Love Coach [3]
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“Today is Saturday,” Chanyeol says unnecessarily. He’s standing in front of the mirror in his dressing room, apparently giving himself a pep talk, uncaring that Kris is also in the room.
Kris adjusts his cufflinks for the millionth time. This is the first time he’s ever been nervous during a client’s wedding; he’s been in the audience more than a dozen times, but being the best man is something else.
Being in love with the groom is something else entirely.
And Chanyeol is oblivious as he looks at his reflection and fidgets with a lock of hair that insists on curling around his ear, saying, “Minseok is going to look so pretty. I can’t wait.”
That makes Kris smile and relax slightly. “So are you excited, or nervous?”
Chanyeol turns around, his smile wide, but his eyes a little squinty at the edges. “Excited.”
Kris arches a brow. “It’s ok to be nervous, too.”
Chanyeol lets out a breath, “Oh my God I’m so nervous.”
Chuckling, Kris walks forward and pulls the rumpled kerchief out of Chanyeol’s pocket, starting to fold it neatly. “Good.”
“Good?” Chanyeol asks, incredulous, wrinkling his nose up.
“Yes, good,” Kris repeats, meeting Chanyeol’s gaze. “I know you are getting married for a different reason than what’s normal, but being nervous is a good thing. The right thing.” He still feels bad that they’re duping Chanyeol’s wonderful, kind parents, but it’s all for the better. And Chanyeol being a nervous groom fits the bill, meaning that there will be no suspicion.
Kris is so ready to retire.
“What about you?” Chanyeol asks, making Kris pause in folding the fabric in his hands. Chanyeol’s smile is a bit more relaxed. “Are you excited? You’re about to see your last client get married off, go buy a yacht and retire in solitude.”
“When you say it like that, it sounds way more cynical…” Kris mumbles. He finishes folding the kerchief and tucks it gently into Chanyeol’s breast pocket. “I’m not quite sure what I’m feeling.”
It’s the most honest, personal thing he’s said to Chanyeol, and he’s surprised he said it at all. Apparently Chanyeol is surprised too, because he blinks a few times, before frowning.
“What do you mean?”
Now is not the time to spill your guts, Kris. Chanyeol needs to focus on the wedding. “I’m starting to think solitude might not be my cup of tea.” There we go.
“Ah,” Chanyeol smiles. “So you’re going to buy a yacht and go retire with Jongdae?”
The way Chanyeol accepts Kris and Jongdae’s relationship is, really, what makes Kris doubt that the man has any feelings for him. Everything has been so smooth - Chanyeol has just accepted that Kris and Jongdae are dating and has even told Kris on a few occasions how happy he is that the man isn’t alone anymore. But Kris’ brain always jumps back to their pseudo-date and the waitress telling Kris she was happy he wasn’t alone anymore… and how Chanyeol embraced the fact that he was the one keeping Kris company.
“I’m a little unsure of that, also,” Kris admits. It should be ok to let Chanyeol know that he’s thinking about breaking up with Jongdae, right? He just doesn’t need to be so specific.
“Oh,” Chanyeol frowns. “I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Jongdae is amazing,” Kris clarifies, taking a step away from Chanyeol. “I just think she would be much more amazing for someone who could appreciate her fully.”
Chanyeol pouts. “You’re a great boyfriend, Kris.”
Kris chuckles, shrugging and sliding his hands into the pockets of his slacks as he turns to face the groom. “That’s not always enough.”
The usher pokes his head in, “We start in five minutes.”
Kris waves him off, and then smiles at Chanyeol. “You’re on. I’ll see you at the stand.”
Chanyeol sends a slightly frayed smile, clearly still digesting Kris’ woes, but he ultimately relaxes and nods, giving a thumbs up. “Ok. Pray I don’t trip on my face, ok?”
