Chapter Text
When Yeosang first woke up today he was very excited to start his first day of his internship. Yeosang is a hopeful filmmaker/animator and if he is honest, this isn’t how he wanted to start…working on a dating show was not ideal. He wanted to be off making meaningful movies that made people all warm and fuzzy. His main inspiration is Studio Ghibli. He had been a young child watching Totoro and fell in love with the storytelling.
He had fought tooth and nail to go to an art university and made a name for himself among his peers, much to his parents’ dismay but they supported him either way seeing how passionate he was. Yeosang is always grateful to his parents and does his best to prove that their support wasn’t wasted.
Now he regrets everything.
He is grateful for the opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of a filming set and how the team behind the scenes worked. BUT!
Yeosang has to try very hard to stop his eye from twitching as San, the young CEO, stands in front of him, offering him a rose at the end of the first week.
Yeosang grits his teeth to stop himself from lashing out. The producers promised him that he would be the first one out of this stupid dating game. He was just supposed to fill in for a contestant who dropped out last minute. He was just supposed to introduce himself to the camera, show his face to San, and then go off around the mansion doing his own thing without bringing attention to himself.
Alas, Choi San had quickly become the bane of Yeosang’s existence.
San was young and handsome. Yeosang had dismissed him as one of the trust fund babies who grew into money and never lifted a finger for anything. The exact opposite of Yeosang who had to put blood, sweat, and tears into everything he does and has earned.
For whatever reason he took an interest in quiet Yeosang. Once all the introductions and first meetings were done, Yeosang decided he might as well go read in peace. The mansion they were filming at had a quiet room with a nice bay window that had a nice view and got plenty of sunlight. He was reading in peace when he heard footsteps.
He brushes it off as one of the other constants until the said person sits on the opposite end of the window seat.
“Yeosang right?”
Yeosang sighs internally and puts his book down on his lap, still open to the page he was reading, and does his best customer service smile.
“Yes,” Yeosang says and goes back to reading, hoping San would take a hint.
San does not.
”It’s a lovely view,” San says as he looks out the window. Yeosang really wants to get up and leave but he is aware of the cameras on them and he feels the need to at least behave himself.
“It is…I like the quiet,” Yeosang says, this time he hopes San gets the hint.
Unfortunately, San smiles at him, dimples and all. It does not make Yeosang’s heart stutter a little. He always knew his heart would be the traitor.
“Me too…sometimes the buzz of the world is too much,” San confesses.
And yet, you don’t seem to understand when I want to be left alone.
Yeosang simply hums before he goes back to reading his book.
”What are you reading?”
Yeosang’s eyebrow twitches. Yeosang wouldn't necessarily say he is a mean person but he is straightforward and finds it difficult to hold back his words. He is about to lay it onto San, cameras be damned and if he gets fired from his internship, so be it. He will go back to his minimum wage paying job at the grocery store and listen to little old ladies go off on a tangent about their lives.
Lucky for him, the other constants find them and instantly get all over San.
“Oh, there you are San! There is this amazing spot we wanted to show you!”
”B— ”
”And maybe we can get to know each other some more,” the other one winked at San as they took San’s hands, not at all listening to the young CEO’s protest and dragging him off.
Yeosang sighs.
Peace at last.
Yeosang takes one last look at San and the two other contestants and is taken aback by the way one of them is looking back at Yeosang with a glare.
What the fuck?
Yeosang decides to brush it off for the moment, not thinking too much about it. He was going to be out of the competition at the end of the week anyway so why dwell on things that didn't matter?
But Yeosang was wrong. It's his second week in this god awful competition. He had tried to beg the producers to let him eliminate himself, to make up a story on why he had to be disqualified. Just anything to get him out of this situation, unfortunately, they wouldn't let him. The main producer said he looked good on camera with San when they were talking.
Yeosang had been half tempted to just quit but he thought about the disappointed look on his parents’ face. They would try to be understanding and would tell him he did the right thing but…they would be disappointed, wouldn’t they? So Yeosang swallows his words and agrees to stay on the show and promises to himself that he will avoid San at all cost.
Yeosang drags himself out of bed, making himself look somewhat presentable before he goes down for breakfast. San is already there talking to the other constants so Yeosang tries to make himself as small and invisible as possible. He doesn’t have the energy to speak to anyone let alone the one person who is the reason for his participation being extended. Yeosang quietly fills his plate with food and sits as far away from San and his…entourage as possible. He eats slowly with his head down and blocking out all the chatter.
Once he finishes he stands up and a crew member steps in to take his dishes away.
“I got it,” Yeosang says and makes a move to grab his dishes.
“It’s okay, you should go join the others,” the crew member says.
“I would rather not,” Yeosang says and the crew members frowns. “I was a last minute replacement so I’m not really interested in all…that.”
“Ah! You’re the intern! I’m Mingi, I am one of the camera assistants or a glorified errand guy,” Mingi says with a bright smile.
“Oh, I’m Yeosang…the intern or I was,” Yeosang says, returning Mingi’s smile.
“So, you’re keeping a low profile, I see,” Mingi says and Yeosang nods.”Can’t blame ya…some of those contestants look…vicious.”
“Yeah…I got that feeling yesterday,” Yeosang admits and Mingi pats his shoulder.
“Well, hope you get out soon and maybe we can actually work together…or just be glorified errand guys together! Oh! Errand buddies!” As Mingi is getting a little too excited, one of the other crew members waves at him. “I better go, nice meeting ya, Yeosang!”
Mingi grabs Yeosang’s dishes out of his hands and jogs off the set and Yeosang is left in confusion. He doesn’t get much time to dwell on it as they are told to get dressed for the beach, they are all going on a group date. Yeosang lets out a tired sigh while all the other constants rush around. He decides to let everyone rush ahead so he doesn’t have to deal with the pushing and shoving.
That turns out to be a mistake as San finds him.
“Good morning, Yeosang,” San says with a smile. “Did you sleep alright?”
“As well as I could,” Yeosang says, holding back an eye roll.
“Was your bed not comfortable? Do I need to speak to the production team?” San asks, taking Yeosang’s answer a little too seriously. Yeosang almost laughs at the way San looks concerned.
“No, it was comfortable. Sorry, I didn’t mean it in that way,” Yeosang says before San can get the attention of the production team. “It’s just not my own bed, you know…like going away and sleeping at a hotel, it’s just not right unless it’s your own bed kind of thing.”
“Ah, yes,” San says with a nod. “I know that feeling well.”
