Chapter Text
“He takes the shot and that’s it ladies and gentlemen! THE BUZZER SOUNDS AND THE NEW YORK ROCKETS TAKE THE WIN TONIGHT!” The announcer’s voice blasted through the mounted TV speakers, echoing throughout the bar.
Beomgyu stared at the television, bored, as he watched the players crash into each other, sticks raised in victory as the arena cheered. Cameras flashed across the ice while the scoreboard glowed bright above them.
Inside the bar, the reaction was just as loud. Chairs scraped against the floor, someone pounded the counter hard enough to make Beomgyu’s beer rattle.
Annoyed, Beomgyu side eyed the group of friends making a ruckus before he turned to the TV again.
“A stunning performance from start to finish. With a final score of 5 to 2 the crowd is absolutely losing their minds!” The replay rolled in slow motion and Beomgyu picked up his beer as he watched the puck barely make it past the goalie before the red light lit up behind the net.
The announcer continued, voice dripping with excitement. “An unbelievable night for Choi Yeonjun with two goals and an assist.” The camera cut to Yeonjun, helmet off, hair and face shiny with sweat as he pumped his fist in the air repeatedly. “If there were any doubts about this team heading into the playoffs, they’ve just been put to rest.”
On his right, his friend of five years and a constant pain in his ass, smacked his large hand onto Beomgyu’s shoulder as he laughed.
“Hah you were talking so much shit too!” Soobin drunkenly teased, leaning his weight onto Beomgyu.
“I know. I jinxed it.”
Annoyed, Beomgyu’s eyes lingered on the TV for a moment longer, expression souring when Choi Yeonjun skated to the camera and sent an aggressive kiss to the audience with his gloved hands.
“Ugh, no one wants to see that.” Beomgyu commented, downing the rest of his beer as Soobin snorted.
“Well you’re gonna see a lot of it real soon.” Soobin slurred and Beomgyu nearly choked on the alcohol.
Affronted, Beomgyu looked at his friend who was curled over his empty glass, blowing air into it.
Blinking slowly, Soobin turned to him with half-lidded eyes. “You know– because of the commercials?”
“Oh.” Beomgyu relaxed a fraction, thinking he was going somewhere else with his earlier statement. With a sigh, Beomgyu spun his glass around on the bar top. “I’m not looking forward to that. Two whole days with the hockey team?” He shuddered, his disgust evident on his face.
Beomgyu’s known Choi Yeonjun since his junior skater days. He was fresh out of high school and had big dreams of making it in the big leagues. He used to skate commercially in Seoul until one of his performances blew up online and he got recruited by the company, Steadfast in the big New York City.
His dreams of becoming a professional ice skater never entailed moving to the states but he would be damned if he gave up an opportunity because of his mediocre skills in English.
It was a good thing he didn’t let that fear hold him back because he instantly earned a name for himself, even if it was a small one at first.
He was deemed the Rising Star of Seoul or, as the media called him, From Seoul with Soul. Ever since that article came out, people have referred to him as the Soul Skater, a name he’s worn with pride.
Unfortunately, being a part of a big company means there are parent organizations in said company.
There was a men’s volleyball team that he was well acquainted with. A lesser known soccer team. And, to his chagrin, the New York Rockets—one of the biggest hockey teams in the world.
A hockey team that employed none other than Choi Yeonjun, a rising star who had the media in a chokehold with his natural star aura.
They clearly didn’t know what he was like off camera because he was the least charming man Beomgyu’s ever met.
When Beomgyu first met the hockey team five years ago, it was at a large company party hosted by the chairmen.
As a junior skater, Beomgyu had looked forward to meeting a fellow rookie, only to be completely put off when he overheard the entire team talking about another figure skater, downright making fun of his career.
Since that day he’s held a grudge of sorts and never gave the hockey team another chance to belittle him.
So, you could say, there was a bit of tension between the figure skaters and hockey players, so much so that he was quite interested to see how the commercial they were planning on doing would pan out.
He simply hoped he didn’t have to be alone with them, most of all the star player of the Rockets.
༺༻
With a sour expression, Beomgyu watched from behind the glass border as the hockey players skated around on the ice. A little part of him died inside when he saw one of them come to an abrupt stop, cutting up the ice in return.
Scanning the area, he took note of the camera crew and various equipment and staff. Even on the borders, there were people rushing, greeting him with an out of breath “Hello” before racing off to do another task.
Eyeing the hockey team again, Beomgyu caught his gaze—Choi Yeonjun—making his lips thin and his eyes lower into a deadpan upon being spotted.
Dammit.
With an annoyed inhale, Beomgyu pushed the door to the rink open and stepped onto the ice as if it were any other floor.
He looked away from Yeonjun, pretending he didn’t catch the slight smile that spread across the captain's lips. He busied himself with fixing his tight long sleeve.
They were doing an ad for an athletic brand their company sponsored. Beomgyu nearly rejected but his boss offered him a pretty penny for a few seconds of screentime.
Lifting his head, Beomgyu slowly skated towards the camera crew, asking about what they needed him to do.
“Sorry, we’re still waiting for the director. Feel free to chat with the others or get something to snack on.” Said some guy with a headset and jacket that read “CREW.”
Blinking, Beomgyu smiled stiffly then nodded.
Begrudgingly, Beomgyu turned towards the team, feeling more than awkward as he stood between the crew and the hockey players.
Then, like a saint, someone else emerged from the border of the rink, blonde hair frazzled and cheeks slightly pink as he hopped onto the ice.
“Sorry!” He shouted across the rink. “Did I miss anything?” Huening Kai heaved, helmet stuffed under his arm as he strode towards the crew.
Suddenly, the blonde’s stress vanished, replaced with pleasant surprise when he saw Beomgyu.
“Beomgyu! Hey, good to see you.”
Before Beomgyu could respond, the younger pushed forward with one foot to slide closer, wrapping an arm around him in a friendly side hug.
Beomgyu didn’t miss the chance to inhale, heart fluttering when the scent of his body spray invaded his senses.
“Huening, hey.” He responded, trying to act casual as Kai pulled away, still looking at him with that damn smile. “It’s been so long.” Beomgyu added, feeling his insides heat when Huening cocked his head.
“How have you-” The blonde started but was cut off.
“Huening!” Someone from the team called and they both looked over.
Beomgyu’s expression hardened when he made eye contact with Kang Taehyun, his chocolate hair perfectly fluffy and his round eyes shining with disdain.
He never really talked to the guy but it seemed like one day the player decided Beomgyu was the scum of the earth. He would say that Kang Taehyun was arguably worse than Choi Yeonjun. That is, until Yeonjun made eye contact with him from across the rink, sending him a teasing wink. Beomgyu’s face twisted in disgust.
Yeonjun at least showed his dislike through teasing and harmless looks whereas Taehyun looked as if he wanted to knock Beomgyu clean on his ass.
Lifting his hockey stick, “I’m coming!” Huening reassured him and Beomgyu watched as Taehyun continued to glare at him.
“Hey.” Kai’s voice stole his attention.
Beomgyu's eyes darted to him.
“We should catch up sometime.” Suggested the younger and Beomgyu felt his heartbeat quicken.
“Yeah that’d be great.” Beomgyu replied, perhaps a little too eager.
Smiling, “With all the promotions I feel like I never get to hang out with friends anymore.”
…Oh.
With a strained smile, “Right.” Beomgyu answered half heartedly, heart tightening painfully.
“See you out there.” Kai said then gently knocked him on the shoulder, looking away from him as the hockey team began skating in their direction.
Feeling the area he touched tingle, Beomgyu lifted his hand to touch his shoulder, the sting from being friendzoned, again, lingering for a moment before he shoved the feeling away.
Unfortunately, in a world where he believed all hockey players were the textbook definition of “assholes,” there was Huening Kai. A sweet, beautiful man who had the balls to defend Beomgyu when some team from New Jersey made fun of him.
The moment he overheard Kai’s sweet words, Beomgyu developed an…infatuation. One that has since grown over the past year but left him too afraid to pursue the man, leaving him where he was now. Nothing more than a casual friend to the athlete.
During his first attempt at flirting, it seemed to go right over Kai’s head. Then it happened again. And again. Until it became a recurring theme, leading him to question if his flirtation was coming off as too friendly or if Huening Kai was actually not attracted to him.
Beomgyu wasn’t the type to toot his own horn, well, yes he was, but still he knew he was good at attracting men. All he had to do was bat his eyelashes and cock his head and they were practically throwing themselves at him.
So why?
Cutting off his trail of thoughts was the hockey team drifting to a stop, cutting up the ice beneath their blades, making Beomgyu cringe.
Beomgyu folded his arms over his chest, chin lifting a fraction as he looked at each of them with disinterest. All of them glanced his way but most of them either smiled or looked elsewhere, uninterested.
His gaze, against his will, landed on Yeonjun. Up close, he noticed the captain's hair was damp from what he assumed was water—probably the makeup crew trying to make him look sweaty—dark strands pushed back from his forehead in a way that made his sharp features pop. There was a slight flush on his skin from the chill of the rink, his chest rising slow and steady beneath the black compression shirt that peaked out from beneath some hoodie he wore from the brand they were promoting.
That knowing smile returned to Yeonjun’s lips the second he caught Beomgyu looking.
“Well,” Yeonjun said, voice flat with amusement, “look who showed up.”
Beomgyu frowned. “What? I’m on time.” He answered matter of factly, already sick of his presence.
Yeonjun’s eyes flicked briefly toward where Kai had skated off to join Taehyun before settling back on him.
With a knowing eyebrow lift, “Rejected again?” Yeonjun probed and Beomgyu’s expression immediately hardened, eyes darting to Kai to ensure he was out of earshot.
Through his teeth, “Would you shut up?” He grit and Yeonjun’s smile grew.
There was something nasty forming in the pit of his stomach, close to hatred but, before Beomgyu could question why he was so smiley, someone on the crew shouted, “Ok, everyone she’s here!”
More crew members began flooding the rink as the director, a short woman in a baggy sweatshirt with a coffee in hand, hurried onto the ice with the confidence of someone who absolutely should not have been trusted on skates.
“Perfect, perfect,” she said, clapping once as her eyes drifted between Beomgyu and Yeonjun. “Exactly the chemistry I want.” She let out a heavy breath. “Sorry for the wait guys.”
Beomgyu and Yeonjun both turned to look at her.
“Chemistry?” Beomgyu said, feeling disgusted by the insinuation.
The director beamed, completely missing the hostility in air as she accepted someone's offer to hold her coffee. “Thanks.” She told the man before facing them. “Yeah. The concept is rivalry meets respect. The sponsor wants intensity and he said the ad needs to leave an impact and with both of your reputations it's perfect for exposure.”
Beomgyu’s stomach dropped, he assumed as much but he was getting nervous about what exactly that entailed.
The director accepted a clipboard, flipping through her notes. “The opening shot starts with Yeonjun skating toward center ice. Beomgyu glides in from the opposite side. You stop right here.” She pointed in the marked spot on the center of the rink. “Face to face, like you’re challenging each other.”
Beomgyu stared unblinking, hating the image alone.
