Work Text:
Wonwoo is furious.
He's been livid since this morning. No, scratch that - since yesterday when his jerk of a boyfriend decided to dump him suddenly.
He learns several moments ago the particular reason when he saw the jerk in question kissing another girl like they're in heat or something.
Not just any girl; it was Mikyung, one of his friends.
Have they done this for some time now?
How long have they been playing with Wonwoo now?
Wonwoo hastily wiped the tears that were coming.
He's furious, but he refuses to cry for that jerk.
He definitely will make them pay—especially him.
But, probably now, Wonwoo needs to drink.
***
Junhui's been eying his best friend for a while now.
After he broke up with his spoiled boyfriend some time ago, it seems that Wonwoo was not in the correct mindset.
"Do you love him that much?"
Wonwoo scoffs, "You know what, it's been several weeks now, Jun. I have thought about it, and it's not about that,"
"Then what?" Junhui asked him. He was trying hard not to say 'told you so!' to his best friend, because he reminded him several times that his latest boyfriend (now ex) is a huge jerk and womanizer. Did Wonwoo listen to him? Nope. Junhui is just white noise for Wonwoo.
"If he no longer feels anything with me, he should say so from the beginning, right?" Wonwoo took another swig of his beer, "But no, the bastard didn't do that. He decided to fuck my friend on the side while prolonging whatever we had,"
"So, what now? You want me to beat Min-"
"Ack!" Wonwoo puts one hand up to stop Junhui, "Beating your ex-boyfriend up is not a classy enough revenge to get even with him."
Junhui groans loudly; he's here with Wonwoo mostly because he wants to make sure his friend did not do anything stupid. At least, he should be there if he does anything stupid. "Then what?"
"I'm thinking and searching for his pressure point... His weakest point, something that will hurt him,"
"And what that is?"
"Wouldn't be here thinking if I already devised a perfect plan. I will be doing it instead,"
After spending another 15 minutes, Junhui gave up and said that he would leave Wonwoo, asking him not to drink anything stronger and text him once he got home.
After a while, Wonwoo drowned in his thoughts, beer, and misery, when he saw a face in the crowd. It wasn't a very familiar face for Wonwoo. Not that he has many older men as friends. Something tickles the back of his mind until a light bulb pops in his head after he can put a label on that face.
Is this the sign from above?
Wonwoo orders another bottle of beer, and then makes determined steps toward that man.
***
It's probably sometime around 1 AM; Wonwoo doesn't know what happens with his alcohol-induced brain. That silly brain somehow made an instant plan, and the first part was to introduce himself and seduce this older man.
He doesn't even know if the man will swing that way or not. Again, his tipsy self has more courage than his usual self. He somehow found himself in the other's sports car, parked out somewhere while the two had been making out for a while.
Wonwoo found his fingers somehow trailing their way to the man's body, passing his not-so-impressive stomach towards his crotch and gave it a massage.
"Wait," the man choked out. He combs his hair. Even with the lack of light, Wonwoo can see the white hair sprinkling his otherwise dark hair.
"Gosh, teenager these days," the man chuckles while trying to catch his breath.
Wonwoo squints his eyes and huffs. He's almost 22 this year. So yeah, he no longer thinks of himself as a teenager.
"What, don't tell me you have second thoughts now, sir?" Wonwoo emphasizes the last part. "And I'm not a teenager,"
"No, I just wanted to tell you," the man coughed a bit, again; it was pretty dark where they chose to park, but Wonwoo can swear there was a dust of pink on his face.
"I didn't have this much action in a while,"
Honestly, without him telling? Wonwoo can tell. Wonwoo won't even talk to this older man if it's not his tipsy self and "awesome" plan.
"Well, you can consider this one of the greater nights,"
Wonwoo ended up giving the man a hand job and got the man's phone number in return.
***
Junhui watches his friend for a while now. It's their break between classes. Wonwoo, who usually only needs around 2 minutes to devour his cheeseburger, now ignore it to text Someone. He's also smiling when texting.
"Who is that?" Junhui asks with a voice dripping with doubt.
For the last several weeks, Wonwoo has been looking cheerful, and he has stopped talking about his ex or obsessing over a revenge plan. It somehow is scarier for Junhui.
Wonwoo is not a person who will stop once he sets his mind on something.
"No one." Wonwoo puts down his phone and gives Junhui an innocent look.
The phone lights up again, and before Wonwoo can take it or flip it over, Junhui snatches it and takes a look at the name.
"Who is Kim Mingyu?"
"Just a new guy I met at the bar, okay." Wonwoo snatched his phone back. "We've been texting for a while, that's it,"
"If you say so," He forgets Minjae because of this new guy? Possibly, Junhui thinks to himself, despite his looks, he's a bit of a birdbrain.
***
Okay, Wonwoo has been texting with Kim Mingyu for months now. He's just not ready to divulge the whole situation to Junhui. Yet.
Because Mingyu is a part of his elaborate plan to get even with Minjae.
The next part that Junhui might ask will be, how is he a part of it?
It might be a bit complicated to say that Mingyu is Minjae's father, and yes, he is planning to date his ex's father to get back at him.
You see, Kim Minjae is a spoiled rich kid. However, Wonwoo knew from dating him for the past year; this kid has always looked up to his parents, especially his dad. Yep, that Kim Mingyu.
He knew that Junhui would not be onboard on his idea. Heck, some nights after a sweet exchange of texts with Mingyu, even Wonwoo questions his mind. But he's halfway there already. So, might as well continue? Right?
***
Wonwoo can't take his eyes off Mingyu, who has spent the last hour walking around Wonwoo's apartment. Cooking and now setting out the table for dinner.
"I hope you like the pasta," he said as he put the expensive wine on the table, "I make sure not to use any prawns this time."
Mingyu stands near the dining table, catches the younger staring at him, and gestures towards the food.
Wonwoo finally walks towards Mingyu, and instead of taking a seat, he cards his fingers on Mingyu's hair. He has to look up as Mingyu is taller than him (and Minjae is a bit shorter than Wonwoo in comparison).
