Chapter Text
Minghao is running late for work. There are still two hours until the official beginning, but for the chief editor’s assistant, it doesn’t really matter: he still needs to run a few errands and make some calls before his boss gets in her office and asks about the progress on things she sent in the very early morning.
Traffic is getting a little bit better, so that he moves a few meters in the last few minutes. That does make him nervous, but the navigator insistently suggests he’ll make it on time even with the heavy traffic. To distract himself from the creeping anxiety Minghao mindlessly changes radio stations. Already on a second run, he leaves it on an unknown frequency. And, upon hearing the opening theme of the horoscope segment, he reaches for a media player to change it, but he’s distracted by an ambulance speeding between the lanes. He barely manages to veer slightly to the right to avoid being clipped. Meanwhile, the host is already finishing Libra’s, and Hao unconsciously focuses on a man’s voice reading the script in one breath.
“Scorpios! Today fate will present you with an opportunity to find your happiness!”
Minghao needs a moment to process this information, after which he chuckles to himself, thinking that his life is not some kind of Christmas movie. He hopes that getting to work on time can be considered a unique opportunity and changes the station.
Arriving at the office forty minutes ahead of the chief editor, he finally catches his breath and rushes to his desk, skipping morning coffee. This has happened for the fourth time in the last two weeks, making him nervously check the calendar: one of the busiest periods squeezed between fall and winter issues when they need to edit almost finished works, preparing for the special holiday edits, won’t end until next month. Minghao disappointedly notes that today is only the thirteenth.
Even as he occasionally laughs at the thought of today’s prediction before the morning meeting with a team, afterward, he’s wholly consumed by the work, which is divided among the team. Hao gets the most responsible tasks, and he doesn’t really know whether to rejoice or cry. He wants to show what he’s capable of, but pitiful looks from colleagues make him feel uneasy.
He's tasked with preparing for the photos of the main section of the magazine. The general concept and ideas are already finished; he has to put it all together and reach an agreement with the photography team. If they can’t reach a consensus by tomorrow morning, the entire work schedule for the next two months will be disrupted. Therefore, the chief editor would bother him incessantly with trivial matters. No way, he is ready to spend the whole night in the office if that guarantees success.
Much to his surprise, the most challenging part turns out to be setting a meeting with the assistant photographer. Despite a whole year working in this editorial office, Minghao has never met him in person. So, going two floors up, Hao mentally assesses colleagues who might help him find the right person. Finding himself in a half-empty open space, somewhat reminiscent of their editorial one, except for the excess of whiteboards on wheels, he scans the faces in sight and lets out a tired sigh – no one he recognizes. He is not even sure he’s on the right floor, but an approaching girl rescues him – it seems like the photography team has been notified of the coming editor. Apologetically, she explains that the needed assistant has been absent for two days now, running between various sets.
“I warned that this week is very busy for us,” she says with noticeable irritation. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to meet him,” continues softly, which hints that she is angry at his boss and not him.
Despite her words, she sends him assistant’s contacts, suggesting he directly texts the personal number: the mailbox won’t be opened today for sure.
Minghao still hopes to have at least half an hour for the meeting. In a texting session with the assistant, during which replies are coming with a five-minute delay, they agree to meet at the café closest to the office for dinner. After much persuading from Hao, the assistant photographer suggests using this timing from his personal schedule, understanding that he won’t be left in peace anyway. Minghao is happy knowing that all the office work for today will be over before 8 pm.
The entire day rushes by in a whirlwind of chaos and the incessant noise of bustling work around. He manages to gather various visualizations of the locations, décor, models, and the approximate collection that needs to be used. Surely, he is expected to turn the chief editor’s ideas into the finished product. However, he fears it might seem too confined within strict boundaries, so Minghao throws some of his own ideas in a pile as a last resort. As the time approaches 8 pm, he gets ready, saving the presentation and all the photos on the cloud to show on the tablet, and says goodbye to his teammates, who are clearly stuck in here for good.
The café is two streets away, and Hao thinks it’s healthier to walk there, leaving his car at the office parking lot. But he miscalculates a little and lets himself be carried away by a pleasant stroll for longer than expected, rushing into the building a few minutes past 8 pm.
“Is someone expecting you?” asks a girl at the counter.
“Yes, for 8 pm, I am a little bit late.” It is warm in here, so he unbuttons his coat while the hostess searches for something on the computer. “Mr. Wang made the reservation,” he adds to help her out.
“I will accompany you,” she replies with a smile and goes down the corridor, occasionally turning back to check whether the guest is following her.
They walk through a large hall, making a few turns, and find themselves in a corner room where all the tables are located next to windows, and the music plays softly. Minghao is glad they will be able to speak about work without being distracted by noise. The hostess shows him the most isolated table and says that the waiter will come in a few minutes.
Minghao notices a young-looking guy who doesn’t really seem very tired, but dismissing these thoughts, he walks straight towards him.