Kris snorts, shaking his head and leaving the room. He shuts the door behind him and takes a deep breath to collect himself, smoothing out the sleeves of his suit jacket before heading towards the main hall of the venue. They opted for a non-religious ceremony, and Kris idly thinks that it was a good idea to do so - after all, this isn’t exactly a holy matrimony. He walks to the side of the hall and along the wall so he’s not too noticeable, before he approaches the stand and makes himself at home at the bottom of the steps. He doesn’t want his height to overshadow Chanyeol in any way. Across from him on the bridal side is Zitao - just the pair of them consist of the wedding party. She looks softer than normal in the baby blue dress with yellow accents, but the image is ruined as soon as she sends Kris a knowing smirk and a saucy eyebrow lift.
Clearing his throat, Kris clasps his hands in front of his body and turns towards the door as Chanyeol’s presence is announced; with his signature smile he makes his way a bit slowly down the aisle, likely so that he doesn’t trip and embarrass himself. He smiles cordially at all of the guests, and then stops in the front row for a moment to take Minseok’s mother’s hand, and then hug his own parents. By the time he reaches the podium he’s glowing, his smile is so huge and his eyes are so bright, and Kris has one single, bitter thought about how he himself will never stand up where Chanyeol is and watch the love of his life walk down the aisle.
The music cues and the grand doors re-open, Minseok emerging, looking so small, delicate, and beautiful. Her father looks proud as he can be, escorting her slowly down the aisle. Her dress is simple, a little less fluffy than the one Chanyeol had recommended, her veil hiding her features which are probably glowing with excitement. Her father gets her right up next to Chanyeol and lifts her veil - she’s wearing only a bit more makeup than usual, Kris’ suggestion so that her complexion doesn’t get washed out with the flash photography. She’s still stunning, round cheeks pinched pink and eyes glimmering as she faces Chanyeol.
Later on, Kris won’t be proud of it, but in the moment, he… drifts. He watches Chanyeol and Minseok exchange words, and he even looks at the officiator like he’s paying attention to what the man is saying. But suddenly that weight is back in Kris’ gut and he’s starting to feel worse than ever. His eyes flit out to the crowd, finding Jongdae; she gives him a reassuring smile and a thumbs up, before pointing at the couple with a playful grin, gently reminding Kris to be present.
Kris is anything but present. This is almost like his panic attack, only Kris feels it coming. He takes a few deep breaths and adjusts his bowtie, trying to find something to focus on other than Chanyeol’s smooth voice professing false love to a woman who… isn’t Kris.
Oh, God. It’s all really starting to hit him. His feelings for Chanyeol run into him like a train and Kris feels his ears getting hot, palms getting sweaty. He stares down at the floor, not wanting to give away too much emotion on his face - hopefully people will just think he’s getting emotional as a best man, and not as someone who wishes he could be in Minseok’s place.
Before he knows it the ceremony is over and Chanyeol and Minseok are taking each other’s hands and facing the crowd as they all stand up and applaud. Kris feels mechanical as he lifts his hands up to clap, as well, and after Chanyeol and Minseok start walking back down the aisle, it’s Zitao who brings Kris back to reality by slipping her arm through the crook of his elbow.
“Walk me down the aisle like a gentleman, Kris,” she says under her breath, but she’s already stepping forward without his consent. He stumbles like a baby deer but Zitao is surprisingly strong, keeping him upright as she smiles and waves at the audience like she’s some sort of model on the runway. “Don’t fall apart now.”
It feels like it takes an eternity to get out of the main hall and out into the reception area, where Zitao grabs Kris a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and presses it into his hands. Grateful, he downs the drink all at once, and then looks at Zitao.
“I didn’t tell him.”
Zitao rolls her eyes, unsurprised. “But you will, right?”
Kris nods, a bit numb as he hands off his empty flute to a different passing waiter. “I will. I have to. I can’t keep living like this. Good God, Zitao, I almost passed out when Minseok said I do.”
