abraca-damn for yummyda
Title: abraca-damn
Recipient: yummyda
Pairing: N/Leo
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 3,000
Summary: Looking for: magician's assistant. Rabbits not included.
“Remember that time when you got your nose stuck in a fence and I was the only person willing to help pry you out?”
“I don’t think that ever happened, and my nose isn’t that big.”
“Remember when you had the stomach flu and I got you medicine at two in the morning?”
“Those were expired vitamins and it was like five in the afternoon.”
“Or that time when I saved you from a gang?”
“I think we’re remembering things a little differently, hyung.”
Taekwoon stares down at his drink, swirling the clear liquid as he studies his reflection. There’s the faint sound of drums and trumpets in the background, a piano joining in as the band starts rehearsal. Taekwoon’s heard that the live jazz band here is good (“But what’s music when the patrons come for the cute pianist?” Jaehwan always laughs.) Then again, Utopia is more than the conventional club; everything here, from the alcohol to the music to the performers, is supposed to be good. And it doesn’t hurt that his best friend is a bartender.
“Just cut to the chase.” Jaehwan finishes polishing the last glass before he tops off Taekwoon’s drink. “What do you want?”
“I need a favor.”
“Anything for my best customer.”
“Know anyone who might be looking for some extra money?”
“Now, Taekwoon,” Jaehwan leers. “You know our club doesn’t endorse prostitution. But if you’re looking for someone to play with, I’m sure my coworkers would be more than happy to visit--”
“Shut up.” Taekwoon knew it was a bad idea to trust Jaehwan. This entire thing is a bad idea, but he’s desperate. “I need an assistant.”
Jaehwan pauses. “So you’re really going to lose your show, huh?”
“Two weeks.” Taekwoon tosses back the rest of the drink and pushes the glass away. “I’ve got two weeks before they cut my act. And the last kid just quit.”
“Shocking. Who wouldn’t want to be a magician’s assistant?” Jaehwan snorts. “Especially for the Incredible Leo.”
“Shut up.”
“Seriously, did you even know your last assistant’s name?”
“It was Eunkang or something like that.”
Jaehwan lets out a loud laugh. “Forget card tricks, your main act should showcase that stone-cold heart of yours.”
“I’m serious. I need an assistant or they’re cancelling my show.” Taekwoon hates the subtle whine in his voice; it only solidifies the sense of defeat and humiliation that’s overwhelming him. Heaving a sigh, he rubs his face. “My show is all I have. I can’t lose it.”
“I know.” Jaehwan offers him a small grin. “I’ll see what I can do. Someone in this club must like magic, right?”
Taekwoon huffs but he can’t help the small twitch at the corner of his lips. “Thanks. I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you stay for the show? Maybe you’ll find someone.”
“I’m not into burlesque,” Taekwoon says, already turning away. The band continues rehearsing as he passes by, and some of the crew start setting up the stage. As he walks out the doors, a flash of glitter and red hair catches his eye.
===
The first guy Jaehwan presents looks like a college kid. He’s clean-cut and well-dressed, like one of those models for school uniforms, with a bright smile to match. Almost too bright, Taekwoon thinks as he hesitantly nods at him.
“This is Hongbin,” Jaehwan says. “Maybe you recognize him?”
“College,” Taekwoon immediately replies. “We went to college together, or maybe even high school.”
“No,” Jaehwan sighs, shaking his head when Hongbin’s smile droops a little. “This is our pianist. You know, the one I’m always talking about?”
Suddenly, Taekwoon remembers pale hands and smooth jazz. “Oh.”
“Yeah, him. You come here every night and you can’t even remember Hongbin? Do you even remember me, or do you just come for the free drinks?”
“Nice to meet you,” Taekwoon says, pushing Jaehwan away. “So you’re the piano guy?”
“And you’re the magic guy,” Hongbin replies. Taekwoon notes his dimple and the rich tenor of his voice; ladies would like that-- especially ladies in his audience. “I heard you do card tricks.”
Taekwoon sniffs. “It’s a bit more than just card tricks. I do some intense stuff.”
“Like pulling rabbits out of hats?”
“Like breaking out of a water tank while in a straightjacket.”
