Chapter Text
It was an unexplainable situation. It was too hot to be true but it was too cold to exist.
“I disagree about this. No need to discuss. Case closed.” Kihyun closed his notebook harshly on the table, purposely making a loud sound to emphasize his final decision. It had been one hour of tough meetings since minute one because the accounting manager was enough to be called stubborn in this matter.
Hyunwoo sighed softly, avoiding catching the other’s attention but it was too late. The smaller man pushed his glasses on, twitching his eyebrow in annoyance for that clear intention.
“This is important for enhancing our internal financial system. As I explained, this is also the board of directors’ request.” Hyunwoo put his pen carefully on the table. His expression was seriously in a bad mood since the meeting didn’t meet the expectation for the nth time they were doing this. He put his hands on the table, intertwined them with each other, tapping fingers to one another, making it real that he was upset.
“I already proposed to the board of directors that I’ll agree if it is integrated with the accounting system in real-time . It is a waste of money. We pay high for the new servers. You should’ve known that. You are the Finance Manager here. You are the one who processed the payment.” Kihyun smirked a little bit to show up boldness to mocking Hyunwoo’s upset ass.
Hyunwoo’s sharp eyes were enough to slay people. It is rarely seen except when the things don’t meet his preference. Although mostly he is known as a patient and kind leader, he is scary when angry. This dark side of him is often seen when there is someone who opposes his decision, which is mostly the case with the manager of the accounting team Yoo Kihyun.
The synergy between Accounting and Finance departments is important. Both teams are under the same Financial Chief Director so, in the order of organization, both sides are one bigger team of division that should have a solid work team and one same goal. But it has become so messy since both departments have new managers since three years ago, namely Sohn Hyunwoo and Yoo Kihyun.
No one ever knows what happened between them but the whole building knows that they clearly hate each other. Because it is crazily bold. Seems like they can’t breathe in the same air. They always have the opposite decision which can bring disaster between lower staff and the other departments. They refuse to have time for each other except when it is the upper position’s request.
Hyunwoo folded his arms to his chest, leaning on the chair more to give him a look of dispute. “How much should I explain to you? We got the first priority here,” His eyes scanned Kihyun’s presented teams behind, smirking, “Compared to your team. Of course, it will be integrated later but we have engaged with the IT division first before you. Please follow the flow. It is not all about your needs. Do it manually for now.”
His lips twitched as he saw Hyunwoo’s eyebrows rise, clearly showing humiliation. Kihyun is known as an obsessive, perfectionist, and competitive person. It is also one of the reasons why people think Kihyun hates the Finance Manager so much because Sohn Hyunwoo is the only position who can cancel his decision as one team under the same division. Many things happened such as his new initiatives going under because Hyunwoo always said the opposite and gave more simple and user-friendly tasks. Hyunwoo is an effective and efficient problem solver while Kihyun is a detailed ordered systematic thinker.
Kihyun snorted, taking a peek at one of Hyunwoo’s underlines named Lee Jooheon. His chin went up to point at the man. “Manually? What can you guarantee to us? Quality checking before processing? You know what happened last time. Him.”
Hyunwoo turned to peek at his one and only subordinate who could join the meeting this time. It had been more than ever that Kihyun always mentioned the same thing since months ago about Jooheon’s first fatal mistake on his jobs as a newbie that caused a big problem in their division. Hyunwoo is aware that this matter will be a surprise attack from Kihyun who loves to bring up something bad only to annoy him.
Jooheon gave him an apologetic look and he also did the same thing to the others. He is aware of his mistake and he is working hard to learn to be more precise but it is also uncomfortable to be the same object to be punched between the problematic managers’ sentiments towards each other.
“That’s why we made our system a priority,” Hyunwoo said in confidence without avoiding the fact of a mistake that happened. Whatever the mistake his subordinate made, he is the one who is responsible. As the leader of his team, Hyunwoo has a different approach to leading his team and he admits that the systematic quality controls are his team’s weakness. It is so different from Kihyun who is perfectly well-prepared in every single job desk and briefing his team to a perfect example and training. That’s why they clash with each other.
“That’s also why I want it to be integrated at once. So it will be updated in real-time to our notification system. I don’t want an imbalance in our balance sheet again . You just didn’t know that our team worked so hard to find that single mistake. I don’t want the same thing again. I won’t approve another write-off.” He said it with a challenging look. It was always the same expression.