Though, if it was a rivalry concept they were going for, he figured it wouldn’t take too long.
He slowly turned his head toward Yeonjun, only to find the hockey captain already looking at him, something cold and entertained flickering behind his eyes as he shrugged.
“No problem coach!” Yeonjun joked using that charming voice he was certain was only for show, earning a laugh from the director.
Looking away, Beomgyu’s eye twitched. “Which side of the rink am I on?” He asked kindly, knowing it wasn’t the woman’s fault the hockey team grated his nerves.
Smiling at him she pointed at the left side of the rink. “There. Oh! But before you start skating I’m gonna need you to do some things so just wait for instruction.”
“Got it.” He responded then swiftly skated past Yeonjun, avoiding his gaze as he did so.
Over the past year, he’s learned that Yeonjun loves attention. He thrived off of it. So, the best way to get on the captain's nerves was to simply not acknowledge him. Something that was easier said than done considering how pushy the older could be.
“Ok this is just going to be a duo shot at first then we’ll do the hockey team and Beomgyu individually.” She instructed.
The crew scrambled into position while the cameraman adjusted the rig on the moving track. Lights reflected off the ice familiarly, making Beomgyu’s eyes shine as he stared at the surface.
“Ready?” the director called in his direction and Beomgyu’s head snapped up.
Painting on a smile, he gave a thumbs up and the next thing he knew the director's voice filled the large rink with a microphone.
She instructed him to act like he was warming up, tapping the ice with his skates, subtly adjusting the gloves on his wrists to show off the brand logo.
All too soon, he was being ordered to skate towards the middle, eyeing the captain in front of him as he did so.
Beomgyu pushed off first, gliding backward into the mark with ease. Across from him, Yeonjun skated forward with powerful strokes. Then he leaned back, blades scraping the ice until it sprayed near Beomgyu’s skates.
Smoothly, Yeonjun came to a stop, inches away from him and he released a puff of air that wisped against Beomgyu’s face.
Too close.
Way too close.
“Good now hold eye contact.” The director guided them. “Yeonjun, grip your stick.” She said and Beomgyu watched as the captain's face contorted, a snort slipping past his lips as he looked away with a laugh.
Beomgyu let out a sigh, amazed by his immaturity.
Apologetically, Yeonjun waved to the staff. “Dammit sorry that caught me off guard.” He hunched over, still laughing and Beomgyu blinked as the director and a handful of crew members laughed with him.
He couldn’t blame them. To anyone, Yeonjun’s goofy personality would be charming. He always had a way of drawing people in, making them feel comfortable and at ease. But that was because they didn’t know what he was like when there weren’t cameras on him. Whether the charm was real or fake, Beomgyu would never forget the words he overheard that day:
“Just a pretty boy twirling on ice.”
Just thinking about it left him wanting to scowl but he was professional enough to hold it in, waiting in silence as everyone tried to compose themselves.
“Phew-” The director wiped a tear from her eye. “Ok, let's try it again.”
Shoving down his annoyance, Beomgyu ignored the hockey player, skating back to the side of the ice, waiting for his cue.
The overhead lights were being adjusted, the spotlight shifting to make it more dramatic.
“And go!” She called out and Beomgyu schooled his expression, an immense calm washing over him as he gracefully skated across the ice.
At the same time, Yeonjun flipped his hockey stick then followed after him, his form strong and, simultaneously, they came to a stop, ice shavings coming up around them as they locked gazes, their expressions tough. It was clear they were both trying their hardest to match the concept. Maybe a little too much because the director was yelling “cut!”
Blinking, Beomgyu instantly broke the eye contact to stare at her. She was mumbling something to the camera crew, before focusing on them.
“Your guys’ form is great but it gets a little stiff towards the end. Try not to look so angry.”
Placing his hands on his hips, Beomgyu licked his lips. “I thought the concept was rivals.”
She nodded. “Yes but think rivals with mutual respect for one another.”
Beomgyu spared a glance at the hockey player then back to her.
Respect?
For this guy?
Smiling softly, “You got it,” Beomgyu answered, earning a low scoff from the captain on his left.
Within minutes they were back in their places, this time with new lighting and new directions.
“Alright, keep skating and when you reach your markers don’t come to a full stop, just slow down then kind of glide towards one another while making eye contact.”
Pumping himself up, Beomgyu cracked his head both ways, bouncing himself to rid his body of any stiffness before she bellowed out, “Go!”
They followed her instructions, slowing when they reached the red markers on the ice and, unfortunately, it led to them not being able to stop soon enough, the ice making them glide until they bumped into one another.
Yeonjun’s chest was solid, and, with great effort, neither of them touched each other as they shuffled backwards on their skates.
Meeting Yeonjun’s gaze, the captain smiled, all teeth before he turned to the director.
Furrowing his eyebrows, Beomgyu followed his gaze, rubbing his chest that was faintly sore from the impact.
“Did you get hurt?” He heard from beside him and Beomgyu raised a brow, side-eying him with a look that said, “really?”
Anyone else might’ve taken it as genuine concern but Beomgyu could practically feel the condensation pouring off of him.
Beomgyu closed his eyes with a deep exhale.
He knew snapping back was exactly what Yeonjun wanted, which is why he practiced great restraint.
But-
Beomgyu turned to him with a bored glare and Yeonjun’s smile grew.
He really makes it difficult to hold back.
“Shut up.” He muttered under his breath, lashes fluttering with annoyance as he averted his eyes.
He could still feel Yeonjun’s gaze on him followed by a low laugh and Beomgyu let out another annoyed breath, waiting impatiently for the director to finish her talk with the crew before giving them more instructions.
It was going to be the longest day of his life.
༺༻
The second the director yelled “That’s a wrap!” Beomgyu couldn't get off the ice fast enough.
In the locker room, he aggressively ripped his skates off, tossing them into his bag with much more force than necessary. His chest was still faintly sore from where he’d collided with Yeonjun, only adding onto his frustration.
“I swear to God, if that man winks at me one more time, I’m filing a formal complaint with corporate,” Beomgyu aggressively whined into his phone, holding it on speaker as he pulled a hoodie over his head.
On the other end of the line, Soobin snorted. “It’s for the brand. Just ignore him.”
Beomgyu huffed, shoving his feet into his sneakers. He grabbed his phone and Dior bag then rushed into the hallway, his jaw clenching as he passed a giant promotional poster of the New York Rockets.
Of course Yeonjun’s face was in the center and he tried not to roll his eyes. “I need a drink.” He groaned.
“Well, perfect timing,” Soobin hummed, the sound of a rustling bag audible over the line. “The parent company is throwing a post-shoot mixer at that uptown lounge tonight. The volleyball guys said they’re heading over now.”
Beomgyu continued down the lobby, pursing his lips in consideration before his face twisted. “Was the hockey team invited?” He asked flatly, already knowing the answer.
“I mean…That just means Kai will be there too, right?” Soobin teased.
Beomgyu bit his lip, his irritation replaced with flutters at the thought of the blonde.
“There’s an open bar.” Soobin added and Beomgyu perked up, hitting the elevator button.
“Alright I’ll be there in an hour and a half.”
༺༻
Tapping his glass on the bar counter, Beomgyu’s eyes tracked Huening Kai as he stood at one of the round tables with a woman, smiling kindly at whatever bullshit she was feeding him.
Lifting his glass, Beomgyu tipped it back, downing the rest of the champagne and immediately reaching for a new one when the server was about to pass him.
“Thanks.” He muttered, then went right back to staring.
His head was fuzzy, but it was expected considering he couldn’t recall how many glasses he’s had over the past couple of hours.
And Soobin…he had no clue where he ran off to but, knowing him, he was probably on his way back to some guy’s place while Beomgyu sat alone at the bar, wishing he could take Huening Kai home.
Huffing, Beomgyu rested his elbow on the marble counter, cheek resting in his palm as he pouted.
Stupid Soobin and his stupid luck. He always got the guys he wanted, meanwhile Beomgyu was constantly being friendzoned, only approached by the ones he didn’t want.
“Stare any harder and he’ll probably run away.”
The voice made his eyes roll to the back of his skull.
My point exactly.
“What do you want?” Beomgyu drunkenly groaned, lowering his hand on the counter as he looked to his left.
Taking a seat on the barstool beside him, Choi Yeonjun threw one of his charming smiles at the bartender and wiggled his glass.
When he met Beomgyu’s eyes, he raised his brows with a teasing grin and Beomgyu made a sound of disgust.
Laughing, Yeonjun leaned into his side, “Come on, I haven’t even done anything yet.”
“Exactly. Yet.” Beomgyu snapped, picking up his flute of champagne to take a much needed sip.
“If anything you should take my advice.”
Still drinking, Beomgyu furrowed his brow, staring at him over his glass.
Yeonjun nodded his head in the direction behind Beomgyu. “If you stare at your target too long, they can’t stare back at you.”
Swallowing, Beomgyu lowered the glass onto the counter harsher than he intended, his mind and body at a disconnect with all the alcohol, making him clumsy.
“I wasn’t staring that much and you need to mind your business.” Beomgyu replied as the bartender placed another one of Yeonjun’s manly looking drinks in front him and the captain nodded at him in thanks, picking it up as he eyed Beomgyu again. Squinting, “And stop with the stupid remarks.” Beomgyu pointed a drunken finger at him and Yeonjun raised his brows, amused. “He’s gonna piece it together if you keep saying that stuff around him.”
With a look akin to pity, Yeonjun sipped his drink then scoffed. “It’s a little too late for that.” Yeonjun placed the glass onto the bartop. “If I noticed, he definitely has.” Something in the way he phrased that told Beomgyu he knew more than he was letting on, making Beomgyu’s stomach churn.
His eyes widened, and he found himself leaning closer into his space before he could help it. “What do you mean?”
In faux innocence, Yoenjun shrugged, “I don’t know.” He grabbed his drink. “You told me to mind my business right?” He teased, taking another drink and Beomgyu glared at him, though Yeonjun's answering smile told him it wasn’t very threatening.
“No, tell me.” Beomgyu’s words slurred faintly and Yeonjun laughed, his cheeks tinged pink, the alcohol making him giggly whereas it made Beomgyu unfiltered.
“For being so p-” Yeonjun bit his lip, then quickly rephrased whatever he wanted to say. “You’re too…available.” Is what he settled on and Beomgyu’s brows furrowed.
Darting back in offence. “I am not.”
Yeonjun’s brows lifted. “You are.” He took another drink, wincing from the strong taste before continuing. “You accept literally anything he offers you and you’re overly- nice.”
Beomgyu spluttered. “I am nice.” Yeonjun gave him a look and Beomgyu mirrored his expression mockingly. “Just not to you,” his voice was sassier than usual, but he couldn’t find it in him to care. Professionalism be damned.
“Well even if you somehow are nice, it seems fake. Try- I don’t know- teasing him or something.”
Beomgyu tried to imagine teasing Kai and he simply couldn’t. “He’s such an angel though.” Muttered the younger, zoning out as pictured Huening teasing him back.
Snorting, “Please, Kai’s always fucking with us.”
“Well yeah, you’re his teamates.” Beomgyu countered even though, technically, Yeonjun did know Kai better than Beomgyu did.
