat. Unless you don’t want me here?” 

“Oh, no, of course I want you here, come,” Junmyeon responds, tapping the empty seat beside him. Timidly, you shrug your shoulders before taking up the offer and settle at the side of Junmyeon. 

Throughout the night, being with Junmyeon and his friends let you discover a completely new side of him. With them, he was considered the ‘mother’ of the group, nurturing and looking out for the rest of them, despite not being the eldest. He’s admirable, so Yixing remarks, but also selfless because he never has himself on his mind other than his friends and family.

When Junmyeon excuses himself to the bathroom, you learn that he sacrificed his relationship with the girl of his dreams so she could be with her soulmate regardless of the fact that she didn’t want to be with him because he rejected her. You find out that Chanyeol was the friend, and that he wants nothing more than to help find happiness for him as well. 

You pay for dinner. Junmyeon argues with you about it for a brief moment before you jokingly threaten that his job was on the line and he pouts in return. You’re almost bold enough to tell him that if he lets you kiss his pout that he could pay.

“Uh... Why are you in my office?”

“You cancelled on lunch last time. And a few times before that. I wanted to come so I can spontaneously take you out for dinner instead.”

You squint your eyes at the male in front of you, throwing the pen in your hand on your desk heatedly. “Catch the hint? I’m not very interested in the idea of having lunch with you. Or anything, really.”

“The idea, but you haven’t done it yet.”

Eunwoo is probably the cutest guy you’ve laid your eyes on but after dating for three years, it became evidently clear that the two of you didn’t click at all. Girls were at his beck and call, and you were growing tired of having to tell him which girls had bad intentions. You felt like his mom. He’s too sweet but it was starting to hurt your pride a bit when rumors were going around that he was flirting with others so you immediately put a stop to the relationship. 

“Eunwoo,” You sigh heavily, leaning back in your swivel chair. It’s around 5:00PM at this point, your day filled with meetings and tasks regarding a new launch approaching soon. “This... is really sweet of you. But we broke up.”

“I’m obviously here to try again.”

“You’re so oblivious about women all the time! I’m tired of teaching you, I need someone who doesn’t need to be groomed to fit me.”

There’s a knock on the door, and both your heads snap toward the direction to only see Junmyeon’s head peeking into the room. “Uh, sorry, am I interrupting something? Johnny said I could come in.”

You wanted to call Junmyeon your own personal superhero because he’s standing there in what seems like his best work outfit, and you’re almost drooling at the sight of him. Maybe it was because it was already so late in the day, and he looks like he’s been at his desk for a long time since his tie is loosened around his neck, and a button is undone.

“No, please, come in.” Eunwoo’s glare could pierce through you right now but you keep your gaze away. 

“Sorry,” Junmyeon bows at the other male before Eunwoo takes a seat in the corner of the room where the black leather couches were. He wasn’t backing down any time soon. “I... finished the video.”

“Oh?” He’s handing you a small flashdrive that you take willingly, inserting it into your computer before clicking around on your desktop before you reach your destination.

“Do you have headphones or something?”

Your brows crinkle in confusion. “What?”

He pulls out his keys, flipping open a case that holds his AirPods, placing it into the palm of your hand as you tilt your head when he rounds your desk, helping you bluetooth the device in. “Why are we doing this again?”

“Just a bit embarrassed about my first project. I don’t actually want to see you watch it.”

Eunwoo has his legs crossed, eyes shooting darts in the direction of you. He must be bursting with jealousy with how Junmyeon is seemingly close to you, making his way back to the seat in front of your desk, settling comfortably. Eunwoo observes that this is definitely not the first time the other male has been in your office.

After a few moments, you pull the buds out from your ears, placing it back into the white case and returning it to Junmyeon. “Wow... I--... Honestly, Jun, that was one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen. I mean I have some notes, don’t take it the wrong way, but... this is different.”

“I hope you mean a good kind of different?”

“Of course.”

He’s gifting you that warm smile again. “Send them over. I’ll take a look and send you an updated version.”

“You like him.”

“Hm?” You hum heedlessly, typing away on the computer with your comments still fresh in your mind. Junmyeon had left your office moments before, taking his leave home.

“You have a crush on that guy. I just saw you give him that look.” Agilely turning your head to face your ex-lover, you heave out a sigh. “What look, Eunwoo?”

“You used to look at me like that. I remember it because it’s when I knew that you returned those feelings for me and I went for it.” 

Frustrated, you push your keyboard away. “What? I can’t just look at a guy now? All of the sudden you’re an expert at these things? And why does it even matter? We’re not together anymore.”

“Because he’s competition? What else?”

“Eunwoo, get the fuck out please.” You say through your gritted teeth before throwing a post-it note stack at him as he makes his way out your office. “Okay, okay! I’ll be back though!”

There’s another knock at your door. Glancing at the clock that hangs above your desk, it reads 8:30PM and you could have sworn you told Johnny to go home hours ago. If it wasn’t Johnny, then...

Getting up from the couch full of loose papers and your laptop, you walk up toward the door, swinging it open. “Eunwoo, didn’t I tell you to fuck off—”

“Uh, I take it that the guy in the room earlier was Eunwoo then?”

In a pair of grey sweats and a T-shirt, Junmyeon is standing in your doorframe underneath a baseball cap. In his hands are bags of takeout, raising it up for your viewing once your eyes laid on it.

“What’s this?” You step aside to let him in, watching as he reorganizes the papers on your coffee table and places them onto another part of the couch, setting up the food. “You didn’t seem like you were going to cave into having dinner with that guy, and the launch is happening soon. I figured you’d still be here and skip dinner.”

In all honesty, this is what you would’ve wanted Eunwoo to do. Back when the two of you were dating, you had been stuck in the same scenario— couped up in your office, drowning yourself in paperwork without any time to make back home until the night before the launch day to get ready for the event. You wanted Eunwoo to take notice, doing something similar as to this, bringing food to you instead of forcing you to go out when you didn’t have much time to spare.

“I— I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Junmyeon, really. I was starving, but with how security is at the door at this time of night, delivery would’ve been a bit of a hassle.”

“Don’t sweat it, boss.” He jokes as you sit on the couch and he plops himself onto a seat across from you. “I got you the ramyun you had last time from that place you took me.”

“You did? How’d you remember what I ordered?”

“It was so spicy, I smelt it and sneezed a couple times.” Snapping the disposable chopsticks, he hands you the pair. “Plus, who would forget a name like ‘the Diablo Ramyun’? There’s a picture of a dragon breathing fire right next to the name on the menu.”

Junmyeon kept you company that night. He eventually started reading Webtoon comics on his phone after having dinner, laying on the couch before falling into a deep slumber, mouth agape. Grabbing a spare blanket you kept for nights you spent in your office, you drape it over his body, and pulled off his hat.

He looks angelic like this— albeit he has drool streaming from the sides of his mouth. Not obligated to stay, but nonetheless he did, all because he didn’t want you to be alone or feel lonely. Although you insisted he should go home, he contends, eventually winning the argument by comfortably designating the spot on the couch to himself. 

You don’t miss those soundless nights in your office anymore. Junmyeon’s snoring along with your tumultuous typing sets a new standard of bliss.

It’s been about two months since that night and Junmyeon is frequent in your life. 

He’s on speed-dial when you want to try new restaurants or go to events that are in the city, and he never fails to come by your side to keep you company. Sometimes, his smile catches you off guard, fluttering your heart, but other times, you think he feels as though his presence is necessary because you gave him his dream job.

“So, rumor has it: Junmyeon sleeps over at the office.”

“What makes you say that?” 

Johnny eyes you suspiciously. “Other than the fact that he leaves your office bright and early in the morning with slightly damp hair with an outfit that’s just barely different from the day before?”

Your breath stops, but your fingers continue to tap away at an email. “Does he?”

“So, you sleeping with him?” You stiffen, scowling at your assistant. “No, I am not.”

“What’s he doing in here then?” 

“He just... sleeps over whenever I’m having a late night session.”

“Oh, so you are sleeping with him.”

“Johnny.” You say firmly. “I am not. He just keeps me company ‘cause I’m all by myself here and it’s dark out.”

He’s reclining in the armchair in front of your desk, toes pushing off the ground while rocking the seat. “Why don’t you just ask him out if you like him that much? Why are you wasting your time just... ‘keeping company’ instead of... being his companion.”

“I’m his boss.”

“And? That’s a sexy thing. He might like a strong, self-sufficient woman. Hell—I know I do. But you’re not into me, so I’m gonna help Junmyeon if I can’t help myself.”

Ears now crimson, you admit defeat and lounge in your large work chair with a cumbersome sigh, playing along with his game. “I don’t have time to date.”

“He’s here at least once a week spending the night with you. You have time, and if you don’t, he’ll make the time to be with you.”