"Your hair looks different," Wonwoo said.
Mingyu smiles sheepishly, "You noticed?"
The sprinkle of white hair, which is usually there and something that's expected for a 43-year-old man, is no longer there. Of course, Wonwoo noticed.
"Did you color it?"
Mingyu's arms went to Wonwoo's waist and pulled him closer instead. "Probably," he whispers against Wonwoo's lips.
Something in the back of Wonwoo's mind tells him as to why Mingyu did this.
"Do you like it?" Mingyu ask him softly.
There's warmth in the older's eyes. Wonwoo wanted to say something, but he couldn't make the words out. So, he kissed the older one instead. He kissed him passionately.
Mingyu laughed as they parted. "I'll take that as a yes,"
"Stay here tonight," again - that's not what Wonwoo wanted to say out loud. But, he's not exactly against the idea of Mingyu staying.
Mingyu gave him a brilliant smile, "With pleasure, kitten,"
***
Wonwoo is finishing an essay for a class. Last-minute, as the deadline is in two hours. This is his final semester, but he feels so done with university life. He can't wait for graduation and probably sleep for an entire week after that. Thus, he's not appreciative when he heard people talking and not precisely whispering. He's about to turn around and scold whoever made the library a place for gossiping when he recognized the voice and the topic might be of interest too.
Kim Minjae and his younger sister.
"So, what are you saying?" he's pushing his sister.
"I seriously think Dad finally has a lover,"
"What makes you think so?"
"He keeps smiling whenever he texts now,"
"It might be work project went well,"
"He shops a lot and changes the style of his clothing now. He even asks me for fashion advice. This is our dad we're talking about. He calls someone at night and talks in this super playful soft voice. Would he talk like that for work?"
"Yeah, it might be a fling or something,"
Wonwoo stays entirely still, but he can't tell their expression as he has his back to the sibling.
"Why are you so stressed about it? Mom has a string of lovers, and you never worry,"
"Exactly, because this is Dad! I've never really seen him dating other people, you know, so I'm worried. What if it's a gold digger?"
Wonwoo didn't bother to listen for the rest of the conversation. He puts all of his books and laptop in his backpack and leaves the library.
***
Mingyu comes to Wonwoo's apartment again that night.
As he came and looked at Wonwoo's sullen expression, he decided not to ask too many questions.
They're now just sitting on the couch, watching an episode from a Japanese series.
"Are you stressed?" Mingyu asked the younger. He opens a bottle of wine while looking at Wonwoo's face.
"Not really," Wonwoo didn't even glance at Mingyu.
Somehow, in the middle of the episode, Wonwoo realized that Mingyu had taken both of his legs and put them on top of his lap. He massages Wonwoo's legs softly.
"What are you doing?" Wonwoo asked with a pout.
Mingyu smiles as his fingers do not stop the massage, "You look exhausted, and I know this is your final semester. It can be stressful to finish your thesis, and classes while looking for a job at the same time,"
Stop being so kind.
"My son is also in his final semester, so I know,"
FUCK. Yes, I know your son too.
"You can talk to me, you know. I will listen," Mingyu pulls his legs a bit, starting to massage his upper calf and thigh. "It's been a while since I graduated, but I think I have a bunch of helpful advice."
"Well, I never heard your story," Wonwoo said suddenly, "What did you do during college?"
"I wouldn't want to bore you to death with my story,"
"I asked," Wonwoo said, sipping his glass of wine, "But you should pardon me if I fall asleep in the middle of your story,"
Mingyu laughed, "I'll try not to lull you to sleep then,"
"I studied business management as told by my parents,"
Wonwoo nodded, "What an uncommon story, took a business major to take over a family's business,"
"I took a year off, though, in between," Mingyu continues despite Wonwoo's teasing, "That's pretty uncommon, right,"
"Why did you take a gap year?"
"I knocked a senior up,"
"Eh?" Wonwoo stopped looking at the screen. Minjae is a product of marriage by accident?
"Yes, the cherry on top is that I don't even like the girl. We end up married, though; you can't exactly say you're not interested in a female person back then. The parents also think the best way to take responsibility is to marry each other, so..."
"Wait, wait, hold up," Wonwoo pulls his legs and puts himself in a better sitting position, despite Mingyu's grabby hands. "You don't like her, and you realized you are gay? Then why and how did you impregnate her?"
"According to today's sexual spectrum, I am probably bisexual," Mingyu said while tilting his head, "And, we were drunk - or more like she made me drunk and proceeded to have sex with me; I was quite famous and good-looking back then, you know," he grinned and winked at Wonwoo. "So, it was probably her way of getting my attention, although the baby was probably a bonus. I never regretted that part, though; I even managed to get another baby girl,"
I know, Wonwoo said to himself.
"We finally divorced after years and years of unhappy marriage. It's been ten years now since the divorce," Mingyu continued while picking the wine bottle up, "The kids have been with me, most times, while their mother still trying to find her true love. Long story short, I managed to get my degree and worked in my parent's company and take over it as they requested,"
Mingyu poured more wine into his now empty glass and put the bottle back, "Just last year, I had this tiny bit of revelation," he said as his thumb and forefinger gestured.
"I have never really lived for myself. It was either what my parents wanted or what I thought was best for my kids."
He smiled ruefully, "I never stop and think what kind of life do I want? Especially after what my parents said the big mistake of my life, I never really take a risk or enjoy life, you know,"
"Talking to this pretty young man at the bar last November was probably the most risk I took in a long while," Mingyu chuckles. "My younger self can probably score a date with someone like you, I told myself. Then, you kissed me in the car, and I told myself, he's perhaps drunk, but let me enjoy the moment for a bit,"
Mingyu drinks his wine again, "Yet, now here we are. Who would have thought?"