“Trust me. He doesn’t want you because he knows you're into him but you’re not making any kind of moves. Take that girl for example-” Yeonjun nodded at Kai and the woman he was talking to and Beomgyu turned to his right, his pout returning when he saw she had moved closer.
“She’s being bold.” Yeonjun’s voice was right over his shoulder, making him flinch but he kept his gaze on the blonde. “Kai’s too respectful to make that kind of move on anyone. He needs someone to take the lead or give him a reason to pursue them.”
Beomgyu furrowed his brows, hating that his words made sense.
“Okay…” Beomgyu looked away, eying the captain who was a safe distance away again, taking another swig of his drink.
“So I should just make a move?”
Swallowing, Yeonjun shook his head vehemently. “No- God no.” Yeonjun spread his legs as he turned his entire body to him, his dark denim catching Beomgyu’s attention for a brief second before he darted his eyes up. “You’re already friendly so it’d be too sudden. You gotta get his attention another way.”
Feeling a strange pressure in his head, Beomgyu tried to follow what he was saying.
“Another way…” He blinked slowly, then buried his head in his arms on the counter with a whine. “You're not making any sense.” He slurred and Yeonjun laughed. “What’do you mean another way?” He murmured into his arm.
“Well.” Yeonjun leaned in. “He was avoiding looking at you before.” He spoke quietly, breath faintly hitting the tip of his ear. “But since I sat down, he’s been glancing at us.”
Beomgyu lifted his head instantly, turning to Yeonjun who was leaning down to speak to him.
Wide eyed, “Seriously?” Beomgyu went to look over his shoulder but Yeonjun was quick to grip his knee.
“Are you crazy? Don’t look.”
Furrowing his brows, “What the hell. Can you blame me?” He retorted, lowering his hand to push Yeonjun’s hand off his knee.
Yeonjun shook his head, muttering something under his breath as he reached for his glass and downed the rest of his drink.
Beomgyu noticed a drop fall onto his grey button up but he didn’t say anything, he simply averted his eyes to pick up his own glass, finishing it off in one go.
He was going to need it if Yeonjun decided to keep talking to him. He wasn’t even sure why he decided to strike up a conversation but Beomgyu was too drunk to dwell over it.
Apparently his mouth had other plans. “Why do you even care? You bring it up almost every time I see you.”
Shrugging, Yeonjun hummed out “I don’t know,” and Beomgyu deadpanned.
“I’m just in a similar boat I guess. But you’re so damn hopeless it almost makes me feel proud of myself.”
Shaking his head with a squint, Beomgyu mouthed, ‘what.’ “What are you even saying?” He murmured, his chest burning now from the alcohol.
Pressing his knuckles to his cheeks, Beomgyu felt the heat of them and realized he should probably drink some water.
Before Yeonjun could answer his question, Beomgyu lit up.
Snapping his fingers, “Oh!” he turned to the older. “You and that actor!” Beomgyu said, louder than he intended and Yeonjun looked around before telling him to quiet down.
“No no, I remember.” Beomgyu reached out without thinking, resting his hand on Yeonjun’s forearm. “You dated that celebrity right? Soobin was telling me you guys have this weird on and off again thing going on.”
Yeonjun recoiled, slipping his arm out from between Beomgyu’s palm and the bar counter. “How the hell does he know that?”
Pursing his lips, Beomgyu lifted his hands with a shrug. “He knows everything.” Beomgyu leaned in closer to whisper, “Everything,” and Yeonjun backed away.
“Ew your breath smells like champagne.” He grimaced and Beomgyu, being as intoxicated as he was, let his intrusive thoughts take over, leading him to part his lips and exhale right in his face, hot and with an exaggerated sound.
Yeonjun’s face darted to the side but a laugh slipped past his lips, drawing a giggle out of him as well.
That’s how he really knew he was drunk. Otherwise there would never be an instance where he laughed in the presence of Choi Yeonjun.
“Bartender!” Beomgyu whipped around, raising a hand to get the man’s attention. “A water pleasssse?” He sang and Yeonjun snorted from beside him.
“Yeah good call.” Yeonjun muttered, spinning his empty glass on the counter.
As the bartender reached down to grab a bottle of water, Beomgyu laid his cheek in his palm again, staring at the hockey player with half lidded eyes.
“But you and the actor. What’s with that?”
Yeonjun snorted, smiling as he met his gaze. “I’m not telling you. Knowing you, you’d use it to blackmail me or something.”
“Ah- I would not.” Beomgyu paused, then pursed his lips. “Well…”
“Exactly.” Yeonjun eyed the water that was placed in front of Beomgyu before continuing. “There’s not much to tell anyways.”
Slowly, Beomgyu blinked, processing his words slower than usual before he clicked his tongue. “You’re so lying.” Beomgyu accused, slapping his arm onto the counter as he straightened out on the stool. Grabbing the bottle of water with a nod to the bartender, Beomgyu cracked the lid open. “I think I saw an article about it once.” Beomgyu paused, deep in thought before admittedly giving up in favor of taking three large gulps.
“Hmm?” Yeonjun’s voice was teasing and Beomgyu instantly groaned around the rim of his water bottle. “Keeping tabs on me are you?” Yeonjun’s voice was dripping with confidence, making Beomgyu want to gag.
Swallowing, Beomgyu turned to him, completely unimpressed. “Honestly I couldn't care less about you.” Beomgyu pursed his lips. “But I have friends who are fans.” And friends who bring you up specifically to annoy me.
Eying the hockey captain, Beomgyu saw his smile drop, annoyance flashing in his eyes as he turned in his stool to face the party. “Are you seriously still mad about what I said back then?” Asked the man and Beomgyu raised an eyebrow.
“I’m sorry, that doesn’t sound like someone who regrets what they said.” Beomgyu countered and Yeonjun’s head rolled towards him, his eyes completely unserious and void of sincerity.
“I was young and surrounded by a bunch of assholes.” Yeonjun tried to reason but it only made Beomgyu cringe internally.
“Yeah, well so was Huening Kai but he still stood up for someone like me.” Beomgyu replied, each word filled with sass.
Resting his elbows behind him on the bar counter, Yeonjun narrowed his eyes at him. “So that’s why.” He sang and Beomgyu sealed his lips shut.
God damnit.
Yeonjun’s smile grew wicked. “I was wondering why someone like you fell for a hockey player.”
Repulsed, Beomgyu scoffed. “Someone like me?”
Humming, Yeonjun eyed him up and down. “An avid hockey hater. I mean-” With his hanging hand, Yeonjun pointed between the two of them as if that pretty much summed up Beomgyu’s feelings towards the athletes.
He wasn’t entirely wrong so Beomgyu simply shrugged with a slight pout.
“He’s different, I don’t know.” Realizing he didn’t owe Yeonjun jack shit, his face twisted, defensiveness building up in his chest until it came spewing out of his mouth. “Actually, it’s none of your damn business. Why are you even here?”
Giving him a look as if he were dumb, “Uh? I work for the company?”
“Not the party smartass, I mean why are you here?” Beomgyu’s eyes widened as he gestured around his vicinity.
“Well, most of the guys ditched me in favor of getting laid so I figured I’d wait for Kai to fumble that hot chick so I could hang with him but-” Yeonjun gasped sarcastically. “As I walked towards him I could feel a weird, bone chilling, sensation coming from the bar.” Grinning, Yeonjun leaned in a fraction. “Wanna know what that sensation was?”
Glaring, Beomgyu licked his teeth.
In a fake pout, Yeonjun nodded sympathetically. “It was desperation.” He closed his eyes, placing a hand on his temple dramatically as he continued. “It was so strong that I just had to look and- oh!” His eyes flew open, turning to Beomgyu. “What did I see?” He lightly pouted. “It was you. In all of your sad, desperate glory. You know- I almost felt bad for you.” He nodded with a serious glint in his eyes.
“Ugh.” Beomgyu rolled his eyes in disgust. What an asshole. “Well thank you, truly, for demonstrating your awful story telling skills but I’d rather be desperate and alone than have to talk to you so-” Beomgyu retorted with zero remorse, his head spinning slightly from the alcohol.
“Oh cute-” Yeonjun hummed. “I didn’t know you knew that many words.”
Fixing a glare onto the athlete, Yeonjun laughed, his own eyes glazed over, cheeks flushed and movements slightly sluggish.
In surrender, Yeonjun raised his hands then slowly stood from the bar stool. “Fine, ok, I got it. I’ll leave you to be desperate and pitiful.”
“Mmm, thanks.” Beomgyu fixed his gaze onto the rows of alcohol, watching the dim party lights reflecting off the glass.
“One piece of advice though.”
Furrowing his brows, Beomgyu turned to look over his shoulder, startled to find the athlete standing tall, right beside him, forcing him to crane his head all the way back to meet his eyes.
Tapping his finger on the bar, Yeonjun leaned down a bit, but not enough that it was uncomfortable.
“Kai needs to be pushed into pursuing things. Whether it be in hockey or romance, he needs to fear losing it to get him to chase it.”
Slowly, Beomgyu blinked, swearing he was seeing two Yeonjun’s.
“Chase…” Beomgyu mumbled, not quite following.
Tilting his head, Yeonjun’s eyes danced across Beomgyu’s face with a devilish smirk. Beomgyu didn’t really have time to process what followed because before he knew it, Yeonjun’s head was right beside his own and he felt warm breaths against his ear, making him shudder subtly.
“Make him jealous. Jealous enough that he thinks you’ll never look at him again. And you’ll have him in the palm of your hand.”
Feeling his heart flutter at the thought, Beomgyu backed away slightly just as Yeonjun drew back, that smirk still on his lips as he took in Beomgyu’s shocked expression.
“Jealous…” Beomgyu repeated, brows furrowing when Yeonjun nodded in Kai’s direction, telling him to look.
Looking over his other shoulder, Beomgyu’s caught Kai watching them, yet he tried to play it off by quickly averting his eyes back to the woman who was still talking.
Beomgyu blinked. With parted lips, his eyes widened at the realization that Yeonjun just proved his point.
Was he jealous?
Of Yeonjun and I?
Blinking again, Beomgyu turned to the older with his same, shell shocked expression, before his eyes narrowed at the captain.
“Why’d you tell me that?” he slurred, suspicious of his intentions.
Shrugging, Yeonjun turned to the bar to accept another drink that he didn’t recall him asking for.
“Take it as part of my apology for what I said back then.” He smiled, bringing the drink to his lips.
Stunned, Beomgyu watched as Yeonjun caught someone's eye from across the room, nodding at them in recognition, already stepping away.
“Wh-” Beomgyu straightened out, baffled by his parting words but he was too drunk to come up with a reply that made sense.
Lacking the emotional energy, Beomgyu let him go without a fuss, shoving the memory as something to come back to later.
Pursing his lips, Beomgyu took another gulp of his water. Feeling his head throb, he winced, lowering the bottle to rub his temples.
Then, once again startling him, was another voice.
“You doing alright?”
Furrowing his brows, Beomgyu turned to his left and his eyes immediately widened, his heart skipping a beat as he slowly turned his head back towards the bar.
