Afternoon Delight. [Navi] [1/3]

[starkun]

Fandom: VIXX (au)
Pairing: Navi
Word Count: 10,637
Rating: PG.
Summary: The upcoming anniversary of Hakyeon and Wonshik's small bakery isn't as smooth as they would hope.



“Starlight Bakery: Our pastries are out of this world”

Hakyeon stood outside of the small shop with his hands on his hips, admiring the bold new sign that marked the bakery.

The old wooden letters had aged and become worn from the harsh seasons of Seoul and now that their business was growing Hakyeon had decided they could afford to spruce things up a little; the navy blue letters with scattered golden stars in-between complimented the soft yellow of their store front nicely. He couldn’t wait for Wonshik to return from his errands and see it lit against the bright city lights.

He had gotten it as a surprise for Wonshik for their store’s one-year anniversary coming up that weekend; they were going to have a special sale and be unveiling new treats to the customers. It just so happened it was going to be that their own anniversary as well, having decided to open the pastry shop together to celebrate their first year as a couple and graduation.

They had met during their first year of pastry school, having been assigned as kitchen partners and, cliche as it may be, had hit it off right from day one (at least according to Hakyeon).

Kim Wonshik: quiet but precise, able to make even the simplest desserts have a bold taste the professionals had never experienced before. And Cha Hakyeon: boisterous and adventurous, adding his own twists and flare to their assigned desserts much to the annoyance of the professors even though it harbored delicious results.

Between Wonshik’s careful preparations and Hakyeon’s crazy concoctions they had become quite the pair and the talk among the other students and teachers.

Hakyeon had known he liked the younger Wonshik right from the start, drawn in by those puppy-dog eyes and deep voice that didn’t seem befitting of someone studying to bake cute little treats for a living. Wonshik, on the other hand, had needed a little more convincing. He liked things orderly in his life and baking and had a system for both, a system that Hakyeon never failed to completely disregard both in and out of the kitchen.

Eventually Wonshik fell for the older’s charming and motherly nature, finally agreeing to a date during their second year of school (though he would swear up and down it was just to get Hakyeon to shut up and stop asking him out every week). Persistence paid off; it was also how Hakyeon had gotten Wonshik to agree to the admittedly corny tagline that went along with their store.

Wonshik would be another hour still so to keep himself busy Hakyeon went back into their decent sized industrial grade kitchen to try and figure out just what was missing from the new dessert he was preparing for the weekend celebrations. He had whipped up a sweet puff dough, unable to pinpoint just exactly what flavor would fit best inside for the cream.

-☆--☆--☆-

Mumbling to himself at the jewelry store, Wonshik shook his head at the fake model hand clothing a recommended ring. The woman had been with him for the past hour, slowly going through different samples, from magazines to ones in shop. He could tell she was growing weary from his indecisiveness, though Wonshik liked to think of it as his perfectionism. A perfect ring for his perfect boyfriend.

Okay, calling Hakyeon perfect was certainly a stretched term, but he knew at this point in their relationship he was a foregone puppy. Smitten by the Hakyeon’s antics most would deem annoying (his inability to know what personal space meant, for example), and once in his life he thought the same to a small degree. In the end though Wonshik was now unfazed and, dare he say, Hakyeon was cute.

Cute. Beautiful. Handsome. Kind. Generous. Thoughtful. Wise.

The list went on and that's why he was sighing as it felt like it would be impossible to find the one ring that would encapsulate all of Hakyeon's qualities into one.

Checking the time on his watch, Wonshik groaned as he knew he would have to leave soon in order to make it back in time. He hadn't even stopped to get their takeout lunch that Hakyeon requested, the other in the mood for steamed dumplings.

"We're gonna have to continue this another day, Sojin-noona," he smiled weakly. She had been helping him for the past few months, Wonshik knowing early on that for their anniversary he wanted to buy Hakyeon this.

"I'll keep looking and let you know if I find anything," she assured.

On his way back, Wonshik made one stop with the containers holding their dumplings and sides from the little shop a couple of blocks away--the ahjumma who owned it smiled as she sneaked in a few extra ones knowing they were Hakyeon's favorite, Wonshik rightfully promising to give her a raspberry-lemon tart when she came in. Then finally, he parked the car, and headed on out, humming to a tune that must've been playing on the radio.

Wonshik's blonde hair glimmered in the daylight, his shades protecting his eyes but also adding a small sense of style. Wonshik was often mistaken for being a foreign model, and their bakery itself had to have a mostly closed kitchen, for when there was no walls at all the amount of high school girls that gathered for Hakyeon, doubled when they caught sight of the other handsome pastry chef who preferred to hide in the back.

Walking up to the storefront, he didn't notice it right away. It was one of those changes that felt so right, so natural, like it was meant to be there. So he walked right beneath the new lettering and straight into the store, calling out as he slipped his shades off. "Hakyeonie-hyung?" He called out, setting the plastic bag on one of the tables.

When there was no response, Wonshik moved to the back knowing Hakyeon must've been busy in order not to hear him. Pushing the door open to the kitchen, the sight he saw was familiar yet always unbuckling. He smiled right away, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded, watching for a minute.

Wonshik always loved observing Hakyeon in his hypnosis, knowing that creative mind of his was expressing itself, connected to the world in a completely organic way.

Although Wonshik never understood how Hakyeon could conjure up recipes that sounded ridiculous but came out spectacular, he admired the idle male for it. It was a marvel to witness. He'd more than often been the victim to Hakyeon approaching his projects in school and throwing in random ingredients he balked at.

Wonshik would grumble and frown, hearing Hakyeon boast about how this would make his carefully planned cake even more delicious. Then once Wonshik tasted the end result, he could only pout further at how it indeed made his original idea enhanced, taken to the next level.

This was the man Wonshik fell in love with. And he did not want to disturb Hakyeon now as he saw him standing there, back to him, apron tied about his slender waist as he worked.

There was already a sizable wad of crumpled up pieces of paper spread out along the stainless steel island where Hakyeon was working. He always carried a little notebook with him for jotting down any ideas that came to mind, sometimes at the weirdest moments like the time he had been standing at the urinal in the subway station restroom.

It was also used for brainstorming just what ingredients he wanted to throw together next; writing it on paper helped him envision the creations in his head and actually almost taste what the combinations would be like.