Pausing a moment in thought with a hum, you hit the tip of your fingers against the glass desk. “I’m not his type.”

“Oh hush, I see the way he looks at you. He thinks you’re gorgeous.”

Pursing up your lips, you assert, “I don’t believe that. What if I meet my soulmate?”

“Stop doubting your looks, he practically salivates at the sight of you that it’s all over the floor. Also, that soulmate thing? That never stopped you from dating Eunwoo, so why is Junmyeon any different?”

You shrug, playing with the pen in front of you. “His ex dated him and ended up being with her soulmate.”

“You honestly think you’re going to meet your soulmate? Tell me. You were in that research group for a couple years, what’d you gather from that?” If it wasn’t for HR, you’d probably have you hands wrapped around Johnny’s giraffe neck by now.

Back in University, you decided to partake in the Soulmate Research Group for your co-op program, rationalizing that this could help you find your ‘the one.’ The group resulted in slapping you into reality, educating you the chances of finding your soulmate had declined to almost none when considering the probability. It was the worst year of your life, having to come to terms that this fairy-tale that everyone in your life had made love seem was just something that only lucky people got to cooperate in.

“I... yeah, I know. It’s just so many goddamn people met their soulmate already, what about me? What makes me so different from the bunch?”

Johnny says your name, this time sweetly with a tone he never uses. “I never met my soulmate either. But Junmyeon is almost hitting 30, right? Imagine how he’s feeling. He can’t even get laid by a pretty girl that he sleeps in her office for on the most uncomfortable couch, let alone find his soulmate.”

“Do you like me?”

“What kind of question is that?” He glances at you quizzically, fixating his attention back under the hood of your car, twisting off the cap of your car sump, checking the oil levels. An oil light had popped onto the dashboard a couple days ago and you texted Junmyeon what he recommended to do, only for him to dispute that he’d check it himself.

“I don’t know, just answer it. Do you like me?”

He chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief as he wipes the oil rod with a rag. “Of course I like you. Why else would I hang out with you and change your oil?”

“No,” You groan, leaning against your front headlights, slouching in annoyance. “Like... not as a friend. As a woman. More than a friend, someone you want to date.”

He stands, slack-jawed. 

“Listen— I totally get if you don’t see me in that way, but Johnny said he saw the way you looked at me, and I figured, ‘hey, why not try to ask him out’ so—“

“Of course I see you that way. Who doesn’t? I kind of just assumed you weren’t into me since you were always rejecting my advances.”

“Advances?”

Lifting up the dirty rag in his greasy, stained hands, the sides of his mouth twitches upwards. “Like I said, why would I change your oil? Plus, how many nights have I slept in your office on that god awful couch? I also have a toothbrush in your bathroom. And spare underwear. Need I say more?”

Chewing on your bottom lip and watching as he finishes up, closing the hood of your car, you tap your shoes anxiously against the concrete ground. “Can I ask you something else?”

“What is it?”

“Can I kiss you?”

You can already imagine how difficult showering is going to be later, but with Junmyeon’s plush lips pressed against yours, how could you complain about his tarnished hands underneath the fabric of your shirt, caressing the skin of your waist?

Guiding your hips to sit onto the hood of your car, your arms snake around his neck, playing with the longer strands of his hair that brush against his nape. The way he kisses feels like he’s going to suck the air out of your lungs but you couldn’t care less— you finally had him in your embrace and you weren’t going to let go.

He’s amiable, even though it’s contradicting that he’s tugging on your lower lip between his teeth, your lips swollen and plump from the aggressive make-out session. He doesn’t push too far, just right where you’re comfortable, especially when you’re in your opened garage out for your neighbors to see. 

You’re not sure how much time has passed but he’s already claimed the territory in the middle of your legs, towing you close with a grip on your thighs. Placing the palm of his hands on either side of you on the car, he grins cheekily after pulling out of the kiss, heavy pants against each other’s face.

“Did my boss just make-out with me?” You slap his chest, rolling your eyes in unison. “Stop it. I know you’re enjoying this, I feel it.” Wrapping your arms around his lower frame, you pull him close, pressing your crotch against his as his groans. “Now you stop it. I’m not taking you here.”

Junmyeon is a gentleman. He declares that he wouldn’t be taking you anywhere near the bedroom until he takes you out on a proper date, in spite of the fact that you both had broken his rule of no kissing and no sex before a date. 

If you thought that you had everything you wanted before, you were wrong. Not until you met him.

“I met my soulmate.”

Straightening the paperwork on your desk, pretending to preoccupy yourself from this conversation and stay cool, you place the manila envelopes flat back on your desk, eyes eventually locked on the figure in your office. “Okay?”

“This means we can’t go back to what we ever were again...”

Feelings of uncertainty arise in your stomach—it’s obvious it’s jealousy. Was it because he found his soulmate and he was never coming back or that you haven’t even met yours? 

Eunwoo stands in the middle of the room, hands in the pockets of his dress pants, contemplating what to say next. 

“We’re not together anymore.”

He knows this—he knows this so well with the amount of times you remind him that it’s embedded in his brain, nonetheless in the general picture of things, Eunwoo always thought that you’d find your way back home and into his arms. He’d tell you this, despite the amount of times you’ve rejected him, but hearing now that he really won’t come back because he has a soulmate hits different. 

Maybe Eunwoo had been a back-up plan. There’s never 100% bliss in a relationship, and you never saw yourself getting married to him and having kids but the thought of having Eunwoo in the back of your head meant that even if you didn’t find ‘the one,’ Eunwoo would be the replacement. It sounds fuck-up, it all sounded fucked-up but who would love a woman who ran an entire company by herself and barely have time for anyone else in her life?

“It means... I officially can’t come back to you anymore and you can’t expect for me to fall back into your hands like putty. I’m done... but it doesn’t mean I don’t love you anymore.”

“I know, Eunwoo.”

“It’s just— it’s my soulmate.”

“Don’t miss out on that opportunity.” You say sternly. 

Thwarted by your reaction, he snaps. “I’m so sick of this. I should’ve just given up sooner—I’ve been in your life for 6 years, we dated for 3, and you can’t even be happy for me? You can’t even tell me that you still love me although you’re the one who left me?”

Head dropping onto the back of your chair, you close your eyes for a moment. “Eunwoo, I’ll always love you, I never thought I had to remind you of that. But we never worked out, we stopped clicking after a year in. We’re on different pages, we’re doing different things, and I never had the time to spend with you anymore.”

“It wasn’t that you never had the time, you never made time.”

“Don’t say that. I didn’t have time. You never made the effort to spend it with me.”

“What?” He says sharply. “Tell me, what could I have done differently? I want to hear it?”

Running your fingers through your strands of hair frustratedly, you grumble in discontent. “I wanted you to be here with me on those nights I spent in the office. I wanted to have dinner with you here, but you always insisted we go out. I wanted you to be part of my projects, do things with me because we’re in the same field, yet you couldn’t even do that. I wanted you to be around and try in other ways even if it was hard to spend time with each other.”

“You’re the one who stopped trying!”

“I stopped trying when I saw how much effort you were putting into meeting these girls instead of me! How do you think I feel when you’re out buying coffee and delivering it to your co-worker? You couldn’t even do that for me.”

Clenching his jaw, he gives you a look before saying his last words. “You’re right. Maybe we weren’t right for each other.” As he’s walking toward the doors existing your office, you silently say, “She was your soulmate, wasn’t she? The co-worker.”

He turns to look at you, eyes sudden soft compared to moments ago. You were right. You’re always right.

Junmyeon is handsome in this lighting but it’s difficult to focus on the date with your argument with your ex from earlier.

He planned everything for the night—the lights, the picnic blanket, and wicker basket filled with delicious foods that he had cooked himself, a skill that he had been trying to improve lately since his roommate, Kyungsoo, had left for the military, and Chanyeol moved out to live with his soulmate. 

Pulling out two wine glasses, following with a bottle, he pops the cork out before pouring some into yours. “So, what’s on your mind?” Snapping back into reality, you laugh awkwardly, rubbing your arm.

“I’m sorry? Did you say something and I missed it? Nothing’s on my mind.”

“No, something is definitely up in there. I can see it in your face.” Handing the glass to you, he’s taking out the rest of the food from the basket; he’d packed everything from kimchi to kimbap, even cheese and deli meats. There was also pie— jesus, did he have to try so hard to get to your heart? You would be melting in his affection at this point if your head wasn’t so occupied.

“Uh... honestly, there’s something. But I’m not really in the mood to talk about it because it might ruin our date.”

“I’m afraid it would ruin our date if you don’t say anything.” He raises a brow.

Shoulders dropping in defeat, you take a sip of your wine for a boost of confidence. “Fine, fine. Eunwoo met his soulmate.”

Junmyeon nods, lips pursed. “Ah, I see. And you always thought that if it didn’t work out with someone else, you’d at least have Eunwoo?”