It was Huening Kai.
Huening Kai came up to him.
Clearing his throat, Beomgyu straightened out on the barstool then offered him a sheepish smile.
“I may be a bit drunk.” He pinched his thumb and forefinger together as he squinted, drawing a smile out of the blond.
“Yeah I can tell.” Kai mused, glancing at his water bottle before meeting his gaze. “Was Yeonjun bothering you again?” His expression turned sympathetic as he eyed him.
Immediately, Beomgyu parted his lips, ready to answer yes but…
“Make him jealous. Jealous enough that he thinks you’ll never look at him again. And you’ll have him in the palm of your hand.”
Recalling Yeonjun’s advice, Beomgyu averted his eyes to the bar counter, putting on a faux show of shyness as he smiled at the marble.
“Actually no.” He smiled, nibbling on his lip to really lay it on thick. “He was surprisingly nice.” Don’t cringe. Don’t cringe. Turning to the blond, he saw a slight shock in his gaze. “He even offered to call an uber for me.”
Opening his mouth, Kai seemed to lag. “Oh that- is nice.”
Beomgyu wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction. It wasn’t exactly jealousy. If anything he seemed more confused but also curious. He could work with that though. If pretending to be smitten with Yeonjun was what it took to get his attention, he could pretend for a while.
Clearing his throat. “What about you?” Beomgyu asked, playing with his water. “How’s the party so far?”
Shrugging, Kai smiled sweetly at him. “Oh you know…” He picked a fuzz off his button down and flicked it. “Boring.”
Laughing, Beomgyu nodded. “That’s fair.” Eyeing him up and down discreetly, Beomgyu’s brow raised a fraction. Hot.
“So tell me.” Beomgyu rested his face in his palm, staring at him with curiosity. “What would you rather be doing? Right now.”
Raising his brows, “Honestly?” Kai exhaled. “There’s this new game I've been into. It's an rpg where you explore this abandoned city. It’s kind of a mix of dystopian and fantasy but it's really cool.”
Beomgyu blinked.
Wow.
“Oh cool. I haven’t had much time to play lately but I’ve been really into league. Soobin and I have these battles where the loser has to post whatever the winner wants on their Instagram.”
Chuckling, Huening gave him a look. One of interest and Beomgyu recalled yet another thing Yeonjun said.
“Kai needs to be pushed into pursuing things.”
Normally, Beomgyu was the type to be chased and not the other way around but, for Kai, he figured he could be the one to make the move.
“Hey, why don’t you play with us sometime?” Beomgyu offered, keeping his tone casual.
Kai’s eyes widened, a smile spreading across his lips as he nodded. “Yeah sure.” Pulling out his phone, “What’s your gamer ID?”
As they exchanged ID’s, Beomgyu couldn’t help but acknowledge that his success wasn’t only due to his boldness but because of the man eyeing them from across the room.
Glancing over Kai’s shoulder, Beomgyu saw Yeonjun with two other guys but his attention was on them.
Smiling, Yeonjun lifted his drink subtly, as if congratulating him, but Beomgyu could tell his grin was full of pride.
༺༻
“Here let me get that for you.” Some guy offered, holding the door open for Beomgyu as he dragged his feet past him.
Saluting, “Thank you sir!” He cheered, stumbling a bit as he made it outside.
There were a few familiar faces, some waiting for the valet to bring their cars while others waited on their drivers.
Digging into his pocket, Beomgyu pulled out his phone, blinked rapidly when he turned it on and saw nothing but a bright blur.
Squinting, he managed to unlock his phone and pull up his uber app. Seeing he already ordered a driver, he pursed his lips.
“Oh..” he muttered, dropping his phone at his side as he stared at the various cars coming and going.
Humming, Beomgyu swayed back and forth against his will, his head spinning a bit.
After a while, he got a call from his driver, telling him he was there and, after an embarrassing amount of time, Beomgyu found him, and ended up bumping his head as he got in the backseat.
“Sorry~ I’m a little drunk.” He admitted and the driver reassured him it was alright and to shut the door.
“You got it.” He slurred, reaching for the door.
However, when he grabbed the handle someone tugged on it from the outside.
Squinting, Beomgyu craned his head up, brows furrowing when he saw the silhouette of a man, bending down until his head covered the lights from outside, revealing none other than Choi Yeonjun.
Smiling, “Mind if I join?” He asked and began getting in the car before Beomgyu could protest.
As quick as his body would allow, he scooted into the seat behind the driver, wincing when Yeonjun shut the door behind him, the sound making his head throb.
“Do you know this person?” The driver questioned and Beomgyu met his gaze in the review mirror.
“Huh?” He shut his eyes. “Oh yeah.” He waved his hand dismissively, too disoriented to care.
“We were at a company party.” Yeonjun explained and Beomgyu tried to ignore him, resting his head against the seat as they discussed Yeonjun paying a pretty tip to take him to his own place after Beomgyu’s.
Before he knew it, they were driving, and Beomgyu clutched his head, trying to distract himself from the nausea every time the driver hit the brakes.
Beside him, Yeonjun laughed quietly, and Beomgyu’s face twisted even more.
“I thought you were sobering up.” He commented and Beomgyu groaned.
Rubbing his temples, “Kai makes me nervous.” Beomgyu whined, drawing another quiet laugh out of the older.
“Wow, you’re super lame.” Jested the captain and Beomgyu’s eyes peeled open.
Slowly, he turned to glare at him, annoyed to see him already grinning at him.
Blinking, Beomgyu finally processed the fact that Yeonjun was sharing a ride with him and his face morphed into one of pure confusion.
“Why are you here?”
With another drunken laugh, Yeonjun pressed his head back into the leather head rest. “I wanted to talk to you about something but I think you’re too drunk to remember.”
“Huh?” Beomgyu swallowed thickly, his stomach churning from the dizziness. “Why what does huh?” The words spilled from his mouth, his tongue twisted and head a mess. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on getting proper words out while Yeonjun chuckled.
Opening them again, he nearly flinched at the half lidded look Yeonjun was giving him.
“What?”
Sighing, Yeonjun rolled his head to look out the front mirror. “I have a proposition for you. And don’t get the wrong idea or anything, this is purely-”
Holding his hand up, Beomgyu shook his head. “Slow down.”
They stopped at a red light, the soft melody on the radio and the night life of the city filling the car as Beomgyu waited for him to speak again.
Turning his head, Yeonjun met his gaze again and Beomgyu slowly drew his head back, eying him warily.
“Eunso’s coming to New York.” He explained. “He says he doesn’t pay attention to the media but he’s constantly monitoring what I do. Everything.”
Squinting, Beomgyu was still trying to piece together who Eunso was.
Seeing his confusion Yeonjun deadpanned, annoyance flashing in his gaze. “Park Eunso?”
Beomgyu pursed his lips and Yeonjun sighed heavily.
“The actor I’m seeing.” He huffed, words sharp and impatient.
With widened eyes and parted lips Beomgyu nodded, snapping as if he came to the realization on his own.
“Park Eunso, yeah that’s right.”
Sighing, Yeonjun looked at his lap, rubbing his temple as if keeping his emotions in check.
“Anyways, he’s coming to New York in like, two months. So…” Yeonjun met his gaze from the short distance between them, his hand falling onto the middle seat as he eyed him hesitantly. “I thought of something tonight. After seeing you with Huening.”
Furrowing his brows, Beomgyu inhaled deeply, trying to keep up.
I just want to sleep.
“Okayy~” He dragged out the word flatly, only slightly interested but he more so just wanted him to stop talking.
“Eunso doesn’t want anything serious. I won’t get into it but he only gets reactive when he’s jealous.” Yeonjun paused, eyeing him again. “And Kai needs jealousy to make a move.” Yeonjun raised his brows, as if Boemgyu should’ve pieced it together by now.
With puckered lips, Beomgyu shook his head slowly from left to right. “I’m- not following.”
Groaning, Yeonjun knocked his head against the head rest again. “God, how drunk are you?”
Lifting a hand, he pinched his fingers together with a grin. “A little.”
Completely judging him, Yeonjun cringed then shook his head. Holding out his hand, “Hand me your phone.” He said, making a grabby motion.
“My phone?” Beomgyu fished it out of his pocket with a frown. “Why?” He didn’t even fully turn to him before Yeonjun was taking it from his hands, holding it in front of Beomgyu’s face to unlock it.
Startled, Beomgyu sat completely still, watching as the man typed away. It wasn’t long before he shut it off and handed it back to him.
Soon after, Yeonjun’s phone lit up and he began typing something on his phone as well.
“There.” Yeonjun held up his phone, showing a contact card with Beomgyu’s name.
Lowering his phone, Beomgyu was met with Yeonjun’s blank stare. “I put my number in yours too. I’ll send you a text tomorrow when you’re actually coherent.”
Humming, Beomgyu mindlessly rested against the leather, not wanting to speak anymore.
“Hey.” Yeonjun called out but Beomgyu offered no response, shutting his eyes as he rolled his head to look out the window, noticing the city lights began to blur together until everything went black.
“Beomgyu, hello?” He distantly heard, followed by an, “aw fuck.”
༺༻
The sound of something crashing in the kitchen made him jolt awake.
Laying on his stomach, Beomgyu pushed himself up onto his elbows, eyes half lidded and mouth filled with cotton as he heard metal hitting the floor followed by familiar curses from his best friend.
Furrowing his brows, Beomgyu felt his head pound, leading him to lower his head right back onto his pillow, curling his arms around it as he groaned.
God he hated drinking.
It’s nice for maybe five drinks then it basically becomes regret in liquid form.
Regret that he felt for the entire thirty minutes it took for him to get out of bed and into the bathroom.
By the time he met Soobin in the kitchen, whatever mess his friend had made was cleaned up and he was eating one of the pre-made, healthy meal plans Beomgyu subscribed to.
“Oh look who’s alive.” Soobin greeted from his table and Beomgyu grunted, dragging his feet to the cabinet to grab a glass.
He didn’t even question why Soobin was there. Soobin just spawns in apartments sometimes and he’s learned to just accept it.
Pouring himself a glass of water, Beomgyu reached for the headache medicine Soobin must have pulled out for him, dumping two into his palm and popping them in his mouth.
“So, question.” At the table, Soobin was giving him one of his shit eating grins.
Swallowing down the pills, Beomgyu furrowed his brows at the sight. “What?” He raised his glass to take another drink, only to freeze when Soobin asked, “Why did Choi Yeonjun bring you home last night?”
Snorting, Beomgyu laughed only to wince when it made his head throb. “What the hell are you talking about? He didn’t…” Slowly, Beomgyu’s smile dropped, certain memories appearing through the fog in his head.
Them sitting at the bar, Yeonjun giving him advice, them sharing an uber..? Then…
Lowering the glass onto the counter, Beomgyu’s mouth dropped, his hand coming up to cover it in horror.
What happened after that?
“Oh my god.” He muttered into his palm. The shock quickly morphed into disgust as he drew his hand back. “Why the hell did he bring me home?”
Chuckling, Soobin took another bite and Beomgyu whined. “Stop enjoying this. What the hell.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Nothing happened.” He said, reassuring Soobin but also himself. “We just shared a ride. That’s it.”
