Chapter Text
"Hey Seongje, I read your message. I also think we should meet up. How about the ACDC cafe near campus?"
Seongje replied to Baekjin's message with a huge, eager "yes." The dark-haired boy then told him he'd meet him there at 6:00 PM, but given the circumstances and Seongje's overwhelming crush, he arrived an hour early. Half an hour after his arrival, he was anxiously tapping his fingers on the cafe table while he waited.
-Hi, would you like to order something?- a girl with flushed cheeks asked. It was the second time she'd approached him to serve him.
-No, I... I'm still waiting for someone- he sighed nervously.
-I understand- she smiled sympathetically.
Seongje rolled his eyes angrily. "She probably thinks I got stood up," he thought... "but that's what I get for arriving an hour early." Then he decided to play Pokémon on his phone. He was right in the middle of a mission when a beautiful voice made his chest flutter with happiness.
-Hi, I didn't expect to see you here already. Have you been waiting long?- Baekjin exclaimed.
-No, I just got here too- Seongje lied as he locked his phone with a smile.
-That's nice. You must be very punctual for your meetings too. I thought I'd be waiting for you for half an hour- he smiled as he sat down at the table across from him.
"I'd love to lie and tell you I'm the most punctual person in the world, but the truth is I only arrived early because it's you," Seongje thought. -Would you like to order something?- he asked, smiling.
-Yes, an iced coffee is fine. What will you order?-
-I... I'd like a mocha and a chocolate cake... would you like to share the cake with me?-
-No... I...- he hesitated nervously, -I prefer not to eat chocolate-
-Oh... I'm sorry. Are you allergic?... Does it upset your stomach?-
Baekjin blushed nervously. In the past, when he confessed to Baku that he preferred to avoid chocolate, the older boy accepted it as a mantra and didn't question him about it. As children, he was eternally grateful for that, but now that he was almost an adult, seeing Seongje's genuine interest in the matter made his chest warm with pleasure. -It's not that... it's because of a childhood trauma- he confessed.
-And would you like to talk about it?- Seongje asked gently.
-No, at least not now- Baekjin sighed. He had to be careful if he planned not to get too involved with the boy in front of him.
-Alright... whenever you want to talk about it, I'll listen-
Baekjin nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. Seongje wasn't making it easy for him to remain indifferent.
-Then I'll go order: an iced coffee, a cappuccino, and a cheesecake. Could you share that one?-
-Yes- Baekjin smiled, his dimples deepening. He loved that Seongje had decided to switch his orders to something without chocolate.
Seongje was lost in his smile and, after a while, walked over to the counter to order. Returning to the table, Baekjin handed him a couple of bills. -What's this?- Seongje exclaimed, confused, holding the money.
-It's for the drinks and the cake- the dark-haired man replied.
Seongje smiled and shook his head, handing the money back. -It's on me this time... you can pay next time-
"There won't be a next time," Baekjin thought sadly. -Please, take it. I invited you here. It would be unfair if you paid for everything- he said, placing the money in front of the boy.
Seongje laughed again. -Last night you let me buy you souju and also...-
-That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about...- he interrupted. -I... I apologize for what happened. I shouldn't have acted the way I did... I was so drunk that all I remember is us dancing, going to your room, and then... waking up- he lied.
-What?- Seongje exclaimed, hurt -You really don't remember anything?-
Baekjin nodded seriously. -It's true, everything is blurry- Lying usually came easily to him, but now... seeing the sad face in front of him... he felt a strong urge to take it back. Luckily, before he could, a girl with round, rosy cheeks placed their drinks and cake on the table.
Seongje took his coffee and a nervous sip. -So, since you don't remember anything, you think what happened was a mistake?-
-Yes, I'm so sorry. I don't usually act like that. I don't go around drinking and going into strangers' rooms. My actions were stupid, and I shouldn't have done that to you-
Seongje burst out laughing. -You think I do that? That every Saturday, as a matter of routine, I approach strangers, offer them souju, and then sleep with them in my room?- He looked at him amused.
