header: scannie
pairing: ceo!wonwoo x ceo!female oc genre: fluff, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers kind of thing word count: 3.9k+ (oops got carried away again) WARNINGS: none! (pls tell me if i missed anything!) 💌: i'm not sure if you guys still remember more for forever and with mingyu, but those are the combination/inspiration for this wonwoo version :') and since this is wonwoo's version, please do expect some changes and differences. i think i have mentioned somewhere that i would write a ceo wonwoo too and here it is now! i hope you guys like this! please do tell me what you think. i will be working on the next chapter of starry-eyed next. please stay tuned! <3
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Smiling at each other without reason
It’s boring.
Board Meetings have always been boring and it’s not new to Wonwoo because he is always present in them. His father, the Chairperson of the Jeon Group of Companies, would be too displeased if his son were to take a leave of absence to a very important meeting that only convenes once a month.
Even though he already knows what’s in store for him, it’s still boring. Except when he has to stand in front of the board of directors, shareholders, and fellow executive officers and report about the status, developments, and whatnot of the company his father entrusted him to run.
It’s boring. Except when you’re present and bored, just like him.
Maybe, you’re one of the inviting reasons as to why Wonwoo doesn’t skip these meetings. Actually, you’re the only inviting reason. He looks forward to seeing you because your appointment required you to move to the other side of the city, where the company you’re in charge of is located at. He doesn’t see you often and as much as he used to when the two of you were only college students, being trained for the big business your families built.
It’s boring. Except when he meets your eyes from across the table and your small smile wakes him up from the fifteen minute long speech of one of the directors. He smiles back, he has to. He has to because… no reason at all. It’s you. He has to.
Wonwoo grew up with you, but you were never close enough as childhood friends. The both of you lived in the same rich neighborhood, attended and graduated from the same expensive and prestigious schools, and the like. However, you only acknowledged each other with a nod as you passed by each other.
For the two of you, your faces are familiar but nothing more.
You and Wonwoo may not be close, but your families are. In both sense of family friendship and business partnership. It’s no surprise your paths still cross each other despite not being part of the same circle of friends or sharing the same interests.
It’s unbelievable how you were seemingly strangers back then and yet, here you are now, smiling like fools in the middle of a serious meeting.
Come to think of it, in this room full of old and becoming old people, you’re the only face he is acquainted with and honestly, you’re no different. So sneaking a smile here and there for no reason doesn’t seem so bad. It’s kind of amusing and comforting all at the same time.
Later on, your phone screen lights up and flashes an email notification. You frown at first when you see Wonwoo’s company email address. But almost choke with suppressed laughter when you read his message.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Request for Contact Information
How come I don’t have your phone number?
You cast your eyes at Wonwoo, your eyebrows asking if he’s serious right now. He only gives you a pointed look, telling you to answer the question.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Disapproval of Request for Contact Information
Please refer to my secretary for any concerns or questions.
Thank you.
Wonwoo doesn’t even finish reading the subject of your email when his head shoots up, offended at your rejection. He can tell you’re trying to hold your laughter by the way you're pursing your lips. He thinks of sending an appeal, but stops himself. Fine, he concludes and returns his phone inside the pocket of his blazer. You glance at him and he’s not smiling anymore, expression serious as he pays attention to the meeting again.
Your heart sinks and you’re not sure if you should admit it at all. But, your phone vibrates again and it’s a message from your secretary this time around.
Sana:
Why is Mr. Jeon’s secretary asking for your phone number?
Your eyes widen and you look at Wonwoo again. If you weren’t paying enough attention to his face, you wouldn’t see the small smirk playing on his lips. You scoff, lowly.
Me:
Tell him to give his boss’ number first.
You smirk as well, before turning your phone off and focus back on the meeting.
Listening to each other rant
A friendship blossomed between you and Wonwoo after your silly exchange during the board meeting. Well, your email banter lasted for quite a while before the two of you finally exchanged phone numbers. You two are too stubborn and surprisingly prideful to admit it, but it was ridiculous to hold out for so long when you could have just given each other’s phone numbers from the get go.
You and Wonwoo didn’t talk every day, but your conversations were genuine. It started from short text messages about work, talking about ideas and whatsoever. Eventually, voice calls became part of the communication dynamic, with a coffee or lunch out invitation in tow every once in a while.
And now, he visits your office and you visit his, not minding the distance in between. It’s not necessarily scheduled, but a silent agreement was made that if one is available, your doors are always open for each other. Usually, the two of you just meet up to talk about your insufferable co-workers and yes, the work itself.
Just like now, you walk into Wonwoo’s huge office doors casually just right on time as he hands the last batch of documents he finished signing to Jihoon, his executive secretary.