Raising his brows, Soobin hummed. “I thought you didn’t like him.”
Sharply, “I don’t” Beomgyu defended. “He just talked to me about…um…” Beomgyu placed his hand on his hip, trying to recall what he was telling him in the car.
Darting his eyes back up, he saw Soobin absolutely loving his turmoil, making him deadpan.
“Seriously, nothing happened.” Beomgyu’s voice teetered on the edge of a growl just as his phone pinged with a notification.
“Mhm, sure. You seemed to be pretty close when he dropped you off.” Soobin commented and Beomgyu’s face flashed with panic.
“What do you mean?” He mindlessly reached for his phone.
“You were drunk and he was holding onto you so you wouldn’t fall. It was cute, honestly surprised me.”
Pinching his brows, “Why were you even he-” Beomgyu’s words cut off when he tapped on his phone screen; the text notification made his heart stop.
“Oh fuck…” Beomgyu threw his phone onto the counter, making a sound of disgust as he all but leaped away from the counter. “What the fuck? What the fuck?” Beomgyu met Soobin’s curious eyes from across the way, pointing at the phone as if it wronged him. “Yeonjun texted me. Choi fucking Yeonjun texted me. Why the hell does he have my number?”
With a breath of shock, Soobin stood from the table with a grin. Excitedly, “No way.” He rushed to Beomgyu’s side, picking up the phone and laughing when he saw the notification for himself.
“Oh my god he did.” Soobin laughed some more and Beomgyu smacked him across the chest.
“It’s not funny.” With pinched brows, Beomgyu pressed himself against his side as he stared at his lockscreen.
Shoving the phone towards Beomgyu, “Well open it.”
“Are you crazy? I should just block him.”
Giving him a look, “No, what if something happened and he’s trying to make amends.” Soobin gasped, his smile growing. “What if you guys made out?”
Cringing, Beomgyu tried not to gag but the mental image was already in his head, making him feel even more sick than before.
“Ew.” Beomgyu snatched the phone out of his hand. “Give me that.” He hissed, unlocking it to prove that absolutely nothing happened and Yeonjun was probably just messaging him as his new way of messing with him.
Nearly pressing his cheek to Beomgyu’s own, Soobin watched as he tapped on the notification.
Together they read it and Beomgyu’s heart dropped to the pit of his stomach.
Yo, remember me? You were probably too drunk to remember but you promised me coffee for almost puking on me. Meet me at St. Ann's on twelfth. It’s down the street from the rink. I’ll be there at 2.
[Choi Yeonjun: 12:33 p.m]
I think we have some things to talk about.
[Choi Yeonjun: 12:34 p.m]
Beomgyu stared at the message despite his best friend laughing beside him, knocking him once on the shoulder before he walked back to the table.
What. The fuck.
“Holy shit, I was kidding about kissing but what if-”
“Dont!” Beomgyu held out a finger in warning, turning off his phone as he glared at him. “Just don’t.”
This isn’t happening.
“It’s nothing.” Beomgyu nodded, his smile deranged as he nodded to himself. “We probably got in a fight or something.”
Soobin gave him a look. One that made Beomgyu want to smack him across the face but he was too stunned to comment on it.
“So are you gonna go?”
And that was the big question.
He debated it throughout the entirety of his small meal, through his shower, as he got dressed and, yes, even as he stood outside of St. Ann’s. A cafe and deli?
Swallowing thickly, Beomgyu checked the time.
2.13
He could still leave.
He was already late so it wouldn’t make a difference.
But on the off chance that something did happen—on the very off chance—he figured talking it out was better than pretending it never happened.
He waited for a couple in front of him to walk inside before he followed, offering them thanks as they held the door open for him.
Searching the cafe, Beomgyu quickly spotted him. As much as he hated to admit it, Yeonjun had a certain air about him. One that separated him from everyone else. It’s one of the reasons he’s so loved by the media. He simply had an energy about him that very few possessed.
Exhaling deeply, Beomgyu forced his feet forward, stuffing his hands into his bomber jacket as the warmth of the room contrasted to the chilly air outside.
Seated at a table pressed against the window, Yeonjun scrolled on his phone with a straight face, leaning back in his chair where his athletic jacket hung.
Swallowing nervously, Beomgyu came to a few feet away, clearing his throat just as Yeonjun glanced up from his phone.
The older shot a quick look at his phone then back to him. “You’re late.” He teased and Beomgyu rolled his eyes, avoiding eye contact as he peeled off his jacket and hung it on his chair before taking a seat.
“You should be glad I even came.” Beomgyu grumbled, tugging on the cuffs of his long sleeve as the older stared at him from across the table.
“Mm, I am shocked.” He said, sounding bored. “I half expected you to block me.”
Beomgyu’s eyes darted up.
I considered it.
Yeonjun’s brows lifted, amused, and Beomgyu averted his eyes.
“What’d you wanna talk about?” He got straight to the point, not particularly enjoying his company. Even less with a hangover.
“Wow, not even a ‘how are you?’ Or ‘did you get home safe?’ You know it wasn’t easy getting you to your apartment.” Yeonjun reached for his americano and Beomgyu shot him a dirty look.
“Why did you take me home?”
With his lips around his straw, Yeonjun’s brows furrowed. Lowering his cup, “You don’t remember?”
Beomgyu’s eyes widened, shaking his head no.
“At all?” Yeonjun pressed and Beomgyu sighed.
“No. I kind of remember you being in the car with me then it all just goes black.” He explained and Yeonjun’s lips slowly stretched into a grin.
“So-” he leaned forward in his seat, resting his hands on the table as he eyed him. “You don’t remember what we did in the elevator?”
Beomgyu’s heart stopped.
Swallowing thickly, “Huh?” His voice cracked slightly, leading him to clear his throat nervously. “Wh-what did we do in the elevator?”
Licking his lips, Yeonjun’s eyes fell to Beomgyu’s own and he instantly stiffened.
“Well you made the first move, not me.”
Although he couldn’t see his own face, Beomgyu was sure he was as pale as a ghost.
“We didn’t…”
Yeonjun continued to stare at him but, within a matter of seconds, his expression cracked, a snort escaping his lips before he fully began laughing in his face.
Beomgyu’s face went flat, his lips thin and eyes half lidded as he realized he was just fucking with him.
Falling back in his chair with both relief and irritation, he scoffed. “You’re an asshole, you know that right?”
Laughing some more, Yeonjun shrugged. “Come on, it was a little funny.”
Beomgyu’s face remained blank and Yeonjun lifted his hands lightly off the table. “Okay, fine, sorry.” He surrendered though it wasn’t sincere. “You passed out in the car so I had to carry you to your apartment. You’re heavier than you look, you know?”
Resting his elbows on the table, Beomgyu rubbed beside his eyes in hopes of relieving the stress that came with listening to him speak.
Yeonjun continued. “I tried unlocking your door but you kept giving me the wrong code then that guy- uhh-” His brows twisted before his face lit up. “Soobin, right, he answered the door.” His eyes turned curious. “I didn’t know you guys lived together.” He suddenly commented and Beomgyu groaned.
“We don’t and stop talking, you’re making my headache worse.”
Eyeing him, the captain laughed through his nose, tapping on the table in thought before he eventually tilted his head in wonder.
“So you don’t remember anything I said last night?” Yeonjun questioned and Beomgyu shot him another annoyed glance.
“No. I told you I remember you being in the car, that's it.” Beomgyu’s voice was sharp, rudeness that only came out around Yeonjun.
“Hm.” Yeonjun didn’t seem fazed by the information, if anything he seemed perfectly at ease which also annoyed the younger.
“Didn’t you drink too? How are you so-” He waved his hand in his direction. “Chirpy.”
Yeonjun smiled again and Beomgyu truly wondered how he managed to smile so much. He also found himself questioning if it were real or if it was just another facade.
“It's called water, food and tylenol.” He counted his fingers for each one. “Magical combination.” His voice was laced with sarcasm. The only reason Beomgyu didn’t roll his eyes was out of fear it’d make him nauseous.
“Okay just get on with whatever we need to talk about.” Beomgyu said, his irritation growing by the minute.
Just then, some waitress came by with a deconstructed sandwich in a bowl, placing it in front of Yeonjun who shot her a blinding smile.
“Thank you.” His voice lowered an octave and Beomgyu narrowed his eyes at the obvious ploy to charm her.
She gave him a kind smile in response before turning to head back to the counter.
With mild disgust, Beomgyu watched as the man stirred his salad, completely ignoring Beomgyu’s request to start talking.
The captain then had the audacity to look at him like he was crazy.
“Aren’t you gonna get something?” He took a bite and Beomgyu’s eye actually twitched.
“No. I’m actually this close to leaving.” He held out his hand, fingers pinched together to show his thin patience.
“Alright damn.” Yeonjun said around his food, swallowing it down then flushing it with his americano. “I’d rather not get into the details again so I’ll keep it short.”
Yeonjun leaned back in his chair, looking him dead in the eyes as he said, “Let’s date.”
Beomgyu didn’t flinch. In fact, he didn’t even blink at first, he simply stared at him with a blank expression because- surely, he misheard him.
Finally, a laugh escaped Beomgyu’s lips, his head dropping as he shook his head.
“Wow, okay.” He laughed some more. “I think I misheard you.” Beomgyu brushed the hair from his eyes, his smile slightly vicious as he threatened him with his eyes.
Lifting his brows, “No. I said we should date.” Yeonjun replied as if it were the most casual thing in the world.
Disgusted, Beomgyu’s face scrunched. “And why would I ever date you?”
Leaning forward on the table, Yeonjun smirked. “Because it’s the perfect ploy.”
“A ploy.”
“Mhm.” Yeonjun nodded. “Eunso’s coming back from Seoul and when he does, I want to make it official with him.”
Beomgyu raised his brows. “By making him think you’re dating…me?”
Nodding, Yeonjun’s smile grew, his eyes sparking with excitement. “If he thinks I’m moving on, he’ll definitely wanna keep me tied down and you-” He nodded at him. “You need someone to make Huening jealous.”
Flustered, Beomgyu spluttered, playing with the cuffs of his sleeves as he denied it. “No I don’t. I can get him just fine on my own.”
Both of them exchanged a look and Beomgyu’s face fell. “Fine, I get what you’re saying but me and you? Seriously? Who’s gonna buy that shit?”
“The media is very easy to persuade. And Huening…we can just do some things to get his attention.”
Unease stirred in Beomgyu’s gut. “Like what…” He muttered, not liking the smile Yeonjun gave in response.
“Get your mind out of the gutter.” Yeonjun teased. “We just gotta pretend we’re into each other when he’s around.”
Biting the inside of his lip, Beomgyu tried to imagine it but it just didn’t seem possible. If anything, it’d just make him look like a fool.
“No, I don’t think it’ll work.” Bemogyu argued and Yeonjun’s smile dropped.
“Dude, come on, it’s genius and you know it.”
Eyeing him up and down, Beomgyu shot him an annoyed scowl. “Why me? You’re telling me you seriously couldn’t think of anyone else to help you?”