“To be clear, remind yourself:” Zitao starts adjusting the lapels of his blazer. “You love Chanyeol and you support his union with Minseok for the sole purpose of them just being married and friends. You are not jealous of Minseok. You hear me?”
“I am not jealous of Minseok,” Kris repeats a bit dumbly. He knows he’s not jealous of her, of course - how could he be when he knows she is the most romantically disinterested person in the world? Kris idly bats Zitao’s hands away from his jacket. “Of course I’m not jealous of Minseok, Zitao, that’s ridiculous.”
“Ok,” Zitao says, sticking her finger in his ribs. He winces. “Go congratulate them and be the best man. You still have a speech to make. Hold it together.”
“Oh-- Jongdae. I’m here with Jongdae.”
Zitao digs her finger into his ribs again, “She is a good person Kris but you need to hold it together. Wait until afterwards to break up with her.” She sneers a little. “Or maybe she’ll take pity on you and dump you first.”
“Hey,” Kris frowns. Ouch.
Zitao shoves his shoulder, “People are starting to come in. Take your seat at the wedding party table with her and just-”
Kris grabs another flute of champagne as it passes by, downing it quicker than the first.
“-get drunk I guess.” Zitao huffs and throws up her hands, before turning on heel and walking away.
Kris takes a few deep breaths and reaches up to fix his hair, only to find that it’s still perfectly in place. The champagne isn’t strong at all but it helped a little bit, and he makes his way up to the table where his name is printed neatly on a placard, and it doesn’t take long for Jongdae, his date, to take a seat next to him.
“Hey, you,” she says, her voice melodious as ever as she flags down a waiter. “Need a drink?”
“No,” Kris says with a small, slightly tense smile. “But I’ll take one.”
Jongdae flashes him a curious, but intrigued grin, grabbing two glasses of wine and handing one over to Kris. “You seem a little shaken. Was Zitao mean to you?”
That catches Kris off guard and makes him snort, chuckling softly as he idly rubs the bridge of his nose, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “Kind of. I deserved it.” Already Jongdae is helping him relax -- because she’s such an amazing person. And she needs someone so much better than Kris. He lets out a little sigh, and when Jongdae tilts her head he waves a hand and forces a smile on his lips. “I’ll tell you later.”
Red lips show Kris the sweetest, most charming smile and Jongdae’s eyes are warm as she lifts her wine glass in toast. “Let’s enjoy the party.”
Kris nods, and with another sip of wine, feels more relaxed by the minute.
This won’t be so bad after all.
--
“This is ter’ble,” Kris slurs, struggling to stay upright. Wait. How is he upright?
“I didn’t think you’d be a sloppy drunk,” comes Chanyeol’s laughing reply.
Kris tries to remember how exactly they got to his place. “M’ not sloppy.” He huffs.
“Mhm,” Chanyeol laughs again, clearly not agreeing.
“Where…” Kris’ vision swims. He feels something in his pocket moving, and glances down to see Chanyeol’s hand fishing around. “Woah- hey-”
Chanyeol pulls out Kris’ keys and unlocks the front door, pushing the older man inside. Kris stumbles in and steadies himself on the wall, whinging as he tosses a hurt look over at Chanyeol, who steps in and shuts the door behind him.
“You don’t need t’ stay,” Kris says, doing his best to use the toe of one shoe to take off the heel of the other. “You just… Married…”
“Minseok got really drunk, Zitao is taking care of her.” Chanyeol says, taking off his shoes with much more grace. He moves like lightning compared to Kris, kneeling down to start unlacing the blond’s dress shoes. “Besides, I do need to stay here.”
Kris scrunches up his nose, wiggling his toes once they’re free. He’s still leaning against the wall as he reaches up to try and unbutton his suit vest, fingers fumbling. “Why? Married man… should be with his wife on their night…”
“You know it’s not like that,” Chanyeol says, knocking Kris’ fingers away so he can help unbutton the man’s vest.