Yeosang wanted to question him but he has already drawn too much attention to himself, so he chooses not to say anything. He hopes San will leave him alone but the CEO doesn’t make a move.
“Are you going to get ready for the beach?” San asks.
“Yeah…I’m just letting everyone rush around first,” Yeosang says honestly and San chuckles.
“Probably a smart move…I should go get ready myself, so I’ll see you later,” San says but he still lingers and Yeosang looks at him in confusion.
“Yeah…see you,” Yeosang says and decides to leave first instead. He hopes the rest of the contestants are done with their excitement. He heads towards the bedrooms and there are still contestants running around, getting ready.
Yeosang sighs and goes to his room right at the end of the corridor. It’s probably the smallest room in the mansion but he was okay with it. He found it quiet and it had a good view of the garden.
He rifles through his clothes, which he didn’t bring many varieties of. He had been here for work, not for relaxing. He luckily had a pair of shorts and he threw on a t-shirt. He grabs his book again, deciding he could lounge around and continue to read his book.
He heads down to the entryway of the mansion to see there is a group of contestants chatting amongst themselves. He stands away from the group and waits for more instructions.
“Oh, what book are you reading?”
Yeosang turns to find an excited looking Mingi. Yeosang smiles at the excited Mingi.
“It’s Howl’s Moving Castle,” Yeosang says, showing Mingi the cover.
”Oh! Like the movie!” Mingi says and Yeosang laughs.
“Yes, but the book goes into more detail about So— ”
Yeosang gets interrupted as the crew starts getting everyone ready to start filming again.
”I better go, talk to you later!”
Yeosang is then ushered to join everyone as the cameras start rolling and San announces how excited he is to go to the beach and get to know everyone. Yeosang isn’t really listening and just follows the given instructions.
He eventually finds himself at the beach, under a large umbrella. The sun was beating down while the other constants took part in various activities like beach volleyball, paddle boarding, and some even surfing.
Yeosang may have noticed the way San was excelling at beach volleyball, but he will never tell. He keeps to himself and focuses on his book. He is so focused that he doesn’t realise that San has made his way to him and sat next to him.
“Mind if I join you?” San asks with a smile. Yeosang wants to roll his eyes as his peace is ruined once again. San was not going to let him off easy, Yeosang was starting to realise.
“Sure…if you want to,” Yeosang says with a tight-lipped smile.
“Thanks,” San says. “Are you not a fan of the beach?”
”I guess you could say that,” Yeosang says. He does think about it and concludes that the beach is probably not where he would spend his day. “I just feel like you find sand everywhere for weeks on end after a day at the beach.”
San laughs and Yeosang finds himself smiling for real at the way the CEO seemed to soften. He can’t help but notice the way San’s eyes turned into two little crescent moons and the dimples…Yeosang mentally shakes his head.
“I saw you were really good at volleyball,” Yeosang blurts out.
“Oh yeah,” San says almost bashfully as he scratches the back of his head. “I used to play back in high school…I was the Libero,” San adds with a proud smile.
”I don’t know much about volleyball but that’s an important position right,” Yeosang says. “My best friend used to play too, he was a wing spiker.”
”Was he good?” San asks.
“He was very good…he was considered the ace of the team,” Yeosang says and San’s eyes sparkle with interest.
“I bet he would have made a good opponent then,” San says.
Yeosang hums.
“I suppose so…their opponents always said he had a mean serve and spike,” Yeosang says as he thinks back to his high school days. Wooyoung ran around the volleyball gym spiking any ball that was set to him. Yeosang lets out another laugh.
“I would love to try and receive his serves and spikes,” San says and Yeosang lets out a hum.
“I’ll have to see if Wooyoung would be up for it…he would probably just be happy someone wants to play with him.”
”What about you? What were you like during high school?” San asks and Yeosang suddenly realises that he has entertained San way too much.
“I…er…”
San looks at him with hopeful eyes and Yeosang internally sighs.
“I didn’t do many activities at school, I just kept my head down and studied,” Yeosang says. “Academics were and still are important to my parents.”
”I can see that,” San says. “Were you top of your class?”
“I was…or rather I had to be, otherwise my parents wouldn’t let me do creative arts,” Yeosang admits a little too easily.
“Oh, you like art?”
Yeosang nods. “You could say that.”
“Maybe one day I can see your art?” San asks.
He didn’t want to delve into his current situation so he is glad when one of the contestants runs over to them and attaches themself to San.
“We’re about to have a bonfire, join us Sannie!”
“Erm…yeah sure,” San says a little hesitantly.
“Great! Come on!”
San doesn’t get to protest as he is dragged away and Yeosang simply sighs in relief and continues to read his book. Yeosang is glad to have his peace back again when he notices someone else sitting next to him. He looks at them in annoyance and Mingi laughs.
“So, you’re really not interested in San?”
Yeosang rolls his eyes.
“Why on Earth would I be interested in some rich CEO who probably had everything handed to him?” Yeosang asks, not being bothered to hold back his real feelings. Mingi laughs.
“You probably shouldn’t label him as just a rich boy,” Mingi says.
“What? Why not?” Yeosang asks in confusion.
“There is more to someone than their wallet.”
Yeosang hums. Mingi had a point. So far San had been nice to him, his annoyance towards the young CEO only came from the fact that Yeosang did not want to be here in the competition.
“He’s a hopeless romantic, I’ll have you know,” Mingi says, invading Yeosang’s thoughts. “He genuinely believes he will meet the love of his life in this show.”
Yeosang laughs.
There’s no way someone would actually believe that shows like these had a deeper meaning to them rather than to create unnecessary drama.
“You can’t be serious,” Yeosang says.
“Oh, but I am,” Mingi says. “Look, he was looking at us probably wondering what we were talking about and I bet he is wondering if anything is going between us,” Mingi adds as he points towards San, who looks away just as Yeosang looks in his direction.
Yeosang feels his cheeks flush at catching the young CEO looking towards them, his heart skipping a beat but he pushes those fluttery feelings away.
“He’s probably just wondering why a crew member and a contestant were sitting together,” Yeosang says, looking down at the blanket he had been sitting on and Mingi lets out a laugh.
“You’re probably right but I doubt that is the only thing in his head right now.”
Yeosang just shrugs. Dwelling on what San was thinking was going to do him no good. Yeosang should be thinking about what he can do to get out of this show.
“Can you talk to the director and get me out of participating?” Yeosang asked out of curiosity and Mingi laughed again.
“There is no way they would let you leave unless San eliminates you,” Mingi says with a mischievous look. “The whole crew were talking about how good you two look together.”