Yeonjun looked annoyed himself now. “No. You’re the only other gay guy I know.” His brow lifted. “Or at least the only one who’s out.”
Still nibbling on his lip, Beomgyu considered his reasoning. Unfortunately, it was the truth. Athletes in the ice industry weren’t keen on coming out considering their fans were primarily straight men.
That’s why it came as a big shock when Yeonjun came out during one of his panels, explaining he had nothing to hide. Beomgyu was already out at that point, but he didn’t exactly have the luxury of doing it on his own terms. The paparazzi spotted him with his ex boyfriend and it led to many months of him actively avoiding the internet.
He would never admit it but Yeonjun’s speech had…in a way…made him respect him. Even if it was brief, he knew it took balls to say something like that on live television.
The rumors of Yeonjun and the Korean actor Park Eunso came shortly after but Beomgyu couldn’t be bothered to care.
Unfortunately for him, Yeonjun was making it his problem as well.
But…
His plan wasn’t awful. It just needed some serious planning.
“If we do this, we’re gonna need to lay down some serious ground rules.” Beomgyu said, watching as Yeonjun’s eyes widened. “If they’re crossed at any time, I’m going straight to Eunso and telling him everything.”
“So…” Yeonjun bowed his head slightly, waiting for his answer. “Is that a yes? You agree?”
Scowling, Beomgyu took a deep breath, and nodded with resignation. “But I’m serious.” He pointed a finger at him in warning. “You cross the line and I’m telling him everything.”
Grinning, “Likewise.” Yeonjun warned then held out a hand across the table.
Eyeing it with furrowed brows, Beomgyu saw his fingers wiggle then met Yeonjun’s eyes again.
“Come on, you gotta be able to touch me if we’re dating.” Yeonjun tilted his head and Beomgyu fought a shudder.
“Gross.” He reached out and connected his palm with his own, the first time their hands had ever touched. “This is all fake.” He gripped his hand tighter.
Yeonjun nodded, gripping his hand back. “A mutually beneficial relationship.” He reassured him.
With an uneasy feeling stirring in his chest, Beomgyu shook his hand once, ignoring the feel of his callouses as he let their hands part.
“And don't forget it.” Beomgyu warned.
༺༻
The sound of the hockey stick connecting with the puck echoed through the rink.
Beomgyu watched it fly straight into the net, lips pursed and expression void of amusement as he watched Yeonjun hit another, doing a little trick before he sent another one flying, all of them hitting different areas of the net with perfect precision.
He was good. Everyone knew that.
But Beomgyu didn’t care for hockey so he was getting really bored waiting for him to finish showing off.
By the time he hit each puck into the net, Yeonjun skated over to the tempered glass with a smirk, his skin shiny with sweat, his hair pushed back and his heavy breathing obvious due to the black compression shirt he wore, his biceps on full display.
Beomgyu gave him a quick once over, crossing his arms over his chest with raised brows. “You done?”
Yeonjun’s smile grew, his teeth showing, even brighter when he was on the ice.
“Someone’s pissy.” He skated to the door Beomgyu stood by.
With thin patience, Beomgyu watched as he bent down to put on his skate guards.
“Well you called saying Huening would be here but-” He held out his hands, scanning the empty rink.
Standing to his full height, Yeonjun stared down at him with amusement. “He will be.” Yeonjun nodded to his right. “Come on, follow me.” Then he began walking.
Furrowing his brows, Beomgyu cursed under his breath but followed after him.
Yeonjun led him into the locker room and Beomgyu hovered near the doorway, hesitating to enter.
Plopping onto the bench in the center of the room, Yeonjun peeled off his gloves then began untying his skates. “I hid Huening’s phone.” He said, slightly breathless from practice.
Parting his lips, “What? Why?” Beomgyu’s voice pitched higher.
From where he was bent over, Yeonjun turned to look at him, that same damn smirk on his lips. “Because Kai can’t go a day without that thing. So he’ll come back and when he does, he’ll see us together.”
Gulping, Beomgyu crossed his arms over his chest again. It was smart, he’ll give him that. “When is he coming back?”
Pulling on his sneakers, Yeonjun made a sound indicating he had no clue. “Who knows. Maybe any second. Maybe an hour.” Standing, Yeonjun moved to pack his gear away in his locker.
Beomgyu saw him reach for the hem of his shirt before halting, turning to Beomgyu with raised brows. “Do you mind?”
Flushing, Beomgyu whipped around, gripping his arms as he listened to him peeling his shirt off.
“So what, he’ll just come in and see us talking?” Beomgyu questioned, wondering if it was really that easy to fool him.
Behind him, he heard Yeonjun chuckle, followed by the sound of his locker closing.
“Not quite. You can look now.” Yeonjun told him and Beomgyu slowly glanced over his shoulder, not wanting to see something that would scar him for life.
Seeing a black and red Rockets t-shirt hanging off his frame, Beomgyu relaxed.
There was a duffle bag hanging on his shoulder and Beomgyu half wondered if they were going to leave.
“Come here.” Yeonjun dropped the bag at his feet and Beomgyu’s brows pinched with apprehension.
“Why…?” Beomgyu dragged the word out, not trusting the lack of smile on his face.
When his lips lifted, it somehow made him seem less suspicious as he waved Beomgyu over. “We need to practice.” Yeonjun told him and Beomgyu slowly began walking towards him.
“Practice what?”
Yeonjun’s own brows pinched. “Are you acting dumb on purpose? We’re supposed to be into each other, remember?” He pointed between the two of them. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but we’re the furthest thing from being into each other.”
At that, Beomgyu nodded in agreement, dropping his hands at his waist as he stood in front of him.
“Ok so what’s the plan?”
Smiling, Yeonjun bent down a fraction. “He’s going to walk in on us kissing.”
As if electrocuted, Beomgyu jolted away from him, holding out a hand with pure horror in his gaze. “What the hell? No, that was not in the agreement.”
The agreement. It was nothing more than a shared note on their phones but it was binding by law in Beomgyu’s eyes.
It was as follows:
The Rules of Engagement
1. This relationship is fake Under NO circumstances will the other party directly engage with Eunso/Kai
2. No kissing or inappropriate touching
3. Each party is required to attend all events related to hockey/skating during the contract period (until Eunso returns from Seoul)
4. If either person wants out, the arrangement ends IMMEDIATELY! No exceptions!
“Rule number three.” Beomgyu held out three fingers. “Kissing is off the table.” He sliced his hand through the air, putting his foot down.
Yeonjun deadpanned. “Not real kissing you dumbass. Fake kissing.”
His brows furrowed. “That’s not better.”
Affronted, “It’s significantly better.” Yeonjun countered.
Shaking his head, Beomgyu denied it even more. “Absoulutely not. We’re not fake kissing either.”
Pinging the bride of his nose, Yeonjun didn’t even bother concealing his annoyance. “Okay then what’s your brilliant alternative?”
Shrugging, Beomgyu damn near pouted. “I don’t know. We talk.”
Yeonjun’s eyes narrowed. “Talk.” He spluttered then laughed once, tapping his head sarcastically as if it all made sense now. “Oh my god, yes because Huening will see us talking and just fall in love with you right then and there.”
Reaching out, Beomgyu smacked him on the chest. “Don’t be an ass.” He grit
“Oh yeah, keep that energy, I’m super convinced you like me.”
Beomgyu contemplated throwing one of the nearby gloves at his head.
Instead, he took a deep breath and reminded himself that this entire arrangement was supposed to help him get Kai's attention. The fact that Yeonjun was insufferable did not change that.
“So what do you suggest?” Beomgyu asked and immediately interrupted Yeonjun when he opened his mouth. “Not fake kissing.”
Growling, Yeonjun’s eyelids lowered. “Fine. Body language then.”
“Body language?”
“Yeah. You can’t act like you’re being attacked every time I get near you.”
Beomgyu pursed his lips.
He had a point but-
“That’s easier said than done.” Muttered the younger and Yeonjun tilted his head in warning.
Before Beomgyu could react, Yeonjun closed the distance between them. The movement was so sudden that Beomgyu instinctively took a step backward, his shoulders and upper back colliding with the lockers.
“Oh my god.” Beomgyu shoved at his chest, brows furrowing. “Back up.”
“See?” Yeonjun grabbed his wrist, tugging it away from his chest as he gave him a pointed look. “That's exactly what I mean.”
Beomgyu froze, tempted to prove him wrong but the lack of space between them was quickly becoming uncomfortable.
It must've been obvious in his expression because Yeonjun was snorting. “Dude, I'm not that bad.”
Agree to disagree.
“Okay, let go.” Beomgyu pulled his hand out of his grasp, too uncomfortable to continue. “Seriously, I can’t do this.”
Sighing deeply, Yeonjun placed both hands on his hips.
“Fine. Try pretending I’m someone else then.”
“Huh?”
Yeonjun’s brows lifted pointedly. “If you hate me so much, just pretend I’m someone you like. Or- just imagine Kai is watching us right now and you want to do everything in your power to make him jealous.”
Wary, Beomgyu eyed him, then dropped his eyes to his shirt.
Ok.
He’s not Yeonjun.
Just some guy I’m using to make Kai jealous.
Swallowing thickly, Beomgyu reached out and grabbed his shirt.
Yeonjun cocked a brow. “Oh look at you, how bold.” He teased and Beomgyu shot him a glare.
“This is easier when you don’t speak.”
In mock surrender, Yeonjun raised his hands then allowed Beomgyu to lightly pull him in by the shirt.
Rather than touching, Yeonjun placed his hand on the locker beside his head, caging him in and Beomgyu felt his throat close.
Swallowing thickly, Beomgyu kept his gaze locked on the collar of Yeonjun’s faded t-shirt, suddenly overly aware of his breathing.
It was ridiculous really.
He'd performed in front of twenty thousand people before. He'd done interviews, television appearances, fan meets and press conferences. Yet standing close to Choi Yeonjun is what made him uneasy.
“There you go.” Yeonjun’s teasing tone returned. “This seems more like we like each other.”
Clenching his jaw, Beomgyu lifted his head, glaring at him, only to falter when he saw Yeonjun’s face much closer than he was anticipating.
With his arm propped on the locker, Yeonjun’s head was tilted down and to the left, his eyes shining with mischief as he smirked at him.
“But you gotta work on that face of yours.” He commented and Beomgyu’s jaw flexed.
He hated how easy it was for Yeonjun to act so comfortable around him. Hated it so much that he felt competitiveness burning in his chest, urging him to relax. Anything to best him.
As if flipping a switch, Beomgyu’s fierce expression melted away, the tension in his muscles vanishing as he gazed up at him with soft eyes and perfectly parted lips.
Clearly not expecting the switch, Yeonjun froze, his eyes dancing around Beomgyu’s face for a contemplative second before he hummed.
“Yeah.” His eyes met Beomgyu’s own. “You’re right, that is weird.”
Feeling a smile of his own spread across his lips, Beomgyu tilted his chin up proudly. “So how long do we have to do this?” He whispered and Yeonjun’s eyes lowered in amusement.
Just when the captain parted his lips,
“Yeonjun! Are you still- oh!”
