Archive of Our Own

Beomgyu swore he wasn’t bitter. Really, he wasn’t.

He was just… chronically single and constantly surrounded by lovebirds who acted like their relationships were the pinnacle of human achievement. And maybe he was a little salty that the last time he had received kisses in the past year was by his aunt’s dog —but that was beside the point.

He flopped dramatically onto Soobin’s couch, letting out the kind of sigh reserved for Shakespearean tragedies. “They’re all in love, hyung. All of them. It’s a mass extinction of single people. I’m the last one standing in this world...”

Soobin didn’t even look up from his phone. “You’re being dramatic.”

“No, I’m being observant .” Beomgyu waved his hand helplessly. “Have you seen how Kai and his new girlfriend act? How did that Seowon girl even fall for that loser? Not to mention that they look disgustingly perfect too.” He narrowed his eyes at Soobin, who only blinked. “Yeonjun hyung and you? I don’t even want to talk about it. The way you two make heart eyes over shared ramen noodles— gross .”

Soobin smiled, not foreign to the insults. “It was actually udon.”

Beomgyu let out a strangled noise and rolled onto his stomach. “Even Yeji is seeing someone now. Yeji . The same Yeji who once said dating is a social construct invented by corporations to sell matching couple outfits.”

“She was wearing a matching hoodie set with her girlfriend yesterday,” Soobin said helpfully.

“ Exactly! ” Beomgyu threw a cushion at him.

He knew it was irrational. He was happy for his friends, really. But when everyone was busy being blissfully in love and you were the only one third-wheeling your way through every hangout, it was hard not to feel like the universe was mocking you. Especially when even his barista had the audacity to ask, “Getting that for you and your partner?” when he ordered two matcha lattes. No. They were both for him. One for now and one for when he got sad later.

But the final straw came when he opened Instagram that night and saw Yeonjun had posted yet another “candid” photo of Soobin tying his shoes with the caption: “My baby never disappoints<3”

Beomgyu stared at it for a full thirty seconds before muttering, “I hope your shoelace gets caught in an escalator.”

Then he did what any self-respecting single adult in the age of technology would do, and a ridiculous amount of convincing from Kai, who was the victim of the same technology and had found his own happy endings.

He downloaded three dating apps. Bumble, Hinge and Tinder. 

He was going to find love. Or at the very least, someone who wouldn’t mind splitting a cheesecake with him on a Saturday night while they ignored the movie playing in the background. He crafted his profile with the precision of a master artist:

Name: Beomgyu

Age: 21

Bio:

5’11, emotionally available, occasionally funny. Once cried during an anime ending but i swear im not a full-time weeb. Swipe right if you have a dog 

He sat back, admiring his handiwork. The photos were good. He looked effortlessly handsome in the first, a little goofy in the second to show he was fun, and in the third, he was holding a cat that wasn’t his but definitely made him look nurturing.

He waited.

And waited.

The first match he got was a skater boy who said he liked guys with long hair and then unmatched him when he replied, “Thanks, I’m actually one haircut away because I’m not into hair-pulling.”

The second match ghosted him mid-conversation after he sent a GIF of a raccoon falling out of a trash can.

And the third? The third was a bot that tried to sell him cryptocurrency.

By the end of the week, Beomgyu was spiraling .

Soobin found him lying in the dark, staring at the ceiling with the glow of his phone screen casting eerie shadows across his face. “Are you… okay?”

“I think I was catfished by a girl pretending to be Woo Dohwan.”

Soobin sighed and sat beside him. “Beomgyu. Why don’t you just meet people in real life like a normal person?”

Beomgyu turned his head slowly. “In this generation? You think someone’s gonna drop their pen at the library and give me their number? Or bump into me while holding an americano like you and Yeonjun?”

“Exactly. Meet-cute or whatever.” 

Beomgyu groaned. “Forget it. No one flirts with me, Soobin. We’re not starring in a romcom. I’m the comedic relief who never gets a love arc in sitcom instead.”

Soobin patted his head. “You just need to be more patient. Your time will come when you least expect it.”

Beomgyu didn’t believe him. He had stopped even having crushes because he knew he’d never confess. The idea of rejection was a nightmare and his pride would never allow it. People had confessed to him before, yet they never lasted too long despite Beomgyu giving them a chance to date him. 

Yeonjun once told him that he had too much love to give, and what he needed was someone willing to receive it. Beomgyu just wished that someone actually existed.

Somewhere out there that wouldn’t ghost him. Someone weird enough to match his energy or at least not try to tone it down. Someone who—

Well. 

Someone who would just love him as a whole, really . 

:0

Beomgyu was convinced the universe was mocking him.

Why else would he walk into his degree class—just minding his business—only to sit down and immediately get bombarded with stories of romantic success that all started with: “So, the guy I met on Bumble last week…”

He blinked at the group of classmates huddled around the front row, sipping iced coffee and munching on their breads like they were in a café and not a 9 a.m. lecture hall.

“I’m telling you,” one of the girls said, twirling her straw, “Hinge is where the real ones are. My boyfriend literally brought me soup when I said I was sick. Soup , guys.”

Another guy leaned back in his chair, nodding wisely. “Tinder is hit or miss. But I met my girlfriend there, and we’ve been dating for five months now. She makes the best kimchi fried rice, definitely beat my mom’s record as well.”

Beomgyu’s eye twitched.

A meal better than your own mom’s?

Cooked by your significant other that you found online?

He looked down at his half-stale convenience store sandwich and wondered what god he had offended in a past life.

“You okay?” a voice asked next to him.

Beomgyu turned to see Heeseung, his seatmate, watching him with a raised brow and that familiar face full of amusement.

“Yeah,” he replied, voice flat, “Just wondering if there’s a secret club where people are taught how to charm strangers into bringing them soup .”

Heeseung laughed. “You still on those dating apps?”

“Yes,” he said, with the kind of bitterness typically reserved for villains in revenge dramas. “And it’s going great . Just yesterday, someone unmatched me because I said my favorite band is Day 6. They know nothing about real music.”

“Maybe you’re trying too hard.”

“No,” he said firmly. “I’m not trying hard enough . Starting today, I’m getting more serious. What are your tips? Come on, give me your best dating app advice.”

“Okay, fine,” Heeseung said, holding up a finger. “Rule one: your first photo should be you looking good but like you didn’t try. Casually hot. Not trying to be hot.”

Beomgyu frowned. “But I wore a blazer and made a heart with latte art in my last one.”

“Yeah, no. Delete that, quick.”

“Whatever,” he muttered, opening the app anyway.

“Rule two: no weird bios.”

“I just said I cry during anime and I’m not a weeb.”

“No wonder you keep attracting weirdos. ”

Beomgyu gasped. “How is that related?!”

Heeseung ignored him. “Third—and most important —start the conversation with something witty. Not just ‘hey,’ or ‘sup,’. And for the love of God,  stop sending them GIFs of animals screaming.”

“But what if that is who I am?”

“Then just stop trying.”

Which was exactly why Beomgyu did what Heeseung told him to do… later that night, laying in bed. He tried it all.

He replaced his latte photo with a candid of him in sunglasses, leaning against a tree. He changed his bio to read: “Just a guy trying not to swipe away his soul.” He even messaged someone with: “Are you French? Because Eiffel for you.”

He had never been unmatched that fast in his life.

He tried another: “I was going to use a pickup line, but then I saw your smile and forgot about it.”

Left on read .

Beomgyu collapsed back onto his bed and stared at his ceiling. “They don’t get handsome people humor. This is a scam. Romance is not real and I will die as a lonely man with three cats.”

His phone dinged again.

He shot up, eyes hopeful as it said another match.

Beomgyu grinned and clicked on it. The guy had a cute dog in his picture, and looked promising enough.

He typed out his message carefully: “If we ever go on a date, can I pet your dog? You’re cute too, but I’m prioritizing honesty.”

A minute later, the guy replied: “What?”

Beomgyu was still typing his explanation when the profile suddenly went missing and blank. That was when he realized the guy had blocked him. Beomgyu screamed into his pillow.

“What the fuck is wrong with all these people!” he yelled at the ceiling. “I was being sincere!”

The ticking on the clock of his wall suddenly felt too loud tonight, as if it was trying to tell Beomgyu that he was running out of time. 

He rolled over and glared at his phone. “That’s it. I’m becoming a monk . Or a professional plant dad. I don’t need a boyfriend. I’m absolutely not desperate for one...”

His phone buzzed once more. A new message but this time, from another bot. Again.

“Hi there! Want to make $5,000 from home?”

Beomgyu stared blankly. “Oh, fuck off .”

He turned off the screen and sighed. He should take a break from trying so hard. Love wasn’t made for him. He should focus on himself and become a rich uncle.

:0

It was already a cursed morning. 

He’d woken up fifteen minutes late, couldn’t find his earbuds—which he had to settle with his giant headphone, and then accidentally applied too much toner, so he smelled like a rose garden that had been set on fire. He barely had time to shove two bites of toast in his mouth before running out the door with his backpack half-zipped.

But he made it. He made it to campus, put his headphones in, and started scrolling through his dating apps while walking—a terrible habit he'd been getting used to. How else was he supposed to know if he was lovable before 10 a.m.?

He got three new matches overnight. Nice .

He clicked on one.

Just to see the guy had unmatched before the conversation could even start.

Beomgyu blinked. “…I didn’t even breathe yet.”

He clicked on the next.

The guy had unmatched too.

“I haven’t even opened my mouth! That’s discrimination against silence! What happened to freedom of speech?”

He looked at the third match. A handsome guy who seemed to be into karate, based on his profile. Most importantly? The guy was still there. 

Beomgyu inhaled and sent a message: “Good morning! Hope you have a day as nice as your smile :)”

Three minutes later, the message was marked read .

He’d got himself into another no response, again. Great. His life was so great.

Beomgyu lowered his phone with the kind of deadpan expression that could summon thunderstorms.

“Fuck this shit. I hope whoever’s having a flirty, uninterrupted conversation with their match is also having a terrible day.”

And just as he muttered that—karma struck.

He stepped straight into a giant, deceptively still puddle.

Right into his shoe.

He gasped so loudly people turned. His sock squished with the soggy sound. His toes were being waterboarded . He could feel the dirt clinging to his skin.

“No,” he whispered. “No. No —oh my god— and it’s cold .”

He stood there in the middle of campus, one foot soaked, one headphone out, and three rejections in one morning. He stared up at the sky like he was in a movie montage. One where the sad music played and the camera slowly zoomed out to emphasize how pathetic the main character was.

His life was definitely going so so so great.

And then—because of course —he walked into the cafeteria and was greeted with the worst sight known to mankind.

A couple feeding each other chicken nuggets.

One held it delicately. The other giggled as they leaned forward, like it was the most romantic thing in the world.

A giggle . It was just nuggets for fuck sake!

Beomgyu physically gagged. “Just kill me, at this point.”

He turned away and despite Beomgyu trying his best to avoid those kinds of sights, they were everywhere . 

There was a couple sharing a drink with two straws. Another one resting their head on each other while scrolling TikTok. A girl kissed her boyfriend’s cheek when he handed her a letter and he smiled like it had made his entire week.

Beomgyu looked down at his tray. He was eating plain rice, seaweed soup and a single boiled egg. A diet fit for someone rotting emotionally. Cool.

He slid into a chair and muttered, “I should’ve gone for an engineering degree. There are no couples there. Just boys and glasses.”

But no, he had chosen Communications . The land of aesthetically pleasing notes, café study dates, and devastatingly attractive people falling in love at every corner.

Beomgyu stabbed at his egg like it had wronged him personally.

Across the cafeteria, Yeonjun and Soobin walked hand in hand. They spotted him and waved with that cheerful manner that would make Beomgyu smile if he wasn’t having a bad day.

“Hey, Beomie!” Soobin greeted him with a smile that showed how deep his dimples were.

Beomgyu gave him a half-hearted smile and a limp wave. “Hi, lovebirds.”

“Wanna join us?”

“No thanks,” he said sweetly. “I don’t like third wheeling. Or fourth wheeling. Or being the lonely wheel on a love train that’s going full speed into hell.”

“…Okay then!” Yeonjun chirped.

Just like that, they walked away, Beomgyu slumped forward and dropped his head onto the table; he couldn't believe his friends ditched him without second thoughts. 

“Maybe I’m really not lovable,” he mumbled into the wood. “Maybe people match with me and then realise I’m not some cool, flirty guy with a mysterious vibe. It can’t be because of my face right…?”

He opened his phone again. Swiped. Swiped. Matched.

Unmatched.

Beomgyu sniffled.

His left sock squished at the same damn time.

He really was going to shed a tear.

That night, he curled up in bed with a face mask on and a hot water bottle tucked under his hoodie. His phone rested on his chest as he scrolled through his own dating profile for the fiftieth time.

“Okay. Maybe I can make this better,” he muttered, squinting at the screen. “New bio: ‘Just want to get to know someone better! Please accept me, I don’t bite.’”

He paused. “Yeah. That’s definitely cuter.”

Ten seconds later, still staring at his own phone, he let out a soul-deep sigh and flopped back onto his pillow. “Oh my god. I sound desperate.”

He groaned and covered his face with one arm as he wished for the bed to swallow him.

“Whatever. If I see one more couple being lovey-dovey in front of me tomorrow, I’m burning the campus.”

He didn’t really mean that, of course. His heart was too pure for something like that, which added another reason why he should have a boyfriend in the first place! Ugh! 

:0

Beomgyu’s phone buzzed just as he was about to fake a stomach ache and skip his last lecture.

hyuka: yall wanna hangout after class?? dinner + some shopping?? been a while

Beomgyu squinted at the message, tempted to type: been a while bc yall are too busy kissing your lovers’ faces like your lives depend on it. 

But he didn’t. He typed “ sure ” instead.

Four hours later, Beomgyu found himself at a Korean BBQ place, staring at the grill and listening to Soobin and Yeonjun argue over who flipped the meat better as if both weren’t making the meat burning.

“Hyung, you flipped it too early,” Soobin said, eyes narrowing, tongs in hand. “You’re ruining the texture.”

“It’s pork belly, not a soufflé. Calm down, Soobin Ramsay,” Yeonjun shot back, grabbing the tongs.

Kai was cheerfully setting out side dishes like they weren’t at war, while Beomgyu sat across from him chewing on lettuce like a particularly judgmental goat.

“Are you guys gonna fight the whole night?” Kai asked.

“They’re gonna flirt through fighting again,” Beomgyu muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Yeonjun narrowed his eyes at him. 

“Nothing,” Beomgyu said louder now, smiling sweetly. “Just that I love being a buffer between couples. It’s great. Super fun .”

Soobin laughed and passed him a lettuce wrap. “Here. Eat this and stop being salty.”

“Thanks. This will fill the void.” Beomgyu deadpanned.

Kai leaned over and whispered, “We can hold hands too if it makes you feel better.”

Beomgyu blinked at him. “Kai, I love you, but I’m not that desperate. Yet . Also, your straight girlfriend might pull my hair if she finds out her boyfriend’s gay best friend wants to do couple stuff.”

After dinner, they all headed to the mall nearby. The moment they stepped through the main entrance, Soobin reached for Yeonjun’s hand, and Kai immediately latched onto Beomgyu’s arm like a clingy koala.

Beomgyu stared at him. “You don’t have to pity-hug me.”

Kai grinned. “It’s not pity. It’s friendship! Also, I don’t wanna get run over by those two if they swing arms again like they did last time.”

“Valid.”

Yeonjun and Soobin walked ahead, dangerously close to skipping, while Kai and Beomgyu trailed behind. Beomgyu, of course, had to dodge romantic energy like it was a laser maze in a spy movie.

They passed a kiosk lined with matching phone cases.

“Oh my god,” Yeonjun said, pausing. “Binnie, we should get those.”

“No,” Soobin replied immediately. “Last time we did, you changed your phone model a week later.”

“It was pink!”

“Yes, and our phone cases were pink, Junnie.”

Kai leaned toward Beomgyu and whispered, “So annoying.”

Beomgyu whispered back, “This was you and Seowon last week at that waffle house.”

Eventually, they veered off from the main path, and something caught Beomgyu’s eye. Bright colors, small figurines, Beomgyu’s favourite!

“Oh?” Beomgyu perked up. “They opened a Lego store here? Is it new?”

Yeonjun turned to look, eyes wide. “It must be. I’m sure it wasn’t here before.”

They all gathered in front of it, the glass windows showing off a huge Lego Eiffel Tower, some Star Wars figures, and a giant panda made entirely out of bricks.

Beomgyu stepped forward, eyes lighting up. “I haven’t touched Legos since I was, like, fifteen. I stopped collecting them because my aunt’s dog kept eating the pieces.”

“I tried making a boat once and it sank in the bathtub,” Kai said with a sigh. 

Beomgyu bit his tongue from calling him stupid. 

Soobin snorted. “We had dreams . I used to make tiny Lego chairs for my hamster.”

Yeonjun blinked. “That’s kind of cute. And very you.”

Kai was already tugging Beomgyu toward the entrance. “C’mon. Let’s go in.” 

Soobin raised an eyebrow. “We’re really doing this?”

“Absolutely,” Beomgyu declared. “I need to heal my inner child.”

Yeonjun held the door open, bowing dramatically. “After you, my hopeless romantic friend .”

Beomgyu flipped his hair and walked in like royalty. “Thank you, my hopelessly in love friend.”

The door shut behind them as Kai and Soobin chuckled at their antics. 

Beomgyu gasped dramatically, clutching a Lego box he’d been eyeing but never actually got to.

“Oh my god,” he said, eyes wide. “It’s Animal Crossing. It’s so cute.”

He shoved the box in Kai’s face. “Look at their tiny faces. On top of my wish list is to get a Nintendo… just so I can waste my life playing this game…” 

Kai chuckled. “You’ve been saying that for three years.”

“Three years of pain ,” Beomgyu said solemnly, clutching the box to his chest. “Three years of being a villager with no island.”

Yeonjun leaned over Beomgyu’s shoulder, squinting. “Is this the one with the weird baby talk voices? Like beep beep sounds?”

Beomgyu nodded quickly. “Yeah! It’s like ‘bee-boop-woo-woo’ or something. Wait—”

“ Beep beep brrr brrr buh buh ,” Yeonjun said in a horrible impression, flapping his hands like a malfunctioning robot.

Beomgyu joined in with equal enthusiasm. “ Weh weh woo woo meep!”

And just like that, the two of them were babbling gibberish in the middle of the Lego store, drawing concerned glances from a dad gripping a Minecraft set.

Kai and Soobin offered an apologetic smile to the other customers.

“They do this a lot,” Soobin said to a curious employee walking by.

“Yeah,” Kai added, already eyeing a Harry Potter set. “Don’t mind them.”

They slowly made their way deeper into the store, each one trailing off to a different display. Yeonjun was poking at a Marvel section while Soobin was judging the architecture models. Kai, meanwhile, had his hands full with a Star Wars ship and a cityscape set.

Beomgyu drifted toward the Batman section. “Why does Lego Batman look more stressed than real Batman?”

“Because he is shorter,” Kai replied, passing by. Beomgyu only snorted.

Eventually, they all gathered again at the middle section where the custom Lego keychains were displayed. A station with build-your-own mini figurines stood proudly with trays of tiny heads, bodies, hairstyles, and accessories.

“Ooh,” Kai said. “Let’s make a keychain version of us.”

“ Yes ,” Yeonjun agreed immediately, dragging Soobin toward the trays.

Soobin glanced over and muttered under his breath, “Make one for each other. It’ll be cuter.”

Beomgyu pretended he didn’t hear that from Soobin’s whipped ass. He wasn’t going to gag in public. Not in front of the poorly innocent Lego civilians, at least.

They all dived into building with the hyper-focus of children given art supplies. Yeonjun was busy mixing a wizard hat with a racing suit. Soobin was trying to find the perfect brown hair for Yeonjun’s character. Kai was building something that suspiciously looked like him with a lightsaber. Beomgyu, of course, was crafting the ultimate version of himself; a cloak, pink sunglasses, hair flipped to one side.

He was admiring the nearly finished product, debating between a cape or a pizza accessory, when his Lego hairpiece— his signature —slipped from his fingers, bounced off the counter, and rolled onto the floor.

“Wait—no—” he lunged forward, chasing the small piece as it rolled to a stop… right to someone’s shoes.

He squinted.

His brain processed the essentials; chunky sneakers. Slim ankles and calf muscles that looked like they worked out voluntarily. Why.

“Sorry—can you, uh… move? I’m trying to get my hair,” Beomgyu mumbled, crouching halfway.

Then the culprit stepped back.

Beomgyu looked up.

And he felt how the world stopped spinning around him.

The culprit was a boy—no, a guy—and he was beautiful . His features were all sharp and soft at once. Big , curious eyes. Tiny face that looked almost edited. As if he couldn’t be more perfect, he was wearing a sleeveless top. In a mall .

Beomgyu’s brain short-circuited.

The stranger tilted his head, blinking down at him. “Yeah?”

Oh no.

Even his voice was soft and pretty, like silk and daydreams Beomgyu had in classes when the lecture got boring.

He blinked slowly, almost as though his mind was still catching up to what he’d just seen. A half-formed sentence died on his tongue as he scratched the back of his neck.

“Uh—I—wait, what was it again—Oh! My… Lego hair is on your feet…” he said, voice cracking slightly.

He couldn’t meet the guy’s eyes anymore. They were too sparkly. Too dangerous. This was definitely how people died from heart palpitations.

“Oh—sorry,” the guy said, picking it up.

Their fingers brushed as he handed it over, and Beomgyu had to bite the inside of his cheek not to scream.

His soul might’ve ascended.

He felt his cheeks turned red. He looked away, clutching the tiny plastic hair like it was holding his lifeline.

Why is he this beautiful? Why is he being nice? Why did his arms look like that? Did fate finally swipe right on him?

And more importantly, why the hell did he have to embarrass himself now ?

Still holding the Lego hair like it was his firstborn child, Beomgyu scrambled for something— anything —to say.

“Uhm—so, do you like… Lego?” he attempted weakly, and then immediately wanted to kick himself into another aisle. What was that even supposed to mean? Who asks that inside a Lego store? He’s so dumb…

The handsome guy blinked down at him, mildly amused. But before he could answer, a voice cut in sharply behind Beomgyu.

“Beomgyu, what are you doing?”

Beomgyu turned so fast he nearly dislocated his neck.

His friends were watching him like hawks. Kai had his phone raised, clearly set to front camera. Yeonjun had the devil’s grin on his face, oh Beomgyu hated his ass so bad. Soobin looked close to choking on suppressed laughter.

“Uh—what?” Beomgyu croaked.

Kai tilted his phone. “We want to take selfies.”

Beomgyu, still halfway squatting, scrambled to stand. “Oh, sure—”

But Yeonjun, traitorous Yeonjun , didn’t even let him finish.

“No actually,” he cut in smoothly, “can you take our pictures? If you’re not busy, of course,” he said pointedly while glancing at the guy that’d become the reason Beomgyu stopped functioning.

Beomgyu’s soul left his body when Yeonjun’s words finally hit him.

Before he could formulate a fake excuse to save the guy from this interaction that he absolutely didn’t want to happen, the guy casually said, “Sure.”

Sure.

Beomgyu barely managed to hide his mini stroke as Yeonjun smugly tossed the phone to the guy, who caught it effortlessly.

“Thanks,” Yeonjun said, and dropped to the floor with Kai and Soobin, arranging Lego pieces again as if Beomgyu wasn’t currently experiencing a social crisis.

Now Beomgyu had to crouch down again, awkwardly scooting next to Yeonjun. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, the irrational thought of what if I look ugly on camera overtaking every logical neuron in his brain.

“Okay, pose,” the guy said.

Beomgyu tried to smile. It came out as more of a grimace honestly.

He could only imagine what was showing on the phone’s screen, his face was definitely squished, panicked face framed next to three naturally photogenic people, and nearly cried.

Then the guy said something that Beomgyu almost levitated.

“You guys are so cute.”

Beomgyu.exe has stopped working.

It wasn’t even directed at him, but he still felt his soul ascend slightly.

“Thank you,” Soobin replied politely, standing up and taking the phone back with a nod.

Beomgyu braced himself for disappointment. That was it. That was the end of the interaction. He’d embarrassed himself over some Lego hair brick and now he would have to live with the image of that guy’s arms forever embedded in his dreams.

But just as he was about to retreat back into self-loathing, the guy looked at them again.

“Actually,” he said, casually scratching his head, “can you guys help me take a photo too? With my niece. I’ll go call her over.”

Beomgyu blinked.

Wait, what?

“Oh, yeah, of course,” Kai said instantly.

They watched as the guy walked over to the side of the store where a primary school-aged girl was clutching a Lego Friends box. She had pigtails and sparkly nail stickers, and the way the guy ruffled her hair before gesturing her toward them made Beomgyu’s insides melt like warm butter.

The girl nodded, clearly used to her uncle’s social charm, and began walking over with him.

Before Beomgyu could float away completely, Yeonjun leaned over and jabbed him in the ribs.

“Fucking obvious,” Yeonjun whispered with a smirk, eyes gleaming.

Beomgyu didn’t even bother replying. He was too busy trying to hide the dumb smile tugging at his lips.

Maybe his one-sided flipped Lego hair was lucky after all.

Everything after that moment was honestly kind of a blur to Beomgyu.

Maybe it was the fact that the attractive guy was still walking around with his arms out, and it wasn’t even buff arms, no—he wasn’t jacked like a gym rat or anything. He just had the perfect amount of toned meat, soft-looking but solid… if Beomgyu wrapped his arms around the guy, the hug would probably feel like a dream. Beomgyu’s entire system literally short-circuited when he noticed the faint veins on his forearms. He wasn’t sure if he was in a Lego store or the emergency room at that point.

Or maybe it was the intense pressure of trying not to look like he was dumbly in love already (spoiler: he already did), mouth parted, gaze unfocused, brain buffering at one frame per minute.

One second, he was awkwardly crouched next to Yeonjun with a fake photo smile, and the next thing he knew—

“Hey, what’s your Instagram?” Yeonjun asked.

Beomgyu almost choked on his own gasp.

What?!

They weren’t even subtle about it. Yeonjun was casually snapping pictures of Taehyun and his niece, then suddenly leaned back with the smoothest tone.

“You seem pretty cool, that’s all,” he added, tossing the compliment with the grace of someone born to flirt.

“I’m Choi Yeonjun, by the way. And this is my boyfriend, Choi Soobin.”

Taehyun raised his brows in amused surprise. “Wow. With the same surname too? You could’ve said he’s your husband and no one would bat an eye.”

Yeonjun and Soobin both flushed at that. Soobin bumped his shoulder against Yeonjun’s, looking like he was trying to hide a smile.

Beomgyu was too busy biting the inside of his cheek. Witty, sexy and effortlessly charming. Goddamn it.

Kai, on the other hand, clearly had different priorities.

“You’re funny! What’s your name? I’m Huening Kai.”

The guy smiled and extended a hand, one that Beomgyu definitely tried not to stare at too long.

“I’m Kang Taehyun. And this little one is Yeri,” he said, gesturing at his niece who was now standing beside him, holding her Lego set tightly and glancing up at the group with a shy smile that could end wars.

Then, suddenly Beomgyu felt the hair on his neck standing. 

All four of them turned to Beomgyu, as if they were synchronized actors— almost like they rehearsed it. They were also acting like Beomgyu was Santa Claus and they were six years old with very specific gift expectations.

Beomgyu felt like a tomato with stage fright. He hated tomatoes! 

“I’m… Choi Beomgyu,” he said, trying not to wince.

Taehyun looked at him, smiled softly, and said, “Nice to meet you.”

Beomgyu was ninety percent sure he saw his reflection in one of the Lego boxes blush.

Yeonjun already had his phone out before Beomgyu could even think what could happen and said, “So what’s your IG account? Here, I’ll type mine,” as if he wasn’t on a mission to destroy Beomgyu’s sanity, which Beomgyu had already forgotten about… Kai gave his handle next, then Soobin. And finally, Beomgyu fumbled with his phone like it was made of lava and added Taehyun.

“ @terryfyingmess ,” Taehyun said calmly.

Beomgyu froze. Then double-checked the spelling.

“…Seriously?” he mumbled to himself.

Taehyun shrugged with an unapologetic grin. “It’s a pun. You know, Terry is my English name so Terry—terrifying—mess. You’ll get used to it.”