You freeze.

How’d he know that?

Almost like he read your thoughts, he’s speaking as he’s unraveling the plastic off the plates and containers. “I can kind of tell. You never fully pushed him away. If you didn’t want him in your life at all, you would’ve asked Johnny and the building to kick him out once he went through the lobby doors. Never happened— he’s even on your calendar for lunch, even if you don’t go.”

“You’re rather observant, aren’t you?”

“So I’ve been told.” He grins, taking your hand and giving it a light kiss. “Listen, I understand. Does it have to do with the soulmate thing?”

“A bit...” 

He shakes his head in condemnation, gaze drifting off at the sun that slowly begins to set in the horizon. “I hope you’re not upset because of me just because my ex left me for her soulmate. Not everyone meets their soulmate, you know? So if you met whomever it is, I’d want you to be with them.”

Ugh, Junmyeon is the epitome of a perfect man. It had been a thought that was on your mind recently, although you knew your chances of meeting your soulmate was slim, there was always that chance. 

“Thank you, Junmyeon. I feel the same way about you, you know.” With that, he nods in agreement before sticking a fork into the cheese, lifting it up to your lips. “Less talking about sad stuff now. Cheese?” With a smile, you comply with his offer and open your mouth.

The sun has long disappeared for the night and his friend, the moon, makes an appearance. Junmyeon is even more beautiful under the moonlight, if possible, laying on the blanket with his head resting on his arm as he admires the stars in the sky. 

Dinner was amazing— Junmyeon never fails to impress. You have to thank Chanyeol’s soulmate later on for going back to him because if it wasn’t for their bonding, you would’ve never actually met him. The previous year had taken a toll on you; the constant traveling from Japan, China, and Korea was deteriorating your health that you’d spend most of time in your office. Junmyeon didn’t even meet you until about two months ago. 

Your mind wanders off. Questions like: ‘how did Chanyeol meet his soulmate’ and ‘what stopped him from wanting to get to know the girl’ or ‘did any of your other friends meet their soulmate’ all flooded your head. You figured the night had been going so well you’d avoid the topic of soulmate and save those questions for another time. After what seemed like a moment, another inquiry lights a bulb over your head.

“Wait... we never talked about this before, but do you have a marking?”

“Of course,” He looks at you confusingly. “We all have markings.”

“But I never saw yours, and you never saw mine.” You clarify, and he nods at your statement. “Well, okay, yes, that’s true. Did you want to see it? Where’s yours?”

“On my hip-bone.” You respond, tugging down on the fabric at the hem of your shirt gingerly. Eyes bulging at your response, his body tenses. “What?”

“I got your favorite orders from your manager.” He says, placing bags of beverages and snacks that overwhelms your entire band, gawking and thanking the senior. “I figured since this is your debut stage, I’d come wish you guys luck!”

Kim Junmyeon— or known as Suho of EXO on stage— is the epitome of a perfect man. He’s a senior at the same company, a leader of one of the biggest groups in Korea, and you found yourself becoming one of those girls who had swooned over his beaming smile and generous actions. With his hair slicked back, dressed neatly in a casual white button up in his blue jeans and a black blazer, he always seems to make your heart skip a beat. 

You might have a tiny small crush on Kim Junmyeon.

It probably started during your trainee days where you got to watch him and Jongin teach the newbies Love Shot as a dance exercise. He’d been patient with the group, constantly repeating himself when he needed to but also coming to anyone’s side and helping them perfect their movements in order to improve and advance to debut.

Unable to do a body roll as well as Jongin, Junmyeon laughs at the side of your stiff body, pressing his hand on your lower back, watching you uneasily. “Is this okay?” He asks for permission, knowing there’s a thin line between the two of you. He doesn’t want you to feel uncomfortable. Is there anything wrong with him?

“Thanks, Junmyeon oppa!” One of your bandmates exclaims, cheeks already full of the boba from the milk tea he delivered. There’s smiles all around the room, all because of him, and you want nothing more than to be the cause of his as well. But you know better. Today was your debut stage, someone who is barely making way in the industry, and he was someone who had already claimed a spot, a well-known name.

Trapped in your own thoughts, you’re blurred back into reality at the sound of your name being called repeatedly. Shaking your head, you turn to the caller, eyes meeting with Junmyeon. “Oh, uh, thanks for this, by the way.”

“Of course,” He says, giddy. “Is this what you like? I asked your manager, and he named a couple things but I wasn’t sure which was your favorite.” He has an iced coffee in his hand, and a bun with what you can assume is filled with bbq pork, something you’d always get. His effort was admirable, just another thing to add on your list of things you liked about him.

“Pork bun?” You clarify, taking it from his grasp as he nods in confirmation. “Your favorite?”

“Yes, more than just a favorite, my one true love,” You exaggerate, opening the wrapper before your leader stops you by placing her hand in between, blocking you from eating as you frown. “Why!”

“We’re about to perform! Do you really want a button to pop on stage?”

“No...”

“Aw, come on, let her have one bite. Oppa’s request,” Junmyeon chimes in, an innocent look on his face. “I want to see her appreciate my gift.” Glancing over to see her expression, her face softens as signals you to take a bite. Opening your mouth as wide as you can, you munch on a large portion as her face contorts in disgust and surprise. “What— I said one bite!”

“It was one bite,” You respond, mouth full of inhaling half of the bread before choking on it from taking in a quick breath as Junmyeon chuckles heartily, handing over the coffee to you. Slurping abruptly, you slap your chest before regaining your breathing and your leader rolls her eyes. “Junmyeon, if I get in trouble because of her, I’m blaming you.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take the blame!” He chuckles, patting your back. “Seems like she enjoyed it a lot, it’s worth the blame.” His words warm your heart and you mentally kick yourself for being so easily swayed by anything he says. Your leader looks over at you, slightly agitated by your actions and you know you’re going to get a talk later, but in the presence of Junmyeon, she could never confront you. She excuses herself, walking away from the two of you before Junmyeon bursts into a giggle and you scowl at the older male.

“Stop it, she’s going to lecture me when we go back home.” You whine, a pout upon your lips.

“Nobody told you to take such a huge bite!”

“Well, nobody told you to buy me a pork bun! How am I supposed to resist?” He’s gifting you his signature smile again, and you feel like your chest is going to explode. “Is this what I get for trying to be nice? A complaint from you?”

“I mean... I did choke on it.” You argue, closing the plastic of the baked good, placing it on your dressing chair. “But... it was good, Junmyeon, thank you.”

“Anything for my favorite trainee,” He grins, leaning over to pinch your cheek gingerly. “I’m eager to see you perform. You’ve worked so hard all those years, you’ve come a long way.”

You want to tell yourself that maybe Junmyeon was being too caring and attentive toward you compared to your other members and trainees under the company. Realistically, with who he is and his capabilities, you found yourself falling back into your pit, convinced that he treats everyone this way. He was intimidatingly successful, responsible and altruistic. You? You were just his temporary mentee who only caught his attention from your clumsiness.

The name of your group is called by the station, and you’re all adjusting your stage outfits anxiously, taking in deep breaths in tempts of calming the nerves. Glancing over at Junmyeon, he sends you a soft smile, rubbing your cheek with his thumb comfortingly. “Hey, you got this. You guys are going to kill it.”

Was it Kim Junmyeon’s motivational words that made your debut stage an amazing one or was it the pork bun he provided?

Probably the pork bun.

Almost immediately after the cameras turned on, the turmoil of jitters squandered. Your group performed as a team, and for the first time in your life, you felt like you belonged somewhere. The cheers in the crowd were the music to your ears, swelling the hearts of yours and those around you, eager to continue this pathway of aspiration, feeling as though the hurdles you’d jump over through the years of training had all been worth it.

Hoping off the stage, still living in the high, you spot Junmyeon standing behind stage, his signature smile stretching from cheek to cheek. 

“Look at that, you guys did great.” He says, hands in the pocket of his jeans. Skeptical of the confidence that abruptly washes over you, you extend your arms, pulling him into a tight hug, despite your sweat and sticky body. “I finally made it, Junmyeon. I got to perform on stage.”

Junmyeon never misses any of your stage performances since then. 

He found himself enjoying the sight of your face with an elated expression. He relished in the way when you finished your performance, the first person your eyes lay on is him, energy running on a high, rushing toward him with your arms wide open. Your warmth, your scent— it all drives him wild, and he’s not sure what the feeling is, but all he knows is that he loves it.

There’s a tap on your window, and sluggishly, you glance over to see who it is, realizing it’s nobody before pulling the covers over your head again.

Tap! It occurs again.

Frustrated, you groggily drag yourself from the bed, dressed in a baggy T-shirt and shorts, peering out of the window. There you see Junmyeon, standing on the patch of grass outside of your dorm complex, waving eagerly before gesturing to open the window. Complying, you tug on the sill up. “What?” You hiss in a whisper.

