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Gyushua - Fortunate Change - Chapter 13

Summary: Mingyu finally gets the chance to enjoy himself and somehow stumbles into the arms of his boss’s very impulsive, very rebellious, very stunning son, Hong Jisoo. "It doesn't matter as long as the intentions were pure, right?"

Tags: Explicit Sexual Content, Implied Sexual Content, Security Guard!Mingyu, Heir!Joshua, Dysfunctional Family Dynamics, Forbidden Relationship, Co-Worker Relationship, Grief *Explicit Version found on ao3 only*

Length: approx. 10.6k words

Chapter 13

“Namjoo, this is Hong Jisoo. I’m sure you two know each other, though, right?”

“Yes…”

“Perfect! Then come sit down and join us!”

The warm water funnelled down the drain as Namjoo stepped onto the cool bathroom tile. She took a few steps to wrap a towel around herself and slip into her favorite fuzzy slippers. Her pajamas were hanging up by the door, and once she was dried off and her nightly routine was complete, Namjoo wasted no time getting dressed before it got any chillier.

She’d been busy most of the day, yet she still felt her work wasn’t done. With a cup of tea and some snacks brought to her by the maid, Namjoo perched at her desk and flipped open her sketchbook. She flipped through old pages, spanning years of designs, both good and bad. Her fingers brushed along little pieces of fabric she stapled inside of the years, which really started to bulk the book out a bit. “I’m going to need a new one of these soon,” she mused to herself.

Just as she grabbed a pencil and a clean sheet of paper, her phone began ringing. She exhaled, dropping her pencil immediately and turning to her bed. For a moment, she thought to ignore the call, feign being asleep. But upon further inspection, the name Oppa flashed on the top, and a photo of her and Jisoo that they’d taken at the fashion show overtook the screen. Leaning forward, Namjoo answered the phone. “Yes, my love~?” She teased, plopping onto the edge of the bed.

“Don’t start.”

Namjoo pouted. “Hey, now. What did I do?” Joshua was silent for a long minute; only the sound of feet shuffling on the floor came through on the other line. Namjoo raised an eyebrow. “Oppa.” She called, but there was no answer. “Hey… Oppa.” Namjoo raised her voice, grateful she lived alone.

After a minute, Joshua finally spoke: “It’s just all fucking bullshit.” His voice was wobbly.

“What is?”

“All of it!”

Namjoo frowned when she thought she heard a bit of an exasperated sigh escape the other end of the line. Jisoo’s breath seemed to be labored. “Oppa, what’s wrong? You know you can tell me anything.”

“I thought I could!”

“...What?” Namjoo questioned.

“I thought I could, but clearly I can’t! What the hell did you say to-.” Jisoo paused. “...Mingyu….” Namjoo’s eyes widened at the whispered name.

“What? When?”

“Don’t play dumb at the fashion show! He’s been weird ever since. What did you do?!”

“I didn’t do anything!” Namjoo gasped. “Oppa, come on!”

“Of course you did! It had to be you because then who else would it have been!?”

Namjoo exhaled a bit, rubbing her temple. “Okay… okay… Oppa, please. I didn’t say anything to Mingyu about anything. I didn’t even talk to him, ask Minghao.” Jisoo fell quiet then, minus another exhausted sigh that sounded more broken than the first. Logic was winning over his tidal wave of emotions. “You told me not to do anything, and I didn’t. I don’t know what he knows…”

“What he knows?” Jisoo questioned. Almost immediately, a soft: “Oh…”

“Yeah.” Namjoo clicked her tongue. “Listen. I bet you a million dollars you’d be the same way if you saw him kissing some random girl all night and you couldn’t say anything, right?” Again, Jisoo was silent.

“It’s… not like that…”

“Oh, right.” Namjoo rolled her eyes. “Sure, okay.” Rising to her feet, Namjoo couldn’t help but smile. “Listen, Oppa, you interrupted my pre-bedtime doodling. My inspiration could be ruined all night because of this.”

“Tsk, what?! Well ,I-.”

“I guess I’ll just have to fix this problem so it doesn’t happen again. Like a good wife does.” She sighed. “What would you do without me?” Finally, a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. “Go wipe your eyes, alright?”

“What? I didn't cry-.”

“Goodniiiight~!.” She cooed, before hanging up her phone. Looking down at the screen as it went dark, Namjoo sighed to herself. A minute later, she called another number in her contacts. It rang for a moment before she spoke. “Soojinnie? Can you schedule lunch for tomorrow? Around 12.”

—-----------------

Another car ride the next day, but this time, Mingyu took his own advice and had Junhui at least join the duo. That allowed him to talk to Jisoo for the majority of the drive, making it a less silent ride but still incredibly awkward. Mingyu was stuck silently listening to the day’s schedule and praying it went fast, because the next day was his day off. It was really needed after these past few days.

As Mingyu pulled up to the front of the building, Jisoo spoke up: “What the…” The bodyguard stepped out of the car, rounding it to open the door for Jisoo. He got out to get a better look at the workers lining the front entrance, peering out the windows towering over them, whispering amongst themselves. They’d only been here a few seconds, but it was very clear that whatever was going on, one of these three was involved. Joshua looked at Junhui.

“I have no idea.” He said immediately.

“Jisoo.” The trio looked over to the front entrance, and Jisoo inhaled an incredibly sharp breath. Mingyu could see his shoulders tense as it became clear that Mr. and Mrs. Hong were waiting outside.

“What the hell is going on?” Jisoo asked again, his voice softer and more wobbly this time. Mingyu bit the inside of his lip, quickly motioning for Jisoo to start walking.

When they reached the steps, Mr. Hong wasted no time speaking. “You’re almost on time today,” he said. “Good.”

“What is all this?” Jisoo asked. “Is this about Bullet Transportation? Or are you sending me away again?”

“Hm. Do I need to?” He asked.

“I’m sure you’ll make up a reason either way.” Mr. Hong was silent, and Jisoo simply crossed his arms over his chest, looking to the side as his father continued. “No, it’s not about either of those things. Miss. Noh is here.”

Jisoo sighed. “....That’s it?” He asked. Mingyu could almost sense the relief on his body. “Okay, fine, where is she?”

“Coming down now, I had someone call for her.” Jisoo looked at his assistant.

“Did I have a lunch scheduled that I forgot about?” he asked. Junhui shook his head immediately.

“She’s not here for you.” Mr. Hong’s voice caught the trio’s attention. Mr. Hong looked over at Mingyu, who immediately tensed. “She’s here to see Kim Mingyu.”

Mingyu’s eyes widened, his heart almost busting out of his throat. He looked down at Jisoo, who for the first time in two weeks properly caught his gaze. Both of them looked panicked, an equal amount too, with wide eyes and silent questions on if the other knew what was going on. Based on the silence, it seemed neither did.

Namjoo and Minghao finally came out, Namjoo fixing her purse. She looked down at the absolutely shell-shocked trio. “Hi, Oppa.” she smiled. “I won’t be long, okay?”