Beomgyu wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or throw himself into the nearest toy bin. He followed the account anyway, stomping down the urge to jump in joy.

Fast forward—now the four of them were sitting at their usual fast food spot, greasy fries in front of them, cups of soda with too much ice, and wrappers half-torn open. The mall had started closing not long after they left the Lego store, having spent nearly an hour inside, mostly thanks to someone’s oh so dazzling biceps and criminally pretty voice.

Beomgyu was seated across from Kai, sandwiched between Yeonjun and the window, tragically vulnerable to group ridicule.

“You were literally vibrating,” Kai said, mouth full of fries. “I thought you were about to faint and start convulsing.”

“I wasn’t vibrating,” Beomgyu snapped, staring down at his tray as if ketchup stains could save him.

“Oh, you definitely were,” Yeonjun added smugly. “Your eyes looked like those anime characters when they fell in love for the first time. Y’know what they call, ‘love at first sight’.”

Beomgyu shoved a nugget in his mouth and grunted, still holding his phone under the table and looking at the cursedly attractive Instagram handle.

“Who chooses @terryfyingmess as their username in this generation,” he muttered, cheeks burning. “It’s stupid.”

“It’s funny,” Soobin offered with a nonchalant shrug. “ You’re into funny guys.”

“I’m not into anyone,” Beomgyu hissed.

Yeonjun leaned in, “You sure? Because the way you were looking at him like you were ready to jump on him anytime says otherwise.”

Beomgyu smacked the table. “He’s hot, okay?! What did you want me to do—look away?!”

People at the next table glanced over.

Kai snorted his drink. “You could try to act normal next time.”

Beomgyu collapsed forward with a groan. “There won’t be a next time. I already looked like a blushing fool. No way he’s gonna think of me like—”

Ping.

He paused.

He looked down at his phone.

A notification from Instagram. 

terryfyingmess followed you back.

terryfyingmess just liked your recent post.

He didn’t say anything, yet the sound he made vaguely resembled a choked puppy.

Kai peered at him. “What?”

Yeonjun glanced over Beomgyu’s shoulder and grinned so wide it was illegal. “Oh my god, he followed you back and liked your post?!”

If Beomgyu was in the right mind, he would say “he followed you guys back too!” but he was very much not in his right mind as he slammed his phone screen-down on the table.

“Shut up. Please.”

Soobin crossed his body over the table to pat his back gently, like he was consoling a child mid-tantrum. “At least your suffering is finally mutual.”

Beomgyu buried his face in his hands as he whined louder.

Yeonjun’s eyes were practically glowing with evil intent by the time Beomgyu peeked up again.

“I’m texting him,” he said suddenly, reaching out for Beomgyu’s phone.

Beomgyu slapped his hand away so fast, Kai jumped.

“No, no, no—absolutely not . I’ll die. You can’t, alright? I will actually drop dead if he leaves me on read, Jun, please.”

“You’ll not drop dead, Beomie,” Soobin muttered as he wiped his fingers with a napkin.

Yeonjun leaned his elbow on the table, all nonchalance with an unimpressed look. “So what now? You’re just gonna stare at his Instagram in silence forever?”

“Give me a break! And… I’m studying,” Beomgyu hissed.

“Oh, are you?” Yeonjun raised a brow. “Tell me what you learned, then.”

Beomgyu squinted dramatically. “He has a niece named Yeri. He either likes yellow or light blue. His feed is half gym selfies and half just for his one and only cat. He owns three bucket hats.”

“Wow, other than the fact that he told us about his niece, you are actually a psychopath . It’s barely two hours,” Kai said, deadpan. “Call the wedding planner.”

“You can’t blame me, Huening...”

Soobin snorted while sipping his drink. “We’re not saying you have to confess or anything. But you could, you know… say hi? You are interested, right? It won’t hurt to try.”

Beomgyu looked down at his phone again.

@terryfyingmess is now following you

Taehyun’s profile picture was a candid shot—probably taken by someone else—of him in glasses and that damned sleeveless top, smiling with his nose scrunched up. His bio read, “ Gym casual & animal whisperer. Actually scared of lots of things. Don’t ask about the username though. ”

Beomgyu actually groaned. “He’s stupid and funny and hot. This is my villain origin story.”

Yeonjun grinned. “This is your romcom origin story. You’re finally the hopeless main character, Beomgyu. Yeay! Congrats!” 

Kai nodded solemnly. “And we’re going to be the supporting cast. Who audiences definitely enjoy watching more than the main characters in the show.”

“You all suck.”

But despite everything, despite his nerves, Beomgyu couldn’t stop the stupid smile that kept creeping up his face. His fries were cold, his drink was watered down, and his heart was going feral in his chest, but it was a good kind of feeling, it wasn’t unwelcome.

Beomgyu stared at the follow-back notification again.

Maybe he’d make the first move.

Just not now.

Beomgyu wasn’t proud of it, but he was back on dating apps again as soon as he was in his bed.

Don’t blame him. Just because he met one sexy, sleeveless man at a Lego store didn’t mean that man was going to magically become his soulmate and grow old with him. He still had loneliness gnawing at his chest at 1a.m and a collection of unanswered goodnight texts sent to no one, okay…

So yes, he was back at it—thumb swiping with the tired grace of a man who’d seen it all. Except, this time, he wasn’t swiping right with hope.

He was swiping left with no mercy.

Swipe.

“Why does your profile picture look like it was taken with a calculator?”

Another swipe.

“Good. A football addict. Bet he has anger issues.”

Swipe again.

“Oh, you hike. Congrats . So does every other man in this app and their mother apparently.”

He didn’t even notice he was muttering out loud, sprawled on his bed, blanket haphazardly thrown over one leg, wearing a wrinkled shirt that may or may not be from two days ago. His phone screen dimmed as he sat in silence, thumb paused over a profile of someone whose main photo was shirtless, holding a protein shaker.

“No,” Beomgyu muttered, sighing deeply as if he had just carried the emotional burden of the entire dating population. He finally exited the app.

“I’m too pretty for this try-hard stuff,” he whispered to no one, or more like convincing himself. Because the other day he was very much desperate for someone to open a conversation with him. But now? He wasn’t very sure.

As his phone rested on his chest, his fingers moved on their own.

Instagram. A fun application, kind of— depending on who was posting.

And right there, glowing on the top of his homepage, sent from the heavens; it’s Taehyun.

Beomgyu literally jumped, the phone wobbling in his hand like it was a hot potato. Luckily for him, Taehyun had posted a story.

What if it was something stupid? What if it was just a plate of food? Or worse—a gym mirror selfie. He wasn’t mentally prepared for that.

He didn’t click it right away. No, no, he had pride.

“What if it was posted ten seconds ago?” he mumbled under his breath. “If I view it now I’ll look like I’ve been waiting, like I'm his number one fan or something…”

It was torture. He’d never struggled so hard to make a decision in his life. 

He stared at the glowing ring. One minute passed. Two.

Then finally, his patience ran out as he tapped on the story. 

It was a photo of Taehyun’s niece. Yeri looked adorable, her little hands busy finding the right piece of lego, her face lit up in excitement.

Beomgyu smiled, involuntarily. It was a sweet picture. Heartwarming, even. Taehyun surely is a cool uncle like that. 

And then his eyes drifted lower… to the left… to the—

A breath hitched in his throat as his soul briefly left his body. “Oh my god.”

It was subtle. But there, seated behind the girl, Taehyun’s leg was in full view.

A sliver of thigh.

Half-visible, tan, and unfairly there.

Why was he wearing shorts like that? Did he even own proper clothes that could cover his gorgeous body?

Beomgyu stared for ten seconds too long, then blinked hard and turned his screen away like he’d been caught watching something NSFW, as if he wasn’t a fully grown man. 

“This is a child’s Lego-building moment,” he scolded himself. “Stop being gross.”

Still… it wouldn’t hurt to reply to the story. Something casual. Probably a, ‘She’s adorable!’ Or maybe, ‘She looks so happy building that set!’ Or maybe—

No.

Nope.

He locked his phone and tossed it to the far end of his bed. Then he yanked the blanket up to his chin and stared blankly at the ceiling.

“He’s probably married anyway,” Beomgyu grumbled, pulling the blanket tighter around himself. “Or one of those hot guys who knows he’s hot and uses it to entice an innocent man like me.”

Still, as his eyes drifted shut, he whispered one last thought to the quiet darkness of his room:

“Can he become the love of my life or something.”

Unrealistic?

Absolutely.

But Beomgyu can dream as the sleepiness took him away.

:0

The next day, the four of them were back together for lunch. They weren’t even halfway through their food when Huening Kai flung his chopsticks down with a groan. “You guys are so clingy. We literally just met up yesterday. I was supposed to have lunch with my girlfriend today, you monsters.”

“You can still text her, Romeo ,” Yeonjun said without sparing a glance from his iced americano. “We need updates.”

Beomgyu blinked, caught mid-bite. “It’s not even been 24 hours since yesterday and barely 12 hours since our hangout.” 

“Exactly.” Yeonjun leaned in closer with a look, “Which is why you should already have updates.”

“I—there are no updates! He… did post a story though,” Beomgyu muttered, eyes shifting to his tray like maybe his rice could save him from this conversation.

And of course, Soobin—supposedly the nice one—decided to chime in, tagging himself into the conversation to team up with Yeonjun like a loyal boyfriend he was. “Which we all saw, by the way. Very wholesome moment of him and his family member. Although I bet that didn’t shake you as much as his thighs.” 

“Shut up,” Beomgyu whined, burying his face into his hands. “What do you all want me to do?”

Yeonjun lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t know. What do you want?”

Beomgyu looked at him like he’d just asked him to do calculus. “I don’t know… world peace? A soulmate? Degree without attending lectures? Eight hours of sleep, maybe?”

Yeonjun sighed as if he was personally disappointed in him. “Okay, hand me your phone for real this time. I’ll message him something cute and unhinged. I’m good at this.”

“ No .” Beomgyu recoiled— he couldn’t let Yeonjun murder his dignity. “I want him to think I’m normal and pretty!”

“First of all,” Yeonjun said, unimpressed, “you already lost the ‘normal’ war the moment you put ‘pretty normal here’ in your Instagram bio.”

Soobin laughed. Beomgyu punched Yeonjun in the arm.

Soobin immediately leaned over to rub Yeonjun’s arm gently like a mother soothing her crying toddler. “Maybe just ask him how his niece liked the lego? You know, like a normal person would?”

Kai made a gagging noise. “Boring. Ask him his birth chart.”

Beomgyu let out a soul-crushed groan. “You guys are not helping.”

“No, we’re very much helping,” Yeonjun said, rubbing his now sore arm. “We’re just trying to fix you. You’re a mess. And stubborn at that.”

Beomgyu slumped in his seat, chopsticks hanging limply in his hand. “I can’t just slide into his DMs like, ‘Hey, remember me from yesterday? I’m the guy who forgot how to smile while you took my picture with my friends.’”

Yeonjun nodded solemnly. “You really did look constipated.”

Beomgyu glared. “Can you blame me? I haven’t fallen for someone like this ever. In the span of five seconds too!”

Kai sighed. “Why can’t you just be hot and mysterious like me?”

“You’re in a relationship,” Beomgyu snapped.

“Exactly. It worked .” Kai grinned smugly, sipping his soda obnoxiously.

Soobin, bless his neutral soul, tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “Okay, but seriously. Just keep it simple. Say something like, ‘Hey, did your niece finish the build?’ No need to overthink it.” 

Beomgyu hummed, clearly considering it. “That’s… not awful.”

Yeonjun perked up again. “Or—hear me out—ask if he wants to build something together next time.”

Beomgyu’s soul left his body as he grimaced at Yeonjun.

“No, can you stop saying something so… I don’t know— outrageous? It’s ridiculous… and also, that’s too flirty. I can’t. Unless you want me to dig my own grave.”

“Hyung,” Kai said, deadpan. “You already dug it when you saw his thighs.”

“Can we stop talking about my pathetic love life in front of my food!” Beomgyu wailed, pushing his tray away.

As the lunch devolved into another argument about who was the most unhinged, Beomgyu quietly pulled out his phone beneath the table and opened Taehyun’s profile again.

He wasn’t sure what exactly gave him the courage (or maybe he was starting to get sick of his friends nonsense) but he slowly, quietly typed:

“hey! did ur niece finish building the lego set? she looked so happy ><“

He didn’t hit send yet. But it was there. In the box. Waiting .

He’d send it. Maybe he’d delete it.

But for now who knows?

It counted as a small step, right?

Very small, very stupid, and very Beomgyu steps.

Beomgyu swore if he had to hear the word “presentation” one more time today, he might actually pack his bags and run to whatever country that popped into his mind.

His schedule had been packed since 9 a.m. Starting with Business Communication where the professor wouldn’t stop harping about group dynamics and workplace synergy— whatever that even was supposed to mean, followed by a long and painful hour of Communication Research Methods where Beomgyu realized halfway through that he’d left his previous chapters of notes at home. He was already barely surviving the subject in general, but not having his notes and having to sit in his robot-like lecturer class made him feel like he’d been dropped into a battlefield with nothing but a spoon.

After lunch with the clingiest trio alive, he trudged through his final class, Mass Media & Society, which he usually found kind of interesting… until they were assigned to do an interview with the public next week and he was randomly paired with someone who’d once told him he looked like a lost puppy, whatever that meant. 

By the time classes were done, Beomgyu didn’t even want to go home. He needed air, a breather , to be specific. Something to help untangle his mind that now felt like it was trying to strangle him with overdue assignments. So he wandered into his favorite nearby café, tucked between a bookstore and a florist shop, and ordered an iced americano.

Not because he wanted it. No, if it were up to him, he’d go for something sweet and whipped cream-topped, but after a long day, something about the bitter taste grounded him. It was the equivalent of his tongue saying, get your shit together.

He settled at a corner table near the window, the light slanting over his open laptop, casting golden rays across his half-typed notes. His cake, a cute strawberry shortcake slice he claimed he didn’t want, was already gone. He barely remembered eating it. He blinked at the plate in disappointment.

One hour into typing and his brain waved the white flag. So, he told himself he’d take a short break. Just ten minutes. That’s all.

He reached for his phone, expecting the usual group chat nonsense, some dumb reels Yeonjun spammed him with, and maybe a few pings from the dating apps he hadn’t properly looked at in days.

Sure enough, three notifications from all three dating apps were there. Matches. Likes . One even said “ You’ve got a secret admirer!”

Beomgyu stared at it. Then, without clicking a single one, he exited and did exactly what he swore he wouldn’t do again.

He opened Instagram and visited the same account again . 

He’d already stalked it before, in the span of barely a day since he followed, alright, but something about it, about Taehyun —just made his stupid heart itch in that annoying, fluttery way.

Beomgyu scrolled, pretending like he wasn’t just hoping for a crumb of new content.

Taehyun’s grid was neat but relaxed—lots of natural lighting, clean backgrounds, like he enjoyed the quietness of life. Some pictures were of books, some of Lego builds ( nerd ), a few selfies with those signature raised-eyebrow smirks, his cat, gym . 

The year 2020 was the bottom of Taehyun’s account page. 

Beomgyu found himself deep in the archives, which, in Instagram terms, meant he was practically in the Stone Age.

There Taehyun was, younger-looking, hair longer and dyed light brown, wearing a baggy hoodie and thick-framed glasses. He was crouched beside a giant Pikachu plushie, grinning like a fool. The caption read, don’t judge me, he’s very cute.

“God, how old are you even?” Beomgyu muttered to himself, biting on the end of his straw. “Why did you already look like boyfriend material in 2020?”

His thumb must’ve twitched. Or the universe hated him because his screen showed the red heart like a death sentence.

He just accidentally tapped on the heart icon on the post…

“ Oh my god. ” Beomgyu shrieked. He slapped a hand over his mouth, almost knocked over his americano, and frantically pressed the screen.

He rushes to un-like the post as he did countless times on the screen. 

But wait. Did he already un-like it? Or did he just panic-tap and re-like the post? What if Taehyun got the notification anyway?

In his spiraling anxiety, Beomgyu did what every self-respecting idiot would do— he deleted the app.

“Stupid, stupid, so stupid!” he whisper-hissed to himself, face burning as he sank lower in his seat. “You might as well have sent him a marriage proposal, Choi Beomgyu!”

But then the dangerous thought hit him: what if I didn’t un-like it in time and the last touch of the screen is just leaving the evidence even more clearly now?

Which is how, five minutes later, he re-downloaded the app, hastily logged in with his trembling fingers. 

He almost fainted when he saw the new notification on his DM inbox. 

Even worse because it was really from the only one he hoped it wasn’t. Beomgyu’s soul seriously left his body this time.

It was just a waving hand emoji—“👋”—but it felt like a judgment, as if Taehyun was mocking him from a safe digital distance…

Beomgyu wanted to evaporate .

His trembling fingers hovered over the chat box… but somehow, he hit the reply button instead.

And because he hadn’t cleared the DM box from lunch earlier…

“hey! did ur niece finish building the lego set? she looked so happy ><“

…Fuck.

Now he just looked like a creep waiting for the right moment to catch his victim… It looked premeditated. Timed .

“ Noooo ,” he groaned, smacking his forehead on the table. “Now I look even dumber!”

He stared at the message, debating whether to say something else. Add a follow-up? A laughing emoji? Delete his entire account? Move cities?

But it was too late now.

The message had been read, and the reply came almost in an instant, Beomgyu barely stopped himself from jumping onto the chair and knocking over the table. 

terryfyingmess: oh? yes she did it in one night

Beomgyu nearly let out a sound that could only be described as a squeak. If he wasn’t in public, sitting in that quiet café with gentle lo-fi music and a dozen strangers sipping quietly on their overpriced coffee, he would’ve absolutely screamed . Instead, he slapped a hand over his mouth, his other hand trembling as he gripped his phone.

He stared at the message like it was radioactive. Taehyun replied . Taehyun was talking to him! 

And it was… a normal and casual conversation that happened by accident.

Beomgyu didn’t know why he had imagined their first conversation would be something over Beomgyu barking over his arms but that’s just how he used his imagination skills. 

His fingers scrambled across the keyboard in a frenzy of panic.

bamgyuuuu: SORRY I DIDNT MEAN TO SEND THAT T___T

Then, after reading it over once—he groaned.

It sounded like he sent something illegal, wasn’t it?

He quickly followed it up.

bamgyuuuu: no wait i mean

bamgyuuu: nvm

bamgyuuuu: sorry i accidentally liked ur old post…

There. A clarification that absolutely no one needed but it made Beomgyu feel better, at least. 

He stared at the chat on the edge of his seat. 

The bubble appeared.Then disappeared. Then came back again.

Beomgyu thought his heart might actually explode this time. 

He was gripping his cup so tightly, he was scared it might snap in half.

And then the message finally came:

terryfyingmess: no need to say sorry

terryfyingmess: beomgyu, right?

Beomgyu slapped his hand on his mouth again, eyes wide as he screamed silently into the void.

He knows my name. He said my name. He remembers me. This isn’t a fever dream. This is real. I can marry him! 

He quickly typed:

bamgyuuuu: yes ^^

There. Another safe and neutral response. Cute but not overwhelming. The three little dots appeared again. Beomgyu held his breath.

And then—

terryfyingmess: cool

That was it.

Cool.

Beomgyu blinked at his screen.

That was it?

He waited and waited.

The typing bubble didn’t return, however.

“…That’s it?” he whispered to himself, slowly lowering the phone.

The high from a minute ago was already crashing into disappointment faster than the lightning because there was nothing to continue the conversation. Not even a question. Just a “ cool .”

Beomgyu pouted, thumb hovering for a second before he half-heartedly double-tapped Taehyun’s “ cool ” to like it, which was the digital equivalent of nodding sadly in real life. Then he gently placed his phone down, facedown, and let his forehead fall to the table with a soft thud.

The barista glanced over from the counter, clearly used to students having breakdowns in that exact spot.

Beomgyu sighed. He wished he was having breakdowns about school.

“Whatever,” he mumbled into the wooden tabletop, letting his disappointment soak into his skin like caffeine through osmosis. “This is fine. I wasn’t expecting anything. I just accidentally liked his post, and messaged him, and humiliated myself, and got a ‘cool’ back. That’s okay. This is fine.”

It was not fine.

But he stayed like that for a while, cheek squished against the cool table, trying to calm his racing heart, wondering if this was just going to be a permanent part of his personality now—guy who liked a 2020 post and got ghosted with a “cool.”

Cool. Beomgyu was cool with it. 

No, it was actually pathetic and tragic.

But tragically cute. Right?

Beomgyu just groaned again and stayed face-down for another solid five minutes.

:0

The week dragged on slower than Beomgyu thought humanly possible.

Every class felt like three, every lecture felt like a punishment, and even lunch breaks felt like they lasted half a sneeze. By the time Friday finally limped to its end, Beomgyu had never been more ready to throw his bag across the room and cheer himself on for surviving.

“Cheers to me,” he whispered dramatically as he flopped face-first onto his bed. “May I sleep so long I forget what day it is.”

The only thing on his weekend to-do list was to do absolutely nothing. No group project meetings. No surprise “ let’s hang out ” texts from Yeonjun. No Soobin forcing him to eat vegetables. No Kai talking about love languages. No—

Wait.

Actually, yes to that last one. Anything but another meet up that would lead to Taehyun interrogation.

Beomgyu had successfully dodged his friends for most of the week—partly because he was busy, and partly because he didn’t want to admit that nothing had happened. 

Well, almost nothing because he didn’t want to tell them about the accident of liking Taehyun’s old post. Too embarrassing…

Taehyun hadn’t posted any new stories all week (which Beomgyu saluted him for—king of mystery, truly), but that only made him even more curious. Who was this man? Why was he so offline? Was he one of those people who only posted once every three months with captions like “life lately” and a blurry photo of a tree?

But even without new posts, Taehyun was still haunting Beomgyu’s screen in another way—because he viewed Beomgyu’s stories.

Beomgyu hated how that became a thing now.

Every time he posted a picture (usually of food or a blurry meme), he waited a couple hours, pretended not to care, then immediately opened the viewer list and scrolled, scrolled, until— bam .

There it was. That username.

terryfyingmess .

He tried to be chill about it. Keyword: tried. 

Definitely not someone who paused all breathing just to stare at the notification.

And definitely not someone who then deleted the story out of embarrassment right after.

Nope. Not at all.

Also, his dating apps? They’re all rotting, unopened and unused. Totally covered in dust. When Heeseung, who had too much energy at 8 a.m., asked how they were going, Beomgyu blinked, gave the most obvious fake smile, and said, “Busy!”

Heeseung nodded slowly, clearly seeing the lie but kindly letting it pass like a saint. Bless him.

And now it was Saturday night.

Beomgyu, in his beloved oversized bear pajamas—complete with ears on the hoodie and paw prints on the sleeves—was lying like a lump in bed. His laptop sat on his stomach, a romcom playing on screen with the volume barely up. One of his socks had fallen off and disappeared under the blanket, but he didn’t care enough to fix it.

He’d scrolled Instagram for the sixth time today because he’d tried working on an assignment, only to give up after three sentences.

He’d even considered cleaning his room, but let’s be real. That was tomorrow’s problem. Or next month’s.

It was peaceful, really. Quiet and very much entertaining for a draining student like him.

Until his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

Beomgyu stared at the ceiling.

“Oh my god, can I live?”

He sat up slowly, blanket falling off his shoulders, eyes scanning around the room for any kind of snack. There was a single gummy bear on the bedside table. He did not trust it. It looked like it had been there since last semester, definitely left by Kai on purpose.

So with a loud groan, he pushed himself up, shuffled to his door like a bear emerging from hibernation, grabbed his phone and wallet, and decided to make a trip down to the nearest convenience store.

It was almost midnight, the streets outside his apartment quiet and sleepy. The kind of silence only interrupted by distant cars and the hum of fluorescent lights. Beomgyu didn’t bother changing out of his bear pajamas—because who was going to see him, anyway?

It was midnight. No one interesting would be out now.

The night air was cool and quiet, brushing against Beomgyu’s cheeks like a lullaby as he made his way down the dimly lit street. The distant hum of traffic and the soft buzz of the street lamps were the only sounds accompanying his footsteps. His bear pajama hoodie was up, snugly framing his face, the floppy ears bouncing a little with every step. The matching pants had tiny cartoon bears scattered across them, and he shuffled in fluffy slippers that made the tiniest squeaking sound with each step.

He probably looked like a lost child on his way to buy chocolates after dinner.

But did he care? Absolutely not.

…Okay, maybe a little. But the craving for spicy ramen and strawberry milk outweighed his pride tonight.

The bell above the convenience store door gave a soft jingle as he stepped inside, instantly met with the fluorescent brightness of the aisles. Beomgyu offered a half-hearted wave to the cashier, who looked like he was one coffee away from collapsing on the counter, and got a tired nod in return.

His slippers squeaked quietly as he wandered the aisles, eyes scanning the shelves like he was on a mission. First, he grabbed two cups of the fire noodle ramen—the spiciest one, because if he was going to suffer emotionally, he might as well suffer physically too. Then he tossed a pack of triangle kimbap into the basket. Tuna mayo, of course.

Finally, he made his way to the fridge for the crown jewel of his midnight run, strawberry milk.

He smiled happily at the thought of sipping it… but God must've had different plans because just as he reached for the familiar pink bottle, another hand landed on it first.

He frowned, thinking about either throwing a tantrum or being the bigger person because it’s not the only one left.

Beomgyu ended up scrunching his face angrily, pouting as he turned to the thief. “I was here first—”

And then he completely froze.

The guy looked up, blinking in surprise. “…Beomgyu?”

Beomgyu gasped like he’d been caught robbing a bank. And before his brain could filter anything, the words spilled out—

“Terryfyingmess?!”

God help him.

He wanted to curl into a ball right then and there. He just exposed how much he yearned for the other person by visiting his Instagram page! But he still scrambled to fix it. “I—I mean Taehyun… ”

Taehyun, dressed in a tight black shirt and shorts that showed off far too much thigh for Beomgyu’s emotional stability, chuckled— actually chuckled. His black snapback was turned backward, a few strands of hair falling over his forehead.

“Sorry,” Taehyun said, handing him the strawberry milk. “You can have it.”

Beomgyu blinked and took it, his fingers brushing against Taehyun’s for the briefest second. His brain short-circuited.

“Thanks,” he mumbled. “You live around here?”

( Yeonjun would be so proud, he thought. I’m actually making conversation!!)

Taehyun smiled, and it lit up his whole face. “No, but I go to a gym nearby.”

Beomgyu flushed. “At this hour?”

“Yep. At this hour.”

There was silence after that. Not exactly awkward, but definitely something. Beomgyu suddenly became very aware of what he was wearing—if Taehyun didn’t look so hot at this hour, Beomgyu wouldn’t even have half the mind to care. Not to mention that his hoodie had bear ears! Taehyun would think he was into furry stuff…  

So before he can embarrass himself further, he looked down, face warming rapidly. “U-urm—I, I will go now!”

He turned around to make his grand escape, but before he could make it to the counter, Taehyun appeared beside him like a shadow. Beomgyu shrink further into his hoodie as he cursed the annoyingly attractive guy in his head.

“Let me pay that for you.”

Beomgyu turned his head so fast it might’ve dislocated. “What?!”

Taehyun only smiled, pushing the food onto the counter along with an energy drink. “It’s fine.”

“No, no—it’s not fine for me—” Beomgyu stammered, looking between Taehyun and the cashier in panic, which the cashier only gave them an unimpressed look.

“You just looked hungry and tired, that’s all,” Taehyun said, tapping his card.

How can one person be so calm? And handsome. And generous. And so husband material — Beomgyu’s thoughts were running in dangerous circles as he punched out all the urge to get on his knees for the man beside him. 

He muttered sheepishly, “If you say so…”

He couldn’t wait to tell his friends. No, brag to his friends. Taehyun, the man who had haunted his Instagram screen and brain cells for a full week, had just bought him dinner (snacks?). At midnight. While looking like a walking ad for hot gym guys. Meanwhile, Beomgyu was dressed like he belonged in a kindergarten nap corner.

Outside the store, Beomgyu clutched his food in one hand and shifted awkwardly from one foot to another. “Thanks… I don’t really know how to repay you.”

Taehyun smiled again—that smile could cause global warming!—and giggled. “You’re welcome! Your ears are so cute.”

Beomgyu’s hand instinctively flew to his head, brushing against his ears. 

Oh.