Hyunwoo hates this side of Kihyun who thinks the probability of failure would be higher if there was a mistake happening. “Don’t say it as if it will be another mistake. Another write-off won’t happen. We have been write-off 2 billion this year.”
“Say that to your team. It’s not our team’s fault. You are responsible here.” Kihyun sighed, rolling his eyes to the side, asking attention from his subordinate. “Changkyun, set a meeting this afternoon with the IT team. We have a discussion about this.” Changkyun nodded while adding some notes to his book. “Before that, make a timeline in detail to propose to them so the Finance Department needs to follow us instead. An effective solver won’t match with an algorithm, right, Hyunwoo?”
Hyunwoo was so sure that it wasn’t merely a question. It was definitely mocking him. “We already did that. Don’t worry about it. Your timeline will give the IT team a headache because it is too complicated.”
“We will see. Your messy attitude of working won’t work on this.”
“It is not related. You should have known that they can’t take your request right now. They are ordered to prioritize us now. Surender, Kihyun.”
“Why do I need to?”
“Changkyun, you don’t have to make a timeline. Discuss with Jooheon about that instead. It is easier.”
“Why did you command my subordinate? Changkyun, make our own.”
“Do you realize you are always burdening your team too much for something simple? Just follow our timeline.”
“I won’t ever believe in your messy planning. I bet it is not in order.”
“It is great and accepted by the directors. Your tangled timeline won’t make it.”
It was enough. Both Changkyun and Jooheon were confused about their arguments. It is always the same thing, confused about who they should follow. Both of them have different ways but actually, the objective is the same. Meetings relating to these two managers are exhausting because they will end in never-ending arguments.
If eyes could kill, maybe people in that room would be killed instantly. If words could slay then there would be blood everywhere. There was electricity on those burning eyes. The meeting participants gulped in worry, nervous of the managers’ sudden silence. They started to get enough of each other’s presence.
Kihyun let out a harsh breath. “Useless. It’s wasting time. The meeting is over. My decision is still the same. Closed.” He stood up and stepped out of the room without any consideration. Changkyun bowed to Hyunwoo before leaving following his manager.
“How stubborn and inconvenient.” Hyunwoo sighed tiredly. It felt so hot there because of the pressured temperature between them. He loosened his tie for taking a breath, closing his eyes to calm down. Having a business with Kihyun is the last thing he ever wants to do.
Jooheon smiled awkwardly. After working for 6 months there, he is still not used to this hateful attitude between them. “I’m sorry about the mistake. Sir Kihyun always mentions this now to cancel yours. I’ll be careful next time.”
“It’s okay. It’s also part of my oversight so I am also responsible for that matter. Importantly, work better next, no next mistakes. You should remember that he will be so fussy if there are any small mistakes related to them. He’s gonna roast you alive.”
He nodded constantly, agreeing with the statement. Because of that single mistake, Kihyun always calls Jooheon for many tough briefings although he is not related to his team. It was quite strange but he couldn’t do much about that. Probably, he has perfection syndrome that made him so intervene to some people relating to his life. After all, Kihyun is still part of their division and his position is higher so Jooheon could only obey his requests.
“Honestly, I’m not used to this at all. I feel like having a heart attack every time he’s mad and mentions me. Are you guys always like this?”
“Yes, always like this. There was another day worse than this. Get used to it. He is too complex and systematic. Not my style. I can’t stand him. It’s wasting time collaborating with him. Don’t you count it? How many times have we had meetings and he is still like that?” He clicked his tongue loudly, looking outside of the window. His fingers tapped the table impatiently. Clearly looks like he couldn’t wait anymore for this useless discussion because they need to move faster this time but Kihyun made it difficult.
“In my point of view, he just wants to disagree with you. I’m sorry to say this but…”
“No. You are right. We never meet the same objective settlement.”
Jooheon gulped at the sight of Hyunwoo’s irritated face. The manager is rarely upset and could be said to be a patient, loving, and protective person. He is so professional in his career. His knowledge and experience are beyond perfection. He always has brilliant, effective ideas. Jooheon respects him so much. He loves his leader but honestly, it becomes different if there is Kihyun between their conversations. Hyunwoo can get easily pissed off. If he is pissed off, then the atmosphere is uneasy. If the atmosphere is uneasy, their team will be in trouble. Hyunwoo loves to make his team do overtime if that happens. It is a nightmare.