Hakyeon hadn’t heard Wonshik because he had his earbuds in, phone stuffed into one of the pockets of his ivory apron customized with his name on it--a 100 day anniversary gift from Wonshik. Hakyeon had gotten the Wonshik one in return for their 200th day, embroidered in curving cursive hot pink lettering reading “I’m Shiksy and I know it”. Hakyeon remembered the first time Wonshik had stepped out of the back wearing it, the outbursts of giggles from the high school girls that Hakyeon had joined in on; the embarassment and reddening of Wonshik’s face was priceless.

Hakyeon's body swayed lightly to the beat of the music pouring into his ears, not frustrated despite the large pile of discarded ideas next to him. There was one that had potential though and he was whipping up the mix in a small bowl he held in one hand, wooden stirring spoon in the other.

Hakyeon preferred to hand-mix when doing his little experiments, finding himself able to better calculate what might be missing or what he had overused. There were bits of flour stuck in the dark strands of his hair, results of his overzealousness when it came to his baking.

A quick glance at the clock told him that Wonshik should be back by now. Turning around to go wait in the front of the store, he jumped and almost dropped the bowl to see Wonshik already standing there, “Oh my god Shikie! You scared me!” The buds had slipped from his ears in the scare and just hung around his neck, some dance beat softly echoing in the kitchen.

Hakyeon set the spoon aside, tucking the bowl into his arm, and fumbled to pause the music before making his way towards his boyfriend, “Try this, tell me what you think.”

Dipping his finger into the mixture, Hakyeon presented the whipped filling to Wonshik. The cream had a light mocha color, Hakyeon having sprinkled coffee grounds in as the flavoring for this sample.

He always had Wonshik taste test anything before he decided if he wanted to use it a lot. Hakyeon had discovered he was quite biased towards his own desserts and could trust Wonshik to give him an honest opinion.

Parting his lips, feeling the cream-topped finger press between them, Wonshik gently sucked it off and let the flavor settle onto his taste buds before he swallowed; the texture was perfect as always, soft and thick with the right mix of light and heavy.

The sensation of Wonshik’s tongue swiping his finger clean drew a shiver down Hakyeon's spine, swallowing a small lump in his throat. Even though he had purposely left the spoon behind in order to use his finger it still gave him goosebumps, finding the simple action so sensual.

Hakyeon stared at him with those almond-shaped eyes, Wonshik briefly forgetting what he was supposed to be doing. It was easy to lapse into those moments, blanking out and being stunned by the glow always haloing around Hakyeon.

Blinking back into the present, Wonshik finally replied, “Make it just a tad sweeter.”

Hakyeon’s lips tightened before slanting, “It’s not supposed to be as sweet, it’s coffee. Oh, maybe I can try green tea…”

However, Wonshik knew Hakyeon would run off immediately to do just that, and Wonshik couldn’t let him go without a proper greeting. His arm wrapped around the Hakyeon’s waist just as he was about to take a step, keeping Hakyeon bound to him closely, the bowl cluttering a little between them. Wonshik pulled said bowl free from Hakyeon’s arm and set it on the nearby end of a counter, lips pulled together as the ends of his mouth threatened to quirk up.

“Shikkieeeeeee, I have work to do!” The tone of Hakyeon’s voice pitched even higher when he whined, pushing out his lips as far as they could go whenever his boyfriend was trying to keep him from his work. He was trapped, the strong arm holding him in place.

“I got you lunch, and you better eat it before it gets cold.” Words that Hakyeon was so quick to use on Wonshik, the mother-like chords in him always nag--chiming warmly. Except Wonshik indeed did say them tenderly, knowing if he ever dared to raise his voice out of playfulness at Hakyeon, it would earn him a good thwack.

Food was one surefire way to get Hakyeon’s attention though and Hakyeon perked right up, “Did you get my favorite?” He was certain he could smell the scent of dumplings wafting in from the other room, leaning his body to try and peak around the larger one holding him.

With that said, fingers clutching at the back where the strings were knotted together, Wonshik leaned in and as his other hand gently palmed Hakyeon’s cheek; he stopped only when the tips of their noses touched.

Hakyeon considered poking his boyfriend in the ribs, knowing that to be his ticklish spot, and then darting away but his plan was hindered when he felt the large hand resting on his cheek, his nose scrunching up from Wonshik’s pressing against it.

“What do you want?” Of course Hakyeon knew full well what Wonshik wanted so it was in more of a teasing manner that he was asking. Wonshik had started insisting on being greeted and sent off with a kiss, something that Hakyeon was always more than happy to oblige to but he never made it easy.

Hakyeon’s eyes crossed slightly as he tried to keep a steady gaze on Wonshik, feeling the color darken in his cheeks due to their close proximity. It was amazing to him that even after two years Kim Wonshik could still make him blush like this and make his heart beat faster.

Their first kiss was something Hakyeon would never forget.

They were working late after school hours on their first year final project, something that would be presented to not only their teachers but to some of the most famous pastry chefs in Korea. It was the school’s way of seeing who could make it through the grueling years that were to come, of weeding out the weak, those who would crack under the pressure.

Hakyeon had been more stressed than he ever had been in his life. Nothing tasting like he wanted it to and he was unable to think of something worthy enough to present to such an esteemed panel of judges; he strived for perfection and wasn’t reaching it.

He had thrown a bowl of too bland batter into the sink, another failed attempt, the metal bowl clattering loudly against the metal of the sink as he gripped the edge of the counter tightly, close to tears. The thought of giving up was starting to weigh on Hakyeon’s mind. It was when he felt a pair of arms wrapping themselves around his middle to pull him back against a warm body, embracing him tightly, that he broke down.

It was the first time Hakyeon had cried in front of anybody, pressing his face into Wonshik’s chest and letting the tears fall silently. Wonshik said nothing of course, not being a man of many words in the kitchen anyways, but it was fine; Hakyeon didn’t need words. Wonshik was content standing there and holding him, letting him release the pent up frustration.

When Hakyeon had cried what seemed to be the entire supply of water from his body and tried to pull away, he couldn’t, Wonshik’s grip unrelenting. The more Hakyeon struggled the more it seemed impossible, as if he was being constricted by a python, “What the hell, Wonshik? Let me go!”

Hakyeon was considering throwing punches as he glared up at Wonshik, who had him just barely beat in height, waiting for an explanation but what he got was Wonshik’s lips pressing to his own gently, first with a bit of hesitation, before settling. Hakyeon melted, knowing right then and there that yes, he loved Kim Wonshik. And Wonshik felt the same (or at least had enough feelings to want to kiss him).