Oh…

Not his actual ears, but he meant the bear ears.

Beomgyu blushed so hard he felt his soul leave and come back to his body. “T-thank you.”

Taehyun chuckled again, and then said, “I’ll get going now.”

Beomgyu nodded, watching him turn, but just as Taehyun began to walk away, a thought slammed into Beomgyu’s head.

Wait. He still didn’t know how old Taehyun was.

So he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “H-how old are you?!”

Taehyun stopped and turned, walking backward now. “Twenty.”

Beomgyu’s eyes widened. “Wow, I’m twenty-one.”

Taehyun grinned, cocking his head playfully. “Can I call you hyung then?”

Beomgyu swore his heart did somersaults. “S-sure.”

“See you, Beomgyu hyung, ” Taehyun said, giving him a small wave before turning the corner.

And Beomgyu was left standing there, flushed under the midnight sky, bear ears and all, with his plastic bag of spicy noodles, strawberry milk and a thumping heart like a drumline in his chest.

Back in his room, Beomgyu threw himself onto the bed like a victorious bear returning from the wild, except the wild was just the convenience store and his prize was his food and the most glorious strawberry milk of all time, personally handed to him by Taehyun himself, he tried not to giggle out loud as he thought about Taehyun once again.

He dumped the food on the bed, pulled his laptop closer, and continued his earlier paused movie— he’d already seen it twice but always laughed anyway. The opening credits rolled, and he slurped his noodles with exaggerated satisfaction.

“Mmm,” he mumbled through a mouthful. “This is so good. I love when the world spins around me like this. Just whatever the fuck I want.” 

He rolled over and stuffed gimbap into his mouth, arms wrapped around his food like he was hoarding treasure. “The Kang Taehyun really paid for this. It actually happened…This isn’t a fever dream. Or like… going through puberty dream shit…” 

He dramatically grabbed the strawberry milk like it was wine and raised it slightly. “To user terrifyingmess . And his hot arms. And the way he looked at me like I wasn’t wearing pajamas that made me look five.”

With a satisfied sigh after he sipped the milk like it was really a shot of soju, he sank into the pillows and continued the movie, laughing at the dumb lines, even muttering them under his breath because he knew half of them by now. Eventually, his empty containers were pushed aside and he dragged himself to the bathroom for skincare.

“You deserve this glass skin,” he told himself in the mirror, patting on his toner like a professional. “Taehyun saw you looking like a disaster and still paid for your dinner. Imagine if he sees you glowing, Choi Beomgyu.” 

He even applied lip balm with care, as he smacked his lips exaggeratedly. 

By the time he was done, his face was sticky and shiny in the best way possible. He crawled back into bed in his bear pajamas, full, clean and warm under the soft blanket. His eyes fluttered closed, a small smile tugging on his lips.

Maybe it wasn’t such a bad week after all.

Ping .

Beomgyu’s phone lit up on his nightstand.

It was Kai.

hyuka: have u opened ig yet? 

Beomgyu groaned and typed back lazily:

beomgyu: no why

hyuka: k do it. 

Beomgyu rolled onto his back with a sigh. “What now?” he muttered, unlocking his phone. He didn’t think much of it, just tapped into Instagram out of habit, his thumb automatically moving to check stories from the people he followed.

He tapped through a few: some selfies, a late-night snack post, a song someone was streaming.

Then—

It automatically slided into Taehyun’s. Beomgyu’s thumb froze mid-tap, he didn’t even get a proper warning as he stared. 

And promptly stopped breathing too. 

There, right in front of him, the first thing Beomgyu could register was wow what a hard chest and fuck that shirt is holding onto that damn body! 

And only fully realised mid-thoughts that it was Taehyun’s mirror gym selfie.

The same outfit he wore just an hour ago—tight black shirt clinging to his chest and shoulders, the black shorts riding just above the knee, revealing muscular thighs. The black snapback sat low on his head, but some of his hair still stuck out beneath it, messy and damp with sweat, clinging slightly to his forehead. His phone was in one hand while the other casually rested on his hip. His jawline could slice through air.

He looked unfair.

Beomgyu made a strangled noise and threw his phone across the bed before immediately crawling after it. “Oh my god.”

He screamed into his pillow, face buried deep as he kicked his feet like a teenager having a breakdown on prom night. “Why is he so hot?! For what?!” 

He sat up quickly and grabbed the phone again, rewatching the story like it was a scientific study. “No because—why is the sweat making him look hotter. That’s illegal. Is he a God…?”

And then, without thinking, he smashed the like button. Shamelessly. Definitely not a thirsty man.

It would be more shameless if Beomgyu screenshotted it and saved it in a private album named “monstrous eyes” (because Taehyun had the biggest pair of eyes Beomgyu had ever seen) but Beomgyu still had some dignity left in him, fortunately. 

“What’s there to lose?” Beomgyu whispered, face red. “I met him post-gym version… I already won. He can take it. Take my heart. Take my everything!!” 

He laid back against the pillow, phone still in hand, the glow from the screen illuminating his giddy, flushed face.

It was midnight. His stomach was full. His skin was glowing. And the guy he’d been lowkey stalking all week just posted the hottest gym selfie Beomgyu had ever seen. 

He’d also paid for Beomgyu’s food on a random Saturday night in the most unexpected way possible. 

Maybe the universe was finally giving him a break.

:0

Beomgyu’s life was a joke. Why… just why did he think staying up until 4 a.m. binge-watching a drama where everyone dies would be a good idea when he had Monday morning classes?

And not just any class—it’s the one with the strict professor who once locked the door ten minutes after class started and told the late students to reflect on their lives in the hallway like misbehaving school kids.

So, yeah. Beomgyu’s entire existence was currently on fire.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he hisses under his breath as he bolted out of his apartment, half his hoodie still not pulled down properly. He didn’t even remember brushing his hair. His shoelaces were untied, his bag was once again half-zipped, and he was pretty sure the coffee he made was still sitting untouched on the kitchen counter. The only thing he grabbed was his phone—and even that’s at 13%.

Usually, he was out the door at least forty minutes early to avoid the worst of the public transport crowd, headphones in, sipping his overpriced latte. But now? Now he was sprinting, and his latte boy image was six feet under.

The train station was hell, people were everywhere . He tried to dodge between commuters like he was playing some real-life Subway Surf, heart pounding, hoodie flapping, phone buzzing in his pocket every ten seconds.

heeseung #comm : where are u

heeseung #comm : class starts in 10 bro

heeseung #comm : are u DEAD

heeseung #comm : dont say ur not coming i will actually kill u?

Beomgyu was almost in tears as he exited the station and ran down the sidewalk, dodging a guy with a baby stroller and nearly face-planting because his damn shoelace was trying to commit murder toward nobody but himself. He stopped at the pedestrian light, chest heaving, eyes frantic as he watched the red man blink calmly at him like it wasn’t personally trying to ruin his life at the moment.

“Come on,” he pleaded under his breath, stomping on the ground like it’ll help. “Just turn green already. Please. I’ll literally be a good person starting today. I won’t skip breakfast anymore. I won’t even lie about going to the gym. And delete all of my downloaded dramas.”

An older man gave him a side-eye but Beomgyu could barely give a damn. He was seconds from throwing himself into oncoming traffic if it meant getting to class on time.

He clutched the strap of his bag tighter, eyes darting to the traffic, the light, his phone screen. Eight minutes. Heeseung was calling again. Beomgyu declined and muttered an apology to no one.

Beomgyu barely registered the squeak of tires beside him until a quiet voice cut through the chaotic fog of his brain.

“Beomgyu hyung?”

He turned, blinking.

Standing beside him, straddling a sleek, black road bike, was none other than Taehyun. Casual and absolutely not real looking , dressed in a simple gray t-shirt that clung just enough to show off his toned arms, black joggers, and a matching black backpack slung lazily across his back. His hair was damp—messy in that unfair, good kind of way—and there was a sheen of sweat clinging to his temple despite the cool morning air. A thin black sports headband was holding his bangs off his forehead, and god , Beomgyu should be losing his mind about the whole “Taehyun calling him hyung” thing, but he was too busy panicking over his academic future.

“Taehyun!” Beomgyu gasped, half-wheezing. “Can you—can you help me? I’m so late. I stayed up all night watching this drama—stupid, I know —and now I have literally less than ten minutes to get to class and I missed my coffee and I didn’t even get to eat and if I’m late my professor is going to murder me, not figuratively but like actual homicide, and I need this degree, okay? It’s not even my final year but still! This is my core class!”

He stopped to breathe for a second, wild-eyed, as if Taehyun held all the answers to his chaotic Monday.

Taehyun just blinked at him once, lips quirked up in amusement before he calmly said, “Get on, hyung.”

Beomgyu didn’t hesitate.

He scrambled onto the back of the bike, barely managing to situate himself on the tiny frame behind Taehyun, arms awkwardly hovering in the air as he wondered where to put them.

That was when Taehyun glanced over his shoulder and said, voice cool but kind, “Hold on tight, hyung.”

Beomgyu did, because he didn’t want to die, thank you very much.

He wrapped his arms around Taehyun’s waist just as the pedestrian light turned green. The second it did, Taehyun sped off, slicing through the street like it’s nothing.

Beomgyu almost screamed.

The wind slapped against his cheeks as Taehyun pedaled like he was being chased by the devil himself. He weaved through crowds of people like it was a video game level he’d already mastered—hopping the curb, cutting across an alleyway, skidding past a confused couple walking their dog.

Beomgyu held on so tight he was practically clinging to Taehyun’s back, his face buried between his shoulder blades. He caught hints of Taehyun’s cologne, light and citrusy, and the fresh sweat from a likely early morning cycling session. His brain short-circuited briefly, and tried very hard not to think of something so not innocent. Is this what romance feels like?

They flew past red-bricked shops and a park Beomgyu’s pretty sure he’d never seen before—and then suddenly, like magic , the university campus came into view.

Taehyun slowed just enough for Beomgyu to hop off, panting and wide-eyed.

The entire trip took three minutes. Three . It would’ve taken Beomgyu six even if he sprinted.

He didn’t even have time to thank him properly. His class was about to start in eight minutes! 

Beomgyu hopped down, his backpack nearly falling off his shoulder, and yelled over his shoulder as he sprinted toward the main entrance, “ Thank you very much, Taehyun !!!”

Taehyun only lifted a hand in a casual wave, grinning. “Good luck, hyung!”

Beomgyu disappeared into the building, breathless, heart still hammering in his chest—not just from the biking, but from the absurd realization that he just spent the morning wrapped around Taehyun like a human backpack.

Beomgyu eased the door open with barely a sound, his steps light and measured as he moved along the wall, every movement precise and deliberate, careful not to draw a single pair of eyes like he was a spy on a mission—except he was panting, slightly sweaty, and absolutely ungraceful as he stumbled down the aisle to his usual seat beside Heeseung.

His professor glanced up, brows raised like she wanted to make a comment but thankfully, she just resumed clicking through the slides. A small miracle indeed.

Beomgyu offered his most sheepish smile and whispered a breathless, “Sorry!” before flopping into his seat.

Heeseung turned to him slowly, squinting like he’d seen a ghost. “Wow. I thought I wouldn’t see you today. Honestly started making peace with your funeral as I imagined Ms. Ha deduct your marks.” 

Beomgyu groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. “Me too. I was already composing my goodbye speech in my head.”

The lecture kicked off, their professor launching into something about public relations and politics, but Beomgyu is only half-listening. His heart was still racing, but this time not from stress of not making it to class anymore, but from pure delight.

“Dude,” he muttered, turning toward Heeseung with a giddy smile creeping onto his face. “You will not believe what happened to me this morning.”

Heeseung raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Don’t smile like that. That’s the same smile you had when you texted your situationship a SpongeBob lovebomb meme at 2am.”

Beomgyu slapped his arm. “That was a powerful move to force him out of my life and you know it. He was too creepy! He had all this obsession over slimes !”

Heeseung mock shivered. “ You’re scaring me.”

Beomgyu just laughed—a little too loudly for a lecture, but thankfully, no one shushed him. He sank into his seat with a satisfied sigh, unlocking his phone, fingers already flying as he opened his DMs.

He scrolled for approximately half a second before landing on Taehyun’s chat.

bamgyuuuu: thank u so much taehyun… its a miracle that u showed up! or else i wouldve cried…

He stared at it and bit his lip.

Then, with the kind of courage that only came after clinging onto your crush like a baby koala on a bicycle, he typed again:

bamgyuuuu: you’ve helped me twice already! we should get a proper meal together! my treat this time hehe :D

Satisfied, Beomgyu beamed at his screen like he just proposed to someone.

“Did you just… confess to whoever that is? Did someone finally take pity on you and actually matched you without unmatching it two minutes later?” Heeseung whispered.

“No,” Beomgyu whispered back, grinning. “Worse. I initiated a meal and it’s not someone from those dating apps!” 

“Very sexy,” Heeseung said, deadpan.

Beomgyu giggled, finally allowing himself to focus on the lecture. His notes ended up being half doodles of stick-figure bicycles and squiggly hearts.

It was only after class ended with students stretching and shuffling out that his phone buzzed.

Three messages. From Taehyun .

Beomgyu nearly dropped the damn thing as he scrambled to open it.

terryfyingmess: don’t cry! i’m happy to help

terryfyingmess: the first one doesn’t count, i really wanted to buy the food for you

terryfyingmess: sounds good and i’m free whenever you’re free gyu hyung.

Beomgyu screamed.

Like, actually screamed. A short, high-pitched, emotionally overwhelmed squeak that echoed in the now half-empty hall.

Heeseung jolted like someone fired a gun. “Jesus Christ—what?! Did they cancel our quiz tomorrow?! Or Jay from that basketball team is finally single?!” 

“No and definitely a big no to that last question.” Beomgyu shoved his phone in Heeseung’s face. “But what you should know is that I’m getting married first before you.”

Heeseung read it slowly, expression slowly turned into annoyed. “…You mean you’re getting food together.”

Beomgyu nodded solemnly. “Yes. Food. And then marriage. And then kids. Two. Maybe three. I haven’t decided.”

“You haven’t even decided your career path, and now you want kids?” Heeseung laughed, standing and stretching.

Beomgyu flopped over his desk dramatically. “You don’t get it, Hee. Taehyun said ‘gyu hyung .’ That sounds like a happy ending to me already.”

Heeseung just shook his head, grabbing his bag with a laugh. “You’re so down bad it’s contagious. I need to go cleanse my aura from getting affected by you.”

Beomgyu didn’t care.

He just stared at his screen, grinning like a lovesick idiot, heart fluttering, already imagining how he was going to dress for this “casual” meal like it was a red carpet event.

Beomgyu had sent a single message in his group chat that immediately caused suspicion.

beomgyu: urgent meeting. now. no excuse.

He even followed it up with a “.” for authority.

And it worked, because an hour later, the four of them were squished in their usual booth at their favorite diner, jackets still halfway off, arguing over who paid for last week’s meal and why Yeonjun always stole the corner seat.

“I’m just saying,” Kai pointed with his chopsticks, “Yeonjun hyung acts like our leader but always leaves us with the bill.”

“Bold coming from someone who forgot his wallet three times in a row,” Yeonjun countered, rolling his eyes.

Soobin sighed into his water. “Can we go one meal without fighting over who’s broke?”

“You’re all broke,” Beomgyu stated. “Anyway. That’s not the point.”

Yeonjun narrowed his eyes. “Right. You said urgent. What’s so urgent that you dragged me out when I was two episodes away from finishing my show?”

Beomgyu leaned forward abruptly, the overhead lights gleaming off his wide-eyed, suspense-filled face.

“So… what does it mean if a guy says ‘he’s free whenever I’m free’?”

Silence. Just for two seconds.

Then they were everywhere.

Kai screamed. Soobin choked on his drink. Yeonjun literally slapped the table so hard their server turned to look.

“Oh my— you did not —” Kai was halfway standing in the booth. “ Why would you fucking drop it like that ?!”

“I thought it was going to be about your grades again!” Soobin said, wiping his mouth.

“ Or your broken charger—this is not what I expected!” Yeonjun said, shaking his head in disbelief, a grin spreading anyway. “Give. Us. Context, like right now, Choi Beomgyu.” 

Beomgyu basked in the moment, grinning like a grinch. “Okay, okay, calm down. I’ll tell you, but no interrupting.”

“No promises,” Kai mumbled as he looked at Beomgyu in disbelief.

“So,” Beomgyu began, dramatically reaching for his iced tea like a seasoned storyteller. “I was late to class this morning because… well I binged a drama last night.”

“So you did that to yourself.” Soobin pointed out.

“Let me live! Anyway, I was on the verge of tears, stomping at the crosswalk like a child, thinking it was over for me! Like you guys would have successful jobs and I would be a pathetic little human being! Then—” Beomgyu paused for suspense. “—a bicycle stopped next to me.”

Yeonjun gasped as if he’d already predicted what’s next. “No way. No. Don’t tell me.”

“Yep. It was Taehyun. In a gray t-shirt that absolutely does nothing to hide his muscles. He looked all sporty like he just stepped out of a Nike ad.”

“Oh my god,” Kai slapped his own cheeks. “You’re kidding me.”

“I am not!” Beomgyu placed a hand over his heart. “He said ‘Beomgyu hyung?’ like we were in a high school romance manga. I almost dropped dead on the spot.”

“Was there a glow behind him? Did birds sing?” Soobin snorted, clearly sarcastic but Beomgyu couldn’t even fight him for it as he answered, 

“Yes, and angels wept .” Beomgyu nodded solemnly.

Kai looked like he was spiraling. “So what did you do??”

“I begged him to help me,” Beomgyu said. “I word-vomited my entire academic career at him, and he just… told me to get on his bike. He zoomed me through traffic like Fast & Furious: Campus Drift. ”

The boys burst into cackles.

“You got princess-carried on a bike?” Yeonjun wheezed.

“I held on to his waist, okay?! I could smell his cologne and his post-workout sweat. It was beautiful… I was basically reborn from that experience alone.”

Kai clutched his chest. “You’re so dumb. I’m crying.”

“I didn’t even get to thank him properly,” Beomgyu went on. “So I texted him. And then I invited him to get a meal together. My treat.”

The table went dead quiet at that. This time in pure shock at Beomgyu actually making a move.

“…And he said yes?” Soobin asked slowly.

Beomgyu took out his phone and wordlessly showed them the chat. Taehyun’s texts. That sweet little “ whenever you’re free, Gyu hyung. ”

Kai let out a high-pitched screech and kicked the booth under the table.

“He called you ‘gyu hyung’?!? You’re definitely getting married. I don’t care.”

Yeonjun leaned back like he was at a wedding speech. “I’d like to thank the traffic jam, Beomgyu’s bad decisions, and destiny, honestly.”

Soobin blinked. “Wait, wait . Is this the first time you met him? After the one with us? Because why did he say the first time doesn’t count? And he called you… hyung?”

Beomgyu hesitated.

“…Yes?”

All three of them turned to look at him.

Kai squinted. “You paused .”

“I just—okay! I might have met him at the convenience store near my building… he also paid for my meal… It was completely a coincidence alright.” 

“And you didn’t tell us all that?!” Kai cried.

“I buried that memory for a reason! I was wearing my bear pyjamas…” Beomgyu protested.

They all dissolved into another round of laughter as the server brought their food, and Beomgyu sat back, cheeks warm, heart warmer. He looked at his phone again, rereading Taehyun’s message with a stupid smile.

This week might just be his favorite so far.

:D

Beomgyu was not okay.

It had been three days since the great bicycle rescue, and Beomgyu had been in planning mode ever since. Not exam-planning nor assignment-planning. No . He was planning the whole details of the casual hangout with Kang Taehyun and slowly losing his grip on reality.

“It’s just food,” Heeseung said, lazily scrolling through his phone from the opposite end of the couch, acting like the owner of the house. “You act like you’re asking him to live together.”

Beomgyu had told Heeseung the full story of Taehyun’s sudden existence in his life and Heeseung had shown him double thumbs up after Beomgyu showed him pictures. That traitor…

“I might as well be!” Beomgyu wailed into his pillow. “I can’t just take him to any lame fast food place. But I also can’t take him somewhere that screams I’m-in-love-with-you-and-trying-too-hard. It has to be the perfect balance.”

Heeseung blinked. “…You want the food equivalent of a guy who says ‘I like you but in a chill way, you mean.’”

“ Exactly !”

Heeseung hummed. “So… the food court?”

“Just shut up. Get out.” Beomgyu tossed a pillow at him.

Heeseung caught it, laughing. “You’ve spent more time planning this meal than you have on our group project.”

“That’s different! I haven’t even picked a date yet for this. The weather has to be good. I don’t want it to rain and ruin Taehyun’s outfit.”

“I bet he’s just gonna wear another one of those plain shirts, Beom.”

“As he should! He wears them well.”

Beomgyu had created a checklist. With little boxes that said:

Sunny weather (a bit windy too so it won’t be too warm for Taehyun!), my bank account can handle it, casual but charming outfit, doesn’t make me look like I tried (even though I did), I will NOT stutter.

So far, none of the days had aligned with the prophecy.

He changed his outfit ideas twelve times. Once even mid-shower, which resulted in him slipping on his soap and scaring the neighbors with a scream.

He’d also been caught smiling at his phone way too often, mostly in public.

Like when he was in line at a café and Taehyun texted:

terryfyingmess: you really don’t have to adjust for me, hyung. im okay with anything, seriously

Beomgyu read it with the dopiest grin imaginable and made an accidental “ kyaa ~” noise that earned a side-eye from the barista. He looked like he’d been receiving love letters as a locked up prince. Maybe it was time to stop rewatching Tangled…

bamgyuuuu: r u sure T__T i feel so bad… i feel like im making u follow my timing only… i promise im not a diva! or like… a full time one

Taehyun replied almost instantly,

terryfyingmess: you can be a diva! it suits you somehow haha. i really don’t mind, hyung. 

Beomgyu stared at the message until his phone dimmed itself.

Then stared at the black screen.

And whispered, “Oh. He’s so good at this.”

He’d tried calling Yeonjun for help, but the older only cackled and said, “I say go full extravagant. Pull out a picnic mat, homemade food, and act like you didn’t rehearse your laugh in the mirror.”

Soobin had sent a Google link for “ restaurants that make you feel like you're in a 5 star but budget version.”

Kai just said “I will help with the engagement ring.”

None of them were helpful. Instead, all of them were delighted by how insane Beomgyu had become. Almost like it was a pleased thing to see Beomgyu suffer.

And Beomgyu was insane, because he had a draft note titled: “ Questions to Ask If We Run Out of Things to Talk About (Not Weird) .”

They included:

  What’s your favorite animal (don’t ask if it’s cats too fast, you will make it obvious that you are very into him!)

 Have you ever been to the beach at night? (too romantic? maybe save this one) 

Do you think ghosts are real (safe neutral territory, also fun??)

Beomgyu was very sure none of these would make it once he met Taehyun, but it won’t hurt to try.

Beomgyu tossed and turned in bed for two more nights, obsessively checking weather forecasts and overanalyzing every “haha” Taehyun texted.

Finally, on the fourth day, he picked one. Saturday. Sunny, breezy, free schedule. Everything lined up.

bamgyuuuu: this saturday look good?? :D

Beomgyu bit his cheek from smiling when he saw Taehyun replied almost immediately,

terryfyingmess: perfect. i will see you then, hyung

Beomgyu let out a dramatic gasp that echoed through the apartment.

“Did he say yes?” Heeseung called out from the bathroom.

Beomgyu kicked his feet on the couch like a high school girl. “He said perfect . We’re practically dating.”

“You’ve literally just made a lunch plan.”

Beomgyu hugged a pillow and squealed. “He’s going to fall in love with me. I feel it.”

:D

The weather was perfect.

The sky was bright but not blinding, with cottony clouds decorating the blue like someone had Photoshopped the day. A gentle breeze swayed the trees just enough to keep things cool, and birds were chirping like they were paid to do it.

Beomgyu narrowed his eyes at the sun filtering through his window. “Don’t mess this up,” he whispered like it was a sentient being. “Not today.”

It was 11:53 a.m. on a Saturday, and Beomgyu had been awake since 7:00 a.m.

Seven in the morning. On a weekend.

He would’ve cried at the injustice if it weren’t for the cause: a hangout (that totally wasn’t a date but very much a date to Beomgyu) with Kang Taehyun.

Beomgyu had done things to prepare that he usually didn’t do in his daily life, for example, making his bed.

He didn’t even remember how to tuck corners, but there he was, slapping his pillow aggressively and pulling the blanket until it looked hotel-room respectable. He even lit a candle for vibes, despite the fact that why would Taehyun ever set foot in his room—but he still did it anyway.

He stared at his reflection, smoothing his hair behind his ears. It stayed for 0.3 seconds before one tuft stuck back out like a rebellious antenna. He tried again. And again. Eventually, he gave up and hoped Taehyun thought it was charming.

As for his outfit; carefully curated and thoughtfully selected with various opinions from his not very much helpful friends. He wore a soft cream knit vest layered over a white button-up with slightly puffed sleeves (he wanted to look cute and approachable—like a puppy boy). Paired with light-washed jeans that fell just right and white sneakers that he cleaned with toothpaste because the internet said so. The effort was insane.

He accessorized with a silver ring and a tiny flower pin on his vest. 

Beomgyu sat on the edge of his bed, vibrating with anticipation. Every time his phone lit up, he flinched and clutched his chest to steady his heartbeat a little. He kept sipping from his water bottle and had to pray this wouldn’t be the reason he’d be in and out of the toilet later.

When the ping finally came, he didn’t even need to read the name to know.

terryfyingmess: im here 

He stared at the message like the message would disappear, it did not. Then he stood. Then he sat. Then he stood again.

“Oh my god,” he muttered, smacking his cheeks lightly. “This is real. This is happening. Okay. Chill. Be cool. You’re good at this. You—”

He opened the front door and made it to the elevator as he counted every second before he exited the building of his apartment. 

As soon as he did, he promptly forgot how to breathe.

A sleek black car was parked right outside. The windows were tinted, slightly intimidating for Beomgyu who’d already been nervous enough. It didn’t help that it made his little flower pin feel self-conscious.

“Maybe we should’ve just met at the restaurant,” he whispered, heart pounding. “Where I could pace outside and mentally prepare myself. Not be scooped up like a princess—”

The car window rolled down.

Taehyun leaned slightly out of it, sunglasses pushed to the top of his head, warm eyes meeting Beomgyu’s with that now-almost-familiar smile that could send Beomgyu to heaven.

“Hi, hyung,” he said, casually, like he hadn’t just murdered Beomgyu with two words. “Come in.”

Beomgyu might have blacked out for a second and he definitely let out a noise. Somewhere between a gasp and a squeak as he blinked dumbly at Taehyun. His legs moved before his brain could.

And then—

“Wait—”

He paused mid-step as his eyes widened in slow horror.

Taehyun was wearing a white shirt layered under a cream-toned cardigan, loose beige slacks, and—no. No way. Not the matching palette.

They were matching.

Not identically, but definitely enough to look like those couple Instagram influencers who post mirror selfies captioned “accidentally twinning hehe.”

Beomgyu wanted to jump out of his own skin.

“Fuck how am I going to do this,” He whispered to himself. “Please, don’t scare him away, Beomgyu, please.”

He somehow managed to walk like the functioning adult he was, toward the passenger door and opened it with what he hoped was elegance. He slid in the most graceful, absolutely composed way he’d seen on movies—

And immediately caught his jeans in the door as he tried to close it.

“Ow—! I—”

There was a pause.

Taehyun’s chuckle broke the silence, soft and amused. “You okay?”

Beomgyu looked down at the tragically caught edge of his pants, groaned, and unwedged it with gritted teeth.

“I’m fine,” he muttered. “The door just hates me.”

Taehyun only laughed again, eyes crinkling.

This was going to be the best or either most embarrassing day of his life.

Beomgyu had never been more thankful for silence than he was during the car ride because if Taehyun had said anything—asked how his morning was, worse if he complimented his outfit, hell, even just breathed too loud—Beomgyu was sure he would’ve exploded into pink confetti right there in the passenger seat.

So yeah, silence was good. It saved Beomgyu from any chance to accidentally make Taehyun feel ick.

The samgyetang place Beomgyu picked wasn’t fancy, just quiet and cozy with soft wooden furniture and the faint aroma of ginseng and garlic in the air. There was a light murmur of conversations from a few other tables, and the late noon sun filters lazily through the windows.