“Whatever. Move on. We have deadlines today. No one can go home before it finishes.” He made a sound to the table, took his notebook, and walked out of the room without looking back. Jooheon tried hard not to cry. A month full of overtime. It was gonna be his death. Hyungwon will be passed out. The harsh life of a corporate slave.
~~oOo~~
Kihyun slammed his notebook on his work desk, making some documents fall on the floor. Changkyun panicked and shortly took those scattered documents. It became so mysteriously worrying if Kihyun was upset. His perfection of cleaning syndrome was forgettable if he is upset. He won’t care about his belongings for a while and make them lose somewhere.
“Fucking Sohn Hyunwoo. He thinks he is good enough to make decisions by himself. We need enhancement as soon as possible too.” He turned around, seeing Changkyun busy picking up his paper. The younger man smiled, showing his small dimples to make the situation go down but not happening.
“I can’t comment much sir. I’ll try to discuss it with Jooheon.”
Hands-on his hips, scrunched up his nose, huffing. “No need for that. Make our own. Discuss it with Minhyuk and come for me before we meet the IT team. I believe their team has a lower standard for planning. Like the first time, he led the project. It was messed up.”
Changkyun was sure if he was not there, maybe Kihyun was spitting somewhere because it was shown how much he hated the last project. Personally, Changkyun didn’t take that as a problem because the project was actually running smoothly but of course, it won’t meet the standard of Yoo Kihyun who is mastering in planning and arranging. At the same time, his competitiveness towards the Finance Manager made it complicated as personal.
“Okay. I’ll discuss it with Sir Minhyuk.” Changkyun is on the calmer side so he won’t pour gasoline on the fire. But honestly, he was cursing inside his head at the moment. In fact, he prefers Hyunwoo’s suggestion. It made it easier for him.
“Good. Where is he?”
“Miss me?” A knocking sound was voiced around before a man appeared. He walked over to the chair and sat down. Apparently, he always shows up at the right time. “I already heard that you are fighting with Sohn Hyunwoo again. Some employees out there are gossiping about both of you. Oh my Goodness.”
“It’s not fighting. It is negotiating.” Kihyun corrected his way of saying it, pointing at his sniffed nose.
Minhyuk giggled, making it sound like the funniest moment of the year. It has been a long time since he has known Kihyun and he never changed. “Funny. I’m sure there is no negotiation if it is related to Sohn Hyunwoo.”
“Which side are you on, huh? He decides everything by himself, leaving our team behind. It’ll double our jobs, Minhyuk.”
Kihyun and his dedication are top-notch. Minhyuk knows that so well after working with him for three years. Becoming his assistant manager is quite a difficult task because he has higher expectations for the detailed process. His way of doing his work is completely different from Hyunwoo's. His way of thinking is also different. He thinks of many possibilities of success and failure scenarios while Hyunwoo is simply making the process simple and work smart.
“Well, I always agree with everything you decide. But do you notice that this is not about the working attitude? I think you are making everything seem difficult because you have negative sentiments for him. Ask Changkyun, he is the number one victim of your act.” His eyes shifted to the side of the youngest staff member who was standing awkwardly because suddenly became mentioned between sensitive conversations.
Kihyun stared at him with many questions marking up his head. Changkyun could only smile because he couldn’t honestly say that in fact, he is tired of his boss’s complicated requests. But what can he do? Gaining gold is worth losing freedom. They pay Changkyun enough to watch these ridiculous shows.
“See? Don’t hate him too much, okay.”
“How do you not hate him if he is him? Fucking careless unbothered man.”
More or less, Kihyun is a composed person but he is also very sensitive. He would take people’s different behavior as unforgivable things. He thinks Sohn Hyunwoo is one of the beings that have to be extinct.
Minhyuk chuckled, wanting to tease him but not having much dare to do that in this situation. Actually, Kihyun is hot when he is upset. Many employees talk about it but it is only good on the outside but will bring calamity to his own team. Minhyuk shrugged nonchalantly, “Well, well, the harder you hate the harder you fall. Be careful, Kihyun. You know, Hyunwoo is the employee’s boyfriend material. Many of his fans here hate you.”