“Come out and grab a snack with me.”

“A snack? Junmyeon sunbae, hate to break it to you but it’s 1am.” 

He shrugs at your response, before shaking the key fob to his car in his hand. “Doesn’t matter what time it is. My stomach says, ‘time to eat’ and I don’t argue with it. Come down and grab a bite with me, kid.”

Sometimes just watching Junmyeon eat makes you full. But knowing Junmyeon, he doesn’t let you observe him consume the food, no, that’s not why he invites you out during the late hours of the night. 

He thinks you’re funny and yet so brutally honest, two of the best qualities you have, and there’s only so many minutes in a day that he can spend with you, so utilizing that he’s “hungry for a midnight snack” or “needing company for fresh air” was always the excuses he used to bring you out and enjoy some time with you. There wasn’t a moment within the day that you weren’t with your band members, so sneaking you out once the moon makes an appearance became common when he realized how pleasing it is being around you. 

“Junmyeon, I hate those, why do you keep buying them? They’re atrocious,” You cringe, throwing one of those white sausage packs in his direction. “If you want me to come out with you, at least get me something I like.”

“I did, check the bag.” Junmyeon’s peeling one of the sausages out of it’s plastic casings, taking a huge chunk into his mouth. “Mm. I know if my manager saw me eating this he’d be super disappointed.”

“I’m pretty sure that both of our managers would be kicking out asses if they saw us out here right now, in the middle of the night, in public while eating these fatty snacks.” Peeking into the bag, you notice a familiar logo. “Oh—what’s this? Where did you find this? Did they sell this at the convenience store?”

The recognizable blue box from Kellogg’s is hard to miss with it’s simple bold lettering that reads ‘pop.tarts’ and your mouth waters at the sight. “And it’s strawberry. Where the hell did you get this, sunbae? They don’t sell these in Korea.”

He loved watching your face lit up the moment you tear open the box to pull out one of the foiled packaging, tearing it up to grab a piece of the pastry. “I know they don’t. Remember when you asked me why I enjoy eating maxbons so much? Because it reminds me of my childhood and growing up. Then you mentioned that you loved poptarts when you were living in the US, so I did some digging and found it.”

“Wow, sunbae, if I didn’t know any better, I would think you have a crush on me. You must have went through lengths for this!” You say jokingly, stuffing your mouth with the poptart. It’s hard and crunchy— the texture wasn’t ideal for a pastry and you knew that this was not some high end snack, but the memories of sitting in your elementary school’s playground with one of these in your hands and a box of apple juice with a bendy straw brought you back. 

You moved from the States to Korea at a young age, with your parents deciding it was time to return back to their hometown when your grandfather’s health began to decline. Transferring to a school that was unfamiliar and having to adjust to a different language that you’d only been barely a beginner in was difficult. Making friends in an entirely new country was arduous, especially when you’re trying to adapt to a new culture and their language.

Reminiscing back to the time you’d leave your middle school exit, attempting to follow the route back home yourself, a recruiter of some sort persistently solicited for your attention. She kept saying that she could make you famous— or ‘well-known,’ was the closest term you could understand, and you were almost weeping on your way home before she decided to leave you with her card, suggesting that you should give her card to your parents to contact her. 

Turns out she was a recruiter for SM Entertainment.

Your parents figured it was something you could occupy your mind with and training under an entertainment company would be helpful in improving your Korean and meeting new friends.

And boy, they were right. The company had invested in so much money on trying to expand your knowledge on how to speak the language, including the other trainees, especially these guys that were also from different parts of the world, so studying never felt lonely.

“I want you to feel like home here, or at least with me. I know how much you’ve missed it there and it’ll be awhile before you get to visit again.”

Something about Junmyeon is disparaging in this light— is it the way the moonlight bounces off his cheekbones? Or the way his eyes twinkle in your direction? His hair blowing in the route of the wind gives you a glimpse of his forehead— is it possible that a forehead could be so... beautiful? ... All this because of a poptart?

You want to slap yourself back into reality, but if you did it right now in front of him, he’d probably think you’re insane.

“Are you planning on going to the States again?” You ask, attempting to shake your mind from drifting into any more thoughts. The artificial flavor of the strawberry hits your tongue and you can’t help but feel so giddy inside with the feeling associated with the taste.

Junmyeon smiles in your direction, one that warms your heart. “Possibly. But I’d like you to tag along if I go. Maybe you could take me to places I’ve never been before.”

Peculiarly, that isn’t the only time Junmyeon takes you out in the middle of the night.

It becomes consistent, an every other day kind of thing, and although your endurance on running on lack of sleep is infamous, Junmyeon is not that great in comparison.

“Oppa, are you dozing off?”

“Huh?” He flinches in his seat, shifting awake. He’d been sitting in the waiting room in the SM building, possibly expecting someone, but he was falling asleep every five seconds in the midst of a conversation with one of your bandmates. 

“Is my story that boring?”

“No, no!” He says abruptly, eyes now wide while waving his hands in front of him in disagreement. “I’m just... very tired lately.”

Furrowing your brows while seated beside your bandmate, you watch Junmyeon as he rubs his tired lids before yawning. “Maybe you should sleep a bit earlier, sunbae.”

He heaves out a deep breath at your suggestion, running his fingers through his locks. Junmyeon didn’t style his hair today, different from his other days but familiar to your nights out with him. However seeing him in his most comfortable form in the daylight is divergent— he’s even more handsome, if possible. “I should. Sleep doesn’t really come easy during the nights, though.”

“Mm,” You hum, unconvinced. “Sure.”

Your bandmate nudges you in the stomach, earning a wince from you as you shot her a glare. “What?”

“Stop being so mean to oppa. He’s always taking care of us, why are you always so straightforward with him?”

“I’m not—“ But before you could defend yourself, Junmyeon does it for you. “No, no, I like when she’s like that. It means she’s comfortable enough to be that way with me. It’s fine, trust me.”

“We’re trying to teach her better manners,” She says while you roll your eyes at the girl. “Our entire group is even making it into a challenge.”

“Why so? I like her like this, it’s endearing.” 

Groaning, you throw yourself back into the couch, head lulling back. They were talking about you as if you weren’t sitting right there! You were starting to feel like you were a kid, and the adults were having a discussion about your behavior.

“Endearing? Oppa, it isn’t lady-like for her to gnaw on a corn on the cob on TV. Wouldn’t it hurt the reputation of our group?”

“Honestly,” He begins, and it was like all the tiredness had been swept away from his eyes. “It makes you guys more relatable. Like— idols, they’re not these gods, but rather they’re people like us. Fans will worship the ground you stand on, but in reality, you don’t want that. You want them to see you as a person, a person capable of mistakes, and you wouldn’t want to change someone from who they really are. Have you seen how crazy Baekhyun and Chanyeol are? What about how intimidating Kyungsoo could be? And yet, I wouldn’t want to change any of them. It makes them more appealing, even.”

“Why do you do that?”

Looking up from your phone with a repulsive piece of the sausage that Junmyeon favors in your mouth, you raise a brow questioningly. “Do what?”

“You never call me oppa. All of your other members do, except you. You keep addressing me as ‘sunbae’ and it feels very... detached.”

“Is there something wrong with me calling you sunbae? I respect your position in our company and the industry, and I want to make it known.” 

He sighs, leaning back in his seat. The two of you are yet again sitting outside in front of another convenience store, seemingly going to a new one almost every outing. “We hang out so much and you’re acting like we’re not friends.” His expression drops in comparison to how elated he usually is, indicating how deeply he must’ve felt about this topic. You think, maybe you should try a bit harder.

“... Oppa.”

“Nevermind, forget I even said it.”

“What—“ Confused, you wrinkle your forehead. “Junmyeon, you asked me to call you oppa and I did, now you’re not happy with it?”

“Honestly, it sounds totally weird when you say it. Like... it’s not natural.”

“What—“ You heave a deep breath in disbelief, shaking your head. “It’s not natural? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Usually the sound ‘oppa’ coming from a girl sounds cute. But you make it sound... uncomfortable, like someone is holding you hostage.”

“You’re basically holding me hostage to say it.”

“I am not!” Junmyeon contends, snatching your phone from your hand. “And stop playing on your phone when you’re out with me, it’s so disrespectful to your senior.”

Pouting, you aggressively munch on another piece of the sausage, and a smile tugs on the edges of Junmyeon’s mouth. He thinks you’re cute like this— the way that puffing your cheeks full of air that blows the strands of hair away from your face. Your personality didn’t quite match your baby-face, yet he still found everything about you just... cute. 

Huh, he thinks to himself, observing your annoyed expression as you finish up the sausage. Maybe... in some shape or form, I kind of like her more than other girls.

“You’re not sneaking out to meet with a secretive boyfriend, are you?”