The kiss hadn’t lasted long, maybe a few seconds, but it was just the inspiration Hakyeon needed. The result was his first signature dessert and one of the most popular now at the bakery: a multi-berry flavored tart aptly titled “Sweet Kiss”. It was a favorite and never-ending joke of Hakyeon’s to tell anyone when they ordered “please give me a Sweet Kiss” that he was already taken.

“Well, what is it? You said I had to eat lunch before it got cold but I can’t eat it if you won’t let me.” Hakyeon's brows were raised and he was fluttering his lashes at Wonshik, feigning his naivety and taking in the handsome face. His hands rested lightly on Wonshik’s waist, drumming his fingers against the hip bones hiding beneath the layers of clothes.

Leave it to Hakyeon to make Wonshik do the embarrassing things.

Instead of verbalizing anything more, the last remaining distance was crossed and Wonshik gathered Hakyeon up into a kiss. Wonshik had taken the easy out which meant Hakyeon had won (again) but he gladly accepted his prize.

As they always did, Hakyeon's arms found their place wrapped around the Wonshik's neck as he returned the kiss. Rising up on the balls of his feet gave him some leverage to press their lips more firmly together and a little hum of delight buzzed his lips. Wonshik could taste the distinct flavor of many trials of whipped cream, curled up on Hakyeon’s tongue sweetly like a confection waiting to be savored. Wonshik loved kissing him when he was in the middle of his work, always wondering what exactly Hakyeon’s flavor of the moment will be. His favorite was when Hakyeon included tarty fruit flavors, knowing he could kiss him for hours if time would allow it.

The tender kiss was short, too short, for how much Wonshik had been reflecting on his history of love for Hakyeon over the past two hours. However, the rational part of him was aware that Hakyeon needed to eat, and after that, they would need to get to the drawing table and bake up a storm with the approaching celebration sale.

“That was worth the wait, yeah?” Loosening his hold on him, to let the chirping Hakyeon-bird fly away, Wonshik kept a small smile on his lips.

“It’ll be worth the wait if you brought my favorite dumplings.” Hakyeon flitted around answering the question directly, as he did with most things in his life, but left a quick peck on Wonshik’s cheek before skipping out to the lobby.

The food was amazing as always. Wonshik made sure Hakyeon ate every extra dumpling the ahjumma gave them; what always surprised him was how much Hakyeon could pack away in his small frame. Between meals where Hakyeon would have seconds, sitting at the table long after Wonshik left to finish up the last bites, he ate snacks and more snacks. On top of that, he’d drink cartons of banana milk. Wonshik wondered where it all went for Hakyeon was not an exercise specialist. Wonshik was the one who would take runs most mornings around the neighborhood, or take a trip to the gym during the less busy seasons. Hakyeon was magically lean, and Wonshik teased him about how he was past the age of high metabolism so it truly was a miracle.

There was no time for talking, and if Wonshik happened to ask a question he got a barely understandable stuffed-mouth answer that showcased what Hakyeon had been chewing on. Hakyeon was usually a very polite and courteous person but manners often escaped when he was indulging in the steamed heaven. He did share, making sure to make sure his considerate boyfriend was fed a few as well.

As Wonshik was the one to stand up first, to start packing away the trash to separate into the different bins, he cleared his throat, asking in a hopefully smooth manner that didn’t reveal his nerves, “So uh…what was the surprise you had for me?”

All thoughts of digestion were tossed aside though at the question, Hakyeon's face registering the shock of Wonshik not knowing, “You didn’t see it when you came in? Ugh, Shikie! You’re so unobservant!” Hakyeon groaned, hopping up from his chair to grab Wonshik's hand and tug him out into the street.

Wonshik should’ve asked sooner. He was actually shocked Hakyeon didn’t come bounding to him and shouting out he was ready to show him; it wasn’t like the last week involved Hakyeon using any chance he could to remind Wonshik he couldn’t wait to show him the big surprise present. This morning he even woke up to Hakyeon whispering in his ear, “It’s the day of the big surprise. And no, it’s not me in a skirt and thigh highs.” That surprise was apparently coming one day according to the vivacious baker who also claimed he found the perfect wig to go with it. Wonshik didn’t get his hopes up because Hakyeon liked to tease him like that.

Once outside Hakyeon turned Wonshik around and directed his head with his hands upwards to where the new sign was glowing. He emphasized it by shaking his finger at it after a scolding “How could you miss it? Honestly you’re so caught up in that bright yellow head of yours sometimes.”

Was this really the hailed surprise Wonshik had been waiting for all week? Standing there in the afternoon sun that wasn’t warm enough to overcome the last of winter’s chill, he squinted as he assessed the lettering once more. The navy was nice. It gave a manly flair to the pastel yellow that Hakyeon had originally insisted on, despite Wonshik’s attempt to persuade him to choose a more neutral color of modern-chic, like slate or a clean white.

Hakyeon wasn’t really all that upset even though he had his arms crossed over his apron (in his haste for food he had forgotten to take it off). But in reality, between the two of them, Hakyeon had learned he couldn’t tiptoe around things when it came to Wonshik at least where feelings were concerned. He had discovered that after weeks of dropping hints in classes talking about how tired he was in the mornings and all the cute cafes he passed on his walks to the school. Or how after lessons he was craving dumplings and some banana milk to wash them down. It only ended with Wonshik telling him to grab coffee before class or recommending a nearby restaurant before going about his own business.

When he was sure Wonshik had suffered through enough of his mock annoyance, Hakyeon looped his arms around one of Wonshik's more muscled ones and rested his head against Wonshik’s shoulder, “Isn’t it pretty? It really brightens up our store and makes it look so much more professional, don’t you think?” He knew Wonshik would love it, or at least pretend to, lest he face the “wrath” of Hakyeon.

“I like it,” Wonshik commented after several seconds, nodding his head, “Feels like it’s been here forever.”

When he turned his eyes onto Hakyeon, he immediately knew Hakyeon was expecting him to be jumping up and down and squealing in excitement. Ready for the hit to come, he raised his arm just in time to feel Hakyeon’s hand collide with it.

“Hyung!” he playfully grinned, quick to head for the door to escape from the slew of hits, “It’s great! It really is!” He’d rather be beaten down in private than in public.

One time in the grocery store, Wonshik came back with the wrong type of cereal, realizing he wasn’t listening when Hakyeon expressed he wanted to try this new brand instead of the one he always got. So when he returned, feeling proud he knew what Hakyeon’s usual flavor was, he was met with chops to his neck and shoulder, a nearby couple staring onward as if Wonshik ran off in urgent apologies.