Jisoo walked over to her, taking her arm and leaning close. “What the hell are you doing?” he whispered. Namjoo smiled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. Well, kind of, Mingyu could see her lips press against the shell of his ear. He couldn’t make out what was being said, but she patted his shoulder. She didn’t seem phased at all, but Joshua looked like he was about to pass out. Whatever she said, it didn’t help.

“Jisoo, my office. Now.” Mr. Hong demanded. The heir offered some more glance at Mingyu and Junhui, barely able to form a coherent sentence as Junhui led him inside.

As Jisoo and his father disappeared into the building, the crowds finally dispersed, leaving just Namjoo, Minghao, and Mingyu. She turned to him and smiled. “Hope you’re hungry.” she cooed sweetly. —-----------------

Mingyu was taken to a very extravagant lunch spot about 40 minutes from his job, one that he’d never been to before. It was modern, with greenery all over the sides and perched on every window. Inside, the set up is cozy yet elegant, with sleek high top tables and booths scattered about. The entire front lobby was the size of Mingyu’s entire apartment, and he could only imagine what the inside looked like.

The pair were seated at a booth in the far corner, and despite Mingyu’s sense of deja vu starting to gnaw at his stomach, he ultimately was first to pull Namjoo’s chair out for her. She looked stunned, turning to Minghao. He had his own hand outstretched, seemingly planning to do the same thing.

“He’s coming for your job, Hao.” she teased.

“Sorry, force of habit.” Mingyu said. Minghao cocked an eyebrow, but said nothing as he stepped to the side. Namjoo sat down in her seat as Mingyu sat across from her. The waitress came by quickly to get them drinks, and silence fell over them. Namjoo scanned her menu, fixed a loose strand of hair, and took a quick scan of the room around them. With every quiet second that passed, the curiosity made Mingyu want to crawl out of his skin. Was… was Mingyu supposed to make the conversation? Okay, then…

“You-.” He choked out the word before he could stop himself, and Namjoo finally looked up. “The show was amazing the other day.”

“Oh, thank you.” she smiled sweetly. “I think it was a success. I’m excited for the official release.” Mingyu nodded his head. “I’m slowly getting a lot more responsibility in my family’s company.”

“I-I see.” Mingyu was confused.

Namjoo closed her menu and said: “I’m hoping to do as much as I can before I ultimately get married.”

Mingyu caught his next breath square in his throat, and it pushed itself back out his ears and mouth, causing him to turn his head and cough into his hand. Shit. Fuck. Okay, think Mingyu. You can do this.

Namjoo was staring at him when he looked back, still smiling. Mingyu smiled back, softly. “I know. Congrat-.”

“Don’t do that.”

Fuck. I’m going to die. This is my last meal.

“Wh-what?” His voice cracked.

Namjoo sighed. “Joshua told me. About the two of you.”

Mingyu felt dizzy at the comment. How many people were going to find out about them before this became the worst-kept secret in Korea?! Mingyu swallowed hard, watching as Namjoo opened her mouth again. “You look like you’re going to faint.”

“Me? Do I? Oh uh… it’s hot in here,” he laughed nervously. “Sorry.”

“Mingyu,” she said softly. “I’m not here to hurt you. Or intimidate you. None of that.” Mingyu blinked, and Namjoo rested against the table. “Is it true?”

Mingyu bit his lip, nodding his head. “Yes…” he whispered, his head falling forward apologetically. Shamefully.

Namjoo hummed. “Did he tell you about us? About how he and I wound up in this position?”

Mingyu glanced up. “Just that you were together in college and… that you knew what he was doing. But I didn’t… I was always wary about the last part.” Namjoo nodded. Many apologies and begs for mercy bubbling in his throat, but all that managed to slip out was a strained: “I’m sorry. I don’t…” he inhaled. “I don’t know what to say…”

Namjoo let out a breathless chuckle. “I figured you wouldn’t. I just want you to listen.” A brief pause as the waitress returned with some drinks, and Namjoo kindly asked for another few minutes to look over the menu. When they were alone again, Namjoo continued. “Jisoo means a lot to me.” Mingyu caught her expression when he looked up, as she looked out the nearby window with a faraway, nostalgic look in her eyes. “He really does.”

“I know. I… shouldn’t have gotten involved with him, knowing he’s engaged. I’m sure you’re upset, I’m sorry, I–.”

“No!” Namjoo suddenly looked panicked. “No, no.” Sitting up straighter, she exhaled. “No, I’m not upset. Like I said, he told me about you from the first night. You met at Waterbomb, right?” Mingyu nodded, chewing a hole through his bottom lip. “Yeah. I didn’t know you were at the same company at first, but I put it together.” she chuckled. “I didn’t bring you here to threaten you or expose you or anything. I wouldn’t do that to Jisoo.”

“Then why–.”

“We’ve been ‘together’ in whatever sense you want to read it as since we were 19.” she inhaled. “I’ve been lucky enough that he trusts me with the deepest, darkest parts of himself.” She looked at him. “I just want to make sure the people he’s involved with are worthy of knowing those things too.”

Mingyu gulped. “He…. He hasn’t told me much of anything.” He admitted. “I know he doesn’t get along with his parents as much as people think he does.” Namjoo nodded. “I don’t know if he trusts me with that information yet.”

Mingyu didn’t expect to be told everything about Jisoo’s life right after their first night together, or ever. But saying that out loud, that Mingyu knew nothing about the person he was involved with after all this time, stung a little. Deep in his chest. “Like I know you two are… together. But… I don’t know. I don’t understand.”

Namjoo seemed sympathetic. “You’ve been put in a difficult position.” she confessed. “I saw how much you felt hurt watching us at the show. I’m sorry.”

“I want to understand, but it doesn’t ever seem like the right time to talk about it with him.”

Namjoo shrugged. “It’s hard being in our position.” she said. “In some ways. Before Jisoo and I got together, I had already done five marriage proposals before I graduated high school.” Mingyu blinked. “It was exhausting. I just wanted to work, you know? I can care less about being a wife or a mother.” She put her hands on her hips. “Jisoo’s the same way. He can care less about being a husband and a father. He has his own needs and wants. So… we’re kind of perfect for each other in that way.”

—-8 Years Prior—

Abandoned by their mutual friend for some alcohol, Namjoo and Jisoo were plopped in two seats side by side at a table full of college students drinking and playing games across the table. Namjoo looked around before a drink was placed in front of her. When she looked over, Jisoo already had his arm behind her chair. “Wasn’t sure if you drink, so it’s non-alcoholic.”

Namjoo took the drink with a smile. “That’s perfect. I’m not much of a drinker.” She took a long sip while Jisoo took his own drink. “I take it you are?”

“Only when I’m out like this.” He said.

“Guess we’re learning a lot about one another tonight, hm?”