“I know,” Is Kris… whining? Oh God, he can barely listen to himself.
“And no one knows that we’re not together at our place right now,” Chanyeol reminds Kris, successfully unbuttoning the powder blue vest and pushing it open. He reaches up to try and help Kris shimmy out of the blazer. “Except for you and Zitao, I guess.”
“Why aren’t you drunk?” Kris asks, tone accusing.
Chanyeol blinks up at him, then rolls his eyes. “Who would take care of you?”
Kris squints, chin tucking in to give him four instead of one. “Why would you want to do that?”
Quiet falls over them as Chanyeol pulls Kris’ coat free, hanging it up. He takes off his own blazer as well, tossing it over where Kris’ is hung and then starts leading them further into Kris’ condo.
“You’ve never been over b’fore,” Kris realizes out loud as he follows Chanyeol, the groom’s arm underneath Kris’ armpit to keep him upright. “This is embarrassing.”
“You? Embarrassed?” Chanyeol laughs as he helps Kris sit down on the couch. He continues to undress Kris, pulling off the vest and laying it over the arm of the couch before starting to unbutton Kris’ shirt. “I didn’t think it was possible.”
“T’is,” Kris says, flopping back and allowing Chanyeol to do what he pleases.
“Good to know you can be human sometimes,” Chanyeol says, straightening up. He takes Kris’ shirt with him and walks away, gathering the vest as he goes. “Stay put.”
Kris sinks back into the cushions, the cool air on his heated bare skin feeling wondrous. “I have such desire to move,” he mumbles sarcastically. He’s not quite sure how long Chanyeol is gone -- in fact he may have dozed off at some point. He’s stirred when the couch sinks next to him and something cold gets pressed into his hands and he opens his eyes, looking down to see a glass of water being steadied by an ever-diligent Chanyeol. Smiling softly, Kris takes the glass and lifts it to his lips, taking a deep drink, before resting the cup on his thigh and tilting his head back, letting out a sigh. “I haven’t been this drunk in a long time.”
By the way the couch shifts, he can tell Chanyeol stands up. “Don’t worry. We’ll get you to bed and you’ll feel like hell in the morning and forget all about this.”
Kris opens his eyes once more, looking up at Chanyeol. “What if I don’t want to forget?”
He could swear that he sees Chanyeol’s breath get caught in his throat, but then again, Kris is very drunk and could just be imagining things. “Get up.” Chanyeol says, taking the glass from Kris’ hand and then replacing it with his own, helping the man up with a grunt. He then leads Kris to the bedroom, first guessing incorrectly when he opens up the office door, but soon finding his way once Kris tugs him in the right direction.
“Chanyeol…” Kris starts, but he’s interrupted when he’s pushed down onto the bed.
“You need to go to sleep,” Chanyeol says, voice surprisingly firm.
Kris pouts. “Why.”
Chanyeol gracelessly undoes Kris’ belt and yanks it free from the belt loops, making Kris yelp in surprise. “Because you’re drunker than a skunk.” The belt falls to the floor with a clang, and soon his pants are being pulled down his thighs by the hem.
“Hey-!!”
Before he knows it Chanyeol has him in his boxers and under the comforting weight of his covers, tucked neatly into bed, his head resting on his oh so soft pillow. Suddenly he forgets what he’s been whining about, he forgets pretty much everything, and when Chanyeol tucks the blankets around his body Kris feels himself smiling before he starts to drift off, a soft voice barely ringing in his ears.
“What are you doing, Kris…”
--
“What are you doing, Kris?”
Jongdae’s voice is like a bucket of ice crashing over Kris’ head. He’s standing in his boxers, looking all sorts of ruffled, and oh, Chanyeol is standing next to him, also in his boxers and looking ruffled. And Jongdae, sweet, dear Jongdae, had let herself in to Kris’ condo with the key he had given her, and laid her eyes upon the sight of Chanyeol checking Kris’ temperature with the back of his hand, while they were in their skivvies, standing very close to each other, looking like they had just…
“Jongdae-” Kris starts to say, and Jongdae lets out a disbelieving laugh, cutting him off.