“You have to be kidding me,” Yeosang says as he feels the dread creep in.
“No kidding,” Mingi says. “They all think you two had a connection.”
“Connection? All I got was annoyance,” Yeosang grumbles.
Mingi laughs.
“Well, I guess if you keep a low profile and just let San fall for someone else, you could get out,” Mingi says.
“I am trying,” Yeosang says with a defeated sigh.
Mingi laughs and pats his shoulder before he runs back to do whatever menial task he has been assigned.
Yeosang can only hope one of those pretentious contestants can get San’s attention away from him. For now, though he goes back to reading his book. He can hear the hustle and bustle of the bonfire but he ignores it as he loses himself in the book again. He doesn't know how long he sits there engrossed until of course, San joins him again.
Yeosang doesn’t even bother to put his book down this time when San joins him with two plates of barbecue.
“Hope you're hungry,” San says and Yeosang once again sighs internally but manages to muster up his best smile.
“Sure, what did you and your entourage cook up?” Yeosang asks, being unable to hide his distaste. Instead of looking offended San laughs.
“I don’t think I could deal with them if they were my actual entourage.”
“Ha! So you admit to having an entourage!” Yeosang says, finally putting his book down and looking at the young CEO.
San laughs again.
“God no, it would drive me up the wall,” San says with a shiver. “I like my space and alone time too much.”
“Really? I took you for someone…who basked in the attention,” Yeosang says, and San pouts, much to Yeosang’s surprise.
“You seem to have assumed a lot of things about me,” San says. “How about you give me a chance to prove you wrong?”
Yeosang raises a brow at San. He tries to read the young CEO but San looks serious and it makes Yeosang contemplate his options. He looks over to the director who intently waits for Yeosang’s response. He can tell all the crew are expecting him to accept San’s proposition so with an internal sigh, Yeosang gives San a tight-lipped smile.
“How would you like to do that?” Yeosang asks, deciding it’s best not to give a straight answer.
“By taking you on a one-on-one date.”
“Huh.”
San laughs.
”Is that all you can say?”
”I don’t really know what else I can say,” Yeosang says, a little too honestly.
Yeosang thinks if it was anyone else, they might have been fully turned off by Yeosang’s honesty and his unwillingness to play games. He remembers back in uni when people would make bets on who could get Yeosang into their bed. Wooyoung had been fuming when he found out while Yeosang had told all the fuckers that they had no chance with him with a deadpan look.
Wooyoung had laughed so hard, he had started crying while the group of…dumbasses gawked at him. They didn’t think the pretty boy who hung out with Wooyoung could talk back and defend himself.
Wooyoung would proudly claim he taught Yeosang well.
After that incident though, Yeosang went on rejecting anyone who showed any kind of interest. He didn’t feel he could trust anyone, plus he was so focused on his studies and his projects.
“You could say yes.”
San was a persistent one and didn’t seem to be put off by Yeosang’s less-than-polite attitude. He spares a quick glance at the producers…they look like they are on the edge of their seats. He then looks back at San…who…was he nervous?
“Sure, sounds good.”
San looks surprised at first but then gives Yeosang a bright smile, dimples and all. (No, Yeosang does not think San has a cute smile, go away!) For some strange reason Yeosang’s heart does a little…floppy thing in his chest at San’s smile and he finds himself smiling back.
“Cool…I will wait for you at the grand hall at 5pm,” San says almost bashfully.
Maybe there was more to San than just a rich CEO trying to find his next fling. Yeosang nods and San gets up and leaves, their plates of barbeque long forgotten.
________
He can hear the other contestants whispering to themselves as Yeosang gets ready for his date with San. Yeosang just blocks them out. He doesn’t particularly care what they think and if he is honest, he only agreed to this date in hopes that San will lose his interest in him. He hopes tonight, San will find him boring and then ultimately decide to eliminate him.
That would be the dream.
Yeosang doesn’t put much thought into his outfit, opting for a soft hoodie and some knee-length shorts, considering the producer had told him they would be going back to the beach. He hadn’t bought many “nice” clothes with him anyway, he had been here for work. Not for whatever this was. He makes his way down the stairs and into the grand hall where San is waiting.
He is dressed up a little bit with a light white button-up shirt and black jeans.
For a split second, Yeosang feels bad but he reminds himself, he has no “nice” clothes.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” Yeosang says. “Sorry for the…outfit…” he trails off not wanting to explain himself.
“It’s okay, you look comfy,” San says with a smile and Yeosang has to wonder if he ever stops smiling. “Shall we?” San asks, offering Yeosang his hand.
Yeosang has to internally sigh again, if they were alone he would reject the offer and comment about how he could walk on his own. Unfortunately, he has to play it up for the cameras so with the fakest smile, and takes San’s offered hand.
San leads him outside and opens the passenger door of a fancy Jaguar. Yeosang feels a little out of place inside the car with its leather interior and shiny dashboard. San slides it behind the wheel and buckles himself in, reminding Yeosang to do the same.
“Ready?”
“Sure.”
Yeosang feels a little calmer without the cameras. There are mini cameras installed but it feels less intimidating than having a whole crew scrutinising his every move. San pulls out onto the road smoothly and for a second Yeosang just admires the view. They were in some remote area in California, full of nature, most of it was the desert but it was still all new for Yeosang.
The sky was a lovely shade of reds, oranges, and yellows as the sun had started dipping down into the horizon. San must have noticed his amazement as he lets Yeosang take in the scenery.
San easily navigates the road and smoothly parks at a private car park. Yeosang tries to get out of the car but San stops him before he gets out. Yeosang is confused until San opens the passenger door for him. He has to stop himself from rolling his eyes.
The “I could have done it myself” is right on the tip of his tongue as he swallows it and smiles.
”Thank you.”
Yeosang instantly notices the filming crew with all their equipment is already there. He sighs internally probably for the 100th time as he goes back to putting up a front. He easily takes San’s hand this time and lets the CEO lead him to a small scheduled area of the beach.
A table has been set up for two and there is a canopy around it with fairy lights hanging from it. In the evening light, it looks magical, even a skeptic like Yeosang could admit it was romantic. San pulls his chair out for him and Yeosang thanks him as he sits. San sits opposite him and smiles.
A waiter comes with a bottle of wine and fills their glasses. Both of them thank him before he leaves. Yeosang feels a little awkward but San doesn’t seem to pick up on it.
“So, tell me more about yourself,” San says, pouring the wine into Yeosang’s glass only.
“I’m not that interesting…what would you like to know?” Yeosang asks as he takes a sip of the sweet wine. Yeosang didn’t think he was interesting and he felt too tense right now to think about what he could tell San.
