Night draped over Seoul, dark clouds pressing low against the tall buildings, the city lights flickering like scattered stars against the peach-orange sky. The air carried the chill of late autumn while leaves blew on the streets, prickling against bare skin.
"It was nice working with everyone!"
Si-Hyoon stepped out of the shooting set, his dark long coat trailing behind him as his blond hair caught the glow of the streetlights. A faint smile lingered on his lips, one that didn't quite reach his eyes, as he made his way to the parking lot.
His black Porsche Cayenne sat waiting under a pool of golden light. Sliding into the driver's seat, he placed his bag on the passenger's seat, loosened his tie with a sigh and ran a hand through his slightly disheveled hair.
With the press of a button, the engine purred to life, and soft music filtered through the speakers, a soothing balm to the fatigue etched into his bones.
The drive home tested his patience. Dense traffic stretched endlessly, the cacophony of honking horns bleeding through the soft background music of his car.
Once the traffic lights flickered red, Si-Hyoon stopped the car and tapped his fingers, a restless rhythm against the wheel, his gaze shifting to the streaks of rain racing down the windshield, blurring the city beyond.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "Just the day I didn't bring an umbrella."
When he finally reached his apartment building, the downpour had soaked him through. Yet, despite the chill clinging to his skin, a faint smile tugged at his lips as he glanced at the bag in his arms—his most precious possession, his camera, dry and unscathed. He had protected it with his arms as one would to a candle to protect it from the strong wind.
His footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway, the soles of his shoes leaving wet smudges on the muddy floor. As he approached his door, a sound stopped him in his tracks—the faint murmur of a television from within.
He froze, his hand hovering over the key. His breath hitched, a mixture of anticipation and unease tightening in his chest.
He unlocked the door and stepped inside, immediately noticing the pair of shoes resting neatly against the wall.
His heart skipped.
He's here.
The fatigue of the day melted away, replaced by a flicker of warmth that he tried to suppress. Si-Hyoon pulled out his phone, glancing at his reflection on the screen.
Rainwater clung to the edges of his hair, droplets catching the faint glow spilling in from the living room.
He adjusted the camera, letting his undeniably handsome features fill the frame—his defined jawline, his piercing blue eyes and his small yet sharp nose.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped fully inside, placing his bag carefully in its usual spot. He removed his soaked coat, hanging it in the closet near the entrance.
"So, you're home?"
The deep voice came from the living room, low.
Si-Hyoon turned, his eyes adjusting to the dim glow of the television.
Jae-Eun sat there, leaning against the couch, his gaze fixed on the screen.
"Yeah," Si-Hyoon replied, his voice soft. "Why didn't you turn on the lights? It's so dark."
"Don't turn them on. It kills the mood," Jae-Eun replied, not bothering to look away from the television.
Si-Hyoon sighed, too tired to argue. He didn't want to irritate Jae-Eun—not tonight. The long working hours had worn out all of his energy.
"Did you eat? Are you hungry?" he asked, but Jae-Eun didn't respond, his attention locked on the screen.
Si-Hyoon told himself it didn't matter.
"He's surely in a bad mood," he thought, heading to the bathroom for a quick shower.
The warm water did little to wash away the tight knot in his chest. Afterward, he returned to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water before walking back into the living room. This time, he placed the glass on the table with a loud thud.
Jae-Eun finally shifted his gaze, the flickering light of the television reflecting in his grey eyes.
"Are you in a bad mood?" Si-Hyoon asked cautiously.
"What do you expect? They've been dragging me all over the country for weeks."
Si-Hyoon hesitated. It had been over a month since the last time they'd seen each other.
These fleeting moments, when Jae-Eun decided to show up, were all he had. Otherwise, he only saw him on television or heard his voice during rushed calls. He barely ever received responses to his constant text message.
Jae-Eun's eyes scanned the room.
"Your TV's tiny. It's annoying. Turn on the lights already."