But as Beomgyu stepped inside, he suddenly wondered if this was the right call. Was this too intimate? Too small?

The tables were close together, and they were seated at one by the window with nothing but a little silver pot of barley tea between them. It felt… date-like. Shit.

His brain needed to stop projecting fake romantic movie scenes onto this very normal meal.

Still, he squared his shoulders and told himself it was fine. This was not a date. It was just… two people eating food like normal friends. Well they were not really friends yet, were they? But seeing from how relaxed Taehyun seemed to be…

Beomgyu sat so stiffly it was bound to hurt in thirty minutes, and folded his hands neatly in his lap while his eyes darted around the restaurant like they were trying to escape his face.

Meanwhile, Taehyun sat across from him, somehow looking like he belonged on a magazine cover. Shoulders relaxed unlike Beomgyu’s, one arm propped on the back of his chair, legs crossed. His hair was pushed back just enough that a few strands fell across his forehead.

Beomgyu took a sip from the silver cup in front of him just to keep from screaming into it.

Taehyun broke the silence first.

“It’s crazy that we’re kinda matching right now,” he says, voice light.

Beomgyu’s head snapped up, eyes wide as he clearly thought it was the only thing that shouldn’t be talked about because it was too… couple-y. “H-huh?”

Taehyun chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth quirking as his gaze lingered on Beomgyu’s outfit. “Like—look at us,” he gestured vaguely between them. “Almost the same shade of cream too. You could’ve gotten me the same pin too.” His tone was teasing, amused like he was totally clocked that Beomgyu put in effort today— okay really Beomgyu needed to stop thinking too much.

Beomgyu’s ears burned. “Y-yeah,” he stammered, gripping the cup tighter. “We think alike.”

“Mm,” Taehyun hummed, still smiling. “Great minds.”

It was obvious Taehyun’s trying to keep things light, and Beomgyu was so grateful. He let his body relax a little from the awkward posture and finally met Taehyun’s eyes for more than a second. He even managed to not pass out from it.

After another beat, Beomgyu decided to ask something back, voice slightly steadier this time. “Sorry if this sounds weird, but… what do you do? Like, do you study? Work?”

He figured if he was going to mentally label this as a date—and he was—he might as well learn more about the guy who was now taking up way too much space in his brain.

Beomgyu had asked the question almost shyly, half-hoping Taehyun would go on a passionate rant, half-terrified he’d just say something boring like business admin and call it a day. Instead, Taehyun leaned forward slightly, placing his elbows gently on the table as he said,

“I’m in the veterinary assistant track.”

And Beomgyu nearly dropped his cup at the information

“Sorry, you’re what?” he asked, voice borderline shrill.

Taehyun laughed, it made the corners of his eyes crinkle a little and a dimple was showing. “Vet assistant,” he repeated. “Final year. It’s a two-year program.”

Beomgyu blinked, trying to process the words Taehyun and veterinary in the same sentence. The same Taehyun who looked like he’d walked out of a Pinterest board. The same Taehyun who cycled like he was in the Olympics and dressed like an off-duty model. Taehyun with animals. Professionally. Beomgyu could faint just from imagining Taehyun being all gentle to any kinds of animals in the world.

When he first saw Taehyun’s bio, he hadn’t thought much about it, he just assumed that he really was an animal lover. 

Turned out he called himself an animal whisperer because he… worked around animals. This new knowledge made Beomgyu’s heart beat faster.

“That’s… wow,” Beomgyu breathed, gripping his water glass for emotional support. “Isn’t that, like… hard?”

Taehyun tilted his head thoughtfully. “Well… yeah,” he admitted. “But I’ve never failed any of my subjects, so I guess I’m doing okay.”

Beomgyu immediately filed that under the reasons he might pass out from the attraction category. Not failing in a vet track??? Oh, so Taehyun was smart. Of course. Beomgyu absolutely loved men with sexy brains. The prince to the animals too. He couldn’t get any more perfect than he already was in Beomgyu’s eyes.

Taehyun must’ve thought he was still curious, because he went on, eyes lighting up as he explained, “We’ve been doing more clinical hours this semester. I’m usually at a small clinic near Mapo during the weekends. And we cover stuff like animal nursing, lab work, surgery prep, even behavior studies.”

Beomgyu nodded along, trying very hard not to melt into the seat every time Taehyun looked so fond while talking, like the world had narrowed into something soft and warm. He looked so passionate about it, so steady, so sure of himself—and Beomgyu swore, it was a miracle he hadn’t just proposed right then and there…

“And—wait, do you want to see my cat?” Taehyun suddenly asked.

Beomgyu was about to make a terrible joke about Taehyun himself looked like one, but thankfully, his common sense smacked him before the words left his mouth.

“Oh my god, yes please.”

Taehyun smiled, unlocking his phone and pulling up a picture. “This is Hobak.”

Beomgyu took the phone, careful not to touch Taehyun’s fingers because he didn’t think he could handle that, right now. The cat was the same adorable cat he’d seen on Taehyun’s page—round eyes, a peachy cream coat, and tiny paws tucked in a perfect loaf. “He’s so cute,” he gasped. “He looks so sassy. I bet you’re his maid…”

“He is spoiled,” Taehyun said with a nod. “I’m just his servant, really.”

Beomgyu laughed harder than he probably should’ve, his heart practically thudding out of his chest. 

When Taehyun finally looked up again, his gaze was soft. “What about you, hyung?”

Beomgyu froze. Right. It wasn’t a one-way interview. Of course Taehyun would want to know about him too. Please don’t let this be just polite small talk, he prayed in his head. Please be because you’re actually interested in me. Please.

He placed the phone gently down on the table, suddenly very aware of how fidgeting he’d been.

“Oh. Uh…me?”

The way Taehyun nodded with genuine interest almost made him want to weep.

Beomgyu had just opened his mouth to speak when the waitress arrived with their food, neatly setting down steaming bowls of samgyetang in front of them. The smell was comforting, familiar—and absolutely did nothing to comfort Beomgyu’s nerves. He stared down at his bowl like it personally offended him, suddenly forgetting everything he was about to say.

They ate in a stretch of silence that Beomgyu hated. Not awkward and not exactly tense either, but it felt like a little pause in the bubble they had been building. He chewed slowly, stabbing his chicken with an unnecessary amount of intensity as he kept sneaking glances at Taehyun, who was—of course—eating calmly as if he hadn’t just melted Beomgyu into soup earlier by talking about animals and calling him hyung all the time in that soft voice.

He felt the disappointment simmer in his chest. Maybe Taehyun lost interest. Maybe he’s already bored. Maybe Beomgyu should’ve just shut up in the first place and moved on—

“Hyung?”

Beomgyu nearly choked on a spoonful of broth. He looked up, startled.

Taehyun was smiling, that gentle, amused look in his eyes again. “I still don’t know what you’re doing?” he said, softly giggling like he was genuinely curious (and probably noticed how quiet they suddenly had become). “I mean, if you’re comfortable sharing, of course—”

Beomgyu practically exploded with relief. “No, no! Of course I can!” he blurted out way too fast. “Sorry, I just thought… you didn’t wanna hear it anymore.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he winced. Shit. Now he sounds like he’s guilt-tripping Taehyun. Or being weirdly passive-aggressive. Or both. 

But Taehyun just shook his head slowly, as if he was brushing away Beomgyu’s anxiety like a crumb. “I still want to hear what you’re doing, hyung,” he said gently. “So what is it?”

Beomgyu stared at him, then slowly exhaled, and forced himself to meet Taehyun’s gaze, even if it made his ears go red.

“I’m in a communications degree,” he said, a little more steady now. “I started school kinda early, so I graduated high school earlier than most people. I dunno, some people think it’s weird to have a degree this young, but… it’s normal, right? I mean, it’s not that big a deal.”

He was rambling, and he knew it. His major suddenly sounded so uninteresting compared to Taehyun helping animals and doing clinical work while Beomgyu studied about the way humans talked… well it was deeper than that but it was easier to say it like that anyway! Still boring and unimpressive…

“I mean, it’s not as impressive as yours,” he added with an awkward chuckle, poking at his chicken again. “Yours is so hands-on and meaningful and mine is just… talking. I don’t know.”

Taehyun tilted his head again, that soft-laugh expression back in place. “Don't say that, that’s actually so cool,” he said, like he meant it. “I’ve always respected people in that major. You must be an extrovert to do that, right?”

Beomgyu let out a weak little noise, slowly putting his utensils down as he slumped just slightly in his seat. “…I’m actually an introvert.”

Taehyun blinked. “Really?” he said, that was probably the most surprising thing he’d heard all day from Beomgyu. “Wow. I didn’t see that. Well… now that I think about it, you do seem a little shy around people, but I just thought that was how you are.”

Beomgyu did not tell him that he was only this shy around people who made his stomach do flips and his brain short-circuit every time they smiled. Instead, he just mumbled a humble, “Yeah…”

“And what do you wanna do with your major?” Taehyun asked, sipping his soup—Beomgyu wished he could eat properly without minding how messy he’d look in front of Taehyun.

Beomgyu perked up slightly. “I was thinking, like… maybe a radio DJ? Or voice work? I don’t know. Something with the media. But sometimes I feel like it’s too childish. I already have a degree, so I should be aiming for something more serious, no?”

Taehyun set his spoon down, brows knitting slightly. “Don’t say that. Just do whatever you want. If it makes you happy, that’s serious enough.”

Beomgyu blinked again. That answer wasn’t rehearsed or overly deep, it was simple, yet comforting. But before he could say anything back, Taehyun added, “Also, my niece wants to be a radio DJ too.”

Beomgyu’s heart skipped a beat. 

“And a princess.” Taehyun chuckled. “I should tell her I found a new uncle for her to be friends with.”

Beomgyu’s spoon paused halfway to his mouth. His brain did the equivalent of a record scratch.

Did Taehyun just implied Beomgyu… will be talked about to his little favourite niece? Not to point out that Taehyun literally mentioned his cat and his niece in one sitting.

At this point, Taehyun was the one that should propose to him! 

Beomgyu didn’t know if it was the ginseng soup or just the Taehyun effect, but he was officially dizzy.

All he could manage was a shaky little laugh and the quietest “You’re joking, right?”

Taehyun just smiled like he wasn’t absolutely joking with that and Beomgyu could only smile back in return.

“So… what’s your niece’s name again?” Beomgyu asked, stabbing the last of his rice with the tip of his chopsticks, mostly for something to do other than fidget under Taehyun’s gaze. “You did tell us back then, but I kind of forgot already.” 

He did not forget the little girl’s name. He just needed to make the conversation longer so he could breathe easier. 

Taehyun chewed thoughtfully for a second before answering, “Lee Yeri.” A soft grin pulled at his lips. “She’s my sister’s daughter. I live with them right now—my sister, her husband, and Yeri. It’s closer to the clinic I’m doing clinical hours at, so it just made sense.”

Beomgyu blinked. That wasn’t what he expected. “Oh. You live with your sister?”

“Mm-hm,” Taehyun nodded, casually sipping his barley tea. “I thought about staying at a dorm or something, but honestly, I don’t really want to live alone. Maybe once I graduate and get a real job, I’ll go back to my parents’ place, at least for a while. I don’t know, I just… like being around people, I guess.”

Beomgyu tucked that piece of information carefully into the back of his mind. For what? He didn’t know yet, but he would figure it out. He mulled over the difference between them—Beomgyu had always liked his space, needed it, really. Having a place that was just his, quiet and familiar, felt comforting. But Taehyun? Taehyun seemed to like noise and the warmth that radiated from people. Somehow, it made him even more charming.

“That’s adorable,” Beomgyu muttered before he could stop himself.

Taehyun blinked. “What is?”

Beomgyu’s eyes widened. “N-Nothing. I mean—uh.” He cleared his throat. “What about your cat?”

“Hobak?” Taehyun laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners. “He moves around with me. He’s been with me since I was sixteen. Doesn’t like people much, though.”

“Wow. He’s just like me,” Beomgyu quipped before thinking, the words slipping out easily.

Taehyun chuckled, resting his elbow on the table and his chin on his palm as he gave Beomgyu a teasing look. “Maybe I should introduce you two. Who knows, you might click.”

Beomgyu tried not to combust on the spot. Stop saying things like that. Stop acting like this is going to happen again. His mind screamed, but his heart? His heart was already clinging onto the moment, praying that this won’t be the last because he really was enjoying Taehyun’s presence…

He wouldn’t be surprised if this meeting led him to having a serious heart attack problem seeing how he couldn’t get a second to breathe.

Taehyun poured him more barley tea without asking. It was such a small gesture. But something about it made Beomgyu feel seen in a way he hadn’t realized he needed. He told himself not to feel sad when they finished eating. Not to let the quiet drop in his chest feel like there would be no reason anymore to reach out to Taehyun after this.

Beomgyu reached for his tea again, already bracing himself for the inevitable goodbye—

“Are you busy after this?” Taehyun asked, tilting his head as he stacked their dishes gently.

Beomgyu’s heart once again, leapt like an idiot. “No,” he answered quickly. “Why?”

Taehyun hummed, leaning back in his seat. “I need to get a birthday present for Yeri. It’s in a few weeks.”

“Oh.” Beomgyu’s stomach flipped at the indication. “You want me to… come with you?”

“Yeah,” Taehyun said, already reaching for his keys. “If you’re up for it.”

Beomgyu lit up before he could stop himself, smile tugging at his lips faster than he could fight it. Judging by the way Taehyun glanced at him with that stupidly fond amusement in his eyes, he definitely noticed.

“Sure,” Beomgyu said, trying to sound cool despite the giddy chaos inside him. “I’d love to.”

The place Taehyun picked was a cozy, mid-sized toy and gift shop nestled in one of those tidy side streets downtown, part of a renovated row of boutique stores with flower pots hanging from windows and the smell of bread wafting from a nearby bakery. It wasn’t too crowded, but it had just enough bustle to feel alive. The display windows twinkled with pastel decorations and plushies stacked into little pillow towers.

The moment they stepped inside, Beomgyu immediately noticed something. Most people there were… well, couples. Some stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the plush wall, others shared quiet laughs by the stationery section. A few were young families—moms and dads holding little kids by the hand as they pointed at dolls or building blocks.

He swallowed. Okay, let’s not get there. 

But then he caught their reflection in one of the floor mirrors near the checkout; standing side by side, wearing the same colour palette like they were really a couple. It didn’t help.

“So,” Beomgyu cleared his throat, shifting his attention to the wall of plush toys in front of them. “How old is she?”

“Yeri?” Taehyun smiled, already scanning the shelves. “She’s seven. Second grade.”

“Cute,” Beomgyu murmured, just as Taehyun held up a fluffy bear with a pink ribbon tied around its ear.

“I was thinking something like this? Stuffed animals, you know? Is that still cool?” Taehyun asked, tilting his head slightly. “Or do kids her age find this boring already?”

“You can never go wrong with a stuffed toy,” Beomgyu said confidently, leaning closer to examine the bear. “Especially something cuddly like that. I have a friend named Kai who collects those. And he’s an adult.”

He only realized how casually that came out after the words had already escaped. Oh no. He’s talking about his friends now. Why are you giving Taehyun access to your whole life, Beomgyu?!

Taehyun glanced over, amused. “Kai… the one with @hyukaiing?”

“Yeah,” Beomgyu exhaled a little, rubbing the back of his neck. “He was there that day—at the Lego store. With Yeonjun and Soobin.”

“The couple, right?” Taehyun said, nodding slowly as if pulling up the memory. “They seemed like good people.”

Beomgyu was about to joke that he was the best out of the group when Taehyun turned to him again and added, “You seem like a good person too, hyung.”

His face went up in flames instantly, ears burning as he turned abruptly toward another shelf. “Whatever,” he muttered under his breath, picking up a random bunny plush just to do something with his hands.

Behind him, Taehyun chuckled, like he’d caught every inch of Beomgyu’s flustered reaction and was enjoying it just a little too much.

“I mean it,” Taehyun said after a beat, softly.

Beomgyu’s throat tightened. He didn’t reply. He just… couldn’t. What if he’s just fucking with me…

Instead, he busied himself with squishing the bunny’s floppy ears, trying to keep his heart from doing somersaults. 

They spent the next few minutes wandering between shelves, discussing the pros and cons of slime kits versus art sets, picture books versus DIY accessories. Beomgyu could almost pretend that this was a regular errand. That he wasn’t walking side by side with the boy that’d live in his head rent-free ever since he laid his eyes on him.

He stole a glance at Taehyun as he crouched down by a shelf, inspecting a boxed-up unicorn plushie that sang when you pressed its nose.

He looked away when Taehyun’s eyes found his.

Beomgyu clutched the new stuffed bear in his arms. It was barely a half-sized one, but still big enough to be hugged, and instinctively made space for it in his lap.

“I was gonna put it in the back,” Taehyun said, reaching toward the backseat with one hand.

“No,” Beomgyu said too quickly. “I’ll hold it.”

Taehyun blinked, amused. “Wouldn’t it bother you?”

God. Beomgyu wanted to kiss him so bad. Just the way Taehyun asked that question…casually sweet, eyes soft from behind the wheel. 

“Nope!” Beomgyu chirped, hugging the bear tighter. “Did you forget I like bears?”

Taehyun chuckled as he started the car, his smile widening. “Yeah… it was really adorable. Where did you get the pyjamas from?”

Beomgyu did not flinch at being called adorable. “My mom got it for me,” he mumbled, eyes trained firmly out the window.

Taehyun didn’t even hesitate before saying, “Cute.”

Beomgyu’s face warmth.

The drive was filled with easy small talk, brief tangents about how weird the city traffic had been lately, Beomgyu pointing out a billboard with an awful design (“I bet I can do better!”), and Taehyun laughing softly at his silly takes. It felt natural, and Beomgyu was scared at how much they were getting along in the few hours they’d spent.

Too soon, they pulled into the front of Beomgyu’s apartment building.

Beomgyu shrunk into the bear instinctively, burying half his face in it as he looked out the window. “So… this is me.”

There was a pause, then Taehyun’s voice, half a laugh: “Wait. Stay like that.”

Beomgyu turned, confused—just in time to hear the unmistakable click of a camera shutter.

Taehyun had taken a photo of him… with the bear. Well it was Yeri’s bear, actually but he couldn’t resist the urge to hold it… Or perhaps he was just looking for something that could ground him, even for a moment.

“I must look ugly,” he muttered into the bear’s fuzzy head, already cringing at the thought of what his face must look like in the photo.

Taehyun glanced down at his phone, still smiling as he looked at the image. “No, you don’t.”

Beomgyu wanted to scream.

“…Take it again,” 

Taehyun didn’t say anything, he just raised his phone again, and Beomgyu pulled the bear properly into his arms this time, angling his head slightly, trying to look… presentable.

The shutter clicked again.

Taehyun giggled this time as he reviewed the photo. “Much better.”

Beomgyu didn’t even bother hiding his grin as he stepped out of the car and left the bear on the seat half-heartedly. “Thanks for the ride. I had a good time.” 

“Anytime,” Taehyun replied, voice light.

Beomgyu held onto whatever strength he had left all the way into the elevator, and as soon as the door closed, he let out a muffled yell and dropped onto the couch, hugging one of the cushions with both arms.

“God,” he groaned into the soft fabric. “We spent almost the whole day together and he ended it by taking pictures of me? What is his problem—”

His phone buzzed.

Still tangled in his cushion-induced delirium, Beomgyu unlocked it, and there it was:

terryfyingmess: 012-xxxxxxx

terryfyingmess: my number :)

He stared.

Beomgyu stared so long he forgot how to breathe. And then screamed into his pillow again—louder this time.

Taehyun just gave him his number…

Beomgyu spent the next few hours lost in his own made-up stories inside his head that he ended up dozing off in the living room.

The endless vibration of his phone against the nightstand woke Beomgyu up. It buzzed so violently that it knocked over his water bottle.

He groaned, pulling the covers over his head. Unfortunately, the noise persisted. Moving with sluggish, half-conscious effort, he dragged his arm out and blindly slapped around for his phone until he found it.

Yeonjun.

Why was Yeonjun calling him on Sunday morning?

He picked up without even saying hello, voice raspy from sleep as he barked, “What?!”

“ Explain?! ” Yeonjun screamed on the other end, his voice so shrill it nearly blew out Beomgyu’s eardrum.

Beomgyu winced and rolled over, shielding his face from the sunlight that pierced through his curtains like God himself wanted him to suffer. “The fuck are you talking about?” he mumbled, squinting blearily at the ceiling. “I literally just woke up.”

Yeonjun wasn’t having it. “ Where’s the fucking explanation?! You better start talking before I pull up to your place and kick your ass!” 

“About what?!” Beomgyu half-yawned, half-shouted. “It’s Sunday!”

Yeonjun paused. Beomgyu could hear heavy breathing on the other end. Then, with the rage Beomgyu clearly couldn’t understand where it came from, Yeonjun snapped,

“ You haven’t seen it yet?!”

“Seen what?!” Beomgyu yelled back, finally sitting up and blinking furiously. “What are you even—?”

Click .

Yeonjun hung up.

Beomgyu stared at his screen, baffled and offended. “Fucker—”

Ping .

A message popped up. From Yeonjun. It was a photo.

More specifically, a screenshot.

And Beomgyu didn’t even have to click on it to recognize himself, half of his face was covered and could only see his eyes and hair, but everyone who knew Beomgyu would recognise him in an instant. It was a picture of him holding Yeri’s stupid bear from yesterday in Taehyun’s car.

Beomgyu’s stomach dropped when it finally clicked together.

“No. No, no, no—” he fumbled to exit the chat and open Instagram, praying to whatever higher power might be awake on this sunny Sunday.

Please don’t be real. Please be an edit. Please be a joke from Yeonjun—

The higher power of Gods must be still sleeping because Taehyun had posted a story just a couple hours ago… when Beomgyu was deep asleep.

Instead of a picture of Taehyun or his niece… It was Beomgyu from yesterday. Just like what Yeonjun had sent to him. It wasn’t even the picture that he was ready for the camera one!

And the caption?

had fun with this one!

Beomgyu dropped his phone on his chest like it had electrocuted him.

“What the fuuuuuck…” he whispered to his ceiling, wide-eyed.

Then he picked the phone back up in a panic.

He stared at the story again. Zoomed in on it. Zoomed out. Watched it again and again as if it would disappear if he didn’t stop.

Why would Taehyun do this?

Why would Taehyun do this to him?

Why would Taehyun post a picture of him in the first place then caption it like they were a thing?!

Beomgyu did not sign up for this.

He threw his phone aside, flopped back on his bed, and screamed into his pillow. 

“Is this his own way of making friends?!” 

His phone buzzed again.

This time, a text from Soobin.

soobinie: you and taehyun went on… a date???

soobinie: r we meetinf him soon???

soobinie: is he exactly like what you imagined in ur head???

Beomgyu let out another groan, dragging the pillow over his face.

Great. So now all his friends knew.

And possibly—he checked again—over 500 people who followed Taehyun would definitely view the story. 

If that was how Taehyun would be treating people in his life by posting them on socials… then he might kind of not mind…

:D

The days that followed blurred together in the best way. Beomgyu didn’t realize how natural it became with waking up, checking his phone, and seeing a text from Taehyun. Sometimes it was a simple “good morning” with a sleepy selfie of his cat curled on his chest, or a picture of his half-eaten toast with the caption “I made this but it tastes bland.”

Beomgyu lived for it.

Their conversations ranged from the deep, like career aspirations and how Taehyun had considered being a scientist when he was younger but hated chemistry to the absolutely dumbest thing that he’d ever imagined would come from Taehyun himself. 

tyunnie: be honest… would you still be my friend if i told you i once cried because i dropped my chocolate milkshake

beomgyu: i’d cry With u… 

tyunnie: wow ok i did not expect you to play along

beomgyu: hey r u saying im boring…

tyunnie: : hahaha

One afternoon, Taehyun sent a picture of Yeri’s bed, and right there, right in the middle, sat the bear they picked together. It was wearing a unicorn backpack that someone must’ve put on its hands, sitting proudly among a sea of glittery pillows.

tyunnie: told her i found it on the street with a friend of mine and showed her your picture

tyunnie: surprisingly, she said you look bear-ly

beomgyu: huh what is that…?

tyunnie: Bear-Cuddly

beomgyu: wow i guess i should be honored then :D!! 

tyunnie: she also said she want to play with you 

tyunnie: but i wont let her do that. can't risk losing my uncle title 

beomgyu: ha! i will definitely steal that! 

He didn’t even hesitate to screenshot it and stare at it at least ten times. Okay maybe twenty. Who’s counting.

Taehyun’s contact on his phone? Changed to tyunnie just two days after Beomgyu got his numbers… because it sounded cuter than just “taehyun”. It made him nervous and giddy at how close they’ve gotten in such a short period. 

But it didn’t stop Beomgyu from getting excited every time the name popped up on his screen.

Of course, his friends noticed.

The mistake was leaving his phone unlocked for two minutes.

“‘Tyunnie’?!” Yeonjun shrieked loud enough for the neighbors to report to high ups. “That’s what we’re doing now? Calling cute nicknames?! Next time I’m checking your phone you gonna call him baby pumpkin?!”

Soobin literally took a photo of Beomgyu’s screen. “I’m saving this for blackmail.”

Kai was the only one who nodded with genuine thought. “It’s actually kind of adorable. Like a shy nickname before your crush finally notices you lol.”

“Shut up.” Beomgyu tried to snatch his phone back but Yeonjun held it hostage, cackling as if he hadn’t once named Soobin's contact with a ‘daddy bunny.’

As a peace treaty, Beomgyu had no choice but to bribe them with three full meal sets each—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—for two days straight.

“Who knew your dignity costs this much,” Soobin muttered, chewing his rice contently.

To make things worse, Beomgyu only found out that Yeonjun had gone ahead and replied to Taehyun’s story. The one with Beomgyu cuddling that damn bear the other day. 

yawwnzn: that’s my FRIEND!!! 

terryfyingmess: what a cute friend

yawwnzn: omg im telling him u said that

terryfyingmess: good

Beomgyu could only look at Yeonjun in disbelief when he showed him the chat. He smacked Yeonjun on the head so hard the older boy choked on his water.

“That’s it. I’m deactivating your account,” Beomgyu declared.

But Yeonjun just grinned. “He called you cute, Beomie. That’s the main point.”

Beomgyu pretended not to care as he scooped another spoonful of rice to push down the butterflies in his stomach from going crazy.

Tomorrow would officially mark three weeks since their not-so-date.

Beomgyu tried so hard not to spiral over that fact. He wasn’t clingy. He was just… a guy who’d been waiting on his phone for a certain someone’s notification a tiny bit more than necessary. That was fine. Healthy even. Right?

It wasn’t fine.

Because what kind of person missed someone they’ve only hung out with three times? If their Lego encounter was counted as well… Who started sighing at the sight of stuffed animals because he took it with Taehyun? Who rereads old texts just to hear his voice in his head? A weirdo. That’s who Beomgyu had fully diagnosed himself as one.

“We’re friends,” he muttered to the ceiling. “Friends who text. A lot. And send each other pictures. And maybe flirt? Sometimes? No. No flirting. Just… harmless banter. Fuck, why can’t I be grateful...”

He was right in the middle of that very healthy inner monologue when his phone rang.

He jumped so hard it flew off the bed. Heart pounding, he reached for it and stopped when he saw the name on screen.

Tyunnie is calling.

Not texting. Calling .

And suddenly, it hit him: he hadn’t heard Taehyun’s voice for a while… well it wasn’t that long but still! What if he forgot what he sounded like? What if his voice was deeper now? What if—

He took a deep breath and answered, forcing his voice to sound casual and not like he was about to pass out. “Hello?”

“Gyu hyung!” Taehyun’s voice rang through, warm and familiar and annoyingly smile-inducing. “What are you doing?”

Beomgyu had half a second to decide whether to lie and sound productive or to accept the fact he was a lazy bum today.

“Nothing much. Eat and sleep,” he said, deciding against lying.

Taehyun hummed. “Nice. Remember when I told you about Yeri’s birthday?”

Beomgyu sat up straighter. “Yeah?”

“It’s actually tomorrow.”

“Oh—really?”

“Yeah…” Taehyun chuckled. “I meant to tell you earlier, but I thought it’d just be a small thing. Turns out my sister’s going big. She invited all of Yeri’s little friends, and apparently Yeri’s been begging me to invite you.”

Beomgyu blinked. “Me?”