“Guess so.” Jisoo chuckled. The duo talked amongst themselves for a majority of the night, drowning out the table around them and the conversations they held. They caught up on their families dealings, Jisoo with less of a passionate excitement in his eye than Namjoo. They talked about school and classes, about themselves. During their conversations, it was clear of one thing: Jisoo was clearly hitting on Namjoo, making light small talk and slipping compliments over his drink.

“Do you flirt with all the girls like this?” Namjoo asked curiously when she set down her second drink, alcoholic this time. Jisoo shrugged.

“Only the pretty ones.”

“That’s corny,” she chuckled, watching how his grin widened a bit. A tap on her shoulder pulled her attention from Jisoo, their mutual friend, Suhye, already hungry for an update on the pair and how well they were hitting it off. She couldn’t blame the girls swooning in delight or simmering in jealousy. Jisoo was popular on campus for both his looks and his connections, a deadly weapon that allowed him to get with anybody he wanted. And it seemed, for better or worse, he chose Namjoo. She had to swat them all away, blush dusting her cheeks as she insisted that it wasn’t what it looked like. At least, not right now. But maybe. She wouldn’t say no.

When Namjoo turned to playfully ask for another drink, she caught Jisoo’s focus on the guys on the other end of the table. They were shouting, cheering at what seemed to be two other guys guzzling down drinks in some type of reckless competition. But Jisoo wasn’t cheering or screaming, he was observing. And when Namjoo followed his gaze, saw he was observing one guy in particular who was already laughing behind his fourth beer.

“Seungcheol, you’re gonna be so hungover for class tomorrow.”

Seungcheol set his drink down, cheeks flushed as he grinned. “I’ll be good, I’ll be fine.” he waved his hands lazily. When his eyes lolled to the side, they locked across the table at Jisoo and Namjoo. “Jisoo-yah, want in?” He passed the beer over.

Namjoo’s eyes flickered to Jisoo, who waved them off, crossing one leg over the other. “No.” he assured. “I’m fine just… watching.”

—---------

Jisoo walked Namjoo home that night and to her first class the following morning. He brought her coffee and a pastry on the way, his attempt at courting her for another date. It worked. He took her to an aquarium, to a nice dinner, to the movies. Typical dates. He was a gentleman, pulling out her chair, opening doors, and paying for everything. Every time, the entire time, his hand stayed on the small of her back, or he looped their arms together, something physical that showed everyone who stared that they were an item.

Rumors spread like wildfire around campus regarding the pair's relationship status. Girls wondered if he dropped all of the other flings he was suspected to have, guys cried about not being able to talk to Namjoo anymore without Jisoo being right there. Every time they were asked Jisoo would tell them to mind their business before draping his arm over her shoulder. But Namjoo didn’t mind, really she didn’t.

Namjoo looked up to Mingyu, a half-smile on her face. “The longer he and I stayed in this ‘talking stage’ the more I began noticing different things.” She inhaled. “For example, he didn’t kiss me. Ever.”

“Ever.” Mingyu echoed. He thought about all of the kisses the duo have shared. Namjoo nodded.

“The aquarium.” I’m still a little nervous…

“The movies.” I want to take it slow.

“After every single dinner.” It wouldn’t be very gentlemanly to kiss someone so soon….

Namjoo watched as Jisoo scratched the back of his neck, eyebrows raised in amusement at the last one. “Jisoo-yah…” she breathed, taking a step closer. “We’ve already been on five dates.” she said. “Either we’re dating, or we’re not. I’m okay either way. I just want to know.”

“No, we are!” Jisoo’s eyes widened, a hand reaching out to grab her arm, curling into the fabric of her sweater. “I’m sorry. I haven’t ever done dating like this before…”

“I know.” She admitted. “Me either.” She saw how Jisoo looked her over, how his eyes shook. How nervous he was as he gently tugged her closer, leaning in and brushing their lips together. Namjoo could almost feel his hand fisting her sweater, shaking. There was no way those rumors about him sleeping with lots of girls were true if this was how he was acting with a little kiss. Namjoo pressed her hand to his bicep and returned the kiss just as gently. No open-mouths, or tight grips, just a very soft, very gentle kiss.

When Jisoo pulled away, Namjoo felt a smile twitch into her lips. She looked down at her purse, gripping the handle. Just as she was about to make a comment, lightening the mood before it tightened too hard, a sharp breath was heard above her. She looked up, and Jisoo was avoiding her gaze. His hand covered his mouth, and he looked shocked. Stunned, almost disgusted. Namjoo blinked.

“Did… I’m sorry, was it bad?”

“What?” Jisoo looked at her, and his expression all but melted away. “No…” he shook his head. “No, fuck, I’m sorry Namjoo.” His voice was much softer now, less sure. Namjoo pursed her lips together. “I…” he sighed. “I should go. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? I promise.”

“Okay.” She turned her head, watching as he started down the path towards his own dorm. Namjoo watched his back get smaller until he turned the corner and disappeared, before finally pressing a hand to her own lips.

It wasn’t just the kissing at the end of dates, it was PDA. It was saved for the public eye only. Arms draped across her shoulder when they sat with friends, interlacing their fingers when they walked, the hand on the small of her back when he met her at class. Kisses on the cheek or the back of the hand, pet names that made Namjoo giggle. She indulged it each and every time, but could see the unsure waver in his eyes.

When the pair were alone, it was different. It was quiet. No pet names, so lingering touches, no arms over the back of her chair. It was more like two friends hanging out in the same space than a couple that had been dating for, at that point, almost four months. But Namjoo never intruded, never encroached on his space. It didn’t feel right, not when Jisoo looked so far gone, like he was in another part of the house.

Namjoo only leaned over a little, creaking the couch cushion. “Oppa,” she said. His head whipped around like he forgot she was even there. “There you are.” she chuckled. Jisoo’s cheeks tinted red. “Are you alright? You look tired.”

“Yeah. I just… I zoned out. The movie is really bad,” he chuckled.

“It is.” she giggled. Jisoo grabbed his remote, clicking the movie off. “We can do something else.” The duo shared a glance, before Jisoo slid the rest of the popcorn in the bowl towards her. She lifted it up with a soft thanks.

Movie night somehow turned into one of those awkward group projects, both of them at Jisoo’s table with snacks from his chef and their school work laid out before them. It was Namjoo’s idea, because she couldn’t think of anything else. Jisoo wasn’t a physical touch guy from what she’d gathered, and it was late. Where could they possibly go?

Namjoo was scratching through her sticker-covered design book when she heard the chair beside her move. Looking up, Jisoo had been staring. His hand was on his chin, and his eyes were locked on the book. “What are you working on?” He asked curiously.

“I was actually working on some designs for my parents while I was waiting for you to finish class today. So I’m just cleaning them up a bit.”

Jisoo perked up. “Can I see?” Namjoo nodded, smiling as Jisoo leaned over. It was not enough to close even a fraction of the distance between them. Namjoo looked up, setting the book between them instead. She flipped it open, pointing out some of the most recent designs. She explained each and every one, her chest warm as she saw Jisoo’s eyes track each different picture. His hand reached down, brushing against a piece of fabric she’d ripped off and stapled into the book; light blue cotton with a white daisy print.