Mingyu takes a deep breath and smiles at Wonwoo, "So, what this old man wants to say before you fall asleep due to boredom is that you are still young and you still have so much time. Don't worry about graduation or work, okay? There will be so many opportunities waiting for you in the future,"
Fuck. Wonwoo's heart is aching for this beautiful, beautiful man.
He wanted to feel his lips so much.
He scrambles to get to Mingyu's lap and pulls his collar to kiss the hell out of this man. They kissed each other, tasting the rose wine from each other tongues. Mingyu swiped his tongue to Wonwoo's lower lip and sucked it. His warm fingers brushed Wonwoo's cheek gently.
When Mingyu pulled away, Wonwoo was left waiting and wanting. Mingyu finally traces Wonwoo's lower lip with his thumb. Wonwoo couldn't stop himself from turning to the touch and nipping at his thumb, and he recognized the hooded gaze in the older's eyes.
"More," Wonwoo whispers, "My bedroom now," he pants.
Mingyu raised his eyebrow at Wonwoo's demand.
Wonwoo saw the surprise there, and he moved to plant small kisses over the older's jaw. Kissing wetly and moving slowly to the other's earlobe, "You don't want to?"
Wonwoo can feel the vibration of the other's chuckle, "My dick is happy right now, but I don't know that this will be the result of my sob story,"
"It's not a sob story," Wonwoo hastily said, "It's your story and..."
"What, Wonwoo?" Mingyu asked as his other hand travels further down and grabs his pert butt. Wonwoo moaned softly and stopped his ministration now.
"And I appreciate you," Wonwoo looks at Mingyu's in the eye; that's the closest words Wonwoo can describe his feeling now. "I cherish the whole of you,"
"You sure know how to make a man feel wanted,"
That's the only warning Wonwoo received before Mingyu stands up suddenly, making Wonwoo yelp loudly. His hand is secured under Wonwoo's thighs, and Wonwoo automatically locks his ankle at Mingyu's back.
"Give a man some warning, will you?!"
As Mingyu walks quickly to Wonwoo's bedroom, Wonwoo leaves a trail of kisses on Mingyu's neck. He gives a proper amount of love to the man's tan skin.
Mingyu lays Wonwoo softly on top of the bedsheet.
"I want a repeat of that,"
"Well, kitten, my waist is probably not so agreeable on such demand,"
Wonwoo laughed out loud and pulled Mingyu to his body, missing the other's warmth already, "Kiss me,"
Mingyu cups his face softly. It wasn't a sensual kiss. There was no hurried tangling of tongues, no intrusion or demands. It was slow, soft, and exploratory. An introduction once again, an invitation.
They continue with the pace for some time until Wonwoo can't handle Mingyu's slow speed and starts undressing. He throws his pajama top and proceeds to unbutton Mingyu's collared shirt.
"What's the hurry?" Mingyu captured one of Wonwoo's hands and kissed it slowly.
"I want you now," Wonwoo said shamelessly. Wonwoo feels so impatient with Mingyu's pace. The coolness of Wonwoo's room washed over his torso making his nipples harden. Mingyu drinks the view under him. His fingers now trailed after the view, from the corner of Wonwoo's lips to his beautiful collarbone. His veiny hands caressed his chest intentionally missing the hard nipple as Wonwoo's breath hitch with anticipation.
After caressing Wonwoo's stomach, Mingyu's hands moved up again.
"Wonwoo-ah... you are so fucking beautiful," he whispers as if telling the secret of the world. If Wonwoo said he might combust, it wouldn't be an exaggeration, and Kim Mingyu hardly touches him by now.
"Mingyu, please,"
Mingyu lowers his head now and leaving a wet stripe over Wonwoo's collarbone. "So pretty,"
"Uhmm,"
His other hand now caresses his chest and finally touches his left nipple.
Mingyu continues to kiss and sucks Wonwoo's collarbone while his other hand now pulls and twists his nipple.
"Ahh, ahhh," Wonwoo loves it; he loves it so much when Mingyu plays with his nipples.
Mingyu studies Wonwoo's expression and finally decides to give more to the younger. He sucks his right nipple. Right below the marks, he left on the collarbone.
He sucks the nipple continuously. All at once then, Mingyu sucked, twisted, and circled it. Wonwoo can't help but let out a long moan. Wonwoo can feel the way Mingyu's canine grazed over his nipple.
"Oh, yes, suck on it," Wonwoo's hand finds its way to Mingyu's hair, grabbing his hair as Mingyu sucks his nipple.
Mingyu continues to do as requested and gives the same attention to the other nipple before kissing his way downwards.
But, Wonwoo has another idea. "Ah, stop,"
"Yes, kitten?" Mingyu ask.
Wonwoo sat and decided to push Mingyu down instead.
"I told you, this is about you," Wonwoo said as he took off his sweatpants. He's not wearing a boxer underneath. He hoists himself over Mingyu's waist and settles there. He then continues to unbutton the rest of Mingyu's shirt. He is now taking a turn to appreciate Mingyu's body.
His palms caress Mingyu's chest and slowly move to his stomach. It wasn't a perfect six-pack, but it was something.
"Carrying me over to the bedroom, and now this," Wonwoo murmur.
"This wasn't here a few weeks ago, been working hard at the gym?" he asked.
Mingyu's breathing harder than usual, as his eyes, never leave Wonwoo. "I wanted to give you something better, kitten," Mingyu said, not denying Wonwoo's conclusion.
"I want to be better,"
Shit.
Wonwoo's heart stutters. He somehow understands what Mingyu means.
Kim Mingyu has been working out to have a better form for Wonwoo.
Jeon Wonwoo truly doesn't deserve him.
"You're enough," Wonwoo lowers himself, can't help that his lips are not on touching Mingyu's right now. He kisses him, sucks his lower lip, and gives a series of kitten kisses all over his face.
"What am I gonna do with you?" Wonwoo softly asked as Mingyu opened his eyes.
***
There was something different that night.
And now, Wonwoo's head is near exploding.
Wonwoo knocks at the door several times and rings the bell continuously.