“Damn, and here I thought balloon animals were badass.”
“I can shove a balloon animal up your--”
“Okay!” Jaehwan jumps in between them, motioning wildly. “I think that’s enough introductions for one day, don’t you guys agree?”
“Of course.” Hongbin’s still smiling, lips turning up into a smirk as he nods at Taekwoon. “So nice meeting you.”
“I don’t know why I thought you’d get along with him,” Jaehwan mutters once Hongbin leaves. “His sass and your attitude would never work out.”
“What’s wrong with my attitude?”
Jaehwan chuckles as he sets a glass in front of Taekwoon. “Please, you don’t like anyone.”
“I like people.”
“You tolerate people,” Jaehwan points out, filling the glass. “Hongbin just thinks he’s better than everyone. And with a face like that, I can’t disagree with him.”
“I think we’d get along.” Taekwoon turns to the stage where Hongbin’s playing the piano. “He’d also get along with my straightjacket.”
“I’ll find someone better tomorrow,” Jaehwan promises, forcibly turning Taekwoon back around. “Why don’t you stay for the show tonight?”
“I’m not into burlesque,” Taekwoon mumbles, quickly swallowing his drink before motioning for another. From the corner of his eye, he can see the dancers making their way towards the stage. Seeing the familiar flash of red, he gets up to leave.
“I’ll make you stay for the show one day,” Jaehwan says, rolling his eyes. “Meanwhile, try not to kill Hongbin. He brings me good tips.”
===
Taekwoon wants to call the next guy Cone Head but Jaehwan insists that’s rude. (“Well then maybe he shouldn’t be wearing a gray cone on top of his head.” “It’s a fashion statement or something, but you can’t just call people that!”) His name is Wonshik and he also works at Utopia. Apparently, he’s also spoken to Taekwoon every day for the past year.
“I’m the bouncer. I always ask how you’re doing,” Wonshik grunts. “But you come so early all the time, I assumed you were, like, an alcoholic.”
“I don’t think alcoholics have specific drinking times,” Jaehwan chimes in. He places a glass in front of Taekwoon, and Wonshik gives a knowing glance.
“Rough times, huh?”
Taekwoon grits his teeth, already thinking of the next few drinks Jaehwan will owe him. “You have no idea.”
As far as looks go, Wonshik isn’t lacking at all. He also has a nice frame with tattooed arms and broad shoulders. Taekwoon thinks of all the props and equipment Wonshik could lift; that’s a lot of steel cages and fake swords.
“So are you a full-time bouncer?”
“Nah, man. I just do this for the extra cash. I’m going to be a DJ!” Wonshik grins, suddenly transforming from an intimidating bouncer to an overly excited puppy. He’s a magic act in himself.
“A DJ.” Taekwoon coughs, discreetly scooting his chair away. “That’s interesting.”
“Right? I’m going to tour the world, and I know this bro Chad Past or something, and he’s going to hook me up with some sick beats so maybe I’ll catch a break and go to, like, Sweden.”
Taekwoon nods, motioning to Jaehwan as he finishes his drink. “Sounds like you have a solid plan.”
“Exactly.” Wonshik gives him a sad glance when Jaehwan gives Taekwoon another drink, before brightening again. “And you are going to help with that plan.”
“Wait, what?”
“Yeah, you know, as my record producer.”
“... Record what?” Out of the corner of his eye, Taekwoon can see Jaehwan slowly inching away from them. Taekwoon sets down his drink, hands itching to strangle a certain ungrateful bartender. “I’m a magician.”
“Is that your stage name? Like how Flo Rida isn’t really Flo Rida?”
“No. I am a magician. I do magic tricks.” Taekwoon tries to remember if his extra set of steel chains are in his car. Jaehwan would fit into those nicely. “Didn’t Jaehwan tell you that I’m looking for an assistant?”
“An assistant? I thought we were making records?” Wonshik stares at him incredulously before turning to Jaehwan. “Hyung, what is this guy talking about?”
Taekwoon stands up, quickly making his way around the bar. As he chases down a shrieking Jaehwan, he recalls that the chains are back in his studio. What a shame.
“Wait! Before you kill me, remember all those free drinks I gave you!” Jaehwan yells.