Once inside of the store again, Wonshik was quick to dart behind a table, facing Hakyeon again to make sure he ran the opposite way in which the older decided to chase him.

“Kim Wonshik you are such a liar!”

Hakyeon’s screeches could compete with those of the ajummas running the neighboring stores, his yells loud enough to be heard for blocks. There were a few passersby that stopped, confused by the sudden outburst and attack that followed before they both disappeared back into the shop.

Hakyeon was in hot pursuit of Wonshik, the inconsiderate jerk, their game of cat and mouse around the table not going in his favor though. Wonshik was agile for such a large man and Hakyeon still hadn’t figured out how to catch him, or how he would hold onto Wonshik if he managed to. Wonshik would always chalk it up to his young blood as the reason he was so swift and nimble, implying then that Hakyeon was comparable to an old man though his mannerisms were more ajumma in nature. The playful little fights Hakyeon happened to win he had done through less than honest means, resorting to tickling, kissing, groping or, what he considered to be his speciality, aegyo.

“Shikkieeeeee.”

The tone of Hakyeon's voice was an exact mimic of the high school girls that frequented the shop to get a glimpse of the flower boy who ran the front and the chic mysterious man who hid in back, Hakyeon often exchanging leftover desserts for new tricks he could use on Wonshik. This trick had Hakyeon resting his elbows on the table they had been scrambling around, learning forward and cupping his chin in the palm of his hands, “Why are you running away from me, honey? Didn’t you miss me while you were gone?”

Hakyeon's fingers curled into fists now, pressing up into his cheeks so his skin bunched up around his eyes, lashes fluttering again, as he pushed his bottom lip out as far as it would go, “Oppaaaa, don’t you love me?”

By now he should have known this would be Hakyeon’s default offense mechanism. However, he was still quite naive and when Hakyeon suddenly transformed into an aegyo factory, pumping out the cute vocals and expressions, Wonshik stiffened.

Cha Hakyeon uses Aegyo Freeze, it’s super effective.

Truth be told Hakyeon was a bit disgusted by his own aegyo sometimes. He knew he had an overabundance of cuteness but this was taking it above and beyond the norm, even for him. For whatever sick and twisted reason though he had found that it was Wonshik’s kryptonite. The first time had been completely accidental, Hakyeon testing out just how much aegyo he could throw around and how girly he could make his voice. He hadn’t expected Wonshik to actually agree to let him name the bakery.

What happened next was typical: Wonshik felt Hakyeon’s arms wrap around him, this extra weight rocking Wonshik's head about on his shoulders like a bobblehead, pretty sure there were hands gripping into his shoulders before the crook of the Hakyeon’s arm was squeezing his neck. The interaction ended in Hakyeon somehow climbing to Wonshik's back and jumping on him, Wonshik wrapping his hands automatically beneath the thighs framing his waist. And it was like that he ended up carrying Hakyeon to the back of the bakery, to the kitchen where they’d spend the next several hours brainstorming and experimenting, creating together for the sake of their own anniversary.

-☆--☆--☆-

The next morning, with only four days left before the weekend event extravaganza, Wonshik was rushing around the apartment. He had woken up late (again), swearing his alarm didn’t go off, though Hakyeon insisted he just slept through it (again). That was a whole other argument though, for Wonshik could’ve easily asked why Hakyeon didn’t wake him up then, in which Hakyeon would respond that Wonshik was a big boy and could wake himself up.

Hakyeon could have easily woken Wonshik up. He had already been up for an hour when he emerged from the shower to the sound of Wonshik’s phone alarm buzzing, watching as he felt around for the device blindly, head shoved under one of the pillows, cursing when he couldn’t find it right away. The sigh of relief that followed when he finally located and hit the snooze button drew a chuckle from Hakyeon, content to stand there and watch Wonshik sleep for a short while, rolling his eyes at the bear-like snores coming from the lump beneath the covers.

The snoring had taken some getting used to. The first night Hakyeon had spent at Wonshik’s he hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep, kept awake all night by sounds he never imagined a human was capable of making. He would have had an easier time sleeping to the dying wails of a pack of walruses. But strangely now Hakyeon couldn’t fall asleep without that dreadful sound practically shaking the walls of their bedroom; it was comforting, a reminder that the love of his life was right by his side, usually sprawled out on his stomach and taking up half the bed and almost all the covers.

Clearly, Wonshik wasn’t a big boy though, for he was trying to frantically brush his teeth while slipping into a light blue button up. When he realized the shirt was inside out, he cursed out a mumbled sound around the toothbrush sticking from his lips. Hakyeon was seated at the table munching on his favorite sugary cereal when he heard the loud “DAMNIT” resounding from their bedroom, just clicking his tongue as he continued eating his breakfast, “He’ll learn one of these days.”

Jetting to the bathroom to rinse his mouth out, Wonshik quickly wiped his mouth with a towel to get rid of the excess foam about his lips. Then he hurriedly started buttoning up his shirt while staring at himself in the mirror, hands flitting to his hair in between to try and smooth out the strands so he didn’t step into the bakery looking like a complete mess. He’d just have to wear his toque all day.

Watching Wonshik running around the house like a chicken with its head cut off was quite the spectacle, admittedly Hakyeon felt a little bad but at least he had breakfast and a coffee waiting for Wonshik when he finally finished. Rushing out of the bedroom finally, looping his belt into the buckles and stuffing his shirt into the waist of his pants, Wonshik shuffled over to the door where Hakyeon was standing so calm, so nonchalant, so unhelpful, “Are there any--” Hakyeon held up a granola bar. Wonshik smiled as he grabbed it from him. “And what about--” There was an iced can of coffee pushed into his hand. Okay, so Hakyeon wasn’t that unhelpful. “Thanks,” he leaned in, pressing a kiss to Hakyeon’s button-nose, before dipping down to press one on his heart-lips.

“What would you do without me, Wonshikie?” He taunted, the corners of his lips curling up practically to his ears as he finally got his proper “good-morning”. Hakyeon’s nimble fingers set to work fixing the buttons of Hakyeon’s shirt; in his haste Wonshik had fastened them unevenly and Hakyeon couldn’t be seen with Wonshik looking anything less than presentable and at his most handsome.

Giving a curt nod when he had fixed the minor issue, Hakyeon rested his hands on Wonshik’s chest after smoothing out a couple wrinkles as well, “You look so handsome in blue, Wonshikie.” Hakyeon had opted for a simple pair of skinny jeans and a light gray three-quarter sleeved shirt, clothes he wouldn’t get too warm in from the heat that would be permeating from the ovens but clothes he could get a bit messy as well.