Junhui opened the door and immediately said, "Only you as a devil incarnate will show up this early on a Sunday at my place,"
Wonwoo walks over to Junhui and said, "I screw up,"
"Nothing new," Junhui closed the door.
"I screw up BIG TIME, Jun," Wonwoo paced around Jun's living room.
"I know somehow this will happen," Jun said as he walked to take his morning coffee from the kitchen.
"What did you do this time?" He asked as he brought two mugs of coffee.
Wonwoo finally looks up to Jun, and now Junhui can see the unshed tears.
"Shit," Junhui gulps. Wonwoo is intense. Wonwoo is aggressive and passionate. But, he hardly cries.
So, this doesn't mean well.
***
Two hours and several slaps later.
Wonwoo is sobbing softly on Jun's couch now. Equal part his stupidity, overwhelming feelings, and Junhui's harsh words and slaps.
"You know, I really-really wanted just to say," Junhui said, "Deal with your mess, you deserve it,"
"Don't you think I know that?" Wonwoo wipes his tears with his sleeves. Junhui finally moves to get a box of tissue for him.
"What were you thinking?"
"I don't know!" Wonwoo yells, "I remember his face because Minjae kept talking about his dad and showed me his pictures so many times. I told you I was drunk, and I don't even know what my revenge plan exactly was,"
"Date your ex-boyfriend's father and tell your ex after that to call you daddy?" Junhui scoffed. "And now you love that guy,"
"I don't know whether I love him or not, okay?" Wonwoo said.
"Okay, allow me to be precise. You are very FOND of your ex's father. There bold and capital,"
They stay quiet for a while, and Junhui finally said, "I don't know Wonwoo, all I know is that whatever you feel or want to do after, you can't start or end something with lies,"
***
"Happy graduation, Wonwoo! Congratulations on the hard-earned degree!"
"Technically, it's still tomorrow," Wonwoo answered the phone call.
"I know, my son went to the same university as you. Although he attended a different school,"
"..."
Wonwoo plays with the hem of his shirt.
"Will you be there tomorrow?"
"I have to; he expects both of his parents and sister to attend it,"
"Can you say hi to me?" Wonwoo mutters.
"As much as I wanted to, I don't think it's wise for other people, especially your parents, to see you with a very much older man,"
***
Wonwoo saw Mingyu, though - and Mingyu also saw him and nodded at him.
That's it, that was the highlight of his graduation.
After that, he has to leave with his parents, younger sister, and brother for a studio photo and a celebratory early dinner.
"Do you have a job waiting for you here?" his father asks during dinner.
"Not yet,"
"Then you know what's best after this, right? We can't continue to pay your rent in the city. It's costly, and we have to save for your siblings' college entrance too. You could move back here if you got a job here,"
Wonwoo manages to bargain for another month with his parents. He tries to apply to all kinds of companies. It seems that he already sent 500 applications without a clear result.
But, the other reason for him to stay is...
Kim Mingyu is calling.
Him.
***
"Where are we going?" Wonwoo asks after they drive around in Mingyu's BMW.
"Belated celebratory dinner," Mingyu smiles at him. "Sorry, it took a while. My son wanted a trip with the whole family," he chuckles, "Which ended up pretty awkward because my ex-wife decided to bring her latest lover with her,"
"I bet it's awkward for him,"
"He sulks most of the trip," Mingyu gave a deep sigh, "Well, I spoiled him too much,"
"What about you?"
"Hm?" Mingyu said as he looked back at the road. They're heading to an elite area of the city now. He wonders where this restaurant that Mingyu is taking him.
"Were you okay? Were you awkward?"
Mingyu smiles looking at him, "No, I'm fine. I enjoy the resort and all the amenities much more,"
"I hope I was with you, though,"
Wonwoo smiles at that, although he covers it and pulls Mingyu's cheek playfully, "Such a sweet talker,"
"Okay, we're here," Mingyu announces as he parks in front of rows of big houses - almost like a small mansion.
"Where is the restaurant?" Wonwoo asked, confused.
Mingyu chuckles as he unlatched his seat belt, "Whoever said about a restaurant? I'm bringing you to my house,"
Wonwoo's eyes widen in shock as he looks at the house.
Mingyu walks over to Wonwoo's side after seeing Wonwoo's unmoving form.
"I have cooked dinner for us here, and I thought you might enjoy it better rather than at a restaurant; come on," he proceeds to unlatch Wonwoo's seatbelt and pull Wonwoo.
"Wait, wait," Wonwoo said in a panic, "Are your kids home?"
Wonwoo planted his feet firmly at the driveway.
"Oh," Mingyu said, "No, I don't think so. They said they wanted to hang out with their friends today. Sorry if it makes you worry that you will meet them,"
Wonwoo took a deep breath and tried to calm down his erratic heartbeat. At least not today.
But probably he should, right?
"Mingyu-ah," Wonwoo starts; he pulls Mingyu's jacket. "I - I need to tell you something,"
"Won?" Mingyu asked, now puzzled by Wonwoo's pained expression. "Hey, hey, are you okay?" Mingyu asked as he cradled Wonwoo's face.
"I," Wonwoo tries again, but the words won't come out. "I have to be honest with you," he chokes out.
Mingyu looks at him with worry but also a look of understanding. Wonwoo grips Mingyu's elbows; he can feel the sting in his eyes.
"You have to; you need to understand," Wonwoo tries again to swallow the lump in his throat, "That I like you,"
"I like you so much,"
Mingyu smiles widely, "Hey," and he strokes Wonwoo's hair. "I thought you wanted to end it here, whatever we have," He smiles again and hugs Wonwoo tightly. "Why do you look so sad? The feeling is mutual,"
Mingyu laughs happily, "I like you so much too, don't cry, please,"
As Wonwoo hugs him back and tries to say more of his side of the story,
"Dad?" a familiar voice said - and Wonwoo felt like someone threw a bucket of cold water on his insides.
Mingyu lets go of Wonwoo and faces the source of the voice. "Oh? Minjae-ah?" He still keeps Wonwoo's body close to him.