Both of their heads darted to the doorway and Beomgyu’s eyes widened, both hands coming up to shove Yeonjun away as a man with a head of brown hair eyed them both in slight horror.
“Oh fuck.” A man he knew as Yunho laughed awkwardly. “Aw man, sorry I didn’t think-” His eyes found Beomgyu’s and he awkwardly averted his gaze back to Yeonjun. “Sorry Kai left his phone.” He rushed towards Kai’s locker.
Panicked, Beomgyu met Yeonjun’s sideways glance but the captain didn’t seem phased. If anything, he seemed amused, making Beomgyu shoot him a look.
Waving him off, Yeonjun stepped closer, not touching Beomgyu, but close enough that it made Yunho glance at them again with a surprised smile before he busied himself with opening Kai’s locker.
Now, Beomgyu knew that fake dating entailed others assuming they were dating but actually experiencing it was a hundred times worse than he was envisioning. With each second that Yuhno and Yeonjun talked about Kai asking him to come grab it for him, Beomgyu felt more inclined to deny that anything was happening.
The words were on the tip of his tongue, desperate to come out but he held it in, knowing it was all a part of their plan.
But still-
His eyes found Yeonjun’s face, studying his side profile as he nodded at whatever Yuhno was saying and Beomgyu had to fight a grimace.
There’s no way he’d think Beomgyu was actually into him. One compromising position wouldn’t be enough to spread the word…
༺༻
“What the hell?!” Wincing, Beomgyu pulled his phone away from his ear as Soobin’s voice damn near bursted his eardrums.
“I heard you and Yeonjun were fooling around in their locker room?”
Putting him on speaker, Beomgyu cringed. “What? No we-” He hesitated, placing the phone on the bench as he sat to pull on his skates. “Uhh…well…”
Filtering through the speaker was his friends laugh, making the younger deadpan.
“Wow so all that shit talking was you just secretly pining?” Soobin asked with less humor and more interest.
Shuddering, Beomgyu laced up his skates then pulled his compression pants over it.
He wasn’t sure how much he should tell Soobin, so he simply let out a puff of air and promised, “I’ll tell you about it later.” Standing from the bench with his phone, “How’d you even hear about it anyways?”
“Oh, some guys from the volleyball team were telling me about it in the elevator at the company.”
Beomgyu’s brows worried together. “And how did they hear about it?”
He could hear Soobin’s shrug before he answered, “I don’t know. The hockey guys probably told him.”
Tilting his head to the ceiling, Beomgyu took in a steadying breath, convincing himself that this was for the best. It was only yesterday that they got caught and word spread that quickly. He didn’t want to know what’d happen when the media caught wind of their “relationship.’
Stilling, “Wait the hockey guys?” Beomgyu questioned.
“Yeah.”
Beomgyu blinked.
If words spread amongst the hockey team already then that meant it got back to Kai.
“Oh my god.” He muttered then brought the phone to his mouth. “Hey I gotta go, I’ll talk to you later.”
Humming, “I’ll probably stop by your place but if not call me.”
“Kay bye.” He quickly hit the hang up button and scrolled through his contacts until he found the name that stuck out like a sore thumb.
Pacing around the waiting area of the ice rink, Beomgyu listened to the phone ring, nibbling on his lip with slight anxiety. When it went to voicemail, he scoffed, half expecting Yeonjun to have seen him calling but ignored it on purpose.
Hanging up, he opened their messages, briefly reading the last and first message Yeonjun had ever sent him before tapping on the box to type out a text of his own:
Don’t dodge my calls, it’s important for our “contract.”
CALL ME BACK🖕
[Beomgyu: 8:46 a.m]
Stuffing his phone into his bag, Beomgyu thew on his headphones and distracted himself with doing some warm ups,
The familiar music filled his ears, drowning out the rest of the world as he pushed away from the boards. He’s been sorting through songs, trying to pick one that really spoke to him for the Steadfast Winter Showcase. It was a huge event for professional skaters, where sponsors, the media and other celebrities attended simply for publicity.
It wasn’t as large as the NHL games but it was one of the most defining events in a figure skater's career.
Gliding across the ice, Beomgyu took steadying breaths.
Building speed, Beomgyu flowed through a series of crossovers before launching himself into a jump. The landing was clean, his blade cutting smoothly into the ice before he transitioned into another. Then another.
There was a reason people came to watch him skate. It wasn’t because he was the strongest or most athletic skater in the world, but because he made everything look effortless.
The pop song made his head bob, his body moving along to the beat before he spun, the rink blurring around him until the thoughts of Kai and Yeonjun slowly escaped his mind and all he could focus on was the rhythm and the feeling of flying.
༺༻
Unfortunately for Beomgyu, Yeonjun decided to call him back when he was in the middle of his jump, making him land awkwardly, nearly falling backwards.
Tapping on his earbud, he answered the call, slightly breathless.
“Hello?” Beomgyu breathed, placing his hands on his hips as he skated towards the borders to grab his water.
“Woah, what’d I interrupt?” Yeonjun’s voice was suggestive and far too loud in his ears.
“Ugh, you’re disgusting.” Reaching over the rink’s door, Beomgyu grabbed his water bottle. “I’m at the rink.”
“Sure you are.” Teased the older, before muttering a thank you to someone. “Why’d you call me?”
Taking a gulp of his water, Beomgyu pulled away with a satisfied exhale. “Why didn’t you answer?” He wiped his mouth.
Snickering, Yeonjun answered with, “Wow, didn’t take you as the possessive type.” And Beomgyu glared at nothing as he explained, “I was in a meeting.”
Perking up, “With the hockey team?” Beomgyu asked, fidgeting with his water.
“No, just some sponsors.”
In the background, Beomgyu heard a car door close and he furrowed his brows with interest. He almost asked where he was going but held his tongue because he really didn’t care.
“Well Soobin called me. He said someone on the volleyball team told him we were fooling around in the locker room.”
On the other side of the line, Yeonjun laughed. “Wow, that was fast. Didn’t I tell you it’d work?”
Rolling his eyes, Beomgyu hummed half-heartedly. “Yeah, exciting.” His voice was monotone as he took another swig from his bottle. “Mm-” He quickly swallowed the water. “So did Kai hear about it?”
“Yeah.” Yeonjun replied, high pitched and uncertain.
Narrowing his eyes, “How’d he take it?”
“Well…” The captain smacked his lips. “He was definitely intrigued but he didn’t really ask me much about it.”
Frowning, Beomgyu’s shoulders sagged as the disappointment settled in his chest.
“Ah.”
“Hey, don't give up already.” Yeonjun warned and Beomgyu almost believed he was being nice until he added. “I still need you to keep your side of the deal.”
“Ass.” He whispered, though it wasn’t meant to go unheard. Dropping his water onto the ice, he began skating backwards to preoccupy himself.
“I think you gotta step up your game.” An opinion Beomgyu never asked for. “Ask him to hang out so he feels a connection then making him jealous will be a hell of a lot easier.”
Although he hated to admit it, he was right.
He couldn’t expect Hai to be jealous when they were casual friends. He knew Huening thought he was pretty. He could see the attraction there on both sides. He just needed that emotional attachment to lure him in completely.
“Yeah.” Grumbled Beomgyu. “Okay well that was it.” He didn’t hesitate to lift his hand to his earbud. They weren’t exactly friends so he didn’t bother with the formalities.
Just before he hung up, “Wait.” Yeonjun called and Beomgyu halted.
“You need to come to a party tonight.” He could hear Yeonjun’s fingers tapping in the background. “It’s at the sports bar uptown. You know the one we had that company get together-”
“Yeah I know it.” Beomgyu interrupted. He frequented the place with Soobin and, on occasion, his dates.
“Good. Be there at seven”
Spluttering, “Wha-” He went to protest but the line went dead, drawing an annoyed scoff past his lips.
Well, his plans to crash on his couch and play on his switch were completely ruined.
After his designated time in the rink came to an end Beomgyu made sure to send a quick text to Soobin.
Change of plans…meet me at Joe’s at 7…
[Beomgyu: 11:01 a.m]
…Yeonjun invited me.
[Beomgyu: 11:02 a.m]
Oh hell yes.
[Idiot: 11:02 a.m]
༺༻
Beomgyu and Soobin made an appearance thirty minutes late—courtesy of Beomgyu who desperately struggles with showing up on time to anything non-work related.
Soobin was, well, in his normal chill mood. Lately his friend has been so upbeat that it was actually starting to freak him out. He assumed it was from the drama with Yeonjun but he was glad he mellowed out because he honestly couldn’t get through the night with Soobin being all wide eyed and smiley.
“Ready?” Soobin asked with half lidded eyes and a slight smile.
Yeah. That’s the guy I know.
The autumn breeze hit them from behind and that was the only thing that truly made him want to enter the bar.
Nodding, “Nope.” Beomgyu answered but yanked the bar door open anyways. Shivering when the heater inside hit his cold cheeks.
Soobin was hot on his tail and, in horror, Beomgyu froze, leading his friend to bump into him.
“Aw fuck.” Begomyu grimaced, his eyes landing on the people in the bar and how he recognized every. Single. One of them. His grimace quickly morphed into a fake smile when he met the eyes of one of the volleyball guys he was acquainted with.
“Oh Beomgyu!” He approached him with a hand outstretched.
“Heyy Jake.” He accepted the hand, going into a friendly “bro” hug. “How are you?”
“Good good.” His eyes drifted to Soobin. “Sup man.”
Soobin nodded. “Hey.”
Just when Beomgyu opened his mouth to ask another stereotypical small talk question-
“Yo Beoms!” Stiffly, Beomgyu turned in the direction of the voice with wide eyes and gritted teeth.
Across the bar, Yeonjun bounded towards him with a stupidly toothy smile, and faux warmth in his gaze, even more obvious due to the fact that his hair was hidden beneath a black beanie.
Holding his breath, Beomgyu didn’t have time to react before Yeonjun slung an arm around his shoulders, pressing Beomgyu against his solid side. “You made it.” His voice was gentle but still so boyishly Yeonjun. He felt like vomiting.
Swallowing thickly, Beomgyu willed himself to act casual.
Chuckling, “Yeah, sorry for being late, we got stuck in traffic.”
Nervously, Beomgyu scanned the room, his heart dropping upon realizing everyone was looking at them.
Fuck you Choi Yeonjun.
You fucking-
“It’s all good, just glad to see you.” Yeonjun grinned, looking down at him and Beomgyu tilted his chin up, sending him a silent reprimanding look that Yeonjun answered too with a cocky brow raise.
“Oh shit, are you two actually going out?” Jake, who he liked a little less now, asked.
Tightening his arm around Beomgyu’s shoulders, "Something like that.” Yeonjun answered for him and Beomgyu felt a little piece of him die inside.
Panicked, Beomgyu shot Soobin a ‘save me’ look over his shoulder but his friend was utterly shocked. However, the minute he met Beomgyu’s eyes, his shock morphed into suspicion.
Yeonjun tugged on him, telling him to focus so Beomgyu’s head snapped forward.
Jake offered his support then gave them both pats on the shoulders before retreating to his table and when they were free from his company Beomgyu leaned in slightly to Yeonjun’s space.
