Archive of Our Own

Seungmin looks around the room that the school is lending him for his theater class. The school bell has already rang, and he can hear the kids screaming and playing in the playground. He smiles to himself, the noises are loud but they fills his heart with a certain joy that he looks forward to every Tuesday. Still, he takes his time to enjoy the last few minutes of peace and alone time before two hours of over excited children around him.

He has been working with this non-profit organization for an entire year now, giving art classes after school to the kids whose parents are working late and need their children to be taken care of later than the time they finish school. It is something he does part-time, to fill a financial need first but by doing it over and over, he realized that there was something so fulfilling with teaching small kids art. It is exhausting, and he could definitely be paid more for the work he does but the smile the children give him whenever they get to the class and the fact that they seem to all be looking forward to it, is enough retribution. Well, not enough, money is tight, but it definitely keeps him going.

Seungmin always knew he wanted to be an artist. He just was not sure how he wanted it to happen. His first love was singing and music, but then he found his way through theater, making musical theater his main interest for a while. Everyone, when he was younger, was so concerned about the fact that he was anxious and shy and his parents almost forced him to join a theater group after class, little did they knew that it was enabling a passion for him, without fixing his social anxiety to the slightest. Now that he was an adult, graduated from university and starting in the real world, he was lucky enough to find an opening in this project. Minho, his best friend and one of his roommate, is also working with this non-profit company, as a dance teacher, and he is the one that recommended him to Chan, who employed them. Seungmin is more than happy to do it while waiting for his own personal project to blossom. He is in no rush, as long as he is able to afford food and rent.

The school year has already started for a bit more than a month, so now Seungmin's group will remain unchanged, he has about ten kids aged from six to eight years old to entertain every Tuesday. Ten is a big group, but he makes it work. The two hours pass by without him even noticing them. During the beginning of the year, they mostly focus on small exercises, improv and they work around emotions and body language. It is fun because kids have an unlimited imagination and they are not concerned in the slightest by all the boundaries adults put around themselves. The worst he has to deal with is the frustration that they often experienced every time something does not go as they planned. Which is okay. He can deal with a lot of emotions. He can not deal with his, but the kids'? He is the best at that. The school seems to have a lot of money for artistic activities —which ain't really a surprised considering the small town it is situated in, when Seungmin sees the houses on his commute to work, he guesses that financial issues are not part of their world, nor when the children tell him about their ski holiday— so Seungmin has access to a room with a small stage, it is also the place where they will give their year-end theater play in front of the parents and other kids. He makes the mental note of starting to look through plays with ten different characters that will allow each child to shine very soon.

He checks the time on his phone. He still has about ten minutes before his class starts. He makes a final check that everything is ready for them, his notebooks and pens, the chairs for the "public", the lights are on… There is a knock on the door. He freezes. No one ever knocks, he is the one that go pick up the kids in the courtyard when it is time.

The door opens and he sees the familiar face of Ms Kang, "hello, Seungmin," she says softly, "I hope I'm not bothering you."

"You're not," he lies, "is everything okay?"

Ms Kang is a teacher in the school, he has a few of his kids that are in her class, so he often talks to her whenever he sees something weird going on, but that is about all the contact he has with her.

"Everything is fine, I just came here to tell you that you're going to have a new child in your group."

Seungmin raises an eyebrow, what? It was not part of his plan at all, "today?"

Ms Kang chuckles, "well starting from today, yeah."

Oh, this is bad. He tries to conceal the panic that rises inside him, he has planned for stuff for ten kids, not eleven, why didn't they tell him before? It is not that big of a deal, if he is being rational but Seungmin's brain is never rational when it comes to giving him anxiety.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, I also was informed this morning."

Right, it is not Ms Kang's fault, probably the child's parents' fault for not planning this thing ahead.

"Her name is Gaeul, she is six and she is in my class. She recently moved in so she is joining the school a bit late. C'mon, Gaeul, you can come in."

The door opens again and a little girl with two neat braids on each side of her face enters timidly. She is cute, Seungmin internally coos. For a second, he forgets about the fact that she was not part of his plan at all.

"Gaeul is a bit shy," Ms Kang says, although she does not have to say it for Seungmin to notice it.

"Hello Gaeul, my name is Seungmin," he introduces himself gently, "I'll be your theater teacher for the year."

The little girl nods. She is nervously playing with her fingers, "nice to meet you," she says so quietly that Seungmin barely hears it.

He can see why her parents thought she needed to join the theater activity. Just like his own parents did. He hopes that she still joined because she wanted to and not because she felt like she had to. Ms Kang watches the scene with a smile on her face.

"Did you do theater before, Gaeul?" he asks her, nodding at Ms Kang to tell her silently that he could handle the rest by himself.

The teacher seems to understand because she bids her goodbye and leaves them alone.

"Once," the girl answers, still not looking at Seungmin directly. He does not mind it, "last year, I was in my school's play but my friends were also in the group…"

She pauses, looks away. Seungmin can imagine that a drastic change like that must be overwhelming for the child.

"And did you like it?"

Gaeul nods, "but I was scared."

Seungmin smiles, "it's normal to be scared, everyone gets stage fright, but it is still amazing that you did it even if you were scared."

She finally dares to look at him, their eyes meet very briefly before she goes back to staring at her feet.

"Do you get scared?" She asks softly.

"All the time," Seungmin answers honestly, "but every time it gets a little bit easier, and I know that in the end I'll be happy to have done it. Were you happy after the play?"

"I was," she whispers, "my dad was too."

"That's great!"

He does not push her more, but he is relieved that it seems like Gaeul wants to be there.

"If at any moment during the class you feel like you're too scared, you come and tell me okay? Sometimes we have to try things that are scaring, but sometimes it is also okay not to do it."

She nods again.

"Now, let's go pick up the rest of your classmates!"

The class goes by smoothly. Most of the kids are far from being shy, and they are all always excited to do the exercises, sometimes a bit too enthusiastic and Seungmin has to deal with them being upset when the time runs out and one of them could not do the same thing as the others. Time management is not Seungmin's strong suit although he tries his best, to fit everyone's wants and needs. He often ends class later than expected and has all the parents waiting for him and their kids.

All he parents except for Gaeul's.

It is past 6:30 P.M. now and Seungmin definitely would like to do something else of his evening rather than wait in the school with a little kid but he guesses he does not have much choice. He will never leave a child unattended.

Gaeul adjusted pretty well during the class, it was even a bit surprising to see her so willing to try every exercise even if sometimes Seungmin could tell it was difficult for her. Her biggest difficulty is speaking loudly, most of the time he told her to speak up a little bit, but he could tell that she was trying her best and unfortunately, he could not hear her most of the time. After a few attempts, he decided to let it go for today, it is her first class with a group of kids she is not yet familiar with and a stranger as a teacher. She will get better, especially if she keeps on trying. When he realizes that her parents are still not there, he guides her back inside the room.

"Is it okay for you if you help me put away the chairs?" He asks her, "as we wait for…"

"My dad," she completes. Seungmin holds back an eye roll. Of course it is the father that is unable to come pick up his child at the right time.

She goes to grab a chair, she is still a very small kid so Seungmin helps her carry one until she balances it and looks safe enough for Seungmin to go pick up more chairs and carry him himself. They put away all the chairs slowly, Gaeul is enthusiastic to help and she tries her best, it makes Seungmin like her a lot. She seems also more comfortable with him and starts telling him about her day.

"Ms Kang told me you moved in recently, right?"

It is almost 7 P.M now and there is still no sign of her father. She does not seem bothered by it, not at all, which makes Seungmin thinks it might be happening often. It makes Seungmin resent her father a little bit more.

"Dad got a new job here," she explains.

"Oh, and do you like it here?"

"I do, we have a nice house, maybe we will get a dog."

Seungmin smiles, "oh I love dogs!"

"Me too!" She giggles, "I want to have a puppy. Mr Kim, do you know you look like a puppy?"

Seungmin laughs even more and puts his hand on each side of his head, like puppy ears, "really?" He says innocently.

"Yes! It's so cute!"

"Awn, thank you, Gaeul," he chuckles, "and you know you don't have to call me Mr Kim, you can call me Seungmin, I am your teacher but not like Ms Kang."

She nods. The door opens brutally, startling both of them.

"Oh, Gaeul, I'm so sorry, I didn't see the time and…"

Seungmin freezes when he looks at the man who just got in. He feels chills down his spine as he observe probably the most beautiful person he has ever seen in his life.

"Dad!" Gaeul screams, running to him.

Dad? Seungmin thinks. He watches as the man picks up the kid so easily, and makes her turn around in the air. She laughs loudly. Seungmin still has not moved. He can only stare at the way the man's muscles flex as he carries the little girl. Who the hell wears a see through shirt in October?! It is not yet freezing but it is still not warm enough to not wear a jacket or something to cover those absolutely obnoxious muscular arms.

"I'm really sorry," the man repeats and Seungmin snaps out of his trance, understanding that he is speaking to him.

He mutters something that faintly sounds like a no problem, at least he hopes so but there is a higher chance that it was completely unintelligible. The man smiles at him, and Seungmin feels weak in the knees. He looks at the father and daughter, trying his best to not let his face betray his thoughts.

"I was busy unpacking the stuff in Gaeul's room to make sure that it would be ready for her tonight and I completely lost track of time," the older man explains.

Seungmin hums, he needs to stop staring. Sure the father is the beautiful, probably some kind of Greek gods' descendant, and it is not fair to be this handsome and still has a very kind smile and gentle eyes. And a mole under one of his eye. Seungmin can not help but think about the myth that says moles are places where past lovers kissed you. What the fuck?

"Don't worry, Mr Hwang," he finally says, "I had no problem waiting."

Wrong. He cursed that man almost a thousand times for being late in his mind, he is starving and he is not paid for those extra minutes. The fact that Mr Hwang is handsome does not change anything about the judgment Seungmin will secretly give him for missing the moment to pick up his kid. At least, he hopes so because right now he forgets about the rest and seems to only see those fucking arms.

"If it's okay to borrow a bit more of your time," Mr Hwang says softly, walking closer, still holding Gaeul in his arms, "I wanted to ask you how did the class go for her?"

If this is a trial deities put on Seungmin's path, where he has to not thirst over a complete stranger, he is failing miserably.

"Sure," he grabs his bag, tries to put it over his shoulder, acting as casual as possible, he is not sure it is working but there is a look in Mr Hwang's eyes that he can not decipher, "it was great, she told me that she already was doing theater last year, she is a bit shy but nothing too surprising considering she just got there."

Mr Hwang seems relieved, he looks at his little girl and Seungmin's heart swoons, they are both adorable. Focus, he thinks to himself, this man showed up late to pick up his daughter, he's probably just like the other men.

"That's good to know," he says, "Gaeul is very shy but when I saw her last year during her show, she seemed so happy and I thought it was a good thing for her to go back to it."

"As long as she is having a good time, I'm sure she will fit in perfectly."

He smiles, focusing his attention on the child, who just nods timidly.

"Right, thank you so much…" He hesitates.

"Seungmin."

"Thank you Seungmin, and I promise next week I won't be this late!"

"It's no problem Mr Hwang," Seungmin mutters again, feelings his ears burning up.

"You can call me Hyunjin!" He tells him with a huge grin, "I'll see you next week then?"

Seungmin does not say anything, feels himself once again freeze completely. He tries to nod. Mr Hwang —Hyunjin, he mentally corrects— waves at him and leaves the room. He takes a deep breath in, puts a hand over his chest, his heart is beating like crazy.

"I just saw the most beautiful man get out of your classroom," Minho says casually when Seungmin finally joins him in front of the school.

He needed a few minutes to calm down before coming out the building. He did tell Minho to leave without him when he understood that Gaeul's dad was going to be late but Minho told him he had no problem waiting. Now, Seungmin definitely regrets that he waited. He hums.

"That's all?" His best friend pouts, "nothing juicy to give to your dear friend who waited thirty minutes for you?"

"What the hell am I supposed to tell you?"

"I don't know, his name, if he's single, anything!"

Seungmin rolls his eyes, "he is the father of one of my students. She just got there and started classes with me today. He is probably not single."

His traitorous brain tries to remember if he saw any wedding ring on Hyunjin's finger, but he can not remember.

"Single parent exists," Minho observes.

Seungmin shrugs, "did you miss the part where I said that he is a father?"

"So what? He is a DILF, sounds pretty good to me."

"Minho, shut up."

Minho laughs loudly. They walk together to the bus station, Minho eventually changes subject, tells him about the kids in his class, then tells him about Jisung, who is a teacher in the school since September and is about their age, closer to Seungmin's then Minho's, and on whom Minho has a crush on. Seungmin thinks that the crush is very much mutual, and that Minho should just go for it but no matter how much he tells it to Minho, Minho still says that Jisung is probably too focused on the fact that he is a rookie teacher to think about dating. Whatever excuse Minho makes up to be able to sleep at night. This crush must be pretty serious, though, because for all the years he has known Minho, he has never seen the older guy taking this much time to make a move.

Seungmin does not stop thinking about Mr Hwang and his kind eyes —and awfully muscular arms, that could so easily manhandle him. It does not worry him too much, he finds a lot of people very hot. It does not mean that he ends up crushing on them or anything, most of the time, he eventually gets used to their hotness and forgets about it. Sure, it is his first time finding a parent handsome, it is a bit weird, but it will eventually pass. It is nothing but physical attraction, which is not a big deal, and probably Hyunjin already forgot about the young theater teacher. They will probably barely exchange any other word next times, he was just late today, hopefully he is not going to be late every week, and since it was Gaeul's first class he was interested. He is not going to ask every week how the class went, not when he can simply asks his daughter.

Yeah, it is nothing to lose sleep over. Seungmin does not need a crush, a crush takes space in his mind that he does not have right now, not when he is working on different projects and trying to make sense out of all his ideas. He has been single for a while now and he is totally fine with it. Minho is just projecting his own lovesick crush on Seungmin to feel better about himself.

His phone vibrates. He unlocks it and checks the whatsapp notification. It is a adding request into the app's community that Chan created for their classes. Easier than emails, every parent can join the group that is concerning their child, so they can all have quick access to any information. As of October, Seungmin barely said anything into the chat, just once when he was terribly sick and had to cancel his class. Chan organizes everything, with the approval of the school.

Seungmin stares at Mr Hwang's number popping into the community and asking to be added into his group. He quickly handles it. Minho is still talking about Jisung, Seungmin is kinda amazed at how long he can talk about a guy he sees for like twenty minutes once a week, so he does not notice when Hyunjin opens the whatsapp profile. Hyunjin's profile picture is him with Gaeul. He is holding her close and kissing her cheek. They are cute.

Then he notices it. Or more likely, it is what he does not notice.

Mr Hwang does not have a wedding ring on his finger.

He shakes his head, turns off his phone. It does not matter, he thinks to himself.

The weeks go by, and Seungmin almost forgets about Hyunjin. Keyword is almost. Unfortunately, he sees Mr Hwang every Tuesday, when he comes to pick up Gaeul after class. He is not late anymore, although he never arrives early either, but since Seungmin often finishes later than he has to, it is like he is right on time. He notices small things about the man, like the dry paints on his fingers, the expensive watch on his wrist, the makeup he wears. It makes Seungmin's heart twist every time, and he tries his best to keep this crush, if it is one, away. Because there is no chance in hell that a man like that is single, gay or interested in Seungmin, maybe all of them.

He thinks he is managing it pretty well, even if he has yet to see anyone else come pick up Gaeul, or her mentioning anything about a mother, or another father, or someone her father would be close to. His stupid lizard brain purrs in happiness. There is a high chance that Hyunjin might be single, the lizard says. Seungmin ignores that damn lizard.

Gaeul is a sweet kid, he likes her more and more every week, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he finds her father terribly hot —no that would be extremely inappropriate and nonprofessional. She still struggles to speak up when she is on stage but every time she tries her best. She is funny, smart, and during improv she is very quick on her feet, always dealing with her stage partners' weirdest ideas without getting out of character. Most of the time at least. Which is, a lot, considering that she is six years old and usually when Seungmin lets the kids completely free during a scene it ends up being a giant chaos of nonsense and a very big interrogation point on the pages of his notebook. He only had one month without Gaeul in the class but he can still feel like she brings into the group a nice balance. It is definitely a nice group. It makes Seungmin's giddy every Tuesday.

Maybe the fact that Gaeul's dad is an absolute eye candy is just the cherry on top for that day. Blame him for that. He can look, it is not forbidden. Nothing else will happen, anyway. He has never heard of a rule about dating parents' but also he is almost sure it never happened before, and he does not want to be the first one to do so. He holds back a frustrated huff, why is he thinking about all this? He is not going to date Mr Hwang. Never.

Well if he had a chance…

Nope, Seungmin must not go there. It is no good and it will not bring anything to anyone. Thankfully, the bell rings and tells him that he has to go pick up the kids in the courtyard. Today has been a very rainy day, with a lot of wind, and all the kids have taken refuge inside. All his eleven kids almost run to him when they see him, excited to go do their activity, instead of waiting for the rain to pass.

"Seungmin," one of the kids say, "what are we going to do today?"

"Can we do improvised improvisations?" Another one asks.

Seungmin raises an eyebrow, now every child is adding their input on what they should do for the class. He barely has time to answer before they start all talking over each other, all burning with energy and enthusiasm.

"Maybe," he only answers. It is the safe answer, not a yes, and not a no. Although Seungmin knows that most of the time it ends up being a no.

Lately the entire group have been hyper focusing on one exercise and they are asking to do it every week. The exercise is very simple, one kid has to go outside while the other decides on a location that the kid outside will have to guess. They freeze into one position, to represent the scene. It is a good game, but honestly, Seungmin is tired to do it every other week, plus it means he has to stand up between the door, to make sure that the kid outside is safe, and that the kids inside are not messing around. He does not understand how they still find joy in doing this game over and over, and then he remembers the TV shows he binge watches every two months even if he knows all the episodes by heart. Maybe Seungmin is a little bit quick to judge sometimes.

Still, they will not be doing that today. However they will do some improvised improvs, whatever the hell those are.

The rain prevented the kids to run in the courtyard before Seungmin's class, so when they reach the stage their energy is higher than usual. It is going to be a very tiring class, he thinks to himself as he tries to convince the kids to keep their shoes on.

The rain is even stronger by the time the class ends. He receives a bunch of texts from different parents in the class' group chat about how they are going to be late because of traffic, so he is not too surprised when it is past 6:45 P.M. and he still has three kids around him. Of course, Gaeul is with them, even if Mr Hwang has not sent anything on his phone. Still, just like the first time, he is not going to leave until all the kids are safely with their parents, even if it means having to go home late.

Eventually the two other kids get picked up and it is just him and Gaeul. She is in an incredible good mood today, and she is chatting about everything. While Seungmin simply hums and nods here and there, he knows she is not really waiting for an answer anyway.

"Mr Kim…"

"Seungmin," he tells her gently. She is very polite and struggles to call him by his name, she really has been raised well, he thinks, "you can call me Seungmin."

"Right," she blushes, "Seungmin."

She says his name like she is experimenting it, then she smiles and nods.

"Good, you don't have to be too formal around me, okay?" He winks. He checks his phone but still no text coming from her dad, he is not sure if he should just ask in the group chat.