“Is that even related? We talk about business here.”
“So, this is all about the business only? Are you sure you are not hating him outside work? Try to get along with him outside of work then. Maybe your relationship with him will get better and you guys will be more synchronized. Many of us are tired of your competition.”
Kihyun scoffed, his pride can’t accept that. “What for?”
“Why don’t you realize it? You have something he doesn’t have but he has something you don’t have. You are better off working together. What for, you ask? It is for a great working life for you, him, and us . Let’s end this stupid fighting.” Minhyuk with his expertise in observing people thinking that both of the managers are complementing each other’s flaws in working and living. Moreover, they are under the same division which has the same goal. If they work together it would be easier and effective. They are smart people and deserve their position but they still need teamwork.
“It won’t happen, okay? He is a selfish, carefree man. I can’t stand his way.”
“Because you don’t try to know him well. I was involved in the Nebula Project with him and he impressed me.”
Mentioning the Nebula Project is fatal. Kihyun’s face became darker, remembering the incident. One of the incidents that made his relationship with Hyunwoo go worse than ever.
“Stop it.”
Minhyuk chuckled louder. He loves to mention that because his boss’s expression is so amusing. He stood up, taking gum candy out of his pocket and consuming it. He brought his notes, ready to step out. He suggested once again, “Well, the point is trying to get along with him. We can’t take this situation anymore. Okay, I have something to do with the Investment Team now.”
At the same time, Kihyun felt his phone vibrating. He took it out of his pocket, seeing the screen seriously. A message notification popped up. He read the message without changing his expression. The corner of his lips twitched as he saw the heart emoticon on his phone screen, trying so hard to deadpan holding his flat expression.
You look good with those glasses, baby ♡
Minhyuk turned around, noticing something off with his boss’s day outfit style, “Wait, what’s wrong with the glasses? I never see you wear that.”
“Nothing special.” Kihyun put his phone back in his pocket and took his pad. He peeked at his watch. The right time for the next schedule. “Changkyun, where is the next meeting?”
“Seventh floor. Multimedia room, sir.” Changkyun asked Minhyuk’s free schedule first to talk about the timeline before following his manager. He was ready to have less rest time again with this assignment. They walked out of the room together and were surprised at the first scene they saw. Sohn Hyunwoo together with his subordinate Lee Jooheon had just left the next room. Indeed, Hyunwoo’s personal office room is side by side with Kihyun’s. The area in front of their rooms is their respective team working space. So no wonder if they will meet this situation daily. It added a thriller to the employees of that area.
It was dead silence after one step out of the room. All the team members there looked at the scene worriedly. The sound of printing and typing toned down all of sudden. Minhyuk sighed heavily as he saw the uncomfortable face of both managers after seeing each other. There was a dark, heavy aura there as if there would be a murdering case. Their sharp eyes were enough to tell people to back off. Jooheon and Changkyun actually wanted to disappear from there. They didn’t want another unbreakable confusing argument between the managers that would make their work lives in trouble.
“Let’s go, Jooheon,” Hyunwoo said with a firm tone, ordering his subordinate to follow him right away. At the next moment Hyunwoo turned his body, Kihyun took a step further to his business.
The real problem was coming. They were going in the same direction, which is the elevator. Kihyun hates to see people walking in front of him because mostly they walk so slow and block his way. Meanwhile, Hyunwoo always takes his time to do his job. That’s why he walks casually, not in a hurry, as long as he has time. Kihyun clicked his tongue, annoyed at the scene. Changkyun was ready for bad things but nothing happened.
As soon as they reached the elevator, both of them had a very unimportant competition to who was the one who pushed the elevator button faster. Waiting for an elevator is the toughest moment of the year. Both managers stood side by side in front of their subordinates. After noticing that, they took one step to their side to make their standing gap bigger. Minhyuk was having a headache, they didn’t want to get closer even an inch. The war was surely in front of his eyes. He chose to not say anything because he didn’t want the war to start.
It was also stirring emotion for their subordinates. They stepped inside the elevator at the same time, making their forearms bump to each other. Hyunwoo showed disfavor seeing the smaller annoying figure who bumped his arm. Kihyun didn’t want to lose either, he took a step faster inside and took his place near the elevator door. Another action, they took a bigger gap between their standing inside the elevator. Breathing in the same tight air with them is suffocating.