Nearly choking on the serving of kimchi on your spoon, you drop the utensil into the bowl in front of you, quickly wiping the drips down your chin. “What?”

Your leader apologizes for being so blunt, but nonetheless, needed an answer from you. “If you have a boyfriend, you should tell me about it.” She says, leaning back against her seat at the dining room table of your dormitory. “We’re a team here, and management really doesn’t want us to date but... if you really can’t help it, at least let me know. Maybe we can work something out and not have them noticing. I really don’t want any of us to hide from each other...”

“What— no, no. There’s no boyfriend. Sometimes I need fresh air.”

“There’s a male’s voice though.” She responds abruptly, as though she has all her pointers written in notes. Knowing how uptight and well-planned she was, you shouldn’t be surprised if she did have notes. “I hear a man’s voice calling for you during the late hours of the night.”

You hum in thought for a moment, playing with the grains of rice in your bowl with your spoon. “Honestly... I’ve been just going out and taking walks or sneaking snacks with Junmyeon.”

She raises a brow questioningly. “Junmyeon.” The girl reiterates the name in incredulity. 

“Suho,” You echo with his stage name instead, mimicking her seating position. “Kim Junmyeon. I guess he’s lonely sometimes and wants me to keep him company. Can’t really say no—“

“You can’t, or you don’t want to?”

Hesitatingly, you chew the inside of your cheek in thought. Were you caught? Was your crush on Junmyeon that obvious? It was like your leader could read your mind— or you just sucked at feigning your expression because she sits up, arms resting on the wooden table before speaking again. “Because regardless of what the answer may be, it’s okay.

“It’s okay?” You repeat, this time, you’re the one in disbelief. “It’s okay,” She says again, gathering up her empty bowls and stacking them atop of each other. “He has that aura about him. Generous, a gentleman, and always there when you need him. He’s a sunbae, that’s what you call him, don’t you? Sometimes in the industries we all work in, signs can be hard to tell.”

“So you’re saying I’ve mistaken his actions for him being a kind senior.”

“Honestly, I think so.” Opening the door of the dishwasher, she begins to load it with the plates. “He’s literally Kim Junmyeon, this is EXO we’re talking about here. Why would he want to date a rookie? Baekhyun freaking dated Taeyeon. Like, Taeyeon from SNSD. SNSD! What are we in comparison to them?”

“Nothing,” You mutter quietly, pushing away your bowl since your appetite is long gone now. “We are pretty much nothing.”

“Exactly. Please don’t hurt yourself by dreaming about dating someone like that. It’s going to be painful to just yourself, and a waste of time. Now hurry, we need to clean up and head to practice later.”

You’re bummed for the rest of the day. It was implied that Junmyeon was out of reach, even you could decipher that yourself, but hearing someone else say it made it feel too real. He had the reputation of someone who was a great leader, a talented performer, and a kind-hearted person, as for you, your bandmates had labeled you as someone without manners, and unladylike. You knew that they were only looking out for you, going through the training process had been brutal, and finally getting to debut meant that this was your opportunity to shine in the best way possible. But you want to be better— someone who was worthy of Junmyeon’s love... yet that seemed impossible.

“I thought you said you didn’t like him,” one of your bandmates approaches you, your favorite member and one you’ve developed a close relationship with through the hardships of being a trainee. “You’re acting awfully like someone who got their heart broken.” 

“I don’t know,” You sigh, dropping your body onto the hardwood floor of the studio, taking a break from practicing the dance routine. “I thought I didn’t. I mean, I knew I could never stand a chance with a guy like him, but hearing our own leader say it makes me feel so... discouraged.”

“Maybe she shouldn’t have said it like that.” She comforts, leaning over to ruffle your hair into your face playfully. “You’re deserving of a man like him. She’s probably just afraid that if you two dated, there’d be a whole scandal and it’d be her fault.”

“She makes a point though,” You interject with a frown. “He’s the epitome of a perfect man. Sure, he makes dad jokes that aren’t funny, and he’s into the most boring and lamest things, but isn’t that what makes him... him? Makes him more attractive, it’s tempting.”

Your bandmate scoffs, watching you with a raised brow. “And so what? What are you going to do? Confess to the guy?”

“No,” Responding firmly, you sit up on the floor. “But maybe I should stop going on those night trips with him. It’s making me delusional, and I’m manifesting as if I could have a relationship with him.”

“You... could try, but wouldn’t it be obvious that something is up?”

“I’ll just pretend I’m sleeping.”

junmyeon sunbaenim [11:32pm]: get up, it’s time for our weekly snack trip

Nibbling on your bottom lip in between your teeth, you make sure that the lights in your room are off, and the curtains are closed, but just enough for you to peek through. Guilt rushes over your body at the idea of ignoring Junmyeon but you knew that this is the best for you— spending too much time with him was starting to be impractical for your imagination.

junmyeon sunbaenim [11:33pm]: did you fall asleep? junmyeon sunbaenim [11:33pm]: tsk, there’s no way. knowing you, you run on 2 hours of sleep and still manage to dance during practice as if you’ve slept for a perfect solid 8 hours.

Throwing yourself onto your bed, the only light in the room being from your phone. It was hard to avoid Junmyeon, he had a way of luring you into his trap, and you desperately wanted to see him. Hitting yourself on the head, you shake yourself off of the feeling. 

junmyeon sunbaenim [11:34pm]: talk to me. i know you’re awake. your phone brightness is probably at 120% because I can see it through your curtains.

Fuck. You groan, pushing the curtains aside to see Junmyeon sitting in his car, eyes locking onto yours with a wave.

junmyeon sunbaenim [11:35pm]: you’ve been caught, kiddo. the best trainee [11:35pm]: i am very tired today, sunbae. junmyeon sunbaenim [11:35pm]: bullshit. what’s wrong? did i say something that made you feel uncomfortable? junmyeon sunbaenim [11:35pm]: i thought we had that kind of relationship, but i could be totally misreading the signals here the best trainee [11:36pm]: ok, honestly, boss says i shouldn’t be cheating on my diet anymore and i need to stop going out late! i might get caught and tabloids will be all over it. junmyeon sunbaenim [11:36pm]: i could always talk to her for you junmyeon sunbaenim [11:36pm]: but let’s be honest here. it’s not that, is it? 

You swallow. Something in your head would like to believe that you’re not that obvious when trying to hide something, but Junmyeon had spent enough time with you to determine what runs through your mind.

Junmyeon Sunbaenim is calling...

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. What do you even say? You were stupid enough to have your phone brightness on max and look through the window to see him— what’s your excuse now? You’re obviously not asleep, and if you don’t pick up, you’re not even sure of what the outcome will be.

So you slide the green phone image on your phone to receive his call.

“Uh, hello?”

“Why are you ignoring my texts?”

“I’m... responding.”

“Bullshit.” Junmyeon doesn’t curse quite often, but you’re starting to realize that this is a side that you haven’t seen from him yet. He’s mad, possibly, if not annoyed with you at this point for being so stubborn and not telling him why you’re not communicating as fluidly as you used to. “You need to talk to me and tell me what’s wrong.”

“Junmyeon, I’m just very tired today, is all.”

“You are most definitely not tired.”

“Don’t tell me how I’m feeling and what I’m doing!” You snap, finally hitting the final chord. It was quick, you admit, how fast it escalated, but at this point, Junmyeon was probing you with these assumptions, and although he was right, it was becoming overbearing. “I’m—I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you.”

He’s silent on the other line, so quiet that you had to double check that he was still in the call. “Junmyeon?”

“I just want to know what I did wrong,” He says, this time, voice low. He knows you mean well, and that the outburst was just out of frustration, but the feeling was reciprocated. “I really enjoyed our outings.”

“I did too,” You respond honestly, twiddling with the fabric of your bedsheets between your fingers. “But...” Inhaling in a deep breath, you knew that with Junmyeon, it just felt so wrong to hide and lie. Gathering enough courage, you continue. “It’s getting kind of hard spending so much time with you.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because I can’t tell between your generosity and your feelings for me.” You blurt, turning to drop your face into the pillow. It was embarrassing, admitting  these things to him, but he was going to prod you until you spoke up.

“Come down, will you?”

It required a lot of gallantry to shuffle your feet down the stairs, making your way out of your dormitory and toward Junmyeon’s car that’s parked out front. He’s sitting where he was moments before, position never moved and eyes still glued to the screen of his phone. Taking in a deep breath, you were brave enough to knock on the window.

The doors unlock with a click.

You feel like your heart is in the midst of falling, replaying the phone call just from minutes before, and how quick he reacted without showing a hint of any emotion. It was difficult to decipher what was going through his mind, but nonetheless, you slip into the passenger seat, still in your PJ shorts and loose fitted T-shirt, while he’s in an unbuttoned dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows paired with his slacks.