“Yeah. She kept saying ‘don’t forget Uncle Bear-ly!!’” Taehyun said in a voice clearly mimicking Yeri’s tone. “So… I figured… maybe you wanna come?”

Beomgyu’s brain short-circuited. Yeri liked him?? Yeri, the tiny human Taehyun loved and spoiled, asked about him? Wanted him there? Was it embarrassing to say yes too fast? Was there a rule for this? Would it look desperate if he—

“I mean, it’s kinda short notice,” Taehyun added quickly when Beomgyu stayed silent for too long. “It’s okay if you’re busy or something—”

“No! I’ll come!” Beomgyu blurted out, sitting up so fast his blanket flew off the bed. “Do we have a theme or anything?”

Taehyun laughed, and Beomgyu almost melted. “Just pink. That’s it.”

Beomgyu nodded like Taehyun could see him. “Great. I’ll wear pink for the princess.” 

Taehyun chuckled again, and it felt like someone sprinkled glitter into Beomgyu’s chest. “See you tomorrow, Gyu hyung.”

“Yeah,” he said, a little breathlessly. “See you.”

The call ended.

Beomgyu stared at his phone for a second, grinning like an idiot. Then he let out a noise that wasn’t quite a squeal but dangerously close to it, and shoved his face into his pillow, kicking his legs behind him.

He’s going to see Taehyun again.

Tomorrow .

He sat up suddenly. “Shit. Do I even own pink?”

Thus began a frantic wardrobe raid that involved yelling at his closet, trying on three different shirts that he hated, and texting Yeonjun ‘help i need pink clothes asap or taehyun will dump me before we even date…’

Well, of course Beomgyu ended up getting ready at Yeonjun and Soobin’s place after that.

He wasn’t exactly planning to. He had every intention of showing up in a plain pink shirt and calling it a day, but Yeonjun with a mount of pink clothes after he grovelled his and Soobin’s closet had snatched that dream out of his hands the moment Beomgyu walked into the apartment.

And now, here he was, perched on the edge of their couch, squirming as Yeonjun dabbed foundation across his cheeks with knitted eyebrows, focusing.

“Is this not too much?” Beomgyu asked, frowning at his reflection in the small handheld mirror Yeonjun handed him. His voice came out a little tight, but not because of nerves. Okay, maybe a little.

“No, it’s not. You are looking beautiful, Beomgyu-yah.” Yeonjun said, aggressive and fully sincere at the same time. His words made Beomgyu more conscious.

He didn’t even get a chance to argue before Soobin, leaning against the kitchen counter, chimed in, “Really, you look pretty.”

Beomgyu immediately looked away, ears heating up. It was one thing to be complimented by Yeonjun, who was basically born to cause stress to Beomgyu, but hearing Soobin say it like that? Yeah, maybe he did look pretty then.

He glanced down at himself again. The outfit Yeonjun picked was actually… cute. A soft, oversized baby pink knit sweater with a little white ribbon bow at the neckline, tucked into slightly flared cream trousers that made his legs look longer than they were. He wore his white sneakers, and Yeonjun had forced him to wear two hair clips to hold his fringe back, claiming “ your hair’s getting long, it’ll look all over the place otherwise.”

He ran a hand over the sleeves awkwardly. “I feel like cotton candy.”

“Perfect,” Yeonjun said brightly. “Everyone loves cotton candy. Especially kids.”

“Or a walking cupcake.”

“Even better.”

When Beomgyu finally finished getting ready (after several rounds of Yeonjun fussing over his bangs and Soobin adjusting the sleeves for the tenth time) he grabbed his phone and tried not to pace as he stared at the screen. No new messages from Taehyun yet. Not that he was expecting one…

“Do you want us to drop you off?” Soobin offered as he slipped on his shoes.

Beomgyu blinked. “Wouldn’t that be too much? I mean… I feel like a burden—”

“Yes, you are. Absolutely,” Yeonjun said without skipping a beat, slinging his keys onto his fingers. “We haven’t even properly met Taehyun again and you’re already seeing his family?”

Beomgyu scowled, but there was no heat in it. “Says the guy who hid your entire relationship with Soobin from Kai and I for two months.”

Yeonjun hissed. “Low blow.”

Soobin just shook his head with a smile. “Quit it, both of you. We’ll drop you off. We were planning to go grocery shopping anyway.”

Beomgyu sighed in surrender. “Fine. But if I get there and Yeri hates me, I’m blaming you.”

“You mean thanking me,” Yeonjun corrected. “Not only Yeri but his uncle also will pepper you with kisses.”

Beomgyu giggled when he heard Yeonjun yelped after he stuck his foot out to make the older fall.

“Good luck, Beomgyu!! Get that gym rat!!”

Beomgyu nearly choked on his saliva as Yeonjun’s voice exploded from the car window the second he stepped out.

He didn’t even get the chance to yell back, Soobin, probably mortified, had already sped off like he wasn’t responsible for part of that . 

“What a silly hyung,” Beomgyu muttered, fixing the little strawberry hair clip Yeonjun had insisted on pinning to the side of his bangs. “He’s so loud, people would think he is the one crushing on Taehyun.”

The house in front of him was a soft cream color with rose-pink and pastel yellow balloons tied around the gate. A big sparkly banner hung at the front, reading “Happy Birthday Yeri!” in adorable bubble letters. There were faint squeals and giggles of kids coming from inside, the kind that sounded like they were hyped up on sugar and god knows what else.

The gate was open, the front door too, but Beomgyu stood awkwardly at the edge like some shy delivery guy who didn’t want to intrude.

He checked his phone. Still no new messages from Taehyun. Just the one from earlier that morning: “ see you later :)”

Which was like… hours ago. Hours that Beomgyu spent spiraling, contemplating if he should bring a gift (he didn’t), wondering if he should’ve listened to Yeonjun or just do his own way and regretting every single thing Yeonjun made him put on his face.

His thoughts came to a halt when he spotted a little girl skipping down the hallway, eyes wide when she spotted him.

“Oh! Uncle’s friend!!”

Beomgyu blinked, startled for a second before he waved—a small awkward wave that probably made him look more like a lost child than an adult. But the girl grinned so wide before running off back into the house, yelling something that Beomgyu couldn’t even make out.

Taehyun turned the corner with the softest smile and Beomgyu felt his soul just… levitate .

Taehyun was wearing a light pink t-shirt with the words “We love Kang Yeri” in white puff print across his chest. It looked both embarrassing and adorable, and somehow looked good on him. Beomgyu only noticed then that the other adults inside, the parents and relatives milling around with paper cups and party hats, were all wearing the same shirt.

Taehyun must’ve caught him staring because he smirked lightly and said, “It was her dad’s idea. I bet she’ll hate us once she turns fifteen.”

Beomgyu laughed, a genuine one. “It’s cute.”

Then, before he could lose his nerve, he added, “Hi, Tyunnie.”

He said it casually, he couldn’t let Taehyun know that he was fussing over seeing the younger again. But Taehyun blinked at him for a beat too long before scrunching his nose as if he’d seen something adorable. 

“Hi, Gyu hyung,” Taehyun replied, lips curled. “Come in.”

He held the door a little wider for him, like it wasn’t already open, and Beomgyu stepped inside, his heartbeat louder than the party playlist playing somewhere in the house.

Beomgyu didn’t expect to be ushered in so fast.

He barely had time to admire the interior—there were pastel streamers hung from wall to wall, a table full of party snacks, a whole balloon arch that looked way too professional to be DIY—and suddenly a tiny hand was grabbing his wrist.

“Come! I wanna show you my unicorn!”

Yeri. The birthday girl was dressed in a frilly pink dress with glittery sneakers that lit up every time she stomped, she tugged him into the living room with an excited smile.

“Wait, wait—Yeri!” Taehyun called after her, laughing as he walked beside them. “Let Uncle Gyu breathe, he just got here.”

“It’s okay,” Beomgyu said quickly, trying not to trip over a rogue balloon. “We are going to have so much fun, right, Yeri?”

“Yes!” Yeri beamed. 

She dragged him to the toy corner where her unicorn plushies were all gathered like they were having a tea party. She introduced each one ( this is Sparkle, this is Jellybean, this one’s a baby, don’t touch that one, she’s shy ) and Beomgyu, despite rarely having the chance to spend time with kids, he still knew how to play along so he knelt and greeted every single one like a proper guest. They also played as a DJ radio and a guest, Beomgyu was the guest of course. He became the unicorns’ favourite singer or something.

While Taehyun just stood there watching.

Eventually, once Yeri got distracted by her friends again, Taehyun nudged Beomgyu with his elbow. “Come with me? I’ll introduce you to my sister.”

“Oh, okay.” Beomgyu quickly dusted off imaginary glitter from his knees, nerves creeping up again. “Do I look okay? I feel like I’ve been licked by an actual unicorn… look at all these glitters on my hands.”

“You look fine,” Taehyun chuckled. “This is the price you have to pay right after you become friends with Yeri. Also, you look really pretty in pink, hyung.”

Beomgyu blushed a little as he followed him into the kitchen where a woman stood organizing more mini sandwiches into pastel trays. She was gorgeous, in that effortlessly elegant way. Long dark hair, calm eyes, and a sharp look that made Beomgyu straighten his back immediately.

“Noona,” Taehyun called out, then gestured to him, “this is Beomgyu. The friend I told you about.”

The friend I told you about . Beomgyu tried not to replay that line over and over again in his head.

Taehyun’s sister smiled, polite but warm. “Ah—so you’re the one Yeri’s been asking about. Thank you for coming. She’s been talking about you all week.”

Beomgyu blinked. “Really?”

“She kept calling you ‘the bear man’ too.  Apparently, you look like the bear you and Taehyun picked.” She gestured vaguely at his hair and cheeks. “Fluffy or whatever.”

Taehyun covered his mouth to stop from laughing out loud. 

“Anyway,” she added, clearly amused, “I’m Taeri, and this is my husband, Minhyuk.”

A tall man appeared from behind the fridge, carrying a tray of juice boxes and looking way too muscular to be that gentle with Capri-Suns. “Hey, man,” he said, offering a fist bump that Beomgyu clumsily accepted. “Thanks for showing up. Feel free to make yourself at home.”

“We were going to start the games in fifteen minutes,” Taerim said, smiling now. “We expect you and Taehyun to participate, hm?”

Beomgyu blinked. “You want us to fight seven-year-olds?”

“Obviously,” Taehyun said without hesitation. “And we better not lose.”

Beomgyu huffed, trying not to smile too much as they walked back to the living room together. “This party’s intense.”

“Wait till the glitter cannon goes off.”

“…you’re joking.”

“I’m not.”

Beomgyu gave him a look, then snorted, “Okay. But if I get glitter in my mouth next, I’m making you personally responsible for it.”

Taehyun just laughed and said, “Then you’ll have to keep your mouth closed, hyung.”

And Beomgyu, already flustered by the smile and the fact that Taehyun’s family seems to like him, had to look away fast before he said something dumb like “marry me, quick!”

To Beomgyu’s surprise, the party hadn’t really partying until the games began. 

Beomgyu was somehow roped into joining every single one, from the balloon-popping race (he screamed louder than the kids) to the relay where he and Taehyun had to balance plastic eggs on tiny spoons.

They both lost. On purpose. Obviously .

“Oops, it cracked,” Beomgyu had said after letting his egg fall five seconds into his turn.

Taehyun raised a brow. “You dropped it before even walking.”

“Oops again ,” Beomgyu deadpanned, tossing the spoon over his shoulder.

Yeri was his tiny cheerleader-slash-biggest-hater, yelling “Uncle Bear-ly!!! Go slower!!!” when he actually tried to win one game. She later admitted she just didn’t want him to beat Taehyun.

Then came the classic game for birthday parties, Musical Chairs. Beomgyu was ready. He tied his hair back with one of the spare pink ribbons someone handed him. The living room was filled with shrieks of excitement, Yeri’s father had become the DJ at some point and hit the play button on some bouncy bubblegum pop.

Beomgyu elbowed a six-year-old gently out of the way in round one. When the kid just pouted and moved on, he stuck out his tongue in triumph.

“Uncle Gyu!” Yeri shouted from the sidelines. “Stop that!!”

“Tell that to your cousin,” Beomgyu huffed dramatically, pointing at an 8-year-old boy who’d tried to fake him out. “He tripped on his own!”

The crowd, read; kids, booed him. Beomyu exaggeratedly rolled his eyes at all of them.

He tried not to sneak a glance when he heard Taehyun snickered. 

Beomgyu survived five rounds. By round six, the kids were forming alliances. One girl, who was probably younger than Yeri herself, maybe six? had whispered loud enough for Beomgyu to hear “We have to take out the tall friend with hair clips.”

Beomgyu tried to push down the urge to coo at the cuteness and still failed anyway as the girl yelped when he pinched her cheeks.

Round seven came, as the Baby Shark song played almost halfway until the music stopped. Beomgyu nearly slid into a chair until one poor child tried to take the same chair and paused in fear. Beomgyu looked at her and said gently, “You can have it.”

The kid lit up as she smiled, displaying her two missing tooth. 

He walked out of the circle, dusting his hands and waved his hands to them. 

Yeri ran and hugged his right leg, “You did well! I was rooting for you to win!”

“It’s okay,” Beomgyu patted her head, “not all heroes wear capes, hm?”

Yeri nodded enthusiastically, “Yes! Uncle Gyu a hero!”

For someone who claimed he “never really enjoyed kids,” Beomgyu looked like he was about to adopt twelve by the end of the hour. He even started handing out juice boxes like a proud uncle, announcing “ You fought well, friends ” after every game loss, and even gave them a hand salute.  

When Taehyun handed him a slice of cake a moment later, Beomgyu whispered solemnly, “This is the most fun I’ve had in weeks.”

Taehyun grinned, “You’re just high on adrenaline.”

Beomgyu giggled, not disagreeing, “I love it.” 

The chaos of the party eventually died down as the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting soft golden shadows across the quiet neighborhood. One by one, the kids were picked up by their parents, sleepy and full of sugar, their party hats askew and hands still sticky from melted jelly candies.

Inside the house, things had settled. Yeri had long since crashed on the couch, her tiny limbs sprawled out. One of her arms dangled off the cushion, a small plastic tiara still clinging to her tangled hair. Taerim and Minhyuk were busy in the kitchen, the faint sound of dishwashing and low conversation filling the space.

And Beomgyu stayed. Not because he had to, but because Taehyun hadn’t told him to leave.

Now, with a broom in hand, Beomgyu slowly swept glitter and crumbs from the hardwood floor, trying to ignore how domestic this all felt. There were paper plates stacked on the counter, pink streamers drooping off the walls, and two deflated balloons that sadly bounced each time he brushed near them.

He was sweeping the floor of a place of the guy he’d found very attractive. 

“I feel kinda bad,” Beomgyu muttered, voice low, “that I didn’t bring a gift… I should’ve brought something, shouldn’t I?”

Taehyun, kneeling by a pile of used party hats he was collecting, glanced up. “No need. She got way too many already.”

“But still…” Beomgyu’s voice trailed off as he swept a rogue cupcake wrapper under the broom. “She would’ve been happy to get one more.”

Taehyun chuckled softly, a sound that curled in Beomgyu’s chest like warmth. “It’s okay, hyung. You came. She loved that.”

Beomgyu opened his mouth to protest again, but something interrupted him—a soft, distinct meow from down the hall.

He paused, broom still in hand, and looked toward the sound. “…Was that your cat?”

Before Taehyun could answer, a sleek tabby trotted into the living room. His tail flicked lazily, ears perked, and he went straight to Taehyun, rubbing his head affectionately against his leg.

“Oh my god,” Beomgyu gasped, crouching immediately. “Is that Hobak?”

Taehyun followed suit, settling on the floor beside him. “Yeah. Say hi, Hobak. This is Beomgyu,” he murmured, patting the cat gently behind the ears. “He was hiding in my room all day. Just like when I told you before, he doesn’t like it if there’s too many people. He hates noise.”

The way Taehyun said it, so soft and fond, it knocked something loose in Beomgyu’s chest. He watched him as he smiled at the cat, his fingers curling naturally in Hobak’s fur.

Beomgyu swallowed. “So cute.”

He wasn’t sure if he meant the cat. He hoped he meant the cat.

“Wanna try?” Taehyun asked, glancing at him.

Beomgyu blinked. “What?”

“Give him a pat. He doesn’t like strangers, but he’s not mean.”

He hesitated. “I don’t think animals usually like me…”

“Try anyway,” Taehyun said, gently. “He won’t scratch you.”

As if Hobak sensed the moment, he looked up at Beomgyu with mildly judgmental eyes. Still, Beomgyu extended a hand slowly, careful not to move too fast.

Hobak sniffed him. Then blinked.

Then—to Beomgyu’s absolute shock—stepped forward and pressed his head softly into Beomgyu’s palm.

Beomgyu gasped, lips parting in surprise. His hand trembled a little, then steadied as he slowly scratched behind the cat’s ear. “Oh my god,” he whispered. “He might actually like me…”

When he looked over at Taehyun, the younger wasn’t saying anything.

Just watching, and his expression had that calm, gentle look, with the corners of his lips tugged into a small smile, which made Beomgyu’s chest ache. It was like Taehyun was looking at something precious. 

Beomgyu looked down at Hobak again, who had the audacity to purr. His heart fluttered and felt warm washed over him.

“Guess I’m approved,” he mumbled.

“You are,” Taehyun replied simply, like it meant more than it should.

And maybe it did.

Moments later after they had finished cleaning the mess, Hobak was curled in a loaf by the armrest, eyes closed and tail flicking occasionally. The only sounds were the clinks from the kitchen and the faint hum of the fridge.

Beomgyu sat cross-legged on the floor beside the couch, leaning against the low table with a glass of water in his hand. His pink clips had slid to the side slightly, but he didn’t have the heart to remove them. Across from him, Taehyun sat the same way, legs folded neatly, looking far too relaxed for someone who had just hosted a mini-riot of sugared-up children.

“I still can’t believe you made me joined every single game,” Beomgyu said, half-laughing, half-groaning.

 “You bullied literal seven-year-olds in musical chairs, hyung.”

“I did not—!” Beomgyu gaped. “Well, maybe I did. But they started it!”

“You stuck your tongue out every time one of them lost.”

“Okay, that was unnecessary, I’ll admit. But in my defense… they were laughing too!”

“They were laughing at you, probably.”

Beomgyu snorted into his water, and the sound made Taehyun smile even wider.

There was something different about the way they talked now. It wasn’t heavy or polite like it used to be. Just easy and warm. Most things revolving around Taehyun always made Beomgyu felt that, warm. Beomgyu realized it halfway through explaining how his lecturer nearly emailed him the wrong assignment due date earlier this week.

“I swear, I was two seconds away from getting a heart attack,” Beomgyu huffed, “and I say this every week, but this time I meant it. I couldn’t breathe the right way when I saw it!”

“Oh wow. That’s serious,” Taehyun said, nodding with clear mockery.

“It is! Do you know how painful it is to rush a rhetorical analysis?”

Taehyun laughed, eyes crinkling. “You chose that major, hyung.”

“Barely,” Beomgyu muttered, then paused. “It’s fun to talk to you like this. I think I was so stiff when we had that lunch a few weeks ago, but today… it feels easier. I guess.”

Taehyun tilted his head. “Should I wonder why?”

Beomgyu shrugged, suddenly feeling embarrassed. “Up to you.”

“You are definitely more comfortable,” Taehyun said, softer now. “It was nice to see you like this.”

Beomgyu looked down at his glass, ears pink.

“I also wanted to say…” Taehyun continued, and Beomgyu glanced back up. “Thanks for putting an actual effort matching the theme. I mean, you make time to come here to spend your weekend on a little kid party instead of resting. She’s not even someone you’re close to! It was already impressive enough. But the outfit and the pink hair clips too…”

Beomgyu chuckled, his fingers reaching up to touch the slightly crooked clips. “Of course I had to! I had to ask my friends to help me out for this, actually. And I really want to come, Taehyunie.”

“Sooo nice of your friends, then.”

“Yeah,” Beomgyu said with a grin, and without thinking added, “You should meet them again sometime.”

There was a pause. A beat too long that it made Beomgyu felt like he’d say something wrong.

And then Taehyun replied, “Only if you want me to.”

That was when Beomgyu’s brain caught up with his mouth.

Wait .

Why did that feel… weirdly intimate?

Why did it sound like he’d just invited Taehyun to meet his parents?

Beomgyu could almost hear Yeonjun shrieking ‘we can finally see Taehyun again?!  in his head, and it made him want to dissolve into the floor.

No, no, no, they were friends. Just friends. There was no implication here… He wasn’t being weird. He could not be weird.

Trying to play it cool, he forced a smile. “It would be fun. But they’re, uh… very loud though.”

Taehyun raised an eyebrow. “Louder than you today?”

Beomgyu flushed. “Not sure about that.”

Taehyun laughed again, and Beomgyu’s chest flipped.

The night felt quieter now, softer in that way time does when you don’t want it to end…

Yeri stirred slightly on the couch before her father lifted her into his arms like she was still the baby princess she always claimed to be. Her tiara had slipped even further into her hair, one of her socks missing, but she looked content, tucked against his shoulder.

“Say thank you to Uncle Beomgyu tomorrow, alright?” her father murmured to her sleeping form before turning to Beomgyu with a warm smile. “Thank you so much for entertaining the kids. She really had a good time.”

“Yeah, thank you for coming,” Yeri’s mother added with a small bow, hands still slightly damp from dishwashing. “It means a lot.”

Beomgyu gave them a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. “No problem at all. I had fun, too.”

As the main bedroom door creaked open to let the family in, Hobak emerged from behind the couch and Beomgyu crouched down to pet him, fingers gliding gently over soft fur.

“Thanks for coming out of hiding for me, buddy,” he whispered. Hobak blinked slowly at him, then purr again.

Behind him, Taehyun walked over with slow steps, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he said.

The hallway was quiet now, only the soft shuffle of their socks on the wood floor filling the space between them. When they reached the entrance, Taehyun leaned against the doorframe, watching Beomgyu slip on his shoes.

“You sure you want to go home by yourself, hyung?” he asked. “I can drive you, you know. It’s dangerous at night.”

Beomgyu looked up at him, heart doing a very unfair little spin at the way Taehyun said that, he sounded so calm and concerned at the same time.

“I know you can, Tyunnie,” he said with a smile, immediately regretting it when the nickname left his mouth too casually. His cheeks flared, and he covered it with a cough. “But I’m older than you! I am absolutely capable of avoiding danger!”

Taehyun raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Danger knows no age.”

Beomgyu huffed, hands on his hips. “I’m a batman. It’s a secret, don’t tell people.”

That earned him a laugh, a real one, and it made the whole hallway glow. “Sure,” Taehyun said, still smiling, but then his voice softened. “But if anything happens… call me, alright?”

Beomgyu opened his mouth to joke again—something dumb or another superhero line—but then he saw the look in Taehyun’s eyes. A concerned yet tender gaze in that sparkly eyes of his.

It hit him in the gut like a gentle punch, a kind one that still left a bruise. So instead, he nodded, voice quiet. “Alright.”

They stood in silence for a moment. The door remained open, and a soft breeze drifted through it, cool against their skin. The night outside was almost pitch black except for a few scattered stars blinking far above, and the quiet hum of distant traffic.

Beomgyu was about to say goodbye when Taehyun’s voice cut through the hush.

“Thank you for coming,” he said. “I really appreciate it.”

There was nothing fancy about the way he said it. No teasing, just genuine warmth and gratitude tucked into every syllable.

Beomgyu’s chest tightened. He wanted to kiss him. God , he wanted to. But instead, he gave him a shy smile. “Anytime.”

Ater a pause, a little more hesitant this time, “Thank you. And say goodbye to Yeri for me, okay? Good night, Tyunnie.”

Taehyun’s lips curled at the nickname again, but he didn’t say anything. Just nodded and stepped aside to let Beomgyu go.

Beomgyu walked slowly down the porch steps, feet dragging slightly like they didn’t really want to go. He shoved his hands into his pockets, head ducked as he tried to calm the swirling in his chest.

Something stirred halfway down the street, urging him to turn.

There he was.

Taehyun, still standing on the gateway. Arms folded again, shoulder against the frame, watching him walk away.

Beomgyu stared for a second, caught in the moment. Then he let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head at himself.

“Idiot,” he whispered to no one, grinning as he turned back around.

His heart felt light and unbearably full at the same time.

Beomgyu kicked the door shut behind him and sighed dramatically, face planting into his bed. His pink clips were still in, his shirt slightly wrinkled from sitting on the floor too long, and Hobak’s fur was still clinging to his sleeves like a souvenir, a reminder that he just spent his day at Taehyun’s home. 

It was quiet now. A clear contrast to where he’d been and a humbling feeling that earlier event was just… a lucky chance. He couldn’t get used to it. He shouldn’t.

And yet his heart wouldn’t calm down.

“God,” he mumbled into his pillow, voice muffled, “I’m down bad.”

He rolled over, stared at the ceiling. The kind of stare people have when they just witnessed something life-changing, except Beomgyu had it worse because the soft smile Taehyun gave him as he waved goodbye under the porch light replayed non-stop in his mind. That smile had no business being that warm.

Beomgyu reached for his phone.

He really shouldn’t. But he did. He opened the chat with Taehyun and Beomgyu bit his lip, typing and deleting at least three different messages.

did u have fun today :p 

No. Too eager.

thanks for inviting me today > <

No. Too formal.

Hobak’s fur is still on my sleeve lol

No. Too intimate.

He sighed, gave up, and just typed;

beomgyu: got home safe!! thx for today! 

He immediately tossed the phone to the other side of the bed, hiding under his pillow.

It buzzed.

He peeked.

tyunnie: good. thank you for coming, really. 

tyunnie: sleep well, gyu hyung.

Beomgyu read it three times. Then typed back, softer this time;

beomgyu: u too, tyunnie :D 

“Why did I call him that again,” he whispered into the void, kicking his feet under the covers like a child. “But it’s too cute to not to...”

Taehyun wasn’t even trying and yet, Beomgyu was spiraling into a puddle of emotion.

He could still hear his voice. “Call me if anything happens.”

He could still see the way Taehyun had looked at him as he walked down the street. Beomgyu hugged his pillow tighter.

And then, as if on cue, his phone buzzed again.

This time, instead of Taehyun, it was Yeonjun.

junie: so how was ur date w gym boy 

Beomgyu rolled his eyes.

beomgyu: IT WASNT A DATE

junie: ur texting in all caps, beomie

junie: did he look good around kids and can be the father of ur kids

beomgyu: guess ><

junie: omg

junie: did he mention anything abt ur outfit today

beomgyu: YES. its bad jun. so bad.

beomgyu: i like him like Actually like him…

junie: we knew that 

beomgyu: its different now…

beomgyu: his cat likes me… his niece likes me… his sister’s family likes me!

junie: want me to ask around how much a wedding actually costs?

Beomgyu curled into a fetal position.

He hated how easy it all felt now. Talking to Taehyun, joking with him. Just few weeks back, he couldn’t even maintain eye contact without panicking, and now he was laughing until his stomach hurt because Taehyun pretended to stomp his feet when he dropped his birthday party hat.

He was in too deep. Way too deep.

Beomgyu stared at the ceiling again.

What was he supposed to do with this?

This gentle, terrifying, feeling.

He didn’t know.

:| 

“So,” Yeji, Beomgyu’s other classmate who he was pretty close to other than Heeseung, sliding into the empty seat beside Beomgyu with the sort of cautious smile that only meant one thing. “You’re not… seeing anyone, right?”

Beomgyu blinked, still chewing on his sandwich, his eyes slowly narrowing in suspicion. “Why do you sound like you’re about to offer me a multilevel marketing scam?”

Heeseung, who sat across from them, snorted into his iced americano.

“I’m not scamming you, don’t worry,” Yeji said, already clasping her hands together. “I just… kind of, maybe, really need a small, tiny favor?”

“Uh-huh,” Beomgyu muttered, setting his food down. “Let me guess. This favor involves me, my time, my face, and probably hopefully not a suit?”

Yeji grimaced. “Not a suit. Just… your presence.”

“…On?”

“A blind date.”

Beomgyu nearly choked.

Heeseung raised an eyebrow. “Hard pass,” he said immediately, on Beomgyu’s behalf.

“I already said yes!”“I’m not asking you,” Yeji shot back.

“I am his legal representative now,” Heeseung deadpanned. “He has a boyfriend .”