“I think I’m going to use this and make a jumper,” she motioned to the straps that would go along the shoulders.

“You’re so talented.” He said. “These look amazing.” He chuckled. “You can tell you come from a family of designers. And love what you do.”

Namjoo chuckled. “Thanks,” she said. “I hope my parents like them. It’s just been nice to have the time to work on these.” Her eyes fluttered up to him. Jisoo glanced up at her too and he smiled softly. “What about you?” Jisoo raised an eyebrow as Namjoo closed up her book, now putting all of her attention on him. “What are you working on?”

“Oh, uhm.” he looked down at the papers in front of him, shifting through them lazily. “I don’t know, honestly. My father gave them to me after class today and told me to read them and summarize them.” Namjoo smiled. “I think its profits and data from last quarter.” he rolled his eyes.

“Extra homework?”

“I guess.” Jisoo set his pencil down and leaned back in his chair. “I need to report back to him tomorrow after school.”

“That stinks,” Namjoo said, lips curling into a smirk. Jisoo nodded, eyebrows raised slightly.

“It absolutely does,” he agreed. “But…. I gotta do it, so…” Namjoo nodded. For a minute, she saw a hint of truth in his eyes as they fell back to the paper before him.

“Do you want to do it?”

Jisoo was silent for a minute. But he ultimately shrugged. “It’s whatever,” he said. Truth still lingered in his eyes, but it was duller than before.

Namjoo waited for a few moments before asking one more question. “Oppa,” she breathed, and Jisoo looked over. “....Do you want to kiss me?”

His breath hitched, the fingers around the pencil curling so tightly Namjoo could see it crack a bit. After a long moment of silence, Jisoo swallowed.

“...Yes,” he said softly.

So they did. But Namjoo could tell now that he was lying.

“That must have been hard.” Mingyu breathed the words before he could think them, watching as Namjoo caught his gaze. She smiled, and Mingyu saw the lingering hurt in her eyes. He looked down at his food, which was ordered and served while Namjoo had been talking. But he didn’t touch it yet, he wouldn’t dare.

“It was. I didn’t know what to do. My first thought was to dump him but… that didn’t feel right. I wasn’t mad at him, I wasn’t even unhappy. I was just so confused, it didn’t make sense.” She hummed. “But then I realized he wasn’t dating me for me. He wasn’t even dating me for himself.” Mingyu cocked his eyebrow as Namjoo continued speaking. “He was dating me for his father.”

Namjoo watched as the exotic meal was placed in front of her. Imported fish and tons of delicious side dishes. She and her parents had been invited to dinner at the Hong’s manor, to finally do what all couples do at the next stage of their relationship: meet the parents.

Jisoo seemed on edge most of the night, fiddling with his utensils during the meal and drinking a lot more water than the rest of them. But he was still smiling, and polite. He draped his arm over Namjoo’s chair when they waited for the food and chuckled sweetly at her when her mother commented that ‘they were the cutest couple’.

Mr. Hong was first to speak, and Jisoo perked up like a dog. “I must say Jisoo, you’ve really found a lovely young woman.”

“Ah.” Jisoo looked at Namjoo, who offered a soft smile in his direction before he spoke. “Thank you. She’s… I really like her.”

Mr. Hong chuckled. “I see that. Rumor is you can’t keep your hands off each other at school.” Namjoo felt her cheeks turn pink and she waved her hand.

“Sir, it’s not what you think–.”

“Aaah, don’t worry, I was young once too.” he laughed with Namjoo’s parents as they side tracked to conversation about their own college days. Namjoo felt the hand behind her head curl into the back of the chair, gripping it like it needed to break. She looked at Jisoo, who had his hand on his mouth, a finger drumming lightly against his cheek as he waited for the parents to be done. “Jisoo, elbow off the table.” His father snapped, and immediately his hand fell to his lap, his gaze still looking slightly to the right.

Namjoo reached over, coaxing Jisoo’s hand from behind the chair and onto his leg, interlacing their hands. She could feel the split second where he wanted to pull away, but he didn’t. He only squeezed it tighter.

“Well, Mr. and Mrs. Noh. Namjoo. I’m so glad you guys could come to dinner tonight. Should we move into the living room and have some tea and snacks before you go?”

Namjoo smiled at her mother as she buzzed with excitement, hosting her husband by his arm as the dishes around them were taken away. Mr. Hong turned to Namjoo and smiled. “Jisoo will meet you in the other room, okay, Namjoo.”

“Yes, Sir.” Namjoo turned to Jisoo, who only nodded and motioned for her to follow her mother. So, she did, bowing politely before disappearing through the sliding glass doors dividing the rooms. Just before the doors closed entirely, she stopped them, standing just close enough to listen without being suspicious.

“She’s nice.”

“...She is.” Jisoo finally spoke up.

“And she’s from a good family.”

“...Yes, she is,” Jisoo said again.

Mr. Hong was quiet for a moment, then finally said: “I didn’t think you had the… motivation to find your own partner, Jisoo.” he said. “I’m pleased to finally have one thing I don’t have to be disappointed in.”

Jisoo didn’t say anything that time, but his father did.

“But she seems smart. Has a good head on her shoulders. You picked a good one, Jisoo. Don’t ruin it.”

Namjoo gripped the doorknob, stepping away when she heard the father and son move. Mr. Hong stepped out first, passing by without so much as another glance at Namjoo. Jisoo wasn’t far behind, and the duo locked eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked. Jisoo only stepped closer, lacing their fingers together once again. When she looked down, she saw the hint of nail marks digging into his palm just as they locked together. When she glanced back up at Jisoo, his expression was unreadable. It was dark, like the night sky getting ready for a rain storm. It made Namjoo feel sick. But when he looked at her, she noticed a hint of brightness far and deep in his pupils, a hint of the stars desperate to come out from behind the clouds.

“...He said I picked a good one.”

The drive back to the dorms was quiet, neither knowing what to say in the backseat of the car while his assistant at the time, Mr. Jeong, drove them. He kept his eyes on the road, not focused on the couple in the back at all. Maybe for his own sanity, not interested in what college students get up to when in such cramped quarters. But he didn’t have to worry about any of that.

Namjoo looked over at Jisoo, who kept his hands firmly in his lap. They were squeezed together, his thumb kneading the flesh of his other hand like it was bread dough. His eyes were locked out the window, the night sky overtaken by clouds as a storm raged behind them.

“Your parents are nice.” Namjoo isn’t sure why she said it. Maybe to keep up the scene that Jisoo seemed stuck in. Jisoo finally looked at her and nodded.

“Yours too,” he said. “Uh…” he rubbed his face, pulling out his phone and watching the light illuminate his side profile. “Sorry. I’m just so beat.”

Namjoo nodded. “Me too,” she said.