“I’ll find another bartender.”
“But don’t you want to watch the show?! It’s so much more interesting than my dead body!”
As Taekwoon drags Jaehwan away, someone with red hair passes by them. There’s dark eyes, a glittering costume that barely covers skin-- but it’s the amused smile, the gentle snort of laughter, that takes Taekwoon’s breath away.
===
The next time Taekwoon goes to Utopia, he almost wants to cry. A magician can’t perform without an assistant, and he’s only got a week left until his show’s opening. And Jaehwan really isn’t helping him at all.
“Okay, so my last two picks weren’t the best,” Jaehwan admits, flinching when Taekwoon glares at him. “But this guy is new, so maybe he won’t be so bad.”
“He’s a baby,” Taekwoon deadpans when the kid arrives. “Is this he even allowed to be here?”
“He’s legal,” Jaehwan assures him. “Meet my new trainee, Sanghyuk. He’ll be joining me behind the bar soon. Isn’t he cute?”
Cute would be an understatement, what with Sanghyuk’s button nose and moon-eyed smile. If not for his towering height, Taekwoon would think he’s still in grade school.
“He’s a baby,” Taekwoon repeats. “You’re a baby.”
“I’m a man.” Sanghyuk pouts, a soft huff escaping him.
Taekwoon has to forcibly stop himself from cooing. “I’ll take him.”
Sanghyuk sits beside Taekwoon, pulling out some papers. “Before I work for you, we need to go over the details of my employment. I can’t work weekdays because Jaehwan hyung is training me then. Also, major holiday weekends are a no-go because Hongbin hyung said those nights are the best tip nights. I’d like 30% of the cut, unless you require manual labor, which then means an extra 5%. You need to provide any costumes, I’ll send over my measurements soon, and any meals you provide can’t have milk because I’m lactose intolerant and--”
“Isn’t he just great?” Jaehwan laughs as Sanghyuk continues to ramble on. Taekwoon squints at the papers before ripping them in half.
“Actually, I changed my mind. I don’t want him anymore.”
“Great.” Sanghyuk beams. “I didn’t really have time for another job anyways.”
Taekwoon turns to Jaehwan. “He’s a brat.” Jaehwan shrugs, turning back to his bar.
“I’m sure we’ll still see each other, Taekwoon hyung,” Sanghyuk says, innocence and mischief sparkling in his eyes. Taekwoon shivers. “I’ll be making all your drinks soon.”
“Um, yeah. Sure.”
“But are you sure you should be coming here?” Sanghyuk whispers. “Wonshik hyung said you were an alcoholic.”
===
“I’m a failure,” Taekwoon moans. Sighing heavily, he leans his head on the bar counter, watching Jaehwan fill his glass. “Fuck magic.”
“You still have time.” Biting his lip, Jaehwan glances around the club. “Maybe there’s someone else I could ask...”
“Never again. I never want to meet your coworkers again.”
“Well then maybe I could help.”
“I’d rather be wrapped in chains and dumped in a water tank.” Taekwoon pointedly looks at him. “With the key thrown away.”
Jaehwan makes a noise of distress as he wipes the counter. “Fine, I didn’t want to help you anyways.”
Taekwoon closes his eyes. Five years of training all down the drain, just like that. Five years of disregarding his parents’ objections, of failing auditions and surviving off of cheap ramen, of pushing on for a dream that no one seemed to understand. And it all came down to a fucking assistant. “This life is unfair. I want a refund.”
“If only,” Jaehwan sighs. “But you’d still make the exact same choices.”
“I’m such an idiot. Who actually chooses to be a magician?”
“Only you, Jung Taekwoon. And only you could pull it off.”
Taekwoon raises his glass, giving Jaehwan a grateful smile before he gets up.
“Stay for the show tonight,” Jaehwan says. “It’ll make you feel better.”
“I told you, I’m not into--”
“Come on, it’s one show. There’s nothing to be shy of--” Jaehwan narrows his eyes. “Wait. Why are you so nervous?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Taekwoon mumbles.
“No no, you’re acting weird. There’s something going on here.”
“Like I said, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Taekwoon eyes the door, trying to move away, when Jaehwan grabs his arm, a dangerously knowing smile on his stupid face.