”Tell me about your art and what sort of art you like?” San says with a sparkle in his eyes.
“Oh…well I guess you could say it started as a hobby,” Yeosang says and San looks like he is invested already. “I… fell in love with all the Studio Ghibli movies and loved the way they told stories.”
“Oh, I love Totoro! I have always wondered how cosy and comfy it would be to cuddle with Totoro,” San says all excitedly, taking Yeosang by surprise. “Oh, and the little Dust Bunnies are adorable!”
“They are,” Yeosang agrees.
“Which one would you say is my favourite? Mine is obviously Totoro! But I love the Cat Returns too!”
San has a childlike gleam in his eyes that makes Yeosang smile.
“Spirited Away probably…the art and the storytelling is just so wonderful,” Yeosang says. “It’s the main body of work that has inspired me to take Animation and Graphics in uni.”
“That’s amazing! I would love to see some of your work!”
Yeosang feels his face heat up and he has a slight suspicion that his cheeks have turned red, probably the tip of his ears too.
“I haven’t done anything professional…it’s all been amature work, uni projects and passion projects and whatnot,” Yeosang says, curling in himself a little.
“I would still love to see some of them,” San says with a smile that brings Yeosang some kind of warmth and fuzzy feelings in the pit of his stomach.
”Maybe one day,” Yeosang says as the waiter comes back with their starters.
They quietly tuck into the food as they make small talk, about the weather and whatnot. San says he is enjoying the sun in California and Yeosang says it’s a bit too intense.
The steak is next and San is visibly vibrating in excitement and Yeosang can’t help but admire the childlike excitement. San was truly surprising Yeosang.
“Are you enjoying the steak?” San asks.
“Yes, but not as much as you,” Yeosang says in a teasing tone and Yeosang almost laughs at the way San’s face turns red.
”I like meat,” San says in pout and Yeosang laughs.
San looks at him with wide eyes as she slowly chews the bite he has in his mouth.
“What? Is something on my face?” Yeosang asks, feeling self-conscious.
“No, no,” San waves his hand. “Just…that, that was probably the first time I have seen you laugh,” San says a little shyly.
“Oh.”
“Yeah.”
The awkwardness settles in between them. Yeosang has no idea how he should respond and San finally seems to be at a loss for words.
They eat in silence and Yeosang kind of finds it unnerving. San had been chatty and outgoing this entire time and now Yeosang feels like he has just made all conversation stop, but that’s good, right? This means San is more likely to realise how…boring and uncharismatic he is and totally not a good fit for him. So why did Yeosang feel a little disappointed?
“So…what about you?” Yeosang asks, mustering his courage.
“What about me?” San asks, looking confused but he doesn’t look annoyed much to Yeosang’s relief.
”What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?” Yeosang clarifies and San’s lips form an ‘o’.
“The few times I can take a break, I normally stay home with my cat,” San says.
”You have a cat?”
”Yes!” San says all excitedly. He digs his phone out of his pocket and flicks through the photos before showing Yeosang a photo of a pretty grey Siamese cat with the prettiest eyes. “This is Byeol.”
”Like the star in her eyes,” Yeosang says and San laughs.
”She is very pretty indeed,” San says with a proud smile and proceeds to show him more photos of Byeol. There is one that catches Yeosang’s eyes. San is facing away from the camera and facing the large cat tree while Byeol is on the floor behind San doing a stretch.
“My dad took this one and sent it to the family group chat,” San says in pout. “He thought I looked more like a cat than Byeol.”
“Hmm, yeah, I can see that,” Yeosang agrees and San’s pout grows.
”You’re not supposed to agree!”
Yeosang laughs again and San’s pout turns into a smile.
“Are you close with your family?” Yeosang decides to ask and San’s smile widens.
”Yes, I was technically raised by my grandparents but as I got older I understood why,” San explains, and Yeosang hums in response. “I had a happy childhood thanks to my parents’ hard work so I decided to step into the business as a way to thank them.”
”So…all of this was out of a sense of duty?” Yeosang asks and San shakes his head.
“Not completely…I always knew it would be something I would have to do but I also have some interest and have invested in personal projects,” San says.
”What kind of personal projects?” Yeosang let's curiosity get the best of him.
”Well since my family is already in the tech business, I have been looking into computer games,” San says.
”Oh, that makes sense,” Yeosang says, and San nods.
”Video games were a big part of my childhood so it was an easy pick when it came to deciding what I wanted to do with my share of the company,” San says with a proud smile.
”That’s very admirable, I hope I get to play that game someday,” Yeosang says and San once again blushes, getting squirmy in his chair. Lucky for him, dessert is brought out next.
Yeosang’s favourite part of any meal was dessert, especially if it had chocolate in it. His face must have instantly lit up because San laughs. His laughter snaps Yeosang out of his joy as he realises that there is only one piece of chocolate cake and ice cream.
“Here,” San says, not picking up on Yeosang’s lack of enthusiasm as he offers Yeosang a bite of cake on his fork.
Yeosang internally sighs again. He can feel the way the whole crew was staring at him with expectant eyes and he knows he would be a total dick if he rejected San now, so he opens his mouth and takes the bite offered to him.
At least the cake was good.
San is smiling widely, dimples and crescent moon eyes all on display.
“Good?”
Yeosang nods and San takes a bite for himself and lets out a hum of joy. He offers Yeosang another bite which he reluctantly accepts, trying not to think too much about sharing the fork. San just continues to feed him as the sun sets over the horizon. After they (Yeosang) finish the cake, San asks him to join him for a walk.
He has no choice but to accept and so Yeosang finds himself walking along the beach with San as the sky gets darker.
“This is nice,” Yeosang admits as they walk side by side and San beams at him.
”Right? It’s nice and peaceful,” San says.
”Yeah…I love the sound of…nothing,” Yeosang says. “And the view is lovely too.”
”Yeah…it really is,” San says, Yeosang doesn’t realise San is looking at him when he says this.
“I love the way you start seeing the stars as the sky gets darker…something I miss about living in the city,” Yeosang says.
“Maybe we can go on an evening hike one day for a better view of the stars,” San says and Yeosang looks at him with wide eyes.
”Y— you would do that?” Yeosang asks.
For me?
”I love hiking,” San says. “It would be different in the evening but it's all the same, isn’t it,” he adds.
“Maybe a little more dangerous in the dark but yeah, I suppose it is all the same,” Yeosang says after a few minutes of thinking.
”It’s a date!” San says happily.