The duo parted ways at the female dorms, Jisoo watching as she walked inside before starting on his own way. As Namjoo turned out to one of the windows, she saw him head in the complete opposite direction of the dorms.

Things stayed pretty much the same after that. Namjoo just kind of went through the motions. Jisoo’s girlfriend by day, and Noh Namjoo by night. She went out with him from time to time, but it felt more like friends meeting up rather than going out together. Over time, as four months turned into five into six, and the end of the term was coming, Namjoo let it be. It would be what it was. She was Jisoo’s girlfriend for as long as she needed to be, and that was ok. It beat sitting through boring blind dates and listening to her mother remind her that she’s only fertile for so long at the ripe age of 19.

“...I was just as confused as you are now. I thought maybe he just didn’t want to get married, like me.” she said to Mingyu. “For a while. But when it clicked… it clicked.”

One afternoon, just as classes were letting out. She and Jisoo had plans to meet her parents for lunch before their afternoon classes, and she knew it would only be a matter of time before her driver arrived. So, she hurried through the male dorm hallways, waving to some friends of hers and Jisoo’s. She could see his dorm at the end of the hall, and she just hoped he wasn’t still deciding on what to wear.

When she got to the front door, she didn’t even bother to knock. She simply turned the door knob and stepped in, fixing her bag. “Oppa, I hope you’re ready, we’re going to be la-.” Namjoo looked up just as a thwack echoed through the room, followed by a pained: “Fuck, ow!” And it wasn’t Jisoo.

Namjoo’s eyes lifted to the scene before her, and her hand froze in her bag. She watched as Jisoo sat on the edge of his bed, shirt off and hair damp with hints of sweat. His jeans were unbuttoned and unzipped, and the cause of it was rubbing their hip just a few feet away.

Choi Seungcheol was standing there, looking up at her with wide, mortified eyes. His soccer jersey was wrinkled, tugged down to expose one shoulder with a very deep red mark against it. He was gasping for breath, his head turning to Jisoo for some sort of guidance. But Jisoo seemed just as stunned, if not more.

“...Shit, sorry.” Seungcheol said, bowing profusely in Namjoo’s direction.” I’ll go, see you Jo- uh, Jisoo.” He barely looked back at Jisoo before scrambling out the door, fixing his jersey and disappearing down the hall. Namjoo followed him as he made a sharp turn into his own dorm room at the other end of the hall, closing and locking it.

Namjoo was so stunned she could only formulate one thought in her head.

Oh…

“...Namjoo…” The half-broken voice back in the room made her look over. Jisoo was standing up now, his shirt in his hand as he walked over, his jeans buttoned up. “Namjoo, please… it isn’t what it looks like.” Namjoo blinked, eyes falling to the shirt crumpled in his shaking fist. “Please let me explain…”

Something in Namjoo clicked then, and she felt a sense of…. Peace? She couldn’t tell. Something in her body broke into a million pieces and then rebuilt itself in a matter of seconds, she couldn’t possibly tell what it was. But when she saw Jisoo try to speak again, she stepped into the room and locked the door behind her.

“Sit,” she said softly. Jisoo blinked, turning to the desk Seungcheol had most likely bruised himself on. But he did it, sinking into the chair. She walked over, kneeling down in front of him. The duo stared at one another for a minute, a long minute. She could see the terror in Jisoo’s eyes, how he searched for the right words to say with every passing second. After a minute, she dug into her bag and pulled out her makeup kit. Jisoo watched as she unzipped it, pulling out concealer and a brush. “We’re meeting my parents for lunch soon, we gotta get this redness and puffiness down.”

“What?” Jisoo studdered, flinching at the makeup brush as she got to work. “Namjoo, let me explain–.”

“And wear a different shirt.” She stopped her work on his almost tear-stricken face and smiled. “That one’s wrinkled, silly.”

That afternoon, they laughed and ate with her parents as if they were the ones tangled up together a few hours prior, that everything was good. And to Namjoo, things were. Things at least made more sense now.

Neither of them mentioned the events from that afternoon until they got home. Jisoo walked her back to the dorm, hands shoved deep into his pockets and eyes low to the ground. He didn’t look up at her until they got to the front of the female dorms. “Namjoo–.”

“I’m sorry you thought you couldn’t tell me.” She said softly. “It must have been so lonely for you.”

Jisoo stopped walking, and she turned to meet him. He was stunned into silence, so she stood and waited patiently for a response.

That was the first time she’d ever seen Jisoo cry.

Namjoo shifted in her spot. Their time was running out now, eventually they had to head back to the office. At this rate they were gone longer than Joshua and him were at the banquet. But he couldn’t stop staring at Namjoo as she spoke. Each word hit his chest like she’d just unloaded a round of bullets into it.

“Did his father know then?” Mingyu asked. He wasn’t even sure if he knew now. Namjoo shrugged.

“I don’t know. He never told me. I… have a feeling both of them were in denial about a lot of things then. Jisoo was more eager to please then.” She turned back down to where the party was, to where Jisoo was still putting on airs and humoring those he wants no business with. “He still is.”

“So…” Mingyu swallowed hard. “That’s why you two are still… together.”

“Mm.” she nodded. “We agreed it would be that way for as long as Jisoo needed. A month, a year, ten years. Marriage is expected of people like us, to people like us.” she said. “I’d much rather be married to someone I love than some jerk I was set up with.”

“So you do love him.” Mingyu wanted to die.

“I do.” she admitted. “But not in the way you think. I did once, but I think now it’s more of a best friend's love.” she smiled sweetly. “That’s why I suggested this. Because I knew that this way, I could focus on my career while he… figured himself out.” she shrugged. “And I could protect him.” She chuckled. “He is Hong Jisoo after all. He does what he wants.”

Mingyu smiled a bit. “Yes, he has said that before.” He mused.

A brief giggle and then Namjoo’s smile fell. Something in her eyes darkened. Mingyu felt a shiver go up his spine. Oh. Now he was going to die. After the monologue. It made sense. Mingyu gulped, rubbing his hands together as she spoke. “Kim Mingyu.”

“Yes?” he closed his eyes when a mouse-like squeak of a word came out of his mouth.

“It’s your job to protect Hong Jisoo.” Mingyu nodded. “But it’s my job to protect Joshua Hong.” The name coming from her lips felt foreign, but she was genuine when she said it. “If you want that title for yourself, you have to earn it. I have seen Jisoo at some of his lowest moments.”

“This isn’t fair! Why was it so easy for him? Did he not care about me at all?!”

“I don’t know. I’m sorry.” Namjoo whispered, hugging him as he sobbed into her chest, broken and shaking for hours in a trashed bedroom.

“Do you understand?” she asked. “He has so many things that he needs to figure out, and you’ve been the one who’s going to see him through it. As his bodyguard or….” she trailed off.