“Jooheon, you bring the files, right?” Hyunwoo turned to the back where Jooheon was standing. His staff nodded and said yes to respond. “What about this month’s transaction report? Have you finished it?”
“On progress. I will finish it today.”
“Okay, I’m waiting. I need to check it first before reporting it to the Chief. And what about Hyungwon?”
“He is in the middle of meeting with marketing teams, sir.”
“It’s noisy. Discuss your jobs in another place. You lack mannerism.” Jooheon’s heart was about to jump out after Kihyun’s words. Changkyun was patting his arm to calm him down. Kihyun dislikes when people talk inside the elevator because it is uncomfortable for the others. Avoiding talking inside the elevator is considered as part of ethics and Kihyun put ethics before anything.
Hyunwoo flinched, scanning the smaller manager from toe to the top. Seeing him adjust his round glasses like a cool guy he is. His eyes shifted to the number of floors on the elevator, shaking his legs impatiently. “This is a public area, not your private room. Mind your business.”
Kihyun flashed a disbelieving look. After all, he can never stand this guy. He was about to snarl but the elevator’s sound beeping first and the door opened.
“Look, it’s the 7th floor! I believe you guys have a meeting here.” Minhyuk cut in, patting Changkyun’s arm to order him to go out faster so Kihyun would follow him. But before he could do that, Kihyun stepped out of the elevator first without inviting Changkyun. Minhyuk rustled, ogling to the other manager inside. He smiled at Hyunwoo and the man gave a smile back. He had his time peeking at the newbie under Hyunwoo’s team. “Oh Hi, Jooheon. Doing good? We go to the same floor, right?”
Jooheon smiled widely. Minhyuk is one of the seniors that he loves so much there. “Yes, sir. We have something to discuss with Sir Hoseok.”
“Great. I want to go there, too.”
That’s when Minhyuk realized that the day would be hard because Kihyun was in a bad mood. It really happened because, after that, Kihyun gathered every single person in his team to brief them one by one. Talking about mannerism.
~~oOo~~
It was definitely a tiring week. After doing overtime with his team, Hyunwoo invited them to have dinner together. He would pay for all of them for the appreciation of his team’s overtime this week. This side of Hyunwoo is loved by his team. He is right to be upset about everything related to the job and he demands his team to work the best but at the same time, he appreciates them.
“Don’t drink too much, Jooheon. You drive, right?”
“Not today. Don’t worry, hyung. My place is near this place. I will walk.” When it was over the work time, they used to call the older man casually. Hyunwoo is fine with it.
“He is stressed out about the mistake, hyung. Don’t be too harsh to him.” Hyungwon finally showed up chuckling. He tapped Hyunwoo’s broad shoulder before taking a glass of beer and sipping it slowly.
“I’m sorry about that, hyung!” He bowed it once again, making Hyunwoo smile. “It stressed me out but Sir Kihyun made me more stressed. He has been giving me lectures every morning since that happened. It’s already been 3 months until my cats have kittens!”
Hyungwon laughed hard because it was so funny imagining Jooheon’s confused face every morning at the right moment he stepped into the working space and Kihyun found him first. The accounting manager would point at him and wave his hand to order Jooheon to follow him. The lecture session then started.
He couldn’t contain his laugh anymore but he still wanted to talk, “I heard you guys having dissent today. What’s happening?”
“Still the same thing about the enhancement system.” Hyunwoo took his drink, taking his time to enjoy it.
“Really? Wow, that is hard.”
“Hyungwon-hyung, why is Sir Kihyun always like that? Why does he hate our gentle boss? I don’t understand. If I were him, I would fall in love with this guy! Positively!” He patted on Hyunwoo’s shoulder. The older one had a sour face when the cursed name was mentioned.
Hyungwon waved his fingers in the air, rejecting his statement. “They hate each other’s existence. That’s why. Of course, I agree that your problem is inconvenient for us. Frankly speaking, it is troublesome, hyung. We can’t let it happen forever.” He glanced at his boss who did not flinch an inch.
Jooheon pounded the table, taking all of the older men’s attention. “I think you guys need someone you love in your life so you will be happy anytime. People say falling in love makes us avoid conflicts. Like me. I have my cats and I’m happy!”