Every time Hakyeon smiled up at Wonshik he was reminded of how lucky he was to have landed such a catch, someone so tall and attractive yet attentive to his needs and, most importantly, able to tolerate him, “I love love love you so much.” Dark hands slid up to the pale cheeks, cupping them so he could pull Wonshik down for a tender yet firm kiss.

“Love you, too, hyung,” Wonshik murmured, right before their lips met and he was swept into the magnetic gravitational field of Cha Hakyeon, the sun of his life.

-☆--☆--☆-

At the store, Wonshik had his sleeves rolled up and his navy apron on, the hot pink lettering of his name stitched across the breast. As usual, he’d turn and let Hakyeon tie him up, him much quicker at this, Wonshik always the type to just double knot it without caring to make a bow. After, they prepared their first round of pastries, from the sweet, ripe tarts to the puffs filled with green tea and almond cream filling, to the fluffy layers with sweet stickiness in between topped with more fresh berries.

While Hakyeon carefully filled the displays with the fresh baked goods, lining them up evenly, he was always better at that than Wonshik who sometimes got frustrated at the Hakyeon's nagging when there wasn’t equal spacing between them, Wonshik walked to the store front and counted down on his watch. Ten more seconds to go.

Once Hakyeon had finished putting out the desserts, he took a step back to make sure everything was in its proper place. Presentation was just as important to selling a baked good as the taste was; he took the saying “it looks good enough to eat” quite literally when it came to decoration and set-up. One blueberry muffin had snuck out of line but it was quickly pushed back into its place. There, perfect.

When it hit eight on the dot, Wonshik flipped the little sign in the window around to ‘Open’. Turning around, he stretched his arms above his head, yawning as he was still waking up for the day. “Ready? Do you think Mrs. Kim with the big hat will come in?” There was this older lady who always sported really big bold hats, ranging in all colors of the rainbow depending on the day. She favored their cream puffs, always complimenting them on how they had the right mix of softness and flakiness to them, and the cream itself wasn’t too sweet for her old teeth.

Mrs. Kim was a regular and one of their best customers so Hakyeon always made sure to have everything ready to go for her, as she would always tell them, she was a very busy woman. But not too busy to always make a point of hinting about her single, attractive, college graduate daughter when making small talk with the pair of them.

Circling around the counter, his arms slipping about Hakyeon’s waist for his last small moments in pestering him up with affection, Wonshik gave him a hug from behind while his chin rested on Hakyeon's shoulder, eyes glimpsing to the wide windows to ensure no one was coming yet, “She says she has a daughter that’s looking for a husband.”

The weight of Hakyeon's body automatically sunk back into the one suddenly behind him, tilting his head so he could nuzzle his nose into Wonshik’s cheek, the scent of his fruity face wash still lingering on his skin, “Mm...of course she will. I’ve already got a sample of my new green tea cream puffs boxed up for her to try.” He motioned to a small pink box next to the register he had already prepared. Wonshik’s comment also had Hakyeon chuckling, “Did she really? Did you tell her what a good husband I would make?” The corner of his mouth twitched as he raised a brow at his boyfriend, his hand finding one of the other’s around his waist and intertwining their fingers, “Maybe I should offer to take her out on a date.”

Wonshik’s arm was lifted from around him, Hakyeon using the hand he was holding to gracefully spin himself free seconds before the chiming of their little door bell signaled a customer entering. Teasing his boyfriend in such a manner was mean, he knew, but Hakyeon liked how possessive Wonshik became of him when he got jealous. It was one of his vices that he just couldn’t quite overcome. Hakyeon always did his best to make sure he never stepped over their line of boundaries though.

When Wonshik spotted another one of their regulars stepping through the doors, his heart plummeted, that dreadful feeling taking over again. The customer was a brute-looking man, one that never smiled (except at Hakyeon), never spoke (except to Hakyeon), and never bothered interacting with anyone else in the bakery (except for Hakyeon). Wonshik found it a problem in particular when one day Hakyeon was at home sick. Already feeling overwhelmed by having to manage the store by himself, he was especially frustrated and about to burst when this guy stood at the front of line, holding everyone up, while refusing to order anything. Wonshik was sure he never actually asked him, "Where is Hakyeon?", but by some telepathic rays sent his way in a gaze, he did hear himself answer, "At home sick." It was only then that the silent male stepped away from the counter and went straight for the door without ordering anything. That wasn't the more troublesome part about the story.

The more troubling part was that, he showed up the next day with a “Get Well” card for Hakyeon, along with vitamins. Wonshik made sure the card and the vitamins never made it to Hakyeon, for he was the only one who could privy his boyfriend up with love and affection. Alright, so he might've been a little hard on the guy, but Wonshik was jealous and possessive to a healthy extent.

"Taekwoonie!"

Wonshik heard Hakyeon exclaim as he was pushing the door open to the back, his gaze lingering long enough to see the usually stoic man softly smile.

Hakyeon immediately darted over to the dark haired, dark eyed, brooding customer, throwing his arms around the toned middle of the taller male. Taekwoon had learned over his many visits that the same-aged Hakyeon was an affectionate and friendly person with everyone he encountered, and that frustrated him to some extent. There were enough times Taekwoon lingered at one of the tables long after he had finished his dessert to watch the outgoing baker buzzing from customer to customer like a busy little bee, an adorable little worker bee.

Hakyeon’s energy was contagious and Taekwoon couldn’t stop the way the corners of his lips curled up just the tiniest bit whenever one of those glowing smiles was passed his direction. He realized any deeper feelings or meanings behind those sweet smiles and crushing hugs were impossible to read. Taekwoon had also learned to brace himself for the enthusiastic embraces, the smaller man gathering enough momentum to almost topple him over, “Hey Hakyeon-ah.” He replied softly, lightly patting Hakyeon's back in return as he kept a friendly smile on his face. It was always just “Hakyeon-ah”, remembering the scalding glare he had gotten from Wonshik the day he had called him “Hakyeonie.” It wasn’t a mistake he was going to make again.

“Come here, you have to try these!”

Taekwoon hadn’t even been in the store ten seconds and already the little bee had grabbed his hand and was pulling him behind the display case.

Hakyeon opened the box he had set aside for Mrs. Kim to pull out one of the small puffs; she wouldn’t even know she was being shorted. The dough was pastel green, Hakyeon having added a few drops of food dye to the dough to liven up the color to match the green tea filling inside, “Open up!” He pushed the pastry to Taekwoon’s lips, waiting until they opened before popping into his mouth.