“I understand…” he said softly. In reality, he didn’t. Few things made sense, maybe even fewer than they did before. But… hearing it from Namjoo, that she, too, wanted what was best for Joshua, was enough to put him at ease. Enough to let him know that he wasn’t the only one watching Joshua hurt in the shadows, having to stand by while he suffered alone. “I want to work together to make sure he’s happy…”

Namjoo smiled softly then, nodding her head. “Good,” she said. “I’m going to hold you to it.” Mingyu nodded his head. Finally, Namjoo reached for her fork. “Please, eat. Before it gets any colder.”

Mingyu turned his gaze to his food once again, reaching for his fork. As he ate, he tried his best to make sure that the scattered puzzle in his head would be put together before he got back to work, because he needed to see Joshua. He needed to talk to him, to hold him, to tell him everything would be ok.

To protect him.

—------------

Mingyu and Namjoo could hear Mr. Hong and Jisoo bickering from across the hall when they returned.

“I have no idea what she’s doing, okay? I don’t own her, you know!”

“Well, she'd better have a damn good reason for this. Did he do something at the show?”

“No, not that I know of! If he did, she would have told me! As I said, I don’t fucking-.”

“Don’t curse at your father.”

“Stay the hell out of this, Jiwon, please.” Mingyu frowned when he heard Jisoo’s exhaustion. He must have been fighting these two the entire time they were gone.

“They’re at it again, hm?” Namjoo sighed. “Don’t worry, I’ll do all the talking, ok?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Mingyu nodded, watching as she took the lead into the office.

All three members of the Hong family almost jumped out of their seats when Mr. Park let Namjoo and Mingyu in. Mingyu’s eyes immediately fell to Jisoo, who sat down in his own seat and studied the pair. Namjoo bowed politely.

“Miss. Noh.” Mr. Hong hummed. “I hope lunch was satisfactory.”

“It was delicious.” She said. “I appreciate you humoring me and my request today.”

“Of course, my dear.” Mr. Hong hummed. “But, if I may… why did you request to see Kim Mingyu today? Did something happen that I should be aware of?”

Mingyu looked at Namjoo, studying her profile as she smoothed out her jacket. Namjoo shook her head. “No, Sir. Quite the opposite, I simply took a liking to him at the fashion show. And I know that he’s been with Oppa for quite a little bit of time now. I had to check him out for myself.”

Mr. Hong raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry?”

“Well, pardon my boldness, but we can’t have just anyone guarding my Oppa, can we? As his future wife, it’s my job to make sure the people close to him are going to take good care of him.” She turned to face Mingyu.

Mr. Hong glanced at Jisoo, then back to Namjoo and Mingyu. “And?”

“And he seems to be doing a fantastic job,” Namjoo assured. Mingyu looked over at Jisoo, seeing the heir’s shoulders relax a bit. He licked his bottom lip, turning his gaze away from the pair and looking out the window.

Mingyu nodded to Namjoo. “You’re too kind. Miss. Noh.” He said softly.

Namjoo smiled sweetly, patting his shoulder. “Oppa!” she called, reclaiming his attention. “I need to go back now. Walk me out?”

“Uh… yeah, sure.” Rising from his seat, he bowed to his father before passing by Mingyu. Mingyu looked down, noticing how Joshua brushed lightly against his shoulder, before taking Namjoo by the arm.

The group of four now, bodyguards and their boss’s, strolled to the elevator, Namjoo and Joshua leading the way. Nobody spoke, but Mingyu silently watched as Namjoo’s hold on his arm loosened to a gentle palm pressed against his shoulder, and how Jisoo silently looked ahead as they walked. It seemed nobody had anything to say right now, but it was a comfortable silence compared to the ones he’d found himself in recently.

—------------------------

The car ride that night, without Junhui, was void of talking, but not quiet. Joshua had turned the music on and was staring out the window, the occasional hum coming from his lips. Mingyu was driving him home, his grip enough to strangle a large bear if necessary. He could almost see his bones in his knuckles from how hard he was gripping the wheel.

There was no tension in the car, but that arguably was the worst part. Every time Mingyu snuck a glance at Joshua, his eyes remained fixed through the glass, staring ahead at the world as it passed by. He didn’t know what that meant after today’s events.

It’s my job to protect Joshua Hong. If you want that job, you have to prove to me you really want it.

“Sir.” Mingyu managed to choke out. It was nonexistent at best, shaky at worst.

Joshua’s shoulders tensed, almost startled. Like pulling the needle off the record, his humming stopped. Mingyu watched from the corner of his eye as Joshua glanced at the clock on the car’s radio.

“...Off the clock.” His voice was flat, not littered with his usual coyness.

“Hyung.”

“Mmm?”

“I just… am gonna talk. And you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to…” When he wasn’t met with a reply, Mingyu pulled to a stop at the next light. Taking a deep breath. “We aren’t… at the same place we started when we met at the festival, are we?”

Joshua didn’t reply.

Mingyu pulled forward as the light changed. “And I don’t… we don’t… know a lot about each other either.”

No reply. Was he still mad? Even after today he couldn’t blame him. The last time they two exchanged words they were raised and aggressive, so he wouldn’t blame Joshua. Mingyu realizes he gave Joshua the space to say nothing, but now that it was happening, he could feel his blood pressure spiking.

“I… If we’re going to keep doing this… whatever we’ve created for ourselves here, then we should, erm… what’s the right word?” Mingyu paused, chewing on his bottom lip. “Communicate.”

“Mm.” Well, that’s something.

Mingyu inhaled, finally turning to Joshua when they got to another red light. He glanced down and, in a bold move, reached out to take one of Joshua’s hands. The older man looked down with wide eyes, but didn’t attempt to pull away. “But I realize you might not have ever really expected this relation…” he paused. “This… to be that. We never really set down any ground rules, other than mine…” Still, Joshua’s eyes are trained on their hands sitting interlocked on his thigh. “I want you to feel comfortable communicating with me, but if you don’t… I understand.”

“...It’s not that…” Joshua said softly.

Mingyu was now the one to fall silent, fixing his other hand on the wheel so that he could keep holding Joshua’s. He drove silently for a few seconds, but eventually said. “You said back at the office… I think it was… ‘We’re not boyfriends…” or something like that….” His cheeks heated up at the thought, and he felt Joshua’s fingers tighten on his hand. “Do you…. Would you not consider us to be… at that level?”

Joshua was silent again. Mingyu bit into his lower lip. The duo drove for a few more minutes, Joshua's gaze returning to the window and Mingyu’s to the road. It was silent again, minus the music and the occasional hum of a note from Joshua. So, when he suddenly said, “Pull over,” and pointed to an open lot just a few blocks from Joshua’s house, Mingyu had to admit he was startled. But he listened.

Mingyu parked in a random spot and put the car into park, turning off the ignition and listening to the car as it settled. Now it was his turn to glance out the window, eyes flickering up to the moon hanging in the air.

The sound of shifting in the other seat made Mingyu look up, just in time to see Joshua unbuckling his seatbelt and crawling over the center console. Joshua straddled his lap. He looked up, holding Joshua so he wouldn’t fall. “What are you doing?” Mingyu’s question was intercepted by Joshua leaning down, brushing their lips together just enough for them to feel it. Mingyu inhaled, tilting his chin up to return it. His hands settled at Joshua’s lower back, while Joshua’s hands wormed their way up to Mingyu’s jaw line.