“He’s drunk. He is saying nonsense again.” Hyunwoo chuckled. He admitted that Jooheon was such a cute guy. His personality makes the working place better and enthusiastic.
“I think his statement is acceptable. Why don’t you try to get closer with Kihyun? He is cute though.” Hyungwon couldn’t handle his laugh anymore. Imagining Hyunwoo with Kihyun is funnier than Jooheon’s bad luck with Kihyun.
Hyunwoo rolled his eyes, putting his arm to the table. Rubbing his chin, bragging about himself. “Are you kidding me? Why do I have to choose him out of many fans of mine in the office?”
“Wow, the confidence. I like that. It’s simple. To end this useless war between you guys? No?”
Hyunwoo went silent. He didn’t respond to Hyungwon’s last statement. The silence between them broke as they heard Jooheon snoring on the table.
All of his team members came home one by one after finishing their meal. Hyunwoo drove his car to Jooheon’s place first to help him come home. Hyungwon was with them too, he was the one who brought Jooheon inside his place and he asked Hyunwoo to go first because he would call a taxi for himself after accompanying the youngest.
Hyunwoo’s apartment is quite far from their dinner place. He needed to drive for one hour. In the middle of the way home, he took his time to the nearest convenience store to buy ice cream. He prefers salty food but he always brings sweets before going home. It has become a habit.
Right after arriving at his apartment, he put the ice cream on the fridge before it melted. He huffed tiredly while loosening his tie and throwing his body to the large brown sofa in the living room. It was surely a tiring day. He didn’t have much time to rest, moreover because of someone persistent . He groaned in pain, feeling his back sore.
His place is spacious. As a big company manager, Hyunwoo has much money to afford fancy places like this. The furniture is complete. Not usually a type of Hyunwoo. He doesn’t really care about stuff like that but he has them complete now. The wallpaper is changed every 3 months for a better ambiance. The television is bigger than the last time he had. The room itself has the opposite image of Hyunwoo who loves simple things.
The sound of the bedroom door opening shifted his attention. His eyes found someone through the corner of his eyes, wearing a white bathrobe. He turned his head to the source of the sound, adjusting his position to look at the figure clearly.
As those eyes met, a button was off .
His tough expression softened right after he saw someone familiar standing looking at him in surprise.
“Oh. I don’t expect you to come earlier.” The figure said softly, drinking his water.
Hyunwoo waved his hand lazily to the figure, blinking his eyes and giving a small smile. “Come here.”
The figure with his white bathrobe walked over to Hyunwoo fast, making his oversized robe sway and fall exposing his small white shoulder. He crawled to Hyunwoo’s lap and cupped his cheeks. His sharp eyes turned to the magical one with sparks and fireworks. The sign of adoring. Hyunwoo lopped his arm to the smaller man’s waist. “Have I said that you look cute with those glasses, baby ? ”
“You sent me three consecutive messages about that since this morning though. So, do I look good? I wait for your direct praise, sir.”
“Of course, I love it.”
The way Hyunwoo’s smile got bigger made everything seem to contradict the usual. Because no one ever knows that the person he calls “baby” is actually both his daily enemy and secret lover, Yoo Kihyun.
Kihyun chuckled as he felt Hyunwoo’s bigger palms running up to make him lean down so their bodies pressed together. “You look handsome as always because I chose this gray suit for you.” He said it while running his fingers on Hyunwoo’s arm. His face flushed pink.
“No wonder it fits so nicely on my body. I never remember buying this kind of color.”
“As expected of me, isn’t it?”
Hyunwoo nodded, agreeing about how his lover is in the matter of taking care of his look. Kihyun and his meticulous side. He loves it more.
One of his hands reached his lover’s cheek, caressing it gently, adoring his soft white skin. It is so different when they are alone and Hyunwoo loves it when they are alone. Kihyun’s eyes sparkled when they stared at each other this close without anyone there, showing so much affection inside them. The very opposite of his usual gaze for him in the daytime. His smile is addicting and his lips are tempting.
Hyunwoo pressed their lips together nicely while Kihyun closed his eyes, enjoying kissing him. As if he could do it anywhere, it would be better.
“What thing do you bring today?”
“Your beloved ice cream.”
Yes, because savory food is his preference and sweets are for Kihyun.