"Yep!" She gives him a thumb up, "do you think I'm a good artist?"

Seungmin looks at her, surprised, they have done an exercise earlier during the class where he asks each kid to draw something and then they have to create small improvisations based on another one's drawing. He is not an artist like that so he can not really judge their skills, plus it is definitely not what he wants to do, he just wants to challenge them differently.

"I mean the drawing I did earlier…"

"What about it?"

"Do you think it's good?"

He pauses, thinks about the drawing. It is a drawing from a six years old, made in less than ten minutes, it is not something he will hang up on a wall but at the same time, does it have to be?

"Well, did you have fun drawing it?"

She nods, shyly.

"Then you have your answer, Gaeul. As long as you like to do something, you should keep on doing it."

She does not seem satisfied with the answer, "my dad is an artist, he paints all the time and he has made this mural in my room with my favorite characters in it, he let me help but next to what he did…"

Seungmin kneels down in front of her, "did you dad tell you that it was not good?" He frowns.

"No! He told me that it was beautiful and that I did well."

He feels a wave of relief hit him.

"Sometimes I just want to be as good as him," she whispers.

"Gaeul, your dad has had all his life to improve his skills, I'm sure at some point he also thought his drawings were not good enough, yet he kept on painting. Drawing is just like what we do in theater, we practice, we try, sometimes we do not like what we did, but we keep on trying."

His phone vibrates in his hand, interrupting his big speech. He glances at the screen, quickly, and sees that he has an incoming call from a number he has not saved. Then he recognizes the profile picture, his holds on his breath.

"I'm sorry Gaeul but I think your dad is trying to reach me, but we can talk about it more, after it, okay? I don't want to worry him."

The little girl silently agrees and he picks up the call, "hello?"

"Hi, hello, Seungmin," Hyunjin's voice comes, he can tell that he is in his car, he hears the distinctive noises of it, "I'm so sorry to call you but I'm stuck in traffic and I just wanted to make sure that you were still with Gaeul…"

"Of course," he answers, he can hear how panicked the man sounds so he tries to say it as gently as possible, "don't worry I'm going to wait with her until you get there."

Hyunjin lets out a sigh of relief, "oh, thank you, you're an angel, I'll be there as soon as possible."

Seungmin freezes at the angel part but Hyunjin does not seem to realize what he just said. It probably means nothing, just a slip up. Still, Seungmin likes it.

"Drive safe," he says against his better judgment.

"I will," Hyunjin answers before hanging up.

The phone call seemed oddly domestic. Seungmin does not move for a second until Gaeul pokes his hand, "what did he say?" She asks him.

"He said that he was on his way but I guess the traffic is bad because of the rain…"

She pouts. She probably is tired after a full day at school and then with theater. Seungmin takes out of his bag his colored pencils and papers, "should we draw together?"

"Are you also a painter?"Her face lights up with hope.

Seungmin chuckles, "I am not. But I like coloring stuff, it makes me happy so I just do it!"

He decides to just sit down on the floor, and Gaeul is happy to follow. He lets her give him all the ideas, she tells him that he should draw a dog so he looks on his phone some random dogs doodles and tries his best to copy it. It is not very good, but she seems to like it, and hopefully she understands that way that things do not have to be perfect to be enjoyed. He does not even see the time pass by, nor that he is still not being paid for this overtime and that at this point he is basically doing babysitting. Gaeul is delightful, and there is worse in life then spending time with a child happily drawing. He only checks his phone for the references but also for the few texts Hyunjin send him, on private conversation, telling him that he is only twenty minutes away.

The twenty minutes pass and they finally hear footsteps coming. Running, actually.

"Oh gosh," Hyunjin lets out, out of breath when he enters the room, "oh I'm so sorry."

He pauses when he sees Seungmin and Gaeul sprawled on the floor drawing. Seungmin spots a smile shaping on his lips. The girl immediately stands up and runs to her dad, just like the first time Seungmin saw him he catches her easily and pulls her into a tight hug. He probably ran under the rain to get inside the building and it was enough for his hair to be completely wet. Seungmin simply stands up and starts putting his things back into his bag.

"Seungmin, I apologize, really."

He turns around just to see that Hyunjin has walked up right behind him. Gaeul is busy picking up her coat and backpack.

"It's not your fault," he says and he means it.

"Still, if there's anything I can do… You really stayed behind your hours just because of me."

"No worries, I had fun with Gaeul. She's very sweet."

Hyunjin looks at her with a proud smile, and Seungmin's heart does this weird little jump in his chest. Traitor.

"Alright, if you think of anything, please tell me," the older one eventually says to Seungmin.

Seungmin nods because he knows he is not going to convince Hyunjin that he does not need anything from him, and that it was just the right thing to do.

"See you next week then," Hyunjin whispers.

Seungmin blinks, there is something in his tone that sounds different than when the other parents say this. Hope? Delight?

"Yeah, have a good end of the day," he tells him.

"You too."

They stare at each other for another moment, Seungmin feels a lost in his gaze, dark brown almond shape eyes, a mole under his left eye, but a softness to its sharp features. Gosh, he is handsome.

Gaeul speaks up suddenly, "daaaad, I'm hungry!"

Hyunjin seems to snap out of it, he nods, shoots a little smile at Seungmin and waves. Seungmin watches in silence, completely star-struck as Hyunjin picks up his daughter and leaves the classroom. When he is left alone, he groans. He definitely can not lie to himself about the attraction he feels for Hyunjin, but it seems like this attraction is growing into something closer to infatuation. This, he does not like at all.

What he does not like either is that his brain is telling him that this might not be one-sided.

Thankfully, this time Minho did not wait for him. He could have not been able to face him without betraying his thoughts.

The next Tuesday's class goes by uneventfully. When he ends it, all the parents, including Hyunjin, are already there, but as the others bid their goodbye to Seungmin, Hyunjin and Gaeul linger.

"Seungmin," Gaeul says softly when all the other kids are gone.

He was about to go back inside the room to pick up his things, so he stops and looks at her. She has a small transparent box in her hands. Seungmin can easily see that there are cakes inside.

"Yes?" He asks, confused.

Gaeul looks at her dad who nods, and pushes her gently forward, "me and daddy made you brownies to thank you for last week."

Seungmin gasps, "you, what?"

Hyunjin also walks forward, "Gaeul almost did them all by herself, actually. I just supervised a little bit."

The little girl hands the box to Seungmin. He feels suddenly hit by cuteness aggression, picturing the tiny kid baking just for him, he could cry. He kneels down to be at her height and takes the box.

"That's very nice of you," he tells her, "you didn't have to."

"I liked doing it!" She answers with enthusiasm, "I love cakes and pastries and it's so fun to bake them. You told me to always do things that make me happy. This makes me very happy, and I'm even happier to give them to you!"

Now Seungmin is almost sure that he has tears in his eyes, he tries to blink them away.

"Thank you so much, then," he whispers, trying not to lose his composure, "I'm sure they'll be delicious."

She glances at her dad and Seungmin also looks at him, he has a huge grin on his face, and gosh he is handsome. He feels his heart do that weird little thing again. Then the little girl tugs on his sleeve, "can I tell you a secret, Seungmin?" She whispers.

"Of course!"

Her dad acts like he is not listening while she walks as close as possible to Seungmin and whispers in his ear, "I think my daddy was also really happy to bake it for you."

Seungmin blushes. He opens his mouth, tries to think of something to say, anything, laugh maybe but when his eyes meet Hyunjin's, he sees that the latter is also blushing. He probably heard what his daughter just said, still he does not deny it. Gaeul takes a step back and looks at them with a proud smile.

"We should probably let you go home," Hyunjin eventually says and Seungmin is very glad for that because he is definitely completely stunned right now and he kinda wants to scream, "we've taken your time enough."

Gaeul nods, and goes to grab her father's hand, she waves at Seungmin, "see you next week Seungmin!"

Seungmin stays still, waving back mechanically at the little girl, but way too unfocused on the fact that Hyunjin keeps on glancing at him until they are both out of sight. He does not move for another minute at least, holding on to the transparent box to keep himself grounded.

What the hell happened?

It is his first time ever getting a gift from a family and it had to be from them? He does not doubt that Gaeul wanted to bake these, and that Hyunjin would have never forced her to do anything she does not want to, especially not to flirt with her theater teacher.

Is it flirting even? So what if Gaeul says that her dad was happy, maybe he is just happy because Gaeul likes her after school activity and because Seungmin is helpful and conciliatory, maybe it means nothing more than this.

He groans. His legs give up on him and he falls on the floor. He does not move. The box weight heavy in his hands, like it holds more than just the brownies. Does he want it to be flirting? Does he want to have something going on with a parent? Hyunjin is handsome, kind and apparently an artist, and he seems to be a very good dad, which only adds more attraction because apparently this is something Seungmin is into now. However, Hyunjin is a father, and way older than Seungmin is. This is not some cliché rom-com movie where everything fits in perfectly, how can Seungmin fit into a family life? He is barely twenty five years old, he does not want to be a step father!

He groans again. Maybe he is pushing it a little bit too far.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

He looks up to see Minho, staring at him, one hand in his pants' pocket and the other holding his bag. He has an unimpressed expression on his face.

"What is that?" He points at the box.

"This is all my trouble in a tupperware," Seungmin says dramatically.

"Alright, Shakespeare," Minho jokes, "to me it looks like chocolate cake, brownie maybe?"

Seungmin nods.

"Did you have a party today with the kids? Is this why you are lying on the floor now? Did they kill you?"

"No, no, and no."

"Then what is it?"

"Gaeul made them for me."

Minho looks confused then he smirks, "oh, hot DILF's daughter made you brownies?"

"You don't have to add hot when you say DILF, it already is implied that he is hot, if he is a daddy I'd like to fuck."

"So you want to fuck him?"

"That's not my point!"

He finally stands up, sits with the box on his laps. Minho waits patiently for him to speak again but unable to stop grinning like a teenager.

"You remember last week I stayed late because Hyunjin was stuck in traffic…"

"Of course I remember, you came back looking like a wet lost puppy."

"Stop interrupting me," Seungmin snaps back. Minho rolls his eyes, "anyway, Hyunjin kept saying he owe me or whatever, while honestly I did nothing and it's not like I was going to leave a six years old by herself, and now today they brought me homemade brownies to thank me."

"Well, it's nice, sure you were not going to leave her alone last week but it's still unpaid time you have to spend here so…"

"You don't understand, Gaeul told me that her dad was really happy to bake them," he whines.

"Oh so, this is why you're lying on the floor having a crisis?"

Seungmin nods, "he was blushing," he mutters.

"So what, you think he is flirting with you?"

Seungmin shrugs.

"Do you want him to flirt with you?"

He shrugs again, "I don't know! He's a dad!"

"C'mon, it does not mean you're going to spend your life with him, a little bit of flirting, maybe a date… It does not have to be serious."

"That's not possible," Seungmin tells him, "I have to see him every week in a professional setting I can not just fool around with him."

"I don't see the problem."

Seungmin finally stands up, trying to shake away the last thought of Hyunjin flirting with him and whether or not he likes it, "that's because you are irresponsible, and a horny mess who would do anything for a nice dick."

Minho gasps, offended, "are you calling me a whore?"

"Yes, and it's not a bad thing, it's just, not me! I can not just do casual and then have to face him like nothing happened if I see him naked."

His best friend smirks again, "you seem to really want it, though."

"Shut the fuck up," Seungmin mutters while going back inside the room to grab his stuff.

He hears Minho laughing behind him, but he ignores him. Thankfully, his friend eventually drops it completely, although he does send him reels on Instagram about dating older guys —Seungmin is not surprised that he has this in his algorithm, Minho is the most unhinged friend he has ever had.

They both have a bite of brownie as they wait for their bus to come and it is delicious, it is nothing like Felix's brownies —but also Felix puts like an entire stick of butter in it and probably enough sugar to cause an heart attack, which he says is what makes them so delicious and he is right— but it is still delicious. Especially if Gaeul really made them mostly by herself.

Him and Minho sit down next to each other in the bus but the day is slowly catching up on them and they do not talk. Seungmin always feels completely drained after a class, and Minho is just the same. It is like he has used up all his social battery in just one hour and a half, and he is more an introvert. He just hides it pretty well because he does theater, but that does not mean his personality is different.

At some point, Minho taps him on the shoulder. He is wearing his headphones but he silently shows something on his phone. Seungmin looks at the screen, just to see a few texts messages with Felix.

Roomie 2, 7:25 P.M

omg I cannot believe I'm living through the days Minnie is going to fuck a DAD

Seungmin lets out a very noisy sigh, and rolls his eyes as much as he can to make it very clear that he is not happy about the text. Minho laughs. He types back something, and Seungmin's phone vibrates. The notification is in their shared group chat.

He has been living with both Minho and Felix for a few years now, and at first he had expected it to be quite overwhelming and to need to move out into a solo apartment when he was going to be more stable financially. However, even now that he gains money regularly, he finds himself liking their shared life. It is a little safe haven with people who fully understand and respect him.

Well, most of the time at least. Right now there is not much about respect.

Lino 7:30 P.M

MINNIE IS A DILF HUNTER /CONFIRMED/

Lixie 7:30 P.M

GAGGING

probably like Minnie on his DILF's cock

Then they both add thousand of very gross emojis. Seungmin exhales through his nose. They are both going to be unbearable.

Minnie 7:31 P.M

I'm gonna block you both

He does not do it, he locks his phone and is about to put it back into his pocket when another notification comes. This time his heart stops in his chest. Hyunjin's name appears on his lock screen.

Hyunjin 7:33 P.M

I hope you'll enjoy the brownies, thank you again!

The type bubble still appears on the bottom half of the screen, so he holds on his breath, waiting for another text.

Hyunjin 7:35 P.M

I'm sorry for sending you a text! I got over enthusiastic there.

He hesitates.

Seungmin 7:36 P.M

They are delicious, my roommate is going to be jealous, he's got some serious competition.

And don't apologize, I'm okay with it.

He does not add that he is okay with it because it is Hyunjin and if any other parent were to use his number to text him outside of class, he would probably not even answer and curse them. Hyunjin is just different, he has this effect on him that is a very bad thing. He thinks about Gaeul saying that her dad was happy to bake the brownies for him. Does Hyunjin often thinks about him?

He groans, hides his phone in his pocket, Minho does not need to see that.

The rest of the week goes by without anything else happening. Hyunjin does not text again, and Seungmin thinks it is for the best. He is busy with other occasional workshops that he gives here and there, and he also writes a lot. He has been working with a small theater company who is paying him a decent amount to write their next play. However the deadline is coming and he still has not written half of it, so he really has to focus on that.

Seungmin does miss the stage and writing as they experiment directly but it is also comforting for him to write peacefully in his room. As long as he can align his taste to other's requests, he is fine with it. Plus he can not say no to the work. He got lucky enough to get noticed early while he was at university for his writing abilities, which has lead him to meet and get to know some important people in the field. He has one play published on his name, it is a very small publishing house so the play is not being sold everywhere, it does not bring him money or barely, but it still means a lot for his career. Plus it is kinda satisfying to get published. His field is all about connections and meeting the right people, which somehow, he has managed to do.

The weekend comes quickly, and him, Minho and Felix have decided to go to the theater. Their apartment is close to a big theater in their city, Seungmin goes there so often that the people at the ticket office recognizes him. His roommates usually do not really come with him, mostly because Seungmin sees them every day already and they just have different plans during the weekend. It is the only night out he offers to himself, it also costs most of his outside activities budgets, but it is worth it. Even when he sees something he does not like, he still feels fulfilled by it. Usually the play only last for one or two hours, which means he can be back in his bed at 10 P.M., it fits his "grandpa core" schedule, so Minho says.

Tonight is a bit different because the play is not theater but dance, and he managed to convince Minho to come with him, who then asked Felix, and Seungmin knows he can kiss goodbye to his bed. It is a Friday night, and they will definitely go grab some drinks, probably food, after the show. Not that he complains about it, he loves his friends, plus maybe if they go out in a bar he can take his mind of a certain someone and maybe flirt with some strangers.

Minho and Felix are into a deep conversation about different dance styles and their representation on common stages, he has slowly drifted off the argument, he knows a thing or two about dancing but it is not his area. He listens to their discussion while scanning the theater hall. Since he comes here often, he recognizes some faces, people his age that are also in the same artsy circle. Acquaintances mostly but enough for them to politely wave at Seungmin.

Then he sees it. Or rather, he sees him. Seungmin can not believe his eyes. Hwang Hyunjin is standing near the front door, looking nervously at his phone, and then at the entrance. Seungmin's mouth go dry. He looks good. Different than when he comes to pick up Gaeul after class, he dressed up. Leather pants, giving him legs for days, silk shirt, with a deep neckline…

"Seungmin, are you with us?" Felix snaps his fingers in front of Seungmin's face.

He forces himself to look away from Hyunjin, "yep, sorry, I was away for a moment."

"We could tell," Felix laughs.

Seungmin hopes Minho is not going to notice anything but he sees his cat like eyes scanning the area where Seungmin was staring at. Seungmin tries to divert the attention, by pushing them away but before he can even do anything, Minho's face changes, and a smirk appears on his face. Seungmin groans.

"Wait, is that your hot daddy?" Minho almost purrs.

Seungmin cringes at every word, but Felix perks up, "what, what? Hot daddy? Is it THE hot daddy?"

"Please, stop saying "hot daddy", it's embarrassing," he pleads.

"Yep, that's him, in the flesh, standing right over there."

Seungmin almost loses his mind when Minho simply points to Hyunjin's direction. He slaps his arm immediately, "Minho!" He groans.

But it is too late, Felix has already seen Hyunjin and he audibly gasps. Seungmin wants the floor to swallow him entirely.

"Oh damn, he is hot! I thought Minho was just messing with me but, congratulations Seungmin."

"You can say it a little bit louder, he might have not heard you," Seungmin still says sarcastically because it is the only way he knows how to deal with emotions.

"So what, there is something happening between you two? I'm so jealous!" Felix whines, "I also want a DILF!"

"Nothing is happening," Seungmin tells him. He checks the time on his phone, they still have about ten minutes before the doors' open. Ten long minutes of trying not to get noticed by Hyunjin.

Not that Hyunjin would do anything, it is not like they are friends or anything, but he can not swear Minho or Felix will not do something.

"Well, he sent some very nice texts directly to Seungmin," Minho comments.

He's going to kill his best friend in a crowded theater, with thousands of witnesses, he thinks. And it will be worth it. Entirely. He will plead guilty and serve his time, head high.

Felix coos, "really?"

"He just used my personal phone number once because he was running late and then he said thanks!" Seungmin protests.

"No," Minho argues, "he also sent you texts after the brownies gate, right?"

"What?!" Seungmin chokes out, "were you looking at my phone?!"

Minho shrugs, "your screen was in front of my eyes and there is not much to do in a bus."

Felix is already moving his hand forward, "let me see," he orders.

"I'm not giving you my phone for you to snoop at my texts, and Minho I can't believe you saw it!"

"Why, you have something to hide?"

Both Felix and Minho are staring at him with a devilish grin, Seungmin can feel how red his face is.

"It's not important!" He argues, "plus he is probably waiting for someone, look at how he is dressed."