”It’s a date,” Yeosang agrees and then curses himself because he had forgotten that he was trying to get San uninterested in him!
As Yeosang predicted, he received his rose during the next ceremony. He can hear the other contestants whispering among themselves as San gives him the first rose.
Yeosang wants to kick himself…and yet he doesn’t feel as distressed as the first rose ceremony.
The cameras are shut off after recording the rose ceremony and everyone is told that they can relax and do as they want. Everyone starts going back to their rooms while talking amongst themselves.
“Ugh, why is he still here?”
Yeosang blocks the comments out and just stands there looking at the rose. The velvet-like petals are soft and they stain Yeosang’s fingers. As he stands there he can’t help but get lost in thought. San had easily proven to him that he was more than just a rich CEO. He chews on his bottom lip. San had been sweet but this isn’t what Yeosang is here for.
Someone whistles and snaps Yeosang out of his thoughts.
“So much for getting eliminated as quickly as possible.”
”Don’t rub it in,” Yeosang says to a Mingi who has a cheeky smile on his face.
“Got charmed by San, did ya?”
Yeosang rolls his eyes.
”I’m not that easy,” Yeosang says with a huff and Mingi laughs.
”Could have fooled me.”
“You want to fight?” Yeosang says with a glare.
”What? Gonna fight me with your big brown eyes?” Mingi says with a snicker.
“Let me get my ha— ”
Someone clears their throat making Yeosang and Mingi jump a little and look at one of the production team members.
“Crew dinner is ready, Mingi.”
Mingi gives the crew member a sheepish smile.
”I’ll be there now Hongjoong-hyung,” Mingi says before he looks at Yeosang again. “I gotta go…see you around,” Mingi says with a wave before he joins Hongjoong.
As he watches Mingi leave with a small smile on his face, he doesn’t realise someone else is watching him feeling a little envious.
________
The next day, San greets everyone as he did the previous day and everyone has breakfast together. As before everyone flocks to San while Yeosang keeps to himself. After breakfast, they are told San is taking someone on a one-to-one date this morning.
Everyone lets out an excited Oh while Yeosang just rolls his eyes.
“There will be an invitation waiting for the individual on their bed,” San says before he leaves. Everyone rushes to their room and Yeosang feels dread creep over him. He slowly and robotically goes to his room and peeks in.
Yeosang feels relief wash over him when he sees nothing on his bed and yet something nagged at him. He pushed that feeling away and decided to just relax and read for the rest of the day as San and whoever went on their one-to-one date along with the filming crew. The other constants went to the pool, much to Yeosang’s relief so he had peace.
Well, that’s what he thought he had until three constants approached him.
He recognises one of them as the one who commented on why Yeosang was still here during the last rose ceremony.
“What does San see in you?”
”Excuse me?”
”You’re not much to look at and so far you do nothing but stick your none in your dumb book,” he says as he crosses his arms over his chest.
“Yeah, like what does he see in you,” the other constant says with a flick of his hair.
“Erm…”
”See! Nothing interesting to say so why does San keep on giving you attention?!” The third constant snaps at Yeosang making him back away a little.
”I don’t know what is going on but you can rest assured that I’m not here to woo San,” Yeosang says.
“You better not,” the first constant says with a glare. “My family has paid a lot of money to make sure I get a good chance with San.”
”That sounds…like cheating,” Yeosang says.
“I’m Dohyung of the Kim Enterprise,” the constant says. “I get what I want.”
”Yeah, so leave Dohyung’s man alone,” the second constant says before all three of them stalk off.
Yeosang just feels confused before he shrugs it off and goes back to reading his book. The rest of the day goes without much fanfare, much to Yeosang’s relief. He does notice that the constant who went on the one-on-one date with San today looked pleased with himself…it did not bother Yeosang.
Maybe Yeosang will finally get eliminated at the end of this week. He feels relief wash over him at the thought of finally getting out of this competition. He hopes this will finally be the end but of course, Choi San seems to have other plans for him as he once again stands in front of Yeosang with another rose. His irritation from the first rose ceremony comes back but he manages a tight-lipped smile and a quiet thank you before accepting the rose.
Yeosang wants to kick himself for getting his hopes up as he stalks into his room afterward. He doesn’t get a chance to hear what Dohyung and his little pose have to say this time, Yeosang is too annoyed at himself and at Choi San for putting him through all of this for far too long. He considered asking the producers to let him eliminate himself again but he feels like he knows what their answer will be.
So with a deep breath, Yeosang gets ready to end his day while not thinking about how much he wants to punch San in the face, his very handsome face with his lovely dimpled smile. Yeosang can’t stop smiling as he thinks about San and then he feels the urge to punch him again.
With another deep breath, Yeosang grabs things and heads to the shower. A nice shower helps him calm down and the slow process of doing his skin care is familiar and relaxing. He goes back to his room and feels confused…his room has been trashed. His neatly folded clothes have been thrown across the floor, and the little makeup he had bought with him was opened and smashed on the table. The cover of his book had been ripped and it looked like the contents of his bag had been dumped on the floor.
Yeosang had a feeling he knew who had done it and for a split second considered going to confront them but he didn’t need any more attention so he simply shuts the door and decides to deal with it alone.
He picks up all his things and puts them back where they should have been. He cleans up the makeup and salvages whatever he can, especially his concealer and foundation. He might have to ask the producer if he is allowed to go out and get more foundation. He sighs and wonders what he has gotten himself into.
That night, he sleeps but doesn’t dream, he is too on edge to have a peaceful night.
The next morning starts as all the other mornings Yeosang has had at the mansion. Everyone fawns over San as always while Yeosang tries to keep to himself. After breakfast, San announces a group pool date and everyone rushes to get ready while Yeosang hangs back once again.
”Yeosang?”
”Morning,” Yeosang greets San.
”Good morning,” San says. “Are you okay? You look…a little tired,” he adds worriedly and Yeosang feels a strange kind of warmth at the young CEO's concern.
“I'm okay,” Yeosang tells San with a smile but he doesn’t look convinced. “There was a…minor inconvenience last night,” Yeosang says and San looks more concerned. “It's okay, it was just a small thing. I am okay now,” Yeosang says, looking directly at Dohyung and his little pose.
They had all just stepped back into the dining room after getting ready.
“If there is anything I can do, please let me know,” San says, he still looks a little worried but Yeosang is glad he dropped it.
“Of course, now you should go get ready,” Yeosang says. “Your little entourage will be eager to see you in your swimwear,” Yeosang teases.