Under his breath he gritted, “what the hell are you doing?”
“Just go with it.” Yeonjun muttered with that same practiced smile, then tugged Beomgyu forward, making him stumble a little as he led him to the table with some of his teammates.
No. No. No.
Panicked, Beomgyu glanced up at Yeonjun to which the captain responded with a flying kiss that made Beomgyu flinch with pure disgust.
“Ah.” Yeonjun leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Watch your face, remember?”
Completely involuntary, Beomgyu shuddered upon feeling his breath hit his ear.
Darting away, Beomgyu grabbed onto his wrist, a silent way of telling him not to touch him. Beomgyu’s face was troubled, genuine fear in his expression as he vehemently shook his head. “Seriously, I can’t do this.” His eyes skated over Yeonjun’s shoulder to stare at his teammates in the far end of the room behind the pool table. Seeing Kai, Taehyun and Yunho, Beomgyu felt bile rise in his throat, his nerves getting the better of him.
“The whole point of fake dating is to act like we’re dating.” Yeonjun countered, making too much sense.
Scrambling for another excuse, “But-”
“Nope.” Yeonjun popped the P, dragging him along by the hand he had wrapped around Yeonjun’s wrist. “We’re doing this. Right now.” He cheesed. “Jealousy tactic, remember?”
Guiding him closer, the hockey players spotted them and Beomgyu’s eyes widened in sheer panic.
Stumbling over his own feet, Beomgyu collided against Yeonjun’s solid shoulder, face heating with a mix of panic and discomfort.
“Yeonjun-” He hissed and the captain spared him a look. “I will literally-”
“Hey guys!” Yeonjun cheered and Beomgyu snapped his head in the direction of the athletes, all gaping at them.
Before Beomgyu could even attempt to run away, Yeonjun’s arm slid around his waist, pulling Beomgyu flush against his side. Possessive and not at all what he was expecting.
Beomgyu found his breath hitching from the unexpected touch, Yeonjun’s cologne invading his senses.
The players’ eyes darted between the two of them and Yeonjun’s hand before they finally responded.
Shockingly, Kang Taehyun was the first to pipe up. “What the hell? Are you two actually hooking up?”
Beomgyu’s answering expression was beyond horrified as he locked eyes with the brunette.
Taehyun simply cocked a brown beer in hand as he eyed the scene before him.
Taking a seat in the booth, Yeonjun dragged him down with him, his hand thankfully sliding off his waist. But there wasn’t much to be thankful for when, seconds later, his arm was coming around his shoulders again.
Beomgyu made sure to school his expression.
“There’s not much to explain.” Yeonjun shrugged, his face was completely nonchalant. “One thing led to another and-” Yeonjun turned to him with a grin, his hand laying limp on his shoulder coming up to pinch his cheek.
Clearing his throat, Beomgyu smiled at the guys, hoping they took his stiffness as him being shy and not awkward.
Like a saint, Soobin came to their table with a pitcher of beer and two glasses. He slid into the opposite side of the booth right next to Kang Taehyun, who slid even closer to Kai, setting the pitcher down with a clunk.
“Figured you guys needed a drink,” Soobin said, his voice smooth as he surveyed the table, particularly Beomgyu all cuddled up into Yeonjun’s side.
“Lifesaver,” Yeonjun said, reaching across the table with his free hand to snag the pitcher. Since his left arm was still draped over Beomgyu’s shoulders, the movement pulled Beomgyu right along with him, forcing Beomgyu to lean awkwardly across Yeonjun’s chest.
Swallowing thickly, Beomgyu’s fingers twitched, digging into the fabric of his own jeans. He could feel the steady, slow rise and fall of Yeonjun’s chest against his shoulder and it felt way too intimate for a man he’s only spoken to regularly for a few days.
Across the table, Huening Kai finally spoke up, his voice cracking slightly before he cleared his throat. “So…how long has this been a thing?”
Beomgyu’s eyes darted to Kai. The blonde was staring at them, his fingers mindlessly tearing at the edge of a cardboard coaster. His expression was as gentle as ever but Beomgyu swore he could sense some discomfort.
Is it…working?
Is he actually bothered?
“It’s pretty new,” Beomgyu lied smoothly, forcing his muscles to relax. He leaned back into the booth, deliberately letting his head rest against Yeonjun’s arm. He tilted his face up toward the captain, morphing his expression into something soft and vaguely fond. “We just wanted to keep it between us for a bit.”
Yeonjun paused in the middle of pouring a beer, his dark eyes flicking down to Beomgyu.
For a split second, the captain looked genuinely surprised by how fast Beomgyu had adapted to the situation but an approving, almost amused, glint quickly replaced the shock.
“Yeah,” Yeonjun chimed in, setting the pitcher down and sliding a full glass toward Beomgyu. He leaned down, his voice dropping in a way that made Beomgyu’s skin prickle. “Couldn’t keep it a secret forever, though.”
Beomgyu had to fight the urge to gag. Instead, he forced a breathless laugh from his chest and grabbed his beer, taking a long sip to hide his burning cheeks.
“I don’t buy it,” Taehyun muttered, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. He was staring at them, almost accusingly. “For five years you guys hated each other and now you’re dating? It doesn’t make sense.”
“People change, Tae,” Yunho chimed in from beside Yeonjun, swiveling a pool cue in his hands with a grin. “Besides, you didn’t see what I saw in the locker room.”
Beomgyu’s eyes widened.
“It’s not just that,” Kai spoke. Everyone looked at him, and he shrugged, looking a little defensive. “I just didn’t think you were Beomgyu’s type, Yeonjun-hyung.”
Beomgyu’s heart picked up speed a little as he met his gaze. “He always said he liked guys who were…I don’t know, more relaxed.”
The table went quiet and Soobin took a slow sip of his beer, his eyes darting between Beomgyu and Kai.
Beomgyu felt his heart skip a beat when he realized Kai had remembered his offhand comments about his ideal type.
He said it a few months back. It was one of his ways of trying to get his attention.
A wave of guilt mixed with a strange rush of validation washed over him. The jealousy tactic was working but he somehow felt filthy at the prospect of lying to such a sweet guy.
Before Beomgyu could answer, Yeonjun’s grip on his shoulder tightened. “I’m not your type?” He teased looking down at him with sparkling eyes. “I can be relaxed.”
Beomgyu turned to him with a deadpan, uncaring if he was breaking character.
With lowered lids, Yeonjun tilted his head. With the arm around his shoulders, he pulled it back until his hand dragged over the back of his head, fingers trailing down to gently brush against the nape of Beomgyu’s neck, right where his hair met his collar.
A violent shiver ran down Beomgyu’s spine, his cheeks heating and brows furrowing from the sensation.
It wasn’t a fake reaction and his body reacted before his brain could stop it. He leaned away slightly, his eyes snapping to Yeonjun’s face in silent warning. Rule number three, his eyes screamed. Watch the touching.
Yeonjun merely smirked, his brows lifting with interest as his thumb traced a tiny circle on the side of Beomgyu’s neck before he finally dropped his hand, reaching for his own drink.
Across the table, Beomgyu shot his friend another desperate glance and he was thankful Soobin was so in tune with him.
“Anyway,” Soobin cleared his throat. “Anyone…wanna play pool?”
“Oh? Can you play?” Taehyun asked, his tone way kinder than when it was directed at Beomgyu.
Flustered, Soobin eyed the hockey players that he’s only interacted with maybe once or twice. “I mean…how hard can it be?”
The faux confidence must’ve won them over because they were smiling and smacking him on the shoulder, dragging him out of the booth.
Everyone stood to go to the pool table but Beomgyu, Yeonjun and Kai lingered by the booth.
Beomgyu didn;t miss Kai’s eyes locked on him, but he was pretending to watch Soobin struggle to chalk up his cue.
“Hey,” Kai said softly, drawing both Yeonjun and Beomgyu's attention.
“Do you want to grab a drink at the bar? Just to catch up on some things? Since we didn’t really get to talk much at the company party.” He rambled slightly, making Beomgyu’s eyes widened.
Beomgyu opened his mouth, ready to say yes but a now familiar hand was snaking around his waist, tugging him back lightly.
Craning his neck up, Beomgyu saw a lazy and almost protective smile on Yeonjun’s lips as he clung to his waist. Though he did notice that every time Yeonjun touched him, it was a bit stiff, as if he too weren’t completely comfortable.
“Actually, Kai, I was hoping to keep him to myself for a little longer tonight,” Yeonjun said. “He’s been working hard at the rink all day.”
Kai’s jaw dropped slightly. He looked at Yeonjun, then back to Beomgyu.
Beomgyu desperately wanted to shove Yeonjun away and follow the pretty boy to the bar but, of all things, Yeonjun’s words echoed in his head:
“He needs to fear losing it to get him to chase it.”
With an apologetic smile, Beomgyu looked at Kai. “Maybe a little later? I promised Yeonjun I’d watch him play pool first.”
Kai’s shoulders dropped a fraction before he beamed. “Oh. Yeah, sure. No problem.” He offered a small smile, nodding quickly before turning on his heel to join Taehyun and Yunho by the red pool table.
The moment Kai was out of earshot, Beomgyu’s soft expression vanished. He whipped around, watching in real time as Yeonjun’s own smile vanished.
“Are you insane?” Beomgyu hissed, keeping his voice low but dripping with disdain. “He just asked me to the bar. That was my chance.”
Yeonjun didn’t look guilty at all. He pulled his hand off his waist to turn and grab his beer off the table.
“Relax.” Yeonjun sighed, clearly lacking the energy to keep up their act as he took a slow sip of his drink. Pulling his lips away and licking the foam from his lips, “You would’ve ruined everything if you went.”
He tilted his head toward the pool table. “Look at him. He’s miserable.” Yeonjun leaned in slightly. “If you had gone with him, he would have realized he still has you on a leash. Now he's gonna spend the whole night thinking about what he has to do to get your attention away from me.”
Beomgyu glanced over and sure enough Kai quickly looked away when he caught Beomgyu watching.
Slowly, Beomgyu sank back into the booth, staring up at the captain who remained standing.
Yeonjun was right.
The hockey captain was watching the game with a slight smirk and Beomgyu blinked. The black beanie made him look younger somehow. More like a regular guy rather than the Rockets’ star player.
With a resigned exhale, “Fine,” Beomgyu muttered, reaching for his beer again. Before taking a drink, he pointed his finger up at him. “But you touch my neck again and I’m telling everyone the truth.”
Yeonjun didn’t look at him, but his smirk widened as he lifted his beer to his lips. “Yeah, yeah. Drink your beer, sweetheart. People are looking.”
Flushing slightly, Beomgyu scanned the bar, noting that people aside from his teammates were sneaking glances at them too.
Forcing a happy smile onto his lips, Beomgyu took a sip of the bitter beer and silently hoped that the night would soon come to an end.
Sparing another glance up, Beomgyu eyed Yeonjun as he laughed at Yunho’s failed shot, the back of his neck tingling, the feel of Yeonjun’s touch lingering.
Ugh.
Beomgyu grimaced.
I need to take another shower.