Meanwhile Seungmin is wearing some old jeans and a basic white tee. He barely brushed his hair before leaving, why didn't he brush his hair? Felix looks stunning, as usual. He has been experimenting with makeup lately so he tries bolder and bolder looks and he always looks like the main event. Minho has a more discreet look but his sharp features and dark gaze are attractive, plus he is wearing some tight pants that show off his ass and Seungmin knows that he did it on purpose. Seungmin is just… Seungmin. Home before 10 P.M. Seungmin. Too lazy to put on mascara because it means adding an extra step to his night skin care routine. Outfits repeater.

Wasn't he already wearing the exact same jeans and t-shirt earlier this week, on Tuesday, when Hyunjin came to pick up Gaeul and gave him the brownies? Oh my god, he totally was.

Yeah, he really hopes he will not see him. He does not want to deal with embarrassing small talk. They are not friends, Hyunjin is just another parent and that is all. A very very handsome, nice and apparently artistic parent. Who also bakes brownies for him with his daughter, and also sends him sweet little texts on Tuesdays after class. That is all.

"If he is waiting for someone, that someone is not coming," Minho comments.

Seungmin knows better than to look but he can not help it, he turns his head a little bit and sees Hyunjin checking his phone again, sighing and then shaking his head, pocketing back the device.

"Do you think he got stood up?" Felix whispers.

"Who would do that?" Seungmin answers, offended.

He can feel the way his friends look at him.

"I mean, to anyone, like, it's not a nice thing to do…" He mutters pathetically.

"Yeah, to anyone, nothing to do with your huge ass crush on this man," Minho teases.

Hyunjin looks sad. Seungmin should stop staring but he can not help it. He does not like it seeing him like that. Maybe Hyunjin feels that someone is watching him because he looks up.

Seungmin reacts a second too late.

Hyunjin saw him.

"Fuck," he mumbles, "I think he recognized me."

Minho raises an eye brow, with another look on his face that Seungmin does not like at all. Then he smiles, and waves.

"Yep, he did," his best friend says and Seungmin is really going to kill him, "and now he is coming over."

"He, what?! Why do you hate me?" He whines.

"We love you!" Felix chuckles.

"No, you don't you-"

He can not finish his sentence because Hyunjin is already next to him.

"Hi," Seungmin lets out quietly.

Hyunjin is even more handsome up close. His eye makeup is more pronounced than usual, his hair are styled into a high ponytail with some pretty little braids in it. His lips are slightly pink-tinted which makes them plumper, more defined. It is really unfair that he looks like that, why would he look like that for a dance performance night? It is infuriating. He can hear Minho and Felix giggling behind him and they are not helping.

"Hello, Seungmin," Hyunjin says with the tone of someone who is actually happy to see him, "it's lovely to see you."

"Ah," Seungmin mutters, his ears are red, he knows it and he can not do anything about it, "it's also nice to see you… Are you here to see the performance?"

He bites his lip immediately after saying that, what a dumb question. Of course, Hyunjin is here for the performance, there is literally no other reason to be in a theater ten minutes before the beginning of a show. What is Seungmin's problem? He is so smart usually, right now he feels like a fool. Hyunjin smiles at him. He does not have to be this kind yet he is.

"I am, well, I'm supposed to at least," he explains, "but I think the person who was supposed to come with him is not coming so…"

He shrugs.

"Oh, no, you should still see it," Seungmin tells him, "I mean, unless you're not interested in dance?"

"Actually I am, I used to dance a lot before, I stopped after Gaeul because I didn't have enough time. I had to choose between painting and dancing, painting won!"

"Then even if you're alone tonight, you should see it. I've only heard great thing about it."

"I didn't realize you were into dance as well, Seungmin," Hyunjin says softly.

Seungmin shakes his head, "uh, well, not really, I mean, I'm an avid spectator but I'm not a dancer, my friends," he waves at Minho and Felix, "are."

Hyunjin nods at them politely, "you're a dance teacher at the school, right?" He asks Minho.

"Exactly, the very reason why our Seungminnie also got this job," Minho says with another grin. Seungmin rolls his eyes at the nickname, but it makes Hyunjin chuckles lightly.

"I wanted Gaeul to try dance but she was very adamant she wanted to do theater," Hyunjin adds, "and she is loving it."

Seungmin feels like he is burning up under his gaze.

"Who could resist Minnie's charm, right?" Minho answers with a wink.

Gross. Hyunjin laughs. Even worse.

"Right," he hears him say.

"But you know, Seungmin makes a point, you can enjoy the show by yourself but you can also join us, if you want!"

Seungmin glances at Minho, scandalized, "I'm sure Hyunjin does not want to…"

"Really?" Hyunjin asks.

"Well, those tickets are not numbered so we can sit anywhere we want, it is not exactly the place to socialize but you're free to stay with us. It's no problem, what do you think Felix?"

"Absolutely, and if you are a dancer I'm sure you'll have interesting insight on the performance," Felix says with a huge smile.

Seungmin can feel all the eyes falling on him.

"Will it be okay, Seungmin?" Hyunjin asks gently.

Seungmin is so fucked.

"Sure, of course," he still says, trying to give a pretty smile. He hopes it is not too crooked.

"Great! Then it's settled," Minho cheers.

They see the line in front of them starting to walk forward, the doors probably are opened now. Seungmin notices how close Hyunjin is standing to him, Felix and Minho are talking about something, he does not hear them, all he can focus on is that he can feel Hyunjin's breathing down his neck.

"I really hope you don't mind me tagging along," he hears the older man whisper in his ear.

He feels a chill down his spin. He thinks. He does not mind, actually he likes it a lot, he is just overwhelmed and embarrassed because he knows his roommates are not going to let that down and that he will hear about it for days, hell weeks even. However the idea of spending some personal time with Hyunjin is everything but something he does not want. He takes advantage of the queue slowing down in front of them to turn around. Hyunjin's face is extremely close, he looks surprised by Seungmin suddenly looking at him, directly into his eyes. He slowly pulls away, it makes Seungmin smiles, now he is not the only one being all flustered.

"I like that you're here," he says. He does not know where this sudden confidence comes from but he decides to embrace it.

It does not have to mean anything after all, it is just them going to see a dance performance, and it is not like they will be able to talk during it. They will just be sitting side by side, that's all. Probably Hyunjin does not want to hang out more with three younger guys. Maybe it is better to simply go for it now, and both of them will notice that they have nothing in common and that Seungmin is just another teacher to Hyunjin's daughter, like there will be many others after. Seungmin feels kinda good about that. This stupid crush he has on Hyunjin needs to die down, and there is nothing better than being confronted to the reality.

The reality in which they share nothing, in which they can never be something.

Hyunjin smiles, relief paints on his expression, but he can see that his ears are turning red.

It would have been a little bit easier if he were less attractive, though, Seungmin thinks.

"Okay, that's good, I like it too," Hyunjin stutters, "I mean, I really wanted to see this…"

He shows the ticket he has in his hands.

"Yeah, it's going to be a great performance I think," Seungmin says carefully.

Hyunjin nods, "and I've left Gaeul at my parents for the night she was very excited to spend time with her grandparents, I'd hate to go back to an empty house."

Seungmin hums, tries to ignore the curiosity and the urge to ask if he was waiting for someone and who it was tonight. If it was a date or not. He feels a weird feeling of jealousy that he tries as much as possible to conceal. Thankfully, they are reaching the entrance, and he has to give his ticket to the girl who welcomes them inside.

He follows Minho and Felix who are arguing over which row is the best one to have the best experience, only for them to be forced into the middle row. Seungmin would have preferred to be seated on the side, as near as possible to an exit, not that he thinks he will leave before the end but just because he likes to have the possibility. But the show tonight is sold out and the staff makes them sit in the middle. Hyunjin sits next to him, and he holds his breath, noticing how close the seats are. Even if he tries to leave space for them to be comfortable, Hyunjin's thighs touch his. With the lights on he can fully observe how they look in that tight pant and he swallows painfully.

Right, Hyunjin used to be a dancer.

"Oh, sorry," Hyunjin whispers when Seungmin puts his arm on the armchair at the same time as Hyunjin tries to put his own.

"No worries," Seungmin mutters. He decides to simply push Minho's arm on his right side and leave the left one for Hyunjin.

He can not wait for the performance to start. He tries to look everywhere but at the man next to him. He can smell his perfume and it smells nice, something floral, a bit musky. Has these seats always been this cramped? Without wanting it, he glances at Minho who just sends him a look and wiggles his eyebrows. Seungmin rolls his eyes at him but Minho snickers and whispers something at Felix who immediately straighten up and looks into Hyunjin's direction. Seungmin looks away. He hears them laugh like two teenage boys.

Hyunjin is busy reading through the leaflet that they gave them before the performance, in which they put different information regarding it. Seungmin also likes to read them before seeing anything but right now, it is like the words make no sense at all. All he can think about is Hyunjin. How is he going to survive for an entire hour sitting next to him? This is ridiculous.

Finally, the lights dim off slowly. The performance starts and he gets into it almost immediately. He is not a dancer and has little knowledge in dance but his mind manages to create stories as he sees the dancers evolving through the stage, dabbing into different styles that he sometimes recognizes thanks to Minho and Felix's rantings. There is something so poetic and delicate, yet powerful and intense, into the whole performance that makes his heart beat fast in his chest. When it ends, and the lights are back on, he does the same thing as the rest of the audience and stands up to clap.

He looks at Hyunjin who is drying tears, and when their eyes meet, he smiles at Seungmin. Seungmin misses the beat of the clapping with the way Hyunjin's intense gaze conveys how emotional he is, how raw and intense… Seungmin finds himself raveling in it. He wants to know everything about that side of Hyunjin, the one that gets emotional watching dance performance, he wants to know about what it touches inside him, what his heart beats for. He just smiles back, keeps on clapping for the performers but he can not watch the stage anymore, he only watches Hyunjin.

And Hyunjin watches back.

"To some extent, I expected more," Minho says in a very serious voice when they get out of the theater.

Seungmin does not know exactly what happened between the end of the performance and the cool air of November touching his skin, but apparently Hyunjin is following them to a bar nearby. He does not remember agreeing to it, nor offering, but he also definitely does not remember denying it. He actually is a little bit giddy about it. Fuck. What about the "they have nothing in common" plan?

"You're always so critical," Felix rolls his eyes.

"I am not! But the critics and the summary were all about the political stance of dancing, I thought it was very safe, and mostly around contemporary dance. I expected more chaos, I guess?"

Felix answers something that Seungmin does not catch because Hyunjin is right next to him and Seungmin immediately gets distracted.

"What did you think about it?" Hyunjin asks him and he is surprised because he is only asking it to him, and not the two dancers.

"I enjoyed it," Seungmin answers, "I'm not sure for what reason but it made me feel things. And you?"

Hyunjin nods, "me too. I think Minho is right that it could have been more chaotic, to fit with the political stance they seem to be having, but there was something beautiful about how the group existed together, while still showing a very distinct identity through dance. The mix of contemporary and traditional, folklore, dancing was also beautiful."

Seungmin stares at him in disbelief. He knew Hyunjin was an artist, but he did not have to go and also have smart and interesting opinion on performances. How is he going to stop having a crush on him if he keeps on being like that?

The older man misunderstand Seungmin's look, "I'm sorry, maybe I'm not making any sense…"

He looks shy, insecure. Seungmin coos, "no, no, you make perfect sense, it's very interesting. I think this is also what I liked about it. Just, sometimes, I'm not good with words."

"Hey, lovebirds," Minho shoots at them, "you coming or what?"

Seungmin blushes. He did not even realized that they had stopped to talk and look at each other, and his roommates were already in front of the bar.

"Let's go," Hyunjin tells him with a giggle.

He does not say anything about what Minho just called them, so Seungmin does not say anything either. Even if he will definitely curse him later. Not now, though, because Hyunjin is smiling at him.

Seungmin is not fully sure what is going on. All he knows is that he is five drinks in, with barely anything in his stomach, and that his best friends are weirdly getting along with Hyunjin. It does not make any sense. His worlds are colliding in a way they should not. And as they collide, they make his perfect plan explode.

"Your daughter really made the brownies all by herself?!" Felix screams.

Hyunjin laughs, and nods proudly, "of course," he answers, "I only helped for the oven part and to supervise, make sure she was not hurting herself. But she is a great baker."

"You have serious competition, Lixie," Minho snorts.

"They were so delicious," Felix complains, "I can't believe this. I need to step up my game."

"I'll tell her that it was well received," the older man says, very patient, "I'm sure it'll make her very happy."

Both Minho and Felix coo at that. Seungmin simply watches them talk, sipping on his sixth drink.

"Were you the one who taught her how to cook?" Minho asks, and there is a glimmer in his eyes that Seungmin does not like. Something along the way of grilling Hyunjin, like he is a potential boyfriend. Which he is not.

Hyunjin shakes his head, "oh, no, I'm a terrible cook. She just has been into baking ever since she was able to stand. My mom helps a lot with that, I think it's why she likes going to her grandparents' house so much, they basically let her turn the kitchen into a bakery!"

Minho hums, side eyes Seungmin. He frowns, unsure of what his best friend is trying to look for.

"Seungmin is also a terrible cook," Felix comments.

"Hey!" Seungmin lets out, choking on his drink.

"Right, I think I saw him mess up instant noodles," Minho adds.

"We've actually banned him from the kitchen."

Hyunjin giggles, "having a kid did force me to cook a little bit more but I used to be a disaster in college too. However, now, I can put out a small kitchen fire if needed"

"Can I ask you a personal question?" Minho suddenly asks, putting an elbow on the table and resting his head on his hand.

Seungmin drinks the rest of his glass in one go.

"Of course," Hyunjin answers, a bit wary.

"How did you know you wanted kids?"

"Oh," he lets out, relieved, "well, I always knew it. But I kept on pushing it because I was not finding the one… At some point I just got tired of waiting and decided to just do it, it was very complicated by myself but…"

Hyunjin clears his throat.

"In the end I managed to adopt Gaeul."

Seungmin is thankful he is not drinking anymore because he would have probably spit it all out. He did not expect that.

"That's lovely!" Felix beams, "I think it's such a great thing that you are doing and you're right, you don't have to be with someone to form a family. You're more than enough!"

Hyunjin hides his face, but his blush is so big it expands to his ears. Cute. Seungmin once catches the way Minho is looking at him.

"Thank you for answering my question, Hyunjin," Minho says lightly, "does anyone else want another drink?"

Seungmin nods. Minho does not wait for any other answer and just stands up, he also grabs Felix by the wrist and forces him to come with him.

"I hope my friends are not bothering you too much," Seungmin tells Hyunjin after a minute of awkward silence.

He feels a little bit light headed, he probably drunk too much.

"Don't worry, they're very nice. And it's not like the fact that I've adopted my daughter something I want to hide. Although some people often frown at it. They might be thinking that she will lack of something without a mother."

"Fuck those people," he stutters, "you're a great dad. I can see it in the way she acts around you, and she also loves you so much. She is not lacking of anything."

"Yeah, I hope so at least."

Seungmin punches him lightly on the shoulder, Hyunjin gasps of surprise, "there is no reason to hope for it, it's true! I know I only see her for like two hours a week but she's such a happy kid, you can tell that she's growing up surrounded by love."

Hyunjin hums, "I'm glad she has you as a teacher," he whispers.

Minho comes by leaves a drink on the table, "here, Minnie, I gotta go back, I think Felix is hitting up on strangers again."

"What?" Seungmin mutters but Minho is already gone.

He looks in the direction his friend went, and he really sees Felix chatting with some random guy, touching his arms while the latter flexes his muscles. Gross. But at least Minho is not pranking him or anything.

"Hitting up on strangers again?" Hyunjin repeats, curious.

"Yeah," Seungmin answers after taking a sip of his drink, he winces, the barman did put a lot of alcohol on this one, "when Felix is drunk he just starts flirting with anyone. I don't know how he does it."

Hyunjin rests his head in his hand, and gets closer to Seungmin, looking at him through his eyelashes. Seungmin feels his heart miss a beat, "flirting?"

"Er," he clears his throat, embarrassed, "no the, casual flings…"

"Oh, I see," the other one smiles, "you're not the type to mess around?"

"Not really…"

His embarrassment grows bigger and bigger as Hyunjin stares at him with his beautiful eyes, with a look that Seungmin is not sure to fully understand. He does not hate it, though, but he is not used to not be the one teasing. He needs to get a hold of himself.

"What about you?" He asks, mustering all his courage.

He is not stupid, he might not flirt often, and barely dates, but he knows when the discussion is leading that way. Apparently this one is. He drinks some more.

"Nope," Hyunjin chuckles.

"I guess having a daughter makes it more difficult," Seungmin whispers.

"Oh, even before Gaeul, I've never been the type to be casual about anything. Sure, dating is harder when you're a dad, but, it didn't change me that much."

"What about tonight?" He blurts out.

Hyunjin frowns, confused, "tonight?"

"I meant, you were waiting for someone at the theater, right?"

The other man tilts his head, his face seems like he is just recalling that even, "I was, this is a bit embarrassing but I tried the apps, and I talked to that guy for a while before asking him out," he shrugs, "well, he just didn't show up."

"I can't believe anyone would stood you up," Seungmin lets out, a whisper mostly and he hopes Hyunjin did not hear but his expression changes. A smirk.

"Why?"

"You know why," he mutters.

"Not really, I mean it can happen, especially with the apps, and like I told you, the fact that I have a daughter often ends up being a deal breaker."

"Then they should tell you that before agreeing to a date! I don't think you're the type to hide that you're a father."

"I could not, anyone that is not up to accept Gaeul is not someone I wanna get involved with."

"Exactly! Back to my point, I know people get stood up, it happened to me too, but for you…"

"Who could stood you up?" Hyunjin interrupts him, and he looks so offended by it, way more affected by that statement then he was by the fact that he was ghosted earlier in the evening.

Seungmin shrugs, "I also tried the app a few years ago because I was not meeting anyone and it worked for Felix… But yeah, not a great success for me. Maybe I was too nerdy or honest, I don't know."

"They don't realize what they're missing on," Hyunjin tells him.

Seungmin finishes his drink, tries to hide his blush.

"For what it's worth, I'm very glad that I got stood up, tonight" Hyunjin adds, humming, "I got to spend the evening with you and your friends. You were way more interesting than this guy ever was."

"I'm gonna grab another drink," Seungmin says, standing up. He is already feeling a bit drunk but definitely not enough to handle Hyunjin, not when he is being so direct.

"Let me come with you," Hyunjin tells him.

And who is he to deny him?

At some point, the music gets louder in the bar and a small dance floor forms. Minho finds them again, and begs Hyunjin to dance with him, challenging him to show him how good of a dancer he is. Seungmin has to watch as Minho dances with Hyunjin, way too close for Seungmin's liking, until he can not take it anymore and sits back at a table, with another drink.

Hyunjin did order something to eat, even if Seungmin told him not to because it was crazy expensive, so at least he is not starving but he knows he is drinking way too much right now. He can not help it, he has not been out partying for a while, plus Hyunjin is driving him insane. With the looks, the words… Everything makes Seungmin believe that Hyunjin is into him and, he can not lie to himself anymore.