“This is gold.” She says, her eyes getting wet, but her brow staying fierce and her jaw clenched. “I didn’t want to believe it. You both- no wonder both of you are too good to be true.”
“What does that mean?” Kris asks, defensive.
“What does it mean?” Jongdae keeps her voice controlled. “Kris, you’re forty-two years old and are gorgeous, a gentleman, and just- ideally perfect.”
“And?” Kris tries not to get angry. All the women in his life said the same thing about Chanyeol-- “Wait. Wait, hold on.” Kris pinches the bridge of his nose. Oh God he’s so hungover. But this is how all of the women figured out Chanyeol’s sexuality before Kris did. “Are you implying that I’m gay?”
Jongdae’s fists are clenched at her sides as she stares Kris down. He’s easily a foot taller than her, but right now he feels two inches tall. “I’m implying that the person you want to be with, after all, is the person you’ve been with all along.”
The air leaves Kris’ lungs, and he can see Chanyeol tense out of the corner of his eye. “Jongdae…”
She raises her hands up to her face, pressing her palms over her eyes. She looks beautiful today, as she always does, in just simple jeans and a loose knitted sweater. And when she pulls her hands away she’s smiling, and looking only slightly defeated. “I knew this day was coming,” she says softly. “I had always known, since the beginning… at the hospital.” Kris feels his heart drop. “But you had been so nice and charming, and interested, that I just… ignored the signs and my gut.”
“Jongdae,” Kris doesn’t know what to say.
“It’s fine,” she puts on a brave face, smiling up at him. “I just thought… You know, that I could be the one for you.”
“Jongdae, I care for you so much,” Kris says, taking a step forward.
She takes a step back, and it burns. “I know you do. But not like how you care for him.”
Chanyeol stays quiet, and Kris finds his tongue tied. Jongdae wipes her eye with a shaky hand, and then inclines her head in a bow.
“I’m going to leave. I’m sorry.”
The door slams behind her and the apartment echoes in silence. Kris is left staring where she once stood, his head spinning from more than just last night’s alcohol consumption. Finally, Chanyeol speaks, his voice rough.
“Is what she said true?”
Kris closes his eyes and lets out a breath. “... Yes.”
“When were you going to tell me?” Chanyeol’s voice quivers.
“I-” Kris turns to face him. “Well- eventually.”
Chanyeol is frowning. “How long?”
“What?” Kris is still trying to recover.
“How long have you had feelings for me?”
Kris rubs his head, trying to process everything. “I- I don’t know. A while?”
“I need to go,” Chanyeol suddenly says, turning away and walking towards the couch where his clothes are folded. He starts getting dressed, his whole demeanor so… un-Chanyeol, it makes Kris worry.
“Hey- I-” Kris splutters uselessly. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do-”
“And you think I do?” Chanyeol says as he pulls up his pants, avoiding Kris’ gaze.
“It doesn’t have to be like this,” Kris laces his fingers behind his neck, feeling all sorts of stressed out as he shifts his weight from foot to foot.
“Why not?” Chanyeol nearly bites. Kris has never heard that tone of voice from him before. “I’m just a client. You were supposed to cash your check after the wedding and go retire.”
“Is that what you want me to do?” Kris is almost yelling, and he has to cover his mouth to keep himself in check. He drops his hand, voice softening. “To just go fuck off?”
“You sure made it seem like that was what you wanted to do,” Chanyeol says, pulling on his button-up clumsily, mismatching the buttons as he does them up. “Help me get married off and then go.”