“Oh my god.” Jaehwan’s eyes widen, and a hysterical laugh escapes him. “You like him.”
“W-what are you talking about?” Taekwoon sputters.
“You have a crush on the dancer.” Seeing his friend’s blushing face, Jaehwan snickers. “That’s why you’ve been leaving early-- you’ve got a boner for N!”
“Shut up,” Taekwoon hisses. “I will tie you up in a straightjacket if you don’t shut up. And I don’t even know this N person you’re talking about.”
“N. The guy with red hair and piercing eyes. The only guy who makes khol eyeliner acceptable here. The guy who’s known for having ‘sinful hips’. That N.”
“I’m ending our friendship because you’re an asshole.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that you like him. You’re tolerable enough to look at,” Jaehwan presses on before gasping. “Let me set you up on a date!”
===
Taekwoon glances at his watch. His Americano is lukewarm, bitter in an all the wrong ways, and he can feel a cold draft every time the cafe door opens. It’s nearly thirty minutes past the meeting time, and he’s beginning to think he’s been stood up. That’s what he gets for trusting Jaehwan. Again. Taekwoon starts typing a long, angry text when someone slips into the seat across from him.
“Taekwoon, right?”
He’s met not with red but gray hair, tousled with a few spots of glitter, and there’s makeup around the man’s eyes, some intense yellow contacts left on-- it all clashes with his oversized sweater.
Taekwoon clears his throat. “You’re late.”
“I was caught up at work,” the man grins, his smile much too wide and bright to be apologetic. “So, you’re the Amazing Leo, huh?”
“Something like that,” Taekwoon mutters. “Just call me Taekwoon. You?”
“Hakyeon. But my stage name is N.”
Goddammit. Even his name sounds attractive. Taekwoon bites his lips, willing himself not to do anything embarrassing.
“So you’re looking for an assistant,” Hakyeon says. “Sounds like fun.”
“It’s a lot of work.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Besides, it’s magic. What’s not to like?”
“I’m opening in less than a week, so it’ll be very demanding. I’m talking days without sleep.”
“Nothing I’m not used to. It’s my job to help you, after all.”
“The assistant keeps the act going even when all hell is breaking loose,” Taekwoon says. “Your job is to distract the audience.”
“Oh?” Hakyeon tilts his head. “And am I distracting you, Taekwoon?”
Taekwoon takes in Hakyeon’s smirk, his unwavering stare as he leans forward, the subtle way he narrows his eyes-- this just might work. “Perfect.”
“Excuse me?” Hakyeon blinks.
Taekwoon slides his card across the table. “My address is here.” Standing up, he offers Hakyeon a nod. “We’ll start tomorrow morning.”
“So how did it go?” Jaehwan asks when Taekwoon steps outside.
“Were you watching us the whole time?”
“Kind of. Maybe. Just enough to see you drool over him for ten minutes.”
Slapping Jaehwan fondly on the head, Taekwoon starts walking away. “Shut up.”
“Aw, your first date with Hakyeon,” Jaehwan gushes. “How does it feel?"
Taekwoon recalls the confused look on Hakyeon’s face and lets out a soft chuckle. Tomorrow’s going to be a great day.
===
“Who are you staring at?” Hongbin glances over Hakyeon’s shoulder, trying to see out the stage curtains. “There’s no one in the club this early.”
“He’s there,” Hakyeon replies. Squinting, he watches the familiar ruffled hair and hunched shoulders sit at the bar. “He’s always there.”
“That magician guy?”
Hakyeon turns, letting go of the curtains. “He’s a magician?”
“Yeah, Jaehwan hyung tried to introduce him to me, but the guy’s super rude. He looked like he wanted to kill me or something.”
Hakyeon chuckles. “I think he’s cute.”
“You’re weird,” Hongbin replies. “Oh, I heard he’s looking for an assistant.”
“Really?” Hakyeon looks out again, grinning when the guy starts to hit the bartender. “Maybe I’ll take him up on that.”
To yummyda: I think I chose the easiest of your prompts, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless! I had fun writing this, even though there's barely any magic ;;. And special thanks to KS for the beta-- you're the best! Also, thank you to the mods for coordinating this entire event!