He wants Hyunjin in a way he has never wanted anyone before. And that is very bad, extremely bad, because Hyunjin might be into Seungmin simply because he thinks Seungmin is great with his daughter or something. Seungmin is a great teacher, he can looks at himself in the mirror after his classes and think he did something good for those kids, however, Seungmin is not sure how it would be involved romantically with someone who has a child. The fact that Hyunjin told him he never wanted anything casual just adds more pressure into this. Seungmin does not date around, but what if he actually lets himself try something with Hyunjin and he just can not handle the father aspect? He likes Hyunjin too much to do that to him. It sucks.

Eventually, Hyunjin finishes dancing and comes back near Seungmin, his hair is a bit messed up with all the moving around, and he has sweat pearling on his forehead. He should not look this hot, yet he does. Infuriating.

"You okay?" Hyunjin asks him gently.

Seungmin nods but then he feels nauseous.

"I think I should go home," Seungmin whispers, and he miscalculates how close he goes near Hyunjin to tell him that because his head bumps into his shoulder.

Hyunjin laughs gently, but does not push him away.

"I'm drunk," he adds like it needs to be said out loud to be notice.

"I figured," Hyunjin tells him.

He frowns, "well, you drunk as much as I did!" he protests.

"Not really," the older man tells him, "I stopped a while ago."

Seungmin looks at him like he has personally offended him. He eventually takes his head off Hyunjin's shoulder. The alcohol is clouding his brain completely. Minho and Felix are long gone somewhere in the bar, Minho probably busy dancing, while Felix might be hooking up with the random stranger from earlier. He will text them later that he went home, they will not mind. He stands up, tries to make sure that he has everything in his pocket. Keys, bus card, phone. He can feel Hyunjin looking at him.

"Let me walk you home," Hyunjin tells him.

He shakes his head, it makes the room spin around him, "I'm fine. I know the way."

"You're drunk."

"Yeah, we've already stated on that," Seungmin says sarcastically, "plus you still haven't finished your drink, you can stay, I'm sure you can have fun…"

Pick up some random guy, someone your age, someone hotter maybe. He does not say that.

Hyunjin snorts but then takes his glass and drinks it all up in one go, "there, I'm done. Let's go."

Seungmin can not protest anymore, Hyunjin grabs his arm, very gently, but still strongly enough for his heart to jump and his brain to like it way too much.

He is so fucked.

Hyunjin, still very delicately, helps him get out of the bar. The cool air slaps Seungmin in the face, he feels like throwing up but he can not. Not with Hyunjin holding him, helping him, he can not throw up in front of his crush. So he holds back. Tries to take a deep breath in and out until the nausea calms down. Hyunjin seems to understand what Seungmin is doing because he does not push him. He waits patiently until Seungmin is able to walk again, still holding on to his arm.

“Okay, let’s go,” Seungmin says after a moment of deep breathing, “it’s that way…”

He starts walking on the right, Hyunjin follows. He stops.

“No, wait, that way…” He mutters confused.

He looks to the right, then the left, feels dizzy again, and then just stares at Hyunjin, pouting. Hyunjin laughs lightly, then pulls out his phone out of his pocket, “do you remember your address?”

“Of course,” Seungmin mutters, embarrassed.

He grabs Hyunjin’s phone. He can not help but notice that Hyunjin has unseen texts on the dating app he was probably talking about earlier. He wonders if it is the guy who stood Hyunjin up, but if it is, Hyunjin has not read the texts. He smiles to himself. Eventually, he goes to the map app, and puts in his address. He gives the phone back to Hyunjin.

“It seems like you were right the first time,” Hyunjin comments, looking at the map.

“I’m always right,” Seungmin answers, almost instinctively. It makes Hyunjin laugh again. Gosh, Seungmin really likes it when he laughs.

“I’m sure.”

Hyunjin takes the lead as they start walking. Slowly Hyunjin’s grip on his arm becomes them holding hands, and Seungmin does not want to let go. Neither does Hyunjin. Seungmin blabbers about different things, plays he has seen, the writing he has been working on, Hyunjin listens and asks him questions that Seungmin’s drunk brain struggles to answer to but he seems genuinely interested. The fifteen minutes walk pass by quickly like that, even if they have to stop sometimes because somehow Seungmin got motion sickness just by walking, and he needs to breath. And if Seungmin walks extremely close to Hyunjin, he can just pretend he does not control it.

When they reach Seungmin’s apartment, Seungmin almost feel sad about it.

“It’s here?” Hyunjin asks, checking on the map.

“Yes,” Seungmin tells him. The walk helped clear his mind a little bit, enough for him to not feel like throwing up but not enough to have fully regain control on his brain and thoughts.

And now his brain is screaming that he does not want Hyunjin to leave. He does not want to let go of his hand. He wants even more.

“Well, I wish you a good night, then…”

“Wait,” Seungmin interrupts him, “do you want to? I mean unless you have to pick up Gaeul…”

He whines, feeling ridiculous, but Hyunjin says, “I don’t have to pick her up until tomorrow.”

Seungmin feels his heartbeat racing in his chest, “oh so…”

His brain decides that it is tired of talking so he takes a step forward, lets go of Hyunjin’s hand just to put his hands on his chest. Hyunjin is about the same height as he is, but he is slightly taller which means Seungmin does have to look up at him if he really wants to look into his eyes, and right now that is all he wants. Hyunjin looks surprised, but if he wanted to push Seungmin away, he could do it and he does not. Seungmin’s rational brain knows that silence is not consent but his drunken mind says differently.

It does not matter what it says because Hyunjin leans in before Seungmin can do anything.

His lips ghost over Seungmin’s like he is waiting for something.

Seungmin nods very slowly, and the second after, Hyunjin is kissing him. Hyunjin’s lips are soft, and plump and when he puts his hand right on the side of Seungmin’s face to get better access to his mouth, Seungmin is almost sure he dies a little bit. Everything about Hyunjin is electrifying, his touch, his taste, his scent, and with how close they are, Seungmin can bask into all of it.

It seems easy for Hyunjin to take control of the kiss, so Seungmin lets him. He just tangles his finger into what is left of his ponytail, while Hyunjin slides his tongue in Seungmin’s mouth, making Seungmin press his body a little bit closer to Hyunjin’s. At some point, they both run out of air but still barely break the contact just pulling away for a second, and Seungmin bites Hyunjin’s lower lip gently, there is spit connecting their lips and Seungmin’s only regret is that it is too dark outside for him to see entirely how hot Hyunjin must look.

He knows that Hyunjin probably feels how hard Seungmin got just by kissing him, and for the first time that night he is not embarrassed, not when he can also feel that Hyunjin is getting worked up too. When Hyunjin pulls in for another kiss, as passionate and intense as the first one, Seungmin grinds on him, looking for friction, anything. He does not care that they are still on the street, right now nothing else matter but Hyunjin. Having Hyunjin close, having Hyunjin. Seungmin moans in the kiss when Hyunjin rolls his hips against his crotch. But as Seungmin looks for more, Hyunjin pulls away.

"Seungmin," Hyunjin whimpers breaking their kiss, "you're drunk."

Seungmin shakes his head, "no," he lies.

"Yes you are," the other argues.

It hits Seungmin like lightning.

“You don't want it, right? Did I misread everything? You don’t want me?” he asks, way too pathetic for his own liking.

Maybe Hyunjin got irked by how easily worked up Seungmin got, maybe he thought that Seungmin was just looking for sex and not respecting his wish of nothing casual, maybe he is just grossed out and embarrassed by how pathetic Seungmin is, maybe…

Hyunjin's gaze turns softer, "of course I do, I kissed you first, and I was not hiding it very well, was I? I want it, I want you. But not like this, not with you drunk."

Seungmin feels his legs weaken, "I want you too," he whines. And apparently drunk Seungmin wants Hyunjin right there right now. In the street, drunk, horny.

Obviously, Hyunjin was also turned on just by the kiss, maybe not as much as Seungmin —but apparently Seungmin gets horny drunk now— if only he could just… But Hyunjin stays still when Seungmin tries to kiss him again.

"Do you have your keys?" Hyunjin asks him when Seungmin finally gives up on trying to kiss him.

“In my jacket’s pocket,” he says.

Hyunjin gently looks for the keys and Seungmin lets him, he feels too tired now to stop him. Hyunjin finds the keys, opens the door and pulls Seungmin inside.

“Third floor,” Seungmin tells him before he asks.

The elevator quickly comes and they get inside. There Hyunjin pulls Seungmin closer, like he is afraid that he is going anywhere. Like he could. Like he would.

“I hope you know that I’m not stopping this because I don’t want it,” Hyunjin whispers, gentle, comforting, “I just want both of us to be fully present if…”

Seungmin hums, his brain has given up on everything, even overthinking, he just feels good in Hyunjin’s arms, and sure he still wants more, but at least Hyunjin is there. The elevator dings when it reaches the third floor. Seungmin manages to show which apartment he lives in and Hyunjin opens the front door.

"Which one is your room?" He asks gently.

Seungmin looks at him, hopeful, brain foggy with fatigue, desire and his primal instinct totally getting over himself, "first door on the left."

"Okay, you go lie down, I'll bring you some water."

Hyunjin then places a very soft kiss on Seungmin's forehead, nudges him to his room's direction. He can not believe this. He has never had any man refuse him sex, especially when he starts acting all needy like that. No matter how much alcohol he might have drink during the night. There is a small part of him that tells him Hyunjin does not want him that way, that he is just looking for an escape out of this situation, but there is something in Hyunjin's eyes, something in the kiss he just gave him, something that makes Seungmin's heart swell dangerously.

Hwang Hyunjin is going to be the end of him.

Eventually, he gives up, nods, and goes to his bedroom, his heartbeat is pounding in his temples and the excitement from earlier is dying down, only letting its place to a nauseous feeling. He lies down on his bed, his eyelids are heavy, he feels so tired right now he could just fall asleep like that…

"I found some headache medicine in your bathroom," Hyunjin's voice says and it sounds far away, "for tomorrow."

Seungmin hums, eyes closed. He feels the mattress shift when Hyunjin sits down on the bed. He puts a hand through his hair, soft and comforting.

"You should drink a little bit of water before passing out," he whispers.

"I want to sleep," Seungmin answers.

"I know, you can, just take a sip first."

Against his will, Seungmin opens his eyes, Hyunjin has a glass of water in his hands. Seungmin grabs it, drinks a little bit. When he is done, Hyunjin takes it back and puts it on the night table.

"You can sleep now," he tells him.

"Thanks," he murmurs as he lie down again on his pillow.

He feels Hyunjin still caressing his hair, and it gives him chills. He has not had someone give him attention like that in so long, such delicate intimacy, it makes him yearn for more. At some point he feels like Hyunjin is about to leave, he opens his eyes again, "don't leave," he whispers.

In the dark, their eyes meet, Hyunjin does not answer immediately.

"Please," Seungmin adds. He will probably regret being this pathetic tomorrow morning but for now he does not care, "stay."

"Okay," Hyunjin answers, "okay, I'll stay."

Seungmin feels Hyunjin pull him closer, as he lies right next to him and holds him tightly into a hug. He quickly falls asleep after that, safe and warm in his embrace.

Seungmin opens his eyes the next morning, or maybe it was already the afternoon, with a pounding headache. He reaches for his phone, that he usually leaves on his night table, plugged in, every night before going to bed, only to touch a glass of water. He frowns, he does not remember getting a glass of water last night, plus usually he would just drink it in the kitchen and not take any risk for water to spill on his bed.

The realization hits him. He did not fill that glass of water himself. Hyunjin did.

He stands up, regretting immediately because the pain is throbbing. He does not remember much from last night, aside from the fact that he stayed late in a bar with Hyunjin and Hyunjin walked him home and they kissed…

However, Hyunjin is not there. Seungmin feels the panic building up in his stomach, did Hyunjin realized that it was a terrible idea to be (literally) sleeping in Seungmin's bed? Probably he will not want anything to do with Seungmin after whatever the hell happened between them. Did drunk Seungmin forced himself onto him? Did he misread the signs? Were there any signs?

His brain hurts painfully, and he takes the glass of water, there is a small aspirin right next to it and his heart swells in his chest. He is almost sure that this is also from Hyunjin. Fuck, why does he have to be so perfect? Why couldn't he be some kind of uncaring asshole? Especially since they did not sleep together. Seungmin is pretty sure he has never met a guy who was not interested in being caring if it did not mean having sex one way or another, and from his friends' stories, their experiences are not so different.

Seungmin sighs and takes the medicine. He feels gross all over. He did not change before sleeping, which shows how drunk he was because he would never sleep in his outside clothes, he would not even let those touch his bed, and he really needs a shower.

First, he just needs to make sure Hyunjin is not somewhere in his apartment. He kinda hopes he is, since there is no note, and when he finally finds his phone, there is no text either. He hates that he can feel his heart break at the idea that Hyunjin might have left without saying anything. It is a little bit over midday when he checks the time on his phone. He has a few texts from Minho, he will have to apologize to him because he did not warn him that he was leaving yesterday.

Minho's last text says something along the fact that if he comes home to Seungmin having sex he will kick him out of the apartment. Seungmin is not sure if he should be happy that he will be able to stay in his home or if he is disappointed because he, in fact, did not sleep with Hyunjin. Maybe a little bit of both. He exits his room quietly. There is a high chance that Felix is not there but Minho obviously came home last night, and he might still be sleeping. The apartment is quiet. He goes in the living room just to find it empty, in the hallway, Hyunjin's shoes are nowhere to be seen. He has to face the obvious reality. Hyunjin left without any warning.

It is probably just because Seungmin's head is hurting and because he feels gross but he kinda wants to break down in tears.

"Good morning, sunshine," Minho suddenly says behind him.

Seungmin turns around, Minho is leaning on the door's frame, the one that connects the living room to the kitchen, arms crossed over his chest and a smirk on his lips.

"So? How big is he?"

Seungmin groans, "you're a freak," he mutters, "and you're gross."

"I'm not the one who came home with an older guy, who also happens to be the father of one of my students! Now tell me all the juicy details, does he match your freak?"

He makes sure to emphasize the your, and Seungmin, once again, regrets ever talking about his sex life with Minho. He should have known better, even back then, that Minho would never forget about the one time he mentioned that he was a sub and that he really liked it. And maybe some other kinky stuff. He was drunk, and Minho is the kind of person that makes it easy to talk to him, until you start regretting it. Like right now.

"There is no juicy detail to give," Seungmin decides to answer, he can not hide the bitterness in his voice.

Minho opens his eyes wide, "what?! How is that possible?"

"Well like that. Nothing happened. He just walked me home."

"But, he stayed, right?"

Seungmin shrugs, "why, did you see him?"

He tries to not make his voice sound too hopeful but seeing Minho's face it probably does.

"No, but there is food in the kitchen with a note."

"You couldn't have told me that before?!"

He does not wait, knowing very well that he almost runs to the kitchen, with Minho staring at him with the kind of looks that say "I'm so gonna use that against you one day", but he does not care. So Hyunjin did not just sneak off the apartment. There is on the kitchen counter a small bakery bag, Seungmin recognizes the name of the one that is just on the corner —where they never go because it is way too expensive, even if the rare times they went it was delicious. He does not pay too much attention to the food, even if his stomach is growling now, and grabs the little post-it note that is on the bag.

I had to go pick up Gaeul, take care of yourself

PS: I wasn't sure which one you liked so I took a bunch of those. Hope you'll like it!

He finally looks inside the bag and there are different types of pastries, some more buttery, some creamier. They all look delicious, he is starving. But there is something that does not sit well with him, what does "take care of yourself" mean? Is it some kind of goodbye? A way to put an end to this, whatever this was?

"What does the note say?" Minho asks.

"Don't pretend you didn't read it already."

"I didn't," his roommate says, a hand on his heart, "honestly, I just woke up too, I just went to the kitchen first and saw this."

"He says that he had to go pick up his daughter," Seungmin tells him with a sigh, "and that he didn't know which food I liked so he took different things."

Minho coos, "oh, that's cute."

He stares at him while he goes to grab the bag.

"Why are you sulking? Do you miss him already?" Minho asks, munching on a croissant.

Seungmin hands him the note, "he wrote "take care of yourself"."

"So?"

"Do you think it means he does not want to see me again?"

"Well, that's a bit impossible considering the fact that you're his daughter's theater teacher."

Seungmin rolls his eyes, "Minho, stop, you know what I mean."

Minho's eyes immediately change from the mischievous smirk to a serious expression.

"I don't think a man who would go out of his way to buy a shit ton of pastries before leaving is the type of man who is not interested."

Seungmin shakes his head, lets himself fall down on the kitchen stool.

"Why do you still look sad?" His roommate asks, wary.

"Because this is terrible," he mutters. His headache is coming back even stronger than before.

Minho clears his throat, "what is?"

He talks to him like he is talking to a child having an emotional breakdown. Seungmin knows that well, he uses the same voice when it happens in his classes. Somehow, it works.

"I have a crush on him," Seungmin confesses," it's terrible. Absolutely awful."

The other man snorts.

"What?" Seungmin snaps.

"Nothing, I just did not realize we were still at that point. I thought the fact that you had a crush on him was a fact, a factual fact, that everyone and their mothers in that bar was aware of. The other very factual fact is that the crush is absolutely not one-sided, I think this is the opposite of terrible."

"Stop talking about factual fact, it makes no sense to say that a fact is factual."

"Kim Seungmin," Minho says, once again very serious, "stop being stupid, you have a very hot attractive man completely head over heels for you and somehow you are sitting there whining rather than texting him or doing something about it. I know you have not dated in a while, but there is no point in freaking out. It is a good thing, let good things happen to you!"

"It's not about not letting good things happen to me, it's about getting involved with someone who has a daughter and…"

He groans, puts his head in his hands, giving up.

"You're overthinking this," his best friend says after a second.

"Who's overthinking?" Felix's voice asks from afar.

A minute later and their last roommate enters the kitchen. He is wearing the same clothes as yesterday, his makeup is slightly smudged but definitely not enough for someone who slept with it on. He does not even look hangover, although Seungmin is sure that he drunk more than him. Unfair.

"Seungmin is overthinking," Minho answers.

"Fork found in the kitchen," the blonde laughs, "oh! Breakfast!"

Seungmin stares at his roommates eating the pastries, the knot in his stomach is still there, making him unable to touch the food.

"So, what's happening?" Felix asks, mouth full with food and putting crumbs all over the kitchen table.

"Seungmin has a crush and he is acting like a big baby about it."

"That's not it!"

Felix wiggles his eyebrows, "let me guess, you have a crush on Hwang Hyunjin the very hot, very into you, very available, DILF."

"Yes," Seungmin mutters, gritting his teeth.

"What's there to overthink? You like him, he likes you, this sounds pretty easy to me."

"Seungmin feels like it is professionally wrong to go out with the father of his student."

"Why? Is it written in your contract that you can't?"

Seungmin shrugs. He has never thought of looking for something like this in his contract, but he does not think there is, "no, but, it has to be morally frown upon."

His roommates exchange a knowing look.

"Can we change the subject maybe? My head hurts and it's just a crush, it'll pass. Same for Hyunjin. Where were you last night?" He asks Felix.

Once again, Minho and Felix look at each other, like they are communicating in silence and Seungmin taps on the kitchen table, annoyed. Eventually, his best friends give up and Felix starts talking about the guy he met last night, who is apparently high on the list of his one night stand. He can not help but be slightly distracted, checking his phone from time to time, just to see if Hyunjin texted him.