“Hi Mr. Lee,” you politely greet the other man in the room and he kindly smiles at you before taking his leave. As the door shuts, you turn to Wonwoo whose attention is now at the computer on his table.
You purse your lips and lean your hips against the couch of his receiving area. “Is it a bad time today?”
Wonwoo’s head snaps at the sound of your voice, eyes blinking in surprise. “Oh. I didn’t see you there.”
“What?” You frown, before bursting into laughter. “Didn’t you hear Mr. Lee announce my arrival?”
“Sorry,” he’s quick to apologize. “Been occupied since morning, I don’t notice anyone and anything from my surroundings.”
You nod and make a decision to turn on your heel. “Oh well, I guess I’ll come back some other time.”
Wonwoo is also quick to stand up. “I didn’t tell you to leave, though?” He asks, tilting his head as he buttons his suit.
You chuckle and turn back around. “So, would you like to go first or would you allow me to do the honors?”
Wonwoo just smiles and gestures for you to finally take a seat on one of the two couches. “I'll ask for some coffee.”
Giving small (yet expensive) gifts without special occasions
One Saturday afternoon, you were at the mall to buy a gift for a close friend celebrating their birthday the following day. At most times, you shop online instead of actually going out. But, you figured it would be nice to step out of your penthouse apartment and walk around even just for a while.
You set on buying a simple coat plus an accessory to match. You have been to about three stores already and nothing seemed to have caught your attention and satisfied your criteria. But, on the fourth, you were able to find the perfect gifts and at the same time meet a perfectly familiar face.
“I kind of need a new coat,” Wonwoo explains as he stands beside you on the rack, hands getting busy among the hangers. “I have outgrown some of mine. You know how my shoulders have been getting broader as the days go by.”
You roll your eyes. Of course you would know. He sends you pictures of him and his friends at the gym as if they don’t post enough on instagram. Said photos have made your cheeks warm and stomach fluttering but, you will never let him know. Nonetheless, you have finished picking what you need already so you decided to help him out before paying and leaving.
“I think this color looks good,” you suggest, pulling out a navy blue garment from the rack, holding it against his torso to check if you’re right. Wonwoo naturally stands straight and lets you be, trusting your judgment like it's second nature. “It would be perfect for any color underneath.”
“Alright,” he agrees and nods and before he can tell the kind employee his size, you’re already beating him to it.
“We’ll get a size large of this please,” you call the attention of the store’s staff and hand her the final choice before glancing at Wonwoo, giving him a teasing look. “Since his shoulders get broader and all.”
It’s his turn to roll his eyes as he walks with you, following the employee in charge to the checkout counter. He watches you pull your wallet out from your handbag as each item gets punched in the system and he does the same, but once again, he loses against you even with paying.
He frowns when you hand him the paper bag, but takes it nonetheless. “You didn’t have to pay for me.”
You only shrug your shoulders, giving him a small smile. “I’d take that as a thank you.”
Wonwoo wishes to invite you for lunch, but you wanted to go home already. He respects your desires and waves at you good-bye, bidding you to take care. He could go home too, but not without getting a little something to give you as a thank you.
On Monday, you were greeted by a white paper bag from a familiar luxury brand with a little card attached, a short message written on it that made your face warm (again) and heart beat two times faster than it should and you thought, wow you’re in deep trouble.
Thank you for the coat. I didn’t really know what you’d like.
Next time, tell me what you need and I will give it to you.
J. WW.
Showing interest in each other’s interests
The look of surprise on Wonwoo’s face immediately makes you giggle. His mouth is slightly ajar, eyes twinkling, and hands frozen as you hand him the bouquet of flowers you arranged earlier at your grandparent’s garden.
This wasn’t what he’s really expecting on a Wednesday morning at work but, seeing your eyes brighter than the daylight and your smile, oh your sheepish smile, beyond adorable, he would gladly take them all in.
“What’s this for?” He asks, smiling bashfully as his fingers gently graze the petals.
You shrug your shoulders and cross your arms, rubbing them each in a protective guise because you suddenly feel embarrassed. “You told me you attended a flower arrangement class with Junhui and I thought it might be cute to give you one.”
You remembered. His flower arrangement class with Junhui was only a passing conversation about a week ago. Even he, himself, has already forgotten ever mentioning it to you. Wonwoo’s smile widens and he suddenly gets the urge to kiss you senseless right now. But, he won’t because that would be too strange.
Then, he remembers the rock climbing activity you mentioned before. “How was rock climbing with Mingyu? Based on the photos you sent me, you looked like you had a great time.”
He remembered. You smile tiredly and puff a strand of hair out of your face as you slump on the comfortable couch of his office. “It was fun, but I will never do it again.”