Recipient: yummyda
Pairing: N/Leo
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 3,000
Summary: Looking for: magician's assistant. Rabbits not included.
“Remember that time when you got your nose stuck in a fence and I was the only person willing to help pry you out?”
“I don’t think that ever happened, and my nose isn’t that big.”
“Remember when you had the stomach flu and I got you medicine at two in the morning?”
“Those were expired vitamins and it was like five in the afternoon.”
“Or that time when I saved you from a gang?”
“I think we’re remembering things a little differently, hyung.”
Taekwoon stares down at his drink, swirling the clear liquid as he studies his reflection. There’s the faint sound of drums and trumpets in the background, a piano joining in as the band starts rehearsal. Taekwoon’s heard that the live jazz band here is good (“But what’s music when the patrons come for the cute pianist?” Jaehwan always laughs.) Then again, Utopia is more than the conventional club; everything here, from the alcohol to the music to the performers, is supposed to be good. And it doesn’t hurt that his best friend is a bartender.
“Just cut to the chase.” Jaehwan finishes polishing the last glass before he tops off Taekwoon’s drink. “What do you want?”
“I need a favor.”
“Anything for my best customer.”
“Know anyone who might be looking for some extra money?”
“Now, Taekwoon,” Jaehwan leers. “You know our club doesn’t endorse prostitution. But if you’re looking for someone to play with, I’m sure my coworkers would be more than happy to visit--”
“Shut up.” Taekwoon knew it was a bad idea to trust Jaehwan. This entire thing is a bad idea, but he’s desperate. “I need an assistant.”
Jaehwan pauses. “So you’re really going to lose your show, huh?”
“Two weeks.” Taekwoon tosses back the rest of the drink and pushes the glass away. “I’ve got two weeks before they cut my act. And the last kid just quit.”
“Shocking. Who wouldn’t want to be a magician’s assistant?” Jaehwan snorts. “Especially for the Incredible Leo.”
“Shut up.”
“Seriously, did you even know your last assistant’s name?”
“It was Eunkang or something like that.”
Jaehwan lets out a loud laugh. “Forget card tricks, your main act should showcase that stone-cold heart of yours.”
“I’m serious. I need an assistant or they’re cancelling my show.” Taekwoon hates the subtle whine in his voice; it only solidifies the sense of defeat and humiliation that’s overwhelming him. Heaving a sigh, he rubs his face. “My show is all I have. I can’t lose it.”
“I know.” Jaehwan offers him a small grin. “I’ll see what I can do. Someone in this club must like magic, right?”
Taekwoon huffs but he can’t help the small twitch at the corner of his lips. “Thanks. I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you stay for the show? Maybe you’ll find someone.”
“I’m not into burlesque,” Taekwoon says, already turning away. The band continues rehearsing as he passes by, and some of the crew start setting up the stage. As he walks out the doors, a flash of glitter and red hair catches his eye.
===
The first guy Jaehwan presents looks like a college kid. He’s clean-cut and well-dressed, like one of those models for school uniforms, with a bright smile to match. Almost too bright, Taekwoon thinks as he hesitantly nods at him.
“This is Hongbin,” Jaehwan says. “Maybe you recognize him?”
“College,” Taekwoon immediately replies. “We went to college together, or maybe even high school.”
“No,” Jaehwan sighs, shaking his head when Hongbin’s smile droops a little. “This is our pianist. You know, the one I’m always talking about?”
Suddenly, Taekwoon remembers pale hands and smooth jazz. “Oh.”
“Yeah, him. You come here every night and you can’t even remember Hongbin? Do you even remember me, or do you just come for the free drinks?”
“Nice to meet you,” Taekwoon says, pushing Jaehwan away. “So you’re the piano guy?”
“And you’re the magic guy,” Hongbin replies. Taekwoon notes his dimple and the rich tenor of his voice; ladies would like that-- especially ladies in his audience. “I heard you do card tricks.”
Taekwoon sniffs. “It’s a bit more than just card tricks. I do some intense stuff.”
“Like pulling rabbits out of hats?”
“Like breaking out of a water tank while in a straightjacket.”
“Damn, and here I thought balloon animals were badass.”