Nothing.

When they ate all the pastries —mostly Minho and Felix, Seungmin just grabbed one, it was delicious but he was still feeling sick with all his different emotions— Seungmin tells his friends that he really need a shower, and leaves them be. He does not feel like socializing anymore, neither Minho nor Felix try to stop him, probably understanding that he needs a little bit of time by himself. He takes a long shower, cleaning himself from last night, and then goes back to his writing. Anything to distract him from the thought of Hyunjin, the taste of his lips and the warmth of his body sleeping next to him.

By the end of the day, his phone is still deadly silent and Seungmin thinks more and more that last night was just a big mistake, that Hyunjin did not mean anything by it, or that he maybe realized that whatever was going on between him and Seungmin would take them nowhere. He takes a deep breath in, tries to ignore the way his heart breaks a little, and tells himself that it is for the best.

Still, when he goes to sleep that night, he mourns something that never happened.

His roommates probably understand Seungmin's silent struggle because on Sunday they force him out of his room and take him to one of his favorite coffee shop, there they talk about things that are unrelated to Seungmin's love life. They advice him on his writing, encourage him when he tells them he has been struggling with certain aspect of it, they scroll on their phones, looking for new furniture for their apartment, and some random decorations. The day passes by quickly and Seungmin almost forgets about Hyunjin. Almost. Every time he unlocks his phone he opens whatsapp, only to be disappointed because there is no text. He is not sure what he wants anymore. The idea of Hyunjin texting him scares him, but the fact that he is not is kinda breaking his heart.

Thankfully, every time he starts looking a bit too much at his phone, Minho and Felix immediately notice it and manage to distract him enough for Seungmin to not spiral too much. He can feel that Minho is itching to say something about Hyunjin but he seems to understand the fact that Seungmin is not ready to talk about it.

On Monday, there is still no text from Hyunjin. Seungmin decides that he has dwell enough over it, that it is definitely not worth it to lose his mind over a man he has not even actually went on a date with— sure their night out on Friday kinda seemed like one, but it was not scheduled and a total coincidence, and yes they kissed, but it is nothing Felix does not do to a complete stranger he finds hot. Seungmin can also be very chill about kissing people. Seungmin can be the definition of being a chill guy. It does not have to become a real thing.

Except he kinda wishes it could.

Seungmin buries that thought away. It does not matter what he wishes for, Hyunjin is not texting him. Minho does try to start a conversation over lunch on Monday but Seungmin avoids it by saying he has work to do. Minho does not buy it but it is enough for the youngest to go hide in his room.

Tuesday comes too quickly, for the first time in a very long time, Seungmin is not too excited about giving class. He feels like he did something wrong, what if Hyunjin said something to his daughter? No, there is no way Hyunjin would involve his daughter in something as silly as a kiss. She probably is not even aware of what her dad did during the weekend… The poor little girl has nothing to do with all this and it is unfair for her to even think this way.

The kids are the same as usual, still very energetic and enthusiastic about theater class. It makes Seungmin quickly forget about his own issues when they start all talking at the same time after he asked them what they have done over the week.

"I celebrated a birthday," Jaehyun tells him with a pout.

"Oh, was it your birthday?" Seungmin asks.

"No! It was an adult's birthday, it was so boring."

Seungmin laughs, "what about the rest of you, what did you?"

"I was with my grand parents!" Gaeul answers happily.

"Really?" Seungmin says with a forced smile, "all weekend?"

He should not ask that, but he can not help it. He can not help that he is currently interrogating a kid to see if her dad lied to him. Here goes his teacher of the year award.

Gaeul giggles, because this is how kids are, giggling and smiling at everything even when Seungmin does not understand why, "yes!"

Seungmin feels a little thug on his chest, he thought Hyunjin left because he had to pick up Gaeul. Apparently he did not.

"My grandma volunteers in a dog shelter and they recently found a bunch of puppies who were abandoned, isn't this so sad, right Seungmin?"

"Yes it really is," he mutters. He does think it is sad, horrible even, he can never understand how people adopt animals just to abandon them. Unfortunately, his ego is taking more space right now and all he can think about is the fact that Hyunjin, indeed, lied to him.

A few other kids start talking about dogs and Seungmin should probably end this discussion and begin the class but Gaeul is obviously not done with her story.

"Because there was not enough space in the shelter, grandma accepted to foster a few of the puppies at her house while they wait for more help but the puppies were a lot of work so my dad came too…"

Everyone coos at that, but Seungmin loses his focus. Hyunjin did not lie? Hyunjin was really with his daughter during the weekend? Taking care of abandoned puppies? Oh, Seungmin is really a terrible person for making this about him.

"Seungmin are you okay?" One kid asks, snapping him out from his trance.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, it's just, people abandoning puppies, it makes me sad. Bad people do that."

The kid is content with this answer and the chatter starts again among them. He hears vaguely someone asking Gaeul if she has pictures and her answering that her dad took some on his phone but that she does not have a phone herself. She then starts describing the puppies and how she and her dad took care of them and Seungmin puts a stop to all this chatter when he notices that he is starting imagining Hyunjin surrounded by puppies. And his heart likes it way too much.

"Okay, let's start, everybody on stage!" He announces in a clear voice.

Immediately they stop talking and follow Seungmin on stage. Finally he can stop thinking about puppies. And Hyunjin. And mostly, Hyunjin with puppies.

He can totally do that. He is a professional.

When it is time for Seungmin to wrap up the class and let the children finally go back to their parents, he spots through the window that Hyunjin is already there, with the other parents, waiting for the kids to pack up their things and exit the room. Seungmin feels that weird feeling again. He is not mad anymore that Hyunjin did not text him —not after Gaeul's story— but he definitely think that it is a very bad idea to pursue whatever is or was going on between him and Hyunjin. He can not go on, and having to face Gaeul with this weird feeling of having done something wrong.

However, when all the parents leave with their kids, he sees Hyunjin lingering. He really does not want to talk to him. Not right now, he needs some time to… he is not sure for what exactly but still. He pretends to be busy cleaning up the room and packing his stuff, hoping he looks casual enough and not like he is actually trying to avoid Hyunjin. Apparently, the universe is on his side because Gaeul seems to be the one dragging Hyunjin out of the building.

He tries not to look at them leaving, even if he really wants to, and he tells himself that it is for the best. Anything that has to do with Hyunjin is way too complicated, and he does not need to bring complicated in his life. He closes his backpack and exits the room, making sure to lock it first. He finds Minho waiting for him, as usual.

"You look sad," Minho tells him.

"Long day," he answers.

"No, I said, you look sad, as miserable, not sad, as tired."

"Thank you, that's very nice of you to tell your best friend," Seungmin tells him sarcastically.

"Did something happen?"

"No, just the usual, we should go, let's not miss the bus, right? I want to go home."

He starts walking, hoping Minho will just drop it, but he does not, "hey, Seungmin, talk to me, you can't just ignore whatever you're feeling and waiting for it to pass."

"I've been doing this for twenty-five years, and I'm doing good, right?"

He can hear Minho rolling his eyes behind him, "I would not say you're doing good, not right now."

Seungmin shrugs, because he has nothing else to say anyway.

"Is it about Hyunjin?"

"Minho, please," he mutters but there is no bite in his tone.

"Did he say something to you? Should I get ready to punch him in the face?"

"The only person you should punch in the face is me," he lets out.

Minho shoots him a weird look, "what do you mean?"

"He obviously wanted to talk to me but I avoided him. I was so sure he ghosted me this weekend but he was busy with his daughter, that's why he didn't text me, I should have known it was not about me, he is a parent and I'm…"

He groans.

"You're right, I'm just being a big baby about all this and Hyunjin already has a baby."

"Okay so, first of all, that's absolutely not what I meant by that."

Seungmin raises an eyebrow, "whatever, this only confirms what I already thought, me and Hyunjin could never be a thing. Our worlds are just completely different."

"What about you let Hyunjin decides on that?"

"Uh?"

"You're making decision after one kiss, one night together, not even a date, and you're here saying it's never going to work. You didn't even try to make it work. You know it's not being too crazy to be insecure at the beginning of something, I think it's quite normal."

Seungmin stays silent, they sit down at their bus stop. Minho is staring at him, he can feel his eyes on him, and he knows how stubborn Minho can be.

"I'm just lost, I don't know what to do," he eventually says.

"Talk to him," his best friend answers, "I know this advice sucks but really it's the only thing you can do. Tell him that you like him but that you're afraid."

"What if he thinks…" He shrugs, "I don't know, that I'm stupid?"

"Then he's not worth your time, and I'll punch him in the face."

He chuckles lightly at that statement, "I hate when you're right."

"Must be difficult for you because it often happens."

"Don't get too cocky."

"I can't help it, I'm just so awesome."

Seungmin rolls his eyes loudly, while Minho burst into laughter. Their bus stop right in front of them. Minho immediately stands up and walks forward as the door open. Seungmin stops him, pulling his wrist, "thanks," he whispers.

"Don't thank me, this is what friends are for."

He adds a little wink at that and then gets in the bus. When they sit down, they go back to their usual routine, Seungmin puts his earphones in and scrolls his playlists. He lingers for a second, wondering if he should text Hyunjin but he figures that another night without contact can not hurt that much.

But when his phone buzzes and it is a text from Felix asking with a feral cat GIF if they wanted pizzas for tonight, and not Hyunjin, he feels a bit disappointed.

Lino 7:20 P.M

much needed

order from that place seung likes

Seungmin prepares his speech in his head for seven days. When Tuesday comes by, he is distracted during class, only thinking about Hyunjin and how he can make sure he will actually be able to talk to him. He considered sending him a text but it felt too official. He lets the kids decide on what they want to do and he feels like the worst teacher alive but he can not help it. As the minutes pass by, he feels sick in his stomach. When class ends, the kids did not seem to realize how out of it Seungmin was and they all happily join their parents. Hyunjin is there, Seungmin almost chickens out. Then he decides to just do it.

"Hello, Hyunjin, uh, can we talk?" He asks.

Hyunjin looks surprised but not mad, he nods.

"Hey, Gaeul, can you wait in the car for a minute? Daddy just needs to talk with Seungmin, I will be quick."

Gaeul looks surprised and a bit confused. Hyunjin passes a hand in her hair with affection.

"It's nothing to worry about, sweetie. It's just grown up stuff."

"Okay," she says and grabs the car keys.

"See you next week, Gaeul," Seungmin tells her softly.

She nods and waves. They both watch as she walks to the car, just making sure that she gets in safely. She waves goodbye again when she gets on the back seats.

"I'm sorry," Seungmin says, "I don't want to take up your time…"

"It's okay, I wanted to talk to you last week but you…"

"I was busy," he lies.

He can tell by the way Hyunjin looks at him that he does not believe this shitty excuse. He is gracious enough to not say anything about it.

"So," Hyunjin clears his throat, "you're not busy tonight?"

Seungmin moves his weight, trying to find a comfortable position, he takes a deep breath in, "not really," he whispers, "I… I was avoiding you, last week I mean."

"Yeah, I could tell. You might teach theater but you're not a very good liar."

He does not sound offended, which is already a win in Seungmin's book, "I'm much better when I'm on stage," he says trying to joke.

Hyunjin chuckles but then goes back to being serious, "I believe you on that. But what I can't understand is why were you avoiding me? Is it because I didn't text you during the weekend? Or is it because of the kiss? Gosh, I should have not done that, you were drunk and I…"

"No, it's not that, it's not you!" Seungmin quickly interrupts him, "I mean I was a little bit upset about you not texting me but then Gaeul told the class about the puppies and I felt so stupid for making it about me. And for the kiss, I definitely wanted it."

"Then what is it? I thought I was clear with my intentions."

Seungmin lets out a sigh, "Hyunjin, I like you."

There is a little smile on Hyunjin's lips after the confession, a smugness. Seungmin wants to tease him but he must not lose his focus.

"That does not sound like something worth avoiding me for. You know, I like you too, if that kiss was not enough."

"It was but I just got in my head, I guess?"

He could hear Minho's voice in his head telling him he was overthinking this also. Hyunjin hums, letting him gather his thoughts.

"You're a father," he articulates.

"I am."

"And you're older than me."

Hyunjin nods again. His smile is gone now. Seungmin sighs again.

"Why do you like me? I'm your daughter's teacher, I'm overthinking and needy because you didn't text me for three days but you have responsibilities that go above and beyond me and I…"

"Seungmin, you're right, I'm a dad and I live a very different life than you, and if that makes you uncomfortable, I get it."

"I'm not uncomfortable, well, not really, I think I'm just confused, and I'm scared that I like you too much and you'll realize I'm not worth your attention or that I'll become a burden or something."

The other man stays silent a second and Seungmin fights very hard to keep his composure and not run away. Eventually, Hyunjin lets out a small sigh.

"Maybe you already don't want to deal with that," Seungmin quietly adds, he feels his heart break a little bit but he goes, "I'd understand too, we can just pretend nothing ever happened."

"Actually, I'm relieved. I thought you didn't want to be involved with someone who has a kid," Hyunjin says, "if it was this I could not have done anything but what is actually happening in your head, I can actually act on it."

"What?" Seungmin lets out in a small voice.

"Let's start again, let me take you on a real date."

"You still want that?"

Hyunjin chuckles, "yeah, if you want it too. I want to try, I want to get to know you, and see where it goes."

Seungmin is not sure he is hearing correctly but Hyunjin seems giddy, smiling brightly and so sure of himself.

"I want that too," he whispers.

"Good," Hyunjin answers, blushing, "I have to go, Gaeul is waiting for me, but I'll text you later, okay?"

Seungmin nods. Hyunjin hesitates, looks around and when he sees that no one is there, he kisses Seungmin on the cheek. He winks and leaves. Seungmin feels his heart beating fast in his chest, he stays still for a few minutes, throat dry and legs weak. He regrets asking Minho to not wait for him because he is not sure how he is going to go home if his legs can not carry his weight.

It takes him another few minutes of breathing to calm down his blush and heartbeat, he goes back inside the room to grab his stuff and leaves. He feels overwhelmed, but he knows it is not a bad thing. He feels like he has something to look forward to. Hyunjin did say he just wanted to try. Seungmin likes the idea of taking things slow and figuring out as they go.

Hyunjin texts him later that night, asking him when he was free and that he will ask his parents to babysit Gaeul. Seungmin says something along the fact that his schedule is pretty flexible, except for Tuesday nights obviously. Hyunjin does not answer immediately but, Seungmin now knows that he must be busy with Gaeul. The next morning he sees that he received a happy emoji face during the night. Hyunjin is so cute.

He did tell Felix and Minho everything and Minho faked crying saying he was so emotional to see Seungmin act like an adult finally, while Felix cheered loudly. Seungmin pretended to be annoyed by their reactions but the truth is, he is very grateful for them.

It takes a few days before him and Hyunjin finally settle on a date. Seungmin at first thought that he was going to look to eager if he said that he was free this weekend, but Hyunjin actually offered it. He immediately said yes. Now Seungmin is standing in front of his mirror, Minho and Felix lying on his bed, as he tries to choose a correct outfit.

"What kind of restaurant is it?" Felix asks.

"I don't remember the name, just check my phone," Seungmin answers, sighing and putting back in his closet his jeans.

He hears Felix struggling to grab his phone and Minho giggling, while he looks for another pair of pants. Anything that is casual but not too much.

"Oh, okay, well, it's just a ramen place, it's not some kind of fancy place," Felix says.

"That looks good," Minho comments.

"I know right! Seungminnie will tell us if it is and we should go next time we have a night out."

Seungmin grabs a shirt, "what about this?"

Felix and Minho look up from the phone, "too formal, it's a date not a job interview," Minho tells him.

Seungmin whines.

"What's wrong with your jeans?"

"Yeah," Felix adds, "you look good in those!"

"Isn't it too casual?"

"Just put some accessories with it to make it look different and makeup, and it'll fit perfectly the vibe."

Seungmin looks at Minho who shakes his head, "yeah you can take my stuff."

"Thank you, both of you. I should leave soon, but I'm very grateful."

"Don't worry and have fun okay? Just be yourself! He likes you already."

Seungmin winces, he will try. He quickly gets dressed and takes some of Minho's jewelry, puts on a bit of makeup, at least what he knows he looks good with. When he sees his reflection in the mirror he does find himself pretty. Sexy, he is not sure, but he is satisfied. He checks in with his roommates one last time who just tell him to go get some and leaves. The restaurant is not too far from his place, he wonders if Hyunjin picked it because of that. He is a bit early but when he gets there, Hyunjin is here. And he looks beautiful. Knowing that Hyunjin actually made all these efforts for Seungmin, for their date, is just the cherry on top, because Hyunjin is always hot and sexy. That was the main issue, at first. Other issues followed quickly, like Hyunjin being sweet. Caring. Absolutely lovely. Seungmin shuts off his thoughts.

When Hyunjin sees him, he smiles.

"You're already here," Seungmin says as a greeting.

"I was excited," Hyunjin laughs.

How can he say things like that so easily? Hyunjin opens the restaurant door for him and lets him pick where he wants to sit. Seungmin feels awkward and he knows he has not stopped blushing since he got there. Suddenly, he feels too warm so he takes off his jacket. He can feel Hyunjin's eyes on him and it only makes him self conscious.

"You look very beautiful," Hyunjin tells him, "not that you ever don't."

Seungmin wants to scream, "you too," he answers instead, trying to keep his composure as much as he can.

A waiter puts down two menus in front of them. Seungmin's brain is running as fast as possible, wondering if silence is a good thing or if it is awkward. But if it is, he is not sure what to say to break it.

"I've never been here before but I've heard great thing about it," Hyunjin thankfully comments as he opens the menu.

"I didn't know this place existed, but it's very close to where I live."

"Yeah, I figured it'd be easier for you like that."

"Oh," Seungmin blushes even more. So he did think of that while picking, "you're a real gentleman."

Hyunjin laughs again. Seungmin knows he should be looking at the menu but instead he just stares at the man in front of him. He can not help it. He has never been so attracted to someone else before. His hair falling in front of his face, his pout while he looks through the dishes, his eyelashes, that mole under his eye, his fingers putting locks of hair behind his ears. He's got several piercings on his ears. Seungmin wonders if he has more, and where.

"Do you know what you'd like to eat?" Hyunjin suddenly asks.

Seungmin snaps out of his staring, realizes he has not even opened the menu, "not really, I…"

There is an amused smile on Hyunjin's lips and he feels like he has been caught, "you can take anything you want, it's on me."

"What? No, I can pay for my…"

"I asked you out, so it's my treat."

His tone is definitive, almost severe, it makes Seungmin shiver. He nods. Finally he starts looking at the food, everything looks very delicious. Eventually, he goes for one of the safe choice, just in case. The waiter comes to take their order, Hyunjin orders for both of them and Seungmin can not help but like it a bit too much. He hopes Hyunjin does not realize it. Not yet.

"So, Gaeul always talks about the fact that you're an artist," Seungmin says, happy to remember how to small talk properly, "she says you're very talented."

It is Hyunjin's turn to blush, "yeah, I paint. I actually had the opportunity to take over an art gallery, that's why we moved here recently."

"Oh, wow, that's amazing."