-I didn't say that- the dark-haired man replied quickly.
-Not directly- the one with glasses sighed dramatically.
-Nor indirectly. Sorry if I didn't explain myself well. I just wanted to tell you that what happened was a mistake and entirely my fault. I promise it won't happen again-
-That's precisely the problem, Baekjin. I do want it to happen again- Seongje replied, his eyes glistening. -I want it to repeat itself over and over for the rest of my life-
Baekjin nearly choked on his coffee at Seongje's words. -What?-
-Exactly what you heard. I'd love to repeat what we did last night. I want to be with you again, but I'm not just talking about the physical aspect. I like you- Seongje sighed, a slight blush creeping across his face.
-But... how can you say that? We've never even spoken before. We're practically strangers- he exclaimed, covering his face with his hands.
-We're not strangers. I've always called you by your name. I know you- "I've been in love with you since I was 15," he thought. -I've seen you act at the Ganhal theater. You were in a play with my best friend... you're the best actor I've ever seen- he confessed.
Baekjin blushed at the compliment. -Thanks, but just because you saw me at the theater before doesn't mean you know me-
-And how do you expect me to get to know you better if you dismiss the only time we were together as a mistake?- he pouted.
-We were both drunk. What we did wasn't right- Baekjin complained.
-I wasn't drunk- Seongje confessed with a smile. -Besides, we're both sober now- he argued. -We have coffee and cheesecake to share. I'm not asking you to repeat what happened last night, but don't dismiss the idea of us being together again-
Baekjin covered his face with his hands in frustration. Seongje was making things too complicated, so he had no choice but to confess the real reason for his rejection. -I don't want to hurt you- he sighed, lowering his hands. -You don't deserve to go out with someone who's in love with someone else- He closed his eyes nervously, expecting an insult, a reprimand, mistreatment... but instead, he received a caress on her hand, he opened his eyes suddenly
Seongje made a face, clicking his lips in amusement.
Baekjin frowned at his reaction. -You find that funny?- he asked, pulling his hand away from Seongje's. -I... I feel terrible for having been with you while I have feelings for someone else-
Seongje chuckled softly -Yesterday you kissed me while we were dancing, you let me save my number in your phone, you held my hand and walked me to my room; While you were there, I gave you the chance to leave, to run away and not go any further, but you refused. You threw yourself into my arms and begged me to make you mine…-
Baekjin trembled at his words, for he remembered everything that had happened perfectly -Stop… I don’t remember anything. How do I know you’re not making all this up?- he replied, his voice trembling.
Seongje smiled, slid his chair next to Baekjin’s, gently cupped his face, and whispered softly in his ear -You know very well that what I said is true because even though you had the chance to walk away from me, you didn’t. No matter how much your memory resists, I know I’m not indifferent to you… Please give me a chance- he exclaimed, then kissed the older man’s cheek. -I swear I can make you happy. Stay with me-
Baekjin nervously closed his eyes.
....
"Baekjin... ah... I... you..." Seongje began to stammer between thrusts.
Baekjin clung to his shoulders, a charming smile adorning his face. "Relax, I'm fine, please don't stop."
Seongje blushed to his neck, quickening his thrusts as he devoured Baekjin's mouth. Then he moved down to his neck and kissed him tenderly, careful not to leave any marks.
The older man, in turn, clung to his back and squeezed so hard he was sure to bruise him. He also bit his shoulder and then kissed his neck, which made Seongje accelerate his pace even more until he couldn't hold back any longer and came inside him. And as soon as he felt the younger man's warmth, Baekjin reached his climax as well.
"I dreamed of this so many times... but none of those dreams compare to reality," Seongje exclaimed as he kissed Baekjin again until he was breathless. "Stay with me," he sighed. "Stay all night... please."
....
The memories sent a shiver down his spine, making him tremble. -I don't want to hurt you- he said, almost crying.
-I don't care if you do- Seongje smiled, stroking the older man's face.