"Didn't you say you're going home late tonight?" Mingyu asks.
"Well, I decided to go home because the live music sucks," Minjae explained slowly.
"Who is that?" he asks in suspicion.
"Oh, shit, this is not supposed to happen tonight," Mingyu cursed, "Uhm, Won, do you want to go somewhere else?"
Minjae couldn't believe his eyes, but, "Jeon Wonwoo?"
Wonwoo, who still looks down at the pavement, grabs harder at Mingyu's jacket.
"Wait, you guys know each other?" Mingyu asked in that confused but cheery tone of his.
Shit, shit, shit. Wonwoo wanted the earth to open up and swallow him whole, please.
"Yes, we do," Minjae continues as he walks closer, "We attend the same uni. How do you know him, Dad?
"Well, haha," Mingyu is a bit confused to explain, especially since Wonwoo didn't say a word. But, earlier on - what Wonwoo said. It means something to them, right?
"We've been dating for a while now," Mingyu grabs Wonwoo's waist. "Hopefully, for a long time. Ugh, I hope the two of you meet in a better circum-"
"Wait, WHAT?" Minjae yell.
"Oh. No need to scream, Minjae-ah. I thought you would be used to this with your mom parading younger lovers here and there,"
"NO, I mean him! Wonwoo? And you?? For how long?"
Wonwoo knew he should have told Mingyu sooner. He should probably speak too now, but somehow the tremor across his body and the previous lump in his throat makes him silent the whole time.
"Well, almost a year now," Mingyu admits shyly.
"Dad, Dad," Minjae's voice sounds shaky but urgent, "I hope Wonwoo mentioned that he used to be my boyfriend?"
Wonwoo can feel it. The moment Mingyu's body is no longer thrumming with excitement. He can feel it.
"Huh, what?" Mingyu's voice is so soft.
Minjae is now looking at Wonwoo with anger. "Jeon Wonwoo!!" he yells, "Why don't you say anything? Look at me! What are you playing?"
"No, I,"
"You were not his boyfriend, right?" Mingyu asked, bewildered by the revelation.
"Tell him!" Minjae said.
"He was. We were boyfriends," Wonwoo finally admits. Tears were streaming down his face now, but it was nothing to the confusion and hurt he saw in Mingyu's eyes.
"I dumped him for his friend. I know you were angry and sour about it, Wonwoo! I knew! I was waiting for the confrontation and your explosion, but what is this? You decided to go out and play with my dad?"
"No!" Wonwoo looks at Mingyu and Minjae, "It's not that,"
"Then? What? Do you want me to believe you suddenly met and fell in love with my dad??? That such coincidence exists?"
"Mingyu," Wonwoo grabs Mingyu's jacket as he shakes his head, "It wasn't like that at," he stuttered, "I mean, it started as a plan, a foolish plan, I know but it did-"
"Foolish plan?" Mingyu repeated.
"Dad, don't trust him! He's a vindictive bitch; he wanted to take revenge for what I did to him," Minjae said. Then all of a sudden, Minjae walks towards Wonwoo and pushes him away from Mingyu.
"You shameless bastard!"
"Minjae,"
"You disgust me! Stay away from my dad!"
"Kim Minjae!" Mingyu yells, "Stop it,"
"But, Dad,"
"You go inside," Mingyu said.
"But, he -"
"It's not a request; it's an order,"
After they were left alone, Wonwoo took a shaky breath. "Mingyu-ah,"
Mingyu took a deep breath while putting both his palms over his face.
He then walks over to the driver's seat and gets into the car. "Get in," he orders Wonwoo. In all the time Wonwoo has known Kim Mingyu, yes, it's probably only a short ten months, but he never heard or seen Mingyu like this.
***
They drive around the city. Mingyu is probably taking the time to calm himself, and Wonwoo finally stops his crying.
Mingyu finally parked the car near a public park.
"Speak," Mingyu said coldly, "I'm giving you 15 minutes to explain yourself,"
"Mingyu-ah,"
"The clock is ticking,"
Wonwoo's mind is in chaos. All this time thinking and regretting about it, he should probably prepare talking points for an explanation. But now, his mind is a blank canvas.
"We used to date, Minjae and I," Wonwoo started. "He then suddenly dumped me... without reason, and, and several days after that, I saw him kissing and dating one of my former friends."
"I," Wonwoo looks at Mingyu, who still looks straight ahead and refuses to even look at Wonwoo, "I was angry at him, at them. I knew Minjae had been having an affair behind my back for a while before breaking up with me."
Wonwoo took a deep breath, the truth - no lies. "I wanted to figure out a way to hurt him. I wanted to hurt him so badly,"
Wonwoo bit his lip again.
"Then, me? Where do I fit in this whole scheme of yours?"
"I," Wonwoo took a deep breath, talking about this now seems even more idiotic than in his head, "I remember him talking about his father all the time. I remember how much he respects and loves his father, I," Wonwoo's throat is clogged up.
"Continue, I wanna know,"
"I saw you that night at the bar. I-I," Wonwoo wipes his tears hastily; it's not time for crying again. "I faintly recall the face of Minjae's father,"
Mingyu scoffs, "You knew from the start who I was," as if he was waiting for another explanation. "Did you approach me because of that?"
Wonwoo stays silent for a while.
"Jeon Wonwoo!"
"Yes. I was drunk, but I somehow recognized your face, and I don't know what I was thinking at that time. But, I thought I wanted Minjae to pay - somehow,"
"I knew it,"
It was said so softly. Wonwoo almost didn't hear it. He looks at Mingyu's face, which is now contorted in pain.
He lets out a small laugh. "I mean, who would want to approach an old, unattractive guy like me? When that person looks like you?" Another laugh, a self-deprecating laugh.
"Mingyu-ah, stop," Wonwoo grabs Mingyu's hand, and Mingyu slaps it away immediately.
"Don't,"
"I am old. I never paid any attention to myself because I kept thinking it was already over for me, beer tummy, and all that. Then, suddenly this pretty young guy came to me. Even if he was drunk?"