That explains the expensive watches, he thinks. He never step a foot inside an art gallery but it always feels like everything there is for rich people.

"It's a lot of work, that's why I'm not the most punctual at the end of Gaeul's classes," he says with a little laugh.

"You're doing great, don't worry."

Hyunjin definitely has a free pass, he could do anything, Seungmin will not blame him. He did, but that was before.

"What about you? I guess you're not just teaching my daughter, right?"

Seungmin chuckles, "I'm a playwright. I also teach writing classes here and there, for specific projects. And I have theater company asking for my help to write their plays, things like that. But I'm just starting… Well, I have a play published."

"You do?! That's so amazing, wait, what is it called? Maybe I saw it somewhere."

Seungmin shakes his head, amused by Hyunjin's enthusiasm, "I don't think so, it's kinda niche, not a lot of libraries sell it and it's not like it has been worked on stage."

He also gives him the play title and Hyunjin immediately goes look for it on his phone. Seungmin likes the way Hyunjin seems genuinely interested.

"Writing and painting aren't the same thing but I know how hard it can gets for artists to get recognition and paid for their work, all you're doing, so young, is very impressive."

Seungmin mutters a thank you, feeling his blush come back even more pronounced than before, "yeah, it's complicated but I make ends meet, plus I love what I do, writing or teaching… It's just worth it."

"I can tell that you're passionate. I think Gaeul had a hard time moving in this new city but ever since she started theater, she seems happier and she actually looks forward to going to school."

"I'm glad that she is enjoying it," he says truthfully.

"She also made a lot of friends that way, so I'm relieved," Hyunjin pauses, "sorry, I talk a lot about her."

"Don't apologize for that! She's your daughter, I'd be concerned if you were to not speak about her."

Hyunjin shrugs, "yeah, but maybe it's not the thing you want to hear about on a first date."

"I like it," Seungmin answers, "really. You don't have to pretend to be someone else, you're a dad, your daughter is a big part of your life and I want to know about it."

He hesitates but he gently puts his hand over Hyunjin's hand. Hyunjin smiles. They get interrupted by the waiter who puts their plates on the table, and Seungmin lets go of his hand. They start eating in silence, at first, but this time Seungmin knows that it is because they are enjoying the food. Eventually the conversation flows naturally, Hyunjin explains what his job is, he talks about his past exhibition and how he made it to where he is right now, while Seungmin tells him about theater and what kind of themes he likes to write about. It is easy. Seungmin only gets reminded of the age gap between them when Hyunjin talks about his experience, professional and personal, but he never feels weird about it. And also sometimes when Seungmin has to explained a tiktok reference that Hyunjin has never heard of before. It is funny, usually Seungmin is considered chronically offline —well, at least by Felix, but Felix has a screen time higher than an Ipad toddler, so he is also a problem. Hyunjin shows him pictures of Gaeul when she was a baby and Seungmin coos, saying how cute she is. It makes Hyunjin very happy and Seungmin likes it when Hyunjin is happy.

He really really likes him, he thinks when Hyunjin orders dessert and laughs at Seungmin little nagging. He expected the whole date to be more awkward, that they will find out they can not talk, but soon the small talk is gone and Hyunjin talks about the struggles as a single dad, of being gay and proudly out. They exchange coming out stories and Seungmin giggles when Hyunjin tells him that his parents just answered with a "yeah, we know" at his.

"Your parents seem great," Seungmin says, eating dessert.

"They are, they've supported me all the way, even when I dropped out of college and told them I wanted to paint. And now they're helping me with Gaeul, they never questioned my choices."

"That's amazing," he beams, "my parents don't really understand what I do. They're not against it, but I think they just given up trying to understand."

He tries to say it casually but he feels the usual heartache whenever he talks about his family.

"They're missing out," Hyunjin mutters.

"On what?"

"On you, on how amazing you are."

Seungmin does not what to say, so he just smiles. When they are done eating, he feels sad. He does not want the date to end. He definitely does not want to go home right now. Hyunjin pays for the meal, even if Seungmin tries to convince him not to. They walk outside, neither of them seems ready to say goodbye.

"Maybe it's a bit too much but…" Hyunjin says after a particularly long silence, "do you want to come over? Gaeul is at my parents."

"Yeah, I'd love to, yeah," Seungmin answers, and this time he does not care if he sounds eager, because he is.

The date was easily one of the best date he has ever had. He likes everything about Hyunjin, and he knows the etiquette would ask him to wait for more dates before agreeing to something like that but he can not wait anymore. He wants to kiss Hyunjin again, he wants to finish what they started the night after the bar. He wants Hyunjin.

Thankfully, it seems to be mutual, because Hyunjin leans in, "can I kiss you?" He whispers.

Seungmin does not answer, just crashes his lips on his. Hyunjin chuckles, but immediately kisses back, he puts his arms around Seungmin's waist just to hold him closer. Hyunjin's lips taste like the dessert he just ate, sweet and a little bit sticky but Seungmin does not mind. Hyunjin has such kissable lips and he is very happy to find out for the second time that they are perfect to kiss.

"I'm parked over there," Hyunjin lets out when they both chase after air.

Seungmin hums. He mourns Hyunjin's touch as soon as he lets go of his waist, but it is simply to grab his hand, only letting go when they have to get in the car.

Hyunjin drives with the radio on, one hand on the wheel. At first the other stays on the side, but eventually it ends up on Seungmin's thigh and he feels like he is going to burn. Hyunjin glances at him from time to time. This time, he has not drink a drop of alcohol but somehow he feels even dizzier. When Hyunjin finally stops in front of his house —of course it's a house in a residential era and not a small apartment overcrowded by three people— and turns off the engine, he does not immediately open the door.

"If you want it to stop, at any time, I'll drive you home, okay? I don't want you to be pressured into anything."

Seungmin raises an eyebrow, decides to shut him up with a hungry kiss. If Hyunjin is taken by surprise, he does not show it. Seungmin grabs his hand as he kisses him, and guides him to his crotch, trying to act nonchalant and innocent, but making sure Hyunjin understands exactly how hard he is, how badly he wants him. He breaks the kiss, "I'm not pressured, not in the slightest," he whispers, "are you?"

Hyunjin groans, "fuck no, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this."

Seungmin kisses his jaw, and nibs at the skin, his teeth leave a mark, Hyunjin sighs happily, "since when?" He asks.

"First time I saw you," Hyunjin lets out.

He lets go of the kisses to look at Hyunjin, "really?"

"Yeah, you really have no clue how hot and handsome you are, right?"

Seungmin blushes.

"And I could tell with the way you looked at me that it was mutual," Hyunjin smirks.

"Oh, you saw that."

"I did."

"So, are you going to do something about it?"

Hyunjin laughs, "definitely."

He puts another kiss on Seungmin's lips and gets out of the car. Before Seungmin can move, Hyunjin is already opening his door. He wants to tease him again for being such a gentleman but he can not stand the minutes he spends not touching Hyunjin. He immediately grabs his hand, exits the car and gives him another deep kiss, hands finally groping Hyunjin's arms, feeling the muscles under his fingers.

"Let's go inside," Hyunjin whispers.

With regret, Seungmin stops touching and kissing and follows him to the front door, he feels like the few meters from the car to the house last for hours, and even more when Hyunjin struggles to open the door, hands jittery. Seungmin is so worked up already, he feels like he is going crazy. When Hyunjin closes the door behind them, he pushes him against the wood, starts kissing his face, traveling down his jaw while he unbuttons his shirt, just to have more access to his skin. Hyunjin hums and groans every time Seungmin bites and licks, he wants to do even more, but he does not want to leave any mark. He just makes sure not a millimeter of skin is left untouched. His knee rise up and he feels Hyunjin's hard dick. He gives up on kissing Hyunjin's body, he will do that more after.

Seungmin drops on his knees without thinking, his brain delirious, his hands already going down to Hyunjin's pants, eager.

"You don't have to," Hyunjin whispers, but his breath hatches when Seungmin puts a hand over his crotch.

"I want to," Seungmin says. He needs to actually, he can not even tell Hyunjin how many times he has dream of it, tasting Hyunjin, giving him everything, surrender completely, ever since that kiss. He has been haunting him.

He looks up to Hyunjin, and maybe there is something in his eyes because Hyunjin groans, "fuck, okay," he mutters.

It is all Seungmin needs to take care of Hyunjin's pants, and pulls them. Hyunjin rests his back on the door and lets out a small moan when Seungmin kisses his navel slowly going down. He kisses the outline of his clothed dick, already half hard, wetting the fabric, until he hears Hyunjin panting. He takes his time, teasing Hyunjin, just to see what kind of reactions it will get. He sucks on the fabric, making sure to not lose eye contact with Hyunjin.

Eventually Hyunjin puts one hand in Seungmin's hair and grips on it, pulling him away from his dick. Seungmin whines, when he looks at Hyunjin, his eyes are dark and Seungmin can feel himself grunting pathetically on the floor under him. Hyunjin sees it and smirks, "don't tease, baby, you said you wanted to, so now do it."

The order shoots electricity down Seungmin's spine who nods furiously.

"Show me how badly you want it, and if you're good I'll reward you, baby, maybe let you grope my arms, again."

Seungmin should probably be ashamed that Hyunjin noticed all that but he is not, all he thinks about is being good, "I will," he lets out.

Hyunjin hums happily, "is it okay?"

Seungmin nods again.

"Words, baby, I need to hear it," the older man tells him softly.

"Yes," Seungmin says, "more than okay, can I? I promise, I won't tease."

Hyunjin smirks again, "good boy," he praises in a low voice and eases a little bit the tension in Seungmin's hair.

"You can use your strength," Seungmin mutters, cheeks blushing, like it is not already embarrassing enough to be on his knees, begging, "I like it."

Hyunjin does not need to be told twice and immediately tugs on Seungmin's hair. Seungmin tries to focus back on his task, tries not to grind again so turned on simply by the fact that Hyunjin can easily out strength him. He tries not to think about Hyunjin manhandling him. Not now. He has something to do first. He puts one hand on Hyunjn's hip, the other pulls down the underwear. Hyunjin's dick springs free and Seungmin holds back another moan. Of course, even his dick would look hot, thick and veiny. Maybe he gets lost staring at it because Hyunjin tugs again on his hair, forcing him to look up.

"Do you like what you see?" Hyunjin says and his voice is sultry, confident, sexy. Seungmin thinks he could die right now and he would be very happy with it.

"Yes," he stutters.

He does not wait for anything else and slowly puts a kiss on the tip. Hyunjin moans at the touch, which only gives Seungmin more confidence to go on. He licks the side, just to have a taste of it, when he is satisfied he puts his lips around it. He tries his best to keep his teeth away. Hyunjin's noises are not loud enough in his opinion, only making him want to prove himself even more. The stretch around his mouth only turns him on more, it is so delicious, he can not wait to feel Hyunjin inside of him. Hyunjin's precum is salty, and Seungmin wants more. He sucks on the tip for a moment, until Hyunjin's grip on his hair gets tighter. Immediately, he starts taking more of Hyunjin's length into his mouth. He hollows his cheeks, swirls his tongue, anything to make Hyunjin tell him he is doing good. When Seungmin's mouth reaches halfway, Hyunjin groans and bucks his hips forward. Seungmin gags.

"Fuck, I'm sorry," Hyunjin pulls away and Seungmin whines at the loss of his dick in his mouth, "did I hurt you?"

"No," Seungmin answers in a raspy voice, "I'm fine, I can take it."

Hyunjin groans again and this time Seungmin grinds his hips. His own erection is painful in his pants but he only wants to give to Hyunjin whatever he wants, he wants Hyunjin to use him entirely, tell him he is good…

"You're going to kill me, Seungmin," Hyunjin whispers, "tap two times on my thigh if it's too much."

"It won't be," Seungmin quickly answers.

He starts sucking back on Hyunjin's dick, eyes pleading as he moans and whimpers around it. Hyunjin finally gives up on his carefulness and starts thrusting forward. He does it slow, testing at first, making Seungmin only greedier for it, the stretch is a bit painful since he has not done that in a while, and he gags more than he wants to but he likes it so much, it is exactly where he wants to be. As Hyunjin goes faster and faster, he feels tears in his eyes. He knows he whines and moans around Hyunjin's cock, but he only is focused on the way Hyunjin is looking at him, how he can see the lust in his eyes, the want and the desire. He only hears the sounds Hyunjin makes as he uses Seungmin's mouth as he wants. It thrills Seungmin, his own cock straining in his pants, so eager to please Hyunjin.

"You're doing so well," Hyunjin pants when Seungmin hollows his cheeks more, helping with the motion, "you're so good."

Seungmin whines, and he feels more precum in his mouth.

"I'm close," Hyunjin rasps.

It seems like he is about to pull out but Seungmin whines some more, hoping he will understand the message. He has not tapped his thigh, he's been good, breathing through his nose, and giving Hyunjin all he wants. Hyunjin looks at him with hungry eyes, Seungmin does his best to nod around his length. Hyunjin thrusts again, he throws his head back as he comes down Seungmin's throat.

Seungmin swallows, desperate to taste Hyunjin entirely. He is so dazed that he almost forgets his erection. Hyunjin finally pulls out, and wipes off the cum and spit around Seungmin's mouth.

"You did so well, my puppy," Hyunjin whispers and Seungmin feels even more affected, if it was even possible. He lets out a moan.

Hyunjin raises an eyebrow. He blushes.

"I like it, when you call me puppy," he confesses.

"Really?" Hyunjin says and Seungmin expects him to tease but instead he smiles, "alright, puppy, let me reward you."

Hyunjin easily stands him up, which is good because Seungmin can not hold himself up. He kisses him hungrily, before picking him up into his arms. He kisses him some more while guiding him to his bedroom. Seungmin tries to touch Hyunjin as much as he can, whining when he feels the fabric of their clothes. Hyunjin slowly sets him down on the bed, and seems to understand Seungmin's struggle even without him saying anything, because he immediately takes off his shirt. Seungmin does not even hide the thirst when his eyes fall on Hyunjin's arms muscles. Seeing Hyunjin naked body only makes him believe that he is definitely some kind of Greek god. He is not sure what he did in a past life to deserve such a man all over him, but he is not going to complain..

"You're so beautiful," he whispers.

Hyunjin smirks, does not answer, just goes for another kiss. Seungmin licks inside his mouth, moaning when Hyunjin's hands travel down his body, touching his still clothed and painfully hard dick.

"Please," Seungmin begs, "fuck me."

"Of course, you've been so good, my puppy."

Seungmin moans at the praise, not even embarrassed by how pathetic he must sound and look like. Hyunjin seems to like it anyway. The older man starts kissing down Seungmin's neck, his hands grab the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head, so he can kiss his chest, his tongue circling around Seungmin's nipples. After what seems to be an eternity during which Seungmin is trying is best not to come in his pants just by the way Hyunjin is teasing him, his hands finally pulls the waistband of his pants and underwear. He has not had sex in a while, he did not realize he was this pent up. Or maybe it is just Hyunjin's effect on him.

When Hyunjin is about to take off Seungmin's pants, his phone rings.

"Fuck," Hyunjin mutters, "fuck, I'm so sorry, it's my mother's ringtone this must be about Gaeul."

Seungmin looks at Hyunjin, whose face betrays the guilt he feels. He nods, "it's okay, answer it," he says back, even though he really wishes that he would not but it is not like he can say that to a father worried about his daughter.

Hyunjin stands up, looks for his phone for a minute, apologizes again before picking up the phone. Seungmin smiles at him, in a way that he hopes is showing that he does not blame him at all.

"Mom?" Hyunjin says.

Seungmin watches him as he walks to the room next door, he guesses maybe a bathroom. When Hyunjin is gone he lets out a sigh and drops his head on the pillow. He is so painfully hard and horny and it takes him all his willpower to not jerk off right now. It could be a kink or something to explore at some point but he does not feel like it is the time to do so. He faintly hears Hyunjin talking but his head is clouded with images of him shirtless, the taste of his cum still on his tongue and his own dick begging for release. He does not realize Hyunjin is back until he clears his throat.

He looks at the older man, who obviously got some bad news and seems terribly guilty.

"Is Gaeul okay?" He asks immediately, concerned.

Hyunjin shakes his head, "not really, well, she suddenly felt sick and she is calling for me and…"

Seungmin tries to hide his disappointment, it is not like Hyunjin has the choice, "and you should go pick her up."

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I want you to stay and continue this but I…"

Seungmin gets up from the bed, starts looking for his shirt. There is an awkward silence between them.

"I hope you know I really was looking forward to tonight," Hyunjin whispers, also putting his shirt and pants back.

"I know, but Gaeul is more important, and it's okay."

He means it. Sure, it sucks that it has to happen right now, at least he would have liked to get laid before, but it is also reassuring that Hyunjin prioritizes his daughter rather than his date. Not that he doubted it. Still, when he looks at Hyunjin, his face betrays his guilt. Seungmin grabs his face very slowly and kisses him gently, "I'm serious, and I had a very lovely night."

Hyunjin pouts, making Seungmin giggles. He kisses him again, this time Hyunjin kisses back.

"Let me drive you home first, okay?"

"Are you sure? I can maybe catch a bus, or a Uber home…"

Hyunjin shakes his head, "no way, don't worry, Gaeul is with her grandmother, and I'll go pick her up right after."

"Okay then."

When they walk out the house, Hyunjin holds his hand, opens the car's door for him and exaggerates a little bow that makes Seungmin roll his eyes and chuckle. They drive in silence but Hyunjin keeps his hand on Seungmin's thigh, again, all the way to his apartment. Seungmin feels his heart race in his chest and he keeps on blushing, like a teenage boy. Hyunjin kept Seungmin's address on his phone's history, and surely in any other situation he would have made a joke that Hyunjin is a stalker or obsessed with, something quick and witty to tease him, but, right now, he just feels seen. He likes the feeling a bit too much. He looks at Hyunjin driving, his eyes focused on the road. His side profile is absolutely beautiful, even if he can tell that he is worried about his daughter. It only makes Seungmin's affection stronger.

Gosh, he likes Hyunjin maybe a bit too much too. He is starting to feel like the main character in a Taylor Swift song.

Hyunjin caresses Seungmin's thigh gently, like he is able to read his mind, and for a second he looks away from the road to glance at Seungmin. Maybe it is a good thing that he likes him. Hyunjin is sweet. The drive is shorter than Seungmin wanted it to be, but he knows Hyunjin has to go, so when he parks, he immediately unbuckles his seat belt.

"Thank you for tonight," he tells him softly, "I really had fun."

"Me too," Hyunjin answers, "it was wonderful."

Seungmin blushes again, he did not think it was possible to be this crimson. He was not like that not even with his first crushes when he was younger. He goes to open the door but Hyunjin stops him, "can I kiss you goodbye?"

Seungmin melts, fuck, he thinks.

"Of course."

He lets Hyunjin lean in and kiss him. It is nothing like their earlier kiss at his house. It is gentle, but Seungmin can feel all the emotions Hyunjin puts into it. When he pulls away, he already mourns the sensation.

"Goodnight, I hope Gaeul is okay, now go pick her up."

"I'll text you, goodnight Seungmin."

Against what his instinct scream, he exits the car. He watches as Hyunjin drives away like a lovesick bride watching her husband leave to war. When he is gone, he goes inside his building.