Hakyeon didn’t know why Wonshik never came out of the back when Taekwoon was around; Taekwoon hadn’t done anything to make him mad that he had seen.

Though a little intimidating at first and the quietest person Hakyeon had ever met, he found the large presence comforting and enjoyed the little bit of company he got to have with Taekwoon whenever he stopped by the store. With each visit he seemed to unlock a little more of the mysterious man, remembering the shock he had gotten seeing him actually smile for the first time. It was small, just a little twitch of his thin lips, but it excited Hakyeon nonetheless. So much so that he had startled Taekwoon with the little squeal of delight that slipped out.

Hakyeon still remembered the day he first met Taekwoon. A coffee shop had filled the vacated space across the street from their bakery a few months after they had opened. Being the friendly, neighborly type of guy he was he had gone over a week later with a box full of pastries to welcome them to the area, yelling at Wonshik to “man the store” while he was gone.

Taekwoon had been standing behind the register looking very bored as he took the order of some girl who was very obviously trying to flirt with him, lips pouting as she feigned not knowing what to order. When she finally caught on that the barista was going to take no part in her antics, she settled for an Americano and sulked off to one of the seats.

“She was kind of cute! Not your type?” His smile was just met with a silent stare. No matter. “I’m Cha Hakyeon! My partner and I own that adorable bakery you see across the street. I brought over some of our most delicious treats to welcome you to the neighborhood…” The box was set on the counter so he could lean over to peek at the other’s name tag, “Taekwoon. I hope to see you around! Stop by anytime!”

He was about to just turn and leave the quiet man in stunned silence and confusion over how one person could be so damn happy meeting a stranger but he turned back; Taekwoon was caught with his hand already sneaking into the box, “Oh! Can I get..hmm...make me your favorite drink!”

Taekwoon quickly popped one of the little donut balls he had captured into his mouth before he punched in the order and swiped the baker’s card to complete the payment. His eyes widened as the sugary taste penetrated his taste buds, his gaze shifting to the man across the counter who was still just grinning at him.

“I told you they were delicious.” Hakyeon laughed as Taekwoon stole another before fixing his drink, handing it off with a mumbled “thank you come again” as he watched Hakyeon hop back across the street to the bakery sipping cheerfully on his green tea latte.

Taekwoon would often stop and watch Hakyeon bustling about the bakery while he was wiping down the coffee shop tables, peering through the large glass fronts of the stores; it was how he noticed that Hakyeon never stopped smiling and that he had a contagious aura that made everyone around him brighter, caught in his glow. After a couple weeks Taekwoon couldn’t talk himself out of not going any longer, picking his lunch break one Friday afternoon to wander over with a green tea latte in hand. It was the first time he had seen Wonshik, the partner, too; he could sense Wonshik didn’t seem to like him from the start.

“Taekwoonie!” Hakyeon remembered his name even after all that time.

Taekwoon just lowered his head, hoping to hide the light color spreading across his nose at the stupid nickname he really didn’t mind and present the drink to him, “Oh! You remembered! That’s so sweet of you!”

The bakery was busy that day, and every day around lunch Taekwoon would discover, but after awhile he didn’t mind waiting at one of the tables until the rush was through and Hakyeon would ramble on about whatever happened to be on his mind for that day. Even though Taekwoon never contributed much it never dulled Hakyeon’s energy.

In the back, Wonshik sighed heavily as he rolled out the dough on the wooden countertop, flour coating his hands as he concentrated hard on getting the right amount of thickness quickly. He always did this, poor himself into the artistry of baking. If he let himself be consumed by the baking process, then he wouldn't have to think about what was going on in the front. Just past those walls, he could only imagine the sweet smiles Hakyeon so innocently bestowed while that cloudy customer soaked it all up. Wonshik sometimes wondered if Taekwoon were an energy vampire feasting on his lover's positivity.

Wonshik slammed the big roll of dough, kneading into it with his fists, working it through and through. Laughter seeped through the walls, Hakyeon's laughter, and Wonshik could see the delight brightening on his face as he was sure he recounted some amusing anecdote from the last day, always willing to share his heart-warming encounters. And that Taekwoon guy just nodding and silently listening because clearly he didn't feel the need to contribute much back to the conversation.

After sprinkling a light layer of flour onto the top of the thick mixture, Wonshik clapped a bit more of the white powder onto his hands rather firmly, so much that a little cloud puffed into the air. Now he bet Taekwoon was digging into his treat, the most plain tart ever in the world, to resemble his personality. He'd smile gently at Hakyeon to let him know it was tasty, and his generous boyfriend would clamp his hands together in delight, maybe even give Taekwoon a cheek squeeze. He--He paused. And took a breath. Wonshik unintentionally worked himself up into a sweat, wiping off a bead or two that collected on his brow, stepping over to the sink to wash his hands and take a break.

Wonshik had seen this exchange between Hakyeon and Taekwoon once--more than he ever needed to. Ever since, he knew he wouldn't be able to watch again without causing a scene. However, with his emotions already on edge and his feelings for Hakyeon burning so strongly after he'd been thinking deeply about their approaching anniversary, he found his legs dragging him back to the kitchen door. There he pushed it open and stepped back out, making a rare appearance. His toque was a little lopsided, his hair lightly dusted in a patch by his brow, clearly from the flour. He didn't notice at all, moving over to where he saw Hakyeon smiling while chattering away at the table Taekwoon was camping out at.

Hakyeon was laughing at one of his own puns, as he usually did, about naming these new flavored puffs after himself (his last name being a word for ‘tea’), the sound drawing out as he just saw the white’s of Taekwoon’s eyes but also catching the smallest crack of lips breaking through that blank facade, “Oh you love the name, just admit it!”

"Hey, how's it going out here?" Wonshik suddenly barged into the one-sided conversation, his fingers linking as a forced laugh fell off his tongue, eyes twinkling oddly as he kept himself from heaving.

The sudden entrance of Wonshik’s voice startled Hakyeon, just about falling into Taekwoon’s lap but he caught himself in time. Taekwoon had had his arms up just slightly, ready to catch him. They were quickly lowered as he looked off to the side, away from their interruption.

“Shikie!” Hakyeon exclaimed cheerfully, grabbing onto his boyfriend’s arm to pull him into the conversation, “You never come out to talk with us! I was just telling Taekwoonie all about the big things we have planned for this weekend, all the amazing new things you’ve been baking up! Oh, you must be working hard back there. You’re a mess!”