“Can you tell me what you were trying to say on the phone? I’d like to hear it in person.” He’s not facing you, but rather his arm is rested on the steering wheel, gaze diverted ahead.

“Junmyeon, I think I like you. I know, it’s crazy, I’m just a rookie and it’s insane for me to even be glancing in the direction of a higher up in the company, but we’ve spent a lot of time together, and I think I’ve developed some feelings for you.” Rubbing your face with a hand for a moment, you release a breath you’ve been holding without realizing. “But I can’t see you anymore. It feels wrong, to myself especially, to keep lying about how I’ll be okay if you didn’t return feelings. I’ve already talked to my leader, she says it’s unrealistic—“

He sharply turns his head to meet your stare. “She said it’s unrealistic?”

“Well, she said that someone like you, from EXO, wouldn’t want to date—“

Before you could even finish your sentence, his hand is laced through your hair, pulling you into his embrace of a kiss, lips pressing against one another. The way his lips felt against yours was... heavenly— almost like you were floating on cloud 9, pillowy and smooth. For a moment, you swore time stopped until Junmyeon drew away, clearing his throat.

“It’s... not impossible. Remember what I said the other day? Idols are people, like every other person, who live normal lives. We’re flawed too, we’re not perfect, and don’t put us on a pedestal because again, we’re human. We’re regular people,” Junmyeon says, thumb brushing against your bottom lip. “Why do you guys always assume that because I’m from some big group that it means I’m out of reach?”

“Because you are,” You retort hastily, yet still recovering from the kiss. Did Junmyeon really kiss you?

Your memory is hazy on how you got here, but you’re sitting on your desk, skirt hiked up to your stomach with Junmyeon’s head in between your legs. His skin under the moonlight glistens with beauty, and you can’t help but repeatedly tell yourself how lucky you are that you are soulmates with this man. Everything about Junmyeon makes you feel like you’re on cloud 9. Fingers intertwining with his soft brown locks and palm against the foggy glass table, your breath hitches in your throat as he sticks in another finger into your heat.

“Junmyeon!”

Pulling away, he grins innocently with his lips glistening with your juices, he makes you think how insane you look compared to him. How could he look so pure after doing the dirtiest thing to you in your office? Anyone who has ever rejected him in this lifetime must feel like he’s the one who got away. As if the sex in the bedroom isn’t enough, he’s bold enough to do it in the office.

Thankfully, Junmyeon isn’t too risky, just risky enough. It’s Friday and everyone on the floor has gone home early, now the time being 6:00pm, it’s just the two of you. It started off innocent— Junmyeon bringing you a cup of tea and some biscuits since you found yourself stuck here for another night with another launch for a new line coming out soon. He’d always been supportive, if not more now, after dating for half a year, and never failed to swoon you.

“You look stressed,” He said, rounding your desk with a mischievous look hanging on his lips.

“Junmyeon... no.”

“You haven’t even been home that often lately, let me help you unwind.”

And after a couple glares, he pouts and immediately has you under his spell.

“Fuck, Junmyeon, just take your goddamn fingers out of me and pull your dick out your pants so you can fuck me on my desk.”

“Weren’t you just shooting daggers at me with your eyes earlier telling me no?” He raises a brow teasing but complies with your instruction anyways, standing in front of you, unbuckling his belt and tugging his zipper down. Demands from you always deserved a comeback response but he never failed to abide by your needs.

“Well, we’re already in too deep anyways so let’s just go all the way.”

Pulling himself out his pants, his eyes are hooded as he presses his forehead against yours while you wrap your legs around his waist, dragging him closer. He looks heavenly like this; hair disheveled with his shirt unbuttoned all the way, exposing his well-built chest, and his tie disappeared somewhere in the room. You’re thankful he’s been heading to the gym with his friends lately because all you want to do is lick his abs, despite how weird you feel about it but Junmyeon doesn’t reject your wants and lets you do it anyway.

He’s pumping himself while his cloudy gaze meets yours, lips parted and swollen. Groaning, you grab him closer with your legs as he stumbles with a chuckle at your eagerness. “Take it easy, baby.”

“Junmyeon, I swear to god if you don’t finish what you started— oh fuck,” he’s tired of your complaining and plunges himself into you sharply, interrupting your nagging. Albeit the fact you’re always debating with him about things, he still loves you nonetheless and drools at the sight of you, especially right now with how your skin glimmers in sweat under the lights of your office.

Junmyeon’s face is nuzzled into your neck, gently biting and sucking on the skin while humming against you as his hips thrust in and out of you harshly. You’re trying to stay quiet, but the way his body moves against yours and how much he stretches you is overwhelming that you’re suddenly thankful Johnny agrees to take an early leave today or else you’d never hear the end of it.

Grabbing your legs from behind him, he unravels you from his body before pushing you down further on the desk, your legs up closer to your frame as he pounds harder. “Shit,” he mutters under his breath. “How are you still so tight? Stop clenching, I might cum too fast.”

“Isn’t that that the point?” You snarled, arms around his neck as you caress his nape. “I have work to get done tonight.”

Lifting your body from the desk with his hands under your thighs, he’s carrying you effortlessly to another part of the room, shoving you against the wall before quickening his pace. Unable to hold back your moans, your hands shift to his shoulder, grasping onto the broadness of it. “I also have work to get done tonight, and it’s to make you cum first.”

He made you release twice after that before letting himself reach his own high.

Outside of the bedroom—except it was in your office today— Junmyeon was a soft boyfriend. He was everything that you had wished Eunwoo was and you didn’t need to mold him to have those qualities, he already had them. You weren’t entirely sure if it was the biological effects of finding out that he’s your soulmate, but you’re glad it’s him.

Straightening your skirt after a sinful session, you look up and see Junmyeon already sprawled on your office chair, trying to catch his breath. “Why are you panting so hard? You said you’ve been working out lately and uh... it’s evident on your body.”

He raises a brow teasingly before letting out a chuckle between his breaths. “I see you’ve been checking me out lately. Just had a big lunch was all.”

“Big lunch?”

“Well you took that guy out from HR to lunch today, and I figured since I wasn’t going to eat with you, I should grab something for myself.”

“... you went alone?” You’re mimicking his expression now with your brows lifted in question.

“... well,” He’s running his fingers through his luscious damp locks from his sweat. “I went with Hana and Johnny.”

Squinting your eyes at your other half, you cross your arms against your chest as he watches you carefully. “What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Shrugging your shoulders, you lean against the desk that he had just fucked you senseless on moments ago, only for you to regain the authority yet again. “Hana? As in, Lee Hana?”

“What about her?”

“She doesn’t like me.” You frown, shoulders drooping. Junmyeon lets out a light laugh, pushing the chair into your direction before sitting your legs in between his thighs. “So what? Johnny and I like you.”

“She complains about me to you guys. Plus, I think she has a tiny crush on you.” Although you and Junmyeon had been meeting frequently for lunch, it’d always be away from the office. Keeping the relationship a secret between his colleagues was an agreement set in place once you’d officially started dating him, but it was getting a bit difficult once you realized how many girls actually ogled at the sight of him.

Pressing his lips against the back of your hand, he then puts the palm of it to rest on his cheek. “I’m not quite catching on what you’re saying.”

“You don’t know that she likes you? Ugh, Junmyeon—“

“No, I meant that I know she does, and was very persistent about taking me to lunch, so I asked Johnny to join me. So what if she likes me? I have you.”

“She doesn’t know that,” You snarled, eyes darting at him. “She’s going to think you’re available.”

He shakes his head, gifting your palm a kiss. “She can think whatever she wants. I have you and you’re all I need.”

There’s silence in the room for a moment as you’re shuffling through your thoughts before shattering the glass of quietude. “Are you mad that we’re keeping this a secret?”

His eyes search the meaning behind the question in your orbs, observing your expression. “I’m not mad.”

“Disappointed?”

“No, I just... forget sometimes.” He admits, pecking the skin of your thigh gently before leaning back in the seat. “I want to give you a kiss before heading out the office some days and I get the urge but stop midway. Sometimes I want to see your face once you get the flowers I send you on other days and deliver them myself but I know I can’t. But there’s no need to be mad about it.”

A wash of regret cascades over your face as you frown at your significant other. Junmyeon was an embodiment of a gentleman; patiently waiting for you even though your schedule had always been packed, delivering food during those restless hours, cleaning your home so when you got back after days sleeping in the office, you had less responsibilities to tend to... he was actually perfect.

Maybe that was also his flaw. He was too perfect. Was it everyone or just you that seems to be drawn to men who women always sought after?

“What’s this?” Junmyeon asks, standing beside Johnny in your office with a hand in his slacks’ pocket. His other hand was occupied by his phone, holding up the email invitation to a company banquet. “Why am I suddenly invited to this?”

“And the better question is why am I invited to this?” Johnny adds.