”And you wouldn’t?” San asks with a raised brow and Yeosang almost laughs. “I thought I charmed you enough on our one on one date.”
”It’s gonna take a lot more than sweet words and dinner,” Yeosang can’t help but tease some more.
”There was dessert too,” San reminds him.
“See you later, San,” Yeosang says, braving himself and patting the CEO’s chest before walking away.
He eventually makes his way to the pool at the mansion after some prodding from Mingi and Hongjoong. He steps out in a t-shirt, and another pair of knee-length shorts (at this point, Yeosang feels like all he does is wear shorts. He really needs to get permission and go out shopping). He finds an empty lounge chair and makes himself comfortable. He looks around and as predicted everyone is fawning over San who is in the pool.
Yeosang is glad San is distracted as he manages to lose himself in his book. He looks up once in a while just to see San laughing at something one of the other constants has said or to see someone not so subtly touch San’s shoulder, hand, and some of the bold touching his bare knee.
Yeosang rolls his eyes and goes back to reading his book, which now looks like it was attacked by a raccoon. He finds himself laughing at the image of his raccoon-like best friend attacking his book. A thought that made him both happy and miss his home. He hopes his family and friends are doing well.
“What happened to your book?”
Of course, San bursts his bubble.
”Ah, that was the minor inconvenience last night,” Yeosang says. “It was an accident,” Yeosang says, not really wanting to tell San but also wanting him to not ask too many questions.
“What kind of accident leaves a book looking like it was pulled apart?”
The kind that is trying to intimidate me out of his competition.
”Stuff happens, it’s not a big deal,” Yeosang says with a shrug. “This was an old copy anyway.”
”Oh, were you rereading it?” San asks.
”Yes, Howl’s Moving Castle and the following two books are my favourite series,” Yeosang explains. “I wanted to buy the books with the new covers anyway.”
”New covers?”
”Yes, they are much prettier than…whatever was going on with the original covers,” Yeosang says.
”And I’m guessing you like books with pretty covers,” San says and Yeosang nods.
”Obviously, I like books with interesting content too!”
San laughs.
“As long as you’re okay,” San says and Yeosang feels the same way of warmth wash over him as before.
”I’m okay, thank you,” Yeosang says, and San nods.
“Want to join us in the pool?” San asks and Yeosang looks over where the rest of the constants are chatting and drinking. It’s not at all something Yeosang would ever be part of. With his close friends, it would be different but not with all these strangers.
”Not particularly,” Yeosang says honestly and San laughs again.
“How about just dipping your feet in then?” San asks and Yeosang weighs his options. “You can be as far away from everyone as you want,” San says almost like he was reading Yeosang’s mind.
”Okay.”
”Yey!”
San looks like an excited child as he offers Yeosang his hand. This time he doesn’t think much about it when he accepts San’s hand. The young CEO leads him to the pool’s edge where no one is. San lets Yeosang sit down on the edge first before sitting down next to him. They both dip their feet in the pool and Yeosang shivers a little at the chilly water.
San laughs at his reaction and Yeosang rolls his eyes.
“So, what else do you do in your free time other than reading?” San asks.
”Not a lot really,” Yeosang says honestly. “I guess…I like working out.”
San’s face brightens at that as he also talks about his own fitness endeavors. San was an expert at TaeKwonDo and enjoyed going to the gym. Yeosang in turn talks about his enjoyment of powerlifting.
”Wow, I would have never guessed that,” San says in amazement. “You’re so…soft looking.”
”Looks can be deceiving, San-ah.”
”I wonder who taught you that,” San says with a knowing smile.
”I wonder indeed.”
They carry on talking and exchanging workout routines and Yeosang finds it’s easy to talk to San and loses himself. They are mid-laugh when things go wrong.
”Hey, what are you two talking about?”
Yeosang feels a harsh shove and then he finds himself in the pool. He feels dumb for letting his guard down and should have known Dohyung and his minions would be up to no good. Yeosang emerges back up to a worried San and to the contestant who shoved him into the pool acting worried.
“Yeosang! Are you okay?” San asks worried as he jumps in and paddles over to him.
”I’m fine, thank you,” Yeosang says as he pushes his hair back and rubs his face.
“That’s good,” San says with a sigh. “Let’s get you out and dry,” San says and offers him his hand once more. Yeosang takes it and San leads him out of the pool.
Mingi runs over to them with towels.
“Thank you, Mingi,” Saan says as he takes the towel and drapes it over Yeosang.
“Yeah, thanks,” Yeosang says as he uses the towel to dry his hair and then his face. As he finishes, someone gasps and Yeosang realises his mistake.
“W— what is on your face?!”
Yeosang sighs.
“Did you hit your head?” San asks in concern as the red mark becomes more visible on Yeosang’s temple.
“No, I’m fine,” Yeosang brushes him off.
“What is– ”
“It’s a birthmark,” Yeosang cuts off the contestant who was about to ask what it was. He feels angry but knows better than to show it and give Dohyung and his minions the satisfaction. “I’m going to go dry off.”
“Let me help you,” San says. “Can we stop filming for a moment?” he asks and the producer gives him a thumbs up. “Oh, and can I have the first aid person to check on Yeosang too.”
“I’m f– ”
“Just in case, better safe than sorry,” San cuts him off and Yeosang sighs.
“Okay.”
San leads him back inside the mansion with the first aid person following behind them.
“Don’t you need to dry off too?” Yeosang asks, eyeing San who was walking through the mansion with wet feet.
“I’ll be fine once we’re on the carpet,” San says. “I want to make sure you’re okay first.”
By now Yeosang feels like there are butterflies in his stomach at the way San cares so much but he brushes that feeling off.
”I’m okay, honestly,” Yeosang says. “It was just an accident, no harm done.”
”I still want you to be checked up,” San says and Yeosang concedes.
”Let me get into dry clothes first,” Yeosang says and San lets him go get changed before letting the first aid person check him over. San only relaxes once the first aider tells them Yeosang is fine.
”See, I told you I was fine,” Yeosang says with a smile.
”I just wanted to confirm it,” San says. “But I am glad that you’re okay.”
They stand there smiling at each other. Yeosang feels strangely comfortable just standing there with San. He finds himself thinking that San looks good, relaxed, and happy. The air between them feels light and San lifts his hand and brushes the damp hair away from Yeosang’s face, tucking it behind his ear.
Yeosang doesn’t move away as San’s fingers gently brush his birthmark and then Yeosang closes his eyes as San’s finger traces the one by the corner of his eye.
“Beautiful,” San breathes out and the butterflies in Yeosang’s stomach explode. “Your birthmark is beautiful.”