"Mingyu-ah, listen, it was back then! I changed! My-my feelings for you changed! It is real,"
"What? Which part?" Mingyu finally looks at him with cold eyes.
"These past few months, Mingyu, please," Wonwoo pleaded. Crying will not solve anything for him now.
"You are the only person I talk to about my days," another dry laugh, Wonwoo looks over and is horrified to see tears rolling down Mingyu's eyes. "You are the only person I told about how I feel about my life,"
"The only one I opened up to,"
Mingyu wipes his eyes. "All that for getting even," He huffs, "Congrats, you did it. My son broke your heart, and now you managed to break mine."
"Mingyu, I - I like you! I do, I appreciate you and I -"
"Yes, I can see that," Mingyu cuts in, "The real value of myself, from your eyes. Nothing,"
"Mingyu, please,"
"Don't - I don't want to talk to you again. There is a train station nearby, I think you can go home just fine,"
"Get out, Wonwoo," it sounds so cold and final.
***
That's it. Those were the last words Wonwoo heard from Mingyu.
And, he deserves it. He deserves this.
Who got a broken heart and decided it's a good idea to break someone else's heart in return?
Jeon Wonwoo.
He indeed conceived the idea while he was tipsy, but then he had weeks and months to stop it. To stop it before Mingyu liked him, before it was going too far, and he didn't.
He spent that night and the following days crying.
Even Junhui didn't have that much in him to keep scolding Wonwoo.
"Okay, I knew people said to cry when you're feeling sad and let it all out," Junhui started in his calmest voice, "BUT, it's been ten days, Jeon Wonwoo, stop it!"
"It's easy for you to say! You do not feel what I feel,"
"Well, because I have a brain unlike you," is all Junhui's response.
"You know you can be sassy or whatever from your place, right? You don't have to be here just to mock me,"
"Oh, come on, stop being a drama queen," Junhui yell, "Start doing something useful instead!"
"Like what?"
"Try contacting Mingyu,"
"He blocked my number,"
"Well, shoot, his email or social media?"
"I don't have his email, and he didn't have any social media,"
"Wow, what a caring boyfriend and an ancient guy,"
Wonwoo scowls angrily at that. "He's not that old,"
"Okay, then, you don't have any other choice. Contact Minjae,"
"I did try!"
"You did?"
"What do you think I have done so far?"
"I don't know cry and sit in a puddle of tears?"
"I tried, but the bastard picks up just to yell and curses at me, and after that, he blocks my number,"
"Well, then there is only one other way,"
***
"Are you sure this one is the house?" Junhui asks, exhausted.
"Yes, yes, this is the one!" Wonwoo nodded.
"After 40 minutes of going around this area, Wonu, great memory,"
"It was dark, okay, and my brain didn't function properly."
He looks at the house in longing and looks back at Junhui, "What should I do now?"
"Well, wait for Mingyu to walk by,"
"Oh, okay then," Wonwoo leaned back and bit his lip in worry.
"YO, that was sarcasm. Please get out of the car and knock on the door,"
"But, what if he's not there? I mean, he's probably still at the office this time around."
"Ah true," Junhui said, "But still, let's go,"
"Where are you going?"
"We can still knock and ask,"
"But what if Minjae is here?"
"Welp, this is a public road; we can wait here for all I care,"
Despite Wonwoo's protests, Junhui walks to the door and rings the doorbell. It's Kim Minjae opening the door as expected.
Minjae looks at Junhui in confusion.
"Hi, is Mr. Kim Mingyu at home?"
"No, he's not," Minjae answered, "Who are you?"
"Is he still at the office?"
"No, he's on leave. How do you know his address?" His eyes look towards the back where Wonwoo is standing, and his expression changes immediately.
"This bastard!" Minjae yells and marches towards Wonwoo. "What do you want? Isn't it enough that you broke my dad that much?"
Junhui grabbed Minjae's arm and said, "Wait, Kim - I think it's not fair for you to say that, considering,"
"Considering what?" Minjae glowers at Junhui, "So you're his friend, huh?"
"Shouldn't you hear the full story from Wonwoo first? Considering how much you were a jerk to him too in the first place?"
"Does that justify what he did to my dad?"
"Of course not, that's completely out of the equation,"
"Junhui-ah, enough," Wonwoo approaches them, "Kim Minjae, I need you to tell me where your father is."
Minjae looks threateningly at Wonwoo; he moves his arm from Junhui's grab. "Don't you have any shame left? You dare to demand me to answer your question?"
"I like him, Minjae. I like your father. It probably starts as a ploy, but I need you to believe that I genuinely care for your father."
Minjae looks at Wonwoo as if assessing him. He then lets out a tsk sound, and without any warning, he punches Wonwoo's face. Right across his left cheek.
"Shit," Wonwoo cursed from the pavement.
"You deserve that, you bastard," Minjae said, "Throughout my whole life, I have never seen my dad as devastated as the past few days. He went through a lot, and my sister and I saw it all."
Minjae approaches Wonwoo and says, "Stand up; you deserve that,"
Wonwoo stands up, "I do; I deserve that." Wonwoo wiped the blood from his split lip. "But I also deserve a chance to explain my feelings to your father fully."
Wonwoo stands his ground, ready for another punch from Minjae. His heart breaks apart again after he listens to Minjae's explanation of Mingyu's situation.
"And if that doesn't sway you for a bit, I got that whole punch recorded, and I can use it to report to the police," Junhui cheerily announced from the side.
Minjae looks so annoyed at the both of them, but he seems like he's considering.
"Please, Kim Minjae. I need to see your father," Wonwoo bows to Minjae. Like, the whole time Minjae knew this guy - he would never even -
He took a deep breath. "You know what, I will tell you where he is right now. He took a sudden sabbatical leave three days ago, which I approve of because he doesn't look in a suitable condition to work anyway. But, then, yesterday morning, he left and said he needed some time alone at our holiday cottage,"
Minjae gestures towards the house, "I have been debating with my sister today; we said someone needs to look after him. In case something happens, and no one will be there."