The kiss wasn’t as intense as others they’ve had; neither was trying to paw away their clothes or whisper dirty things to one another. The windows didn’t steam, and the immediate vicinity didn’t feel hot. Things felt slow, uncharacteristically slow. But nice… oh, so nice.

Joshua was the first to pull away, his tongue peeking out to swipe at his lips. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

Mingyu tilted his head, their noses and lips knocking together. “You don’t have to be sorry,” he said. “I said terrible things, almost did terrible things. Probably because I was jealous. And I don’t understand a lot.” A smile formed on his lips, soft and attempting to be playful. “My brain hates when it doesn’t know things, you know? It comes with the ‘incredibly smart’ part of my DNA.”

“Heh…” Joshua’s fingers flexed against Mingyu’s skin, and he felt the sudden urge to turn and kiss one; the base of his ring and pinkie fingers specifically. He leaned in, their lips brushing together again. Joshua seemed to be on a world limit for now.

Mingyu rested their foreheads together. “I just want to be able to protect you.”

“It’s your job.” Joshua finally spoke.

“More than my job,” Mingyu assured. “I want to protect you.” He thought back to Namjoo’s conversation with him and the determination in her statements. “Kim Mingyu wants to protect Joshua Hong.” His fingers curled around his waist, eyes fluttering shut as he inhaled, taking a moment to feel Joshua’s fingers on his skin. “From everything on and off the clock.” Joshua pulled back a bit, resting his back against the wheel. Mingyu still held him. “You said I don’t understand you or your life. Which is true, I’ve only been in it for a short time. But I want to. And I want to be more honest with you, too.”

Joshua ran one of his hands down the side of Mingyu’s neck. “You won’t like a lot of things you learn about me…” he said softly. “I’m shocked you’ve stuck around this long.” Mingyu opened his mouth to talk, but Joshua’s head fell forward, pressing his forehead on Mingyu’s shoulder. “From the fashion show to the sneaking around… to the gala… to everything…”

Mingyu frowned. Gently, he lifted Joshua’s head, nudging their noses together once more. None of those things felt like they mattered anymore. “Try me…” he said softly. “Whatever you tell me, right now, will be fair game. No judgement, no grudges, nothing.” Joshua was silent for a minute, really trying to come up with something to say. Mingyu waited patiently, watching Joshua tug at every thought and confession in his brain, wondering which would be the best one to start with. The more time passed, the tighter Mingyu’s chest felt. Was there actually something he wanted to get off his chest so badly it made him this nervous?

“I’ve never had a boyfriend before…”

“Really…” Mingyu’s voice was soft despite the surprise.

“Mm… I’ve been involved with lots of guys…. But none of them ever called me their boyfriend. So I never called them mine….” He rubbed his thumb along his lips. “I know how to be a boyfriend, if you count Namjoo…. But I don’t know how to… have a boyfriend.”

Mingyu’s lips fell into a small smile. “Well… you brought me food from my favorite restaurant that one time. That’s a good start.” Joshua finally allowed a small chuckle to escape his lips.

“...The CEO of this transportation company, Mr. Taylor….” Joshua said gently. “He has a husband.”

“Oh?”

“Mm…” Joshua’s hands tightened on Mingyu’s shoulders, and when he felt one of them shaking, his hand slipped up to intertwine them. “He told me very casually that they had lunch plans. Like it wasn’t a big deal.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t.”

“I think I forgot how to function for fifteen minutes after that phone call. It was… I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone in… power, I guess, flaunt having a partner - a husband - so easily before.” Mingyu nodded. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to meet with him. I might have to give it to my father.”

“Now, that’s stupid,” Mingyu said quickly, eyes widening. Joshua pouted. “You have much more in common with this guy than your father does. If you play your cards right, you might just make a really strong ally for yourself in the future, you know. Even beyond the merger…”

Joshua clicked his tongue. “He’s going to ask me about Namjoo, I just know it.”

“You’ll be able to maneuver your way through.” Mingyu encouraged, rubbing Joshua’s sides. “You’re the best liar I’ve ever met.”

Joshua laughed, drier this time. “You have no idea, Mingyu….” He said softly.

Smiling, Mingyu finally looked over to check the time on the clock. “How far away is your house from here?”

“Mmm… maybe five minutes.” His hand gently squeezed the side of Mingyu’s neck. “Why? Gonna make me walk home?”

“No.” Mingyu chuckled. “I’m going to take you home.” After a second, he tilted his head, digging his teeth into his bottom lip. “But, once you get home and I’m off the clock… I can’t really say what you’ll do after…”

Joshua blinked, a soft smile forming on his face, his hand slipping down to toy with Mingyu’s shirt. In his curiosity, one of the buttons came undone. “Ahh, like… walking back over here and getting in some strange man’s car, hm?” He chuckled. “I never expected you to start enabling me, Kim Mingyu…”

Mingyu sighed, a playful sound of defeat, body falling limp against the headrest. “I’ve been enabling you since I first asked you to come up to my apartment for coffee.”

“Which I never even got.”

“My coffee machine sucks.”

“I know.” Joshua grinned, leaning in to kiss Mingyu again. Mingyu tilted his chin to meet him, this kiss holding much more weight of future events than the past one. When they pulled for air, Mingyu’s hands were still holding Joshua close to him. He reached up, brushing some of his hair from Joshua’s bangs until he finally peeled himself off Mingyu’s lap and settled back into the passenger’s seat. The first thing he did was put the music back on.

Mingyu started up the engine, the car pulling seamlessly out of the driveway and back onto the road towards Joshua’s house.

--------------

“Okay, there’s something seriously wrong with you, Hyung!”

Mingyu rolled on his stomach, propping himself up on his arms to look down at Joshua, who had been staring wide-eyed at him. “What do you mean, something is wrong with me?”

“Business Proposal is the best drama.”

“Uh, no. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but Boys Over Flowers is so much more iconic!”

“You’re just saying that because the main guy is Lee Minho!”

“And Lee Minho being a gay awakening for 14-year-old me was incredibly impactful on society. Therefore, the best drama ever.” Mingyu scoffed. “What? I know Ahn Hyoseop is the reason you picked yours!”

“Actually, it’s the comedic timing and the storyline, let’s be serious, okay?” Mingyu narrowed his eyes. Joshua cocked an eyebrow, and Mingyu immediately folded. “Okay, yeah, also Ahn Hyoseop.” Joshua laughed, bright and amused as he lay back on the bed, stretching his arms over his head. “Okay, fine, next question.” Mingyu shifted, pursing his lips together. “Mmmm, dream vacation.”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Joshua said. “Los Angeles.”