“I can shove a balloon animal up your--”
“Okay!” Jaehwan jumps in between them, motioning wildly. “I think that’s enough introductions for one day, don’t you guys agree?”
“Of course.” Hongbin’s still smiling, lips turning up into a smirk as he nods at Taekwoon. “So nice meeting you.”
“I don’t know why I thought you’d get along with him,” Jaehwan mutters once Hongbin leaves. “His sass and your attitude would never work out.”
“What’s wrong with my attitude?”
Jaehwan chuckles as he sets a glass in front of Taekwoon. “Please, you don’t like anyone.”
“I like people.”
“You tolerate people,” Jaehwan points out, filling the glass. “Hongbin just thinks he’s better than everyone. And with a face like that, I can’t disagree with him.”
“I think we’d get along.” Taekwoon turns to the stage where Hongbin’s playing the piano. “He’d also get along with my straightjacket.”
“I’ll find someone better tomorrow,” Jaehwan promises, forcibly turning Taekwoon back around. “Why don’t you stay for the show tonight?”
“I’m not into burlesque,” Taekwoon mumbles, quickly swallowing his drink before motioning for another. From the corner of his eye, he can see the dancers making their way towards the stage. Seeing the familiar flash of red, he gets up to leave.
“I’ll make you stay for the show one day,” Jaehwan says, rolling his eyes. “Meanwhile, try not to kill Hongbin. He brings me good tips.”
===
Taekwoon wants to call the next guy Cone Head but Jaehwan insists that’s rude. (“Well then maybe he shouldn’t be wearing a gray cone on top of his head.” “It’s a fashion statement or something, but you can’t just call people that!”) His name is Wonshik and he also works at Utopia. Apparently, he’s also spoken to Taekwoon every day for the past year.
“I’m the bouncer. I always ask how you’re doing,” Wonshik grunts. “But you come so early all the time, I assumed you were, like, an alcoholic.”
“I don’t think alcoholics have specific drinking times,” Jaehwan chimes in. He places a glass in front of Taekwoon, and Wonshik gives a knowing glance.
“Rough times, huh?”
Taekwoon grits his teeth, already thinking of the next few drinks Jaehwan will owe him. “You have no idea.”
As far as looks go, Wonshik isn’t lacking at all. He also has a nice frame with tattooed arms and broad shoulders. Taekwoon thinks of all the props and equipment Wonshik could lift; that’s a lot of steel cages and fake swords.
“So are you a full-time bouncer?”
“Nah, man. I just do this for the extra cash. I’m going to be a DJ!” Wonshik grins, suddenly transforming from an intimidating bouncer to an overly excited puppy. He’s a magic act in himself.
“A DJ.” Taekwoon coughs, discreetly scooting his chair away. “That’s interesting.”
“Right? I’m going to tour the world, and I know this bro Chad Past or something, and he’s going to hook me up with some sick beats so maybe I’ll catch a break and go to, like, Sweden.”
Taekwoon nods, motioning to Jaehwan as he finishes his drink. “Sounds like you have a solid plan.”
“Exactly.” Wonshik gives him a sad glance when Jaehwan gives Taekwoon another drink, before brightening again. “And you are going to help with that plan.”
“Wait, what?”
“Yeah, you know, as my record producer.”
“... Record what?” Out of the corner of his eye, Taekwoon can see Jaehwan slowly inching away from them. Taekwoon sets down his drink, hands itching to strangle a certain ungrateful bartender. “I’m a magician.”
“Is that your stage name? Like how Flo Rida isn’t really Flo Rida?”
“No. I am a magician. I do magic tricks.” Taekwoon tries to remember if his extra set of steel chains are in his car. Jaehwan would fit into those nicely. “Didn’t Jaehwan tell you that I’m looking for an assistant?”
“An assistant? I thought we were making records?” Wonshik stares at him incredulously before turning to Jaehwan. “Hyung, what is this guy talking about?”
Taekwoon stands up, quickly making his way around the bar. As he chases down a shrieking Jaehwan, he recalls that the chains are back in his studio. What a shame.
“Wait! Before you kill me, remember all those free drinks I gave you!” Jaehwan yells.
“I’ll find another bartender.”