Hakyeon was still smiling from before but this smile was different, an even softer and loving smile he reserved just for Wonshik. Reaching up, he brushed the stray flour from Wonshik’s face, dusting it out of hair as well, before setting his toque straight on his head, “There.” Hakyeon kissed Wonshik's nose. “Perfect.”

Though his head was tilted away, Taekwoon watched the exchange from the corner of his eyes, noting the way Hakyeon doted on the younger male, envy prickling beneath his skin that he wasn’t the one having his bangs brushed from his face by those smooth, tan fingers, or having those soft pink lips tickle the tip of his nose. These were such foolish thoughts and he quickly shook them from his head. He stood, having seen more than he wanted to and just wanting to leave but he was stopped by those five smooth, tan fingers catching him around the wrist, “You can’t leave yet, Taekwoonie! You have to tell Wonshik about some of the names you were telling me, for our new desserts!”

Hakyeon’s eyes were pleading, a slight flicker of disappointment as Taekwoon had risen from his seat, “Oh, I know!” As quickly as it had appeared the warmth around Taekwoon's wrist was gone, Hakyeon clapping his palms together, “You two talk while I go and get Taekwoon some more of those Cha puffs! I have some from last night that just need the filling!” Before either of them could unleash their utter repulsion at the idea Hakyeon was gone, the kitchen door swinging shut behind him.

Blankly staring, it took Wonshik an extra moment to realize the situation; Hakyeon abandoned him here, with this luna--he pressed his lips together and slowly exhaled, knowing he needed to channel the calm, laid back Wonshik that never let his mood be so affected by the change in the temperature of the wind. That's all Taekwoon was, a small change in the wind, just an extra gust of wind on a breezy day. Temporary and easy to forget about once he was curled up in the warmth of his home. His "home" that just so happened to leave him here alone with the extra wind he would rather not be staring at.

"So uh, what about these names?" Wonshik attempted to prompt him into conversation, already knowing the outcome.

As expected, Taekwoon didn't even meet his gaze. He found no reason to engage with the baker when he had intended only for Hakyeon to hear. So there he stood, counting down the seconds until Hakyeon's return.

Wonshik remembered a time similar to this. It was back in school, when the Hakyeon had naturally befriended everyone in the class. He had been on Wonshik's case for a while at that point, having asked him a on a date about five times so far, Wonshik still brushing it off. There was another student though who had taken a liking to Hakyeon. His name was Lee Jaehwan, and he had a knack for making the most intricate looking cakes, though the flavor was always off. It was just reaching summer after the term started, when Jaehwan presented Hakyeon with a plate of cookies. They had hearts with icing lining them, with little sprinkles shaped like hearts as well. The colors ranged from white and pink to reds, very Valentine's like, save for the fact it was months after.

Wonshik remembered watching as Jaehwan caught Hakyeon somewhat alone. Wonshik had been sitting under a tree outside, enjoying one of the first warmer days, when Hakyeon came to sit beside him. Before Hakyeon could even ask Wonshik how his day was, there was another voice piping in. Honestly he didn't remember many details beyond being quite shocked that Jaehwan was there, his usually louder voice in class suddenly mumbled and barely audible. He just saw the plate thrust at Hakyeon by him on the bench, eyes widening as he took in the beautifully decorated treats. What Wonshik remembered very clearly though, was the flash of heat rising in his chest.

Hakyeon accepted the cookies with a warm smile. Wonshik couldn't place at the time if it was second hand embarrassment or jealousy. He didn't know until a couple of weeks later when he was accepting Hakyeon's offer to go on a date with him.

It took Wonshik a great deal of course to ask Hakyeon why he took those cookies when he refused the date that Jaehwan wanted out of them. Hakyeon had simply told him, "He baked them with love. No one's love should go ignored." These were the words playing through Wonshik's head right now as he eyed Taekwoon. Did the other man want to confess to Hakyeon the same way Jaehwan had done a couple of years ago? Would Hakyeon kindly tell him he'd accept his love, but be unable to return it? Or would he actually...

Wonshik gulped. Had he been an inattentive boyfriend lately? Was the business taking too much of his time and he'd forgotten to show Hakyeon the very high amount of attention and affection he needed? He was trying to replay the past couple of weeks in reflection when the door to the kitchen opened again and a familiar, lovely voice was sweeping the air.

“It’s been almost a year and I still can’t leave you alone together without it being awkward? How can you both not have anything to talk about?” Hakyeon stood with his hands on his hips as he scolded the two of them, his voice awfully mother-like, as was his entire personality. The chiming of the door bell drew his attention but he wasn’t finished with Wonshik and Taekwoon, “Just talk about how amazing I am if you can’t think of anything.” Hakyeon left them with a wink before moving to the counter to tend to the couple that had walked in. If only he realized the weight of what his suggestion carried.

“Those donuts will make you see stars they’re so good! Thank you, come again! We’re having our big anniversary celebration this weekend so make sure to stop by, bye!” A few more people had trickled in but were met with quick service, Hakyeon lifting the bottom of his apron to wipe at his forehead like he had just done a lot of hard work when all he had done was take an order for a birthday party and box up some donuts.

Grabbing a pale pink box he had brought out from the back and left sitting off to the side when they had gotten the small rush, Hakyeon walked over and presented it to Taekwoon, “Here! It’s more of those green tea cream puffs since I saw how much you really liked the first one.”

Hakyeon was standing so close he had to tilt his head back to look up at the taller Taekwoon; if Hakyeon were a dog his tail would have been wagging excitedly, “I got the idea for them when I remembered the first day we met and you made me the best green tea latte I’ve ever had! It was lunch time so instead of naming these marvelous little things after myself I’m going to call them ‘Afternoon Delights’. Cute, isn’t it?”

Hakyeon could nag and complain and stomp his little foot all he wanted, but no way was he going to get Wonshik to interact and hold an amicable conversation with Taekwoon. Especially not if he was going to act like this in front of him, let alone gain inspiration from the barista. Hakyeon went the whole nine yards of naming one of their desserts (Wonshik still considered their individual concoctions to be a group effort) after the usual timeframe Taekwoon came to the store. Today Taekwoon was only abnormally early because he probably had time to dip in before the cafe became busy.