“It’s a company banquet, hence the word company. Everyone in the company is invited, guys. What’s so hard to understand about that?”

Johnny drops his body on the leather couch, plopping his legs on the table as you grimace after the sight. “We’ve never had something like this before. Why suddenly now?”

“Remember that guy I had lunch with from HR last week?”

The two men glance at each other before responding at the same time. “Yeah?”

Leaning against the desk, crossing your arms over your chest, you continue. “He suggested we do something like this. Would be good for... company bonding or something.”

“Don’t we see each other enough?” Johnny snaps, Junmyeon chuckling at his response. “I think what he means is, are you sure that enough people would be of attendance?”

“Well, I invited the top investors to come, too. They’re copied on the email, so hopefully people will see and RSVP?”

Johnny is mute briefly before quietly asking, “Will that guy from that record company we talked about be there?” 

Tapping your finger against your chin, you playfully look around your room, feigning in thought. “Possibly. If you attend, you’d know.” Johnny looks over at Junmyeon with a bright smile glued to his face before waving. “Well, I’m sold. You’re in it alone, brother. Deuces!” Peacing out, Johnny shuts the door behind him as Junmyeon sighs, shaking his head. “And now I’m alone.”

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“You really want to do a whole banquet?” He asks, locking his phone and sliding it back into his pocket. “You’re already so stressed out. Why would you want to arrange a large event like this around the same time span as the launch?”

He’s worried. Junmyeon isn’t mad about the event, he’s concerned about your workload and how you’d be able to juggle between taking care of yourself and dealing with the launch, including the event.

“Come on, you know I have to do something for the people here.”

“No, you don’t. At least, you can do it later, so why now?” You shrug, slouching in your position. “I don’t know. It just feels lately like nothing is enough.”

“Oh baby,” He frowns, making his way to you with his hands cupping your cheeks. “You’re enough. You’re more than enough for me. You’re an amazing boss, and John out there can vouch for that. You don’t need to overwork yourself just to prove something.”

“Doesn’t matter anyways. The invitation is out and already done.”

“Okay, so new problem requires a new solution. Hire a team, or better yet, ask the HR department to plan the banquet. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to do it, just give them a budget and I’m sure they won’t fail you.”

You freeze. The idea of delegating freaked you out a little. Or a lot.

“Junmyeon.” He reiterates the tone after yours, stating your name. “That’s... quite a lot I’m giving up here.”

“Yeah, you’re also giving up your health in the process. You’re still young— yes, and incredibly young at that— but keep in mind that you don’t have a successor in mind. If you’re not healthy, imagine who potentially could sit in your seat and manage the entire company. I can almost 100% guarantee to you that you would not be happy with who they may select.”

You groan frustratedly, standing straight before digging your face into his chest, muffling your own words. “It should be me doing all of this.”

He shakes his head. “You just think that it should be you.”

Trapped behind your desk, you’ve still managed to take a transient break from all your tasks. Tapping your fingers against the table, and swirled by your contemplations, remorse fills your face at the memory of Junmyeon the other day, speaking genuinely about how he felt as though he couldn’t truly express his love for you publicly. Suddenly, an idea comes to mind.

Quickly typing in a web address, you click on several items into your order before punching in your credit card info. Leaning back after the “order confirmation” pulls up, you grin in content.

“Flowers for Junmyeon?”

Junmyeon’s head peeks from his cubicle at the sound of his name, furrowing his brows in confusion. “Uh, I’m Junmyeon,” He says as he gets up from his seat, walking over to the delivery man. “You sure this is for me? And not from?” Did he make a mistake? He didn’t recall making any orders today.

“Says to Junmyeon and... from...” At the sound of your name escaping from the delivery man’s lips, Junmyeon’s eyes irradiates. “Wait— really?”

“Who is sending you flowers?” Hana approaches from behind, attempting to see over Junmyeon’s shoulder by standing on the tips of her toes. With the note in his hand, he swiftly slides it into his pocket, looking over at the female immaculately. “Uh, secret admirer.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh come on, oppa. Let me see.”

He shakes his head in response. “I told you, it’s from a secret admirer.”

“Junmyeon! We’re friends here. Let me see!”

“It’s from me.” You stop in the midst of your tracks in the middle of the aisle of cubicles after the delivery man makes an exit. Adjusting the folders and binders in your arms, you hum. “I got Junmyeon the flowers.”

“Do you need help?” Junmyeon steers away from the topic, hands aiming to take some of the items in your hands. “No, I’m okay. Do you like the arrangement I picked out? And did you see the note?”

“Of course I saw the note,” He says, voice quiet. “But let’s talk about that later. We’re at work.”

“I don’t care. Doesn’t affect my work ethic nor yours, so why does it matter to anyone else?”

Hana’s mouth is agape during the conversation, bowing when you recognize her presence. “Hi, boss. Uh, you sent Junmyeon the flowers?”

“Yes, I’m asking him out to the company banquet.”

“Like... as a date?”

You nod at her direction. “As a date.”

“Oh... I was going to ask Junmyeon. Maybe he can decide which of us he wants to take?” She suggests, shoulders shrugging. “No offense, but isn’t it kind of weird if an employee goes with their boss? Don’t know if Junmyeon is uncomfortable...” Her eyes trail at the end of the sentence to read the expression on his face, only to see him with his gaze holding onto yours.

“He’s not uncomfortable, are you, Junmyeon? You can tell me honestly. If not, HR is always down the hall.”

Junmyeon sighs, taking some of the binders from you, regardless of your refusal. “Of course not.” He glances over at Hana with an apologetic look before giving her a half bow. “I’m sorry, Hana. I’m going to excuse myself.”

“Consider who you’re taking, will you?”

Pausing for a moment in silence before taking a glimpse at you, he chews on his bottom lip anxiously. “I’m taking her, I’m sorry. It’s a no brainer for me— always.”

She scoffs. “Is it because she’s the CEO? You’re not feeling pressured, are you? Because if this is a bigger issue than it seems, we should go to HR. She shouldn’t be treating you like this, it isn’t fair—“

“We’re dating.” He finally admits, the red flushing his cheeks. “We’ve been dating a couple months now.”

“You’re fucking dating. What did she threaten you with?”

“Why do you think I have to threaten him in order for him to like me?” You question, genuinely curious. She seemed to have been very persistent with her stance.

She looks at you with a stare that reads ‘is it not obvious’ but you’re honestly uncertain what she’s going to say next. “You’re here hours of the night. You rarely ever go home, reject that guy who keeps coming to ask you out for lunch— don’t think we don’t know— and he finally gave up on you and now you’ve come running to someone else? Don’t you think you seem a little desperate?”

“Desperate for what? I liked her first.”

“But did she ask you out first?”

“Yeah, but—“

“Don’t you feel tricked, Jun oppa?” The nickname she gives him brings heat to your ears but you hold your composure. “Does she even make time for you? Does she even care for you? I mean— you’re even keeping this a secret from everyone, especially your friends.”

You feel so small. Ever since becoming CEO of your own company, you’ve had moments where people talked down on you but never an employee. You’d always tried to establish a good relationship between them and yourself, gaining some level of respect, but for the first time, someone confronted you in this type of manner and you’re unsure how to approach the situation.

“Stop, Hana.” Junmyeon says, interrupting her rant of questions. “My work friends don’t know. My personal life friends? All of them know, she has met them all. I don’t mind that she works so late and so frequently, it doesn’t bother me, but I do worry that it’ll deteriorate her health. Hana, you’re a nice friend and a great person. I know you are, but you speaking about her this way makes me second guess that.”

Fuming, she snags the bouquet of flowers you’ve sent him and slams it into the ground. “How dare you talk to me like that?”

“Hana, please go and cool down. I don’t want you to do anything you’ll regret.” You advise, trying to grab back your possessions from Junmyeon. “I have a meeting to head to. I’ll catch you later.”

“Why’d you have to send it during office hours?”

You’re brewing tea in your small, cozy apartment downtown in Seoul, just enough space for yourself. Although a penthouse fit your budget, you knew the home would be too quiet and lonely for you.

“You mentioned how sometimes you forget we’re hiding it from people. I just wanted to do something nice for you. You’re always getting me things and taking care of me.”

Watching you from the couch, he ruffles his end of day hair with remains of gel in it. The top few buttons of his shirt are unbuttoned and his belt is already off, legs laying on the foot rest. “Baby, you already do so much for me. You’re you, keeping me company and making me happy. And didn’t I already tell you that it’s okay we’re hiding it?”

“Okay, but why does it feel like that’s it? That’s all I have to offer you and I’m even making you keep this a secret.”

“I have a job because of you. I’m happy because of you.”

“But that’s not me— that’s my title, Junmyeon. The CEO me gave you a job, not the personal life me. How am I contributing anything to you? Hana makes a point, you know. I should be threatening you with something to date me, or else it wouldn’t make any sense because I have nothing to offer you.”