“But don’t you want to watch the show?! It’s so much more interesting than my dead body!”
As Taekwoon drags Jaehwan away, someone with red hair passes by them. There’s dark eyes, a glittering costume that barely covers skin-- but it’s the amused smile, the gentle snort of laughter, that takes Taekwoon’s breath away.
===
The next time Taekwoon goes to Utopia, he almost wants to cry. A magician can’t perform without an assistant, and he’s only got a week left until his show’s opening. And Jaehwan really isn’t helping him at all.
“Okay, so my last two picks weren’t the best,” Jaehwan admits, flinching when Taekwoon glares at him. “But this guy is new, so maybe he won’t be so bad.”
“He’s a baby,” Taekwoon deadpans when the kid arrives. “Is this he even allowed to be here?”
“He’s legal,” Jaehwan assures him. “Meet my new trainee, Sanghyuk. He’ll be joining me behind the bar soon. Isn’t he cute?”
Cute would be an understatement, what with Sanghyuk’s button nose and moon-eyed smile. If not for his towering height, Taekwoon would think he’s still in grade school.
“He’s a baby,” Taekwoon repeats. “You’re a baby.”
“I’m a man.” Sanghyuk pouts, a soft huff escaping him.
Taekwoon has to forcibly stop himself from cooing. “I’ll take him.”
Sanghyuk sits beside Taekwoon, pulling out some papers. “Before I work for you, we need to go over the details of my employment. I can’t work weekdays because Jaehwan hyung is training me then. Also, major holiday weekends are a no-go because Hongbin hyung said those nights are the best tip nights. I’d like 30% of the cut, unless you require manual labor, which then means an extra 5%. You need to provide any costumes, I’ll send over my measurements soon, and any meals you provide can’t have milk because I’m lactose intolerant and--”
“Isn’t he just great?” Jaehwan laughs as Sanghyuk continues to ramble on. Taekwoon squints at the papers before ripping them in half.
“Actually, I changed my mind. I don’t want him anymore.”
“Great.” Sanghyuk beams. “I didn’t really have time for another job anyways.”
Taekwoon turns to Jaehwan. “He’s a brat.” Jaehwan shrugs, turning back to his bar.
“I’m sure we’ll still see each other, Taekwoon hyung,” Sanghyuk says, innocence and mischief sparkling in his eyes. Taekwoon shivers. “I’ll be making all your drinks soon.”
“Um, yeah. Sure.”
“But are you sure you should be coming here?” Sanghyuk whispers. “Wonshik hyung said you were an alcoholic.”
===
“I’m a failure,” Taekwoon moans. Sighing heavily, he leans his head on the bar counter, watching Jaehwan fill his glass. “Fuck magic.”
“You still have time.” Biting his lip, Jaehwan glances around the club. “Maybe there’s someone else I could ask...”
“Never again. I never want to meet your coworkers again.”
“Well then maybe I could help.”
“I’d rather be wrapped in chains and dumped in a water tank.” Taekwoon pointedly looks at him. “With the key thrown away.”
Jaehwan makes a noise of distress as he wipes the counter. “Fine, I didn’t want to help you anyways.”
Taekwoon closes his eyes. Five years of training all down the drain, just like that. Five years of disregarding his parents’ objections, of failing auditions and surviving off of cheap ramen, of pushing on for a dream that no one seemed to understand. And it all came down to a fucking assistant. “This life is unfair. I want a refund.”
“If only,” Jaehwan sighs. “But you’d still make the exact same choices.”
“I’m such an idiot. Who actually chooses to be a magician?”
“Only you, Jung Taekwoon. And only you could pull it off.”
Taekwoon raises his glass, giving Jaehwan a grateful smile before he gets up.
“Stay for the show tonight,” Jaehwan says. “It’ll make you feel better.”
“I told you, I’m not into--”
“Come on, it’s one show. There’s nothing to be shy of--” Jaehwan narrows his eyes. “Wait. Why are you so nervous?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Taekwoon mumbles.
“No no, you’re acting weird. There’s something going on here.”
“Like I said, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Taekwoon eyes the door, trying to move away, when Jaehwan grabs his arm, a dangerously knowing smile on his stupid face.