Beomgyu smacked his arm. “No, I don’t.”

“You mean, ‘not yet’,” Heeseung clarified. “You can’t tell me you already give up on him or something.”

“Did I miss a chapter in Choi Beomgyu’s life?” Yeji blinked, then perked up. “Oh my god, wait, do I know him?!”

“No!” Beomgyu hissed, eyes wide, ears already burning. “Me and that guy are just friends.”

Heeseung crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “Friends who blush and text at 1 a.m.”

Yeji had the nerve to gasp and hit him on the shoulder.

“Shut up,” Beomgyu cried.

“Okay, okay, I won’t tell anyone!” Yeji laughed, but she wasn’t done. “But please, Beomgyu. I swear this isn’t a set-up. My girlfriend’s friend got stood up last minute for this blind date thing and she’s kinda freaking out because it’s her first one ever, I would like to help her but my baby Ryujin would leave me and if you say no she might think it’s because she’s—”

“Oh my god, stop guilt-tripping me!” Beomgyu groaned, sinking into his seat. “What does this have anything to do with me anyway?”

“I’ll buy you food for the whole month?” Yeji gave her a pouty look. 

“Manipulator.”

“I’m not manipulative, I’m persuasive!”

“You’re Satan with lip gloss and pink nails, Yeji. By the way, I like your ponytail today.”

“Thanks. I’ll take that as a yes?”

Beomgyu opened his mouth to say no again, but then he saw the way Yeji’s face fell for real this time, genuine panic mixed with a bit of pity for her girlfriend’s friend. And Beomgyu? He was too nice for stuff like this.

“…Just for a day?” Beomgyu asked.

“Just for a day,” Yeji promised, clasping her hands like she was praying to a god of miracles.

“Fine.”

“You can’t be serious?” Heeseung slammed his palm on the table as soon as Yeji skipped over to her friends. “No. Un-fine that. Take it back.”

“To pity blind date duty?!” Heeseung groaned, slumping back. “You had one fun day with Taehyun and now you’re back to swiping right on another man?”

Beomgyu buried his face in his hands. “I know, okay?! I know! But she begged! I panicked!”

“Say no again! Cancel! Make up a fake allergic reaction or something!”

“To what, Heeseung? Romance?!”

Beomgyu let out a sigh when Heeseung looked at him in disgust. “It’s just one evening. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Famous last words,” Heeseung muttered darkly. “I’m showing up at the café just in case. If I see even one red flag, I’m dragging you out by your ankle.”

“You will not.”

“If something happen, can you at least tell me?”

“No promise.”

Beomgyu regretted everything.

The moment he stepped into the restaurant, spotted the guy at the corner table waving at him with the friendliest smile he’d ever seen, and realized—oh God, this is really happening—he wanted to turn around and walk directly into traffic. He didn’t know if he was more grateful that Heeseung wasn’t here to spy on him or felt disappointed because now he was for real trapped. 

But he didn’t. Because he had manners. And guilt that wasn’t supposed to exist in the first place.

“Beomgyu, right?” the guy said, standing up and offering a hand.

Beomgyu blinked.

Tall. Nice hair. Perfect teeth. Please don’t let me say anything stupid.

“Uh. Yeah. I am. You are?”

“I’m Jungho,” the guy said easily, “I’m guessing Yeji got you to do this?”

“Oh! Yeah, she’s in my class,” Beomgyu laughed nervously as he sat down.

Jungho laughed too, and it was such a pleasant sound that Beomgyu’s immediate response was to panic.

He wished the guy had ugly laugh, ugly face and ugly attitudes just so he could flee faster. 

“So,” Jungho started, flipping the menu open, “what kind of drinks do you like?”

“None,” Beomgyu said.

Jungho paused. “I’m sorry?”

Beomgyu blinked, horrified. “Oh—I meant. Um. Like… mineral water?”

Jungho smiled again. Too polite to call him out, which somehow made it worse.

They both ordered, and Beomgyu prayed there wouldn’t be any small talks needed.

He was wrong, of course.

“So, what do you study?”

“Communications. You?” Beomgyu asked, fingers fiddling with the cutleries. 

“Architecture.”

“Wow. Buildings.”

“…Yes.”

“Nice. I live in one.” Beomgyu wished for a meteor to hit him. Right then and there. Kai, Yeonjun and Soobin would never forgive him for this level of social failure.

And yet, Jungho continued to smile.

“You’re funny and pretty,” he said.

Beomgyu tried not to cry. “Thanks. I think I’m having an out-of-body experience.”

Jungho chuckled. “Well, no pressure. It’s just lunch. I’m honestly surprised you agreed to come. Yeji said you weren’t really the blind date type.”

Yes because I am waiting for a guy that went to gym and study vet. Oh he also had a cat named Hobak!

“Thank you for coming.” Jungho said again.

He managed a weak laugh. “Yeah, I’m uh… I’m new to this whole… thing.”

“I get it,” Jungho said kindly. “Honestly, I was nervous too. But hey this isn’t anything formal. No need to impress me.”

Beomgyu looked down at his drink and whispered, “Sure.”

They fell into silence for a moment. Clearly not uncomfortable for Jungho because he looked so relaxed, while Beomgyu was just… filled with the loud sound of his own thoughts racing.

Jungho, still smiling, took a sip and asked, “So… any hobbies? Other than living in buildings?”

Beomgyu picked up his glass and accidentally drank half the water in one gulp to cover the moment.  Beomgyu stared at him and internally screamed, Why are you making more conversation?! Can’t you see I‘m not in for it!

The date wasn’t even over yet.

And somehow, that made everything so much worse. He wished for time to go faster.

He was picking at his food now. Drawing a smiley face in the sauce with his fork. Beomgyu had mastered the art of nodding while not listening.

Jungho was still talking, something about soccer local clubs, international stats, midfielders versus strikers, and some obscure league Beomgyu had never heard of. Honestly, he could’ve said the ball is square and Beomgyu would’ve still nodded like he understood.

He caught a flicker of movement in his peripheral vision—just enough to turn his head for distraction.

There was a figure he could recognize even through fog or fire.

Sharp jawline cutting clean against the light. A glint of silver from the hoop swaying gently on one ear. Oversized hoodie swallowing lean shoulders, the hem brushing over black sweats that hung low on his hips. Head slightly bowed. Hands tucked into his pockets like always. Alone, but not unnoticeable, to Beomgyu at least. 

Beomgyu blinked.

No way.

His breath caught, something uneasy but electric rippling through his chest as the name his heart had been pounding for clicked into place.

Taehyun.

Beomgyu choked on absolutely nothing.

“—you okay?” Jungho asked mid-ramble, pausing as Beomgyu flailed for the menu and yanked it up like a shield.

“I’m fine. Just, uh, ordering more!” he blurted behind it, voice muffled by panic.

Jungho leaned back. “You barely touched your food.”

“Newfound appetite,” Beomgyu said tightly. God, please let it be a hallucination.

He peeked from behind the menu.

No Taehyun.

Nowhere in sight.

Maybe it wasn’t him.

He sighed in relief, lowering the menu—

Only for a voice to come from right behind him.

“Hyung?”

The voice slid into his spine like a thread pulled taut. Low and smooth, edged with hesitation, yet threaded with a familiarity that sent shivers up his back.

It wasn’t just familiar . It was hauntingly specific—the kind of voice that lingered in dreams for days, the kind he’d learned to recognize even over static or across a crowded room.

All Beomgyu could do at that moment was to freeze.

He didn’t look. He couldn’t. His hands clutched his napkin like it was the only thing keeping him tethered to earth.

Jungho blinked at the figure standing behind Beomgyu. “Sorry, you know him?”

There was a pause before Taehyun replied, “Yes… I’m Taehyun, Beomgyu’s friend.”

Beomgyu felt like his soul had quietly slipped out of his body.

He didn’t have to look, he knew Taehyun was standing behind him. The air had shifted. It was warm and a little overwhelming. He forced his body to turn around slightly, just enough to meet Taehyun’s gaze.

Taehyun’s face was blank. So unreadable that it almost scared him.

Beomgyu gave a tiny, timid smile. “Hi.”

Taehyun stared at him. One beat. Two.

Then finally, “Hi.”

The silence that followed could’ve broken glass.

Jungho, bless his heart, held out his hand politely. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jungho. His date.”

Beomgyu immediately forgot how to breathe when he heard it. His body stiffened, fingers going cold around the napkin in his lap. He didn’t dare to look at Taehyun again as his eyes drifted to the floor.

Taehyun’s eyes flicked to the hand, then back to Beomgyu.

“Oh,” he said simply.

Oh. That was it.

Beomgyu could feel every nerve in his body vibrating. He had a thousand things to say. It’s not like that. This is stupid. I didn’t even want to come. You were on my mind the whole time. You’re literally standing here and I’m stopping myself from jumping into your arms. But he couldn’t say any of them.

“Actually—” he started, voice cracking.

“Gotta get going. See you around. Have fun,” Taehyun cut in smoothly, stepping back.

And just like that, he was gone.

He didn’t even glance back.

Beomgyu sat there in stunned silence, still facing the door even long after Taehyun had disappeared through it.

Jungho blinked, watching him. “Was that… awkward to you? That felt awkward to me.”

Beomgyu turned back slowly, his whole body heavy with something he couldn’t name. He gave a shaky laugh, but it didn’t quite land. “Yeah… just a little.”

Jungho tilted his head. “Ex?”

Beomgyu wished it were that simple.

“No,” he muttered. “Just… a friend.”

And suddenly, the warm lighting felt a little too bright. The chair a little too stiff. The air a little too hard to breathe.

He wasn’t even sure what kind of expression was on his face now. But he knew one thing for certain.

He didn’t want to be here anymore.

The date ended with the lamest excuse Beomgyu could come up with, an upset stomach. Which wasn’t entirely a lie. His stomach was upset… just not in the way Jungho thought. Maybe it was the guilt. Maybe it was the way Taehyun had looked at him with that unreadable expression, which somehow ache Beomgyu in places he couldn’t name.

As soon as Beomgyu got home, he blocked Jungho’s number. Not out of spite… Jungho had been kind, funny even. If things were different, maybe Beomgyu would’ve given him a real chance. But the truth was, he hadn’t wanted to be there in the first place.

He paced around his room restlessly, hands tugging at his hair. His thoughts were spiraling fast, clashing into each other with every step.

“He probably thinks I’m some kind of player,” he muttered. “A serial dater . A fuckboy. Great.”

He sat on the edge of his bed, then fell back with a sigh, staring blankly at the ceiling. The silence in his room only made everything louder in his head.

“We’re just friends,” he said out loud, trying to convince himself. But his chest ached a little. “So why did it feel like he wanted me to die on my pasta when he said ‘have fun’?”

His fingers reached for his phone, thumb hovering over Heeseung’s name, just to rant and someone to slap some sense into him. But instead… his finger tapped on a different contact.

Tyunnie.

And just like that, the phone rang before he could rethink his decision.

Beomgyu froze the second he heard the call connect. He was about to hang up, panic bubbling in his chest, when—

“ …Hello?”

It made his eyes sting almost instantly.

“Tyunnie…” he whispered, voice small. He didn’t mean to sound so pathetic. It just came out.

There was a rustle on the other line, like Taehyun had shifted, maybe sat up straighter. “ You okay? ” he asked, voice laced with worry, always in that soft tone that would make Beomgyu’s throat tighten.

Beomgyu flopped backward on his bed, letting out a long sigh. “I’m good,” he lied, eyes closing as the sound of Taehyun’s voice wrapped around him like a warm blanket. Good? He was losing his mind.

The line went quiet again. Not awkward, but… tense. He imagined they were both sitting in the dark, waiting for the other to speak first.

Beomgyu pouted to himself, unable to take it any longer. “Did I interrupt you? Were you getting ready for bed?” 

“ No ,” Taehyun replied. “ I’m doing some research. ”

Beomgyu blinked. “About animals?”

“ Yes. Squirrels.”

That made Beomgyu smile, despite the way his heart was still tangled up in regret. “Of course you are,” he said, fond.

He could hear Taehyun flipping through papers on the other side. There was something grounding about that little sound that made him stare up at his ceiling again, a faint smile lingering on his lips. Maybe he hadn’t ruined everything just yet.

They kept talking, voices low and laced with a kind of warmth that made the minutes stretch and slow. Beomgyu laid curled up on his bed, phone pressed to his cheek, as Taehyun rambled about his day at the vet clinic.

“ So this lady brought in a wild squirrel, ” Taehyun was saying, tone half amused and half exhausted. “ She thought it was sick. Which, I mean, it probably was—but also it was feral and ready to go full beast mode on me. That thing almost bit my finger off.”

Beomgyu snorted, finally letting himself relax. The image of Taehyun who was usually composed, tidy, panicking over a squirrel was enough to coax laughter out of him. “ You? Scared of a squirrel? Oh, I wish I was there.”

“ You wouldn’t have helped. You’d have recorded it for content,” Taehyun accused lightly, the smile in his voice evident.

“Obviously, even better when I remembered you lift weights in your free time,” Beomgyu grinned, shifting under his blanket. His body was still stiff with lingering shame, but Taehyun’s voice soothed it.

It was silly, really. Beomgyu had been the one who said yes to the blind date. He’d walked into the café. He’d eaten the damn food, all by his will. And still, all he wanted was this, this quiet, pointless conversation with Taehyun…

Just as he thought maybe, maybe they were going to completely skip over what had happened earlier, Taehyun’s voice dropped slightly. Still casual, but there was something underneath.

“ So ,” he said slowly. “ How was your day? Was it fun?”

It was the kind of question someone asked when they wanted to ask something else.

Beomgyu’s heart dropped into his stomach. He shut his eyes tightly like the embarrassment could be willed away. “Not a date,” he blurted out, explaining when no one asked him to. “I helped a friend out. That’s all.”

Silence.

Not the good kind. This was the kind that felt sharp and cold and stretched on too long. Beomgyu waited for the click of a call ending. He could already imagine Taehyun hanging up, blocking Beomgyu’s number and removing him everywhere… 

But then Taehyun spoke.

“ …Did you have fun?” he asked, voice low and measured, like he was bracing himself for the answer.

And that was somehow worse .

Beomgyu felt the lump in his throat thicken. “Not really,” he said quietly. “The food didn’t even taste good.”

Taehyun chuckled, and it was warm and kind. “ Really? That’s actually one of my favourite places.”

Beomgyu let out a small laugh too. It came out wet, as if it had passed through something fragile inside of him. “Maybe I should give it another chance.”

There was a beat. It made Beomgyu’s heart beat a little louder. 

“ With me next time? ” Taehyun asked, voice laced with a hint of shyness at his own boldness. 

Beomgyu blinked and swallowed hard. The sting behind his eyes swelled—not because of the question itself, but because he couldn’t believe Taehyun was still here, still choosing to spend more time with him. A part of him wanted to say he didn’t deserve it. But another part, quieter but stronger, wanted to believe he could .

“Sure,” he said, the word thick with warmth and something close to relief. “Yeah.”

Taehyun’s voice dipped again, but this time it was lower. A little more daring.

“A date this one?”

Beomgyu grinned, eyes still prickling. “If you said so.”

“I said so.”

For the first time all night, Beomgyu’s heart felt full instead of heavy.

:)

Ever since that night, things had shifted. Nothing huge or flashy, but in the little ways that mattered. It was from the way they smiled more, the way their conversations felt softer, easier. It just felt right now, like something had clicked into place.

Beomgyu and Taehyun also had been going out a lot.

Just last weekend, they went to see a new action movie and Beomgyu barely remembered the plot. He was too busy sneaking glances at Taehyun’s side profile, watching the flicker of light from the screen dance across his face.

Or that time they went skating at the mall rink. Beomgyu claimed he was “a natural,” then purposely wiped out twice just to feel Taehyun’s hand grab his, always steady and warm, pulling him back up with an eye roll that didn’t quite hide the smile.

They also went to the zoo—definitely not because of Taehyun—and stood in front of the penguin enclosure for twenty minutes, arguing over whether penguins were the definition of romance or just clingy birds with abandonment issues. Beomgyu had never laughed so much in public.

They weren’t officially anything… yet. But it wasn’t just friendship either. Beomgyu was sure of that because Taehyun’s eyes lingered when he thought Beomgyu wasn’t looking. Or not with the way Beomgyu’s heart beat like it was trying to escape every time Taehyun did the tiniest act of service to him such as when he would protect Beomgyu’s head from bumping on the wall of their favourite pastry shop.

Whatever this was, Beomgyu didn’t know what to call it. But he knew he wanted more of it. It’s not like he wanted to risk it anyway.

Maybe that was the problem.

Beomgyu barely saw his friends anymore. Heeseung had begun giving him that you’re-in-too-deep look every time he said, “I got plans after class.”

“You always have plans after class,” Heeseung had grumbled last week, arms crossed. “You’re basically married to Taehyun at this point.”

Beomgyu had flushed so violently he nearly short-circuited.

Today, like many other days, Beomgyu was waiting at the vet clinic where Taehyun was interning. They were supposed to go to the arcade afterward, a plan Beomgyu had looked forward to all week.

He sat at the corner of the cozy waiting room, phone in hand, pretending to scroll while his eyes darted around. The walls were painted with pastel murals—animals playing, birds perched on branches, tiny paw prints leading around the corners. It was oddly calming, like a children’s picture book brought to life.

It suited Taehyun. 

Beomgyu sighed, dropping his phone on his lap, because here was the thing, he was scared.

Terrified, even.

He was getting too attached. Too comfortable. He and Taehyun weren’t dating. There had been no label, just friends that had one almost-confession over the phone that felt too good to be real.

But what if one day Taehyun just… got bored?

What if he started thinking Beomgyu was too much or too clingy or…  not enough?

Beomgyu had always been the one to fall first. To fall harder. And this time, he wasn’t sure he could handle the fall if there wasn’t anyone catching him at the bottom.

Still, he wouldn’t change a thing. Because having Taehyun— platonic or not —was still better than not having him at all.

He heard the click of a door opening, then soft footsteps.

Beomgyu looked up.

Taehyun walked into the waiting room, pulling off his white coat and shaking out his arms, the badge pin that say ‘intern’ holding onto its life on the coat. His mask came down next, followed by his gloves tucked neatly into his pocket. There was a light flush on his cheeks, probably from dealing with pets all day. His hair was slightly messy from the rush.

And then, he smiled.

That small, pretty smile that never failed to knock the breath out of Beomgyu’s lungs.

“Give me five minutes,” Taehyun said, eyes warm as he gestured toward the back room. “Then we can go play every game there.”

Beomgyu smiled back instinctively, heart doing a quiet somersault. “Okay,” he said, voice softer than he meant it to be.

He watched as Taehyun disappeared behind the door again.

The smile lingered on his lips. He leaned his head against the wall, glancing back up at the painted animals.

Taehyun fit here. In this quiet, space full of warmth and kindness that the only noise that could fill the room was from the cute animals themselves. He belonged here.

Beomgyu didn’t know if he belonged anywhere yet. But he hoped Taehyun would make space for him too. He smiled to himself again, though this time, almost sadly with his fingers tapping his thigh restlessly. He couldn’t stop falling.

He really, really hoped Taehyun would catch him.

The arcade was packed with noise, bright lights blinking in erratic patterns, the cha-ching of tokens being dispensed, the whirr of machines, and a handful of kids screaming somewhere in the back corner. It was sensory overload in the best kind of way, and Beomgyu grinned as Taehyun shoved a handful of tokens to Beomgyu. 

“We are not leaving until we win something stupid,” Taehyun declared.

Beomgyu snorted. 

“I want that ugly purple bear with the weird googly eyes,” Taehyun said, pointing at a claw machine in the corner.

Beomgyu followed his finger and squinted. “That thing looks like minions with ears.”

“Exactly. I love minions. And bears.”

They started there, it only took three tries and a bit of Taehyun flexing his arms a little too casually while maneuvering the joystick for Beomgyu to feel his ears burn.

“You’re doing too much for claw machines.” he muttered as he pretended to examine the claw.

Taehyun looked at him, innocently. “Doing what?”

“Stop it.”

Taehyun raised an eyebrow, a smug smile on his oh, so handsome face. “I’m just playing the game.”

Beomgyu laughed, too quickly and loud, just to deflect from the way his face was heating up. “Yeah, okay. Whatever, Kang.”

It went on like that for the whole evening, everything turned into a challenge. 

At the basketball game, Taehyun won by a single shot and teased Beomgyu about it every chance he got.

Beomgyu got his revenge in the racing game, grinning as he sped past the finish line and childishly stuck out his tongue while chanting “Loser, loser, loser!!” with L sign from his fingers on his forehead, gaining looks from other people. 

When it came to the jackpot spinner, neither of them had any luck. But Taehyun still claimed victory, insisting Beomgyu got distracted when he leaned in too close to watch the lights.

Beomgyu, red in the face, denied it immediately and demanded a rematch.

Their shoulders kept bumping. Their hands touched more than once—reaching for the same controller, grabbing tokens at the same time. But neither of them moved away or made it weird.

It should’ve been awkward. But it wasn’t.

It just felt easy. Familiar , even. Like they’ve known each other for their entire life.

They eventually found themselves in a tucked-away karaoke box, one of the smaller soundproof ones in the back corner of the arcade. It was dim, filled with soft neon lights that reflected off the little screen as Taehyun flipped through the song list.

“I don’t feel like singing,” Beomgyu warned, sprawling on the seat like a cat. “I feel like becoming a vocal judge right now.” 

“Great,” Taehyun said, already typing in a song. “Then judge me while I sing.”

What Beomgyu didn’t expect was for him to sound like that , though.

Taehyun’s voice was soft, almost lazy, like it was meant only for this tiny room and Beomgyu’s ears. The melody drifted gently, and Beomgyu sat a little straighter before slumping back down, this time with his chin resting on his hand as he watched.

“Why do you sound so good?” he mumbled, eyes wide.

Taehyun chuckled without missing a note, glancing at him briefly. “It’s the acoustics.”

Beomgyu didn’t reply. He could argue because everything about Taehyun was good. His heart, his intentions, his life. Beomgyu’s heart felt too full for the first time. The feelings he had for Taehyun… it didn’t fit. It was too much. 

The next song, Sudden Shower, came on without warning, a slower track. Taehyun didn’t even bother looking at the lyrics; it seemed like he knew it by heart.

The atmosphere and the soft melody made Beomgyu shift quietly beside him, leaning in just a little… and then a little more… until his head gently landed on Taehyun’s shoulder.

Neither of them moved.

Taehyun kept singing, voice a little lower now. As if he too noticed that the air around them had changed and didn’t want Beomgyu to pull away.

So he didn’t.

Beomgyu shut his eyes.

The song went on. And Beomgyu stayed there, listening. Soaking in the warmth of Taehyun’s presence, the way their shoulders pressed together, the way his voice felt like honey in his chest.

It was terrifying how easy it felt.

How natural and how much he wanted this to never end.

Taehyun’s voice wavered just slightly, a breath caught between lyrics, and Beomgyu wondered if he felt how loud Beomgyu’s heart was pounding for him, the way they were dancing on a tightrope of something bigger than just friendship.

Beomgyu clenched his hands in his lap.

His heart was screaming, I like you, I like you, I like you so much it hurts.

But he didn’t say anything.

He just stayed, letting the song say what he couldn’t.

It took nearly five arguments, three pouts, and one very exaggerated limp from Taehyun before Beomgyu finally managed to convince him that no, he didn’t need to be walked home. 

“You’re limping because you tripped over a child-sized arcade stool, Tyun.” Beomgyu deadpanned.

“I saved you from it,” Taehyun replied seriously. “You’d end up in the hospital right now if it wasn’t for me.”

Beomgyu had laughed then, and waved Taehyun off outside the train station. “Go home, Tyunnie.”

Taehyun smiled at him in that frustrating, beautiful way of his, and Beomgyu pretended his heart didn’t leap a little when Taehyun lingered for a moment longer before finally walking away.

But Beomgyu didn’t go home.

Instead, he dragged himself straight to Yeonjun and Soobin’s place, desperate for a distraction after a… wholesome day. Maybe a drink could help. Or a punch to the face. Anything, really.

Except the betrayal hit him in the face before anything else could. The moment the door opened, he blinked at the familiar pair of sandals near the shoe rack.

“What the fuck?” Beomgyu blurted. “Are you guys kicking me out of the group?”

Yeonjun raised an eyebrow and leaned against the doorframe. “Well, if you actually opened the group chat for once in your life, we might reconsider.”

He stepped aside to let Beomgyu in. Beomgyu grumbled as he shoved his sneakers off and stomped inside, only to find Soobin and Kai already on the couch, tangled up in some drama series and wrapped in separate blankets. Kai didn’t even look up. Soobin did, but only to raise his hand in a limp wave.

Yeonjun, of course, launched himself right into Soobin’s lap the second he got close enough.

Beomgyu squinted. “Wow. Very welcoming.”

A trio of disinterested hums echoed back at him in perfect sync.

Kai, still not looking away from the screen, asked, “Where have you been?”

Beomgyu opened his mouth to respond, but Soobin beat him to it without even blinking. “With Taehyun, obviously.”

Kai let out a menacing giggle at that.

Beomgyu stared at all of them as he sank into the bean bag on the floor, rubbing his eyes with both hands. “Do you think it’s over for me? It’s too deep at this point.”

Yeonjun’s head popped up like a prairie dog. “What? Him in your hole?”

Beomgyu didn’t even hesitate. He grabbed the nearest cushion and launched it directly into Yeonjun’s face. “Fuck off.”

Yeonjun cackled and clutched the pillow to his chest. “I’m just saying what we’re all thinking!”

“Literally no one is thinking that,” Kai muttered, reaching for the popcorn bowl on the coffee table.

“I am,” Yeonjun said brightly.

Soobin just pulled the blanket higher around his head, stifling an ear to ear smile.

Beomgyu groaned. “We’re not even official. Yet, I guess. We’re just… friends, for now.”

The word tasted ridiculous even as it left his mouth.

“Friends don’t call each other every time they want to go to bed,” Kai said, casually popping a handful of popcorn into his mouth.

“And they definitely don’t caption their friend’s selfies with ‘another perfect one’ and a heart emoji,” Soobin added, eyes glued to the screen. “That’s not even subtle. It’s domestic. Couple-y.”

“Don’t forget the time Taehyun posted that photo of Beomgyu holding his drink and wrote ‘my favourite’ in the corner,” Yeonjun said. “With a love in the air sticker.”

“That was a filtered sticker, and it was his favourite drink,” Beomgyu mumbled defensively.

“The point still stands,” Kai pointed out. “He likes you, trust me.”

Beomgyu buried his face in his hands, cheeks burning. “You guys suck.”

Yeonjun leaned forward, grinning wickedly. “You’re the one in denial, loverboy.”

Soobin finally turned away from the TV to look at him properly. “Seriously though, what’s stopping you? He’s made it very obvious that he’s into you. And you clearly like him.”

“It’s just—” Beomgyu started, then caught himself. Groaned. “Every time I think he does, there’s… always something that tells me he doesn’t.”

The room was quiet for a beat too long.

And then Yeonjun tossed another pillow at him. “Don’t be dumb on purpose. He literally paid for most of your not-so-called dates, Beomie.”

“I did too!” Beomgyu protested, slumping back against the bean bag.

“Sounds fake. You probably only pay for the gas… like twice in a while because you guys seemed to like public transportation better,” Kai muttered.

Beomgyu only whined louder, “Still money!!” 

Soobin sighed and finally patted the space beside him, a gesture of peace. “Come up here, Beomie. I think you need some comfort.”

Beomgyu dragged himself to the couch and squeezed in between the couples, sulking like a cat that wanted attention but didn’t want to ask for it.

Yeonjun wrapped an arm around him anyway. “You’re in love. We know. Just don’t fuck it up.”

“I won’t. Hyungs,” Beomgyu said quietly.

“I haven’t heard you call us that since forever.” Soobin chuckled. 

“Because he’s a rude little shit.” Kai mumbled, which led to a kick on his back from Beomgyu.

He was glad he had his friends with him, because he was starting to realise that he really didn’t want to lose Taehyun…

:|

The library was quiet, filled with the occasional hum of fluorescent lights and the low shuffle of papers being turned. Beomgyu liked this one. It had tall windows that let sunlight spill across the desks, and a lingering scent of books that made him feel… oddly safe. Or maybe it was the person sitting in front of him.