What will happen? Something will happen to Mingyu?? Wonwoo wonders to himself. Please don't let anything happen to Mingyu.
" I'll take you there," Minjae walks inside to grab his car key and jacket as soon as he walks out; Wonwoo and Junhui spot Mina - his sister.
"I demand a proper apology from you to my father," Mina declares, "But-" she paused.
"I also realized how much of a dick my brother is, and I saw how happy dad was the past few months. If you said you're genuine, then probably it might heal him a bit. Also," Mina looks over to her brother, "Apologize to him too, you asshole," Mina said to Minjae.
"Fine," Minjae said.
"Finally," Junhui said from the side.
"Jeon Wonwoo, I am sorry for what I did to you before. I was wrong for the affair, dumping you and going out to date your friend," Minjae stopped for a bit, "Also, you are welcome to punch me in the face. So, we will be even."
Wonwoo was surprised to hear that, especially to listen to the last part.
"Do it, Wonwoo," Junhui whispered, cheered him, like any other best friend.
"Well, if you say so,"
Wonwoo finally punched Minjae's face. He didn't fall, though, as he was expecting it.
"Did you hold back?" Minjae asked.
"Probably," Wonwoo shrugs.
***
They're finally out on the road with Minjae driving his Ford Explorer and Wonwoo sitting shotgun.
"I still don't understand," Minjae spoke suddenly, interrupting the tormenting silence, "Why do you need to come, Junhui?"
Junhui looks up from his game, "Because how do I know you're not luring Wonwoo somewhere and plans to kill him and ditch his body somewhere? I need to be a witness that you will not do that to him,"
"Also," Junhui continues, "Don't you guys want to stop somewhere to buy ice or first aid?"
***
It was almost dark when they finally reached the family cottage that Minjae mentioned. It was three three-hour drive away and near the coast. Junhui was grateful he didn't need to drive that far, as he didn't have enough energy to do that.
"Here we are," Minjae said as he closed the SUV door. "Dad's car is here, so he is here,"
"Minjae? I saw your SUV," Someone said from the doorway, "I told you, I don't need you to monitor me,"
As Mingyu fully walks outside and sees that his son is not the only visitor, he is stunned and immediately walks back inside.
"He didn't close the door," Minjae said, as he approached the cottage, "That's a good sign,"
***
Until an hour later.
All of them sat around the dining table with a glass of coffee or tea and in utter silence.
"Oh my GOD! I can't take it anymore!"
It's Minjae.
"Dad, I know how miserable you have been the last few days, and I hate to see you like that, okay? This annoying stray cat over here said he's so sorry; if not I will not be here with him,"
He pulls and pushes his dad to a room.
"Jeon Wonwoo!" Minjae calls and gestures to walk inside the room.
After Wonwoo enters the room, "Talk it out. EVERYTHING and don't come out before then,"
Minjae closed the door and locked it from the outside.
Leaving Wonwoo and Mingyu, to look at each other awkwardly.
"Uhm, hi," Wonwoo said and proceeded to look around the room.
Hi? What kind of stupid bullshit is that? Earth, please swallow Wonwoo, now.
"Did Minjae punch you?"
Wonwoo turns to look at Mingyu, who's now walking to a cabinet.
"Yes," Wonwoo answers softly.
"And you punched him in return?"
"He told me to," Wonwoo mutters.
"What have you put on it?"
"Ice,"
"You should probably use this ointment and start with the ice again after," Mingyu gave him a small tube, "What if either of you receives a call for an interview in a few days? Youngblood these days," Mingyu mutters.
Wonwoo didn't plan for it. But, he has been such an expert at turning on the waterworks the past couple of days. So, it wasn't a surprise for him to get teary.
If he recalled, the last words Mingyu said to him was to get out and never talk to him again. So, being here and talking again to Mingyu seems like a privilege or even a dream. It's no wonder if it's a dream; Wonwoo has not been eating correctly, so probably he fainted. This is a dream, and he didn't realize it.
"Wait, why are you crying again?" Mingyu asked in a panic.
"Because," Wonwoo said in between hiccups, "Because the last time you told me coldly to get out and never talk to you again, but.. but here we are,"
He tried to wipe his tears again, but his hand went over the bruise instead, and he yelped in pain.
"Don't touch it," Mingyu pulls Wonwoo towards the bed, "Come on, let me look at it. How long did you put ice over it?"
"Around 20 minutes," Wonwoo winces in pain as Mingyu's warm hand checks his bruise, "Damn, Minjae can throw some punches. Wait, I will get cold water instead. You need to repeat the cold cycle for some time,"
After that, Mingyu returns with a small cold towel from the bathroom and puts it gently over Wonwoo's swollen face. Wonwoo looks at the other's face and realizes how much he misses Mingyu after only ten days apart. He misses his sweet voice, his handsome face, and his calming presence. Wonwoo misses all of Kim Mingyu.
"Mingyu," Wonwoo starts as he grabs the older's hand on his face. "I am so sorry, I am sorry,"
"What I did was not right. I regretted it immediately after I started it, but I didn't stop it. I didn't abandon the plan and continue to contact you and lead you on. I have all the time and opportunity to stop it or come clean to you, but I didn't. I was a coward, and I am sorry,"
Mingyu was silent for some time, "Seeing you and Minjae today, I would assume that whatever business you have between the two of you is finished?"
"Yes," Wonwoo nodded, "I think so,"
"Then can I ask you, I only hope for an honest answer from you," Mingyu said while looking at Wonwoo's eyes.
"Was there any genuine feelings you had for me?"
Wonwoo looked at Mingyu's face, "It wasn't a "was" for me,"
"I still do. I like you, Mingyu. I like you so much; I feel so miserable being apart from you. I realized I - I am falling for you. I have been for a while now. I know you feel it too?" Wonwoo asked and tried to search for a sign on Mingyu's face.