“Such a good man.” He gave him a peck on his lips before making a distance between their bodies. “I’ll eat it after soaking my body in the bathtub.” He was about to stand up but Hyunwoo held his movement.
“You haven’t showered yet?”
“Yes, I was going to but I heard you came home.” Hyunwoo pressed their bodies once again and lifted Kihyun in his arms, bringing him to the bedroom. “Wait, what are you doing?”
“Let’s get a shower together. Miss you so much today, baby.”
That’s when they finally soaked their bodies in the bathtub together. Hyunwoo leaned to the bathtub while Kihyun leaned on his chest, sometimes putting his head on Hyunwoo’s crook of the neck. If that happened, Hyunwoo would be busy caressing his wet hair.
“What will people say if they know the great meticulous systematic Yoo Kihyun loves to play with a rubber duck in the bathtub?” Hyunwoo chuckled as he saw Kihyun keep pressing the rubber duck and producing squeaking sounds all around the bathroom. It was surprisingly the cute side of Kihyun. He bought many kinds of them to accompany him while soaking his body.
Kihyun hissed at the statement, elbowing Hyunwoo’s stomach making him voice an ouch. He flashed a pissed-off look at him. “What would people say if they know the great leader Sohn Hyunwoo, who is loved by the whole building, loves to get naked with his boyfriend in the bathtub? Pervert.”
“Yes, and we will get naked in the bed also after this.”
He slapped Hyunwoo’s cheek playfully. Making Hyunwoo laugh got louder. In fact, Hyunwoo is playful when he is with Kihyun alone. He loves to tease the younger one because Kihyun’s reactions are always interesting. Hyunwoo giggled happily. It is always the same overflowing loving feelings when seeing Kihyun’s cute reaction. He pushed his lover closer to give him a chaste kiss on the lips. He smiled widely, seeing Kihyun’s cheeks beaming pink.
No one ever knows that they have different sides when alone with each other. Hyunwoo is so open with his feelings meanwhile Kihyun gets easily fluttering and has a spoiled side to Hyunwoo only. The side that everyone doesn’t know and they never show it to anyone else.
It has been more than 3 years of dating and they committed to living together since one year ago. Hyunwoo’s apartment became so lively since Kihyun was there. He is the one who arranges everything. That’s why the room is so neat and clean with many kinds of furniture.
After having enough time to get soaked, they went to the bed ready for sleep. When in bed, Kihyun loves to cuddle while Hyunwoo loves to spoil him.
Kihyun already shut his eyes but Hyunwoo was sure that he had not slept yet. “You know, today is…”
“No mentioning work at home.”
“It’s not about work. Hyungwon said we should get closer.”
“Minhyuk said the same thing too.” He snuggled further to Hyunwoo’s chest. It felt so comfortable to sleep like that. Although he is so busy and has less rest time, if Hyunwoo cuddles him, Kihyun can sleep peacefully.
“Really?” Kihyun nodded within his hug.
“What should we do with this relationship? It can’t be kept secret forever.” He said it unconsciously, feeling his eyes starting to get heavy. He couldn’t handle the sleepiness. A tired body and limited rest time were giving him a hard time realizing his words’ meaning but he never forgot to say goodnight right before he drifted to sleep. This habit has been done since staying with Kihyun. “Night baby. I love you.”
Kihyun was silent. He was thinking of Hyunwoo’s question about their relationship. He realized it becomes so complicated each day, especially when they are known as enemies at work and in daily life. He looked at Hyunwoo’s sleeping face in uncertainty. Frowning sadly at their situation. He was reminded of the incident at work that made their relationship to be like this.
“I’m sorry, Hyunwoo. It’s all my fault. I love you so much.” He hugged the bigger body and felt his presence close. There is no one he loves more than Hyunwoo.
If only Kihyun hadn’t made a mistake before. Maybe their relationship won’t be a secret.
As the morning comes, it has been a different day. They have breakfast together as usual. Kihyun takes care of Hyunwoo’s needs first and Hyunwoo will shower him with never-ending hugs before Kihyun goes out. Because once they step out of their comfort zone, which is their lovely apartment, the switch button is on .
They went to the office separately, driving their respective cars. Usually, Kihyun would arrive faster than Hyunwoo because mostly he is the one who wakes up earlier than Hyunwoo. Hyunwoo woke up later that day so he would arrive a bit late but still on time.