“Ok-!” Kris finally snaps. “Alright, that’s what I wanted, ok? You are the most stressful client I have ever had in my entire career and it drove me nuts, covering for you and helping with this whole scheme. So yes, I wanted to get you married and ship myself off so I could recover my sanity because you took it all away from me, Chanyeol. You make me go crazy.” He presses his palms to either side of his head, squeezing, trying to cancel out the pressure of his hangover and frustration. “I have never gotten so involved with a client. I’ve never had a client like you- nothing like your smile, your laugh, your charm and how everyone you meet falls in love with you.”
“Including you?” Chanyeol asks softly, regarding Kris with a concentrated gaze.
“Including me,” Kris says, putting his fist over his heart like he’s pleading. “And rather than facing myself I thought it would be best if I stay distant, help you get settled, and then see myself off.”
“I don’t want that,” Chanyeol says. He looks ridiculous with his hair a mess and his shirt buttoned wrong and Kris feels his heart ache. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“How can I stay?” Kris asks, arms flopping at his sides helplessly. “You’re married, Chanyeol. And you have to keep up appearances with Minseok so no one gets suspicious.”
“Why can’t I do that with you around?” Chanyeol stubbornly presses.
Kris finds himself taking two steps forward, grabbing at the front of Chanyeol’s rumpled shirt, “Because I’m afraid I can’t control myself around you any longer.”
Oh. Oh. That look that flashes in Chanyeol’s eyes… Those are the sparks. And their closeness, this revelation of feelings -- these are the fireworks. Kris swears his vision goes a little pink, when Chanyeol’s lips part and he whispers a few, sweet words.
“Then lose control.”
Kris has never kissed a man before. He’s never had the desire to kiss a man before -- not until this very moment. Even with all the weird feelings bubbling up inside of him for Chanyeol it had never crossed his mind to actually do anything about it… that is, until Chanyeol’s invitation. So, kissing him is exhilarating and surprising and all sorts of things that Kris has never felt before, as he pulls Chanyeol bodily to him, his tongue sliding between the other man’s lips hungrily.
The best part: Chanyeol returning the kiss. The man melts against Kris and wraps his arms around the slightly taller man’s frame, mouth yielding. Kissing a man is so different but kissing Chanyeol is so good and Kris has to break away for a breath, pressing his forehead to Chanyeol’s and reaching his hands up to cup under the man’s jaw and keep him close, both of them panting softly.
“You’re the worst love coach,” Chanyeol laughs breathlessly.
“Can’t even take my own advice, I know,” Kris rolls his eyes a little, grinning. “I’ve heard it before.”
Chanyeol’s hands reach up to cup Kris’ jaw in return. “I’m sorry I caused all of this trouble for you…”
Kris shakes his head. “Good thing I can handle it.”
“You almost couldn’t,” Chanyeol is quick to say.
“Let’s just forget about my weakness and focus on my more redeeming qualities,” Kris grouses.
Chanyeol laughs, pulling away. “I don’t think I can feed your ego any more.”
Kris also pulls away, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve hurt a lot of people…”
“Good people,” Chanyeol says. Kris sends him a dead look. “I mean that in a good way- good people, Kris, who just want to see you happy.” He laughs and reaches up, putting both hands on Kris’ shoulders and giving them a little shake. “Because you’re a good person, too.”
“I’ve got big feet, and I think they’re both in my mouth,” Kris groans, putting a hand over his face.
“You’re seriously the worst,” Chanyeol says, starting to unbutton his shirt. “You’re so good at coaching other people, but you’re awful at taking direction.”
Kris sits down on the couch, letting out a breath. “Is there an echo in here?”
“Things won’t suck forever,” Chanyeol says, finally buttoning up his shirt properly. He sits down next to Kris. “After all, you’ve got me.”
Kris covers his face as he leans back, his headache returning in full force. But he’s smiling beneath his palm, as he feels himself relaxing for the first time all day. He’s never really been an optimist, per se: too focused on real life and doing his job. But with Chanyeol next to him on his couch, in his home, reassuring and warm, Kris thinks that retiring in solitude might not suit him, after all.