"Well," Mingyu pulls the towel away from Wonwoo's face, "You know how I felt about you, I think I have always been honest with you,"
"With you was my first time to have the experience and time to "date" someone," Mingyu explained, "I never had that kind of experience before as I moved quickly to a marriage and how to fulfill my responsibility as a son, a father, and a husband."
"I truly cherish the moments I have with you. I always thought about what you would like or what you would prefer from me. Despite us not labeling what we had, I want myself to be the best boyfriend you have - as I also don't have that experience,"
Mingyu looks at the window instead of Wonwoo now, "I realize I didn't have a great body. So, I went to the gym. Talk to PT, plan a healthy meal, and all. Cut all of my beer, as I was so scared that my big tummy would scare you away. I tried hard, but probably I also wasn't being my true self. I wanted you to like me so bad,"
"At the same time, the thought of why me? Why would you want this old man? It keeps coming back from time to time. Then, I thought - oh, probably you like me because of the money. So, I anxiously await when you would ask for money, cars, or shining diamonds or something. It never came, and it seems too good to be true. Until that night,"
Mingyu looks back at Wonwoo now. "What we had was built on lies; that much is true,"
"I wanted to put that behind us,"
Wonwoo grasps Mingyu's hands now. Does Mingyu want to give up? Want to end whatever they have?
"Or," Mingyu smiled as he saw Wonwoo's expression, "At least the Kim Mingyu from last year would leave it at that. I have been thinking for the past few days, and I know some of what we have was genuine. Your feelings and mine, so,"
Mingyu cradles Wonwoo's other cheek in his palm, "Do you want to start a relationship with me, Wonwoo? One that does not have any ulterior motive, and we're just being our honest selves? You know, gave this old man a chance to make you happy?"
Wonwoo can't believe his ears, so before the offer is revoked. He quickly says, "Yes, yes. I want that, please,"
They're smiling and laughing at one another. Until Wonwoo (the youngblood) can't help it and go for a kiss.
"Auch!"
Mingyu chuckles, "You have a split lip, kitten, don't do anything in a rush,"
"But I miss you," Wonwoo said as he pouted, "Hug me,"
Mingyu opens his arms and hugs his Wonwoo tightly.
"Can't believe you choose me when you have handsome people around you," Mingyu said, referring to Junhui.
"No, you're my handsome old man," Wonwoo said, "Seriously though, haven't you look at the mirror enough time? You're so handsome; I think Minjae only has a quarter of you," leaving tiny kisses on Mingyu's cheeks as he said this.
"I am 43 years old, Wonwoo. You might want Someone who has the energy to last long, you know,"
"What are you talking about? I have been happy with your performance so far,"
Wonwoo pulls away from the hug to look at Mingyu's face. "Do you want to know some random facts?"
Mingyu looks at Wonwoo's playful face with distrust, "What?"
"Guess how many times I slept with Minjae throughout our 1-year relationship?"
"Oh, shit. I don't think I need to know that,"
"Well, you said we have to be honest all the time,"
"Not that honest. I don't want to picture my son and boyfriend together,"
Wonwoo giggled at Mingyu's scandalized face.
"Three times," Wonwoo said.
"Huh-what??"
"Not, huh, but that's true. Now, count yourself how much we have had sex throughout the last ten months. You can count because I don't think I have enough fingers and recollection of counting that,"
Mingyu is silent for some time then, "How would you count several rounds in one night?"
"Are you seriously trying counting them?" Wonwoo laughs.
"But why?"
"Why what?" Wonwoo asks back.
"With Minjae,"
"Oh, you got curious now?"
"Tell me!"
"I just don't feel like it. I feel like if you can survive without it, why do it?"
"Oh, interesting," Mingyu said to himself.
"But, it wasn't like that with you," Wonwoo admits.
"How so?" Mingyu pursues.
Wonwoo is getting red now, "Well, it's different; I keep thinking about you even when we're apart, and I keep wanting to do it whenever we're together. Shit,"
"What, what happened? Why are you cursing?"
"I hate that my body misses you so much, that even now we're sitting so close, I am reacting to you already," Wonwoo covers half of his face with his left hand.
Mingyu laughs as he looks at Wonwoo's antics, "Why are you so cute? and horny at the same time?"
"I can't help it; we used to do it every 2 to three days,"
Mingyu hugs Wonwoo fully again, "Okay, you're mine, and there's no way you can cancel the agreement now."
They hug for a while until Wonwoo's desperate hand wanders around.
"What are you doing, young man?"
"I miss you so much. Can I just give you a blow job or hand job or something?"
Mingyu shakes his head in wonder, "How can you give a blow job with that lip?"
"Is that a rejection?" Wonwoo pouts and gives his best kitten eyes.
"Let's do something else,"
***
Meanwhile, in the dining/living room outside...
"What is that sound?" Minjae asks Junhui as he lowers the volume of the television.
Junhui, who has been fully concentrating on his phone games, stops and listens as well.
Ahh, ahhh, more. I miss you, Mingyu-ah
The two of them freeze and look at each other in the eyes, and curse at the same time, "FUCK,"
"Turn the television's volume up!! Hurry!!" Junhui yells.
"I unlocked the room, 10 minutes after they walked inside! What the hell??" Minjae is now traumatized by the sound of his Father and ex-boyfriend making out.
Wonwoo, that bastard - Junhui curses. Looks as cute as a kitten but can fuck like bunnies. After the whole crying, drama, and soap opera, he needs half an hour with that man, and now they're making up and doing God knows what inside the room. Already?
***
Later that night...
Honesty confession, start!
I hate that Japanese series you made me watch.
Which one? Alice?
Yes, that one sucks.
Wonwoo slaps Mingyu's chest. You haven't reached the best part yet.
Mingyu laughs, What's yours?
Wonwoo looks at his face and combs Mingyu's hair. Honestly? I like the sprinkle of white on your hair.
Mingyu looks at Wonwoo's face, surprised. Seriously?
Tell me more then, kitten
***