As soon as he opens his front door, he is welcomed by his two roommates staring at him with round eyes.

"Why are you here?" Minho asks him.

"Did he do something bad? Did he hurt you?" Felix quickly follows, "oh my god, is he actually an asshole and we got fooled because he is pretty? All men are trash!"

"Okay, calm down," Seungmin mutters, getting inside the apartment, "he did nothing wrong."

"But it's so early! Why aren't you getting laid?" the oldest asks, seeming seriously concerned by it.

Seungmin sighs, "it was just the first date, you know?"

Felix comes closer and sniffs him.

"What the fuck?" Seungmin says, taking a step behind.

"You smell like sex," Felix answers.

Seungmin stares, dumbfounded. Felix still looks at him, hands on his hip, and a frown on his face. He is not sure if he is going to be lectured or not.

"You do," Minho adds.

Now, Seungmin regrets not moving in that single apartment he considered a few years ago. He could have went home to no one investigating him, and he could have taken care of his boner peacefully. He knows it is not going to happen that way, though, and for all the love he has for his roommates, the consequences are terrible.

"Okay, fine," he eventually answers, "we got to his house, and we were… doing things when he got a phone call. His daughter is sick so he drove me back home."

Felix and Minho exchange a look. Then they stare back at Seungmin, analyzing from head to toe. He suddenly feels very less horny, and a lot more embarrassed.

"What kind of things?"

Seungmin sighs, "the kind of things that need me to brush my teeth! Now excuse me."

He pushes them away, trying to ignore them whistling and laughing.

"If you need any help you know I can give you a hand, in a bro way!" Felix says very loudly, making Minho laugh even more.

"Fuck you!" Seungmin screams, closing the bathroom door.

He does not hear the answer but he guesses it is as crass, but when he is alone, he can not help but giggle too. He feels extremely happy. His phone vibrates.

Hyunjin 8:55 P.M

picked up Gaeul, she's asleep

thank you

He holds his breath. Hyunjin added a heart emoji. He feels warm all over. It could mean nothing. It could also mean a lot. So he answers with one.

The next Tuesdays, Seungmin is not sure how to act. Gaeul is just like she is, not sick anymore —he already knew it because Hyunjin told him that she was feeling better— and she does not seem to be aware of anything. Which makes sense. Hyunjin is not going to tell his daughter every time he goes on one date. Even if the date is Gaeul's theater teacher. Seungmin does not know how she will take it. He has not yet felt anxious about that aspect of his relationship, if relationship there is, with Hyunjin. Now he has all the time to do so.

Hyunjin did try almost immediately to ask Seungmin out on another date, which made him feel all warm and fuzzy all over again, but their schedule seems to never match. He is not very surprised, Hyunjin is a single father with a full time job, but he did not realized how many trips away from town he has to take during the weekends for his gallery. And Seungmin is also busy with work. Once again, he tries to not be too disappointed. It is a good thing that even with their age difference, Hyunjin is not a dry texter. He sends emojis, maybe a bit too many, but they translate his emotions very well, so it makes Seungmin think that Hyunjin is also disappointed and looking forward to their next date.

Which will probably never happen at this rate. Even when Hyunjin finally finds a way to clear his schedule, they have to cancel because Gaeul needs him or something. Hyunjin seems like he wants a very serious date, like he is catching up for their past one, so Seungmin does not dare to tell him off, but after several failed attempt he starts wondering if he should.

They use Tuesdays nights to see each other. Hyunjin lets a hand linger on Seungmin's shoulder, then waist, when Gaeul is not looking. He makes sure to stay after all the other parents left, pretending he has something to say about Gaeul's behaviour in class, or some made up excuse. Seungmin really wants to kiss him. Then Hyunjin sends him a text, tells him how beautiful he looks, some sweet things. Seungmin is so whipped. At some point, Hyunjin sends him a picture of the play Seungmin wrote, and Seungmin feels weak in his knees. Hyunjin says he is a slow reader but that he is excited to read it. He half expects him to actually never read it, but a few weeks after, he sends him a text full of compliments and quotes from his favorite parts. Seungmin is so smitten.

But also he is very horny for Hyunjin and desperate to get his hands all over him for more than a second. He is not sure how long he can wait, just for another kiss, at least. If he was skittish at first, he really is not anymore. His brain is probably clouded with feelings and memories of their first date to think rationally. Fuck it.

Three weeks after that first date, Seungmin decides to be a big boy and take matter into his own hands. As usual, after Tuesday's class, he says goodbye to every kid and their parents, wishing them a good evening, making sure they leave before he gets to Hyunjin. Somehow, the universe seems to be on his side because Gaeul asks to go to the bathroom and leaves Hyunjin alone for a minute.

Seungmin does not dare to kiss him, although he really wants to, but he grabs his hand.

"I miss you," he whispers. He feels suddenly shy, like Hyunjin is going to reject him.

But Hyunjin sighs, "I miss you too. I wish I had more time in a day to be able to take you on a proper date."

"We don't need to make something big," Seungmin says, intertwining their hands.

"What?"

"For a "proper" date," he explains, miming the quotation mark in the air with his free hand, "we can do something simple."

"I don't want you to think I'm squeezing you in my life," Hyunjin pouts.

"I don't feel that way, I promise. But, if we share a meal on your lunch break, it's enough for me. At least I'll get to see you, and kiss you. It's enough."

Hyunjin seems genuinely surprised.

"I know you're a romantic," Seungmin adds, "and I love that, but it's not because it's not something big or groundbreaking that it is not romantic."

"Is that what you want?"

"I just want you, what about you?"

Hyunjin smiles, "me too. Okay, let's make it simpler."

Seungmin almost leans him to kiss him but he stops himself when he hears Gaeul screaming, "daddy! Let's go I'm hungry!"

Hyunjin lets go of his hand immediately, but Seungmin sees how his eyes look at him to make sure he knows he does miss it, and grabs his daughter in his arms easily. Seungmin smiles looking at them.

"Yeah, we're leaving! Okay, say goodbye to Seungmin," he kisses Gaeul's cheek playfully.

She giggles, "goodbye Seungmin!"

"Goodbye Gaeul, see you next week."

He watches happily as the two wave him goodbye, feeling proud of himself for speaking up and hoping that Hyunjin will agree on what he offered.

Hyunjin does, the day after, and Seungmin loves how direct he is. He does not seem to ever be embarrassed or ashamed of what he wants, and he always makes it clear that what he wants is Seungmin. It makes Seungmin lose his mind, but also crave for even more. It also helps him opening up to this side of him, the yearning side, and he finds that he does not hate it. He has been used to conceal his feelings, consider them as a burden more than anything but right now he just feels so free.

Felix and Minho mock him because he is apparently always smiling at his phone and that he is less annoying. He does not even care. Is this the honeymoon phase everyone talks about? But Hyunjin is not even his boyfriend, yet. Even if he really wants to.

They make regular lunch dates, it is often short and interrupted by Hyunjin's phone ringing for any reason. Seungmin does not care. He writes in café while he waits for Hyunjin to come meet him, he learns Hyunjin's likes and dislikes —no eggplants, he starts acting exactly like Gaeul whenever Seungmin teases him saying that he should just grow up, and then he giggles when Seungmin tells him he is just like his daughter— they share desserts, they kiss and hold hands like all those annoying couples in movies.

It has been more than a month since their first date. One month of stolen moments and lunch dates, and Seungmin walking him to the gallery, kissing him one more time, thousands of texts. Still not his boyfriend. Gaeul still does not know. Seungmin is not sure if he wants it to happen sooner rather than later. He is also not sure what Hyunjin wants. Hyunjin did tell him that he has not dated much since he became a father and Seungmin has never dated a single dad, so he is not sure what the procedure is.

"Don't call it a procedure," Felix groans, "it is love. Not a surgery."

The three of them are on their couch, eating pizzas and watching Grey's Anatomy, thus Felix's choice of words. Neither of them has been following the episode. All Seungmin knows is that Meredith is about to make her pick me, choose me, love me, speech, and no matter how problematic it might be nowadays, he kinda understands her. Not that he is going to run to Hyunjin's work and make a pitiful speech.

No, he is definitely not considering that. He grabs another slice of pizza.

"It's not love either," Seungmin corrects, "it's infatuation. Affection."

Minho rolls his eyes and throws a pillow at Seungmin's arm, who yelps, "what? We never said "I love you", he's not my boyfriend, it's not love."

"Listen, Seung', I know you're rusty with the whole dating thing, but even you can't be that oblivious," Minho says.

"Wow, thanks, my mom was right, with friends like that I don't need enemies."

"You don't even talk to your mom, does she know with who you live?" Felix asks.

Seungmin scoffs, "not the point."

"Anyway, Minho's right, you two are in love. You text every time, unless he is busy with his daughter or when you're sleeping, you met almost every two days, you blush when you talk about it and also, you put on makeup every Tuesday."

He blushes, "I just like the eyeliner Minho got me."

"Does Hyunjin like it too?" Minho teases.

"I won't speak without my lawyer in the room."

"So, he does."

Seungmin eats his slice. Yes, Hyunjin likes it. He kissed him and whispered in his ear that he would like to see it smudged when he will make him come undone, that he would take a picture to remember it forever. Seungmin has yet to see it happened, though.

"If you're not in love," Felix says sarcastically, "at least, he is your boyfriend, now. So, yeah, I think it's fair to ask him about it."

"Ask him to be my boyfriend? He's not twelve, you know."

"Oh c'mon, it's not just something kids do! It's romantic, and sweet, I'm sure he would like it."

He shrugs.

"Okay, let's say I ask him that, wouldn't it be better if it was something special? Like a romantic dinner and not… over a boring sandwich."

"Seungmin!" They both say at the same time.

"What? I don't know, like you said I'm rusty!"

"You're just looking for excuses because everything is going too well so now your little gremlin brain is desperate to try and find something wrong!" Felix tells him, "it's normal! That's why we're here to tell you there is nothing to fear."

"And also that you're being stupid."

"Yeah, that also," the blonde giggles, "the next time you guys have one of your lunch date, tell him. Tell him that you like him and that you want to be his boyfriend. And if you don't want to use the word boyfriend, just say you want to make it a bit more official."

"Wait," Seungmin interrupts him, he wipes his hands on a napkin and takes his phone out of his pocket, "can you say it again? I have to write it down, it's pretty good."

Felix barks out a laugh, "just say it with your heart, okay?"

"Fine," he sighs, "I will."

Minho puts a hand on his shoulder, "they grow up so fast," he says, faking sobbing.

"What about you, did you ask Jisung on a date?"

Minho blushes. Bright red. Takes off his hand and shrugs.

"It's easier to give advice than to follow them," Felix whispers playfully.

"Shut up, both of you, I love this part!" Minho quickly tells them pointing at the episode.

When Seungmin is getting ready for bed, his phone rings. Hyunjin is a caller. He has found out about it a week after constant texting, and he is not too surprised. Hyunjin has probably been raised with phone calls rather than texts. Seungmin usually does not like talking on the phone, but for Hyunjin, he would do anything.

"Hello?" He says, picking up the call, "I thought you were busy tonight."

"Well, Gaeul fell asleep in front of the movie, so I'm free now, unless you're not? I know you had this thing with your roommate."

"Felix also fell asleep. But we were watching Grey's Anatomy."

He hears Hyunjin laugh and he smiles to himself. He loves hearing him laugh, especially when he is the reason, "really? I didn't think you'd be the type to like these kind of shows," Hyunjin says.

"Oh it has everything I like, dramatic tension, near death experiences, sex."

Hyunjin chokes on the other side of the phone and Seungmin smirks.

"So, were you calling because you missed me?" He teases.

"I do," Hyunjin immediately answer, making Seungmin dizzy by how quick and easy he says it, he has to sit down on his bed, "but also for something else."

"Something bad?"

"No, no quite the opposite actually. Gaeul is going on a school trip on Friday, for the whole weekend."

"Oh, so you're happy because your daughter will leave you alone?"

"Well, I was thinking I won't have to be alone."

Seungmin freezes, his heart races.

"Unless you're busy, of course! Or you don't want to…"

"No, no, I mean, yes, I want to, as long as I can."

He hears Hyunjin exhales, like he is relieved. Did he really think Seungmin was going to turn him down?

"It's a bit last minute so I don't have anything planned but…"

"Just being with you is perfect," Seungmin tells him.

"Gosh," Hyunjin whispers, "you know, I really like you, right?"

Seungmin hums. He was kinda hoping for something else, but maybe not on the phone, "I really like you too."

There is a silence, but it is not awkward. Seungmin lies down on his bed, "aren't you tired?" He asks Hyunjin. He knows he has very long days.

"A little bit, but I want to stay with you."

"Cheesy," Seungmin teases.

"You like that. You watch Grey's Anatomy."

"I do, but you should go to sleep now, we will spend the weekend together."

"You're right. Goodnight, Minnie."

"Goodnight."

He is the one to end the call. When he ends up in silence, alone, he has to stop himself from literally screaming. Today is Wednesday. Just a few days until he can have Hyunjin all for himself. He is not sure he will be able to sleep.

Hyunjin picks him up at five on Friday. He has packed a few clothes, he also found that Minho put condoms and lube in his backpack, but he did not take it out, hoping they will be used this time, and he feels so excited, it is like he is going to implode. He also thinks he is going to tell Hyunjin that he likes him, well, that he more than likes him. Something along those lines, he is not sure how or when, but he wants to do it. He just hopes he won't say it while they are having sex, it is too cheesy. Hyunjin parks his car right in front of the building, and Seungmin goes to jump inside, but he sees that Hyunjin turns the engine off and opens his door. He watches him as he walks closer and wraps him into a tight hug. He then kisses him very deeply.

"Hey," he whispers when they break the kiss.

"Hey," Seungmin answers, feeling stupid.

Hyunjin chuckles, "I've missed you."

They say it to each other almost all the time and at first Seungmin thought the words were going to lose their meaning, but they never do. They always sound sincere and true.

"I'm here now," he says.

"Gross!" They hear coming from above them.

Seungmin looks up, just to see Minho and Felix at their window, screaming and giggling. Thankfully, Hyunjin seems to find it very funny.

"Oh my god," Seungmin mutters, "they're so embarrassing."

Hyunjin kisses him on his forehead, "I think it's cute."

"My roommates and best friends acting like teenagers?"

"Yeah, they care for you, they just show it like that."

"I think you are romanticizing it a little bit too much. They're simply very immature."

Hyunjin laughs even more. He lets go of Seungmin, just so he can open the car's door. Seungmin blushes, meanwhile he can hear Minho and Felix whistling and screaming even more. Hyunjin waits for him to get in the car before closing the door. Seungmin sees him turn to his roommates and say something but he does not hear what. He only sees Minho doing a thumbs up. Which seems worrying. Should he worry?

"What did you tell them?" He asks when Hyunjin takes place inside the car.

"That I'll take care of you," Hyunjin answers.

Seungmin opens his mouth, wants to say something but he can not hear his own thoughts over the sound of his own heart. Hyunjin acts like he did not just say the most romantic thing ever, Seungmin was not even aware he wanted something like that. He has spent all his life thinking he was not the sappy kind, that grand gesture made him cringe. He is not sure if he just changed his mind because it is Hyunjin, or if he just longed for it so deeply that he buried it away.

He does not think about more because Hyunjin turns on the radio and the song is familiar so he starts humming it. And when his eyes quickly meet with Hyunjin's, he believes he sees in his pupils something close to love. He feels a shiver down his spine, but he is not afraid. Well, maybe just a little, but like one has stage fright before coming on stage. The good kind of fear, like the kids say.

When they got to the house, Hyunjin tells him that he needs to prepare dinner, and at first Seungmin teases him because he remember him saying he is not a great cook. Hyunjin tells him to not come in the kitchen and to get settled upstairs. Seungmin does just as so, even if he does not have much to unpack, so he decides to explore the house a little bit. The room next to Hyunjin's bedroom is indeed a bathroom. He gasps at how luxurious everything looks, there is a giant bathtub in the middle of the room, scented candles and not from those cheap shops downtown, and some other fancy skincare product. He did not notice all this the first time he was there, well, he did not pay attention to anything aside Hyunjin, he is just a guy, a very gay guy. He knows that Hyunjin was well-off, as an artist and art gallery owner, but this is beyond all he ever imagined. He should have known better, even from outside the house screams wealth. He feels a little bit ashamed of his apartment, not that Hyunjin ever made him feel that way.

He exits the bathroom, and then the bedroom, kinda feeling like he does not belong in all this expensive setting. There is another door open, he very carefully walks to see what this room is. It seems like an office at first, but he can only see half of the room. A desk and a big Mac computer. He decides that since the door is open, it means that he probably can look inside. He goes first to the desk, where he sees his book exposed on the shelf above it, he blushes. Hyunjin really meant the compliments. Then he turns around and his jaw drops on the floor when he sees that it is not just an office, but that there is a big aisle, blank canvas, sketch, a painting session. Hyunjin did show him his paintings, pictures on his phone, during their dates, and he also went inside his art gallery, although the artists exposed were not Hyunjin, but it is something completely different to actually see the paintings. It is absolutely beautiful.

He gets lost in his contemplation, making sure to not come too close, just in case some are not dry or to not make a mess. It does not seem very organized but maybe Hyunjin has a system. Seungmin can not help himself though, he stares at the different canvas, in awe, it seems like all of those are works in progress, but they look already magnificent.

"You're here," Hyunjin's voice suddenly says, "I was calling you."

Seungmin jolts, he turns around, Hyunjin is lying his weight on the door's frame, arms crossed over his chest but a smile on his lips, "I'm sorry, I got curious, I didn't mean to…"

"Don't worry," Hyunjin answers softly, almost shyly.

"It's just… It's so beautiful," Seungmin tells him, looking back at the art, "you've probably heard it a lot, but your paintings are splendid."

"I heard it, but not from someone who matters like you."

Seungmin's heart jumps in his chest. He hears Hyunjin walking over him, soon he feels arms wrapping around his waist and lips kissing his neck. Seungmin is not sure what happens but before he knows it, he turns around to face Hyunjin. The later looks a bit surprised by it. Seungmin puts a hand over Hyunjin's lips.

"I love you," he blurts out.

Hyunjin's eyes open wide, Seungmin feels suddenly very vulnerable.

"Sorry, maybe it's too early, you don't have to say it back—" he quickly mutters.

"I love you too," Hyunjin interrupts him.

Seungmin exhales, "oh, you do?"

"I'm used to being the one saying it first," he whispers, "it's a nice change."

He does not let Seungmin answer and kisses him. His lips taste salty, probably from something he tasted while cooking, they are soft, warm, quickly the kiss deepens. Hyunjin's hands are still around Seungmin's waist and he pulls him closer, when he licks inside his mouth and bites gently his lips. Seungmin can feel that he is getting aroused again, and Hyunjin too, but he also is starting to be hungry for real food, so he is the one who breaks the kiss.

"After dinner?" He asks.

Hyunjin hums, "yeah, I'd rather not burn the food. It is not quite ready yet, but we can watch something while we wait."