Without a word, Si-Hyoon compiled, flipping the switch. The sudden brightness made Jae-Eun shield his eyes for a moment. As his eyes adjusted, his hand fell away, revealing his sharp features—the kind that could stop someone's breath.
A strong jawline, a perfectly straight nose, soft dark curls that framed his face, and piercing grey eyes that landed on Si-Hyoon, making his heart race.
Si-Hyoon inhaled sharply. This man was dangerous. His beauty alone was enough to stop him from thinking about anything at all.
"Have you lost weight?" Si-Hyoon asked, sitting beside him and placing a tentative hand on his broad shoulder.
Jae-Eun scoffed, leaning back and resting his head on Si-Hyoon's lap.
"That's the life of an actor. You shouldn't eat much either. If you get fat, you'll be ugly."
The words stung more than they should have. Si-Hyoon stared down at Jae-Eun, his mouth dry, bitter words lingering at the back of his throat.
What about you? Would you leave me if I became ugly?
He wanted to ask but couldn't bear the answer. Instead, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Jae-Eun's lips.
Jae-Eun smirked.
"You're the best. You always know what I need. I missed you. Did you miss me?"
The corner of Si-Hyoon's lips dropped. Even though he knew exactly what Jae-Eun wanted from him, he still kept looking forward to the day his feelings would be shared.
Before Si-Hyoon could respond, Jae-Eun pushed him back against the couch, his lips capturing Si-Hyoon's in an aggressive kiss.
"J-Jae-Eun," Si-Hyoon gasped, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson against his pale complexion.
"What?" Jae-Eun's voice was low, almost teasing.
Si-Hyoon felt a wave of weakness wash over him at the sight of Jae-Eun's eager expression. He couldn't bring himself to refuse him—not when he, too, had been yearning for his touch over the past month.
Taking a shaky breath, Si-Hyoon shook his head and wrapped his arms around Jae-Eun's neck. Slowly, he pulled him closer and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.
"59 days," Si-Hyoon spoke softly, locking gaze with the man before him. "It's been 59 days."
"That's more like it," Jae-Eun murmured with a chuckle. Without hesitation, he pulled off his shirt, revealing his toned physique and six-pack abs glistening faintly under the light.
Si-Hyoon brushed his fingers on the firm body, a soft smile forming on his face.
At least... For tonight he is mine, he thought, his desires finally turning into reality.
"Let me—" Si-Hyoon was interrupted by another assertive peck while he tried to take off his shirt as well.
The man in front of him was clearly driven by his carnal desires and not feelings like Si-Hyoon but he didn't mind.
This alone was enough for him.
Jae-Eun pulled out of the kiss, his fingers brushing through Si-Hyoon's skin and stopping at his nipples. He pinched them softly and instinctively, the man below him flinched, a gasp escaping his mouth.
"Y-You have never done this," he whispered, his voice shaky.
"It's good to experience new things," Jae-Eun whispered under his slightly gasped breath, moving his mouth close to Si-Hyoon's peaks and giving a lick to each of them.
Si-Hyoon's hands caressed Jae-Eun's body, stopping on his crotch. He bit his bottom lips, his dick hardening.
"You're hard already?" he chuckled teasingly.
"Don't," Jae-Eun growled, his gaze locked onto Si-Hyoon's crystal blue eyes. "Let me do everything tonight," he whispered against his ears, biting his earlobe aggressively.
Si-Hyoon moaned softly, giving him a nod, his eyes focused on Jae-Eun. His heart raced rapidly that he could have the man he loved all to himself for another night.
Just as Jae-Eun reached for Si-Hyoon's pants, he stopped him.
"Let's move to the bedroom. It's a little uncomfortable on the couch..."
The hesitation in Si-Hyoon's voice was evident. However, unexpectedly to him, Jae-Eun didn't get mad. He surprisingly smiled at him and kissed his cheek.
"Alright," he picked Si-Hyoon into his arms and carried him to the bedroom, shutting the door.