”Thank you,” Yeosang says.
“You’re welcome,” San says. “You should go dry your hair now…I should probably go back to the group date.”
”Yeah…” Yeosang trails off. “I’ll see you later.”
San smiles once again and even lingers for a while. They just look at each other as the comfortable air settles between them again. San’s hand comes up again and Yeosang closes his eyes but before San can touch him again someone clears their throat.
“The producer is asking if you want to continue the group date,” Hongjoong looks at the wall behind them rather than at them. Yeosang has to bite back his laugh but San looks a little disappointed. He has to tell himself not to dwell too much on San’s reaction because San goes back to the pool to continue the group date.
Yeosang is left alone with a mixture of emotions.
He shakes it off and goes to dry his hair. Once he is done, he steps back out to see that everyone has resumed their activities. Yeosang goes back to the lounge chair and sits there watching everyone for a while. San has a charming smile on his face as he chats with some of the constants. Yeosang can see Dohyung is right next to San, laughing at every word the young CEO says.
“Oh San, you’re so funny!”
Yeosang can practically hear the overly sweet voice Dohyung would be using. Yeosang cringes at the thought and decides he will stay as far away from Dohyung and his minions, as much as possible. He reaches up to touch where his birthmark is. He had done his best to hide it as it always brought up unwanted questions but now that everyone saw it, he didn’t see much point in hiding it.
Beautiful.
San’s voice rings in his head. He looks up at the man in question and finds himself smiling. It’s like San feels his gaze because he looks up and turns to Yeosang. San instantly smiles at him and Yeosang feels his cheeks heat up at being caught staring but he smiles back nonetheless.
Of course, he sees the way Dohyung glares at him.
It gives Yeosang some satisfaction and yet there is a hit of an unsettling feeling he cannot brush away so he looks away picks up his abandoned book and continues where he had left off. After the group date, everyone is told that they can have a little break. They also announced that San would take someone out again after lunch.
Yeosang decides to keep to himself and stay in his room. Lunch gets brought to him by Hongjoong who also asks him how he is doing.
“I’m okay,” Yeosang says. “It was just a quick dip in the pool.”
Hongjoong doesn’t look impressed but tells him to carry on resting. Yeosang finds Hongjoong a little bossy but still kind…he would be exactly Wooyoung’s type. He wonders if Hongjoong is single. Yeosang looks out the window and wonders how Wooyoung is. His best friend had been wanting regular updates while he was away working but his phone was quickly taken away from him once he had to take part as a contestant.
He hopes Wooyoung and his parents aren’t too worried. He is lost in thought when someone knocks on his door. He wonders who it could be as he gets up from his bed and opens it.
“Hi.”
Yeosang should have known it would be San.
“Hi,” Yeosang says, noticing the filming crew. He has a feeling he knows what is happening.
“I wanted to invite you out with me today,” San says and Yeosand, knowing he wouldn't be able to reject him, nods.
San, ever the gentleman offers his hand to Yeosang and Yeosang takes it, now becoming very familiar with San’s hand. San leads him outside where his Jaguar is waiting once more. As before San opens the passenger door for him and Yeosang slides in before San shuts the door.
”Where are we off to today?” Yeosang asks.
”We’re going into the city,” San says and Yeosang sits up in interest.
”Can we maybe go to the makeup store?” Yeosang asks, thinking this could be his chance to restock up on his destroyed makeup. “Oh, and maybe to the store so I can get some more clothes,” Yeosang says more to himself but San laughs.
”Let me take you somewhere first and then I will take you everywhere you want to,” San says and Yeosang nods in excitement.
His excitement dies when he sees where San is taking him.
”No.”
”But—”
”I refuse.”
”But Sangie!”
”Don’t call me that,” Yeosang glares at San and then glares at their joint hand as San leads him into the salon. “I don’t need a haircut!”
”It’s not for a haircut, I promise,” San says, and Yeosang pouts.
”Fine.”
San leads him inside the salon where a team greets them. Yeosang gets whisked away while San gets a drink. In the blink of an eye, Yeosang had his hair washed and was in front of the mirror with a whole team working on his hair. As promised, there is no haircut in store for Yeosang.
One of the hairdressers lets him know that they are simply going to trim his hair and get rid of the split ends just to freshen up his hair. Yeosang reluctantly agrees and as expected, the hairdresser gets a little too scissor-happy and tells Yeosang they are going to cut a bit more of his hair to better frame his face.
Yeosang just accepts his fate and sits there as everyone fusses him around. They tone his hair and give him a drink while the toner works its magic. San comes and sits with him while they wait.
”What is all this about?” Yeosang asks once they are left alone.
”Just wanted to treat you,” San says with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
”No, none of that,” Yeosang says with a wave of his hand. “What is this really about?”
”I…what happened earlier…it wasn’t really an accident, I don’t think.”
So San wasn’t as clueless as Yeosang thought but he also knew that there was no reason to burden San with what was happening, so he simply hummed before sipping his coffee.
“It was just an accident,” Yeosang reassured. “Could have happened to anyone.”
San frowns but lets it go.
“Anyway, I thought we could go out somewhere nice but before that,” San says with a proper smile, dimples and all making Yeosang’s heart flutter. “I want to make you shine.”
Yeosang huffs.
”You make it sound like I’m a doll,” Yeosang says with a glare.
”You’d make a pretty doll.”
”Hey!”
San laughs and Yeosang finds himself laughing with the young CEO. Yeosang realises that it’s so easy to talk to San after trying so hard to keep his guard up and keep his distance.
Yeosang doesn’t get to dwell on it too much as the team of stylists come back and whisk him away to wash the toner out of his hair. After they work on styling his now platinum blond and newly cut bangs, framing his face perfectly.
Someone else starts doing his makeup and at that point, Yeosang is told that he cannot see himself until they are finished. Yeosang sighs and just closes his eyes, listening to San snickering. He silently promises himself that he will find a way to make San pay.
Once they are finally done, the main stylist turns Yeosang around and he slowly opens his eyes to see himself in the mirror.
“Woah.”
”Wow, you mean,” San says with a smile.
There in the mirror is Yeosang with platinum blonde hair, styled into soft curls with his bangs framing his face and pinned back with two hair clips to show off his birthmark. His makeup is light and is used more to highlight his features.
“You look amazing,” San says while Yeosang is still taking it all in.
”Thank you,” Yeosang says, finally tearing his eyes away from his reflection. San is smiling at him and Yeosang’s heart skips a beat. He then bows to the stylist and they wave him off and shower him with compliments.