-It's not fair to you-
-What's not fair is that you're passing up the chance to share this delicious cake with me- he smiled, handing him a spoonful.
Baekjin smiled, his eyes glistening, and tasted the cake.
-How is it?- the younger man asked.
-It's really good-
-See?- he exclaimed, lowering his spoon -Baekjin, I'm not asking you to be my boyfriend, and I know the order in which we got closer wasn't the most logical or right, but please don't push me away. Let me be close to you. Let me show you how much I like you-
Baekjin took the spoon, scooped some cake onto it, and brought it to Seongje's lips. -Okay- he whispered.
Seongje happily tasted the cake, then put away the money Baekjin had given him. offered from the older man's jacket pocket -So, let me treat this time and you treat next time-
-Okay- he said softly.
-You don't have to thank me, and don't be afraid to tell me everything that's bothering you... it's not always easy to confess what we feel; it took me many tries to get close to you-
-I still don't understand how you could like me just from seeing me at the theater-
-You're beautiful, you sing, dance, and act incredibly well, plus you're intelligent, strong...-
Baekjin shoved a spoonful of cake into his mouth to shut him up. -Stop it, it feels so weird to hear you talk about me like that-
-It's all true!- exclaimed Seongje with his mouth full of cake.
-Don't talk with your mouth full- the older one huffed, amused.
The next day, Baekjin woke up earlier than Baku, ate a huge plate of curry rice for breakfast, and left his for his friend along with a note that said, "Heat it up before eating it :)." He left his room and was greeted by Seongje at the entrance of his building. The younger boy was holding a rose. -For you- he exclaimed.
Baekjin He blushed as he received it. -Thank you-
-It's not free- he said playfully, holding Baekjin by the waist.
The dark-haired man looked at him questioningly. -Isn't it?-
-No, it'll cost you a kiss-
-Don't you think that's too much?-
-Come on, it's just a little kiss on the cheek- the younger man teased.
Baekjin rolled his eyes and slowly kissed Seongje on the cheek.
Seongje's eyes widened, and he lowered his head, blushing. -I meant that I was supposed to kiss you...- he whispered.
-So my kiss didn't count?-
-No... yes...- Seongje stammered, tightening his grip on Baekjin, then buried his face in the dark-haired man's neck. -Of course it counts, but now I'm the one who owes you more roses-
-So if I'm the one who kisses you, it's worth more flowers?- Baekjin teased.
Seongje nodded, his head still buried in the neck of the older man
Baekjin chuckled, gently lifted Seongje's head until they were face to face, smiled sweetly, and then slowly kissed his lips. -And how many roses is this worth?- he asked.
Seongje blushed to his neck, gently cupped Baekjin's cheek, and kissed him slowly and sweetly, feeling a jolt of electricity run down his spine with each movement of his lips. Then he moved from his mouth to his cheeks, continued along his jawline, and finally began kissing his neck.
Baekjin slowly pulled away. -Wow, if this keeps up, I think I'll open my flower shop before class even gets here-
Seongje chuckled sheepishly. -Sorry, I promise to control myself better-
-Okay, let's go to class-
On the way, Seongje began telling him about his upcoming electronics project. He explained that he plans to develop a robot that can identify and translate sign language, something like a translator for deaf people so that those who don't know sign language can understand it. He also wants to integrate a teaching function so that more people can learn it, especially those with deaf family members or friends.
Baekjin listened, captivated, noticing Seongje's commitment and fascination with the project. He brought up the topic and also noticed that the younger boy didn't seem to like silence.
-You might be wondering why this project. Well, most of my classmates decided to focus on household chores and office supplies, but they forgot about the empathy and ethics aspect of the project. At first, I'd also set it aside. I was thinking of making a robot that gave massages- he chuckled -But then I remembered Noh Yun's little sister and how bad I felt for not understanding anything she was trying to tell me. That's when...-
-Noh Yun, from Ganghak High School- Baekjin interrupted.
-Yes, he's my best friend... the first play of yours I saw at the theater was one you did with him-
-The werewolf- Baekjin asked.