Kihyun found Jooheon was eating his cereal on his table messily. Once again, he called the man to follow him to his room and gave him another session of lecture to tell Jooheon to have breakfast in the proper place that was prepared by the office which is the cafeteria area. After 10 minutes of roasting Jooheon, he walked out of his office room and met Hyunwoo in the hallway. They didn't say any greetings to each other and gave a loud irritated sigh instead.
That day Kihyun was busy with presentations and didn’t have time to check on his phone. He didn’t feel any vibration so he took it out and checked on it while walking to his room. Usually, in the middle of working, Hyunwoo sent a message only to flirt with him but that day it seemed like nothing was coming. It made him wonder. But before he turned to the next section, he met Hyunwoo in the quiet corridor. No one was around, they were alone standing face to face from afar.
Usually, they will ignore each other and leave as soon as possible to avoid conflicts but that day was not usual. Kihyun had a straight face, looking unwillingly at him but having no intention to go away. His face told nothing but his mind wandered to the same question from Hyunwoo last night about their relationship. He kept thinking about it all day. He feels guilty but at the same time, his pride blocks his way to show how much he loves Hyunwoo although they clash with each other at work.
Hyunwoo stood there, silently looking at him with a flat expression. Actually, Kihyun felt a bit hurt seeing that flat reaction but it is also part of his doing.
“You are really so pretty with those glasses.”
As the words were spoken, his eyes widened, staring at the man, astonished. Hyunwoo smiled a bit at him, showing his usual very adoring gaze. Something inside burst out, fully filling his heart and body. Kihyun’s switch button went off instantly, chuckling shyly at the moment, showing up his unbearable blushing face. His heart fluttered unconditionally. It was a rare thing to be alone in a public place and it felt good to be this free in this open space.
“I don’t have your kiss this morning. Can I have it now?”
Hyunwoo walked over casually to him, standing before his eyes, staring at Kihyun’s fireworks eyes. Hyunwoo just knows how adorable Kihyun is when he stares at Hyunwoo. It shows so much love like he is falling in love again and again.
Hyunwoo was not ready to take a risk so he already made sure no one was around. He leaned forward to reach the tempting lips of his lover while Kihyun was biting his own lips nervously, indeed impatiently waiting to kiss Hyunwoo at once. He already did tiptoe and put his hand on Hyunwoo’s arm, squeezing his sleeve.
But life is not easy.
“Where is Kihyun? Do you see him, Kyun?” A loud familiar voice was heard all of sudden. Minhyuk was talking with Changkyun by phone.
Hyunwoo was sure his body was flying right after he heard Minhyuk’s voice nearly passing by the intersection. Kihyun pushed his body out of the frame, making his head hit the pillar. He was hissing in pain but Kihyun showed no interest. What a beautiful love life.
“Oh, It’s okay. I already see him here.” He hung up the phone after he saw Kihyun and stopped walking in the middle, noticing Hyunwoo was holding his head. “What are you guys doing here?” He looked around the corridor, there was no one there so it was weird to see them together accidentally. They have known not to want to spend time together in the same place if it is not related to work or the upper’s order.
Hyunwoo hissed, looked so in pain, making Minhyuk feel his pain too by his painful expression. But the man couldn’t answer him because he was busy rubbing his own head. Minhyuk glimpsed at Kihyun who was standing at a proper distance gap from his enemy, giving a question about what he was doing here with Hyunwoo.
“Such a careless man. Huh, How can you didn’t see there was a pillar there? Stupid.”
Kihyun clicked his tongue and walked past Minhyuk so fast, leaving his assistant behind. He asked if Hyunwoo was okay and the man swayed his hand to answer him that he was okay.
“Wait, Kihyun. Wait for me! Let’s grab lunch together!” Minhyuk shouted and ran trying to catch up to his boss’s walking pace.
Maybe Minhyuk won’t ever know that his manager was pouting and whining all the way down the corridor because he couldn’t kiss Hyunwoo that day. His leg couldn’t stop stomping all the way.
“I want to kiss him so bad though. Why is it so… urgh!”
He closed his face with both hands, nearly crying for this misfortune, but instantly switched on when he spotted a few staff walking towards him, and then he put on a cool prestigious elite face as usual.
Well, love is hard for them.