Taehyun was scribbling something down in a notebook, brows drawn, lips slightly pursed. Probably another research paper. Beomgyu didn’t even bother asking anymore; the answer was always some kind of animal-related studies. And yet, he liked hearing Taehyun talk about it anyway. Every fact about a mammal or obscure bird species was said with this soft kind of fascination in his voice that Beomgyu never got tired of listening to.

Beomgyu shifted slightly in his seat, pressing a hand to his stomach. It’d been bothering him for a while now, an ache that came and went like waves. Probably the iced americano he downed like water earlier. He tried not to make a sound, but apparently it was enough for Taehyun to notice.

“Are you okay?” Taehyun asked quietly, looking up from his notes with that kind eyes of his, his voice had that careful tone, the one that always made Beomgyu feel seen.

Beomgyu winced a little, holding his stomach. “I think I drank too much coffee…”

Without a word, Taehyun reached over and passed him his half-full bottle of mineral water.

“Want me to go to the toilet with you?” he offered, still looking at him like he’d ditch everything in the moment to make sure Beomgyu was okay.

Beomgyu blinked, lips quirking despite himself. “You gonna hold my hand while I’m in there?”

Taehyun snorted, shaking his head with a small smile. “No. Just making sure you don’t die in there.”

Beomgyu chuckled, easing to his feet. “It’s okay. Wait for me.”

He left his stuff on the table, trusting Taehyun without thought, and made his way to the restroom. It took a few minutes, but by the time he washed his hands and patted his stomach gently, he felt a little lighter. Less bloated and less uncomfortable. Hopefully, it could make Beomgyu focus better as well.

He walked back to their table, weaving past rows of bookshelves until he saw that familiar dark hair and hunched figure again. Beomgyu slid into his seat, stretching a little as he settled.

He didn’t dive straight into his assignment. His eyes drifted, naturally, toward Taehyun. He was still writing, long fingers curled around his pen with practiced ease. The light from above them caught the side of his face, casting soft shadows along his cheekbone. His lips moved just barely, mouthing through the words as he read over them.

Beomgyu watched him for a moment, smiling without even realizing. He looked so focused. So effortlessly pretty, he belonged exactly in that moment, surrounded by books and quiet flipping of pages.

But something felt… off.

Taehyun hadn’t glanced up at him.

Beomgyu tilted his head and knitted his eyebrows. Okay, maybe he was just really focused. That’s normal, right?

Except even after two minutes, Taehyun didn’t acknowledge his return. Not a glance and definitely not a “feeling better?”

It stirred something weird in Beomgyu’s chest. A tiny flicker of discomfort. He bit down on it. Maybe he was overthinking again. Still—

“…Tyunnie?” he called, voice soft.

Taehyun stilled for half a second. Beomgyu swore he saw the way his knuckles tightened slightly around his pen before he finally said, without looking up, “Mhm?”

Beomgyu blinked. “N-nothing.” He shifted his gaze away quickly, ducking back into his own work. His fingers hovered over his keyboard for a moment, then tapped out nonsense just to fill the silence.

A beat passed. Then Taehyun’s voice, quieter than usual, came, “Is your stomach good now?”

Beomgyu hesitated. The words were normal, exactly what he expected. But the tone—it wasn’t the same. It didn’t have that soft curve and warmth that Beomgyu had been getting addicted to.

Still, he forced a smile Taehyun didn’t see. “Yeah. It’s okay now.”

Beomgyu suddenly felt like he’d done something wrong without realizing it. And somehow, that unsettled him more than the stomachache ever did.

The quiet between them had stretched again. For the first time, the space he shared with Taehyun felt uncomfortable. Beomgyu tried to shake it off, pressing his knuckles into his laptop bag like it would ground him. Maybe Taehyun was just tired. He’d been very busy with his internship and he still had reports to be submitted.

But suddenly the rustling sound of a pencil case being zipped closed filled his ears. And then a low thud of notebooks stacked quickly. 

Beomgyu blinked and looked at him again. Taehyun was actually packing up. His hands moved like he was rushing to get out. Almost like he couldn’t bear being here anymore. 

“Tyunnie?”

Once again, Taehyun didn’t meet his gaze. “Sorry—something came up. Would you be okay if I leave first?”

His voice was flat and sounded awfully detached. Beomgyu felt it like a cold slap to the chest.

“…Yeah,” he said automatically. But his throat had already tightened. He watched the way Taehyun shoved his charger into his bag, how he didn’t even pause to say more. “Is something wrong?”

He wanted to say, Did I do something? Did I make you mad? Why are you looking through me like I’m not even here?

But instead, he stayed still and bit his tongue.

Taehyun only said, “No. I’m leaving first. See you, hyung.”

Not even gyu hyung. Not the way he always said it in his soft voice and a little teasing just to see how Beomgyu would react to it.

Beomgyu sat frozen, his hands curled around the edges of his chair as he watched Taehyun throw his bag over his shoulder with no smile and a glance towards him. Beomgyu felt like he’d become invisible too. He wished Taehyun would at least wave goodbye at him. 

But he only left. Just like that.

And he didn’t look back once.

Beomgyu sat in the silence that followed, barely breathing. He stared at the empty seat in front of him. The faint warmth that still lingered on the cushion where Taehyun had been.

He felt something collapse quietly in his chest.

What just happened?

He reached for his phone, hoping— praying —that maybe Taehyun had texted right after he stepped out from the library. Maybe an explanation.

Instead, his lock screen lit up with notifications.

And at the very top, was his fucking dating app. The one he hadn’t opened in months. The one he had stupidly forgotten to delete.

His heart sank.

You’ve got a new match!

You have a new message from Kim: “hey you’re cute ;) wanna go watch some movies?

Beomgyu stared. His vision blurred slightly.

Panic rose inside him like a wave. 

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Did Taehyun see it?

He hadn’t touched the apps in forever. Not since they started spending almost everyday together. But what if—what if Taehyun had seen the notification pop up on his phone earlier? What if he saw Beomgyu matched with someone else and thought—

And then he remembered how Taehyun had also caught him on that stupid blind date.

Beomgyu could feel how his heart stopped beating entirely.

He thinks I’m playing around.

His hands moved without thinking. Shoving his laptop into his bag, nearly forgetting his charger. Zipping up too fast, his fingers fumbling. Everything inside him screamed to run after Taehyun, but his legs wouldn’t move.

His head was spinning and his chest ached. There was no way to undo it. He couldn’t go back to a few hours ago, to delete the apps before any of this could happen. He should’ve done it the moment he felt sure about his feelings for Taehyun.

He blinked away the prickling behind his eyes as he stood shakily.

Because now?

Now it felt like everything he’d built with Taehyun… every moment they’d spent together, every soft smile that was shared between them and every late-night call, was crashing down, and he didn’t even know how to stop it.

The clock glowed at 1:03 am on his nightstand. 

The bedroom was dark, save for the pale blue light of his phone screen and still, no new notifications. Beomgyu stared at it like it might suddenly change if he willed hard enough. He refreshed his messages again.

Still nothing.

No new text from Taehyun. No call, obviously. But no stupid memes or a voice note that said “goodnight, hyung” like he always did when they’d be too busy to call.

Any other night, they’d be on the phone right now. Probably laughing at something dumb Beomgyu said, or Taehyun explaining his morning gym routines to Beomgyu for the hundredth time because he knew Beomgyu hated exercising. They would stay up too late talking about everything and nothing, until one of them fell asleep mid-conversation and the other kept listening just to hear them breathe.

But not tonight.

Tonight was still and silent and cold in all the worst ways.

Beomgyu’s grip on his phone tightened until his knuckles turned pale. He stared at his last message, the one he sent hours ago,

beomgyu : take care tyunnie.

Taehyun hadn’t read it. He’d expected for Taehyun to leave him on seen, but no, he was left on delivered instead. He didn’t know if he should feel better that Taehyun didn’t want to at least, read his message and not replying or the fact that Taehyun might outright ignoring him.

He swallowed a dry lump in his throat, blinking hard. His chest felt tight, like someone had curled their hand around his heart and was squeezing it without mercy.

What should I do?

The smartest thing would be to text Soobin, Yeonjun or  Kai. Maybe Heeseung. Cry into their arms and confess every stupid mistake he made. Let them tell him it’ll be okay, even if he won’t believe it.

The stupidest thing would be to throw his phone against the wall, delete all his social media, and ghost everyone for a month. Maybe disappear into a cave and scream into the void.

He let out a heavy sigh, one that trembled at the end. Then looked over at his nightstand.

His gaze fell on the photo strip with four frames. The one he took with Taehyun at the local festival a few weeks ago, remembering he and Taehyun both kept one. He reached out and picked it up with gentle fingers.

He remembered how windy it was, he’d thought it’d rain, but the rain never came. He also had expected it to be cold, but it wasn’t . It was warm.

Because Taehyun was there.

In the pictures, they were laughing; faces squished together, wide open mouths, heads tilted like they were trying to fit into the frame but didn’t care if they didn’t. Taehyun’s hair was messy, and Beomgyu had his arm slung lazily over his shoulder.

Looking at them now made Beomgyu’s chest twist, as if someone had twisted a knife into it.

He let the photo fall softly onto the bed beside him and flopped onto his back, arms flung over his eyes.

What if I’m really making a fuss over nothing?

Maybe Taehyun had a bad day. Maybe he was just really tired. Maybe it really had nothing to do with him. But even if that were true—why did it hurt like this? Why did it feel like he was the problem? 

They’re just… friends, right? That’s what he’d been telling himself.

And Taehyun wasn’t obligated to tell Beomgyu everything.

But no friendship he ever had made his hands ache to hold them longer. No friend had ever left a silence this loud when they were gone.

His throat closed up.

Beomgyu didn’t realize he was crying until the tears slipped from the corners of his eyes and soaked into the pillow, heart heavy.

He curled into himself, pressing his face into the sheets, trying to breathe through the ache in his chest.

He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. Or if Taehyun would even talk to him.

But right now, in the dark, alone with the sound of his own heartbeat and the memory of laughter that used to fill this hour—

Beomgyu cried.

Beomgyu wanted nothing more than to mope in bed all day, maybe rot a little and cry again. But the world was merciless and his professors even more so— deadlines didn’t wait for a heartbroken man. And of course, the first real fight he’s ever had with Taehyun had to happen on a random Wednesday. Not even a heartful Friday or a rainy Sunday— a Wednesday .

He threw on the first hoodie he found. It was too big, the sleeves swallowing his hands, the hem brushing close to his knees. He didn’t care. In fact, he welcomed the fact that it felt like a blanket, if he could disappear into it completely, he would. He paired it with an old pair of slacks that dragged behind him and threatened to trip him with every step.

His hair was a mess, he hadn’t even looked in the mirror this morning. What was the point, when his chest still ached from last night? His bag felt heavier than usual. And his heart? It felt like it had been doing laps all day. 

The campus felt colder than usual. Maybe it was the wind. Maybe it was the fact that Taehyun still hadn’t read his message. Or maybe it was the way he felt like no one was looking at him today. Usually someone would say hi. Tease him about his mismatched stockings or invite him for a quick breakfast. Today? Everyone passed him like he was a ghost.

Even Heeseung looked pissed as soon as Beomgyu locked eyes with him. Beomgyu dragged himself into his seat beside him, slumping so hard into the chair it groaned under the weight of his misery.

“Hee,” he called softly.

No response.

“Heeseung,” he tried again, louder this time.

Heeseung finally glanced at him for half a second before going right back to writing his notes like Beomgyu didn’t exist.

“Do you hate me too?” Beomgyu muttered, already defeated.

“No,” Heeseung replied flatly, pen still scratching paper.

“Then why are you acting like it?” Beomgyu said, voice pitched just high enough to betray the small crack forming in it.

“Because I want to,” Heeseung said without even blinking, still focused on the lecture slide.

Beomgyu let out a noise, partly whine and partly wounded gasp, and let his forehead crash onto the desk loudly. A few heads turned, but no one said anything. Great. Even his classmates think he’s annoying now.

He stayed there, face smushed to the cold surface of the desk, letting out a slow exhale like the ghost of his will to live was finally escaping.

Everything felt off. The room was full, but it was like no one could see him. He used to jump from one group to another just to chitchat. Now? It felt like someone had just plucked him out of his usual spot in the world and replaced him with nothing.

Was it because he’d rarely spent time with them these days?

Maybe Heeseung was annoyed with him too. His three other friends hadn’t contacted him all week too… 

He sat up slowly, his head still heavy as he whispered, “I wish I can drop out.”

Heeseung finally looked at him then. “Unfortunately, you can’t.”

Beomgyu blinked. “Why?”

“Because I need you to be miserable with me. What the fuck does onions have to do with humans in theory, man.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” he mumbled. “Just what I needed today.”

Heeseung didn’t say anything after that, and neither did he. The lecture went on, and Beomgyu just sat there with no pen nor notebook. He didn’t have the energy to pull them out from his bag. He felt like no one deserves anything from him today. He glanced at Yeji and her friends, who were all busy snickering at something Ryujin showed on her phone. What were they smiling about…? He swallowed the bitter taste on his tongue.

But deep down, he wasn’t mad at them. He wasn’t mad at Heeseung or his classmates or anyone.

He was just mad at himself.

:|

Beomgyu didn’t know how he ended up at Yeonjun and Soobin’s apartment, but he did anyway. It was the only place that still felt warm when everything else felt cold. Second home, third sanctuary, whatever you wanted to call it. It smelled like fabric softener, leftover takeout, and combinations of cologne. Comfort, basically. Something his own home had failed to give ever since the day at the library.

He was sprawled face-down on the couch. He had barely mumbled a greeting before his cheek met the cushion and didn’t leave it again.

Yeonjun walked past with a bag of groceries and didn’t even look up. “If you’re gonna be useless all day in my house, then you might as well help me bake a cake.”

Beomgyu groaned. “But I’m sad.”

“From your own stupidity, by the way,” Yeonjun said dryly, opening the kitchen’s windows. “C’mon, get up.”

Beomgyu groaned again, more dramatic this time. But he eventually dragged himself to his feet and trudged into the kitchen, hair all over the place and his hoodie half-zipped with a few holes, showing how old it was.

Yeonjun was already emptying the grocery bags onto the counter: a bag of all-purpose flour, a small container of cocoa powder, unsalted butter, baking soda, sugar, eggs, and a few dark chocolate bars. He lined them up and pulled out a mixing bowl with flair.

“What kind of cake are we making?” Beomgyu asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Chocolate. Classic and easy to make,” Yeonjun said as he preheated the oven. “You crack the eggs. If you get any shell in it, you’re banned from stepping a foot here.”

Beomgyu snorted and obediently cracked the eggs into a separate bowl. “Ever since I told you guys, all you do is become meaner to me.”

Yeonjun poured the flour into a sieve and started sifting. “You deserve it. Besides, we already smacked you for it. You should be glad Soobin didn’t do it— right after you left with that teary eyed smile, he poured his frustration on me. His scoldings last for hours as if I’m the one who did this to you.”

“Ugh,” Beomgyu slumped against the counter. “I still think I should just leave it… move on, you know? I mean, he hasn’t talked to me. It’s been a week…”

Yeonjun glanced over at him as he whisked the eggs together. “Did you try texting him again?”

“After the one at the library, I sent a few more asking if he’s alright. Still unread to this day, though.”

Yeonjun handed him a spoon and motioned for him to mix the dry ingredients. “How about his social media?”

Beomgyu made a face. “I don’t know… I’m too scared to check.”

Yeonjun paused with the butter in hand. “Beom. Come on. Talk to him. What if it wasn’t even about the dating app?”

Beomgyu stayed quiet as he stirred, half-heartedly pushing the flour around. “But what if it was? What if he saw it and thought I was still looking… like, for someone else?”

Yeonjun rolled his eyes and started melting the butter in a saucepan. “That’s why you talk to him. As much as I think that you both should’ve figured out your feelings earlier, you guys are still good friends. His family  adores you, Beomie.”

At the mention of Taehyun’s family, Beomgyu changed the subject quickly. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

Yeonjun wiped his hands on a towel. “Soobin went home. His parents called to celebrate his dad’s birthday.”

“You didn’t go with him?” Beomgyu blinked, genuinely surprised. At this point, Yeonjun and Soobin might as well file taxes together.

“Nah,” Yeonjun scratched his head sheepishly. “Tomorrow’s our third anniversary, and I’m running out of ideas because I've used up all my fantastic ideas on our monthsaries. I just wanted to bake something nice and surprise him this time.”

Beomgyu blinked, a little touched. “Wait. So I’m here… messing with your magic? Like— your bake-with-love-for-Soobinie magic?”

Yeonjun grinned. “Pretty much.”

Beomgyu sighed and leaned against Yeonjun’s side. “So cringe.”

“Wait until it’s your turn,” Yeonjun muttered, smacking his forehead lightly with a wooden spoon. “You’d do anything to see the love of your life smiling in joy because of something you put effort into.”

They continued baking in a quiet rhythm after that. Beomgyu gradually relaxed, the scent of warm cocoa and butter filled the kitchen, and Yeonjun kept flicking flour at him like a child. It wasn’t much. But it was enough for now.

He still missed Taehyun.

But at least, for the first time in days, he didn’t feel so hopeless about it.

On the next day, Beomgyu and Kai had received a very serious mission. One that required focus, speed, and… a balloon that said “I love you daddy bunny.”

“Emergency,” Yeonjun had declared over the phone, “I forgot to buy balloons for the decorations! Soobin’s coming home in a few hours and I need him to feel loved and the balloons would be the icing on the cake. If he’s not crying by the end of the night, what’s the point of our anniversary?”

So, here they were, wandering through a party store that smelled like latex and dust, scanning balloon aisles as if their lives depended on it.

Beomgyu would argue that it’d be easier if they just customised the balloons but then he saw one that said “hi sexy wolf” and decided it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Beomgyu exhaled. “See? I always prefer you over them because of this. You never make me do dumb errands for your couple stuff.”

Kai, walking half a step ahead with his hands in his jeans, scoffed. “That’s because I’m an absolutely flawless romantic who does not need help from a single pathetic person like you.”

Beomgyu stopped to dramatically clutch his chest. “Wow. The slander… coming from someone who practically shoved me into the dating apps hellhole.”

Kai arched his brow. “How is that my fault?”

“You found your girlfriend on Tinder! And you were like, ‘oh, Gyu, it’ll be fun, just try it for fun.’ Look at me now.”

Kai gasped as if Beomgyu had just insulted his bloodline. “Wow. As if i’m responsible for the rest—”

Beomgyu cackled and bolted, knowing full well Kai was about to retaliate. And sure enough, he heard Kai yell “Get back here!!” followed by the unmistakable thud of a shoe being flung.

“You missed!” Beomgyu taunted, still laughing, weaving between shelves of birthday hats and confetti cannons.

He wasn’t watching where he was going. He was far too busy giggling over his narrow escape, high off the stupid chaos of the moment. And that was exactly when he crashed straight into someone.

“Ow—shit—sorry, sorry—” he stammered, steadying himself, blinking as he looked up.

And his heart immediately dropped into his stomach.

Because standing right there—brows furrowed slightly from the impact, lips parted in surprise, tote bag slipping down his shoulder—was Taehyun.

Beomgyu froze. His brain short-circuited for a second. His breath caught like he’d been sucker-punched. Kai’s voice was somewhere behind him yelling something, but all he could hear was the blood rushing to his ears.

Taehyun blinked slowly. His expression was unreadable.

“…Hi,” he greeted, in his light voice that oh Beomgyu missed so much…

Beomgyu’s mouth opened. Nothing came out.

His mind screamed to say something cool, say anything—

But all he managed was a stunned, “…hey.”

It hit him like a wave with how much he missed Taehyun then, standing this close made him wanted to reach out and pull Taehyun in— wanted to bury his face in that familiar shoulder, breathe in the scent of him, the shampoo he always used, the faint warmth that always lingered around him like a second skin.

But he didn’t.

Because he was a coward. 

“I—I should go,” Beomgyu muttered with a shaky laugh, already turning on his heel, already walking, needing to be anywhere but here, before he burst.

He didn’t get very far.

A firm and warm hand caught his arm. 

“Where?” Taehyun asked.

Beomgyu stiffened instantly. He couldn’t look at him. He kept his head low, eyes on some spot on the floor, pretending he was anywhere else but this moment that felt like it might split him open. “I… I don’t know.”

He turned his face away again, willing himself not to crumble. But Taehyun, persistent as always, stepped in front of him. Beomgyu had to bit his lips from crashing down.

And Beomgyu finally looked up.

God.

He looked the same, just like what Beomgyu had memorised each curves of his face. Tired, maybe, with dark shadows under his eyes like he hadn’t been sleeping well. His hair was ruffled in that way it got when he ran his hands through it too much. He wore just a simple white shirt, something he probably threw on in a hurry, and yet somehow still looked good. He always looked good. 

But it was his eyes that did Beomgyu in. Those same big, sparkly eyes that always looked like they were holding in a laugh or a secret or both. Except right now, they weren’t laughing. They were just… the same gentle look he often gave to Beomgyu when he thought Beomgyu wouldn’t notice.

Beomgyu tried to speak— really, he did— but his throat was too tight, his chest felt too full, and nothing came out. He swallowed a lump.

He braced himself for Taehyun to start frowning and snap, to accuse him, to ask him how dare you or was it all just a joke to you?

Instead, Taehyun gave him a small smile. “Don’t you miss me?”

It wasn’t loud, but it hit harder than if he’d shouted. The words immediately shattered Beomgyu.

He bit his lip harder, until he could almost taste something sharp and metallic. He didn’t trust himself to speak. But he replied with a small nod. 

Taehyun let out a soft laugh, more breath than sound. “Me too,” he said quietly. Then, with his arms open just a little, he added, “Come here.”

Beomgyu paused. He wasn’t sure if he should move. If this was really happening or just something his head had made up to make him feel better.

But Taehyun didn’t wait.

He stepped closer and pulled him close, arms wrapping around Beomgyu’s back, grounding him to reality.

And for the first time in what felt like days, Beomgyu could breathe again. Really breathe. Because Taehyun was here again, and the warmth he’d been missing welcomed him like home.

Taehyun’s hand came up to his hair, gently stroking his dark curls.

“Miss you so much,” he murmured into Beomgyu’s ear.

Beomgyu clutched the back of Taehyun’s shirt like a lifeline and closed his eyes. Because this— this right here— was the only thing that had made sense all week.

Taehyun rocked them side to side slowly. If anyone saw them like this, they’d probably find it strange. Two people hugging in the middle of a party store surrounded by glittery balloons, streamers, and confetti. He was sure someone had walked past the aisle… But Beomgyu didn’t care, to him it didn’t feel funny. It didn’t feel silly at all.

He sniffled quietly and subtly wiped away the lone tear that had managed to escape. 

“You didn’t text me back,” he said, his voice rough around the edges, bitter than he intended to.

Taehyun pulled away slightly to look at him. His smile was small, apologetic. “Sorry.”

There was a beat of silence before Taehyun asked carefully, “Were you upset because of it?”

Beomgyu pouted, his lips wobbling just a little. He nodded.

Taehyun didn’t tease him for it. He didn’t give him the mischievous smile like he usually did when Beomgyu was being pouty and dramatic. He just tilted his head and asked, “Wanna go get ice cream?”

So they did.

They found a small shop a few blocks away and ended up on a park bench. It was early evening, the sun starting to dip, casting golden hues across the pavement. People walked by with their dogs, couples held hands, kids ran around with popsicles and scraped knees.

And Beomgyu could only stare down at his melting scoop of strawberry swirl, heart heavy despite the sugary taste on his tongue.

There was a small gap between them on the bench. Beomgyu tried not to be so self-conscious about it.

“I’m sorry,” Taehyun said after a long pause, voice quieter now. “I had a pretty bad week, that’s all.” He gave a half-laugh, almost embarrassed. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Beomgyu didn’t know what to reply to that so he threw the question that he’d been dying to ask. “Did you… did you see it?”

Taehyun paused mid-lick of his ice cream.

It was obvious. The sudden stiffening of his shoulders. Beomgyu almost wanted to run away again, or rewind time and bite his tongue.

“See what?” Taehyun said eventually, playing dumb to no one. 

Beomgyu swallowed thickly. His ice cream suddenly tasted like nothing. “My phone. The dating apps.”

And just like that, the silence washed over them again.

Taehyun cleared his throat, then gave a too-casual laugh. “I mean… these days, everyone has it, right?”

Beomgyu wanted to punch him, just to force out an answer that he wanted to hear. “What do you think of it?”

Taehyun shifted, clearly uncomfortable as he avoided Beomgyu’s eyes.

But Beomgyu didn’t let it go. He leaned in a little and said, “Tell me, Tyunnie.”

At the nickname, Taehyun’s expression softened slightly. He let out a sigh. “I was… shocked. Maybe. I don’t know. I just—” He shrugged helplessly. “We’re just friends anyway.”

Of course. 

Beomgyu immediately looked away, blinking fast as his chest tightened.

“Friends,” he echoed under his breath, staring at the grass.

Taehyun didn’t say anything this time. Just focusing on his now-half-eaten cone.

Beomgyu sat still for a few seconds before the words burst out of him, shaky and uncertain. “Is… is being friends all you want to be with me?”

He didn’t even know where the courage came from. It certainly wasn’t planned. But the words had left his mouth before he could think through. 

He couldn’t look at Taehyun either— kept his eyes fixed on the sidewalk as if the cracks there held the answer.

“What?” Beomgyu could feel Taehyun turned to him from his peripheral vision, from the way he asked it, he must’ve had a confused look on his face. 

“I’m serious.” Beomgyu lifted his head this time, forcing himself to meet Taehyun’s gaze. “Is that all you want?”

There was a shift in Taehyun’s face. A flicker of something, vulnerability, maybe. For a split second, it was like Beomgyu could see through him, like all the carefully constructed walls were trembling just enough to let something real slip through.

But then, as quickly as it came, it was gone .

His expression turned unreadable again, guarded.

And Beomgyu wanted to scream and punch him again , just once, right in the chest— not because he was angry, but because Taehyun always did this. Always pulled back just when Beomgyu thought he could finally reach him.

Which was why he would never know where he stood in Taehyun’s life.

He braced himself for disappointment. For that gentle, practiced smile and the polite rejection. Taehyun would say something like “ you’re important to me, but— ” and every wall around Beomgyu would crumble.

But instead, Taehyun said, quietly;

“…No.”

Beomgyu paused. “What?”

“No,” Taehyun repeated, this time with more weight behind it. His voice was steady now, certain in a way that made it clear. He meant it.

Beomgyu’s heart, stupidly hopeful, pounded so fast at the answer, it felt ready to launch itself out of his chest and land right there on the grass.

He opened his mouth, unsure if he wanted to laugh or cry and say something dumb like me neither! , but Taehyun beat him to it again.

“It’s…” Taehyun paused, as if choosing every word carefully. “New. This feeling… between us is new...”

His voice trembled slightly, not enough to be obvious. Just enough for Beomgyu to feel it with the way he let out a subtle shaky breath at the end. 

“I didn’t know when it started,” he continued, eyes flicking up to meet Beomgyu’s, then down again. “But over time, I found myself thinking about you even when you weren’t around. Like… everything I did, I wanted to tell you about it. I kept catching myself reaching for my phone just to text you stupid things.”

He gave a quiet laugh, almost embarrassed.

“I didn’t know what it meant at first. I didn’t want to know, maybe. But the more we saw each other, the harder it was to ignore. Every time I saw you… when you came out of the train station with your messy hair, or when you smiled at me like I was the only person in the world every time I picked you up, I felt it.”

Beomgyu jolted when Taehyun’s thumb brushed softly under his eye. The touch startled him—not because it was sudden, but because it made him realize that he was crying.

He blinked, confused for a second, almost embarrassed. Was he really crying just from hearing Taehyun talk…?

But it wasn’t just the words. It was the days they hadn’t talked. The fear of never getting answers. The way his chest had felt tight ever since the moment Taehyun stopped replying to him.

He wanted to scold himself, for acting like this over something so… small? It’d been only a week, yet, he was acting like it’d been months.

But still, he’d depended on Taehyun. He’d really let himself fall without thinking. So when Taehyun pulled back, even just a little, it hurt more than expected.

And now, somehow, with Taehyun right in front of him, saying all the things he thought he’d never hear… it was like all of it was finally starting to leave his body.

“I didn’t mean for it to happen. But I did. I kept falling for you,” Taehyun said quietly, like a confession he’d been holding in for months. “Little by little, until it all felt too much to bear.”