“Come, I have one more stop to take before we head out,” San says as he offers his hand to Yeosang again. Yeosang takes San’s hand and the CEO leads him outside a short walk down the street, they arrive at a small but exclusive-looking boutique.
“Took you guys long enough,” Hongjoong says as he crosses his hands over his chest.
“Sorry, the team took longer than I thought they would,” San says and Hongjoong gives Yeosang a once over making him feel unnerved but Hongjoong nods in approval.
“It was worth it clearly,” Hongjoong says. “Come, I have already picked something out.”
Hongjoong leads both of them in the boutique and Yeosang instantly feels out of place. The clothes on display look beautiful and each one is carefully crafted. Yeosang is still speechless when Hongjoong leads him to the dressing room.
“Here, try these, they should be roughly your size,” Hongjoong says, handing him several pieces of clothing. “I can always make alterations if anything is ill-fitting.”
“T– thanks,” Yeosang manages to stutter before he straps into the dressing room. He feels awkward putting on the nice button-up shirt and the dress pants which somehow seem to perfectly fit his body, showing off the soft curves of his hips. He steps out feeling awkward as Hongjoong fusses with him. He doesn’t look too pleased and it makes Yeosang squirm.
“Try this top instead,” Hongjoong says giving him a soft turtleneck, tuck it into the trousers,” Hongjoong instructs, and Yeosang just nods before going back into the dressing room.
The turtleneck is soft and warm…and it hugs Yeosang’s body like a glove. He isn’t sure how he feels but he can tell he looks good. He steps out and Hongjoong immediately nods in approval. He then picks up a belt, a cropped blazer, and some silver necklaces before walking up to Yeosang.
Hongjoong takes his time styling Yeosang and finally smiles.
“He was right, you are handsome.”
“Who was right?”
But Yeosang doesn’t get an answer as Hongjoong signals Yeosang to follow him back out to the front.
“Wow.”
San looks stunned and Yeosang can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at his reaction.
“I did good, huh?” Hongjoong says with a laugh.
”Very good, indeed,” San says, his eyes still on Yeosang.
Yeosang squirms a little under San’s intense gaze.
”Good?” Yeosang asks.
“No,” San says and Yeosang feels a wave of disappointment. “You look stunning.”
Yeosang feels his face heat up at San’s compliment.
“Thank you,” Yeosang says sincerely, feeling a little shy but he still feels happy seeing the way San reacted. “I clean up well, I guess.”
”Oh no, I thought you were handsome before too…this is just…wow.”
San’s eyes can't seem to tear away from Yeosang. Hongjoong had to clear his throat to snap San out of it.
“Alright, you’re practically frothing in your mouth,” Hongjoong says with a nudge. “I believe you have one more thing to give to Yeosang.”
”Oh yes!” San says in excitement before he pulls a box out from his pocket. He walks over to Yeosang and opens the box for him to see what is inside. Inside was a single earring. It was a silver pendant earring. “Let me put it on for you?”
Yeosang just nods dumbly.
San smiles as he takes the earring out of the box and gently cradles Yeosang’s face. He uses his pinky and ring finger to brush the hair away from Yeosang’s face and tucks it behind his ear. San is so gentle Yeosanf almost feels like he is made of glass.
San puts the earring on and instead of stepping away, San’s hand lingers. Yeosang feels like he is in a trance. He is in a bubble with San which gets burst by Hongjoong clearing his throat again.
“Right, shall we?” San asks and offers his elbow and Yeosang, already expecting it at this point, just accepts it and lets San lead him.
”I didn’t know Hongjoong had his own boutique,” Yeosang says once they are back in San’s car.
”Oh yeah, he is working as the stylist on set,” San says and Yeosang nods.
“Are you friends with him?” Yeosang asks.
”Yes, we met in uni,” San says. “We have been friends ever since, he’s a good guy.”
”That’s nice…what about Mingi?”
Yeosang doesn’t realise the way San grips the steering wheel at the mention of Mingi.
”We’re friends…best friends even,” San says and Yeosang smiles.
”That’s nice…Mingi seems like a good person,” Yeosang says and San only hums in response.
”Good friends are nice to have…I miss my menace of a best friend,” Yeosang says feeling a little melancholy. San smiles at him.
”They are…I can tell you were close to your best friend,” San says, Yeosang is once again unaware that San was happy they weren’t talking about Mingi anymore.
They eventually arrive at a nice restaurant and Yeosang spends another perfectly nice date with San. They talk about everything and nothing over dinner and Yeosang feels relaxed, so relaxed that he has forgotten all about the cameras until they are back at the mansion.
“Thank you for tonight,” Yeosang says just before they are about to go back to their rooms. “I appreciate you going out of the way to do all of this,” he says with a wave of his free hand, his other hand has started to automatically find its way to San’s.
“It’s the least I could do…and if I’m honest it was partly me selfishly wanting to spend more time with you alone,” San admits and it makes Yeosang’s heart skip a beat.
“You could have anyone…why me?” Yeosang lets his mouth speak before its brain and the surprised look on San’s face makes him regret his words. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that!”
“No, it’s okay,” San reassures Yeosang with a squeeze of his hand. “Something about you was intriguing at first and I was just curious…but the more I get to know you, the more I want to know and find out what makes you tick.”
“So…I’m just a mysterious person to concur?” Yeosang can’t help but tease him and watches with delight when San’s face flushes a bright red and his eyes widen. Yeosang laughs. “I’m teasing, you can relax.”
San pouts and something in Yeosang nags him. He is unsure at first but considers everything San has gone out of his way to make sure that he was okay and then went out of his way to make Yeosang feel…confident in himself again. Yeosang knows it sounds silly that a new haircut and a nice suit would make him feel confident but he had honestly forgotten that he was indeed someone to be desired and wanted.
Did he want San too?
Yeosang isn’t sure but he knows that he doesn’t want to dwell on that right now. So instead he does what he wants and leans into San’s personal space, he looks a little surprised but immediately relaxes when Yeosang’s lips land on his cheek.
“Thanks for letting me be your Cinderella for the evening,” Yeosang whispers in his ear before he pulls away. Before Yeosang can fully let San go, he grips his hand, stopping Yeosang in his tracks.
“It’s not just the clothes and the hair, you know,” San says, confusing Yeosang. “It’s you, by yourself with everything you bring with you. You were and are always stunning.”
Yeosang’s face flushed probably for the 100th time that evening. San finally lets go of his hand.
“Thank you for indulging me tonight,” San says with a smile. “I’ll see you soon, good night.”