You did send him some snaps because he requested them since he couldn’t go with you, sadly declining your invitation to attend an important meeting. Hearing that he remembers makes you feel all tingly and you honestly don’t know where to place all the excitement coursing through your whole body. You could kiss him, but that would be too much.
Wonwoo chuckles and stands up from his chair, walking to join you. He also slumps down beside you, both of your shoulders touching. He relaxes from the smallest contact with your warm skin and if he could remove the uncertainty clouding his brain, he would snuggle close to you.
“I think it’s time we do something together,” you say, tilting your head to his side. “What do you say?”
Wonwoo’s ears perk up at the sound of together and even without having anything in mind, he’s already answering yes to you.
Showing that they care for one another
Wonwoo can tell how tired you have been upon seeing your puffy eyes due to the lack of sleep. His vision might be imperfect, but he knows how fully loaded with work you have been over the past few weeks. He could scold you right now and bring you back to your comfortable bedroom and make sure you get the rest you need. But of course, he also knows he won’t be able to do that to you.
Today, you’re going on a weekend camping trip with your friends and it’s been awhile since this trip to the forest was planned out. His guess is you didn’t want to miss all the fun thus sacrificing a good weekend of catching up with some rest to spend time with them instead. He understands that and he cares about you too much to not let you have what you want.
This isn't exactly what Wonwoo had planned in terms of spending time together. But what he thinks doesn’t matter. He takes a deep breath in and out before approaching you to help unload your bags from the car. He told you he will pick you up, but you immediately said no. His apartment is 30 minutes away from your address and you didn’t want him to travel back and forth and tire himself out when the camping hadn't even started. He let you win so the least he could do is help you out.
“Hey,” you say, voice tired yet so soft. He smiles at you and hands you your small carry on. “Thank you.”
Now that he can see you up close, he desperately wants to take a pass on this camping trip despite the raging excitement your friends are screaming about in the background. He tries to refrain from going all protective mode on you as he fixes the zipper of your jacket.
“You know, I can still take you back home, right?” He asks with his hands resting on your cold cheeks and eyes boring at yours with concern. “You need to sleep, babe.”
You pout and furrow your eyebrows at him. “Stop. I’m okay. I can take a nap when we get there.”
He’s been calling you pet names and you don’t miss it. You’ve been meaning to confront him about it, but you’ve been holding off because you don’t want him to stop. In fact, you want to do the same.
Wonwoo goes silent at your whimper, the tip of his tongue poking on his right cheek. He figures it’s not wise to further stress you out by mixing his concern with your exhaustion. That’s why he just takes your word and leads you to your friends as one by one they load the bus you’re going to ride on.
Not less than ten minutes into the bus ride, you’re all snuggled to Wonwoo’s shoulder as you pass out. He knew you would instantly fall asleep. He just didn’t expect that you would take comfort in him. Most of your friends are already in relationships so it’s only normal that they sit together. Meanwhile, your other friends are either playing games or watching movies on their phones. He’s sure you don’t want the latter right now.
He sighs for the nth time, but smiles as he gets a good look on your face. You look so peaceful with your eyes closed and of course, adorable with your mouth slightly opened. Slowly, he moves his arm so that he can wrap it around your shoulders. You stir a little bit, but fall back into sleep once his hand cradles your head back to the crook of his neck.
Wonwoo closes his eyes to sleep as well, but your head abruptly springing up and almost hitting his jaw makes him sit back up. He asks you what’s wrong but, what you whisper with your eyes still closed just made him melt into a puddle of mush.
“I brought you some dumplings just in case you don’t like the seafood we’re going to cook.”
His fleeting kiss and content smile against your forehead doesn’t go missed by your friends, watching your quiet and sweet interaction.
Slowly becoming more comfortable with each other
Honestly, you and Wonwoo are not becoming more comfortable with each other. In fact, the both of you have already become more comfortable. Your friends are not blind to see how the two of you have grown enamored to each other. It’s not hard to tell when your eyes are warmer and brighter with just one look and one smile.
Everything is obvious with how he has attached himself to you during the camping trip. Always asking you if you need anything or if you’re comfortable enough inside the tent you’re going to share with the rest of the girls. You’re no different because even during the campfire where it was warm enough, you made sure his whole body had enough layers of blankets. And of course, the dumplings. Wonwoo won’t tell you yet but he surely had a happy stomach and happy heart for the rest of the night.
Oh, and who would forget the mall incident where a few acquaintances bumped into the two of you? Holding hands. Holding hands while strolling around after a quick lunch break.
Holding hands.
“What are you doing here together?” They ask politely, eyes drawn to the intertwined fingers between your bodies.