Beomgyu blinked faster to stop the tears from flowing, but it still rolled down his cheeks anyway.

“I was scared,” Taehyun admitted, his voice softer now. “Scared of what it would mean. Of messing it up. I love this friendship of ours…. and if something happened and I couldn’t fix it, I don’t think I'll forgive myself.”

“When I saw those apps on your phone, I—” He laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “I panicked. I thought maybe I imagined it all. I know I shouldn’t assume things but I still did. And it hurt so bad I just… shut down. I thought if I distanced myself, I could stop before it got worse.”

He shook his head, looking down at his hands. “But it was too late anyway. I’d already fallen too deep.”

Taehyun smiled weakly as he wiped Beomgyu’s wet cheeks again, “Don’t worry. It’s not your fault, it’s mine. I’m sorry.” 

For falling for you , was left unsaid.

Beomgyu didn’t know whether to cry harder or just grab him by the collar and kiss him. His heart was thudding so loud he swore Taehyun could hear it.

He sniffled, lifted a hand, and gave Taehyun a light punch on the chest. “Dummy…”

Taehyun let out a wet chuckle, eyes now glossy from everything he’d just said. “I know.”

Another soft punch. “So dumb…”

This time, Taehyun didn’t laugh. He only reached for Beomgyu’s hand and held it, fingers curling tightly around his knuckles as if to say I’m here now, I’m not going anywhere.

Beomgyu’s lips trembled as he tried to speak through the thick knot in his throat. “I—I’ve been in love with you since the day our eyes met at the Lego store, you idiot. How—how was it not obvious to you?”

His voice cracked and folded into a sob as he hung his head forward, his shoulders shaking under the weight of everything he had carried. All the longing, the overthinking, the what-ifs, it came pouring out in the way his words stumbled over each other like raindrops on a windowpane.

“And then we met again at the convenience store like it was fate or something,” he rambled, voice growing more frantic and breathless. “You—You have no idea how happy I was! I thought maybe I was dreaming or some weird universe glitch or something! Then not long after, we met again at the crossroad because I was late to my classes… not to mention that you even invited me to Yeri’s little birthday party and—”

Beomgyu’s words collapsed into another broken sob, and now it wasn’t even sadness. He was crying like a kid who’d held it in for too long, voice trembling, face red and messy with snot.

He must’ve looked adorable to Taehyun because the latter laughed softly, not out of mockery but from pure adoration. He cupped Beomgyu’s tear-streaked cheeks with one hand, thumb brushing gently over his flushed skin while the other still held Beomgyu’s hand tight in his lap.

“You…” Beomgyu hiccuped again, trying to speak even as Taehyun’s hand made his chest tighten with more emotion. “You don’t know what you’ve been to me, Taehyun. It was always you .”

Beomgyu swallowed thickly and added, “I forgot about the apps. I swear, it was way before I met you. I—” His mouth curled downward in a visible pout. “I forgot to delete them. But I haven’t opened them in months. I just… forgot. But trust me. It was never anyone else. It’s always been you.”

His voice cracked again, growing small and his pout deepened, “I’m not a player, Taehyun…”

Taehyun couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. He leaned forward, took the now melting ice cream from Beomgyu’s hand without a word, and set it on the ground. Then he reached up with both hands and gently cradled Beomgyu’s face between his palms.

“I trust you, hyung,” he whispered, thumbing another tear away. “I really do.”

That single word; hyung , made Beomgyu physically whine like a kicked puppy. His eyes shut tight, and he leaned forward like Taehyun had broken whatever last bit of pride he was trying to hold on to.

“I missed you so much it’s killing me,” he mumbled, voice small and wobbly.

Taehyun smiled so warmly, it made Beomgyu want to tell the world how much he loved this man. “We were apart for a week, hyung.”

“I still missed you,” Beomgyu insisted, opening his eyes to look at him again, really look this time. “It felt like forever. You’re so mean for leaving me like that… you practically ghost me!”

Taehyun chuckled, brushing a strand of hair off Beomgyu’s forehead before resting their foreheads together.

“I missed you more, and I’m sorry again,” he whispered, and there was something so heartbreakingly tender in the way he said it that Beomgyu thought his heart might never recover. “I will accept every punishment you're gonna give me.”

They stayed like that for a while, fingers tangled, tears drying on cheeks, and hearts finally, finally speaking the same language.

The sun was setting gently behind the city skyline, casting a soft amber glow across the pavement as they walked side by side, their steps quiet but their hearts anything but.

Beomgyu tried to focus on the sounds around them; the distant laughter of kids, the low rustle of wind in the trees, but Taehyun’s presence beside him was too loud. And worse, their hands kept brushing.

“Is this even the right way home?” Beomgyu finally asked, blinking up as he realized they’d wandered far from the park.

Taehyun glanced around. “I don’t know.”

He sounded so casual, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“You wanna go home?” Taehyun added, tilting his head slightly toward him.

Beomgyu bit his bottom lip. “No.”

God, his voice cracked a little. The ‘home’ in question could be his or Taehyun’s home but neither addressed it anyway.

Beomgyu felt ridiculous for not being able to look Taehyun in the eye. Not after all that crying. Hearing all those soft, vulnerable words from Taehyun didn’t help either.

And especially not when their hands kept brushing like that. As if they didn’t hold onto each other earlier like it was the end of the world.

It was torture. But also… not really.

When it happened again as his knuckles bumping Taehyun’s—Beomgyu unknowingly stiffened.

“Do you not want to hold hands?” Taehyun asked with a pinch look, clearly not impressed with the way Beomgyu reacted.

Beomgyu nearly choked. He stopped walking and smacked Taehyun’s annoyingly toned bicep. “Don’t say that out of nowhere, idiot!”

Taehyun blinked, clearly amused, while Beomgyu looked away, cheeks burning. “Also, I don’t wanna get used to it…”

“You’ll have to. You’re getting it often from now on.” Taehyun laughed, shaking his head as he found it amusing.

Beomgyu made an embarrassing wounded noise, somewhere between a whine and a dying animal, but before he could say anything else, Taehyun had gently reached over and laced their fingers together.

Beomgyu definitely squealed this time, not that he would ever admit it. So embarrassing…. 

“You’re so cute,” Taehyun said, smiling like the sun wasn’t doing enough already.

Beomgyu was still caught up in staring at their hands when Taehyun asked, “What were you doing in the store anyway?”

“Huh?” Beomgyu blinked, mind scrambling. “Oh! I was with Kai. We were looking for balloons—”

And then his eyes widened in horror as it hit him.

“Oh my god. Yeonjun!”

Taehyun tilted his head. “What about him?”

Beomgyu gasped. “I was supposed to help Kai find ‘I love you Daddy Bunny’ balloons before Soobin came home!”

Taehyun barked out a laugh as he almost doubled over. “I have so many questions.”

“No time! They might actually kick me out from the friend group,” Beomgyu panicked as he pulled out his phone with one hand, while the other was still holding onto Taehyun. 

Taehyun didn’t let go either, in fact, he only tightened them when Beomgyu tried to walk faster in panic.

Moments after Beomgyu got thoroughly yelled at by Yeonjun over the phone—with Kai shouting a helpful “Beat his ass!” from the background—he and Taehyun made their way toward Yeonjun and Soobin’s apartment in a half-run and half-speed-walk. 

When they finally arrived, Beomgyu barely managed to catch his breath before the door swung open to reveal Yeonjun, standing with arms crossed and the most unamused scowl he could summon.

Beomgyu winced like he’d been caught sneaking candy before dinner. “Hi.”

Yeonjun narrowed his eyes and was clearly gearing up for a proper scolding when he caught sight of Taehyun standing behind Beomgyu, hands tucked into his pockets and that expression of his which no one can really decipher but Beomgyu. 

Yeonjun’s entire expression shifted as though someone had offered him a cotton candy.

“Oh! Hi, Terrifyingmess!”

Beomgyu groaned, dragging his feet inside while Taehyun raised a brow and tilted his head. “Is that supposed to be my nickname?”

“We used to call you by your username,” Beomgyu muttered, ducking just in time to avoid the cushion Soobin flung at his head.

“Party pooper,” Soobin said from the couch. His tone was flat, but his aim had been suspiciously precise. “We lit the candles without you.”

“It’s your anniversary! You’re making it sound like I missed our group’s anniversary…” 

“There’s no such thing.” Soobin huffed as he went to pick up the cushion on the floor. 

Kai, who still hadn’t noticed another newcomer in the house, popped his head out from the kitchen with a spoon in his mouth. “Choi Beomgyu! Did you seriously ditch me for Taehyun?! I had to take a couple of tour in that shop so you guys could have your moment there but I didn’t expect you to actually leave without me! The cashier kept giving me stinky look too…” 

He sounded so frustrated and added, “Please tell me at least you guys kissed.” 

Taehyun, who had been watching quietly behind Beomgyu, decided it was the perfect time to chime in. His tone was calm, almost bored, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his timing.

“We almost did,” he said, looking straight at Kai. “Until Beomgyu remembered you guys.”

They absolutely did not were trying to… kiss or whatever—

But everyone already had their jaws on the floor for Beomgyu to correct him.

“You what.”

“Don’t fucking joke with me—“

“I knew it!!” Kai shrieked.

Suddenly the room exploded with more shrieking and laughter, Soobin smacking Yeonjun who was yelling “whore!!”  while pointing at Beomgyu, Kai pushed Beomgyu to the couch to tackle Beomgyu mercilessly, and Beomgyu, who turned a violent shade of red, hadn’t been able to fully process what had just been said.

“I—Taehyun!” he yelped, burying his face in his hands while Kai screeched that sounded awfully similar to a dolphin.

“I was just answering a question,” Taehyun said with a small smirk, clearly proud of himself and somehow amused as he watched the four friends tackling each other.

Beomgyu used all his strength to push Kai from headlocking him and fled to the kitchen to hide behind the fridge door, grabbing two glasses and filling them with water just to calm his nerves. His heart still hadn’t come down from the sheer chaos—or the fact that Taehyun didn’t deny it.

On the table sat a small chocolate cake with rainbow sprinkles that he’d helped bake the day before and a single sparkler still smoking. Beomgyu spotted the balloon Kai had managed to find last-minute; heart-shaped and painfully yellow.

He smiled despite himself.

Returning to the living room, he handed Taehyun his water and said, “Happy anniversary, guys. When’s the wedding?”

Soobin, still nestled against Yeonjun, who had now calmed down but was clutching a throw pillow to his chest, nuzzled his boyfriend’s cheek. “That’s a secret.”

Beomgyu rolled his eyes affectionately, then gestured toward each of them. “Tyunnie, that’s Soobin, and the ugly one beside him is Yeonjun. And this little shit is Kai.”

Taehyun gave them a polite nod. “Hi everyone, I’m Taehyun.”

Beomgyu stifled a laugh at how Taehyun suddenly became formal in front of his friends, as if he was trying to get on their good sides. 

It made Beomgyu smile to himself.

Yeonjun, despite the insult, didn’t retaliate. He was too busy giving Beomgyu a look—something between proud and “ you’re so whipped .” Instead of snapping back, he cooed, “Aww, he called him Tyunnie. The same Tyunnie that got you drooling over gym pictures—”

Taehyun looked sideways at Beomgyu, clearly entertained.

Beomgyu flicked Yeonjun’s forehead and scooted closer to Taehyun on the couch, almost instinctively, their knees brushing. He didn’t say anything, but he placed his hand down beside him, close enough for Taehyun to take if he wanted to.

Taehyun did.

The evening stretched on with more games and chatter of joy that made Beomgyu forget about everything else except this moment. They played card games that turned way too competitive, a board game that ended with Soobin flipping a piece and accusing Yeonjun of cheating, and even a dumb charades round where Taehyun was somehow shockingly good at guessing, though hilariously bad at acting.

Beomgyu stole glances at him throughout.

Because Taehyun was having fun fun . And not just the polite, tight-lipped kind Beomgyu had seen when they first met—but full, crinkled-eyed, dimple-showing and heartfelt laughter. The way his head tilted back when Kai said something stupid. He clapped when Yeonjun finally got a point after three turns and how his shoulders stayed relaxed, eyes flicking to Beomgyu now and then like he was making sure he was having fun, too.

Beomgyu didn’t realize how much he’d been smiling to himself until Kai elbowed him mid-laugh.

“…You’re seriously in love ,” Kai whispered, voice teasing but in the same time, happy for his friend.

Beomgyu blushed instantly, ducking his head with a barely contained smile, “Shut up. It’s just… seeing him with you guys like this makes it more real.” 

Kai only grinned wider. “I personally think he should hang out with us more from now on.”

Beomgyu didn’t argue.

Taehyun had learned in the middle of the game that Yeonjun and Soobin were older and apologised for the lack of honorifics. 

“Wow, what a good kid. I can’t believe you want to be with someone who lacks manners like Beomie!” Yeonjun had joked. 

“Step over my dead body first if you want me to call you ‘hyung’.” Beomgyu rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue at the older.

Yeonjun only landed a hard smack on his thigh that resulted in Beomgyu screaming on top of his lungs.

Later, as the last game winded down and the group settled into the comfortable sprawl of limbs and half-finished snacks, Yeonjun leaned forward from where he was slouched, his eyes lazily drifting to the way Taehyun was now idly playing with Beomgyu’s pinky, their hands resting between them like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“So,” Yeonjun said, voice loaded with meaning. “Are you guys dating now?”

Beomgyu groaned, hiding his face in his hands. “Don’t make it about me. Today’s about you guys, remember?”

Soobin chimed in without missing a beat. “Yeah, and we did have our moment. Y’know, when you ditched us.”

Beomgyu peeked through his fingers, looking like he was reconsidering every life decision. “Well, not yet—”

“Yes,” Taehyun interrupted calmly. “From now on.”

Beomgyu turned to him, eyes wide and jaw dropping slightly. “Wait—”

Taehyun only gave him a timid smile that made Beomgyu’s heart clench. Then, his gaze dropped to Beomgyu’s mouth, just for a split second but obvious enough to everyone in the room.

Beomgyu immediately turned his head away, flustered beyond repair. “Ha. Ha. How funny. Is this how you ask me out?”

Taehyun didn’t waste time as he blurted out, “Be my boyfriend?” 

Beomgyu didn’t get the chance to scream yes! and threw himself into Taehyun’s arms because the room broke into groans.

“Fuck, I hate this Beomgyu already,” Yeonjun muttered, scrunching his nose in disgust.

Soobin scoffed. “You lived for this, don’t lie.”

Kai practically threw his head back with a thud on the floor. “Great. I’m calling my girlfriend. I’ve had enough fifth-wheeling today.”

Taehyun chuckled at that and leaned back a little, still holding Beomgyu’s hand. Beomgyu didn’t say anything, but when his pinky curled a little tighter around Taehyun’s, he felt the warmth return immediately.

Kai was the first to go when his girlfriend actually did call, abandoning the group with a grin and a wave. “Goodbye, lovebirds! Bully Beomgyu hyung more for me!” he shouted on his way out, and Beomgyu flipped him off.

That left just the four of them—Yeonjun, Soobin, Taehyun, and Beomgyu—lounging on the couch, the TV murmuring in the background. It had been a long, emotional day, and Beomgyu could feel the sleepiness starting to hit him. He stifled a yawn, covering his mouth.

Taehyun noticed immediately. “Wanna go?”

Beomgyu nodded, stretching his arms above his head. “Yeah. Think I’m crashing.”

Yeonjun sat up straighter, clasping his hands together like he was begging. “So fast? Can’t you sleep over? Stay just one more hour, Beomie… Please… for me?” he said in the most fake-sweet tone imaginable, batting his lashes exaggeratedly.

Beomgyu looked at him like he just stepped on a cockroach. “Quit it. I know you’re happy we’re leaving.”

Yeonjun gasped as if he’d hear the best gossip of the week. “Love, did you hear him?” he turned to Soobin, clutching his chest theatrically.

Soobin only shook his head, amused. “Want us to walk you out?”

“It’s okay,” Beomgyu replied, brushing his hair back as he stood. “I’ll manage.”

He turned to help Taehyun up from the couch. They were halfway to the door when Yeonjun couldn’t help himself.

“Don’t forget to use protection!” he called out, voice far too gleeful.

Beomgyu slammed the door shut faster than he meant to, ears burning. “Fucking hell,” he muttered under his breath as they stepped out into the corridor.

The night air was brisk when they finally exited the building, wrapping around them like silk soaked in cold water. Beomgyu instinctively shut his eyes for a moment, letting it wash over him after being cooped up inside for hours.

When he opened them, Taehyun was looking at him.

Beomgyu blinked. “W-why are you looking at me like that…”

“You’re pretty,” Taehyun said, without a second of hesitation.

Beomgyu froze, heart skipping. “You too…” he mumbled, ears warm. Then, quietly, almost like he was scared to ruin it, he asked, “Did you mean it? That we can… y’know, date now?”

Taehyun nodded without delay. “Unless you want me to court you properly, mhm, Prince Gyu?”

Beomgyu waved his hands in front of him quickly to cover how flustered he was, though he still stumbled over his words. “N-no need! I’m— I’m more than happy… I just— I don’t know why I’m so shy right now, this is ridiculous—”

Taehyun chuckled softly and held out his hand. Beomgyu laced their fingers together before his brain could even argue with him.

“I’m happy too,” Taehyun said as they started walking.

“Not more than me,” Beomgyu replied, trying to sound teasing, but the smile tugging at his lips made it a little too sincere.

They talked as they walked, the night quiet around them save for the sound of distant traffic and the rustle of leaves. The sidewalk was mostly empty, just the two of them, shadows dancing beneath the streetlights.

Beomgyu swung their hands a little. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.”

“Me neither,” Taehyun said. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hold your hand like this.”

Beomgyu nearly tripped over a crack in the pavement. “We did hold hands before… but not this long I guess.”

Taehyun only grinned.”As boyfriends this time, yes.”

By the time they reached Beomgyu’s bus stop, the street was even quieter. The air was colder here, and Beomgyu found himself stepping closer to Taehyun for warmth, unintentionally, of course.

“But I don’t wanna go home yet,” Beomgyu said suddenly, a pout forming in his mouth. He looked up at Taehyun, eyes slightly pleading. “I want to talk to you more…”

Taehyun hummed, brushing a thumb against the back of Beomgyu’s hand. “I should’ve brought my car, shouldn’t I?”

“Why didn’t you?” Beomgyu asked, curious.

Taehyun tilted his head, thinking. “Because I just wanted to be alone for a bit. Decided to clear my head by walking earlier. I didn’t know how I ended up at the store either.”

“And then?” Beomgyu prompted, leaning in slightly.

Taehyun’s gaze softened. “Then the universe shoved you right into me. I guess it had enough of our silly feelings and wanted us to make up.”

Beomgyu felt the breath catch in his throat. He stepped forward, almost without thinking, drawn in by the gentleness of Taehyun’s words and the look in his eyes. His eyes were beautiful…

Taehyun caught him by the waist instinctively.

They stood like that, face to face under the glow of the streetlamp, their breaths mixing in the cold. The silence between them was once again, warm . 

They stared at each other without saying a word, as if both were studying the map of each other’s faces.

“Wanna kiss?” Taehyun asked out of nowhere, voice had become lower, just for the two of them to hear.

Beomgyu felt his heart trip over itself. And then—shyly, he nodded.

He closed his eyes, breath catching just slightly as he tilted his face up. His heart was racing like he was a lovesick teen again, fluttering so hard it echoed in his ears. He waited nervously for the kiss.

But it didn’t come.

He opened his eyes, lips still slightly parted, blinking in confusion.

Taehyun hadn’t moved. His face was barely inches away, so close Beomgyu could see every gentle flicker of his eyelashes, the curve of his cheek, the amused little smile tugging at his mouth.

Taehyun was looking at him like he was made of something delicate.  A giddy kind of wonder in his eyes. Almost as if he was memorizing Beomgyu in this exact moment— he could only imagine how nervous and hopeful he looked right now, his cheeks were probably pink, lips puckered just a little.

“Are you just gonna look at me like that forever?” Beomgyu muttered, pouting, eyes narrowing. “Forget it.”

He made a move to turn away, embarrassment bubbling up in his chest—

But Taehyun let out a low laugh and caught him around the waist again, tightening his hold. “Okay, okay. Sorry,” he whispered, amusement still dancing in his voice. “You were just really… lovely.”

Before Beomgyu could respond with something defensive, the words caught in his throat because thank God, Taehyun finally leaned in.

And when their lips touched, Beomgyu sighed softly. 

Taehyun kissed him slowly, with no rush or pressure. It made Beomgyu’s chest ache. He didn’t feel nervous or unsure anymore. Somewhere in the middle of it, he realized this wasn’t just a kiss. It was a promise of something more.

Beomgyu melted in Taehyun’s hold.

He let his eyes flutter shut, exhaling shakily through his nose. His fingers, which had been hovering awkwardly, clutched at the front of Taehyun’s shirt now—gathering it into his fists, as if to anchor himself because he feared if he didn’t, he might float away.

Beomgyu felt how fireworks, and pink dust from love colored the air on his chest. It was everything he’d ever imagined it might be when he thought about first kiss . His toes curled in his shoes.

Taehyun pulled back a little for a breather before kissing him again, a little firmer this time, one hand lifting to cradle Beomgyu’s jaw. His thumb brushed gently over Beomgyu’s cheek, holding him like he was something fragile. Beomgyu’s lips parted with a soft inhale, and then Taehyun deepened the kiss slowly. His tongue slid past Beomgyu’s lips with a confidence that made his knees weak .

Beomgyu let himself follow, matching the rhythm, his fingers gripping the fabric of Taehyun’s shirt tighter. His whole body felt warm, his cheeks burning, heart thudding loud in his ears.

He couldn’t remember what his first kiss ever felt like… only that it had been messy and rushed, full of nerves. But this ?

This one made him slow down. Made him feel every second of it. The kind that made his shoulders drop and his mind go quiet. There was nothing rushed and unsure—just the steady warmth of Taehyun’s lips and the quiet ease of fitting into something that already felt right.

They pulled back slowly. Taehyun’s eyes opened first, slightly dazed. His smile was soft and lazy, like he’d just woken from a sweet dream.

Beomgyu kept his head tucked close, forehead leaning lightly against Taehyun’s. His fingers were still curled into Taehyun’s shirt, and his ears were bright red.

“…okay,” Beomgyu whispered, biting his own lip. “That was really nice.”

Taehyun chuckled under his breath, pulling Beomgyu closer to his chest. “Yeah?”

Beomgyu gave the tiniest nod, eyes still closed. “Yeah.”

A beat of silence passed between them, still wrapped in each other. The world around them stayed quiet, almost felt like the city had paused for them.

Taehyun leaned in again, pressing a kiss to Beomgyu’s temple this time. “So… you’re saying I can do this everyday?”

Beomgyu smiled, trying to hide it but failing completely. It crept across his face slowly, tugging at the corners of his mouth and lighting up his eyes. “I’ll be mad if you don’t.”

:D

Beomgyu pressed and held the dating apps folder until it started shaking. One by one, the apps disappeared with tiny Xs.

When he was done, he let out a satisfied sigh and threw his phone onto the bed beside him.

His phone buzzed right after.

tyunnie <33 : are you thinking about me right now

tyunnie <33 : be honest

tyunnie <33 : i just sneezed three times

tyunnie <33 : so it’s either you or pollen

Beomgyu bit his lips, grinning like an idiot.

beomgyu : maybe

beomgyu : but if i say yes u’ll get cocky :/

tyunnie <33 : i’m already cocky i just need confirmation

He laughed quietly to himself before replying:

beomgyu : mhmm just thinking about some guy ><

tyunnie <33 : now which guy did Heeseung talked about 

beomgyu : wow ur one sided beef with hee should be studied…

tyunnie <33 : i don’t like how he got to spend more time with you every day than me

tyunnie <33 : by the way, your birthday gift is arriving tomorrow

tyunnie <33 : you better clear a shelf for the millennium falcon

Beomgyu rolled over, hugging his pillow tight.

Taehyun had actually gotten him Lego sets for his birthday. Not just one— three . All with different themes.

They’ve been dating for a couple of months now and Beomgyu didn’t feel like he was missing out anymore.

In fact, sometimes he caught himself watching Taehyun laugh, or read the way his messages always started with a lowercase letter but would never use texting slang.

Beomgyu smiled into his pillow, cheeks warm, phone lighting up with a new message.

tyunnie <33 : did you fall asleep?

tyunnie <33 : goodnight, i love you 

Beomgyu sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, surrounded by little plastic pieces, a half-built Millennium Falcon, and the man who—somehow—turned this mess into a fully functional relationship. It was supposed to be his birthday Lego set.

And yet.

“Tyunnie!! It’s mine! Why are you even doing it?” Beomgyu whined for the sixth time in the past ten minutes, voice higher-pitched than usual as he flailed his arms in the air.

Taehyun, sitting calmly beside him, carefully connecting two tiny wing parts, didn’t even flinch. “Because you aren’t planning to put them together,” he replied, tone maddeningly gentle, “and I’ll be sad if I don’t see you display it, Gyu.”

Beomgyu let out a suffering groan, like his boyfriend had just committed the gravest act of betrayal known to man. “But I want to spend time with you ,” he said childishly, falling backward onto the carpet as if he was fainting.

Taehyun glanced at him from above his glasses (yes, he brought glasses for this), and said without missing a beat, “I’m here.” Then went right back to building.

Beomgyu laid on the floor in protest, shaking his arms and legs like a child. “Yeri would feel betrayed if she saw this. She would weep because you are building legos for non-Yeri. She would believe me because she loves me more than you these days.”

Taehyun laughed, not even glancing up this time. “I’d buy her more. I’d buy you more if you didn’t make a whole scene every five minutes.”

Beomgyu pouted, scooting slightly closer to where Taehyun was now placing the cockpit on the body. “You’re so boring.”

“I’m building your boring gift, baby.”

Beomgyu gave a noncommittal grunt, reaching lazily to poke at Taehyun’s socked foot with his toe.

Eventually, Taehyun sat back and exhaled. “Done.”

Before Beomgyu could sit up to admire it, Taehyun simply turned toward him and plopped himself right on top of Beomgyu’s chest, knocking the air out of him like a weighted blanket.

“Oof— you’re heavy!” Beomgyu protested, trying not to laugh as Taehyun made himself perfectly comfortable on top of him.

“No, I’m tired,” Taehyun replied, voice muffled against his shirt.

Beomgyu huffed and turned his head to the side with a dramatic, “Serves you right. Go away, I don’t want you anymore.”

“Oh no,” Taehyun said flatly, snuggling deeper. “Is my favourite person in the world upset?”

He nuzzled into Beomgyu’s chest, arms wrapping lazily around his torso like he belonged there. “You smell good,” he murmured.

Beomgyu hated how easily his ears turned red that even he could feel the heat, he shoved a hand over Taehyun’s face. “Don’t work. I don’t want your love anymore.”

Taehyun grinned against his hand. “My pretty baby.”

“No.”

“Fine. Then, I’m going to stay like this until you want my love again.”

“Can’t believe this is my life,” Beomgyu whispered, though his arms were already curling around Taehyun’s back, holding him close. He pressed his nose into his hair. “You’re annoying.”

“I love you.”

It was crazy how Beomgyu’s heart still stuttered like it was his first time hearing it. 

“…Unfortunately.”

“Unfortunate for who?” Taehyun teased, finally lifting his head to look at him.

And god—his eyes… He needed to stop looking at Beomgyu with so much warmth. Beomgyu should get used to it but no, he still hadn’t been able to learn how to bear these intense feelings.

“I’m glad I found you before anyone else could.” Beomgyu mumbled.

Taehyun grinned and leaned in, brushing their noses together. “I’m glad Yeonjun asked my Instagram for you, then.”

Beomgyu shoved him again, lightly this time. “Shut up.”

“I saw you staring at my muscles that day, by the way.”

“Hah! As if! Who the hell wears sleeveless tops in the mall?”

They bickered like that, softly and playfully, until their voices dissolved into giggles. 

Later that night, they’d fall asleep tangled together on the floor, limbs warm and hearts full.

Choi Beomgyu didn’t find love through dating apps. It didn’t come packaged in a cute profile with a cliché bio. It came in the form of a lego brick falling from his hand and rolled nearby someone’s shoes.

Maybe he’d finally had his own version of meet-cute he’d been dying to ask for after all.