They kiss again and then Hyunjin leads him downstairs, they settle on the couch, Seungmin lets him choose whatever he wants to watch because he is sure he is not going to be very focused on the TV —the very big expensive TV. Hyunjin pulls him into a hug and they spend most of the episode, of whatever it is, making out and whispering sweet nothing. Eventually, Seungmin's stomach growls, Hyunjin laughs and tells him the food must be ready, but also tells him to just sit down at the dining table, since they have separated room for the kitchen and the dining room. It smells delicious, Seungmin can not wait. The table is already set, and Hyunjin comes out of the kitchen with a huge dish, when he puts it on the table, Seungmin eyes light up.

"Is that kimchi stew?" He asks.

Hyunjin smiles brightly, "your favorite, right?"

"Yes! It smells so good, I can't believe this, did you make this?"

"I gotta admit, I called my mom to ask for some help, but otherwise yes. I hope it'll be good enough."

"I'm sure it will, thank you."

Hyunjin giggles and just sits down in front of him. The food is delicious, as Seungmin tells him, until Hyunjin starts blushing furiously. They talk about little things as they eat, and everything is perfect, even when they eat in silence, it is comfortable. It is so comfortable. They finish up dinner, Seungmin insists on helping Hyunjin putting the dirty plates away, and it is domestic, his heart flutters. They end up kissing again, pressed against the counter, and this time Seungmin does not stop Hyunjin when his hands travel down his chest. Nor when he starts kissing his jaw, down his neck.

"I should, wash up a little bit," Seungmin mutters, already breathless.

Hyunjin looks up, eyes filled with lust and desire, "I'll put away the leftovers."

"Yes," he lets out. It takes him all his willpower to get away from Hyunjin's touch. He almost stumbles in the stairs to the master bedroom and then the bathroom. He simply grabs a t-shirt, thinking, and hoping, he is not going to need it for a long time anyway.

Hyunjin put out some clean towels so Seungmin just gets rid of his day's clothes and gets under the shower. He can not wait. Hyunjin is so hot and so into him and he almost can not believe that it is happening. He does not really understand how he pulled such an incredible man but here is, in his very luxurious bathroom, getting ready to get fucked. It is real.

He dries himself and puts on the shirt. He grabbed one that is too big for him, so it hides his body a little bit, although if he raises his arms, it does not hide much. He looks at himself in the mirror, fixes his hair, making sure that he has nothing stuck between his teeth or whatever. He thinks he looks good enough, he hopes so. He takes a deep breath in and gets out the bathroom. Hyunjin is already in the bedroom, still wearing his clothes. Seungmin feels a little bit shy but when Hyunjin turns around to look at him, his eyes are devouring him, it gives Seungmin some confidence.

Hyunjin walks slowly toward him, taking off his own shirt as he does so, and Seungmin's mouth goes dry.

"Let's pick up where we left it a month ago?" Hyunjin says, "I could not stop thinking about it."

Seungmin can not do anything but nod, Hyunjin kisses him very slowly, careful and gentle, one hand resting on the back of his head, leaving Seungmin only wanting for more. Seungmin bites his lower lip, not enough to draw blood.

"You're already getting impatient?" Hyunjin lets out in a low voice.

Seungmin nods, "I need you."

Hyunjin's gaze is hungry again and Seungmin loves it, loves the way Hyunjin obviously wants him too, how he looks at him like he is the most beautiful man ever. Hyunjin goes back to kissing him, this time with more passion, sloppier also, he pushes Seungmin until he falls back on the bed. He watches as he gets rid of his pants, his boxers are too tight for Hyunjin's already hard dick and Seungmin feels his own cock twitch. The shirt is not covering much anymore, he knows Hyunjin can see everything. It only turns him on more. Hyunjin puts a kiss on Seungmin's lips before lowering himself. Seungmin whimpers when Hyunjin's lips ghosts over his dick.

"I really want to suck you off but I think it'll be for another time," Hyunjin says regretfully.

Seungmin nods. He wants Hyunjin inside of him, he has been waiting for so long since their first night together when they got interrupted. Seungmin grabs his t-shirt and takes it off. He is completely naked now, and Hyunjin lets out a quiet curse.

"You're beautiful, so pretty," he tells him, "mine."

The sudden possessiveness gives a chill down Seungmin's spine, "yours," he answers breathless already even if Hyunjin barely touched him.

It seems to please him, and he kisses him again. His clothed dick brushes against Seungmin's and he whimpers. He hears Hyunjin opening the night table's drawer, probably looking for lube, but without stopping his kiss.

"Did you prep' yourself in the bathroom?" Hyunjin whispers in his ears, kissing and nibbling it.

"No," Seungmin says, "wanted you to do it. Want you."

He feels one hand go down his body, plays with one nipple, "good."

Hyunjin keeps on kissing him, lower and lower, sucking on Seungmin's skin, biting here and then licking to sooth it, Seungmin lets him do whatever he wants, he is already so hard, he wants more and wants all the kisses. Eventually, Hyunjin reaches down his navel, licks Seungmin's length, making him whine and moan at the sudden sensation. He opens his eyes just to see Hyunjin opening up the bottle of lube and pouring some on his fingers, warming it up. Hyunjin kisses the inside of his thighs very gently, and Seungmin yelps when his thumb starts circling around his rim and he feels the coldness of the lube. Hyunjin chuckles, kisses more skin, and starts pushing one finger inside.

"Fuck," Seungmin breathes out, head falling back on the pillow.

"Relax baby," Hyunjin says between kisses as he pushes his finger deeper, "you're so tight."

"I'm sorry," Seungmin manages to let out, "it's been a while."

"Don't apologize, puppy, I'll take care of you."

Very slowly he starts thrusting his finger and Seungmin moans. Quickly, he gets used to the stretch and it becomes not enough, the discomfort disappears, "more," he stutters.

Hyunjin stops his movements. Seungmin looks down at him.

"Please," he adds.

"Good boy."

Without any other warning he pushes another finger in, making Seungmin moan of surprise, this time Hyunjin is less careful, less delicate, rougher and exactly how Seungmin likes it, they did not even discuss it before but it seems like everything else, they match. He starts scissoring his fingers inside him, until Seungmin cries out for more. The third finger stretches him deliciously and makes Hyunjin touch that sweet spot that makes his vision goes blurry but every time he does it, he immediately retracts his fingers, leaving Seungmin whimpering, stuttering different pleas.

"I want you, please," he begs, "I want to feel you inside."

"You sure you're prepped enough?"

"Yes, please, Hyunjin…"

Hyunjin groans, takes his finger outs and Seungmin clenches around nothing, already feeling completely empty. Hyunjin takes off his underwear and Seungmin has the pleasure to see again how big he is, he knows it will probably hurt but he can not wait. Hyunjin goes to grab a condom but Seungmin stops him, "I haven't slept with anyone, I'm clean, what about you?"

"No one either, but are you sure?"

Seungmin nods. Hyunjin puts a kiss on his lips again, before pouring some lube on his dick, he groans and Seungmin chuckles at his hurried movements. When Hyunjin aligns himself and pushes just the tip inside of Seungmin, his laughter dies, replaced by a moan. Three finger were nothing in comparison to this, the stretch burns him and he feels tears rolling down his cheeks.

"You're so tight, baby," Hyunjin groans, "are you sure I'm not hurting you?"

It takes everything for Seungmin to answer something coherent and it is only because he knows Hyunjin will stop if not, "I'm fine, you're just big but, it feels good."

Hyunjin pushes a bit more, "good, you're doing so good, just relax."

Seungmin whines again. Hyunjin fills him up so perfectly, he does his best to relax, Hyunjin caressing his body and soothing him helps. Eventually, Hyunjin bottoms out, he stays still, letting Seungmin adjusts to the stretch. Hyunjin kisses his forehead, wipes off his tears. He can feel the way Hyunjin's dick throbs inside of him.

"You're so pretty," he whispers, kissing him again, "so pretty…"

"You can move, Hyunjin," he chokes out, arching his back just to feel more of Hyunjin's cock.

Very slowly Hyunjin pulls out and thrusts back in. Seungmin moans when he hits his soft spot, arches his back as much as he can, "faster, please."

Hyunjin obliges, starts finding his rhythm, somehow always hitting that bundle of nerves, making Seungmin scream and moan, chanting Hyunjin's name like it is a mantra. He holds on to Hyunjin's back digging his fingers into the skin, not caring if it will leave a mark or not, just trying to ground himself as his vision goes white more and more.

"You feel so good," Hyunjin tells him, "made for me."

Every thrust makes Seungmin forgets his own name, he is just a puddle of pleasure, trying to keep Hyunjin as close as possible, feel him absolutely everywhere. Hyunjin thrusts harder, his rhythm slowly getting erratic, but always angling it perfectly until Seungmin feels that familiar coil in his stomach.

"M' close," he manages to let out.

Hyunjin puts his hand around his cock and starts stroking it, "come for me, my perfect pup'."

The pet name throws Seungmin over the edge, and he comes harder than ever, while Hyunjin strokes him into his orgasm. He feels him slowing down his thrust, in the blurry post orgasm haze, he says "come inside me, please, don't stop."

Hyunjin curses and picks up his thrusts. Seungmin is oversensitive but he does not care, he will be sore in the morning but he can not care about it, not when Hyunjin chases after his own pleasure, using him for it. Hyunjin comes in a groan and Seungmin almost comes a second time just feeling his cum inside of him.

Hyunjin falls down over him, and kissing him lazily, while he pulls out. Seungmin lets out a whimper, feeling empty suddenly and Hyunjin just kisses him more.

"Fuck, that was incredible," Hyunjin sighs out, "you're making me crazy, you know that?"

Seungmin giggles but his eyelids are heavy, he snuggles next to Hyunjin while the older one strokes his hair.

"Let's get you cleaned up, yeah?"

"Mmh," he says sleepily, "I don't want to move."

"I'll carry you, baby."

Seungmin hums. He lets Hyunjin take him into his arms, kissing the top of his head as he nuzzles his head in the crook of Hyunjin's neck. He feels so warm and safe.

"Thank you," he mutters.

Hyunjin kisses him again, "I love you."

"I love you too," Seungmin answers immediately.

Later that night, Seungmin is almost falling asleep, hugging Hyunjin as close as possible. Hyunjin gave him a t-shirt to wear for the night, brought him a glass of water, asked him if he needed anything, but Seungmin only wanted to feel Hyunjin next to him. So Hyunjin slid into bed with him, slowly stroking his hair, while Seungmin rests over his chest, listening to the beating of his heart.

"Seungmin, are you sleeping?" Hyunjin asks him suddenly.

"No," he says. He is sleepy but not enough to fall asleep. Plus he has some things on his mind, some things he still wants to talk about with Hyunjin. Tonight might not be adequate but at the same time, he does not want to go to sleep without saying it.

"Is it okay if I talk to you?"

Seungmin moves a little bit just so he can see Hyunjin's face, "talk?"

"Yeah, nothing bad, I just had something I wanted to tell you. Well, we already said it but…" He shrugs, hiding his embarrassment in a laugh, "why does it feel so ceremonial suddenly?"

"What is it?"

"You said you were not sleeping with anyone else and I, well, me neither, so…"

Seungmin raises an eyebrow, he actually knows where he is going but he kinda enjoys seeing struggle like that.

"I was wondering if you'd want to make this, us, like, official?"

Seungmin chuckles, although he can feel his heart once again fluttering, something he is slowly starting to get used to when he is with Hyunjin, "Mr Hwang, are you asking me to be your boyfriend?"

"Shut up, don't call me Mr Hwang," Hyunjin pouts but laughs again, "it's making me old."

"But you are, yet you are asking me this like we're in school and you're giving me a paper with yes or no options."

"So, yes or no? Sorry I don't have any paper on me right now, but I can do that."

Seungmin kisses him to make him stop laughing, they giggle in the kiss, so it is not that effective.

"Yes, I'd like to be your boyfriend and not see any other people, not that I tried ever since I met you," he tells him.

"Great," Hyunjin pulls him into another kiss, "you're mine, I meant it."

"I'm yours," Seungmin hums.

"Something else," Hyunjin says, "but you can think about it, okay?"

"Yeah?"

"We don't have to do it now, but I'd like us to think about how to tell Gaeul, eventually."

Seungmin plops himself on his forearm, "really?"

Hyunjin nods, "I love you, I want you in my life and not have to wait for my daughter to be away to see you. Unless you don't want that…"

"No, no, I love Gaeul, I want that, I knew that if we were to date seriously it would happen, I just was not sure you wanted it."

"Like I said, it's not something that has to happen in the next few weeks, it's just something to think about. But I know it's a big commitment to ask you that."

"Thank you for trusting me to be this person to your daughter," Seungmin interrupts him, "I don't know when it will happen, but when it does, I'm ready to be her father's boyfriend and I hope she won't be too upset."

Hyunjin sighs dramatically, "why are you so perfect? Of course she will love you, she already loves you as her teacher, I'm sure she will be thrilled."

"I hope so," he says.

He goes back to Hyunjin's arms. Hyunjin welcomes him happily. He closes his eyes and he feels lighter than he ever felt, like all the weight of the world has been lift up from his shoulders.

A few weeks pass by, they still have not decided on how to tell Gaeul so they still meet when she is not there. They talk about it sometimes but it feels like a lot, especially with Christmas coming. He does not feel pressured, and Hyunjin does not seem to mind either, they just know it will happen eventually. Hyunjin did tell him he told his parents about him and that they were very happy about it. He also got invited at a dinner party with some of Hyunjin's friends, while Gaeul was having a sleepover to a friend's house. He met Jeongin and Changbin, two close friends of Hyunjin who also welcome Seungmin warmly. He never feels out of place. They tell him stories about how Hyunjin was in college and before Gaeul and it is endearing. When they leave, Changbin tells him that he seems like a good match for Hyunjin and that he is glad he found someone. Seungmin is relieved. He feels like he passed a test.

Hyunjin meets again with Seungmin's friends too, Minho and Felix are less embarrassing and they seem to get along very well with Hyunjin too. He also comes clean with Chan, who says he does not care at all as long as it does not bother Seungmin in his work, and that the little girl is okay with it. Seungmin is relieved, he kept thinking he was doing something forbidden. Although it was also, kinda sexy. At some point, Minho asks Jisung out and the later says yes, almost screaming in the school's corridor, so now Felix and Seungmin can finally tease Minho back.

It is two weeks before the Christmas, and a lot of kids are sick, so Seungmin has a very small group for today's class. He allows himself to cut a little bit of slack and to hear them talk about their lives.

"Seungmin, you know what happened today?" Youngjae asks him.

"No, what?"

"Ms Kang let me sit next to my crush!"

All the kids giggle. Seungmin blinks, "oh and who is your crush?"

"Her name is Minah! She is very pretty and nice, I think she likes me too!"

"Oh really? Well that's great! Do you have a crush on someone too, Hana?"

The little girl looks at him, blushing, she nods.

"Is it a boy or a girl, or neither?"

"How can it be a girl? She's also a girl!" Youngjae says.

Seungmin frowns, he knows kids are simply repeating what they heard and think they know but it always stings a little bit, "so what? You can love whoever you want."

"But that's gross!"

"It's not," he says very calmly, "it's just love, okay? It is not weird or gross if you're a boy who likes a boy, or a girl who likes a girl, or to love both, or to not love anyone at all!"

Youngjae still seems a bit shaken off by it but also thoughtful.

"Is it like you Seungmin?" Gaeul suddenly lets out, a big smile on her lips.

"What do you mean, Gaeul?" Seungmin asks her.

"Like the way you love my dad."

Seungmin freezes. Thankfully the other kids were no longer listening, he probably turns completely white. He stutters but she does not seem upset at all, genuinely curious and also, a bit happy.

So he does the one thing he knows best. He distracts the kids by telling them they can play their favorite game. He thinks he needs to deal with the fact that Gaeul knows with her dad here.

Seungmin thinks about it during the entire class, although Gaeul seems to have move on pretty easily, but when the other kids leave with their parents, Gaeul grabs Seungmin's hand and pulls him toward Hyunjin. Hyunjin frowns, confused. Seungmin clears his throat. Gaeul stares at them both, then she shakes her head.

"Is something wrong?" Hyunjin asks them.

"Not really? I'm not sure but I was telling the kids how love is love and stuff like that and… Well, I think Gaeul thinks I love you?"

"What?" Hyunjin stutters. He looks at his daughter who just smiles, "what is this about, Gaeul?"

"I heard grandma and grandpa talking about the fact that you had someone special when I was supposed to be sleeping last weekend, they didn't say the name but when I asked them what does it mean to have someone special, they said it is how you look at this person, and how you touch them, like they are precious. They said it was something good! Someone that makes you smile and happy."

Seungmin bites his lower lip, he tries to catch Hyunjin's eyes, just to see what he wants them to do about this, but Hyunjin is only looking at his daughter. So he waits.

"You are always happy on Tuesdays, and when you think I'm not watching you touch Seungmin's hand, and when you say goodbye, Seungmin is not looking at you the way he looks at other people. You are both smiling all the time when you're together…"

He can feel himself blushing, he never could have guessed Gaeul picked up on all this. He thought they were more subtle, or maybe Gaeul is very observant. Hyunjin says nothing at first, and Seungmin feels a bit anxious. Eventually Hyunjin looks up at him, like he is waiting for a sign, so Seungmin nods.

"Daddy, if you have someone special like that, why would you not tell me? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, Gaeul you did nothing wrong," Hyunjin says putting his hands on her shoulders gently, "daddy was just waiting for the right time to tell you. Me and Seungmin we love each other very much, and you're right, he makes me happy and smile, and I wanted you to know because you are my world, I think I was just afraid that you would not like it."

"Why would I not like it if you're happy?" She asks, so innocent and genuine.

Seungmin could die of affection.

"Well, because it means someone new in your life."

"But Seungmin is not new! I know him!"

Seungmin chuckles, he looks at Hyunjin and then says, "Gaeul, I love your dad, a lot. Is it okay with you if you see me a bit more often?"

"Yeah, just like you said, you can love anyone!"

Hyunjin grabs his daughter and pulls her up into a big hug, Seungmin allows himself to put his hand on Hyunjin's shoulder. His heart swells in his chest, Gaeul laughter is contagious.

"Does this mean I have a second dad?" She wonders.

"For now Seungmin is daddy's boyfriend, and he will not be here all the time, let's take it slow, okay?"

"But who knows?" Seungmin adds.

Hyunjin looks at him surprised, Seungmin shrugs, but he can not hide his smile.

"That's so cool!" Gaeul screams, "will we do theater at home too? All the others are going to be jealous!!"

"Let's keep it for ourselves for now, okay, Gaeul?"

She nods and Seungmin laughs.

"Seungmin, are you going home with us?" Gaeul says.

"Not tonight, but if your daddy is okay I can come by this weekend?"

"Yes!!!" She answers for Hyunjin, "I can show you my room and we can have a tea party!"

"That sounds great," he says truthfully.

"Okay, okay, we're going to go home, now, Seungmin needs to finish his work here," Hyunjin tells his daughter.

Gaeul nods, "I'll see you this weekend, then."

Seungmin and Hyunjin exchange a little shy look.

"Is it okay if I kiss your daddy, Gaeul?"

When she agrees Seungmin gives a little peck on Hyunjin's lips. He hears Gaeul giggle happily.

"Can I get a kiss too? On the cheek?"

And Seungmin never said no to the Hwang family, he is not going to start now.