***
“I’m sorry for being late.” The stranger sitting across from Junhui immediately catches his attention. He looks very atypical for Jun’s imagination of a real estate agent: a tight turtleneck and massive boots stand out. The guy puts his long coat on the back of the chair, and Jun notices an interesting nail design on him. Oh, he hasn’t been expecting to meet the man of his dreams: unlike a realtor, he is in a simple sweatshirt, and his hair is not even brushed today.
“It’s okay, I’ve come here not so long ago.”
Jun nervously clears his throat, and the prolonged silence is broken by the arrival of the waiter. They quickly place their orders, and the unidentified stranger, who still hasn’t introduced himself, reaches for his bag, pulling out a tablet.
“Let’s not waste time and start with the work,” the brunette says. Jun thinks that he must’ve introduced himself over the phone call and tries not to be distracted by such things. Also, he is pleasantly surprised by another’s responsible approach to the job.
“Agree.”
Junhui moved to this city a month ago because of a new job offer. It is not like he didn’t like his previous job: he simply felt drowned by the everyday ordinariness, and after a breakup he needed to snap out of it. Moving to a new place and changing his job position have a very good effect on him. This month he’s been happier than usual, and it does say something. So, finding a permanent place to live comfortably feels natural. If he likes it here, then he will make it home. And the new job is not only interesting but also profitable.
“So, let’s agree on the deadline. I know you’re very busy right now, but it’s better to finish it all within a month.” The guy searches for something on his tablet, biting his lower lip.
“Yeah, totally agree, the earlier, the better,” Jun replies, not understanding the whole thing with his so-called busyness. “I think that finding the time is not a problem.” He unconsciously gazes at the stranger’s lips but abruptly looks away when he realizes it might seem a bit rude.
“Okay, let’s make a detailed schedule once all the points are agreed on.” The brunette brightens up, while Jun still doesn’t really understand why they need the schedule, maybe for apartment viewing. “Look at these ideas for location and décor, please,” the realtor says while handing over the tablet. “Our team’s initial sketches, but we’re more than ready to change some of them if you wish.”
Jun sees photos of the mountain view with a different scenery: surrounded by tons of trees, completely covered with snow, and even a frozen lake beside. That is not what he meant when said he wanted an apartment far away from the noisy city center.
“You know,” shyly starts, not wanting to hurt the beautiful boy’s feelings. “Maybe something a bit closer to the city and more on the modern side?”
The realtor bites his lip again and sits still for a minute, thinking of something, and then takes the tablet sliding to the next pages and returns it in Jun’s hands.
“This was my extra idea, which can fit into the concept slightly unconventionally.”
Jun still doesn’t quite get this whole concept thing, but new photos depict panoramic windows of a skyscraper where city lights are seen, and this is not what Jun wants. The black and white interior doesn’t really help. He wants a cozy apartment with warm-colored interiors, closer to work and further away from the city center, with a big kitchen and a separate office room.
“Still, doesn’t check all the boxes.”
The smile on the realtor’s face fades away in an instant, and he nibbles on his already reddened lips, trying to think of anything.
“Okay, what if I show you the collection which needs to be used, could we think of a new idea, perhaps?”
Junhui still doesn’t grasp the true meaning of it but nods firmly. When dinner is brought, the tablet stays on the corner of the table. They discuss distant topics while eating the food. The guy enthusiastically inquires whether Jun is always busy with work during the off-season, and shares stories about the piles of work. Wen, somewhat bewildered, only nods in agreement. Gears in his head are spinning at maximum speed as he tries to understand his realtor, but nothing quite clicks. From an outside perspective, it seems like the other is talking to an acquaintance and not to a client. Yet Jun can’t help but find the guy charming, continuing to listen attentively while eagerly watching his every move.
Both are already finishing their plates when, out of nowhere, two men and the hostess, who showed them to this table, approach. The look on her face is quite discouraged, and one of the men, who looks a bit younger than the other, catches his breath as if he was running in here.
“Minghao, I’m really sorry, I’m very late,” babbles rapidly. “The last set took longer than expected.”
The man looks at the guy across from the Jun, who is himself glancing back and forth between that man and Wen.
“Wait, so you’re not the photographer’s assistant, Mr. Wang?” he asks, shocked, looking at Junhui.
“And you’re not the realtor?” he asks or states the fact, somewhat lost.
“I am your realtor, Mr. Wen. I apologize for the delay. I’ve been waiting for you at another table for some time,” responds the second man, dressed in a light blue shirt and simple trousers, looking just like Jun imagined.
“I’m sorry. It is my fault,” the hostess finally explains. “Our records got a bit mixed up. As an apology, we’d like to treat you to dessert.”
Jun and Minghao exchange glances, nodding at each other as if saying their goodbyes. The latter stands from the table, grabbing his bag with the tablet, and follows the assistant photographer, who is already taking a seat at the table after two occupied ones and hurriedly looks up the menu. Minghao is still shocked by how they sat with Mr. Wen for half an hour without realizing that they were completely mistaken about each other’s identities. But he has to admit, that guy really appealed to Hao, so maybe he was a little distracted from his main task. He was super excited to work with the guy on the special edition for the next month or two, hoping for an opportunity to get to know each other and catch the right moment to ask on a date. Minghao even casually remembered the morning horoscope. But now he’s definitely convinced that it’s not a Christmas fairy tale and sighs disappointedly. He thinks that maybe it turns out to be even louder than he would like when he catches the assistant’s questioning gaze. The man didn’t attach any photos of himself in email or in the messaging app. Fortunately, Hao has a habit of doing it, especially in work-related ones.