Wonshik’s eyes widened at the exchange, his lips gaping at the air like a goldfish in a tank. He could only hope in three seconds he would forget all of this and continue on with his day in peace. The smile that crept along Taekwoon’s features as his gaze rose to Hakyeon’s, only to drop down in what was obvious sheepish embarrassment was enough to make Wonshik want to gag--and grab Hakyeon by the waist and shove him into a kiss. At least that way Taekwoon would know beyond a doubt that those little googly-eyes he was sending would surmount to nothing, nothing at all. Right?

Once again Wonshik contemplated the last few weeks, and when he saw Taekoon take hold of the box, nodding his head as he made his exit, he bitterly thought, And Stay Out.

Taekwoon left the store, gingerly cradling the box to respect how fragile he perceived it. These cream puffs were a gift from Hakyeon, while thinking of him. As silly as it was to be hopeful, at least he knew now the puppy-like baker thought of him often enough to construct one of his baked goods after him. The best one in the store now, Taekwoon thought smugly.

The looks Wonshik gave him clearly spelled out his dislike, maybe even hatred at this point. It had Taekwoon a few weeks to gather enough evidence pointing to their relationship after he had first set foot in the bakery to know Hakyeon and Wonshik were more than just business partners. Besides the obvious touching Taekwoon noticed the more obsolete ones, like how Hakyeon always had to have one part of his body connected to Wonshik’s when idle. Whether it was his pinky stretched out to skim at Wonshik's wrist, or the toe of his shoe nudging against the other’s boot, Taekwoon saw Hakyeon could not stand still for more than two seconds without part of himself reaching out for his "partner".

Takewoon also spotted the looks and smiles. Although he enjoyed the heat that flourished through him like a sun’s drop on a daisy petal, when Hakyeon smiled at him, he saw the more tender rise to Hakyeon's lips as Wonshik would sometimes make his appearance. There was also this lingering look in Hakyeon's eyes. Taekwoon could only observe but he knew it was the look of one who truly admired and beheld another person with multi-faceted love, deeper than the one-layered relationship Hakyeon had with the quiet barista from across the street.

Conclusively, facial features and body language were easy for Taekwoon to read, being one who relied less on words. So while he knew what kind of partnership harbored between Hakyeon and Wonshik, most customers did not, assuming the two handsome gentlemen were in it for similar ambitions and a great business plan.

However, despite understanding Hakyeon and Wonshik were together, Taekwoon had the smallest fraction of hope that the tides would alter Hakyeon’s heart. One day Hakyeon might have an epiphany that the loyal customer who dedicated his daily lunches to the coffee shop, was someone who could meet all of his needs and love him more than the man currently at his side. It was unrealistic, but the introverted male rarely found himself drawn to any adult-sized human.

So it was with these big thoughts fluttering around his mind, that Taekwoon crossed the street and returned to his lonely role as barista. Before the shift ended, he would eat the box of cream puffs except for one. The last one was to be taken home and savored, to be eaten where Taekwoon could sit down on his couch, curled up with his cat and relish in the reality that Hakyeon thought of him to be an afternoon delight.

“Hakyeon...” Wonshik pouted as he watched Hakyeon still waving at the retreating form of Taekwoon, who was already on the other side of the street. “He’s been gone for hours now,” he exaggerated a little.

Preoccupied with making sure his friend got across the street safely, it was never known when a food delivery scooter would come whizzing by, Hakyeon almost didn’t notice the missing formality in Wonshik’s use of his name. Almost. Nothing was said as Hakyeon just walked forwards towards the door, switching the hanging sign around to “Closed” while propping a sign that said they were out running errands and be back in an hour against the large window. He also made sure to let the curtains drop shut. Hakyeon didn’t know what exactly he was going to do to “punish” Wonshik yet, figuring he could get him worked up and anxious by closing down the shop for a bit. He did know that this was unacceptable and he couldn’t let Wonshik get away with it. There was always some reason he would drop the ‘hyung’ from his name and he had an idea about what the cause was this time.

“Shikie, Shikie, Shikie…” Hakyeon tongue clicked against the roof of his mouth “tsk”ing as he pivoted and began his slow walk towards him, like a lion in the savannah picking out the weakest gazelle, “Do you realize what you just did?”

It wasn’t something he could ever recall Wonshik doing on accident, knowing this time had to be on purpose as well and likely because of his interactions with Taekwoon, “Are you really that jealous?”

Hakyeon could recall when Wonshik had started to behave like this: shortly after Jaehwan had gifted him with homemade cookies during their school days. It had been obvious that that was what had finally pushed him into finally agreeing to a date with Hakyeon. Even if Wonshik hadn’t realized it at the time, Hakyeon already knew that Wonshik was going to be very, very protective of him. While he found it cute at times, Hakyeon knew it was an insecurity which was why Wonshik always went above and beyond to dote on him, spoil him, almost smother him with attention. It wasn’t that Hakyeon didn’t like it, quite the opposite, he just wished there was something he could do to reassure his boyfriend without having to sacrifice the one consistent friendship he had.

Hakyeon paused with just a miniscule amount of space between their bodies, trying to look intimidating with raised brows and a stern, straight-lipped expression but having a feeling he wouldn’t be taken seriously in his cute embroidered apron, with his puffy cheeks or naturally sparkling eyes; he was built to be adorable not scary.

“Why are you so jealous?” The tone of Hakyeon’s voice dropped into a lower register, almost whispering as he reached behind to pull apart the tie of his apron, letting it hang from only his neck before he placed his hands on Wonshik’s waist. Auburn tinted eyes peered up at Wonshik with a slightly lidded gaze, “You’re the one I touch every day.” His thumbs lifted the hem of Wonshik's shirt, the pads tracing light circles on the pale, firm skin beneath, “You’re the one I fall asleep next to every night and wake up against every morning.” Hakyeon closed the distance between their bodies as his fingers ghosted up Wonshik’s sides. He pressed a gentle kiss to the pout Wonshik's lips had taken, balancing himself on his tip-toes so he could rest his forehead against Wonshik’s, letting out a deep, weighted sigh, “You’re the one I say 'I love you' to every chance I can get. There’s no need to be jealous.”

Working the shop with just the two of them left no time for a social life or friends outside of each other, the only other people they interacted with being the customers. So when Hakyeon had finally found another person he could share new things with, someone he could update on about his life who wasn’t right there every second experiencing it with him, it had felt nice. Admittedly he was a bit overzealous at times so he couldn’t blame Wonshik entirely for his jealousy.

“I love you, you giant, silly man. Only you, Kim Wonshik.” In case his words needed any reinforcement, he melted his lips against Wonshik’s once more, this time lingering. All in all this really wasn’t much of a punishment.

Next