Mingyu whistled. “That sounds amazing.” He said. “But I assumed with your money, you’d have answered that you’ve been practically everywhere.” Joshua chuckled, but it wasn’t as bright or amused as the others had been. Mingyu watched as Joshua lay on his back, pursing his lips together.

“My father won’t let me go to the States,” he said. “And before you say anything, I know I’m in my twenties and can do what I want…” he chuckled dryly. “But my father doesn’t let me have access to my passport….”

“Seriously?” Joshua shook his head. “Oh…”

“He only gives it to me when he approves of the trip,” he shifted. “So the States are out. Hence, a dream…”

“Wow.” Mingyu reached out, wiping some of Joshua’s bangs from his face. He looked over, the corner of his lip peeking up into a small smile. “Is that because of all the stuff with your mother?”

“Yeah. Not like I’d have any luck finding her anyway…” He clicked his tongue. “What about you?” Mingyu hummed at the question. “Dream vacation.”

“Oh. Uh… Hawaii.” He chuckled. “But hell, going to Jeju is a big deal for me at this rate.” Joshua hummed, nodding his head.

“Just say the word, and I can take us to Jeju.” His voice was soft. Mingyu felt something bloom in his chest, and his fingers continued raking gently through his hair, still slightly damp from sweat. “Okay, ask another one.”

“It’s your turn.”

“I like it when you ask,” Joshua said between soft breaths. Mingyu hummed, racking his brain for a good question. “Don’t hurt yourself, there.” Joshua teased. Mingyu scoffed, the hand playing through Joshua’s hair slipping under his head instead. He watched as Joshua rolled onto his side, and his cheek rested comfortably against Mingyu’s bicep.

“I don’t have any more fun ones in mind.” Mingyu’s voice was quiet. Joshua shifted, his bangs once again dangling in his face as he moved.

Joshua's expression tightened a bit. “I’m amazed you took this long to ask a serious one…” he said. “Go on. Ask away.”

Mingyu took a deep breath, the hand under Joshua’s head lifting up a bit to thread back into his hair, like a lifeline to remind him Joshua was here with him for now. “Did you have feelings for her?” He swallowed. “Ever?”

Joshua blinked. “....Namjoo?” Mingyu nodded his head. But just before he could beg for an apology or switch the question to pineapple on pizza, Joshua answered. “Yeah. I did. I think…”

“You think?”

“Yeah.” Joshua scooted closer to them, their chests now pressed together. “I mean… when I was in college, I did. Or I told myself I did.” He pursed his lips together. “I guess I have to have some feelings for her to do everything she and I do, but…” realizing he was rambling, Joshua stopped. “Why?”

“Well.” Mingyu’s eyes looked Joshua over, letting his head fall forward so their foreheads were pressed together. “You touch her like you do. I saw.”

“Jealous?” he asked, his voice soft. Mingyu’s cheeks tinted pink. “I don’t think anyone I’ve been with has ever been jealous of Namjoo before,” he said. “It’s going to boost her ego.” Mingyu smiled. “But it’s all just for show. I promise. So don’t worry…”

“Well… that’s easier said than done.”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“...Because I touch you the same way.”

Joshua was quiet after that, wide brown eyes snapping up to Mingyu’s gaze. Joshua propped himself up fully, looking down at Mingyu like he was trying to translate what he just heard. Mingyu glanced up at him, biting the inside of his lip. Finally, Joshua spoke. “...Show me.” Mingyu’s heart stopped in his chest then, shoulders tightening. “What? I want to see.”

Mingyu felt his heart start beating as he sat up, coming eye level with Joshua. In a few swift moves, he reached out and tugged him close by his waist, so Joshua was straddling his waist. Only the blanket was covering them at the hips, and Mingyu could feel Joshua’s body heat wrap around him like a blanket as he sat completely naked on his lap. “Well…” Mingyu was already breathless as he looked up at Joshua, his hands looping around his waist. “Like this.” His hand slid along Joshua’s skin, ghosting over the small of his back. He saw goosebumps as they poked up on Joshua’s skin, his head lolling to the side. The other hand slid up, along his arm, interlacing their fingers. “And this.” Joshua chuckled, running his tongue along his bottom lip as he watched Mingyu move along his body. Mingyu rubbed his hands along Joshua’s arms, brushed his fingers along his cheeks as if he were catching an eyelash, and ran a hand gently through his hair. Every movement, he watched Joshua’s eyes follow like a hawk.

“That’s all?” he asked, his voice already oozing with a soft intrigue. Mingyu’s eyes fluttered down to his lips, shaking his head.

“No,” he said, before the hand on his back slid up. He watched Joshua shiver under the touch before Mingyu gently pulled him forward and into a kiss. Joshua's hands reached up, cupping at his jaw as he returned the kiss, pressing his body closer to Mingyu’s. Mingyu hummed, fisting the sheets falling off Joshua’s hips and tugging them up. “Does that make sense?” he asked between kisses, smiling up at Joshua.

Joshua nodded his head. “So much sense,” he said breathlessly, before kissing Mingyu so hard that it sent them both toppling backwards onto the bed again.

—------------

Jisoo stepped out of the back of the car, fixing the suit of his jacket as he looked up at the gorgeous Korean restaurant he’d booked for his meeting with Mr. Taylor. The CEO had managed to extend his vacation, starting for a week in Korea before flying out to Japan. Jisoo’s team told him that was a good sign, but Jisoo would never tell them he was still a bit nervous.

He told Mingyu, though. It was all he told Mingyu.

Jisoo let out a deep breath, turning to the door of the car. Mingyu stepped out from the passenger’s seat, offering a small smile of encouragement. Jisoo nodded his head, heading up the steps.

Mr. Taylor arrived five minutes after Jisoo had settled into their private room, their drinks already poured and appetizers already ordered. Mr. Taylor was beaming as the pair shook hands.

“Jisoo, it’s been too long.”

“Same to you.” he said. “I really appreciate you finding the time to extend your vacation just for me.”

“Psh, please. My husband has always wanted to visit Korea.” Jisoo bit the inside of his lip as the pair sat down. Mr. Taylor was already pulling out his phone, showing Jisoo a picture of Mr. Taylor and his husband wearing traditional hanbok at a shrine. “He’s already dragged me around half the country.”

Jisoo chuckled a bit, admiring the smiling couple in the photo. “Well, if you need recommendations while you’re here, let me know. I’d be happy to give some.”

Mr. Taylor laughed. “I will absolutely be taking you up on that.” He said. Jisoo nodded his head. As Mr. Taylor took a moment to sip his drink and scan the menu, Jisoo looked down at his lap. He thought back to his own phone gallery, littered with pictures of him and Namjoo from different events, arm in arm for the cameras or cuddling close for a selfie with friends.

I touch you the same way.

Joshua’s entire body felt warm, like Mingyu’s hands were lingering on his waist, his back, his arms. He smiled to himself, looking up just as Mr. Taylor set his menu down.

“So… shall we talk business? I’m looking forward to hearing everything you have to offer to me.”

Joshua nodded his head. “Absolutely.”

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