“I do, don’t I?”
--
Keeping things under wraps isn’t the most difficult thing Kris has ever done. He had retired from his career comfortably and now spends a lot of his free time writing for a national magazine, in the -- you guessed it -- love advice column. Taking on physical tasks is beyond him, anymore, and he finds being on the other side of a screen and sitting for just a few hours a day answering e-mails is much more up his alley. It leaves him a lot of personal time, and at first he had no idea what to do with himself; but then he fell back into the routine of going to the gym, eating healthy, and doing local traveling. He would still like to go far, far away, but he’s not in such a rush to do so, anymore.
Minseok and Chanyeol are, of course, happily married. Their apartment is always neat and tidy, and they work often and see each other a few times a week. Most of the time Chanyeol is at Kris’ condo, and Minseok has kept busy by purchasing a second location to expand her business. She is more comfortable than anyone with Kris and Chanyeol’s… predicament, and Kris will probably never figure out how he can repay her for her understanding, and her silence.
Jongdae isn’t a stranger. Her and Zitao seemed to be attached at the hip these days, and Kris doesn’t seem to get the joke whenever Chanyeol elbows him in the ribs about it. It doesn’t really matter, because Kris is just happy to see that smile on Jongdae’s face, despite everything he put her through. Zitao has also been in the country frequently, and lately there’s been chatter about her even moving into the neighborhood -- at first Kris had felt a bit of dread, but when he steps back and looks at the bigger picture, he’s actually… happy to have all of these people in his life. He had always been a lone wolf, married to the job and focused solely on his customer interactions. This is an entirely new era for him.
Chanyeol jokes it’s a midlife crisis.
Kris thinks it’s a midlife solution.
“Hey,” Chanyeol greets, entering Kris’ study. Chanyeol is wearing just a pair of boxers and carrying a cup of coffee, setting the steaming mug down on Kris’ desk with a smile, his hair still damp from the shower.
“Hello, gorgeous,” Kris greets the coffee cup, picking it up and inhaling the rich scent before taking a sip.
Chanyeol rolls his eyes, “You’re welcome.”
Kris chuckles. “Thank you. What are you doing up so early?”
Shrugging, Chanyeol leans his thigh against the desk. “The sound of your fingers on the keyboard is kinda like nails on a chalkboard. Can’t exactly sleep through it.”
Kris snorts, “That’s not why you’re awake.” He looks down at his keyboard. “...is it?”
Laughing, Chanyeol shakes his head. “I’m kidding. I can’t hear crap from your comfy bed.”
Smiling, Kris takes another sip of coffee before he sets it down. “Good. I’d feel bad.”
Chanyeol dons a look of concentration, “Hm… would you really, though?”
Kris makes an immature mimic-y noise in the back of his throat, returning his attention to the screen.
“How’s giving advice to teen girls, today?” Chanyeol asks, reaching for the arm of Kris’ chair to pull it away from the desk.
“Most of the women asking for advice are my age,” Kris says with a whuff, ignoring Chanyeol weaseling his way closer. “Cheating husbands, disobedient kids, daddy issues.”
“Boring,” Chanyeol says. He pushes Kris a little further back so that he can stand between the man and his laptop, a grin on his face. “Why don’t you take a little break and have some breakfast?”
Kris scratches under his nose, lifting a brow up at Chanyeol. “If you start cooking I’m going to call the cops.”
Chanyeol laughs a little, leaning down to kiss Kris' temple. "Then I guess you'll have to come and wow me with your culinary skills sooner rather than later, because I'm starving."
Kris reaches out to swat (and miss) at Chanyeol's rear as the younger man exits the office, the sound of his footsteps heading down the hallway soft thuds of comfort. Sitting back in his chair, Kris looks at his laptop screen and smiles to himself, hitting 'reply' at the bottom of the page.
Sometimes what you have been looking for has been under your nose the entire time.
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