Seongje chuckled -Yes, you were the hunter-
-Nohmin?-
-Yes, she's Yun's little sister. You know her too-
-Yes, she's very cute... I think your project is amazing just for it, but with this context it's even more so-
-Thank you, just don't tell Noh Yun anything. I plan for it to be a surprise for him and Nohmin-
-I won't, although it's been several months since I last saw him. I lost track of him when I started university. The last I heard was that he started studying engineering
-That idiot quit the theater for this semester, but I have no doubt he'll rejoin next semester- Seongje exclaimed.
-It would be amazing... Dongha has so many great ideas, but we need someone like Noh Yun to bring them to life-
-Yeah, I'll tell him to consider returning to the theater sooner- he said, then made a face of displeasure.
-What's wrong?- Baekjin asked.
-I have to let you go- he said dramatically, as they were standing at the entrance of the Administration building.
Baekjin rolled his eyes. -See you later- he said, then walked toward his class.
Seongje took his hand to stop him. -Wait, just let me see you for one more second-
Baekjin smiled amusedly. -Okay- he exclaimed, then went into the building.
Right at the entrance to his classroom, he was greeted by Dongha, who was looking at him with his arms crossed and a curious smile on his face -Are you seeing anyone, Baekjin?-
-No- the dark-haired boy said, -at least not yet- He whispered,
-So that guy with glasses at the entrance is just a figment of my imagination?-
-No, he isn't... we're looking into leaving-
Dongha touched his forehead, feigning concern. -Are you okay? Are you really my friend, or did you just take over his body?-
-I'll tell you everything at the end of class, okay?- he exclaimed.
-You'd better... I woke up yesterday to a million missed calls and messages from Baku... I thought something bad had happened to you, and your 'I'm fine' message didn't help much-
Baekjin nodded to his friend and focused on his classes. At the end of the day, he found himself on one of the benches in the university's main garden with Seongmok and Dongha, who were staring at him, wide-eyed and speechless at the story he was telling them...
-So when you disappeared from the party, it was because you left with that Seongje guy?- Seongmok clarified.
-But what about your feelings for you-know-who?- Dongha exclaimed.
-I explained to Seongje that I still have feelings for someone else. I told him that the last thing I want is to hurt him, but he...- he sighed. -He told me that he still wanted to try to be close to me.-
-That's sweet, but what do you feel?- Seongmok asked.
-I don't know- he sighed, looking up at the sky. -That night I was so resigned to letting go of my stupid feelings for Humin, and Seongje's arrival gave me so much more courage to get over it... but I don't want that... he's not something you can use. He doesn't deserve something like that-
-Well then, try not to hurt him. If there's absolutely no chance you can be anything more than friends, make that clear to him- Dongha said. -Don't cross any lines. Don't do anything with him that you wouldn't do with me or Seongmok-
Baekjin nodded understandingly.
-But if he has a chance... which I think he does, then don't think twice and do whatever you want with him- Dongha exclaimed with a smile.
Baekjin lowered his head, blushing.
-Come on, it's not like you can't do less than what they've already done- he teased.
-Idiot-
Dongha laughed in response. -Call me whatever you want, but you know I'm right-
Baekjin looked at Seongmok. -How do you put up with him?- he asked. -You must be really in love-
Seongmok shook his head with a smile. -I'm with him for his looks. I'm still working on his personality- he joked.
-Poor you- Baekjin said playfully.
Dongha rolled his eyes. -What are you saying? We both know you love everything about me- he said to his boyfriend. -But think carefully about Seongje. If you decide to go out with him, the four of us can go on double dates. That would be great... you know does he like video games, paintball, or theater set design?-
-No, I won't allow him to be enslaved to help them too- Seongmok said dramatically. -There's no hope for me anymore, but he can still be saved-
-Love, I always knew you had talent as an actor- Dongha teased.
Baekjin clapped, amused. -You're exaggerating a bit, but it's workable-
Seongmok blushed, looking dejected, and Dongha gave him a warm hug.