“Baby...” His voice is softer now albeit his steps are getting closer to you, wrapping his arms around your frame from behind. “You’re enough. Stop thinking you aren’t. You’re such a confident woman, yet at the same time you want to make everyone happy but it’s exhausting you out.”

“Making people happy makes me happy.”

“Be happy that you’re happy.”

“I— I am happy with myself. I achieved my dreams, I even met my soulmate.”

“Then what’s wrong?” His forehead crinkles in confusion.

“I just... want to be enough for you. Money and materialistic items aren’t things that impress you. You were so in love with a girl who had already met her soulmate and let her go when you weren’t ready. I’m afraid I can’t get you to love me up to that par. Everything we have is biological.”

Though your tone is serious, he manages to let out a chuckle. “Is that what you’re worried about? I was in love with you way before knowing any of that stuff. Chanyeol used to have dreams about her yet he still didn’t love her until later. He took his time, but eventually loved her for her. This whole soulmate thing is unpredictable and you know that. You were in that research thing.”

“Research group,” You correct, turning off the gas knob when the kettle sings.

“Research group,” he clarified, bringing your body to face him. “You are my soulmate, period. But before knowing that, you were my boss who I had a major crush on. I stayed those nights in your office and had dinners with you on that annoying wobbly coffee table— which I want to point out, you have enough money to replace— and you still think that way? You let me experience my dreams without even knowing my capabilities, you believed in me when I didn’t. You’ve given me constructive criticism, disagreed with me, and yet still stayed through those heated arguments. Our love languages are different. I’m truly happy what you’ve given me.”

“Are you sure?” 

“More than anything.” He bumps his forehead into yours before leaning in to peck the tip of your nose. “Please trust me.”

Junmyeon has on a black suit that matches the material of your midnight dark off-the-shoulder dress that lengths down pass your legs. He’s the resemblance of Prince Charming— an asian doppelganger, to say the least. Hair recently dyed brown and slicked back with a new cut, he has a way of effortlessly handsome in the most simplistic way.

“Hey, love.” He has a grin wider than the Cheshire Cat, but is the opposite of the character— heart warm for everyone and tugging on their heartstrings just from his smile. Junmyeon has a way of looking at you as if you’re the heroine to his story when in reality, he’s the one who has saved you.

“Hey,” You say airily; the sight of him dressed so formally has the breath taken out of your lungs. “You look good.”

“Thank you, you look even better.” Arms wide with invitation, you comply and shuffle close to him. “When did you get this lovely dress? I’ve never seen you wear it before.”

“You act like we go to black tie events on a daily basis.”

Pulling you close in his embrace, he puckers his lips. Abiding by his request, you gift him a quick peck. “We don’t, but I wish you wore this for me. You look... ravishing.”

“Ravishing?”

“Yes, that’s what I said. Ravishing. You look great, baby. Come, let’s head out.”

“I—“ Hand wrapped around Junmyeon’s wrist after he turns to exit, he flips back with a curious gaze. “What’s wrong, bubby?”

“What if Hana told everyone by now? I haven’t exactly been in the office for a few days with all the meetings that have been going on... what will they think of me?”

“Of you dating? Nothing, you’re a grown woman. You can date.”

You look at him sternly. “No, I meant of me dating an employee. They’re going to think I’m trying to exploit you or something.”

He sighs, hands on your cheeks as he pushes them together to purse your lips. “I don’t really know what’s going to happen. I have some privilege as a man because no one is going to say anything to me, but I know they’ll make some sly comments at you about it. Regardless, know that those people don’t matter. You’re a successful woman who is respectful and kind toward everyone, and her being bitter shouldn’t effect us.”

You’re internally freaking out. The moment you step into the venue, you’re too scared to even fully absorb and admire the work that the HR department made, watching the gazes of those around you. Despite the fact that the man linking arms with yours was the most beautiful person anyone has ever seen, the eyes of those in the room lock onto your figure. It was hard to tell the difference between their judging stares or if it’s because of your position in the company.

 Right on cue, Junmyeon leans over and whispers in your ear. “They’re looking at you because of how beautiful you are.”

Johnny is practically prancing on his route toward you, smile stretching from cheek to cheek as he pulls you into his embrace. He sings your name before separating himself from the hug, pinching the tip of your nose. “Shit, you’re gorgeous. Junmyeon is lucky to be by your side or else I would have snagged you by now.” He teases, but you’re rolling your eyes in response.

“I’m still standing here, you know,” Junmyeon eyes the younger male.

“Aw, hyung, are you jealous?”

“Tsk, John Suh—“

“Hyung!” Another voice chimes in, the three of your heads swerving to the sound to meet with the group of people walking in your direction as you turn your gaze to meet with Junmyeon’s. “I forgot to mention, I invited your friends.”

You notice that Junmyeon’s body stiffens. His heart stopped at the sight, but his hand reaches for yours, tightening the grip. 

His first love.

Chanyeol has his hand resting on her lower back as she makes her way through the crowd amongst the rest of Junmyeon’s friend crew. Her beautiful silk dress hangs on her body loosely, tightening and complimenting her curves when needed most. Her captivating looks had your own heart clenching and you realize what you had been up against the entire time.

The stories Junmyeon shares about his first love now has a face to the name, and the acceptance of their moments has disappeared just from looking at her. She was breathtaking to that point that she’s stolen Johnny’s attention as well.

Quickly, Junmyeon melts from being frozen and greet his friends, and you follow in suit. You learn her name, and hearing her repeat yours reminds you that her voice does sound smooth and sweet like honey, and you can’t even hate her because of how kind she is. 

“I heard that you guys found out that you’re soulmates,” She says with a smile, and you could kill for cheekbones like hers. 

“We are,” He responds, tugging on your hand to bring you closer. “We liked each other first then realized that we both have the same markings.”

“Convenient,” She chuckles, turning to glance at Chanyeol who stands by her side. Despite all the denying Chanyeol had went through before, it wasn’t evident now because his eyes were filled with love when they meet with hers. “A lot easier than what I went through with this guy.” She fixated her stare back at Junmyeon, voice filled with genuine as she speaks. “I’m happy you found someone who can make you happy.”

Later on, she meets with you privately as the rest of the gang follows Junmyeon around and they share loud conversations and laughs with each other.

“Hey,” She says, voice soft and gentle. “I just... wanted to thank you.”

“For what?” Perplexity is written on your face as you casually grab two champagne glasses from a server walking by, handing one to her as she takes willingly.

“For... loving Junmyeon. I... loved him before and I couldn’t fully give him what he wanted because of Chanyeol.”

Waving your hand in dismissal, you shake your head in unison. “No, thank you. If... you stayed even though Junmyeon wanted to let you go, I don’t think I would have ever met him. I would’ve never met my own soulmate, and... I don’t think I’d be as happy as I am now.” Almost on sign, Junmyeon’s in mid-laugh across the room, chatting with his friends as his tender gaze meets yours. 

“Well, he’s just as happy, if not more. So, thank you, really. He deserves the world for letting go of someone he loved just for the sake of his best friend’s happiness. He’s a selfless guy.”

The night is long; you’re constantly talking to investors and potential investors, meeting new and old people as well as trying to keep up with all of your employees that attended. The turn-out is better than expected (well, better than Johnny expected), and you congratulate the HR team on a job well done.

“Ah, thanks, boss... it means a lot to us that you’re saying this.” You scoff, drink in hand before reaching up to pinch the cheek of the younger male.

“Call me noona. You did a great job, Mark, it deserves to be recognized. Keep it up and you’ll see a promotion headed your way.” Mark’s face flushes pink at your actions and words, bowing in appreciation. “Thank you, Noona!”

“Can I snag your noona away from you?” 

“Oh— Hey Hyung! Of course. She’s all yours.” Mark smiles giddily, and you’re unsure if the last sentence is in reference to your relationship, or that he was willing to give your attention back to Junmyeon’s.

“Hey, you tired?” His face is always full of concern when he watches you, but you feel like a princess when he surveils your face for a response with all the attentiveness. You shake your head in response. “No, I’m okay. It’s nice knowing that nobody is giving me a hard time.”

“Speaking of that...” Your furrow your brows in confusion. “I talked to Hana just now.”

“Oh?”

“She’s... unhappy, for sure. But more angry that I didn’t even give her a shot. I’ve known her before you and I guess she had been pursuing me since then but I’ve always had my eyes on you.”

Chewing on your bottom lip anxiously, you tap your feet on the ground. “So... now what?”

“Nothing.” He chuckles, hand resting on your lower back as he pulls you near. “Don’t care about what she says. She’s an employee first, an angry girl who has a crush on your boyfriend second. All you should care about is yourself, and how much I love you for being you.”

Everything he says before the phrase falls out the other ear. “You love me?”