You blink innocently, but smile nonetheless as your head turns to smile shyly at Wonwoo. He smiles back before looking down, mirroring your shyness.
You hold his hand a little tighter before answering the question, “We’re on a date actually.”
Slowly, but surely falling in love
You and Wonwoo weren’t compelled to talk about your relationship to other people. It’s already clear with your family and friends and thankfully, they’re content to see the two of you doing your own couple things without further questions asked.
However, you and Wonwoo did talk. It wasn’t a make or break kind of talk. It was more of a talk about being on the same page and sharing the same feelings. You talked about the “us” and “together” and honestly, the thought of it sounded so promising, no discussion was necessary.
Looking back, you’re not quite sure how things came to be between you and Wonwoo, but you’re not complaining nor doubting. Why? Well, it’s simple. It’s because the moments you shared and spent with each other weren't just a spur of the moment. The talking, touching, hugging, kissing, and everything else. They were all genuine.
Deep and genuine affection.
Love.
Wonwoo lifts the blanket up to your chin before planting a kiss on your forehead. He has to go to the gym with Mingyu today and he hoped you could tag along with them, but seeing how you’re still lost in dreamland, he’s going to let you sleep in.
It’s been quite a while since you moved in together and it has been nothing but blissful. Both of you are still busy with work, but the thought of coming home together, eating together, cuddling together, just together, is more than enough to not mind a single bit.
You stumble inside the bathroom as your boyfriend finishes brushing his teeth. He assumes you’re going to plead him to stay, but when he sees you take a seat on the toilet bowl with eyes still closed and do your business, he couldn’t help but silently chuckle.
Once done, you hug him briefly and kiss his taut back before returning to bed. You can’t see it, but Wonwoo’s smile is nothing but endeared. He sighs and dries his face clean. He gazes at your sprawled out form on the bed, arms crossed as he leans against the doorframe of the bathroom. He clearly remembers how he made sure to tuck you in with the warm blanket, but now it’s haphazardly thrown on the side. He shakes his head in jest disbelief, but decides to join you back on the bed.
You’re irresistible to Wonwoo’s eyes.
His lean arms wrapping themselves around your body wakes you as you were just about to fall back to sleep. His chest greets you, making you frown. Your eyes adjust to the brightness coming from the window before blinking at him, confused as to what he’s doing.
“Aren’t you supposed to go to the gym? Like, right now?” You ask, but barely a whisper. Your voice is still hoarse from sleep.
“Yup,” Wonwoo answers, holding you tighter.
“Then why are you still here?” Another question, but you’re definitely not complaining as you hug him back.
Wonwoo kisses the top of your head. “Just want to cuddle for a few more minutes.”
Mingyu had a lengthy message sent later on, scolding your boyfriend for not showing up. Wonwoo just laughs it off, sending a quick apology and promise that he would treat him to a fancy meal next weekend.
“You’re so mean to Mingyu,” now it’s your turn to scold your boyfriend as you fix yourself some tea. You’re acting as if you have no part in his mischief earlier and that makes Wonwoo smile cheekily, already sitting on the dining table as he sips from his own cup of coffee.
“Should I sleep over at Sana’s when you have plans the next day?” you suggest, finally joining him at the table. You carefully place your mug down before sitting on the chair, but not without having his hand caress your hip.
“Don’t say that,” Wonwoo disagrees and pulls your chair closer to his, “You’re the best part of this place.”
“Alright, alright,” you appease him by softly planting a kiss on his cheek. That makes him smile and wrap his arm around your shoulders.
Later in the afternoon, you sit beside Wonwoo in front of his computer as you munch on the simple lunch the two of you almost burned in the kitchen. He shows you what he’s been working on with Mingyu on the sidelines and your smile is nothing but proud. Afterwards, the two of you grow sleepy again and find comfort on the couch in the living room. You fall asleep wrapped in his arms and sometime in between, you peek with one eye open to check if he’s asleep before pecking his lips.
He’s awake and he feels your lips, a soft grin adorning his face once you lay back down. He’ll bask in them for now before telling you.
You wouldn’t say it’s a routine. The things you do with Wonwoo and the things he does with you, that is. There are repetitions, maybe. But, you wouldn’t call it a fixed sequence of actions because you don’t get tired of him as much as he doesn’t with you. Well, not everything is surprising but, they make you look forward to every single day.
You look forward to him coming home and if he isn’t too stressed and tired, you’d shower together. You look forward to watching movies with him and hearing about his thoughts. You look forward to his warmth and comfort, engulfing you like he’s the only one who can give them.
Wonwoo feels the same because he looks forward to doing all of the things you listed and more. And, if he were to describe everything you just said in one word: it’s home.
Together, it’s home.