“Oh my god.” Jaehwan’s eyes widen, and a hysterical laugh escapes him. “You like him.”
“W-what are you talking about?” Taekwoon sputters.
“You have a crush on the dancer.” Seeing his friend’s blushing face, Jaehwan snickers. “That’s why you’ve been leaving early-- you’ve got a boner for N!”
“Shut up,” Taekwoon hisses. “I will tie you up in a straightjacket if you don’t shut up. And I don’t even know this N person you’re talking about.”
“N. The guy with red hair and piercing eyes. The only guy who makes khol eyeliner acceptable here. The guy who’s known for having ‘sinful hips’. That N.”
“I’m ending our friendship because you’re an asshole.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that you like him. You’re tolerable enough to look at,” Jaehwan presses on before gasping. “Let me set you up on a date!”
===
Taekwoon glances at his watch. His Americano is lukewarm, bitter in an all the wrong ways, and he can feel a cold draft every time the cafe door opens. It’s nearly thirty minutes past the meeting time, and he’s beginning to think he’s been stood up. That’s what he gets for trusting Jaehwan. Again. Taekwoon starts typing a long, angry text when someone slips into the seat across from him.
“Taekwoon, right?”
He’s met not with red but gray hair, tousled with a few spots of glitter, and there’s makeup around the man’s eyes, some intense yellow contacts left on-- it all clashes with his oversized sweater.
Taekwoon clears his throat. “You’re late.”
“I was caught up at work,” the man grins, his smile much too wide and bright to be apologetic. “So, you’re the Amazing Leo, huh?”
“Something like that,” Taekwoon mutters. “Just call me Taekwoon. You?”
“Hakyeon. But my stage name is N.”
Goddammit. Even his name sounds attractive. Taekwoon bites his lips, willing himself not to do anything embarrassing.
“So you’re looking for an assistant,” Hakyeon says. “Sounds like fun.”
“It’s a lot of work.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Besides, it’s magic. What’s not to like?”
“I’m opening in less than a week, so it’ll be very demanding. I’m talking days without sleep.”
“Nothing I’m not used to. It’s my job to help you, after all.”
“The assistant keeps the act going even when all hell is breaking loose,” Taekwoon says. “Your job is to distract the audience.”
“Oh?” Hakyeon tilts his head. “And am I distracting you, Taekwoon?”
Taekwoon takes in Hakyeon’s smirk, his unwavering stare as he leans forward, the subtle way he narrows his eyes-- this just might work. “Perfect.”
“Excuse me?” Hakyeon blinks.
Taekwoon slides his card across the table. “My address is here.” Standing up, he offers Hakyeon a nod. “We’ll start tomorrow morning.”
“So how did it go?” Jaehwan asks when Taekwoon steps outside.
“Were you watching us the whole time?”
“Kind of. Maybe. Just enough to see you drool over him for ten minutes.”
Slapping Jaehwan fondly on the head, Taekwoon starts walking away. “Shut up.”
“Aw, your first date with Hakyeon,” Jaehwan gushes. “How does it feel?"
Taekwoon recalls the confused look on Hakyeon’s face and lets out a soft chuckle. Tomorrow’s going to be a great day.
===
“Who are you staring at?” Hongbin glances over Hakyeon’s shoulder, trying to see out the stage curtains. “There’s no one in the club this early.”
“He’s there,” Hakyeon replies. Squinting, he watches the familiar ruffled hair and hunched shoulders sit at the bar. “He’s always there.”
“That magician guy?”
Hakyeon turns, letting go of the curtains. “He’s a magician?”
“Yeah, Jaehwan hyung tried to introduce him to me, but the guy’s super rude. He looked like he wanted to kill me or something.”
Hakyeon chuckles. “I think he’s cute.”
“You’re weird,” Hongbin replies. “Oh, I heard he’s looking for an assistant.”
“Really?” Hakyeon looks out again, grinning when the guy starts to hit the bartender. “Maybe I’ll take him up on that.”
To yummyda: I think I chose the easiest of your prompts, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless! I had fun writing this, even though there's barely any magic ;;. And special thanks to KS for the beta-- you're the best! Also, thank you to the mods for coordinating this entire event!