Meanwhile, glancing at the realtor sitting across from him, Jun can barely conceal his disappointment.
“Only a cup of coffee, please,” the man orders when the waiter comes. “I’m really sorry, but I’m expected at the family dinner.”
“It’s okay, don’t worry,” Jun persuades him, noticing the wedding band. “I’m myself not opposed to get it over with as soon as possible,” adds a bit happier than before, hoping to catch that guy before he leaves.
Minghao and the assistant look over the prepared images for the second time for the editor himself. The main idea and the concept of his boss are taken as a starting point, fortunately, but Mr. Wang corrects some points in order to reach a better result. It takes a lot more time to go through models and the convenient schedule for both teams, as the man eats and Hao drinks tea, leaving the dessert untouched.
At another table, the realtor clarifies all of Junhui’s preferences, discusses some points from the contract he presents for signing, and checks his phone, joyfully announcing that they’ll be able to view several options next week. They schedule a meeting, exchange contacts, and the realtor happily leaves for his family dinner. Jun notices the beautiful boy’s coat hanging on the chair across and with a bigger enthusiasm eats his brownie. The guy won’t leave without his outerwear.
When Mr. Wang leaves first for his night set, Minghao thinks that he needs to be happy with how the meeting ended: all the main aspects, which are very crucial for his team, are left unchanged, and the work is scheduled for the next 3 weeks, which is definitely better than he has hoped for. But the disappointment from the lost opportunity makes itself remembered. Hao is not that self-confident to just walk up to Mr. Wen, he can’t even turn around to check if the guy has left. However, he doesn’t feel like standing from the table yet: if he sees that table empty, it will ruin his mood for the whole evening. He just needs to collect himself, and then he will be able to return home to finish the presentation for the team meeting tomorrow morning. He keeps convincing himself for 5 minutes now, pouring some more tea.
When Jun sees the man leaving the table he is staring at, he quickly checks his appearance through the front camera of the mobile phone. He waits for some time, hoping that the cute guy would start searching for a coat, but when the time, which Jun manages to sit still, passes, he impatiently asks for the check, hurriedly pays and, grabbing the coat, goes straight to the table where the guy, whose name Jun still couldn’t get, sits.
“Excuse me, you forgot your coat.” Wen tries to be as friendly as possible, smiling as he hopes softly and cutely. Minghao shifts his gaze from the coat to the guy who is sitting across from him, the same as Hao did almost an hour ago.
“Thank you,” he says, putting the outerwear away on the chair beside him. He thinks that this beautiful man will stand and leave, because of which, thoughts are going through his head at unbelievable speed, a part of them literally screams to come up with an idea to make him stay.
“Do you mind if I stay for a cup of tea?” Minghao hasn’t even presumed that it would be Mr. Wen’s initiative.
“No, not at all,” Hao says too enthusiastically, and then clearing his throat asks the waiter to bring an extra cup.
“I’m Junhui, or just Jun.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Minghao.” He recalls the morning horoscope for Scorpios and barely manages not to laugh out loud. If it is what he thinks it is, then he is very grateful.
So, they linger at the café for a few more hours. Jun shamelessly indulges in the dessert left by Minghao, who isn’t particularly fond of dark chocolate. They order another pot of tea and share a few more laughs about the interesting situation they found themselves in. Jun talks about recently moving to the city and searching for an apartment, while Minghao shares the challenges of organizing a meeting with that colleague to discuss the special holiday edition. They feel so comfortable in each other’s company that both realize they’ve lost track of time only when the waiter warns about the closing.
They step outside, where it’s too dark and already quite chilly. Minghao wraps himself tighter in his coat, thinking about the car parked in the office lot but doesn’t want to leave yet.
“Maybe,” he uncertainly starts. “Could we exchange contacts?”
“Yeah-yeah, of course, I’m all up for it.” Jun doesn’t hide his intentions for Minghao. “I was just a little lost in my thoughts while contemplating how to offer to walk you home.”
“Oh, that is not needed. I’ll just go to the office since the car is parked there.” He shows towards the high building. “And it’s already too late, I don’t want to burden you.”
“No-no, I’m heading that way anyway.”
So, they walk towards the office for some time while Jun talks about the cities’ differences he’s noticed in the past month, energetically gesturing throughout the entire conversation and throwing in a couple of silly jokes that make Hao quietly chuckle under the collar of his coat.
“Will you go on a date with me?” Jun asks abruptly, stopping at the entrance of the parking lot. This question has been swirling in his head since they met, but right now, he feels it’s either now or never.
“Yes,” Minghao easily responds, clearly anticipating such an outcome. Jun speaks his mind and doesn’t try to act any differently, so his intentions are not that difficult to understand.
Both happily exchange contacts, after which Minghao heads home, and Jun continues to smile like a fool on his way to his rented apartment.